JP2010022419A - Medical image system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a medical image system which promptly and reliably determines the necessity of re-photographing and enables an early diagnosis based on a definitive image without being affected by a communication environment or the like. <P>SOLUTION: The medical image system includes: a cassette FPD2 equipped with a reading part 25 for generating image data, a wireless communication part 35a for transmitting the image data to a console 3 in a wireless system, and a wired communication part 35b for transmitting the image data to the console 3 in a wired system; and the console 3 equipped with a communication part 55 for acquiring the image data, a display part 54 for displaying an image based on the image data, and a console control part 51 which controls the display part 54 in a manner to display an image based on the image data on the display part 54 after completing the acquisition of the image data when the image data are transmitted by the wired communication part 35b and to perform a so-called progressive display when the image data are transmitted by the wireless communication part 35a. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a medical image system.

Conventionally, for the purpose of disease diagnosis and the like, a radiographic image taken using radiation, represented by an X-ray image, has been widely used.
Such medical radiographic images were conventionally taken using a screen film, but in recent years, digitization of radiographic images has been realized. For example, a stimulable phosphor layer forms radiation transmitted through a subject. After being stored in the photostimulable phosphor sheet, the photostimulable phosphor sheet is scanned with laser light, and thereby the photostimulated light emitted from the photostimulable phosphor sheet is photoelectrically converted to image data. A CR (Computed Radiography) apparatus for obtaining the above has been widely used.

  When radiographic imaging is performed, if the subject moves during imaging and positioning is out of order, it is necessary to perform imaging again. Therefore, there is a request to determine the necessity of re-shooting as soon as possible, and it is a CR device that can be used to read image data etc. in the device after shooting. In the case of a machine, a method has been proposed in which a scanned image is displayed almost simultaneously when scanning is started after imaging of a patient (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  On the other hand, in the case of a portable CR-type CR device, after imaging the patient, the cassette is loaded into the reader and the image data is read, and the read image data is transferred to the console. The image is displayed after being transmitted (see, for example, Patent Document 2). For this reason, the time from photographing to image confirmation requires more time than a CR dedicated machine.

  Recently, a medical image system using a radiation solid-state image sensor FPD (Flat Panel Detector) as a detector for detecting irradiated radiation and acquiring it as digital image data has appeared in place of the CR device.

  As such an FPD, a cassette-type FPD (hereinafter referred to as “FPD cassette”) configured to be portable like the cassette of the CR apparatus is also used, and has a built-in battery and wireless communication. An FPD cassette having a function has also appeared, and a configuration has been proposed in which image data can be transmitted by either a wired method or a wireless method (for example, see Patent Document 3).

  Furthermore, taking advantage of the portability of the FPD cassette, it is possible to take images at any place, such as a bedside of a patient, and image data can be transmitted wirelessly to a console, personal computer (PC), workstation (WS), etc. A system capable of transmitting and displaying an image on these display units has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 4). In such a system, image data that has been read (hereinafter referred to as “RAW image data”) or thinned image data in which the amount of data is reduced by thinning out the raw image data is used as necessary. It has also been proposed to select and send to a console or the like.

  In addition, when both RAW image data and thinned image data are generated in the FPD cassette, a configuration is also disclosed in which thinned image data is transmitted by a wireless method and RAW image data is transmitted by a wired method via a cable or the like. (For example, see Patent Document 5).

When generating and transmitting thinned-out image data with a small amount of data in addition to RAW image data, the communication time can be shortened, and image data can be transmitted and displayed on a console or the like relatively early. Therefore, it is possible to quickly determine whether or not re-shooting is necessary.
Japanese Patent No. 2509815 JP 2002-159476 A JP 2004-173907 A JP 07-246199 A JP 2002-191586 A

  However, since a diagnostic image (determined image) that is finally used for diagnosis is generated from the RAW image data, after the necessity of re-imaging is determined based on the thinned-out image data, if the re-imaging is not necessary, the RAW image is renewed. The sequence is such that the image data is transmitted to a console or the like, and the thinned image data transmitted earlier is deleted as unnecessary. In this way, the image data to be finally deleted is generated, and once sent to a console or the like to confirm the necessity of re-shooting, the RAW image data is sent again to generate the final image. Therefore, it takes a considerable time to generate a definite image, which increases the burden on the engineer.

  Further, as in the technique described in Patent Document 5, when it is assumed that thinned image data is transmitted by a wireless method and RAW image data is transmitted by a wired method using a cable or the like, an engineer is transmitted every time RAW image data is transmitted. However, it was necessary to perform work such as attaching a cable.

  Further, when sending thinned image data for determining whether or not re-photographing is necessary, pixels of thinned image data (for example, thinned image data reduced to 1/8, reduced to 1/16, for example, RAW image data) transmitted to the console side If the number and the number of display pixels on the display unit of the console do not match, there is a problem in that the displayed image data is lost and it is not possible to appropriately determine whether or not re-shooting is necessary.

On the other hand, when only RAW image data is transmitted to the console and it is attempted to determine whether or not re-shooting is necessary using this RAW image data, it takes time to transmit the RAW image data. Cannot judge no.
Further, if no image is displayed on the console until the transmission of the image data is completed, the engineer may become psychologically uneasy such as suspected of poor communication.

  This is particularly noticeable when performing communication using a wireless method, but the communication environment is sufficiently prepared even when performing communication using a wired method, such as when using a network with a low communication speed. A similar problem arises in situations where no.

  The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances as described above, and makes an early diagnosis based on a confirmed image as well as making a determination as to whether or not re-photographing is necessary at an early stage without depending on the communication environment or the like. An object of the present invention is to provide a medical image system capable of performing the above.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides:
Detection means in which a plurality of elements that convert radiation transmitted through the subject into an electrical signal are two-dimensionally arranged, image data generation means for reading the electrical signal acquired by the detection means and generating image data, and the image data A radiation image detector comprising: detector communication means for transmitting image data generated by the generation means to the outside;
Display means having a two-dimensional display area, image data acquisition means for acquiring image data from the radiation image detector, and display the image based on the image data acquired by the image data acquisition means A medical image system in which a console including display control means for controlling display means is connected to be communicable,
The radiological image detector includes, as the detector communication means, a wireless communication means capable of wirelessly transmitting the image data to the console, and a wired communication means capable of transmitting the image data to the console by wire. Communication means,
The radiological image detector includes: a communication switching control unit that controls switching between the wireless communication unit and the wired communication unit that transmits the image data; and the communication switching control unit. A transmission method notification means for transmitting information indicating which communication means has been switched to the console;
When the detector communication means transmits the image data in a wireless manner by the communication switching control means, the image data constituting one image is sequentially transmitted to the console in units of pixels,
When notified from the transmission method notifying means that the image data is transmitted in a wired manner, the display control means causes the display means to display an image based on the image data after completion of acquisition of the image data,
When the transmission method notification means notifies that the image data is to be transmitted in a wireless manner, the image data acquisition means acquires image data in units of pixels, and the display control means uses the image data acquisition means. The display area of the display means is divided into a plurality of divided areas stepwise according to an increase in the number of pixels of the acquired image data, and each assigned pixel is assigned to each divided area. In the medical image system, the display unit is controlled to display an image corresponding to a pixel value of a pixel in the divided area.

  According to the present invention, since image data can be transmitted by either a wireless system or a wired system, it is possible to cope with various communication environments.

In addition, in the case of the wireless system, if it is attempted to transmit RAW image data having a large amount of data at a time, it takes time to communicate. However, in the present invention, when image data is received even a little at a time. Since the corresponding display is performed on the display means of the console, even if the image data is RAW image data, the engineer can visually recognize that the image data has been normally received.
In addition, even in the case of wireless communication, it is possible to visually check the suitability of positioning and the necessity of re-shooting at a relatively early stage (in the middle of transmission) before image data transfer is completed. (If it is determined that re-photographing is not necessary) Engineers etc. only have to wait until the transmission of image data is complete, giving the engineer a sense of security and increasing the efficiency of diagnosis Play.
In addition, a single transmission operation of transmitting RAW image data can confirm whether or not re-photographing is necessary relatively early, and simply waiting for the completion of transmission of the image data allows the high-resolution image for diagnosis. Can be confirmed. For this reason, after transmitting the thinned image data, it is not necessary for the engineer to perform another transmission operation to transmit the RAW image data, and the engineer does not have to move between the radiation image detector and the console. This can reduce the burden and contribute to early diagnosis.

  In addition, when transmitting image data in a wired manner, when the thinned image data is generated on the console side that acquired all the image data and an image based on this thinned image data is displayed on the display means, Therefore, it is possible to confirm the suitability of positioning and the necessity of re-photographing at an earlier stage than displaying an image based on RAW image data as it is.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a medical image system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the illustrated examples.

  First, an embodiment of a medical image system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the medical image system according to the present embodiment.
In this embodiment, the medical image system 1 includes a portable FPD cassette 2 and a console 3 that can communicate with the FPD cassette 2.
In the following embodiment, a case where the imaging room R1 in which the FPD cassette 2 is disposed and the console 3 are close to each other will be described as an example. However, the arrangement of the FPD cassette 2 and the console 3 is not limited to this.

In the present embodiment, as will be described later, the FPD cassette 2 can transmit image data for one image to the console 3 at a time, and the image data for one image can be transmitted in multiple stages. It is also possible to transmit to the console 3 sequentially for each pixel or for each row or column of two-dimensionally arranged elements.
When the image data is divided into a plurality of stages and transmitted, the console 3 gradually changes the display area of the display unit 54 into a plurality of divided areas in accordance with the increase in the number of pixels of the image data received from the FPD cassette 2. It divides | segments, Each pixel is allocated to each division area, The image according to the pixel value of the allocated pixel (pixel which belongs to each division area) is displayed on each division area. As a result, a display method (hereinafter referred to as “progressive display”) in which the entire image is first displayed at a low resolution and then the resolution is gradually increased as the reception of the image data progresses. Can do.
Hereinafter, a system configuration and processing method for performing such display will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, the FPD cassette 2 is provided, for example, in an imaging room R1 that irradiates radiation and images a subject (part of a patient to be imaged) that is a part of a patient (not shown). Are provided in correspondence with the photographing room R1.
In the present embodiment, one imaging room R1 is provided in the medical image system, one FPD cassette 2 is arranged in the imaging room R1, and one FPD cassette 2 is arranged in the imaging room R1. However, the number of shooting rooms and the number of FPD cassettes 2 provided in each shooting room are not limited to the illustrated example.
Further, when there are a plurality of shooting rooms R1, the consoles 3 may not be provided corresponding to the respective shooting rooms R1, and even if one console 3 is associated with the plurality of shooting rooms R1. Good.

In the radiographing room R1, there are provided a cassette holding unit 5 capable of loading and holding the FPD cassette 2, and a radiation generator 4 including a radiation source such as an X-ray tube for irradiating the subject with radiation. The cassette holding unit 5 is for loading the FPD cassette 2 at the time of photographing, and is provided, for example, in a bucky device (not shown). The cassette holding unit 5 is not limited to the one provided in the bucky device, and may be provided, for example, in a cradle or the like having a terminal unit that can be charged by a battery 30 or communicated by wire.
FIG. 1 illustrates a case where one cassette holding unit 5 is provided in the photographing room R1, but the number of cassette holding units 5 provided in the photographing room R1 is not particularly limited. When a bucky device for standing position shooting, a bucky device for standing position shooting, and the like are provided in the shooting room R1, a cassette holding unit 5 may be provided for each. In this case, one radiation generating device 4 corresponds to a plurality of bucky devices, and the position is appropriately moved for use.

  In addition, since the radiographing room R1 is a room that shields radiation, and radio waves for radio communication are also blocked, when the FPD cassette 2 and an external device such as the console 3 communicate with each other in the radiographing room R1, A wireless access point (base station) 6 for relaying the communication is provided.

In the present embodiment, a front room R2 is provided adjacent to the photographing room R1. In the anterior chamber R2, a radiographer, a doctor, etc. (hereinafter referred to as “operator”) controls the radiation generator 4 that irradiates the subject with radiation, and operates the cassette holding unit 5 and the like. Is arranged.
A control signal for controlling the radiation irradiation condition of the radiation generating device 4 is transmitted from the console 3 to the operation device 7. The radiation irradiation condition of the radiation generating device 4 is transmitted to the console 3. It is set according to the control signal from. Examples of radiation irradiation conditions include imaging start / end timing, radiation tube current value, radiation tube voltage value, filter type, and the like.
An exposure instruction signal for instructing radiation exposure is transmitted from the operation device 7 to the radiation generating apparatus 4, and the radiation generating apparatus 4 applies predetermined radiation according to the exposure instruction signal at a predetermined timing. It comes to irradiate with.

The FPD cassette 2 is a cassette-type radiation image detector that obtains radiation image data (hereinafter simply referred to as “image data”).
As the FPD cassette 2, for example, 8 inch × 10 inch, 10 inch × 12 inch, 11 inch × 14 inch, 14 inch × 14 inch, 14 inch × 17 inch, 17 inch × 17 inch, etc. are available. However, the size is not limited to those listed here.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the FPD cassette 2 in the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the FPD cassette 2 includes a casing 21 that protects the inside. A scintillator layer 22 that converts irradiated radiation into light is formed inside the casing 21. As the scintillator layer 22, for example, a layer formed using a phosphor in which a luminescent center substance is activated in a matrix such as CsI: Tl, Cd ₂ O ₂ S: Tb, or ZnS: Ag can be used.

  On the surface of the scintillator layer 22 opposite to the surface on which radiation is incident, the light output from the scintillator layer 22 is converted into an electrical signal as a radiation detection element that converts the radiation transmitted through the subject into an electrical signal. A sensor panel section 24 is provided as detection means in which a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements 23 (see FIG. 3) such as photodiodes are arranged in a two-dimensional manner. Each photoelectric conversion element 23 arranged two-dimensionally in the sensor panel unit 24 corresponds to one pixel as a minimum unit of image reading, and each photoelectric conversion element 23 has, for example, a position x in the row direction and a column direction. The position y can be specified by the position y.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, a reading unit 25 that reads the output value of each photoelectric conversion element 23 of the sensor panel unit 24 is provided on a portion around the sensor panel unit 24 or on the back side. The reading unit 25 reads an electrical signal (output value corresponding to the amount of radiation generated by the radiation generating device 4 and transmitted through the subject) detected and output by the sensor panel unit 24, and based on this electrical signal, radiation image data ( Hereinafter, it functions as image data generating means for generating image data.
The reading unit 25 includes a cassette control unit 26 composed of a microcomputer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown), a storage unit 27 composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, and the like. The scanning drive circuit 28, the signal readout circuit 29, and the like are included. The cassette control unit 26 reads a predetermined program stored in the ROM, develops it in the work area of the RAM, and the CPU executes various processes according to the program.

The configurations of the sensor panel unit 24 and the reading unit 25 will be further described with reference to the equivalent circuit diagram of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, one electrode of each photoelectric conversion element 23 of the sensor panel section 24 is connected to a source electrode of a TFT 41 that is a signal reading switch element. In addition, a bias line Lb is connected to the other electrode of each photoelectric conversion element 23, and the bias line Lb is connected to a bias power supply 36, and a bias voltage is applied to each photoelectric conversion element 23 from the bias power supply 36. It has become so.

  The gate electrode of each TFT 41 is connected to a scanning line Ll extending from the scanning drive circuit 28, and the drain electrode of each TFT 41 is connected to a signal line Lr. Each signal line Lr is connected to an amplifier circuit 37 in the signal readout circuit 29, and an output line of each amplifier circuit 37 is connected to an analog multiplexer 39 via a sample hold circuit 38. The analog multiplexer 39 is connected to an A / D converter 40, and the signal readout circuit 29 is connected to the cassette control unit 26 via the A / D converter 40. A storage unit 27 is connected to the cassette control unit 26.

  In the FPD cassette 2, in radiation image capturing for capturing a subject (not shown), when radiation transmitted through the subject enters the scintillator layer 22, light is irradiated from the scintillator layer 22 to the sensor panel unit 24, and the amount of light irradiation received. Accordingly, the characteristics of the photoelectric conversion element 23 change.

  Then, when radiographic imaging is finished and image data is read out from the FPD cassette 2 as an electrical signal, a read voltage is applied to the gate electrode of the TFT 41 from the scanning line Ll to open the gate of each TFT 41, and the photoelectric conversion element 23 Then, an electric signal is taken out to the signal line Lr through the TFT 41. Then, the electrical signal is amplified by the amplification circuit 37 and the like, and sequentially output from the analog multiplexer 39 to the cassette control unit 26 via the A / D converter 40. The information is stored in the storage unit 27 in association with the position information specifying the position of the conversion element 23 (that is, the pixel). The signal reading process is sequentially performed for each scanning line Ll. When the electric signal is read from all the photoelectric conversion elements 23 of the sensor panel unit 24, the signal reading process is completed.

  Further, the FPD cassette 2 has a built-in battery 30, and power supply from the battery 30 to each member is controlled by the cassette control unit 26. Further, the casing 21 is provided with a terminal 31 for external communication and charging of the battery 30, an indicator 32 for displaying various operation statuses, an input operation unit 33 for setting various instructions, and the like. It has been.

As shown in FIG. 4, an antenna device 45 for performing wireless communication is embedded in the side surface portion of the casing 21 of the FPD cassette 2. The antenna device 45 includes a pair of flat radiation plates 46 and 47 made of metal, and a power feeding unit 48 that couples the pair of radiation plates 46 and 47 and supplies power to the pair of radiation plates 46 and 47. Is provided.
Note that the type and shape of the antenna device 45 are not limited to those illustrated here. The antenna device 45 is not limited to being embedded in the housing 21, and may be attached to the outside or the inside of the housing 21.

In addition, the FPD cassette 2 includes an image storage unit 34 that stores image data generated by the reading unit 25 based on an electrical signal detected by the sensor panel unit 24. The image storage unit 34 is configured by a rewritable memory such as a flash memory, for example. In the present embodiment, the image data generated by the reading unit 25 is associated with the position information for each pixel corresponding to each photoelectric conversion element 23 together with the pixel size information and the total pixel number information, and the image storage unit 34. Temporarily saved.
The image storage unit 34 may be a built-in memory or a removable memory such as a memory card. The capacity of the image storage unit 34 is not particularly limited, but preferably has a capacity capable of storing a plurality of pieces of image data. By providing such an image storage unit 34, it is possible to continuously irradiate a subject with radiation, and to record and accumulate image data each time, so that continuous shooting and moving image shooting can be performed. It becomes possible.

  The wireless communication unit 35a is connected to the antenna device 45, and wirelessly communicates with an external device such as the console 3 in accordance with the control of the cassette control unit 26. Means. When the FPD cassette 2 is not held in the cassette holding unit 5 (when used as a single unit without being loaded in the bucky device or the like in the photographing room R1), or when it is not possible to communicate in a wired system The FPD cassette 2 transmits and receives signals to and from an external device through the wireless access point 6 by the wireless communication unit 35a.

  The wired communication unit 35b is a wired-type detector communication unit that transmits and receives various signals to and from an external device such as the console 3 according to the control of the cassette control unit 26. When the FPD cassette 2 is held by the cassette holding unit 5 or when a communication cable (not shown) is connected, the FPD cassette 2 transmits / receives a signal to / from an external device by the wired communication unit 35b.

  In the present embodiment, the image data is composed of a plurality of image signals corresponding to the above-described photoelectric conversion elements 23 (that is, pixels), and the wireless communication unit 35a consoles the image data generated by the reading unit 25. It is possible to sequentially transmit to an external device such as 3 in units of pixels. On the other hand, the wired communication unit 35b transmits image data constituting one image to the console 3 at a time without dividing the image data.

  Further, as will be described later, when the cassette control unit 26 has switched whether the image data is transmitted by the wireless communication unit 35a or the wired communication unit 35b, which communication unit has been switched to (wireless communication unit 35b) Information indicating whether the image data is transmitted by the communication unit 35a or the wired communication unit 35b) is transmitted from the wireless communication unit 35a or the wired communication unit 35b to the console 3, and wirelessly. The communication unit 35a and the wired communication unit 35b function as a transmission method notification unit.

  Furthermore, as will be described later, in this embodiment, each image signal constituting the image data corresponds to pixel size information related to the pixel size of the pixel, pixel number information related to the number of pixels, position information specifying the pixel position, and the like. The communication unit 35 transmits the pixel size information, the pixel number information, the position information, and the like to the console 3 together with the image data.

In the present embodiment, the cassette control unit 26 functions as a communication switching control unit that controls switching of whether the image data is transmitted by the wireless communication unit 35a or the wired communication unit 35b.
When the communication means is switched by the cassette control unit 26, information indicating which communication means has been switched is transmitted from the wireless communication unit 35a or the wired communication unit 35b to the console 3 as described above.

When the image data is transmitted to the console 3 by the wireless communication unit 35a, the cassette control unit 26 divides the image data for one image into a plurality of stages (in this embodiment, seven stages as described later). The wireless communication unit 35a is controlled so as to sequentially transmit to the console 3 for each pixel or for each reading line (row or column of two-dimensionally arranged elements).
On the other hand, when the image data is transmitted to the console 3 by the wired communication unit 35b, the cassette control unit 26 is wired so that the image data constituting one image is transmitted to the console 3 at a time without being divided. The communication unit 35b is controlled.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the console 3 includes a console control unit 51 including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage unit 52, an input operation unit 53, a display unit 54, a communication unit 55, and the like. Each part is connected by a bus 57.

The storage unit 52 includes a ROM (read only memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like (not shown).
The ROM is composed of, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a semiconductor non-volatile memory, or the like. The ROM performs image processing such as gradation processing and frequency processing based on automatic part recognition for detecting an affected area. In addition to storing various programs such as programs for image processing, image processing parameters for adjusting image data of captured images to an image quality suitable for diagnosis (look-up table defining tone curves used for tone processing, Frequency processing emphasis degree, etc.) are stored. In the present embodiment, the display unit 54 is divided into predetermined divided areas, each pixel is assigned to the divided divided area, and an image corresponding to the pixel value of the assigned pixel is displayed in the divided area. A program and the like for performing display control processing are stored.
The RAM is a work area that temporarily stores various programs, input or output data, parameters, and the like that are read from the ROM and executed by the console control unit 51 in various processes that are controlled by the console control unit 51. Form.
In the present embodiment, the storage unit 52 stores patient information, imaging order information, and the like. The storage unit 52 functions as an image data storage unit that temporarily stores the image data transmitted from the FPD cassette 2.

  The input operation unit 53 includes a keyboard having character input keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like, and a pointing device such as a mouse, and a key pressing signal pressed by the keyboard and an operation by the mouse. The signal is output to the console control unit 51 as an input signal.

  The display unit 54 includes a monitor such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), for example, and displays various screens according to instructions of a display signal input from the console control unit 51. . The display unit 54 may have a higher definition than a monitor used in a general PC (Personal Computer).

In the present embodiment, when the image data is transmitted from the FPD cassette 2 by the wireless method, the display unit 54, as will be described later, in accordance with the increase in the number of pixels of the image data transmitted from the FPD cassette 2. The display area can be divided into a plurality of divided areas in stages, and when pixels included in the divided areas are allocated to the divided areas, an image corresponding to the pixel value of the allocated pixels is It is displayed in the divided area.
When image data is transmitted from the FPD cassette 2 in a wired manner, thinned image data is generated in the console control unit 51 as will be described later, and the display unit 54 displays an image based on this thinned image data in the display area. It is supposed to be displayed.

  A pressure-sensitive (resistive film pressure) touch panel (not shown) in which transparent electrodes are arranged in a grid pattern is formed on the screen of the display unit 54, and the display unit 54 and the input operation unit 53 are integrally configured. It may be a touch screen. In this case, the touch panel is configured to detect the x and y coordinates of the force point pressed with a finger, a touch pen, or the like as a voltage value, and output the detected position signal to the console control unit 51 as an operation signal.

  The communication unit 55 is connected to the wireless access point 6 with a cable or the like (not shown), and transmits / receives information to / from the FPD cassette 2 or the like via the wireless access point 6, or the FPD cassette 2 is connected to the cassette holding unit 5. When the communication cable (not shown) is connected to the terminal 31, the information is transmitted / received to / from the FPD cassette 2 in a wired manner. In the present embodiment, the communication unit 55 functions as an image data acquisition unit that acquires image data from the FPD cassette 2.

The communication unit 55 transmits / receives data to / from an external device connected to the network N via the network N.
In the present embodiment, the external devices connected to the communication unit 55 of the console 3 via the network N include the HIS / RIS 8, the PACS server 9, the imager 10, and the like. It is not limited to what was illustrated to.

  The console control unit 51 is a control unit of the console 3 that reads various programs such as a system program and a processing program stored in the ROM, expands them in the RAM, and executes various processes according to the expanded programs.

  In the present embodiment, the console control unit 51 is based on original image data (hereinafter referred to as “RAW image data”) when image data is transmitted in a wired manner from the wired communication unit 35 b of the FPD cassette 2. It functions as a thinned image generating means for generating thinned image data. The thinned image data is image data with a small amount of data that is reduced (thinned out) by thinning out pixels constituting the image data at a predetermined thinning rate.

Here, an example of the thinned image data generated in the present embodiment will be described.
For example, when thinned out (14 × 17 inch) image data (number of pixels: 2010 × 2400) read with a pixel size of 175 μm and sent to the console 3 is thinned down to 1/15 both vertically and horizontally, after thinning The number of pixels of the image data is 134 × 160.
When the console control unit 51 generates the thinned image data, the generated thinned image data and the RAW image data are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 52 or the like. The reason why the vertical and horizontal thinning ratios are the same is to maintain the same aspect ratio of the image as that of the original image (original image).
Note that the reduction rate (thinning rate) of the thinned image data is not limited to that exemplified here.

  The console control unit 51 functions as a display control unit that controls the display of the display unit 54 so as to display an image based on the image data sent from the FPD cassette 2. In the present embodiment, the console control unit 51 divides the display area of the display unit 54 into a plurality of divided areas step by step in accordance with an increase in the number of pixels of the image data acquired by the communication unit 55. A display control process is performed in which each pixel is assigned to each divided region and an image corresponding to the pixel value of the assigned pixel is displayed on the divided region.

  The console control unit 51 acquires order information for acquiring patient information and imaging order information of the patient, the acquired patient information / imaging order information, the image data generated by the FPD cassette 2 and transmitted to the console 3, and Are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 52 or the like. The imaging order information or the like may be input from the input operation unit 53 and stored in the storage unit 52 or the like, or the imaging order information registered in advance from the HIS / RIS 8 or the like may be acquired. It may be.

  The HIS / RIS 8 provides shooting order information of the subject related to shooting to the console 3. The radiographing order information includes, for example, patient information such as the name of the patient providing the examination target, radiographing site, radiographing method, type of cassette holding unit 5 used for radiographing (for standing position or prone position, etc.), etc. Contains information about reservations. Note that the imaging order information is not limited to the information exemplified here, but may include other information, or may be a part of the information exemplified above.

The PACS server 9 stores the image data output from the console 3.
The imager 10 records a radiographic image on an image recording medium such as a film based on the image data output from the console 3 and outputs the image.

Here, referring to FIG. 5 to FIG. 13, in the present embodiment, the image data transmission process and the display unit of the console 3 when the image data is transmitted to the console 3 by the wireless method from the wireless communication unit 35a of the FPD cassette 2 The basic principle of the display process in 54 will be described.
Here, for convenience of explanation, a case where both the number of pixels for reading and transmitting image data by the FPD cassette 2 and the number of displayable pixels on the display unit 54 of the console 3 are 32 × 32 will be described as an example. As will be described later, the number of pixels for reading and transmitting image data by the FPD cassette 2 and the number of displayable pixels on the display unit 54 of the console 3 are not limited to this.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how image data is divided in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the cassette control unit 26 divides one image data into seven steps within a range where the number of transfer lines of the image data does not exceed 5 when transmitting the image data to the console, and in seven times. All the image data are transmitted separately from the wireless communication unit 35a.
It should be noted that there is no particular limitation on how the image data is divided and how many steps are transmitted. The FPD cassette 2 divides the image data before transmitting the image data. Information indicating whether each transmission stage corresponds to which display layer on the console 3 side is notified to the console 3. If the destination console 3 to which the image data is transmitted is specified, such as when the FPD cassette 2 and the console 3 are in a one-to-one correspondence, the FPD cassette 2 and the console 3 It is also possible to preliminarily determine a method of division at the time of image data transmission as a default, and perform processing according to this default. In this case, it is not necessary to notify the console 3 in advance from the FPD cassette 2 about how to divide the image data.

  As shown in FIG. 5, for example, in the transmission of image data at the first stage (first layer in FIG. 6), the FPD cassette 2 has four rows in the row direction (vertical direction in FIGS. 6 to 12, and so on). The image data of the transfer lines (line 1 to line 4) (data of all pixels in the four transfer lines) is transmitted to the console 3. In the second-stage image data transmission (second layer in FIG. 7), the FPD cassette 2 transmits the image data of four transfer lines (line 17 to line 20) in the row direction to the console 3. In the transmission of the third stage image data (third layer in FIG. 8), the FPD cassette 2 transmits the image data of five transfer lines (line 9 to line 11, line 25 and line 26) in the row direction to the console 3 To do. In this way, the image data is sequentially transmitted to the console 3 by a relatively small number of transfer lines of 5 or less, and the image data of all the transfer lines is transmitted by the seventh transmission (seventh layer in FIG. 12). Is completed, and all image data for one image is transmitted to the console 3.

The cassette control unit 26 determines which transfer line image data (which pixel image data) is to be transmitted at each stage. The transmitted image data includes at least the image data as a whole image. The position information of each pixel indicating which pixel (or line) is located at the position is attached.
For example, in the first pixel of the first transfer line (line 1) of the image data transmitted in the first stage, x, which indicates that it is the image data of the upper left pixel of the entire image The y coordinate (1, 1) is attached as position information. Further, the first pixel of the first transfer line (line 17) of the image data transmitted in the second stage has x and y coordinates (in this embodiment, (17, 1) as position information. Note that the information attached to the image data is not limited to this.

  FIGS. 6 to 12 show examples of pixel assignment on the console 3 side in each transmission stage (first layer to seventh layer) from the FPD cassette 2 to the console 3, and FIGS. (G) shows an example of an image actually displayed on the display unit 54 in each of the first layer shown in FIG. 6 to the seventh layer shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the first-stage transmission (first layer), the display unit on the display unit 54 of the console 3 is the display unit block size in this embodiment (when the display area is subdivided into the minimum units). The number of blocks to be displayed is one, and the divided area matches the display area (that is, the entire display area becomes one divided area). In this case, the console control unit 51 selects one of the image data transmitted from the FPD cassette 2 (for example, a pixel having x and y coordinates (1, 1) shown in FIG. 6 in the present embodiment). Is set as the representative value of the entire display block, and an image corresponding to this pixel value (representative value) is displayed in the display area (divided area) of the display unit 54.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 13A, the entire display area (divided area) of the display unit 54 has one luminance level (one) corresponding to the pixel value of the pixel of x, y coordinates (1, 1). (Density level) only images are displayed.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the second-stage transmission (second layer), the display unit on the display unit 54 of the console 3 is 16 pixels × 16 pixels, and the number of blocks to be displayed is 2 × 2 (4). The console control unit 51 divides the display area of the display unit 54 into four divided areas. Then, the console control unit 51 assigns the pixel of the image data transmitted from the FPD cassette 2 to each divided area, and sets the pixel value of any one pixel included in each divided area as the representative value of the entire display block. Then, an image corresponding to the pixel value (representative value) is displayed in each divided region of the display unit 54.
For example, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the pixel value of the pixel at x, y coordinates (1, 1) becomes the pixel value (representative value) of the upper left divided region, and the x, y coordinates (17, 1). The pixel value of the pixel at the left is the pixel value (representative value) of the lower left divided region, the pixel value of the pixel at the x, y coordinates (1, 17) is the pixel value (representative value) of the upper right divided region, and x, y The pixel value of the pixel at the coordinates (17, 17) becomes the pixel value (representative value) of the upper left divided area.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 13B, the x, y coordinates (1,1), (17,1), (1,17), (17,17) ), An image corresponding to the pixel value of the pixel is displayed.

In the third transmission (third layer), the display unit on the display unit 54 of the console 3 is 8 pixels × 8 pixels, and the number of displayed blocks is 4 × 4 (16). As shown in FIG. 8, the console control unit 51 divides the display area of the display unit 54 into 16 divided areas. As in the case of the first layer and the second layer, the console control unit 51 assigns the pixel of the image data to each divided area and displays the pixel value of any one pixel included in each divided area. An image corresponding to this pixel value (representative value) is displayed in each divided area of the display unit 54 as a representative value of the entire block.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 13C, a mosaic image composed of 16 divided areas is displayed in the display area of the display unit 54.

FIG. 9 shows an example of pixel assignment on the console 3 side in the fourth transmission (fourth layer). In this case, the display unit is 4 pixels × 4 pixels, the number of blocks to be displayed is 8 × 8 (64), and the console control unit 51 divides the display area of the display unit 54 into 64 divided areas. Then, an image corresponding to the pixel value (representative value) of one pixel among the pixels assigned to each divided area is displayed in each divided area.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 13D, a mosaic image composed of 64 divided areas is displayed in the display area of the display unit 54.

FIGS. 10 to 12 show examples of pixel allocation on the console 3 side from the fifth-stage transmission (fifth layer) to the seventh-stage transmission (seventh layer). FIG. 13G shows an example of an image displayed in the display area of the display unit 54 at each transmission stage.
When all the image data of the entire image is transmitted by the seventh transmission (seventh layer), the display unit of the display area of the display unit 54 is 1 pixel × 1 pixel, as shown in FIG. The number of blocks is 32 × 32 (1024), and the image data can be subdivided into divided regions corresponding to each pixel of the image data to display a high-definition image (see FIG. 13G).

  In this embodiment, when the transmission at the fourth stage (fourth layer shown in FIG. 9) is completed and an image based on the image data transmitted to the console 3 is displayed at this stage, FIG. ), The outline of the subject image (the position of the subject's neck, the position of the lung, etc.) can be roughly grasped, and it can be said that the suitability of positioning and the necessity of re-imaging can be determined. Therefore, even if transfer of all the image data is completed, if re-shooting is necessary, it is possible to stop the data transfer at that time and start preparation for re-shooting. If the position is located in the approximate center of the display screen, the engineer can determine that re-shooting is unnecessary and can prepare for the next shooting.

  Note that the image displayed in each divided region is not limited to the pixel value (representative value) of any pixel among the pixels included in the divided region, and the entire image included in each divided region or An average value of pixel values of some pixels may be calculated as a pixel value of each divided region, and an image based on this pixel value (average value) may be displayed in the divided region.

When the above image data transmission processing and display processing are converted into the actual number of data, they are as shown in FIG.
FIG. 14 shows an example in which image data is acquired using a 14-inch × 17-inch half-cut FPD cassette 2 and transmitted to the console 3 to be displayed on the display unit 54.
In the case of the FPD cassette 2 having a 14-inch × 17-inch half-cut size, the pixel size for reading is set to 175 μm, and the image data is 2010 × 2446 data (the number of columns (referred to as “C” in FIG. 14)). Is composed of 2010 and the number of lines (“L” in FIG. 14) is 2446). In this case, if the data amount in each line is about 3.9 KB, the total amount of image data is 3.9 KB × 2446, which is about 9.5 MB.
In this regard, in FIG. 14, for convenience of explanation, the image data has a data configuration of 2016 × 2400 (the number of columns (C) is 2016 and the number of lines (L) is 2400), and the data amount of one line is about 3.9 KB. The case where the image data amount of all the images is about 9.2 MB is taken as an example.

In this case, on the display unit 54 side of the console 3, for example, the first layer is composed of 63 blocks in the column direction (C) × 75 blocks in the row direction (ie, the number of columns 2016/32 = 63, the number of lines 2400/32 = The amount of data transferred in the case of 75) is as follows.
That is, the transfer data amount in each layer can be calculated by the number of transfer lines × the amount of data for one line × the number of columns (the transfer data amount for each block is the number of transfer lines × the data for one line). amount). In the example shown in FIG. 14, when the image data for four lines is transferred as in the case where the display unit block size described above is 32 pixels × 32 pixels (see FIGS. 5 and 6). 4 lines × 3.9 KB × 75 columns, and the transfer data amount in the first layer is 1.2 MB.
That is, in each block from 1 to 75 in the row direction (L), four lines of image data are transferred, and the same as in the case of 32 pixels × 32 pixels for each block (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Display processing is performed. In this case, the number of blocks to be displayed is 63 × 75, and this number of blocks is the resolution of the image displayed first.

Further, for example, when the second layer is composed of column direction (C) 126 (that is, 63 × 2) blocks × row direction (L) 150 (that is, 75 × 2) blocks, the transfer data amount is as follows. .
That is, in the example shown in FIG. 14, when the image data for four lines is transferred as in the example (see FIGS. 5 and 7) in which the display unit block size is 32 pixels × 32 pixels described above. 4 lines × 3.9 KB × 75 columns, and the transfer data amount in the second layer is 1.2 MB.
That is, in the first layer of each block from 1 to 75 in the vertical direction (L), image data for four lines is further transferred, and the display unit block size is 32 pixels × 32 pixels for each block. Display processing similar to that shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 is performed. In this case, the number of displayed blocks is 126 × 150.

  Similarly, for example, the seventh layer is composed of column direction (C) 2016 blocks × row direction (L) 2400 blocks, so the number of blocks to be displayed is 2016 × 2400, with a resolution equivalent to that at the time of reading. An image is displayed.

FIG. 15 shows the communication speed when information is transmitted and received between the FPD cassette 2 and the console 3 in a wireless manner.
As shown in FIG. 15, for example, when the wireless type is IEEE802.11a / g, the effective communication speed is 20 Mbps, and in the case of UWB, the effective communication speed is 100 Mbps. Thus, the communication speed between the FPD cassette 2 and the console 3 in the case of a wireless system varies greatly depending on the type of wireless.

The right column of FIG. 14 shows the time taken to transfer the image data in the communication environment of each communication speed shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 14, for example, when the effective communication speed is 20 Mbps, it is understood that it takes 3.69 seconds to transfer all the image data. Therefore, when the console 3 receives all image data from the FPD cassette 2 and uses a normal display method in which the image is displayed on the display unit 54 after the reception is completed, the user (engineer) It is necessary to wait for approximately 4 seconds until the image is displayed, which hinders efficient medical care.
In this regard, according to the display method of the present embodiment, as described above, if the fourth layer or at least the fifth layer stage is displayed, it is possible to determine whether positioning is appropriate and whether re-shooting is necessary. About an image can be displayed. In the fourth layer, the transfer time is 1.96 seconds, and even in the fifth layer, the transfer time is 2.54 seconds. Therefore, it takes time to transfer all image data. An image necessary for determining whether or not re-shooting is necessary can be displayed in about half the time, and the waiting time of the user (engineer) can be shortened.

It should be noted that when the images corresponding to the first layer to the seventh layer are sequentially displayed in the display area of the display unit 54, how much the actual display is fine is determined by the display of the display unit 54. It depends on the size of the area (15 inches or 17 inches, etc.), monitor performance (normal monitor, high-definition monitor, etc.) and the like.
FIG. 16 shows the difference in the number of displayable blocks (number of pixels) according to the size of the display area of the display unit 54 and the type of monitor. In addition, the display part 54 in this embodiment is not limited to what was mentioned here.

  For example, when four images are displayed on one display screen (see FIG. 17), the number of displayable blocks (number of pixels) is 248 when the display unit 54 is a 15-inch liquid crystal panel (LCD). When the display unit 54 is a 17-inch liquid crystal panel (LCD) × 310 (column number (C) 248, line number (L) 248), 310 × 310 (column number (C) 310, line number ( L) 310). In this regard, as shown in FIG. 14, when the display unit block size is 32 pixels × 32 pixels, the number of data transmission blocks (total number of pixels) in the third layer is 252 × 300, and the 15-inch liquid crystal It is almost the same as when four images are displayed on the display screen of a panel or a 17-inch liquid crystal panel, and the image displayed at the transmission stage of the third layer is almost the same as a thinned image of 1/8 of 2016 × 2400. is there.

  Further, for example, when one image is displayed on one display screen (see FIG. 18), the number of displayable blocks (number of pixels) is 498 when the display unit 54 is a 15-inch liquid crystal panel (LCD). × 498 (number of columns (C) 498, number of lines (L) 498), and when the display unit 54 is a 17-inch liquid crystal panel (LCD), 622 × 622 (number of columns (C) 622, number of lines ( L) 622). In this regard, as shown in FIG. 14, when the display unit block size is 32 pixels × 32 pixels, the number of data transmission blocks (total number of pixels) in the fourth layer is 504 × 600, and the 15-inch liquid crystal This is almost the same as when one image is displayed on the display screen of a panel or a 17-inch liquid crystal panel, and the image displayed at the transmission stage of the fourth layer is almost equivalent to a 1 / 4-thinned image of 2016 × 2400. is there.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14, when the display unit block size is 32 × 32 pixels, the number of data transmission blocks (total number of pixels) in the seventh layer is 2016 × 2400, which is shown in FIG. Thus, an image with such a number of pixels cannot be displayed unless it is a high-definition monitor, and the entire image cannot be displayed even on a high-definition monitor. Is displayed, and the peripheral portion is not displayed on the display screen.

  Next, the operation of the medical image system 1 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 19, when imaging is performed and the sensor panel unit 24 of the FPD cassette 2 detects radiation transmitted through the subject (step S1), image data is generated in the reading unit 25 based on the detection result (step S1). Step S2). The cassette control unit 26 transmits the image data to the console 3 based on whether the FPD cassette 2 is held in the cassette holding unit 5 or whether a cable is connected to the terminal 31. Switching between transmission by 35a and transmission by wired communication unit 35b is performed (step S3), and which communication means is used for transmission (switching result) is notified to console 3 from wireless communication unit 35a or wired communication unit 35b. (Step S4).

  The cassette control unit 26 determines whether or not the switching result is transmission by the wireless communication unit 35a (step S5), and determines that the transmission is switched to transmission by the wireless communication unit 35a (step S5: YES) A process of transmitting image data from the communication unit 35a is performed (step S6). If it is determined that the transmission is switched to the transmission by the wired communication unit 35b (step S5: NO), a process of transmitting image data from the wired communication unit 35b is performed (step S7).

Next, the processing (step S6 in FIG. 19) when image data is transmitted from the wireless communication unit 35a will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
When the image data is transmitted to the console 3 by the wireless communication unit 35a, the cassette control unit 26 divides the image data into predetermined stages and transfers the image data from the wireless communication unit 35a to the console 3 in pixel units (line units). Transmit (step S11). Note that the cassette control unit 26 controls the wireless communication unit 35a so that information on how to divide the image data (how many steps it divides) is transmitted to the console 3 in advance. These pieces of information may be transmitted together with this notification when the FPD cassette 2 notifies the console 3 of the switching result (step S4 in FIG. 19).

  In the present embodiment, image data is divided into seven stages, and image data for four transfer lines is transmitted in the first stage (see FIGS. 5 and 6). In the second stage, image data for four transfer lines is also transmitted (see FIGS. 6 and 7). Similarly, the image data is transmitted to the console 3 in seven stages so that the transmission of all the image data is completed. At that time, the wireless communication unit 35a determines at which position in the whole the image data the pixel is located, position information for specifying the position, pixel size information regarding the pixel size of the pixel, and the number of pixels regarding the number of pixels. Information or the like is attached to the image data and transmitted together with the image data.

  The cassette control unit 26 always determines whether or not transmission of all image data has been completed (step S12). If the transmission is completed (step S12: YES), the process is terminated. On the other hand, if transmission has not been completed (step S12: NO), transmission of image data in units of pixels (lines) to the console 3 is continued.

When the image data starts to be received in pixel units (line units) in the communication unit 55 of the console 3 (step S13), the console control unit 51 is information on how to divide the image data transmitted from the FPD cassette 2 The display area of the display unit 54 is divided into a plurality of divided areas according to the number of transmitted pixels (the second and subsequent layers are the total number of pixels transmitted to the console) (step S14). Each pixel is assigned to each divided area, and an image corresponding to the pixel value of any pixel included in the divided area is displayed (step S15). As a result, at the stage where the first-stage image data is transmitted, an image in which the entire screen is represented by one level of luminance (one density) is displayed (see FIG. 13A). As the number of pixels of the image data to be transmitted increases in the third stage, the image becomes gradually clearer, and in the stage in which the image data in the fourth stage is transmitted, the necessity of re-photographing is determined. Can be displayed (see FIG. 13D). The console control unit 51 always determines whether the seventh layer has been displayed (step S16), and when the display is completed (step S16: YES), the process ends. On the other hand, if the display has not been completed (step S16: NO), the process returns to step S13, and the display area is divided according to the number of pixels of the received image data, and the pixels assigned to each divided area. The process of displaying an image according to the value is repeated.
If the engineer determines that re-shooting is necessary at the stage when the fourth stage image data is transmitted, etc., the engineer inputs a stop instruction to stop the transmission of the image data even during the transmission of the image data. Thereafter, transmission of image data can be stopped. If re-photographing is not required, predetermined image processing is performed on the image based on the RAW image data when the seventh layer is displayed, and image data of a definite image (diagnostic image) is generated. To do.

Next, the processing (step S7 in FIG. 19) when image data is transmitted from the wired communication unit 35b will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
When the image data is transmitted to the console 3 by the wired communication unit 35b, the cassette control unit 26 transmits all image data (RAW image data) constituting one image to the console 3 by the wired communication unit 35b. (Step S21).
The image data transmitted from the FPD cassette 2 is received by the communication unit 55 (step S22), and when the console control unit 51 obtains all the image data (RAW image data) from the FPD cassette 2 (step S23), the console The control unit 51 generates thinned image data based on the image data (RAW image data) (step S24).
Then, the console control unit 51 displays an image based on the generated thinned image data in the display area of the display unit 54 (step S25). The engineer looks at the image based on the thinned-out image data to determine whether or not re-photographing is necessary. If re-photographing is necessary, the engineer performs re-photographing. The image is displayed in the display area of the display unit 54 and subjected to predetermined image processing and the like, and image data of a definite image (diagnosis image) is generated.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when image data is transmitted from the FPD cassette 2 to the console 3 in a wireless manner, the number of transfer lines is reduced and the image data is transmitted little by little. Even if transmission of all the image data constituting one image is not completed, an image corresponding to the image data that has already been transmitted is displayed with low resolution, and the image data is received as the reception of the image data proceeds thereafter. A so-called progressive display in which the resolution is improved and gradually becomes a clear image can be achieved.
As a result, when image data is received on the console 3 side even by a small amount, a display corresponding to the image data is displayed on the display unit 54 of the console 3, so that an engineer can visually recognize that the image data is normally received, Do not fall into psychological anxiety, such as suspicion of poor communication.

  Further, by reducing the data amount of image data to be transmitted at a time, even when RAW image data having a large amount of data is transmitted to the console, the communication is not burdened so much. For this reason, even when RAW image data is transmitted wirelessly, transmission can be performed without feeling stress. Further, since it is possible to determine whether or not positioning or re-imaging is necessary at a relatively early stage before the transfer of the image data is completed, it is possible to improve the efficiency of diagnosis. Thus, when re-shooting is necessary, it is possible to avoid wasting time by stopping the data transfer when it is known. On the other hand, when there is no need for re-imaging, the engineer can prepare for the next imaging and perform efficient medical care.

Further, when image data is transmitted from the FPD cassette 2 to the console 3 by a wired method, since the communication speed is relatively stable, all image data (RAW image data) is transmitted at a time. For this reason, it is only necessary to perform a single transmission operation of transmitting RAW image data, which saves the labor of an engineer and shortens the time required for a series of processing until a final diagnostic image is obtained. it can.
Further, when all image data (RAW image data) is transmitted at a time in a wired manner, thinned image data based on the RAW image data is generated on the console 3 side, and an image based on the thinned image data is displayed on the display unit. 54 is displayed in the display area. As a result, whether or not re-shooting is necessary can be easily and quickly confirmed by an image based on the thinned image data.

  In the present embodiment, the display unit block size when transmitting image data in a wireless manner and performing progressive display is 32 pixels × 32 pixels, but the display unit block size is not limited to this.

As shown in FIG. 22, the display unit block size is 64 pixels × 64 pixels, and this image data is divided into 8 stages and transmitted to the console 3, and the console 3 has eight levels from the first layer to the eighth layer. Display in layers.
In this case, for example, the transfer data amount when the first layer is configured by 32 blocks in the column direction (C) × 38 blocks in the row direction (L) is as follows.
That is, when image data for 4 lines is transferred in the first layer, 4 lines × 3.9 KB (data amount for 1 line) × 38 columns, and the transfer data amount in the first layer is 0.6 MB. It becomes.

Further, as shown in FIG. 23, the display unit block size is set to 128 pixels × 128 pixels, and this image data is divided into nine stages and transmitted to the console 3. The display is divided into 9 layers.
In FIG. 22 and FIG. 23, the sum of the transfer times does not always match the item of the total transfer time (Σ), but this is somewhat due to rounding to the second decimal place. This is because an error of.

  In the present embodiment, when the display unit block size is 32 pixels × 32 pixels, the image data is divided into seven stages and transmitted to the console 3, and the console 3 has seven layers from the first layer to the seventh layer. However, there is no particular limitation on the number of steps in which image data transmission and display on the display unit 54 are performed, and the image data is divided into more steps such as eight steps. You may make it perform the display in the transmission and the display part 54. FIG.

  The number of display unit block sizes, the number of steps to be sent to the console 3 and the number of steps (number of layers) to be displayed on the console 3 side are displayed in advance with the FPD cassette 2 and the console 3. The FPD cassette 2 side may divide the image data in accordance with this setting and send it to the console 3, or the console 3 side does not make a setting corresponding to the FPD cassette 2 in particular. Based on the position information of each pixel attached to the image data transmitted from the FPD cassette 2, it is determined how many layers to display and which pixel area the pixel value of each pixel is assigned to. May be.

  In this embodiment, the case where the imaging room R1 in which the FPD cassette 2 is disposed and the console 3 are close to each other has been described as an example, but the arrangement of the FPD cassette 2 and the console 3 is not limited thereto. For example, at the time of portable bedside shooting in which the FPD cassette 2 is held at the patient's bedside and the image is taken, there is a high possibility that the distance between the FPD cassette 2 and the console 3 is large, and the engineer takes a shot image (decimated image ) On the console 3 and then returning to the FPD cassette 2 to transmit RAW image data again, the amount of movement of the technician increases. In this case, if only the RAW image data is transmitted from the FPD cassette 2 to the console 3 as in the present embodiment, it is possible to save time and effort for the engineer's movement and the image data transmission operation, and more effective. To do.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when all the image data (RAW image data) is transmitted to the console 3 by the wired communication unit 35b, the console control unit 51 is based on the image data (RAW image data). Although the thinned image data is generated and the image based on the thinned image data is displayed in the display area of the display unit 54, the image displayed on the display unit 54 is not limited to this. For example, when the acquisition of all the image data (RAW image data) is completed, the console control unit 51 performs progressive display for displaying a clear image with gradually high resolution from a low resolution image based on the image data. The display unit 54 may be controlled.

  In addition, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment and can be appropriately changed.

It is a figure which shows the system configuration | structure of one Embodiment of the medical image system which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure which fractured | ruptured a part of FPD cassette applied to the medical image system of FIG. FIG. 3 is an equivalent circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of a sensor panel unit and a reading unit of the FPD cassette illustrated in FIG. 2. It is the perspective view which looked at the FPD cassette shown in FIG. 2 from the arrow A direction. It is explanatory drawing explaining the division method of the image data in 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining the allocation of the pixel in the 1st layer shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the allocation of the pixel in the 2nd layer shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining pixel allocation in a third layer shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining pixel allocation in a fourth layer shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining pixel allocation in a fifth layer shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining pixel allocation in a sixth layer shown in FIG. 5. It is explanatory drawing explaining the allocation of the pixel in the 7th layer shown in FIG. It is the figure which showed an example of the actual display image in the layer shown in FIG.6 and FIG.12. It is explanatory drawing explaining the division transfer of the image data in this embodiment. It is a table | surface showing the difference in the effective speed of communication by the kind of radio | wireless. It is a table | surface which shows an example, such as a size of a display area of a display part, and monitor characteristics. It is the figure which showed the example of a screen at the time of displaying four images on a display part. It is the figure which showed the example of a screen at the time of displaying one image on a display part. It is a flowchart which shows the effect | action of the medical image system in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process which transmits image data from the radio | wireless communication part shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process which transmits image data from the wired communication part shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the modification of the division transfer of image data. It is explanatory drawing explaining the modification of the division transfer of image data.

Explanation of symbols

1 Medical Imaging System 2 FPD Cassette (Radiation Image Detector)
3 Console 4 Radiation generator 5 Cassette holding unit 6 Wireless access point 7 Operating device 26 Cassette control unit 34 Image storage unit 35a Wireless communication unit 35b Wired communication unit 45 Antenna device 51 Console control unit 54 Display unit 55 Communication unit N Network R1 Room R2 Front room

Claims (2)

Detection means in which a plurality of elements that convert radiation transmitted through the subject into an electrical signal are two-dimensionally arranged, image data generation means for reading the electrical signal acquired by the detection means and generating image data, and the image data A radiation image detector comprising: detector communication means for transmitting image data generated by the generation means to the outside;
Display means having a two-dimensional display area, image data acquisition means for acquiring image data from the radiation image detector, and display the image based on the image data acquired by the image data acquisition means A medical image system in which a console including display control means for controlling display means is connected to be communicable,
The radiological image detector includes, as the detector communication means, a wireless communication means capable of wirelessly transmitting the image data to the console, and a wired communication means capable of transmitting the image data to the console by wire. Communication means,
The radiological image detector includes: a communication switching control unit that controls switching between the wireless communication unit and the wired communication unit that transmits the image data; and the communication switching control unit. Comprising a transmission method notification means for transmitting to the console information indicating which communication means has been switched to,
When the detector communication means transmits the image data in a wireless manner by the communication switching control means, the image data constituting one image is sequentially transmitted to the console in units of pixels,
When notified from the transmission method notifying means that the image data is transmitted in a wired manner, the display control means causes the display means to display an image based on the image data after completion of acquisition of the image data,
When the transmission method notification means notifies that the image data is to be transmitted in a wireless manner, the image data acquisition means acquires image data in units of pixels, and the display control means uses the image data acquisition means. The display area of the display means is divided into a plurality of divided areas stepwise according to an increase in the number of pixels of the acquired image data, and each assigned pixel is assigned to each divided area. A medical image system that controls the display unit to display an image corresponding to a pixel value of a pixel in the divided area. The console includes thinned image generation means for generating thinned image data based on the image data,
When the image data is transmitted in a wired manner, the display control means controls the display means so that an image based on the thinned image data generated by the thinned image generating means is displayed on the display means. The medical image system according to claim 1, wherein the medical image system is provided.