JP2002263088A - Radiation photographing apparatus, photographing system, photographing processing method and memory medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radiation photographing apparatus constituted so as to be capable of easily and accurately performing the input of a photographing method and capable of performing efficient photographing work. SOLUTION: A memory means 112 stores the data related to a plurality of photographing methods hierarchically and a display means 108 displays the memory data of the memory means 112. A user selects the photographing method from the display means on the basis of the display content. A control means 111 controls radiation photographing operation on the basis of the photographing method selected by the user.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a radiographic apparatus, a radiographic system, a radiographic processing method, and a radiographic apparatus for use in a radiographic apparatus or system for obtaining a plurality of digital radiographic images. 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 For example, a film screen system combining an intensifying screen and an X-ray photographic film has been widely used for radiography of X-rays or the like for medical diagnosis. In this system, the X-rays transmitted through the subject include internal information of the subject, so that the X-rays transmitted through the subject are converted into visible light proportional to the X-ray intensity by an intensifying screen to convert the X-ray photographic film. By exposing the subject, an X-ray image of the subject is formed on an X-ray photographic film. Therefore, by developing and fixing the X-ray photographic film on which the X-ray image is formed as described above, the X-ray image of the subject can be visualized and interpreted.

In recent years, X-rays transmitted through a subject are converted into visible light proportional to the X-ray intensity by a fluorescent substance, the visible light is converted into an electric signal by a photoelectric conversion element, and the electric signal is converted into an analog signal. X-ray digital photographing apparatuses adapted to be digitized by a digital / digital converter are beginning to be used.

In the above-mentioned X-ray digital photographing apparatus, there is one using, for example, amorphous silicon as a photoelectric conversion element. The sensor unit is compared with a conventional X-ray digital photographing apparatus using an image intensifier. Can be formed with a large screen, thin and light weight, and an imaging method as used in the above-described film screen system becomes possible.

The above X-ray digital photographing apparatus has the advantage that the trouble of loading the film can be omitted and the photographed image can be confirmed immediately after photographing without waiting for the development processing.

By the way, in radiography in an X-ray radiography room, a radiography menu is generally determined for each hospital, and in most cases, a plurality of radiographs are taken for one patient.
In this case, a plurality of film cassettes are prepared, and the film cassette is exchanged for each photographing, and photographing is repeated.

On the other hand, if the above-mentioned X-ray digital photographing apparatus is used, the photographing apparatus reads a signal obtained by a photoelectric conversion element (sensor) every photographing and converts a photographed image into digital data. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of film cassettes necessary for each photographing, and it is possible to save the trouble of changing the cassettes for each photographing.

[0008]

However, in the above-described conventional X-ray digital photographing apparatus, a technician who is a user of the photographing apparatus performs a photographing method on the photographing apparatus instead of wearing a film cassette. It is necessary to shoot after inputting. This is because it is necessary to preliminarily specify X-ray generation conditions and parameters relating to image processing suitable for each radiographing, and to perform a radiographing operation according to the specification.

Regarding the input of the imaging method (selection input), if the input is not diverse, the user operation is not complicated, but generally, the input of the imaging method in X-ray imaging is various. Therefore, there are many choices, and in particular, in the case of a user who is unfamiliar with the device operation, the operation may be confused. In addition, it is conceivable that an erroneous selection of an imaging method may occur. In this case, imaging conditions are mismatched, and imaging is performed using parameters that are not suitable for diagnosis because image processing parameters are different, and suitable image processing parameters are set. Therefore, it may take time.

Therefore, the present invention has been made to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks, and is configured so that the input of a radiographing method can be performed easily and accurately, so that radiographic imaging capable of performing efficient radiographic work can be performed. Device, photography system, photography processing method,
It is another object of the present invention to provide a storage medium in which a computer stores processing steps for executing the same.

[0011]

For such a purpose,
A first invention is a radiation imaging apparatus capable of performing imaging by a plurality of imaging methods, wherein a storage unit that hierarchically stores information on the plurality of imaging methods, and a display unit that displays information stored in the storage unit A selection unit for selecting an arbitrary imaging method based on the display content of the display unit; and a control unit for controlling a radiation imaging operation based on the imaging method selected by the selection unit. And

According to a second aspect, in the first aspect,
The control means controls a shooting operation based on a shooting condition corresponding to a shooting method selected by the selection means.

According to a third aspect, in the first aspect,
The display means displays information on the plurality of photographing methods in order from an upper hierarchy or a lower hierarchy based on an external instruction.

According to a fourth aspect, in the fourth aspect,
The display means may return to a display state of information of a higher hierarchy based on whether or not all imaging included in the selected imaging method has been completed.

According to a fifth aspect based on the first aspect,
The display means displays information related to imaging included in the selected imaging method in a non-display or non-selectable state based on whether or not the imaging has been performed.

In a sixth aspect based on the first aspect,
The control means performs a control for sequentially executing all the imaging included in the imaging method selected by the selection means.

According to a seventh aspect, in the first aspect,
The control means performs a control for displaying a warning when all the photographing methods included in the photographing method selected by the selecting means are stopped without being completed.

According to an eighth 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 device among the plurality of devices is according to any one of claims 1 to 7. It has the function of a radiation imaging apparatus.

A ninth aspect of the present invention is a photographing processing method for controlling a photographing operation using a plurality of photographing menus, wherein a management step of grouping and managing photographing information included in the plurality of menus is provided. A presentation step of presenting management information to the user by the management step, a selection step in which the user selects an arbitrary photography menu based on the presentation content, and a photography operation included in the photography menu selected in the selection step. And a control step of controlling.

In a tenth aspect based on the ninth aspect, the control step includes a step of automatically acquiring a photographing condition included in the selected photographing menu and controlling a photographing operation based on the photographing condition. It is characterized by including.

In an eleventh aspect based on the ninth aspect, the presenting step includes the step of displaying information of a higher hierarchical level based on whether or not all imaging included in the imaging menu selected in the selecting step has been completed. Automatically returning to the presentation state.

In a twelfth aspect based on the ninth aspect, in the present invention, the presenting step includes not presenting information relating to the photographed photographing among the photographing included in the photographing menu selected in the selecting step. It is characterized by including a step of presenting in an unselectable state.

In a thirteenth aspect based on the ninth aspect, the presenting step includes a step of presenting, in a color or shape of a predetermined button, information on imaging included in the imaging menu selected in the selecting step. It is characterized by including.

[0024] A fourteenth invention is a radiographing processing method for controlling radiography by a radiographing apparatus or system having a sensor sensitive to radiation, the radiographing order obtaining step of obtaining radiographing order information from a user. A photographing condition acquiring step of acquiring a grouped photographing condition corresponding to the photographing order information obtained by the photographing order acquiring step from a database; and the photographing condition obtained by the photographing condition acquiring step are automatically set in order. And a control step of preparing for photographing.

In a fifteenth aspect based on the fourteenth aspect, the control step includes a step of adding information indicating whether the photographing condition has been processed or unprocessed to the photographing condition obtained in the photographing condition obtaining step. And setting the above-mentioned preparation for shooting based on the additional information, and automatically executing this step as long as unprocessed shooting conditions exist.

According to a sixteenth aspect, there is provided an imaging processing method for controlling imaging by an imaging apparatus or system including a sensor having sensitivity to radiation, wherein a selection step of allowing a user to select imaging order information is provided. A retrieval step of retrieving a grouped photography menu corresponding to the photography order selected in the selection step from a database; and performing the photography based on the photography conditions of the photography included in the photography menu retrieved in the search step. It is characterized by including a photographing step and an image processing step of executing image processing based on photographing image processing conditions included in the photographing menu searched in the search step.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium capable of causing a computer to realize the functions of the photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or the functions of the photographing system according to claim 8. Characterized in that it is recorded in

An eighteenth invention is characterized in that a program for causing a computer to execute the processing steps of the photographing processing method according to any one of claims 9 to 16 is recorded on a computer-readable storage medium.

Specifically, for example, when the present invention is applied to a medical radiation imaging apparatus, information (imaging conditions, image processing conditions, etc.) relating to a plurality of imaging menus (imaging methods) determined for each hospital is stored and managed. Is displayed on the screen, and the user is allowed to select a desired shooting menu. Then, information about the shooting included in the selected shooting menu is sequentially set, and the shooting operation is automatically executed to assist the user.

[0030]

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

The present invention is applied, for example, to a medical digital X-ray imaging system 100 as shown in FIG.
The digital X-ray imaging system 100 of the present embodiment (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “imaging system 100”)
A configuration in which the imaging control method is set in advance according to the imaging method determined for each hospital, and the imaging method is automatically switched and set based on the setting information, saves the trouble of the operation for imaging, It has been made to support shooting.

As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging system 100 includes an X-ray generation unit 124 that generates X-rays for the subject 102, a large-screen photoelectric conversion element (solid-state imaging element) 10
3, the standing sensor unit 101 including the phosphor 104 and the grid 105, the lying sensor unit 106, the magnetic card reader 117, the operation unit 108 as a user interface, and the operation control of the entire system 100 (X-ray X-ray imaging apparatus 121 having a controller 107 for controlling the synchronization of exposure, image acquisition, image processing, and the like.

The controller 107 includes a capture board 110 for storing captured image data and the magnetic card reader 1.
17 and a serial interface 114 and a video interface 115, which are interfaces of the operation unit 108, a host CPU board 111, and a network interface 113 which is an interface of a network (LAN) 122. They are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other via 116.

A hard disk 112 is connected to the host CPU board 111. The host CPU board 111 includes a host CPU 126 that executes processing programs for various controls, and a RAM 127 that stores the processing programs (control programs) and the like.

For example, the host CPU 126 executes a predetermined processing program 128 stored in the hard disk 112.
Is loaded into the RAM 127 and executed (activated), whereby the photographing system 10 according to the present embodiment, which will be described in detail later, is executed.
Operation 0 (automatic photographing operation) is performed. Host C
The PU 126 generates a predetermined screen by executing the processing program 128, and displays the screen on the touch panel of the operation unit 108 via the video I / F 115.

The standing sensor unit 101 and the capture board 110 in the controller 107 are connected via a data line 109 for power supply, image transfer, and control signals.
The capture board 10 in 7 is connected via a data line 119 similar to the data line 109. Similarly, the X-ray generation unit 124 and the capture board 10 in the controller 107 are connected via the data line 125.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a screen displayed on the touch panel of the operation unit 108 in the X-ray imaging apparatus 121. The user (doctor, X-ray technician, etc.) operates X
An operation instruction is issued to the line imaging device 121.

In the X-ray imaging apparatus 121, the host CP
The host CPU 126 of the U board 111 acquires the coordinate information corresponding to the button operated by the user on the screen of FIG. 2 through the serial I / F 114 by executing the processing program described above, and responds to the coordinate information. By executing the processing program, for example, the details will be described later, the display screen configuration of the operation unit 108 is changed, and the state of the controller 107 is changed. As a result, the photographing operation according to the instruction from the user is performed.

In the screen of FIG. 2, "232" is
An area for displaying a magnetic card inserted into the magnetic card reader 117 or patient information (information of the subject 102) input from the operation unit 108. “233” is a message display area for urging the user to perform the next operation and displaying the state of the apparatus 121 and the like.

"234" is an area for displaying an X-ray image, and "235" is an area for displaying the input imaging conditions. “236” is an area for arranging a button defining a photographing parameter set defining photographing method information, and “237” and “238” are buttons for switching pages of the photographing parameter set menu.

"239" is an area for displaying a list of radiographic images. “240” is an area where a button for inputting the completion of shooting is arranged. “230” is a button for selecting and instructing the standing sensor unit 101 as a sensor unit used for imaging, and “231” is a lying sensor unit 1 as a sensor unit used for imaging.
06 is a button for selecting and instructing 06.

Therefore, for example, the user first enters the patient 1
At the time of photographing 02, information (patient name, date of birth, sex, etc.) of the patient 102 to be photographed is input by the magnetic card reader 117 or the operation unit 108 or the like. This input information is taken into the controller 107.

As a method for inputting patient information, for example, basically, when a magnetic card on which patient information is recorded is inserted by inserting it into a magnetic card reader 117 and the user forgets the magnetic card, the user can input the patient information. The information may be input using the operation unit 108 having an input mechanism for patient information. The input mechanism of the operation unit 108 is such that the host CPU 126 operates a keyboard constituted of predetermined software by using the operation unit 10.
8 can be implemented.

Here, for example, an X-ray technician who is a user performs imaging ordered by a doctor (imaging order), provides the X-ray image to the doctor, and the doctor
It is a task to make a diagnosis based on a radiographic image. Normally, in the operation of X-ray photography in a hospital, a radiographing order determined in advance is almost always received.

In a conventional film screen system, it is necessary to insert a film into a cassette according to a photographing order, mount the film on a bucky stand, and generate X-rays determined for each photographing method (photographing technique). There is. Furthermore, if the X-ray dose is not adjusted according to the physique of the patient, the density of the X-ray radiographic image varies, which may affect the diagnosis.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a photo timer for detecting an X-ray transmitted through a patient and outputting an X-ray cutoff signal when the transmitted X-ray reaches a predetermined X-ray. What is called is used.

However, even if a phototimer is actually used, the configuration is such that the X-ray which has reached a specific area where the phototimer is arranged is only monitored to block the X-rays. A difference in physique or a part to be imaged affects a position shift of the phototimer, and it is impossible to obtain an optimal X-ray image for diagnosis.

On the other hand, in an X-ray digital imaging system, an anatomical region is extracted from an image formed from X-rays transmitted through a patient by executing a predetermined processing program and automatically determined in advance. Since sensitivity adjustment (density adjustment) can be performed so as to match the determined density, it is possible to assist in generating a more accurate X-ray radiographic image by diagnosis. For this purpose, it is necessary to set image processing conditions which are keys for density adjustment and to perform an operation for setting the sensor in a shooting preparation state. On the other hand, since the above-mentioned operation of the apparatus is required, the labor of the photographing operation cannot be said to be greatly reduced.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to allow the user to easily input a photographing method, for example, photographing method information is defined for the operation unit 108 as shown in FIG. A configuration is provided in which an area 236 for arranging buttons defining a shooting parameter set is provided.

For example, suppose that the user has ordered the imaging of the patient 102 in two directions of the chest (front and side of the chest) by a doctor, and the user (here, an X-ray technician)
First, in order to perform front chest imaging, a button 242 in which imaging conditions and image processing conditions relating to the imaging are set.
Press. Thereby, the control parameters for the chest front imaging are set in the X-ray imaging apparatus 121. Then, the user positions the patient 102 and performs X-ray imaging of the front of the chest.

Next, the user presses the button 243 in order to take a side view of the chest (the second shot) in the same manner as in the case of the front view of the chest. As a result, control parameters for chest side imaging are set in the X-ray imaging apparatus 121. Then, the user positions the patient 102 and performs X-ray imaging of the side surface of the chest.

When the user has completed the X-ray imaging for all the imaging orders from the doctor, the user presses the imaging end button 240 to end the main X-ray imaging.

In the case of the above example, since the number of photographed images is two, the photographing operation is simple. However, depending on the photographing order, four, seven, or even more photographings may be performed. As the number increases, the trouble of searching for a button for selecting a shooting method on the operation unit 108 (the screen in FIG. 2) becomes more troublesome.

For example, a user (X-ray technician) takes an imaging order of seven cervical vertebrae (cervical vertebra AP, cervical vertebra AP forward flexion, cervical vertebra AP retroflexion, cervical vertebra AP opening, cervical LAT, cervical LAT forward flexion, cervical LAT retroflexion). When the user receives the button, the user needs to search for and select a button corresponding to the corresponding imaging technique from the area 236 (imaging menu) on the screen of FIG. 2 every time imaging is performed. Also, the currently displayed area 23
When the button corresponding to No. 6 is not displayed, the user needs to switch the display button in the area 236 by operating the page switching key 237 or 238, search for the corresponding button, and press it.

Specifically, first, the user inputs “cervical vertebra A
By pressing the "P" button 244, X-ray imaging of the cervical vertebra AP is performed. Next, in order to perform cervical vertebra AP forward bending imaging,
The user presses the “cervical vertebra AP” button 244 to perform the imaging.
Next, the user presses the “cervical vertebra AP” button 244 to perform the cervical vertebra AP backward bending imaging, and performs the imaging. In the cervical vertebra AP forward bending imaging and the cervical vertebra AP backward bending imaging, since the image processing parameters (image processing conditions) are the same as those of the cervical vertebra AP imaging, the button 244 is shared.

Next, the user searches for a “cervical vertebra AP opening” button from the area 236 to perform cervical vertebra AP opening imaging. Since the cervical vertebra AP opening imaging has different image processing parameters from the cervical vertebra AP, a dedicated button 248 is set. This button 248 does not exist on the screen in the state shown in FIG. Then, the user changes the page switching key 2
By operating the button 38, the display button (display page) of the area 236 is switched. As a result, the screen shown in FIG. 2 is switched to the screen shown in FIG. The user
The button 248 displayed in the area 236 on the screen, that is, the “cervical vertebra AP opening” button 248 is pressed, and the cervical vertebra AP opening is photographed.

Next, the user operates the page switching key 237 to perform the cervical vertebra side view, thereby switching back to the screen shown in FIG. 2 and displaying the “cervical LAT” button displayed in the area 236 thereof. By pressing 245, a lateral imaging of the cervical vertebra is performed. Similarly, the user presses the “cervical LAT” button 245 in order to shoot the remaining two images, and performs the shooting. Then, when all seven images have been shot, the user presses the shooting end button 240 to end the main shooting.

As described above, when the number of photographed images increases, the operation for inputting the photographing method for the photographing becomes very troublesome, resulting in poor work efficiency. Thus, in the present embodiment, the imaging method itself often designated as the imaging order is assigned to one button on the operation unit 108. For example, as a button for displaying the imaging order, as shown in FIG. 4, a “chest 2” button 252 and an “abdomen 2” button 25
3, "cervical vertebra 4" button 254 and "cervical vertebra 7" button 2
55 are provided.

The composite button for displaying a plurality of photographing orders with a single button is a color or button shape which is used to indicate that a plurality of photographing methods are defined. Is changed and displayed.

For example, the “chest 2” button 252 is assigned a method of photographing in the two directions of the chest (chest PA, chest RL). When the “chest 2” button 252 is pressed, the screen shifts to a screen of a lower hierarchy. FIG. 5 shows an example of a screen when the “chest 2” button 252 is pressed. As shown in FIG. 5, a button tray 263 including a “chest PA” button 260 and a “chest LR” button 261 is displayed.

A “chest PA” button 260 indicates a method of photographing in the chest, standing position, and PA direction, and is used for 120 kVp, 2
X-ray imaging conditions such as 00 mA and 15 msec are associated with anatomical position information of the front chest image and image processing parameters. Therefore, the “chest PA” button 260
When is pressed, information of the X-ray imaging condition is displayed in the area 262. Also, a “chest LR” button 261
Means the imaging method in the chest, standing position, LR direction, and 12
X-ray imaging conditions such as 0 kVp, 200 mA, and 50 msec are associated with anatomical position information and image processing parameters of a chest side image. Therefore, "chest LR"
When the button 261 is pressed, the X in the area 262 is displayed.
Information on the line imaging conditions is displayed.

For example, when the user receives an imaging order for imaging two chests (imaging in the chest PA and chest LR in two directions), the user first receives the “chest 2” button 252 and the “hierarchy” button 252 in the lower hierarchy. The chest P button 260 allows the chest P
After inputting the imaging method of A, the patient 102 is positioned and returned to the operation room to perform X-ray irradiation. Thereby, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1
In 21, X-ray generation and collection of an X-ray image (here, an X-ray image of the chest PA) are performed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, an X-ray image 265 of the chest PA obtained by X-ray imaging is listed in an area 239 for displaying a list of X-ray images.

Next, the user requests the next image to be taken on the side of the chest (L
R) Since it has been determined that imaging is to be performed, as shown in FIG. 6 described above, with the “chest LR” button 261 depressed, the imaging preparation state is set again, and then the patient 102 is positioned and returned to the operation room. X-ray exposure is performed. Thus, the X-ray imaging apparatus 121 executes generation of X-rays, collection of X-ray imaging images (here, X-ray imaging images of the chest LR), and the like. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the X-ray image of the chest LR obtained by the current X-ray image is displayed in the area 239 for displaying the list of X-ray images, following the X-ray image 265 of the chest PA. 266 is listed. At this time, since the imaging of the two breasts has been completed, that is, the imaging of all the imaging orders has been completed, and the button tray 263 has no button for the next imaging, so as shown in FIG. Then, the area 236 of the upper layer of the photographing method is automatically displayed.

Then, the user checks the X-ray image obtained by imaging the two breasts in the area 234, and presses the imaging end button 240 when it is determined that the image can be provided for diagnosis. Thereby, in the X-ray imaging apparatus 121, the host CPU 126 converts the data of the X-ray imaging image into
The image is output to a preset image server, an image display device installed near a doctor, or a medical printer for film diagnosis.

The display of the X-ray photographed image in the area 234 can be hidden as shown in FIG. 6, or can be displayed as an unselectable state. is there. At this time, when the user makes a mistake by pressing the button, or when it is necessary to stop the shooting urgently, as shown in FIG.
By pressing, it is possible to stop shooting and return to the top menu. However, since the routine shooting has not been completed, a warning that "All shooting has not been completed, but is it OK to end?" Is displayed, and there is a possibility that routine shooting may be stopped halfway by mistake. Exclude.

For example, when the user receives an order for imaging in four directions of the cervical vertebra (imaging in four directions of the cervical vertebra PA, the cervical vertebra LAT, the cervical vertebra LPO, and the cervical vertebra RPO), the user first enters the order shown in FIG. The “cervical vertebra 4” button 254 in the area 236 of the screen shown is pressed.

The “cervical vertebra 4” button 254 sets an imaging technique for imaging in the four directions of the cervical vertebra. When the “cervical vertebra 4” button 254 is pressed, the screen shifts to a lower hierarchical level screen. FIG. 9 shows an example of a screen when the “cervical vertebra 4” button 254 is pressed. As shown in FIG. 9, the “cervical vertebra PA” button 26
7. A “cervical vertebra LAT” button 268, a “cervical vertebra LPO” button 269, and a “cervical vertebra RPO” button 270 are displayed.

Here, in the same manner as in the case of photographing two breasts described above, the user operates the button tray 263 shown in FIG.
By operating the above various buttons, four cervical vertebrae are sequentially photographed in accordance with the photographing order from the doctor. That is, each time the patient 102 is photographed once, the corresponding button is depressed and the X-ray photographing apparatus 121 is pressed. In order to perform this operation more efficiently and accurately, in the present embodiment, the photographing operation is automatically and sequentially performed by executing a predetermined processing program. In addition, it is possible to reduce the amount of work of the user and perform efficient shooting.

Specifically, when the user presses the “cervical vertebra 4” button 2
Since it is clear that the imaging in the four directions of the cervical vertebra is performed when the user presses the button 54, the state in which the “cervical vertebra AP” button 267 is pressed, that is, the X-ray imaging apparatus 121 is automatically shifted to the preparation state for the cervical vertebra AP imaging. .

After that, since it is clear that the next imaging is the cervical LAT imaging, the state in which the "cervical LAT" button 268 is automatically depressed, that is, the X-ray imaging system 121
Automatically shifts to a preparation state for cervical LAT imaging. Similarly, the X-ray imaging apparatus 121 is sequentially moved to the cervical vertebra LP.
The X-ray imaging apparatus 1 is automatically shifted to a preparation state for O-imaging.
21 is automatically shifted to a preparation state for cervical spine RPO imaging.

When the imaging of the cervical vertebra in the four directions is completed as described above, the area 236 of the upper hierarchy of the imaging method is automatically displayed as shown in FIG. 239 lists the X-ray radiographic images of the cervical spine in four directions.

Then, the user checks the X-ray images taken in the four directions of the cervical vertebrae in the area 234, and presses the imaging end button 240 when judging that the images can be provided for diagnosis. Thereby, in the X-ray imaging apparatus 121, the host CPU 12
In step S6, the data of the X-ray image is output to a preset image server, an image display device installed near a doctor, a medical printer for film diagnosis, or the like.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the hierarchy of the various photographing methods as described above. This hierarchy information is stored in advance in the HD 112 as a database, for example, and the host CPU 126 refers to the hierarchy information in the HD 112 according to an operation from the user on the operation unit 108, and performs the above-described operation. A screen transition in the unit 108 and an imaging operation in the X-ray imaging apparatus 121 are controlled.

For example, the host CPU 126 moves to a grouped lower hierarchical menu based on a button operated by the user, sequentially retrieves predetermined photographing conditions from the database, and performs a photographing operation based on the photographing conditions. Is executed, and at the same time, all shooting is completed, and at the same time, the display returns to the menu of the upper hierarchy and waits for completion of checking the shot image.

FIG. 12 shows a photographing system 1 as described above.
9 is a flowchart showing an operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 121, in particular, an operation of automatically selecting an imaging technique constituting an imaging order in the X-ray imaging apparatus 121. For example, the host CPU 126 reads a processing program according to the flowchart of FIG. 12 from the HD 112 and executes the processing program.
Thereby, the X-ray imaging apparatus 121 operates as follows.

Step S300: The user operates the operation unit 10
8 (or a magnetic card), patient information is input to the X-ray imaging apparatus 121.

Step S301: In the X-ray imaging apparatus 121, the host CPU 126 checks the examination information of the patient 102 (information of the previous examination result, etc.) indicated by the patient information input in step S300 and held in the HD 112 or the like in advance. Is updated, and an inspection start process such as issuing the ID of the current inspection is executed.

Step S302, Step S303: The host CPU 126 obtains the routine photographing information from the HD 112 (database) and displays it on the operation unit 108 in a different color or shape to distinguish it from normal buttons.
The system waits for an input of a shooting order from the user (step S302).
12, the information of the photographing menu corresponding to the input (corresponding information in the hierarchical information as shown in FIG. 11) is obtained (step S303). At this point, no photographed image exists, and thus the photographed mark is not added.

Step S304, Step S305: The host CPU 126 searches for an unphotographed imaging technique in the imaging menu acquired in Step S303 (Step S304), and as a result of the search, the imaging technique is present. It is determined whether or not this is the case (step S305). If the result of this determination is that there is an unphotographed imaging technique, the process proceeds to the next step S306, and if there is no unphotographed imaging technique, the process proceeds to step S320, which will be described later.

Step S306: It is determined whether or not the user has pressed the "return" button 264 even if there is an unphotographed order. The process proceeds to step S307 otherwise.

Step S307: If the result of determination in step S305 is that there is an unphotographed imaging technique, the host C
The PU 126 acquires information such as imaging conditions and image processing conditions corresponding to the imaging technique from the HD 112, and sets the condition information in the X-ray imaging apparatus 121. FIG. 13 shows an example of the above condition information, HD11 corresponding to an imaging technique.
2 shows a photographing condition (photographing parameter) and an image processing condition (image processing parameter) stored in advance in FIG.

Step S308: Host CPU 126
Is set in a state of waiting for generation (irradiation) of X-rays after setting conditions for the X-ray imaging apparatus 121.
X-ray generation, image acquisition from the sensor, defined image processing, and the like are executed, and the obtained X-ray image is displayed on the operation unit 108 in accordance with the instruction from the user as described above.

Step S309: Host CPU 126
In the condition information as shown in FIG. 13, information indicating “photographed” with respect to the condition information corresponding to the imaging technique in which imaging was performed in step S307 (here,
Mark of “レ”). And the host CPU 1
Step S304 is again performed to perform the next photographing.
The process from step S304 to step S309 is repeatedly executed until the imaging corresponding to all the imaging techniques is completed.

Steps S315 and S316: As a result of the determination in step S306, if the user attempts to end the process halfway, a warning is displayed in step S315, "Some images have not been shot. If the user really wants to end the process, the user presses the OK button.
Since the ANCEL button is pressed, the flow returns to step S307.

Step S320: As a result of the discrimination in step S305, when there is no photographing technique which has not been photographed, that is, when all the photographing techniques constituting the photographing order have been photographed, the host CPU 126 ranks the photographing order higher. It returns to the hierarchy and waits for the confirmation of the user's X-ray image.

Step S321: Host CPU 126
Determines whether or not the user has pressed the “end of imaging” button 240 to determine whether or not the user has confirmed the X-ray image and has finished the examination. If the result of this determination is that the user has not yet finished the examination, the host CPU 126 returns to step S304 again and repeatedly executes the subsequent processing steps. On the other hand, if the user has finished the examination, the process proceeds to the next step S322.

Step S322: If the result of determination in step S321 is that inspection has been completed, the host CPU 126
In the condition information as shown in FIG. 13, the examination information set for the condition information corresponding to the imaging technique in which the imaging was performed in step S308 is updated, and an examination end process such as starting image processing is performed. Execute.

Step S323: For the X-ray photographed image determined by the user to be an image unsuitable for diagnosis in step S321, the information indicating "photographed" set in the information information corresponding thereto (here, Then, the mark of “レ” is cleared, and the processing from step S304 is performed again, so that re-photographing is performed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, HD1
Since the photographing corresponding to the photographing method constituting the photographing order inputted by the user is automatically executed based on the hierarchical information of the photographing menu stored in the photographing unit 12, the photographing work of the user is reduced. , The user is patient 102
It is possible to pay attention to Further, it is expected that unnecessary buttons are not displayed on the operation unit 108 and an automatic shooting support function can be realized, thereby preventing an operation error from occurring.

In this embodiment, the imaging order is input from the operation unit 108. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the X-ray imaging apparatus 121 and the RIS
(Radiation information system) and the X-ray imaging device 1
It is also possible to configure so that the imaging interpreter 21 interprets the imaging order specified by the RIS from the ID or the like, and automatically proceeds to the imaging preparation based on the information in the database in the same manner as in the present embodiment.

Further, according to the present invention, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the present embodiment is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and the CPU of the system or apparatus stores a program stored in the storage medium. It goes without saying that this can also be achieved by reading and executing the code. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

The storage medium for supplying the control program 128 in the present embodiment is a RAM 1
27, ROM, floppy (registered trademark)
A storage medium such as a disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, and a nonvolatile memory card is applicable.

The functions of the present embodiment are implemented when the computer executes the readout program code, and the OS or the like running on the computer performs actual processing based on the instructions of the program code. The functions of the above-described embodiments can also be realized by performing a part or all of the above.

Further, the present invention distributes the program from a storage medium on which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the present embodiment is recorded to a requester via a communication line such as personal computer communication or the Internet. Needless to say, it can be applied to the case.

[0095]

As described above, in the present invention, information (imaging conditions, image processing conditions, etc.) relating to a plurality of imaging methods (imaging orders such as imaging in two directions of the chest and imaging in four directions of the cervical vertebra) are hierarchically stored. Is stored (grouped and stored). For example, “Shooting 2” including two shootings and “Shooting 4” including four shootings are set as upper layers, and “Shooting 2” — “Shooting” / “Shooting”, “Shooting 4” — “Shooting” to “shooting” are stored and managed for each piece of shooting information. Then, the management information is presented to the user in a screen display or the like so as to be selectable, and control is performed such that the photographing is automatically performed sequentially based on the selection from the user. Thus, even when the number of images to be photographed is large, repetitive operations and the like are not required, so that the photographing operation of the user can be significantly reduced, and an operation error can be prevented beforehand. In addition, for example, when the present invention is applied to radiography such as X-rays, a user (radiologist or the like) can pay attention to a patient. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily and accurately input a shooting method, and to perform an efficient shooting operation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a display screen on an operation unit in the X-ray imaging apparatus of the medical X-ray imaging system.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining switching of a shooting menu on the display screen.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which the shooting menus are grouped.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the first shooting in the case of shooting two chests by grouping the shooting menu.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the second imaging in the case of imaging two chests by grouping (hierarchization) of the imaging menu.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a case in which the shooting menu is stopped during shooting of two chests by grouping (hierarchization) of the shooting menu.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a display screen after the completion of imaging of the two breasts.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining automatic photographing of four cervical vertebrae by grouping the photographing menus.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a display screen after the automatic imaging of the four cervical vertebrae is completed.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining grouping (hierarchization) of the shooting menu.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the medical X-ray imaging system.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of imaging conditions and image processing conditions in the medical X-ray imaging system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 X-ray imaging system 101 Upright sensor unit 102 Subject 103 Solid-state image sensor 104 Phosphor 105 Grid 106 Recumbent sensor unit 107 Controller 108 Operation unit 109 Data line 110 Capture board 111 Host CPU board 112 Hard disk 113 Network interface 114 Serial interface 115 Video interface 116 Bus 117 Magnetic card reader 119 Data line 121 X-ray imaging device 122 Network (LAN) 124 X-ray generator 125 Data line 126 Host CPU 127 RAM 128 Control program

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A radiographic apparatus capable of performing radiographing by a plurality of radiographing methods, comprising: storage means for hierarchically storing information on the plurality of radiographic methods; and display means for displaying stored information of the storage means. A selection unit for selecting an arbitrary imaging method based on display contents of the display unit, and a control unit for controlling a radiation imaging operation based on the imaging method selected by the selection unit. Radiation imaging equipment. 2. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means controls an imaging operation based on imaging conditions corresponding to the imaging method selected by said selection means. 3. The display means according to an external instruction,
2. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information on the plurality of imaging methods is displayed in order from an upper hierarchy or a lower hierarchy. 4. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the display unit returns to a display state of information of an upper hierarchy based on whether all imaging included in the selected imaging method has been completed. apparatus. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays information related to shooting included in the selected shooting method in a non-display or non-selectable state based on whether or not shooting has been performed. Radiation imaging equipment. 6. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means performs control for sequentially executing all imaging included in the imaging method selected by the selection means. 7. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs a control to display a warning when all of the photographing methods included in the photographing method selected by the selecting unit are stopped without being completed. Radiation imaging equipment. 8. 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 radiation imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. An imaging system having a function. 9. A photographing processing method for controlling a photographing operation using a plurality of photographing menus, wherein a managing step of grouping and managing photographing information included in the plurality of menus; A presentation step of presenting information to a user; a selection step in which the user selects an arbitrary photography menu based on the presentation content; and a control step of controlling a photography operation included in the photography menu selected in the selection step. And a photographing processing method. 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the control step includes a step of automatically acquiring a photographing condition included in the selected photographing menu and controlling a photographing operation based on the photographing condition. Shooting processing method. 11. The presenting step includes a step of automatically returning to an upper hierarchical information presenting state based on whether or not all imaging included in the imaging menu selected in the selecting step has been completed. 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein
The shooting processing method described. 12. The presenting step includes a step of hiding or presenting information relating to a photographed photographed image in a photographing menu included in the photographing menu selected in the selecting step, in a non-selectable state. The photographing processing method according to claim 9, wherein: 13. The method according to claim 9, wherein the presenting step includes a step of presenting information on the photographing included in the photographing menu selected in the selecting step in a predetermined button color or shape. Shooting processing method. 14. An imaging processing method for controlling imaging by an imaging apparatus or system having a sensor sensitive to radiation, comprising: an imaging order obtaining step of obtaining imaging order information from a user; A photographing condition acquiring step of acquiring grouped photographing conditions corresponding to the photographing order information obtained in the acquiring step from a database; and photographing conditions obtained in the photographing condition acquiring step are automatically set in order to perform photographing. And a control step of performing preparation. 15. The control step includes adding information indicating whether processing has been performed or has not been performed to the shooting condition obtained in the shooting condition obtaining step, and setting the shooting preparation based on the additional information. The photographing processing method according to claim 14, further comprising the steps of: performing a setting for the image processing; and automatically executing the step as long as there is an unprocessed photographing condition. 16. An imaging processing method for controlling imaging by an imaging apparatus or system including a sensor having sensitivity to radiation, comprising: a selection step for allowing a user to select imaging order information; A search step of searching a grouped shooting menu corresponding to the selected shooting order from a database; a shooting step of performing the shooting based on shooting conditions of the shooting included in the shooting menu searched in the search step; An image processing step of performing image processing based on image processing conditions for shooting included in the shooting menu searched in the search step. 17. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the image capturing apparatus according to claim 1 or the functions of the image capturing system according to claim 8. 18. A computer-readable storage medium in which a program for causing a computer to execute the processing steps of the photographing processing method according to claim 9 is recorded.