WO2018070271A1 - Radiation imaging system and control method for same, control device and control method for same, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a radiation imaging system comprising: a plurality of imaging devices that generate images on the basis of radiation emitted from a radiation generating device for emitting radiation; and a control device that communicates with the plurality of imaging devices. Each of the plurality of imaging devices can independently detect the start of the emission of radiation thereto, and an imaging device that has detected such radiation transmits prescribed notification information to the control device. The control device comprises: a selection unit that selects an imaging device from which to acquire an image from among the plurality of imaging devices; and an acquisition unit that acquires, from the selected imaging device, an image generated by said imaging device.

Description

Radiation imaging system and control method thereof, control device and control method thereof, and computer program

The present invention relates to a radiation imaging system, a control method thereof, a control device, a control method thereof, and a computer program.

In recent years, a portable radiation imaging apparatus (FPD: Flat Panel Detector) that forms an image by detecting the incidence of radiation with a radiation detection element has been widely used. The portable FPD is not used in a stand or the like, but in a so-called independent state. For example, a patient's hand, which is a subject, is placed on the radiation incident surface of the FPD, and radiation images are captured by irradiating and receiving radiation from a portable or fixed radiation generator. Among such portable FPDs, those that transmit and receive image data and the like to and from an external device such as a radiation control device via a wireless communication unit are increasing from the viewpoint of handling. In order to improve the portability of such an FPD, a power supply is not a wired cable from the outside, but a rechargeable battery is built in the housing.

Many portable FPDs with a built-in battery can switch the power supply state for the radiation detection element between the imaging mode and the sleep mode for the purpose of avoiding battery consumption. It is configured. Here, the imaging mode is an operation mode in which power is supplied to the radiation detection element or the like and imaging of the radiation image is possible, and the sleep mode is the power supply to the radiation detection element or the like and only the necessary members are stopped. This is an operation mode for supplying power. It is possible to prevent wasteful power consumption of the FPD that is not used for imaging, by changing only one FPD to the imaging-capable mode and maintaining the other FPD in the sleep mode at the time of imaging.

However, in such an environment where multiple FPDs are used, if the operator fails to confirm, there is a risk that radiation will be accidentally applied to the sleep mode FPD, resulting in invalid exposure. There is. Since the operator must identify the FPD to be used for imaging from among the plurality of FPDs, the work burden and psychological burden on the operator are large.

In order to solve the above-described problem, Patent Document 1 describes a system in which all FPDs that are considered to be used are shifted to an imageable mode and an image is acquired from an FPD that detects radiation irradiation. .

JP 2014-112889 A

However, when a plurality of sensors are shifted to the image pickup mode, an FPD other than the intended FPD may also detect radiation irradiation. In the configuration of Patent Document 1, when a plurality of image data are transmitted, the image data are grouped and stored in the radiation control apparatus. However, when this is an unintended operation, the operator needs to select an image on the radiation control apparatus, which is a burden on the user.

Therefore, the present invention can automatically select an imaging device used for imaging and acquire a captured image in a radiation imaging system using an imaging device capable of detecting radiation irradiation by itself. The purpose is to provide technology.

In order to achieve the above object, a radiation imaging system according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is,
A plurality of imaging devices that generate images based on radiation emitted from a radiation generator that emits radiation; and
A radiation imaging system comprising: a control device that communicates with the plurality of imaging devices;
Each of the plurality of imaging devices can itself detect that the irradiation of radiation to the imaging device has started,
The imaging device that detects radiation transmits predetermined notification information to the control device,
The control device includes:
Based on the received notification information, selecting means for selecting an imaging device from which the image is to be acquired from among the plurality of imaging devices;
And an acquisition unit that acquires an image generated by the imaging device from the selected imaging device.

According to the present invention, in a radiation imaging system using an imaging device capable of detecting radiation irradiation by itself, the imaging device used for imaging can be automatically selected to obtain a captured image.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The accompanying drawings are included in the specification, constitute a part thereof, show an embodiment of the present invention, and are used to explain the principle of the present invention together with the description.
The hardware block diagram of a radiation imaging system. The functional block diagram of an imaging control apparatus. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of a radiation imaging system. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of a radiation imaging system. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of a radiation imaging system. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of a radiation imaging system. The functional block diagram of an imaging control apparatus. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of a radiation imaging system. The hardware block diagram of a radiation imaging system. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of a radiation imaging system.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and all the combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution section of the invention. .

<Embodiment 1>
(Radiation imaging system)
FIG. 1 shows an example of a hardware configuration diagram of a radiation imaging system according to the first embodiment (Embodiment 1) of the present invention. The radiation imaging system includes an imaging control device 101, a first radiation imaging device 102, a second radiation imaging device 103, a radiation generation unit 104, a display unit 105, and an operation unit 106. As will be described later, in the present embodiment, an example in which the first radiation imaging apparatus 102 and the second radiation imaging apparatus 103 are realized by an FPD (Flat Panel Detector) will be described. Therefore, hereinafter, the first radiation imaging apparatus 102 and the second radiation imaging apparatus 103 are collectively referred to as FPD.

The imaging control device (radiation control device) 101 is an information processing device that controls an imaging device by communicating with a plurality of imaging devices. The imaging control apparatus 101 includes a RAM 101a, a ROM 101b, a network I / F 101c, a CPU 101d, a nonvolatile storage device 101e, and a bus 101f. The RAM 101a is a writable memory (Random Access Memory) and functions as a work area of the CPU 101d. The ROM 101b is a read-only memory (Read Only Memory), and stores basic programs, data used for basic processing, and the like. The network I / F 101c is a device that relays data exchange with an external device. The CPU 101d is a central processing unit (Central Processing Unit), and controls the overall operation of the imaging control device 101 in cooperation with other components based on a computer program. The nonvolatile storage device 101e is a device that functions as a large-capacity memory such as a hard disk. Various computer programs and data are stored in the non-volatile storage device 101e. The bus 101f is a data bus that connects the components of the imaging control apparatus 101 to each other and manages the flow of data. With this configuration, the imaging control apparatus 101 has a general computer configuration that is operated by a computer program. The imaging control apparatus 101 is realized by, for example, a general-purpose information processing apparatus such as a personal computer (PC: Personal Computer) or a tablet terminal, or a dedicated embedded device.

The imaging control apparatus 101 controls the operation of the FPD based on an operator input. The imaging control apparatus 101 manages radiation imaging conditions, image data, and the like using a database or the like. The display unit 105 is a device that displays image data, GUI (Graphical User Interface), and the like on a screen. The display unit 105 includes a general monitor such as a CRT (CathodeathRay Tube) or a liquid crystal display. The operation unit 106 is an apparatus used by an operator to input various commands and data to the imaging control apparatus 101, and includes an input device such as a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, and an irradiation switch. The

The radiation generator 104 is a radiation generator that generates and exposes radiation. Connection to the imaging control apparatus 101 may or may not be made.

The first radiation imaging apparatus 102 and the second radiation imaging apparatus 103 are imaging apparatuses that generate an image based on the radiation emitted from the radiation generation unit 104 that emits radiation. Each of the plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 can detect by itself that radiation irradiation to the imaging apparatus has started. In the present embodiment, the first radiation imaging apparatus 102 and the second radiation imaging apparatus 103 are realized by an FPD that converts a radiation signal transmitted through a subject into image data and transfers the image data to the imaging control apparatus 101. Each of the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 converts the radiation received by the photoelectric conversion element into an electric charge, and forms a radiation image.

In FIG. 1, two radiation imaging devices (the first radiation imaging device 102 and the second radiation imaging device 103) are shown, but the number is not limited to two, and three or more radiation imaging devices are connected. May be. Note that the connection form between the imaging control device 101 and the radiation imaging devices 102 and 103, the radiation generation unit 104, the display unit 105, and the operation unit 106 is not limited to wired or wireless, and any communication protocol may be used. .

(Imaging control device)
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the imaging control apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment. Each functional element of the imaging control apparatus 101 is realized by the CPU 101d controlling the hardware components of the imaging control apparatus 101 based on a computer program.

The imaging control unit 201 is a functional element that controls all imaging processes, and performs overall imaging control such as FPD drive control and imaging progress management based on an operator input. A notification receiving unit (detection notification receiving unit) 202 is a functional element that receives a radiation detection notification notified from each of the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103. When the notification receiving unit 202 detects the reception of the radiation detection notification, the notification receiving unit 202 notifies the imaging control unit 201 of the reception.

The selection unit (imaging device selection unit) 203 is a functional element that identifies a radiation imaging device that is an imaging target. The image acquisition unit 204 is a functional element that acquires radiation image data from the radiation imaging apparatus selected by the selection unit 203. A state management unit (imaging apparatus state management unit) 205 is a functional element that performs state management of each radiation imaging apparatus and commands a transition from a sleep mode to an imageable mode. The information input unit 206 is a functional element that receives input from the operator and transmits the input to the imaging control unit 201.

The imaging information management unit 207 is a functional element that manages radiation image data in association with the patient information, the imaged site, image processing parameter information, and the like. The image processing unit 208 is a functional element that performs image processing on the radiation image data based on the image processing parameter information managed by the imaging information management unit 207. The display unit 209 is a functional element that displays an image or GUI that has been subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 208.

(Operation of radiation imaging system)
FIG. 3 is an example of a flowchart showing an operation procedure until the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 perform imaging and generate radiation image data. This processing flow shows a series of steps until the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 receive radiation from the radiation generation unit 104 and generate an image. The following steps are executed by the CPU 101d controlling the radiation imaging system based on the computer program.

First, the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 are waiting in a state where the sleep mode is maintained in order to suppress battery power consumption (S301).

The operator selects an imaging condition from the information input unit 206 on the imaging control apparatus 101, and causes the radiation imaging system to start imaging (S302).

In response, the state management unit 205 transmits an irradiation waiting mode transition command to the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 (S303).

In response to the mode shift command, each of the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 shifts from the sleep mode to the irradiation waiting mode (S304).

Each radiation imaging apparatus 102, 103 notifies the imaging control apparatus 101 that it has shifted to the irradiation waiting mode (S305).

Then, each of the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 waits until radiation is detected (S306).

When the start of irradiation is detected (YES in S306), the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 shift to the accumulation mode and start accumulating charges generated by photoelectric conversion (S307).

The radiation imaging apparatus that has detected the start of irradiation maintains the accumulation mode until it detects the end of radiation irradiation (S308).

When the end of radiation irradiation is detected (YES in S308), the charges accumulated during the accumulation mode are read and radiation image data is generated (S309).

FIG. 4 shows an example of a flowchart according to the present embodiment. This flowchart is a step subsequent to a series of steps until an image is generated upon receiving the radiation shown in FIG. Here, an operation example when the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 both detect radiation irradiation and generate radiation image data will be described. The following steps are executed by the CPU 101d controlling the radiation imaging system based on the computer program.

The radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 that have generated the radiation image data notify the imaging control apparatus 101 that radiation has been detected (S401).

The notification receiving unit 202 receives notifications from the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103, and identifies the radiation imaging apparatus that is first notified by the selection unit 203 as an imaging target. In response to this, the image acquisition unit 204 transmits an image transmission command to the radiation imaging apparatus 102 identified as the imaging target (S402).

The radiation imaging apparatus 102 that has received the command transmits the created radiation image data to the imaging control apparatus 101 (S403).

When the image acquisition unit 204 receives the radiation image data, the imaging control apparatus 101 associates the received radiation image data with the imaging conditions stored in the imaging information management unit 207. Then, the image processing unit 208 performs image processing using the image processing parameters stored as part of the imaging information, and then displays the image on the display unit 209 (S404).

In the present embodiment, the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 have described the example of transmitting the notification that the radiation has been detected to the imaging control apparatus 101 after generating the radiation image data. It is not limited to this. For example, notification may be made before detection is started or before detection is completed and radiation image data is generated. Here, an example has been described in which the radiation imaging apparatus that first receives the notification is determined as an imaging target, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as long as it is based on the reception order, the order may be late, or all notifications received within a certain period may be determined as imaging targets.

As described above, in this embodiment, the radiation imaging apparatus that has detected radiation transmits predetermined notification information to the imaging control apparatus 101. Then, the imaging control apparatus 101 selects a radiation imaging apparatus from which an image is to be acquired from a plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses based on the received notification information, and selects an image generated by the radiation imaging apparatus from the radiation imaging apparatus. get. In this embodiment, as an example, the notification information is information for notifying that the radiation imaging apparatus has detected radiation irradiation, and the imaging control apparatus 101 selects the radiation imaging apparatus that first received the notification information. Thus, an example of acquiring an image has been described. Since the radiation imaging apparatus that has detected radiation the earliest has a high probability of actually performing radiation imaging, according to the present embodiment, an imaging apparatus used for imaging can be automatically selected to obtain a captured image. Is possible.

<Embodiment 2>
In the second embodiment (Embodiment 2) of the present invention, a configuration for determining a radiation imaging apparatus to be imaged based on pixel information will be described. The configuration of the radiation imaging system and the imaging control apparatus 101 and the operation procedure until the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 capture images and generate radiation image data are the same as those in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted. .

FIG. 5 shows an example of a flowchart according to the present embodiment. This flowchart is a step subsequent to a series of steps until an image is generated upon receiving the radiation shown in FIG. Also in this embodiment, an operation example when the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 both detect radiation irradiation and generate radiation image data will be described. The following steps are executed by the CPU 101d controlling the radiation imaging system based on the computer program.

The radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 recognize the irradiation field from the generated radiation image data (S501).

Next, each of the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 calculates a pixel average value in the recognized irradiation field, and uses this as statistical information related to imaging (S502). Here, a pixel average value is used as an example of statistical information. Of course, the statistical information is not limited to this, and for example, a maximum value, a median value, a variance value, or the like may be used. Alternatively, it may be statistical information such as a maximum value of a difference between adjacent pixel values or a width between a maximum value and a minimum value of pixel values. Further, there may be two or more pieces of statistical information to be calculated.

The radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 notify the imaging control apparatus 101 together with statistical information that radiation has been detected (S503). That is, in this embodiment, in addition to the notification information for notifying that radiation has been detected, statistical information is combined and transmitted from the radiation imaging apparatus to the imaging control apparatus 101.

The notification receiving unit 202 of the imaging control apparatus 101 receives notifications from the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103, and passes statistical information to the selection unit 203. The selection unit 203 identifies a radiation imaging apparatus having the largest pixel average value, which is statistical information, as an imaging target. This is because the pixel value of a pixel corresponding to a portion that has passed through a subject such as a human body is high, and thus an image having the largest pixel average value is highly likely to be an image that has passed through the subject. Therefore, in the configuration for acquiring an image with inverted luminance, the radiation imaging apparatus having the smallest pixel average value is specified as the imaging target. When the radiation imaging device to be imaged is identified, the image acquisition unit 204 transmits an image transmission command to the radiation imaging device 102 identified as the imaging target (S504).

The radiation imaging apparatus 102 that has received the command transmits the created radiation image data to the imaging control apparatus 101 (S505).

When the image acquisition unit 204 of the imaging control apparatus 101 receives the radiation image data, the radiation image data is associated with the imaging conditions stored in the imaging information management unit 207. Then, the image processing unit 208 performs image processing using the image processing parameters stored as part of the imaging information, and then displays the image on the display unit 209 (S506).

In the present embodiment, the average pixel value in the irradiation field is used as the statistical information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the difference between the maximum pixel value and the minimum pixel value, the average value / dispersion value of luminance and density, May be used.

As described above, in this embodiment, the radiation imaging apparatus that has detected radiation further transmits statistical information about imaging to the imaging control apparatus in addition to notification information about radiation detection. The imaging control device 101 compares statistical information received from a plurality of radiation imaging devices and selects an imaging device that should acquire an image. The statistical information here includes, for example, statistical information calculated from an image generated by the radiation imaging apparatus. For example, when the average pixel value of the image generated by the imaging device is used as the statistical information, the imaging device that has transmitted the largest average pixel value can be selected. As described above, in this embodiment, the radiation imaging apparatus is selected by comparing the statistical information related to imaging, and an image is acquired from the radiation imaging apparatus. Therefore, the radiation imaging apparatus that has actually performed the imaging is efficiently and more reliably determined. Thus, a captured image can be acquired. In addition, since the radiation imaging apparatus transmits information of an image generated by the radiation imaging apparatus in the radiation irradiation field to the imaging control apparatus as statistical information, the radiation imaging apparatus that has actually performed imaging can be correctly determined.

<Embodiment 3>
In the third embodiment (Embodiment 3) of the present invention, a configuration for receiving a thinned image first will be described. The configuration of the radiation imaging system and the imaging control apparatus 101 and the operation procedure until the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 capture images and generate radiation image data are the same as those in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted. .

FIG. 6 shows an example of a flowchart according to the present embodiment. This flowchart is a step subsequent to a series of steps until an image is generated upon receiving the radiation shown in FIG. Also in this embodiment, an operation example when the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 both detect radiation irradiation and generate radiation image data will be described. The following steps are executed by the CPU 101d controlling the radiation imaging system based on the computer program.

Each radiation imaging apparatus 102, 103 creates thinned image data obtained by thinning the image size in at least one of the vertical direction and the horizontal direction from the generated radiation image data (S601).

The radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 notify the imaging control apparatus 101 that the radiation has been detected together with the thinned image data (S602).

The notification receiving unit 202 of the imaging control apparatus 101 receives notifications from the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 and passes the thinned image data to the selection unit 203. For example, the selection unit 203 acquires the pixel value average value from the thinned image data and sets it as statistical information (S603).

The selection unit 203 identifies a radiation imaging apparatus having the largest pixel average value, which is statistical information, as an imaging target. In the configuration for acquiring an image with inverted luminance, the radiation imaging apparatus having the smallest pixel average value is specified as the imaging target. In response to this, the image acquisition unit 204 transmits an image transmission command to the radiation imaging apparatus 102 identified as the imaging target (S604).

After this, until all the radiation image data is received, the imaging control unit 201 passes the thinned image to the image processing unit 208, performs image processing, and displays the preview on the display unit 209. Thereby, the operator can relieve the waiting time until all the radiation image data is stored in the display unit 209 (S605).

While performing the preview display, the radiation imaging apparatus 102 that has received the command transmits the remaining radiation pixel data other than the transmitted thinned image to the imaging control apparatus 101 among the generated radiation image data (S606). .

When the image acquisition unit 204 receives the remaining radiation pixel data, the remaining radiation pixel data is merged with the thinned image data to generate the original radiation image data. The radiation image data is associated with the imaging conditions stored in the imaging information management unit 207, and after image processing is performed by the image processing unit 208 using the image processing parameters stored as part of the imaging information, It is displayed on the display unit 209 (S607).

In this embodiment, the pixel average value is used as the statistical information, but it is not limited to this as in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the thinned image is transmitted in advance, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the form which sends the compressed image data which compressed radiation image data may be sufficient. In this case, the compressed data size may be used as the statistical information, and the radiation imaging apparatus that has transmitted the image having the largest compressed data size may be identified as the imaging target. This is because when the subject is reflected in the radiation image, the compressed data size is larger than that of the dark image due to the presence of information corresponding to the transmission image of the subject. In this case, since it is not a thinned image, it is necessary to receive all the radiation image data in S606.

As described above, in this embodiment, the radiation imaging apparatus transmits the thinned image generated by the radiation imaging apparatus to the imaging control apparatus as statistical information. The imaging control apparatus selects a radiation imaging apparatus that has transmitted the thinned image having the largest average pixel value from the received thinned images, and acquires an image. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to efficiently and surely determine the radiation imaging apparatus that has actually performed imaging and acquire the captured image. In addition, since the radiation imaging apparatus transmits information of an image generated by the radiation imaging apparatus in the radiation irradiation field to the imaging control apparatus as statistical information, the radiation imaging apparatus that has actually performed imaging can be correctly determined.

<Embodiment 4>
In the fourth embodiment (Embodiment 4) of the present invention, a configuration for enhancing the certainty of a radiation imaging apparatus identified as an imaging target will be described. The configuration of the radiation imaging system and the operation procedure until the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 capture images and generate radiation image data are the same as those in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the imaging control apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment. The imaging control apparatus 101 of the present embodiment includes an image analysis unit 701 in addition to the configuration of FIG. The image analysis unit 701 is a functional element that determines whether the radiographic image data determined as the imaging target matches the imaging conditions. Functional elements in common with FIG. 2 are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a flowchart according to the present embodiment. This flowchart is based on the flowchart of FIG. 5 referred to in the second embodiment, and the steps S801 to S805 are the same as the steps S501 to S505 of FIG. Therefore, steps after S806 will be described. The following steps are executed by the CPU 101d controlling the radiation imaging system based on the computer program.

When the image acquisition unit 204 of the imaging control apparatus 101 receives radiation image data from the radiation imaging apparatus, the image analysis unit 701 determines whether the acquired radiation image data matches the imaging condition selected in S302 of FIG. Then, the radiation image data is analyzed (S806).

As a result of the analysis, it is determined whether or not the received radiation image data matches the imaging conditions acquired from the imaging information management unit 207 (S807). For example, when a part (for example, chest, head, etc.) corresponding to the imaging condition is captured in the radiographic image data, it can be determined that the radiographic image data matches the imaging condition. For example, by determining whether or not a part corresponding to the imaging condition is captured, feature data indicating the feature of the part of the subject is set in advance, and comparing the feature data with the feature of the received radiation image data It can be carried out. The imaging conditions are designated (set) in advance by the operator. If it is determined that the radiation image data matches the imaging condition (YES in S807), the process proceeds to S808. If it is determined that the radiation image data does not match (NO in S807), the process proceeds to S809.

After the analysis is completed, the radiation image data is associated with the imaging conditions stored in the imaging information management unit 207, and image processing is performed by the image processing parameters stored as part of the imaging information by the image processing unit 208. After that, it is displayed on the display unit 209 (S808).

On the other hand, after the radiation imaging apparatus that has generated the radiation image data that does not match the imaging conditions as a result of the analysis is excluded, the step of S804 is executed again from the other radiation imaging apparatuses. This is repeated until radiation image data matching the imaging conditions is found (S809). When radiation image data matching the imaging conditions is not found, a message to that effect is displayed on the display unit 209.

In the present embodiment, an example is described in which whether or not the radiation image data matches the imaging condition is determined based on whether or not a part corresponding to the imaging condition is reflected in the image. The suitability determination is not limited to this method. For example, the compatibility with the imaging conditions may be determined based on information such as the radiation intensity detected in the dark part, the image size, and the resolution.

As described above, in this embodiment, the imaging control apparatus analyzes an image acquired from the radiation imaging apparatus and determines whether or not the image matches a preset imaging condition. As a result, when it is determined that the acquired image does not match the imaging condition, an image generated by the other radiation imaging apparatus is further acquired from the other radiation imaging apparatus. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even when a captured image cannot be acquired from the radiation imaging apparatus that actually performed imaging, it is possible to acquire an image from another radiation imaging apparatus and acquire the captured image reliably. it can.

<Embodiment 5>
In the fifth embodiment (Embodiment 5) of the present invention, when the radiation imaging apparatus to be imaged specified by the radiation imaging system is not appropriate and the radiographic image data intended by the operator cannot be acquired. A configuration that enables reselection will be described.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the radiation imaging system according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 include nonvolatile storage devices 901 and 902 such as hard disks, and permanently store the captured radiation image data. Since other components are the same as those in FIG. 1 referred to in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to these components, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Further, the configuration of the imaging control apparatus 101 and the operation procedure from when the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 capture an image to generate radiation image data are the same as those in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the radiation imaging system according to the present embodiment. The flow of FIG. 10 shows a procedure of processing for re-acquiring an image when the acquired radiation image data is not appropriate. Each step of this flowchart is executed after executing a series of steps shown in FIG. 6 referred to in the third embodiment. In this embodiment, an example in which the radiation imaging system specifies the first radiation imaging apparatus 102 as an imaging target will be described as an example. The following steps are executed by the CPU 101d controlling the radiation imaging system based on the computer program.

The imaging control apparatus 101 stores all the thinned images acquired from the radiation imaging apparatuses 102 and 103 in S602 of FIG. 6 in the imaging information management unit 207 (S1001).

When the radiographic image data corresponding to the imaging is not intended by the operator, the operator gives an instruction to change the radiographic image data from the information input unit 206 (S1002). Here, an example will be described in which the radiation image data acquired from the first radiation imaging apparatus 102 is not intended by the operator.

In response to this, the display unit 209 performs display control so that the thinned image stored as the image related to imaging is subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 208 and then displayed as a list on the display unit 209. At this time, the list display may or may not display a thinned image acquired from the first radiation imaging apparatus 102, which is an image not intended by the operator (S1003).

· The operator selects image data to be acquired from the list of related images (S1004). Hereinafter, an example in which image data acquired from the second radiation imaging apparatus 103 is selected will be described.

In response to the operator's selection, the image acquisition unit 204 transmits an image transmission command to the second radiation imaging apparatus 103 that acquired the selected related image (S1005).

The second radiation imaging apparatus 103 that has received the command extracts the radiation image data from the nonvolatile storage device 902 and transmits it to the imaging control apparatus 101 (S1006).

When the image acquisition unit 204 receives the radiation image data, the radiation image data is newly associated with the imaging condition stored in the imaging information management unit 207 (S1007).

In the present embodiment, since it is a process after the third embodiment, an example of a process for displaying a list of thinned images is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in S1003, instead of displaying a list of images, information for identifying the radiation imaging apparatus may be displayed in a selectable manner. In step S1003, the related images are appropriately processed and displayed in order to display a list, but may be stored in the imaging information management unit 207 after image processing is performed in advance.

In the present embodiment, the radiation imaging apparatus transmits a thinned image generated by the radiation imaging apparatus as statistical information to the imaging control apparatus, and the imaging control apparatus can designate the thinned images received from a plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses. Display control to be displayed on the display unit 209 is performed. Then, the imaging control apparatus selects the radiation imaging apparatus that has transmitted the thinned image designated by the operator, and acquires an image. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when the radiation imaging control apparatus automatically determined by the imaging control apparatus is not actually imaging, the radiation imaging apparatus that has performed imaging is correctly selected by visual observation of the operator. Is possible.

As described above, according to each embodiment of the present invention, the operator does not need to select an image on the radiation control apparatus, and the system automatically selects the radiation image data captured by the system. Work burden can be reduced.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program This process can be realized. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, in order to make the scope of the present invention public, the following claims are attached.
This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-203039 filed on Oct. 14, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

201: Imaging control unit, 202: Notification receiving unit, 203: Selection unit, 204: Image acquisition unit, 205: Status management unit, 206: Information input unit, 207: Imaging information management unit, 208: Image processing unit, 209: Display section

Claims (13)

1. A plurality of imaging devices that generate images based on radiation emitted from a radiation generator that emits radiation; and
   A radiation imaging system comprising: a control device that communicates with the plurality of imaging devices;
   Each of the plurality of imaging devices can itself detect that the irradiation of radiation to the imaging device has started,
   The imaging device that detects radiation transmits predetermined notification information to the control device,
   The control device includes:
   Based on the received notification information, selecting means for selecting an imaging device from which the image is to be acquired from among the plurality of imaging devices;
   A radiation imaging system comprising: an acquisition unit configured to acquire an image generated by the imaging device from the selected imaging device.
2. The predetermined notification information is information for notifying that the imaging apparatus has detected radiation irradiation,
   The radiation imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects an imaging apparatus that first receives the notification information.
3. The imaging device that has detected radiation further transmits statistical information about imaging to the control device,
   The radiographic imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects the imaging device that should acquire an image by comparing the statistical information received from the plurality of imaging devices.
4. The radiation imaging system according to claim 3, wherein the imaging device transmits, as the statistical information, statistical information calculated from an image generated by the imaging device to the control device.
5. The imaging device transmits, as the statistical information, an average pixel value of an image generated by the imaging device to the control device,
   The radiation imaging system according to claim 4, wherein the selection unit selects an imaging device that has transmitted the largest average pixel value.
6. The imaging device transmits, as the statistical information, a thinned image generated by the imaging device to the control device,
   The radiation selecting system according to claim 3, wherein the selection unit selects an imaging device that has transmitted the thinned image having the largest average pixel value among the received thinned images.
7. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the imaging apparatus transmits information on an image generated by the imaging apparatus in a radiation irradiation field to the control apparatus as the statistical information. system.
8. The control device further includes a determination unit that analyzes the image acquired by the acquisition unit and determines whether the image matches a preset imaging condition,
   The acquisition unit further acquires an image generated by the other imaging device from another imaging device when the determination unit determines that the acquired image does not match the imaging condition. The radiation imaging system according to any one of claims 3 to 5.
9. The imaging device transmits, as the statistical information, a thinned image generated by the imaging device to the control device,
   The control device further includes a display control unit that causes the display unit to display the thinned image received from the plurality of imaging devices so as to be designated,
   The radiation imaging system according to claim 8, wherein the selection unit selects an imaging device that has transmitted a thinned image designated by an operator as the other imaging device.
10. A control device that communicates with a plurality of imaging devices that generate images based on radiation emitted from a radiation generator that emits radiation,
    Each of the plurality of imaging devices can detect itself that radiation irradiation to the imaging device has started, and transmits predetermined notification information to the control device in response to detecting radiation,
    Based on the received notification information, selecting means for selecting an imaging device from which the image is to be acquired from among the plurality of imaging devices;
    A control device comprising: an acquisition unit configured to acquire an image generated by the imaging device from the selected imaging device.
11. A plurality of imaging devices that generate images based on radiation emitted from a radiation generator that emits radiation; and
    A control method of a radiation imaging system comprising: a control device that communicates with the plurality of imaging devices,
    Each of the plurality of imaging devices can itself detect that the irradiation of radiation to the imaging device has started,
    The imaging device that detects radiation transmits predetermined notification information to the control device,
    The control device includes:
    Based on the received notification information, select an imaging device to acquire an image from among the plurality of imaging devices,
    A method for controlling a radiation imaging system, comprising: acquiring an image generated by the imaging device from the selected imaging device.
12. A control method of a control device that communicates with a plurality of imaging devices that generate images based on radiation emitted from a radiation generating device that emits radiation,
    Each of the plurality of imaging devices can detect itself that radiation irradiation to the imaging device has started, and transmits predetermined notification information to the control device in response to detecting radiation,
    Based on the received notification information, a selection step of selecting an imaging device from which the image is to be acquired from among the plurality of imaging devices;
    A control method for a control device, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring an image generated by the imaging device from the selected imaging device.
13. A computer program for causing a computer to function as each means included in the control device according to claim 10.

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