JP2006087510A - Radiation image acquisition method, radiation image acquisition apparatus and computer program for radiation image display - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radiation image acquisition method to execute a radiation photographing, to transmit the radiation image data, to confirm a photographing condition at a destination of the transmission and to enable the improvement of the whole through put without wasting the transmission even when the photographing is determined to be improper and another photographing is required, a radiation image acquisition apparatus and a computer program for a radiation image display. <P>SOLUTION: The radiation image acquisition method is employed to irradiate a subject with the radiation to detect the radiation which penetrates the subject, acquire the radiation image data on the basis of the detection result, produce a reduced image data on the basis of the radiation image data, transmit the reduced image data, receive the transmitted reduced image data to display the reduced image, transmit the confirmed result information after the photographing condition is confirmed with the displayed reduced image, and execute the transmission of the radiation image data on the basis of the transmitted confirmed result information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiation image acquisition method, a radiation image acquisition device, and a computer program for displaying a radiation image.

  Conventionally, a subject such as a human body is irradiated with radiation from a radiation source such as X-rays or γ-rays for medical examinations, etc., and a wavelength conversion body such as a fluorescent plate is used to change the photosensitive wavelength range of the light receiving unit according to the transmitted dose of the subject. An imaging apparatus is known in which wavelength conversion is performed and this is converted into an electrical signal by a light receiving element to obtain image information as electrical information (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). Such an imaging device is also referred to as an FPD (Flat Panel Detector) when configured in a flat panel shape similar to a radiographic imaging cassette.

  Further, in such radiography for medical examination, it is necessary to confirm whether or not the imaging state is good after imaging, and re-imaging is executed when it is determined to be inappropriate. The confirmation of the shooting state includes, for example, confirmation of shooting quality such as image blur and image position.

  On the other hand, in a radiographic system using FPD, radiation image data obtained by reading with FPD is transferred to a personal computer (PC) for image recording or image display. In this case, the connection between FPD and PC is performed. In order to improve the operability as cordless, a radiography system using a wireless connection is known (for example, see Patent Document 2 below).

However, if the radiographic image data acquired by the FPD is transferred to the PC, the imaging state is confirmed, and if it is determined to be inappropriate and re-imaging is performed, the transfer of the image data from the FPD to the PC is wasted. End up. In particular, when data is transferred from the FPD to the PC by radio, the transfer rate of the data signal is low, so that there is a possibility that the overall throughput may be reduced due to transfer of useless image data.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-34595 JP 2003-210444 A

  In view of the above-described problems of the prior art, the present invention performs radiography, transfers radiographic image data, checks the radiographing state at the transfer destination, and determines that it is inappropriate and re-imaging is necessary. However, it is an object of the present invention to provide a radiological image acquisition method, a radiological image acquisition apparatus, and a computer program for displaying a radiographic image that can improve the overall throughput without wasting the transfer.

  In order to achieve the above object, a radiological image acquisition method according to the present invention includes a step of irradiating a subject with radiation and detecting radiation transmitted through the subject, obtaining radiation image data based on the detection result, Creating reduced image data based on radiation image data; transferring the reduced image data; receiving the transferred reduced image data and displaying the reduced image; and the displayed reduced image After confirming the imaging state, the step of transferring the confirmation result information and the step of transferring the radiation image data based on the transferred confirmation result information are included.

  According to this radiographic image acquisition method, reduced image data is created and transferred based on the radiographic image data obtained by radiography, and the confirmation result information is displayed after confirming the imaging state by displaying the reduced image at the transfer destination. Since it is transferred to the acquisition source and the transfer of radiation image data is executed based on the confirmation result information, if it is determined that the radiation image is inappropriate and re-imaging is necessary, the radiation image data is transferred from the acquisition source. Not transferred to the destination. For this reason, it is possible to improve the overall throughput without wastefully transferring radiation image data. In particular, when transferring from the acquisition source to the transfer destination wirelessly, the data transfer speed by wireless is slow, but the throughput can be greatly improved by eliminating the waste of sending the radiation image data that needs re-imaging.

  When the confirmation result information is good in the radiological image acquisition method, the radiation image data can be transferred when the confirmation result information is received.

  Further, when the confirmation result information is not transferred within a predetermined time, the acquisition source of the radiation image data may execute the transfer of the radiation image data.

  Further, when the result of the confirmation result is inappropriate, the radiation image data can be discarded based on the result of the confirmation result. Thus, when discarding the radiation image data, it is possible to prevent erroneous radiation image data from being erroneously erased by an erroneous operation or the like by storing it in the memory only for a predetermined time or until a predetermined storage capacity is reached.

  Further, the reduced image data can be created during or after recording of the radiation image data.

  The reduced image data can be created by performing a thinning process on the radiation image data. The reduced image data can be created by reducing the number of pixels of the radiation image data.

  In addition, it is preferable to display the reduced image while receiving the reduced image data, thereby reducing the sensational waiting time.

  Note that reduced image data is created based on the radiation image data obtained by radiation imaging, and the imaging state can be confirmed with the reduced image data transferred to the transfer destination. Since the capacity of the reduced image data is relatively small, the data transfer speed is improved, the transfer time is not so long, the time from the radiation imaging to the display of the reduced image data at the transfer destination can be shortened, and the throughput is reduced. In addition, it is possible to quickly and timely confirm the shooting state.

  The reduction rate of the reduced image is preferably in the range of 1/2 to 1/16000 of the original image from the viewpoint of improving the data transfer speed and the visibility of the display image. The time from radiation imaging to display of the reduced image data is preferably within 10 seconds, for example, and the upper limit of the reduction rate is determined in consideration of the wireless data transfer rate. Considering the above, it is more preferable that the reduction ratio of the reduced image is in the range of 1/100 to 1/10000 of the original image.

  Further, it is preferable that the reduced image data is transferred independently prior to the transfer of the radiation image data. Alternatively, the reduced image data may be transferred as supplementary information of the radiation image data. In this case, it is preferable that the reduced image is displayed when the reduced image data in the incidental information is received.

  The radiological image acquisition apparatus according to the present invention includes means for irradiating a subject with radiation and detecting the radiation transmitted through the subject, means for obtaining radiation image data based on the detection result, and a reduced image based on the radiation image data. Means for creating data, means for transferring the reduced image data to display the reduced image at an external transfer destination, and information on the result of confirmation after the shooting state is confirmed with the reduced image at the transfer destination. And means for executing transfer of the radiation image data to the transfer destination based on the transferred confirmation result information.

  According to this radiographic image acquisition apparatus, reduced image data is created and transferred based on the radiographic image data obtained by radiography, and the confirmation result information is displayed after confirming the imaging state by displaying the reduced image at the transfer destination. Since it is transferred to the acquisition source and the transfer of radiation image data is executed based on the confirmation result information, if it is determined that the radiation image is inappropriate and re-imaging is necessary, the radiation image data is transferred from the acquisition source. Not transferred to the destination. For this reason, it is possible to improve the overall throughput without wastefully transferring radiation image data. In particular, when transferring from the acquisition source to the transfer destination wirelessly, the data transfer speed by wireless is slow, but the throughput can be greatly improved by eliminating the waste of sending the radiation image data that needs re-imaging.

  When the confirmation result information is good in the radiological image acquisition apparatus, the radiation image data can be transferred when the confirmation result information is received.

  Further, when the confirmation result information is not transferred within a predetermined time, the radiation image data can be transferred to the acquisition source.

  Further, when the confirmation result is inappropriate, the radiation image data can be discarded based on the confirmation result. Thus, when discarding the radiation image data, it is possible to prevent erroneous radiation data from being erroneously erased by an erroneous operation or the like by storing in the memory means for a predetermined time or until a predetermined storage capacity is reached. .

  The reduced image data is preferably created during or after recording the radiation image data in the memory means.

  The reduced image data can be created by performing a thinning process on the radiation image data. The reduced image data can be created by reducing the number of pixels of the radiation image data.

  A program according to the present invention is a computer program for displaying a radiation image, and generates radiation image data based on radiation image data obtained by irradiating a subject with radiation and detecting radiation transmitted through the subject. Receiving the reduced image data transferred from the image acquisition device, displaying the reduced image, and obtaining the radiographic image of the confirmation result information after the imaging state is confirmed with the displayed reduced image. Transferring to the apparatus, and causing the computer to execute.

  According to this program, reduced image data is created and transferred based on radiographic image data obtained by radiography, and after confirming the imaging state by displaying the reduced image at the transfer destination, the confirmation result information is obtained from the acquisition source. Since the radiographic image data is transferred based on the confirmation result information, the radiographic image data is transferred from the acquisition source to the transfer destination when it is determined that the radiographic image is inappropriate and re-imaging is required. Not transferred. For this reason, it is possible to improve the overall throughput without wastefully transferring radiation image data. In particular, when transferring from the acquisition source to the transfer destination wirelessly, the data transfer speed by wireless is slow, but the throughput can be greatly improved by eliminating the waste of sending the radiation image data that needs re-imaging.

  In the above program, the reduced image data can be received independently. Further, the radiographic image data is transferred from the radiographic image acquisition apparatus that has received the confirmation result information, and the transferred radiographic image data can be received. In addition, it is preferable to display the reduced image while receiving the reduced image data, thereby reducing the sensational waiting time.

  According to the radiographic image acquisition method, radiographic image acquisition apparatus, and computer program for radiographic image display of the present invention, radiographic imaging is performed, radiographic image data is transferred, and the imaging state is confirmed at the transfer destination. Even if it is determined that re-photographing is required, the overall throughput can be improved without wasting the transfer.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a radiographic image acquisition system that performs radiography on a patient and acquires the radiographic image in the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the radiological image acquisition system of FIG.

  The radiation image acquisition system in FIG. 1 emits radiation (X-rays) 100 from a radiation source 101 controlled by a radiation generation control device 102 to a patient P who is a radiographic subject in a prone state on a bed 110. The transmitted radiation that has passed through the imaging target region of the patient P is detected by the flat panel radiation image detector 5 disposed so as to be sandwiched between the bed 110 and the patient P.

  The radiation source 101 is generally a fixed anode or a rotary anode X-ray tube, and the X-ray tube has an anode load voltage of, for example, 20 kV to 150 kV when medical.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the radiation image detector 5 generates radiation image data based on the detection result of the transmitted radiation, stores the radiation image data in the memory unit 31, and uses the generated radiation image data as a data wireless signal. m is transferred from the detector communication unit 35 to the image processing apparatus 1 as a transfer destination wirelessly.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the image processing apparatus 1 receives the radio data m of the radiographic image data from the radiographic image detector 5 by the PC communication unit 4 under the control of the control unit 6, and The radiographic image is displayed on the screen 3, the image processing unit 7 performs image processing such as predetermined frequency processing and gradation processing, and the radiographic image data after the image processing is stored in the memory unit 9, and the output unit 8 is output to a display device, a database server, a printer or the like in the examination room. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the image processing apparatus 1 can transmit the wireless signal n from the PC communication unit 4 to the detector communication unit 35 of the radiation image detector 5.

  The image processing apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 includes a so-called personal computer. In addition to the display unit 2 including a liquid crystal display and a CRT, the computer main body (PC), a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, and the like Input device (not shown). In general, the image processing apparatus 1 is installed outside the imaging room, and the PC communication unit 4 is installed in the imaging room.

  As described above, in the radiographic image acquisition system of FIG. 1, a radiographic image of the patient P obtained by radiography is detected and generated by the radiographic image detector 5, transferred to the image processing apparatus 1, and image processed by the image processing apparatus 1. , Can be output in a diagnostic state and saved.

  Further, in the radiographic image acquisition system of FIG. 1, the control circuit 30 of the radiographic image detector 5 generates reduced image data based on the radiographic image data in the reduced image generation unit 29, and the data radio signal m is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 1. The reduced image is displayed on the screen 3 of the display unit 2 by the image processing apparatus 1 that has been transferred and received via the PC communication unit 4, and it is possible to check the quality of shooting such as image blur and image position. The image processing apparatus 1 transmits quality confirmation result information from the PC communication unit 4 to the radiation image detector 5 as a radio signal n. Confirmation of imaging quality in the image processing apparatus 1 is performed by, for example, a radiographer touching a confirmation button on the screen 3 of the display unit 2, inputting from an input device such as a keyboard, or inputting by voice from a voice recognition device. it can.

  Further, the radiation image detector 5 transfers the radiation image data based on the confirmation result information received via the detector communication unit 35 or discards the radiation image data in the memory unit 31.

  1 and 5 uses radio waves for wireless communication between the detector communication unit 35 and the PC communication unit 4, but the present invention is not limited to this, and infrared communication or optical communication may be used. .

  Next, the radiation image detector 5 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the radiation image detector of FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration of the radiation image detector of FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the imaging panel of FIG.

  The radiological image detector 5 is an FPD (flat panel detector) configured to be portable in a flat panel shape and constitutes a radiographic image acquisition device. The present applicant previously disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-344545. This will be described with reference to a configuration example.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the radiation image detector 5 includes an imaging panel 21, a control circuit 30 that controls the operation of the radiation image detector 5, and a rewritable read-only memory such as a flash memory. A memory unit 31 that stores the image signal output from the operation unit 32, an operation unit 32 for switching the operation of the radiographic image detector 5, and completion of radiographic imaging preparation or a predetermined amount of image signal is written in the memory unit 31. 1, a power supply unit 34 that supplies power required to drive the imaging panel 21 to obtain an image signal, the radiation image detector 5, and the PC communication unit 4 in FIG. 1. And a detector communication unit 35 for performing wireless communication between them, and these are accommodated in a flat rectangular housing 40.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the imaging panel 21 includes a scanning drive circuit 25 that reads the stored electrical energy according to the intensity of the irradiated radiation, a signal selection circuit 27 that outputs the stored electrical energy as an image signal, Have

  The casing 40 preferably has an outer shape made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, which is a material that can withstand external impacts and is as light as possible. The radiation incident surface side of the casing 40 is a non-metal that easily transmits radiation, for example, It is configured using carbon fiber or the like. Further, on the back side opposite to the radiation incident surface, it is generated for the purpose of preventing the radiation from passing through the radiation image detector 5 or when the material constituting the radiation image detector 5 absorbs the radiation 2. In order to prevent influence from secondary radiation, a material that effectively absorbs radiation, such as a lead plate, is used. Further, inside the housing 40, the scanning drive circuit 25, the signal selection circuit 27, the control circuit 30, the memory unit 31 and the like are covered with a radiation shielding member (not shown), and radiation inside the housing 40 is detected. Scattering is prevented, and radiation of each circuit is prevented.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the imaging panel 21 has a two-dimensionally arranged collection electrode 220 for reading the stored electrical energy in accordance with the intensity of the irradiated radiation. Electric energy is stored in the capacitor 221 as one electrode. One collection electrode 220 corresponds to one pixel of the radiation image.

  Between the pixels, scanning lines 223-1 to 223-m and signal lines 224-1 to 224-n are disposed so as to be orthogonal, for example. The capacitor 221- (1,1) is connected to a transistor 222- (1,1) made of a silicon laminated structure or an organic semiconductor. The transistor 222- (1,1) is, for example, a field effect transistor, and the drain electrode or the source electrode is connected to the collecting electrode 220- (1,1), and the gate electrode is connected to the scanning line 223-1. The When the drain electrode is connected to the collecting electrode 220- (1,1), the source electrode is connected to the signal line 224-1, and when the source electrode is connected to the collecting electrode 220- (1,1), the drain electrode is connected to the signal line 224-1. Connected to line 224-1. Similarly, the scanning line 223 and the signal line 224 are connected to the collecting electrode 220, the capacitor 221 and the transistor 222 of other pixels.

As shown in a partial cross-sectional view of the imaging panel 21 in FIG. 4, a first layer 211 that is a scintillator layer that emits light according to the intensity of incident radiation is provided on the radiation irradiation surface side. Here, the first layer 211 is irradiated with X-rays (radiation), which is electromagnetic waves that pass through a human body or the like having a wavelength of about 1 mm (1 × 10 ⁻¹⁰ m), for example, from the radiation source 101 of FIG.

  The first layer 211 is mainly composed of a phosphor, and based on incident radiation, an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength of 300 nm to 800 nm, that is, an electromagnetic wave (light) ranging from ultraviolet light to infrared light centering on visible light. Is output. The phosphors used in the first layer 211 are tungstate phosphors, terbium activated rare earth oxysulfide phosphors, terbium activated rare earth phosphate phosphors, terbium activated rare earth oxyhalide phosphors, cesium iodide. However, the present invention is not limited to these, and any phosphor that outputs an electromagnetic wave in a region where the light receiving element has sensitivity such as the visible, ultraviolet, or infrared region by irradiation of radiation may be used.

  Next, a second layer 212 that converts electromagnetic waves (light) output from the first layer into electrical energy is formed on the side of the first layer 211 opposite to the radiation irradiation surface side. The second layer 212 includes a diaphragm 212a, a transparent electrode film 212b, a hole conduction layer 212c, a charge generation layer 212d, an electron conduction layer 212e, and a conduction layer 212f from the first layer 211 side. Here, the charge generation layer 212d contains an organic compound capable of photoelectric conversion, that is, an organic compound capable of generating electrons and holes by electromagnetic waves (light), and is separated into several functions in order to smoothly perform photoelectric conversion. For example, the second layer is configured as shown in FIG.

The diaphragm 212a is for separating the first layer 211 from other layers, and for example, Oxi-nitride is used. The transparent electrode film 212b is formed using a conductive transparent material such as indium tin oxide (ITO), SnO ₂ , or ZnO. In the formation of the transparent electrode film 212b, a thin film can be formed using a method such as vapor deposition or sputtering. In addition, a pattern having a desired shape may be formed by a photolithography method, or when high pattern accuracy is not required (about 100 μm or more), a mask having a desired shape is used during vapor deposition or sputtering of the electrode material. A pattern may be formed.

  In the charge generation layer 212d, electrons and holes are generated by the electromagnetic wave (light) output from the first layer 211. The holes generated here are collected in the hole conduction layer 212c, and the electrons are collected in the electron conduction layer 212e. In this structure, the hole conduction layer 212c and the electron conduction layer 212e are not necessarily essential.

  The conductive layer 212f is made of, for example, chromium. In addition, a general metal electrode or the transparent electrode can be selected, but in order to obtain good characteristics, a metal, an alloy, an electrically conductive compound and a mixture thereof having a small work function (4.5 eV or less) are used. What is used as an electrode material is preferable. Specific examples of such electrode materials include, but are not limited to, sodium, sodium-potassium alloy, magnesium, lithium, and aluminum. The conductive layer 212f can be generated using a method such as vapor deposition or sputtering using these electrode materials as raw materials.

  Next, the charge generation layer 212d is formed using an organic compound that forms an aggregate of cyanine dyes or a J aggregate. Cyanine dyes are widely used as spectral sensitizers for silver halide photography. In the J aggregate, electrons constituting the dye molecule are absorbed by absorbing visible light, and the excited electrons move to the silver halide grains, so that the silver halide grains are exposed. This cyanine dye is generally said to form a dye molecule aggregate on silver halide grains. When the dye molecule forms an aggregate, the dye molecule itself is stabilized.

  Next, the third layer 213 that accumulates the electric energy obtained in the second layer 212 and outputs a signal based on the accumulated electric energy is provided on the side opposite to the radiation irradiation surface side of the second layer 212. Is formed. The third layer 213 includes a capacitor 221 that stores the electrical energy generated in the second layer 212 for each pixel, and a transistor 222 that is a switching element for outputting the stored electrical energy as a signal. . Note that the third layer is not limited to the one using the switching element, and may be configured to generate and output a signal corresponding to the energy level of the stored electrical energy, for example.

  As the transistor 222, for example, a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) is used. This TFT may be an inorganic semiconductor type used in a liquid crystal display or the like or an organic semiconductor type, and is preferably a TFT formed on a plastic film. As the TFT formed on the plastic film, an amorphous silicon type is known.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the transistor 222 that is a switching element accumulates electrical energy generated in the second layer 212 and is connected to a collecting electrode 220 that is one electrode of the capacitor 221. . The capacitor 221 stores the electric energy generated in the second layer 212, and the stored electric energy is read by driving the transistor 222. In other words, a radiation image can be generated for each pixel by driving the switching element. In FIG. 4, the transistor 222 includes a gate electrode 222a, a source electrode (drain electrode) 222b, a drain electrode (source electrode) 222c, an organic semiconductor layer 222d, and an insulating layer 222e.

  The fourth layer 214 is a substrate of the imaging panel 21. The substrate preferably used as the fourth layer 214 is a plastic film, and examples of the plastic film include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethersulfone (PES), polyetherimide, and polyetheretherketone. , Films made of polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyimide, polycarbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate (TAC), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), and the like. Thus, by using a plastic film, it is possible to reduce the weight as compared with the case of using a glass substrate and to improve resistance to impact.

  Furthermore, the power supply unit 34 may be provided on the side opposite to the third layer side surface of the fourth layer 214. The power supply unit 34 is a primary battery such as a manganese battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a mercury battery, or a lead battery. The battery may be a secondary battery such as a rechargeable nickel polymer secondary battery or a lithium ion polymer battery. The battery preferably has a flat plate shape so that the FPD can be thinned.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the imaging panel 21, initialization transistors 232-1 to 232-n, for example, drain electrodes connected to the signal lines 224-1 to 224-n are provided. The source electrodes of the transistors 232-1 to 232-n are grounded. The gate electrode is connected to the reset line 231.

  The scanning lines 223-1 to 223-m and the reset line 231 of the imaging panel 21 are connected to the scanning drive circuit 25 as shown in FIG. When the readout signal RS is supplied from the scanning drive circuit 25 to one of the scanning lines 223-1 to 223 -m, the scanning line 223 -p (p is any value from 1 to m). The transistors 222- (p, 1) to 222- (p, n) connected to -p are turned on, and the electricity stored in the capacitors 221- (p, 1) to 221- (p, n) Energy is read out to the signal lines 224-1 to 224-n, respectively. The signal lines 224-1 to 224-n are connected to the signal converters 271-1 to 271-n of the signal selection circuit 27. In the signal converters 271-1 to 271-n, the signal lines 224-1 to 224 are connected. Voltage signals SV-1 to SV-n proportional to the amount of electric energy read on -n are generated. The voltage signals SV-1 to SV-n output from the signal converters 271-1 to 271-n are supplied to the register 272.

  In the register 272, the supplied voltage signal is sequentially selected and converted into a digital image signal for one scanning line (for example, 12 bits to 14 bits) by the A / D converter 273, and the control circuit 30 performs scanning. A scanning signal is supplied to each of the lines 223-1 to 223-m through the scanning drive circuit 25 to perform image scanning, and a digital image signal for each scanning line is captured to generate an image signal of a radiation image. Do. This image signal is supplied to the control circuit 30.

  Further, the reset signal RT is supplied from the scanning drive circuit 25 to the reset line 231 to turn on the transistors 232-1 to 232-n, and the readout signal RS is supplied to the scanning lines 223-1 to 223-m. When the transistors 222- (1,1) to 222- (m, n) are turned on, the electric energy stored in the capacitors 221- (1,1) to 221- (m, n) is converted to the transistors 232-1 to The imaging panel 21 can be initialized by being emitted through 232-n.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a memory unit 31, an operation unit 32, and a communication unit 35 are connected to the control circuit 30, and radiation is based on an operation signal PS from the operation unit 32 and a radio signal n from the image processing apparatus 1. The operation of the image detector 5 is controlled.

  The operation unit 32 is provided with a plurality of switches. Based on the operation signal PS corresponding to the switch operation from the operation unit 32 or the radio signal n from the image processing apparatus 1, the imaging panel 21 is initialized and the radiographic image is displayed. A signal is generated.

  Further, the control circuit 30 performs processing for storing the generated image signal in the memory unit 31 and wirelessly transfers the data signal as the data wireless signal m from the detector communication unit 35 to the PC communication unit 4 in FIGS. .

  As described above, the radiographic image detector 5 of FIGS. 2 to 4 is configured to have a flat panel type portable structure by integrating the imaging panel, the power supply unit, the memory unit, and the like, so that radiographic images can be easily captured. It can be carried out.

  The imaging panel 21 in FIGS. 3 and 4 described above is a photoelectric conversion element made of an organic substance, but may be a photoelectric conversion element made of an inorganic substance, and the applicant of the present invention has disclosed an imaging panel having such a configuration in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-250152. A description will be given with reference to the disclosed configuration example. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a radiation image detector configured from an imaging panel including a photoelectric conversion element made of an inorganic material. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the imaging panel of FIG.

  The radiographic image detector 5 having the configuration shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is an FPD (flat panel detector) configured to be portable in a flat panel shape as in FIG. 2, and constitutes a radiographic image acquisition device.

  The radiological image detector 5 in FIGS. 8 and 9 is configured from the imaging panel 21 using an imaging panel 21, a control circuit 30 that controls the operation of the radiographic image detector 5, and a rewritable read-only memory such as a flash memory. A memory unit 31 that stores the output image signal, a power source unit 34 that supplies power necessary to drive the imaging panel 21 to obtain the image signal, the radiation image detector 5, and the PC communication in FIG. And a detector communication unit 35 for performing wireless communication with the unit 4, and these are accommodated in a flat rectangular housing 40.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the imaging panel 21 includes a scanning drive circuit 25 that reads the stored electrical energy according to the intensity of the irradiated radiation, a signal selection circuit 27 that outputs the stored electrical energy as an image signal, Have

  The casing 40 preferably has an outer shape made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, which is a material that can withstand external impacts and is as light as possible. The radiation incident surface side of the casing 40 is a non-metal that easily transmits radiation, for example, It is configured using carbon fiber or the like. Further, on the back side opposite to the radiation incident surface, it is generated for the purpose of preventing the radiation from passing through the radiation image detector 5 or when the material constituting the radiation image detector 5 absorbs the radiation 2. In order to prevent influence from secondary radiation, a material that effectively absorbs radiation, such as a lead plate, is used.

  Further, inside the housing 40, the scanning drive circuit 25, the signal selection circuit 27, the control circuit 30, the memory unit 31 and the like are covered with a radiation shielding member (not shown), and radiation inside the housing 40 is detected. Scattering is prevented, and radiation of each circuit is prevented. The power supply unit 34 may be, for example, a primary battery such as a manganese battery, a nickel / cadmium battery, a mercury battery, or a lead battery, a secondary battery such as a rechargeable nickel polymer secondary battery or a lithium ion polymer battery. The flat plate shape is preferable so that the FPD can be thinned.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the imaging panel 21 detects visible light converted by the scintillator, and photoelectrically converts this visible light into an image signal carrying a radiographic image of the subject. ˜412− (m, n) are two-dimensionally arranged. Scanning lines 421-1 to 421-m and signal lines 422-1 to 422-n are disposed between the photoelectric conversion elements 412 so as to be orthogonal to each other, for example. One transistor 423- (1,1) is connected to the photoelectric conversion element 412- (1,1). For example, a field effect transistor is used as the transistor 423- (1,1), the drain electrode or the source electrode is connected to the photoelectric conversion element 412- (1,1), and the gate electrode is the scanning line 421-. Connected with 1. When the drain electrode is connected to the photoelectric conversion element 412- (1,1), the source electrode is connected to the signal line 422-1, and when the source electrode is connected to the photoelectric conversion element 412- (1,1), the drain electrode Is connected to the signal line 422-1. In this way, one pixel is formed.

  Similarly, a transistor 423 is connected to the other photoelectric conversion element 412, a scanning line 421 is connected to a gate electrode of the transistor 423, and a signal line 422 is connected to a source electrode or a drain electrode.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the photoelectric conversion element 412 includes a photodiode including a signal line 413 formed of a conductive film patterned on a substrate 411, an amorphous silicon layer 414, and a transparent electrode 415. The signal line 413 is connected to the drain electrode 423d (or the source electrode 423s) of the thin film transistor 423 formed over the substrate 411. In addition, a scanning line is connected to the gate electrode 423 g of the thin film transistor 423, and a source electrode 423 s (or a drain electrode 423 d) is connected to the signal line 422. Note that a gate insulating film 424 and a semiconductor layer 425 are provided between the source electrode 423 s and the drain electrode 423 d and the gate electrode 423 g.

  A phosphor layer (scintillator layer) 430 is formed on the photoelectric conversion element 412, and a support 431 is provided on the back surface (X-ray source side) in some cases. Note that a protective layer 432 is provided on the surface of the phosphor layer 430 as will be described later. When the phosphor layer 430 is attached on the photoelectric conversion element 412, the gap between the photoelectric conversion element 412 and the phosphor layer 430 is reduced. A protective layer 432 is interposed between the two layers.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the scanning lines 421-1 to 421-m of the imaging panel 21 are connected to the scanning drive circuit 25, and the signal lines 422-1 to 422-n are connected to the charge detectors 425-1 to 425-1. 425-n. Here, when the charge reading signal RS is supplied from the scanning drive circuit 25 to one of the scanning lines 421-1 to 421 -m, the scanning line 421 -p (p is any value from 1 to m). Transistors 423- (p, 1) to 425- (p, n) connected to the scanning line 421-p are turned on, and photoelectric conversion elements 412- (p, 1) to 412- (p, n) ) Is supplied to the charge detectors 425-1 to 425-n via the signal lines 422-1 to 422-n. In the charge detectors 425-1 to 425-n, voltage signals SV-1 to SV-n proportional to the amount of charge supplied via the signal lines 422-1 to 422-n are generated. The voltage signals SV-1 to SV-n output from the charge detectors 425-1 to 425-n are supplied to the signal selection circuit 27.

  The signal selection circuit 27 is configured using a register 45a and an A / D converter 45b, and a voltage signal is supplied to the register 45a from the charge detectors 425-1 to 425-n. In the register 45a, the supplied voltage signals are sequentially selected and converted into digital data by the A / D converter 45b. This data is supplied to the control circuit 30.

  The control circuit 30 generates the scanning control signal RC and the output control signal SC based on the control signal CTD included in the wireless signal n received from the image processing apparatus 1 (FIG. 1) via the communication unit 35. The scanning control signal RC is supplied to the scanning drive circuit 25, and the charge readout signal RS is supplied to the scanning lines 421-1 to 421-m based on the scanning control signal RC. Further, the output control signal SC is supplied to the signal selection circuit 27, and the selection operation of the voltage signals from the charge detectors 425-1 to 425-n stored in the register 45a is controlled and the selected voltage signal. Is converted to a data signal and supplied from the signal selection circuit 27 to the control circuit 30 as image data DT.

  In the control circuit 30, the image data DT is transmitted as a radio signal m to the image processing apparatus 1 (FIG. 1) via the communication unit 35. If the logarithmic conversion processing of the image data is performed when the image data DT is supplied to the image processing device 1, the processing of the image data in the image processing device 1 can be simplified. The logarithmic conversion described above may be performed simultaneously when the read charge amount is converted into the voltage signal SV by the charge detector 425. Thus, by using the A / D converter 45b as digital data after logarithmic conversion, the resolution of the radiation information in the region where the voltage signal SV is small can be increased.

  The phosphor layer 430 of the image pickup panel 21 in FIG. 9 is formed by applying a phosphor coating composed of a phosphor and a binder to a support to form the phosphor layer, and then attaching the phosphor layer to the photoelectric conversion element side. The method of attaching is used. In addition, the phosphor coating is applied to the temporary support, and then dried and peeled to form a sheet-like phosphor layer, which is applied, or the phosphor coating is sprayed to form the phosphor layer. The phosphor coating material may be applied to the photoelectric conversion element directly or via a protective layer.

  In order to form the phosphor layer 430, first, a binder and a phosphor are added to an appropriate organic solvent, and a disperser or a ball mill is used to stir and mix so that the phosphor is uniform in the binder. A phosphor coating dispersed in is prepared.

Examples of phosphors include tungstate phosphors (CaWO ₄ , MgWO, CaWO ₄ : Pb, etc.), terbium activated rare earth oxysulfide phosphors [Y ₂ O ₂ S: Tb, Gd ₂ O ₂ S: Tb, La ₂ O ₂ S: Tb, (Y, Gd) ₂ O ₂ S: Tb, (Y, Gd) O ₂ S: Tb, Tm, etc.], terbium-activated rare earth phosphate phosphor (YPO ₄ : Tb, GdPO ₄ : Tb, LaPO ₄ : Tb, etc.), terbium activated rare earth oxyhalide phosphors (LaOBr: Tb, LaOBr: Tb, Tm, LaOCl: Tb, LaOCl: Tb, Tm, LaOCl: Tb, Tm, LaOBr: Tb) , GdOBr: Tb, GdOCl: Tb, etc.), thulium activated rare earth oxyhalide phosphors (LaOBr: Tm, LaOCl: Tm, etc.), barium sulfate Phosphors [BaSO ₄ : Pb, BaSO ₄ : Eu ²⁺ , (Ba, Sr) SO ₄ : Eu ²⁺ etc.], divalent europium activated alkaline earth metal phosphate phosphors [(Ba ₂ PO ₄ ) ₂ : Eu ²⁺ , (Ba ₂ PO ₄ ) 2: Eu ^2+, etc.] Divalent europium-activated alkaline earth metal fluoride halide-based phosphors [BaFCl: Eu ²⁺ , BaFBr: Eu ²⁺ , BaFCl: Eu ²⁺ , Tb, BaFBr: Eu ²⁺ , Tb, BaF ₂ · BaCl · KCl: Eu ²⁺ , (Ba · Mg) F ₂ · BaCl · KCl: Eu ²⁺ etc.], iodide phosphors (CsI: Na, CsI: Tl, NaI, KI: Tl, etc.), sulfide-based phosphors [ZnS: Ag (Zn, Cd) S: Ag, (Zn, Cd) S: Cu, (Zn, Cd) S: Cu, Al, etc.], phosphoric acid Bromide phosphor _{(HfP 2} O 7: Cu, etc.), tantalum based phosphor _{(YTaO 4, YTaO 4: Tm} , YTaO 4: Nb, [Y, Sr] TaO 4-X: Nb, LuTaO 4, LuTaO ₄ : Nb, [Lu, Sr] TaO _{4 -X} : Nb, GdTaO ₄ : Tm, Gd ₂ O ₃ .Ta ₂ O ₅ .B ₂ O ₃ : Tb, etc.), particularly Gd ₂ O ₂ S : Tb, CsI: Tl are desirable.

  However, the phosphor is not limited to those described above, and any phosphor can be used as long as it emits light in the visible region upon irradiation with radiation, and the photoelectric conversion element has sensitivity to the emission wavelength.

  Here, the average particle diameter of the phosphor increases the filling rate of the phosphor in the phosphor layer, enables high-definition light emission, and can reduce scattering of the phosphor emission in the phosphor layer. Thus, it is 0.5 μm or more and 10 μm or less, preferably 1 μm or more and 5 μm or less.

  Solvents for preparing phosphor paints include lower alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, n-propanol and n-butanol, chlorine atom-containing hydrocarbons such as methylene chloride and ethylene chloride, ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone and methyl isobutyl ketone, Aromatic compounds such as toluene, benzene, cyclohexane, cyclohexanone, xylene, esters of lower fatty acids and lower alcohols such as methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, dioxane, ethylene glycol monoethyl ester, ethylene glycol monomethyl ester Mention may be made of ethers and their inclusions.

  It should be noted that the phosphor paint has a dispersant for improving the dispersibility of the phosphor in the paint, or a plastic for improving the binding force between the binder and the phosphor in the formed phosphor layer. Various additives such as an agent may be mixed.

  Examples of the dispersant include phthalic acid, stearic acid, caproic acid, lipophilic surfactant and the like. Examples of plasticizers include phosphates such as triphenyl phosphate, tricresyl phosphate and diphenyl phosphate, phthalates such as diethyl phthalate and dimethoxyethyl phthalate, glycols such as ethyl phthalyl ethyl glycolate and butyl phthalbutyl glycolate Examples thereof include acid esters, polyesters of triethylene glycol and adipic acid, polyesters of polyethylene glycol and aliphatic dibasic acid such as polyesters of diethylene glycol and oxalic acid, and the like.

  A coating film of the coating material is formed by uniformly applying the phosphor coating material containing the phosphor and the binder prepared as described above to the surface of the support or the temporary support for forming the sheet.

  The thickness of the phosphor layer 430 is preferably 20 to 150 μm and preferably 20 to 100 μm in order to obtain a sufficient amount of stimulated emission light and to reduce light scattering in the phosphor layer. Is desirable.

  As this coating means, for example, a doctor blade, a roll coater, a knife coater, an extrusion coater or the like can be used.

  As the support 431 in FIG. 9, for example, those made of various materials such as glass, wool, cotton, paper, and metal can be used. However, in terms of handling as an information recording material, a flexible sheet or What can be processed into a roll is preferable. From this point, for example, cellulose acetate film, polyester film, polyethylene terephthalate film, polyamide film, polyimide film, triacetate film, plastic film such as polycarbonate film, metal sheet such as aluminum foil, aluminum alloy foil, general paper, and photographic base paper, for example Printing paper such as coated paper or art paper, baryta paper, resin-coated paper, paper sized with polysaccharides as described in Belgian Patent No. 784,615, titanium dioxide, etc. Particularly preferred are processed papers such as pigmented pigmented paper and paper sized with polyvinyl alcohol.

  In order to reinforce the bond between the support 431 and the phosphor layer 430, an undercoat layer is provided on the support surface by applying a polymer material such as polyester or gelatin to provide adhesion, and image quality (sharpness, graininess) In order to improve the above, a light absorbing layer made of a light absorbing material such as carbon black may be provided to absorb at least a part of light emitted from the scintillator. Although those structures can be arbitrarily selected according to the purpose and application, a carbon black-containing black polyethylene terephthalate support is preferred.

  The phosphor layer 430 is provided with a protective layer 432 for physically and chemically protecting the surface opposite to the side in contact with the support 431 described above. The protective layer 432 is made of, for example, a cellulose derivative such as cellulose acetate or nitrocellulose, or a synthetic polymer substance such as polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl formal, polycarbonate, polyvinyl acetate, vinyl chloride, or vinyl acetate copolymer. It can be formed by a method in which a solution prepared by dissolving in a solvent is applied to the surface of the phosphor layer. These polymer substances can be used alone or in combination. Further, when the protective layer 432 is formed by coating, it is desirable to add a cross-linking agent immediately before coating. Alternatively, it can be formed by a method of bonding a plastic sheet made of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene, polyvinylidene chloride, polyamide or the like using an adhesive.

  Further, it is preferably formed of a coating film containing a fluorine resin soluble in an organic solvent. The fluorine-based resin refers to a polymer of olefin containing fluoro (fluoroolefin) or a copolymer containing olefin containing fluorine as a copolymer component. The protective layer formed of the fluorine resin coating film may be cross-linked. Further, for the purpose of improving the film strength and the like, a fluorine-based resin and other polymer substances may be mixed.

  Such a protective layer 432 has a thickness of 0.5 to 10 μm, preferably 1 to 3 μm. By using such a thin protective layer 432, the distance between the phosphor layer 430 and the photoelectric conversion element is reduced, and thus the light emitted from the phosphor layer 430 is scattered by the protective layer 432. Since it is immediately incident on the photoelectric conversion element, it contributes to improvement of the sharpness of the obtained radiographic image.

  Here, by coloring at least one of the phosphor layer 430 and the protective layer 432, a reduction in sharpness due to scattering of light emission of the phosphor in the phosphor layer can be reduced. The colorant is a colorant that absorbs at least part of light in the emission wavelength region of the phosphor, and a blue to red colorant is appropriately used as a color that absorbs the emission wavelength of the phosphor.

Examples of yellow to red colorants (dyes and pigments) used for phosphors that emit light in the green region include various dyes such as azo dyes, acridine dyes, quinoline dyes, thiazole dyes, nitro dyes; and molybdenum Various pigments such as orange, cadmium yellow, chrome yellow, zinc chromate, cadmium yellow, and red lead can be exemplified. The content of the colorant varies depending on the intended use of the phosphor layer, the portion to be colored, the type of the colorant, etc., but generally 10: 1 to 10 ⁶ when the colorant is a dye. : 1 (phosphor: colorant, weight ratio). When the colorant is a pigment, it is selected from the range of 1:10 to 10 ⁵ : 1 (phosphor: colorant, weight ratio).

  In the case of using a phosphor that emits light in the green region, the phosphor may be colored using a colorant having a main peak of an absorption spectrum in a wavelength region of 420 to 540 nm. Further, the phosphor may be colored using a colorant whose average absorptance in the light emission region longer than the peak wavelength of light emission of the phosphor is higher than that in the light emission region shorter than the peak wavelength.

  By the way, in the formation of the phosphor layer, the phosphor layer is formed by uniformly applying the phosphor coating to the support. However, the phosphor layer can also be formed by a vapor phase method, for example, a vapor deposition method. If this phosphor layer has a columnar crystal structure, it is possible to suppress scattering of phosphor emission in the phosphor layer by the light guide effect.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a memory unit 31, an operation unit 32, a display unit 33, and a communication unit 35 are connected to the control circuit 30, and an operation signal PS from the operation unit 32 and a radio signal n from the image processing apparatus 1. The operation of the radiation image detector 5 is controlled based on the above.

  The operation unit 32 is provided with a plurality of switches. Based on the operation signal PS corresponding to the switch operation from the operation unit 32 or the radio signal n from the image processing apparatus 1, the imaging panel 21 is initialized and the radiographic image is displayed. A signal is generated. The storage capacity of the memory unit 31 is a capacity capable of storing a plurality of image data.

  Further, the control circuit 30 performs processing for storing the generated image signal in the memory unit 31 and wirelessly transfers the data signal as the data wireless signal m from the detector communication unit 35 to the PC communication unit 4 in FIGS. .

  As described above, the radiation image detector 5 in FIGS. 8 and 9 is configured in a flat panel type portable structure by integrating the imaging panel, power supply unit, memory unit, and the like in the same manner as in FIG. Images can be taken easily.

  Note that the imaging panel 21 of the radiation image detector 5 described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 may have other configurations. For example, FIG. 16B of JP-A-9-294229, JP-A-2004-2004 Each configuration shown in FIG. 4B of Japanese Patent No. 6781 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-61823 may be adopted.

  The radiological image detector 5 in FIGS. 2 to 5, 8, and 9 creates reduced image data of the generated radiographic image by the reduced image generating unit 29 as follows. That is, when the radiation image is generated as described above, the control circuit 30 in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5 reduces the radiation image to a predetermined size by the reduced image generation unit 29 in FIG. 5 based on the radiation image data. Reduced image data reduced at a rate (a fraction) is created. The reduction ratio can be set in the control circuit 30 in advance. The generated reduced image data is wirelessly transferred as a data wireless signal m from the detector communication unit 35 to the PC communication unit 4 in FIGS. 1 and 5 independently from the radiation image data.

  The reduced image data can be created, for example, by thinning out pixels from the original radiation image data, or can be created by reducing the number of pixels of the image data of the original radiation image by a known averaging process or the like.

  The reduction ratio of the reduced image is preferably in the range of 1/2 to 1/16000 of the original image from the viewpoint of improving the data transfer speed and the visibility of the display image. The time from the radiation imaging to the display of the reduced image data is preferably within 10 seconds, for example, and the upper limit of the reduction rate is determined in consideration of the wireless data transfer rate. Considering the above, it is more preferable that the reduction ratio of the reduced image is in the range of 1/100 to 1/10000 of the original image.

  Also, the interpolation processing unit 7a of the image processing apparatus 1 of FIGS. 1 and 5 performs interpolation processing on the above-described reduced image data received via the PC communication unit 4 and displays the enlarged image on the screen 3 of the display unit 2. It has become. It is easy to check the shooting state with the enlarged image. As the interpolation process, a known nearest neighbor method or a linear interpolation method with higher interpolation accuracy than the nearest neighbor method can be used.

  Next, each step S01-S20 of the radiographic image acquisition method by the radiographic image acquisition system of FIGS. 1-5 is demonstrated with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Steps S01 to S06, S12, S13, S18, and S19 are operations in the radiation image detector 5, and steps S07 to S11, S14 to S17, and S20 are operations in the image processing apparatus 1.

  Referring to FIG. 6, the patient 100 of FIG. 1 is irradiated with radiation 100 from the radiation source 101 under the control of the radiation generation control device 102 (S01), and the transmitted radiation transmitted through the imaging target region of the patient P is bet. 110 is detected by the radiological image detector 5 arranged between the patient P and the patient P (S02), and the electric charge is converted into electric energy according to the intensity of the transmitted radiation applied to the imaging panel 21 shown in FIGS. Accumulated in.

  Note that the radiation image detector 5 initializes the imaging panel 21 by supplying the reset signal RT to the reset line 231 from the scanning drive circuit 25 in FIG.

  Next, in the radiographic image detector 5, the control circuit 30 in FIG. 3 supplies the readout signal RS to each of the scanning lines 223-1 to 223-m via the scanning drive circuit 25 to perform image scanning, and scan A digital image signal for each line is taken in and a radiographic image signal is generated (S03).

  Next, the generated image signal is supplied to the control circuit 30 of the radiation image detector 5 and temporarily stored in the memory unit 31 (S04), and a predetermined reduction is performed in the reduced image generation unit 29 based on the image data. Reduced image data is generated at a rate (S05). The generation of the reduced image data may be performed after the radiation image data is stored in the memory unit 31.

  Next, the generated reduced image data is transmitted as a data wireless signal m from the detector communication unit 35 (S06).

  Then, the data wireless signal m of the reduced image data is received by the PC communication unit 4 of the image processing apparatus 1 (S07), the reduced image data is interpolated by the interpolation processing unit 7a (S08), and the screen 3 of the display unit 2 is displayed. (S09). This interpolation process may be omitted if the reduction ratio is not so large.

  Next, when the radiographer confirms whether or not the radiographic image is photographed, such as the image blur and the image position, with the reduced image displayed on the screen 3 of the display unit 2 (S10), and it is determined that the radiographic image is photographed in good condition Is transmitted from the PC communication unit 4 of the image processing apparatus 1 to the radiological image detector 5 as a radio signal n (S11), and the radiographic image detector 5 is detected by the detector communication unit 35. When receiving (S12), the control circuit 30 causes the memory unit 31 to transmit the corresponding radiation image data stored in step S04 to the image processing apparatus 1 as the data wireless signal m (S13).

  Next, when the image processing apparatus 1 receives the radiation image data (S14), the image processing unit 7 performs predetermined image processing (S15), and outputs it from the output unit 8 to the examination room display device, database server, printer, or the like. (S16).

  If it is determined in step S10 that the imaging state is not good, the PC communication unit 4 of the image processing apparatus 1 transmits confirmation result information indicating that it is inappropriate to the radiological image detector 5 as a radio signal n. (S17) When the radiation image detector 5 receives the detector communication unit 35 (S18), the control circuit 30 discards the corresponding radiation image data stored in the memory unit 31 (S19). Then, the image processing apparatus 1 or the like issues a re-shooting instruction (S20), and the process returns to the above-described step S01, and radiation imaging is performed again.

  When the corresponding radiation image data stored in the memory unit 31 is discarded, it may be deleted and discarded after a predetermined time has elapsed or after the remaining capacity of the memory reaches a predetermined amount. Thereby, it is possible to prevent erroneous radiation image data from being erroneously erased due to an erroneous operation or the like.

  As described above, according to the radiographic image acquisition system of the present embodiment, the radiographic image detector 5 creates and transfers reduced image data based on the radiographic image data obtained by radiography, and the transfer destination image processing apparatus. 1, after confirming the imaging state by displaying a reduced image on the screen 3 of the display unit 2, the confirmation result information is transferred to the radiation image detector 5, and the radiation image data is transferred based on the confirmation result information. Therefore, when it is determined that the radiographic image is inappropriate and re-imaging is necessary, the radiographic image data is not transferred from the acquisition source to the transfer destination. For this reason, it is possible to improve the throughput of the entire radiation image acquisition system without wastefully transferring the radiation image data. In particular, when transferring from the acquisition source to the transfer destination wirelessly, the data transfer speed by wireless is slow, but the throughput can be greatly improved by eliminating the waste of sending the radiation image data that needs re-imaging.

  Further, reduced image data is created based on the radiation image data obtained by radiation imaging in the radiation image detector 5, but since the reduced image data has a smaller capacity than the original radiation image data, the image processing apparatus 1 wirelessly. The data transfer speed at the time of data transfer is improved and the reduction rate is set appropriately, so that the transfer time is within 10 seconds, for example, and the transfer time is not so much required. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time from the radiation imaging to the time when the reduced image data is displayed on the transfer destination image processing apparatus 1, there is no reduction in throughput, and the imaging state can be confirmed quickly and timely.

  Next, steps S31 to S45 of a modification of the radiation image acquisition method by the radiation image acquisition system of FIGS. 1 to 5 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Steps S31 to S36, S41 and S42 are operations in the radiation image detector 5, and steps S37 to S40 and S43 to S45 are operations in the image processing apparatus 1.

  Referring to FIG. 7, from step S31 to S39, the same operation is performed corresponding to steps S01 to S09 in FIG. 1 is irradiated with radiation 100 from the radiation source 101 under the control of the radiation generation control device 102 (S31), and transmitted radiation transmitted through the imaging target region of the patient P is transferred between the bed 110 and the patient P. It detects with the radiographic image detector 5 arrange | positioned in (S32).

  Next, in the radiographic image detector 5, the control circuit 30 in FIG. 3 supplies the readout signal RS to each of the scanning lines 223-1 to 223-m via the scanning drive circuit 25 to perform image scanning, and scan A digital image signal for each line is taken in and a radiographic image signal is generated (S33).

  Next, the generated image signal is supplied to the control circuit 30 of the radiation image detector 5 and temporarily stored in the memory unit 31 (S34), and the reduced image generating unit 29 performs a predetermined reduction based on the image data. Reduced image data is generated at a rate (S35).

  Next, the generated reduced image data is transmitted as the data wireless signal m from the detector communication unit 35 (S36). The data wireless signal m of the reduced image data is received by the PC communication unit 4 of the image processing apparatus 1 (S37), the reduced image data is interpolated by the interpolation processing unit 7a (S38), and the screen 3 of the display unit 2 is displayed. (S39).

  Next, the radiographer confirms the imaging quality such as the image blur and the image position with the reduced image displayed on the screen 3 of the display unit 2 (S40), but the imaging result confirmation result information from the image processing apparatus 1 is predetermined. If it is not transferred to the radiation image detector 5 within the time (S41), the radiation image data is automatically transmitted from the radiation image detector 5 to the image processing apparatus 1 (S42). Note that whether or not the confirmation result information in step S41 has been transferred (transmitted / received) within a predetermined time period may be determined by either the radiation image detector 5 or the image processing apparatus 1.

  Next, when the image processing apparatus 1 receives the radiation image data (S43), the image processing unit 7 performs predetermined image processing (S44), and the output unit 8 outputs the data to the examination room display device, database server, printer, or the like. (S45).

  As described above, according to the operation of FIG. 7, when the imaging result confirmation result information is not transferred from the image processing apparatus 1 to the radiation image detector 5 within a predetermined time, the radiation image data is converted into the radiation image detector. 5 is automatically transmitted to the image processing apparatus 1, for example, if the confirmation result information is good in step S 40, it can be automatically transmitted after a predetermined period of time without doing anything. It is convenient without having to do.

  The image processing apparatus 1 is composed of a personal computer, and a program for causing the storage device to execute the operations in steps S07 to S12 in FIG. 6 and the operations in steps S37 to S40 and S43 to S45 in FIG. Is read from the storage device when the device is started up (started up), and each operation is controlled according to the program. The storage device of the personal computer may be a built-in or external hard disk storage device or the like, but is not limited thereto, and may be a built-in or external storage medium reader. As the storage medium, an optical disk such as a CD or a DVD, or a storage medium such as a magnetic desk or a magnetic tape can be used. The program is divided and stored in one storage medium or a plurality of storage media. Good.

  As described above, the best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to these, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. For example, the radiation image detector 5 in FIGS. 2 to 4 has a configuration (indirect type) in which radiation is converted into light by a phosphor such as a scintillator, and this light is read by the photodetector to generate radiation image data. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration (direct type) in which radiation is directly converted into charges and the charges are read with a capacitor or the like to generate image data.

  6 and 7, the reduced image data is transferred independently prior to the transfer of the radiation image data. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the reduced image data is transferred from the radiation image detector 5 to the radiation. The image data may be transferred as incidental information, and the reduced image may be displayed when the image processing apparatus 1 receives the reduced image data in the incidental information.

  In FIGS. 6 and 7, the image processing apparatus 1 may display the reduced image while receiving the reduced image data, thereby reducing the sensible waiting time.

  1 and 5, the communication between the detector communication unit 35 and the PC communication unit 4 is wireless. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be wired by a connection cable. Of course. For example, the connector 35a is provided on the side surface of the housing 40 of the radiation image detector 5 as shown in FIG. 2, and the connection cable is connected to the connector 35a. Signal communication can be performed with the apparatus 1.

It is a figure showing roughly a radiographic image acquisition system which radiographs a patient in this embodiment and acquires the radiographic image. It is the perspective view which fractured | ruptured partially and looked at the inside in order to show the radiographic image detector of FIG. It is a figure which shows the circuit structure of the radiographic image detector of FIG. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the imaging panel in FIG. 2. It is a block diagram which shows roughly the radiographic image acquisition system of FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating each step S01-S12 of the radiographic image acquisition method by the radiographic image acquisition system of FIGS. It is a flowchart for demonstrating each step S31-S45 of the modification of the radiographic image acquisition method by the radiographic image acquisition system of FIGS. It is a figure which shows the circuit structure of the radiographic image detector comprised from the imaging panel containing the photoelectric conversion element by an inorganic substance. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the imaging panel in FIG. 8.

Explanation of symbols

1 Image processing device (transfer destination)
2 Display unit 3 Screen 4 PC communication unit 5 Radiation image detector (Radiation image acquisition device)
7a Interpolation processing unit 21 Imaging panel 25 Scan driving circuit 29 Reduced image generation unit 30 Control circuit 31 Memory unit 35 Communication unit 35a Connector P Patient (subject)
m Data radio signal n Radio signal

Claims (21)

Irradiating the subject with radiation and detecting the radiation transmitted through the subject;
Obtaining radiation image data based on the detection result;
Creating reduced image data based on the radiation image data;
Transferring the reduced image data;
Receiving the transferred reduced image data and displaying the reduced image;
Transferring the confirmation result information after the shooting state is confirmed in the displayed reduced image;
Performing the transfer of the radiation image data based on the transferred confirmation result information. The radiographic image acquisition method according to claim 1, wherein when the confirmation result information is good, the radiographic image data is transferred when the confirmation result information is received. The radiographic image acquisition method according to claim 1, wherein when the confirmation result information is not transferred within a predetermined time, the radiographic image data is transferred. The radiological image acquisition method according to claim 1, wherein when the confirmation result is inappropriate, the radiological image data is discarded based on the confirmation result. The radiographic image acquisition method according to claim 4, wherein when the radiographic image data is discarded, the radiographic image data is stored in a memory only for a predetermined time or until a predetermined storage capacity is reached. The radiographic image acquisition method according to claim 1, wherein the reduced image data is created during or after recording the radiographic image data. The radiographic image acquisition method according to claim 1, wherein the reduced image data is created by performing a thinning process on the radiographic image data. The radiographic image acquisition method according to claim 1, wherein the reduced image data is created by reducing the number of pixels of the radiographic image data. The radiographic image acquisition method according to claim 1, wherein the reduced image is displayed while receiving the reduced image data. Means for irradiating the subject with radiation and detecting the radiation transmitted through the subject;
Means for obtaining radiation image data based on the detection result;
Means for creating reduced image data based on the radiation image data;
Means for transferring the reduced image data for displaying the reduced image at an external transfer destination;
Means for receiving confirmation result information from the transfer destination after the shooting state is confirmed with the reduced image at the transfer destination;
And a means for executing transfer of the radiation image data to the transfer destination based on the transferred confirmation result information. The radiological image acquisition apparatus according to claim 10, wherein when the confirmation result information is good, the radiological image data is transferred when the confirmation result information is received. The radiographic image acquisition apparatus according to claim 10, wherein when the confirmation result information is not transferred within a predetermined time, the radiographic image data is transferred. The radiological image acquisition apparatus according to claim 10, wherein when the confirmation result is inappropriate, the radiological image data is discarded based on the confirmation result. 14. The radiographic image acquisition apparatus according to claim 13, wherein when the radiographic image data is discarded, the radiographic image data is stored in a memory unit only for a predetermined time or until a predetermined storage capacity is reached. The radiographic image acquisition apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the reduced image data is created during or after recording the radiographic image data in a memory unit. The radiological image acquisition apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the reduced image data is created by performing a thinning process on the radiographic image data. The radiographic image acquisition apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the reduced image data is created by reducing the number of pixels of the radiographic image data. A computer program for displaying radiation images,
Receiving the reduced image data transferred from the radiation image acquisition device that creates reduced image data based on the radiation image data obtained by irradiating the subject with radiation and detecting the radiation transmitted through the subject; and
Displaying the reduced image;
A program for causing the computer to execute a step of transferring the confirmation result information to the radiological image acquisition apparatus after an imaging state is confirmed with the displayed reduced image. The program according to claim 18, wherein the reduced image data is received independently. The program according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the radiation image data is transferred from the radiation image acquisition device that has received the confirmation result information, and the transferred radiation image data is received. 21. The program according to claim 18, 19 or 20, wherein the reduced image is displayed while receiving the reduced image data.

Images