WO2010004779A1

WO2010004779A1 - Medical image system

Info

Publication number: WO2010004779A1
Application number: PCT/JP2009/054022
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: 2008-07-08
Filing date: 2009-03-04
Publication date: 2010-01-14

Abstract

A medical image system which quickly displays image data required for judging necessity of rephotograph, thereby judging the necessity of rephotograph faster. The system is provided with an FPD cassette (2) and a console (3). The FPD cassette (2) generates image data relating to a subject to be photographed which is obtained by obtaining an electric signal by a sensor panel part (221) and reading the electric signal by a reading part (230), divides the image data into divided image data by a divided image data generation means on the basis of predetermined division setting, sets the transmission order of the divided image data by a transmission management means, and transmits the divided image data to outside according to the set transmission order. The console (3) divides the display area of a display part (33) into a plurality of divided display areas according to information relating to a photographed section which identifies the photographed section, assigns the divided image data obtained from the FPD cassette (2) to respective divided display areas according to a predetermined assignment order, and displays the image based on the divided image data in the respective divided display areas.

Description

Medical imaging system

The present invention relates to a medical image system.

Conventionally, for the purpose of disease diagnosis and the like, a radiographic image taken using radiation, represented by an X-ray image, has been widely used.
Such medical radiographic images were conventionally taken using a screen film, but in recent years, digitization of radiographic images has been realized. For example, a stimulable phosphor layer forms radiation transmitted through a subject. After being stored in the photostimulable phosphor sheet, the photostimulable phosphor sheet is scanned with laser light, and thereby the photostimulated light emitted from the photostimulable phosphor sheet is photoelectrically converted to image data. A CR (Computed Radiography) apparatus for obtaining the above has been widely used.

When performing radiographic image capture, it is necessary to perform re-photographing if there is a mistake in positioning, such as if the positioning is incorrect or if the subject has moved during shooting. Therefore, there is a request to determine the necessity of re-shooting as soon as possible, and it is a CR device that can be used to read image data etc. in the device after shooting. In the case of a machine, a method has been proposed in which a scanned image is displayed almost simultaneously when scanning is started after imaging of a patient (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

On the other hand, in the case of a portable CR-type CR device, after imaging the patient, the cassette is loaded into the reader and the image data is read, and the read image data is transferred to the console. The image is displayed after being transmitted (see, for example, Patent Document 2). For this reason, the time from photographing to image confirmation requires more time than a CR dedicated machine.

Recently, a medical image system using a radiation solid-state image sensor FPD (Flat Panel Detector) as a detector that detects irradiated radiation and acquires it as digital image data instead of the CR apparatus has appeared.

As such an FPD, a cassette-type FPD (hereinafter referred to as “FPD cassette”) configured to be portable like the cassette of the CR device is also used, and has a built-in battery and wireless communication. A functioning FPD cassette has also appeared. The FPD cassette makes use of its portability and enables imaging at any location, such as a patient's bedside, and transfers image data to a console, personal computer (PC), workstation (WS), etc. wirelessly. A system capable of transmitting is also proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 3). In such a system, if necessary, all read image data (hereinafter referred to as “RAW image data”) or thinned image data with a reduced amount of data (thinned by compression) is reduced (compressed). It has also been proposed to select one of (compressed image data) and send it to a console or the like.
Further, when both RAW image data and thinned image data (compressed image data) are generated in the FPD cassette, the thinned image data is transmitted by a wireless method, and the RAW image data is transmitted by a wired method through a cable or the like. (See, for example, Patent Document 4).

When generating and transmitting thinned image data with a small amount of data in addition to RAW image data, the communication time can be shortened, and image data can be transmitted to a console or the like relatively early. Therefore, it is possible to quickly determine whether or not re-shooting is necessary.
Japanese Patent No. 2509815 JP 2002-159476 A JP 07-246199 A JP 2002-191586 A

However, since the diagnostic image (determined image) that is finally used for diagnosis is generated from the RAW image data, if it is not necessary to perform re-imaging after determining whether re-imaging is necessary based on the thinned-out image data, the RAW image is renewed. The sequence is such that the image data is transmitted to the console or the like, and the thinned image data transmitted previously is deleted as unnecessary. In this way, the image data to be finally deleted is generated, and once sent to a console or the like to confirm the necessity of re-shooting, the RAW image data is sent again to generate the final image. Therefore, it takes a considerable time to generate a definite image.

Further, in order to confirm whether or not re-shooting is necessary, it is not always necessary to look at the entire image, and it can often be determined by looking at a part of the image. For example, in the case of photographing the front of the chest in a standing position, it is possible to check the position of the neck and waist, i.e., the positioning shift by looking only at the upper part of the entire image. it can.
In this regard, in the past, when RAW image data was transmitted and when thinned image data was transmitted, the entire image data was transmitted to the console or the like, so it is not necessary to determine whether or not re-shooting is necessary. The image data was to be transmitted.
For this reason, there is a problem that it takes time to transmit the image data, and it is impossible to determine whether or not re-photographing is necessary at an early stage.

In addition, as in the technique described in Patent Document 4, when it is assumed that thinned image data is transmitted by a wireless method and RAW image data is transmitted by a wired method using a cable or the like, an engineer is transmitted each time RAW image data is transmitted. However, it was necessary to perform work such as attaching a cable.

Further, when sending thinned image data for determining whether or not re-photographing is necessary, the number of pixels of thinned image data (for example, thinned image data such as 1/8 compressed or 1/16 compressed raw data) transmitted to the console side When the display pixel number on the display unit of the console does not match, there is a problem that the image data is lost and it is not possible to appropriately determine whether or not re-shooting is necessary.

On the other hand, when only RAW image data is transmitted to the console and it is attempted to determine whether or not re-shooting is necessary using this RAW image data, it takes time to transmit RAW image data. Cannot be judged.
Further, if no image is displayed on the console until the transmission of the image data is completed, the engineer may become psychologically uneasy such as suspected of poor communication.
Further, when the battery is driven by a built-in battery, if the communication time is long, the battery is consumed correspondingly, and there is a concern that the battery may run out before the transmission of the image data is completed.

This is particularly noticeable when performing communication using a wireless method, but the communication environment is sufficiently prepared even when performing communication using a wired method, such as when using a network with a low communication speed. A similar problem arises in situations where no.

The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances as described above, and provides a medical image system that can quickly and surely determine the necessity of re-imaging without being influenced by the communication environment or the like. Objective.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention reads radiation signals that are two-dimensionally arranged with a plurality of elements that convert radiation transmitted through a subject into electrical signals, and reads electrical signals acquired by the radiation detection units. Reading means for generating image data of a subject, divided image data generating means for dividing the image data generated by the reading means into divided image data based on a predetermined division setting, and a transmission order of the divided image data are set A radiological image detector comprising: a transmission management means for performing; and a detector communication means for transmitting the divided image data to the outside according to the transmission order;
A console having display means having a two-dimensional display area, console communication means for acquiring the divided image data from the radiation image detector, and display control means for controlling the display means;
With
The display control means divides the display area of the display means into a plurality of divided display areas based on imaging part information for identifying an imaging part, and outputs the divided image data acquired by the console communication means to a predetermined area. According to the allocation order, the image is allocated to each divided display area, and an image based on the divided image data is displayed in each divided display area.

According to the present invention, the transmission management means transmits a plurality of divided image data obtained by dividing one image data based on a predetermined division setting to the console in a predetermined order. Necessary image data can be transmitted to the console more quickly.

Further, when one image data is divided into a plurality of divided image data corresponding to a predetermined divided area based on the imaging region information, and the divided image data is transmitted to the console in a predetermined order, Image data necessary for checking whether or not re-shooting is necessary can be transmitted to the console more appropriately and quickly.

Further, since the display control means assigns and displays the divided image data acquired by the console communication means in a predetermined order in a predetermined divided display area on the display means based on the imaging part, it is earlier than the necessity of re-imaging. Confirmation is possible. As a result, even if only the RAW image data is transmitted without transmitting the thinned image data for re-photographing necessity confirmation, it is possible to quickly confirm the final diagnostic image data.

Therefore, it is possible to reduce the troublesomeness of the movement of the operator, the twice transmission operation, and the psychological anxiety that the communication is bad.

Further, in the case of including reading designation means for designating the reading order of the electrical signals from the radiation detection means based on the imaging part information for identifying the imaging part, the reading means is in the reading order designated by the reading designation means. Since the reading / detecting device communication means transmits the image data to the outside in the reading order read by the reading means, the image data necessary for confirming whether or not re-photographing is necessary can be transmitted to the console earlier.

In addition, since the display control means allocates and displays the image data acquired by the console communication means in a predetermined order in a predetermined divided display area on the display means based on the imaging region, it is possible to confirm whether or not re-imaging is necessary. Is possible. As a result, even if only the RAW image data is transmitted without transmitting the thinned image data for re-photographing necessity confirmation, the final diagnostic image data can be quickly confirmed as a result.

Further, the divided image data generation means divides one image data into a plurality of divided image data based on a predetermined division setting, and also thins out the divided image data based on a predetermined image thinning rate. The image data is generated, and the transmission management unit sets the transmission order of the divided thinned image data. When the detector communication means transmits the division setting, the transmission order, and the image thinning rate as supplementary data together with the divided thinned image data in the transmission order, the divided thinned image data is one image data (RAW image data). ) Is divided and thinned out, the data amount of the divided thinned-out image data is smaller than the data amount of one image data (RAW image data). Therefore, the data transfer time is shortened, and the image data necessary for confirming whether or not re-shooting is necessary can be transmitted to the console more quickly.

Also, the console communication means obtains incidental data and divided thinned image data. The display control means assigns the divided thinned image data to a predetermined divided display area based on the division setting in the accompanying data in the transmission order in the accompanying data, and based on the image thinning rate in the accompanying data. The display means is controlled to display on the display means. Therefore, it is possible to confirm earlier whether or not the most photographing is necessary.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a medical image system according to a first embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the principal part structure of a FPD cassette. It is an equivalent circuit diagram shown in the structure of the sensor panel part and reading part of FPD cassette. It is the perspective view which looked at the FPD cassette shown in FIG. 2 from the arrow A direction. It is a figure which shows the division area and division | segmentation display area where the imaging | photography site | part respond | corresponded to the chest front in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the division area and division | segmentation display area where the imaging | photography site | part respond | corresponded to the chest side surface in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a medical image system in case an FPD cassette control part manages a transmission order. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a medical image system in case an FPD cassette control part manages a transmission order. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the medical image system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the division area and division | segmentation display area where the imaging | photography site | part respond | corresponded to the chest front in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the division area and division | segmentation display area where the imaging | photography site | part respond | corresponded to the chest side surface in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a medical image system in case an FPD cassette control part designates reading order. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a medical image system in case an FPD cassette control part designates reading order. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the medical image system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the division area and division | segmentation display area where division | segmentation setting respond | corresponds to the chest front. It is a figure which shows the division | segmentation area | region and division | segmentation display area where division | segmentation setting corresponds to the chest side surface. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a medical image system in case an FPD cassette control part manages a division setting, a transmission order, and an image thinning-out rate. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a medical image system in case an FPD cassette control part manages a division setting, a transmission order, and an image thinning-out rate. It is explanatory drawing explaining the division method of the image data in 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining the allocation of the pixel in the 1st layer shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the allocation of the pixel in the 2nd layer shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the allocation of the pixel in the 3rd layer shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the allocation of the pixel in the 4th layer shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the allocation of the pixel in the 5th layer shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining allocation of the pixel in the 6th layer shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining allocation of the pixel in the 7th layer shown in FIG. It is the figure which showed an example of the actual display image in the layer shown in FIG.17 and FIG.23. It is the figure which showed an example of the actual display image in the layer shown in FIG.17 and FIG.23. It is the figure which showed an example of the actual display image in the layer shown in FIG.17 and FIG.23. It is the figure which showed an example of the actual display image in the layer shown in FIG.17 and FIG.23. It is the figure which showed an example of the actual display image in the layer shown in FIG.17 and FIG.23. It is the figure which showed an example of the actual display image in the layer shown in FIG.17 and FIG.23. It is the figure which showed an example of the actual display image in the layer shown in FIG.17 and FIG.23. It is explanatory drawing explaining an example of the division transfer of the image data in the case of performing a progressive display. It is a table | surface showing the difference in the effective speed of communication by the kind of radio | wireless. It is a table | surface which shows an example, such as a size of a display area of a display part, and monitor characteristics. It is the figure which showed the example of a screen at the time of displaying four images on a display part. It is the figure which showed the example of a screen at the time of displaying one image on a display part. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an effect | action of the medical image system in the case of performing a progressive display. It is explanatory drawing explaining the modification of the division transfer of image data. It is explanatory drawing explaining the modification of the division transfer of image data. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of an effect | action of the medical image system in the case of performing a progressive display.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a medical image system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7B. However, the present invention is not limited to the following illustrated examples.

The medical image system 1 according to the present embodiment is a system that assumes radiographic imaging performed in a hospital or clinic.
As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the imaging room R <b> 1 is a room that shields radiation, and the imaging room R <b> 1 includes a radiation generator 4 that irradiates the examination target with radiation, and the radiation emitted from the radiation generator 4. An FPD cassette 2 that generates image data, a holding device 7 that can be loaded with the FPD cassette 2, and a wireless access point 5 are arranged.
An operation device 6 for operating the radiation generation device 4 is disposed in the front chamber R2.
A separate room is provided with a console 3 for controlling the entire system. This console 3 can also be provided in the front chamber R2.
In the present embodiment, the medical image system 1 includes the FPD cassette 2, the console 3, the radiation generation device 4, the wireless access point 5, the operation device 6, and the holding device 7.
In this embodiment, the image data acquired by the FPD cassette 2 is transmitted to the console 3 and the image is displayed on the display unit 33 after the transmission is completed. However, the amount of image data to be transmitted is transmitted. It is preferable to adopt a display format (hereinafter referred to as “progressive display”) in which the resolution is sequentially increased as time increases (a configuration and processing technique for performing progressive display will be described later). In this case, progressive display can be performed in real time with image transmission.
Hereinafter, the configuration of the medical image system 1 will be described in detail.

The radiation generator 4 includes a radiation tube (not shown) that generates radiation when a high voltage is applied from a voltage generation source. A radiation squeezing device (not shown) for adjusting the radiation irradiation range is provided at the radiation irradiation port of the radiation tube.
The radiation generating device 4 is disposed at a position facing the FPD cassette 2 at the time of imaging, and irradiates the inspection target with radiation.

The holding device 7 loads the FPD cassette 2 and is connected to the network N. When the FPD cassette 2 is loaded in the holding device 7, the FPD cassette 2 has a function of transmitting and receiving data by a wireless method or a wired method via the holding device 7.

The FPD cassette 2 is a cassette-type radiological image detection apparatus that obtains radiographic image data (hereinafter simply referred to as “image data”).
As the FPD cassette 2, for example, 8 inch × 10 inch, 10 inch × 12 inch, 11 inch × 14 inch, 14 inch × 14 inch, 14 inch × 17 inch, 17 inch × 17 inch, etc. are available. However, the size is not limited to those listed here.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the FPD cassette 2 in the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the FPD cassette 2 includes a casing 210 that protects the inside. A scintillator layer 220 that converts irradiated radiation into light is formed in the casing 210. . As the scintillator layer 220, for example, a layer formed using a phosphor in which a luminescent center substance is activated in a matrix such as CsI: Tl, Cd ₂ O ₂ S: Tb, or ZnS: Ag can be used.

A sensor panel portion 221 is provided on the surface of the scintillator layer 220 opposite to the surface on which radiation is incident. The sensor panel unit 221 includes a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged radiation detection elements that convert radiation transmitted through a subject into electrical signals, and functions as radiation detection means. In the present embodiment, the sensor panel unit 221 includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements 223 (see FIG. 3) such as photodiodes that convert light output from the scintillator layer 220 into electric signals as radiation detection elements.
Each photoelectric conversion element 223 in this case corresponds to one pixel as a minimum unit of image reading, and each photoelectric conversion element 223 has its position determined by, for example, a position x in the row direction and a position y in the column direction. It can be specified.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, a reading unit 230 that reads the output value of each photoelectric conversion element 223 of the sensor panel unit 221 is provided on a portion around the sensor panel unit 221 or on the back surface side. The reading unit 230 reads an electrical signal detected and output by the sensor panel unit 221 (an output value corresponding to the amount of radiation generated by the radiation generator 4 and transmitted through the subject), and generates image data based on the electrical signal. Functions as a reading means.
The reading unit 230 includes an FPD cassette control unit 200 made up of a microcomputer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) or the like, an FPD cassette made up of ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), flash memory, etc. (not shown). The storage unit 201, the scanning drive circuit 202, the signal readout circuit 203, and the like are included.

Here, the configuration of the sensor panel unit 221 and the reading unit 230 will be further described with reference to the equivalent circuit diagram of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, one electrode of each photoelectric conversion element 223 of the sensor panel unit 221 is connected to the source electrode of the TFT 222 which is a signal reading switch element. In addition, a bias line Lb is connected to the other electrode of each photoelectric conversion element 223, and the bias line Lb is connected to a bias power supply 228, and a bias voltage is applied from the bias power supply 228 to each photoelectric conversion element 223. It has become so.

The gate electrode of each TFT 222 is connected to a scanning line Ll extending from the scanning drive circuit 202, and the drain electrode of each TFT 222 is connected to a signal line Lr. Each signal line Lr is connected to the amplifier circuit 224 in the signal readout circuit 203, and the output line of each amplifier circuit 224 is connected to the analog multiplexer 226 via the sample hold circuit 225, respectively. The analog multiplexer 226 is connected to an A / D converter 227, and the signal readout circuit 203 is connected to the FPD cassette control unit 200 via the A / D converter 227. An FPD cassette storage unit 201 is connected to the FPD cassette control unit 200.

In the FPD cassette 2, in radiation image capturing for capturing a subject (not shown), when radiation transmitted through the subject is incident on the scintillator layer 220, light is irradiated from the scintillator layer 220 to the sensor panel unit 221 and the amount of light irradiation received. Accordingly, the characteristics of the photoelectric conversion element 223 change.

When the radiographic image capturing is completed and image data is read out from the FPD cassette 2 as an electric signal, a read voltage is applied to the gate electrode of the TFT 222 from the scanning line Ll to open the gate of each TFT 222, and the photoelectric conversion element 223 Then, an electric signal is taken out to the signal line Lr through the TFT 222. Then, the electric signal is amplified by the amplifier circuit 224, and is sequentially output from the analog multiplexer 226 to the FPD cassette control unit 200 via the A / D converter 227. The FPD cassette control unit 200 The position information specifying the position of the photoelectric conversion element 223 (that is, the pixel) is stored in the FPD cassette storage unit 201 in association with each other. The signal reading process is sequentially performed for each scanning line Ll. When the electric signal is read from all the photoelectric conversion elements 223 of the sensor panel unit 221, the signal reading process is finished.

The FPD cassette 2 includes a battery 207, and the FPD cassette control unit 200 controls power supply from the battery 207 to each member.
As the battery 207, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, a lithium ion battery, a small sealed lead battery, or a lead storage battery can be used. Further, instead of the battery 207, a fuel cell or the like may be applied.

Further, the FPD cassette 2 includes an image storage unit 204 that stores image data generated by the reading unit 230 based on an electrical signal detected by the sensor panel unit 221. The image storage unit 204 is configured by a rewritable memory such as a flash memory, for example. In the present embodiment, image data generated by the reading unit 230 is stored in an image storage unit in association with pixel size information, pixel number information, and position information of each pixel for each pixel corresponding to each photoelectric conversion element 223. The data is temporarily stored in the unit 204.
The image storage unit 204 may be a built-in memory or a removable memory such as a memory card. The capacity of the image storage unit 204 is not particularly limited, but preferably has a capacity capable of storing a plurality of pieces of image data. By providing such an image storage unit 204, it is possible to continuously irradiate a subject with radiation, and to record and accumulate image data each time, so that continuous shooting and moving image shooting can be performed. It becomes possible.

In addition, a terminal 209 for charging is formed at one end of the casing 210 of the FPD cassette 2. For example, the FPD cassette 2 is attached to a charging device (not shown) such as a cradle connected to an external power source. Thus, a terminal (not shown) on the charging device side and a terminal 209 on the housing 210 side are connected to charge the battery 207.

The FPD cassette 2 is provided with an FPD cassette communication unit 208 (see FIG. 1) that transmits and receives various signals to and from an external device such as the console 3. The FPD cassette communication unit 208 is, for example, for transferring image data to the console 3 or receiving a photographing start signal transmitted from the console 3 or the like.
In this embodiment, as will be described later, the image data generated by the reading unit 230 is divided into divided image data corresponding to a predetermined divided area based on the imaging region information, and externally according to a predetermined transmission order. The FPD cassette communication unit 208 functions as a detection device communication unit that transmits the divided image data to the console 3 or the like according to the transmission order.
Further, as will be described later, when the transmission order for transmitting the divided image data is changed by the FPD cassette control unit 200, the FPD cassette communication unit 208 transmits the divided image data to the console 3 together with the changed transmission order. To do.

Further, an indicator 206 for displaying the charging status of the battery 207 and various operation statuses is provided at one end of the front surface of the casing 210 of the FPD cassette 2 so that the operator can check the charging status of the battery 207 of the FPD cassette 2 and the like. Can be visually confirmed.

In addition, an input operation unit 205 is provided outside the casing 210 of the FPD cassette 2 for an operator such as a radiologist to input and set various instructions. The contents input from the input operation unit 205 include, for example, imaging conditions, patient identification information, selection setting of the operation state of the FPD cassette 2, etc., but the contents that can be input from the input operation unit 205 are: It is not limited to what was illustrated here.
For example, when the engineer wants to change the transmission order of the divided image data set as default, an instruction signal for instructing the change of the transmission order is input by inputting an instruction from the input operation unit 205, and the FPD cassette control unit 200. May be output. When such an instruction signal is output from the input operation unit 205, as will be described later, the FPD cassette control unit 200 changes the transmission order of the divided image data set as a default according to the instruction signal.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, an antenna device 231 for performing wireless communication is embedded in the side surface portion of the casing 210 of the FPD cassette 2. The antenna device 231 includes a pair of

flat radiation plates

232 and 233 made of metal, and a power feeding unit 234 that connects the pair of

radiation plates

232 and 233 and supplies power to the pair of

radiation plates

232 and 233. Is provided.
Note that the type and shape of the antenna device 231 are not limited to those illustrated here. The antenna device 231 is not limited to being embedded in the housing 210, and may be attached to the outside or the inside of the housing 210.

Next, the functional configuration of the FPD cassette 2 will be described with reference to FIG.
The FPD cassette storage unit 201 stores various control programs and various data such as image data. In the present embodiment, the various control programs include a transmission management program indicating the image data division method and transmission order associated with the imaging region.
Note that the FPD cassette storage unit 201 stores a predetermined division method and transmission order as defaults. However, as described above, by inputting an instruction signal from the input operation unit 205, an engineer (user) or the like is arbitrarily selected. It is also possible to change the setting.
In the present embodiment, in this transmission management program, as a default, the division method and transmission order when the imaging region is the front of the chest, and the division method and transmission order when the imaging region is the side of the chest are set. However, the method of defining the dividing method and the transmission order is not limited to this, and more patterns may be selectively applicable.

The FPD cassette control unit 200 performs overall control of each unit in the FPD cassette 2 according to a program stored in the FPD cassette storage unit 201 and performs predetermined calculations. In the present embodiment, the FPD cassette control unit 200 uses the transmission management program stored in the FPD cassette storage unit 201 to obtain the image data generated by the reading unit 230 based on the imaging part information. It also functions as transmission management means for dividing the divided image data corresponding to the divided areas and setting the transmission order of the divided image data.

Here, the function as the transmission management means of the FPD cassette control unit 200 will be described in detail.
In the present embodiment, imaging part information for identifying an imaging part in the imaging is transmitted from the console 3 to the FPD cassette 2, and the imaging part information transmitted from the console 3 is transmitted to the FPD cassette communication unit 208. Is acquired, the FPD cassette control unit 200 reads the transmission management program corresponding to the imaging part information from the FPD cassette storage unit 201. Then, based on the transmission management program, the FPD cassette control unit 200 displays one image data (image data obtained by the photographing) stored in the image storage unit 204, which will be described later, on the display unit 33 of the console 3. The FPD cassette communication unit 208 transmits the plurality of divided image data to the console 3 in a predetermined transmission order.

Specifically, when the imaging region is the front of the chest, the FPD cassette control unit 200 converts one piece of image data into three pieces (divided image data α, β) in the vertical direction (row direction) as shown in FIG. , Γ), and the divided image data α, β, γ are transmitted to the console 3 in the order of “α → β → γ”. As will be described later, the divided image data α, β, and γ correspond to the divided display areas A, B, and C of the display unit 33 of the console 3 in FIG. On the other hand, when the imaging region is the chest side surface, the FPD cassette control unit 200 divides one image data into three in the horizontal direction (column direction) (divided image data α, β, γ) as shown in FIG. The divided image data α, β, γ are transmitted to the console 3 in the order of “α → β → γ”. As will be described later, the divided image data α, β, and γ correspond to the divided display areas A, B, and C of the display unit 33 of the console 3 in FIG.

As described above, it is possible to cope with the case where the predetermined transmission order is changed by the setting of the user or the like. In this case, the transmission order information changed from the FPD cassette communication unit 208 of the FPD cassette 2 to the console 3 is transmitted together with the divided image data before transmitting the image data.
The reason why the divided transmission is performed as described above is that if the imaging region is the front of the chest as shown in FIG. 5, the neck image data that is the divided image data α and the waist image data that is the divided image data β are the first. If the image data γ of the front of the chest is not transmitted to the console 3, the approximate position of the front of the chest that is the region of interest can be estimated from the positional relationship between the neck and the waist on the console 3 side. This is because it is often possible to visually recognize whether or not the position is appropriate, that is, whether or not the position of the subject exists at an appropriate position. If the imaging region is the chest side surface as shown in FIG. 6, if the abdominal image data as the divided image data α and the back image data as the divided image data β are transmitted to the console 3, the image of the chest side surface is obtained. Even when the data γ is not transmitted to the console 3, the approximate position of the side of the chest, which is the region of interest, can be estimated from the positional relationship between the abdomen and the back on the console 3, and whether the imaging position is appropriate, that is, the position of the subject This is because it is often possible to visually recognize whether or not the image exists at an appropriate position.

In the present embodiment, the FPD cassette control unit 200 determines the transmission order of each image data so that the divided image data is displayed in a progressive display in each divided display area of the display unit 33 of the console 3. Accordingly, the FDP cassette communication unit 208 can be controlled to transmit image data in units of pixels or in units of lines.
In the case where progressive display is performed and the case where progressive display is not performed, the data transfer amount to the console 3 when all image data is finally transmitted does not change, that is, the data transfer time does not change. However, in the progressive display, a low-resolution screen is first displayed, and a higher-resolution image is displayed as image data is received. For this reason, even if the communication infrastructure is not enough (communication speed is slow), the engineer can recognize that communication is in progress by visually recognizing the display screen that changes over time. You can rest assured that a high-resolution image is displayed. Further, by performing progressive display, for example, in the case of the front of the chest, the outline of the neck from the above-mentioned divided image data α, and in the case of the side of the chest, the outline of the abdomen from the above-mentioned divided image data α, It is displayed with increasing resolution. Thereby, it is possible to confirm earlier whether or not the position of the subject is appropriate and whether or not re-shooting is necessary.

Next, the console 3 will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 1, the console 3 includes a console control unit 30 composed of a CPU or the like (not shown), a console storage unit 31 composed of ROM, RAM, etc., a console communication unit 32, a display unit 33, an input An operation unit 34 and the like are provided, and each unit is connected by a bus 35.

Among these, the console storage unit 31 stores various control programs such as a program for performing image processing such as gradation processing and frequency processing based on automatic region recognition for detecting an affected part, and also imaging. The image processing parameters for adjusting the image data of the image to an image quality suitable for diagnosis (lookup table defining a gradation curve used for gradation processing, enhancement degree of frequency processing, etc.) and the like are stored. In the present embodiment, the display area division method and assignment order associated with the imaging region (display order in which the divided display areas from which the image data transmitted from the FPD cassette 2 are assigned in order are displayed) A display control program is included.

The console control unit 30 performs overall control of each unit in the console 3 according to a program stored in the console storage unit 31 and performs predetermined calculations. In the present embodiment, the console control unit 30 also functions as a display control unit that controls the display unit 33 in accordance with a display control program stored in the console storage unit 31.

Here, the function of the console control unit 30 as the display control means will be described in detail.
When the console control unit 30 acquires imaging part information by input from the input operation unit 34, for example, the console control unit 30 reads a display control program corresponding to the imaging part information from the console storage unit 31. Then, the console control unit 30 divides the display area of the display unit 33 into a plurality of divided display areas based on the display control program, and assigns each divided image data acquired by the console communication unit 32 to a predetermined allocation. An image is assigned to each divided display area according to the order, and an image based on each divided image data is displayed in each divided display area.

Specifically, when the imaging region is the front of the chest, the console control unit 30 divides one display region into three vertical display regions A, B, and C as shown in FIG. Each divided image data is assigned to the divided display areas A, B, and C in accordance with a predetermined assignment order, and an image based on each divided image data is displayed. On the other hand, when the imaging region is the chest side surface, the FPD cassette control unit 200 divides one display area into three divided display areas A, B, and C in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. Each divided image data is assigned to the display areas A, B, and C in accordance with a predetermined assignment order, and an image based on each divided image data is displayed.
The “predetermined allocation order (display order)” in this case is the order (transmission order) in which the console 3 acquires the divided image data. That is, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the divided display areas A, B, and C are assigned the divided image data α, β, and γ according to the transmission order, and the divided display areas A, B, and C are divided. An image based on the image data α, β, γ is displayed. In the present embodiment, it is possible to cope with a case where the transmission order is changed on the FPD cassette 2 side. In this case, as described above, the FPD cassette 2 transmits the changed transmission order information to the console 3 before transmitting the image data, and the console 3 displays each divided display based on the transmitted information. The divided image data α, β, and γ are assigned to the regions A, B, and C, and an image is displayed on the display unit 33. The method of defining the “predetermined allocation order (display order)” is not particularly limited, and an allocation order other than those exemplified here may be defined (set) as the “predetermined allocation order”.

The reason why the display is divided in this way is that, as shown in FIG. 5, if the imaging region is the front of the chest, in most cases, the neck image data that is the divided image data α and the waist image that is the divided image data β. If the image based on the data is displayed in the divided display areas A and B, the front of the chest which is the attention area is determined from the positional relationship between the neck and the waist at the stage where the image based on the image data on the front of the chest is not displayed in the divided display area C. This is because the position of the subject can be estimated and it can be confirmed whether or not the photographing position is appropriate, that is, whether or not the position of the subject exists at an appropriate position. As shown in FIG. 6, when the imaging region is the chest side surface, in most cases, an image based on the abdomen image data that is the divided image data α and the back image data that is the divided image data β is divided display area A. , B, when the image based on the image data of the chest side is not displayed in the divided display area C, the position of the chest side which is the attention area can be estimated from the positional relationship between the abdomen and the back, and the photographing position is appropriate. This is because it is possible to confirm whether or not re-shooting is necessary, that is, whether or not the position of the subject exists at an appropriate position.
In the above example, the case where the image is displayed in each divided display area after obtaining the divided image data for each divided display area has been described. However, the divided image data is progressively displayed on the display unit 33 of the console 3. In this case, since the images are sequentially displayed based on the acquired data even before the acquisition of the divided image data for each divided display area is completed, the contour of the subject is transmitted to the image data. Along with this, the images are sequentially displayed in real time from low resolution to high resolution images. For this reason, it is possible to determine the necessity of re-photographing earlier than in the above example.

The display unit 33 is a display unit having a two-dimensional display area, and includes a monitor such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). In the present embodiment, the display unit 33 has a configuration that can be divided into a plurality of divided display areas. For example, image data (divided image data) transmitted from the FPD cassette 2 is transmitted and divided into the divided display areas. When image data is assigned, an image based on the assigned divided image data is displayed in the divided display area.

Further, the console communication unit 32 transmits / receives information to / from the FPD cassette 2 via the wireless access point 5 by a wireless method, or when the FPD cassette 2 is connected to the holding device 7, Information is transmitted and received through a wired system. In the present embodiment, the console communication unit 32 is a console communication unit that acquires divided image data from the FPD cassette 2.
The console communication unit 32 is configured by a network interface or the like, and transmits / receives data to / from an external device connected to the network N via a switching hub. In the present embodiment, the external devices connected to the console communication unit 32 of the console 3 via the network N include the HIS / RIS 8, the PACS server 9, the imager 10, and the like, but the external devices connected to the network N are It is not limited to what was illustrated here.

Here, the PACS server 9 stores the image data output from the console 3. The imager 10 records a radiographic image on an image recording medium such as a film based on the image data output from the console 3 and outputs the image.

Next, an example of the operation of the medical image system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B.

A start signal for starting the FPD cassette 2 wirelessly from the console 3 is transmitted to the FPD cassette 2 (step S101). When the FPD cassette 2 receives the activation signal from the console 3 (step S102), the FPD cassette 2 is awakened from the sleep state (step S103) and becomes ready for photographing. Thereafter, the imaging order information including the imaging part information is transmitted from the console 3 to the FPD cassette 2 (step S104), and the FPD cassette receives the imaging order information including the imaging part information (step S105). Further, a control signal for controlling the radiation irradiation condition of the radiation generating device 4 is transmitted from the console 3 to the operating device 6, and the operating device 6 sends an exposure instruction signal to the radiation generating device 4 based on the control signal. Send. Thereby, the radiation generator 4 irradiates predetermined radiation at a predetermined timing according to the exposure instruction signal, and imaging is performed. When shooting is completed, the reading means of the FPD cassette 2 reads the image data (step S106) and stores it in the image storage unit 204 (step S107).

The FPD cassette control unit 200 determines whether or not the divided transmission is performed by dividing the image data into predetermined divided image data based on the imaging part information (step S108), and when the divided transmission is not performed (step S108). : NO), the process proceeds to step S116. When performing divided transmission (step S108: YES), the FPD cassette control unit 200 sets the transmission order of the divided image data according to the imaging part information of the divided image data (step S109). For example, when the imaging region information is “front of chest”, as shown in FIG. 5, the default settings are set so that the divided image data α, β, γ are transmitted in the order of “α → β → γ”. The FPD cassette control unit 200 sets the order of “α → β → γ” as the transmission order of the divided image data.
When the transmission order of the divided image data is set, the FPD cassette control unit 200 next determines whether or not the transmission order of the divided image data has been changed (step S110), and the transmission order has not been changed. If YES (step S110: NO), the process proceeds to step S116. On the other hand, when the transmission order is changed (step S110: YES), the FPD cassette control unit 200 changes the transmission order from the default to the changed one (step S111), and the FPD cassette control unit 200 3, the transmission order information about the changed transmission order is transmitted (step S112). When the console 3 receives the transmission order information (step S113), the console 3 transmits a reception completion signal of the transmission order information to the FPD cassette 2 (step S114). The FPD cassette 2 receives the reception completion signal (step S115).

Next, when the divisional transmission is not selected in step S108 (step S108: NO), the FPD cassette control unit 200 transmits the undivided image data to the console 3 and the divisional transmission is selected (step S108: NO). In step S108: YES), the divided image data (divided image data) is transmitted to the console 3 in the transmission order set (or changed) (step S116). That is, for example, when the imaging region information is “chest front” and the transmission order is not changed as the default, the FPD cassette control unit 200 displays “α → β → γ” as shown in FIG. The transmission order of the divided image data is managed so that the divided image data α, β, and γ are transmitted to the console 3 in the order of transmission.
When the console 3 receives undivided image data or divided image data from the FPD cassette 2 (step S117), the console 3 stores it in the console storage unit 31 (step S118).

When the console control unit 30 receives the image data from the FPD cassette 2, the console control unit 30 displays an image corresponding to each image data on the display unit 33 (step S119).
That is, when the image data transmitted from the FPD cassette 2 is divided image data, for example, in the case of the front of the chest in FIG. 5, the console control unit 30 converts each divided image data α, β, γ to “α → Received from the FPD cassette 2 in the order of “β → γ”, and the divided image data α, β, γ are stored in the console storage unit 31. The divided image data α, β, γ is assigned to the divided display area A of the display unit 33, the divided image data β is assigned to the divided display area B, and the divided image data γ is assigned to the divided display area C. Are assigned to the corresponding divided display areas according to a predetermined assignment order, and an image based on each divided image data is displayed in each divided display area. If the transmission order is changed from α, β, γ to β, α, γ in step S110, the console control unit 30 receives the divided image data in the order of β, α, γ. Then, in the display unit 33, the divided image data β is assigned to the divided display area B, the divided image data α is assigned to the divided display area A, and the divided image data γ is assigned to the divided display area C. The areas are assigned in accordance with a predetermined assignment order, and an image based on each divided image data is displayed in each divided display area. When undivided image data is transmitted from the FPD cassette 2, it is displayed as it is in the display area of the display unit 33 without performing the above-described allocation process.

When the reception of the image data is completed, the console 3 transmits a reception completion signal to the FPD cassette 2 (step S120). When receiving the reception completion signal (step S121), the FPD cassette control unit 200 of the FPD cassette 2 deletes the image data from the image storage unit 204 (step S122), and ends a series of processes.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the medical image system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11B. The medical image system according to the second embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the medical image system according to the first embodiment except that the FPD cassette storage unit 201 has a reading designation program. Therefore, in the following, a different part from the first embodiment will be described in particular.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, the medical image system 1 includes an FPD cassette 2 and a console 3 similar to those in the first embodiment.
In the medical image system 1 according to the second embodiment, the FPD cassette control unit 200 functions as a transmission management unit according to the transmission management program and stores in the FPD cassette storage unit 201 as in the first embodiment. According to the reading designation program, the reading designation unit 230 also functions as a reading designation unit that designates the reading order of the electrical signals from the sensor panel unit 221 based on the imaging region information.

Here, the function of the FPD cassette control unit 200 as a reading designation unit will be described in detail.
When the FPD cassette communication unit 208 acquires imaging part information from the console 3, the FPD cassette control unit 200 reads a reading designation program corresponding to the imaging part information from the FPD cassette storage unit 201. Then, the FPD cassette control unit 200 divides the reading area in the sensor panel unit 221 into divided reading areas based on the reading designation program, and the reading unit 230 stores the image data of each divided reading area in a predetermined reading order. Let me read.

Specifically, when the imaging region is the front of the chest, the FPD cassette control unit 200 divides one reading area into three divided reading areas a, b, and c in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. Then, the image data of the divided reading areas a, b, and c are read by the reading unit 230 in the order of “a → b → c”. Thereby, the divided image data α, β, and γ are generated. On the other hand, when the imaging region is the chest side surface, the FPD cassette control unit 200 divides one reading area into three vertical divided reading areas a, b, and c as shown in FIG. The image data in the reading areas a, b, and c is read by the reading unit 230 in the order of “a → b → c”. Thereby, the divided image data α, β, and γ are generated.
9 and 10, the divided image data α, β, and γ generated by the reading unit 230 correspond to the divided display areas A, B, and C of the display unit 33 of the console 3, respectively. When the divided image data α, β, γ are transmitted to the console 3, they are assigned to the corresponding divided display areas.
In the present embodiment, it is possible to cope with a case where the predetermined reading order is changed. In this case, the FPD cassette 2 transmits the changed reading order information to the console 3 before transmitting the image data, and the console 3 displays an image on the display unit 33 based on the transmitted information. Let

The reason for performing the divided reading in this manner is that if the imaging region is the front of the chest as shown in FIG. 9, the image data of the neck as the divided image data α and the image data of the waist as the divided image data β are obtained. If it is transmitted to the console 3, even if the image data of the front of the chest is not transmitted to the console 3, the position of the front of the chest, which is the attention area, can be estimated from the positional relationship between the neck and the waist on the console 3 side. This is because it is often possible to confirm whether or not the subject is present at an appropriate position. If the imaging region is the chest side surface as shown in FIG. 10, if the abdomen image data as the divided image data α and the back image data as the divided image data β are transmitted to the console 3, the image of the chest side surface is obtained. Even when data is not sent to the console 3, the position of the chest side, which is the region of interest, can be estimated from the positional relationship between the abdomen and the back on the console 3, and whether or not the imaging position is appropriate, that is, the subject position is appropriate This is because it is often possible to confirm whether or not it exists at a position.

In the above example, the case where an image is displayed in each divided display area after obtaining each divided image data has been described. However, the divided image data is displayed in a progressive display on the display unit 33 of the console 3. The FPD cassette control unit 200 controls the reading unit 230 so that the divided image data is sequentially read from the image data in the image area necessary for the progressive display so that the divided image data is displayed in the progressive display on the display unit 33 of the console 3. can do.
Further, in the present embodiment, the FPD cassette control unit 200 determines the reading order of each image data so that the divided image data is displayed in a progressive display on the display unit 33 of the console 3, and the image data is converted accordingly. The reading unit 230 and the FPD cassette communication unit 208 can be controlled so that each image data is read in units of pixels or in units of lines and sequentially transmitted to the console 3.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, the FPD cassette storage unit 201 corresponds to the imaging part in addition to the transmission management program indicating the image data division method and transmission order associated with the imaging part. A reading designating program indicating the attached reading order is stored.
In this embodiment, in the transmission management program and the reading designation program, as a default, a division method when the imaging region is the front of the chest, a transmission order and a reading order, and a division method when the imaging region is the side of the chest However, the method of defining the dividing method, the transmission order, and the reading order is not limited to this, and more patterns can be selectively applied. It may be.

In the present embodiment, for example, when the engineer wants to change the transmission order of the divided image data set as the default and the reading order of the image data, by inputting an instruction from the input operation unit 205, the transmission order Alternatively, an instruction signal for instructing a change in reading order may be output to the FPD cassette control unit 200. When such an instruction signal is output from the input operation unit 205, as will be described later, the FPD cassette control unit 200 indicates the transmission order of the divided image data and the reading order of the image data set as defaults. Change according to.

Since other configurations are the same as those described in the first embodiment, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

Next, the case where the FPD cassette control unit 200 designates the reading order will be described with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B. Steps S201 to S205 are the same as steps S101 to S105 when the FPD cassette control unit 200 manages the transmission order (FIG. 7A), and thus will not be described.

The FPD cassette control unit 200 determines whether or not the divided transmission is performed by dividing the image data into predetermined divided image data based on the imaging region information (step S206), and when the divided transmission is not performed (step S206). : NO), the process proceeds to step S214. When performing divided transmission (step S206: YES), the FPD cassette control unit 200 sets the reading order of the image data by the reading unit 230 according to the imaging part information of the divided image data (step S207). For example, when the imaging part information is “front of chest”, as shown in FIG. 9, the reading area of the sensor panel is divided into divided reading areas a, b, and c, and the divided reading areas a, b, The reading order is set by default so that c is read in the order of “a → b → c”, and the FPD cassette control unit 200 sets the order of “a → b → c” as the reading order of the image data. To do.
When the reading order of the image data is set, the FPD cassette control unit 200 next determines whether or not the predetermined reading order has been changed (step S208), and when the reading order has not been changed (step S208). In step S208: NO), the process proceeds to step S214. On the other hand, when the reading order is changed (step S208: YES), the FPD cassette control unit 200 changes the reading order from the default to the changed one (step S209), and the FPD cassette control unit 200 3, the reading order information about the changed reading order is transmitted (step S210). The console 3 receives the reading order information (step S211), and transmits the reception completion signal to the FPD cassette 2 when the reception is completed (step S212). The FPD cassette 2 receives the reception completion signal (step S213).

Next, the FPD cassette control unit 200 causes the reading unit 230 to read image data from the sensor panel unit 221 (step S214).
That is, the FPD cassette control unit 200 reads the image data as it is by the reading unit 230 when the divided transmission is not selected in step S206 (step S206: NO). On the other hand, when divided transmission is selected (step S206: YES), for example, in the case of the front of the chest in FIG. 9, the divided reading areas a corresponding to the divided display areas A, B, and C of the display unit 33 of the console 3 are used. , B, and c, the image data is read by the reading unit 230 in the reading order of “a → b → c”. As a result, divided image data α, β, γ corresponding to the divided reading areas a, b, c are generated. When the reading order is changed from “b → a → c” in step S208, the FPD cassette control unit 200 causes the reading unit 230 to read the divided image data in the changed reading order.
Then, the read image data or divided image data (divided image data) is appropriately transmitted to the console 3 (step S215).

The console 3 receives the undivided image data or the divided image data (step S216) and stores it in the console storage unit 31 (step S217). When the console control unit 30 receives the image data from the FPD cassette 2, the console control unit 30 displays an image corresponding to each image data on the display unit 33 (step S218).
That is, when the image data transmitted from the FPD cassette 2 is divided image data, for example, when it is the front of the chest in FIG. 9, the divided image data is read from the reading unit 230 in the order of “a → b → c”. The generated divided image data α, β, γ are transmitted to the console 3 at any time. Therefore, the console control unit 30 stores the divided image data α, β, γ in the console storage unit 31 in the order of “α → β → γ” (step S216), and displays the display unit 33 as needed for each divided image data. The divided image data α is assigned to the divided display area A, the divided image data β is assigned to the divided display area B, and the divided image data γ is assigned to the divided display area C. Assign according to order. Then, an image based on each divided image data is displayed in each divided display area.
When the reading order is changed from “a → b → c” to “b → a → c” in step S208, the FPD cassette control unit 200 uses the reading unit 230 in the order of “b → a → c”. The divided image data is read, and the divided image data α, β, and γ are sequentially transmitted to the console 3 in the order of “β → α → γ”. The console control unit 30 receives the divided image data α, β, and γ in the order of “β → α → γ”, assigns the divided image data β to the divided display region B of the display unit 33, and divides the divided image data into the divided display region A. The image data α is assigned and assigned to the divided display areas C in the order of the divided image data γ in accordance with a predetermined assignment order. Then, an image based on each divided image data is displayed in each divided display area.
On the other hand, when image data that has not been divided is transmitted from the FPD cassette 2, it is displayed on the display unit 33 as it is without performing processing such as dividing the display area.

The console 3 transmits a reception completion signal when the reception of the image data is completed (step S219). When receiving the reception completion signal (step S220), the FPD cassette control unit 200 of the FPD cassette 2 ends the series of processes.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, according to the present invention, only the image data (RAW image data) is transmitted without transmitting the thinned image data or the like for confirming the necessity of re-shooting. Diagnosis image data can also be quickly confirmed. In addition, it is possible to reduce the anxiety of the operator and psychological anxiety such as poor communication.

In the above embodiment, the divided reading area, the divided image data, and the divided display are obtained by dividing in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, but the divided shape is not limited to a rectangle. It is also possible to change the size of the divided areas and the number of divided areas.

In this embodiment, the image data divided from the FPD cassette 2 to the console 3 is transmitted for each divided image data. However, the divided image data can be transmitted in units of pixels or in units of lines. is there. The transfer amount of the image data is not limited to this embodiment. The shape of the divided image data is not limited to a rectangle as in this embodiment. Further, the number of divisions is not limited to this embodiment.

Also, on the assumption that the image data is subjected to thinning compression, it is possible to add a thinning compression processing program to the FPD cassette storage unit 201 so that the FPD cassette control unit 200 performs thinning compression processing. For example, in the case of compressing to 1/64, the divided image data is further divided into 8 pixels in the vertical direction and 8 pixels in the horizontal direction, and the density of 64 pixels that are one divided area is averaged. Then, image data is transmitted to the console 3 so as to correspond to one pixel. The function as display control means of the console control unit 30 can also be controlled to display an image that has been thinned and compressed to 1/64 in a predetermined divided display area of the display unit 33.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where all the divided image data is acquired and displayed for each divided region and the case where progressive display is performed when the divided image data is displayed have been described. Also good.

Further, in the present embodiment, the reading / transmission order is controlled on the FPD cassette 2 side based on the transmitted imaging part information, but the console 3 side determines the reading / transmission order in the part information. Is transmitted (transmitted) to the FPD cassette 2, and the FPD cassette 2 may perform reading and transmission according to the determined content.

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

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the medical image system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15B. In the following description, differences from the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the medical image system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, in this embodiment, the medical image system 1 includes an FPD cassette 2 and a console 3 as in the first and second embodiments.

The FPD cassette 2 includes an FPD cassette control unit 200, an FPD cassette storage unit 201, a scanning drive circuit 202, a signal readout circuit 203, an image storage unit 204, an input operation unit 205, an indicator 206, a battery 207, an FPD cassette communication unit 208, and the like. It is prepared for.
In the present embodiment, for example, when an engineer wants to change at least one of the division setting, transmission order, and image thinning rate set as defaults, by inputting an instruction from the input operation unit 205 of the FPD cassette 2, A signal instructing change of division setting, transmission order, or image thinning rate may be output to the FPD cassette control unit 200. When such an instruction signal is output from the input operation unit 205, as will be described later, the FPD cassette control unit 200 changes the division setting, transmission order, or image thinning rate set as default according to the instruction signal. .

A functional configuration of the FPD cassette 2 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
In the present embodiment, among various programs stored in the FPD cassette storage unit 201, a divided image data generation program for generating divided image data based on a predetermined division setting, and a predetermined image thinning rate A divided thinned-out image data generation program for generating divided thinned-out image data on the basis of the data, a divided thinned-out image data based on a predetermined transmission order, and incidental data including a division setting, a transmission order, and an image thinning rate A transmission management program is included.
The FPD cassette storage unit 201 stores a predetermined division setting, transmission order, and image thinning rate as defaults. As described above, by inputting an instruction signal from the input operation unit 205, an engineer ( The user can arbitrarily change the setting. The above-mentioned various programs include a parameter setting means program for setting the division setting and the image thinning rate changed by the engineer. Further, the transmission management program changes the setting of the transmission order reflected by the transmission management program.
In this embodiment, as a default in the parameter setting program, the division setting and the thinning rate when the imaging region is the chest front and the chest side surface are the default, and the imaging region is the chest front and the chest side surface in the transmission management program. If the transmission order is set. Note that the method of defining the division setting, the transmission order, and the image thinning rate is not limited to this, and more patterns may be selectively applicable.

The FPD cassette control unit 200 performs overall control of each unit in the FPD cassette 2 or performs a predetermined calculation according to a program stored in the FPD cassette storage unit 201. In the present embodiment, the FPD cassette control unit 200 converts the image data generated by the reading unit 230 according to a predetermined division setting according to the divided image data generation program stored in the FPD cassette storage unit 201. The division thinning out function that generates divided image data by dividing the image data at a predetermined image thinning rate according to the divided thinned image data generation program. It also functions as image data generation means. Further, the FPD cassette control unit 200 also functions as a transmission management unit that sets the transmission order of the divided thinned image data in accordance with the transmission management program.
The FPD cassette control unit 200 also sets parameter setting means for setting the division setting and the image thinning rate based on a change instruction signal from the input operation unit 205 in accordance with a parameter setting program stored in the FPD cassette storage unit 201. Also works.

Here, functions of the FPD cassette control unit 200 as the divided image data generation unit, the divided thinned image data generation unit, the parameter setting unit, and the transmission management unit will be described in detail.
In this embodiment, the division setting, the transmission order, and the image thinning rate are stored in advance in the FPD cassette storage unit 201, and the division setting, the transmission order, and the image thinning rate become default settings. When the engineer wants to change at least one of the division setting, the transmission order, and the image thinning rate set as defaults, by inputting an instruction from the input operation unit 205, the division setting, the transmission order, or the image thinning rate is changed. Is output to the FPD cassette control unit 200. Then, the FPD cassette control unit 200 sets the division setting and the image thinning rate set as default based on the parameter setting unit according to the change instruction signal, and is set as the default based on the transmission management unit. The transmission order is set according to the change instruction signal. Next, the FPD cassette control unit 200 based on the divided image data generation unit, sets one piece of image data (image data obtained by the photographing) stored in the image storage unit 204 based on a predetermined division setting. Divided and divided image data is generated, and the divided thinned image data is generated by thinning the divided image data at a predetermined image thinning rate based on the divided thinned image data generating means. Further, based on the transmission management program, the FPD cassette control unit 200 transmits the division setting, the transmission order, and the image thinning rate as supplementary data together with the division thinned image data in a predetermined transmission order.

Specifically, when the division setting is the front of the chest, the FPD cassette control unit 200 divides one image data into three pieces of divided image data in the vertical direction (row direction) as shown in FIG. The divided thinned-out image data α, β, γ is generated at the image thinning rate of the divided thinned-out image data α, β, γ in the transmission order of “α → β → γ”, the division setting, the transmission order, and the image. The data is transmitted to the console 3 together with incidental data including a thinning rate. On the other hand, when the imaging region is the chest side surface, the FPD cassette control unit 200 divides one image data into three divided image data in the horizontal direction (column direction) as shown in FIG. The divided thinned image data α, β, γ are generated at a rate, and the divided thinned image data α, β, γ are transmitted to the console 3 together with the auxiliary data in the transmission order of “α → β → γ”.

In addition, when at least one of the predetermined division setting, transmission order, and image thinning rate is changed by the setting of the user or the like, the changed division setting, transmission order, and image thinning rate are included in the FPD cassette 2 as incidental data. Sent from the FPD cassette communication unit 208 to the console 3.

If the reason for the divided transmission is described, if the imaging region is the front of the chest as shown in FIG. 13, the neck image data as the divided thinned image data α and the waist image data as the divided thinned image data β. Is transmitted to the console 3 first, the approximate position of the front of the chest, which is a region of interest, from the positional relationship between the neck and the waist on the console 3 side even when the divided thinned-out image data γ on the front of the chest is not transmitted to the console 3. This is because it is possible to determine whether or not the shooting position is appropriate, that is, whether or not the position of the subject exists at an appropriate position. On the other hand, if the imaging region is the chest side surface as shown in FIG. 14, the abdominal image data that is the divided thinned image data α and the back image data that is the divided thinned image data β are transmitted to the console 3. Even when the divided thinned-out image data γ is not transmitted to the console 3, the console 3 side can estimate the approximate position of the side of the chest that is the attention area from the positional relationship between the abdomen and the back, and whether the imaging position is appropriate, This is because it is possible to determine whether or not the position of the subject exists at an appropriate position.

Further, an example of the image thinning method in the present embodiment will be described. For example, half-cut image data (14 × 17 inches) read with a pixel size of 175 μm (the number of pixels is 2016 × 2400) is 1 in both vertical and horizontal directions. In the case of decimating / reducing to / 8, the number of pixels of the thinned image data is 252 × 300. In this embodiment, the divided image data is thinned by extracting one pixel out of 64 pixels consisting of 8 pixels vertically and 8 pixels horizontally.
The reason why the vertical and horizontal image thinning rates are the same is to maintain the same aspect ratio of the image as the original image (original image). Further, the image thinning rate and the thinning method are not limited to those exemplified here.

Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the console 3 includes a console control unit 30 composed of a CPU or the like (not shown), a console storage unit 31 composed of ROM, RAM, etc., a console communication unit 32, and a display unit. 33, an input operation unit 34, and the like.

In the present embodiment, the console storage unit 31 is based on the divided thinned image data transmitted from the FPD cassette 2 based on the divided setting, transmission order, and image thinning rate in the auxiliary data transmitted from the FPD cassette 2. A display control program for controlling to display an image on the display unit 33 is stored.

The console control unit 30 performs overall control of each unit in the console 3 according to a program stored in the console storage unit 31 and performs predetermined calculations. In the present embodiment, the console control unit 30 also functions as a display control unit that controls the display unit 33 according to the display control program stored in the console storage unit 31.

Here, the function of the console control unit 30 as the display control means will be described in detail.
When the console control unit 30 acquires the division setting, transmission order, and image thinning rate from the FPD cassette 2 as supplementary data, the console control unit 30 reads the display control program from the console storage unit 31. The console control unit 30 divides the display area of the display unit 33 into a plurality of divided display areas based on the display control program and the incidental data, and each divided thinned image data acquired by the console communication unit 32. Are assigned to each divided display area in accordance with the transmission order in the accompanying data, and an image based on each divided thinned image data is displayed in each divided display area.
Note that the division setting, transmission order, and image thinning rate in the incidental data transmitted from the FPD cassette 2 can be confirmed on the display unit 33 by input from the input operation unit 34.

Specifically, when the division setting is the front of the chest, the console control unit 30 divides one display area into three vertical divided display areas A, B, and C as shown in FIG. Each divided thinned image data is assigned to the divided display areas A, B, and C according to a predetermined assignment order, and an image based on each divided thinned image data is displayed at a predetermined image thinning rate. On the other hand, when the division setting is the chest side surface, the FPD cassette control unit 200 divides one display area into three divided display areas A, B, and C in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. Each divided thinned image data is assigned to the display areas A, B, and C in accordance with a predetermined assignment order, and an image based on each divided thinned image data is displayed.
The “predetermined allocation order (display order)” in this case is the order (transmission order) in which the console 3 acquires the divided thinned image data. That is, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, divided thinned image data α, β, and γ are assigned to the divided display areas A, B, and C in accordance with the transmission order, and the divided display areas A, B, and C are assigned to the divided display areas A, B, and C, respectively. An image based on the divided thinned image data α, β, γ is displayed.

If the division setting is the front of the chest as shown in FIG. 13, the reason why the division display is performed in this way is almost always the image data of the neck and / or the division thinned image data β that is the division thinned image data α. If an image based on the image data of a certain waist is displayed in the divided display areas A and B, the divided thinned image data α is obtained at the stage where the image based on the divided thinned image data in front of the chest is not displayed in the divided display area C. The position of the front of the chest, which is the region of interest, can be estimated from the positional relationship of the neck, or from the positional relationship of the neck and waist if the divided thinned image data α and the divided thinned image data β are acquired. This is because it is possible to determine whether or not it is appropriate, that is, whether or not the position of the subject exists at an appropriate position. If the division setting is the chest side surface as shown in FIG. 14, in most cases, an image based on the abdominal image data that is the divided thinned image data α and / or the back image data that is the divided thinned image data β is used. If displayed in the divided display areas A and B, the image based on the divided thinned image data of the chest side surface is not displayed in the divided display area C. If the divided thinned image data α is acquired, the positional relationship of the abdomen Alternatively, if the divided thinned-out image data α and the divided thinned-out image data β are acquired, the position of the chest side surface that is the attention area can be estimated from the positional relationship between the abdomen and the back, and whether or not the photographing position is appropriate, This is because it is possible to determine whether or not the position exists at an appropriate position and whether or not re-photographing is necessary.

The display unit 33 is a display unit having a two-dimensional display area, and includes a monitor such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). In the present embodiment, the display unit 33 has a configuration that can be divided into a plurality of divided display areas. For example, image data (divided thinned image data) transmitted from the FPD cassette 2 is transmitted to each divided display area. When divided thinned image data is assigned, an image based on the assigned divided thinned image data is displayed in the divided display area.

Further, the console communication unit 32 transmits / receives information to / from the FPD cassette 2 via the wireless access point 5 by a wireless method, or when the FPD cassette 2 is connected to the holding device 7, Information is transmitted and received through a wired system. In the present embodiment, the console communication unit 32 is a console communication unit that acquires divided thinned image data from the FPD cassette 2.
The console communication unit 32 includes a network interface or the like, and transmits and receives data to and from external devices such as the HIS / RIS 8, the PACS server 9, and the imager 10 connected to the network N via a switching hub.

In the present embodiment, the PACS server 9 stores the divided thinned image data and the like output from the console 3. Further, the imager 10 records a radiation image on an image recording medium such as a film based on the divided thinned image data output from the console 3 and outputs the image.

Since other configurations are the same as those described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

Next, an example of the operation of the medical image system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15A and 15B.

A start signal for starting the FPD cassette 2 wirelessly is transmitted from the console 3 to the FPD cassette 2 (step S301). When the FPD cassette 2 receives the activation signal from the console 3 (step S302), the FPD cassette 2 is awakened from the sleep state (step S303) and becomes ready for photographing. Thereafter, imaging order information including imaging region information is transmitted from the console 3 to the FPD cassette 2 (step S304), and the FPD cassette receives this imaging order information (step S305). Further, a control signal for controlling the radiation irradiation condition of the radiation generating device 4 is transmitted from the console 3 to the operating device 6, and the operating device 6 sends an exposure instruction signal to the radiation generating device 4 based on the control signal. Send. Thereby, the radiation generator 4 irradiates predetermined radiation at a predetermined timing according to the exposure instruction signal, and imaging is performed. When shooting is completed, the reading means of the FPD cassette 2 reads the image data (step S306) and stores it in the image storage unit 204 (step S307).

The FPD cassette control unit 200 sets the division setting, transmission order, and image thinning rate stored in the FPD cassette storage unit 201 as defaults (step S308). Next, it is determined whether or not at least one of the division setting, the transmission order, and the image thinning rate has been changed (step S309). If none of the division setting, the transmission order, and the image thinning rate has been changed, step S311a is performed. Proceed to On the other hand, when the engineer changes at least one of the division setting, the transmission order, and the image thinning rate in the input operation unit 205, the change instruction signal is output from the input operation unit 205, and the default setting is changed ( In step S309: YES, the FPD cassette control unit 200 changes the division setting, the transmission order, and the image thinning rate from the default to the changed one (step S310). Next, the FPD cassette control unit 200 divides the image data stored in the image storage unit 204 into divided image data based on the changed division setting, and thins the divided image data based on the changed image thinning rate. Then, the divided thinned image data is generated (step S311). If the division setting, the transmission order, and the image thinning rate are not changed in step S310, the image data stored in the image storage unit 204 is divided into divided image data based on the default division setting. Based on the image thinning rate, the divided image data is thinned to generate divided thinned image data (step S311a). Next, the division setting, the transmission order, and the image thinning rate are transmitted as incidental data to the console 3 together with the divided thinned image data in the set (or changed setting) transmission order (step S312). That is, for example, when the imaging region information is “chest front” and the transmission order is not changed as the default, the FPD cassette control unit 200 displays “α → β → γ” as shown in FIG. The transmission order of the divided image data is managed so that the divided thinned-out image data α, β, γ is transmitted to the console 3 in the transmission order of “. When the transmission order is changed from the default setting “α → β → γ” to “β → α → γ”, the divided thinned image data β, α, and γ are set in the transmission order of “β → α → γ”. The transmission order of the divided image data is managed so as to be transmitted to the console 3.

When the console 3 receives the incidental data and the divided thinned image data from the FPD cassette 2 (step S313), the console 3 stores them in the console storage unit 31 (step S314).
The console control unit 30 converts the divided thinned image data stored in the console storage unit 31 into the divided thinned images in the divided display areas of the display unit 33 based on the division setting of the auxiliary data, the transmission order, and the image thinning rate. Data is assigned, and an image based on each divided thinned image data is displayed on each divided display area on the display unit 33 (step S315).
Specifically, the divided thinned image data is transmitted from the FPD cassette 2, and for example, in the case of the front of the chest in FIG. 5, the console control unit 30 converts each divided thinned image data α, β, γ to “α → Received from the FPD cassette 2 in the order of “β → γ”, and the respective divided thinned image data α, β, γ are stored in the console storage unit 31. Then, the console control unit 30 assigns the divided thinned image data α to the divided display area A of the display unit 33, assigns the divided thinned image data β to the divided display area B, and assigns the divided thinned image data γ to the divided display area C. As described above, the divided thinned image data is assigned to the respective divided display areas according to a predetermined assignment order (transmission order), and an image based on each divided thinned image data is displayed in each divided display area. In step S310, when the transmission order is changed from α, β, γ to β, α, γ, the console communication unit 32 receives the divided thinned image data in the order of β, α, γ. Then, the console control unit 30 assigns the divided thinned image data β to the divided display area B of the display unit 33, assigns the divided thinned image data α to the divided display area A, and assigns the divided thinned image data γ to the divided display area C. As described above, the divided thinned image data is assigned to the respective divided display areas according to a predetermined assignment order (transmission order), and an image based on each divided thinned image data is displayed in each divided display area.

The console 3 transmits a reception completion signal to the FPD cassette 2 when reception of the incidental data and the divided thinned image data is completed (step S316). When the FPD cassette control unit 200 of the FPD cassette 2 receives the reception completion signal (step S317), the FPD cassette communication unit 208 transmits the RAW image data stored in the image storage unit 204 to the console 3 (step S317). S318). When the console 3 receives the RAW image data (step S319), the console 3 transmits a RAW image data reception completion signal to the FPD cassette 2 (step S320). When receiving the RAW image data reception completion signal (step S321), the FPD cassette 2 deletes the divided thinned-out image data and the RAW image data (step S322), and ends the series of processes.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, one piece of image data is divided to generate a plurality of pieces of divided image data. Therefore, the data amount of each piece of divided image data is smaller than the data amount of one piece of image data. Become. Further, since the divided image data is thinned to generate divided thinned image data, the data amount of the divided thinned image data is further smaller than the data amount of the divided image data. As described above, since the data amount of the divided thinned image data is significantly smaller than the data amount of the original one image data (RAW image data), data transfer when the divided thinned image data is transferred to the console 3 is performed. The time can be shorter than the data transfer time when one image data is transferred to the console 3. As a result, it is possible to transmit the divided thinned-out image data necessary for confirming the necessity of re-shooting to the console more quickly.
Further, the console communication unit 32 receives incidental data including the division setting, transmission order and image thinning rate transmitted from the FPD cassette 2 together with the divided thinned image data, and the console control unit 30 performs division setting in the auxiliary data. Then, the display unit 33 is controlled to display an image based on the transmission order and the image thinning rate. Therefore, an image based on the divided thinned image data can be appropriately displayed on the display unit 33 of the console 3.

In the above embodiment, the divided thinned image data and the divided display are obtained by dividing in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, but the divided shapes are not limited. It is also possible to change the size of the divided areas and the number of divided areas.

In this embodiment, the divided thinned image data is transmitted from the FPD cassette 2 to the console 3 for each divided thinned image data. However, the divided thinned image data may be transmitted in units of pixels or in units of lines. . The transfer amount of the divided thinned image data is not limited to this embodiment. The shape of the divided thinned image data is not limited to a rectangle as in the present embodiment. Further, the number of divisions is not limited to this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the case has been described in which all divided thinned-out image data is acquired and displayed for each divided display area, but progressive display can also be employed. In progressive display, a low-resolution screen is displayed first, and a higher-resolution image is displayed as image data is received. For this reason, even if the communication infrastructure is not enough (communication speed is slow), the engineer can recognize that communication is in progress by visually recognizing the display screen that changes over time. Just wait until a higher resolution image is displayed. Further, by performing progressive display, for example, in the case of the front of the chest, the outline of the neck from the divided thinned image data α, and in the case of the side of the chest, the outline of the abdomen from the divided thinned image data α. Are displayed with increasing resolution. As a result, it is possible to determine whether the position of the subject is appropriate or whether re-photographing is necessary earlier.

In this embodiment, the case where the FPD cassette 2 generates divided thinned image data and transmits the divided thinned image data to the console 3 has been described as an example. However, the image data transmitted to the console 3 is subjected to thinning processing. It is not limited to what was done. For example, the divided image data may be transmitted to the console 3 without performing the thinning process, and an image based on the divided image data may be displayed on the display unit 33.

Here, a system configuration and a processing method when performing progressive display in each of the above-described embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the case of performing progressive display, the FPD cassette 2 divides image data of one image into a plurality of stages, and sequentially for each pixel or for each row or column of two-dimensionally arranged elements. The console 3 divides the display area of the display unit 33 into a plurality of divided areas stepwise according to an increase in the number of pixels of the image data received from the FPD cassette 2, and each pixel is divided into each divided area. And an image corresponding to the pixel value of the assigned pixel is displayed in each divided region. Thus, it is possible to perform a display method (progressive display) in which the entire image is first displayed at a low resolution, and then the resolution is gradually increased and detailed display is performed as image data reception proceeds.

In this case, the FPD cassette control unit 200 divides the image data for one image into a plurality of stages (in this embodiment, seven stages as will be described later), for each pixel or for each reading line (two-dimensional). The FPD cassette communication unit 208 is controlled so as to sequentially transmit the data to the console 3 for each of the elements arranged in the column.
Note that the FPD cassette communication unit 208 uses the wireless access point 5 when the FPD cassette 2 is not held by the holding device 7 (for example, when the FPD cassette 2 is used as a single unit in the photographing room R1 without being loaded into a bucky device or the like). A signal is transmitted to and received from an external device via a wireless method. Further, when the FPD cassette 2 is held by the holding device 7 or when a communication cable (not shown) is connected, the FPD cassette communication unit 208 transmits / receives a signal to / from an external device by a wired method. .

In the case of performing progressive display, the display unit 33 is divided into predetermined divided areas, each pixel is assigned to the divided area, and an image corresponding to the pixel value of the assigned pixel is displayed in the divided area. A program or the like for performing display control processing is stored in the console storage unit 31.

In addition, as will be described later, the display unit 33 is configured to be able to divide the display region into a plurality of divided regions step by step as the number of pixels of the image data transmitted from the FPD cassette 2 increases. When a pixel included in the divided area is assigned to each divided area, an image corresponding to the pixel value of the assigned pixel is displayed in the divided area.

The console control unit 30 controls the display of the display unit 33 so as to display an image based on the image data sent from the FPD cassette 2. Specifically, the console control unit 30 divides the display region of the display unit 33 into a plurality of divided regions step by step in accordance with an increase in the number of pixels of the image data acquired by the console communication unit 32. A display control process is performed in which each pixel is assigned to each divided region and an image corresponding to the pixel value of the assigned pixel is displayed on the divided region.

Here, with reference to FIGS. 16 to 24G, the basic principle of the image data transmission process by the FPD cassette 2 and the display process in the display unit 33 of the console 3 in the present embodiment will be described.
Here, for convenience of explanation, a case where both the number of pixels for reading and transmitting image data by the FPD cassette 2 and the number of displayable pixels on the display unit 33 of the console 3 are 32 × 32 will be described as an example. As will be described later, the number of pixels for reading and transmitting image data by the FPD cassette 2 and the number of displayable pixels on the display unit 33 of the console 3 are not limited to this.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how image data is divided in the present embodiment. In this embodiment, when transmitting image data to the console, the FPD cassette control unit 200 divides one image data into seven stages within a range where the number of transfer lines of image data does not exceed 5, All the image data is transmitted from the FPD cassette communication unit 208 separately.
It should be noted that there is no particular limitation on how the image data is divided and how many steps are transmitted. The FPD cassette 2 divides the image data before transmitting the image data. Information indicating whether each transmission stage corresponds to which display layer on the console 3 side is notified to the console 3. If the destination console 3 to which the image data is transmitted is specified, such as when the FPD cassette 2 and the console 3 are in a one-to-one correspondence, the FPD cassette 2 and the console 3 It is also possible to preliminarily determine a method of division at the time of image data transmission as a default, and perform processing according to this default. In this case, it is not necessary to notify the console 3 in advance from the FPD cassette 2 about how to divide the image data.

As shown in FIG. 16, for example, in the transmission of image data at the first stage (first layer in FIG. 17), the FPD cassette 2 has four rows in the row direction (vertical direction in FIGS. 17 to 23, and so on). The image data of the transfer lines (line 1 to line 4) (data of all pixels in the four transfer lines) is transmitted to the console 3. Further, in the transmission of the second stage image data (second layer in FIG. 18), the FPD cassette 2 transmits the image data of the four transfer lines (line 17 to line 20) in the row direction to the console 3. In the transmission of the third stage image data (third layer in FIG. 19), the FPD cassette 2 transmits the image data of five transfer lines (line 9 to line 11, line 25, and line 26) in the row direction to the console 3. To do. In this way, the image data is sequentially transmitted to the console 3 by the relatively small number of transfer lines of 5 or less, and the image data of all the transfer lines is transmitted by the seventh transmission (the seventh layer in FIG. 23). Is completed, and all image data for one image is transmitted to the console 3.

The FPD cassette control unit 200 determines which transfer line image data (which pixel image data) is to be transmitted at each stage, and at least the image data is an image in the transmitted image data. The position information of each pixel indicating the position of the pixel (or line) in the whole is attached.
For example, in the first pixel of the first transfer line (line 1) of the image data transmitted in the first stage, x, which indicates that it is the image data of the upper left pixel of the entire image The y coordinate (1, 1) is attached as position information. Further, the first pixel of the first transfer line (line 17) of the image data transmitted in the second stage has x and y coordinates (in this embodiment, (17, 1) as position information. Note that the information attached to the image data is not limited to this.

FIGS. 17 to 23 show examples of pixel assignment on the console 3 side in each transmission stage (from the first layer to the seventh layer) from the FPD cassette 2 to the console 3, and FIGS. 17 shows an example of an image actually displayed on the display unit 33 in each of the first layer shown in FIG. 17 to the seventh layer shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 17, in the first-stage transmission (first layer), the display unit on the display unit 33 of the console 3 is the display unit block size in this embodiment (when the display area is subdivided into the minimum units). The number of blocks to be displayed is one, and the divided area matches the display area (that is, the entire display area becomes one divided area). In this case, the console control unit 30 selects any one of the image data transmitted from the FPD cassette 2 (for example, a pixel having x and y coordinates (1, 1) shown in FIG. 17 in the present embodiment). Is used as a representative value of the entire display block, and an image corresponding to this pixel value (representative value) is displayed in the display area (divided area) of the display unit 33.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 24A, the entire display area (divided area) of the display unit 33 has one luminance level (one density level) corresponding to the pixel value of the pixel at x, y coordinates (1, 1). Only the image is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 18, in the second-stage transmission (second layer), the display unit on the display unit 33 of the console 3 is 16 pixels × 16 pixels, and the number of blocks to be displayed is 2 × 2 (4). The console control unit 30 divides the display area of the display unit 33 into four divided areas. Then, the console control unit 30 assigns the pixel of the image data transmitted from the FPD cassette 2 to each divided region, and sets the pixel value of any one pixel included in each divided region as the representative value of the entire display block. Then, an image corresponding to the pixel value (representative value) is displayed in each divided area of the display unit 33.
For example, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, the pixel value of the pixel at x, y coordinates (1, 1) becomes the pixel value (representative value) of the upper left divided region, and the x, y coordinates (17, 1). The pixel value of the pixel at the left is the pixel value (representative value) of the lower left divided region, the pixel value of the pixel at the x, y coordinates (1, 17) is the pixel value (representative value) of the upper right divided region, and x, y The pixel value of the pixel at the coordinates (17, 17) becomes the pixel value (representative value) of the upper left divided area.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 24B, each divided region of the display unit 33 has pixels of x, y coordinates (1, 1), (17, 1), (1, 17), and (17, 17), respectively. An image corresponding to the pixel value is displayed.

In the transmission at the third stage (third layer), the display unit on the display unit 33 of the console 3 is 8 pixels × 8 pixels, and the number of blocks to be displayed is 4 × 4 (16). As shown in FIG. 19, the console control unit 30 divides the display area of the display unit 33 into 16 divided areas. As in the case of the first layer and the second layer, the console control unit 30 assigns the pixel of the image data to each divided area and displays the pixel value of any one pixel included in each divided area. An image corresponding to this pixel value (representative value) is displayed in each divided area of the display unit 33 as a representative value of the entire block.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 24C, a mosaic image composed of 16 divided areas is displayed in the display area of the display unit 33.

FIG. 20 shows an example of pixel assignment on the console 3 side in the fourth transmission (fourth layer). In this case, the display unit is 4 pixels × 4 pixels, the number of blocks to be displayed is 8 × 8 (64), and the console control unit 30 divides the display area of the display unit 33 into 64 divided areas. Then, an image corresponding to the pixel value (representative value) of one pixel among the pixels assigned to each divided area is displayed in each divided area.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 24D, a mosaic image composed of 64 divided areas is displayed in the display area of the display unit 33.

FIGS. 21 to 23 show examples of pixel allocation on the console 3 side in the fifth-stage transmission (fifth layer) to the seventh-stage transmission (seventh layer). FIGS. The example of the image displayed on the display area of the display part 33 in each transmission stage is shown.
When all the image data of the entire image is transmitted by the seventh transmission (seventh layer), the display unit of the display area of the display unit 33 is displayed as 1 pixel × 1 pixel as shown in FIG. The number of blocks is 32 × 32 (1024), and the image data can be subdivided into divided regions corresponding to each pixel of the image data to display a high-definition image (see FIG. 24G).

In the present embodiment, when the transmission at the fourth stage (fourth layer shown in FIG. 20) is completed, and an image based on the image data transmitted to the console 3 is displayed at this stage, it is shown in FIG. 24D. Thus, the outline of the subject image (the position of the subject's neck, the position of the lung, etc.) can be roughly grasped, and it can be said that the suitability of positioning and the necessity of re-photographing can be determined. Therefore, even if transfer of all the image data is completed, if re-shooting is necessary, it is possible to stop the data transfer at that time and start preparation for re-shooting. If the position is located in the approximate center of the display screen, the engineer can determine that re-shooting is unnecessary and can prepare for the next shooting.

Note that the image displayed in each divided region is not limited to the pixel value (representative value) of any pixel among the pixels included in the divided region, and the entire image included in each divided region or An average value of pixel values of some pixels may be calculated as a pixel value of each divided region, and an image based on this pixel value (average value) may be displayed in the divided region.

When the above image data transmission processing and display processing are converted into the actual number of data, the result is as shown in FIG.
FIG. 25 illustrates an example in which image data is acquired using a 14-inch × 17-inch half-cut FPD cassette 2 and is transmitted to the console 3 to be displayed on the display unit 33.
In the case of the FPD cassette 2 having a half size of 14 inches × 17 inches, the pixel size for reading is set to 175 μm, and the image data is 2010 × 2446 data (the number of columns (referred to as “C” in FIG. 25)). Is composed of 2010 and the number of lines (“L” in FIG. 25) is 2446). In this case, if the data amount in each line is about 3.9 KB, the total amount of image data is 3.9 KB × 2446, which is about 9.5 MB.
In this regard, in FIG. 25, for convenience of explanation, the image data has a data configuration of 2016 × 2400 (the number of columns (C) is 2016 and the number of lines (L) is 2400), and the data amount of one line is about 3.9 KB. The case where the image data amount of all the images is about 9.2 MB is taken as an example.

In this case, on the display unit 33 side of the console 3, for example, the first layer is arranged in the column direction (C) 63 blocks × row direction (L) 75 blocks (that is, the number of columns 2016/32 = 63, the number of lines 2400/32 = The amount of data transferred in the case of 75) is as follows.
That is, the transfer data amount in each layer can be calculated by the number of transfer lines × the amount of data for one line × the number of columns (the transfer data amount for each block is the number of transfer lines × the data for one line). amount). In the example shown in FIG. 25, when it is assumed that image data for four lines is transferred in the same manner as in the example (see FIGS. 16 and 17) in which the display unit block size is 32 pixels × 32 pixels described above. 4 lines × 3.9 KB × 75 columns, and the transfer data amount in the first layer is 1.2 MB.
That is, in each block from 1 to 75 in the row direction (L), four lines of image data are transferred, and the same as in the case of 32 pixels × 32 pixels for each block (see FIGS. 16 and 17). Display processing is performed. In this case, the number of blocks to be displayed is 63 × 75, and this number of blocks is the resolution of the image displayed first.

Further, for example, when the second layer is composed of column direction (C) 126 (that is, 63 × 2) blocks × row direction (L) 150 (that is, 75 × 2) blocks, the transfer data amount is as follows. .
That is, in the example shown in FIG. 25, when the image data for four lines is transferred in the same manner as in the example (see FIGS. 16 and 18) in which the display unit block size is 32 pixels × 32 pixels described above. 4 lines × 3.9 KB × 75 columns, and the transfer data amount in the second layer is 1.2 MB.
That is, in the first layer of each block from 1 to 75 in the vertical direction (L), image data for four lines is further transferred, and the display unit block size is 32 pixels × 32 pixels for each block. Display processing similar to that shown in FIGS. 16 and 18 is performed. In this case, the number of displayed blocks is 126 × 150.

Similarly, for example, the seventh layer is composed of column direction (C) 2016 blocks × row direction (L) 2400 blocks, so the number of blocks to be displayed is 2016 × 2400, with a resolution equivalent to that at the time of reading. An image is displayed.

FIG. 26 shows the communication speed when information is transmitted and received between the FPD cassette 2 and the console 3 in a wireless manner.
As shown in FIG. 26, for example, when the wireless type is IEEE802.11a / g, the effective communication speed is 20 Mbps, and when using the UWB, the effective communication speed is 100 Mbps. Thus, the communication speed between the FPD cassette 2 and the console 3 in the case of a wireless system varies greatly depending on the type of wireless.

The right column of FIG. 25 shows the time taken to transfer the image data in the communication environment of each communication speed shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 25, for example, when the effective communication speed is 20 Mbps, it is understood that it takes 3.69 seconds to transfer all the image data. Therefore, when the console 3 receives all image data from the FPD cassette 2 and uses a normal display method in which the image is displayed on the display unit 33 after the reception is completed, the user (engineer) It is necessary to wait for approximately 4 seconds until the image is displayed, which hinders efficient medical care.
In this regard, according to the display method of the present embodiment, as described above, if the fourth layer or at least the fifth layer stage is displayed, it is possible to determine whether positioning is appropriate and whether re-shooting is necessary. About an image can be displayed. In the fourth layer, the transfer time is 1.96 seconds, and even in the fifth layer, the transfer time is 2.54 seconds. Therefore, it takes time to transfer all image data. An image necessary for determining whether or not re-shooting is necessary can be displayed in about half the time, and the waiting time of the user (engineer) can be shortened.

It should be noted that when the images corresponding to the first layer to the seventh layer are sequentially displayed in the display area of the display unit 33, how much the actual display is fine is determined by the display of the display unit 33. It depends on the size of the area (15 inches or 17 inches, etc.), monitor performance (normal monitor, high-definition monitor, etc.) and the like.
FIG. 27 shows the difference in the number of displayable blocks (number of pixels) according to the size of the display area of the display unit 33 and the type of monitor. In addition, the display part 33 in this embodiment is not limited to what was mentioned here.

For example, when four images are displayed on one display screen (see FIG. 28), the number of displayable blocks (number of pixels) is 248 when the display unit 33 is a 15-inch liquid crystal panel (LCD). If the display unit 33 is a 17-inch liquid crystal panel (LCD) × 310 (column number (C) 248, line number (L) 248), then 310 × 310 (column number (C) 310, line number ( L) 310). In this regard, as shown in FIG. 25, when the display unit block size is 32 × 32 pixels, the number of data transmission blocks (total number of pixels) in the third layer is 252 × 300, and a 15-inch liquid crystal It is almost the same as when four images are displayed on the display screen of a panel or a 17-inch liquid crystal panel, and the image displayed at the transmission stage of the third layer is almost equivalent to a compressed image of 1/8 of 2016 × 2400. is there.

For example, when one image is displayed on one display screen (see FIG. 29), the number of displayable blocks (number of pixels) is 498 when the display unit 33 is a 15-inch liquid crystal panel (LCD). × 498 (number of columns (C) 498, number of lines (L) 498), and when the display unit 33 is a 17-inch liquid crystal panel (LCD), 622 × 622 (number of columns (C) 622, number of lines ( L) 622). In this regard, as shown in FIG. 25, when the display unit block size is 32 pixels × 32 pixels, the number of data transmission blocks (total number of pixels) in the fourth layer is 504 × 600, and the 15-inch liquid crystal This is almost the same as displaying one image on the display screen of a panel or a 17-inch liquid crystal panel, and the image displayed in the transmission stage of the fourth layer is almost equivalent to a compressed image of 1/4 of 2016 × 2400. is there.

Further, as shown in FIG. 25, when the display unit block size is 32 × 32 pixels, the number of data transmission blocks (total number of pixels) in the seventh layer is 2016 × 2400, which is shown in FIG. Thus, an image with such a number of pixels cannot be displayed unless it is a high-definition monitor, and the entire image cannot be displayed even on a high-definition monitor. Is displayed, and the peripheral portion is not displayed on the display screen.

Next, the operation of the medical image system 1 when performing the above-described processing for progressive display will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 30, when imaging is performed and the sensor panel unit 221 of the FPD cassette 2 detects radiation transmitted through the subject (step S401), image data is generated in the reading unit TFT 2220 based on the detection result (step S401). Step S402). The FPD cassette control unit 200 divides this image data into predetermined stages, and transmits the image data from the FPD cassette communication unit 208 to the console 3 in units of pixels (line units) (step S403). Note that the FPD cassette control unit 200 controls the communication unit so that information on how to divide the image data (how many stages it divides) is transmitted to the console 3 in advance.
In the present embodiment, the image data is divided into seven stages, and image data for four transfer lines is transmitted in the first stage (see FIGS. 16 and 17). In the second stage, image data for four transfer lines is also transmitted (see FIGS. 17 and 18). Similarly, the image data is transmitted to the console 3 in seven stages so that the transmission of all the image data is completed. At that time, the FPD cassette communication unit 208 determines the position of the pixel in which the image data is located, position information for specifying the position, pixel size information regarding the pixel size of the pixel, and pixels regarding the number of pixels. Number information and the like are attached to the image data and transmitted together with the image data.

The FPD cassette control unit 200 always determines whether or not transmission of all image data has been completed (step S404). If the transmission is completed (step S404: YES), the process is terminated. On the other hand, if transmission has not been completed (step S404: NO), transmission of image data in units of pixels (line units) to the console 3 is continued.

When image data starts to be received in pixel units (line units) in the console communication unit 32 of the console 3 (step S405), the console control unit 30 determines how to divide the image data transmitted from the FPD cassette 2 The display area of the display unit 33 is divided into a plurality of divided areas according to the information and the number of transmitted pixels (the second and subsequent layers are the cumulative number of all pixels transmitted to the console) (step S406). Each pixel is assigned to each divided area, and an image corresponding to the pixel value of any pixel included in the divided area is displayed (step S407). As a result, at the stage where the first-stage image data is transmitted, an image in which the entire screen is displayed with one level of luminance (one density) is displayed (see FIG. 24A). As the number of pixels of the transmitted image data increases, the image becomes clearer little by little, and the necessity of re-shooting can be determined at the stage where the fourth stage image data is transmitted. A certain degree of image can be displayed (see FIG. 24D). The console control unit 30 always determines whether or not the seventh layer has been displayed (step S408), and when the display is ended (step S408: YES), the process ends. On the other hand, if the display is not completed (step S408: NO), the process returns to step S405, and the display area is divided according to the number of pixels of the received image data, and the pixels assigned to each divided area are displayed. The process of displaying an image according to the value is repeated.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the RAW image data is transmitted from the FPD cassette 2 side to the console 3 in pixel units (line units), and the display unit according to the increase in the number of transmitted pixels on the console 3 side. The 33 display areas are divided into a plurality of divided areas in a stepwise manner, and an image is displayed by assigning each increased pixel to the divided areas. For this reason, even if transmission of all the image data constituting one image is not completed, an image corresponding to the image data that has already been transmitted with low resolution is displayed on the display unit 33 of the console 3. As the reception of image data proceeds, so-called progressive display can be performed in which the resolution of the image is improved and the image becomes gradually clearer.
As a result, when image data is received even on the console 3 side, a display corresponding to the image data is displayed on the display unit 33 of the console 3, so that an engineer can visually recognize that the image data has been received normally. Do not fall into psychological anxiety, such as suspicion of poor communication.

In addition, since the number of transfer lines is set to 5 or less and image data is divided and transmitted little by little, even when RAW image data having a large amount of data is transmitted to the console 3, the communication is not burdened so much. Therefore, no stress is felt even when RAW image data is transmitted wirelessly. Further, since it is possible to determine whether or not positioning or re-imaging is necessary at a relatively early stage before the transfer of the image data is completed, it is possible to improve the efficiency of diagnosis. Thus, when re-shooting is necessary, it is possible to avoid wasting time by stopping the data transfer when it is known. On the other hand, when there is no need for re-imaging, the engineer can prepare for the next imaging while waiting for transmission of continuation (residual) data, and can perform efficient medical treatment.
Further, since it is not necessary to transmit the thinned image data (compressed image data), only the RAW image data needs to be transmitted to the console 3, and the image data transmission operation can be completed only once.
In addition, since the position information specifying the position of the pixel at which the image data is located, the pixel size information, and the pixel number information are attached to the image data and transmitted to the console 3, the console 3 side Thus, the allocation position of each pixel in the display area of the display unit 33 can be accurately determined.

In this embodiment, the display unit block size is 32 pixels × 32 pixels, but the display unit block size is not limited to this.

As shown in FIG. 31, the display unit block size is 64 pixels × 64 pixels, and this image data is divided into eight stages and transmitted to the console 3. Display in layers.
In this case, for example, the transfer data amount when the first layer is configured by 32 blocks in the column direction (C) × 38 blocks in the row direction (L) is as follows.
That is, when image data for 4 lines is transferred in the first layer, 4 lines × 3.9 KB (data amount for 1 line) × 38 columns, and the transfer data amount in the first layer is 0.6 MB. It becomes.

Further, as shown in FIG. 32, the display unit block size is set to 128 pixels × 128 pixels, and this image data is divided into nine stages and transmitted to the console 3. The display is divided into 9 layers.
In FIG. 31 and FIG. 32, the value obtained by adding the individual transfer times does not necessarily match the numerical value of the item of the total transfer time (Σ), but this is because two decimal places or less are rounded off. This is because there is a slight error.

In the present embodiment, when the display unit block size is 32 pixels × 32 pixels, the image data is divided into seven stages and transmitted to the console 3, and the console 3 has seven layers from the first layer to the seventh layer. However, there is no particular limitation on the number of steps in which image data transmission and display on the display unit 33 are performed, and the image data is divided into more steps such as 8 steps. You may make it perform the display in the transmission and the display part 33. FIG.

The number of display unit block sizes, the number of steps to be sent to the console 3 and the number of steps (number of layers) to be displayed on the console 3 side are displayed in advance with the FPD cassette 2 and the console 3. The FPD cassette 2 side may divide the image data in accordance with this setting and send it to the console 3, or the console 3 side does not make a setting corresponding to the FPD cassette 2 in particular. Based on the position information of each pixel attached to the image data transmitted from the FPD cassette 2, it is determined how many layers to display and which pixel area the pixel value of each pixel is assigned to. May be.

In the present embodiment, the case where the imaging room R1 in which the FPD cassette 2 is disposed and the console 3 are close to each other has been described as an example, but the arrangement of the FPD cassette 2 and the console 3 is not limited thereto. For example, at the time of portable bedside shooting in which the FPD cassette 2 is held at the patient's bedside and the image is taken, there is a high possibility that the distance between the FPD cassette 2 and the console 3 is large, and the engineer takes a shot image (decimated image). ) On the console 3 and then returning to the FPD cassette 2 to transmit RAW image data again, the amount of movement of the technician increases. In this case, if only the RAW image data is transmitted from the FPD cassette 2 to the console 3 as in the present embodiment, it is possible to save time and effort for the engineer's movement and the image data transmission operation, and more effective. To do.

Further, in a medical image system that performs progressive display, compressed image data may be transmitted in addition to RAW image data (original image data) as image data. Hereinafter, in addition to the RAW image data (original image data) as the image data, the system configuration and the processing method when transmitting the compressed image data will be described with respect to differences from the above description.

In this case, the reading unit of the FPD cassette is based on the raw image data in addition to the original image data (hereinafter referred to as “RAW image data”) obtained by reading the image signal in units of individual photoelectric conversion elements. It functions as compressed image generation means for generating compressed image data (thinned-out image data). The compressed image data is image data with a small amount of data reduced (compressed) by thinning and reading between photoelectric conversion elements at a predetermined thinning rate.

Here, an example of compressed image data generated in the present embodiment will be described.
For example, when half-cut image data (14 × 17 inches) image data (the number of pixels is 2010 × 2400) read with a pixel size of 175 μm is compressed to 1/15 in both vertical and horizontal directions, the transmitted image data The number of pixels is 134 × 160.
In the reading unit, RAW image data having 2010 × 2400 pixels and compressed image data having 134 × 160 pixels corresponding to the preset thinning rate are generated and stored in association with each other. However, it is preferable that the RAW image data is generated by the reading unit and only the RAW image data is stored in the image storage unit or the like, and compression is performed by performing a thinning process (decimation transmission) using the RAW image data at the time of transmission. Image data may be generated and sent to the console. (In this case, it is not necessary to delete (erase) the compressed image data after transmission of the image data is complete.) Note that the aspect ratio of the image is the same as the original image (original image). This is to keep the same.
Note that the reduction rate (compression rate) of the compressed image data is not limited to that exemplified here.

The cassette control unit functions as transmission data selection means for selecting which of the compressed image data and the raw image data before compression to be transmitted to the console. The communication unit of the FPD cassette is the image selected by the cassette control unit. Send data to the console.
When RAW image data is selected as image data to be transmitted, the communication unit of the FPD cassette can sequentially transmit image data constituting one image to the console in pixel units (line units). The communication unit of the console acquires the image data in pixel units (line units).

In addition, the communication unit of the FPD cassette transmits information on the type of image data such as whether the image data to be transmitted is compressed image data or RAW image data as accompanying data together with the image data. Note that the information related to the type of image data may be sent prior to transmitting the image data separately from the image data.

The console control unit controls the display unit so as to switch the display of the display unit based on the accompanying data attached to the image data as display control means. Specifically, when the image data is determined to be RAW image data from the accompanying data, the image data is divided into a plurality of layers in the order of transmission from the FPD cassette, and the number of pixels of the image data is increased. Accordingly, the display area of the display unit is divided into a plurality of divided areas step by step, each pixel is assigned to the divided area, and an image corresponding to any pixel value of the pixels assigned to each divided area is displayed. It is displayed in the divided area. If it is determined that the image data is compressed image data, an image based on the compressed image data is displayed on the display unit after all the image data is obtained.

Since other configurations are the same as those described above, description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of the medical image system when transmitting compressed image data in addition to RAW image data (original image data) as image data will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 33, when imaging is performed and the sensor panel unit of the FPD cassette detects radiation that has passed through the subject (step S501), based on the detection result, the reading unit TFT 2220 generates RAW image data and a compressed image based thereon. Data is generated (step S502). The cassette control unit determines whether or not to transmit RAW image data to the console (step S503), and when RAW image data is transmitted (step S503: YES), the image data is RAW image data. The RAW image data constituting one image is divided into a plurality of stages and sequentially transmitted to the console in units of pixels (step S504).
On the other hand, when the cassette control unit determines that the compressed image data is to be transmitted to the console (step S503: NO), additional data indicating that the image data is compressed image data is attached, and the console is compressed. Image data is transmitted (step S505).

When the RAW image data is transmitted from the FPD cassette, the communication unit of the console acquires the image data in units of pixels (step S506). Then, the console control unit divides the display area of the display unit into a plurality of divided regions in a stepwise manner according to the number of pixels transmitted from the FPD cassette (step S507), assigns each pixel to the divided region, and An image corresponding to any pixel value among the pixels assigned to the area is displayed in the divided area (step S508). Further, the console control unit always determines whether or not the display up to the seventh layer has been performed (step S509), and repeats the process until the display up to the seventh layer is completed. Note that the processing when RAW image data is transmitted is the same as steps S403 to S408 in FIG.

On the other hand, when the compressed image data is transmitted from the FPD cassette, the communication unit of the console acquires the compressed image data (step S510). After the acquisition of the compressed image data is completed, the console control unit displays an image based on the compressed image data on the display unit (step S511).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, image data selected from the compressed image data and RAW image data (original image data) is transmitted to the console. For this reason, it is possible to select the type of image data used for determining whether or not re-shooting is necessary according to the needs of the user.
When RAW image data is to be transmitted, the so-called progressive display is performed as in the first embodiment. Therefore, when image data is received on the console side even a little at a time, A corresponding display is made on the display unit. For this reason, the engineer can visually recognize that the image data is normally received, and there is no psychological anxiety such as suspected communication failure.

In addition, by reducing the number of transfer lines and transmitting the image data in small increments, even when RAW image data with a large amount of data is transmitted to the console, the communication is not burdened so much. For this reason, stress is not felt even when RAW image data is transmitted by a wireless method. In addition, since it is possible to determine whether or not positioning or re-imaging is necessary at a relatively early stage before the transfer of image data is completed, it is possible to improve the efficiency of diagnosis. As a result, when re-shooting is necessary, it is possible to avoid wasting time by stopping the data transfer when it is known. On the other hand, when there is no need for re-imaging, the engineer can prepare for the next imaging and perform efficient medical treatment.

In addition, since the image data transmitted to the console is accompanied by information on the type of the image data, it is ensured according to the type of image data (type of compressed image data or RAW image data) on the display unit of the console. The display method can be switched.

In the medical field, it may be used for medical image systems for taking diagnostic images.

Explanation of symbols

1 Medical Imaging System 2 FPD Cassette (Radiation Image Detector)
200 FPD cassette control unit 204 Image storage unit 208 FPD cassette communication unit 3 Console 4 Radiation generation device 5 Wireless access point 6 Operation device 7 Holding device 30 Console control unit 33 Display unit 32 Console communication unit N Network R1 Imaging room R2 Front room

Claims

Radiation detecting means in which a plurality of elements that two-dimensionally convert radiation transmitted through the subject are two-dimensionally arranged; reading means for reading the electrical signal acquired by the radiation detecting means and generating image data of the subject; Divided image data generating means for dividing the image data generated by the reading means into divided image data based on a predetermined division setting, transmission management means for setting the transmission order of the divided image data, and the transmission order according to the transmission order A detector communication means for transmitting the divided image data to the outside, and a radiation image detector,
A console having display means having a two-dimensional display area, console communication means for acquiring the divided image data from the radiation image detector, and display control means for controlling the display means;
With
The display control means divides the display area of the display means into a plurality of divided display areas based on imaging part information for identifying an imaging part, and outputs the divided image data acquired by the console communication means to a predetermined area. A medical image system that assigns to each divided display area in accordance with an assignment order and displays an image based on the divided image data in each divided display area.
The divided image data generating means divides the image data generated by the reading means into divided image data corresponding to a predetermined divided area based on imaging part information for identifying an imaging part. The medical image system according to claim 1.
3. The reading designation means for designating the reading order of the electrical signals from the radiation detection means in the reading means based on imaging part information for identifying an imaging part. The medical image system described in 1.
The transmission order of the divided image data can be changed in the transmission management means,
When the transmission order is changed by the transmission management means, the detection device communication means transmits the divided image data together with the changed transmission order, and the display control means follows the changed transmission order. The medical image system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the divided image data is allocated to the divided display areas and displayed based on the divided image data.
The detector communication means transmits the division setting and the transmission order as incidental data together with the divided image data,
The display control means divides the display area of the display means into a plurality of divided display areas based on the division setting in the auxiliary data, and the divided image data acquired by the console communication means is added to the auxiliary data. 5. The medical image system according to claim 1, wherein the medical image system is assigned to each of the divided display areas based on a transmission order in the image and displayed on the display unit. 6.
The radiological image detector further includes a divided thinned image data generating unit that generates divided thinned image data based on a predetermined image thinning rate of the divided image data,
The detector communication means transmits the division setting, the transmission order and the image thinning rate as incidental data together with the divided thinned image data,
The display control means causes the display means to display the divided thinned image data acquired by the console communication means on the basis of an image thinning rate in the auxiliary data. The medical image system according to any one of the above.
The radiation image detector further includes parameter setting means for setting the division setting and the image thinning rate, the parameter setting means is capable of changing the division setting and the image thinning rate, and the transmission management means The medical image system according to claim 6, wherein the transmission order can be changed.