JP2009251079A - Radiographic image photographing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radiographic image photographing system in which loads on a control processor controlling a photographing device and on an image processor are reduced and desired image processing is efficiently applied to radiographic image information. <P>SOLUTION: The option image processing flag applying part 38 of a console 18 applies an option image processing flag for instructing that necessary image processing is applied to the radiographic image information obtained from the photographing devices 22 and 24 and transmits the option image processing flag to the image processor 20 together with the radiographic image information. Meanwhile, the option image processing flag detecting part 44 of the image processor 20 detects the presence of the option image processing flag, applies predetermined image processing only to the radiographic image information to which the option image processing flag has been applied, and then, transmits the radiographic image information to a viewer 16 through a network in a hospital 28. A doctor performs radiographic image interpretation, according to the radiographic image information displayed on the viewer 16. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiographic image capturing system that captures a radiographic image of a subject, performs necessary image processing on the obtained radiographic image information, and uses it for diagnostic interpretation.

  For example, in a medical institution such as a hospital, in order to acquire desired radiographic image information of a patient, using RIS (Radiology Information System), patient information such as a patient's name, sex, age, imaging method, imaging site, The doctor sets imaging conditions such as exposure conditions to determine the imaging device to be used and the radiation dose to irradiate the corresponding imaging site, and supplies this information to the console installed in the radiology department, while on-site A radiographic imaging system in which an engineer operates a console to control a specified imaging device according to exposure conditions to acquire radiation image information of a patient and supplies the radiation image information to a viewer that performs diagnostic interpretation by a doctor Has been built.

  In this case, prior to supplying the radiation image information to the viewer, it is necessary for the engineer to check in advance whether re-imaging is necessary. Therefore, in the conventional technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the radiographic image information is subjected to mild image processing that allows an image to be confirmed within a range in which the waiting time required for re-imaging does not become long, and is displayed on the console.

  By the way, the radiation image information displayed on the viewer is required to be supplied to the viewer after performing high gradation and high resolution image processing, such as a breast image taken by a mammography device. There is. In order to obtain such radiation image information, not only a high-definition monitor is required, but also a professional engineer with advanced image processing technology performs work using an image processing apparatus having high processing capability. There is a need. In this case, image processing requires a considerable amount of time, and the image processing apparatus must be expensive.

  On the other hand, a system in which the radiation image information acquired by a plurality of imaging devices is distributed to a plurality of image processing devices (controllers) that perform image processing, thereby processing the image processing load of the image processing device. (See Patent Document 2). In this case, it is possible to avoid problems that require high processing capability for individual image processing apparatuses.

JP 2002-369084 A JP 2002-311524 A

  However, each image processing apparatus is expensive because it still requires a high-definition monitor. Further, each image processing apparatus needs to have the same processing function. When the load is small, these functions become very useless. In addition, a plurality of image processing apparatuses are arranged in the radiology department, and a space for that is required.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a radiographic imaging system capable of reducing the load on a control processing apparatus and an image processing apparatus that control an imaging apparatus and efficiently performing desired image processing on radiographic image information. is there.

The present invention includes an imaging device for capturing a radiographic image of a subject,
A control processing device that processes the radiographic image information acquired from the imaging device, while controlling the imaging device according to imaging instruction information;
An image processing apparatus that acquires the radiation image information from the control processing apparatus and performs predetermined image processing;
With
The control processing device has an image processing flag giving unit that gives an image processing flag for instructing to perform necessary image processing on the radiation image information,
The image processing apparatus includes an image processing flag detection unit that detects the presence / absence of the image processing flag attached to the radiation image information, and performs a predetermined process on the radiation image information to which the image processing flag is assigned. Image processing is performed.

  In the present invention, the radiographic image information is processed separately for those that require image processing and those that do not require using a dedicated image processing device, and a control processing device that controls the imaging device, and a radiographic image The load on the image processing apparatus that performs image processing of information can be reduced, and desired image processing can be efficiently performed on the radiation image information.

  FIG.1 and FIG.2 shows the structure of the radiographic imaging system 10 of this embodiment. The radiographic imaging system 10 includes a medical information system 12 (HIS: Hospital Information System) that manages medical paperwork in a hospital, and radiology information that manages radiographic imaging processing in the radiology department under the control of the HIS 12. System 14 (supplier) (RIS: Radiology Information System), viewer 16 for performing diagnostic interpretation by a doctor, and a processing room adjacent to a radiology radiographing room, centralized control of various radiographing equipment with different specifications In addition, a console 18 (control processing device) that performs necessary processing on the radiation image information acquired from the imaging device, an image processing device 20 that acquires radiation image information from the console 18 and performs predetermined image processing, Controlled by console 18 The imaging device 22, and a reader 26 reads the radiation image information captured by the imaging device 24, which are connected to each other by in-house network 28. Other consoles, imaging devices, and the like can be connected to the in-hospital network 28 as necessary.

  The console 18 includes patient information such as the patient's name, sex, and age set using the HIS 12, a radiographic imaging method for the patient set by the doctor or engineer using the RIS 14, an imaging site, and an imaging device used for imaging Imaging instruction information such as radiation exposure conditions by the imaging apparatus and image processing conditions for the acquired radiation image information is acquired via the in-hospital network 28. Connected to the console 18 is a barcode reader 30 that acquires ID information for specifying a radiation conversion panel used in the imaging apparatus 24 described later. In this embodiment, the two photographing devices 22 and 24 are centrally controlled by a single console 18, but each photographing device 22 and 24 is configured to be controlled by a dedicated console. Also good.

  FIG. 3 is a configuration block diagram of the console 18, the image processing device 20, and the imaging devices 22 and 24.

  The control unit 34 of the console 18 transmits and receives necessary information to and from the RIS 14, the image processing device 20, the imaging devices 22 and 24, and the reading device 26 via the hospital network 28. The console 18 includes an operation unit 36 for inputting necessary information, an imaging instruction information storage unit 37 for storing imaging instruction information set by using the operation unit 36, or imaging instruction information set by the RIS 14, and An option image processing flag assigning unit 38 for assigning an option image processing flag for designating whether or not the image processing apparatus 20 performs necessary image processing on the radiation image information obtained from the imaging devices 22 and 24, and An image processing unit 39 that performs the minimum necessary image processing for obtaining a constant density and contrast without depending on radiographing conditions for the radiation image information, and an image storage unit that stores the image processed radiographic image information 40, a display unit 41 for displaying imaging instruction information and radiation image information, and a barcode reader 30.

  The option image processing flag is set in advance for each photographing apparatus with respect to the photographing instruction information transmitted from the RIS 14, or the technician uses the operation unit 36 of the console 18 for the photographing instruction information acquired from the RIS 14. Can be set. The image processing unit 39 performs image processing such as automatic sensitivity correction processing EDR (Exposure Data Recognizer), gradation processing GP (Gradation Processing), and dynamic range compression processing.

  The control unit 42 of the image processing apparatus 20 transmits and receives necessary information including radiographic image information between the console 18 and the viewer 16 via the in-hospital network 28. The image processing apparatus 20 includes an operation unit 43 for inputting necessary information, and an option image processing flag for detecting an option image processing flag added to the radiation image information by the option image processing flag adding unit 38 of the console 18. A detection unit 44, an image processing unit 45 that performs necessary image processing on the radiographic image information to which the option image processing flag is added, an image storage unit 46 that stores the radiographic image information that has undergone image processing, and radiographic image information And a display unit 47 which is a high-definition monitor for displaying the image.

  In the image processing unit 45, frequency processing for emphasizing an image according to an imaging region, a diagnostic purpose, and the like, and a calcification enhancement processing PEM for emphasizing a calcification shadow in radiographic image information acquired by the imaging device 22 that is a mammography apparatus ( Image processing such as Pattern Enhancement for Mammography) is performed.

  The imaging device 22 is a mammography device that captures a radiation image of the mammo 52 of the subject 50, and is disposed at one end of an arm member 56 that is pivotally connected to the base 54 as shown in FIG. The radiation source storage unit 58, the imaging table 60 disposed at the other end of the arm member 56, and a compression plate 62 configured to be close to and away from the imaging table 60.

  A radiation source 64 that outputs radiation X is stored in the radiation source storage unit 58. The radiation source 64 has a predetermined dose corresponding to the imaging region by controlling the tube voltage, the tube current, and the irradiation time of the radiation X by the radiation source control unit 66 according to the exposure conditions supplied from the console 18. Radiation X is applied to the mammo 52 of the subject 50.

  The imaging table 60 houses a radiation conversion panel 70 having a circuit configuration shown in FIG.

  In the radiation conversion panel 70, a photoelectric conversion layer 72 made of a material such as amorphous selenium (a-Se) that senses radiation and generates charges is arranged on an array of thin film transistors (TFTs) 74. After the generated charge is stored in the storage capacitor 76, the TFT 74 is sequentially turned on for each row, and the charge is read out as an image signal. In FIG. 4, only the connection relationship between one pixel 78 including the photoelectric conversion layer 72 and the storage capacitor 76 and one TFT 74 is shown, and the configuration of the other pixels 78 is omitted. Amorphous selenium must be used within a predetermined temperature range because its structure changes and its function decreases at high temperatures. Therefore, it is preferable to provide means for cooling the radiation conversion panel 70 in the imaging table 60.

  To the TFT 74 connected to each pixel 78, a gate line 80 extending in parallel with the row direction and a signal line 82 extending in parallel with the column direction are connected. Each gate line 80 is connected to a line scanning drive unit 84, and each signal line 82 is connected to a multiplexer 86 constituting a reading circuit.

  Control signals Von and Voff for controlling on / off of the TFTs 74 arranged in the row direction are supplied from the line scanning drive unit 84 to the gate line 80. In this case, the line scanning drive unit 84 includes a plurality of switches SW1 for switching the gate lines 80, and an address decoder 88 for outputting a selection signal for selecting one of the switches SW1. An address signal is supplied from the control unit 100 to the address decoder 88.

  Further, the charge held in the storage capacitor 76 of each pixel 78 flows out to the signal line 82 via the TFTs 74 arranged in the column direction. This charge is amplified by the amplifier 92. A multiplexer 86 is connected to the amplifier 92 via a sample and hold circuit 94. The multiplexer 86 includes a plurality of switches SW2 for switching the signal line 82 and an address decoder 96 for outputting a selection signal for selecting one of the switches SW2. An address signal is supplied from the control unit 100 to the address decoder 96. An A / D converter 98 is connected to the multiplexer 86, and radiation image information converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 98 is supplied to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 supplies the acquired radiation image information to the console 18 via the in-hospital network 28.

  The imaging device 24 is a standing imaging device that captures a radiographic image of the chest of the subject 50, and the radiation source 104 that is controlled by the radiation source control unit 102 and the imaging table 108 that is disposed to face the radiation source 104. It consists of. The radiation source 104 is controlled according to the exposure conditions supplied from the console 18. A slot 112 in which a cassette 110 containing the stimulable phosphor panel P is loaded is disposed on the side of the imaging stand 108.

  In the stimulable phosphor panel P, a stimulable phosphor layer for accumulating the energy of the irradiated radiation X is formed on a support, and stimulated emission corresponding to the energy accumulated by irradiating excitation light. While outputting light, the remaining energy can be removed and reused by irradiating a predetermined amount of erasing light.

  The cassette 110 accommodates the stimulable phosphor panel P so as to be detachable via the lid member 114, and the outer surface portion thereof individually identifies the stimulable phosphor panel P accommodated therein. A barcode 116 in which identification information such as a unique number, a size, and sensitivity is recorded is attached. The barcode 116 can be read by a barcode reader 30 connected to the console 18.

  The radiation image information recorded on the stimulable phosphor panel P is read by the reading device 26 configured as shown in FIG. The reading device 26 is controlled by the console 18 together with the photographing device 24.

  The reading device 26 includes a cassette loading unit 120 at an upper portion of the casing 118, and stores a stimulable phosphor panel P in which radiation image information is accumulated and recorded in a loading port 122 formed in the cassette loading unit 120. The cassette 110 is loaded. A barcode reader 124 that reads the identification information of the barcode 116 disposed in the cassette 110, a lock release mechanism 126 that unlocks the lid member 114 of the cassette 110, and a lid member 114 are provided near the loading port 122. An adsorption board 128 that adsorbs and takes out the stimulable phosphor panel P from the opened cassette 110 and a nip roller 130 that sandwiches and conveys the stimulable phosphor panel P taken out by the adsorption board 128 are disposed.

  A plurality of transport rollers 132 a to 132 g and a plurality of guide plates 134 a to 134 f are arranged in series with the nip roller 130, and a curved transport path 136 is configured by these. The curved conveyance path 136 extends downward from the cassette loading unit 120, then becomes substantially horizontal at the lowermost portion, and then extends substantially vertically upward. Thereby, size reduction of the reader 26 is achieved.

  Between the nip roller 130 and the conveying roller 132a, an erasing unit 138 for erasing the radiation image information remaining on the stimulable phosphor panel P that has been read is disposed. The erasing unit 138 includes an erasing light source 140 such as a cold cathode tube that outputs erasing light.

  A platen roller 142 is disposed between the transport rollers 132d and 132e disposed at the lowermost portion of the curved transport path 136. A scanning unit 144 that reads radiation image information accumulated and recorded on the stimulable phosphor panel P is disposed on the platen roller 142.

  The scanning unit 144 derives a laser beam LB that is excitation light and scans the stimulable phosphor panel P, and stimulated emission light related to radiation image information that is excited and output by the laser beam LB. A reading unit 148 for reading.

  The excitation unit 146 reflects a laser oscillator 150 that outputs a laser beam LB, a polygon mirror 152 that is a rotary polygon mirror that deflects the laser beam LB in the main scanning direction of the stimulable phosphor panel P, and the laser beam LB. And a reflecting mirror 154 that leads to the stimulable phosphor panel P that passes over the platen roller 142.

  The reading unit 148 is connected to the condensing guide 156 disposed at one end close to the stimulable phosphor panel P on the platen roller 142 and the other end of the condensing guide 156. A photomultiplier 158 that converts the stimulated emission light obtained from the above into an electrical signal. Note that a condensing mirror 160 for increasing the condensing efficiency of the photostimulated luminescent light is disposed close to one end of the condensing guide 156. The radiographic image information read by the photomultiplier 158 is supplied to the console 18 via the hospital network 28.

  In addition to the mammography apparatus that is the imaging apparatus 22 using the radiation conversion panel 70 shown in FIG. 4, the hospital network 28 is connected with a mammography apparatus that uses the cassette 110 having the stimulable phosphor panel P shown in FIG. be able to. Similarly, in addition to the imaging device 24 using the stimulable phosphor panel P shown in FIG. 2, a standing imaging device using the radiation conversion panel 70 shown in FIG. 4 can be connected. In addition, a supine photographing apparatus using the radiation conversion panel 70 or the stimulable phosphor panel P can be connected. In addition, an in-hospital network 28 can be connected to imaging devices of other specification forms, such as CT devices and MR devices, and a console (control processing device) for controlling these imaging devices can be connected. .

  The radiographic image capturing system 10 of the present embodiment is basically configured as described above, and the operation thereof will be described next.

  First, the processing of the console 18 will be described according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  Patient information such as the name, sex, and age of the patient who is the subject 50 is set using the HIS 12. In addition, the doctor uses the RIS 14 to capture a radiographic image capturing method for the patient, an imaging region, an imaging apparatus used for imaging, radiation exposure conditions by the imaging apparatus, image processing conditions for acquired radiographic image information, and the like. Set the instruction information. The imaging instruction information associated with the patient information is transmitted to the console 18 via the in-hospital network 28. In the imaging instruction information, an option image processing flag that instructs to perform image processing on the radiation image information using the image processing device 20 can be set.

  The control unit 34 of the console 18 installed in the radiology department acquires imaging instruction information associated with patient information from the RIS 14 via the in-hospital network 28 (step S1). An engineer who operates the console 18 can change and set the photographing instruction information as necessary using the operation unit 36. For example, the imaging device set by the doctor using the RIS 14 can be changed to an imaging device corresponding to the imaging region or the patient's condition. The acquired shooting instruction information is temporarily stored in the shooting instruction information storage unit 37.

  Next, the control unit 34 reads out the imaging instruction information from the imaging instruction information storage unit 37 and exposes it to the radiation source control units 66 and 102 of the imaging apparatuses 22 and 24 specified by the imaging instruction information via the in-hospital network 28. Send shooting conditions. The imaging devices 22 and 24 to which the exposure condition has been transmitted captures a radiographic image of the subject 50 in accordance with control by the control unit 34 of the console 18 (step S2).

  First, a case where the photographing apparatus 22 is controlled to photograph the mammo 52 of the subject 50 will be described.

  The imaging device 22 that has acquired the exposure conditions from the console 18 sets the tube voltage, the tube current, and the radiation irradiation time, which are the exposure conditions, in the radiation source control unit 66. On the other hand, the engineer operates the photographing device 22 to prepare for photographing. That is, after setting the shooting direction by turning the arm member 56, the mammo 52 of the subject 50 is positioned on the shooting table 60, and the compression plate 62 is moved toward the shooting table 60 to move the mammo 52 to a predetermined position. Position and fix in the state of.

  Next, shooting is started by operating the exposure switch 21. The radiation source control unit 66 drives and controls the radiation source 64 according to the set exposure conditions, and irradiates the mammo 52 with the radiation X via the compression plate 62. The radiation X that has passed through the mammo 52 is applied to the radiation conversion panel 70.

  The photoelectric conversion layer 72 of each pixel 78 constituting the radiation conversion panel 70 (FIG. 4) converts the incident radiation X into an electrical signal, and the electrical signal is held in the storage capacitor 76 as a charge. Next, the charge information that is the radiation image information of the mammo 52 of the subject 50 held in each storage capacitor 76 is read according to the address signal supplied from the control unit 100 to the line scanning drive unit 84 and the multiplexer 86.

  That is, the address decoder 88 of the line scan driver 84 outputs a selection signal in accordance with the address signal supplied from the controller 100 to select one of the switches SW1, and the gate of the TFT 74 connected to the corresponding gate line 80. Is supplied with a control signal Von. On the other hand, the address decoder 96 of the multiplexer 86 outputs a selection signal in accordance with the address signal supplied from the control unit 100 to sequentially switch the switch SW2, and each pixel connected to the gate line 80 selected by the line scan driving unit 84. Radiation image information as charge information held in the storage capacitor 76 of 78 is sequentially read out via the signal line 82.

  The radiation image information read from the storage capacitor 76 of each pixel 78 connected to the selected gate line 80 of the radiation conversion panel 70 is amplified by each amplifier 92 and then sampled by each sample and hold circuit 94. The signal is supplied to the A / D converter 98 via the multiplexer 86 and converted into a digital signal. The radiographic image information converted into the digital signal is transmitted to the console 18 by the control unit 100 via the hospital network 28.

  Similarly, the address decoder 88 of the line scan driving unit 84 sequentially switches the switch SW1 according to the address signal supplied from the control unit 100, and is held in the storage capacitor 76 of each pixel 78 connected to each gate line 80. The radiographic image information as the charge information is read out via the signal line 82 and transmitted to the console 18 via the multiplexer 86, the A / D converter 98 and the control unit 100.

  The image processing unit 39 of the console 18 acquires the radiation image information from the imaging device 22 (step S3), and can confirm the positioning of the subject 50 with respect to the radiation image information without depending on the imaging conditions. Necessary minimum image processing for obtaining a constant density and contrast, for example, image processing such as automatic sensitivity correction processing EDR, gradation processing GP, dynamic range compression processing, etc. is performed (step S4).

  The radiographic image information subjected to the image processing is displayed on the display unit 41 (step S5). The engineer confirms the displayed radiographic image information (step S6), determines whether or not re-imaging is necessary for positioning of the subject 50, and if it is determined that re-imaging is necessary, the processing from step S2 repeat. In the re-imaging, the exposure conditions can be changed as necessary.

  When it is determined that the displayed radiation image information is capable of interpretation diagnosis, the radiation image information is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 20 (step S7).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that further image processing by a professional engineer is necessary for the displayed radiation image information, the engineer sets an option image processing flag for the radiation image information using the operation unit 36. I do. The option image processing flag set by the engineer or the option image processing flag previously set in the imaging instruction information in the RIS 14 is added to the radiation image information by the option image processing flag adding unit 38 (step S8). Are transmitted to the image processing apparatus 20. In the case of radiographic image information obtained from the imaging device 22, an optional image processing flag is set in advance by a doctor or the like using the RIS 14 in order to perform the calcification enhancement processing PEM image processing on the radiographic image information of the mammo 52. Can be set.

  Next, a case where the photographing device 24 is controlled to photograph the chest of the subject 50 will be described.

  The engineer uses the barcode reader 30 connected to the console 18 to read the barcode 116 attached to the cassette 110, thereby identifying the storage phosphor panel P housed in the cassette 110. Acquire identification information such as number, size, and sensitivity. Next, the cassette 110 is loaded into the slot 112 of the photographing device 24.

  Next, after the imaging region of the subject 50 is positioned at a predetermined position on the imaging table 108 of the imaging device 24, when the engineer operates the exposure switch 23, the radiation source control unit 102 performs radiation according to the exposure conditions acquired from the console 18. The source 104 is driven and controlled, and the subject 50 is irradiated with the radiation X. The radiation X transmitted through the subject 50 is applied to the stimulable phosphor panel P housed in the cassette 110. As a result, the radiation image information of the subject 50 is accumulated and recorded on the stimulable phosphor panel P.

  The cassette 110 that stores the stimulable phosphor panel P on which the radiation image information is recorded is extracted from the imaging device 24 and then loaded into the cassette loading unit 120 of the reading device 26.

  When the cassette 110 is loaded, the barcode reader 124 disposed in the cassette loading unit 120 reads the barcode 116 attached to the cassette 110, and the unique number, size, sensitivity, etc. of the stimulable phosphor panel P are read. Get identification information. The acquired identification information is collated with the identification information acquired by the bar code reader 30 connected to the console 18 to confirm the correspondence between the subject 50 and the radiation image information.

  When the identification information is read, the lock release mechanism 126 is driven, and the cover member 114 is unlocked and opened. Next, the suction disk 128 sucks the stimulable phosphor panel P, takes out the stimulable phosphor panel P from the cassette 110, and supplies it between the nip rollers 130. The stimulable phosphor panel P sandwiched between the nip rollers 130 is transported to the lower part of the scanning unit 144 via a curved transport path 136 including transport rollers 132a to 132g and guide plates 134a to 134f.

  The stimulable phosphor panel P is sub-scanned and conveyed in the substantially horizontal direction by the conveying rollers 132d and 132e. On the other hand, the laser beam LB output from the laser oscillator 150 constituting the excitation unit 146 is reflected and deflected by the polygon mirror 152 that rotates at high speed, and then the lower surface is supported by the platen roller 142 via the reflection mirror 154. Guided to the stimulable phosphor panel P, the stimulable phosphor panel P is main-scanned.

  The stimulable phosphor panel P is excited by being irradiated with the laser beam LB and outputs stimulated emission light according to the stored and recorded radiation image information. This stimulated emission light is directly incident on the lower end portion of the condensing guide 156 disposed close to the stimulable phosphor panel P along the main scanning direction, or is incident through the condensing mirror 160. The stimulated emission light incident on the light collecting guide 156 is repeatedly reflected inside and guided to the photomultiplier 158 at the upper end. The photomultiplier 158 converts the incident stimulated emission light into an electrical signal, and thereby reads the radiation image information stored and recorded in the stimulable phosphor panel P.

  The radiation image information read by the scanning unit 144 is transmitted to the console 18 via the hospital network 28. Similar to the case of the radiographic image information acquired from the imaging device 22, the image processing unit 39 of the console 18 performs the minimum necessary image processing on the radiographic image information acquired from the imaging device 24. After the necessary option image processing flag is added to the radiation image information by the processing flag adding unit 38, it is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 20.

  Next, processing of the image processing apparatus 20 will be described according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The control unit 42 of the image processing apparatus 20 acquires radiation image information from the console 18 via the in-hospital network 28 (step S11). The image processing unit 45 performs image processing on the acquired radiographic image information to obtain radiographic image information capable of interpretation diagnosis (step S12). Next, the option image processing flag detection unit 44 detects the presence or absence of the option image processing flag added to the radiation image information (step S13).

  The radiographic image information in which the option image processing flag is detected by the option image processing flag detection unit 44 is subjected to more detailed image processing such as frequency processing by a professional engineer in the image processing unit 45 (step S14). The radiographic image information subjected to the image processing is displayed on the display unit 47 which is a high-definition monitor (step S15), and the radiological image information is confirmed by an engineer (step S16). In this case, if it is determined that further image processing is necessary, the processing from step S14 is repeated.

  If it is determined that the displayed radiographic image information is an appropriate image, the radiographic image information is transmitted to the viewer 16 via the in-hospital network 28 (step S17). If the option image processing flag is not assigned to the radiation image information, the radiation image information is transmitted to the viewer 16 without performing special image processing. The doctor performs necessary interpretation diagnosis based on the radiation image information transmitted to the viewer 16.

  As described above, the console 18 performs the minimum necessary image processing on the radiation image information acquired from the imaging devices 22 and 24, and assigns an option image processing flag only to the radiation image information that requires further image processing. To the image processing apparatus 20. In this case, since the load on the console 18 for image processing is small, the console 18 can control a plurality of imaging devices 22 and 24 and process a large amount of radiation image information supplied from the imaging devices 22 and 24 with high processing capability. It can be processed efficiently without being required.

  On the other hand, since the image processing apparatus 20 performs processing specialized for image processing, it can efficiently perform image processing even for processing with a heavy load. In particular, in the optional image processing, there are many setting operations that require a lot of time and effort by a professional engineer, and during this operation, almost no load is generated on the control unit 42 of the image processing apparatus 20. Therefore, even in the case of the image processing device 20 that requires the display unit 47 including a high-definition monitor, it is possible to perform image processing with a high load by effectively using one image processing device 20. Furthermore, since the image processing apparatus 20 is configured independently of the console 18, it can be arranged at a location away from the shooting room without occupying a narrow shooting room space.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, Of course, it can change freely in the range which does not deviate from the main point of this invention.

It is a block diagram of the radiographic imaging system of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of the system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a configuration block diagram including a console, an image processing device, and a photographing device shown in FIG. 1. It is a circuit block diagram of the radiation conversion panel of this embodiment. It is a block diagram of the reading apparatus of this embodiment. It is a processing flowchart of the console of this embodiment. It is a processing flowchart of the image processing apparatus of this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

10. Radiation imaging system 12. HIS
14 ... RIS
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 16 ... Viewer 18 ... Console 20 ... Image processing device 22, 24 ... Imaging device 26 ... Reading device 28 ... Hospital network 38 ... Option image processing flag addition part 39, 45 ... Image processing part 41, 47 ... Display part 50 ... Subject

Claims (4)

An imaging device for capturing a radiographic image of the subject;
A control processing device that processes the radiographic image information acquired from the imaging device, while controlling the imaging device according to imaging instruction information;
An image processing apparatus that acquires the radiation image information from the control processing apparatus and performs predetermined image processing;
With
The control processing device has an image processing flag giving unit that gives an image processing flag for instructing to perform necessary image processing on the radiation image information,
The image processing apparatus includes an image processing flag detection unit that detects the presence or absence of the image processing flag added to the radiation image information. The radiographic imaging system characterized by performing the image processing. The system of claim 1, wherein
A supply device for supplying the photographing instruction information to the control processing device;
The radiographic imaging system, wherein the image processing flag is set as the imaging instruction information in the supply device. The system of claim 1, wherein
The said control processing apparatus processes the radiographic image information acquired from the said some imaging device, while controlling the said some imaging device, The radiographic imaging system characterized by the above-mentioned. The system of claim 1, wherein
The image processing apparatus processes a plurality of pieces of radiographic image information acquired from the imaging apparatus.

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