WO2010001635A1

WO2010001635A1 - Radiation image capturing system

Info

Publication number: WO2010001635A1
Application number: PCT/JP2009/053498
Authority: WO
Inventors: 久米川
Original assignee: コニカミノルタエムジー株式会社
Priority date: 2008-07-01
Filing date: 2009-02-26
Publication date: 2010-01-07
Also published as: JP2011212031A

Abstract

A radiation image capturing system which allows transmission of image data to a console existing at the nearest position from a radiation image detector. The radiation image capturing system (1) is provided with a plurality of imaging rooms(R), the radiation image detector (2) provided with a storage means (28) in which a plurality of pieces of image data can be stored, a plurality of consoles (C) for generating radiation images on the basis of transmitted image data, a data management server (S) which manages distribution of the image data between the radiation image detector (2) and the consoles (C), and position detection means (6) capable of detecting the present position of the radiation image detector (2). When transfer of the image data is requested from the radiation image detector (2), the data management server (S) performs control of selecting the console (C) the nearest to the present position of the radiation image detector (2) on the basis of information relating to the present position of the radiation image detector (2), and distributing to the nearest console (C) the image data transmitted from the radiation image detector (2).

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, but a CR device using a CR (Computed Radiography) cassette with a built-in photostimulable phosphor sheet to digitize radiographic images. Recently, a radiation image detector has been developed that detects irradiated radiation with a radiation detection element such as a two-dimensionally arranged photodiode and obtains it as image data.

This type of radiation image detector is known as FPD (Flat Panel Detector). In recent years, radiation detection elements are housed in a casing to make it portable and used in a Bucky device, or in a Bucky device. A portable radiographic image detector used in a single state without being loaded has been developed and put into practical use (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a radiation image detector, image data detected by each radiation detection element is sent to an external computer (hereinafter referred to as a console), imaged, and used for diagnosis or the like.

By the way, in the case of CR cassette, it is necessary to read the radiation information accumulated in the photostimulable phosphor sheet with a reading device. A system is disclosed in which, in a tag, a console to which a scanned image is transmitted before shooting is written in advance, and when the CR cassette is loaded into a reader, the scanned image is distributed to a console designated by RFID. ing.

Further, in Patent Document 3, in a radiographic imaging system including a plurality of reading devices and a plurality of consoles (controllers), first, an ID of a CR cassette, an operator such as a radiographer or a doctor, etc. is added to any one console. Enter the ID, register it in the database of the server to which the console is connected, and after reading the radiation image, when reading radiation information from the photostimulable phosphor sheet of the CR cassette with any reader, A system is disclosed in which scanned image data is automatically transmitted to a console in which an ID of a CR cassette or the like is input under the instruction of a server.

Further, Patent Document 4 discloses a system including a plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses and a plurality of consoles (information registration terminals). In this system, one console is provided for each radiation imaging apparatus, Each console is connected to one reader, and when the identification information of the CR cassette or photostimulable phosphor sheet is registered at the console, the image data read by the reader is registered with the identification information of the sheet. Configured to be automatically sent to the console.
JP 2006-058124 A US Pat. No. 6,271,536 JP 2002-159476 A JP 2002-158820 A

Incidentally, in the case of a radiation image detector, unlike a CR cassette, image data is directly output as an electrical signal from a radiation detection element arranged two-dimensionally. Therefore, it is not necessary to read image data with a reading device unlike a CR cassette, and the image data can be stored in a memory inside the radiation image detector or directly transmitted to the console.

Therefore, when the system described in Patent Document 4 is applied to radiographic imaging using a radiographic image detector, the radiographic apparatus and the console are associated with each other on a one-to-one basis. Image data can be sent directly from the loaded radiation image detector to the corresponding console, and images taken by the console can be checked, and processing such as image processing can be performed to perform processing. . In this case, it is appropriate to connect the consoles via a network or the like to share data.

However, the unit price of one console is generally expensive, and there are not many cases in which a single console is provided in the radiation imaging apparatus or the imaging room in which the console is installed. The system described in Patent Literature 2 and Patent Literature 3 is applied to radiographic imaging using a radiographic image detector, and a plurality of radiographing rooms and a small number of consoles are connected via a network or the like. Many.

In this case, when the system described in Patent Document 2 is applied to radiographic imaging using a radiographic image detector, the image data acquired by the radiographic image detector is written to the RFID tag of the radiographic image detector. Sent to the console. However, if the radiation image detector is portable, it can be carried and used in a plurality of imaging rooms.

Therefore, when image data is transferred after being carried to multiple radiographing rooms one after another and used for radiographic imaging, the image data is far away from the radiographing room even though a console exists near the current radiographic room. May be transferred to another console. In this case, it is inconvenient because the operator cannot perform processing unless he / she goes to a remote console.

In addition, when the system described in Patent Document 3 is applied to radiographic imaging using a radiographic image detector, basically, image data is transmitted to the console in which the ID of the radiographic image detector is first registered. This causes the same problem as described above. In addition, when registering the ID of the radiation image detector for the first time, it is possible to configure in advance to specify a console for transmitting image data, but radiographic imaging using a radiation image detector, It does not always end in the shooting room near the console designated in advance.

Further, in each of the above-described systems, normally, unless an operator such as a radiologist goes to the console and operates the console, transmission of image data from the radiation image detector is not started. Therefore, the determination as to whether or not re-shooting is necessary, which is determined by checking whether or not the image is shot at an appropriate shooting position, is delayed, and this is not necessarily preferable.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a radiographic imaging system capable of transmitting image data to a console located closest to the radiographic image detector. And It is another object of the present invention to provide a radiographic image capturing system that can quickly determine whether or not re-imaging is necessary.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the radiographic imaging system of the present invention includes:
A plurality of radiographing rooms comprising at least one radiation generator;
A portable radiographic image detector comprising storage means capable of generating image data by detecting the radiation emitted from the radiation generator and transmitted through the subject, and storing the plurality of generated image data;
A plurality of consoles for generating radiation images based on the image data transmitted from the portable radiation image detector;
A data management server for managing the distribution of the image data between the portable radiation image detector and the plurality of consoles;
Position detecting means capable of detecting a current position of the portable radiographic image detector;
With
When there is a transfer request for the image data from the portable radiation image detector, the data management server, based on information on the current position of the portable radiation image detector detected by the position detection unit, Selecting the console closest to the current position of the portable radiographic image detector from the console and controlling the image data transmitted from the portable radiographic image detector to be delivered to the nearest console It is characterized by.

According to the radiographic imaging system of the system as in the present invention, the data management server detects the radiographic image detection by detecting the current position of the radiographic image detector by the position detecting means and transmitting the information to the data management server. It is possible to grasp the current position of the instrument, automatically select the console closest to the current position of the radiation image detector, and automatically distribute image data transmitted from the radiation image detector to the console It becomes.

This eliminates the need for the operator to select a console for processing in advance, and image data or the like is far away from the radiation image detector even though the console is near the imaging room where the radiation image detector exists. It is possible to prevent the situation that the data is transferred to the console. Therefore, the convenience for the operator is improved.

Also, since the data is distributed to the console when the operator arrives at the console, the operator can immediately see the data and quickly determine whether or not re-shooting is necessary. Therefore, when re-imaging is necessary, re-imaging can be performed immediately, and convenience for patients and the like is improved.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the radiographic imaging system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of a photography room. 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 table where each console was ranked in the order close to a photography room for every photography room.

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 image capturing system 1 according to the present embodiment is a system that assumes radiographic image capturing performed in a hospital or clinic, and as illustrated in FIG. 1, a plurality of imaging rooms R, a plurality of consoles C, and data The management server S is configured. Although FIG. 1 shows a case where four shooting rooms are provided from R to R4 and three consoles are provided from C1 to C3, the present invention is not limited to this.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, each radiographing room R can be loaded with a portable radiographic image detector 2 (hereinafter simply referred to as a radiographic image detector 2), A radiation generating device 4 that irradiates a subject, a radio image detector 2, and a wireless access point (base station) 5 that relays the communication when the data management server S and the console C perform wireless communication are provided. Yes. Further, the front chamber Ra is provided with a tag reader 6 for detecting a tag, which will be described later, built in the radiation image detector 2 and an operation console 7 for controlling each device arranged in the imaging room R, the front chamber Ra, and the like. It has been.

In the present embodiment, the radiation image detector (FPD) 2 is portable, and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a control unit 22, an image detection unit 23, and the like built in the housing 21 are used. It is done. The image detection unit 23 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. It is also possible to use what is configured as a so-called direct type in which radiation is directly detected by a detection element. 3 shows the case where the casing 21 is formed of the front member 21a and the back member 21b. In addition to this, the casing 21 can be formed in a cylindrical monocoque shape, for example. It is.

The side part of the radiation image detector 2 is provided with a power switch 24a and a lid member 24b that is opened and closed for replacement of a battery (not shown) built in the housing 21, and the side part of the lid member 24b. The antenna apparatus 25 is embedded as a wireless communication means for the radiological image detector 2 to transmit and receive information wirelessly with the outside via the wireless access point 5. On the side surface portion of the radiation image detector 2, an indicator 24 c configured by, for example, an LED or the like and displaying a battery charging status, various operating statuses, and the like is further provided.

On the same side surface portion of the radiation image detector 2, an image transfer switch 24d for instructing the control means 22 of the radiation image detector 2 to transfer image data or the like is provided. Thus, in this embodiment, the image data can be transmitted without depending on the instruction from the console C by pressing the image transmission switch 24d.

Further, when the radiation image detector 2 is mounted on the bucky device 3 described later on the side surface portion opposite to the side surface portion of the radiation image detector 2 provided with the image transmission switch 24d and the like, the bucky device 3 is provided. A terminal 26 (wired communication means for receiving a power supply from the outside via the bucky device 3 and exchanging signals with the outside. 4).

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration inside the radiation image detector. The radiation image detector 2 is provided with a control means 22 composed of a microcomputer or the like, and the control means 22 is arranged with two-dimensionally arranged radiation detection elements such as photodiodes (photoelectric conversion elements) (not shown). From the image detection unit 23, the communication control means 27 for controlling the transmission and reception of data and signals with external devices via the antenna device 25, the terminal 26, etc., ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), flash memory, etc. The storage means 28 and the like are connected. In addition, the radiation image detector 2 incorporates a member such as a battery (not shown).

In the image detection unit 23, when an object is photographed, each analog signal output from each radiation detection element is converted into a digital signal each time a radiographic image is captured, and one digital image data is obtained. It is to be generated. The generated image data is stored in the storage unit 28 by the control unit 22 in the order of photographing.

As described above, since a plurality of pieces of image data can be stored in the storage unit 28, the radiation image detector 2 is used to continuously irradiate the subject with radiation, and the image data is stored in the storage unit 28 each time. By doing so, continuous shooting and video shooting can be performed.

In the present embodiment, when the image data is generated, the control means 22 of the radiation image detector 2 has pixels (that is, digital data output from each radiation detection element) at a predetermined ratio from the generated image data. Is thinned out, and the thinned image data is generated so that the data amount is reduced to, for example, about 1/16 of the image data. Then, when generating the thinned image data, the control unit 22 stores the thinned image data in the storage unit 28 in association with the original image data or the like.

When the above-described image transfer switch 24d is pressed, the control means 22 is wired via the antenna device 25 or wired via the terminal 26 if the radiation image detector 2 is loaded in the bucky device 3. Thus, a transfer request signal for image data and thinned data is transmitted to the data management server S. When a data transmission request signal is transmitted from the data management server S, the control means 22 automatically transmits image data and data from the radiation image detector 2 to the data management server S via the antenna device 25 and the terminal 26. Thinned data is transmitted.

A tag (not shown) is built in the radiation image detector 2. In the present embodiment, the above-described RFID tag is used as a tag, and the tag includes a control circuit that controls each part of the tag and a storage unit that stores unique information of the radiation image detector 2 in a compact manner. . 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.

In the present embodiment, 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 conformity with the JIS standard relating to the screen / film cassette as described above. Therefore, a CR cassette formed in conformity with the JIS standard is also used. It can be used by being loaded into the CR cassette's Bucky device 3 to be loaded. Therefore, in the present embodiment, not only the radiographic image detector 2 but also a CR cassette can be brought into the radiographing room R and radiographic imaging can be performed.

Furthermore, 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, for example, on a support base provided in the imaging room R, and the hand of the patient M as a subject is placed on the radiation incident surface X (see FIG. 3). For example, it is not associated with the portable radiation generator 4c, that is, the bucky device 3, by being inserted between the bed of the patient M lying on the bed and his / her legs and feet. Image data can be obtained by irradiating radiation from the radiation generator 4c or the like.

When the radiographic image detector 2 is loaded in the bucky device 3 and imaging is performed, the external power is supplied through the terminal 26 through the above-described terminal 26, and transmission and reception of signals and image data are performed. To communicate with the outside.

In addition, when used in a single state, the radiation image detector 2 is operated by the power of a built-in battery, and external devices (data management server S, The communication with the console C) is performed by wireless communication via the wireless access point 5 provided in the radiographing room R via the antenna device 25 of the radiation image detector 2.

The photo room R is shielded with lead to prevent radiation from leaking outside. As shown in FIG. 2, the imaging room R is provided with a bucky device 3 on 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, the bucky device for CR cassette is used as the bucky device 3 as described above, but a bucky device dedicated to a radiation image detector (FPD) can also be used. 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 26 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 monitor of the operation unit 32 displays later-described radiographing order information transmitted from the console 7, and the operator can confirm the patient, the radiographed region, and the like by viewing the display. Yes.

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.

In the photographing room R, at least one radiation generating device 4 having a radiation source for irradiating a subject with radiation is provided. In this embodiment, the bucky devices 3a and 3b for standing photographing and lying photographing 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 radiographing room R and can irradiate radiation in any direction. In this embodiment, the portable radiation generating device 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. It is.

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 arranged to be suspended from the ceiling of the imaging room R, for example. At the time of shooting, it is activated based on an instruction from the console 7 and is moved to a predetermined position by a moving means (not shown).

In one corner of the radiographing room R, a wireless access point 5 is installed to relay these communications when the radiographic image detector 2 and the console C communicate wirelessly. FIG. 2 shows the case where the wireless access point 5 is provided near the entrance of the photographing room R, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the wireless communication means W (connected to the console C via the network N) It is installed at an appropriate position where wireless communication is possible (see FIG. 1).

As shown in FIG. 2, 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 Ra. 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 Ra, that is, the radiographic image detector 2, that is, the radiographing room R or the front room Ra. The radiation image detector 2 that has entered the range is detected.

The tag reader 6 reads the unique information stored in the RFID tag of the detected radiation image detector 2 and transmits the read unique information to the console 7 or the data management server S (see FIG. 1). Yes. As described above, in the present embodiment, the tag reader 6 functions as a position detection unit that detects the current position of each radiation image detector 2.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, an operator console 7 is provided in the front room Ra. The console 7 is composed of a computer in which a CPU, ROM, RAM, input / output interface and the like (not shown) are connected to a bus. The console 7 reads a predetermined program stored in the ROM, develops it in a RAM work area, Various processes are executed according to the above.

The operator console 7 is connected to the standing-up and stand-up shooting bucky devices 3a and 3b, the radiation generators 4a and 4b associated therewith, the tag reader 6 and the like via cables or the like. In addition, the console 7 is provided with a display unit 71 made up of a CRT, LCD, or the like, so that radiographing order information and operation screens for radiographic imaging performed in the radiographing room R are displayed. Further, the console 7 is connected to a storage means (not shown) constituted by a hard disk or the like, an input means (not shown) such as a keyboard and a mouse.

In addition, 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 stores the storage means. If not registered in the storage means, the radiation image detector 2 is registered in the storage means as being newly brought into the photographing room R or the like. If the transmitted cassette ID is already registered in the storage means, the radiation is detected. By deleting the image detector 2 from the storage means as being taken out of the imaging room R or the like, the radiation image detector 2 existing in the imaging room R or the like is grasped and managed on the storage means. ing.

When the console 7 determines that the radiation image detector 2 has been brought in as described above, the console 7 transmits a carry-in signal including the cassette ID of the radiation image detector 2 to the data management server S via the network N. If it is determined that the radiation image detector 2 has been taken out, a carry-out signal including the cassette ID of the radiation image detector 2 and the like is transmitted to the data management server S via the network N.

The radiographic image detector 2 detected by the data management server S via the network N by transmitting a signal from the tag reader 6 by a wireless method or by transmitting a signal by a wired method without using the console 7 is used. It is also possible to configure to transmit unique information including a cassette ID.

As described above, as shown in FIG. 1, the console 7 in each shooting room R is connected to the network N, and the data management server S and a plurality of consoles C are further connected to the network N. Yes. The network N is connected to a wireless communication means W for transmitting / receiving data and signals transmitted from the radiation image detector 2 or transmitted to the radiation image detector 2 via the wireless access point 5 in the imaging room R. Has been.

Although not shown, the network N is connected to an imager for recording a radiographic image on an image recording medium such as a film based on the image data output from the console C, and the like. Yes. Further, HIS (Hospital Information System) and RIS (Radiology Information System) are connected to the network N, and the radiographing imaging information received by the radiographic imaging system 1 is stored in the HIS / RIS. Registered.

The imaging order information is registered in the form of a list as illustrated in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, each imaging order information includes “patient ID” P2, “patient name” P3, “sex” P4, “ Patient information such as “age” P5 and “clinical department” P6 and imaging conditions such as “imaging region” P7 and “imaging direction” P8 are set. In addition, “shooting order ID” P1 is automatically assigned to each shooting order information in the order in which the shooting orders are received.

In addition to the above, the patient information and the imaging conditions written in the imaging order information 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 to include, and can be set as appropriate.

Each console C is composed of a computer having a CPU, ROM, RAM, input / output interface, etc. connected to the bus. The console C is provided with a display unit CM such as a CRT or LCD, and is connected to a storage means (not shown) constituted by a hard disk or the like, an input means (not shown) such as a keyboard or a mouse.

The console C obtains a list of radiographing order information from the HIS / RIS, designates one radiographing room R from among the plural radiographing rooms R1 to R4, and plans to perform radiographic imaging in the radiographing room R. Alternatively, a plurality of shooting order information can be selected from the list and transmitted to the console 7 of the shooting room R. Note that it is also possible to configure the imaging room R so that one or a plurality of imaging order information scheduled for radiographic imaging in the imaging room R can be obtained from the HIS / RIS by operating the console 7. is there.

Further, when the console C receives image data transmitted from the radiation image detector 2 and distributed from the data management server S as will be described later, the console C displays the image data in accordance with instructions from an operator such as a radiographer or doctor. A radiation image is generated by performing image processing or the like while displaying on the CM. Further, when thinned data is transmitted from the radiation image detector 2 via the data management server S, it is displayed on the display unit CM.

The data management server S is composed of a computer having a CPU, ROM, RAM, input / output interface, etc. connected to a bus. The data management server S is connected to a storage means (not shown) composed of a hard disk or the like. Yes. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the storage unit of the data management server S stores a table T in which the consoles C1 to C3 are ranked in order from the shooting room R for each of the shooting rooms R1 to R4. Has been.

The data management server S grasps and manages the current position of each radiation image detector 2 and manages the distribution of image data and thinned data between the radiation image detector 2 and a plurality of consoles C. ing.

Specifically, when the data management server S receives a carry-in signal of the radiation image detector 2 from the console 7 of the imaging room R to the imaging room R via the network N, the cassette ID of the radiation image detector 2 is received. And the ID of the shooting room R (hereinafter referred to as the shooting room ID) are stored in the storage means in association with each other. Further, when a carry-out signal from the radiographing room R of the radiographic image detector 2 is received from the console 7 in the radiographing room R, the registration of the cassette ID and the like of the radiographic image detector 2 stored in the storage unit is deleted. It is like that.

As described above, when the image transfer switch 24d of the radiation image detector 2 is pressed by the operator and a transfer request signal such as image data is transmitted from the radiation image detector 2, the data management server S First, the storage means is searched to detect the imaging room ID associated with the cassette ID of the radiation image detector 2 that has transmitted the transfer request signal, and the imaging room R in which the radiation image detector 2 exists is detected. And the current position of the radiation image detector 2 is specified.

Subsequently, the data management server S refers to the table T stored in the storage means, and ranks the imaging room R on the console C closest to the imaging room R in which the radiation image detector 2 exists, that is, on the table T. The console C having the highest value is selected.

If the console C having the highest ranking for the shooting room R on the table T is being used or broken by another operator, the next ranking for the shooting room R on the table T is next. The console C having a high value is selected. That is, the data management server S selects the console C that is closest to the radiographing room R in which the radiation image detector 2 is present among the available consoles C.

When the data management server S selects the console C, the data management server S is wired via the console 7 or the bucky device 3 of the photographing room R or wirelessly via the wireless communication means W or the wireless access point 5. The transmission request signal is transmitted to the radiological image detector 2 existing in. The data management server S is configured to deliver data to the selected console C when data is transmitted from the radiation image detector 2.

In addition, it is also possible to configure so that the console C for transferring data from the radiation image detector 2 can be designated by the radiation image detector 2, the console 7 of the imaging room R, or the console C. In that case, the data management server S transfers the data to the designated console C when the data is transmitted from the radiation image detector 2.

In this embodiment, when the data management server S selects the console C and transmits a transmission request signal to the radiation image detector 2, the radiation image detector 2 transfers the thinned data before the image data. However, for example, in the case of an emergency in which the operator needs to acquire a radiation image immediately, the radiation order should be designated in advance in the radiographing order information and the thinning data should not be created for the radiographic image. It is also possible to configure to preferentially transmit image data by instructing the image detector 2 or the like.

Also, in the wired method, since the transfer speed for transferring data is usually faster than in the wireless method, even when transferring image data having a larger data amount than the thinned data, the data can be transferred in a relatively short time. Therefore, in a situation where the radiation image detector 2 is loaded in the Bucky device 3 and data can be transferred via the Bucky device 3 in a wired manner, the thinned data is not created and image data is transmitted from the beginning. It is also possible to configure so as to.

Next, the operation of the radiation image capturing system 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

An operator such as a radiologist or a doctor operates the console C1 shown in FIG. 1, for example, obtains a list of imaging order information (see FIG. 5) from the HIS / RIS, and performs radiographic imaging that is scheduled to be taken on that day. Shooting order information corresponding to is selected. For example, when shooting in the shooting room R1, the selected shooting order information is transmitted from the console C1 to the console 7 in the shooting room R1. Then, the user enters the imaging room R1 with the radiation image detector 2 used for radiographic imaging.

When the radiation image detector 2 is brought into the photographing room R1, the tag reader 6 provided in the front room Ra of the photographing room R1 reads the unique information stored in the RFID tag of the radiation image detector 2, and the read unique information is read out. The data is transmitted to the console 7 and the data management server S. As described above, in the present embodiment, the console 7 registers in the storage means that the radiographic image detector 2 with the transmitted cassette ID has been newly brought into the imaging room R1, etc. A carry-in signal including a cassette ID of the radiation image detector 2 and the like is transmitted to the data management server S via N.

When the data management server S receives a carry-in signal from the console 7 of the radiographing room R1 to the radiographing room R1 of the radiographic image detector 2, the data management server S obtains the cassette ID of the radiographic image detector 2 and the radiographing room ID of the radiographing room R1. It associates and preserve | saves at a memory | storage means and grasps | ascertains that the said radiographic image detector 2 exists in imaging | photography room R1.

Subsequently, for example, when the operator determines that the remaining radiographic imaging should be performed in another imaging room (for example, the imaging room R4) after completing some scheduled radiographic imaging jobs, for example, The person operates the console 7 in the radiographing room R1, transfers radiographing order information corresponding to the remaining radiographic imaging to the console 7 in the radiographing room R4, and takes out the radiographic image detector 2 from the radiographing room R1.

When the radiation image detector 2 is taken out from the imaging room R1, the tag reader 6 provided in the front chamber Ra of the imaging room R1 reads the unique information stored in the RFID tag of the radiation image detector 2, and the read unique information is read out. The data is transmitted to the console 7 and the data management server S.

In this case, since the cassette ID of the transmitted radiation image detector 2 has already been registered in the storage means, as described above, the operation console 7 is captured by the radiation image detector 2. The cassette ID of the radiation image detector 2 is determined to have been taken out from the room R1, and the cassette ID of the radiation image detector 2 is deleted from the storage means. To S.

When the data management server S receives the carry-out signal from the radiographing room R1 of the radiographic image detector 2 from the console 7 of the radiographing room R1, the data management server S deletes the cassette ID of the radiographic image detector 2 from the storage means, and It is understood that the radiation image detector 2 is no longer present in the imaging room R1.

Subsequently, when the operator enters the radiographing room R4 with the radiographic image detector 2, the tag reader 6 provided in the front room Ra of the radiographing room R4 is connected to the RFID of the radiographic image detector 2 in the same manner as described above. The unique information stored in the tag is read, and the console 7 of the radiographing room R4 registers the transmitted cassette ID of the radiation image detector 2 in the storage means, and the cassette ID of the radiation image detector 2 and the like. The included carry-in signal is transmitted to the data management server S.

When the data management server S receives the carry-in signal, the cassette ID and the like of the radiographic image detector 2 and the radiographing room ID of the radiographing room R4 are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit. Know that it exists in R4.

For example, when the operator ends the scheduled radiographic imaging, and transmits data to the console C from the radiographic image detector 2 in a single state not loaded in the bucky device 3, for example, The image transfer switch 24d on the side surface of the image detector 2 is pressed. Then, the operator moves toward the console C3 closest to the imaging room R4 while keeping the radiation image detector 2 in the imaging room R4.

At this time, although not strictly, the antenna device 25 of the radiation image detector 2 is directed in such a direction that radio waves can accurately reach from the antenna device 25 toward the wireless access point 5 in the imaging room R4. It goes without saying that the radiation image detector 2 should be placed so that it faces.

As described above, when the image transfer switch 24d is pressed, the control means 22 of the radiation image detector 2 transmits a transfer request signal from the antenna device 25. The transfer request signal is relayed by the wireless access point 5, captured by the wireless communication means W, and transmitted to the data management server S via the network N.

When the data management server S receives the transfer request signal, the data management server S searches the storage unit to detect the imaging room ID associated with the cassette ID of the radiation image detector 2 that has transmitted the transfer request signal, and the like. The imaging room R in which the radiation image detector 2 exists is specified as the imaging room R4, and the current position of the radiation image detector 2 is specified.

Then, referring to the table T stored in the storage means, the console C closest to the photographing room R4, that is, the console C3 in this case is selected. In this case, as described above, when the selected console C3 cannot be used due to, for example, being used or being out of order, the data management server S refers to the table T again and ranks next higher. By selecting the console C2, the console C closest to the photographing room R4 is selected from the available consoles C. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the console C3 is selected.

When the data management server S selects the console C3, the data management server S wirelessly transmits a transmission request signal to the radiological image detector 2 existing in the imaging room R4 via the wireless communication means W and the wireless access point 5 of the imaging room R4. .

When receiving the transmission request signal from the data management server S, the radiological image detector 2 first wirelessly accesses thinned data corresponding to the image data acquired in the first radiographic imaging unless otherwise specified. The data is transmitted to the data management server S via the point 5 and the wireless communication means W. In addition, when a plurality of pieces of image data and thinning data corresponding to a plurality of pieces of imaging order information are stored in the storage unit 28 of the radiation image detector 2, the order in which the data is transmitted is appropriately set. ,Be changed.

The data management server S distributes the thinned data to the selected console C when, for example, thinned data is transmitted from the radiation image detector 2.

After the operator depresses the image transfer switch 24d of the radiation image detector 2, the transmission request signal is transmitted from the radiation image detector 2, the current position of the radiation image detector 2 is specified by the data management server S, and the console C The transmission request signal is transmitted instantaneously, and the thinned data is transmitted from the radiation image detector 2 to the data management server S, and the thinned data is distributed from the data management server S to the console C3 for 1 to 2 seconds. Complete with degree. Therefore, the delivery of the thinned data to the console C3 is completed before the operator leaves the imaging room R4 by placing the radiation image detector 2 in the imaging room R4 and arrives at the console C3.

When the operator arrives at the console C3, since the thinned data is already displayed on the display unit CM of the console C3, the operator needs to immediately re-photograph the thinned data. It is possible to determine whether or not. If re-imaging is not necessary, it is possible to transmit image data corresponding to the thinned data from the radiation image detector 2 or to transmit other image data or thinned data.

As described above, according to the radiographic imaging system 1 according to the present embodiment, the position detection unit 6 detects the current position of the radiographic image detector 2 and transmits the information to the data management server S. The data management server S grasps the current position of the radiation image detector 2 and automatically selects the console C closest to the current position of the radiation image detector 2 so that the image data transmitted from the radiation image detector 2 It is possible to automatically distribute the thinned data to the console C.

Therefore, it becomes unnecessary for the operator to select the console C for processing in advance. In addition, even though the console C exists near the radiographing room R where the radiation image detector 2 exists, a situation occurs in which image data or the like is transferred to the console C far away from the radiographing room R. It becomes possible to prevent. Thus, according to the radiographic image capturing system 1 according to the present embodiment, the convenience for the operator is improved.

In addition, since the thinned data and the like are distributed to the console C when the operator arrives at the console C, the operator immediately determines whether or not re-shooting is necessary by looking at the thinned data. Is possible. Therefore, according to the radiographic image capturing system 1 according to the present embodiment, when re-imaging is necessary, it is possible to perform re-imaging immediately, and the convenience for patients and the like is improved.

From the viewpoint of convenience for the operator or the like, image data or the like is transmitted to a console C different from the console C closest to the current position of the radiation image detector 2 automatically selected by the data management server S. In some cases, it may be more convenient for the operator or the like. In such a case, even if the data management server S basically selects the console C that is closest to the current position of the radiation image detector 2, the console C that further transmits image data or the like on the radiation image detector 2 side. If it is configured to be able to specify freely, the convenience is further improved.

Therefore, for example, an input unit (not shown) for designating a console C for transmitting image data and thinning data is provided on the side surface of the housing 21 of the radiation image detector 2, and the input unit or the like by the operator. Is operated to designate a console C for transmitting image data or the like, and information of the designated console C is transmitted via, for example, the antenna device 25 of the radiation image detector 2 or the like, the data management server S Can be configured to deliver image data or the like to the designated console C without selecting the console C closest to the current position of the radiation image detector 2 described above.

Further, when a different console C is designated from the same radiation image detector 2, it may be configured to deliver image data or the like to the designated console C later in time, that is, at a time close to the current time. preferable. This is because when the console C is designated later in time, it can be considered that the designation of the console C made earlier in time is corrected.

In the present embodiment, the case where the tag reader 6 is provided in the front room Ra of the radiographing room R in order to detect the current position of the radiation image detector 2 has been described. However, the position detection is not limited to the method using the tag reader 6. For example, the radiation image detector 2 has a small GPS (Global Positioning System) transmitter built therein, and the radiation image detector is detected by the position search. It is also possible to configure to detect two current positions.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the current position of the radiation image detector 2 is determined using the table T (see FIG. 6) in which the consoles C1 to C3 are ranked in the order of closest to the imaging room R for each of the imaging rooms R1 to R4. The case where the nearest console C is selected has been described. However, other than this, for example, map information inside a facility such as a hospital to which the radiographic imaging system 1 is applied (particularly the floor to which the radiographic imaging system 1 is applied) is stored in advance in the storage means of the data management server S. The path from the current position of the detected radiation image detector 2 to each console C is calculated, and the console C having the shortest path is defined as the console C closest to the current position of the radiation image detector 2. It can also be configured to select.

In addition, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment and can be appropriately changed.

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

Explanation of symbols

1 Radiographic imaging system 2 Portable radiographic image detector (Radiological image detector)
4 Radiation generator 6 Position detection means (tag reader)
25 Wireless communication means (antenna device)
26 Wired communication means (terminal)
28 Storage means C, C1 to C3 Console M Subject (patient)
R, R1 to R4 Shooting room S Data management server

Claims

A plurality of radiographing rooms comprising at least one radiation generator;
A portable radiographic image detector comprising storage means capable of generating image data by detecting the radiation emitted from the radiation generator and transmitted through the subject, and storing the plurality of generated image data;
A plurality of consoles for generating radiation images based on the image data transmitted from the portable radiation image detector;
A data management server for managing the distribution of the image data between the portable radiation image detector and the plurality of consoles;
Position detecting means capable of detecting a current position of the portable radiographic image detector;
With
When there is a transfer request for the image data from the portable radiation image detector, the data management server, based on information on the current position of the portable radiation image detector detected by the position detection unit, Selecting the console closest to the current position of the portable radiographic image detector from the console and controlling the image data transmitted from the portable radiographic image detector to be delivered to the nearest console A radiographic imaging system characterized by
2. The radiation according to claim 1, wherein the position detection unit is a tag reader provided in the plurality of imaging rooms, and reads the ID of the portable radiation image detector and notifies the data management server of the ID. Image shooting system.
3. The radiographic imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the position detecting means is a GPS transmitter built in the portable radiographic image detector.
When the console closest to the current position of the portable radiographic image detector selected from the plurality of consoles is in use, the data management server is the console next to the portable radiographic image detector. The radiographic imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image data is controlled to be distributed from the portable radiographic image detector to the next closest console. .
The radiographic image according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the portable radiographic image detector is capable of transmitting the image data without depending on an instruction from the console. Shooting system.
The portable radiological image detector is configured to be able to designate the console for transmitting the image data,
When the console for transmitting the image data from the portable radiation image detector is designated, the data management server does not select the nearest console, and the image is displayed on the designated console. The radiographic imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein control is performed so as to distribute data.
The portable radiographic image detector includes a wireless communication unit, and in the situation where the image data is transmitted via the wireless communication unit, the thinned data is generated by creating the thinned data of the image data. The radiographic imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the radiographic image transmission system is transmitted first.
The portable radiation image detector includes a wired communication unit, and in a situation where the image data can be transmitted through the wired communication unit, the thinned data is not generated, and the image is not generated. The radiographic imaging system according to claim 7, wherein data is transmitted.