JP2009201881A - Radiographic imaging system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radiographic imaging system reducing the load of a processor, efficiently performing image-processing of radiographic image information acquired from an imaging apparatus, and improving the operation rate of the imaging apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The console selection part 68 of a first imaging apparatus 22 selects the processor with less load from a host console 16 or a first console 18 capable of processing the imaged radiographic image information. Also, the console selection part 117 of a reader 26 selects the processor with less load from the host console 16 or a second console 20 capable of processing the read radiographic image information, and transmits the radiographic image information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiographic imaging system in which an image acquisition device is controlled by a processing device via a network, and image processing of radiation image information transmitted from the image acquisition device is performed by the processing device.

  2. Description of the Related Art In the medical field, imaging devices that take a radiation image by irradiating a subject with radiation and guiding the radiation transmitted through the subject to a radiation conversion panel are widely used.

  In this case, as a radiation conversion panel, a stimulable phosphor panel is known in which radiation energy as a radiation image is accumulated in the phosphor and the radiation image can be extracted as stimulated emission light by irradiating excitation light. . The stimulable phosphor panel on which the radiation image is recorded is supplied to a reading device and subjected to reading processing, whereby a radiation image as a visible image can be obtained.

  Further, in a medical field such as an operating room, it is required that the radiation image information can be read and displayed immediately from the radiation conversion panel in order to perform a quick and accurate treatment on the patient. Radiation conversion using a solid-state detector that converts radiation directly into an electrical signal, or converts radiation into visible light with a scintillator and then converts it into an electrical signal and reads it as a radiation conversion panel that can meet such requirements Panels are being developed.

  There are various types of imaging devices that use these radiation conversion panels to capture radiographic images with different specifications according to imaging conditions such as the condition of the patient as the subject and the imaging region. It is controlled by a processing device having a specification form corresponding to the specification form.

  Here, the imaging device and the processing device are connected to the radiology information system (RIS) via the in-hospital network, and imaging such as patient information set by the RIS, imaging method, imaging site, and imaging conditions that define the radiation dose. There is a system in which instruction information is supplied to a processing apparatus and a radiographic image is captured using a corresponding imaging apparatus (see Patent Document 1). In this system, the processing device receives information related to the operating state of the imaging device from the imaging device, determines whether or not imaging is possible, and issues an imaging instruction based on the determination result.

  On the other hand, when a problem occurs on the network by connecting multiple mobile terminals and multiple control devices to the network and clarifying the connection relationship between the specific mobile terminal and the specific control device, the problem A system configured to be able to specify a location has been proposed (see Patent Document 2).

JP 2006-247137 A JP-A-2005-144038

  In this case, in Patent Document 1, the processing device determines the operating state of the imaging device, and the imaging device does not determine the operating state of the processing device. For this reason, for example, when the processing device is processing a large amount of processing such as processing radiographic image information acquired in the previous imaging, the radiographic image information is immediately transmitted from the imaging device to the processing device to perform image processing. This may not be possible, or the imaging apparatus may not be able to prepare for the next imaging.

  On the other hand, in Patent Document 2, since the connection relationship between the portable terminal and the control device can be specified, it is possible to consider resetting of the appropriate connection relationship using the relationship. The processing cannot be distributed to other devices according to the processing status of the device.

  An object of the present invention is to reduce a load on a processing device, to efficiently perform image processing of radiation image information acquired by the image acquisition device, and to improve an operation rate of the image acquisition device. It is to provide a photographing system.

The present invention includes a plurality of image acquisition devices that acquire radiographic image information of a subject,
A plurality of processing devices for controlling each of the image acquisition devices while performing image processing of radiation image information transmitted from each of the image acquisition devices;
A network connecting the image acquisition devices and the processing devices to each other;
With
Each of the image acquisition devices includes a selection unit that selects one of the processing devices capable of processing the radiation image information, and transmits the radiation image information to the processing device selected by the selection unit. It is characterized by that.

  In the present invention, the image acquisition device confirms the processing status of the processing device, selects a processing device with a low load, and transmits the radiation image information, whereby image processing on the radiation image information can be performed efficiently. In addition, the image acquisition apparatus can start the next photographing process promptly, thereby improving the operating rate.

  FIG.1 and FIG.2 shows the structure of the radiographic imaging system 10 of this embodiment. The radiographic imaging system 10 includes a medical information system 12 (HIS: Hospital Information System) that manages medical office processing in a hospital, and radiology information that manages radiographic imaging processing in the radiology department under the management of the HIS 12. A system 14 (RIS: Radiology Information System), a viewer 15 for performing diagnostic interpretation by a doctor, and a host console 16 installed in a processing room adjacent to a radiology imaging room and managing and controlling various imaging apparatuses having different specifications (Processing device), a first console 18 (processing device) and a second console 20 (processing device), which are installed in the processing chamber and have a specification form for managing and controlling a specific photographing device, and are controlled by the first console 18. A first imaging device 22 (image acquisition device) to be operated, and a second imaging device 24 controlled by the second console 20 They are controlled by the second console 20, and a second image capturing apparatus 24 reading reading captured radiographic image information by the device 26 (image capture device), which are connected to each other by in-house network 28. The in-hospital network 28 can be connected with other consoles, photographing devices, and the like as necessary.

  The host console 16 uses the HIS 12 to set patient information such as the patient's name, sex, and age, the radiographic image capturing method for the patient set by the doctor or engineer using the RIS 14, the imaging region, and the imaging used for imaging. The imaging instruction information of the apparatus or the like is acquired via the in-hospital network 28, and the information is supplied to the corresponding first console 18 or second console 20. Further, the host console 16 can also perform processing by the first console 18 or the second console 20. Therefore, by replacing the first console 18 or the second console 20 with the host console 16, a cheaper system configuration can be obtained. The host console 16 and the second imaging device 24 are connected to barcode readers 30 and 32 for acquiring ID information for specifying a radiation conversion panel applied to the first imaging device 22 described later.

  FIG. 3 is a configuration block diagram of the host console 16, the first imaging device 22, the second imaging device 24, and the reading device 26.

  The control unit 34 of the host console 16 receives necessary information between the RIS 14, the first console 18, the second console 20, the first imaging device 22, the second imaging device 24, and the reading device 26 via the hospital network 28. Send and receive. The host console 16 sets the shooting instruction information using the operation setting unit 36 and the operation setting unit 36 or receives the shooting instruction information set by the RIS 14 and stores it in the shooting instruction information memory 38. In accordance with the unit 40 and the set imaging instruction information, the specific first console 18 or the second console 20 that processes the radiation image information is selected, and the corresponding first imaging instruction information or the second console 18 is selected. 20, an image processing unit 44 that performs image processing on the radiation image information acquired via the first imaging device 22 or the reading device 26, and an image memory that stores the processed radiation image information 46 and a display unit 48 for displaying radiation image information.

  The first console 18 and the second console 20 have substantially the same functions as the host console 16 except for the control unit 34 having a function of acquiring imaging instruction information from the RIS 14 and the console selection unit 42. The first console 18 has a specification form corresponding to the first imaging device 22, controls the first imaging device 22, and performs image processing on the radiation image information acquired from the first imaging device 22. The second console 20 has a specification form corresponding to the second imaging device 24, controls the second imaging device 24, and performs image processing on the radiation image information acquired from the reading device 26. Note that the host console 16, the first console 18, and the second console 20 do not necessarily have different configurations, and may have the same configuration.

  The first imaging device 22 is a mammography device that captures a radiographic image of the mammo 52 of the subject 50, and is arranged at one end of an arm member 56 that is pivotally connected to the base 54 as shown in FIG. The radiation source storage part 58 provided, the imaging | photography stand 60 arrange | positioned at the other end part of the arm member 56, and the compression board 62 comprised so that the proximity | contact and separation with respect to the imaging | photography stand 60 were possible were provided.

  A radiation source 64 that outputs radiation X is stored in the radiation source storage unit 58. The radiation source 64 irradiates the mammo 52 of the subject 50 with the radiation X having a predetermined dose corresponding to the imaging region by controlling the tube voltage, the tube current, and the radiation X irradiation time by the radiation source control unit 66. . The imaging table 60 accommodates a radiation conversion panel 70 that converts radiation X into radiation image information. The radiation image information converted into charge information by the radiation conversion panel 70 is the first selected by the console selection unit 68. It is transmitted to the console 18 or the host console 16. In this case, the console selection unit 68 selects the first console 18 or the host console 16 having a specification form for controlling the first imaging device 22.

  The radiation conversion panel 70 has a circuit configuration shown in FIG.

  In the radiation conversion panel 70, a photoelectric conversion layer 72 made of a material such as amorphous selenium (a-Se) that senses radiation and generates charges is arranged on an array of thin film transistors (TFTs) 74. After the generated charge is stored in the storage capacitor 76, the TFT 74 is sequentially turned on for each row, and the charge is read out as an image signal. In FIG. 4, only the connection relationship between one pixel 78 including the photoelectric conversion layer 72 and the storage capacitor 76 and one TFT 74 is shown, and the configuration of the other pixels 78 is omitted. Amorphous selenium must be used within a predetermined temperature range because its structure changes and its function decreases at high temperatures. Therefore, it is preferable to provide means for cooling the radiation conversion panel 70 in the imaging table 60.

  To the TFT 74 connected to each pixel 78, a gate line 80 extending in parallel with the row direction and a signal line 82 extending in parallel with the column direction are connected. Each gate line 80 is connected to a line scanning drive unit 84, and each signal line 82 is connected to a multiplexer 86 constituting a reading circuit.

  Control signals Von and Voff for controlling on / off of the TFTs 74 arranged in the row direction are supplied from the line scanning drive unit 84 to the gate line 80. In this case, the line scanning drive unit 84 includes a plurality of switches SW1 for switching the gate lines 80, and an address decoder 88 for outputting a selection signal for selecting one of the switches SW1. An address signal is supplied from the control unit 100 to the address decoder 88.

  Further, the charge held in the storage capacitor 76 of each pixel 78 flows out to the signal line 82 via the TFTs 74 arranged in the column direction. This charge is amplified by the amplifier 92. A multiplexer 86 is connected to the amplifier 92 via a sample and hold circuit 94. The multiplexer 86 includes a plurality of switches SW2 for switching the signal line 82 and an address decoder 96 for outputting a selection signal for selecting one of the switches SW2. An address signal is supplied from the control unit 100 to the address decoder 96. An A / D converter 98 is connected to the multiplexer 86, and radiation image information converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 98 is supplied to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 supplies the acquired radiation image information to the first console 18 or the host console 16 selected by the console selection unit 68 via the in-hospital network 28.

  The second imaging device 24 is a standing imaging device that captures a radiation image of the subject 50 such as the chest, and the radiation source 104 controlled by the radiation source control unit 102 and the imaging disposed opposite to the radiation source 104. And the base 108. A slot 112 in which a cassette 110 containing the stimulable phosphor panel P is loaded is disposed on the side of the imaging stand 108.

  In the stimulable phosphor panel P, a stimulable phosphor layer for accumulating the energy of the irradiated radiation X is formed on a support, and stimulated emission corresponding to the energy accumulated by irradiating excitation light. While outputting light, the remaining energy can be removed and reused by irradiating a predetermined amount of erasing light.

  The cassette 110 accommodates the stimulable phosphor panel P so as to be detachable via the lid member 114, and the outer surface portion thereof individually identifies the stimulable phosphor panel P accommodated therein. A barcode 116 in which identification information such as a unique number, a size, and sensitivity is recorded is attached. The barcode 116 can be read by the barcode reader 32 connected to the second console 20 or the barcode reader 30 connected to the host console 16.

  The radiation image information recorded on the stimulable phosphor panel P is read by the reading device 26 configured as shown in FIG. Here, the reading device 26 is controlled by the control unit 115 (FIG. 3). The control unit 115 transmits and receives necessary information to and from the second console 20 or the host console 16 selected by the console selection unit 117. The console selection unit 117 selects the second console 20 or the host console 16 having a specification form capable of controlling the second imaging device 24.

  The reading device 26 includes a cassette loading unit 120 at an upper portion of the casing 118, and stores a stimulable phosphor panel P in which radiation image information is accumulated and recorded in a loading port 122 formed in the cassette loading unit 120. The cassette 110 is loaded. A barcode reader 124 that reads the identification information of the barcode 116 disposed in the cassette 110, a lock release mechanism 126 that unlocks the lid member 114 of the cassette 110, and a lid member 114 are provided near the loading port 122. An adsorption board 128 that adsorbs and takes out the stimulable phosphor panel P from the opened cassette 110 and a nip roller 130 that sandwiches and conveys the stimulable phosphor panel P taken out by the adsorption board 128 are disposed.

  A plurality of transport rollers 132 a to 132 g and a plurality of guide plates 134 a to 134 f are arranged in series with the nip roller 130, and a curved transport path 136 is configured by these. The curved conveyance path 136 extends downward from the cassette loading unit 120, then becomes substantially horizontal at the lowermost portion, and then extends substantially vertically upward. Thereby, size reduction of the reader 26 is achieved.

  Between the nip roller 130 and the conveying roller 132a, an erasing unit 138 for erasing the radiation image information remaining on the stimulable phosphor panel P that has been read is disposed. The erasing unit 138 includes an erasing light source 140 such as a cold cathode tube that outputs erasing light.

  A platen roller 142 is disposed between the transport rollers 132d and 132e disposed at the lowermost portion of the curved transport path 136. A scanning unit 144 that reads radiation image information accumulated and recorded on the stimulable phosphor panel P is disposed on the platen roller 142.

  The scanning unit 144 derives a laser beam LB that is excitation light and scans the stimulable phosphor panel P, and stimulated emission light related to radiation image information that is excited and output by the laser beam LB. A reading unit 148 for reading.

  The excitation unit 146 reflects a laser oscillator 150 that outputs a laser beam LB, a polygon mirror 152 that is a rotary polygon mirror that deflects the laser beam LB in the main scanning direction of the stimulable phosphor panel P, and the laser beam LB. And a reflecting mirror 154 that leads to the stimulable phosphor panel P that passes over the platen roller 142.

  The reading unit 148 is connected to the condensing guide 156 disposed at one end close to the stimulable phosphor panel P on the platen roller 142 and the other end of the condensing guide 156. A photomultiplier 158 that converts the stimulated emission light obtained from the above into an electrical signal. Note that a condensing mirror 160 for increasing the condensing efficiency of the photostimulated luminescent light is disposed close to one end of the condensing guide 156. The radiographic image information read by the photomultiplier 158 is supplied to the second console 20 or the host console 16 selected by the console selection unit 117 via the in-hospital network 28.

  In addition, in the hospital network 28, in addition to the mammography apparatus that is the first imaging apparatus 22 using the radiation conversion panel 70 shown in FIG. 4, the mammography using the cassette 110 having the stimulable phosphor panel P shown in FIG. Devices can be connected. Similarly, in addition to the second imaging device 24 using the stimulable phosphor panel P shown in FIG. 2, a standing imaging device using the radiation conversion panel 70 shown in FIG. 4 can be connected to the in-hospital network 28. it can. Further, the in-hospital network 28 can be connected with a supine imaging device using the radiation conversion panel 70 or the stimulable phosphor panel P. The hospital network 28 can further be connected with imaging devices of other specification forms, such as CT devices and MR devices, and can be connected with a console (processing device) for controlling these imaging devices.

  The radiographic image capturing system 10 of the present embodiment is basically configured as described above, and the operation thereof will be described next.

  First, patient information such as a patient's name, sex, and age is set using the HIS 12, and then, in relation to the patient information, a radiographic imaging method, imaging site, imaging apparatus used for imaging, etc. Instruction information is set using the RIS 14.

  The control unit 34 of the host console 16 installed in the radiology department acquires patient information and imaging instruction information from the RIS 14 via the in-hospital network 28. The engineer uses the operation setting unit 36 of the host console 16 to change and set the shooting instruction information as necessary. For example, the imaging device set by the doctor using the RIS 14 is changed to an imaging device corresponding to the imaging region or the patient's condition. The imaging instruction information setting unit 40 temporarily stores the acquired patient information and imaging instruction information, or changed or newly set imaging instruction information in the imaging instruction information memory 38.

  Next, the imaging instruction information setting unit 40 of the host console 16 reads patient information and imaging instruction information from the imaging instruction information memory 38. The console selection unit 42 is connected to the first console 18 that controls the corresponding first imaging device 22, the second console 20 that controls the second imaging device 24, or the hospital network 28 according to the read imaging instruction information. Select another applicable console.

  In this case, the console selection unit 42 determines whether or not the processing device that controls the imaging device specified by the imaging instruction information is in a processable state. For example, the corresponding processing device controls the imaging device to perform imaging processing, or the corresponding processing device performs image processing on radiation image information acquired from the imaging device or reading device, and the next imaging processing If the processing apparatus cannot execute the process immediately, it is determined that the processing apparatus is in an unprocessable state. Further, when the corresponding processing device or the imaging device or reading device controlled thereby is in a failure state, it is determined that the processing device is in an unprocessable state. When it is determined that the corresponding processing apparatus cannot be processed, the console selection unit 42 searches for another processing apparatus that can perform the imaging process according to the imaging instruction information and is in a processable state.

  After the processing device in the processable state is selected, the control unit 34 of the host console 16 transmits the imaging instruction information to the selected first console 18, the second console 20, or another console, and the transmission is completed. After confirming this, the patient information and the imaging instruction information in the imaging instruction information memory 38 are deleted.

  For example, when the imaging instruction information is chest imaging of the subject 50, the console selection unit 42 selects the second console 20 that controls the second imaging device 24 for performing chest imaging, and selects the second console 20. Patient information and radiographing instruction information are transmitted. When the shooting instruction information is shooting of the mammo 52 of the subject 50, the console selection unit 42 selects the first console 18 that controls the first shooting device 22 for shooting the mammo 52, and sets the first console 18. Patient information and radiographing instruction information are transmitted.

  Further, as a selection mode of the console, the imaging region is the chest. For example, in the case of the subject 50 using a wheelchair, the second imaging device 24 configured as shown in FIG. May not be positioned. In this case, when an imaging device capable of handling the subject 50 using the wheelchair is connected to the in-hospital network 28, the console selection unit 42 selects the imaging device according to the patient information and controls the imaging device. Shooting instruction information can be transmitted to the console.

  Furthermore, it is possible that part of the same subject 50 is photographed by the first photographing device 22 and the rest of the photographing is performed by the second photographing device 24. In this case, the console selection unit 42 selects a corresponding console according to the imaging instruction information related to the imaging region, and transmits the selected patient information and imaging instruction information to each console.

  When the host console 16 is a processing device that can perform processing of a plurality of photographing devices having different specification forms, the host console 16 is replaced with the first photographing device 22 instead of the first console 18 or the second console 20. Alternatively, the second imaging device 24 can be selected as a console for processing.

  The console to which the patient information and the imaging instruction information are transmitted performs imaging processing of a radiographic image using an imaging apparatus under management according to the imaging instruction information.

  First, a case where the first photographing device 22 is controlled using the first console 18 to photograph the mammo 52 of the subject 50 will be described.

  The first console 18 that has received the imaging instruction information from the host console 16 instructs the radiation source control unit 66 of the first imaging apparatus 22 to perform tube voltage, tube current, and radiation irradiation time, which are imaging conditions included in the imaging instruction information. Set.

  On the other hand, the engineer operates the first photographing device 22 to prepare for photographing. That is, after setting the shooting direction by turning the arm member 56, the mammo 52 of the subject 50 is positioned on the shooting table 60, and the compression plate 62 is moved toward the shooting table 60 to move the mammo 52 to a predetermined position. Position and fix in the state of.

  Next, photographing is started by operating an exposure switch (not shown). The radiation source controller 66 drives and controls the radiation source 64 in accordance with the set imaging conditions, and irradiates the mammo 52 with the radiation X through the compression plate 62. The radiation X that has passed through the mammo 52 is applied to the radiation conversion panel 70.

  The photoelectric conversion layer 72 of each pixel 78 constituting the radiation conversion panel 70 (FIG. 4) converts the incident radiation X into an electrical signal, and the electrical signal is held in the storage capacitor 76 as a charge. Next, the charge information that is the radiation image information of the mammo 52 of the subject 50 held in each storage capacitor 76 is read according to the address signal supplied from the control unit 100 to the line scanning drive unit 84 and the multiplexer 86.

  That is, the address decoder 88 of the line scan driver 84 outputs a selection signal in accordance with the address signal supplied from the controller 100 to select one of the switches SW1, and the gate of the TFT 74 connected to the corresponding gate line 80. Is supplied with a control signal Von. On the other hand, the address decoder 96 of the multiplexer 86 outputs a selection signal in accordance with the address signal supplied from the control unit 100 to sequentially switch the switch SW2, and each pixel connected to the gate line 80 selected by the line scan driving unit 84. Radiation image information as charge information held in the storage capacitor 76 of 78 is sequentially read out via the signal line 82.

  The radiation image information read from the storage capacitor 76 of each pixel 78 connected to the selected gate line 80 of the radiation conversion panel 70 is amplified by each amplifier 92 and then sampled by each sample and hold circuit 94. The signal is supplied to the A / D converter 98 via the multiplexer 86 and converted into a digital signal. The radiographic image information converted into the digital signal is transmitted from the control unit 100 to the first console 18 or the host console 16 selected by the console selection unit 68 via the in-hospital network 28.

  Similarly, the address decoder 88 of the line scan driving unit 84 sequentially switches the switch SW1 according to the address signal supplied from the control unit 100, and is held in the storage capacitor 76 of each pixel 78 connected to each gate line 80. The radiographic image information, which is the charge information, is read through the signal line 82, and the first console 18 or the host console 16 selected by the console selection unit 68 through the multiplexer 86, the A / D converter 98 and the control unit 100. Sent to.

  Here, the console selection unit 68 has a specification form for controlling the first imaging device 22 from the host console 16, the first console 18, or the second console 20 connected to the in-hospital network 28, and processes radiation image information. Select a processing device that is ready for For example, the console selection unit 68 includes a load including image processing on already received radiographic image information of the first console 18 or the host console 16 that can process the radiographic image information acquired by the first imaging device 22. A processing apparatus that does not perform large processing is selected, and radiation image information is transmitted to the processing apparatus.

  For example, when the first console 18 is selected by the console selection unit 68, the first console 18 performs image processing according to the specifications of the first imaging device 22 on the received radiation image information, and as necessary. After the radiographic image is displayed and confirmed, it is transmitted to the viewer 15 via the in-hospital network 28. The doctor performs necessary interpretation diagnosis based on the radiation image information transmitted to the viewer 15.

  Next, a case where the second imaging device 24 is controlled using the second console 20 to perform chest imaging of the subject 50 will be described.

  The second console 20 that has received the imaging instruction information from the host console 16 instructs the radiation source control unit 102 of the second imaging apparatus 24 to perform tube voltage, tube current, and radiation irradiation time, which are imaging conditions included in the imaging instruction information. Set.

  On the other hand, the technician reads the barcode attached to the cassette 110 using the barcode reader 32 connected to the second console 20 to identify the stimulable phosphor panel P housed in the cassette 110. Identification information such as a unique number, size, and sensitivity is acquired.

  Next, after the cassette 110 is loaded into the slot 112 of the second photographing device 24, an exposure switch (not shown) is operated to start photographing. The radiation source control unit 102 drives and controls the radiation source 104 in accordance with the set imaging conditions, and irradiates the subject 50 with the radiation X. The radiation X transmitted through the subject 50 is applied to the stimulable phosphor panel P housed in the cassette 110. As a result, the radiation image information of the subject 50 is accumulated and recorded on the stimulable phosphor panel P.

  The cassette 110 that stores the stimulable phosphor panel P on which the radiation image information is recorded is extracted from the second imaging device 24 and then loaded into the cassette loading unit 120 of the reading device 26.

  When the cassette 110 is loaded, the barcode reader 124 disposed in the cassette loading unit 120 reads the barcode attached to the cassette 110 and identifies the unique number, size, sensitivity, etc. of the stimulable phosphor panel P. Get information. The acquired identification information is collated with the identification information acquired by the bar code reader 32 connected to the second console 20 to confirm the correspondence between the subject 50 and the radiation image information.

  When the identification information is read, the lock release mechanism 126 is driven, and the cover member 114 is unlocked and opened. Next, the suction disk 128 sucks the stimulable phosphor panel P, takes out the stimulable phosphor panel P from the cassette 110, and supplies it between the nip rollers 130. The stimulable phosphor panel P sandwiched between the nip rollers 130 is transported to the lower part of the scanning unit 144 via a curved transport path 136 including transport rollers 132a to 132g and guide plates 134a to 134f.

  The stimulable phosphor panel P is sub-scanned and conveyed in the substantially horizontal direction by the conveying rollers 132d and 132e. On the other hand, the laser beam LB output from the laser oscillator 150 constituting the excitation unit 146 is reflected and deflected by the polygon mirror 152 that rotates at high speed, and then the lower surface is supported by the platen roller 142 via the reflection mirror 154. Guided to the stimulable phosphor panel P, the stimulable phosphor panel P is main-scanned.

  The stimulable phosphor panel P is excited by being irradiated with the laser beam LB and outputs stimulated emission light according to the stored and recorded radiation image information. This stimulated emission light is directly incident on the lower end portion of the condensing guide 156 disposed close to the stimulable phosphor panel P along the main scanning direction, or is incident through the condensing mirror 160. The stimulated emission light incident on the light collecting guide 156 is repeatedly reflected inside and guided to the photomultiplier 158 at the upper end. The photomultiplier 158 converts the incident stimulated emission light into an electrical signal, and thereby reads the radiation image information stored and recorded in the stimulable phosphor panel P.

  The radiographic image information read by the scanning unit 144 is transmitted from the control unit 115 to the second console 20 or the host console 16 selected by the console selection unit 117 via the in-hospital network 28.

  Here, the console selection unit 117 has a specification form for controlling the reading device 26 from the host console 16, the first console 18, or the second console 20 connected to the hospital network 28, and can process radiation image information. Select a processing device in the correct state.

  For example, when the next cassette 110 is loaded in the reading device 26 while the second console 20 is performing image processing on the radiation image information transmitted from the reading device 26, and the reading processing is started, the console selection is performed. After confirming that the second console 20 is processing the radiation image information acquired immediately before, the unit 117 transmits the radiation image information read from the next stimulable phosphor panel P to the processable host console 16. To do. The host console 16 performs image processing on the transmitted radiation image information, and then transmits the radiation image information after the image processing to the second console 20 that is an initial processing device corresponding to the reading device 26. The second console 20 that has received the radiation image information displays and confirms the radiation image as necessary, and then transmits it to the viewer 15 via the in-hospital network 28. The doctor performs necessary interpretation diagnosis based on the radiation image information transmitted to the viewer 15.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, Of course, it can change freely in the range which does not deviate from the main point of this invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the console selection unit 42 of the host console 16 selects the first console 18 or the second console 20 according to the shooting instruction information. However, a system in which the host console 16 is not installed is constructed. You can also. That is, the first console 18 that controls the first imaging device 22 that is the specific imaging device or the second console 20 that controls the second imaging device 24 that is the specific imaging device selects the console according to the imaging instruction information. When processing is performed and the processing burden of the selected console is large, the processing may be entrusted to another console capable of processing.

It is a block diagram of the radiographic imaging system of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of the system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a configuration block diagram including a host console, a first imaging device, and a second imaging device shown in FIG. 1. It is a circuit block diagram of the radiation conversion panel of this embodiment. It is a block diagram of the reading apparatus of this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

10. Radiation imaging system 12. HIS
14 ... RIS
16 ... Host console 18 ... First console 20 ... Second console 22 ... First imaging device 24 ... Second imaging device 26 ... Reading device 28 ... Hospital network 30, 32 ... Barcode reader 38 ... Imaging instruction information memory 40 ... Imaging Instruction information setting unit 42, 68, 117 ... console selection unit 50 ... subject

Claims (4)

A plurality of image acquisition devices for acquiring radiation image information of a subject;
A plurality of processing devices for controlling the image acquisition devices while performing image processing of radiation image information transmitted from the image acquisition devices;
A network connecting the image acquisition devices and the processing devices to each other;
With
Each of the image acquisition devices includes a selection unit that selects one of the processing devices capable of processing the radiation image information, and transmits the radiation image information to the processing device selected by the selection unit. A radiographic imaging system characterized by that. The system of claim 1, wherein
Each said image acquisition apparatus is controlled by the said specific processing apparatus which consists of a specification form which controls the said image acquisition apparatus, The radiographic imaging system characterized by the above-mentioned. The system of claim 1, wherein
The radiographic image capturing system, wherein the image acquisition device is an image capturing device that captures a radiographic image of a subject. The system of claim 3, wherein
The radiographic image capturing system, wherein the image acquisition device is a reading device that reads the radiographic image information captured on the radiation conversion panel by the imaging device.

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