JP2000217805A - Radiation detecting cassette - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To permit either settings of image processing method and parameters or designation of a destination for image transfer to be made from a radiation detecting cassette. SOLUTION: An image processing means 12, an additional data processing means 14, and a transfer means 15 are provided in a cassette 10. An operation panel 30 and a liquid-crystal panel 40 are provided on the back surface of a case 11. After an image processing method, parameters, etc., are set by operation of the operation panel 30 and a cursor key 31, photography is carried out. After the photography, an image taken is displayed on the liquid-crystal display 40 to make sure whether or not the image is allowable. A destination to which the image is to be transferred is designated by operation of a cursor key 32 and the image is transferred to the designated destination via the transfer means 15.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a radiation detecting cassette comprising a solid-state radiation detector and a case accommodating the solid-state radiation detector.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Today, in radiation imaging for medical diagnosis and the like, a solid-state radiation detector (which mainly includes a semiconductor) which detects radiation transmitted through a subject and outputs an image signal representing a radiation image of the subject. Various types of detectors have been proposed and put into practical use (for example, JP-A-59-211263, JP-A-2-164067, JP-A-1-216290).
No., Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 10-232824 by the present applicant, etc.).

Further, various radiation detecting cassettes in which a solid-state radiation detector and an image memory as a storage means for storing an image signal output from the detector are housed have been proposed (for example, US Pat. No. 5661309, No. 5
No. 773839, JP-A-6-342099, JP-A-7-140255, etc.).

In the cassette described in US Pat. No. 5,661,309, an image memory having a storage capacity for a plurality of images is used, and each time the detection of one image is completed, the image data for one image is stored in the image memory. To memorize. Then, after storing the image data for a plurality of images in the image memory,
Each image data is read out from the image memory, and output to a signal processing unit in an image / information display (hereinafter simply referred to as a display device) which collectively controls the imaging and is installed in the imaging room. After performing predetermined image processing, the image data is input to an output device and displayed and output as a visible image, or the image is filed in an image storage device such as a hard disk. Also, a radiologist interprets the displayed image and inputs the findings to the display device, and then transfers the image data and findings of the target patient to the clinical room via a network or the like.

[0005] This eliminates the need to output (image transfer) image data to an external signal processing unit or a clinical room every time one image is detected (every photographing), enabling efficient continuous photographing. The processing time as a whole up to the processing can be shortened.

[0006]

By the way, when an object is photographed using the above-mentioned radiation detecting cassette, conventionally, patient information, photographing information, and the like are displayed from a display device installed in the photographing room. The image processing method and its parameters are set according to the shooting menu, or the transfer destination and transfer order of the image data read from the image memory are specified.

Therefore, for example, when it is specified that the lumbar vertebrae are continuously photographed in a predetermined order in six directions, and if it is necessary to change the image processing method and parameters for each direction, it is necessary to change the image processing method in each direction. It is necessary to set the cassette in such a way as to face the camera and to return to the display device each time to check the shooting direction and to change the image processing method and parameter settings, which is troublesome and troublesome. For this reason, it is very convenient if these can be set without returning to the display device every time shooting is performed. Furthermore, if the transfer destination and transfer order of the image data read from the image memory can be designated without returning to the display device after photographing, the operability is further improved and convenient.

The present invention has been made based on the above-mentioned demands, and is intended for use in a radiation detection system capable of setting an image processing method and parameters from the cassette side or designating a transfer destination and a transfer order of image data. It is intended to provide a cassette.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A first radiation detecting cassette according to the present invention detects a radiation carrying image information and outputs an image signal representing a radiation image, and a radiation solids detector. A radiation detecting cassette comprising a case accommodating a vessel, and an operation panel for setting processing contents of the image signal.

It is preferable that the first radiation detecting cassette is provided with an image processing means for processing an image signal, and further, the processing is performed on the image signal in accordance with the contents of an operation on an operation panel. It is more desirable to provide a display means for displaying an image based on the image signal after performing the above.

"Processing of image signal" means image processing, and this image processing may be any processing that is performed on an image signal output from the solid-state radiation detector. . For example, pixel density conversion processing, predetermined normalization processing (EDR (Exposure Data Recognizer) processing), enlargement / reduction processing, dynamic range compression processing,
These include data compression processing, image forwarding processing for image confirmation, and the like. In order to perform these processes, it is generally necessary to digitize the analog image signal output from the detector,
An A / D converter for that purpose is generally provided.

The "contents of image signal processing" include the type, method, and processing parameters of the image processing.

A second radiation detecting cassette according to the present invention includes a radiation solid state detector for detecting radiation carrying image information and outputting an image signal representing a radiation image, and a case accommodating the radiation solid state detector. , Comprising an operation panel for setting processing contents relating to transfer of image signals.

The "transfer-related processing contents" include, for example, a transfer order (including a change in the transfer order) and a transfer destination. Any method may be used to change the transfer order. For example, the storage addresses of the images stored in the memory in advance are rearranged so that the read order is changed, and the transfer order is changed by transferring the read order, or the transfer order is changed after the read. Any of the rearranged items may be used.

It is preferable that the second radiation detecting cassette has a transfer means for transferring an image signal to a transfer destination set on the operation panel. The transfer means may be any transfer means as long as it can transfer the image signal and the supplementary information to the set transfer destination, and may be a wired method or a wireless method.

A third radiation detecting cassette according to the present invention comprises: a radiation solid state detector for detecting radiation carrying image information and outputting an image signal representing a radiation image; and a case accommodating the radiation solid state detector. Characterized by comprising an operation panel for setting the processing content of the incidental information relating to the image signal.

It is preferable that the third radiation detecting cassette is provided with a processing means for processing additional information relating to an image signal.

The "supplementary information relating to the image signal" refers to information relating to a subject image represented by the image signal, for example, a patient name, gender, a radiographed region, a radiographing method, image processing conditions (methods, parameters), etc. It means information indicating the findings of the diagnosed technician.

A fourth radiation detecting cassette according to the present invention comprises: a radiation solid state detector for detecting radiation carrying image information and outputting an image signal representing a radiation image; and a case accommodating the radiation solid state detector. , Comprising an operation panel for setting processing contents related to transfer of incidental information relating to image signals.

"Contents of Processing of Additional Information Related to Image Signal"
May be any process as long as it is a process related to the supplementary information. For example, a parameter of image processing set according to the photographing method and the image processing condition is used as supplementary information of an image signal (image data). And the type of processing, such as processing for converting findings about the image represented by the image signal into data as supplementary information of the image signal, and the like.

It is desirable that the fourth radiation detecting cassette is provided with a transfer means for transferring incidental information relating to the image signal to a transfer destination set on the operation panel.

It is desirable that each of the first to fourth radiation detecting cassettes has a display means for displaying the contents of the operation on the operation panel.

After performing the above-described processing on the image signal in accordance with the contents of the operation on the operation panel provided in the display means for displaying the contents of the operation on the operation panel and the first radiation detecting cassette. It is preferable that the display means for displaying an image based on the image signal is provided on a surface opposite to the detection surface of the case,
Further, it is more desirable to provide it on the outer surface of the case. In addition, as these display means, a liquid crystal panel,
It is preferable to use a flat panel such as an EL panel or a PDP (plasma display panel).

It is desirable that the operation panels of the first to fourth radiation detecting cassettes are all provided on a surface opposite to the detection surface of the case. It is more desirable to provide them on the surface.

The "contents of operation" refers to the setting of the processing content of the image signal or the additional information related to the image signal, or the operation state or operation of the setting of the processing content related to the transfer of the additional information related to the image signal or the image signal. Means the key operation on the operation panel. The operation procedure may indicate the setting contents to be operated (candidate setting contents), or may be the setting contents already operated (input).

As a display method for "displaying the contents of the operation", any method may be used. For example, by displaying several types of shooting menus that are candidates, or by selecting a corresponding one from the displayed shooting menus, the processing method, parameters, transfer order, and transfer destination corresponding to the selected menu are changed. For example, it is automatically displayed, a candidate processing method, parameter, or the like is displayed, or the input content is displayed by key input of the processing method, parameter, or the like.

The "detection surface of the case" is a surface on which radiation for recording representing radiation image information is incident, and a surface facing the detection surface of the solid-state radiation detector housed in the case. It is. The phrase "provided on the outer surface of the case" means that the operation unit of the operation panel is located on the outer surface of the case so that the operation unit of the operation panel can be operated without opening and closing the case. Provided that the operation panel is provided, the entire operation panel does not necessarily have to be provided on the outer surface of the case.

The “operation panel” in the above description is
Any type of processing can be set as long as the above-described various processing contents can be set, and the processing is not necessarily limited to a flat panel. The operation panel may be operated by any method such as a cursor movement method and a key input method.

In the above description, the solid-state radiation detector is a detector that detects radiation carrying image information of a subject and outputs an image signal representing a radiation image related to the subject, and directly or temporarily converts incident radiation into light. After the conversion, the electric charges are converted into electric charges, the electric charges are temporarily stored in the power storage unit, and then the electric charges are output to the outside, whereby an image signal representing a radiation image of the subject can be obtained.

There are various types of radiation solid-state detectors. For example, from the viewpoint of a charge generation process for converting radiation into electric charge, fluorescence emitted from a phosphor by irradiation with radiation is photoelectrically converted. The signal charge detected by the conversion element is temporarily stored in a storage unit of the photoelectric conversion element, and the stored charge is converted into an image signal (electric signal) and output. 59-211263, JP-A-2-64067, PCT International Publication No.WO92 / 06501, SP
IE Vol.1443 Medical Imaging V; Image Physics (1991)
, P.108-119, etc.) Alternatively, the signal charges generated in the radiation conductor by the irradiation of radiation are collected by the charge collection electrode, temporarily stored in the power storage unit, and the stored charges are converted into electric signals and output. Direct conversion type solid-state radiation detector (MA
TERIAL PARAMETERS IN THICK HYDROGENATED AMORPHOUS
SILICON RADIATION DETECTORS, Lawrence Berkeley Labo
ratory.University of California, Berkeley.CA 94720
Xerox Parc.Palo Alto.CA 94304, Metal / Amorphous Sil
icon Multilayer RadiationDetectors, IEE TRANSACTION
S ON NUCLEAR SCIENCE.VOL.36.NO.2.APRIL 1989, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-216290) or the like, or from the side of the charge readout process of reading out the stored charges to the outside, is connected to the power storage unit Such as a TFT reading method that scans and reads a TFT (thin film transistor) that has been read out, and an optical reading method that reads out by irradiating a detector with reading light (an electromagnetic wave for reading).
Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Nos. 10-232824 and 10-271374 by the applicant of the present invention combining the direct conversion method and the optical reading method.
And the improved direct conversion method proposed in the above issue. The radiation detecting cassette according to the present invention may be of any type, which is housed in a case regardless of the type of detector.

[0031]

According to the radiation detecting cassette of the present invention, since the operation panel for setting the processing content of the image signal or the processing content of the supplementary information relating to the image signal is provided, it is not necessary to return to the display device. Thus, the processing content can be set on the cassette side, the operability is improved, and the photographing can be performed efficiently.

Further, by providing an image processing means for processing an image signal and a processing means for processing incidental information relating to the image signal, the cassette alone can be used without a display device dedicated to an imaging system such as a workstation. And can output image data to an output device or the like connected to the cassette, which is convenient.

Further, if the display device is provided with a display means for displaying an image based on the image signal after the image signal is subjected to the image processing in accordance with the content of the operation, the operation is performed while confirming the processed image. Work efficiency is improved.

Further, if the cassette is provided with an operation panel for setting the processing contents related to the transfer of the image signal or the additional information related to the image signal, the image transfer destination can be specified on the cassette side without returning to the display device. In addition, the image transfer order can be rearranged, the operability is improved, and efficient shooting can be performed.

If a transfer means is provided for transferring the image signal or additional information relating to the image signal to a destination set on the operation panel, the image can be directly transferred from the cassette to the set destination. It is possible and convenient.

Furthermore, if the apparatus is provided with the image processing means and the processing means or the transfer means for processing the auxiliary information relating to the image signal, the display device is not required at all, and the cassette alone is the same as the conventional display device. Can be performed, the operability is dramatically improved, and the device is easy to use.

Although the conventional cassette required control by the display device even after photographing, the portability was limited. On the other hand, as described above, the same operation as the conventional display device can be performed by the cassette alone. By doing so, a cassette which is easy to carry and has a high degree of freedom can be provided, an image can be output anywhere as needed, and a portable and convenient device can be provided.

Further, if a display means for displaying the contents of the operation on the operation panel is provided, the operation can be performed while confirming the set contents, thereby improving the work efficiency.

Further, display means for displaying an image based on the image signal after image processing has been performed on the image signal in accordance with the content of the operation and display means for displaying the content of the operation on the operation panel are provided on the detection surface of the case. By setting the on the opposite surface, you can check the settings and check the captured image while the cassette is installed adjacent to the subject,
Work efficiency is further improved. There is no hindrance to radiation detection. Further, when the display means is provided on the outer surface of the case, it is possible to confirm the setting contents and the photographed image without opening and closing the case, and the detector can be completely housed in the case. This is convenient for measures against dust and the like.

Further, when the operation panel is provided on the surface opposite to the detection surface of the case, various operations can be performed while the cassette is installed adjacent to the subject, thereby improving work efficiency. There is no hindrance to radiation detection. When the detector is provided on the outer surface of the case, the operation panel can be operated without opening and closing the case, and the detector can be completely accommodated in the case.

[0041]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a radiation detection cassette according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1A is a plan view (a part of a lid is cut away) viewed from a detection surface, and FIG. (B) is a rear view as seen from the surface (rear surface) opposite to the detection surface.

The radiation detecting cassette 10 is shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, the solid-state radiation detector 20, a generally rectangular parallelepiped case 11 that houses the detector 20 inside, and image data connected to the detector 20 and read out (output) from the detector 20. An image processing unit 12 for performing predetermined image processing on D1; an image memory 13 for storing image data D1 read from the detector 20 or image data D2 processed by the image processing unit 12; Ancillary data processing means 14 for processing the ancillary data D3 relating to the data D1 and D2, and the image data D1 and D2 connected to the image processing means 12 and the image memory 13 for outputting the image data D1 and D2 to an external display device or clinically via a network or the like. Transfer means 15 for transferring the data to a room or the like. Although not shown, a power supply such as a battery for driving the detector 20, the image processing means 12, and the like is provided.

As the image memory 13, an image memory having a storage capacity for a plurality of images is employed. An image signal is output from the detector 20 for each photographing, digitized by an A / D converter (not shown), and the digitized image data D1 is output.
Is stored in a predetermined address area of the image memory 13.

The transfer means 15 adopts a wireless system and has a transmission processing circuit 15a for converting various data into wireless data and an antenna 15b.

The case 11 has a box-shaped housing 11 with an open top.
a and a lid 11b that covers the upper surface of the housing 11a. The cover 11b is configured to be detachable from the housing 11a and also to function as a grid so that the detector 20 housed in the case 11 can be replaced or the like. As shown in FIG. 2, on the bottom surface of the housing portion 11a,
Radiation transmitted through the detector 20 is applied to members disposed on the back surface of the case, such as an operation panel 30 and a liquid crystal panel 40 described later.
A radiation absorbing member 22 of lead or the like is provided so as not to affect the like. The radiation absorbing member 22 is also used for preventing back scattered radiation.

As shown in FIG. 1B, case 1
An operation panel 30 and a liquid crystal panel 40 as display means are provided on the outside of the back surface of the device 1. The operation panel 30 is provided with cursor keys 31 and 32 capable of designating four directions of up, down, left and right. Cursor keys 31 are used to execute image processing methods and parameters for image data D1 or additional data D.
Cursor key 32 is used to set the processing content of transfer of image data D1, D2 and auxiliary data D3.
belongs to. One cursor key may be provided and the cursor keys 31 and 32 may also be used. Note that a button for a key input method may be provided instead of the button for the cursor method.

On the liquid crystal panel 40, the content of the key operation on the operation panel 30 and an image based on the image data D2 processed according to the content of this operation are displayed. Display processing means (not shown) for generating a signal for display is connected to the liquid crystal panel 40.

When displaying the contents of the key operation on the operation panel 30 on the liquid crystal panel 40, it is preferable to use a mouse operation on a personal computer or the like and a cursor display method accompanying the operation (for example, setting candidates are highlighted).

Next, the operation of the cassette 10 will be described.
An example of chest imaging will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the entire configuration of the radiation image recording apparatus using the cassette 10 together with a subject.

The radiation image recording apparatus 50 includes a cassette 1
0, a radiation source 51 and a display device 52 for controlling imaging. The display device 52 is connected to a clinical room (not shown) via a network. The cassette 10 is arranged such that the radiation R carrying the transmitted radiation information of the subject 59 emitted from the radiation source 51 and transmitted through the subject 59 is incident on the detection surface 20 a of the detector 20.
The cassette 10 is wirelessly connected to the display device 52,
Various control signals are transmitted from the display device 52 to the cassette 10 during shooting.

When an instruction to prepare for photographing is issued from the display device 52, candidates for a photographing menu (one mode of key operation) relating to photographing conditions and the like are displayed on the liquid crystal panel 40 of the cassette 10. From the shooting menu displayed on the liquid crystal panel 40, the corresponding menu is displayed on the operation panel 30.
Is selected by operating the cursor key 31 of the. When a desired menu is selected, an image processing method and processing parameters registered in advance corresponding to the menu are set in the image processing unit 12. When the user wants to make settings different from the registered image processing methods and processing parameters, the cursor keys 31
To change the setting.

After setting the image processing method and the like, radiation is emitted from the radiation source 51, and imaging is performed under predetermined imaging conditions.
The image data D1 obtained by this photographing is stored in the image memory 13. The image data D1 read from the detector 20 may be stored with the image data D2 subjected to image processing by the image processing means 12.
At this time, the set processing method and parameters are converted into data by the additional data processing means 14, and the data is stored together with the image data D2 as the additional data D3 of the image data D2.

The setting and photographing of the image processing method and the like, and the storing of the image data D1 and the like in the image memory 13 are sequentially repeated (continuous photographing) by changing the photographing direction of the chest according to the photographing menu, and are performed in six directions of the chest. Image data D1
Are stored in the image memory 13.

After this series of photographing, data is read out from the image memory 13, converted into display data by a display processing means (not shown) and displayed on the liquid crystal panel 40 as a visible image. Confirm that the image was captured correctly while moving the image forward or backward with. At this time, it is convenient to convert the image into a histogram and display the histogram, because it is possible to confirm whether the EDR processing is properly performed.

After this image confirmation, a list of devices capable of image transfer is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 40, and for each image, a transfer destination and a transfer order are designated by the cursor keys 32 of the operation panel 30. For example, the image data may be transferred to a printer (not shown) connected to a predetermined display device 52 in the order of the normal position and the lateral position, and may be designated to output two sheets in a predetermined direction. May be specified.

When the image data D2 after the image processing is stored in the image memory 13, the image data D2 (and the accompanying data D3 if necessary) is transferred to a printer and immediately output as an image. This is efficient because the radiation image can be immediately reproduced and diagnosed. When the image data D1 before the image processing is stored, the image data D1 is transferred to the display device 52, and the image is processed by an image processing unit (not shown) provided in the display device 52. What is necessary is just to output, or to transfer an image to a clinical room.

In the above embodiment, the case where the cassette 10 is wirelessly connected to the display device 52 even after the end of the continuous photographing has been described. A processing unit 14 and a transfer unit 15 are provided, and after the photographing is completed, the cassette 10 can be separated from the display device 52 and the above-described image confirmation and transfer processing can be performed by the cassette 10 alone. For example, when the image data D1 before the image processing is stored in the image memory 13, the additional data D3 is stored together with the image data D1, and the image data D1 is read together with the additional data D3, and the processing method represented by the additional data D3 is performed. After performing image processing by the image processing means 12 based on the processing parameters, the transfer means 15
Can be transferred to a clinical room or the like. When the image data D2 after the image processing is stored in the image memory 13, the read image data D2 can of course be transferred immediately. The image data D1 before processing
Alternatively, the supplementary data D3 may be transferred together with the processed image data D2, and various processes may be performed at the transfer destination based on the supplementary data D3.

The preferred embodiment of the radiation detecting cassette according to the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications may be made without changing the gist of the invention. It is possible. For example, it is possible to provide an operation panel and a liquid crystal panel, but not an image processing unit or a transfer unit. In this case, the display device may perform processing in accordance with the image processing method, parameters, transfer destination, and the like set on the cassette side.

In the above embodiment, the operation panel and the liquid crystal panel are provided on the outer surface on the back side of the case. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the operation panel and the like may be provided inside the case. . In this case, the lid and the housing are engaged with each other by a hinge or the like so that the lid can be opened and closed. An operation panel or a liquid crystal panel is provided on an inner surface side of the lid, and the lid is opened for operation or display confirmation. What is necessary is just to be the structure which can perform.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a detection surface side of a radiation detecting cassette according to an embodiment of the present invention (A), and a plan view of a surface (rear surface) opposite to the detection surface (B).

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a radiation image recording apparatus using the cassette.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Radiation detection cassette 11 Case 12 Image processing means 12 13 Image memory 14 Attached data processing means 15 Transfer means 20 Radiation solid state detector 30 Operation panel 40 Liquid crystal panel as a display means

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A radiation detection cassette comprising: a radiation solid state detector for detecting radiation carrying image information and outputting an image signal representing a radiation image; and a case for housing the radiation solid state detector. A radiation detection cassette comprising an operation panel for setting signal processing contents. 2. The radiation detecting cassette according to claim 1, further comprising image processing means for processing the image signal. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a display unit that displays an image based on the image signal obtained by performing the processing on the image signal in accordance with the content of an operation on the operation panel. 3. The cassette for radiation detection according to 1 or 2. 4. A radiation detection cassette comprising: a radiation solid state detector for detecting radiation carrying image information and outputting an image signal representing a radiation image; and a case for housing the radiation solid state detector. A radiation detection cassette comprising an operation panel for setting processing contents relating to signal transfer. 5. The radiation detecting cassette according to claim 4, further comprising a transfer unit configured to transfer the image signal to a transfer destination set on the operation panel. 6. A radiation detection cassette comprising: a radiation solid state detector for detecting radiation carrying image information and outputting an image signal representing a radiation image; and a case for accommodating the radiation solid state detector. A radiation detecting cassette comprising an operation panel for setting processing contents of incidental information relating to a signal. 7. The radiation detecting cassette according to claim 6, further comprising processing means for processing additional information related to the image signal. 8. A radiation detecting cassette comprising: a radiation solid state detector for detecting radiation carrying image information and outputting an image signal representing a radiation image; and a case accommodating the radiation solid state detector. A radiation detection cassette, comprising: an operation panel for setting processing contents related to transfer of incidental information related to a signal. 9. The radiation detecting cassette according to claim 8, further comprising a transfer unit configured to transfer additional information related to the image signal to a transfer destination set on the operation panel. 10. The radiation detection cassette according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying the contents of an operation on the operation panel. 11. The radiation detecting cassette according to claim 3, wherein the display means is provided on a surface of the case opposite to a detection surface. 12. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said display means is provided on an outer surface of said case.
12. The cassette for radiation detection according to any one of 11). 13. The radiation detection cassette according to claim 1, wherein the operation panel is provided on a surface of the case opposite to a detection surface. 14. The operation panel according to claim 1, wherein the operation panel is provided on an outer surface of the case.
3. The cassette for radiation detection according to claim 3.