JP2006204756A - Radiological imaging system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radiological imaging system which can enhance the working efficiency of radiological imaging by increasing the number of consoles for a radiological image detector by reducing a unit price of one console by restricting the function of the console so as to reduce costs. <P>SOLUTION: This radiological imaging system 1 comprises: the radiological image detector 6 for acquiring radiological image information; the console 7 which is equipped with a display part 17 for operating the radiological image detector and displaying the acquired radiological image information; and an image accumulator 2 which can communicate with the radiological image detector and the console via a network 8. The radiological image detector transmits the acquired radiological image information to the image accumulator; the image accumulator accumulates the radiological image information, and creates radiological image information for checking on the basis of the information, so as to transmit the image information for checking to the console; and the console displays the radiological image information for checking, transmitted from the image accumulator, on the display part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiographic image capturing system that captures a radiographic image typified by an X-ray image.

  Conventionally, in medical diagnosis, a radiation image obtained by irradiating a subject with radiation such as X-rays and detecting the intensity distribution of the radiation transmitted through the subject has been widely used. In recent years, a radiographic imaging system using an FPD (Flat Panel Detector) that converts radiation into an electrical signal and detects it as radiographic image information at the time of radiographing has been proposed.

  In this radiographic imaging system, in order to improve the degree of freedom of the system configuration, a predetermined computer such as a PC (Personal Computer) for operating the FPD disposed in the imaging room via a predetermined communication line is used. What is comprised so that it may be connected and used for a console is known (for example, refer patent document 1).

In addition, a cassette type FPD in which the FPD is accommodated in a cassette has been developed for the purpose of improving the transportability and handleability of the FPD (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
Further, a system in which a cassette type FPD and a console are configured so that various information such as radiographic images can be communicated wirelessly has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 3).

Here, after radiography, it is generally necessary to confirm whether or not radiography has been performed properly. Therefore, in a conventional radiographic system, radiographic image information detected by an FPD is transmitted to a console connected via a communication line, and a thumbnail image or the like is reduced by the console based on the radiographic image information received from the FPD. The imaging state is confirmed by creating image information (confirming radiation image information) of the image and displaying it on the display unit of the console (for example, see Patent Document 4).
JP 2003-199736 A JP-A-6-342099 JP 2003-210444 A JP 2002-224095 A

  By the way, conventional radiographic imaging systems often have a system configuration in which a plurality of FPDs are operated by a single console. However, in such a case, the installation location of the FPD and the console may be separated from each other, and the work efficiency that the radiographer who performed the radiography cannot check the radiographic image immediately after the imaging is performed. This results in the above problem.

  Therefore, it is necessary to install a console near the FPD. For example, it is preferable to install a console for each radiographic imaging room. However, the console has various functions. Therefore, the unit price of one console is expensive. Therefore, conventionally, it has been difficult to increase the number of consoles relative to the number of FPDs.

  Here, this inventor considered reducing the unit price of one console by limiting the function of the console and reducing the cost. In view of the fact that the radiographic image information detected by the FPD is finally stored in an image storage device of a server (also referred to as a host) in the radiographic image capturing system, Once the original image of the radiation image information is transmitted to the console, the confirmation radiation image information is created on the console based on the original image and displayed on the display unit of the console. I found that it is not necessary to follow the process of sending images.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to reduce the cost by limiting the functions of the console, thereby reducing the unit price of one console, thereby increasing the number of consoles for the FPD (radiation image detection device), and the work efficiency of radiography. An object of the present invention is to provide a radiographic imaging system capable of improving the above.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is a radiographic imaging system,
A radiation image detection device for detecting radiation applied to acquire radiation image information;
A console having a display unit for operating the radiological image detection apparatus and displaying the acquired radiographic image information;
An image storage device capable of communicating with the radiation image detection device and the console via a network;
With
The radiological image detection device transmits the acquired radiological image information to the image storage device,
The image accumulation device accumulates the radiation image information transmitted from the radiation image detection device, creates confirmation radiation image information based on the radiation image information, and transmits it to the console,
The console is characterized in that the radiographic image information for confirmation transmitted from the image storage device is displayed on a display unit.

  Thus, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the radiological image detection device transmits the acquired radiological image information to the image storage device, and the image storage device receives the radiological image information transmitted from the radiological image detection device. Since the radiographic image information for confirmation is generated based on the radiographic image information and transmitted to the console, and the console displays the radiographic information for confirmation transmitted from the image storage device on the display unit. Thus, there is no need to create confirmation radiation image information from radiation image information at the console as in the prior art, and the function of the console can be reduced. Thereby, the unit price of one console can be lowered.

Note that the image storage device in the present invention is a device that creates radiographic image information for confirmation based on the radiographic image information transmitted from the radiographic image detection device and transmits it to the console. It is sufficient if the radiation image information can be temporarily stored in the flow until the confirmation radiation image information is transmitted.
In other words, the image storage device according to the present invention generates the radiation image information for confirmation from the radiation image information transmitted from the radiation image detection device and transmits it to the console, and then transmits the radiation image information transmitted from the radiation image detection device. The radiation image information transferred to another final storage image storage device and stored therein may be deleted.
However, the system configuration described above requires an operation of transferring the radiation image information to another final storage image storage device. Therefore, in consideration of system efficiency and the like, the image storage device has a function of storing the radiation image information transmitted from the radiation image detection device for temporary storage instead of temporarily, and for confirmation from the radiation image information. An apparatus having a function of creating radiation image information and a function of transmitting the confirmation radiation image information to the console is preferable.

The invention according to claim 2 is the radiographic imaging system according to claim 1,
The confirmation radiographic image information has a smaller amount of information than the radiographic image information.

  Thus, according to the second aspect of the present invention, since the confirmation radiographic image information has a smaller amount of information than the radiographic image information, all the radiographic image information imaged as in the past is stored in the console. There is no need to accumulate, and the function of the console can be reduced. Thereby, the unit price of one console can be lowered.

The invention according to claim 3 is the radiographic imaging system according to claim 1 or 2,
The console transmits the determination result of the confirmation radiation image information displayed on the display unit to the image storage device,
The image storage device is characterized by erasing the radiographic image information corresponding to the confirmation radiographic image information when the determination result is that the radiographic image information has a poor imaging state.

Thus, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the console transmits the determination result of the confirmation radiation image information displayed on the display unit to the image storage device, and the image storage device receives the determination result as the determination result. If the radiographic image information is in a poor imaging state, the radiographic image information corresponding to the confirmation radiographic image information is deleted, so there is no need to save the radiographic image information in the console as in the past. Can reduce the functionality of the console. Thereby, the unit price of one console can be lowered.
The “judgment result of confirmation radiological image information” may be a result judged by an operator such as a radiographer, or may be a result judged automatically by an automatic judgment system or the like by a console. good.

  According to the present invention, since the function of the console can be reduced, the unit price of one console can be reduced, so that the number of consoles for the radiation image detection apparatus can be increased to improve the radiation imaging work efficiency. A radiographic imaging system that can be used.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of a radiographic image capturing system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example.

First, the structure of the radiographic imaging system of this embodiment is demonstrated.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of a radiographic imaging system to which the present invention is applied.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a radiographic imaging system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a server 2 that manages information related to radiographic imaging, an imaging operation device 4 that performs operations related to radiographic imaging, and, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). And the like, and a console 7 for operating the radiation image detection apparatus 6 are connected via a network 8. A radiographic image capturing device 3 for capturing a radiographic image by irradiating a subject with radiation is connected to the imaging operation device 4 via a cable. Here, the network 8 may be a dedicated communication line for the system, but is an existing line such as Ethernet (registered trademark) for the reason that the degree of freedom of the system configuration becomes low. Is preferred.

  The server 2 is configured by a computer, and the server 2 includes a control unit that controls each unit constituting the server 2, an input operation unit that inputs various types of information and instructions from an operator, and an external storage device that stores various types of information. Etc. (all are not shown). In addition, the server 2 of the present embodiment also serves as an image storage device that finally stores image information acquired by the radiation image detection device 6.

  The control unit is configured to store the patient information, imaging information, and the like input from the input operation unit in an external storage device in a state in which they are associated with each other. Patient information is information about the patient 11 such as the patient's 11 name, age, sex, date of birth, patient ID number for identifying the patient 11, and the like. The imaging information is information necessary to perform imaging such as an imaging part (a part to be imaged on the subject's body), an imaging direction and a method.

  In addition, when the radiographic image information detected by the radiographic image detection device 6 is transmitted from the radiographic image detection device 6 as the image storage device, the control unit associates the radiographic image information with the patient information and the imaging information. And temporarily accumulate. Further, the control unit, as the image storage device, creates confirmation radiation image information (image information of a reduced image such as a thumbnail image) having a smaller information amount than the radiation image information based on the transmitted radiation image information. It has become. The created confirmation radiographic image information is transmitted to the console 7, and a radiographer who is an operator confirms radiation imaging on the display unit of the console. Further, the control unit of the present embodiment, as an image storage device, as described later, after confirming that the radiation image information is in a normal state by the confirmation radiation image information displayed on the console 7, The radiation image information is finally stored and stored.

  As the confirmation radiographic image information, the original image of the radiographic image information (the radiographic image information as detected by the radiographic image detection device 6) may be used as it is for confirmation. Since it is possible to reduce the function of the console in that it is not necessary to store and process all the data, it is preferable that the amount of information is smaller than that of the original image of the radiation image information.

  Further, instead of the server 2, an information reading device such as a card reader for reading patient information or imaging information written in advance on the ID card may be provided.

  The radiographic imaging device 3 has a radiation source 9, and a radiation is generated when a tube voltage is applied to the radiation source 9. A diaphragm 10 for adjusting the radiation field is provided at the radiation irradiation port of the radiation source 9 so as to be freely opened and closed. A bed 12 on which the patient 11 is placed is provided below the radiation source 9 and in the radiation irradiation range.

  The imaging operation device 4 includes a computer including a display unit for displaying information and an input operation unit (none of which is shown) for inputting instructions from a radiographer who is an operator, and corresponds to imaging conditions. The radiation source 9 and the like of the radiographic imaging device 3 are controlled so that imaging is performed with the tube voltage value and the radiation dose.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the console 7 includes a control unit 14, a RAM 15, a ROM 16, a display unit 17, an input operation unit 18, a communication unit 19, and the like, and each unit is connected by a bus 20.

  The display unit 17 includes, for example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and the like, and displays various screens according to instructions of a display signal output from the control unit 14 and input. ing. For example, when radiation imaging is performed, the radiation image information is transmitted from the radiation image detection device 6 to the server 2, and the confirmation radiation image information created based on the radiation image information by the server 2 is transmitted to the console 7. The radiographic image information for confirmation is displayed on the display unit for confirmation of the radiographic image information. Note that the confirmation radiographic image information created and transmitted by the server 2 may be converted into image information with a smaller amount of information on the console 7 and the image information may be displayed on the display unit 17.

  The input operation unit 18 includes, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and outputs a key press signal pressed by the keyboard or an operation signal from the mouse to the control unit 14 as an input signal. .

  In the radiographic imaging system 1 according to the present embodiment, the input operation unit 18 sends a signal related to a transfer instruction of image data of a radiographic image detected by the radiographic image detection device 6 to the control unit 14 based on a predetermined operation. However, it may be configured to output. Specifically, the transfer of image data is performed every time one radiographic image is captured, or the transfer of image data of the patient 11 is collectively performed every time radiographic image capture for one patient 11 is completed. The radiology engineer can select whether to transfer all the image data at once after the radiographic images are supposed to be captured by the radiographic image capturing apparatus 3 The case where it is comprised is mentioned.

  The input operation unit 18 outputs a signal related to an instruction to delete the image data of the radiographic image stored in the radiographic image detection device 6 to the control unit 14 based on a predetermined operation.

  The communication unit 19 communicates various information between the radiation image detection device 6 and the server 2 via the base station 5 by a wireless communication method such as a wireless LAN.

  The control unit 14 is composed of, for example, a CPU and the like, reads a predetermined program stored in the ROM 16, develops it in the work area of the RAM 15, and executes various processes according to the program.

  In particular, the control unit 14 receives patient information and imaging information scheduled to be imaged using the radiation image detection device 6 that is an operation target from the server 2 through the network 8, and the received plurality of information items in the order of imaging. An ordered list is created and stored in a memory (not shown). The patient information and the imaging information may be received from a terminal such as another personal computer installed in the examination room or the like and connected to the network 8. Alternatively, patient information or imaging information written in advance on the ID card may be read out by an information reader such as a card reader connected to the console 7 with a cable or the like, and the read information may be input.

  Further, the control unit 14 may be configured to transmit information regarding the imaging region from the received imaging information to the radiological image detection apparatus 6 wirelessly via the base station 5.

  In addition, when an input indicating that re-imaging is not performed is input from the input operation unit 18, a message that prompts the input operation unit 18 to select a timing for transferring the image data of the radiation image from the radiation image detection device 6. May be displayed.

  For example, when the transfer timing of the image data is selected by the input operation unit 18, based on the list, patient information and imaging information related to the next imaging are displayed on the display unit 17.

  The transfer timing of the image data may be selected and set from the input operation unit 18 in advance. In this case, when an input indicating that re-imaging is not performed is input from the input operation unit 18, it is preferable to display on the display unit 17 patient information and imaging information related to the next imaging.

  Further, the control unit 14 may cause the radiographic image detection device 6 to transfer image data based on an input instruction from the input operation unit 18.

  Further, the control unit 14 is configured to delete image data stored in the radiation image detection device 6 based on an input instruction from the input operation unit 18.

  Further, as described above, the patient information and the imaging information may be input from other devices such as the server 2 (for example, a computer in the examination room, a reception computer, etc.), or may be input from the console 7. It may be.

  The radiological image detection device 6 is, for example, a cassette type FPD. The radiological image detection device 6 is a control unit 21, a RAM 22, a ROM 23, a plane detection unit 24 that is a radiation detection unit, and a storage unit, as shown in FIG. The image memory 25, the communication unit 26, the power supply unit 27, the input operation unit 28, and the like are configured, and each unit is connected by a bus 29.

  The plane detection unit 24 includes, for example, a glass substrate, and detects, at a predetermined position on the substrate, radiation that has been irradiated from the radiation source 9 and transmitted through at least the subject according to its intensity. A plurality of pixels that convert and store the signal into an electrical signal are arranged in a matrix.

  Here, although not shown in the drawing, the plane detection unit 24 detects, for example, a radiation light conversion layer that converts radiation into fluorescence (light) and fluorescence converted by the radiation light conversion layer and converts it into an electrical signal. Indirect type including a photoelectric conversion layer, or a direct type including a radiation electric signal conversion layer having a radiation receiving portion that directly converts radiation into electric charge instead of the radiation light conversion layer and the photoelectric conversion layer, etc. Is mentioned.

  The image memory 25 is composed of, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, and stores image data of a radiographic image acquired by reading an electric signal accumulated in the plane detection unit 24.

  The communication unit 26 communicates various information between the console 7 and the server 2 through the base station 5 by a wireless communication method such as a wireless LAN.

The power supply unit 27 includes a rechargeable battery 30 that supplies power to each unit constituting the radiographic image detection device 6, and is charged via a charging terminal (not shown) provided at a predetermined position of the radiographic image detection device 6. It is configured to be possible.
An input operation unit 28 for inputting an instruction from a radiologist may be provided on one surface of the housing of the radiation image detection device 6.

The control unit 21 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and the ROM 2
3 is read out and expanded in the work area of the RAM 22, and various processes are executed in accordance with the program.

  Specifically, for example, the control unit 21 controls a switching unit such as a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) that constitutes each pixel of the plane detection unit 24, and reads an electric signal accumulated in each pixel. The image data of the radiation image is acquired from the plane detection unit 24 by switching and reading the electric signal accumulated in the plane detection unit 24.

  Next, the operation of the radiographic image capturing system 1 will be described.

  When a radiographic image is taken, a doctor makes a reservation for taking a picture using a computer in the examination room. Then, the reservation is transmitted via the server 2 to the console 7 provided in front of the photographing room. Specifically, patient information and imaging information are transmitted from the server 2 to the imaging operation device 4. The imaging operation device 4 appropriately displays the received information on the display unit, and the radiologist captures a radiographic image while confirming the information. In addition, patient information and imaging | photography information may be transmitted also to the radiographic image detection apparatus 6 used.

  The imaging operation device 4 controls the radiation source 9 and the like of the radiographic imaging device 3 based on the tube voltage value and the radiation dose included in the received imaging information, and the radiographic imaging device 3 performs under these conditions. The patient 11 is irradiated with radiation.

  At this time, the radiation image detection device 6 is inserted on the bed 12 and under the patient 11, detects the amount of radiation that passes through the patient 11, converts the detected radiation into an electrical signal, and generates a radiation image. Get information. The acquired radiation image information is stored in the image memory 25 in association with patient information, imaging information, and the like, and transmitted to the server 2.

  In the server 2, the transmitted radiation image information is temporarily stored in the server 2, and confirmation radiation image information (thumbnail image) having a smaller information amount than the radiation image information is created based on the radiation image information. To do. Specifically, the radiographic image information for confirmation is information in which the amount of information is generally made about 1/100 to 1/10000 from the original image. Then, the radiographic image information for confirmation is transmitted to the corresponding console 7. At this time, various image correction processes may be performed. Examples of the processing include offset correction, gain correction, noise removal correction, image defect correction, gradation processing, frequency processing, and the like. Further, the confirmation radiation image information may be generated after the correction processing.

  When the console 7 receives the confirmation radiation image information, the confirmation radiation image information is displayed on the display unit 17. Here, the radiographer confirms the imaging state (for example, confirmation of the presence or absence of positional deviation and whether the image is blurred). A signal to that effect is transmitted to the server 2 and the radiological image detection apparatus 6 by the operation of, and the server 2 finalizes the storage of the radiographic image information corresponding to the confirmation radiographic image information and sets the output destination The radiographic image information is transmitted to (for example, an examination room monitor or a printer). Further, the radiation image detection device 6 erases the radiation image information in the image memory 25.

On the other hand, when the radiographer confirms the imaging state and determines that the imaging state is not normal, a signal indicating that is transmitted to the server 2 and the radiation image detection device 6 by a predetermined operation, and the server 2 Deletes radiation image information corresponding to the confirmation radiation image information. Further, the radiation image detection device 6 erases the radiation image information in the image memory 25 and performs radiation imaging again.
Note that the radiation image information in the image memory 25 in the radiation image detection device 6 may be erased by a signal from the server 2 when the first detected radiation image information is transmitted.

  As described above, according to the radiographic image capturing system of the present embodiment, the radiographic image detection apparatus transmits the acquired radiographic image information to the image storage apparatus, and the image storage apparatus transmits the radiation transmitted from the radiographic image detection apparatus. Accumulating image information, creating confirmation radiation image information based on the radiation image information and transmitting it to the console. The console displays the confirmation radiation image information transmitted from the image storage device on the display unit. Therefore, it is not necessary to create radiation image information for confirmation from the radiation image information at the console as in the prior art, and the function of the console can be reduced. Thereby, the unit price of one console can be lowered.

  Further, in this embodiment, since the confirmation radiographic image information has a smaller amount of information than the radiographic image information, it is not necessary to store all data of radiographic image information photographed in the conventional manner in the console. Function can be reduced. Thereby, the unit price of one console can be lowered.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the console transmits the determination result of the confirmation radiographic image information displayed on the display unit to the image storage device, and the image storage device indicates that the determination result indicates that the radiographic image information is captured. If the result is defective, the radiographic image information corresponding to the confirmation radiographic image information is erased, so there is no need to store the radiographic image information in the console as in the past, and the function of the console is reduced. be able to. Thereby, the unit price of one console can be lowered.

As a result, a radiographic imaging system that can increase the number of consoles for the radiographic image detection apparatus and improve the radiographic imaging work efficiency can be obtained.
In addition, when the number of parts constituting the console can be reduced by reducing the function, the console can be downsized.
Furthermore, when performing various image correction processes and corrections specific to the radiological image detection apparatus on the console, each console must always maintain and manage the latest information. If the correction process can be collectively managed by the server, there is an advantage that the system can be easily managed.

  In addition, the description in this Embodiment mentioned above is an example of the suitable radiographic image system which concerns on this invention, and is not limited to this.

  For example, various correction processes may be performed on the radiation image information detected by the radiation image detection apparatus. Here, the correction processing may be performed by the server (image storage device) provided with the correction data in the server, or the correction data may be provided in the radiation image detection device by the radiation image detection device. You may come to do it. Further, when a plurality of correction processes are provided, the correction data may be divided and managed by the server and the radiation image detection apparatus, and the correction process may be divided and performed.

  Further, in this embodiment, various types of information including radiographic image information acquired by the radiographic image detection device are transmitted and received by communication means using a wireless communication method. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The data may be transmitted and received by a communication means using a wired communication system.

Further, in the present embodiment, the image storage device creates confirmation radiation image information from the radiation image information transmitted from the radiation image detection device and transmits it to the console, and finally stores the radiation image information instead of temporarily. The function of accumulating for use is provided, but the function is not limited to this.
That is, regarding the accumulation of the radiation image information in the image accumulating device, the radiation image information may be temporarily accumulated in the flow until the confirmation radiation image information is transmitted. In this case, after the image storage device creates the confirmation radiation image information from the radiation image information transmitted from the radiation image detection device and transmits it to the console, the image storage device separates the radiation image information transmitted from the radiation image detection device. The radiation image information transferred to the final storage image storage device and stored in itself is erased.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the confirmation radiographic image information displayed on the display unit of the console is confirmed by the radiographer who is the operator to determine whether the image information is normal or bad. This is not a limitation. For example, instead of the operator confirming the confirmation radiation image information, the console control unit has an automatic determination system that automatically confirms the imaging state from the confirmation radiation image information. The image information may be judged as normal or bad.

  In addition, it is needless to say that the detailed configuration and detailed operation of each component of the radiographic image system according to the present embodiment can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the radiographic imaging system illustrated as this embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the console which comprises the radiographic imaging system of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the radiographic image detection apparatus which comprises the radiographic imaging system of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Radiation imaging system 2 Server (image storage device)
Reference Signs List 3 Radiation image capturing device 4 Imaging operation device 5 Base station 6 FPD (Radiation image detecting device)
7 console 8 network 17 display unit 18 input operation unit 19 communication unit 21 control unit 25 image memory (storage means)
26 Communication unit 28 Input operation unit

Claims (3)

A radiation image detection device for detecting radiation applied to acquire radiation image information;
A console having a display unit for operating the radiological image detection apparatus and displaying the acquired radiographic image information;
An image storage device capable of communicating with the radiation image detection device and the console via a network;
With
The radiological image detection device transmits the acquired radiological image information to the image storage device,
The image accumulation device accumulates the radiation image information transmitted from the radiation image detection device, creates confirmation radiation image information based on the radiation image information, and transmits it to the console,
The radiographic imaging system, wherein the console displays the confirmation radiographic image information transmitted from the image storage device on a display unit.   The radiographic image capturing system according to claim 1, wherein the confirmation radiographic image information has a smaller amount of information than the radiographic image information. The console transmits the determination result of the confirmation radiation image information displayed on the display unit to the image storage device,
2. The image storage device according to claim 1, wherein when the determination result is a result that the imaging state of the radiographic image information is poor, the radiographic image information corresponding to the confirmation radiographic image information is erased. Or the radiographic imaging system of 2.

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