JP5670540B2 - Breast radiation imaging equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technical field of radiographic imaging of a breast, and particularly to a mammographic radiographic apparatus having an offset correction function of a radiation detector.

  When screening for breast cancer, the combination of mammography taken with a dedicated radiographic imaging device (hereinafter referred to as a mammography device) for breasts has a higher chance of finding early cancers than screening only by visual palpation. Because of the increase, in breast cancer screening, in addition to (or instead of) visual examination, screening using a mammography apparatus is performed.

  In a mammography device, a breast is placed on an imaging table that contains a radiation detector that detects radiation, the breast is pressed by a compression plate, radiation is applied to the breast from the compression plate side, and the breast is transmitted. A radiation image of the breast is taken by receiving the received radiation with a radiation detector.

  Currently, radiation detectors that detect radiation include those using a flat panel detector (FPD (Flat Panel Detector)) that converts radiation into an electrical signal, and displays captured radiographic images on a display, An increasing number of mammography devices transfer to external computers.

  As a method of using FPD for a radiation detector, for example, electron-hole pairs (e-h pairs) emitted from a photoconductive film such as amorphous selenium by the incidence of radiation are collected and read out as an electrical signal. A direct method of converting the signal into an electrical signal, and a phosphor layer (scintillator layer) formed of a phosphor that emits light (fluorescence) upon incidence of radiation. The phosphor layer converts radiation into visible light, There are two methods, that is, an indirect method in which visible light is read by a photoelectric conversion element, that is, radiation is converted into an electric signal as visible light.

  By the way, in the mammography apparatus using this FPD, the FPD pixel (radiation detection element) generates a certain electric signal (dark output) even in a state where no radiation is irradiated. This dark output is not the same output for all pixels, but generates different values for each pixel. Therefore, the captured radiographic image is an image affected by the dark output (offset) of each pixel. In a mammography apparatus using an FPD, offset correction is performed as image processing for removing the influence of this dark output.

For example, the offset correction is performed by reading an image (dark image (dark data)) from the FPD in a state where no radiation is irradiated, and using the dark image as offset correction data, or performing necessary processing on the dark image. This is performed by generating offset correction data and subtracting the offset correction data from the captured radiation image.
Further, the dark output of the FPD changes with time due to a temperature change or the like. For this reason, it is also known to update the offset correction data at a predetermined timing.
Further, the offset and the afterimage, which will be described later, also change depending on the time during which the FPD receives radiation (hereinafter referred to as “HV time”).

Further, in a mammography apparatus using an FPD, a part of electric charge corresponding to image data remains in the FPD even after an electric signal corresponding to image data is read from the FPD. When the next photographing is performed in this state, the residual charge in the FPD is superimposed on the next radiation image as an afterimage, and the radiation image becomes an image affected by the afterimage.
Since afterimages decrease with time, there is no problem when the shooting interval is long, but when the shooting interval is short, an image affected by the afterimage in the previous shooting is obtained and an appropriate image is obtained. I can't. In a mammography apparatus using FPD, afterimage correction is performed as image processing for removing the influence of this afterimage.

  As an example, the afterimage correction is performed by reading an image (dark data) from the FPD in a state where no radiation is irradiated immediately before photographing (exposure), and performing necessary processing on the dark data to generate afterimage correction data. This is performed by subtracting the afterimage correction data from the captured radiation image.

  That is, in a mammography apparatus using an FPD, in order to perform offset correction and afterimage correction, an image (dark data) is read from the FPD in a state where no radiation is applied, and offset correction data and afterimage correction data are generated. doing.

For example, Patent Document 1 includes a calibration execution unit that automatically performs calibration after a certain time from power input and obtains correction image data, and a storage unit that stores correction data obtained by calibration. A radiation image capturing apparatus having the same is disclosed. In this radiographic imaging device, calibration is automatically performed after a certain time from power supply input, and by this calibration, signals of each pixel are obtained when radiation is not irradiated and when uniform radiation that does not pass through the subject is obtained. The image data for correction is obtained.
Patent Document 1 also describes that when the number of shootings from the previous calibration reaches a specified number, calibration is automatically performed and correction data is acquired.
Patent Document 2 discloses a first reading operation for driving a detection unit irradiated with radiation to read a first signal value, and a detection unit without irradiation with radiation before the first reading operation. Reading operation for reading the second signal value by driving the second reading operation, and a third reading operation for reading the third signal value by driving the detector without being irradiated with radiation after the first reading operation And a signal processing unit that processes the electrical signal output from the readout circuit, the signal processing unit obtained from the second signal value and the third signal value A radiation imaging apparatus that subtracts a correction signal value from a first signal value is disclosed. In this radiation imaging apparatus, the offset component output (second signal value) is continuously overwritten until an exposure command is issued. When an exposure command is issued, X-ray exposure is started and a signal value output (first signal value is output). Signal value), and immediately after that, an offset component output (third signal value) is obtained. The correction value is obtained by averaging the second signal value and the third signal value.

JP 2001-149355 A JP 2007-75598 A

  However, as in Patent Document 1, in the method of obtaining image data for correction at the time of power input or for each specified number of times of imaging, when the image data for correction is acquired and when the radiographic image is captured, The state of the photographing apparatus may be different, and high-precision correction cannot be performed.

  Further, as in Patent Document 2, in the method of acquiring correction data in accordance with an exposure command, correction data is acquired at a timing close to the timing of capturing a radiographic image, so that the accuracy of correction is increased. . However, when this method is used for a mammography apparatus, correction data is acquired in a state in which preparations for exposure are complete, so that correction is performed while the patient is pressing the breast against the compression plate. The data of will be acquired. Therefore, the time during which the patient is pressing the breast with the compression plate becomes longer, and the burden on the patient increases. In particular, when the offset for each HV time is read, the time until irradiation becomes longer and the burden on the patient increases. Further, if correction data is acquired during the exposure sequence, the output may become unstable, and the correction accuracy may deteriorate.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art described above, and it is possible to perform high-accuracy correction and to reduce the time during which the patient is pressing the breast. To provide an apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a breast placed on a breast placement surface is pressed with a compression plate, radiation is emitted from a radiation source, and radiation transmitted through the breast is detected by a radiation detector. Thus, the breast radiographic imaging device for taking a radiographic image of the breast has a compression plate moving means for moving the compression plate. Upon completion of the movement of the compression plate, application of a high voltage to the radiation source, The present invention provides a breast radiation imaging apparatus characterized by preparing for radiation source exposure including at least one of anode rotation and collimator adjustment.

  Here, it is preferable to cancel the exposure standby state when there is an instruction to interrupt imaging after completion of the exposure preparation, or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of exposure preparation.

  Moreover, it is preferable to have a mode for preparing for exposure in response to completion of movement of the compression plate and a mode for preparing for exposure when there is an imaging instruction.

  In addition, the image acquisition unit has an image acquisition unit that acquires dark data and a captured radiographic image from the radiation detector. The image acquisition unit acquires dark data from the radiation detector in response to the completion of the movement of the compression plate. It is preferable to prepare for exposure after data acquisition.

  The image acquisition means acquires dark data when the elapsed time from the previous exposure to the completion of the movement of the compression plate has passed the predetermined shooting elapsed time, and the predetermined shooting elapsed time has elapsed. If not, it is preferable not to acquire dark data.

  Furthermore, an offset correction unit that performs offset correction on the radiographic image using the offset correction data is generated, and the offset correction unit generates the offset correction data using the dark data acquired by the image acquisition unit. It is preferable.

  The offset correction means preferably performs offset correction of the radiation image using the previous offset correction data when the elapsed time from the previous exposure has not passed the predetermined imaging elapsed time.

  The image processing apparatus further includes an afterimage correction unit that performs afterimage correction on the radiation image using afterimage correction data. The afterimage correction unit generates afterimage correction data using dark data acquired by the image acquisition unit. It is preferable.

  Here, the afterimage correction means performs afterimage correction of the radiographic image when the elapsed time from the previous exposure to the completion of the movement of the compression plate has not passed the predetermined imaging elapsed time, When the elapsed time has passed a predetermined imaging elapsed time, it is preferable not to perform afterimage correction of the radiation image.

  An offset correction unit that performs offset correction on the radiographic image using the offset correction data, and an afterimage correction unit that performs afterimage correction on the radiographic image using the afterimage correction data. When the elapsed time from the irradiation exceeds a predetermined elapsed time, the offset correction unit generates offset correction data using the dark data acquired by the image acquisition unit and performs offset correction of the radiographic image. When the elapsed imaging time has not elapsed, the offset correction unit performs the offset correction of the radiation image using the previous offset correction data, and the afterimage correction unit uses the dark data acquired by the image acquisition unit. It is preferable to generate afterimage correction data and perform afterimage correction of the radiation image.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a breast radiographic imaging apparatus that can perform highly accurate correction and can shorten the time during which the patient is pressing the breast.

It is a figure of one Embodiment which represents notionally the structure of the breast radiographic imaging apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows notionally the imaging stand of the breast radiographic imaging apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the image process part of the breast radiographic imaging apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating radiographic imaging by the breast radiographic imaging apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating acquisition of the offset correction data by the breast radiographic imaging apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation | movement of radiation exposure preparation. It is a figure which expands and shows a part of other example of the breast radiographic imaging apparatus of this invention. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the image processing part of the other example of the breast radiographic imaging apparatus of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating radiographic imaging by the breast radiographic imaging apparatus shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, the breast radiographic imaging apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail based on a preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram conceptually showing the structure of a breast radiographic image capturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a mammography apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as a mammography apparatus) 10 basically includes an imaging table 12, a radiation irradiation unit 14, a compression means 16, an arm 18, and a base. 20, a high-voltage power supply 22 for X-ray irradiation, and an image processing unit 30 (see FIG. 3). The mammography apparatus 10 in the illustrated example is basically the same as a normal mammography apparatus except for the acquisition timing of dark data for generating offset correction data, which is a feature of the present invention described in detail later. belongs to. 1 and the like, the symbol M in the figure conceptually indicates a breast, and the symbol H indicates a subject (its chest wall).

In the mammography apparatus 10 of the illustrated example, the arm 18 is substantially C-shaped bent at substantially right angles at two locations, the radiation irradiation unit 14 at the upper end, and the imaging table 12 at the lower end. The compression means 16 is fixed between the radiation irradiation unit 14 and the imaging table 12.
The arm 18 is supported on the base 20 by a shaft 24. Inside the base 20, a rotating means and a lifting / lowering means for the shaft 24 are incorporated. The arm 18, that is, the imaging table 12 and the radiation irradiation unit 14 are raised and lowered by raising and lowering the shaft 24 by the raising and lowering means, and rotated (rotated in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1) by rotating the shaft 24 by the rotating means. It is adjusted to correspond to MLO shooting or the like.

The radiation irradiating unit 14 is provided with an arm operating means 26a, and the arm 18 is provided with an arm operating means 26b. Further, the base 20 is provided with a compression plate operating means 28a, and the pressing means 16 is provided with a compression plate operating means 28c.
In the illustrated example, the arm operation means 26a is provided on the side surface of the radiation irradiating unit 14, and the arm operation means 26b is provided on the side surface of the arm 18, and both a switch for rotating and raising / lowering the arm 18 and a light irradiation field are provided. A lighting switch or the like is provided. The compression plate operation means 28a is a foot pedal type operation means connected to the base 20 by a cable 28b, and is provided with a switch for raising and lowering the compression plate 48 described later. The compression plate operating means 28c is a manual dial type operation means provided in the pressing means 16, and is provided with a dial switch for raising and lowering the compression plate 48 in accordance with the amount of dial rotation.

  The radiation irradiating unit 14 irradiates the breast M (FPD 56) with radiation, and, like a known mammography apparatus, a radiation source, a collimator for regulating the radiation irradiation field, and a drive means for driving the radiation source And so on.

The compression means 16 compresses the breast M against the imaging table 12 during imaging, and includes a compression plate 48 that compresses the breast M against the imaging table 12 and an elevating means 50 for the compression plate 48. The compression plate 48 is configured to be detachable from the elevating means 50. As an example, an object of 18 × 24 cm size corresponding to a normal size breast M and a size of 24 × 30 cm size corresponding to a large breast M are provided. It is prepared.
In the mammography apparatus 10 of the illustrated example, the compression plate 48 is basically a known compression plate provided in a known mammographic image imaging apparatus.
The elevating means 50 is a known elevating means provided in a known mammography apparatus that is driven by a motor or the like to raise and lower the compression plate 48.
In addition, the lifting / lowering means 50 receives a signal for moving and stopping the compression plate 48, which is a trigger for reading out dark data from the FPD 56 for the image processing section 30 described later to generate offset correction data. 70).

The mammography apparatus 10 performs offset correction in order to prevent image quality deterioration due to the dark output of the FPD, as in a normal mammography apparatus. In addition, offset correction is performed using data for offset correction generated from an image (output) in which the FPD is not irradiated with radiation, that is, dark data (dark image (dark current)), as in a normal mammography apparatus. To do.
Here, in the mammography apparatus 10 of the present invention, when the movement of the compression plate 48 by the elevating means 50 is completed, the image processing unit 30 (data processing means 60) performs the FPD 56 for generating offset correction data. Read dark data from. That is, in the mammography apparatus of the present invention, dark data is read using the completion of movement of the compression plate 48 as a trigger. Specifically, in the illustrated example, the compression plate 48 is moved by the elevating means 50 and stopped, and after the predetermined time has passed with the movement of the compression plate 48 stopped, the compression plate 48 is moved. As the movement is completed, the image processing unit 30 reads out dark data for generating offset correction data from the FPD 56 in accordance with a signal from the elevating means 50.

  In the present invention, the timing for determining the completion of the movement of the compression plate 48 is, for example, when the photographing conditions are set and then waiting for photographing, the compression plate 48 starts moving and stops first. It may be determined that the movement of the compression plate 48 is completed.

However, for example, when the compression plate 48 is operated by the dial-type compression plate operating means 28c, it is necessary to pick up the dial, and the movement of the compression plate 48 must be intermittent. Even when the compression plate 48 is operated by the compression plate operating means 28a that is a foot switch, there is a possibility that the position of the compression plate 48 is finely adjusted again after stopping the compression plate 48 once. . Therefore, if it is determined that the movement of the compression plate 48 is completed when the movement is first stopped after the movement of the compression plate 48 is started, there is a possibility that the movement of the compression plate 48 has not yet been completed. Yes, that is, there is a possibility of erroneously detecting the completion of movement of the compression plate 48.
On the other hand, when the compression plate 48 that has once moved and stopped is in a stopped state for a certain period of time, there is a high possibility that an exposure instruction will be issued next. In other words, the completion of the movement of the compression plate 48 can be detected more accurately by making the movement of the compression plate complete when a predetermined time has elapsed after the compression plate 48 has moved and stopped, greatly reducing false detections. can do.

There is no particular limitation on the predetermined time until the movement is completed after the compression plate is stopped. According to the study by the present inventors, generally, if the stop state is stopped for 0.5 seconds or more after the movement of the compression plate is stopped, in many cases, a radiographic image capturing instruction (exposure instruction) is then given. Therefore, it is preferable to set the above time to a predetermined time until the movement is completed after the compression plate is stopped.
Further, the predetermined time until the movement is completed after the compression plate is stopped may be adjustable. In other words, the mammography apparatus 10 of the present invention may have this predetermined time adjustment means.
Furthermore, when a radiographic image capturing instruction is issued before the predetermined time until the movement is completed after the compression plate stops, at that time, before the radiographic image is captured, the offset correction is performed. Dark data may be read out. At this time, if the reading is not performed, the offset correction may be performed with the previously acquired dark data.
Regarding the above points, the following aspects are also the same.

In the present invention, determination of completion of movement of the compression plate 48 is not limited to the above example, and various modes can be used.
For example, the distance between the compression plate 48 and the imaging table 12 (mounting surface 12a) is detected from the position detection means by the sensor and the movement and stop signals of the lifting means 50, and the compression plate 48 and the imaging table. The time when the compression plate 48 stops for the first time when the distance to 12 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined distance may be determined as the completion of the movement of the compression plate 48. Alternatively, similarly, when the distance between the compression plate 48 and the imaging table 12 is equal to or less than a predetermined distance and when the predetermined time has elapsed with the compression plate 48 stopped, the movement of the compression plate 48 is performed. You may judge that it is complete.

Here, as a preferred embodiment, the compression means 16 further includes pressure measurement means (not shown) for measuring the pressing force of the compression plate 48 that compresses the breast M, and the measured pressing force of the compression plate 48 is When the predetermined pressure is exceeded, the movement of the compression plate 48 by the elevating means 50 is stopped.
The pressure measuring means for measuring the pressing force of the compression plate 48 is not particularly limited, and various known pressure measuring devices such as a strain gauge (sensor) can be used.
Further, when the measured pressing force exceeds a predetermined pressure, the movement of the arm 18 may be prohibited.

In the present invention, using this, the movement of the compression plate 48 is completed when the pressing force of the compression plate 48 measured by the pressure measuring means exceeds a predetermined pressure and the movement of the compression plate 48 is automatically stopped. You may judge that you did. That is, when the pressing force measured by the pressure measuring means and the compression plate 48 compresses the breast M exceeds a predetermined pressure, the elevating means 50 stops the movement of the compression plate 48. The image processing unit 30 is supplied with a signal indicating that the pressing force of the compression plate 48 has exceeded a predetermined pressure from the pressure measuring unit and a signal indicating that the compression plate 48 has been stopped from the elevating unit 50. From these signals, it is determined that the movement of the compression plate 48 has been completed, and dark data for generating offset correction data is read from the FPD 56.
Alternatively, after the pressing force of the compression plate 48 exceeds a predetermined pressure and the movement of the compression plate 48 is automatically stopped, it may be determined that the movement of the compression plate is completed after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  Further, a plurality of means for determining the completion of the movement of the compression plate may be provided, and the completion of the movement of the compression plate can be determined first, and the completion of the movement of the compression plate may be determined.

  Here, in the illustrated example, as a preferred mode, when the movement of the compression plate 48 is completed, if the predetermined time has not elapsed since the previous exposure, the image processing unit 30 stores the offset correction data. Dark data for generation is not acquired from the FPD 56.

In general, in an FPD, after capturing a radiographic image, a so-called afterimage in which charges due to radiation remain in the FPD even after the radiographic image is read out. Although the afterimage is reduced with time, if the dark data of the FPD is acquired in a state where the afterimage remains, the afterimage is superimposed on the dark data, and appropriate offset correction data cannot be generated. When such offset correction data is used, proper offset correction cannot be performed, which causes a deterioration in the image quality of the radiation image.
Therefore, when the movement of the compression plate is completed before a predetermined time until the afterimage in the FPD disappears, the image processing unit 30 does not acquire dark data from the FPD 56. At this time, the image processing unit 30 performs offset correction on the captured radiation image using the offset correction data used in the previous imaging.

  Alternatively, when the movement of the compression plate is completed before a predetermined time until the afterimage in the FPD disappears, the image processing unit 30 acquires dark data from the FPD 56, but the offset is offset from the dark data. The offset correction may be performed on the radiation image using the previous offset correction data without generating the correction data.

The imaging table 12 is a hollow housing whose upper surface is a mounting surface 12a for the breast M, and as shown schematically in FIG. 2, a scattered radiation removal grid 54 and an FPD 56 are disposed inside.
Although not shown, the imaging table 12 includes an AEC (Automatic Exposure Control) sensor for measuring radiation that has passed through the breast M and means for moving the scattered radiation removal grid 54 in order to determine imaging conditions. Various members of the known mammography apparatus are appropriately arranged.

  The scattered radiation removal grid 54 is a known grid that is disposed in the radiographic imaging apparatus in order to prevent scattered radiation from entering the FPD 56.

  The FPD 56 is a known radiation image detector (radiation solid state detector) that detects radiation irradiated by the radiation irradiation unit 14 (ray source) and transmitted through the breast M of the subject H.

In the present invention, the FPD 56 is used for various radiographic imaging devices in which pixels that detect radiation two-dimensionally are arranged in the xy direction (x direction and y direction orthogonal to the x direction). A known FPD (Flat Panel Detector).
Therefore, in the present invention, various FPDs 56 can be used. That is, it has a photoconductive film such as amorphous selenium, collects charges (electron-hole pairs (e-h pairs)) generated by the photoconductive film upon incidence of radiation, and reads them as electric signals. Even in FPD, a scintillator layer formed of a phosphor that emits light (fluorescence) such as “CsI: Tl” and a photodiode are used, and light emission of the scintillator layer due to the incidence of radiation is photoelectrically converted by the photodiode. Alternatively, a so-called indirect FPD that reads out as an electrical signal may be used.

A radiation image of the breast M (an output signal of the FPD 56) captured by the FPD 56 is output to the image processing unit 30.
The image processing unit 30 processes the output signal output from the FPD 56 and displays an image (image data (image data (image data) corresponding to display on the monitor 32, print output on the printer 34, and output using a network or a recording medium). Signal)). In the illustrated imaging apparatus 10, the image processing unit 30 includes a data processing unit 60 and an image processing unit 62 as conceptually shown in FIG.

Such an image processing unit 30 includes, as an example, one or a plurality of computers and workstations. In addition to the illustrated parts, various operations, input of instructions, and the like are necessary. Has a keyboard, mouse, etc.
The image processing unit 30 (such as a computer constituting the image processing unit 30) performs overall control and management of the mammography apparatus 10, and controls the operation and management of the mammography apparatus 10. Means 70 are provided.

The data processing means 60 performs predetermined processing such as A / D conversion and log conversion on the output signal of the FPD 56 to convert it into a radiation image of the breast M (its image data (image signal)), and the image processing means 62 It supplies to the predetermined part.
Further, as described above, when the movement of the compression plate 48 is completed, the data processing means 60 reads out dark data for generating offset correction data for correcting the offset of the radiographic image from the FPD 56 and reads the image. This is supplied to the correction data generation means 64 of the processing means 62.

  The image processing unit 62 performs predetermined image processing on the radiation image supplied from the data processing unit 60 to display an image on the monitor 32 or the like, output a print (hard copy) using the printer 34 or the like, and output it to a network or a storage medium. An output radiation image (image data) corresponding to the output or the like is output to an instructed part such as the monitor 32, the printer 34, and the network.

  The image processing performed by the image processing means 62 is not particularly limited. Accordingly, the image processing means 62 performs various types such as gain correction (shading correction), defective pixel correction, afterimage correction, gradation correction, density correction, and data conversion for converting a radiation image into an output image such as monitor display or print output. All of the image processing performed in the radiation image capturing apparatus and the image processing apparatus can be used. All of these corrections may be performed by a known method.

As described above, the pixels (radiation detection elements) of the FPD 56 generate a certain electric signal (dark output) even when radiation is not irradiated (in the dark). This dark output is not the same output for all the pixels, but generates different values for each pixel. Therefore, the captured radiographic image is an image affected by the dark output (offset) of each pixel.
In the illustrated example, the image processing means 62 also performs offset correction for correcting the influence of the dark output (offset) of the FPD 56, and acquires dark data (dark output) of the FPD 56 when the movement of the compression plate 48 is completed. Then, it has correction data generation means 64 and offset correction means 66 for generating offset correction data and performing offset correction on the captured radiation image data.

The correction data generation unit 64 generates offset correction data used for offset correction of a radiographic image from dark data acquired from the FPD 56 by the data processing unit 60 when the movement of the compression plate 48 is completed.
In the illustrated example, as an example, for updating the offset correction data, the dark data acquired from the FPD 56 and processed by the data processing means 60 is used as it is as new offset correction data.
However, the method for generating the offset correction data is not limited to the above example. For example, the offset correction data registered in advance and the acquired dark data are averaged, and the average data is used as the offset correction data. Various known methods for generating offset correction data can be used, such as a method for performing offset correction, and a method for using average data of a plurality of dark data acquired successively as offset correction data.
The correction data generation unit 64 supplies the generated offset correction data to the offset correction unit 66.

The offset correction means 66 is a part that performs offset correction of the captured radiographic image.
For example, the offset correction unit 66 performs offset correction on the radiographic image by subtracting the offset correction data supplied from the correction data generation unit 64 from the captured radiographic image. In the present invention, the offset correction method is not limited, and all known methods using offset correction data generated from dark data can be used.

Next, referring to the imaging workflow shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the operation of imaging in the mammography apparatus 10 will be described.
Prior to shooting, an engineer sets shooting conditions (shooting menu registration).
Next, a compression plate 48 corresponding to the size of the breast M is attached, and the arm 18 is moved up and down to adjust the positions of the radiation irradiation unit 14 and the imaging table 12 and the position of the patient. When an instruction from the engineer is given, the compression plate 48 is lowered by the lifting means 50 to compress the patient's breast. When the movement of the compression plate 48 is completed, the data processing means 60 reads the dark data of the FPD 56, and the correction data generating means 64 generates offset correction data.

Here, the method for generating the offset correction data will be described in more detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
When the engineer operates the compression plate operating means 28 (28 a and 28 c) to start the movement of the compression plate 48, the control means 70 receives a signal indicating the movement stop state of the compression plate 48 supplied from the elevating means 50. The start of movement of the compression plate 48 is detected.

When the engineer stops the movement of the compression plate 48 by the compression plate operating means 28 (28a and 28c), the control means 70 receives a signal indicating the movement stop state of the compression plate 48 supplied from the elevating means 50, and stops. When a predetermined time elapses, the completion of movement of the compression plate 48 is detected.
In the present invention, the completion and detection of the movement of the compression plate 48 are not limited to this method as described above. For example, the pressing of the compression plate 48 measured by the pressure measurement unit provided in the compression unit 16 is used. Even when the pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure and the compression plate 48 is automatically stopped, the control means 70 is supplied from the pressure measurement means and a signal indicating the movement stop state of the compression plate 48 supplied from the elevating means 50. The completion of movement of the compression plate 48 may be detected from a signal indicating the pressing force of the compression plate 48.

When the completion of the movement of the compression plate 48 is detected, the data processing unit 60 acquires dark data from the FPD 56 and supplies it to the correction data generation unit 64. The correction data generation unit 64 generates offset correction data from the dark data supplied from the data processing unit 60.
When the completion of the movement of the compression plate 48 is detected, if the predetermined time has not elapsed since the previous exposure, the data processing unit 60 does not acquire dark data from the FPD 56, and the correction data generation unit 64, as described above, the offset correction data used for the previous shooting is used as new offset correction data.

After the movement of the compression plate 48 is completed, when an imaging instruction is issued by an engineer, a radiographic image of the breast M is captured according to the imaging conditions, and a radiographic image of the breast M is captured on the FPD 56.
An output signal from the FPD 56 is supplied to the data processing means 60, where predetermined processing is performed to obtain a radiation image, which is supplied to the offset correction means 66.
The offset correction unit 66 performs offset correction on the captured radiographic image using the offset correction data supplied from the correction data generation unit 64.

The image processing unit 30 outputs the radiographic image subjected to the offset correction by the offset correction unit 66 as a radiographic image (image data) corresponding to the image output by the monitor 32 or the printer 34 to the corresponding part.
The monitor 32 and printer 34 that have received the radiation image reproduce / output the radiation image as a visible image.

As described above, when obtaining image data for offset correction at the time of power input, the state of the imaging apparatus may differ between the time when the image data for correction is acquired and the time when a radiographic image is captured. The correction cannot be made with accuracy. Further, if the power is turned on so that the state of the photographing apparatus does not change, power consumption increases.
In addition, when acquiring image data for correction in response to an exposure command, the image data for correction is acquired at a timing close to the radiographic image capturing, so that the accuracy of correction increases, but the breast M is compressed. The time for pressing by the plate becomes longer, and the burden on the patient increases. Further, if correction data is acquired during the exposure sequence, the output may become unstable, and the correction accuracy may deteriorate.

  On the other hand, according to the present invention, when the movement of the compression plate that presses the breast is completed and before exposure, the dark data for generating the offset correction data is acquired. Dark data can be acquired at a timing close to radiographic image capture, accurate offset correction can be performed on the radiographic image captured, and imaging can be performed immediately when an exposure command is issued. The time when the breast is pressed can be shortened. In addition, since offset correction data is acquired immediately before shooting, the power of the device is turned off when the device is not used, and even when shooting is performed with the device turned on when shooting, the correction is performed with high accuracy. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced.

Here, even when dark data for generating offset correction data is acquired during movement of the compression plate that presses the breast, dark data can be acquired at a timing close to radiographic imaging, and the patient can remove the breast. The pressed time can be shortened.
However, if dark data is acquired while the compression plate is moving, the acquired dark data is affected by the effects of electromagnetic waves from the motor, which is the lifting means that moves the compression plate, and the vibration of the mammography device that accompanies the movement of the compression plate. Even if noise is generated and offset correction data is generated using the generated noise and offset correction is performed on the captured radiographic image, the accuracy of the correction may deteriorate.
On the other hand, in the present invention, when the movement of the compression plate is completed, dark data for generating offset correction data is acquired, so that it is not affected by noise generated during the movement of the compression plate. Dark data can be acquired, and highly accurate correction can be performed.

  Further, in the mammography apparatus 10, when the movement of the compression plate is completed and the predetermined time has not elapsed since the previous exposure, the dark data is not acquired or is used even if acquired. However, the offset correction was performed on the captured radiographic image using the previous offset correction data. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the influence of the residual image remaining in the FPD after the exposure is performed. It suffices if it can be reduced.

  For example, when the movement of the compression plate is completed and dark data is acquired before a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous exposure, afterimage correction is performed to correct the afterimage on the acquired dark data, and this is used. Then, offset correction data may be generated to offset the captured radiographic image.

  In the present invention, a mode in which dark data is acquired in response to completion of movement of the compression plate and a mode in which dark data is acquired in accordance with a shooting instruction may be switchable.

  In the mammography apparatus 10, the dark data for generating the offset correction data is read from the FPD 56 in response to the completion of the movement of the compression plate 48. In addition to this, other operations are performed. It is good also as a structure.

  For example, in response to the completion of the movement of the compression plate 48, the radiation irradiation preparation such as application of a high voltage to the radiation source (tube) of the radiation irradiation unit 14, rotation of the anode of the target, and adjustment of the collimator is performed. It is good.

  Usually, in a radiographic imaging apparatus, preparation for radiation exposure is performed after an imaging instruction (exposure instruction) is issued. However, in the mammography apparatus, if preparation for radiation exposure is made after an imaging instruction is issued, the time during which the patient's breast is compressed by the compression plate becomes longer, and the burden on the patient increases.

  On the other hand, by performing preparation for exposure of the radiation irradiation unit 14 in response to the completion of the movement of the compression plate 48, the time during which the patient is pressing the breast can be shortened, and the burden on the patient is reduced. be able to.

Here, it is preferable that the radiation irradiation unit 14 prepares for radiation exposure after reading out dark data for generating offset correction data from the FPD 56 in response to the completion of movement of the compression plate 48.
If dark data is read after preparation for radiation exposure, noise may occur in the acquired dark data due to the influence of application of a high voltage to the radiation tube. In contrast, by preparing for radiation exposure after reading out dark data, dark data that is not affected by noise due to the application of high voltage to the radiation tube can be acquired, and high-precision correction is performed. Can do.

In addition, when there is an instruction to stop the imaging before the imaging instruction (exposure instruction) is issued after the radiation exposure preparation is completed, and when a certain period of time has elapsed since the radiation exposure preparation Then, the radiation standby state of the radiation irradiation unit 14 is canceled, that is, application of a high voltage to the radiation tube is stopped.
As an instruction for interrupting imaging, for example, when an instruction to release breast compression by the compression plate 48 is issued, when a registered imaging menu is deleted, when exiting from an imaging standby state, or when an emergency stop is performed For example, when an instruction is issued, or when an instruction is issued to move the compression plate 48 in a direction opposite to the imaging table.

The operation for preparing for exposure to radiation will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
When the movement of the compression plate 48 is completed with the imaging conditions set, dark data is acquired in response to the completion of movement. Furthermore, the radiation irradiation unit 14 prepares for exposure and enters a radiation exposure standby state. Here, when there is an instruction to interrupt imaging (exposure) before an imaging instruction is issued, and when a predetermined elapsed time has elapsed since the preparation for exposure, the radiation exposure standby state is cancelled. If there is no instruction to interrupt imaging (exposure) and an imaging instruction is issued before a predetermined elapsed time has elapsed since exposure preparation, imaging (exposure) is performed.

  In addition, when an imaging instruction is issued by an engineer after the irradiation standby state is canceled by the radiation irradiation unit 14, the radiation irradiation unit 14 prepares for radiation exposure again and the exposure preparation is completed. After that, exposure (photographing) is performed.

  The radiation irradiating unit 14 prepares for radiation exposure in response to the completion of the movement of the compression plate 48 and a mode for preparing radiation exposure after an imaging instruction (exposure instruction) is issued. It may be switchable.

Alternatively, the power supply to the FPD 56 may be resumed when the movement of the compression plate 48 is completed.
That is, when the interval between the radiographic image capture and the next radiograph is long, for example, when a predetermined standby time has elapsed without any operation being performed, or when an instruction to enter a standby state is issued, etc. Temporarily stops power supply to the FPD 56. At the time of the next photographing, the power supply to the FPD 56 is resumed in response to the completion of the movement of the compression plate 48. When power is supplied to the FPD 56, dark data is read from the FPD 56.

  As described above, when the photographing is not performed, the power supply to the FPD 56 is stopped, and the power supply to the FPD 56 is restarted in response to the completion of the movement of the compression plate 48, thereby reducing the power consumption. In addition, since dark data for generating offset correction data is acquired immediately before photographing, correction can be performed with high accuracy.

  Here, the mammography apparatus 10 in the illustrated example is configured not to acquire dark data when the imaging interval from the previous time is short and there is an afterimage in the FPD 56, but the present invention is not limited to this. The image forming apparatus may have an erasing processing unit that erases the afterimage of the FPD 56.

  FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view showing a part of another example of the mammography apparatus of the present invention. The mammography apparatus 80 shown in FIG. 7 has the same configuration as the mammography apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 2 except that the mammography apparatus 80 has an imaging table 82 including an erasing processing unit 84 instead of the imaging table 12. The same reference numerals are given to the parts, and the following explanation will mainly be made on different parts.

Inside the imaging stand 82, a scattered radiation removal grid 54, an FPD 56, and an erasing processing means 84 are arranged.
The erasing processor 84 removes afterimages (unnecessary charges) accumulated in the FPD 56 by applying erasing light to the FPD 56.

The erasing processing means 84 has a light emitting surface that is substantially the same size as the radiation receiving surface of the FPD 56, and the light emitting surface is disposed facing the back surface of the FPD 56 (the surface opposite to the surface on which radiation is incident). Is done. A plurality of light sources such as LEDs and cold cathode tubes are arranged on the light emitting surface of the erasing processing means 84 and emit light in a planar shape.
The erasure processing means 84 performs an erasure process for irradiating the FPD 56 with erasing light and erasing the afterimages accumulated at the previous photographing, which are accumulated in the FPD 56, before the dark data is read out from the FPD 56 just before photographing. .

  After the afterimage accumulated in the FPD 56 is erased by the erasure processing means 84, dark data that is not affected by the afterimage is obtained by reading out the dark data for generating offset correction data from the FPD 56. It is possible to perform offset correction with high accuracy. Also, in radiographic image capturing, since radiographic images are captured after erasing the afterimages accumulated in the FPD 56, a radiographic image that is not affected by the afterimages can be obtained.

Here, it is preferable that the erasing process by the erasing processing means 84 is also performed with the completion of the movement of the compression plate 48 as a trigger. That is, in accordance with the completion of the movement of the compression plate 48, the erasing processing unit 84 applies erasing light to the FPD 56 to erase the afterimages accumulated in the FPD 56, and then the data processing unit 60 receives the offset correction data from the FPD 56. Read out the dark data for generating.
By performing the erasing process by the erasing processing means 84 in response to the completion of the movement of the compression plate 48, the afterimage accumulated in the FPD 56 can be surely erased immediately before acquisition of dark data (immediately before photographing). High-accuracy dark data can be acquired, and thereby high-precision offset correction can be performed.

  Also, when the completion of the movement of the compression plate 48 is detected, the erasure processing means 84 performs the erasure process only when the predetermined time has not elapsed since the previous exposure, and the predetermined time has elapsed since the previous exposure. In such a case, the erasing process by the erasing processing unit 84 may be omitted. If the afterimage accumulated in the FPD 56 has decreased after a predetermined time since the previous exposure, the time during which the patient is pressed on the breast can be shortened by not performing the erasure process. , Can reduce the burden on the patient.

  Here, in the mammography apparatus 10 in the illustrated example, the dark data acquired in response to the completion of the movement of the compression plate 48 is used to generate the offset correction data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, afterimage correction data may be generated from the acquired dark data and the afterimage correction may be performed.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an image processing unit in another example of the mammography apparatus of the present invention. The image processing unit 102 of the mammography apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 8 is the same except that the image processing unit 30 of the mammography apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 3 includes an image processing unit 104 instead of the image processing unit 62. Since it has a configuration, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the following explanation will mainly be made on different parts.

  The image processing unit 104 performs predetermined image processing on the radiographic image supplied from the data processing unit 60 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 70 and outputs the processed image to a part such as the monitor 32 or the printer 34. . The image processing unit 104 also updates (generates) offset correction data for performing offset correction.

  In the illustrated example, the image processing unit 104 performs offset correction and afterimage correction on the radiation image, and includes an offset correction unit 108 and an afterimage correction unit 110. Further, the image processing unit 104 includes an elapsed time determination unit 106 that determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed from the previous shooting to the acquisition of dark data for updating the offset correction data. Have.

  The offset correction unit 108 is a part that performs offset correction on the captured radiographic image, and correction data updating means 112 that updates offset correction data and correction data that stores offset correction data used for offset correction. A data registration unit 114 and an offset correction unit 66 are included.

  The image processing unit 104 supplies a radiation image to the offset correction unit 66 and dark data to the correction data update unit 112. Further, the offset correction unit 66, the correction data registration unit 114, and the correction data update unit 112 include necessary information such as information on reading out dark data from the control unit 70, information on an elapsed time determination result described later, and control signals. Will be sent. The offset correction unit 66 supplies the image data (radiation image) after the offset correction to the afterimage correction unit 110.

  The offset correction unit 66 reads the offset correction data registered in the correction data registration unit 114 and subtracts the offset correction data from the radiographic image (data), thereby performing offset correction on the radiographic image.

The correction data update unit 112 is supplied from the data processing unit 60 when a predetermined time has elapsed between the previous imaging (exposure) and dark data acquisition as a result of the elapsed time determination described later. The offset correction data is generated using the dark data, and the generated offset correction data is registered in the correction data registration unit 114 as new offset correction data, thereby updating the offset correction data. It is.
The correction data registration unit 114 is a part that registers (stores) offset correction data supplied from the correction data updating unit 112.

The elapsed time determination means 106 is a part that determines whether or not a predetermined afterimage disappearance time has elapsed, in which the afterimage accumulated in the FPD 56 disappears between the previous imaging (exposure) and dark data acquisition. .
That is, the elapsed time determination unit 106 stores a preset afterimage disappearance time. Further, the elapsed time determination unit 106 is supplied with information indicating that photographing (exposure) has been performed and information indicating that the data processing unit 60 has acquired dark data for updating offset correction data. . The elapsed time determination means 106 determines whether to update the offset correction data or the afterimage correction using the afterimage disappearance time and these pieces of information.
The elapsed time determination unit 106 supplies the elapsed time determination result to the correction data update unit 112 and the afterimage correction unit 110.

After imaging (exposure), the afterimage extinction time, which is reduced until the afterimage does not adversely affect the dark data, that is, the generated offset correction data, is the required radiographic image quality and required offset correction accuracy. Depending on the above, it may be obtained as appropriate by experiment or simulation.
Further, the afterimage disappearance time may be appropriately set according to the required accuracy of offset correction.
Further, the afterimage disappearance time may be set according to the radiation dose at the time of imaging.

  The afterimage correction unit 110 is a part that performs afterimage correction on the radiographic image after offset correction supplied from the offset correction unit 108. The afterimage correction means 110 supplies the radiographic image after the afterimage correction to the next step, in the illustrated example, to the monitor 32 and the printer 34.

  As described above, the charge corresponding to the image data remains in the FPD 56 even after the previous radiation image is read, and this residual charge is superimposed on the next image as an afterimage of the previous imaging. , Will adversely affect the image. The afterimage correction unit 110 is a part that performs afterimage correction on a radiographic image in order to prevent an adverse effect caused by the afterimage of the previous photographing, that is, image quality deterioration.

The afterimage correction unit 110 is supplied with dark data from the image processing unit 104, the offset correction unit 108 is supplied with a radiographic image after offset correction, and the elapsed time determination unit 106 is supplied with an elapsed time determination result. The
The afterimage correcting means 110 is used for correcting afterimages from the supplied dark data when a predetermined afterimage extinction time has not elapsed between the determination result of the elapsed time and the acquisition of dark data from the previous shooting (exposure). Afterimage correction is performed by generating data and subtracting this afterimage correction data from the radiation image after the offset correction.
Here, the afterimage correction unit 110 generates afterimage correction data by multiplying the dark data by a coefficient corresponding to the time (HV time) during which the FPD 56 receives radiation.

In the present invention, the afterimage correction is not limited to this method, and various known afterimage correction methods performed in the radiographic image capturing apparatus can be used.
Also, the method for generating afterimage correction data is not limited to this. For example, a known method used in a radiographic imaging device such as a method of correcting an afterimage amount according to an elapsed time from acquisition of dark data to imaging. Various afterimage correction methods can be used.

Next, with reference to the imaging workflow shown in FIG. 9, the imaging operation in the mammography apparatus 100 will be described.
The mammography apparatus 100 acquires dark data after activation, generates offset correction data, and registers it in the correction data registration unit 114.

When the mammography apparatus 100 performs the (n + 1) th imaging (n is an integer equal to or greater than 1), dark data is acquired in accordance with the completion of the movement of the compression plate. Here, if the elapsed time from the n-th shooting to the completion of the movement of the compression plate for the (n + 1) -th shooting is longer than the afterimage disappearance time, the correction data update unit 112 completes the movement of the compression plate. The offset correction data is generated from the dark data acquired accordingly, and the offset correction data is registered in the correction data registration unit 114.
After that, when imaging is performed, the offset correction unit 66 performs offset correction on the radiographic image obtained by imaging using the offset correction data registered in the correction data registration unit 114, and next To the process.
When the elapsed time is longer than the afterimage disappearance time, the afterimage correction by the afterimage correction unit 110 is not performed.

Next, when performing the (n + 2) -th shooting, dark data is acquired according to the completion of the movement of the compression plate. Here, if the elapsed time from the (n + 1) th shooting to the completion of the movement of the compression plate for the (n + 2) th shooting is shorter than the afterimage disappearance time, the correction data update unit 112 updates the offset correction data. do not do.
When imaging is performed, the offset correction unit 66 is generated at the time of the (n + 1) th imaging for the offset correction data registered in the correction data registration unit 114 for the radiographic image obtained by imaging. Using the offset correction data, offset correction is performed, and the radiographic image after the offset correction is supplied to the afterimage correction unit 110.
The afterimage correction unit 110 generates afterimage correction data from dark data acquired in response to the completion of the movement of the compression plate, performs afterimage correction on the radiographic image after offset correction, and supplies it to the next step.

  Even in the case where afterimage correction is performed by the afterimage correction means 110, dark data for generating afterimage correction data is acquired in accordance with the completion of movement of the compression plate 48, so that dark data is obtained at a timing close to radiographic image capturing. Can be acquired, and afterimage correction can be performed on the radiographic image with high accuracy, and when an exposure command is issued, imaging can be performed immediately, and the time during which the patient is pressing the breast is shortened. can do.

  Here, in the mammography apparatus 100, the dark data acquired in response to the completion of the movement of the compression plate is used for generation of offset correction data and generation of afterimage correction data according to the elapsed time. The present invention is not limited to this, and the dark data acquired upon completion of the movement of the compression plate may be used only for generating afterimage correction data. In this case, the offset correction data may be the offset correction data acquired at startup or may be generated from the dark data acquired before the completion of the movement of the compression plate at the time of each photographing. Then, it may be generated from the acquired dark data in accordance with the photographing instruction.

  In addition, it is possible to perform high-precision correction (offset correction and afterimage correction) on the radiographic image taken, and to take an image immediately when an exposure command is given, and the patient is pressed against the breast. It is preferable that the dark data acquired in response to the completion of the movement of the compression plate is used for generation of offset correction data and generation of afterimage correction data.

Further, the mammography apparatus 100 may have an erasing processing means for removing afterimages accumulated in the FPD 56, similarly to the mammography apparatus 80. Similarly to the above, when the erasure processing means is provided, dark data may be acquired after performing the erasure processing.
A more accurate image can be obtained by erasing the afterimage of the FPD 56 by the erasure processing means and correcting the afterimage to the captured radiation image.

  As described above, the breast radiographic imaging apparatus of the present invention has been described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course.

10, 80, 100 Mammography device (breast radiation imaging device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12, 82 Imaging stand 12a Mounting surface 14 Radiation irradiation part 16 Compression means 18 Arm 20 Base 22 High voltage power supply 24 Shaft 26a, 26b Arm operation means 28a, 28c Compression board operation means 30, 102 Image processing part 32 Monitor 34 Printer 48 Compression plate 50 Lifting means 54 Scatter removal grid 56 FPD
60 Data processing means 62, 104 Image processing means 64 Correction data generation means 66 Offset correction means 70 Control means 84 Erasing processing means 106 Elapsed time determination means 108 Offset correction unit 110 Afterimage correction means 112 Correction data update means 114 Correction data Registration Department M Breast H Chest wall

Claims (10)

The breast placed on the breast placement surface is pressed with a compression plate, irradiated with radiation from a radiation source, and the radiation transmitted through the breast is detected by a radiation detector, thereby capturing a radiation image of the breast In the breast radiography apparatus,
A compression plate moving means for moving the compression plate;
In response to said movement completion of the compression plate, application of high voltage to the radiation source of the bulb, and, the exposure preparation of the radiation source line stomach containing anode Rotation of the target of the radiation source, then, breast radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim row Ukoto the exposure of radiation from the radiation source when the imaging instruction is issued. After the exposure ready, if there is a suspension instruction of photographing, or, when the time from the exposure completion of the preparation has passed, breast radiation image capturing according to claim 1 for releasing an exposure standby state apparatus. In addition to the mode for preparing the exposure according to the completion of the movement of the compression plate ,
Breast radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 having a mode for performing the exposure ready when a shooting instruction. Image acquisition means for acquiring dark data and a captured radiation image from the radiation detector,
Said image acquisition means, in accordance with the movement completion of the compression plate, and retrieving of the dark data from the radiation detector,
The breast radiographic imaging apparatus of any one of Claims 1-3 which perform the said exposure preparation after acquisition of the said dark data.   The image acquisition means acquires the dark data when the elapsed time from the previous exposure until the completion of the movement of the compression plate has passed the predetermined shooting elapsed time, and obtains the predetermined shooting elapsed time. The breast radiographic image capturing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the dark data is not acquired when the time has not elapsed. Further, the radiographic image has offset correction means for performing offset correction using offset correction data,
The breast radiographic image capturing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the offset correction unit generates the offset correction data using the dark data acquired by the image acquisition unit.   The said offset correction means performs offset correction of the said radiographic image using the data for the last offset correction, when the elapsed time from the last exposure has not passed the predetermined imaging elapsed time. Breast radiographic imaging device. Further, the radiographic image has afterimage correction means for performing afterimage correction using afterimage correction data,
The breast radiographic image capturing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the afterimage correction unit generates the afterimage correction data using the dark data acquired by the image acquisition unit. Further, the radiographic image has afterimage correction means for performing afterimage correction using afterimage correction data,
The afterimage correction unit performs afterimage correction of the radiographic image when the elapsed time from the previous exposure to the completion of the movement of the compression plate has not passed the predetermined imaging elapsed time, The breast radiographic image capturing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein after-radiation correction of the radiographic image is not performed when an elapsed time until the completion of the movement of the compression plate has passed a predetermined radiographic elapsed time. Offset correction means for performing offset correction using offset correction data for the radiation image;
An afterimage correction unit that performs afterimage correction on the radiation image using afterimage correction data;
When the elapsed time from the previous exposure has passed a predetermined shooting elapsed time, the offset correction unit generates the offset correction data using the dark data acquired by the image acquisition unit, Performing offset correction of the radiation image,
If the elapsed imaging time has not elapsed, the offset correction unit performs offset correction of the radiographic image using the previous offset correction data, and the afterimage correction unit acquires the image acquisition unit acquired by the image acquisition unit The breast radiographic imaging device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the afterimage correction data is generated using dark data, and the afterimage correction of the radiographic image is performed.

Images