JP2013013737A - Radiographic imaging system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To confirm dynamic state images efficiently by an imaging engineer.SOLUTION: According to a console 2 for imaging, image data with the maximum and the minimum image areas are extracted from a plurality of image data of dynamic states of test object sites and displayed on a display part 24. An operating part 23 input information that the image displayed on the display part 24 can be used for dynamic state analysis, and then a communication part 25 transmits a plurality of frame image data showing the dynamic state of the test object site to the diagnostic console 3.

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiographic imaging system.

In contrast to the conventional still image and diagnosis of radiation using a film / screen or photostimulable phosphor plate, a dynamic image of the region to be examined is taken using a semiconductor image sensor such as an FPD (flat panel detector), Attempts have been made to apply it to diagnosis. Specifically, by utilizing the responsiveness of reading / erasing of image data of the semiconductor image sensor, pulsed radiation is continuously irradiated from the radiation source in accordance with the reading / erasing timing of the semiconductor image sensor. Take multiple shots per second to capture the dynamics of the area to be examined. By sequentially displaying a series of a plurality of images acquired by imaging, a doctor can recognize a series of movements of a region to be examined.

  For example, Patent Literature 1 describes that a semiconductor image sensor is used to capture the dynamics of the lungs (expansion and contraction morphological changes) associated with respiratory motion over time.

JP 2004000412 A

  By the way, the radiographer confirms in a short time whether or not an image obtained by imaging is worthy of diagnosis, and if it is an image that deserves diagnosis, it is provided to the doctor, and if it is not worthy of diagnosis, it is reproduced again. You have to shoot.

  In the case of still image shooting, the imaging engineer displays the images obtained by shooting one by one, and whether the ROI area to be diagnosed by the doctor exists in the display area of the image data (whether the positioning is correct) Or not) and whether or not the captured image is an image worthy of diagnosis based on whether or not it has an appropriate contrast (matching the diagnostic resolution).

  However, in the case of capturing dynamic images, it is not possible for the radiographer to determine whether or not it is suitable for moving image diagnosis even if individual images constituting the dynamic image are simply displayed as in conventional still image capturing. was there. In addition, since the total number of shots has increased, there has been a problem that the number of confirmation steps by a shooting engineer has increased, which is not preferable from the viewpoint of improving the shooting work efficiency.

  An object of the present invention is to make it possible to efficiently check a dynamic image by a photographing engineer.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 1
A radiographic imaging device capable of capturing a plurality of frame image data indicating the dynamics of the examination target region in the subject and continuously acquiring the frame image data indicating the dynamics of the examination target region, and being connected to the radiographic imaging device so that data can be transmitted and received A radiographic imaging system including a kinetic radiographic imaging support apparatus including a display unit capable of sequentially switching and displaying images based on frame image data acquired by the radiographic imaging apparatus,
The dynamic radiographic imaging support device is
A part of frame image data that matches a predetermined condition is extracted from a plurality of frame image data indicating the dynamics of the acquired examination target region, and only an image based on the extracted frame image data is extracted. Control means for displaying on the display means;
An input means for inputting whether or not the image displayed on the display means can be used for dynamic analysis,
The control means causes the dynamic analysis processing means to transmit a plurality of frame image data indicating the dynamics of the examination target portion by the communication means when the input means indicates that the dynamic analysis can be used.

  According to the present invention, a photographing engineer can efficiently check a dynamic image.

It is a figure which shows the example of whole structure of the radiographic imaging system in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the imaging | photography control processing performed by the control part of the imaging | photography console shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the test object site | part selection screen displayed on the display part of the imaging | photography console shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the maximum image and the minimum image of the area of a lung field displayed on the display part of the imaging console shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of whole structure of the radiographic imaging system in the modification of embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example.

(Configuration of radiation image capturing system 100)
First, the configuration will be described.
FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a radiographic image capturing system 100 in the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, a radiographic imaging system 100 includes an imaging device 1 and an imaging console 2 connected by a communication cable or the like, and the imaging console 2 and the diagnostic console 3 are connected to a LAN (Local Area Network). The communication network N is connected and configured.

(Configuration of the photographing apparatus 1)
The imaging apparatus 1 is an apparatus that images, for example, the dynamics of a human body having a periodicity (cycle), such as changes in the shape of lung expansion and contraction accompanying breathing, and heartbeat. The dynamic imaging is performed by continuously irradiating the examination target site with radiation and acquiring a plurality of images (that is, continuous imaging). A series of images obtained by this continuous shooting is called a dynamic image. Each of the plurality of images constituting the dynamic image is called a frame image.
As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus 1 includes a radiation source 11, a radiation irradiation control device 12, a radiation detection unit 13, and a reading control device 14.

The radiation source 11 irradiates the subject M with radiation (X-rays) under the control of the radiation irradiation control device 12.
The radiation irradiation control device 12 is connected to the imaging console 2 and controls the radiation source 11 based on the radiation irradiation conditions input from the imaging console 2 to perform radiation imaging. The radiation irradiation conditions input from the imaging console 2 are, for example, pulse rate, pulse width, pulse interval, imaging start / end timing, X-ray tube current value, X-ray tube voltage value, filter type during continuous irradiation. Etc. The pulse rate is the number of times of radiation irradiation per second, and matches the frame rate described later. The pulse width is a radiation irradiation time per one irradiation. The pulse interval is the time from the start of one radiation irradiation to the start of the next radiation irradiation in continuous imaging, and coincides with a frame interval described later.

The radiation detection unit 13 is configured by a semiconductor image sensor such as an FPD. The FPD has, for example, a glass substrate or the like, detects radiation that has been irradiated from the radiation source 11 and transmitted through at least the subject M at a predetermined position on the substrate according to its intensity, and detects the detected radiation as an electrical signal. A plurality of pixels to be converted and stored are arranged in a matrix. Each pixel includes a switching unit such as a TFT (Thin Film Transistor).
The reading control device 14 is connected to the imaging console 2, controls the switching unit of each pixel of the radiation detection unit 13 based on the image reading conditions input from the imaging console 2, and accumulates in each pixel. Image data is acquired by switching the reading of the electric signal and reading the electric signal accumulated in the radiation detection unit 13. Then, the acquired image data is output to the imaging console 2. The image reading conditions are, for example, a frame rate, a frame interval, a pixel size, an image size (matrix size), and the like. The frame rate is the number of frame images acquired per second and matches the pulse rate. The frame interval is the time from the start of one frame image acquisition operation to the start of the next frame image acquisition operation in continuous shooting, and coincides with the pulse interval.

  Here, the radiation irradiation control device 12 and the reading control device 14 are connected to each other, and exchange synchronization signals to synchronize the radiation irradiation operation and the image reading operation.

(Configuration of the shooting console 2)
The imaging console 2 outputs radiation irradiation conditions and image reading conditions to the imaging apparatus 1 to control radiation imaging and radiation image reading operations by the imaging apparatus 1, and also captures image data acquired by the imaging apparatus 1. It is a radiographic imaging assistance apparatus for displaying whether it is an image suitable for the confirmation and diagnosis of positioning by.
As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging console 2 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, an operation unit 23, a display unit 24, and a communication unit 25, and each unit is connected by a bus 26.

The control unit 21 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a RAM (Random Access Memory).
) Etc. The CPU of the control unit 21 reads out various processing programs such as a system program stored in the storage unit 22 and a photographing control processing program in response to an operation of the operation unit 23, expands them in the RAM, and expands them. The operation of each part of the imaging console 2 and the radiation irradiation operation and the reading operation of the imaging apparatus 1 are centrally controlled according to the program. The control unit 21 is connected to a timer (not shown).

  The storage unit 22 is configured by a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk, or the like. The storage unit 22 stores various programs executed by the control unit 21 and data such as parameters necessary for execution of processing by the programs or processing results. For example, the storage unit 22 stores a shooting control processing program for executing shooting control processing described later. In addition, the storage unit 22 stores radiation irradiation conditions and image reading conditions in association with the examination target region. Various programs are stored in the form of readable program code, and the control unit 21 sequentially executes operations according to the program code.

  The operation unit 23 includes a keyboard having a cursor key, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like, and a pointing device such as a mouse. The control unit 23 controls an instruction signal input by key operation or mouse operation on the keyboard. To 21. In addition, the operation unit 23 may include a touch panel on the display screen of the display unit 24. In this case, the operation unit 23 outputs an instruction signal input via the touch panel to the control unit 21.

  The display unit 24 is configured by a monitor such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), and displays an input instruction, data, or the like from the operation unit 23 in accordance with an instruction of a display signal input from the control unit 21. To do.

  The communication unit 25 includes a LAN adapter, a router, a TA (Terminal Adapter), and the like, and controls data transmission / reception with each device connected to the communication network N.

(Configuration of diagnostic console 3)
The diagnostic console 3 is a device for displaying image data transmitted from the imaging console and performing a diagnostic interpretation by a doctor.
As shown in FIG. 1, the diagnostic console 3 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, an operation unit 33, a display unit 34, and a communication unit 35, and each unit is connected by a bus 36.

  The control unit 31 includes a CPU, a RAM, and the like. The CPU of the control unit 31 reads out the system program and various processing programs stored in the storage unit 32 in accordance with the operation of the operation unit 33 and develops them in the RAM, and each part of the diagnostic console 3 according to the developed programs. Centralized control of the operation.

  The storage unit 32 is configured by a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk, or the like. The storage unit 32 stores various programs executed by the control unit 31 and data such as parameters necessary for execution of processing by the programs or processing results. These various programs are stored in the form of readable program codes, and the control unit 31 sequentially executes operations according to the program codes.

  The operation unit 33 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like, and a pointing device such as a mouse. The control unit 33 controls an instruction signal input by key operation or mouse operation on the keyboard. To 31. The operation unit 33 may include a touch panel on the display screen of the display unit 34, and in this case, an instruction signal input via the touch panel is output to the control unit 31.

  The display unit 34 is configured by a monitor such as an LCD or a CRT, and displays an input instruction, data, or the like from the operation unit 33 in accordance with an instruction of a display signal input from the control unit 31.

  The communication unit 35 includes a LAN adapter, a router, a TA, and the like, and controls data transmission / reception with each device connected to the communication network N.

(Operation of Radiation Imaging System 100)
Next, the operation in the radiographic image capturing system 100 will be described.
FIG. 2 shows a flow of imaging control processing executed by the control unit 21 of the imaging console 2.

  First, the operation unit 23 is operated by the imaging engineer, and the patient information of the imaging target (subject M) is input, and the examination target region and imaging direction are selected (step S1). FIG. 3 shows an example of the examination target part selection screen 241. This screen is a screen for the imaging engineer to select an examination target region via the operation unit 23. The examination target part selection screen 241 includes part buttons B1 to Bn on which a plurality of part names that can be selected as imaging targets are displayed (n is an integer).

  When the inspection target region is selected, the radiation irradiation condition corresponding to the selected inspection target region is read and set in the radiation irradiation control device 12, and the image reading condition corresponding to the selected inspection target region is set. The data is read from the storage unit 22 and set in the reading control device 14 (step S2).

  Next, when a radiation irradiation instruction by the operation of the operation unit 23 is waited and a radiation irradiation instruction is input by the operation unit 23 (step S3; YES), continuous imaging is started, and an elapsed time t from the start of imaging by the timer. Is started (step S4). Also, the count value α of the number of captured frame images is initialized to 0 (step S5).

  When continuous shooting is started, it is determined whether or not “t = α × T (T is a frame interval)” (shooting timing), and if it is determined that “t = α × T” (step) (S6; YES), one frame image is taken by the photographing apparatus 1 (step S7). That is, the radiation source 11 emits radiation, and the radiation detection unit 13 acquires image data. The image data acquired by shooting is input to the shooting console 2 and stored in the storage unit 22 in association with the frame number indicating the shooting order (step S8).

Next, the acquired image data is thinned (step S9), the thinned image is displayed on the display unit 24 (step S10), and the count value α is incremented (step S11).
Here, by displaying the image displayed in step S10, the photographing engineer can perform positioning confirmation. The confirmation of the positioning by the radiographer is to confirm whether or not the examination target region is arranged in the display area of the image data, and does not require a high-resolution image that a doctor uses for diagnosis. Therefore, in step S9, in order to reduce the load of the image display process on the display unit 24, a process of thinning out the image data to a pixel size (0.5 mm to 4 mm) necessary for confirming the positioning of the photographing engineer is performed. The process of thinning out image data may simply be resampled with the pixel size of the image to be displayed, or may be performed by averaging several peripheral pixels. In this way, the hardware specifications of the display unit 24 can be reduced.

  Next, the image region of the examination target site in the acquired image data is recognized and its position is analyzed (step S12). Here, in step S12, in order to shorten the processing time related to the analysis, the image analysis is performed after the pixel size of the image data is thinned to a predetermined pixel size (for example, 1 to 4 mm). A program for recognizing the inspection target part is stored in the storage unit 22 in advance, and a program corresponding to the inspection target part is read and a predetermined structure is recognized by software processing.

For example, when the examination target site is the lung (aspiration), the lung field image region (lung field region) in the image data is recognized. Since the lung field region has a large amount of transmission of radiation (X-rays), the signal value is higher than the surrounding region. Therefore, for example, the lung field region is recognized by the following processing.
First, a density histogram is created from the signal value of each pixel, and a threshold value is obtained by a discriminant analysis method or the like. Next, a region having a signal higher than the obtained threshold is extracted as a lung field region candidate. Next, edge detection is performed near the boundary of the candidate area, and a point where the edge is maximum in a small area near the boundary is extracted along the boundary. Then, the extracted edge point is approximated by a polynomial function, and the boundary line of the lung field region is acquired.

For example, when the examination target site is the heart (blood flow), the image area (heart area) of the heart in the image data is recognized. The heart region is recognized by, for example, the following process.
First, the lung field area is recognized, and the search area is limited from the circumscribed rectangular area of the lung field area. Next, a density histogram is created from the signal value of each pixel in the search region, a threshold value is obtained by a discriminant analysis method or the like, and a region having a signal lower than the threshold value is extracted as a candidate region for the heart. Next, edge detection is performed within the candidate area, and edge points having a predetermined size or more are extracted. Then, template matching is performed on the edge image composed of the edge point and the boundary line of the candidate region with a heart-shaped template, and the template region at the position where the correlation value is maximized is recognized as the heart region.

Further, for example, when the examination target site is a knee joint and the knee flexion / extension motion is imaged and diagnosed, the outer femoral condyle and the outer tibia condyle in the image data are recognized. These areas are recognized by the following processing, for example.
First, edge detection is performed in the image area, and edge points having a predetermined size or more are extracted. The extracted edge points are tracked, and the femur and tibia contours are extracted. Then, template matching is performed using templates of the femoral lateral condyle and the tibia lateral condyle prepared in advance for each imaging direction, and the region having the maximum correlation value is recognized as the position of the lateral femoral condyle and the lateral tibia condyle.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the entire image area of the examination target part is within the display area of the image data. If it is determined that it is within the display area (step S13; YES), the process proceeds to step S15. When it is determined that the entire image area of the examination target region does not fall within the display area of the image data (step S13; NO), a message to that effect and a warning to re-photograph are displayed (step S14). The process proceeds to step S15. In this way, the acquired image data is analyzed in real time, it is determined whether or not the entire image area of the examination target region is within the display area of the image data, and if not, a warning is displayed. The photographing engineer can easily recognize whether or not the positioning is correct during continuous shooting. In step S14, not only a warning for prompting re-imaging, but also a portion where the image area of the inspection target region is missing is displayed in color, or the amount of protrusion of the inspection target region is predicted to perform a radiation detection unit during re-imaging. It is preferable to display a message indicating how much the 13 should be moved in which direction.

  In step S15, it is determined whether or not an imaging end instruction has been input by the imaging engineer via the operation unit 23, and if it is determined that an imaging end instruction has not been input (step S15; NO), the process proceeds to step S15. Return to S6. If it is determined that an imaging end instruction has been input (step S15; YES), radiation irradiation from the radiation source 11 is stopped, the imaging operation ends (step S16), and the process proceeds to step S17.

  In step S17, image data of a series of frame images acquired by continuous imaging stored in the storage unit 22 is read out, and each image data is analyzed, and the area of the image region of the examination target region from the series of image data. The frame image with the largest and the smallest frame image is extracted (step S17). For example, when the examination target site is the lung (aspiration), the lung field region is recognized from the image data of each frame image continuously captured by the above-described processing, and the number of pixels in the recognized lung field region is counted. Then, the image data having the maximum number of pixels in the lung field region is defined as the frame image having the maximum area of the image region of the examination target region (lung), and the image data having the minimum number of pixels in the lung field region is obtained. A frame image having the smallest area of the image region of the examination target region (lung) is extracted. Further, for example, when the examination target site is the heart (blood flow), the heart region is recognized from the image data of each frame image continuously taken by the above-described processing, and the number of pixels in the recognized heart region is counted. . Then, the image data having the maximum number of pixels in the heart region is used as the frame image having the maximum area of the image region of the region to be inspected (heart), and the image data having the minimum number of pixels in the heart region is to be inspected. Extracted as a frame image having the smallest area of the image region of the region (heart). In the case of the heart, since the expansion phase and the systole phase are different between the atrium and the ventricle, an image in which the respective areas of the atrial region and the ventricular region are maximum and minimum may be extracted. In the analysis of each frame image, the image analysis is performed after thinning the pixel size of the image data to a predetermined pixel size (for example, 1 to 4 mm) in order to shorten the processing time related to the analysis.

  When a frame image (maximum image) and a minimum frame image (minimum image) with the maximum area of the image area of the examination target region are extracted from a series of frame images acquired by continuous imaging, the extracted maximum image and minimum The image is displayed on the screen of the display unit 24 (step S18). Next, the area ratio between the extracted maximum image and the minimum image is calculated (step S19), and the calculated area ratio is displayed on the screen where the maximum image and the minimum image are displayed on the display unit 24 (step S20). .

  FIG. 4 shows a screen example displayed on the display unit 24 in step S20. As shown in FIG. 4, in step S <b> 20, the image having the largest area and the smallest image in the image area of the examination target region is displayed side by side in a series of continuously captured frame images. In addition, the area ratio of the image regions of both inspection target parts is also displayed. As described above, the imaging console 2 narrows down and displays the images necessary for confirmation of positioning among the series of images acquired by imaging after the imaging is completed. This eliminates the need to display and confirm the dynamic image, making it possible to efficiently confirm the dynamic image.

  Next, the calculated area ratio is compared with a predetermined threshold value. If the calculated area ratio exceeds the threshold value (step S21; NO), the process proceeds to step S23. When it is below the calculated threshold (step S21; YES), a warning is displayed on the screen of the display unit 24 (step S22), and the process proceeds to step S23.

  Here, as described above, dynamics photographed by the photographing apparatus 1 are, for example, lung respiratory motion, heart pulsation, and the like. It operates with the contraction period (systole) as one cycle. In the diagnosis of the dynamic image, it is necessary to include one cycle of the dynamics of the site to be examined.

  In general, when the dynamics of a part to be examined are imaged under certain conditions on the human body structure, the ratio (area ratio) between the maximum area and the minimum area of the image area of the part to be examined is within a predetermined range. Take. For example, in lung field breathing exercise, in the case of chest frontal imaging, it is 1.1 to 1.2 times at rest and 1.3 to 1.5 times at deep breathing. Therefore, when the area ratio between the maximum area and the minimum area of the image area of the examination target region in the captured frame image exceeds a predetermined value (threshold value) that is predetermined according to the condition, 1 of the dynamics of the examination target region is obtained. It can be determined that the image for the cycle is included, and if it is equal to or less than the predetermined value, it can be determined that the image for one cycle of the dynamics of the examination target site is not included. Therefore, if the calculated area ratio is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the imaging console 2 displays a warning to that effect. This makes it possible for the imaging engineer to easily recognize that one cycle of dynamics is not included. Depending on conditions such as age, height, weight, sex, imaging state (body position (standing / posture), imaging direction (PA / AP), movement (rest / deep breathing)), etc. Since the amount of change of the area changes, the threshold value of the maximum and minimum area ratio corresponding to each condition is stored in advance for each examination target part, and the age, height, weight, sex, and imaging state of the subject M at the time of imaging The threshold value is changed according to the conditions such as.

  Note that whether or not an image for one cycle of the dynamics of the examination target part is included may be judged based on a movement amount of a predetermined structure in the examination target part. For example, when the region to be examined is lung (aspiration), the vertical movement of the diaphragm is generally about 1.5 cm at rest and 6 cm to 7 cm at deep breath. Therefore, when the examination target region is the lung (aspiration), the image data of a series of frame images acquired by continuous imaging is analyzed, the diaphragm region is recognized, and the amount of vertical movement of the diaphragm between a plurality of images is determined in advance. If it is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, it may be determined that one cycle of dynamics is not included, and a warning to that effect may be displayed. The recognition of the diaphragm region in the image data can be performed by a method substantially similar to the recognition of the lung field region.

  In step S23, an OK button and an NG button for inputting a shooting OK / NG determination result by the shooting engineer are displayed on the display unit 24, and the OK button is pressed by the operation unit 23 (step S23; YES). Each of a series of image data acquired by continuous imaging is accompanied by information such as an identification ID for identifying a series of imaging, a frame number, patient information, a region to be inspected, radiation irradiation conditions, and image reading conditions. Then, it is transmitted to the diagnostic console 3 through the communication unit 25 (step S24). Then, this process ends. On the other hand, when the NG button is pressed by the operation unit 23 (step S23; NO), a series of image data stored in the storage unit 22 is deleted (step S25), and this process ends.

  In the diagnostic console 3, when a series of image data continuously captured from the imaging console 2 is received by the communication unit 35, the control unit 31 stores the received image data in the storage unit 32.

In the diagnosis console 3, when an identification ID or the like is input by the operation unit 33 and image data to be diagnosed is designated, the control unit 31 reads the designated image data from the storage unit 32. Then, the control unit 31 reads a predetermined program for the read image data in accordance with the examination target region, and executes a dynamic analysis process. Here, the dynamic analysis process is a process of analyzing a change in luminance, a change in position, and a change in shape of a predetermined structure of the inspection target site in the image data, and the result is displayed on the display unit 34.
As an analysis of the luminance change, for example, the luminance change amount is calculated by obtaining a difference value between the signal values of each pixel between the frame images adjacent to each other in the shooting order, and a predetermined structure with a color corresponding to the luminance change amount is obtained. indicate.
As the analysis of the position change, for example, the position of the image region of a predetermined structure is recognized from each of the series of frame images, and the trajectory of the structure and the change rate of the moving speed are obtained and displayed.
As the analysis of the shape change, for example, the position of a predetermined structure is recognized from each of a series of frame images, and the outline of the structure is displayed in color, so that the change in the outline / perimeter / area is determined by the doctor. Is displayed in a visible manner. In addition, you may display the variation | change_quantity of an area with a numerical value. Alternatively, a doctor visually recognizes the change in the distance between two structures by recognizing the position of the image area of two predetermined structures from each of a series of frame images and displaying the outlines of the two structures in color. Display as possible. You may obtain | require and display the distance between two structures by a numerical value. Moreover, you may display visually the change of the angle which two structures interweave.

(Modification)
Next, a modification of the embodiment of the present invention will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5, in the configuration of the modification, the imaging apparatus 1 includes a respiratory induction output device 15. The breathing guidance output device 15 is a device (guidance means) that induces breathing of the subject M in accordance with an instruction input from the imaging console 2.
Here, the respiratory motion is composed of an inhalation mode and an expiration mode. The inhalation mode is a mode in which the subject M inhales, and as a result, the lung field in the thorax increases and the diaphragm is pushed up (expansion phase). The exhalation mode is a mode in which the subject M exhales, and accordingly, the lung field area becomes smaller and the diaphragm lowers (systole). One cycle of the breathing exercise consists of one inspiration mode and one expiration mode. The lung size is maximized at the time of conversion from the inspiratory mode to the expiratory mode, and the lung size is minimized at the time of conversion from the expiratory mode to the inspiratory mode. The breathing guidance output device 15 outputs voice and display such as “suck” and “vomit”, and induces breathing motion by the subject M.

  When a breathing guidance instruction is input from the operation unit 23 while waiting for a radiation irradiation instruction by the operation of the operation unit 23 (step S3 in FIG. 2), the control unit 21 sets the pulse rate set in the radiation irradiation control device 12 to the pulse rate. In response, a control signal is output to the breathing guidance output device 15, and voices and displays such as “suck” and “pump” are output by the breathing guidance output device 15. The radiographer observes the output respiratory guidance and the breathing motion of the subject M, and if the subject M confirms that the subject M is performing a breathing exercise according to the breathing guidance, inputs a radiation irradiation instruction through the operation unit 23. The control unit 21 of the imaging console 2 starts continuous imaging at the timing when the intake mode starts, and starts counting the elapsed time t from the imaging start by the timer (step S4 in FIG. 2). When imaging is started, sounds and displays such as “suck” and “pump” are output by the respiratory guidance output device 15 according to the pulse rate set in the radiation irradiation control device 12 until the imaging is completed.

  In this manner, by providing the respiratory guidance output device 15 in the imaging device 1, it is possible to match the timing of breathing with the timing of imaging, and it is possible to reliably acquire image data for one cycle of breathing.

  It is also possible to confirm whether or not the imaging is appropriate by comparing the output of the respiratory guidance output device 15 with the change of the examination target portion at the end of imaging. For example, when the examination target site is the lung (arousal), the image having the largest lung image area and the smallest image are extracted by the method described in paragraph [0060] of the present specification after completion of imaging. Next, based on the frame number of each image, the time from the imaging start timing to the timing when the lung image area becomes maximum (inspiration time), and the timing when the lung image area becomes maximum from the timing The time until (expiration time) is calculated. These inspiration time and expiration time are respectively compared with the “inhale” and “exhale” output times output by the respiratory induction output device 15, and if the error exceeds a predetermined value, the respiratory action Assuming that there is a discrepancy from the output of respiratory induction, a warning is displayed. In addition, the frame images taken during the inspiratory time and expiratory time are analyzed, and whether or not the lungs and the area increase monotonously during the inspiratory time corresponding to the output of “Inhale” It can also be confirmed whether or not the lung field area monotonously decreases at the expiration time corresponding to the output.

  As described above, according to the radiographic imaging system 100, the imaging console 2 is a part of predetermined image data, specifically, a plurality of pieces of image data obtained by imaging the dynamics of the examination target region. The image engineer extracts the image data having the maximum area and the minimum image data necessary for the imaging technician to confirm the positioning, and displays them on the display unit 24. Work can be performed efficiently.

  In addition, since the ratio of the area of the inspection target area in the image with the maximum area of the image area of the inspection target area and the area of the inspection target area in the minimum image is calculated and displayed, imaging including one cycle of the dynamics of the inspection target area It becomes possible for the imaging engineer to easily determine whether or not the image has been successfully recorded.

  In addition, since a warning is displayed when the calculated area ratio is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, if imaging including one cycle of the dynamics of the examination target region cannot be performed, the imaging technician can easily indicate that fact. It becomes possible to recognize.

  In addition, it recognizes the image area of the inspection target region for each of the captured image data, and displays a warning when the entire image region of the inspection target region does not fit within the display area of the image data. It is possible to recognize that there is an image with incorrect positioning.

In addition, the description in each said embodiment is a suitable example of the radiographic imaging system 100 which concerns on this invention, and is not limited to this.
For example, in the above embodiment, an image based on the image data acquired by shooting is displayed each time before the shooting is finished. However, instead of displaying all the image data images, for example, every predetermined number of images. You may make it display intermittently, and when several cycles are image | photographed, you may make it display the image of the first several cycles.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the image having the maximum area and the image having the minimum area of the image area of the examination target region among the captured images is displayed on the screen of the display unit 24 at the same time. You may do it.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the imaging device 1 and the imaging console 2 are directly connected via a data communication cable or the like has been described. However, a configuration in which the imaging device 1 and the imaging console 2 are connected via a communication network N may be employed. The imaging console 2 may be configured to display not only dynamic image data from the imaging device 1 but also still image data captured by a CR (Computed Radiography) device or the like.

  When the imaging console 2 is configured to display not only dynamic image image data from the imaging device 1 but also still image image data captured by a CR device or the like, a lung still image (lung stationary) for the same patient. Concentration so that the spine portion of the image (generally taken at the inspiration to exhalation conversion point) and the spine portion of the maximum lung image (dynamic image with the largest lung area) have the same density (Contrast) adjustment may be performed. For other images of the dynamic image, the density adjustment may be performed based on the density of the maximum image. This makes it possible to match the density of the still image and the dynamic image. This process may be performed by the diagnostic console 3.

  In the above-described embodiment, the image data having the maximum area and the minimum image data of the region to be inspected are extracted by analyzing a series of image data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the imaging apparatus 1 is configured to include a detection device (for example, an electrocardiogram, a respiration monitor belt, or the like) that detects the dynamic cycle of the examination target region, and the timing at which the size of the examination target region is maximized and minimized by this detection device ( For example, the timing of changing from inspiration to exhalation in the case of lung imaging, the timing of changing from exhalation to inspiration, the timing of changing from expansion to contraction of the heart and the timing of change from contraction to expansion in the case of cardiac imaging. You may make it extract the image image | photographed at the timing.

  In addition, it has been described that patient information, selection of a region to be examined, radiation irradiation instruction, and imaging end instruction are input from the operation unit 23 of the imaging console 2, but an operation panel is connected to the radiation irradiation control device 12. It is also possible to input from this operation panel. In this case, the operation signal of the operation panel is output to the control unit 21 of the imaging console 2 via the radiation irradiation control device 12.

  In addition, the detailed configuration and detailed operation of each apparatus constituting the radiographic image capturing system 100 can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Radiographic imaging system 1 Imaging device 11 Radiation source 12 Radiation irradiation control device 13 Radiation detection part 14 Reading control device 15 Respiration guidance output device 2 Imaging console 21 Control part 22 Storage part 23 Operation part 24 Display part 25 Communication part 26 Bus 3 Diagnosis console 31 Control unit 32 Storage unit 33 Operation unit 34 Display unit 35 Communication unit 36 Bus

Claims (1)

A radiographic imaging device capable of capturing a plurality of frame image data indicating the dynamics of the examination target region in the subject and continuously acquiring the frame image data indicating the dynamics of the examination target region, and being connected to the radiographic imaging device so that data can be transmitted and received A radiographic imaging system including a kinetic radiographic imaging support apparatus including a display unit capable of sequentially switching and displaying images based on frame image data acquired by the radiographic imaging apparatus,
The dynamic radiographic imaging support device is
A part of frame image data that matches a predetermined condition is extracted from a plurality of frame image data indicating the dynamics of the acquired examination target region, and only an image based on the extracted frame image data is extracted. Control means for displaying on the display means;
An input means for inputting whether or not the image displayed on the display means can be used for dynamic analysis,
The control means, when the fact that it can be used for dynamic analysis is input by the input means, a radiographic image that causes the dynamic analysis processing means to transmit a plurality of frame image data indicating the dynamics of the examination target site by the communication means Shooting system.

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