JP5834971B2 - Radiation imaging system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiographic imaging system, which irradiates a patient's entire spine, all lower limbs, etc. with radiation multiple times, and synthesizes image data obtained by a series of imaging to generate long image data. The present invention relates to a radiographic imaging system capable of performing long imaging.

  A so-called direct-type radiographic imaging device that generates electric charges by a detection element in accordance with the dose of irradiated radiation such as X-rays and converts it into an electrical signal, or other radiation such as visible light with a scintillator A so-called indirect radiographic imaging device that converts an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength and then generates a charge in a photoelectric conversion element such as a photodiode according to the energy of the converted electromagnetic wave and converts it to an electrical signal (ie, image data). Have been developed.

  In the present invention, the detection element in the direct type radiographic imaging apparatus and the photoelectric conversion element in the indirect type radiographic imaging apparatus are collectively referred to as a radiation detection element.

  This type of radiographic imaging apparatus is known as an FPD (Flat Panel Detector), and is known as an apparatus that can irradiate a patient with radiation and detect radiation transmitted through the patient to obtain a digital radiographic image. Yes.

  Conventionally, a radiographic imaging apparatus has been configured as a so-called special-purpose machine that is integrally formed with a support base (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, in recent years, a radiation detection element or the like is housed in a housing and carried. A portable radiographic imaging apparatus that can be used has been developed and put into practical use (see, for example, Patent Documents 2 and 3).

  In such a radiographic imaging apparatus, for example, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 to be described later, a plurality of radiation detection elements 7 are arranged in a two-dimensional shape (matrix shape) on the sensor panel SP. In ordinary general radiographic imaging, radiation incidence of the radiographic imaging device is performed from a radiation source (for example, a radiation source 71 shown in FIG. 1 described later) through a part of a patient's body (that is, a subject). Radiation imaging is performed by irradiating the entire surface R (see FIG. 2 and the like described later) or a part thereof with radiation.

  However, in full length imaging of the lower limbs that captures the entire lower limb of one or both of the patient and whole spine imaging that captures the entire spine of the patient, the entire image is usually obtained by irradiating the radiation imaging apparatus once. Cannot shoot. Therefore, in such radiographic imaging, so-called long imaging is performed.

  That is, long imaging means imaging performed on an imaging area wider than the imaging area size that can be imaged by one imaging in the radiographic imaging apparatus. Then, radiographic imaging is performed a plurality of times while moving the imaging area for one patient, and a plurality of obtained image data are synthesized to form one image data (hereinafter referred to as long image data). Is generated. Moreover, the following methods are known as a method for performing long photographing.

  For example, in Patent Document 4, the position of the radiation source is fixed, the radiographic imaging apparatus is moved vertically along the patient's lower limbs, spine, etc., and the radiation source is moved so-called as a head in the vertical direction. A method for taking a long picture is described. In Patent Document 5 and Patent Document 6, long-time imaging is performed by moving the radiation source in the vertical direction in accordance with the vertical movement of the radiographic imaging apparatus performed along the patient's lower limbs, spine, and the like. A method is described. Furthermore, Patent Document 7 also describes a method in which the above two methods are combined.

  In Patent Document 8, the position of the radiation source is fixed, and the radiation is irradiated so that the irradiation angle (that is, the irradiation region) of the radiation irradiated from the radiation source increases in the vertical direction. Then, a cover plate having an opening is interposed between the radiation source and the radiographic image capturing apparatus, and the cover plate is moved in the vertical direction to move the opening in the vertical direction, and the radiographic image capturing apparatus is also moved in the vertical direction. A method for performing long shooting is described.

JP-A-9-73144 JP 2006-058124 A JP-A-6-342099 US Pat. No. 6,895,076 US Pat. No. 7,142,632 US Pat. No. 7,555,100 JP 2011-72404 A JP 2011-4856 A

  By the way, when performing long imaging, the above-mentioned cover plate is usually used based on the patient's height and the upper and lower upper and lower limit values of the subject input before radiographic imaging, or before radiographic imaging. How many times the long image is irradiated with radiation by moving it up and down (scanning number of times), that is, how many image data are combined into one long image data ( The number of shots may be set automatically.

  In such a case, it is assumed that, for example, 2.1 pieces of image data are detected to obtain one piece of long image data. In this case, it is necessary to take one radiographic image in order to obtain the fractional image data of 0.1. Therefore, in a normal case, this fraction is rounded up to automatically obtain three image data, that is, automatically set to irradiate three times to perform one long image. Composed.

However, if the lesion area of the patient set as the target for long-length imaging extends to the entire lower limb of the patient (in the case of full length imaging of the lower limb) or the entire spine (in the case of imaging of the entire spine), as described above. It is necessary to set the number of shots in long shooting by rounding up the fraction, but the upper end and / or the lower end of the lesion area of the patient (that is, the area from the input upper limit to the lower limit) is important. There are many cases where this is not an area to be diagnosed.
In addition, there is a reality that an operator such as a radiographer who performs imaging performs setting with some allowance when setting a lesion area to be imaged.

  In such a case, if the number of times of imaging is increased by rounding up the fraction, the amount of radiation irradiated to the patient increases accordingly. For this reason, the exposure dose of the patient increases, but this increases the burden on the patient.

  As described above, in the radiographic imaging system capable of performing long imaging, in the set imaging target region, the lesioned part of the patient is a part of the lower limbs or the entire spine (for example, the central part or the like). It is not necessary to bother to round up the number of shots and increase the number of shots until it is known that it exists only in the area). Should not be increased.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and in long shooting, when a fraction occurs in the number of photographing detected in advance, whether or not to increase the number of photographing by rounding up the fraction is appropriately determined. An object of the present invention is to provide a radiographic image capturing system that can be set as follows.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the radiographic imaging system of the present invention includes:
A radiation image capturing apparatus including a detection unit in which a plurality of radiation detection elements are arranged in a two-dimensional manner, and converting the acquired radiation into image data by each of the radiation detection elements, respectively, and
A radiation irradiation apparatus comprising a radiation source that irradiates the radiation imaging apparatus with radiation through a subject that is a part of a patient's body;
Input means for inputting an area of the subject to be subjected to long shooting;
Calculating means for calculating the number of imaging in long imaging based on the area of the subject and the size of the detection unit in the radiographic imaging apparatus;
Based on the calculation result by the calculation means, position adjustment means for adjusting the position of the radiographic imaging apparatus at least for each radiographic imaging in long imaging,
An image processing device that generates a single piece of long image data by combining a plurality of the image data acquired by the radiation image photographing device in the long photographing;
With
Further, when the number of times of photographing in the long photographing calculated by the calculating means includes a fraction in addition to the integer part, when the fraction is within a predetermined numerical range, the number of times corresponding to the integer part is determined as the number of times of photographing. When the number exceeds the predetermined numerical range, the number of times of adding 1 to the integer portion is set as the number of times of shooting,
The position adjusting means adjusts the position of the radiographic image capturing apparatus at least for each radiographic image capture in long-length radiographing so that radiographic image capturing of the number of radiographs set by the radiographing number setting unit is performed. To do.

Moreover, the radiographic imaging system of the present invention is
A radiation image capturing apparatus including a detection unit in which a plurality of radiation detection elements are arranged in a two-dimensional manner, and converting the acquired radiation into image data by each of the radiation detection elements, respectively, and
A radiation irradiation apparatus comprising a radiation source that irradiates the radiation imaging apparatus with radiation through a subject that is a part of a patient's body;
Input means for inputting an area of the subject to be subjected to long shooting;
Calculating means for calculating the number of imaging in long imaging based on the area of the subject and the size of the detection unit in the radiographic imaging apparatus;
Based on the calculation result by the calculation means, position adjustment means for adjusting the position of the radiographic imaging apparatus at least for each radiographic imaging in long imaging,
An image processing device that generates a single piece of long image data by combining a plurality of the image data acquired by the radiation image photographing device in the long photographing;
With
Further, when the number of times of photographing in the long photographing calculated by the calculating means includes a fraction in addition to the integer part and the fraction is within a predetermined numerical range, the subject is set via the input means. Informing means for informing so as to reset the area is provided.

  According to the radiographic imaging system of the method of the present invention, when the number of times of imaging in the long imaging calculated by the calculating means includes a fraction, the number of imaging is set by automatically rounding up the fraction as in the conventional system. Instead, when the fraction is within a predetermined numerical range, the radiographic image capturing is performed for the number of times corresponding to the integer part of the number of imaging times calculated without rounding up the number of imaging times.

  Therefore, if the fraction is within the numerical range and the value is small, the fraction is rounded down and the number of imaging is not increased, so that the patient is irradiated with unnecessary radiation and the patient's exposure dose increases. Can be prevented accurately. In addition, when the fraction is larger than the numerical value range, it is possible to accurately image the patient's lesion by accurately rounding up the number of imaging.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the radiographic imaging system which concerns on this embodiment. It is sectional drawing of a radiographic imaging apparatus. It is a top view which shows the structure of the board | substrate of a radiographic imaging apparatus. It is a block diagram showing the equivalent circuit of a radiographic imaging apparatus. It is a perspective view showing the state which connected the connector of the cable to the connector of the radiographic imaging apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of imaging | photography order information. It is a figure which shows an example of the selection screen on which the imaging | photography order information displayed on the display part of a console was displayed. It is a figure which shows an example of the temporary setting screen displayed on the display part of a console. It is the schematic which shows structures, such as an imaging | photography stand and a cover board unit. It is the front view which looked at the cover board unit from the X direction shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the radiographic imaging apparatus moved in the setting process of the imaging | photography number in long imaging | photography, the amount of duplication, and the area | region of a to-be-photographed object. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the amount of upward movement of the radiation image capturing apparatus is made smaller than in the case of FIG. It is a figure explaining an example of the method of extracting the data for preview images from image data. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for long imaging | photography displayed on the display part of a console. (A) It is a figure which shows examples, such as the true image data produced | generated from the image data acquired by each imaging | photography in long imaging | photography, (B) The true image data for the frequency | count of imaging | photography was synthesize | combined and produced | generated. It is a figure showing the example of long image data. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for normal imaging | photography displayed on the display part of a console.

  Embodiments of a radiation image capturing system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  Hereinafter, as a radiographic imaging apparatus used in the radiographic imaging system, a so-called indirect radiation that includes a scintillator or the like and converts the emitted radiation into electromagnetic waves of other wavelengths such as visible light to obtain an electrical signal. Although the image capturing apparatus will be described, the present invention can also be applied to a so-called direct type radiation image capturing apparatus that directly detects radiation with a radiation detection element without using a scintillator or the like.

  In addition, a case where the radiographic image capturing apparatus is a so-called portable type and is mounted on a mounting unit 51 (see FIG. 1 described later) of the imaging stand 50 to perform long imaging will be described. The present invention can also be applied to a so-called special-purpose radiographic imaging apparatus that is integrally formed with the imaging stand 50 instead of the portable type.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a case where long imaging is performed in a standing position (the patient is standing up) will be described, but the present invention is similarly applied to a case where the photographing is performed in a lying position (the patient is lying down). Is possible.

  First, a schematic configuration of the radiation image capturing system according to the present embodiment will be described. The radiographic image capturing system 100 according to the present embodiment is configured based on the radiographic image capturing system described in Patent Document 8 described above. However, in addition to this, for example, the configuration of the radiographic imaging system described in Patent Document 4 to Patent Document 7 described above can be used, and the present invention can be applied to these cases. is there.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a radiographic image capturing system according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the radiographic image capturing system 100 mainly includes a radiographic image capturing apparatus 1, an imaging stand 50, a cover plate unit 60, a radiation irradiation apparatus 70, a control BOX 80, a console 90, and an access point. 95 or the like.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the radiographic image capturing system 100 is provided inside and outside a photographing room 101a and a front room (also referred to as an operation room) 101b. The radiation source 71, the access point 95, and the like of the irradiation apparatus 70 are provided inside the imaging room 101a. Moreover, the operation part 72, the exposure button 73, etc. of the radiation irradiation apparatus 70 are provided in the front chamber 101b.

  Further, FIG. 1 shows a case where the control BOX 80, the console 90, and the like are provided outside the front chamber 101b, but they can also be provided inside the front chamber 101b.

  The configuration of the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 will be described later. The radiographic imaging device 1 can acquire image data D for each radiation detection element 7 to be described later based on the amount of radiation irradiated from the radiation irradiation device 70 and transmitted through a part of the body of the patient H (that is, a subject). It is like that. In the present embodiment, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is used by being mounted on the mounting unit 51 of the imaging stand 50 during imaging.

  In the present embodiment, the radiation source 71 of the radiation irradiating apparatus 70 is imaged by the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 in the same manner as in the radiation image capturing system described in Patent Document 8 described above. Radiation is irradiated so as to be larger in the vertical direction than the possible region range (that is, the range of detection P described later of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1) (see the broken line in FIG. 1).

  This is an irradiation device that is compatible with the length of conventional radiographic film and the length of CR (Computed Radiography) cassettes, and simultaneously images multiple films or CR plates with a single exposure. In this embodiment, since the radiation irradiation device 70 of this type is continuously used, the configuration is as described above.

  Further, between the radiation source 71 of the radiation irradiation device 70 and the radiation image capturing device 1 mounted on the mounting unit 51 of the imaging stand 50, in order to limit the irradiation region of the radiation irradiated from the radiation source 71. Although the cover plate unit 60 is provided, the configuration and the like of the cover plate unit 60 will be described later together with the configuration of the imaging stand 50 and the like.

  In the operation unit 72 of the radiation irradiation apparatus 70, setting of an irradiation range of radiation irradiated from the radiation source 71, a dose of radiation irradiated, and the like are performed. Further, when the operator operates the exposure button 73, radiation irradiation is started on the patient H on the imaging table 50.

  Although illustration is omitted, when the exposure button 73 is operated, rotation of the rotating anode of the radiation source 71 is started by a signal generated thereby, and after reaching a predetermined rotation speed and becoming steady rotation, Radiation irradiation is started by applying a high voltage. The exposure button 73 is configured to be operated in two stages, the rotation of the rotating anode is started by the first half-press operation, and the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is transitioned from the power saving state to the image ready state. You may comprise so that X-ray irradiation may be started by applying a high voltage to a filament by 2nd full press operation.

  In the present embodiment, the radiation irradiation apparatus 70 is connected to the control BOX 80 through a network N1 configured by a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like, and the control BOX 80 is further connected to the imaging table 50 and the console 90 through the network N1. Has been. The imaging stand 50 and the cover plate unit 60 are also connected to the control BOX 80 and the console 90 via the network N1.

  The control BOX 80 relays communication between the radiographic imaging device 1 mounted on the mounting unit 51 of the imaging base 50 and the console 90, and from the console 90 or the like to the radiation irradiation device 70 or the cover plate unit 60 or the like. A converter (not shown) that performs an operation such as converting a signal for LAN communication to be transmitted into a signal for the radiation irradiation device 70 is incorporated.

  The console 90 includes a computer (not shown), a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an input / output interface, and the like connected to a bus. In addition, the console 90 is provided with a display unit 91 including a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and the like, and is connected to an input unit 92 such as a mouse or a keyboard. In addition, the console 90 is connected to or includes a storage means (not shown) configured by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like.

  The functions of the console 90 will be described later. For example, an operator such as a radiologist can carry a portable terminal (not shown) so that the portable terminal and the console 90 can communicate with each other via the following access point 95 or the like. It is also possible to configure so that the operation can be performed on the mobile terminal.

  In addition to the network N1, the console 90 is connected to a network N2 composed of existing lines such as Ethernet (registered trademark). An access point 95 provided in the radiographing room 101a is connected to the network N2, and although not shown, HIS (Hospital Information System) and RIS (Radiology Information System) System) etc. are also connected.

[Radiation imaging equipment]
Here, a basic configuration of the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the radiographic image capturing apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the configuration of the substrate of the radiographic image capturing apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is formed of a carbon plate or the like, and a scintillator 3, a substrate 4, or the like in a housing 2 having a radiation incident surface R that is a surface on which radiation is irradiated. The configured sensor panel SP is housed. Although not shown, in the present embodiment, the housing 2 is provided with an antenna device 41 (see FIG. 4 described later) that is a communication unit that transmits image data D and the like in a wireless manner.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a base 31 is arranged in the housing 2, and a substrate 4 is provided on the radiation incident surface R side of the base 31 via a lead thin plate (not shown). On the radiation incident surface R side of the substrate 4, a scintillator 3 that converts irradiated radiation into light such as visible light is provided on the scintillator substrate 34, and the scintillator 3 is provided in a state of facing the substrate 4 side. ing.

  Further, on the side opposite to the radiation incident surface R side of the base 31, a PCB substrate 33 on which electronic components 32 and the like are disposed, a battery 24, and the like are attached. In this way, the sensor panel SP is formed by the base 31, the substrate 4, and the like. In the present embodiment, the buffer material 35 is provided between the sensor panel SP and the side surface of the housing 2.

  In the present embodiment, the substrate 4 is made of a glass substrate, and a plurality of scanning lines 5 and a plurality of signal lines 6 are provided on a surface 4a of the substrate 4 facing the scintillator 3 as shown in FIG. They are arranged to cross each other. A radiation detection element 7 is provided in each small region r defined by the plurality of scanning lines 5 and the plurality of signal lines 6 on the surface 4 a of the substrate 4.

  In this way, the entire small region r provided with a plurality of radiation detection elements 7 arranged in a two-dimensional manner (matrix) in each small region r partitioned by the scanning lines 5 and the signal lines 6, that is, FIG. The area indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. In the present embodiment, a photodiode is used as the radiation detection element 7, but a phototransistor or the like can also be used, for example.

  Here, the circuit configuration of the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

  The first electrode 7a of each radiation detection element 7 is connected to a source electrode 8s (see “S” in FIG. 4) of the TFT 8 serving as a switching means. Further, the drain electrode 8d and the gate electrode 8g (see “D” and “G” in FIG. 4) of the TFT 8 are connected to the signal line 6 and the scanning line 5, respectively.

  The TFT 8 is turned on when a turn-on voltage is applied to the gate electrode 8g via the scanning line 5 from the scanning driving means 15 described later, and is accumulated in the radiation detection element 7 via the source electrode 8s and the drain electrode 8d. The charged electric charge is discharged to the signal line 6. Further, when a turn-off voltage is applied to the gate electrode 8 g via the scanning line 5, the gate electrode 8 g is turned off, the discharge of charge from the radiation detection element 7 to the signal line 6 is stopped, and charge is accumulated in the radiation detection element 7. It is supposed to let you.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the bias line is applied to the second electrode 7 b of each radiation detection element 7 at a ratio of one for each radiation detection element 7 in a row on the substrate 4. 9 is connected, and each bias line 9 is bound to the connection 10 at a position outside the detection portion P of the substrate 4. The connection 10 is connected to a bias power supply 14 (refer to FIG. 4) via an input / output terminal 11 (also referred to as a pad, see FIG. 3), and the bias power supply 14 connects each via the connection 10 and each bias line 9. A reverse bias voltage is applied to the second electrode 7 b of the radiation detection element 7.

  On the other hand, each scanning line 5 is connected to the gate driver 15b of the scanning driving means 15 via the input / output terminal 11, respectively. In the scanning drive means 15, an ON voltage and an OFF voltage are supplied from the power supply circuit 15a to the gate driver 15b via the wiring 15c, and applied to the lines L1 to Lx of the scanning line 5 by the gate driver 15b. The voltage is switched between an on voltage and an off voltage.

  Each signal line 6 is connected to each readout circuit 17 built in the readout IC 16 via each input / output terminal 11. In the present embodiment, the readout circuit 17 is mainly composed of an amplification circuit 18 and a correlated double sampling circuit 19. An analog multiplexer 21 and an A / D converter 20 are further provided in the read IC 16. In FIG. 4, the correlated double sampling circuit 19 is denoted as CDS.

  When radiation image capturing is performed by irradiating the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 through the subject, acquisition processing of image data D from each radiation detection element 7 is performed. At that time, when an ON voltage is applied to the TFT 8 of each radiation detection element 7 to turn it on, charges are discharged from the radiation detection elements 7 to the signal lines 6, and the amplification circuit 18 of each readout circuit 17. Flow into each.

  The amplifier circuit 18 outputs a voltage value corresponding to the amount of charge that has flowed. The correlated double sampling circuit 19 outputs the increase in the output value from the amplification circuit 18 before and after the charge flows from each radiation detection element 7 as analog value image data D to the downstream side. The output image data D is sequentially transmitted to the A / D converter 20 via the analog multiplexer 21, and is sequentially converted into digital image data D by the A / D converter 20 and stored in the storage means 23. Output and save sequentially. In this way, the acquisition process of the image data D is performed.

  The control means 22 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an input / output interface, etc., not shown, connected to a bus, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or the like. It is configured. It may be configured by a dedicated control circuit.

  Then, the control unit 22 controls the operation of each functional unit of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 such as controlling the scanning drive unit 15 and the readout circuit 17 to perform the acquisition process of the image data D as described above. It has become. Further, as shown in FIG. 4 and the like, the control means 22 is connected to a storage means 23 composed of SRAM (Static RAM), SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM) or the like.

  In this embodiment, the control unit 22 is connected to a battery 24 that supplies power necessary for each functional unit such as the scanning drive unit 15, the readout circuit 17, the storage unit 23, and the bias power source 14. Further, the above-described antenna device 41 is connected to the control means 22, and the control means 22 of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is connected to the console from the antenna device 41 via the above-described access point 95 (see FIG. 1). Signals and data can be transmitted and received between 90 and other external devices in a wireless manner.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a connector 39 is provided on the side surface of the housing 2 of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1, and as shown in FIG. 5, the connector C is provided at the tip of the cable Ca. , The control means 22 can transmit and receive signals, data, and the like to and from an external device such as the console 90 via the connector 39 or the like.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the antenna device 41 and the connector 39 function as communication means. In FIG. 5, reference numerals 37 and 38 denote a power switch and a changeover switch of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1, and reference numeral 40 denotes an indicator that indicates an operating state of the control means 22.

  In the present embodiment, the cable Ca is a cable provided on the photographing stand 50 and is connected to the network N1 described above. When the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 is mounted on the mounting portion 51 (see FIG. 1) of the imaging stand 50, the connector 39 of the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 and the connector C of the cable Ca are connected to each other via the network N1. It is designed to communicate using a wired system.

  However, instead of being configured to communicate in a wired manner in this way, the radiographic imaging device 1 mounted on the mounting unit 51 of the imaging stand 50 to the antenna device 41 (see FIG. 4) or the access point 95 (see FIG. 1). It is also possible to configure to communicate in a wireless manner via).

  Further, when the connector C of the cable Ca is connected to the connector 39, power is supplied to the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 from the external commercial power source or the power supply unit of the imaging stand 50 via the connectors 39 and C. Is possible. At that time, the power supply from the battery 24 (see FIG. 4) built in the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 to each functional unit in the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 may be stopped.

  In addition, it is not necessary to configure the network connecting the devices by the plurality of networks N1 and N2 as in the present embodiment, and it is also possible to configure the devices by connecting each device to one network. Further, when a plurality of networks are used as a network connecting the devices as in the present embodiment, which device is connected to which network can be determined as appropriate.

[How to shoot long images in this embodiment]
Next, a method of long imaging in the radiographic image capturing system 100 according to the present embodiment, a configuration unique to the present invention in long imaging, and the like will be described. The operation of the radiographic image capturing system 100 according to this embodiment will also be described.

  If the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is not mounted on the mounting portion 51 of the imaging stand 50, an operator such as a radiographer goes to the imaging room 101a and, as shown in FIG. 5, the connector 39 of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 The radiographic imaging device 1 is mounted on the mounting portion 51 of the imaging table 50 by connecting the connector C provided on the imaging table 50 to the camera.

  Subsequently, the operator moves to the console 90, operates the input means 92 (see FIG. 1) of the console 90, and performs radiographic imaging, for example, on that day from the HIS or RIS connected to the network N1. Get shooting order information about.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, for example, the imaging order information includes “patient ID” P2, “patient name” P3, “sex” P4, “age” P5, and “clinical department” P6 as patient information. In addition, “imaging region” P7, “imaging direction” P8 and the like as imaging conditions are configured. In the order in which the photographing orders are received, “photographing order ID” P1 is automatically assigned to each piece of photographing order information.

  When obtaining the shooting order information, the console 90 displays a list of each shooting order information on the selection screen H1 in a list format on the display unit 91 as shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the selection screen H1 is provided with a shooting order information display field h11 for displaying a list of each shooting order information. On the left side of the shooting order information display field h11, shooting is scheduled. A selection button h12 is provided for selecting the photographing order information. In addition, an enter button h13 and a return button h14 are provided below the shooting order information display field h11.

  Then, the operator clicks the selection button h12 to select one or a plurality of shooting order information, and clicks the decision button h13. It is also possible to select one order information first, and then automatically select all the remaining imaging order information for the same patient as the order information. When the determination button h13 is clicked, the selected imaging order information is stored in the storage unit of the console 90 and transmitted to the operation unit 72 of the radiation irradiation apparatus 70 in the front chamber 101b.

  At this time, for example, it is assumed that four pieces of imaging order information regarding a patient “A” are selected from the imaging order information of FIG. 7. In this case, in the first imaging order information for the patient “A”, “all legs” is designated as the imaging region P7.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, when “all legs” is designated in the imaging part P7 of the imaging order information, the whole leg imaging, which is a kind of long imaging, is performed. Although not shown, if “all spine” is designated as the imaging part P7 of the imaging order information, all spine imaging, which is a kind of long imaging, is performed.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the input means 92 (see FIG. 1) of the console 90 selects the region of the subject (that is, the entire lower limb in the above case) that is the subject of the long shooting (that is, the full length shooting of the lower limb in the above case). It functions as an input means for inputting.

  On the other hand, when long imaging (lower limb full length imaging, whole spine imaging) is input in this way, in this embodiment, an operator such as a radiographer moves to the anterior chamber 101b (see FIG. 1) and moves to the radiation irradiation apparatus. The radiation angle range of radiation irradiated from the radiation source 71 is set by operating the operation unit 72 of 70. And it moves to the imaging | photography room 101a and operates the scan start button (not shown) of the cover board unit 60. FIG.

  As will be described later, in the present embodiment, the cover plate unit 60 includes a unique control unit 64 (see FIG. 9 described later), and this control unit 64 uses the subject area (that is, all lower limbs in the above case). ) And the size of the detection unit P in the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 (this point will be described later), and functions as a calculation unit that calculates the number of times of photographing in long photographing.

  As described above, when the imaging order information in which “all legs” is designated as the imaging region P7 on the selection screen H1 (see FIG. 7) of the display unit 91 of the console 90 is selected, for example, FIG. As shown in the figure, it is possible to display a temporary setting screen H2 on the display unit 91, and an operator such as a radiographer can operate on the temporary setting screen H2 to temporarily set the number of imaging. .

  That is, in the latter case, when imaging order information in which “all lower limbs” is designated as the imaging region P7 on the selection screen H1 (see FIG. 7) is selected on the display unit 91 of the console 90, for example, FIG. A temporary setting screen H2 as shown in FIG. In the default state, on the temporary setting screen H2, for example, button icons for three times of photographing (that is, three button icons of “up front”, “in front”, “down front” in the figure) h21 are displayed. Is done.

  If, for example, an operation for removing one of the button icons h21 is performed from this state, only two button icons h21 are displayed, and their display is switched between “up front” and “down front”. That is, in this case, a temporary setting is performed so that the number of times of shooting is two by the operator. On the other hand, when an operation for adding one button icon h21, for example, is performed from the state shown in FIG. 8, the number of button icons h21 is changed to four, and the display is switched from “Front 1” to “Front 4”. That is, in this case, a temporary setting is performed so that the number of times of shooting is four by the operator.

  It should be noted that the number of icons h21 displayed as a default is set in advance in consideration of the size of the imageable region in the moving direction for long imaging by the radiographic imaging device 1, the height of the patient, and the like. For example, if the moving direction is a long side direction (that is, a direction of 17 inches out of 14 × 17 inches) in the half-cut size radiographic image capturing apparatus 1, it is possible to cover most body patients with three imaging. Since it is possible, there are three icon settings.

  A button icon h22 for changing the shooting direction (see P8 in the shooting order information) is displayed on the right side of the temporary setting screen H2. Each time the operator clicks the button icon h22, the display of the button icon h22 is switched to, for example, “front”, “side”, and “other”, and the shooting direction can be changed. Note that each time the shooting direction is switched, the display of the button icon h21 is switched from “top front” or the like to “top side” or the like accordingly.

  Further, an icon h23 indicating the direction of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 mounted on the mounting unit 51 of the imaging stand 50 is displayed below the temporary setting screen H2. In the default state, the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 is mounted in the vertical direction (that is, the direction in which the extending direction of the long side faces the vertical direction), and the “vertical” icon h23 is “horizontal”. The icon h23 is displayed prominently.

  For example, assuming that the orientation of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 mounted on the mounting unit 51 of the imaging table 50 is horizontal, when the operator clicks the “horizontal” icon h23, the number of button icons h21 increases. In the default state, for example, the state is switched to a state in which the button icon h21 for the number of times of photographing is displayed for five times. This is because when the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is mounted sideways, the length of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 in the vertical direction is shorter than when the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is mounted vertically, and it is necessary to perform more imaging.

  Also in this case, the operator can temporarily set the number of shootings by adjusting the number of button icons h21 as described above. As described above, an operator such as a radiologist can operate the temporary setting screen H2 so that the operation unit 72 of the radiation irradiation apparatus 70 can temporarily set the number of imaging. is there.

  In addition, when the other operator who performed imaging | photography has already mounted | mounted the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 which has been used in the mounting part 51 of the imaging stand 50, the radiographic image already mounted | worn Cooperation control is performed so that icons corresponding to the orientation (that is, vertical or horizontal) of the photographing apparatus 1 are displayed. In this state, for example, when the vertical icon display state is changed to the horizontal icon, the console 90 is configured to open a later-described opening W of the radiographic imaging device 1 and the cover plate unit 60 in the imaging room 101a. The operator is notified by voice or the like that a setting change (that is, a setting change between portrait orientation and landscape orientation) is necessary.

  Although not shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in the present embodiment, the height of the patient and the area of the subject to be photographed in a long length (that is, the whole spine of the entire leg in the case of full length photographing of the lower limb). In the case of imaging, necessary information such as the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the height from the floor of all vertebrae is designated as patient information in the imaging order information in advance. However, for example, necessary information such as the area of the subject may be input on the temporary setting screen H2.

[Configuration of cover plate unit and photo stand]
Hereinafter, the calculation of the number of shootings in long shooting by the calculating means (in this embodiment, the control unit 64 of the cover plate unit 60) is simple while describing the configuration of the shooting stand 50 and the cover plate unit 60 (see FIG. 1). Explained.

  Note that the method of calculating the number of imaging in the long imaging described below is performed in the same manner as the method of automatically setting the number of imaging in the long imaging in the above-described conventional radiographic imaging system. However, as described above, in the conventional radiographic imaging system, the integer number of imaging is automatically set based on the number of imaging including the calculated fraction, but this embodiment will be described in detail later. As described above, the present embodiment is different from the conventional case in that it is possible to appropriately set the integer number of times of photographing in accordance with conditions based on the calculated number of times of photographing.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the imaging stand 50, the cover plate unit 60, and the like, and FIG. 10 is a front view of the cover plate unit 60 viewed from the X direction illustrated in FIG. The cover plate unit 60 is configured to include a cover plate 61 that limits the irradiation region of the radiation irradiated from the radiation source 71. The cover plate 61 is fixed to the floor surface by a pedestal 62 and is supported by a guide shaft 63 that supports the cover plate 61 so that it can be moved up and down. The cover plate 61 is moved up and down (shown in FIG. 9) by a drive motor M1 (not shown in FIG. 10). (Z direction shown).

  Further, the control unit 64 of the cover plate unit 60 is connected to the drive motor M1, and the control unit 64 functions as a calculation unit in the radiographic imaging system 100 according to the present embodiment as described above. . And the cover board 61 is moved to an up-down direction by driving the drive motor M1.

  An opening W (see FIG. 10) having a predetermined size is provided in the cover plate 61, and the radiation irradiated from the radiation source 71 passes through the opening W of the cover plate 61 and is irradiated to the patient H. Then, the X-ray irradiation region can be moved by moving the cover plate 61 in the vertical direction along the guide shaft 63 and moving the position of the opening W in the vertical direction.

  Then, as described above, when the scan start button (not shown) is operated to calculate the number of photographing times, the control unit 64 of the cover plate unit 60 as the calculation unit drives the drive motor M1 to move the cover plate 61. The number of times of shooting including the fraction is calculated by moving in the vertical direction (that is, scanning).

  The dimension of the opening W corresponds to the layout layout including the radiographable region size in the moving direction of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 and the distances between the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1, the cover plate unit 60, and the radiation source 71. The adjustment is fixed automatically or manually. For example, in the case of the automatic adjustment type, the vertical / horizontal installation information of the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 mounted on the imaging stand 50 is acquired directly from the imaging stand 50 or via the console 90, or the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 is mounted. If not, the automatic adjustment is performed based on the vertical / horizontal icon selection information in the console 90.

  Needless to say, such processing is not necessary when the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 to be used has a square imageable area such as a 17 × 17 inch size or a 14 × 14 inch size. Of course, the vertical / horizontal division on the console 90 is also unnecessary.

  On the other hand, the mounting part 51 (see FIG. 9) of the imaging table 50 includes a mounting port 51a for mounting the radiation image capturing apparatus 1. The mounting portion 51 is supported by a guide shaft 53 that is fixed to the floor surface by a pedestal 52 and supports the mounting portion 51 so as to be movable up and down, and can be moved in the vertical direction along the guide shaft 53 by a drive motor M2. It is configured to be able to.

  Further, the control unit 54 of the photographing stand 50 is connected to the drive motor M2. A support unit 55 that supports the patient H, which is the subject, is erected vertically from the pedestal 52 so as to be arranged in parallel to the guide shaft 53.

  As described above, when the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is mounted on the mounting portion 51, it is mounted with the connector C of the cable Ca connected to the connector 39 (see FIG. 5). With this configuration, it is possible to perform communication using a wired system, and it is also possible to supply power to the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 from an external commercial power source or the power supply unit of the imaging stand 50. . Therefore, in this case, as described above, the supply of power from the battery 24 (see FIG. 4) built in the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 to each functional unit in the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 is stopped.

  In a normal case (that is, in the case of the above-described conventional radiographic imaging system), the control unit 54 of the imaging stand 50 calculates the number of times of imaging and the cover plate 61 (and the opening W) from the control unit 64 of the cover plate unit 60. The number of movements and the movement distance of the mounting part 51 of the photographing stand 50 are calculated based on the information such as the movement distance. Then, by driving the drive motor M2, the mounting portion 1 and the radiographic image capturing device 1 mounted thereon are moved in the vertical direction.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the control unit 54 of the imaging stand 50 functions as a position adjusting unit that adjusts the position of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 at least for each radiographic image capture in long imaging.

  Then, in the normal long shooting, the control unit 54 of the imaging table 50 drives, for example, the drive motor M2 of the imaging table 50 to lower the mounting unit 51, and the radiographic imaging device 1 is used in the long imaging. Move to the lowest position. Further, the control unit 64 of the cover plate unit 60 drives the drive motor M1 to lower the cover plate 61 and lowers the position of the opening W, so that the radiation irradiated from the radiation source 71 is arranged on the lowermost side. The radiation image capturing apparatus 1 is irradiated (see R1 in FIG. 9). Then, the first shooting in the long shooting is performed.

  Subsequently, the control unit 54 of the imaging stand 50 similarly drives the drive motor M2 to raise the mounting unit 51, and moves the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 to an intermediate position or an uppermost position in the long imaging. . Further, the control unit 64 of the cover plate unit 60 drives the drive motor M1 to raise the cover plate 61 and raise the position of the opening W, so that the radiation emitted from the radiation source 71 is intermediate in the long photographing. Or the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 arranged at the uppermost position (see R2 and R3 in FIG. 9). And it is comprised so that the 2nd time in long imaging | photography and the 3rd imaging | photography may be performed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the radiation source 71 of the radiation irradiation apparatus 70 increases the irradiation angle of the irradiated radiation in the vertical direction, as in the radiation image capturing system described in Patent Document 8 described above. (See the broken line in FIG. 1). Therefore, the irradiation area of the radiation from the radiation source 71 can be changed by the vertical movement of the opening W accompanying the vertical movement of the cover plate 61, as shown in FIG.

  However, for example, use a radiation source whose irradiation angle is narrower in the vertical direction, swing the radiation source to change the irradiation direction, or move the radiation source up and down to move up and down. It is also possible to configure the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 to be disposed so as to irradiate the radiation. That is, it is also possible to configure as described in Patent Document 4 to Patent Document 7 described above.

  The basic configuration of the cover plate 61 and the imaging stand 50 of the radiation irradiation apparatus 70 has been described above. As described above, an operator such as a radiologist moves to the anterior chamber 101b and operates the operation unit 72 of the radiation irradiation apparatus 70 to set the irradiation angle range of radiation to be irradiated from the radiation source 71. Instead of moving to the photographing room 101a and operating the start button of the cover plate unit 60, it is also possible to configure such operations so that they can be performed on the console 90, for example, and modifications thereof are made as appropriate. .

[Calculation of the number of times of imaging with the operation unit of the radiation irradiation device]
Under such a configuration, in the present embodiment, the control unit 64 of the cover plate unit 60 serving as the calculation means, when the scan start button is operated as described above (or the temporary setting screen H2 (see FIG. 8)). When temporary setting is performed by the operator above), the vertical dimension of the radiation field corresponding to the irradiation area set in the radiation source 71 is scanned, and based on this measurement result, a long image is taken. The number of shots is calculated.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, the control unit 64 of the cover plate unit 60, in the present embodiment, the area of the subject that is the subject of the long shooting specified in the shooting order information (that is, all lower limbs in the case of full length shooting of the lower limbs). In the case of whole spine radiography, the cover plate 61 (and so on) is irradiated so that the radiation is irradiated within the height of the whole spine from the floor surface and the lower limit) or within the region of the subject determined from the height of the patient. The scanning is performed by moving the opening W) in the vertical direction, and the number of times of photographing is calculated.

  As described above, in the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1, the radiation detection elements 7 are two-dimensionally arranged in the detection unit P (FIG. 3 and FIG. 4) and are regions where radiographic images can be actually captured. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 64 of the cover plate unit 60 considers the size of the detection unit P of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 and the amount of overlap required during the image composition process, and then increases the radiation before being raised. The number of times of photographing is calculated so that the upper end of the detection unit P of the image photographing apparatus 1 and the lower end of the detection unit P after being raised overlap with each other with a predetermined overlap amount ΔL.

And the control part 64 of the cover board unit 60 receives all of this radiation, assuming the radiation which permeate | transmits all the area | regions of the area | region ROI (refer FIG. 11) of the to-be-photographed object. In this case, the number of times that the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 needs to be moved, that is, the number of times radiographic image capturing is required to capture a long area of the region ROI of the subject (that is, the number of times of image capturing) is calculated. Yes.

That is, as described above, in the present embodiment, the control unit 64 of the cover plate unit 60 causes the area ROI of the subject and the size of the detection unit P in the radiographic imaging device 1 (in this case, the vertical direction of the detection unit P). It functions as a calculation means for calculating the number of shootings in long shooting based on (length) and the amount of overlap required during image composition processing .

[How to set the number of shots]
As described above, in the conventional radiographic imaging system, the number of times of imaging calculated by the control unit 64 of the cover plate unit 60 serving as calculation means is a fraction (in this case, 0.1) such as 2.1. In some cases, this fraction is rounded up to automatically set the number of imaging to 3 times (that is, to irradiate the radiation 3 times for one long imaging).

  In other words, when the situation is as shown in FIG. 11, the number of times of photographing is automatically set to 3 instead of 2 times. Therefore, even when it is known that a portion to be imaged such as a lesioned part of a patient exists only in a part of the region ROI of the subject (for example, the entire lower limb of the subject), the fraction is rounded up as described above. Since the number of times of imaging is increased, unnecessary radiation is irradiated to the patient, which causes a problem that the patient's exposure dose increases unnecessarily.

  Therefore, in such a case, it is desirable that the number of times of photographing can be set to two instead of three.

  On the other hand, if the calculated number of times of imaging is a large fraction (0.8 in this case), for example 2.8, and if the number of times of imaging is forcibly limited to 2, the lesion to be imaged The possibility that a part such as a part is not photographed increases. Therefore, in such a case, it is desirable not to set the number of times of shooting twice, but rather to set it to 3 times as usual.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the information on the number of shooting including the calculated fraction is transmitted to the console 90 from the control unit 64 of the cover plate unit 60 serving as the calculation means, and the console 90 calculates the number of shooting in the long shooting. On the basis of the number of times of photographing (for example, 2.1 times or 2.8 times), an integer number of times of photographing is set according to the conditions. In other words, in the present embodiment, the console 90 functions as the number-of-shoots setting means in the present invention.

  And in this embodiment, as said conditions, when the frequency | count of imaging | photography in the said long imaging | photography computed by the calculation means includes a fraction in addition to an integer part as mentioned above, it is within the numerical value range in which the fraction was defined. It is comprised so that it may be made into conditions. In this case, the numerical range is appropriately set to a numerical value such as 0.1.

  Then, the console 90 as the number-of-shooting setting means, when the number of times of shooting in the long shooting calculated by the calculating means includes a fraction in addition to the integer part, the fraction is within a numerical range in which the fraction is determined (for example, greater than 0 and 0). .1 or less), the number of times of photographing is the number corresponding to the integer part. For example, when the calculated number of times of photographing is 2.1, the number of times of photographing is set as two.

  Further, the console 90 as the number of times of photographing setting means sets the number of times of photographing to the number obtained by adding 1 to the integer part when the fraction exceeds a predetermined numerical range (for example, when the fraction is larger than 0.1). For example, when the calculated number of times of photographing is 2.2, the number of times of photographing is set as three.

  In this embodiment, in this way, the console 90 serving as the number-of-shoots setting unit determines whether the number of shots in the long shooting is within a numerical range in which the fraction of the number of shots calculated by the calculation unit is set. Accordingly, it is set as either the integer part of the calculated number of times of shooting or the number of times of an integer value obtained by adding 1 to it.

[Variations of how to set the number of shots]
Note that, as described above, if the fraction of the number of photographings calculated by the control unit 64 of the cover plate unit 60, which is the calculation means, is within a predetermined numerical range, the fraction is rounded down and the number of photographings is set. Even if an operator such as a radiologist wants to photograph the entire area of the subject area ROI (see FIG. 11), a part of the subject area ROI corresponding to a fraction of, for example, 0.1 times (in FIG. The upper end portion of the region ROI) cannot be photographed.

  In order to solve such a problem, for example, before setting the number of times of photographing as described above, for example, a part of the region ROI of the subject that is the subject of long photographing on the display unit 91 of the console 90 Is displayed and informed that there is a possibility that the camera cannot be photographed, and the operator is allowed to input permission or disapproval for the fact that part of the region ROI of the subject cannot be photographed via the input means 92. It is possible.

  In this case, when the operator makes an input that prevents part of the subject area ROI from being photographed, the number of times of photographing is set by rounding up the fraction as in the prior art. As in the present embodiment, the number of times of shooting may be set by rounding down or rounding up according to conditions only when permission is input for a part of which cannot be shot. Is possible.

  Also, for example, when setting the number of times of shooting as described above, if the fraction included in the number of times of photographing in the long photographing calculated by the calculating means is within a predetermined numerical range, that is, the fraction is rounded down. Only when the number of times of shooting is set, for example, on the display unit 91 of the console 90, the fact that there is a possibility that a part of the region ROI of the subject that is the subject of long shooting cannot be shot is displayed and notified. It is possible to configure the person to input permission or disapproval to the user that a part of the subject area ROI cannot be captured.

  In this case, if the operator inputs permission to prevent a part of the subject area ROI from being shot, the fraction is rounded down to set the number of times of shooting as in the present embodiment, and an impossible input is made. If it has been done, the number of times of shooting is set by rounding up the fraction as in the prior art. When the number of times of shooting is set by rounding up the fraction, the above display and input by the operator are not performed.

  When permission is given to the fact that a part of the subject area ROI cannot be photographed, it is further determined whether to abandon either the upper end or the lower end of the subject area ROI or to reduce both. It is also possible to enable selection input. In this case, the control unit 64 of the cover plate unit 60 changes and controls the shooting start position according to the selection input result.

  If any one of the above-described modifications is adopted, the number of imaging is appropriately changed and set depending on whether an operator such as a radiologist wants to capture the entire area ROI of the subject or only a part of it. This makes it easy for the operator to use the radiographic image capturing system 100 according to the present embodiment, and improves the operability of the radiographic image capturing system 100.

  Further, when the number of times of photographing in the long photographing calculated by the calculating means includes the fraction as described above and the fraction is within the determined numerical range, that is, when a part of the subject area ROI cannot be photographed. As described above, it is also possible to display the notification on the display unit 91 of the console 90 and notify the operator, and notify the operator to reset the region ROI of the subject via the input means 92. Is possible. In this case, the display unit 91 of the console 90 functions as an informing means for informing as described above.

  In this case, the operator can reset the upper limit value and / or the lower limit value (or both) of the height from the floor surface in the subject area ROI, or can set the overlap amount ΔL (see FIG. 11) described above. Then, the object region ROI is reset by changing the value with (i.e., making it smaller than in the normal case). Then, the calculating means recalculates the number of times of photographing based on the reset region ROI of the subject, and until the fraction exceeds a predetermined numerical range (that is, for example, 2.1 times becomes 2.0 times or less). ) It is configured to repeat the above operation.

  Even when the operator is notified to reset the subject area ROI, the operator may not want to change the subject area ROI. Therefore, in such a case, it is possible to instruct the calculation means to set the number of times obtained by adding 1 to the integer part of the calculated number of times of shooting (that is, 2.1 times is set to 3 times). It is preferable to configure.

[How to implement long shooting]
In the present embodiment, as described above, when the number of times of photographing in the long photographing is set by the console 90 as the number of times of photographing setting means (or the number of times of photographing is changed from 2 times to 3 times, for example, by the operator. Then, the control unit 64 of the cover plate unit 60 transmits the set number of times of imaging to the control unit 54 of the imaging table 50. And the control part 54 of the imaging stand 50 as a position adjustment means adjusts the position of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 for every radiographic imaging in long imaging based on the set imaging | photography frequency ( FIG. 11).

  As described above, when the number of times of shooting is set by varying the overlap amount ΔL (see FIG. 11) in the calculation / setting process of the number of times of shooting (that is, a smaller amount than in the normal case) The control unit 64 of the cover plate unit 60 transmits the information on the amount of overlap ΔL that has been changed to the control unit 54 of the imaging stand 50. Then, the control unit 54 of the imaging stand 50 as the position adjusting unit adjusts the position of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 for each radiographic image capture so that the overlap amount ΔL is changed and becomes a set overlap amount. It has become.

  Further, the control unit 64 of the cover plate unit 60 also calculates the amount of movement of the cover plate 61 in the long shooting based on the set number of times of imaging and the variable overlap amount ΔL, and each radiographic image of the long shooting. The cover plate 61 is moved for each radiographing, the opening W is appropriately moved, and the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 moving in the radiographing table 50 is appropriately irradiated with radiation as described above.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 54 of the imaging stand 50 as the position adjusting unit and the control unit 64 of the cover plate unit 60 perform the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 and the cover plate 61 (FIG. 9) for each imaging as described above. Each radiation image is captured in the long-length imaging by irradiating the radiation from the radiation source 71 while adjusting the position in FIG.

  Specifically, for example, in the case of FIG. 11, first, the radiographic imaging device 1 is first arranged at the lowermost position, and the covering plate is arranged so that the radiographic imaging device 1 in that state is irradiated with radiation. 61 is moved to adjust the position of the opening W (see FIG. 10), and in this state, radiation is emitted from the radiation source 71 (see FIG. 9 and the like) to perform first imaging.

  Subsequently, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is moved to the second middle position from the bottom, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is arranged so that the overlap amount ΔL becomes the set overlap amount, and the radiographic image capturing in that state is performed. The position of the opening W of the cover plate 61 is adjusted so that the apparatus 1 is irradiated with radiation, and in this state, radiation is irradiated from the radiation source 71 to perform the second imaging.

  If the number of long-time shooting is set to 2 times, it is up to this point. If the number of shooting times is set to 3 or more, the radiographic imaging device 1 is further moved to the upper position to overlap. The radiation image capturing apparatus 1 is arranged so that the amount ΔL becomes a set overlap amount, and the position of the opening W of the cover plate 61 is adjusted so that the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 in that state is irradiated with radiation, In this state, the radiation source 71 is irradiated with radiation, and the third and subsequent imaging is performed. In this way, each radiographic image is captured in long imaging.

  In addition, when taking a long image, as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 11, radiation is applied multiple times to the genital organ when performing the whole leg imaging, the eyeball when performing the whole spine imaging not shown, or the like. Irradiation should be avoided as much as possible. However, in the example shown in FIG. 11, for example, the overlapping position of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 before moving and the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 after moving (see the overlapping amount ΔL in the figure) in the genital area or the vicinity thereof. For this reason, there is a possibility that radiation is irradiated twice near the genital organs.

  Therefore, in order to avoid such a situation, for example, in the above case, the amount of movement of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 for each radiographic image capture in long imaging so that the overlapping position is shifted in the vertical direction Alternatively, the above-described overlap amount ΔL as a result of the movement can be adjusted.

  That is, for example, when the subject region ROI (in this case, all lower limbs) shown in FIG. The amount of upward movement of the image capturing apparatus 1 is reduced, and the overlap amount ΔL is increased.

  When controlled in this way, the overlapping position (see overlap amount ΔL in the figure) between the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 before moving and the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 after moving is lower than the case shown in FIG. Shift to position. Therefore, it is possible to avoid that radiation is irradiated twice near the patient's genital organs.

[Transmission of data from radiation imaging equipment]
In the long imaging, as described above, every time the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 moves upward from below, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is irradiated with radiation through the subject, and radiographic image capturing is performed. In the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1, the acquisition process of the image data D is performed as described above for each radiographic image capture, and the acquired image data D is stored and stored in the storage unit 23 (see FIG. 4). Is done.

  In the present embodiment, the radiographic imaging device 1 corresponds to an offset due to a so-called dark current (also referred to as dark charge) superimposed on each image data D after the end of long imaging. An offset data O acquisition process for acquiring data as offset data O is performed. The acquisition process of the offset data O is normally performed following the same procedure as the acquisition process of the image data D. However, unlike the acquisition process of the image data D, the acquisition process of the offset data O is performed in the radiation image capturing apparatus 1. On the other hand, no radiation is irradiated.

  Then, when the acquisition process of the offset data O is completed, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 converts each image data D acquired in each radiographic image capturing of the long imaging and the offset data O acquired thereafter respectively into the image processing apparatus. Is sent to the console 90.

  In this embodiment, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 extracts preview image data Dt from the acquired image data D at a predetermined ratio and transmits it to the console 90 prior to transmission of the image data D and offset data O. It is supposed to be. This will be specifically described below. At that time, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, the radiation detection element 7 in the n-th row and the m-th column of the detection unit P (see FIGS. 3 and 4) of the radiation imaging apparatus 1 is replaced with the radiation detection element 7 (n, m). The image data D acquired from the radiation detection element 7 (n, m) is represented by D (n, m).

  The control means 22 of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 predetermines a predetermined number (four in the case of FIG. 13) from the acquired image data D (n, m), for example, as shown by hatching in the figure. The image data D (n, m) acquired from each radiation detection element 7 connected to the scanning line 5 designated at a rate of one for each of the lines L1 to Lx of the scanning line 5 is extracted, The preview image data Dt is transmitted to the console 90.

  The method of extracting the preview image data Dt is not limited to this. Although illustration is omitted, for example, 1 out of 16 image data D (n, m) acquired from a total of 16 radiation detection elements 7 (n, m) of 4 × 4 pixels, that is, 4 rows and 4 columns. It is also possible to extract the preview image data Dt by extracting the image data D from the image data D at a predetermined rate, for example, by extracting the image data D at a certain rate.

  In addition, the extraction process of the preview image data Dt from the image data D and the transmission process of the preview image data Dt to the console 90 are performed while the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is moved upward in long imaging. (That is, extraction and transmission may be performed for each radiographic image capturing in long imaging), and extraction and transmission may be performed after all radiographic imaging is completed. It is also possible to configure. In the case of performing wired communication, even if the communication is performed during the movement of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 to the next imaging position (while the drive unit such as a motor is energized), noise is relatively difficult to be superimposed. Therefore, it is preferable.

  Furthermore, the above-described offset data O acquisition process can be performed while the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is moved upward.

[Processing in image processing apparatus]
In the present embodiment, the console 90 (see FIG. 1) combines the image data D acquired by the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 in a plurality of radiographic imagings in long imaging, and combines them into one piece of image data. It functions as an image processing device that generates the long image data Dlong of the sheet. Note that the image processing apparatus can be configured as a separate apparatus from the console 90.

  Before describing the generation processing of the long image data Dlong in the console 90 as the image processing apparatus, the display processing of the preview image in the console 90 will be described.

  In the console 90, as described above, when shooting order information specifying long shooting is selected on the selection screen H1 (that is, shooting order information specifying “all legs” in FIG. 7, for example) is selected. When the number of times of photographing is temporarily set on the temporary setting screen H2 (see FIG. 8) or when the number of times of photographing set by the operation unit 72 of the radiation irradiation apparatus 70 is changed by the operator, the display unit 91 is displayed. Is switched to a long shooting screen H3 as shown in FIG.

  In the following, a case where the number of shootings is set to 3 will be described as an example. For this reason, the image data D and the preview image data Dt transmitted from the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 are respectively for three images. However, when the number of imaging is n, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 transmits the image data. Each of the image data D and the preview image data Dt is n sheets.

  In the long shooting screen H3, as shown in FIG. 14, for example, an icon IA corresponding to each shooting order information selected on the selection screen H1 (see FIG. 7) is displayed on the left side of the screen H3. . FIG. 14 shows a case where each imaging order information related to the patient “A” is selected on the selection screen H1, and the upper three icons IAlong of each icon IA are designated as “all legs”. It is an icon corresponding to the shooting order information related to the photo shooting (that is, the shooting of the entire length of the lower limb in this case).

  In addition, the three radiographic images in the long-length imaging in which “all legs” are designated are not each independently, but three times of imaging are performed, so that one piece of imaging order information for one long-length imaging is completed. In order to express this, the upper three icons IAlong are grouped together by a frame line and displayed in a focused state indicating that the current shooting is being performed. Further, on the lower side, icons IA corresponding to the three independent shooting order information on the lower side of the selection screen H1 shown in FIG. 7 (that is, normal single shooting that is not long shooting) are respectively displayed. It is displayed.

  In addition, for example, in the central portion of the long imaging screen H3, as described above, the preview image p_pre based on the preview image data Dt extracted from the image data D acquired in each radiographic imaging in the long imaging, A display space Sa for displaying the radiation image p generated based on the image data D and the offset data O is provided.

  Furthermore, for example, a thumbnail display space Sb for displaying the generated preview image p_pre and the thumbnail image pt of the radiation image p is provided on the right side of the long shooting screen H3. An operator such as a radiologist can easily grasp how far the process has progressed by viewing the thumbnail image pt on the thumbnail display space Sb.

  In this embodiment, when the preview image data Dt is transmitted from the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 prior to the transmission of the image data D or the like as described above, the console 90 transmits the preview image data Dt to the preview image data Dt. Based on this, a preview image p_pre is generated.

At that time, in the generation process of the preview image p_pre, the offset image O corresponding to the preview image data Dt is subtracted from the preview image data Dt, as in the generation process of the long image data Dlong described later. True image data (in this case, true preview image data Dt ^* ) from which the offset due to the dark current is removed from the image data Dt should be calculated.

  However, as described above, the transmission processing of the preview image data Dt from the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 to the console 90 is performed while the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is moved upward in the long imaging. In a case where the processing is performed at least before the acquisition process of the offset data O, when the preview image data Dt is transmitted to the console 90, the corresponding offset data O has not yet been acquired.

  For this reason, as one method, the preview data p_pre is generated by performing image processing on the raw preview image data Dt that has not been subjected to subtraction processing on the offset data O. Is possible.

In addition, offset data O for the preview image data Dt is created in advance using the console 90, and the previously created offset data O is subtracted from the preview image data Dt transmitted from the radiation image capturing apparatus 1. True preview image data Dt ^* (to be precise, provisional true preview image data Dt ^* ) is calculated, and image processing is performed on the true preview image data Dt ^* to generate a preview image p_pre. It is also possible to configure so as to.

Furthermore, using the same radiographic image capturing apparatus 1, the preview data transmitted from the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 using the offset data O acquired at the time of another radiographic image capturing performed before the long image capturing is used. The offset data O is subtracted from the image data Dt to calculate the true preview image data Dt ^* (more precisely, the temporary true preview image data Dt ^* ), and this true preview image data Dt ^* is calculated. Alternatively, a preview image p_pre may be generated by performing image processing on the image.

  Then, an operator such as a radiologist looks at the preview image p_pre displayed in an enlarged manner in the display space Sa provided in the central portion of the long image shooting screen H3, for example, and appropriately captures the subject in the image. It is determined whether or not re-shooting is necessary.

  That is, the preview image p_pre is an image for the operator to determine whether or not re-imaging is necessary in this way, and is different from the final radiation image p, and thus needs to be subjected to precise image processing. However, as described above, the processing can be performed sufficiently effectively by performing processing using the offset data O that is not the original offset data O or performing simple image processing.

[Composition processing of long image data Dlong in the image processing apparatus]
On the other hand, the console 90 as an image processing device receives an image data D for each radiographic image capture and an offset data O for long radiographing, and transmits an image for each radiographic image capture and for each radiation detection element 7. The true image data D ^* is calculated by subtracting the offset data O from the data D.

Then, the obtained true image data D ^* for the number of times of photographing is synthesized to generate one piece of long image data Dlong. Hereinafter, a method for generating the long image data Dlong in the console 90 as the image processing apparatus will be briefly described. Hereinafter, the true image data D ^* is simply referred to as image data D ^* .

Console 90 as an image processing apparatus, as shown in FIG. 15 (A), when respectively generate image data ^D * 1 to D ^* 3 for 3 times of the radiation image capturing in a long shot, the image data ^D * 1 to D ^* 3 in the overlapping amount [Delta] L (FIGS. 11 and 12 refer) image region corresponding to the basis of an image signal value in (hereinafter, referred to. overlap region [Delta] L), the image data ^D * 1 to D ^* 3 between Perform position alignment.

Specifically, console 90 as an image processing apparatus, of the in each image data D ^* 1 to D * ^3, in the overlap region ΔL of the upper end portion of the lower side of the image, the horizontal direction in the drawing image data D ^* The profile (that is, the tendency of the change in value) is calculated. Or you may calculate the profile of the difference value of the image data D ^* adjacent to the horizontal direction.

Then, the console 90 as the image processing apparatus similarly applies the profile of the image data D ^* or the profile of the difference value between the adjacent image data D ^{* in} the overlapping region ΔL at the lower end of the upper image overlapping the overlapping region ΔL. Is calculated.

Then, in each overlapping region ΔL, the lateral end of the patient's body (that is, a so-called edge portion) in the image is detected. Then, in each overlapping region ΔL that overlaps each other, the detected edge portions are aligned, and in the vertical direction in the figure, each image overlaps by the above-described overlap amount ΔL so that adjacent image data D ^* Synthesize 1-D ^* 3 while aligning each other. In this way, as shown in FIG. 15B, the obtained true image data D ^{* for the} number of times of photographing is synthesized to generate one piece of long image data Dlong.

  The console 90 as an image processing apparatus performs various images such as gain correction, normalization processing, and gradation processing according to the imaging region and imaging conditions for the single long image data Dlong synthesized as described above. Processing is performed to generate a single radiographic image p in long imaging.

  Then, when an operator such as a radiologist who has seen the generated radiation image p clicks and confirms the “confirm” button B (see FIG. 14), the confirmed radiation image p designates the long imaging. The long photographing is completed in association with the photographing order information (that is, photographing order information in which “all legs” in the uppermost row in FIG. 6 is designated) in the above case).

[effect]
As described above, according to the radiographic image capturing system 100 according to the present embodiment, the imaging number setting means (console 90 in the case of this embodiment) controls the calculation means (control of the cover plate unit 60 in the case of the present embodiment). When the number of times of shooting in the long shooting calculated by the unit 64) includes a fraction (for example, 0.1), the fraction is determined instead of automatically rounding up the fraction and setting the number of times of shooting as in the conventional system. If the number is within the numerical range, the number of imaging is set so that the number of radiographic images corresponding to the integer part of the number of imaging is calculated without rounding up the number of imaging.

  In the conventional system, if there is a fraction in the calculated number of times of shooting, the number of times of shooting is rounded up and set to the number obtained by adding 1 to the integer part of the calculated number of times of shooting. Therefore, for example, in a case where a portion to be imaged such as a lesioned part of a patient exists only in a part of the region ROI of the subject (for example, the entire lower limb of the patient), it is increased by one time corresponding to the fraction. The number of times of radiation irradiation is increased even though there is no patient lesion in the irradiated portion. Therefore, unnecessary radiation was irradiated to the patient, and the patient's exposure dose was unnecessarily increased.

  On the other hand, in the above case, if the fraction included in the number of shots calculated by the calculation means is within a relatively small numerical range, the fraction is rounded down without rounding up the number of shots, and the calculated number of shots is an integer. Even if the number of times corresponding to the part is set, the lesioned part of the patient is sufficiently imaged by each radiographic image imaging performed by the number of imaging times.

  Therefore, as in the radiographic image capturing system 100 according to the present embodiment, an appropriate numerical range is provided for the fraction included in the number of imaging calculated by the calculation unit, and the fraction included in the calculated number of imaging is within the numerical range. Depending on whether or not, it is possible to appropriately set whether or not to increase the number of times of shooting by rounding up the fraction.

  And if the fraction is within the numerical range and it is a small value, the fraction is rounded down and the number of imaging is not increased, so that the patient is irradiated with unnecessary radiation and the patient's exposure dose increases. Can be prevented accurately. In addition, when the fraction is larger than the numerical value range, it is possible to accurately image the patient's lesion by accurately rounding up the number of imaging.

  As described above, according to the radiographic image capturing system 100 according to the present embodiment, the radiography number setting unit performs radiographic image capturing of an appropriate number of radiographs when performing long imaging, such as a lesion part of a patient. It is possible to accurately take a long image of an object to be photographed.

[Various modifications]
[Modification 1]
Note that, as in the present embodiment, the number of radiographic image captures in long imaging is not set to a predetermined number such as 3 times as in the prior art, and the calculated fractional number is large. For example, the following problem may occur when the value is varied depending on whether or not the value is within a predetermined numerical range.

  In the long imaging, the long imaging is usually not completed unless the set number of radiographic imaging is completed, and the other radiographic imaging (that is, for example, the lower three in the selection screen H1 shown in FIG. 7). It is not possible to shift to independent radiographic imaging corresponding to independent imaging order information.

  In such a situation, if the number of radiographic image captures in long imaging is variable as in the present embodiment, one of the radiographic image capturing systems 100 is used even though the number of radiographs is set to, for example, 3 times. If the device or means misunderstands that the number of times of imaging is two times, the apparatus or means does not perform the operation for the third radiographic image capture, so the third time is taken. Can not be. Therefore, long photographing cannot be ended, and as a result, there may occur a situation in which long photographing does not end no matter how long.

  In addition, assuming that an operator such as a radiologist performs three imaging based on the conventional experience value, the number of imaging is set to 3 on the console 90, but the calculated number of imaging is 2 If it is, it is necessary to reset the number of times of shooting on the console 90 to 2 times, which is troublesome.

  Therefore, in the radiographic image capturing system 100 according to the present embodiment, the number of imaging is not temporarily set to 3 or the like in advance, but the number of imaging is not designated in advance. It is preferable that the number of times of imaging is set in each device or each unit of the radiation image capturing system 100 only when the number of times of imaging is set as described above.

  Therefore, for example, in the example of the long shooting screen H3 on the display unit 91 of the console 90 shown in FIG. 14, among the icons IA corresponding to the shooting order information, the icon IAlong corresponding to the long shooting is set in advance. Rather than grouping the three icons IA into a group of frame lines and displaying them in focus, the console 90 recognizes that a plurality of radiographic images are taken when the photographing order information related to the long photographing is selected. Only when the number of times of photographing is set based on the calculated number of times of photographing as the number of times of photographing setting means, the number of icons IAlong that are grouped and displayed in a grouped frame line is set to the set number of times of photographing. It is preferable to configure so as to be determined together.

  In addition, the thumbnail display space Sb for displaying the thumbnail image pt such as the radiation image p is not configured to be divided into three parts in advance and is not displayed until the number of times of imaging is set as described above. It is preferable that the number of divisions of the thumbnail display space Sb is determined according to the set number of times of photographing.

[Modification 2]
Further, for example, the patient may move during the long photographing. This is because, for example, the preview image p_pre displayed in the display space Sa of the long-length imaging screen H3 (see FIG. 14) is abnormal, or each preview image p_pre or each radiation image p arranged in the thumbnail display space Sb. An operator such as a radiologist can make a judgment by connecting the thumbnail images in an abnormal manner.

  When the long imaging becomes abnormal due to the movement of the patient during the long imaging as described above, it is possible to configure all radiographic imaging in the long imaging from the beginning. . In this case, for example, by providing a “re-photographing all” button (not shown) on the long photographing screen H3, for example, an instruction is given to perform all of the radiographic image photographing in the long photographing again and perform the re-photographing. It is preferable to configure so that

In this case, since the “confirm” button B (see FIG. 14) has not been clicked by an operator such as a radiologist as described above, the radiation image p generated by the long imaging has not been confirmed, Long shooting has not ended. Therefore, in this case, all of the acquired image data D, the calculated true image data D ^* , the combined long image data Dlong, and the like are all deleted, returning to the initial state and performing the long photographing again. It will be in a state to be.

[Modification 3]
In the above-described modification 3, for example, when the patient moves during the long photographing, all the acquired image data D and the like are deleted, and the long photographing is performed again from the beginning. If only one of the radiographic images in the long imaging is performed again to acquire new image data D, it may not be necessary to redo all of them.

  Therefore, in the case of such a configuration, for example, a “re-photograph” button (not shown) is provided on the screen for long imaging H3, and an operator such as a radiologist clicks the “re-photograph” button. In this case, for example, it can be configured to input how many times radiographic imaging is to be performed again. Further, for example, the operator clicks the “re-photograph” button, and instructs the radiographic imaging to be re-photographed by clicking the image to be re-photographed among the images arranged on the thumbnail display space Sb. It is also possible to configure as described above.

In this case, the acquired image data D and the calculated true image data D ^* are deleted only for the radiographic imaging specified as described above. When the long image data Dlong is combined, the long image data Dlong is also deleted. Then, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 and the cover plate 61 are moved to the designated position for radiographic image capturing and the position thereof is adjusted, the radiographic image capturing is performed again, and the above processing for the acquired image data D is performed. The long image data Dlong is newly synthesized.

  In the third modification, not all of the radiographic image capturing in the long imaging is completed and the long image data Dlong is combined as described above, but the preview is displayed on the long imaging screen H3. When the image p_pre (see FIG. 14) is displayed, the operator may be able to determine that reshooting is necessary.

  In such a case, for example, by clicking the preview image p_pre displayed on the long shooting screen H3 or by clicking the thumbnail image of the preview image p_pre displayed on the thumbnail display space Sb. It is also possible to configure so as to redo the radiographic imaging in the long imaging more quickly.

[Modification 4]
On the other hand, for example, there may be a case where the long photographing itself cannot be performed because the patient cannot stand while performing the long photographing. In such a case, if radiographic imaging is not performed for the number of radiographs set as described above, the long imaging does not end, and other radiographic imaging (ie, as shown in FIG. In this case, it is impossible to shift to single radiographic imaging corresponding to the three independent imaging order information on the lower side of the selection screen H1.

  Therefore, in such a case, it is desirable that the long photographing is configured to be forcibly terminated.

  As a method for forcibly ending the long shooting, for example, a “Cancel” button (not shown) is provided on the long shooting screen H3, and the operator clicks the “Cancel” button to select the long shooting. It is possible to configure to stop shooting.

  The processing of “cancellation” of the long shooting is, for example, a level at which the long shooting is temporarily stopped (that is, delayed), or shooting order information related to the long shooting is selected on the selection screen H1. Whether it is set to a level that is not present (remains in the list of shooting orders) or is set to a level that deletes shooting order information related to the long shooting from the list of shooting orders in the HIS. Various settings can be made. It is also possible to configure the operator to select one of these levels.

  In any case, when the long shooting is stopped by the operator clicking, for example, a “stop” button, in this embodiment, the display on the display unit 91 of the console 90 is a screen for long shooting. The screen is switched from H3 (see FIG. 14) to a normal shooting screen H4 as shown in FIG. Note that FIG. 16 shows a case in which the long photographing is stopped and the focus transitions to the next photographing order information (front chest photographing by standing). When long imaging is performed and the process is ended, the radiation image p generated by combining as described above is displayed on the icon I1.

  As shown in FIG. 16, on the normal imaging screen H4, each icon I corresponding to each imaging order information selected on the selection screen H1 (see FIG. 7) (in this case, an icon corresponding to the patient “A”). ) Is displayed. When the “+” button or the “−” button of each item on the display Ia for setting the irradiation condition displayed on the right side of the screen H4 is clicked, the tube voltage or tube of the radiation source 71 of the radiation irradiation apparatus 70 is clicked. Irradiation conditions such as current and irradiation time can be changed and set.

  On the other hand, on the normal shooting screen H4 of the present embodiment, each of the icons I1 to I4 is displayed so that any one of the icons I (the icon I2 in the case of FIG. 16) is conspicuous. Therefore, shooting based on shooting order information corresponding to the focused icon I is performed. The preview image p_pre and the generated radiation image p are displayed on the focused icon I portion. The focus display of the icon I and the like are described in detail in the pamphlet of International Publication No. 2011/142157 filed earlier by the applicant of the present application.

  Further, in this embodiment, when a certain radiographic image capturing is completed (including the case of the above-mentioned cancellation), the state (or radiation radiation) having the smallest amount of change from the current state of the radiographic image capturing device 1 or the radiation source 71 at that time point. The focus shifts to the position of the icon I corresponding to radiographic imaging that can be performed in a state in which the amount of work for the next imaging of an operator such as an engineer is small).

  That is, for example, at the time when long imaging is completed as described above, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is in a state where the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is mounted on the mounting portion 51 (see FIG. 1) of the imaging stand 50. 11 or any one of the positions shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, when the long imaging is finished without being stopped, the radiographic imaging device 1 is in the uppermost position shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

  When the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is moved upward as it is after the end of the long imaging (including the case where it is stopped), radiographic imaging of “front of the chest” for the patient A can be performed. This is because the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 is further raised to perform imaging of the “cervical vertebra lateral surface”, or the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 or another radiographic imaging apparatus 1 is taken as a radiographing stand (not shown). The change amount of each device or the like from the end of the long shooting is the smallest compared to the case of shooting “front of the abdomen” by wearing it on the 16 icon I4 image).

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the console 90 can perform radiographic imaging with the least amount of change from that state when the long imaging indicated by the icon I1 in FIG. The focus is shifted to the icon I2 corresponding to the radiographic image capturing.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the console 90 automatically shifts the focus to set the next radiographic imaging, but an operator such as a radiographer performs imaging based on other imaging order information. If desired, the operator can change the focus by clicking on another icon I corresponding to the shooting order information.

  Further, in the present embodiment, on the left side of the normal imaging screen H4, the imaging site designated by the imaging order information corresponding to the icon I displayed in focus is displayed so that the operator can see at a glance. It is displayed on the human body model Ib.

[Modification 5]
In the above-described modified example 4, using the imaging table 50 for long imaging (see FIG. 1), for example, imaging of “front of the chest”, which is independent imaging, as well as long imaging using all lower limbs as imaging regions. The case of performing also has been described. However, depending on the facility such as the hospital, not only the photographing table 50 for long photographing, but also the photographing table for the above-mentioned position photographing or the photographing table for standing photographing (not shown; icons I2 and I3 in FIG. 16). There are many cases that are equipped with the image diagram in the figure).

  In this way, in a situation where there are various imaging stands in the facility, as shown in the lower side of FIG. 7, imaging order information corresponding to normal single radiographic imaging, and multiple radiographic imaging When the photographing order information corresponding to the long photographing that completes one photographing is selected, each of the image data D and the like acquired by the plurality of radiation image photographing constituting the long photographing is There is a possibility that image data D and the like acquired by another single radiographic image capturing will be mixed.

  For this reason, in the present embodiment, as described above, on the long shooting screen H3 (see FIG. 14), the icons IAlong related to the long shooting are displayed together with a frame line, or a thumbnail display space Sb is provided. Thus, the operator can visually recognize that image data D obtained by shooting other than long shooting is not mixed.

  Further, as described above, in the first modification, the number of icons IAlong to be displayed with a single frame for long shooting and the number of division of the thumbnail display space Sb are varied according to the set number of shootings. . Also, for example, the operator misunderstands that the set number of times of shooting is 2 but 3 times, and the image data D acquired by other independent shooting not related to the long-time shooting, etc. Is prevented from being mixed into the long image data Dlong.

  However, as described above, in a situation where there are various imaging tables in a facility such as a hospital, each of the image data D acquired by the plurality of radiographic imaging that constitutes the long imaging is separately included. There is a greater risk that the image data D and the like acquired in the single radiographic image capturing will be mixed. In addition, various imaging tables are not necessarily provided in the same imaging room, and may be installed across a plurality of imaging rooms.

  In such a case, the radiographic image capturing is performed while organizing using the icon focus function in the console 90 described in the modified example 4, thereby avoiding the above-described problem of the mixing of the image data D. it can.

  That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, an operator such as a radiologist, as shown in FIG. 7, capture order information related to long imaging with “all legs” related to the patient “A” and 3 related to the same patient “A”. It is assumed that imaging order information related to single radiographic imaging is selected. In that case, in the above embodiment, the display on the display unit 91 of the console 90 is immediately switched to the long shooting screen H3 shown in FIG. 14 or the temporary setting screen H2 shown in FIG. Shown when to do.

  However, when the icon focus function is activated as described above, for example, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is not an imaging table 50 for long imaging (see FIG. 1), and is used for standing position imaging different from that. Assuming that the radiographic imaging device 1 is mounted on the imaging stand, the radiographic imaging device 1 is taken out from the imaging stand for standing position imaging and mounted on the mounting portion 51 of the imaging stand 50 for long imaging to perform long imaging. Using, for example, an image of “front of the chest” using an imaging stand for standing imaging, radiographic imaging can be performed with the least amount of change from the current state of the apparatus and the like.

  Therefore, in this case, when the operator selects, for example, imaging order information related to the patient “A” on the selection screen H1 (see FIG. 7), the display on the display unit 91 of the console 90 is the screen for long imaging H3. (See FIG. 14) and the temporary setting screen H2 (see FIG. 8), the screen is switched to the normal shooting screen H4 shown in FIG. Then, the icon I2 corresponding to the radiographic imaging of “front of the chest” is focused and displayed instead of the long imaging.

  In other words, in this state, the next radiographic imaging means that “chest front” imaging is performed. If radiographic imaging is performed in this state, radiographic imaging of the “front of the chest” of the patient “A” is performed, and a radiographic image p is generated and generated based on the acquired image data D and the like. The radiographic image p is associated with the imaging order information and imaging is completed. For this reason, it is possible to accurately prevent the image data D acquired by photographing the “front of the chest” from being mixed into the image data D obtained by long photographing or the combined long image data Dlong. .

  In this case, when the operator operates the console 90 to display the long photographing screen H3 (see FIG. 14) or the temporary setting screen H2 (see FIG. 8) on the display unit 91 (that is, the long photographing). If you have performed an operation to perform imaging), display a message such as “Please attach a radiographic imaging device to the imaging table for long imaging” or utter a voice to the operator. It is desirable to be configured to notify.

[Modification 6]
Further, in the above-described embodiments and modifications, the description has been made on the assumption that there is only one radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 provided in the imaging room. However, a plurality of radiographic imaging devices 1 may be provided or brought into the imaging room.

  In addition, for example, the radiation source 71 of the radiation irradiation apparatus 70 (see FIG. 1) may be shared by an imaging stand for standing position shooting or lying position shooting. That is, for example, when a photographing table 50 for long photographing, a photographing table for standing photographing, and a photographing table for standing photographing are provided in the photographing room, a radiation source 71 is provided for each photographing table. Instead, for example, one radiation source 71 is provided and may be configured to be used in common by changing its position, radiation irradiation direction, or the like.

  In such a case, the icon I that is first focused on the normal imaging screen H4 (see FIG. 16), that is, imaging order information that allows radiographic imaging to be performed with the least amount of change from the current state of the apparatus or the like. The corresponding icon I is the position of the radiation source 71 without changing the position or orientation of the radiation source 71 of the radiation irradiation device 70, rather than the imaging table on which the radiation imaging device 1 is mounted. The icon I corresponding to the shooting order information that is in a state where the shooting can be performed with the least amount of change in the direction is selected.

  That is, for example, when the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is mounted on both the mounting unit 51 of the imaging table 50 for long imaging and the imaging table for standing imaging, the common radiation source 71 is standing imaging. If you are facing the direction of the photographic stand and are ready to irradiate radiation immediately, you can use the pedestal for standing-up photography rather than long-length photography. The person who performs imaging can quickly perform radiographic imaging.

  Therefore, in such a case, in the console 90 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the icon I2 corresponding to the single shooting for shooting the “front of the chest” before the icon I1 corresponding to the long shooting. Is displayed in focus.

  As described above, even when there are a plurality of radiographic image capturing apparatuses 1 in the image capturing room, by focusing the icon I and appropriately setting the image capturing order as described above, it is possible to perform normal image capturing. It is possible to accurately prevent the image data D acquired by shooting from being mixed with the image data D acquired by long shooting or the combined long image data Dlong.

  Also in this case, when the operator operates the console 90 and performs an operation for taking a long image, a radiographic image is displayed on the mounting unit 51 of the image taking table 50 for a long image by display or sound. It is desirable to notify the operator to wear the photographing apparatus 1.

  In addition, when there are a plurality of radiographic imaging devices 1 in the imaging room as described above, if the radiographic imaging device 1 that is not used for imaging is in a state in which imaging can be performed, The radiation irradiated to the radiation imaging apparatus 1 reaches the radiation imaging apparatus 1 that is not used for the imaging, and abnormal image data D is transmitted to the console 90 from the radiation imaging apparatus 1 that is not used for the imaging. This may cause confusion.

  Therefore, when there are a plurality of radiographic imaging apparatuses 1 in the imaging room as described above, for example, a power saving state in which radiographing apparatus 1 that is not used for imaging from console 90 cannot perform imaging ( In other words, it is desirable to send a signal so as to transition to a so-called sleep state.

[Modification 7]
In addition, depending on the severity of a patient, there may be cases where two radiographers deal with imaging of one patient. In such a case, one radiologist attends the patient in the imaging room 101a, and the other radiologist operates the console 90, the operation unit 72 of the radiation irradiation apparatus 70, the exposure switch 73, etc. in the front room 101b. In many cases, the division of roles is performed.

  In this case, since the operation of the cover plate unit 60 in the photographing room 101a and the operation of the console 90 in the front chamber 101b are performed by different persons, it is assumed that the operation contents of the two are different. That is, for example, the radiologist in the radiographing room 101a recognizes that the patient has become unable to withstand long imaging, and immediately decides to stop imaging, but the radiologist in the anterior chamber 101b notices this. A situation such as continuing shooting without taking place may occur.

  In such a case, when both input and set instructions of different contents to each device, the radiographic imaging system 100 is preferably configured not to shift to the subsequent operation. .

  In this case, since the radiologist in the radiographing room 101a is always facing the patient, the radiographer in the radiographing room 101a carries, for example, the above-described portable terminal (not shown) and is carried by the radiologist in the radiographing room 101a. If the instruction at the terminal is prioritized and the radiography stop is input from the portable terminal, the next radiographic imaging is immediately stopped, and the radiology technician in the front chamber 101b cannot irradiate the radiation. It is preferable to configure as described above.

  Further, before the long photographing, the console 90 is temporarily set (see FIG. 8) so as to perform three radiographs in the long photographing, and then photographing is performed by the control unit 64 of the cover plate unit 60 in the photographing room 101a. When the number of times is calculated as 2.1, an engineer in the photographing room 101a inputs, for example, an instruction to delete the upper end of the subject area ROI through the portable terminal, and on the console 90, “subject” Since the area ROI is narrowed and the image is taken twice, the number of times of photography should be changed from 3 times to 2 times ”may be displayed.

  If comprised in this way, another radiographer who operates the console 90 will be able to correct the setting of the correct number of times of imaging corresponding to the imaging situation by correcting the grouped 3 times imaging to 2 times imaging. .

  Further, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  For example, FIG. 9 shows a case where signal transmission or the like is directly performed between the control unit 64 of the cover plate unit 60 and the control unit 54 of the imaging stand 50, but the console 90 is interposed in signal transmission or the like. As long as each device and means can perform the function according to the present invention, their configuration can be appropriately changed from the above embodiment.

  Further, instead of providing a long dedicated photographing stand 50, for example, an existing standing bucky device (not shown) used for chest front photographing or the like and having a lifting function is also used for long photographing. The present invention can be applied even when configured. In this case, the vertical position control of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 attached to the bucky apparatus is performed via the console 90 or via the console 90 and the radiation irradiation apparatus 70.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Radiographic imaging device 7 Radiation detection element 54 Control part (position adjustment means) of imaging stand
64 Control unit (calculation means) of cover plate unit
70 Radiation irradiation device 71 Radiation source 90 Console (imaging number setting means, image processing device)
91 Display (notification means)
92 Input Means 100 Radiographic Imaging System D Image Data Dlong Long Image Data H Patient P Detection Unit ROI Subject Area ΔL Overlapping Amount

Claims (7)

A radiation image capturing apparatus including a detection unit in which a plurality of radiation detection elements are arranged in a two-dimensional manner, and converting the acquired radiation into image data by each of the radiation detection elements, respectively, and
A radiation irradiation apparatus comprising a radiation source that irradiates the radiation imaging apparatus with radiation through a subject that is a part of a patient's body;
Input means for inputting an area of the subject to be subjected to long shooting;
Calculating means for calculating the number of imaging in long imaging based on the area of the subject and the size of the detection unit in the radiographic imaging apparatus;
Based on the calculation result by the calculation means, position adjustment means for adjusting the position of the radiographic imaging apparatus at least for each radiographic imaging in long imaging,
An image processing device that generates a single piece of long image data by combining a plurality of the image data acquired by the radiation image photographing device in the long photographing;
With
Further, when the number of times of photographing in the long photographing calculated by the calculating means includes a fraction in addition to the integer part, when the fraction is within a predetermined numerical range, the number of times corresponding to the integer part is determined as the number of times of photographing. When the number exceeds the predetermined numerical range, the number of times of adding 1 to the integer portion is set as the number of times of shooting,
The position adjusting means adjusts the position of the radiographic image capturing apparatus at least for each radiographic image capture in long-length radiographing so that radiographic image capturing of the number of radiographs set by the radiographing number setting unit is performed. Radiation imaging system. The input means is configured to be able to input permission or disapproval for a part of the area of the subject that is a subject of long photographing cannot be photographed,
The position adjusting means includes
When the permission is input through the input means, radiographic imaging is performed a number of times corresponding to the integer part,
When the impossible input is made through the input means, the radiographic imaging is performed at least every radiographic imaging in the long imaging so that the radiographic imaging is performed by adding 1 to the integer part. The radiographic imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the position of the apparatus is adjusted.   The input means includes the permission or the impossibility when the number of times of photographing in the long photographing calculated by the calculating means includes a fraction in addition to an integer part, and the fraction is within the determined numerical value range. The radiation image capturing system according to claim 2, wherein an input is received.   The calculation means is configured to generate the long image data in the image processing device from the image data acquired by the radiographic image capturing device for each radiographic image capturing in the long image capturing. The radiographic imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the number of times of imaging in long imaging is calculated by varying an overlapping amount for overlapping each other.   The position adjusting unit is configured to generate the long image data in the image processing apparatus from the image data acquired by the radiographic image capturing apparatus for each radiographic image capturing in the long image capturing. The position of the said radiographic imaging apparatus is adjusted at least for every radiographic imaging in long imaging | photography, changing the duplication amount which makes data overlap, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. The radiographic imaging system described.   In the case where the number of times of photographing in the long photographing calculated by the calculating means includes a fraction in addition to the integer part and the fraction is within the numerical value range determined by the position adjusting means, The position of the radiographic imaging apparatus is adjusted at least for each radiographic imaging in long imaging so that the overlapping quantity is shorter than the overlapping quantity set when the fraction exceeds the predetermined numerical range. The radiographic image capturing system according to claim 5, wherein: A radiation image capturing apparatus including a detection unit in which a plurality of radiation detection elements are arranged in a two-dimensional manner, and converting the acquired radiation into image data by each of the radiation detection elements, respectively, and
A radiation irradiation apparatus comprising a radiation source that irradiates the radiation imaging apparatus with radiation through a subject that is a part of a patient's body;
Input means for inputting an area of the subject to be subjected to long shooting;
Calculating means for calculating the number of imaging in long imaging based on the area of the subject and the size of the detection unit in the radiographic imaging apparatus;
Based on the calculation result by the calculation means, position adjustment means for adjusting the position of the radiographic imaging apparatus at least for each radiographic imaging in long imaging,
An image processing device that generates a single piece of long image data by combining a plurality of the image data acquired by the radiation image photographing device in the long photographing;
With
Further, when the number of times of photographing in the long photographing calculated by the calculating means includes a fraction in addition to the integer part and the fraction is within a predetermined numerical range, the subject is set via the input means. A radiographic imaging system comprising a notifying unit for informing so as to reset the area.

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