JP2019010397A - Radiographic system, radiographic method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radiographic imaging system capable of controlling imaging of a plurality of radiographic imaging devices so that they can be imaged and setting imaging conditions suitable for the situation of the radiation generating device. SOLUTION: The imaging conditions of a radiation generator 105 are set based on a plurality of radiographers 102 and 103 that generate a radiation image based on the radiation emitted from the radiation generator 105 and an irradiation direction or position of the radiation generator. Radiation images from the imaging condition selection unit 1014 to be selected and one of the plurality of radiographic imaging devices 102, 103, which is irradiated with radiation from the radiation generator 105 under the selected imaging conditions. The image acquisition unit 1015 is provided. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiation imaging system, a radiation imaging method, and a program for capturing a radiation image by irradiating radiation, and particularly to setting of imaging conditions of a radiation generating apparatus when a plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses are handled. .

  In recent years, with the digitization of radiation imaging systems, radiation can be emitted from a radiation generation device to a radiation imaging device via a subject, and the radiation imaging device can generate a digital radiation image. Therefore, it is possible to check a radiographic image immediately after imaging.

  However, if the radiation imaging apparatus used for radiation imaging is mistaken and radiation imaging is executed by a device other than the desired radiation imaging apparatus, re-imaging is necessary. Therefore, there was a risk of giving unnecessary exposure to the subject.

  In the radiation imaging system described in Patent Literature 1, a plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses can be imaged, and radiation imaging can be performed on any radiation imaging apparatus.

Japanese Patent No. 5577114

  However, in the radiation imaging system described in Patent Document 1, the imaging conditions of the radiation imaging apparatus are set based on the order information acquired from the external apparatus, or the operator operates the operation unit to input radiation to the imaging condition setting unit. Set the shooting conditions of the camera. For this reason, there is a possibility that optimal imaging conditions may not be set depending on the position and irradiation direction of the radiation generating apparatus and the positional relationship between the radiation generating apparatus and the radiation imaging apparatus. Therefore, there is a possibility that the radiation dose is insufficient or the radiation dose is excessive when taking a desired radiation image.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a radiation imaging system capable of setting imaging conditions suitable for the situation of a radiation generating apparatus in a radiation imaging system that controls imaging by setting a plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses in an imaging enabled state. .

  In order to achieve the object of the present invention, a plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses that generate radiation images based on radiation emitted from a radiation generation apparatus, and the radiation generation apparatus based on the irradiation direction or position of the radiation generation apparatus An imaging condition selecting means for selecting an imaging condition, and radiation is emitted from the radiation generating apparatus under the selected imaging condition, and a radiographic image is obtained from one of the plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses irradiated with radiation. Image acquisition means for acquiring.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, in the radiography system which controls imaging | photography by making a some radiography apparatus into an imaging | photography possible state, the imaging condition suitable for the condition of a radiation generator can be set.

The figure which shows an example of the radiography system of this invention. The figure which shows an example which sets the imaging condition in the radiography of this invention. The figure which shows the imaging | photography room which image | photographs the chest standing position of this invention. The figure which shows the imaging | photography room which image | photographs the chest position of this invention. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the radiography system of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the imaging | photography room of this invention. The figure which shows the imaging | photography room provided with the surveillance camera of this invention. The figure which shows the form which image | photographed the radiation generator with the monitoring camera of this invention. The figure which shows the form which image | photographed the radiation generator and the bed with the monitoring camera of this invention. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the radiography system of this invention.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and all combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution section of the invention.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of a radiation imaging system according to the first embodiment.

  The radiation imaging system includes a plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103, an imaging control apparatus 101 that controls imaging by controlling the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103, a radiation generation apparatus 105 that generates radiation, and a radiation generation apparatus 105. And a radiation control device 104 for controlling the above. The radiation imaging system also operates the input unit 150 for inputting instructions from the operator to the imaging control apparatus 101, the display unit 152 for displaying captured radiographic images and various information, and the radiation control apparatus 104. And an input unit 160 for inputting an instruction by a person. The input unit 150 and the input unit 160 are a mouse, a keyboard, an external device that manages order information, and the like.

  The imaging control apparatus 101 communicates with the radiation imaging apparatus 102 (first radiation imaging apparatus) and the radiation imaging apparatus 103 (second radiation imaging apparatus), and controls radiation imaging. In addition, the radiation control device 104 communicates with the radiation generation device 105 and performs control to irradiate the radiation generation device 105 with radiation. In the present embodiment, a configuration in which there are two radiation imaging apparatuses will be described. However, the number of radiation imaging apparatuses is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more.

  The radiation imaging apparatus 102 and the radiation imaging apparatus 103 transition to a radiographable state in response to an instruction from the imaging control apparatus 101 (imaging control unit 1011), and perform radiography while synchronizing with the radiation control apparatus 104. The radiation imaging apparatus 102 and the radiation imaging apparatus 103 can capture the radiation irradiated by the radiation generation apparatus 105 and generate a radiation image.

  Specifically, the radiation imaging apparatus 102 and the radiation imaging apparatus 103 detect radiation that has passed through the subject as charges corresponding to the amount of transmitted radiation. For example, the radiation imaging apparatus 102 and the radiation imaging apparatus 103 include a direct conversion sensor that directly converts radiation such as a-Se that converts radiation into charges, a scintillator such as CsI, and a-Si. An indirect sensor using a photoelectric conversion element is used. Furthermore, the radiation imaging apparatus 102 and the radiation imaging apparatus 103 generate a radiographic image by A / D converting the detected charges, and output the radiographic image to the imaging control unit 101 (image acquisition unit 1015).

  The imaging control apparatus 101 includes an imaging control unit 1011 that controls the radiation imaging apparatus 102 and the radiation imaging apparatus 103, an imaging condition management unit 1012 that manages a plurality of imaging conditions, and a radiation generation apparatus that manages the state of the radiation generation apparatus 105. A management unit 1013 and a shooting condition selection unit 1014 for selecting shooting conditions are provided. In addition, the imaging control apparatus 101 includes a radiation imaging apparatus 102, an image acquisition unit 1015 that acquires a radiation image generated by the radiation imaging apparatus 103, and a communication unit 1016 that communicates with the radiation control apparatus 104. The imaging control apparatus 101 operates by controlling these components.

  The radiation images generated by the radiation imaging apparatus 102 and the radiation imaging apparatus 103 are captured by the image acquisition unit 1015 and displayed on the display unit 152. The image acquisition unit 1015 has a function of performing various image processing such as noise removal processing and gradation processing on the radiation image.

  The shooting condition management unit 1012 manages a plurality of shooting conditions stored in the shooting control apparatus 101. The imaging conditions are conditions for radiographic imaging such as tube voltage, tube current, and irradiation time of the radiation generator 105. The shooting conditions are stored in a database (storage unit) in the shooting control apparatus 101. The imaging conditions are specified by the position or irradiation direction of the radiation generator 105, the positional relationship between the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 and the radiation generator 105, and the imaging region.

  The positional relationship between the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 and the radiation generation apparatus 105 is determined by the imaging posture of the subject at the time of imaging. This is called standing position shooting when the subject is standing, or lying position shooting when lying down on the bed. Portable imaging and the like in which the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 are portablely installed at the imaging site of the subject are also widely known imaging techniques. The imaging region is information determined by the region to be imaged by the subject such as chest imaging and abdominal imaging. The shooting conditions determined by the combination of these pieces of information are stored in a searchable form in a database in the shooting control apparatus 101.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of setting imaging conditions in radiography. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, there are photographing postures of the chest 201 such as a standing posture, a prone posture, and a portable posture. A combination 202 such as a chest standing position, a chest recumbent position, and a chest portable can be obtained by combining the imaging region and the imaging posture. An imaging condition 203 is set for each combination. Here, the tube voltage of the imaging condition in the chest standing position is set to 120 kv, the tube voltage of the imaging condition in the chest position is set to 85 kv, and the tube voltage of the imaging condition in the chest portable is set to 80 kv. Although the setting of the tube voltage has been described here, the tube current and the irradiation time other than the tube voltage are similarly set by a combination of the imaging region and the imaging posture.

  Similarly, as shown in FIG. 2B, the abdominal part 211 has a photographing posture such as a standing posture, a prone posture, and a portable posture. A combination 212 such as an abdominal standing position, an abdominal prone position, and an abdominal portable position can be made by combining the imaging region and the imaging posture. An imaging condition 213 is set for each combination. Here, the tube voltage of the imaging condition in the abdominal standing position is set to 130 kv, the tube voltage of the imaging condition in the abdominal prone position is set to 95 kv, and the tube voltage of the imaging condition in the abdominal portable is set to 90 kv. Although the setting of the tube voltage has been described here, the tube current and the irradiation time other than the tube voltage are similarly set by a combination of the imaging region and the imaging posture. As described above, the imaging condition can be specified by the imaging region and the imaging posture.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging control apparatus 101 and the radiation control apparatus 104 are connected to each other by a communication unit 1016 and a communication unit 1043. The radiation generation apparatus management unit 1013 manages the position and irradiation direction of the radiation generation apparatus 105 transmitted from the radiation generation apparatus 105 in the imaging control apparatus 101. The irradiation direction is a direction in which radiation is emitted from the radiation generator 105.

  The imaging condition selection unit 1014 selects an imaging condition based on the position or irradiation direction of the radiation generating apparatus 101 from a plurality of imaging conditions. As shown in FIG. 2, when the operator selects the combination of the imaging region and the imaging posture 202 via the input unit 150, the imaging condition associated with it is determined as one. On the other hand, when the operator selects only the imaging region via the input unit 150, there are three types of combinations of the imaging region and the imaging posture (for example, chest standing position, chest position, chest portable). . The imaging condition selection unit 104 selects one imaging condition by specifying the imaging posture using the position or irradiation direction of the radiation generator 105 from these imaging conditions.

  Specifically, the radiation generation apparatus management unit 1013 transmits the position and irradiation direction of the radiation generation apparatus 105 transmitted from the radiation generation apparatus 105 to the imaging condition selection unit 1014. Then, the imaging condition selection unit 1014 selects one imaging condition based on the position or irradiation direction of the radiation generator 105. Note that the imaging condition selection unit 1014 may select one imaging condition based on the position and irradiation direction of the radiation generator 105.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a radiographing room in which chest standing is taken. The radiation generator 105 is installed so as to be movable with respect to the ceiling 310. This is an overhead traveling system. The radiation generator 105 can move three-dimensionally with respect to the ceiling 310 vertically and horizontally. The gantry 302 is fixed and installed with respect to the floor surface 312. The gantry 302 is a support base for standing-up shooting. The bed 304 is fixed and installed with respect to the floor surface 312. The bed 304 is a support stand for lying position photography. A radiation imaging apparatus 102 and a radiation imaging apparatus 103 are installed on the gantry 302 and the bed 304, respectively. Note that the radiation imaging apparatus 102 and the radiation imaging apparatus 103 may be installed interchangeably. The radiation imaging apparatus 102 may be installed on the bed 304, and the radiation imaging apparatus 103 may be installed on the gantry 302.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the radiation control device 104 includes an imaging condition control unit 1041 that controls imaging conditions of the radiation generation device 105, and a radiation generation device control unit that controls the position and irradiation direction of the radiation generation device 105. 1042 and a communication unit 1043 that communicates with the imaging control apparatus 101.

  The radiation control device 104 communicates with the radiation control device 101 to perform radiation imaging. The imaging condition control unit 1041 sets imaging conditions for the radiation generation apparatus 105 or irradiates radiation from the radiation generation apparatus 105 based on the set imaging conditions. Further, the input unit 160 that gives an instruction to control the position and irradiation direction of the radiation generation apparatus 105 can be provided, and movement control of the radiation generation apparatus 160 can be performed. The radiation generator control unit 1042 manages the position and irradiation direction of the radiation generator 105. Here, when the position control of the radiation generation apparatus 105 is performed by a motor, the radiation generation apparatus 105 itself may be controlled by the operator moving it. The same applies to the irradiation direction of the radiation generator 105, and direction control such as the horizontal direction and the vertical direction can be performed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the case of the overhead traveling system of the radiation generator 105, the position of the radiation generator 105 and the irradiation direction of the radiation generator 105 in the imaging room are managed. The position of the radiation generator 105 is a three-dimensional position. A communication unit 1043 transmits and receives information between the imaging control apparatus 101 and the radiation control apparatus 104. Here, the position and irradiation direction of the radiation generation apparatus 105 are transmitted to the radiation generation apparatus management unit 1013 of the imaging control apparatus 101.

  As shown in FIG. 3, if the radiation direction of the radiation generator 105 is a horizontal direction, the imaging posture can be regarded as standing because the radiation is irradiated to the gantry 302. Therefore, even when the operator selects only the imaging region of the chest via the input unit 150, the imaging posture of the chest standing can be specified based on the irradiation direction of the radiation generator 105. Even if the operator does not select an imaging region via the input unit 150, the imaging region may be determined based on order information acquired from an external device.

  Here, the radiation generator management unit 1013 manages the position and irradiation direction of the radiation generator 105. The radiation generation apparatus management unit 1013 transmits to the imaging condition selection unit 1014 that the irradiation direction of the radiation generation apparatus 105 is the horizontal direction. Then, the imaging condition selection unit 1014 recognizes that the imaging posture is standing, and selects an imaging condition based on the imaging region of the chest selected in advance by the operator. That is, the imaging condition selection unit 1014 selects the imaging condition for the standing position imaging when the irradiation direction of the radiation generation apparatus 105 is the horizontal direction. Here, the imaging condition selection unit 1014 can select the tube voltage 120 kv that is the imaging condition in the chest standing position. The imaging condition selection unit 1014 can similarly select a tube current and an irradiation time other than the tube voltage.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a radiographing room that performs radiographing of the chest position. As shown in FIG. 4, if the irradiation direction of the radiation generator 105 is the vertical direction, the imaging posture can be determined as the supine position. Therefore, even when the operator selects only the imaging region of the chest, the imaging posture of chest position can be specified based on the irradiation direction of the radiation generator 105. Specifically, the radiation generation apparatus management unit 1013 transmits to the imaging condition selection unit 1014 that the irradiation direction of the radiation generation apparatus 105 is the vertical direction. Then, the imaging condition selection unit 1014 recognizes that the imaging posture is the supine position, and selects the imaging conditions based on the imaging region of the chest that is selected in advance by the operator. That is, the imaging condition selection unit 1014 selects the imaging condition for the supine imaging when the irradiation direction of the radiation generator 105 is the vertical direction. Here, the imaging condition selection unit 1014 can select the tube voltage 85 kv, which is the imaging condition in the chest position. The imaging condition selection unit 1014 can similarly select a tube current and an irradiation time other than the tube voltage.

  Although not shown here, if the irradiation direction of the radiation generator 105 is oblique, the imaging posture can be determined as portable. Specifically, the radiation generation apparatus management unit 1013 transmits to the imaging condition selection unit 1014 that the irradiation direction of the radiation generation apparatus 105 is an oblique direction. When performing portable shooting, the shooting condition selection unit 1014 can recognize that the shooting posture is portable shooting when the operator selects to perform portable shooting. The imaging condition selection unit 1014 selects imaging conditions for portable imaging based on the imaging region of the chest that is selected in advance by the operator. Here, the imaging condition selection unit 1014 can select a tube voltage of 80 kv, which is an imaging condition in the chest position. The imaging condition selection unit 1014 can similarly select a tube current and an irradiation time other than the tube voltage.

  Here, when an imaging condition is selected by the imaging condition selection unit 1014, the radiation imaging apparatus 102 and the radiation imaging apparatus 103 are in a standby state. In the standby state, the radiation imaging apparatus 102 and the radiation imaging apparatus 103 establish communication with the imaging control apparatus 101.

  When the imaging condition selection unit 1014 selects the imaging condition of the radiation generation apparatus 105, the imaging control unit 1011 gives a transition instruction for making a transition to the imaging enabled state to all the available radiography apparatuses 102 and 103. Send. That is, the imaging control unit 1011 controls the plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 so that the imaging is possible. In this embodiment, the radiation imaging apparatus 102 and the radiation imaging apparatus 103 can be used.

  When the imaging condition selection unit 1014 selects the imaging condition of the radiation generation apparatus 105, the selected imaging condition is transmitted to the radiation imaging apparatus 102 and the radiation imaging apparatus 103 that may be used for imaging. The radiation imaging apparatus 102 and the radiation imaging apparatus 103 perform calibration settings based on the imaging condition selected by the imaging condition selection unit 1014. The calibration setting is a setting for correction processing such as offset correction, defect correction, and gain correction. Depending on the shooting conditions, the correction process may not be performed properly. In that case, the radiation imaging apparatus 102 and the radiation imaging apparatus 103 can display a warning on the display unit 152. The radiation imaging apparatus 102 and the radiation imaging apparatus 103 can also set image processing conditions for removing scattered radiation based on the imaging conditions selected by the imaging condition selection unit 1014.

  The radiation imaging apparatus 102 and the radiation imaging apparatus 103 shift to the imaging enabled state in response to a transition instruction from the imaging control apparatus 101, and transmit the transition to the imaging enabled state to the imaging control unit 1011 of the imaging control apparatus 101. . An imaging control unit 1011 that controls the radiation imaging apparatus 102 and the radiation imaging apparatus 103 performs radiation imaging in synchronization with the radiation generation apparatus 105. The radiation imaging apparatus 102 and the radiation imaging apparatus 103 each transmit to the imaging control unit 1011 that radiation imaging has been performed.

  Here, the radiation imaging apparatus 102 and the radiation imaging apparatus 103 transition to a radiographable state in response to an instruction from the imaging control unit 1011, and perform radiography while synchronizing with the radiation generation apparatus 105. By this synchronization, the radiation imaging apparatus 102 and the radiation imaging apparatus 103 each generate a radiation image using the radiation emitted from the radiation generation apparatus 105. In the radiation imaging apparatus 102, the imaging control unit 1011 performs an imaging operation in synchronization with the radiation generation apparatus 105 to perform radiation imaging. The radiation imaging apparatus 102 and the radiation imaging apparatus 103 generate imaging information having a data size smaller than that of the radiation image based on the radiation image obtained by the imaging operation. The imaging information is used by the image acquisition unit 1015 to select a radiation imaging apparatus that acquires a radiation image. The radiation imaging apparatus 102 and the radiation imaging apparatus 103 transmit imaging information to the imaging control unit 1011.

  The radiation imaging apparatus 102 and the radiation imaging apparatus 103 calculate statistical information of pixel values of the generated radiation image as imaging information. The shooting information is transmitted to the shooting control unit 1011 as shooting information. Here, an average value of pixel values (hereinafter, pixel average value) is used as an example of statistical information. Of course, the statistical information is not limited to this, and for example, a maximum value, a median value, a variance value, or the like may be used. Alternatively, it may be statistical information such as a maximum value of a difference between adjacent pixel values or a width between a maximum value and a minimum value of pixel values. Further, there may be two or more pieces of statistical information to be calculated. The pixel value may be a luminance value or a density value. Here, the imaging control unit 1011 acquires the pixel average value from the radiation imaging apparatus 102 and the radiation imaging apparatus 103.

  The imaging control unit 1011 compares the pixel average values acquired from the radiation imaging apparatus 102 and the radiation imaging apparatus 103, and selects the radiation imaging apparatus that provides the largest pixel average value. In addition, although the structure which selects the radiography apparatus which provided the largest pixel average value was shown above, it is not limited to this. For example, a radiation imaging apparatus that provides statistical information closest to a preset threshold value may be selected. Further, the radiation imaging apparatus may be selected by comparing a plurality of statistical information. As a comparison of a plurality of statistical information, for example, a combination of “pixel average value” and “width of maximum value and minimum value of pixel value” may be used. In this case, the determination is basically made based on the “pixel average value”, and when the average value is not so different, the determination is made using the “width between the maximum value and the minimum value of the pixel value”. For example, when irradiation is performed with a narrow irradiation area, it is difficult for the difference in the pixel average value to appear between the radiographic images. Therefore, radiation that provides a significant radiographic image taking into account the “maximum and minimum widths of pixel values” Select an imaging device. Of course, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, when a radiography apparatus is normally selected with reference to the “maximum and minimum widths of pixel values” and there is no significant difference, The radiation imaging apparatus may be selected in consideration of “value”. This method is effective, for example, when there is no difference between “maximum pixel value and minimum value width” between radiographic images due to some noise or the like. Of course, other combinations of statistical information may be used. In addition, when the comparison result is the same and one radiographic apparatus cannot be selected, the radiographic apparatus that has transmitted the fact that the radiographing has been performed may be selected.

  The image acquisition unit 1015 acquires a radiation image from the selected radiation imaging apparatus (here, the radiation imaging apparatus 102). That is, the imaging control unit 1011 requests the first radiation imaging apparatus 102 to output an image, and the radiation imaging apparatus 102 acquires a radiographic image in response to an image output request from the imaging control unit 1011. To the unit 1015. The display unit 152 displays the radiation image output from the radiation imaging apparatus 102.

  FIG. 5A is a flowchart showing the operation of the radiation imaging system of the present invention. Hereinafter, the operation will be described with reference to a flowchart.

  In step S <b> 101, the operator issues a shooting start instruction via the input unit 150. The imaging start instruction is instructed by selecting the imaging region 201 or by selecting one of the combination 202 of the imaging region and the imaging posture. When a plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 can be imaged, when an imaging region is selected, a combination of an imaging region and an imaging posture associated with the imaging region is selected. When the plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 are not exchanged, the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 are associated with the combination of the imaging region and the imaging posture, respectively. Therefore, the radiation imaging apparatus that can perform imaging may be specified. At the same time, a plurality of shooting conditions associated with each are also specified.

  On the other hand, when a plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 can be imaged, when a combination of an imaging region and an imaging posture is selected, for example, when a chest standing position is selected, the selected imaging region and imaging posture are selected. Select all the combinations of the imaging part and the imaging posture that the combination imaging part has. When the chest is selected, a chest standing position, a chest position, and a chest portable related to the chest are selected. Also in this case, since the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 are associated with each combination, the radiation imaging apparatus that can perform imaging may be specified. Also, a plurality of shooting conditions associated with each is specified.

  In step S102, shooting conditions are collected. As a result of instructing the start of imaging in step S101, a plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 and a plurality of imaging conditions that enable imaging are specified. Here, a plurality of shooting conditions are collected and managed. Specifically, it is stored in a memory on a computer readable / writable by software that controls the photographing control apparatus 101.

  In step S103, an imaging condition is selected based on the irradiation direction or position of the radiation generator 105. The level of information that can be position-controlled varies depending on the type of radiation generator 105. Apparatus capable of managing and controlling the three-dimensional position and irradiation direction of the radiation generating apparatus 105, apparatus capable of managing and controlling the two-dimensional position and irradiation direction of the radiation generating apparatus 105, and apparatus capable of managing and controlling the irradiation direction of the radiation generating apparatus 105 and so on.

  An apparatus capable of managing and controlling the three-dimensional position and irradiation direction of the radiation generation apparatus 105 will be described. First, conditions for determining that the shooting posture is standing will be described. When the radiation generation apparatus is in the horizontal direction (lateral direction) and faces the direction of the radiation imaging apparatus 102 of the gantry 302, it is determined that the standing-up imaging is performed. Further, when the radiation generator 105 is on the vertical or horizontal extension line where the standing subject is installed, it may be determined that the standing imaging is performed.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a photographing room. A gantry 302 and a bed 304 are installed in the photographing room. As shown in FIG. 6, the radiation generator 105 is located at y1 <Y <y2, and in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), the limit value of the vertical movement of the radiation imaging apparatus 102 installed on the gantry 302 is set. If it is within the range, it can be determined that the shooting is standing. That is, the imaging condition selection unit 1014 can select one imaging condition based on the position of the radiation generator 105.

  Next, the conditions for determining the supine position will be described. Usually, the bed 304 for lying position shooting is fixed in the shooting room, and the vertical and horizontal positions in the shooting room are fixed. The radiation imaging apparatus 103 is installed in the bed 304, and the radiation generation apparatus 105 performs imaging by irradiating radiation downward from above the radiation imaging apparatus 103. Therefore, when the irradiation direction of the radiation generator 105 is the vertical direction (downward) and the radiation generator 105 is within the movement range of the radiation generator 105 in the bed 304 for the lying position photographing, the standing position photographing is performed. Judge.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, the position of the radiation generator 105 is in the state of x1 <X <x2 and y3 <Y <y4. Depending on the radiation imaging system, there is a case in which the radiation generation device 105 called an undertube is located under the bed 304 and the radiation imaging device is located on the bed 304. In this case, the radiation imaging device 103 is facing upward. That would be shooting. That is, the imaging condition selection unit 1014 can select one imaging condition based on the position of the radiation generation apparatus 105 and the orientation of the radiation imaging apparatus 103.

  If neither the standing position nor the lying position is met, it is determined to be portable. However, there are cases where portable shooting is performed on the bed 304. In this case, it is preferable to prioritize the determination with respect to either the saddle position shooting or the portable shooting in the combination of the shooting region and the shooting posture. For example, in the case of abdominal radiography, there are many cases where radiography apparatus 103 in bed 304 captures images, and in the case of extremity radiography, in a hospital where there are many portable radiographs, the abdominal position and cassette priority are the positions on the prone side The priority of the limbs and the priority of the cassette may be set to a high priority on the cassette side.

  Next, in the case of an apparatus capable of managing and controlling the two-dimensional position and irradiation direction of the radiation generation apparatus 105, it is determined that the irradiation generation direction of the radiation generation apparatus 105 is standing when the irradiation direction of the radiation generation apparatus 105 is horizontal (horizontal). If it is in the direction (downward), it is determined to be in a supine position or portable.

  These position determinations vary depending on the number of radiation imaging apparatuses and the type of position management information of the radiation generation apparatus 105. For this reason, it is preferable that various determination methods can be defined depending on the imaging technique of the hospital and the position management information of the radiation imaging apparatus and the radiation generation apparatus 105. It is also possible to set a priority for a default setting or a combination of an imaging region and an imaging posture. Information relating to the imaging posture is specified from the position of the radiation generator 105 by these methods. If information about the shooting posture is specified, shooting conditions corresponding to the information can be selected.

  In step S <b> 104, the imaging conditions are transmitted to the radiation generator 105. Here, the imaging conditions selected in step S103 are transmitted to the radiation generator.

  In step S105, the radiation imaging apparatus is instructed to transition to a radiographable state. In step S101, the radiographic apparatus that should be ready for imaging in accordance with the imaging start instruction is controlled so as to be ready for imaging, and the process proceeds to imaging operation.

  As described above, according to the radiation imaging system of the present embodiment, a plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 that generate radiation images based on the radiation irradiated from the radiation generation apparatus 105 and the irradiation direction or position of the radiation generation apparatus. An imaging condition selection unit 1014 that selects an imaging condition of the radiation generation apparatus 105, and radiation is emitted from the radiation generation apparatus 105 under the selected imaging condition. Of the plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103, radiation is emitted. The image acquisition part 1015 which acquires a radiographic image from one radiography apparatus is provided.

  Therefore, in a radiation imaging system that controls imaging by setting a plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses in the imaging enabled state, imaging conditions suitable for the situation of the radiation generator 105 can be set.

  Next, Example 2 will be described with reference to FIG. The difference from the first embodiment is that the imaging condition selection unit 1014 selects an imaging condition based on change information related to the position or irradiation direction of the radiation generator 105. FIG. 5B is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the radiation imaging system according to the second embodiment.

  In step S <b> 201, change information of the radiation generation apparatus 105 is transmitted from the radiation generation apparatus 105 to the radiation generation apparatus management unit 1013 of the imaging control apparatus 101. As described in the first embodiment, the position and irradiation direction of the radiation generator 105 can be changed in various ways. Therefore, when the position or irradiation direction of the radiation generation apparatus 105 is changed, the fact that the position or irradiation direction of the radiation generation apparatus 105 has been changed is transmitted to the radiation generation apparatus management unit 1013 of the imaging control apparatus 101. The change information may be transmitted at a specific sampling interval. When the movement start and movement end of the radiation generation apparatus 105 can be specified, the position and irradiation direction of the radiation generation apparatus 105 determined at the end of movement may be transmitted.

  In step S202, the radiographing apparatuses 102 and 103 check the radiographable state. The imaging control unit 1011 of the imaging control apparatus 101 that receives the transmission from the radiation generation apparatus 105 in step S201 determines whether or not the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 are ready for imaging. That is, the imaging control unit 1011 determines whether or not the plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 are in an imaging enabled state. This is because if the position is changed when the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 are in the imaging enabled state, the imaging posture of the radiation generating apparatus 105 may be changed. When the imaging posture is changed, it is necessary to change the imaging conditions of the radiation generator 105 according to the changed imaging posture. If the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 are not ready for imaging, the radiation generation apparatus management unit 1013 records the position, and the flowchart ends. If the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 are in the imaging enabled state, step S203 is performed.

  In step S203, shooting conditions are checked. Using the position of the radiation generating apparatus 105 transmitted in step S202, it is determined whether or not there is a change in the imaging posture as a result of specifying the imaging posture as described in the embodiment S103. In the case of fine correction of a position at a level where there is no change in the shooting posture, it is not particularly necessary to change the shooting conditions, and the flowchart ends. On the other hand, when the correction of the position where the imaging posture is changed has occurred, the imaging condition selection unit 1014 transmits the imaging condition corresponding to the specified imaging posture to the radiation generation apparatus 105. It is possible to move the radiation generation apparatus 105 while the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 are ready for imaging, but imaging is performed in a state where the radiation conditions can be irradiated during the movement and the imaging conditions are not intended. May end up. For this reason, it is preferable that the radiographing apparatuses 102 and 103 are released from the radiographable state before the radiation generator 105 starts moving, and returned to the radiographable state when the alignment of the radiation generator 105 is completed. In this case, the imaging condition selection unit 1014 selects the imaging conditions at the end of the alignment, transmits the optimal imaging conditions from the imaging control apparatus 101 to the radiation generation apparatus 105, and then images the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103. It should be possible.

  The above-described embodiment is an example. In particular, the location where the imaging control unit 1011, the radiation generation device management unit 1013, and the imaging condition control unit 1041 exist is the communication regardless of whether it is on the imaging control device 101 side or the radiation control device 104 side. There is no problem in terms of technology because there is only a change in information.

  Next, Example 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. The difference from the first and second embodiments is that a determination unit (image analysis unit 402) that determines at least an irradiation direction of the radiation generation apparatus 105 using an image of the monitoring camera 400 that captures the radiation generation apparatus 105 is provided. .

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the imaging room, the monitoring camera 400 that images the imaging room and the image output from the monitoring camera 400 are subjected to image analysis to determine the position or irradiation direction of the radiation generator 105. An image analysis unit 402 is provided. Note that description of the other components described in FIGS. 4 and 5 is omitted.

  The surveillance camera 400 is a video camera and is installed on the ceiling 310. The monitoring camera 400 images the imaging room so that the image of the monitoring camera 400 includes the radiation generator 105, the gantry 302, the bed 304, and the like. The surveillance camera 400 may have a tilt function for rotating the surveillance camera 400 itself and a zoom function for enlarging an image.

  A mode in which the monitoring camera 400 captures the radiation generator 105 will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a form in which the radiation generator 105 is photographed by the monitoring camera 400. The image analysis unit 402 recognizes the characteristics of the radiation generation apparatus 105 from the image obtained by capturing the radiation generation apparatus 105. The image analysis unit 402 analyzes in which direction the irradiation port of the radiation generation apparatus 105 is directed using an image processing method such as pattern matching.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8A, the irradiation port of the radiation generator 105 faces in the horizontal direction (right side). Therefore, the image analysis unit 402 can determine that the irradiation direction of the radiation generation apparatus 105 is the horizontal direction (lateral direction). In the example shown in FIG. 8B, the irradiation port of the radiation generator 105 faces downward (downward). Therefore, the image analysis unit 402 can determine that the irradiation direction of the radiation generator 105 is the vertical direction (downward).

  Further, the radiation generator 105 may be provided with a marker 800 corresponding to the irradiation direction of the radiation generator 105. Here, the marker 800 is an arrow, and the direction of the arrow coincides with the irradiation direction of the radiation generator 105. The image analysis unit 402 can determine the irradiation direction of the radiation generator 105 by analyzing the marker 800. In the example shown in FIG. 8A, the marker 800 attached to the radiation generation apparatus 105 is directed in the horizontal direction (right side). Therefore, the image analysis unit 402 can determine that the irradiation direction of the radiation generation apparatus 105 is the horizontal direction (lateral direction). In the example shown in FIG. 8B, the marker 800 attached to the radiation generator 105 is directed downward (downward). Therefore, the image analysis unit 402 can determine that the irradiation direction of the radiation generator 105 is the vertical direction (downward).

  The image analysis unit 402 transmits the irradiation direction of the radiation generation apparatus 105 to the radiation generation apparatus management unit 1013 of the imaging control apparatus 101.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8A, if the radiation direction of the radiation generator 105 is a horizontal direction, the imaging posture can be regarded as standing because radiation is applied to the gantry 302. Therefore, even when the operator selects only the imaging region of the chest via the input unit 150, the imaging posture of the chest standing can be specified based on the irradiation direction of the radiation generator 105.

  The radiation generation apparatus management unit 1013 transmits to the imaging condition selection unit 1014 that the irradiation direction of the radiation generation apparatus 105 is the horizontal direction. Then, the imaging condition selection unit 1014 recognizes that the imaging posture is standing, and selects an imaging condition based on the imaging region of the chest selected in advance by the operator. Here, the imaging condition selection unit 1014 can select the tube voltage 120 kv that is the imaging condition in the chest standing position. The imaging condition selection unit 1014 can similarly select a tube current and an irradiation time other than the tube voltage.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the image analysis unit 402 can also recognize the position of the radiation generation apparatus 105 from an image obtained by capturing the radiation generation apparatus 105.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a form in which the monitoring camera 400 images the radiation generator 105 and the bed 304. When it is determined that the irradiation direction of the radiation generation apparatus 105 is the vertical direction (downward direction), the image analysis unit 402 determines whether or not the radiation imaging apparatus 103 is on the bed 304. This is because if the radiation imaging apparatus 103 is in the bed 304, it can be identified as lying position imaging, and if the radiation imaging apparatus 103 is on the bed 304, it can be identified as portable imaging.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9A, the irradiation port of the radiation generator 105 faces downward (downward). Therefore, the image analysis unit 402 can determine that the irradiation direction of the radiation generator 105 is the vertical direction (downward). There is no radiation imaging apparatus 103 on the bed 304. Therefore, the image analysis unit 402 can determine that the radiation imaging apparatus 103 is in the bed 304.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9B, the irradiation port of the radiation generator 105 faces downward (downward). Therefore, the image analysis unit 402 can determine that the irradiation direction of the radiation generator 105 is the vertical direction (downward). Then, the image analysis unit 402 can determine that the radiation imaging apparatus 103 is on the bed 304.

  The image analysis unit 402 transmits the irradiation direction of the radiation generation apparatus 105 and the position of the radiation imaging apparatus 103 to the radiation generation apparatus management unit 1013 of the imaging control apparatus 101.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 9A, the radiation generation apparatus management unit 1013 notifies the imaging condition selection unit 1014 that the irradiation direction of the radiation generation apparatus 105 is the vertical direction and that the radiation imaging apparatus 103 is in the bed 304. introduce. Then, the imaging condition selection unit 1014 recognizes that the imaging posture is the supine position, and selects the imaging conditions based on the imaging region of the chest that is selected in advance by the operator. Here, the imaging condition selection unit 1014 can select the tube voltage 85 kv, which is the imaging condition in the chest position. The imaging condition selection unit 1014 can similarly select a tube current and an irradiation time other than the tube voltage.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9B, the radiation generation apparatus management unit 1013 indicates that the irradiation direction of the radiation generation apparatus 105 is the vertical direction and that the radiation imaging apparatus 103 is on the bed 304. 1014. Then, the imaging condition selection unit 1014 recognizes that the imaging posture is portable, and selects an imaging condition based on the imaging region of the chest selected by the operator in advance. Here, the imaging condition selection unit 1014 can select a tube voltage of 80 kv, which is an imaging condition for the chest portable. The imaging condition selection unit 1014 can similarly select a tube current and an irradiation time other than the tube voltage. As described above, the imaging condition selection unit 1014 can select imaging conditions based on the positional relationship between the radiation imaging apparatus 103 and the radiation generation apparatus 105 and the imaging region.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the radiation imaging system according to the third embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation will be described with reference to a flowchart.

  In step S <b> 301, the operator issues a shooting start instruction via the input unit 150. The operator selects the imaging region 201 via the input unit 150. Then, the surveillance camera 400 and the image analysis unit 402 for photographing the photographing room are driven.

  In step S <b> 302, the monitoring camera 400 captures the radiation generation apparatus 105, and the image analysis unit 402 analyzes in which direction the irradiation port of the radiation generation apparatus 105 is directed based on the image captured from the radiation generation apparatus 105. To do. Here, the image analysis unit 402 analyzes whether or not the irradiation direction of the radiation generation apparatus 105 is a horizontal direction based on an image obtained by capturing the radiation generation apparatus 105. When the irradiation direction of the radiation generator 105 is a horizontal direction, it progresses to S303. If the irradiation direction of the radiation generator 105 is not horizontal, the process proceeds to S304.

  In step S303, if the radiation direction of the radiation generator 105 is horizontal, the imaging posture can be regarded as standing because the radiation is irradiated to the gantry 302. Therefore, the radiation generation apparatus management unit 1013 can specify the imaging posture of standing based on the irradiation direction of the radiation generation apparatus 105.

  In step S <b> 304, the monitoring camera 400 captures the bed 304, and the image analysis unit 402 analyzes whether there is a radiation imaging apparatus on the bed 304 based on the image captured from the bed 304. Here, if there is no radiation imaging apparatus on the bed 304 based on the image obtained by imaging the bed 304, the image analysis unit 402 proceeds to S305. If there is a radiation imaging apparatus on the bed 304, the process proceeds to S306.

  In step S305, since the radiation direction of the radiation generator 105 is not horizontal and there is no radiation imaging apparatus on the bed 304, that is, the radiation imaging apparatus is installed in the bed 304, the imaging posture is regarded as the supine position. Can do. Therefore, the radiation generation apparatus management unit 1013 can specify the imaging posture of the supine position based on the irradiation direction of the radiation generation apparatus 105 and the position of the radiation imaging apparatus.

  In step S306, since the radiation direction of the radiation generator 105 is not horizontal and the radiation imaging apparatus is on the bed 304, the imaging posture can be regarded as portable. Therefore, the radiation generation apparatus management unit 1013 can specify the imaging posture of portable based on the irradiation direction of the radiation generation apparatus 105 and the position of the radiation imaging apparatus.

  Steps S307 to S309 are the same as steps S103 to S105 in FIG.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the irradiation direction of the radiation generation apparatus 105 is determined using at least the monitoring camera 400 that captures the radiation generation apparatus 105, it is possible to set imaging conditions suitable for the radiation generation apparatus. .

  Moreover, the computer program which implement | achieves the function of Examples 1-3 can be supplied to a computer via a network or a storage medium (not shown), and the said computer program can be performed. That is, the computer program is a program for realizing the function of the image processing apparatus by a computer. The storage medium stores the computer program.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 101 imaging control device 102 radiation imaging device 103 radiation imaging device 104 radiation control device 105 radiation generation device 150 input unit 152 display unit 160 input unit 1011 imaging control unit 1012 imaging condition management unit 1013 radiation generation device management unit 1014 imaging condition selection unit 1015 Image acquisition unit 1016 Communication unit 1041 Imaging condition control unit 1042 Radiation generation device control unit 1043 Communication unit

Claims (12)

A plurality of radiation imaging devices that generate radiation images based on radiation emitted from the radiation generation device;
An imaging condition selection means for selecting an imaging condition of the radiation generator based on an irradiation direction or position of the radiation generator;
Image acquisition means for acquiring radiation images from one radiation imaging apparatus irradiated with radiation from among the plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses. A characteristic radiography system. Provided with an input means for inputting the imaging region of the subject,
2. The imaging condition selecting unit selects an imaging condition of the radiation generating device based on an imaging region input by the input unit and an irradiation direction or position of the radiation generating device. Radiography system. Each of the plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses generates imaging information having a data size smaller than that of the radiation image based on the radiation image obtained by the imaging operation, and from the plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses based on the imaging information. An imaging control means for selecting one radiation imaging apparatus;
The radiographic system according to claim 1, wherein the image acquisition unit acquires a radiographic image from the selected one radiographic apparatus.   The radiation imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the imaging condition selection unit selects an imaging condition of the radiation generation device based on a positional relationship between the radiation imaging device and the radiation generation device.   2. The radiation imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the imaging condition selection unit selects an imaging condition for standing imaging when an irradiation direction of the radiation generator is a horizontal direction.   The radiation imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the imaging condition selection unit selects an imaging condition for supine imaging when the irradiation direction of the radiation generator is a vertical direction.   4. The imaging control unit controls a plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses to be in an imaging enabled state when an imaging condition of the radiation generating apparatus is selected by the imaging condition selection unit. The radiation imaging system described in 1.   The radiation imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the imaging condition selection unit selects an imaging condition of the radiation generating device based on a position of the radiation generating device and an orientation of the radiation imaging device.   The radiation imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the imaging condition selection unit selects an imaging condition based on change information relating to a position or an irradiation direction of the radiation generating apparatus.   The radiographic imaging according to claim 1, further comprising: a monitoring camera that images the radiation generating device; and a determination unit that determines a position or an irradiation direction of the radiation generating device using an image of the monitoring camera. system. A radiation imaging method using a plurality of radiation imaging devices that generate a radiation image based on radiation emitted from a radiation generation device,
Selecting an imaging condition of the radiation generator based on an irradiation direction or position of the radiation generator;
Irradiating radiation from the radiation generating device under the selected imaging conditions;
A radiation imaging method comprising: acquiring a radiation image from one radiation imaging apparatus irradiated with radiation among a plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses.   A computer program for causing a computer to execute the radiation imaging method according to claim 11.

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