JP2004073426A - Radiation image photographing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radiation image photographing system with which a radiologic technologist registers patient information and photographing information concerning radiation photographing and reading, confirms an image, and changes an image processing at a position close to the job site of radiation photographing, a user is provided with an environment which facilitates working with excellent workability, the arrangement area of an instrument is reduced, an introduction cost is reduced, reliability and extensibility are raised, a load is reduced in a network, and consequently, high performance is achieved in communication between components which constitute the network-connection system. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of controllers, radiation image readers, and a database function for mediating operation control information and status information of the radiation image readers between them are held on a network. A stimulable phosphor sheet registered by an arbitrary controller is read by one radiation image reader. Whichever reader is used, image data is automatically returned to the controller for registering the stimulable phosphor sheet. The system is constituted with high reliability. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a radiographic image capturing system mainly including a radiographic image reading device that outputs digitized image data, a controller, and a database function that mediates operation control information and status information between them. is there.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, there has been an increasing trend to increase the efficiency and speed of diagnosis by converting radiation image information of patients generated in hospitals into digital data and storing and transmitting the data. Therefore, even in the field of direct imaging, a radiation image imaging system that outputs digital data using a stimulable phosphor has been widely used instead of a conventional screen / film system.
[0003]
A radiation image capturing system using this stimulable phosphor is generally called CR (Computed Radiography), and temporarily stores radiation energy transmitted through a subject inside the stimulable phosphor, and Is excited by a laser beam of a predetermined wavelength, and is taken as stimulating light, and the stimulating light is taken out as an electric signal using a photoelectric conversion element such as a photomultiplier to form a radiation image.
[0004]
The radiation image capturing system using this stimulable phosphor is roughly divided into a dedicated radiation image capturing system with a built-in stimulable phosphor and a stimulable phosphor housed inside. The cassette is classified as a cassette-type radiographic imaging system using a portable cassette.
[0005]
A cassette type radiation image capturing system using the stimulable phosphor will be described with reference to FIG. 4 showing a cassette type radiation image capturing system using the stimulable phosphor. The cassette 6 has a built-in stimulable phosphor sheet 8 for storing a part of radiation energy, and is portable. The subject M is positioned between the radiation tube 9 and the cassette 6 in the radiation imaging room, and the radiation is emitted from the radiation tube 9 toward the cassette 6. The stimulable phosphor sheet 8 in the cassette 6 stores a part of the irradiated radiation energy. Then, when the cassette 6 is set in the radiation image reading device 1, the radiation image reading device 1 reads the radiation image information accumulated in the stimulable phosphor sheet 8 in the cassette 6. Further, the controller 2 has a monitor for inputting patient information of an image stored in the cassette 6, information on an imaging part, and the like, and for confirming an image read by the radiation image reading apparatus 1.
[0006]
Then, the radiation image reading device 1 irradiates the stimulable phosphor sheet with the excitation light to read out the radiation image information accumulated in the stimulable phosphor sheet 8 in the cassette 6, and emits the excitation light. Photoelectric conversion of the photostimulated light emitted according to the radiation image information accumulated by the above is performed, and after A / D conversion, it is output as digital image data. However, these systems are required to have high accuracy and cost is low. It is quite expensive.
[0007]
Further, the radiation image reading apparatus 1 is large in size so that a plurality of cassettes to be imaged in one inspection can be set at the same time.
[0008]
Conventionally, in such a cassette type radiographic image capturing system, the radiographic image reading apparatus 1 and its dedicated controller 2 are integrated or connected one by one separately. Therefore, one set of the radiation image reading apparatus 1 and a dedicated controller 2 are often installed for a plurality of radiation imaging rooms. However, radiation imaging work in a radiation imaging room where this set is not located is inconvenient, and the time interval between radiation imaging and input of patient information, imaging information, etc. is long, so radiologist input mistakes etc. Prone to occur. In addition, since it takes a long time to go from the radiation imaging room to the radiation image reading apparatus 1, set the cassette, and return to the radiation imaging room after confirming the image, the patient cannot be instructed for the next imaging during that time. When a patient who has already taken a picture leaves the radiography room and confirms the image, as a result of re-imaging, a call is required.
[0009]
Therefore, it has been considered that at least one set of the radiation image reading apparatus 1 and the dedicated controller 2 is installed in each radiation imaging room of the hospital, but the radiation image reading apparatus 1 and the dedicated controller 2 are installed regardless of the imaging frequency in the radiation imaging room. As a result, it is uneconomical, the installation space is large, and the cost is high.
[0010]
In any case, if one of the radiation image reading apparatus 1 and the dedicated controller 2 fails, there is a problem that both of them cannot be used.
[0011]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Therefore, a system in which a plurality of radiation image reading apparatuses 1 and a plurality of controllers 2 are connected and operated on the same network has been proposed, and the radiation image reading apparatus 1 is connected between the controllers 2 and the radiation image reading apparatuses 1. It is common to provide a database function for mediating operation control information and status information, but if this database function fails, there is a risk that all controllers 2 and all radiation image reading apparatuses 1 will not function. Was. In order to eliminate the danger of database function failure, the database function is operated on multiple dedicated server machines, and the method of switching the function is used in an emergency. Then, it is also a cause of cost increase unnecessarily.
[0012]
The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problems, and enables a radiologist to input patient information and radiographic information related to radiography and reading at a position close to the radiography site, check images, change image processing, and the like. Provided is a radiographic imaging system that is easy to use, has high operation reliability, and has high system expandability. The purpose is to:
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The following solutions to solve the above problems and achieve the above objects are proposed.
[0014]
(1) An arbitrary number of radiation image reading apparatuses that read a radiation image stored in a radiation image storage sheet and output image data, and an arbitrary number of operation information for registering operation control information of the radiation image reading apparatus. A radiographic image in which a controller, a database function for mediating status control information from the radiographic image reading device to the controller from the controller and operation control information of the radiographic image reading device are arranged on the same network A shooting system,
The controller can register its own identification information and a read command to the radiation image reading apparatus as operation control information together with the identification information of the radiation image storage sheet body in the database function,
And it is possible to receive and display the image read and output by the radiation image reading device from the radiation image storage sheet,
The radiation image reading apparatus acquires the operation control information from the database function using the identification information of the radiation image storage sheet set therein as a search key, and the radiation image storage sheet based on the operation control information. The image read from can be output to the controller indicated by the identification information of the controller included in the operation control information,
Further, during operation based on the operation control information from the controller, by registering the status information of the radiation image reading apparatus in the database function, by a simple command via the network to the controller to search the database function, It is possible to notify the status information of the radiation image reading device to the controller,
The radiation image capturing system, wherein the database function is incorporated in at least one of the arbitrary number of controllers.
[0015]
(2) The database function is built in a plurality of the arbitrary number of controllers, and the database functions built in the plurality of controllers exchange and share each other's database information at a prescribed cycle. The radiographic imaging system according to (1), which is characterized in that:
[0016]
(3) When any of the database functions of the master currently used by the system among the database functions built in the plurality of controllers has a failure, the remaining database functions built in the plurality of controllers are used. The radiographic imaging system according to (2), wherein one of them is switched to the master database function.
[0017]
(4) The radiation image capturing system according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the database function is incorporated in the radiation image reading device.
[0018]
(5) An arbitrary number of radiation image reading apparatuses for reading the radiation image stored in the radiation image storage sheet member and outputting image data, and an arbitrary number of operation information for registering operation control information of the radiation image reading apparatus. A radiographic image in which a controller, a database function for mediating status control information from the radiographic image reading device to the controller from the controller and operation control information of the radiographic image reading device are arranged on the same network A shooting system,
The controller can register its own identification information and a read command to the radiation image reading apparatus as operation control information together with the identification information of the radiation image storage sheet body in the database function,
And it is possible to receive and display the image read and output by the radiation image reading device from the radiation image storage sheet,
The radiation image reading apparatus acquires the operation control information from the database function using the identification information of the radiation image storage sheet set therein as a search key, and the radiation image storage sheet based on the operation control information. The image read from can be output to the controller indicated by the identification information of the controller included in the operation control information,
Further, during operation based on the operation control information from the controller, by registering the status information of the radiation image reading apparatus in the database function, by a simple command via the network to the controller to search the database function, It is possible to notify the status information of the radiation image reading device to the controller,
A radiation image capturing system, wherein the database function is not incorporated in either the controller or the radiation image reading apparatus.
[0019]
(6) The radiographic image according to (5), wherein a plurality of the database functions exist in one system, and the plurality of database functions exchange and share each other's database information at a predetermined cycle. Shooting system.
[0020]
(7) If any failure occurs in the database function of the master whose system is currently in use among the plurality of database functions, one of the remaining database functions other than the master is replaced by the master. The radiation image capturing system according to (6), wherein the radiation image capturing system is switched to a database function.
[0021]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below. Further, although the following description explains the meaning of the terms, the meaning of the terms in the embodiments is merely described, and the meaning of the terms of the present invention is not limited to this description.
[0022]
Embodiment As shown in FIG. 1, a radiation image capturing system 01 of this embodiment includes a plurality of radiation image reading apparatuses 1, a plurality of controllers 2, and a controller 2 'having a database function 4 among them. Connected through. The controllers 2 and 2 ′ are connected to the DICOM network 90. An image recording device 91 such as a laser imager, an image diagnostic device 92, an image filing device 93, and the like can be connected to the DICOM network 90. The image recording device 91 provides the doctor with a visualized diagnostic image by outputting the image data output by the controllers 2 and 2 ′ on a film, and the image diagnostic device 92 outputs the image data output by the controllers 2 and 2 ′. Is displayed on a monitor to provide a doctor with a visualized diagnostic image. The image filing device 93 stores image data output from the controller 2 or 2 '. The image data stored in the image filing device 93 can be output to the image output device 91 and the image diagnostic device 92 as needed.
[0023]
First, the radiation image capturing system 01 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0024]
(1) A bar code corresponding to an ID number for identifying the stimulable phosphor sheet 8 contained in the cassette 6 (hereinafter, this ID number is referred to as a sheet ID number) is provided on the housing of the cassette 6. Reference numeral 62 is attached. In this embodiment, the sheet ID number is identified by the bar code 62. However, for example, a code written on an element such as a label is read using a wireless technology using electromagnetic waves or microwaves. A possible element called a non-contact ID label (S label) or tyris may be used instead of the barcode 62. When such a label for reading a code (sheet ID number) using wireless technology is used, it is not necessary to attach a label to the casing of the cassette 6, for example, the back surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet 8. It may be attached to such as. In this case, another label on which an ID number for identifying the stimulable phosphor sheet 8 is written is preferably attached to the casing of the cassette 6.
[0025]
The radiologist goes to the controller 2 or 2 ′ with the cassette 6 used for imaging, and inputs an operator ID number using the operator ID input unit 23 of the controller 2 or 2 ′. The input unit includes an input device such as a fingerprint detector and a voiceprint detector that can identify identification information based on the physical characteristics of the operator such as a fingerprint and a voiceprint, an ID card reader that reads an ID card, and a barcode label. An input device such as a barcode reader or a portable transmission signal receiver that receives a portable transmitter (ID cards, barcode labels, and portable transmitters are convenient because the operator can always carry them) Although it is most appropriate from the viewpoint of the size, a keyboard or a touch panel may be used as an alternative. Further, the input unit 22 described later may be configured to also serve as the operator ID input unit 23. In general, when one controller 2 or 2 'is handled by one person in order to avoid troublesome input every time, it is convenient to set once as the default once input. Alternatively, the ID number of the radiologist to be used may be registered in the controller 2 or 2 'in advance, and this may be selected via a keyboard or a touch panel.
[0026]
Then, the radiologist causes the barcode reader 24 of the controller 2 or 2 'to read the sheet ID number from the barcode 62 of the cassette 6, or inputs the sheet ID number from the input unit 22 of the controller 2 or 2'. Then, the sheet ID number is registered in the controller 2 or 2 '.
[0027]
Further, the radiologist inputs the patient information of the patient to be imaged by the cassette 6 and the imaging information at the time of imaging the patient from the input unit 22. Here, the patient information includes the patient's name, age, gender, date of birth, patient ID number for identifying the patient, and the like.
[0028]
In addition, the photographing information refers to a photographing part (information on which part of the body of the subject M) and a photographing method (rear-front photographing, front-rear photographing, direction measuring photographing, oblique photographing, and other photographing directions and photographing techniques). Information used to determine the image processing conditions of the read image data, in particular, the image processing parameters for determining the gradation conversion processing conditions. .
[0029]
When the imaging information is determined, a reading condition such as the reading sensitivity and the reading resolution (sampling pitch) of the radiation image reading apparatus 1 corresponding to the imaging information is automatically selected.
[0030]
Note that, among these pieces of information, reusable information may be stored as a default value as it is to simplify the next and subsequent inputs. When the imaging information and the patient information are registered in advance, the information is displayed in a list on the display unit 21 so that the radiologist selects necessary information from the displayed list. Is also good.
[0031]
The controller 2 or 2 ′ responds to the sheet ID number or operator ID number input from the barcode reader 24 or the input unit 22 with a series of photographing information, patient information, reading conditions, and the like registered with these ID numbers. (This series of information will be referred to as accompanying information) in the controller 2 or 2 ′ in association with each other.
[0032]
The radiologist inputs a re-input instruction from the input unit 22 if there is an error in the sheet ID number, the operator ID number, or the accompanying information displayed on the display unit 21, and performs the next input operation if it is correct. When these inputs are completed for all cassettes to be photographed, an input for instructing the end of the input is performed. When a re-input instruction is input from the input unit 22, the controller 2 or 2 'clears primary storage such as a sheet ID number and waits for re-input.
[0033]
When the next sheet ID number is input or the input end is instructed, the temporarily stored sheet ID number, operator ID number, and accompanying information are stored in the controller 2 or 2 'ID number (hereinafter, controller ID). The number is sent to a database function 4 incorporated in the controller 2 'and stored therein.
[0034]
Upon receiving such information, the database function 4 registers the information in the shooting database as a record having a unique shot image unique ID number for each shot image.
[0035]
In this way, when registering the sheet ID number with the controller 2 or 2 ', the photographing information corresponding to the cassette 6 is also registered, and as described later, the controller 2 or 2' together with the sheet ID number The received image data is subjected to image processing based on the photographing information corresponding to the sheet ID number and is output, so that the photographing information is registered after reading the image from the stimulable phosphor sheet 8 of the cassette 6. It is possible to suppress registration errors of photographing information due to lapse of time, and to perform correct image processing.
[0036]
Further, when the controller 2 or 2 'registers the sheet ID number, the operator ID number corresponding to the cassette 6 and the controller ID number are also registered, so that such information can be used later.
[0037]
The radiation image reading device 1 also has an ID number (device ID number) for identifying each radiation image reading device 1.
[0038]
(2) When a series of operations such as registration of various ID numbers and input of accompanying information are completed, the radiologist places a portion where the subject M is to be subjected to radiation imaging between the radiation tube 9 and the cassette 6, and Usually, the cassette 6 is applied to the subject M) The radiation is emitted by operating the radiation generation control device 10 of the radiation tube 9. Then, part of the radiation energy emitted from the radiation tube 9 and transmitted through the subject M is temporarily stored in the stimulable phosphor sheet 8 built in the cassette 6.
[0039]
(3) When the radiation imaging of the patient is completed, the assistant sets the cassette 6 whose imaging has been completed in the radiation image reading apparatus 1. At this time, the radiation image reading apparatus 1 can be freely set with the cassette 6. Further, a plurality of cassettes 6 may be dispersedly set on a plurality of radiation image reading apparatuses 1.
[0040]
When the cassette 6 is set, the radiation image reading apparatus 1 reads the sheet ID number from the barcode 62 of the cassette 6, and searches the imaging database of the database function 4 built in the controller 2 'using the sheet ID number. Multiply. The database function 4 searches the imaging database with the transmitted sheet ID number, obtains the latest record among the matching records, and returns the information of the record to the radiation image reading apparatus 1. Then, the radiation image reading apparatus 1 accumulates the stimulable phosphor sheet 8 in the cassette 6 under the reading conditions (reading sensitivity, reading resolution, etc.) described in the information of the returned record. Read radiation image information. That is, the excitation light is irradiated on the stimulable phosphor sheet 8, and the stimulable light emitted according to the radiation image information accumulated by the irradiated excitation light is photoelectrically converted, and the A / D-converted digital image data ( Hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, the data will be referred to as image data). The obtained image data is transmitted to the controller 2 or 2 ′ having the controller ID number returned from the database function 4 together with the record information transmitted from the database function 4.
[0041]
When the reading of the image data is completed, the radiation image reading apparatus 1 erases the energy remaining in the stimulable phosphor sheet 8, returns the stimulable phosphor sheet 8 to the inside of the cassette 6, and takes out the cassette 6. Make it possible. The assistant returns the cassette 6 that has completed reading to the radiation imaging room, and prepares for the next imaging.
[0042]
As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, the reading condition of the stimulable phosphor sheet 8 is automatically determined from the registered photographing information, and the determined reading condition is associated with the sheet ID number. Since the radiation image reading apparatus 1 is configured to be stored, the radiation image reading apparatus 1 searches for reading conditions based on the read sheet ID number, and based on the obtained reading conditions, the stimulable phosphor sheet of the cassette 6. 8, image data can be read. As described above, the image data can be read under appropriate reading conditions only by registering the shooting information with the controller 2 or 2 ′, so that image data of good quality optimal for the shooting conditions can be obtained.
[0043]
(4) The radiologist performs a check operation of the received image data. First, the controller 2 or 2 ′ generates a reduced image of the image data while receiving the image data from the radiation image reading apparatus 1, and sequentially displays the reduced image on the display unit 21. The display unit 21 displays the sheet ID number related to the received image data, the device ID number of the radiation image reading apparatus 1 that has transmitted the image data, and other accompanying information together with the image data. The contents of such information to be displayed together with the image data (reduced image data) can be selected by the user in advance.
[0044]
When the reception of all the image data is completed, the generated reduced image data is subjected to image processing such as non-linear gradation conversion processing under image processing conditions determined by shooting information corresponding to the image data, It is displayed again on the display unit 21. The radiologist can check the redisplayed image, change the image processing conditions and perform image processing on the reduced image data again if necessary.
[0045]
Further, the controller 2 or 2 'notifies the database function 4 incorporated in the controller 2' of the sheet ID number corresponding to the received image data. In response to this notification, the database function 4 adds information indicating that the image has been transferred to the corresponding record in the imaging database.
[0046]
The controller 2 or 2 'searches the imaging database in the database function 4 or the information temporarily stored in the controller 2 or 2' using the patient ID number, and the image data of the sheet ID number having the patient ID number is retrieved. , All are returned to the controller 2 or 2 '. When all the image data of the sheet ID number having the patient ID number has been returned to the controller 2 or 2 ', information indicating that all the image data of the patient has been received is displayed on the display unit 21.
[0047]
From the operation status of the radiation image reading apparatus 1, it is difficult to determine whether reading of all cassettes 6 for one patient has been completed. However, the controller 2 or 2 'that has registered the sheet ID number is When all of the images read from the plurality of cassettes 6 relating to this one patient are received, a display indicating that all the images have been received is displayed, so that the operator can proceed to the next operation with peace of mind.
[0048]
Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the display position and the output order of the image data can be rearranged in a predetermined order. These may be performed automatically or may be specified by the user. If it is desired to automatically perform the setting, the order of arrangement is set in advance. For example, if the sheet ID numbers are set so as to be rearranged in the registration order, even if the cassettes 6 are placed in the radiation imaging apparatus 1 in a different order, the image data received by the controller 2 or 2 ′ may be changed. Even if the receiving order varies, the display position of the image is always determined in the registration order, so that confusion does not occur.
[0049]
Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, registration of the sheet ID numbers of the plurality of cassettes 6 for photographing one patient is performed by one controller 2 or 2 ′, and the plurality of cassettes 6 that have been photographed are registered. Is set to a plurality of radiation image reading apparatuses 1, the image read by the plurality of radiation image reading apparatuses 1 is automatically returned to the controller 2 or 2 ′ in which the sheet ID number is registered. . For this reason, even if the image data is returned from different radiation image reading apparatuses 1, the image data of the same patient can be handled together.
[0050]
When the radiological technologist completes the image checking operation, he inputs an image confirmation. When the image confirmation is input, the image processing is performed on the unreduced image data (the received original image data) under the last image processing condition for the reduced image displayed on the display unit 21. The image data subjected to the image processing is temporarily stored in the controller 2 or 2 '. Then, the image data subjected to the image processing or the image data before the image processing to which the image processing conditions are added together with other accompanying information and ID information are transmitted via the DICOM network 90 to the image recording device 91 and the image diagnosis device 92. And to the image filing device 93 according to the communication protocol of DICOM.
[0051]
When the image confirmation is input, a code indicating that the processing has been completed is added to the record relating to the sheet ID number in the photographing database in the database function 4 built in the controller 2 '.
[0052]
Next, the radiation image reading apparatus 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
[0053]
When the cassette 6 is set in the radiation image output apparatus 1 after the end of the radiation imaging, the barcode reader 150 reads the sheet ID number from the barcode 62 of the cassette 6. The database function 4 is searched using the sheet ID number, and the reading conditions (reading sensitivity and reading resolution) and the controller ID number of the image data return destination are obtained as described above. The sensitivity of the photoelectric reading unit 112 is set according to the value of the reading sensitivity, and the transport speed of the transport mechanism 160 and the sampling pitch of the A / D converter 113 are set according to the value of the reading resolution.
[0054]
When the cassette 6 is set in the radiation image output apparatus 1, the stimulable phosphor sheet 8 is pulled out from the cassette 6, and the stimulable phosphor sheet 8 is conveyed in the X direction by the transport mechanism 160 in the sub-scanning direction. The reading unit 110 reads out the image data stored and held in the luminescent phosphor sheet 8.
[0055]
The reading unit 110 includes an excitation light generating unit 111, a photoelectric reading unit 112, and an A / D converter 113. While the stimulable phosphor sheet 8 is being conveyed in the sub-scanning direction by the conveying mechanism 160, the excitation light generator 111 scans the excitation light 14 in a direction (main scanning direction) orthogonal to the sub-scanning direction.
[0056]
When the excitation light 14 acts on the stimulable phosphor sheet 8, the energy stored inside the phosphor is generated as stimulable stimulable light 15. The electrical signal is converted to an electrical signal, and the electrical signal is logarithmically converted by a logarithmic converter 114 (whereby the electrical signal is converted from an electrical signal that is linear to the light intensity of the stimulating light 15 to the logarithm of the light intensity of the stimulating light 15) It is converted into a linear electric signal, that is, an electric signal that is linear in density), and further digitized by the A / D converter 113.
[0057]
The image data output from the reading unit 110 is subjected to a correction process unique to the reading unit 110 and the stimulable phosphor sheet 8 (the shading correction of the photoelectric reading unit 112 and the excitation light generation unit 111) by the signal processing unit 120. Correction, correction of sensitivity unevenness of the stimulable phosphor sheet 8, etc.), and then temporarily stored in the primary storage unit 130 sequentially. After the reading is completed (or while reading the image data), the communication unit 140 transmits the image data to the controller 2 or 2 ′ having the controller ID number returned from the database function 4 via the network 3. Send.
[0058]
Here, the image data transmitted to the controller 2 or 2 ′ is image data having a pixel value that is linear with respect to the logarithm of the light intensity of the stimulating light 15. Image data that cannot be used for diagnosis). To convert the image data into image data that can be used for diagnosis, it is generally necessary to perform a non-linear gradation conversion process. In this embodiment, this process is performed by the controller 2 or 2 '. As described above, in this embodiment, the image data is returned from the radiation image reading apparatus 1 to the controller 2 or 2 'while maintaining the gradation characteristics unsuitable for diagnosis.
[0059]
Since the processing conditions of the non-linear gradation conversion processing vary depending on the imaging region and the imaging direction, it is necessary to prepare an algorithm for each imaging region and imaging direction. In addition, since an algorithm for automatically detecting a radiation field stop and a subject area at the time of imaging is required, an algorithm for nonlinear gradation conversion processing generally has a very complicated structure.
[0060]
Since an environment in which such a complicated image processing algorithm can be executed at a high speed (referred to as an image processing environment) is very expensive, it is necessary to construct an image processing environment in both the radiation image reading apparatus 1 and the controller 2 or 2 '. Is very uneconomical. In this embodiment, the radiologist checks the image, changes the image processing conditions, and provides an environment in which the image processing is performed again under the changed image processing conditions. The side needs an image processing environment. Therefore, it is preferable that the image processing is not performed on the radiation image reading apparatus 1 side and the image processing is performed only on the controller 2 or 2 ′ side.
[0061]
However, even if the radiation image reading apparatus 1 is configured to be able to perform the image processing, the essence of the present invention except for the cost is not impaired.
[0062]
Next, the controllers 2 and 2 'will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.
[0063]
The controller 2 or 2 ′ inputs a display unit 21 for displaying various information and a read image, an input unit 22 for a radiologist or the like to input an instruction, and an ID number of an operator such as a radiologist. And a barcode reader 24 for reading the barcode 62 of the cassette 6. Further, the controller 2 or 2 ′ is connected to the database function 4 and the plurality of radiation image reading apparatuses 1 via the network 3. Further, the controller 2 or 2 ′ can be connected to an image recording device 91, an image diagnostic device 92, an image filing device 93, and the like via the DICOM network 90.
[0064]
As the input unit 22, a keyboard, a touch panel, a voice input device, or the like can be used, but is not limited thereto.
[0065]
Further, the controller 2 and the controller 2 ′ having the database function 4 can be connected to a hospital information system (HIS) or a radiation information system (RIS). In this case, it is preferable to capture patient information, imaging information, and the like online from the HIS or RIS. Further, the patient is provided with a portable storage medium storing the above-mentioned information, and the controller 2 or 2 'is provided with a storage medium reading device so that information such as patient information and imaging information can be obtained from the portable storage medium brought by the patient. May be read. Such portable storage media and storage media readers include, but are not limited to, barcodes and barcode readers, magnetic cards and magnetic card readers, IC cards and IC card readers, and the like.
[0066]
Further, matching data may be searched from the HIS and RIS using the patient ID number. In this case, the patient may be provided with a portable storage medium storing the patient ID number, a storage medium reading device may be provided, and such information may be read from the portable storage medium brought by the patient. The present invention is not limited to this. The information may be input from the input unit 22, or the HIS, RIS may store patient-specific information such as a fingerprint or a voiceprint, and a fingerprint detection device or a voiceprint detection device may be provided in the controller 2 or 2 '. Data matching with the detected fingerprint or voiceprint may be searched from HIS and RIS.
[0067]
The display unit 21 of the controller 2 or 2 'may be any device that can display character information or image information such as a CRT display or a liquid crystal display. A device ID number for specifying the reading device 1, an operator ID number, patient information, imaging information, reading conditions, and radiation imaging conditions (for example, tube voltage and radiation dose of the radiation tube) acquired from the radiation generation control device 10 of the radiation tube 9. Information, such as the number of pixels and matrix size of image data, the number of bits per pixel of image data, the type of image processing, image processing parameters, details of correction processing, and the image of captured image data. But not limited to these.
[0068]
The imaging region may be selected in two stages: a rough large classification based on the main constituent part of the human body and a finer small classification. Examples of the large classification in this case are classifications such as “head”, “chest”, “abdomen”, “upper limb”, “lower limb”, “spine”, and “pelvis”. In addition, the small classification is a classification of the part indicated by the large classification into more detailed parts. For example, when the large classification is “upper limb”, “shoulder joint”, “scapula”, “slave chain indirect” , "Humeral bones", "elbow joints", "forearm bones", "wrist joints", "carpal bones", "phalanges" and the like fall into the small category.
[0069]
Further, the photographing direction is generally the photographing direction with respect to the human body, but is not limited to this. Representative examples of such photographing directions include “post-anterior photographing (PA),” “anterior posterior photographing (AP)”, “LAT (lateral radiography)”, and “LAT photographing”. Oblique imaging (Oblique radiography) "and the like.
[0070]
The types of image processing performed by the controller 2 or 2 ′ include gradation conversion processing for converting the gradation of the image data, frequency processing for converting the frequency characteristics of the image data, and compression of the dynamic range of the image data. Dynamic range compression processing, but are not limited to these.
[0071]
In particular, in this embodiment, since the radiation image reading apparatus 1 is configured to transmit image data having a pixel value linear to the logarithm of the light intensity of the stimulating light 15 to the controller 2 or 2 ′, It is essential that the controller 2 or 2 'can perform nonlinear gradation conversion processing.
[0072]
As described above, in this embodiment, the cassette 6 in which the sheet ID number is registered by any of the controllers 2 or 2 'can be set dispersedly in an arbitrary radiation image reading apparatus 1, Further, image data read by an arbitrary radiation image reading apparatus 1 is automatically returned to the controller 2 or 2 ′ in which the sheet ID number of the stimulable phosphor sheet 8 corresponding to the image data is registered. It is configured as follows.
[0073]
As described above, the cassette in which the sheet ID number is registered by one controller 2 or 2 ′ can be set to any of the plurality of radiation image reading apparatuses 1, so that the cassette 6 that can be set per radiation image reading apparatus is set. An inexpensive radiation image reading apparatus 1 having a small number of sheets can be used. As a result, the installation area of the apparatus can be reduced, the introduction cost can be reduced, and the expandability can be increased.
[0074]
In addition, since the cassette 6 in which the sheet ID number is registered by one controller 2 or 2 'can be read simultaneously by a plurality of radiation image reading apparatuses 1, in a hospital where many images are taken at one time for one patient, It is possible to improve the processing capability of the radiation image capturing system.
[0075]
When m radiation image reading apparatuses 1 capable of setting n cassettes are connected, a maximum of nxm cassettes can be continuously set. Therefore, when a large number of cassettes are to be processed at one time, The photographing cycle time can be significantly reduced without being bothered by the setting of the cassette.
[0076]
When m radiation image reading apparatuses 1 are connected, m radiation image reading apparatuses 1 can read image data at the same time at the same time. The reading time is reduced to 1 / m compared to the case of reading data (the processing capacity is improved by m times). Therefore, even in a hospital where many images are taken at one time for one patient or a hospital where the imaging cycle is short, it is possible to provide an ideal working environment that is efficient and does not involve work delay.
[0077]
Further, even when a plurality of radiation image reading apparatuses 1 are used for one patient, accompanying information such as patient information and imaging conditions can be input by one controller 2 or 2 ', so that the input operation is efficient. Become
[0078]
Further, even when a plurality of radiation image reading apparatuses 1 are used for one patient, the image data registers patient information and imaging information of this patient (that is, the stimulable phosphor used for imaging this patient). The centralization in one controller 2 or 2 ′ (in which the sheet ID number of the sheet 8 is registered) eliminates the need for the radiologist to move between the terminal for registration of patient information and imaging information of the patient and the terminal for image confirmation. , Work efficiency can be improved. In addition, since registration of patient information and imaging information of a patient and image confirmation can be performed by one controller 2 or 2 ′, the correspondence between the registered information and image data can be confirmed, and the reliability of work can be improved. Can be improved.
[0079]
Further, since there are a plurality of controllers 2 or 2 ', the controllers 2 or 2' can be installed at a position close to the site of radiation imaging, and the radiologist can input patient information and imaging information, check images, and perform image processing. Selection of conditions and the like can be performed at a position close to the site of radiation imaging, so that an environment with good work efficiency and easy work can be provided.
[0080]
In addition, even if some of the radiation image capturing apparatuses 1 out of the plurality of radiation image reading apparatuses 1 are out of order, the other radiographic image capturing apparatuses 1 that have not failed can cope with the failure. Can be constructed.
[0081]
Also, since the database function 4 incorporated in the controller 2 'collectively manages the photographing database, this information can be referred to later, and the photographing history can be managed without mistake.
[0082]
【The invention's effect】
(Effect of Claim 1)
According to the present invention, even if the radiation image storage sheet is registered with the operation control information including the identification information in any controller, the radiation image storage sheet is set in any radiation image reading apparatus. Also, since the operation control information can be uniquely searched and executed from the database function by the identification information of the radiation image storage sheet body that can be obtained by the radiation image reading apparatus, the radiation image in which the identification information is registered by one controller Since the storage sheet can be set to any of the plurality of radiation reading apparatuses, the number of radiation image storage sheets that can be set per radiation reading apparatus can be reduced, and the cost can be relatively low. The work efficiency can be improved because a plurality of radiation reading apparatuses can be set separately. Parallel improved or because the processing capability to read image data. The status information of the radiation image reading apparatus is also registered in the database, and a command via a small network is issued to at least one of all controllers connected to the network to search the database. Status notification to both the controller and the radiation image reading device reduces the chances of direct communication on the network, eliminating the need for each other's operating conditions, especially when waiting in a high-load processing state. By minimizing communication on the network, the operation reliability of the system is significantly improved. In addition, since there are multiple controllers, the controllers can be installed close to the radiation imaging site, and the radiologist can input patient information and imaging information related to radiation imaging and reading, check images, change image processing, etc. However, it is possible to provide an environment in which the position can be close to the radiation imaging site, the work efficiency is good, and the work is easy. In addition, by incorporating the above-described database function in the controller, the installation area of the entire system can be reduced, the introduction cost can be reduced, and the expandability can be increased.
[0083]
(Effect of Claim 2)
According to the present invention, information on the database function can be obtained from any console regardless of the load on the network, and even if a failure occurs in a specific database function, the operation of the system can be continued.
[0084]
(Effect of Claim 3)
According to the present invention, even when a controller having a built-in database function fails, a controller having another database function sharing the database information up to the occurrence of the failure can incorporate the database function in which the failure has occurred without interruption. Since it can be used as a substitute for a controller, a highly reliable system can be constructed.
[0085]
(Effect of Claim 4)
According to the present invention, even in a system operation in which the controller constantly performs high-load image processing, the radiation image reading apparatus can have high performance as a whole system by incorporating a database function.
[0086]
(Effect of Claim 5)
According to the present invention, even if the radiation image storage sheet is registered with the operation control information including the identification information in any controller, the radiation image storage sheet is set in any radiation image reading apparatus. Also, since the operation control information can be uniquely searched and executed from the database function by the identification information of the radiation image storage sheet body that can be obtained by the radiation image reading apparatus, the radiation image in which the identification information is registered by one controller Since the storage sheet can be set to any of the plurality of radiation reading apparatuses, the number of radiation image storage sheets that can be set per radiation reading apparatus can be reduced, and the cost can be relatively low. The work efficiency can be improved because a plurality of radiation reading apparatuses can be set separately. Parallel improved or because the processing capability to read image data. The status information of the radiation image reading apparatus is also registered in the database, and a command via a small network is issued to at least one of all controllers connected to the network to search the database. Status notification to both the controller and the radiation image reading device reduces the chances of direct communication on the network, eliminating the need for each other's operating conditions, especially when waiting in a high-load processing state. By minimizing communication on the network, the operation reliability of the system is significantly improved. In addition, since there are multiple controllers, the controllers can be installed close to the radiation imaging site, and the radiologist can input patient information and imaging information related to radiation imaging and reading, check images, change image processing, etc. However, it is possible to provide an environment in which the position can be close to the radiography site, the work efficiency is good, and the work is easy. In addition, a relatively large-scale system is constructed by having a database function on a dedicated server machine without having a database function for controlling system operation in a controller which is considered to be relatively easy to fail due to having a man-machine interface. In this case, the operation stability can be improved.
[0087]
(Effect of Claim 6)
According to the present invention, even when a dedicated server machine having a database function breaks down, the operation of the system can be continued, and the operation reliability of the system can be improved.
[0088]
(Effect of Claim 7)
According to the present invention, even when a specific dedicated server machine having a database function fails, a dedicated server machine having another database function sharing database information up to the occurrence of the failure is replaced with the database function having the failure. Can be used as a substitute for the dedicated server machine having the above, so that a more reliable system can be constructed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a radiation image capturing system according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the radiation image capturing system according to the exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a radiation image reading device of the radiation image capturing system according to the embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a conventional cassette type radiation image capturing system.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Radiation image reader (cassette type)
2 Controller 2 ′ Controller with built-in database function 3 Network 4 Database function 5 Cassette 8 Stimulable phosphor sheet 9 Radiation tube 10 Radiation generation control device 21 Display unit 22 Input unit 23 Operator ID number input unit 24 Bar code reader 62 Barcode 91 Image recording device 92 Image diagnostic device 93 Image filing device 110 Reading unit 120 Signal processing unit 130 Primary storage unit 140 Communication unit 150 Barcode reader 160 Transport mechanism

Claims (7)

An arbitrary number of radiation image reading devices that read a radiation image stored in a radiation image storage sheet body and output image data, and an arbitrary number of controllers for registering operation control information of the radiation image reading device, A radiation image capturing system in which operation control information of the radiation image reading apparatus from the controller and a database function for mediating status information from the radiation image reading apparatus to the controller are arranged on the same network. So,
The controller can register its own identification information and a read command to the radiation image reading apparatus as operation control information together with the identification information of the radiation image storage sheet body in the database function,
And it is possible to receive and display the image read and output by the radiation image reading device from the radiation image storage sheet,
The radiation image reading apparatus acquires the operation control information from the database function using the identification information of the radiation image storage sheet set therein as a search key, and the radiation image storage sheet based on the operation control information. The image read from can be output to the controller indicated by the identification information of the controller included in the operation control information,
Further, during operation based on the operation control information from the controller, by registering the status information of the radiation image reading apparatus in the database function, by a simple command via the network to the controller to search the database function, It is possible to notify the status information of the radiation image reading device to the controller,
The radiation image capturing system, wherein the database function is incorporated in at least one of the arbitrary number of controllers. The database function is incorporated in a plurality of the arbitrary number of controllers, and the database functions incorporated in the plurality of controllers exchange and share database information with each other at a prescribed cycle. The radiographic image capturing system according to claim 1. If any failure occurs in the database function of the master currently used by the system among the database functions built in the plurality of controllers, one of the remaining database functions built in the plurality of controllers is used. 3. The radiographic imaging system according to claim 2, wherein the mode is switched to a database function of the master. The radiation image capturing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the database function is incorporated in the radiation image reading device. An arbitrary number of radiation image reading devices that read a radiation image stored in a radiation image storage sheet body and output image data, and an arbitrary number of controllers for registering operation control information of the radiation image reading device, A radiation image capturing system in which operation control information of the radiation image reading apparatus from the controller and a database function for mediating status information from the radiation image reading apparatus to the controller are arranged on the same network. So,
The controller can register its own identification information and a read command to the radiation image reading apparatus as operation control information together with the identification information of the radiation image storage sheet body in the database function,
And it is possible to receive and display the image read and output by the radiation image reading device from the radiation image storage sheet,
The radiation image reading apparatus acquires the operation control information from the database function using the identification information of the radiation image storage sheet set therein as a search key, and the radiation image storage sheet based on the operation control information. The image read from can be output to the controller indicated by the identification information of the controller included in the operation control information,
Further, during operation based on the operation control information from the controller, by registering the status information of the radiation image reading apparatus in the database function, by a simple command via the network to the controller to search the database function, It is possible to notify the status information of the radiation image reading device to the controller,
A radiation image capturing system, wherein the database function is not incorporated in either the controller or the radiation image reading apparatus. 6. The radiographic imaging system according to claim 5, wherein a plurality of the database functions exist in one system, and the database functions exchange and share database information with each other at a predetermined cycle. If any failure occurs in the database function of the master that the system is currently using among the plurality of database functions, one of the remaining database functions other than the master is replaced by the master database function. The radiographic image capturing system according to claim 6, wherein the radiographic image capturing system is switched.

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