WO2009150869A1

WO2009150869A1 - Radiographic imaging system

Info

Publication number: WO2009150869A1
Application number: PCT/JP2009/053486
Authority: WO
Inventors: 健一小澤
Original assignee: コニカミノルタエムジー株式会社
Priority date: 2008-06-11
Filing date: 2009-02-26
Publication date: 2009-12-17
Also published as: JP2011172603A

Abstract

Provided is a radiographic imaging system wherein the order of data transmission of multiple digital images stored in a radiographic image detector can be modified as appropriate by an operator operating the console. The radiographic imaging system (1) is provided with a console (7) that coordinates registered imaging order information with digital image data, and a radiographic image detector (2) that creates digital image data based on imaging order information transmitted from the console (7) and which is provided with a control means (26) that controls transmission of the digital image data to the console (7). The console (7) associates transmission commands that specify the order of digital image data transmission with imaging order information and transmits them to the specified radiographic image detector (2). The control means (26) of the radiographic image detector (2) transmits the digital image data to the console (7) according to the transmission commands associated with the imaging order information regardless of the order of imaging.

Description

Radiation imaging system

The present invention relates to a radiographic image capturing system.

For the purpose of disease diagnosis and the like, radiation images taken using radiation represented by X-ray images are widely used. Conventionally, such medical radiographic images have been taken using a screen film. In order to digitize radiographic images, CR (Computed Radiography) devices using stimulable phosphor sheets have been developed. Furthermore, a radiation image detector has been developed that detects irradiated radiation with a radiation detection element such as a photodiode (photoelectric conversion element) arranged two-dimensionally and obtains it as digital image data.

This type of radiation image detector is known as an FPD (Flat Panel Detector), and is conventionally formed integrally with a Bucky device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In recent years, portable radiation image detectors have been developed that can be used by storing radiation detection elements in a case and making them portable and loading them in the Bucky device or using them alone without loading them in the Bucky device. Have been put to practical use (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

In such a radiation image detector, digital image data detected by each radiation detection element is sent to a control unit in the apparatus or an external computer (hereinafter referred to as a console), and is imaged and used for diagnosis or the like. However, the higher the definition of the radiographic image detector, the greater the number of pixels of the radiographic image detector (that is, the number of radiation detection elements), and the greater the number of pixel data per piece of digital image data. The digital image data transmission time tends to be long.

Therefore, for the purpose of determining at an early stage whether an operator such as a radiologist or a doctor confirms whether the shooting position of the subject in the captured image is appropriate, and whether re-imaging is necessary, etc. Thinned image data is generated by reducing the amount of data by thinning out pixels (that is, pixel data output from the radiation detection element) from the original digital image data at a predetermined rate, and the thinned image data is first transferred to the console for a short time. (See, for example, Patent Documents 3 to 5). When the operator confirms the thinned image based on the thinned image data on the screen of the console or the like and determines that the image is appropriate, the original digital image data (also referred to as raw data) is newly obtained from the radiation image detector. Need to be sent to the console.

On the other hand, in the radiation image detector, unlike the case of the CR apparatus using the photostimulable phosphor sheet, the photographed digital image data can be stored in the storage means. Therefore, unlike the CR cassette used in the CR apparatus, it is not necessary to read the data by irradiating the sheet with excitation light every time radiographic imaging is performed, and a plurality of digital image data is stored in the storage means, and the data is recorded after the fact. Can be read.

Therefore, header information such as patient ID and part information is attached to the photographed digital image data, and a plurality of digital image data to which the header information is attached is stored in the storage means of the radiation image detector and managed collectively. It has been proposed (see Patent Document 6). In addition, when transmitting a plurality of digital image data stored in the storage means of the radiation image detector to a console or the like, not only the plurality of digital image data is transmitted in the order in which they were photographed, but also a radiation image It has been proposed that the detector be configured to change the transmission order (see Patent Document 7).
JP-A-9-73144 JP 2006-058124 A JP 7-246199 A JP 2002-330429 A JP 2005-13310 A JP 2004-180931 A JP 2000-217805 A

By the way, when the radiological image detector is made portable and is loaded into the bucky device as described above or used in a single state without being loaded into the bucky device, the plurality of radiological image detectors are variously replaced. Thus, radiographic imaging can be performed. However, a large number of radiological image detectors can be present in an imaging room where radiographic imaging is performed or in the front chamber thereof. In addition, a plurality of digital image data is stored in the storage means of each radiation image detector.

In such a case, it is very troublesome to artificially manage which digital image data is stored in which radiation image detector, and it is necessary to manage it centrally with a console or the like.

If the radiographic imaging system is configured so that the order of transmission of a plurality of digital image data stored in the storage means of the radiographic image detector to the console can be changed on the console side, the operator This is convenient because it is possible to appropriately determine according to various situations and transmit each digital image data from the radiation image detector to the console or the like in an appropriate order.

Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and the order of transmission of a plurality of digital image data stored in the radiation image detector is appropriately determined by the operator operating the console. An object of the present invention is to provide a radiographic imaging system that can be changed to

In order to solve the above-described problem, the radiographic imaging system of the present invention includes:
At least one console for associating the registered imaging order information with digital image data obtained by radiographic imaging performed based on the imaging order information;
The subject is photographed based on the photographing order information transmitted from the console to generate digital image data, the digital image data is associated with the photographing order information and stored in a storage means in the photographing order, and the digital image A radiation image detector comprising control means for controlling transmission of data to the console;
With
The console transmits a transmission command specifying the transmission order of the digital image data in association with the imaging order information to the designated radiation image detector,
The control means of the radiation image detector transmits the digital image data to the console in an order according to the transmission command associated with the imaging order information regardless of the imaging order.

According to the radiographic imaging system of the system as in the present invention, the radiographic image detector transmits radiographing order information and a transmission command having various contents associated therewith to the radiographic image detector from the console. The control means transmits the digital image data and the like to the console in the order according to the transmission command associated with the shooting order information regardless of the shooting order. For this reason, the operator operates the console and transmits a transmission command for specifying the transmission order of the digital image data to the radiation image detector in association with the imaging order information, which is stored in the radiation image detector. It is possible to appropriately change the order of transmission of a plurality of digital image data and the like regardless of the shooting order.

At the same time, there are many radiological image detectors that are used in various forms, such as being in a single state, loaded into a bucky device, or formed integrally with the bucky device. However, it is possible to designate a specific radiation image detector from the console and transmit the target digital image data in an appropriate order, and the operator can easily and accurately obtain the target digital image data. It becomes possible.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the radiographic imaging system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of a radiographic image detector. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure inside a radiographic image detector. It is a figure which shows an example of imaging | photography order information. It is a figure which shows an example of the selection image by 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 selection image in which the icon of the Bucky apparatus displayed on the display part of a console or the radiographic image detector was displayed. It is a figure showing several image data preserve | saved at the memory | storage means of a radiographic image detector, imaging | photography order ID, patient ID, imaging | photography order, etc. FIG. It is a figure showing the state with which a priority patient command is linked | related with the imaging order information of imaging | photography order ID "001" of FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which image data in which an emergency command is newly associated with imaging order information is stored in the storage unit of the radiation image detector in the state of FIG. 7. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which image data in which an emergency command and a raw-only command are newly associated with imaging order information is stored in the storage unit of the radiation image detector in the state of FIG. 7. It is a figure which shows an example of the selection image for setting the transmission command displayed on the display part of a console.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a radiographic image capturing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following illustrated examples.

The radiographic imaging system 1 according to the present embodiment is a system that assumes radiographic imaging performed in a hospital or a clinic, and is, for example, a part of a patient M irradiated with radiation as shown in FIG. An imaging room R1 for imaging a subject (a part to be imaged by the patient M) and an anterior room R2 for controlling radiation applied to an object by an operator such as a radiographer or a doctor, processing an image of the acquired radiation image, and the like. Is to be placed.

In the present embodiment, in the radiographing room R1, a bucky device 3 that can be loaded with a portable radiographic image detector 2 (hereinafter simply referred to as a radiographic image detector 2), and radiation generation for irradiating a subject with radiation. A wireless access point (base station) 5 or the like is provided to relay the communication when the apparatus 4, the radiation image detector 2 and the console 7 perform wireless communication. The front chamber R2 is provided with a tag reader 6 for detecting a tag (described later) built in the radiographic image detector 2 and a console 7 for controlling the radiographic image capturing system 1 as a whole.

In this embodiment, the case where the console 7 is provided in the front room R2 adjacent to the photographing room R1 will be described. However, the console 7 does not need to be provided in the front room R2, and is provided in another place. For example, it may be configured to be connected to an operation console constituted by a computer (not shown) provided in the front room R2 via a network or the like.

In the present embodiment, a case where the shooting room R1 and the console 7 are associated with each other in a one-to-one manner will be described. It is also possible to configure the photographing room R1 and the console 7 in a one-to-one correspondence by designating the photographing room R1 by an operation on the 7 side.

In this embodiment, the radiation image detector (FPD) 2 is portable, and as shown in FIG. 2, the control means 26, the image detection unit 27 (both see FIG. 3) and the like are built in the housing 21. Things are used.

The image detection unit 27 of the radiation image detector 2 is configured as a so-called indirect type in which irradiated radiation is converted into light by a scintillator and detected by a photoelectric conversion element such as a photodiode, or via a scintillator. Instead, it is also possible to use what is configured as a so-called direct type in which radiation is directly detected by a radiation detection element. In addition, FIG. 2 shows the case where the casing 21 is formed of the front member 21a and the back member 21b. However, the casing 21 can be formed in a cylindrical monocoque shape. is there.

A power supply / mode changeover switch 22 is arranged on the side surface portion of the radiation image detector 2, and the power supply / mode changeover switch 22 is manually pressed by continuously pressing the power supply / mode changeover switch 22 for a relatively long time (for example, about 1 or 2 seconds). The radiation image detector 2 can be turned on / off. In addition, when the power is on, the power consumption mode of the radiation image detector 2 is required for each member so that the radiation image can be captured by pressing the power / mode switch 22 for a short time. Can be switched between at least two types of power consumption states: a state in which imaging can be performed and a sleep state in which radiation imaging is not performed even when radiation is applied. Yes.

In the present embodiment, the radiation image detector 2 can receive signals such as imaging order information and a transmission command, which will be described later, from the console 7 even when the power consumption state is the sleep state. In contrast, digital image data and the like described later can be transmitted.

In addition to this, a side member of the radiation image detector 2 is provided with a lid member 23 that can be opened and closed for replacement of a battery (not shown) built in the housing 21. An antenna device 24 that is a wireless communication means for the radiological image detector 2 to transmit and receive information wirelessly to the outside via the wireless access point 5 is embedded.

The side surface of the radiation image detector 2 is further provided with an indicator 25 made of, for example, an LED or the like for displaying the charging status of the battery and various operating statuses. Moreover, when the radiographic image detector 2 is loaded on the bucky device 3 to be described later, a side surface portion opposite to the side surface portion of the radiographic image detector 2 provided with the indicator 25 or the like is stored in the bucky device 3. A terminal 30 (see FIG. 3) is connected to an electrode (not shown), and the radiation image detector 2 is supplied with electric power from the outside via the bucky device 3 and exchanges signals with the outside. .

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration inside the radiation image detector. In addition, illustration of the indicator 25 is abbreviate | omitted in FIG. The radiation image detector 2 is provided with a control means 26 composed of a microcomputer or the like, and the control means 26 is an image detection unit in which a radiation detection element such as the photodiode (photoelectric conversion element) described above is arranged. 27, communication control means 28 for controlling transmission / reception of data and signals to / from the outside via the antenna device 24, the terminal 30 and the like, in particular, the console 7, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), flash memory The storage means 29 etc. which consist of etc. are connected. In addition, the radiation image detector 2 incorporates a member such as a battery (not shown).

In the image detection unit 27, when a subject is photographed, each analog signal output from each radiation detection element is converted into a digital signal each time a radiographic image is captured, thereby generating one digital image data. It has come to be. The generated digital image data is stored in the storage unit 29 by the control unit 26 in the order of photographing.

Thus, the storage means 29 can store a plurality of digital image data. For this reason, the radiation image detector 2 is used to continuously irradiate the subject with radiation, and the digital image data is stored in the storage means 29 each time, so that continuous shooting or movie shooting can be performed. Can be done.

Further, when storing the generated digital image data in the storage unit 29, the control unit 26 stores the digital image data in association with imaging order information including information such as imaging conditions of radiographic imaging, Further, the thinned image data is generated from the digital image data, and the thinned image data is also stored in the storage means 29 in association with the imaging order information. The radiographic image detector 2 including these controls is also provided. Control in the control means 26, transmission / reception of signals and digital image data with the console 7, etc. will be described in detail later.

A tag (not shown) is built in the radiation image detector 2. In this embodiment, a tag called a so-called RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) tag is used as the tag, and the tag stores a control circuit that controls each part of the tag and unique information of the radiation image detector 2. The part is built in compactly. The unique information includes, for example, a cassette ID, scintillator type information, size information, resolution, and the like as identification information assigned to the radiation image detector 2.

Further, the radiation image detector 2 has a size conforming to JIS Z 4905 (corresponding international standard is IEC 60406) in a conventional screen / film cassette. That is, the thickness in the radiation incident direction is within a range of 15 mm + 1 mm to 15 mm-2 mm, and is 8 inches × 10 inches, 10 inches × 12 inches, 11 inches × 14 inches, 14 inches × 14 inches, 14 inches × 17 inches. (Half cut size) etc. are prepared.

In the present embodiment, the radiation image detector 2 is formed in accordance with the JIS standard relating to the screen / film cassette as described above. Therefore, a CR cassette formed in accordance with the JIS standard is loaded in the same manner. It can be used by being loaded into a bucky device 3 for CR cassette. Therefore, in this embodiment, not only the radiographic image detector 2 but also a CR cassette can be brought into the radiographing room R1 to perform radiographic imaging.

Further, the radiation image detector 2 can be used in a so-called single state that is not loaded in the bucky device 3. That is, the radiation image detector 2 is arranged in a single state on, for example, a support base provided in the imaging room R1, and the hand of the patient M as a subject is placed on the radiation incident surface X (see FIG. 2). Or, for example, inserted between the waist and feet of the patient M lying on the bed and the bed, so-called free radiation that is not associated with the portable radiation generator 4c, that is, the bucky device 3. Digital image data can be obtained by irradiating radiation from the generator 4c or the like.

When the radiographic image detector 2 is loaded in the Bucky device 3 and imaging is performed, the radiation image detector 2 receives external power supply via the Bucky device 3 through the terminal 30 described above, and transmits and receives signals and digital image data. To communicate with the outside.

Further, when used in a single state, the radiation image detector 2 is operated by the power of the built-in battery, and is external to the transmission / reception of signals and digital image data, particularly with the console 7. The exchange is performed by wireless communication via the wireless access point 5 provided in the radiographing room R1 via the antenna device 24 of the radiation image detector 2. Note that, for example, the radiation image detector 2 may be brought into the anterior chamber R2 and connected to the console 7 by wire to transmit digital image data to the console 7 or the like.

In the present embodiment, a case is described in which a portable radiation image detector 2 is used and loaded into the Bucky device 3 as described above or used alone, but a plurality of digital image data can be stored. As long as the storage means 29 is provided, a radiation image detector that is integrally formed with the bucky device 3 as in the past can be used. The present invention can also be applied to a case where the portable radiation image detector 2, the bucky device 3 and the integrated radiation image detector are used in a mixed state.

The imaging room R1 is shielded with lead or the like so that radiation does not leak outside. The imaging room R1 is provided with a bucky device 3 into which the radiation image detector 2 can be loaded. In the present embodiment, a bucky device 3a for standing position photography and a bucky device 3b for lying position photography are provided as the bucky device 3, respectively. The bucky device 3 is also provided with a cassette holding unit 31 for holding the radiation image detector 2 in a predetermined position.

In the present embodiment, as described above, a bucky device for CR cassette is used as the bucky device 3. Although not shown, the cassette holding unit 31 of the bucky device 3 includes a loading detection device such as a microswitch that physically detects that the radiation image detector 2 is loaded, and the radiation image detector 2. An electrode that is connected to the terminal 30 of the radiation image detector 2 when normally loaded is provided.

In addition, the bucky device 3 includes a monitor (not shown) such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an operation input unit such as a keyboard or a touch panel, a voice generation unit, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and the like. An operation unit 32 is provided. The imaging order information transmitted from the console 7 is displayed on the monitor of the operation unit 32, and the operator can confirm the patient, the imaging region, and the like by viewing the display.

Further, when the loading detection device detects the loading of the radiation image detector 2 or the like to the cassette holding unit 31, the communication with the radiation image detector 2 through the electrode is not established, etc. A voice is uttered from the utterance unit to alert the operator to reinsert the radiation image detector 2 and the like. In this embodiment, in the bucky device 3a for standing position photography or the bucky device 3b for standing position photography, for example, the position adjustment of the apparatus itself or the height adjustment of the cassette holding unit 31 with respect to the apparatus main body is appropriately performed. This is possible in the same manner as the known Bucky device.

The imaging room R1 is provided with at least one radiation generating device 4 having a radiation source for irradiating the subject with radiation. In this embodiment, the buoy devices 3a and 3b for standing imaging and lying imaging are provided. The radiation generators 4a and 4b are arranged in advance in association with each other. It is also possible to configure so that one dual-purpose radiation generation device is provided in association with the standing-up photographing and the standing-up photographing bucky devices 3a and 3b.

In the present embodiment, there is also provided a portable radiation generation device 4c that is not associated with the standing-up imaging device 3a and the standing-up imaging device 3b. It can be carried anywhere in the photographing room R1 and can irradiate radiation in any direction. In the present embodiment, the portable radiation generator 4c is activated by a radio signal from the radiation image detector 2, but can be configured to be activated by operating the console 7 or the like. is there.

The radiation generating device 4 includes an X-ray tube as a radiation source, and the X-ray tube emits a dose of radiation corresponding to the voltage when a high voltage is applied. The radiation generators 4a and 4b respectively associated with the standing and radiographing bucky devices 3a and 3b are suspended from the ceiling of the imaging room R1, for example. At the time of photographing, it is activated based on an instruction from the console 7 and is moved to a predetermined position by a moving means (not shown).

A wireless access point (base station) 5 that relays communication when the radiographic image detector 2 and the console 7 perform wireless communication is installed at one corner in the imaging room R1. FIG. 1 shows a case where the wireless access point 5 is provided in the vicinity of the entrance of the photographing room R1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the wireless access point 5 is located at an appropriate position where wireless communication with the wireless communication means 8 of the console 7 is possible. Installed.

Also, a tag reader 6 for exchanging information with the radiation image detector 2 using RFID technology is installed near the entrance of the front chamber R2. The tag reader 6 transmits predetermined instruction information on radio waves or the like via a built-in antenna (not shown), and enters or exits the front room R2, that is, the radiographic image detector 2, that is, the radiographing room R1 or the front room R2. The radiation image detector 2 that has entered the range is detected. The tag reader 6 reads the unique information stored in the detected RFID tag of the radiation image detector 2 and transmits the read unique information to the console 7.

In this embodiment, a console 7 is provided in the front chamber R2. The console 7 is composed of a computer (not shown) with a CPU, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), an input / output interface and the like connected to the bus, and reads a predetermined program stored in the ROM. The entire radiographic imaging system 1 is controlled by developing it in the work area of the RAM and executing various processes according to the program.

The console 7 is connected to the stand-up and stand-up shooting bucky devices 3a and 3b, the radiation generating devices 4a and 4b associated therewith, the tag reader 6 and the like via cables or the like. The wireless communication means 8 for performing wireless communication with the radiation image detector 2 is connected via the wireless access point 5. The console 7 is connected to storage means 9 composed of a hard disk or the like, and the console 7 is connected to other input means (not shown) such as a keyboard and a mouse.

When the console 7 receives the unique information including the cassette ID of the radiation image detector 2 detected by the tag reader 6 as described above, the radiation image detector 2 of the received cassette ID is registered in the storage unit 9. If not, the radiation image detector 2 is registered in the storage means 9 as being newly brought into the photographing room R1 and the like, and if the transmitted cassette ID is already registered in the storage means 9, the radiation is detected. The image detector 2 is deleted from the storage means 9 as being taken out of the imaging room R1 or the like, so that the radiation image detector 2 existing in the imaging room R1 or the like is grasped and managed on the storage means 9 It has become.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, in addition to this, for example, the console 7 records and outputs a radiation image on an image recording medium such as a film based on digital image data output from the console 7. An imager etc. is connected. The storage means 9 is a table in which cassette IDs and information such as scintillator type information, size information, and resolution are associated with the radiation image detector 2 that can be used for radiographic imaging in the imaging room R1. Is stored in advance.

In the storage unit 9 of the console 7, as illustrated in FIG. 4, each imaging order information including information on a patient who is a subject of radiographic imaging in the imaging room R <b> 1 and imaging conditions is registered in a list form in advance. . In the present embodiment, each imaging order information includes “patient ID” P2, “patient name” P3, “sex” P4, “age” P5, “clinic department” P6 as patient information, and “imaging site” as imaging conditions. "P7" and "shooting direction" P8. Then, “shooting order ID” P1 is automatically assigned to each shooting order information in the order in which the shooting orders are received.

The patient information and the imaging conditions to be written in the imaging order information are not limited to those described above, and include, for example, information such as the patient's date of birth, the number of medical examinations, the radiation dose, and whether the patient is fat or thin. It can also be configured as described above, and can be set as appropriate. Further, for example, the console 7 is connected to a HIS (Hospital Information System) or RIS (Radiology Information System) via a network, and imaging order information, information about the radiation image detector 2 and the like are obtained from them. It is also possible.

The console 7 is provided with a display unit 71 (see FIG. 1) composed of a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and the console 7 is registered in the storage means 9 when radiographic images are taken. The above list of imaging order information is read out (or a list of imaging order information is obtained from the HIS / RIS via the network), for example, on the selection screen H1 of the display unit 71 as shown in FIG. It is supposed to be displayed.

In the present embodiment, the selection screen H1 is provided with a shooting order information display field h11 for displaying a list of shooting order information, and the left side of the shooting order information display field h11 is scheduled to be shot this time. A selection button h12 for selecting shooting order information is provided corresponding to each shooting order information. Further, an enter button h13 and a return button h14 are provided below the imaging order information display field h11.

Further, on the right side of the imaging order information display field h11, transmission of digital image data and the like when transmitting digital image data and the like from the radiographic image detector 2 used for radiographic imaging based on the imaging order information to the console 7 is performed. A selection button h15 for setting a transmission command for designating the order is provided. The meaning of the transmission command, the contents of “emergency”, “raw only”, “priority patient”, etc. will be described in detail later.

On the selection screen H1, when the shooting order information to be shot this time is selected by clicking the selection button h12 corresponding to the shooting order information and clicking the decision button h13, the screen of the display unit 71 is switched. The console 7 then displays an icon as exemplified in FIG. 6 on the selection screen H2 of the display unit 71, for example.

As shown in FIG. 6, while standing on the left side of the selection screen H <b> 2, the standing position and the standing position are surrounded by a rectangular frame, and the standing position shooting Bucky device 3 a and the standing position shooting position are displayed.

Icons

3A and 3B corresponding to the bucky device 3b are respectively displayed. Further, on the right side of the selection screen H2, icons 2A corresponding to the radiation image detectors 2 in a single state existing in the imaging room R1 and the like are displayed in a rectangular shape.

In the example of FIG. 6, the icon 3 </ b> A corresponding to the standing-up imaging device 3 a that is not loaded with the radiation image detector 2 is indicated by a broken line, and the radiation image detector 2 is loaded. The frame line of the icon 3B corresponding to the bucky device 3b for photographing the supine position is displayed as a solid line, and the inside of the frame line is colored with a predetermined color and displayed.

Further, each radiation such as “100 μ” is placed in the frame of the icon 2A corresponding to the radiation image detector 2 or in the vicinity of the frame of the icon 3B corresponding to the bucky device 3b in which the radiation image detector 2 is loaded. The resolution of the image detector 2 is displayed. In addition, it is also possible to configure to display necessary information about each radiation image detector 2.

In this embodiment, when the icon 2A or the icon 3B is clicked in this state, the radiological image detector 2 in a single state corresponding to the icon 2A, or the bucky device for the supine photographing corresponding to the icon 3B. The radiation image detector 2 loaded in 3b is selected and designated as a radiation image detector used for radiographic imaging based on radiographing order information selected on the selection screen H1.

Therefore, when the icon 2A or the icon 3B is clicked on the selection screen H2, the console 7 associates the imaging order information selected on the selection screen H1 with the radiation image detector 2 designated by clicking the icon. In addition, it is stored in the storage means 9. Further, the console 7 transmits the imaging order information to the designated radiation image detector 2.

That is, the console 7 selects, for example, the shooting order information of the shooting order ID “001” on the selection screen H1 shown in FIG. 5 by the operator, and the bucky device for lying position shooting on the selection screen H2 shown in FIG. When the icon 3B corresponding to 3b is clicked and specified, the cassette ID etc. of the radiation image detector 2 loaded in the bucky device 3b for lying position imaging and the imaging order ID of the imaging order information are stored in the storage means 9. “001” and the like are stored in association with each other. At the same time, the imaging order information such as the imaging order ID “001” and the patient ID “100085” is transmitted to the radiation image detector 2 loaded in the bucky device 3b.

The control means 26 of the radiographic image detector 2 loaded in the bucky device 3b captures the radiographing order ID “001” and the like transmitted from the console 7 from now on using the radiographic image detector 2. It is acquired as information relating to order information and is registered in the storage means 29.

Then, the operator performs radiographic image capturing according to the radiographing order information using the radiographic image detector 2, and digital image data is generated and output by the image detection unit 27 of the radiographic image detector 2. Then, the control unit 26 stores the digital image data in the storage unit 29 in association with the shooting order ID “001” or the like of the shooting order information.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the control means 26 of the radiation image detector 2 generates digital image data, pixels (that is, digital data output from each radiation detection element) are thinned out from the digital image data at a predetermined rate, Thinned-out image data that is reduced so that the data amount is, for example, about 1/16 of the digital image data is generated. When the thinned image data is generated, the control unit 26 stores the thinned image data in the storage unit 29 in association with the original digital image data and the photographing order ID “001” of the photographing order information. It has become.

Incidentally, the operator usually retreats to the front chamber R2 in order to avoid exposure during radiographic imaging in which radiation is emitted from the radiation generator 4. Therefore, for example, the operator operates the console 7 in the front room R2 during or after radiographic imaging according to the imaging order information of the imaging order ID “001”, and on the selection screen H1 as described above. By selecting radiographing order information and clicking the

icons

2A, 3B, etc. on the selection screen H2, the radiographic image detector 2 can be designated to prepare for the next radiographic imaging.

For example, when radiographic imaging is performed on the same patient A in accordance with imaging order information of imaging order ID “002” following radiographic imaging based on imaging order information of imaging order ID “001”, for example, The operator selects the imaging order information of the imaging order ID “002” on the selection screen H1 (see FIG. 5) during or after radiographic imaging of the imaging order ID “001” in the anterior room R2, and FIG. The radiation image detector 2 is designated by clicking on the icon 3B corresponding to the bucky device 3b for lying position photographing on the selection screen H2 shown.

As described above, at this stage, the imaging order information and the designated radiographic image detector 2 are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 9, and the radiographic order information is stored in the designated radiographic image detector 2. Sent.

When the imaging order information such as the imaging order ID “002” is transmitted from the console 7, the control means 26 of the radiation image detector 2 registers the imaging order information in the storage means 29. When radiographic image capturing based on the imaging order information of the imaging order ID “002” is performed, the control unit 26 stores the digital image data in the storage unit 29 in association with the imaging order ID “002” and the like. The thinned image data is generated and stored in the storage unit 29 in association with the original digital image data and the imaging order ID “002” of the imaging order information.

In this way, in the storage unit 29 of the radiation image detector 2, as shown in FIG. 7, the digital image data and the thinned image data associated with the imaging order ID and the like are stored in the order of imaging. ing.

In FIG. 7, the attribute “image” of the image data indicates that the image data is the original digital image data. In the example of FIG. 7, the radiographic image detector 2 is used to perform radiographic image capturing based on the radiographing order information of the radiographing order IDs “001” and “002” for the patient with the patient ID “100085”. Subsequently, radiographic imaging is performed based on the imaging order information of the imaging order ID “009” for the patient with the patient ID “100320”, and then the imaging order IDs “003” and “003” for the patient with the patient ID “100085” again. Each radiographic image capture based on each radiographing order information of “004” is performed, indicating that a total of 5 radiographic image captures have been performed.

In the above example, the thinned image data and digital image data (hereinafter, both are collectively shown in FIG. 7) are stored in the storage unit 29 of the radiographic image detector 2 loaded in the bucky device 3b for supine photography. In other words, the image data that has not been transmitted to the console 7 is stored in the other radiation image detectors 2 unless they are deleted. Stored in the means 29.

The radiation image detector 2 is configured to transmit the image data stored in the storage means 29 to the console 7 when an image data transmission request is transmitted from the console 7 by the operation of the operator.

As described above, when the specific transmission command is not set on the selection screen H1 (see FIG. 5) of the console 7, that is, the shooting order information associated with the image data is specified as shown in FIG. When the transmission command is not associated, the control means 26 of the radiation image detector 2 interprets that the normal transmission command is associated with each imaging order information.

In this embodiment, in the case of such normal transmission, the thinned image data associated with the photographing order information and the digital image data are transmitted to the console 7 in order from the smallest photographing order number. ing. This is because, as described above, thinned image data with a low resolution but a small amount of data is quickly transmitted, so that an operator such as a radiographer or a doctor can appropriately capture the subject in the captured image. This is so that it can be determined at an early stage whether or not re-photographing is necessary.

The radiation image detector 2 transmits to the console 7 thinned image data associated with the imaging order information having the smallest imaging order number in response to the first transmission request from the console 7. When the thinned data reception completion signal for notifying the reception completion of the thinned image data and the transmission request for requesting transmission of the original digital image data of the thinned image data are received from the console 7, Original digital image data corresponding to the image data is transmitted.
It should be noted that the thinning data may be transmitted first in ascending order of the shooting order number, and then the digital image data may be sequentially transmitted in the order of lower shooting order number. In this case, it is possible to instruct to change the transmission order of the digital image data according to the check result of the thinned data.

In this way, the radiation image detector 2 is arranged in the order of the thinned image data and the digital image data in the order of imaging according to the transmission request from the console 7 in a normal case where a specific transmission command is not set. Each image data is transmitted to the console 7.

On the other hand, on the console 7, the operator selects the selection button h15 displayed on the right side of each radiographing order information on the selection screen H1 (see FIG. 5) to select “emergency”, “raw only”, or “priority patient”. By selecting this specific transmission command, the specific transmission command can be set in advance in association with the imaging order information.

When the specific transmission command is selected, the console 7 stores the selected specific transmission command and the imaging order information in association with each other in the storage unit 9. Subsequently, when the radiographic image detector 2 used for radiographic imaging performed based on the radiographing order information is designated, the console 7 instructs the radiographic image detector 2 on the radiographing order information and A specific transmission command associated therewith is transmitted. Further, when the radiological image detector 2 receives the radiographing order information and a specific transmission command associated therewith, the radiographic image detector 2 stores and registers it in the storage unit 29.

For example, a specific transmission command “priority patient” (hereinafter referred to as priority patient command) is selected for the imaging order information with the imaging order ID “001” on the selection screen H1, and the imaging order information and the selected priority are selected. When the patient command is associated and transmitted to the radiation image detector 2, the imaging order information and the priority patient command associated therewith are registered in the storage unit 29 of the radiation image detector 2.

Further, when radiographic imaging is performed based on the imaging order information and digital image data or thinned image data is generated, the radiographic image detector 2 associates a priority patient command with the radiographic image detector 2 as shown in FIG. The shooting order information is stored in the storage unit 29 in association with the image data. The same applies when the specific transmission command is “emergency” (hereinafter referred to as an emergency command) or “raw only” (hereinafter referred to as a “raw only command”).

Here, the priority patient command (specific transmission command “priority patient”) means a transmission command that specifies that image data having a specific patient as a subject is to be transmitted with priority. The control means 26 of the radiation image detector 2 transmits the image data to the console 7 in the order in accordance with the priority patient command associated with the imaging order information regardless of the imaging order.

Specifically, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, when the priority patient command is associated with the imaging order information of the imaging order ID “001”, the control unit 26 of the radiological image detector 2 transmits from the console 7. When requested, the patient ID “100085” included in the imaging order information of the imaging order ID “001” associated with the priority patient command is referred to.

Regardless of the imaging order, the image data associated with the imaging order information of the imaging order IDs “001”, “002”, “003”, and “004” including the same patient ID “100085” is used as a different patient. The image data associated with the imaging order information of the imaging order ID “009” including the ID “100320” is preferentially transmitted to the console 7 first.

Thereafter, if a transmission request is transmitted from the console 7, the control means 26 of the radiation image detector 2 converts the image data associated with the imaging order information of the remaining imaging order ID “009” to the thinned image data, digital It transmits to the console 7 in order of image data.

In addition, the emergency command (specific transmission command “emergency”) urgently transmits the image data associated with the imaging order information associated with the emergency command to the radiation image detector 2 with the highest priority. This means a transmission command that specifies this. The control means 26 of the radiation image detector 2 transmits the image data to the console 7 in the order according to the emergency command associated with the imaging order information regardless of the imaging order.

For example, the shooting order information of the shooting order ID “010” is selected on the selection screen H1 (see FIG. 5), and at the same time, the “emergency” selection button h15 is selected in the transmission command setting on the right side of the selection screen H1 to set the emergency command. Then, it is assumed that the icon 3B corresponding to the bucky device 3b for position photographing is selected on the selection screen H2 (see FIG. 6), and the radiation image detector 2 loaded thereon is designated. At this time, it is assumed that a plurality of pieces of image data are already stored in the radiation image detector 2 as shown in FIG.

In this case, the console 7 associates the radiographing order information (imaging order ID “010”) with the emergency command and transmits it to the radiation image detector 2. The radiation image detector 2 registers the imaging order information and the emergency command associated therewith in the storage unit 29. When the digital image data and the thinned image data are generated, the control unit 26 of the radiation image detector 2 captures the imaging order information (imaging order ID “010”) associated with the emergency command, as shown in FIG. And the image data are stored in the storage unit 29 in association with each other. At this time, the shooting order information of the shooting orders 1 to 5 is already stored in the storage unit 29, and the shooting order of the shooting order information associated with the emergency command is No. 6.

In this state, when there is a transmission request from the console 7, the control means 26 of the radiation image detector 2 is associated with the imaging order information of the imaging order ID “010” associated with the emergency command regardless of the imaging order. The thinned image data is transmitted to the console 7 with the highest priority. When the thinned data reception completion signal and the transmission request are transmitted from the console 7, the original digital image data corresponding to the thinned image data is transmitted.

Thereafter, if a transmission request is transmitted from the console 7, the control means 26 of the radiation image detector 2 transmits the thinned image data and digital image data associated with the remaining imaging order information to the console 7 in the imaging order. .

The raw only command (specific transmission command “raw only”) is the thinned image data associated with the radiographic image detector 2 for specific radiographing order information associated with the raw only command. This means a transmission command that specifies that only the original digital image data (raw data) is transmitted without transmitting. Then, when the specific imaging order information is associated with the raw only command, the control means 26 of the radiation image detector 2 transmits only the digital image data associated with the specific imaging order information. It has become.

This raw-only command itself does not change the order of transmission of the image data associated with the specific imaging order information to the console 7 from the imaging order. However, the priority patient command and the emergency command described above are not used. In combination, the order of transmission of the digital image data to the console 7 is changed.

For example, in the above example, when selecting the imaging order information of the imaging order ID “010” on the selection screen H1 (see FIG. 5), the transmission order setting on the right side of the selection screen H1 simultaneously sets the imaging order ID “010”. When both the “emergency” selection button h15 and the “raw only” selection button h15 are selected for the imaging order information, the control means 26 of the radiation image detector 2 performs the imaging as shown in FIG. An emergency command and a raw-only command are stored in association with image data generated by radiographic imaging performed based on the order information.

In this state, when there is a transmission request from the console 7, the control unit 26 of the radiation image detector 2 is associated with the imaging order information of the imaging order ID “010” associated with the emergency command regardless of the imaging order. The image data is transmitted to the console 7 with the highest priority. At this time, the thinned image data is not transmitted, and the original digital image data is transmitted from the beginning.

For example, when the priority patient command and the raw only command are simultaneously performed, the control unit 26 of the radiographic image detector 2 first performs the imaging order information associated with the priority patient command, and the priority patient. The image data associated with each imaging order information including the imaging order information including the same patient ID as the patient ID included in the imaging order information associated with the command is preferentially transmitted to the console 7. Of the imaging order information including the same patient ID, the imaging order information associated with the raw only command does not transmit the thinned-out image data among the image data associated therewith, and the original digital image from the beginning. Only data is sent.

In any of the above cases, the console 7 receives the digital image data from the radiation image detector 2 and when the reception of the digital image data is completed, a digital data reception completion signal is sent to the radiation image detector 2. Is supposed to send. When receiving the digital data reception completion signal from the console 7, the control unit 26 of the radiation image detector 2 deletes the transmitted digital image data from the storage unit 29. With this configuration, the storage capacity of the storage unit 29 of the radiation image detector 2 is restored, and more image data can be stored.

On the other hand, in the above description, the case where the specific transmission command is set in advance on the selection screen H1 (see FIG. 5) of the console 7 has been described. However, in this embodiment, after the radiographic image capturing based on the imaging order information, In addition, a specific transmission command can be transmitted from the console 7 to the radiation image detector 2 and set.

In this case, a radiographic image is taken, and a diagram displayed on the display unit 71 of the console 7 in a state where a plurality of image data is stored in the storage unit 29 of the radiographic image detector 2 as shown in FIG. 11, when each transmission command setting selection button h15 displayed on the right side of the imaging order information display field h11 is selected, the console 7 is first associated with the imaging order information. Information such as the cassette ID of the radiation image detector 2 is read from the storage means 9. Then, the set transmission command and imaging order information are transmitted in association with the radiation image detector 2. It should be noted that only the imaging order information for which radiographic image capturing has already been performed is displayed in the imaging order information display field h11 of the selection screen H3.

In the radiation image detector 2, the transmission command transmitted from the console 7 is stored in the storage unit 29 in association with the image data associated with the imaging order information, and when there is a transmission request from the console 7, Regardless of the order, the image data is transmitted to the console 7 in the order according to the transmission command associated with the imaging order information.

As described above, when the radiographic imaging is performed based on the imaging order information and the digital image data or the thinned image data is transmitted from the radiographic image detector 2, the console 7 captures the imaging order information and the digital image. Data and the like are associated with each other and stored in the storage means 9.

As described above, according to the radiographic image capturing system 1 according to the present embodiment, the console 7 transmits radiographing order information and a transmission command having various contents associated therewith to the radiographic image detector 2. Then, the control means 26 of the radiation image detector 2 transmits the digital image data and the like to the console 7 in the order according to the transmission command associated with the imaging order information regardless of the imaging order.

For this reason, the operator operates the console 7 and transmits a transmission command for specifying the transmission order of the digital image data to the radiation image detector 2 in association with the imaging order information. It becomes possible to appropriately change the order of transmission of a plurality of stored digital image data and the like regardless of the order of photographing.

In addition, there are a large number of radiation image detectors 2 used in various forms such as being in a single state, loaded into the bucky device 3, or formed integrally with the bucky device 3. Even if it is below, it is possible to designate a specific radiation image detector 2 from the console 7 and transmit the target digital image data in an appropriate order, and the operator can easily transmit the target digital image data or the like. It becomes possible to obtain it accurately.

In the present embodiment, the case where the imaging order information and the transmission command are individually transmitted to the designated radiation image detector 2 has been described. However, the imaging order information and the transmission command are listed. It is also possible to configure to transmit all at once.

Further, only the thinned image data of all or part of the plurality of image data stored in the storage unit 29 of the radiation image detector 2 is transmitted to the console 7 first, and the console 7 It is also possible to confirm whether or not re-shooting is necessary by checking whether the shooting position of the subject in the shot image is appropriate on the display unit 71.

Further, for example, when the imaging part of the imaging order information is set to “breast”, the corresponding image data of the left and right breasts are continuously transmitted to the console 7 regardless of the imaging order, or in the imaging order information If it is set to administer an angiographic agent, the number of pieces of image data continuously taken after the angiographic agent is administered is transmitted to the console 7 in advance. Alternatively, it may be configured that the console 7 automatically determines and sets in the form of a transmission command after the fact. If comprised in this way, by transmitting to the radiographic image detector 2 in the form of the transmission command linked | related with imaging | photography order information, the target image data can be easily transmitted to the console 7 in the order according to the transmission command, and It becomes possible to obtain accurately.

In the present embodiment, the case where the console 7 is provided in the front room R2 of the imaging room R1 has been described. However, the radiographic imaging system 1 of the present invention includes a plurality of imaging rooms R1 and one or more consoles 7. For example, it is also applied to a case where the above are connected by a network or the like. In particular, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-159476 discloses imaging order information and a console 7 shared by a plurality of imaging rooms R1, and each imaging room R1 is provided with a console (computer) mainly used as a radiation source control system. The present invention can also be applied to the distributed processing type radiographic imaging system described.

In this case, the operator (radiologist) who actually images the patient is on the imaging room R1 side, and the operator (QA engineer) who determines whether the image can be determined as a diagnostic image is on the console 7 side. Although it is assumed that they are remote from each other, it is possible to automatically transmit image data such as corresponding digital image data by emergency designation after confirmation of the received image by the QA engineer. Information can be collected early, and as a result, it is possible to lead to early diagnosis of patients.

Furthermore, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and can be modified as appropriate.

In the medical field, there is a possibility of use in a radiographic imaging system for taking radiographic images for diagnosis.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Radiographic imaging system 2 Radiographic image detector 26 Control means 29 Storage means 7 Console M Patient

Claims

At least one console for associating the registered imaging order information with digital image data obtained by radiographic imaging performed based on the imaging order information;
The subject is photographed based on the photographing order information transmitted from the console to generate digital image data, the digital image data is associated with the photographing order information and stored in a storage means in the photographing order, and the digital image A radiation image detector comprising control means for controlling transmission of data to the console;
With
The console transmits a transmission command specifying the transmission order of the digital image data in association with the imaging order information to the designated radiation image detector,
The radiographic image is characterized in that the control means of the radiological image detector transmits the digital image data to the console in an order according to the transmission command associated with the imaging order information regardless of the imaging order. Shooting system.
The transmission command specifies that the digital image data associated with the imaging order information associated with the transmission command is urgently transmitted to the radiation image detector,
When the imaging order information is associated with the transmission command, the control means of the radiological image detector uses the digital image data associated with the imaging order information to other digital image data. The radiographic imaging system according to claim 1, wherein transmission is performed with the highest priority.
The radiographing order information includes information on the patient as the subject,
The transmission command specifies that the digital image data having the specific patient associated with the transmission command as a subject is to be transmitted with priority.
The control means of the radiological image detector, when the imaging order information is associated with the transmission command, the digital image data associated with the imaging order information including information on the specific patient. The radiographic image capturing system according to claim 1, wherein the radiographic image transmission system is preferentially transmitted over other digital image data.
The control means of the radiation image detector generates thinned image data from the digital image data, and the thinned image data is imaged in a storage means in association with the original digital image data and the imaging order information. The radiographic imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the radiographic imaging system is stored in order.
The transmission command corresponds to the specific imaging order information without transmitting the thinned image data associated with the specific imaging order information associated with the transmission command to the radiation image detector. It is specified that only the attached digital image data is transmitted,
The control means of the radiological image detector transmits only the digital image data associated with the specific imaging order information when the imaging order information is associated with the transmission command. The radiographic image capturing system according to claim 4.
The transmission of the transmission command associated with the imaging order information from the console to the radiographic image detector is performed in advance before radiographic imaging based on the imaging order information. Item 6. The radiographic imaging system according to any one of Item 5.
The console transmits the radiographing order information to the radiographic image detector in advance, and after radiographic imaging is performed based on the radiographic order information, the console associates the radiographic image detector with the radiographing order information. The radiographic imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the transmitted transmission command is transmitted.
When the reception of the digital image data from the radiation image detector is completed, the console transmits a digital data reception completion signal to the radiation image detector,
8. The radiographic image detector, when receiving the digital data reception completion signal from the console, erases the transmitted digital image data from the storage unit. 8. The radiographic imaging system described in 1.