JP2002200064A - Imaging device, imaging system, imaging method, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging system which is excellent in operability and can reduce a load on an object by constituting the system to be capable of simultaneously imaging plural sites. SOLUTION: A control means 107 makes plural imaging means 101a, 101b execute imaging. An image processing means 108 processes plural images taken by the plural imaging means 101a, 101b as one image.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a radiographing apparatus, a radiographing system, a radiographing method, and a method for use in an apparatus or system for obtaining radiographic images by, for example, X-ray radiation. The present invention relates to a storage medium in which the processing steps are stored in a computer-readable manner.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, as a radiographic system for medical diagnosis, there is a film screen system combining an intensifying screen and a radiographic film. In such a system, an X-ray transmitted through a subject, that is, an X-ray containing internal information of the subject is converted into visible light proportional to the intensity of the X-ray by an intensifying screen, and the X-ray is converted into visible light by the visible light.
By exposing a radiographic film, an X-ray image of a subject is formed on the X-ray photographic film.

In recent years, a digital X-ray imaging apparatus for acquiring an X-ray image of a subject as a digital image has become widespread, and it is possible to acquire an X-ray image of a chest or the like used for medical diagnosis as a digital image. It has become.

[0004] As a digital X-ray imaging apparatus, for example, there is a portable imaging apparatus 800 having only a sensor unit as a portable type as shown in FIG. Such a photographing apparatus 800 is generally a “cassette” or an “electronic cassette”.
is called.

[0005]

However, the conventional photographing apparatus such as the electronic cassette 800 shown in FIG. 13 has the following problems. That is, FIG.
The electronic cassette 800 shown in FIG. 3 is excellent in portability, but has a very narrow photographing range. For this reason,
In many cases, a desired imaging region does not fall within the imaging range. In such a case, it is necessary to perform imaging in a plurality of times.

Specifically, for example, there are various diagnostic methods using X-ray images. In the case of a method of comparing left-hand and right-hand X-ray images and diagnosing the difference based on the difference, an electronic method is used. When imaging is performed by the cassette 800 to acquire left and right hand X-ray images, the left hand and the right hand are often out of the imaging range of the electronic cassette 800. Therefore, it is necessary to divide the image into two shots, that is, left-hand shooting and right-hand shooting. This requires a lot of time and effort in the imaging operation, and furthermore, the imaging (exposure) is performed twice on the subject (examiner), so that the subject is exposed twice. Therefore, the burden on the human body also increases.

Therefore, the present invention has been made to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks, and is configured so that a plurality of photographed parts can be photographed at the same time, thereby improving workability and reducing the burden on the subject. It is an object of the present invention to provide a storage medium in which a computer can store a photographing apparatus, a photographing system, a photographing method, and a processing step for executing the photographing apparatus, which can perform the photographing apparatus. Further, the present invention is configured such that a photographing range can be widened, so that the photographing apparatus, the photographing system, the photographing method, and the like, which are excellent in workability and can reduce a burden on a subject, It is another object of the present invention to provide a storage medium in which a computer stores processing steps for executing the same.

[0008]

For such a purpose,
According to a first aspect of the present invention, a first imaging means for radiographically imaging a first affected part of a subject, a second imaging means for radiographically imaging a second affected part of the subject, and the first and second imaging means are provided. An imaging apparatus comprising: a control unit configured to perform an imaging operation in parallel by one radiation irradiation; and an image processing unit configured to process a plurality of captured images obtained by the first and second imaging units to obtain a composite image. The device is characterized in that:

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographing apparatus to which a plurality of photographing means each having an image pickup section comprising a plurality of image pickup elements arranged two-dimensionally can be connected, wherein the plurality of photographing means are photographed in parallel. Control means for operating, and image processing means for processing a plurality of photographed images obtained by the plurality of photographing means in a state where the respective image pickup units of the plurality of image pickup means are in contact with each other to obtain a composite image. Features.

In a third aspect, in the second aspect,
Each of the plurality of photographing units is capable of contacting its own image pickup unit with an image pickup unit of another photographing unit at a pixel pitch equal to or less than the pixel pitch.

In a fourth aspect based on the second aspect,
Detecting means for detecting an arrangement state of the plurality of photographing means, wherein the image processing means acquires a composite image by processing the plurality of photographed images based on a detection result of the detecting means. I do.

According to a fifth aspect, in the second aspect,
The plurality of photographing units include a unit that acquires the photographed image from incident radiation.

[0013] In a sixth aspect based on the second aspect,
The plurality of photographing units include an electronic cassette.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging system in which a plurality of devices are communicably connected to each other, wherein at least one of the plurality of devices is the one according to any one of claims 1 to 6. It has a function of a photographing device.

An eighth invention is a photographing method for acquiring a photographed image by a plurality of photographing means each having an image pickup section comprising a plurality of image pickup devices arranged two-dimensionally,
A control step of causing the plurality of photographing means to perform a photographing operation in parallel; and processing a plurality of photographed images obtained by the plurality of photographing means in a state where the respective image pickup units of the plurality of photographing means are in contact with each other to form a composite image. Acquiring an image processing step.

According to a ninth aspect, in the eighth aspect,
Each of the plurality of photographing units includes a unit capable of contacting an image pickup unit on its own side with an image pickup unit of another photographing unit at a pixel pitch equal to or less than a pixel pitch.

In a tenth aspect based on the eighth aspect, the image processing step includes a step of processing the plurality of photographed images to obtain a composite image based on an arrangement state of the plurality of photographing means. It is characterized by including.

In an eleventh aspect based on the eighth aspect, the plurality of photographing means include means for acquiring the photographed image from incident radiation.

In a twelfth aspect based on the eighth aspect, the plurality of photographing means include an electronic cassette.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a processing program for implementing the function of the photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or the function of the photographing system according to claim 7 is stored in a computer readable manner. It is characterized by being a storage medium.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium stores the processing steps of the photographing method according to any one of the eighth to twelfth aspects.

[0022]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) The present invention provides, for example,
It is applied to an X-ray imaging system 100 as shown in FIG.

<Overall Configuration of X-Ray Imaging System 100>
The X-ray imaging system 100 includes electronic cassettes 101 a and 101 connected to the X-ray generation unit 117 and the sensor connection unit 103.
b and the system control unit 106. And
X-ray generator 117 and electronic cassettes 101a and 101b
Is installed in the X-ray room 104, and the system control unit 10
Reference numeral 6 is installed in the X-ray control room 105.

The X-ray generating section 117 receives an X-ray tube 119 for generating an X-ray beam, a high-pressure source 118 for driving the X-ray tube 119, and an X-ray beam generated by the X-ray tube 119. X-ray diaphragm 120 for narrowing down to the imaging region of FIG.

The system control unit 106 is composed of a host computer device or the like, and includes an imaging control unit 107, an image processing unit 1
08, a memory 109 including a hard disk and a RAM,
External storage device 110, main control unit 111, monitor 11
And the sensor switching unit 112 to which the user interface 114 is connected.
Are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other via a bus 160.

The main control unit 111 controls the operation of the whole X-ray imaging system 100. The memory 109 stores processing programs and data for operation control in the main control unit 111, image data obtained by photographing with the electronic cassettes 101a and 101b, and the like. Therefore,
The main control unit 111 controls the entire operation of the X-ray imaging system 100 by reading and executing a predetermined processing program from the memory 109.

The sensor connection section 103 is configured so that a plurality of electronic cassettes can be connected. Here, for simplicity of description, as an example, two electronic cassettes 10 are used.
It is assumed that 1a and 101b are connected to the sensor connection unit 103.

The imaging control unit 107 controls the operation of the high-voltage generation source 118 and the X-ray aperture 120 of the X-ray generation unit 117 and the electronic cassette 101 via the sensor connection unit 103.
a, 101b and the like are controlled.

The image processing unit 108 includes the sensor connection unit 103
The image data supplied from the electronic cassettes 101a and 101b via the CPU is subjected to appropriate image processing such as offset correction and gain correction.

The user interface 114 includes an operation unit such as a keyboard, and receives various operation instructions from a user 116. Thereby, for example, the monitor 115
In accordance with an instruction from the user 116, the image data in the memory 109 is displayed. In accordance with an instruction from the user 116, the image data in the memory 109 is stored in the hard disk 109 or the external storage device 110.

Upon receiving an operation instruction from the user 116 using the user interface 114, particularly an instruction to switch the electronic cassettes 101a and 101b, the sensor switching unit 113 transmits the instruction information (sensor switching information) to the imaging control unit 1.
07. Therefore, when the imaging control unit 107 receives the sensor switching information from the sensor switching unit 113,
Based on the information, the electronic cassette used for photographing is switched between the electronic cassettes 101a and 101b.

Although the electronic cassettes 101a and 101b will be described in detail later, they have the same configuration, and the power is supplied by the main control unit 111 of the system control unit 106. The electronic cassettes 101a and 101a, 10
1b, which of the electronic cassettes is to be turned on, that is, which of the electronic cassettes is used for photographing, or whether both of the electronic cassettes 101a and 101b are used for photographing at the same time. Is performed by the main control unit 111 based on an operation instruction from the user 116. It should be noted that a configuration may be provided in which the LED lamps are turned on at the time of selection so that the selected electronic cassette can be checked with respect to the electronic cassettes 101a and 101b.

<Configuration of Electronic Cassettes 101a and 101b> Each of the electronic cassettes 101a and 101b has a communication frame memory 150 for temporarily storing image data obtained by photographing. In addition, the electronic cassettes 101a and 101b are, as shown in FIG.
An imaging unit including a combination of the phosphor 201 and the sensor unit 202 is provided.

The phosphor 201 converts an X-ray (X-ray transmitted through a subject) incident on the electronic cassette 101a into a visible light image. As will be described in detail later, the sensor unit 202 is configured by two-dimensionally arranged photoelectric conversion elements, and uses, for example, amorphous silicon (amorphous silicon: a-Si film) as a photoelectric conversion layer. This is preferable because it is possible not only to easily form a photocarrier on a sensor substrate such as a glass substrate having a large area, but also to use it as a semiconductor material of a TFT as a switching element. is there. Therefore, the phosphor 2
The visible light output from 01 is absorbed by the sensor substrate of the sensor unit 202, where photo carriers are formed and accumulated.

FIG. 3 specifically shows the internal configuration of the sensor unit 202. The sensor unit 202 includes a photodetector array 401. The photodetector array 401 is composed of, for example, about 2000 × 2000 to 4000 × 4000 pixels. The array area of the photodetector array 401 is, for example, 200 mm × 200 mm to 500 m.
It is about mx500 mm.

Here, for the sake of simplicity, as an example, the photodetector array 401 is composed of 2048 × 2048 pixels, and its array area is 215 mm × 215
mm. Therefore, the size of one pixel is about 10
It becomes 5 × 105 μm. Then, the photodetector array 401
Has a two-dimensional configuration in which 2048 pixels arranged in the horizontal direction are regarded as one block, and the 2048 blocks are arranged in the vertical direction.

FIG. 4 focuses on one pixel (photoelectric conversion element) and shows an example of the configuration of an equivalent circuit thereof.

The photoelectric conversion element includes a photodetector 301 and a switching thin film transistor (hereinafter referred to as a “switching TFT”) 303 for controlling accumulation and reading of electric charges.
And, for example, a structure in which amorphous silicon (a-Si) is added to a glass substrate.

The light detector 301 includes a photodiode 301a.
And a parallel circuit of a capacitor 301b. In FIG. 4, the charge due to the photoelectric effect in the light detection unit 301 is represented as a “constant current source 302”. The capacitor 301b may be a parasitic capacitance of the photodiode 301a or an additional capacitor for improving a dynamic range of the photodiode 301a.

The photodiode 30 of the light detecting section 301
The cathode of 1a is connected to a bias power supply 304 via a bias wiring Lb which is a common electrode (D electrode). On the other hand, the anode of the photodiode 301a of the photodetector 301 is connected to the switching TF from the gate electrode (G electrode).
The capacitor 305 and the charge reading preamplifier 306 are connected via T303. Preamplifier 306
Is connected to the ground via a reset switch 308 and a signal line bias power supply 309.

In the one photoelectric conversion element shown in FIG. 4, first, the switching TFT 303 and the reset switch 309 are temporarily turned on, and the capacitor 301b
Is reset. After that, the switching TFT 303
And the reset switch 309 is turned off. When X-rays are emitted from the X-ray generation unit 117 to the subject 170, the transmitted X-rays of the subject 170 are converted into visible light images by the phosphor 201 (see FIG. 2), and Light enters the conversion element.

In the photoelectric conversion element, first, the photodiode 301a becomes conductive by the visible light image, and discharges the electric charge of the capacitor 301b. Next, when the switching TFT 303 is turned on, the capacitor 301b and the capacitor 305 are connected. Thereby, the electric charge of the capacitor 301b is transmitted to the capacitor 305. Then, the accumulated charge of the capacitor 305 is
The voltage is amplified by the preamplifier 306 or converted into a voltage by the capacitor 307 and output to the outside.

Returning to FIG. 3, a photodetector array 401 in which photoelectric conversion elements as shown in FIG. 4 are two-dimensionally arranged.
Focusing on the whole, the configuration of the entire sensor unit 202 will be described more specifically.

As shown in FIG. 4, one photoelectric conversion element (pixel) includes one photodetector 301 and one switching TFT 303. 3, the photoelectric conversion elements PD (1, 1) to (2048, 2048) correspond to the light detection unit 301, and the transfer switch SW (1, 1).
(2048, 2048) are the switching TFT 303
Corresponding to

The gate electrode (G electrode) of the photoelectric conversion element PD (m, n) is connected to the corresponding transfer switch SW (m, n).
To the common column signal line Lcm for that column. For example, the first row of photoelectric conversion elements PD (1, 1)
To (2048, 1) are connected to the first column signal line Lc1.

All the common electrodes (D electrodes) of the respective photoelectric conversion elements PD (m, n) are connected to a bias power supply 304 via a bias wiring Lb. The control terminals of the transfer switches SW (m, n) in the same row are connected to a common row selection line Lrn. For example, the transfer switches SW (1,1) to (1,2048) of the first row are connected to the row selection line Lr1.
Connected to

The row selection lines Lr1-2048 are connected to the timing control circuit 404 via the gate drive circuit 403. The gate drive circuit 403 includes the timing control circuit 4
An address decoder 410 that decodes the control signal from the address decoder 04 and determines a signal charge of the photoelectric conversion element of which line should be read, and 2048 switch elements SW that are opened and closed according to the output of the address decoder 410 are included. . With such a configuration, the photoelectric conversion element PD connected to the switch SW (m, n) of an arbitrary line Lrn
The signal charge of (m, n) can be read. Note that as the gate drive circuit 403, for example, a circuit including a shift register used for a liquid crystal display or the like may be used.

The column signal lines Lc1-2048 are connected to a signal readout circuit 402 controlled by a timing control circuit 404. The signal read circuit 402 includes the column signal lines Lc1 to Lc1.
A preamplifier 406-that amplifies the signal potential from the 2048
Sampling and holding (S / H) circuits 407-1 to 2048 for sampling and holding the outputs of preamplifiers 406-1 to 2048, and S / H circuits 407-1 to 20-20
An analog multiplexer 408 for multiplexing the 48 outputs on the time axis and an A / D converter 409 for digitizing the analog output of the analog multiplexer 408 are included. The output of the A / D converter 409 is input to the communication frame memory 150.

In the above-described sensor unit 202, first,
In response to the visible light from the phosphor 201,
The photoelectric conversion element PD (m,
Under the control of the gate drive circuit 403, the electric charge (photocarrier) accumulated in n) turns on the transfer switch SW (m, n) connected to the row selection line (gate line) Lrm of the gate drive circuit 403. Thus, the image signal is read out as an image signal for one line.

The read signal is amplified by the amplifier 406-n, sampled and held by the sample-and-hold circuit 407-n, and then read by the analog multiplexer 408.
Is entered. Switching control in the analog multiplexer 408 is performed by the timing control circuit 404.
The output of the analog multiplexer 408 is converted to digital data by the A / D converter 409.

Under the control of the timing control circuit 404, the digital data is transferred to the system control unit 106 via the communication memory (frame memory) 150 and the sensor connection unit 103 (see FIG. 1) in sequence. Therefore, in the system control unit 106, the sensor unit 202
Two-dimensional image data of the whole (entire electronic cassette) is obtained.

<Operation of X-Ray Imaging System 100> FIG.
In the X-ray imaging system 100 of FIG. 1, X-ray imaging of the subject 170 is performed after X-ray imaging of the subject 170 is performed.
9 shows operation timing until a line image is obtained.

In the following description, for the sake of simplicity, the electronic cassette 101a is referred to as "Cassette A", the electronic cassette 101b is referred to as "Cassette B", and these two cassettes A and B are simultaneously driven. X-ray photography is to be performed. This instruction, that is, an instruction to perform photographing using two cassettes A and B at the same time, is input by the user 116 through the user interface 114 and supplied to the imaging control unit 107 and the like via the sensor switching unit 103. Become.

In FIG. 5, "501" indicates an imaging request signal (exposure request SW signal) by the user interface 114. “502” indicates a ready signal (imaging request instruction signal) of the X-ray generator 117. “503”
Indicates an actual X-ray irradiation state. “504” is the user 11
6 from the imaging controller 107 based on the instruction of the cassette A,
5 shows an imaging request signal (X-ray imaging request signal) to B. “5
“05” indicates an imaging ready signal (X-ray detector ready signal) of cassettes A and B. “506” indicates cassettes A and B
2 shows the power control signals in FIG. “507” and “509”
Indicates a data transfer request signal for cassettes A and B, respectively. “508” and “510” indicate the timing of image transfer and image processing of the force sets A and B, respectively.

Then, first, the cassettes A and B keep the power control signal at 0F as indicated by "506" until the user 116 issues a detector preparation request or an imaging request.
Stand by in the state of F. Specifically, in the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the potentials of the row selection line Lr, the column signal line Lc, and the bias wiring Lb are maintained at the same potential (particularly, the signal GND level) by a switch (not shown), No bias is applied to the detector array 401. Note that the signal readout circuit 402, the gate drive circuit 403, and the bias power supply 404 or a power supply including the power supply are shut off so that the potentials of the row selection line Lr, the column signal line Lc, and the bias wiring Lb are maintained at the GND potential. You may.

Next, when the exposure request SW1 of the user interface 114 is operated by the user 116 (“50”).
1 "), the imaging controller 107 issues a control instruction to cause the X-ray generator 117 to transition to the imaging ready state and to shift the cassettes A and B to the imaging preparation state.
The force sets A and B that have received the light are supplied to the photodetector array 401.
When a predetermined time (several seconds or more) is required for preparation for photographing, for example, an operation for the preparation is started.

Next, when the exposure request SW2 of the user interface 114 is operated by the user 116 (“50”).
1 ”), the imaging control unit 107 controls the imaging operation while synchronizing the cassettes A and B with the X-ray generator 117. Specifically, for example, the imaging control unit 107
Is an instruction by operating the exposure request SW2 (imaging request instruction)
The imaging request signal is asserted to the cassettes A and B at the timing of the X-ray imaging request signal indicated by “504”.

The cassettes A and B return an X-ray detector ready signal (see "505") to the imaging controller 107 when the preparation for imaging is completed. The imaging controller 107
Based on the transition of the X-ray detector ready signals from the two cassettes A and B, the X-ray generator 117 is requested to emit X-rays (X-ray generation request) (see “503”). While the X-ray generator 117 is making an X-ray generation request from the imaging controller 107 (while the X-ray generation request signal is being supplied),
Generates X-rays.

When the imaging controller 107 recognizes that the X-ray generator 117 has generated a predetermined amount of X-ray, the X-ray generator 1
By negating the X-ray generation request signal (see "503") for the cassette 17 and negating the X-ray imaging request signal (see "504") for the cassettes A and B, image acquisition for the force sets A and B is performed. Notify the timing.

The force sets A and B start the operation of the signal readout circuit 402 (see FIG. 3) which has been in a standby state until this time, based on the image acquisition timing from the imaging controller 107. After a predetermined wait time for establishing the signal reading circuit 402, image data is read from the X-ray detector array 401 under control of the timing control circuit 404, and an X-ray image is obtained.

The above-described image acquisition operation is executed simultaneously by the two cassettes A and B by one X-ray exposure. Therefore, the radiographic images are temporarily stored in the communication frame memories 150 of the cassettes A and B, respectively. The communication frame memories 150 of the cassettes A and B each have a capacity capable of storing at least one image data.

The system control unit 106 first transmits a data transfer request signal (refer to “507”) to the first cassette (here, cassette A). The cassette A that has received the data transfer request signal transmits the X-ray image data (A1) once stored in the communication frame memory 150 to the system control unit 106 (“50”).
8 ").

When the system control unit 106 recognizes that the data transfer from the cassette A has been completed, the system control unit 106 subsequently transmits a data transfer request signal (“5
The cassette B, which has received the data transfer request signal, transmits the X-ray image data (B1) temporarily stored in the communication frame memory 150 to the system control unit 106 (“510”). "reference).

As described above, the X-ray image data (A1) obtained by the cassette A and the X-ray image data (B1) obtained by the cassette B are sequentially transmitted to the system control unit 10.
6 is transferred.

When the transfer of the X-ray image data of the two cassettes A and B to the system control unit 106 is completed, the imaging control unit 107 waits for the cassettes A and B again in order to obtain a correction image. Transition to a state. After that, the force sets A and B simultaneously acquire correction image (dark image) data, respectively, in the same manner as when acquiring the X-ray photographed image data (A1, B1) described above.

That is, the system control unit 106 first transmits a data transfer request signal (refer to “507”) to the first cassette (here, cassette A). The cassette A that has received the data transfer request signal sends the communication frame memory 1 to the system control unit 106.
The offset correction image data (A
2) is transmitted (see "508").

When the system control unit 106 recognizes that the data transfer from the cassette A has been completed, the system control unit 106 subsequently transmits a data transfer request signal (“5
The cassette B, which has received the data transfer request signal, transmits the offset correction image data (B2) once stored in the communication frame memory 150 to the system control unit 106 ("510"). "reference).

As described above, the offset correction image data (A2) obtained by the cassette A and the offset correction image data (B2) obtained by the cassette B are sequentially transferred to the system control unit 106. You.

The imaging sequence at the time of acquiring the image data for offset correction may slightly differ in the X-ray exposure time and the like every time of the imaging, but the exact same imaging sequence including this is reproduced and corrected. By obtaining the image for use, a higher quality image can be obtained.

In the system control section 106, the image processing section 108 applies offset correction image data (A2, B1) to each of the X-ray image data (A1, B1).
Basic correction processing such as offset correction using 2) and gain correction using image data for gain correction is performed (“50”).
8 "," 510 ") For example, the image processing unit 108
Is such that the X-ray image data (A1, B1) obtained by the two cassettes A, B can be treated as one image data for each of the X-ray image data (A1, B1). Correction processing including offset correction and gain correction processing for matching the image characteristics.

In the offset correction process, the offset correction image data (A) read without X-ray irradiation is used to correct the influence of dark current and the like included in the signal charge.
2, B2) to correct the X-ray image data (A1, B1) at the time of X-ray exposure. In addition, the gain correction process uses the gain correction image data obtained by directly irradiating the cassettes A and B with only the X-ray without passing through the subject 170, and performs X-ray imaging during X-ray irradiation. The processing includes correcting the image data (A1, B1) to correct the variation in gain for each pixel. The gain correction image data is acquired before shipment from the factory or before each photographing.

After matching the image characteristics of the X-ray image data (A1, B1), the image processing unit 108 converts the X-ray image data (A1, B1) into one image data. , Gradation processing, DR (Dynamic Range)
Processing and various image processing such as joint processing of two images are performed.

By the way, in the image processing unit 108, 2
When handling two X-ray images as one image, the arrangement relationship between the two X-ray images is determined by the following configuration.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the cassette A has arrangement detectors 601 to 604 for judging the arrangement status.
Are provided, and the cassette B is also provided with arrangement detection units 605 to 608 for judging the arrangement state. For example, the arrangement detecting units (electrodes) 601 to 608 are configured so that any one of the arrangement detecting units comes into contact by combining force sets A and B, and the positional relationship can be determined based on the contact state.

The force sets A and B have such a structure that when they are combined, they come into contact without any gap. When the cassettes A and B are combined, an attachment structure that does not shift the position may be used.

Therefore, the image processing unit 108 performs the above-described image processing according to the arrangement relationship between the cassettes A and B indicated by the contact state of the arrangement detection units 601 to 608. For example, when the cassettes A and B have an arrangement relationship as shown in FIG. 7A (cassette A is left and cassette B is right), the image processing unit 108 Image processing is performed such that an image (an X-ray image A obtained by the cassette A on the left and an X-ray image B obtained by the cassette B on the right) is obtained. In addition, cassettes A and B
However, the arrangement relationship (cassette A) shown in FIG.
Is right and cassette B is left), the image processing unit 108
Is a single image (X-ray photographed image A obtained by cassette A shown in FIG.
Image processing is performed such that a line image B is obtained.

As described above, one image obtained by the image processing unit 108, that is, one image obtained from two X-ray images obtained by simultaneously shooting with two cassettes A and B is obtained.
The composite image is displayed on the monitor 115 or stored in the external storage device 110, for example.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the two electronic cassettes 101a and 101b are simultaneously driven to perform photographing at a time. Therefore, photographing which has been conventionally divided into two times is performed once. Can be completed. For example, even if the diagnosis is made based on the right and left hand shot images,
The right and left hand shot images can be obtained by one shot without the need to separately shoot the right and left hands. Therefore, the efficiency of the imaging operation is increased, and the subject 170
Only one exposure is required, so that the burden on the subject 170 is reduced.

Note that, in the first embodiment, FIG.
Image transfer ("509", "51") of the cassette B shown in FIG.
0 ") may be configured as follows. For example, as shown in FIG.
06, after receiving the offset correction image data (A2) from the cassette A, subsequently transmits a data transfer request signal to the cassette B (see "509 '"). The cassette B sequentially transfers the offset correction image data (B2) to the system control unit 106 together with the X-ray imaging image data (B1). However, in this case, the communication memory 150 of the cassette B needs a capacity capable of storing at least two image data.

In the first embodiment, the two cassettes A and B are simultaneously driven to perform photographing. However, the present invention is not limited to the two cassettes A and B. Instead, an arbitrary plurality of cassettes may be driven simultaneously to perform photographing.

(Second Embodiment) The present invention provides, for example,
It is applied to an X-ray imaging system 700 as shown in FIG. In the X-ray imaging system 700 shown in FIG.
The parts operating in the same manner as the X-ray imaging system 100 in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Here, only the configuration different from the first embodiment is described.
This will be specifically described.

In the X-ray imaging system 700, the two electronic cassettes 101a and 101b
4 to FIG. 4, the configuration includes the two-dimensionally arranged photoelectric conversion elements.

The electronic cassette 101a,
10B will be described in detail. First, FIG.
(A) and (b) show the structure of the electronic cassettes 101a and 101b. As shown in FIG. 10A, for example, in the electronic cassette 101a, the light detection array 401 (see FIG.
Are arranged so as to be in contact with any one side of. Then, a gate drive circuit 403, a signal readout circuit 402, a timing control circuit 404, a communication frame memory 150, and the like are arranged in an empty space in the housing of the electronic force set 101a.

The light detection array 401 is formed on a glass substrate. At the time of the formation, as shown in FIG. 11A, the two electronic force sets 101a and 101b are brought into contact with the light detection array 401. When the sides are close to each other, the pixels exist up to the end surface of the glass substrate so that the light detection arrays 401 of the respective electronic force sets 101a and 101b can be close to each other with a pitch equal to or less than the pixel pitch. And end-face treated. The details of FIG. 11B will be described later.

In the electronic force sets 101a and 101b, the side where the light detection array 401 is in contact is the light detection array 4
In order to protect 01, it has a structure which cannot be contacted from outside by a cover. Accordingly, when the two electronic power sets 101a and 101b are combined, the cover can be removed and the two electronic power sets 101a and 101b can be combined as shown in FIG. It has a structure. The cover may be automatically opened when the two electronic power sets 101a and 101b are combined.

As shown in FIG. 10B, for example, in the electronic force cassette 101a, an electrode 801 is provided on a connection side with another electronic cassette. Therefore, in a state where the two electronic power sets 101a and 101b are united, it can be determined whether or not the respective light detection arrays 401 are in accurate contact with each other based on whether or not the electrode 801 is in contact. . It should be noted that the attachment structure may be such that the cassettes are fixed when the two electronic force sets 101a and 101b are combined.

The electronic force sets 101a, 101 as described above
The operation of the X-ray imaging system 700 of the present embodiment including 1b is the same as the operation of the X-ray imaging system 100 of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 5 and 8), The processing in the image processing unit 108 based on the arrangement relationship between the sets 101a and 101b is slightly different.

That is, in this embodiment, in particular, the light detection array 40 of the two electronic force sets 101a and 101b is used.
1 is set to be less than or equal to the pixel pitch, the image processing part 108 is in the positional relationship between the electronic cassettes 101a and 101b indicated by the contact state of the electrode 801 shown in FIG. In the case of the arrangement relationship shown in FIG. 12A (the arrangement relationship in which the respective photodetection arrays 401 are connected with the cassette A being left and the cassette B being right), as shown in FIG. Image processing is performed so that one image (an image in which the X-ray image A obtained by the cassette A is connected to the left and the X-ray image B obtained by the cassette B is connected to the right) is obtained. In the case where the cassettes A and B have an arrangement relationship as shown in FIG. 12C (the arrangement relationship in which the respective photodetection arrays 401 are connected with the cassette A on the right and the cassette B on the left), an image is displayed. The processing unit 108 is connected such that one image (the X-ray image A obtained by the cassette A is right, and the X-ray image B obtained by the cassette B is left, as shown in FIG. Image processing to obtain an image).

Further, the image processing unit 108 performs the correction processing described in the first embodiment so that the spatial frequency is low so that the density of the connection portion of the two X-ray images changes continuously. Processing including frequency correction processing is performed.

As described above, in this embodiment, the light detection array 401 of the two electronic force sets 101a and 101b is used.
And the two electronic cassettes 101a and 101b are simultaneously driven to perform photographing at a time, so that the photographing range can be widened. For this reason, the imaging which has conventionally been divided into two can be completed in one. Therefore, the efficiency of the imaging operation is improved, and the subject 170 is only required to be exposed once, so that the burden on the subject 170 is reduced.

In the second embodiment, the light detection arrays 401 of the two electronic force sets 101a and 101b are configured to be close to each other. Absent. As the number of electronic cassettes to be brought closer is increased, the photographable range can be further expanded. Specifically, for example, first, as shown in FIG. 3, the light detection array 401 has a matrix structure, and the signal readout circuit 402 is provided on at least two sides thereof.
And connection of the gate drive circuit 403 is required. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11A, when the two electronic force sets 101a and 101b are brought close to each other, the remaining two sides to which the signal readout circuit 402 and the gate drive circuit 703 are not connected are used. The four electronic cassettes 101 are brought close to each other, as shown in FIG.
a to 101d may be configured to be close to each other. When the two electronic force sets 101a and 101b are configured to be close to each other, processing such as processing the end face of the light detection array 401 and attaching a protective cover is performed in FIG.
As shown in (a), when the four electronic force sets 101a to 101d are configured to be close to each other, the processing is executed for two sides. Will be.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, 2
Although the power of the electronic power sets 101a and 101b is configured to be supplied from the outside, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the electronic power sets 101a and 101b may be respectively supplied.
A configuration may be adopted in which a battery is mounted for b.

Also, in the first and second embodiments, 2
Although the arrangement relationship between the electronic force sets 101a and 101b is determined based on the contact points of the electrodes, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be determined using, for example, a push button switch or the like. In addition, the electronic force setting 10
1a and 101b are also shown in FIG.
It is not limited to the one shown in FIG.

In the first and second embodiments,
Electronic power sets 101a and 101b and system control unit 10
6 is connected by a signal line or the like, but is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic force sets 101a, 101a
01b is provided with a portable memory, and the memory in which photographed image data is stored after photographing is stored in the system control unit 1
06, the system control unit 106 may be configured to read captured image data from the memory. Alternatively, the electronic power setting 1 can be performed by optical communication.
01a, 101b to the system control unit 106,
The configuration may be such that captured image data is propagated in the air.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a storage medium storing program codes of software for realizing the functions of the host and the terminal according to the first and second embodiments to a system or an apparatus. It is needless to say that the present invention is also achieved when the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the apparatus reads out and executes the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the first and second embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. ROM, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, C
A D-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, or the like can be used. The functions of the first and second embodiments are realized by executing the program code read by the computer, and the OS running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the present invention includes a case in which the functions of the first and second embodiments are realized by performing part or all of the actual processing. Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in an extension function board inserted into the computer or a function extension unit connected to the computer, the function extension is performed based on the instruction of the program code. C provided on board and function expansion unit
It goes without saying that the PU or the like performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the first and second embodiments.

[0097]

As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of photographing means (portable electronic cassettes and the like) are photographed in parallel (driving at substantially the same time), and a plurality of photographing means obtained thereby are obtained. The image processing unit is configured to obtain a composite image by processing the image (processing as one image). This allows
For example, even when the imaging region of the subject does not fall within the imaging range of one imaging unit, it is not necessary to perform the imaging in several times, and it is possible to obtain an image of the imaging region by one imaging. it can. This is particularly effective in the case of radiography of X-rays or the like, because the number of exposures to the subject can be reduced, and the burden on the subject can be reduced. Specifically, for example, even when the diagnosis is performed using the X-ray imaging images of the right and left hands, it is not necessary to separately perform the X-ray imaging of the right hand and the left hand, and the right and left hands can be obtained by one X-ray imaging. Can be obtained.

Further, when the imaging section of the photographing means (such as a sensor section in which the photoelectric conversion elements are two-dimensionally arranged) is configured to be close to the imaging section of another photographing means, the photographing range can be widened. it can. For this reason, it becomes easy to fit the imaging region of the subject into the imaging range, and the imaging that has conventionally been divided into two can be completed in one. Also in the case of this configuration, in particular, in the case of radiography such as X-rays, the number of times of exposure to the subject can be reduced, and the burden on the subject can be reduced, which is effective.

Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the work efficiency of photographing and reduce the burden on the subject.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an X-ray imaging system to which the present invention is applied in a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic cassette of the X-ray imaging system.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a sensor unit of the electronic cassette.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a photoelectric conversion element of the sensor unit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the X-ray imaging system.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method of determining the arrangement state of the electronic cassette.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining processing of an image obtained by the electronic cassette.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining another operation of the X-ray imaging system.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an X-ray imaging system to which the present invention is applied in the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic cassette of the X-ray imaging system.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration for bringing the electronic cassette close to the electronic cassette.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining processing of an image obtained by the electronic cassette.

FIG. 13 is a view for explaining a conventional electronic cassette.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 100 X-ray imaging system 101a, 101b Electronic cassette 103 Sensor connection unit 104 X-ray room 105 X-ray control room 106 System control unit 107 Imaging control unit 108 Image processing unit 109 Memory 110 External storage device 111 Main control unit 112 Interface 113 Sensor switching Unit 114 user interface 115 monitor 116 user 117 X-ray generation unit 118 high-voltage generation source 119 X-ray tube 120 X-ray aperture 150 communication frame memory 160 bus

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G01T 1/20 G01T 1/20 G G03B 42/04 G03B 42/04 A H04N 5/32 H04N 5/32 7 / 18 7/18 LV F term (for reference) 2G088 EE01 EE11 FF02 GG19 GG20 JJ01 JJ05 JJ09 JJ33 KK20 KK29 KK32 KK35 2H013 BA02 4C093 AA03 CA18 CA34 EB13 EB17 FA13 FA32 FA33 FA42 FA52 FC01X11 AA01 AA07 CA02 CC01 EA01 EA05 FE11 HA12

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A first imaging means for radiographing a first affected part of a subject, a second imaging means for radiographing a second affected part of the subject, and the first and second imaging means are: Control means for performing a photographing operation in parallel by irradiation of radiation twice, and image processing means for processing a plurality of photographed images obtained by the first and second photographing means to obtain a composite image. Characteristic imaging device. 2. A photographing apparatus to which a plurality of photographing units each having an image pickup unit composed of a plurality of image pickup devices arranged two-dimensionally can be connected, wherein said control unit causes said plurality of photographing units to perform photographing operations in parallel. And image processing means for processing a plurality of photographed images obtained by the plurality of photographing means in a state where the respective image pickup units of the plurality of photographing means are in contact with each other to obtain a composite image. apparatus. 3. The photographing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each of said plurality of photographing means is capable of contacting its own image pickup section with an image pickup section of another image pickup means at a pixel pitch equal to or less than a pixel pitch. apparatus. 4. A detecting means for detecting an arrangement state of the plurality of photographing means, wherein the image processing means processes the plurality of photographed images based on a detection result of the detecting means to obtain a composite image. The photographing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the photographing is performed. 5. The photographing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said plurality of photographing means include means for acquiring said photographed image from incident radiation. 6. The photographing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said plurality of photographing means include an electronic cassette. 7. An imaging system in which a plurality of devices are communicably connected to each other, wherein at least one of the plurality of devices is a function of the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. An imaging system comprising: 8. A photographing method for acquiring a photographed image by a plurality of photographing means each having an image pickup unit composed of a plurality of image pickup devices arranged two-dimensionally, wherein the plurality of photographing means are photographed in parallel. A control step of operating, and an image processing step of processing a plurality of photographed images obtained by the plurality of photographing means in a state where the respective imaging units of the plurality of imaging means are in contact with each other to obtain a composite image. Characteristic shooting method. 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of photographing units includes a unit capable of contacting an image pickup unit on its own side with an image pickup unit of another photographing unit at a pixel pitch equal to or less than a pixel pitch. How to shoot. 10. The image processing method according to claim 8, wherein the image processing step includes a step of processing the plurality of photographed images to obtain a composite image based on an arrangement state of the plurality of photographing means. Shooting method. 11. The imaging method according to claim 8, wherein said plurality of imaging means include means for acquiring said captured image from incident radiation. 12. The method according to claim 8, wherein said plurality of photographing means include an electronic cassette. 13. A computer readable storage of a processing program for implementing the functions of the photographing apparatus according to claim 1 or the functions of the photographing system according to claim 7. Storage medium. 14. A storage medium, wherein the processing steps of the photographing method according to claim 8 are stored in a computer readable manner.