JP2018093953A - Radiographic imaging system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radiographic imaging system having an automatic setting function for a radiation filter that can suppress such a problem that in carrying out moving image photographing of a dynamic moving image, etc., a photographer manually switches an automatically set radiation filter to a radiation filter which is not suitable for photographing, and carries out photographing in that state.SOLUTION: A console 5 constituting a radiographic imaging system 1 is composed so that a filter type can be set either automatically or on the basis of a setting operation by a photographer. When there is a setting operation for the filter type by a photographer after the filter type is automatically set, the filter type set by the photographer is compared to the automatically set filter type, and a display C corresponding to the comparison result can be performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiation image capturing system capable of capturing a moving image such as a dynamic image by irradiating a patient as a subject with radiation a plurality of times.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a radiation image capturing system is known that can capture a dynamic image composed of a plurality of frame images by irradiating a patient with pulsed radiation a plurality of times at a predetermined period.
A radiographic imaging system includes a radiation irradiating apparatus that irradiates a patient with radiation, a radiographic imaging apparatus that converts intensity of radiation emitted from the radiation irradiating apparatus through the patient into an electrical signal, and reads out the image data, a radiation irradiating apparatus, It is configured with a console or the like that is connected to a radiographic imaging apparatus and can communicate with these and display a plurality of image data read by the radiographic imaging apparatus as dynamic images.

In capturing dynamic images, the time required for capturing is often longer (up to about 20 seconds) than normal radiographic images. For this reason, it is preferable to keep the dose of radiation applied to the patient as low as possible. However, if the radiation output is too weak, the rise of the radiation pulse becomes slow, and the necessary dose cannot be emitted during one irradiation cycle, so a clear dynamic image may not be obtained. is there.
Therefore, when taking a dynamic image, radiation is performed through a radiation filter that reduces radiation. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of radiation that reaches the patient while setting the radiation output higher and making the pulse rise steep, so that the patient's exposure dose can be kept to a minimum and clear movements can be achieved. An image can be obtained.

In general, a radiographic imaging system is provided with a plurality of radiation filters having different filter types (materials, thicknesses, etc.), and can be used in accordance with the imaging site, the patient's physique, and the like.
In recent years, for example, a switching mechanism having a plurality of radiation filters is incorporated in a radiation irradiation apparatus, and a technique for automatically switching a radiation filter in accordance with an imaging region input to a control unit (see Patent Document 1), There has been proposed a technique (see Patent Document 2) in which an indicator lamp is provided in an X-ray diaphragm that can automatically switch the type of the lamp and the lighting method of the indicator lamp is changed according to the inserted radiation filter. In this way, compared with the case where the radiation filter is replaced by a human hand, the trouble of inserting and removing the radiation filter and checking the filter type is reduced, so that dynamic images can be efficiently captured. it can.

JP 2007-190132 A JP 2011-015709 A

  By the way, even in imaging using the radiographic apparatus having the automatic setting function of the radiation filter as described above, for example, the patient is a child, or the patient is so thin (becomes fat) that it exceeds the setting. In some cases, using an automatically set radiation filter may fail to capture images at an appropriate dose. In such a case, a radiographer or other photographer may switch to a radiation filter that is different from the automatically set radiation filter and perform imaging by his / her own judgment. However, since the radiography apparatus is not configured to restrict radiography even when such an operation is performed, in the unlikely event that the radiographer selects the radiation filter incorrectly, If you switch to an unsuitable radiation filter, the dose of irradiated radiation will be too high and the patient will be exposed more than necessary, or the radiation dose will be too small and you will only get a blurred dynamic image. There is a possibility that the re-imaging is performed, and as a result, the exposure dose of the patient increases.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and in a radiographic image capturing system having a radiation filter automatic setting function, when capturing a moving image such as a dynamic moving image, the automatically set radiation filter is imaged. An object is to make it difficult for a person to manually switch to a radiation filter unsuitable for photographing and to shoot as it is.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides:
A radiation irradiation apparatus capable of irradiating pulsed radiation a plurality of times in a predetermined cycle;
A radiographic image capturing device capable of capturing one frame image constituting a dynamic image every time radiation is received from the radiation irradiating device;
A collimator section that arranges one of a plurality of different radiation filters so as to be switchable on the optical path of the radiation;
In a radiographic imaging system comprising a console capable of setting imaging conditions including filter types,
The console is
The filter type is configured to be set based on either automatic or photographer setting operation,
After the filter type is automatically set, when the photographer performs a filter type setting operation, the filter type set by the photographer is compared with the automatically set filter type, and the comparison result is handled. It is possible to display.

The present invention also provides:
A radiation irradiation apparatus capable of irradiating pulsed radiation a plurality of times in a predetermined cycle;
A radiographic image capturing device capable of capturing one frame image constituting a dynamic image every time radiation is received from the radiation irradiating device;
A collimator part that can be manually placed on the optical path of the radiation, from among a plurality of different radiation filters,
In a radiographic imaging system equipped with a console capable of setting imaging conditions,
The collimator unit has identification means for identifying the filter type arranged and transmitting it to the console,
The console is
When there is an arrangement of the radiation filter in the collimator section, the arranged filter type is compared with the recommended filter type under the set imaging conditions, and a display corresponding to the comparison result is performed. Is possible.

  According to the present invention, when shooting a moving image such as a dynamic movie, it is less likely to cause a problem that the photographer manually switches the radiation filter to a radiation filter that is not suitable for shooting and directly shoots it. be able to.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a radiographic image capturing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a part of radiation irradiation apparatus which comprises the radiographic imaging system of FIG. 1, and a collimator part. It is an example of the operation screen displayed on the display part of the display screen of the console which comprises the radiographic imaging system of FIG. It is an example of the caution display displayed on the display part of FIG. It is another example of the caution display displayed on the display part of FIG.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a radiographic imaging system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to those illustrated in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a radiographic image capturing system 1 according to the present embodiment. In addition, H of FIG. 1 represents the patient who becomes a subject.
As shown in FIG. 1, the radiographic image capturing system 1 of the present embodiment includes a radiation irradiation device 2, a collimator unit 3, a radiographic image capturing device 4, a console 5, a radiation system control unit 6, and the like.
The radiation irradiation device 2, the collimator unit 3, the radiation image capturing device 4, and the console 5 are connected to the radiation system control unit 6 by wire or wirelessly.

  The radiation irradiation apparatus 2 includes a radiation source 21 and a generator 22. Although FIG. 1 shows the radiation irradiation apparatus 2 in which the radiation source 21 and the generator 22 are separately provided, these may be integrated.

The radiation source 21 includes a rotating anode (not shown) that can generate the radiation X, a filament (not shown) that irradiates the rotating anode with an electron beam for generating radiation.
The generator 22 irradiates the radiation source 21 with a dose of radiation X corresponding to the set tube voltage, tube current, irradiation time (mAs value), and the like. The generator 22 irradiates the radiation X from the radiation source 21 toward the radiation image capturing apparatus 4 and the patient H based on a control signal from the radiation system control unit 6, and details thereof will be described later. To do.

As shown in FIG. 1, the collimator unit 3 is provided on the radiation X irradiation direction side of the radiation source 21 so that the radiation X from the radiation source 21 can pass therethrough.
The collimator unit 3 according to the present embodiment includes a collimator 31 and a dose adjustment unit 32.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the radiation source 21 of the collimator unit 3 and the radiation irradiation device 2.
As shown in FIG. 2, for example, the collimator 31 includes four shielding blades 31A to 31D and an adjustment mechanism (not shown). Note that F in FIG. 2 represents the focal point on the rotating anode (not shown) of the radiation source 21.
The shielding blades 31 </ b> A to 31 </ b> D are arranged on the top, bottom, left, and right of the optical path L of the radiation X so that the radiation field of the radiation X irradiated from the radiation irradiation device 2 can be narrowed down into a rectangular shape.
The adjustment mechanism moves the shielding blades 31A to 31D based on a control signal from the radiation system control unit 6, and details thereof will be described later.

The dose adjustment unit 32 includes a plurality of radiation filters 32A and a switching mechanism (not shown).
The plurality of radiation filters 32A are formed in plate shapes with different filter types (material, thickness, etc.). Each radiation filter 32A may be slidable independently as shown in FIG. 2, for example, or may be fitted into a plurality of openings of a rotating plate (not shown).
The switching mechanism can switch the radiation filter 32A arranged on the optical path L of the radiation X based on a control signal from the radiation system control unit 6 or an operation of an operation button (not shown) provided on the outer surface of the collimator unit 3. The details will be described later.

  Although not shown in the figure, the radiation imaging apparatus 4 receives a radiation X and a substrate on which a plurality of radiation detection elements that accumulate charges corresponding to the dose are arranged in a two-dimensional form (matrix), and each radiation detection A reading circuit that reads out the electric charge accumulated in the element as image data, a communication unit for communicating with an external device and transmitting image data, and the like are provided.

The radiographic image capturing apparatus 4 is a so-called indirect type that incorporates a scintillator or the like, converts the irradiated radiation X into light of other wavelengths such as visible light by a scintillator, and obtains image data by a radiation detection element. It may be a so-called direct type in which the radiation X is directly detected by a radiation detection element without using a scintillator or the like.
Further, the operation method of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 4 may be a so-called cooperative system that performs imaging by exchanging signals with the radiation irradiating apparatus 2, or the radiation X itself without the signal from the radiation irradiating apparatus 2. A so-called non-cooperative method in which irradiation is detected and shooting is also possible.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a portable (also referred to as a cassette type) radiographic imaging device 4 may be loaded into a cassette holder 71 of the imaging table 7 or the radiographic imaging device 4. It is also possible to use a dedicated type radiographic imaging apparatus in which the imaging stand 7 is integrated.
Although FIG. 1 shows the case where the photographing stand 7 is a standing stand photographing stand, the photographing stand 7 may be a standing photographing stand.

  The console 5 is configured as a computer or a dedicated control device, and includes a control unit 51 including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM (not shown) and a board having a bus for connecting them, and an input means 52 such as a mouse and a keyboard. And a display unit 53. Various operations performed on the console 5 and operations of the console will be described later.

The radiation system control unit 6 is configured as a computer or a dedicated control device, and when receiving a control signal instructing capturing of a dynamic image from the console 5, the radiation irradiation device 2 and the radiation image capturing device 3 are pulsed. A synchronization signal is transmitted a predetermined number of times to synchronize the radiation irradiation device 2 and the radiation image capturing device 3.
The radiation system control unit 6 may be configured integrally with the control unit 51 of the console 5. Further, when the radiographic image capturing apparatus 3 is of a non-cooperative system, the components 2 to 4 and the console 5 may be directly connected without using the radiation system control unit 6.

In addition, the radiation system control unit 6 transmits a control signal different from the synchronization signal to each of the configurations 2 to 4, whereby each configuration operates as follows.
Specifically, when the generator 22 of the radiation irradiation apparatus 2 receives the control signal from the radiation system control unit 6, the generator 22 is activated each time the radiation source 21 is activated and the synchronization signal is received from the radiation system control unit 6. A radiation image capturing apparatus 4 is irradiated with a pulsed radiation X having a dose corresponding to a tube voltage or the like from the radiation source 21 via the patient H.
It is also possible to control so that the radiation X is continuously irradiated for a predetermined time.

  The radiographic image capturing apparatus 4 is activated when a control signal is received from the radiation system control unit 6, and performs charge accumulation and image data read processing each time a synchronization signal is received from the radiation system control unit 6. Then, the plurality of read image data are transmitted to the console 5 via the radiation system control unit 6.

  Further, when the collimator 31 receives the control signal from the radiation system control unit 6, the collimator 31 moves the shielding blades 31 </ b> A to 31 </ b> D by driving the switching mechanism according to the size of the irradiation field set by the console 5. Adjust the size of the radiation X field.

Further, when receiving the control signal from the radiation system control unit 6, the dose adjustment unit 32 switches the radiation filter 32 </ b> A disposed on the optical path L of the radiation X to the filter type set on the console 5.
In addition, when the radiation filter is switched by operating the operation button, the dose adjustment unit 32 transmits the identification information such as the filter type and the filter number of the radiation filter 32A after the switching through the radiation system control unit 6. To console 5.

3 to 5 are examples of display screens on the display unit 53 of the console 5.
The console 5 includes operations such as a shooting operation display unit 53a for displaying dynamic images and a shooting condition setting / display unit 53b for displaying various shooting conditions as shown in FIG. The screen can be displayed.

  Further, when the console 5 receives the image data transmitted from the radiation image capturing apparatus 4 via the radiation system control unit 6, the console 5 performs predetermined image processing on the image data to thereby obtain a plurality of radiation images (dynamics). Each frame image constituting the image is generated and displayed on the photographing operation display unit 53a of the display unit 53.

The console 5 can set various shooting conditions based on the operation of the input means 52 by the photographer. When various shooting conditions are set, the console 5 displays on the shooting condition setting / display unit 53b of the display unit 53.
Note that the imaging conditions include, for example, a subject relating to an imaging site, a physique of a patient H, a type of adult / child, and radiation X irradiation (generator 22 such as tube voltage, tube current, irradiation time, irradiation field size). Control).

  The console 5 is configured to automatically set the filter type when other shooting conditions other than the filter type are input. Specifically, a table in which a combination pattern of various shooting conditions and a filter type are associated with each other is stored in the ROM, and this table is referred to and input based on the input of shooting conditions other than the filter type. Select the filter type corresponding to the combination of shooting conditions. Note that the filter type is also included in the shooting conditions, and is set and displayed on the shooting condition setting / display unit 53b of the display unit 53a in the same manner as other shooting conditions.

The console 5 can switch the set filter type to another filter type when there is a predetermined operation input from the input means 52 after the filter type is automatically set.
In such a case, or when the radiation filter is switched (the identification information is received) by the operation of the operation button of the collimator unit 3 described above, the console 5 automatically sets the filter type after the switching and the console 5 Compare the selected filter type. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the filter thickness of the radiation filter 32A after switching is included in a predetermined numerical range (that is, a recommended range) including the filter thickness of the radiation filter 32A set automatically.

When the filter thickness of the radiation filter 32A after switching is out of the recommended range, the console 5 displays a caution display C (a display corresponding to the comparison result, for example, as shown in FIG. Display indicating that a filter different from the recommended setting has been set) is displayed on the display unit 53.
As the caution display C, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, most of the operation screen is covered with a lexical word or the like that informs that the switched radiation filter 32A is different from the recommended one or prompts confirmation. Such display is preferable.

  Also, instead of or together with the caution display C as shown in FIG. 4, the current setting contents of the photographing condition setting / display unit 53b (actually the filter type is displayed. It is also possible to change the display mode of the display). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5B, the current value is thickened or the color is changed, or the current value is blinked as shown in FIG. 5C.

  The radiographic imaging system 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above has the display unit of the console 5 even if the radiograph 32A that has been automatically set is switched to the radiological filter 32A that is not suitable for radiographing. Attention 53 is displayed by displaying a caution display C in a form that can be easily seen by the photographer. Therefore, the photographer can easily notice the switching error. As a result, the dose of the irradiated radiation X is too large and the patient H is exposed more than necessary by photographing, or the radiation X is too small and only a dynamic image that is unclear is obtained, and re-imaging is performed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the patient H from being exposed to an increased dose.

Second Embodiment
Next, a radiographic imaging system according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the radiographic imaging system 1 according to the first embodiment, the collimator unit 3 includes various radiation filters 32A and can be automatically switched. However, the radiographic imaging system according to the present embodiment. In 1A, the collimator unit 3A does not have a configuration corresponding to the dose adjustment unit 32 of the first embodiment. Instead, the collimator portion 3A is provided with a slot portion (not shown) into which a radiation filter can be inserted. That is, the collimator unit 3A of the present embodiment is configured to replace the radiation filter with a human hand.

Each radiation filter used in the present embodiment is provided with, for example, a bar code representing identification information such as a filter type and a filter number, an IC chip storing the identification information, and the like at the periphery.
Identification means for reading the identification information from a barcode, IC chip or the like provided on the radiation filter is provided inside the slot portion. The identification information read by the identification means is transmitted to the console 5 via the radiation system control unit 6.

The console 5A of this embodiment is configured to automatically select (not set) a recommended filter type when other shooting conditions except for the filter type are input.
Further, when the console 5A receives the identification information from the collimator unit 3A, the console 5A compares the filter type corresponding to the identification information with the filter type automatically selected by the console 5. That is, it is determined whether or not the filter thickness of the radiation filter inserted into the slot portion is included in the recommended range.

  The radiographic image capturing system 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above can be easily seen by the photographer on the display unit 53 of the console 5A even if the photographer inserts a radiation filter that is not suitable for photographing into the slot. The attention display C is displayed in the form to call attention. That is, the radiographic imaging system 1 of the present embodiment does not have an automatic radiation filter setting function, but the patient H is excessively exposed as in the radiographic imaging system 1 of the first exemplary embodiment. Can be prevented.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated according to embodiment, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to said each embodiment etc., It can change suitably, unless it deviates from the meaning of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1A Radiation imaging system 2 Radiation irradiation apparatus 21 Radiation source 22 Generator 3, 3A Collimator part 31 Collimator 32 Dose adjustment part 4 Radiation image imaging apparatus 5, 5A Console 51 Control part 52 Input means 53 Display part 53a Photographing operation Display unit 53b Imaging condition setting / display unit 6 Radiation system control unit 7 Imaging table 71 Cassette holder H Patient (subject)
X Radiation F Focus L Optical path C Caution indication

Claims (4)

A radiation irradiation apparatus capable of irradiating pulsed radiation a plurality of times in a predetermined cycle;
A radiographic image capturing device capable of capturing one frame image constituting a dynamic image every time radiation is received from the radiation irradiating device;
A collimator section that arranges one of a plurality of different radiation filters so as to be switchable on the optical path of the radiation;
In a radiographic imaging system comprising a console capable of setting imaging conditions including filter types,
The console is
The filter type is configured to be set based on either automatic or photographer setting operation,
After the filter type is automatically set, when the photographer performs a filter type setting operation, the filter type set by the photographer is compared with the automatically set filter type, and the comparison result is handled. A radiographic imaging system characterized in that display is possible.   The radiographic imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the console compares a filter thickness of the radiation filter determined by the filter type.   The console determines whether or not the filter thickness of the radiation filter set by the photographer is within a recommended range including the filter thickness of the radiation filter that is automatically set, and when the recommended range is exceeded, The radiographic imaging system according to claim 2, displaying that a filter different from the recommended setting has been set. A radiation irradiation apparatus capable of irradiating pulsed radiation a plurality of times in a predetermined cycle;
A radiographic image capturing device capable of capturing one frame image constituting a dynamic image every time radiation is received from the radiation irradiating device;
A collimator part that can be manually placed on the optical path of the radiation, from among a plurality of different radiation filters,
In a radiographic imaging system equipped with a console capable of setting imaging conditions,
The collimator unit has identification means for identifying the filter type arranged and transmitting it to the console,
The console is
When there is an arrangement of the radiation filter in the collimator section, the arranged filter type is compared with the recommended filter type under the set imaging conditions, and a display corresponding to the comparison result is performed. A radiographic imaging system characterized by that.

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