Console of radiographic system, operating method of console of radiographic system, and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

A radiographic system console, a method for operating the radiographic system console, and a computer-readable storage medium are provided. A radiographic system console includes at least one processor, which performs the following processing: display-related processing for displaying radiographic images obtained by radiographic photography at a radiographic site, including receiving processing for receiving radiographic images from a radiographic image detection device and image processing for processing the received radiographic images into display images; computer-supported diagnosis processing for performing image-processed radiographic images; and priority processing for giving priority to the display-related processing over the computer-supported diagnosis processing when a conflict occurs between the display-related processing and the computer-supported diagnosis processing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology of the present invention relates to a console of a radiographic system, an operating method of the console of a radiographic system, and an operating program of the console of a radiographic system. Background Art

[0002] In the medical field, diagnosis using radiographic images captured by a radiographic system is becoming popular. The radiographic system includes a radiation generating unit that generates radiation, a radiographic image detection device, and a console. The radiographic image detection device receives radiation that irradiates and transmits the subject from the radiation generating unit and outputs a radiographic image. The console receives the radiographic image from the radiographic image detection device and performs image processing on the received radiographic image. The image-processed radiographic image is immediately displayed on a monitor at the imaging site for the operator to confirm the image quality.

[0003] Conventionally, operations such as extracting lesion candidates such as tumors shown in radiographic images by performing computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) processing on radiographic images have been performed (see International Publication No. 2015 / 076067). In the radiographic imaging system described in International Publication No. 2015 / 076067, the CAD processing function is mounted on a console (referred to as an imaging device control unit in International Publication No. 2015 / 076067). Summary of the invention

[0004] Technical issues to be solved by the invention

[0005] When the CAD processing function is mounted on the console, as in the radiographic system described in International Publication No. 2015 / 076067, the following problem exists. That is, when a series of processes (hereinafter referred to as display-related processes) for receiving radiographic images from a radiographic image detection device and performing image processing on the received radiographic images so that the operator can confirm the quality of the radiographic images conflict with the CAD process, the display-related processes may be stalled due to the CAD process with a relatively large processing load. When the display-related processes are stalled, for example, the display of the radiographic images may be hindered due to the inability to normally receive the radiographic images or to perform image processing.

[0006] The technical object of the present invention is to provide a console for a radiographic system, an operating method for the console for a radiographic system, and an operating program for the console for a radiographic system, which allow an operator to check the projection quality of a radiographic image without hindrance.

[0007] Means for solving technical problems

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the console of the radiographic system of the present invention is a console of the radiographic system having at least one processor, and the processor performs the following processing: display-related processing, which is used to display the radiographic images obtained by radiographic photography at the photography site, and includes receiving processing of receiving the radiographic images from the radiographic image detection device and image processing of processing the received radiographic images into display images; computer-supported diagnosis processing, which is performed on the radiographic images after image processing, and priority processing, in which when the display-related processing conflicts with the computer-supported diagnosis processing, the display-related processing takes priority over the computer-supported diagnosis processing.

[0009] Preferably, the processor prohibits execution of the computer supported diagnosis process while executing the display related process as the priority process.

[0010] Preferably, the processor does not start the computer supported diagnosis process related to the current photography if the display related process related to the next photography is started between the end of the display related process related to the current photography and the automatic start of the computer supported diagnosis process related to the current photography.

[0011] Preferably, as a priority process, the processor interrupts the computer-supported diagnosis process related to the first imaging and starts the display-related process related to the second imaging subsequent to the first imaging.

[0012] Preferably, the processor automatically resumes the interrupted computer-supported diagnosis process related to the first imaging after completing the display-related process related to the second imaging.

[0013] Preferably, after completing the display-related processing involved in the second photography, the processor accepts an operator's selection instruction as to whether to restart the computer-supported diagnostic processing involved in the interrupted first photography, and if the restart selection instruction is accepted, the computer-supported diagnostic processing involved in the interrupted first photography is restarted, and if the non-restart selection instruction is accepted, the computer-supported diagnostic processing involved in the interrupted first photography is not restarted.

[0014] Preferably, the processor restarts the interrupted computer-supported diagnosis processing related to the first photography when the second photography is not a re-photography of the first photography, and does not restart the interrupted computer-supported diagnosis processing related to the first photography when the second photography is a re-photography.

[0015] Preferably, when the photographed part is different from that of the first photograph, the processor regards the second photograph as not a re-photographing and restarts the computer-supported diagnostic processing related to the interrupted first photograph; when the photographed part is the same as that of the first photograph, the processor regards the second photograph as a re-photographing and does not restart the computer-supported diagnostic processing related to the interrupted first photograph.

[0016] Preferably, the processor notifies the operator that the computer supported diagnosis process related to the first imaging is interrupted.

[0017] Preferably, as a priority process, the processor allocates a portion of the resources allocated to the computer-supported diagnostic processing involved in the first photography to the display-related processing involved in the second photography after the first photography, and makes the resources allocated to the display-related processing involved in the second photography greater than the computer-supported diagnostic processing involved in the first photography.

[0018] Preferably, the processor receives an instruction from an operator to execute the computer supported diagnostic process.

[0019] Preferably, the number of processors that execute the display-related processing and the computer-supported diagnosis processing is one.

[0020] Preferably, the processor includes two sub-processors: a first sub-processor for executing a display-related process and a second sub-processor for executing a computer-supported diagnosis process.

[0021] Preferably, the processor starts the display-related process at the start timing of the reception process.

[0022] Alternatively, preferably, the processor starts the display-related processing at a timing when an irradiation start synchronization signal for notifying the start of irradiation of radiation is transmitted to the radiation image detection apparatus.

[0023] Preferably, the console of the radiographic system of the present invention includes a cooling mechanism for cooling the processor, and the cooling level of the cooling mechanism is increased compared to normal at least while the processor is executing computer-aided diagnosis processing.

[0024] Preferably, the console of the radiographic system of the present invention includes a radiation generating unit that emits radiation, and is mounted on a mobile radiation generating device that is wirelessly driven by a battery.

[0025] The working method of the console of the radiographic system of the present invention includes: a display-related processing step, executing display-related processing, which is used to display the radiographic images obtained by radiographic photography at the photography site, and includes receiving processing of receiving the radiographic images from the radiographic image detection device and image processing of processing the received radiographic images into display images; a computer-supported diagnosis processing step, executing computer-supported diagnosis processing on the radiographic images after image processing; and a priority processing step, in the case of a conflict between the display-related processing and the computer-supported diagnosis processing, giving priority to the display-related processing over the computer-supported diagnosis processing.

[0026] The working procedure of the console of the radiographic system of the present invention enables the computer to perform the functions of the following parts: a display-related processing part, which executes display-related processing, which is used to display the radiographic images obtained by radiographic photography at the photography site, and includes receiving processing of receiving the radiographic images from the radiographic image detection device and image processing of processing the received radiographic images into display images; a computer-supported diagnosis processing part, which executes computer-supported diagnosis processing on the radiographic images after image processing; and a priority processing part, which gives priority to the display-related processing over the computer-supported diagnosis processing when a conflict occurs between the display-related processing and the computer-supported diagnosis processing.

[0027] Effects of the Invention

[0028] According to the technology of the present invention, it is possible to provide a console for a radiographic system, an operating method for the console for a radiographic system, and an operating program for the console for a radiographic system, which allow an operator to check the projection quality of a radiographic image without hindrance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a radiographic imaging situation using a radiographic imaging system.

[0030] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing a radiographic system.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a UI system device.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of a mobile radiation generating device.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing the functions of the CPU of the console.

[0034] Figure 6 It is a figure which shows the irradiation condition table.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing radiography.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the flow of display-related processing and CAD processing related to the Nth photography.

[0037] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing a case where after the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging is completed, the N+1th imaging is performed and the display-related processing related to the N+1th imaging is started.

[0038] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing a case where the N+1th imaging is performed and the display-related processing related to the N+1th imaging is started during the period from the end of the display-related processing related to the Nth imaging to the start of the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging.

[0039] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing a case where the N+1th imaging is performed while the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging is being executed and the display-related processing related to the N+1th imaging is started.

[0040] Fig.12 This is a diagram showing the relationship between CAD processing and the rotation speed of the cooling fan.

[0041] Fig.13 This is a diagram showing a state where a message box indicating that CAD processing is being executed is displayed.

[0042] Fig.14 This is a diagram showing a state where a CAD processing result display button is displayed.

[0043] Fig.15 This is a diagram showing a state where the result of CAD processing is displayed.

[0044] Fig.16 This is a diagram showing a state where a message box indicating that CAD processing is interrupted is displayed.

[0045] Fig.17 Yes means Fig. 9 and Fig.10 Flowchart of the method shown.

[0046] Fig.18 Yes means Fig.11 Flowchart of the method shown.

[0047] Fig.19 It is a diagram showing a second embodiment of accepting an instruction to execute a CAD process from an operator.

[0048] Fig. 20This is a diagram showing a case where the CAD processing related to the N-th imaging is executed according to the execution instruction signal, and after the CAD processing related to the N-th imaging is completed, the N+1-th imaging is performed and the display-related processing related to the N+1-th imaging is started.

[0049] Fig.21 This is a diagram showing a case where the N+1th imaging is performed before the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging is executed according to the execution instruction signal and the display-related processing related to the N+1th imaging is started.

[0050] Fig. 22 This is a diagram showing a case where the N+1th imaging is performed while the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging is executed according to the execution instruction signal and the display-related processing related to the N+1th imaging is started.

[0051] Fig.23 It is a diagram showing a third embodiment of accepting an operator's selection instruction on whether to resume an interrupted CAD process.

[0052] Fig.24 This is a diagram showing a case where the operator issues a selection instruction to restart the interrupted CAD process when the N+1th imaging is performed during the execution of the CAD process related to the Nth imaging.

[0053] Fig.25 This is a diagram showing a case where the operator issues a selection instruction not to restart the interrupted CAD process when the N+1th imaging is performed during the execution of the CAD process related to the Nth imaging.

[0054] Fig.26 This is a block diagram showing the functions of the CPU according to the fourth embodiment.

[0055] Fig. 27 This is a diagram showing the content of the identification result of the imaging part when the imaging part of the Nth imaging is different from the imaging part of the N+1th imaging.

[0056] Fig.28 This is a diagram showing the content of the identification result of the imaging part when the imaging part of the Nth imaging is the same as the imaging part of the N+1th imaging.

[0057] Fig.29 This is a diagram showing a case where, when an N+1th imaging is performed while a CAD process related to an Nth imaging is being executed, the imaging site determination result shows that the imaging site of the Nth imaging is different from the imaging site of the N+1th imaging.

[0058] Fig.30This is a diagram showing a case where an N+1th imaging is performed while a CAD process related to an Nth imaging is being executed, and the imaging site identification result shows that the imaging site of the Nth imaging is the same as the imaging site of the N+1th imaging.

[0059] Fig.31 This is a diagram showing a manner in which the functions of the display-related processing unit are allocated to three cores among four cores allocated to the CAD processing related to the N-th imaging.

[0060] Fig.32 This is a diagram showing a manner in which the functions of the display-related processing unit are allocated to three threads among four threads allocated to the CAD processing related to the N-th imaging.

[0061] Fig.33 This is a diagram showing a sixth embodiment using two sub-processors: a first sub-processor that executes display-related processing and a second sub-processor that executes CAD processing.

[0062] Fig.34 This is a diagram showing a method of adding the function of a CAD processing unit to a console built into a mobile radiation generating device.

[0063] Fig.35 This is a diagram showing a method of using a notebook personal computer that is separate from a mobile radiation generating device as a console of a radiation imaging system.

[0064] Fig.36 This is a diagram showing a method of adding the function of a CAD processing unit to a notebook personal computer that is separate from a mobile radiation generating device.

[0065] Fig.37 This is a diagram showing a method of setting the timing of transmitting the irradiation start synchronization signal from the cassette control section to the electronic cassette as the start timing of the display-related processing.

[0066] Fig.38 It means in Fig.37 In the embodiment shown, the N+1th imaging is performed and the display-related processing related to the Nth imaging is started during the period from the end of the display-related processing related to the Nth imaging to the start of the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging.

[0067] Fig.39 It means in Fig.37 In the embodiment shown, the N+1th imaging is performed while the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging is being executed, and the display-related processing related to the N+1th imaging is started.

[0068] Fig.40 Yes means Fig.38 Flowchart of the method shown.

[0069] Fig.41 Yes means Fig.39 Flowchart of the method shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] [First embodiment]

[0071] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the figure, the radiographic system 2 includes a mobile radiation generating device 10 and an electronic cassette 11. The mobile radiation generating device 10 includes a radiation generating unit 15 and a trolley unit 16. The radiation generating unit 15 emits radiation R to a subject H lying supinely on a bed 17, for example. The trolley unit 16 includes a pair of left and right front wheels 18 and a pair of left and right rear wheels 19. The mobile radiation generating device 10 can be moved within the hospital via the trolley unit 16. The mobile radiation generating device 10 is used for so-called rounds photography, which photographs the subject H while visiting the wards. Therefore, the mobile radiation generating device 10 is also called a rounds car. Furthermore, the mobile radiation generating device 10 can also be brought into an operating room and used during surgery. Furthermore, the mobile radiation generating device 10 can also be brought outdoors to disaster sites and the like for emergency treatment.

[0072] As is well known, the electronic cassette 11 is a radiographic image detection device in which a sensor panel is built into a portable housing and is wirelessly driven by a battery. It is also well known that the sensor panel is composed of a plurality of pixels arranged to generate signal charges sensitive to radiation R or visible light converted from radiation R. The electronic cassette 11 is placed, for example, below a subject H, receives radiation R that is irradiated and transmitted through the subject H from the radiation generating unit 15, and outputs a radiographic image 20.

[0073] The main body 25 is mounted on the carriage 16. The main body 25 includes the radiation generating unit 15 described above, and further includes a central portion 26, a support portion 27, an arm portion 28, and the like.

[0074] The central portion 26 has a UI (User Interface) system 29, a cassette storage portion 30, and a handle 31. Figure 3 As shown, the UI system device 29 is composed of a touch panel display 32 (hereinafter referred to as a display) and an operation panel 33. The display 32 displays the radiation image 20 and the like. The operation panel 33 is used to set the irradiation conditions 76 of the radiation R (refer to Figure 5 ) etc. It is operated by an operator OP such as a medical radiation technician.

[0075] The cassette storage section 30 is provided on the rear side of the central section 26. The cassette storage section 30 stores the electronic cassette 11. The electronic cassette 11 has various types, such as 17 inches by 17 inches, 17 inches by 14 inches, and 12 inches by 10 inches in length and width. The cassette storage section 30 can store a plurality of electronic cassettes 11 of various types regardless of the type. In addition, the cassette storage section 30 has a function of charging the battery of the stored electronic cassette 11.

[0076] The handle 31 is provided to surround the upper portion of the central portion 26. The handle 31 is held by the operator OP to operate the carriage portion 16 and the mobile radiation generating device 10. The operator OP moves the radiation generating unit 15 in the upper portion of the carriage portion 16 and the front portion of the central portion 26. Figure 2 In the illustrated state, the mobile radiation generating apparatus 10 is moved while holding the handle 31 .

[0077] The central portion 26 is provided with an irradiation switch 34. The irradiation switch 34 is a switch for the operator OP to instruct the start of irradiation of radiation. An extension cord is connected to the irradiation switch 34, and it can be removed from the central portion 26 for use. The irradiation switch 34 is, for example, a two-stage push-type. When the irradiation switch 34 is pressed to the first stage (half-pressed), a preheating instruction signal 77 is generated (see Figure 5 ), when the second stage (full press) is pressed, an irradiation start indication signal 78 is generated (reference Figure 5 ).

[0078] The support part 27 is prismatic and is erected in the center of the carriage part 16. The base end of the arm part 28 is attached to the support part 27, and the radiation generating part 15 is attached to the front end as the free end on the opposite side to the base end.

[0079] The support part 27 includes a first support 40 and a second support 41 which is connected to the first support 40 at a predetermined angle. The first support 40 is provided on the upper surface of the carriage part 16. The second support 41 is rotatable relative to the first support 40 about a vertical axis.

[0080] The arm portion 28 can be bent relative to the second support column 41 or can extend in a direction along the second support column 41. The radiation generating unit 15 can swing forward and backward relative to the arm portion 28.

[0081] The radiation generating unit 15 is composed of a radiation source 45 and an irradiation field limiter 46. The radiation source 45 has a built-in radiation tube 47. The radiation tube 47 generates, for example, X-rays as radiation R. The radiation tube 47 is provided with a filament, a target, a grid electrode, etc. (none of which is shown in the figure). A voltage is applied between the cathode filament and the anode target from a voltage generator 48 built into the central portion 26. The voltage applied between the filament and the target is called a tube voltage. The filament emits thermal electrons corresponding to the applied tube voltage to the target. The target emits radiation R by collision of thermal electrons from the filament. The grid electrode is arranged between the filament and the target. The grid electrode changes the flow rate of thermal electrons from the filament toward the target according to the voltage applied from the voltage generator 48. The flow rate of thermal electrons from the filament toward the target is called a tube current. The tube voltage, the tube current, and the irradiation time are set as irradiation conditions 76.

[0082] When the firing switch 34 is half-pressed and the preheating instruction signal 77 is generated, the filament is preheated and the target starts to rotate. When the filament reaches a predetermined temperature and the target reaches a predetermined rotation speed, the preheating is completed. When the firing switch 34 is fully pressed and the irradiation start instruction signal 78 is generated in the preheating completed state, the tube voltage is applied from the voltage generator 48, and the radiation R is generated from the radiation tube 47. When the irradiation time set in the irradiation condition 76 has passed since the generation of the radiation R, the application of the tube voltage is stopped, and the irradiation of the radiation R is terminated.

[0083] The irradiation field limiter 46 limits the irradiation field of the radiation R generated by the radiation tube 47. The irradiation field limiter 46 is configured, for example, such that four shielding plates (lead, etc.) for shielding the radiation R are arranged on each side of a quadrilateral, and a quadrilateral emission opening for transmitting the radiation is formed in the center. The irradiation field limiter 46 changes the size of the emission opening by changing the position of each shielding plate, thereby changing the irradiation field of the radiation R.

[0084] exist Figure 4 In the mobile radiation generating device 10, there is a communication unit 50, a storage device 51, a memory 52, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 53, etc. The communication unit 50, the storage device 51, the memory 52, the CPU 53, etc. are connected to each other via a bus 54. The bus 54 is also connected to a UI system device 29 and a voltage generator 48. The communication unit 50, the storage device 51, the memory 52, the CPU 53 and the bus 54 and the UI system device 29 constitute a console 55. The console 55 is an example of a "console of a radiation imaging system" involved in the technology of the present invention. The storage device 51, the memory 52, the CPU 53 and the bus 54 are an example of a "computer" involved in the technology of the present invention. In addition, the CPU 53 is an example of a "processor" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0085] The communication unit 50 includes a wireless communication interface for wireless communication with the electronic cassette 11. Furthermore, the communication unit 50 includes a network interface for wireless communication with an external device other than the electronic cassette 11 via a network. As an example of an external device, a radiology information system (RIS) for managing information such as imaging orders and a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) can be cited. Furthermore, as an example of a network, a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet or a public communication network can be cited.

[0086] The storage device 51 is, for example, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, etc., which stores various programs and various data attached to the various programs. The memory 52 is a working memory for the CPU 53 to perform processing. The CPU 53 reads the program stored in the storage device 51 into the memory 52, and performs processing according to the read program. Thus, the CPU 53 uniformly controls the operation of each part of the mobile radiation generating device 10.

[0087] The irradiation switch 34 is connected to the CPU 53. The irradiation switch 34 outputs a preheating instruction signal 77 and an irradiation start instruction signal 78 to the CPU 53. In addition, a cooling fan 56 is attached to the CPU 53. The cooling fan 56 is an example of a "cooling mechanism" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0088] A power supply unit 57 is connected to the bus 54. The power supply unit 57 supplies power from a battery 58 to each unit of the mobile radiation generating device 10. The power supply unit 57 includes a DC (Direct Current)-DC converter that converts a DC voltage from the battery 58 into a voltage having a value corresponding to a supply destination, a voltage stabilizing circuit that stabilizes the value of the converted voltage, and the like. The battery 58 is, for example, built into the central portion 26. In this way, the mobile radiation generating device 10 is wirelessly driven by the battery 58. In addition, the mobile radiation generating device 10 can charge the battery 58 or operate using power from a commercial power supply by connecting a plug (not shown) of a power cord extending from the lower portion of the main body 25 to a socket of a commercial power supply.

[0089] exist Figure 5In the embodiment of the present invention, the storage device 51 stores a work program 60. The work program 60 is a program for causing the computer composed of the storage device 51, the memory 52, the CPU 53 and the bus 54 to operate as the "console of the radiographic system" involved in the technology of the present invention. That is, the work program 60 is an example of the "work program of the console of the radiographic system" involved in the technology of the present invention. The storage device 51 also stores an irradiation condition table 61.

[0090] CPU53 cooperates with memory 52 and the like by executing work program 60 to perform the functions of receiving unit 65, irradiation control unit 66, dark box control unit 67, display-related processing unit 68, display control unit 69, computer-assisted diagnosis processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CAD processing unit) 70 and main control unit 71.

[0091] The receiving unit 65 receives the imaging menu 75 input by the operator OP via the operation panel 33. The receiving unit 65 reads the irradiation condition 76 corresponding to the received imaging menu 75 from the irradiation condition table 61, and outputs the read irradiation condition 76 to the irradiation control unit 66.

[0092] The receiving unit 65 also receives a preheating instruction signal 77 and an irradiation start instruction signal 78 from the irradiation switch 34. The receiving unit 65 outputs the received preheating instruction signal 77 and the received irradiation start instruction signal 78 to the irradiation control unit 66.

[0093] The irradiation control unit 66 controls the irradiation of the radiation R by controlling the operation of the radiation tube 47. The irradiation control unit 66 sets the irradiation condition 76 in the voltage generator 48. When the irradiation control unit 66 receives the preheating instruction signal 77 from the receiving unit 65, the radiation tube 47 is preheated. When the irradiation control unit 66 receives the irradiation start instruction signal 78 from the receiving unit 65, the radiation tube 47 irradiates the radiation R under the set irradiation condition 76 via the voltage generator 48.

[0094] The irradiation control unit 66 outputs to the cassette control unit 67 that irradiation of the radiation R has started in accordance with the irradiation start timing of the radiation R. Furthermore, the irradiation control unit 66 outputs to the cassette control unit 67 that irradiation of the radiation R has ended in accordance with the irradiation end timing of the radiation R.

[0095] The cassette control unit 67 controls the operation of the electronic cassette 11 by sending various control signals to the electronic cassette 11 via the communication unit 50. When the irradiation control unit 66 inputs that the irradiation of the radiation R has started, the cassette control unit 67 sends an irradiation start synchronization signal 79 to the electronic cassette 11. When the irradiation control unit 66 inputs that the irradiation of the radiation R has ended, the cassette control unit 67 sends an irradiation end synchronization signal 80 to the electronic cassette 11. Although not shown in the figure, the cassette control unit 67 sends a gain value of a signal charge corresponding to the irradiation condition 76 to the electronic cassette 11.

[0096] The display-related processing unit 68 performs display-related processing for the operator OP to check the image quality of the radiographic image 20 by displaying the radiographic image 20 at the imaging site. The display-related processing unit 68 includes an image receiving unit 85 and an image processing unit 86. The image receiving unit 85 performs reception processing for receiving the radiographic image 20 from the electronic cassette 11 via the communication unit 50. The image receiving unit 85 outputs the received radiographic image 20 to the image processing unit 86.

[0097] The electronic cassette 11 transmits an image transmission notification signal 87 before receiving the radiographic image 20. The image transmission notification signal 87 is a signal for notifying the mobile radiation generating device 10 that the radiographic image 20 will be transmitted soon from the electronic cassette 11. The image receiving unit 85 receives the image transmission notification signal 87. The display-related processing of the display-related processing unit 68 is started at the timing when the image receiving unit 85 receives the image transmission notification signal 87.

[0098] The image processing unit 86 performs image processing to process the radiographic image 20 into an image for display. Specifically, as image processing, the image processing unit 86 performs offset correction processing, sensitivity correction processing, defective pixel correction processing, and the like. The offset correction processing is a processing of subtracting the offset correction image detected in a state where the radiation R is not irradiated from the radiographic image 20 in units of pixels. The image processing unit 86 removes fixed pattern noise caused by dark charge and the like from the radiographic image 20 by performing the offset correction processing. The sensitivity correction processing is a processing of correcting the deviation of the sensitivity of each pixel, the deviation of the output characteristics of the circuit that reads the signal charge, and the like according to the sensitivity correction data. The defective pixel correction processing is a processing of linearly interpolating the pixel value of the defective pixel using the pixel values ​​of the surrounding normal pixels based on the information of the defective pixel with abnormal pixel value generated at the time of shipment or during regular inspection. These offset correction processing, sensitivity correction processing, and defective pixel correction processing are indispensable processing in order to make the image quality of the radiographic image 20 able to withstand display. The image processing unit 86 outputs the radiographic image 20 subjected to these various image processings to the display control unit 69 and the CAD processing unit 70. At the timing when the radiographic image 20 is output from the image processing unit 86, the display-related processing by the display-related processing unit 68 is completed.

[0099] The CAD processing unit 70 performs CAD processing on the radiographic image 20. The CAD processing is, for example, processing for extracting lesion candidates such as tumors that appear in the radiographic image 20. The CAD processing unit 70 outputs the result of the CAD processing to the display control unit 69. In this way, the CPU 53 as one processor performs both display-related processing and CAD processing.

[0100] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the display control unit 69 performs control to display the radiographic image 20 on the display 32. In addition, the display control unit 69 performs control to display the result of the CAD processing on the display 32 (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.15 ).

[0101] The main control unit 71 controls the operations of the irradiation control unit 66, the cassette control unit 67, the display-related processing unit 68, the display control unit 69, and the CAD processing unit 70. For example, when the display-related processing of the display-related processing unit 68 conflicts with the CAD processing of the CAD processing unit 70, the main control unit 71 performs a priority processing that gives priority to the display-related processing over the CAD processing. That is, the main control unit 71 is an example of a "priority processing unit" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0102] Furthermore, the main control unit 71 controls the operation of the cooling fan 56. More specifically, the main control unit 71 increases or decreases the cooling level of the cooling fan 56 by increasing or decreasing the rotation speed of the cooling fan 56.

[0103] like Figure 6 As shown, the irradiation condition table 61 registers irradiation conditions 76 corresponding to various photography menus 75. The photography menu 75 specifies a set of photography techniques (such as "chest supine front view" in the photography part, posture, and photography direction). In addition to the chest, the photography parts include the head, neck, abdomen, waist, shoulders, elbows, hands, knees, ankles, etc. In addition to the supine position, postures include standing and sitting. In addition to the front, the photography directions include the back and side views. In addition, the photography menu 75 also includes the body shape information of the subject H, such as "small body shape". As described above, the irradiation condition 76 is a set of tube voltage, tube current, and irradiation time. Instead of the tube current and irradiation time, the product of the tube current and the irradiation time can also be used as the irradiation condition 76.

[0104] The mobile radiation generating device 10 receives an imaging order from the RIS via the communication unit 50. The imaging order includes information such as an ID (Identification Data) for identifying the subject H, and information on the imaging technique of a doctor in the medical department who issued the imaging order. The mobile radiation generating device 10 displays the imaging order from the RIS on the display 32 in response to an operation by the operator OP. The operator OP confirms the contents of the imaging order via the display 32.

[0105] The mobile radiation generating device 10 displays one of the plurality of electronic cassettes 11 accommodated in the cassette accommodating portion 30 in a selectable manner on the display 32. The operator OP selects one electronic cassette 11 for imaging the subject H instructed in the imaging order. Thus, the selected electronic cassette 11 is associated with the imaging order.

[0106] Furthermore, the mobile radiation generating device 10 displays the imaging menu 75 in a selectable form on the display 32. The operator OP selects the imaging menu 75 that is consistent with the imaging technique specified in the imaging command and the body shape of the subject H. Thus, the receiving unit 65 receives the imaging menu 75, and the corresponding irradiation conditions 76 are read from the irradiation condition table 61 into the receiving unit 65. Then, the final irradiation conditions 76 are set in the voltage generator 48 by the irradiation control unit 66. In addition, the irradiation conditions 76 read from the irradiation condition table 61 can be fine-tuned by the operator OP via the operation panel 33 before being set in the voltage generator 48.

[0107] like Figure 7As shown, the radiation tube 47 generates radiation R according to the irradiation start instruction signal 78 from the irradiation switch 34. After the electronic cassette 11 performs a reset action (not shown) of reading dark charges from the pixels of the sensor panel and discarding them according to the irradiation start synchronization signal 79 sent corresponding to the irradiation start timing of the radiation R, it performs an accumulation action to accumulate signal charges on the pixels. In addition, the electronic cassette 11 performs a reading action, which reads the signal charges accumulated on the pixels according to the irradiation end synchronization signal 80 sent corresponding to the irradiation end timing of the radiation R, and outputs the signal charges as a radiation image 20. The series of actions of irradiating the radiation R from the radiation tube 47 and outputting the radiation image 20 from the electronic cassette 11 is defined as "radiation photography" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0108] like Figure 8 As shown, the main control unit 71 causes the CAD processing unit 70 to automatically start the CAD processing related to the Nth (N is a natural number greater than 1) radiographic imaging (hereinafter referred to as the Nth imaging) when the display-related processing related to the Nth (N is a natural number greater than 1) radiographic imaging (hereinafter referred to as the Nth imaging) is completed by the display-related processing unit 68 and the radiographic image 20 is displayed on the display 32 for a set time. The set time is, for example, 1 minute. In addition, the Nth imaging is an example of the "current imaging" and the "first imaging" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0109] Fig. 9 , after the CAD processing related to the Nth radiographic imaging is completed, the N+1th radiographic imaging (hereinafter referred to as the N+1th imaging) is performed and the display-related processing related to the N+1th imaging is started. In this case, the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging does not conflict with the display-related processing related to the N+1th imaging, so the main control unit 71 does not perform the priority processing of the display-related processing over the CAD processing. In addition, the N+1th imaging is an example of the "next imaging" and "second imaging" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0110] Fig.10 7 shows a case where the N+1th photography is performed and the display-related processing related to the N+1th photography is started during the period from the end of the display-related processing related to the Nth photography to the start of the CAD processing related to the Nth photography. In this case, if the CAD processing related to the Nth photography is started as usual, it will conflict with the display-related processing related to the N+1th photography, so the main control unit 71 does not start the CAD processing related to the Nth photography. That is, the main control unit 71 prohibits the execution of the CAD processing during the period when the display-related processing is executed as a priority processing.

[0111] When a set time has passed since the display-related processing related to the N+1th photography was finished, the main control unit 71 causes the CAD processing unit 70 to execute the CAD processing related to the Nth photography, which was postponed. After the CAD processing related to the Nth photography was finished, the main control unit 71 causes the CAD processing unit 70 to execute the CAD processing related to the N+1th photography. In addition, when the N+2th photography is performed and the display-related processing related to the N+2th photography is started during the period from the end of the display-related processing related to the N+1th photography to the start of the CAD processing related to the Nth photography, the CAD processing related to the N+1th photography and the CAD processing related to the N+2th photography are not executed, and they are further postponed until after the display-related processing related to the N+2th photography is finished.

[0112] Fig.11 , the case where the N+1th photography is executed during the CAD processing related to the Nth photography. In this case, the CAD processing related to the Nth photography conflicts with the display-related processing related to the N+1th photography, so as a priority process, the main control unit 71 interrupts the CAD processing related to the Nth photography and starts the display-related processing related to the N+1th photography. The CAD processing unit 70 temporarily stores the intermediate data in the CAD processing process in the memory 52.

[0113] When a set time has passed since the display-related processing related to the N+1th imaging was terminated, the main control unit 71 causes the CAD processing unit 70 to automatically resume the interrupted CAD processing related to the Nth imaging. At this time, the CAD processing unit 70 reads the intermediate data temporarily stored in the memory 52 from the memory 52. ​​After the main control unit 71 terminates the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging, it causes the CAD processing unit 70 to execute the CAD processing related to the N+1th imaging.

[0114] like Fig.12 As shown, the main control unit 71 increases the rotation speed of the cooling fan 56 compared to the case where the CAD process is not executed. Thus, the main control unit 71 increases the cooling level of the cooling fan 56 during the execution of the CAD process compared to normal.

[0115] During the CAD processing performed by the CAD processing unit 70, Fig.13 As shown, the display control unit 69 displays a message box 90 indicating that the CAD process is being executed on the display 32 .

[0116] After the CAD process is completed, Fig.14As shown in FIG. 1 , the display control unit 69 displays a CAD processing result display button 91 for displaying the result of the CAD processing on the display 32. When the operator OP selects the CAD processing result display button 91, as shown in FIG. Fig.15 As shown, as a result of the CAD processing, the display control unit 69 displays a mark 92 encircling the lesion candidate extracted by the CAD processing on the radiographic image 20 .

[0117] like Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the CAD processing is interrupted by the main control unit 71, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 As shown, the display control unit 69 displays a message box 93 indicating that the CAD process has been interrupted on the display 32 .

[0118] In addition, the radiographic image 20 and the result of CAD processing related to each radiographic imaging can be switched by selecting "Command 1", "Command 2", etc. on the right side of the radiographic image 20. For example, when the radiographic image 20 and the result of CAD processing related to the first imaging are displayed, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 As shown in the figure, "Command 1" related to the first imaging is selected. Then, when the radiographic image 20 related to the second imaging and the result of the CAD processing are displayed, "Command 2" related to the second imaging is selected.

[0119] Next, refer to Fig.17 and Fig.18 The flowchart of the above structure is used to illustrate the effect of the above structure. If the working procedure 60 is started, Figure 5 As shown, the CPU 53 of the console 55 functions as a receiving unit 65 , an irradiation control unit 66 , a cassette control unit 67 , a display-related processing unit 68 , a display control unit 69 , a CAD processing unit 70 , and a main control unit 71 .

[0120] Before performing the Nth imaging, the operator OP selects an imaging menu 75 corresponding to the imaging command via the display 32, and the receiving unit 65 receives the imaging menu 75. Then, the receiving unit 65 reads the irradiation condition 76 corresponding to the imaging menu 75 from the irradiation condition table 61. The read irradiation condition 76 is finely adjusted by the operator OP as needed, and then set in the voltage generator 48 by the irradiation control unit 66.

[0121] After setting the irradiation conditions 76, the operator OP operates the irradiation switch 34, and the receiving unit 65 receives the preheating instruction signal 77 and the irradiation start instruction signal 78. Figure 7As shown, the radiation tube 47 irradiates radiation R under the set irradiation conditions 76. Then, the electronic cassette 11 performs accumulation operation according to the irradiation start synchronization signal 79 and performs reading operation according to the irradiation end synchronization signal 80. Thus, the electronic cassette 11 outputs the radiographic image 20.

[0122] Fig.17 Yes means Fig. 9 and Fig.10 First, when the Nth imaging is performed and the radiographic image 20 involved in the Nth imaging is output from the electronic cassette 11 and the image receiving unit 85 receives the image transmission notification signal 87 involved in the Nth imaging (Yes in step ST10), the image receiving unit 85 receives the radiographic image 20 involved in the Nth imaging (step ST11). The radiographic image 20 involved in the Nth imaging is output from the image receiving unit 85 to the image processing unit 86.

[0123] In the image processing unit 86, various image processing such as offset correction processing, sensitivity correction processing, and defective pixel correction processing are performed on the radiographic image 20 involved in the N-th imaging (step ST12). The radiographic image 20 involved in the N-th imaging after image processing is output from the image processing unit 86 to the display control unit 69 and the CAD processing unit 70.

[0124] As shown in step ST13, the display-related processing related to the N-th imaging is started at the timing when the image receiving unit 85 receives the image transmission notification signal 87 related to the N-th imaging. And, the display-related processing related to the N-th imaging is terminated at the timing when the radiographic image 20 related to the N-th imaging after image processing is output from the image processing unit 86. Step ST13 is an example of the "display-related processing step" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0125] like Figure 3 As shown, the radiographic image 20 related to the Nth imaging after image processing is displayed on the display 32 by the display control unit 69 (step ST14). Thus, the operator OP can immediately check the image quality of the radiographic image 20 obtained by the Nth imaging at the imaging site.

[0126] If the N+1th imaging is not performed and the image receiving unit 85 does not receive the image transmission notification signal 87 related to the N+1th imaging after the display-related processing related to the Nth imaging is completed by the display-related processing unit 68 and the set time has passed (No in step ST15, Yes in step ST16), the CAD processing unit 70 performs CAD processing on the radiographic image 20 related to the Nth imaging after image processing (step ST17). Step ST17 is an example of the "computer-assisted diagnosis processing step" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0127] During CAD processing, Fig.12 As shown, under the control of the main control unit 71, the cooling level of the cooling fan 56 is increased compared to normal. Fig.13 As shown in FIG. 1 , in order to inform the operator OP that the CAD processing is being performed, a message box 90 is displayed by the display control unit 69. The result of the CAD processing is output from the CAD processing unit 70 to the display control unit 69. When the CAD processing result display button 91 is selected, as shown in FIG. Fig.15 As shown, the result of the CAD processing is displayed on the display 32 via the display control unit 69 .

[0128] On the other hand, when the N+1th imaging is performed until the set time has passed since the display-related processing related to the Nth imaging is completed in the display-related processing unit 68, and the image receiving unit 85 receives the image transmission notification signal 87 related to the N+1th imaging (Yes in step ST15), the start of the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging is postponed, thereby prohibiting the CAD processing. Then, the image receiving unit 85 receives the radiographic image 20 related to the N+1th imaging (step ST18). The radiographic image 20 related to the N+1th imaging is output from the image receiving unit 85 to the image processing unit 86. Step ST18 is an example of the "priority processing step" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0129] The image processing unit 86 performs image processing on the radiographic image 20 related to the N+1th imaging (step ST19 ). The radiographic image 20 related to the N+1th imaging after image processing is output from the image processing unit 86 to the display control unit 69 and the CAD processing unit 70 .

[0130] As shown in step ST20, when the image receiving unit 85 receives the image transmission notification signal 87 related to the N+1th photography, the display-related processing related to the N+1th photography is started. And, when the image processing unit 86 outputs the radiographic image 20 related to the N+1th photography after image processing, the display-related processing related to the N+1th photography is ended. Similar to step ST13, step ST20 is an example of the "display-related processing step" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0131] The radiographic image 20 related to the N+1th imaging after the image processing is displayed on the display 32 by the display control unit 69 (step ST21 ).

[0132] When the set time has passed since the display-related processing related to the N+1th imaging was completed by the display-related processing unit 68 (Yes in step ST22), the CAD processing unit 70 performs CAD processing on the radiographic image 20 related to the Nth imaging whose start was delayed in step ST18 (step ST23). Then, the CAD processing related to the N+1th imaging is performed immediately thereafter (step ST24). Like step ST17, steps ST23 and ST24 are examples of the "computer-assisted diagnosis processing steps" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0133] Fig.18 Yes means Fig.11 First, the CAD processing unit 70 performs CAD processing on the radiographic image 20 involved in the Nth imaging after image processing (step ST30). Like steps ST17, ST23, and ST24, step ST30 is an example of the "computer-assisted diagnosis processing step" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0134] When the N+1th imaging is performed during the execution of the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging, and the image receiving unit 85 receives the image transmission notification signal 87 related to the N+1th imaging (Yes in step ST31), the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging is interrupted. Then, the image receiving unit 85 receives the radiographic image 20 related to the N+1th imaging (step ST32). The radiographic image 20 related to the N+1th imaging is output from the image receiving unit 85 to the image processing unit 86. Similar to step ST18, step ST32 is an example of the "priority processing step" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0135] When the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging is interrupted, Fig.16 As shown, a message box 93 is displayed by the display control unit 69 .

[0136] The image processing unit 86 performs image processing on the radiographic image 20 related to the N+1th imaging (step ST33 ). The radiographic image 20 related to the N+1th imaging after image processing is output from the image processing unit 86 to the display control unit 69 and the CAD processing unit 70 .

[0137] As shown in step ST34, when the image receiving unit 85 receives the image transmission notification signal 87 related to the N+1th photography, the display-related processing related to the N+1th photography is started. And, when the image processing unit 86 outputs the radiographic image 20 related to the N+1th photography after image processing, the display-related processing related to the N+1th photography is ended. Like step ST13 and step ST20, step ST34 is an example of the "display-related processing step" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0138] The radiographic image 20 related to the N+1th imaging after the image processing is displayed on the display 32 by the display control unit 69 (step ST35 ).

[0139] When the set time has passed since the display-related processing related to the N+1th imaging was completed by the display-related processing unit 68 (Yes in step ST36), the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging that was interrupted is automatically restarted by the CAD processing unit 70 (step ST37). After the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging is completed, the CAD processing related to the N+1th imaging is performed immediately (step ST38). Like step ST17, step ST23, step ST24, and step ST30, step ST37 and step ST38 are examples of the "computer-assisted diagnosis processing steps" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0140] As described above, the CPU 53 of the console 55 includes a display-related processing unit 68, a CAD processing unit 70, and a main control unit 71. The display-related processing unit 68 performs display-related processing for displaying the radiographic image 20 obtained by radiography at the radiography site. The display-related processing includes a reception process for receiving the radiographic image 20 from the electronic cassette 11 and an image processing for processing the received radiographic image 20 into an image for display. The CAD processing unit 70 performs CAD processing on the radiographic image 20 after image processing. When a conflict occurs between the display-related processing and the CAD processing, the main control unit 71 performs a priority processing of the display-related processing over the CAD processing. Therefore, the risk that the display-related processing is blocked due to the CAD processing with a relatively large processing load, thereby hindering the display of the radiographic image 20, can be reduced. Therefore, the operator OP can confirm the projection quality of the radiographic image 20 without hindrance.

[0141] The main control unit 71 prohibits the execution of CAD processing during the period when the display-related processing is executed as a priority process. Specifically, when the main control unit 71 starts the display-related processing related to the N+1th photography during the period from the end of the display-related processing related to the Nth photography to the automatic start of the CAD processing related to the Nth photography, the CAD processing related to the Nth photography is not started. In addition, as a priority process, the main control unit 71 interrupts the CAD processing related to the Nth photography and starts the display-related processing related to the N+1th photography after the Nth photography. Therefore, the risk of the display-related processing being stalled due to the CAD processing, thereby hindering the display of the radiographic image 20, can be eliminated.

[0142] After the CAD processing unit 70 completes the display-related processing related to the N+1th imaging, it automatically restarts the interrupted CAD processing related to the Nth imaging. Therefore, even if the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging is interrupted, the result of the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging can be obtained without causing trouble to the operator OP.

[0143] The display control unit 69 notifies the operator OP that the CAD process related to the N-th imaging is interrupted by displaying a message box 93. Therefore, the operator OP can reliably know that the CAD process related to the N-th imaging is interrupted.

[0144] The processor that executes the display-related processing and the CAD processing is one CPU 53. Therefore, there is a high risk that the display-related processing will be stalled due to the CAD processing. Therefore, the effect of the priority processing can be further exerted.

[0145] The display-related processing unit 68 starts the display-related processing when the image receiving unit 85 receives the image transmission notification signal 87 (i.e., the start timing of the reception processing). Therefore, the CAD processing can be executed while the imaging menu 75 is received and the irradiation conditions 76 are set or the irradiation switch 34 is operated to irradiate the radiation R.

[0146] The main control unit 71 increases the cooling level of the cooling fan 56 compared to normal during the execution of the CAD process. Therefore, the CPU 53 which generates heat due to the increased processing load caused by the CAD process can be effectively cooled, and the decrease in the processing capacity of the CPU 53 due to the heat can be suppressed.

[0147] The console 55 has a radiation generating unit 15 that emits radiation R, and is mounted on a mobile radiation generating device 10 that is wirelessly driven by a battery 58. Compared with a console connected to a radiation generating device installed in a radiographic studio, the console 55 mounted on the mobile radiation generating device 10 has constraints on the resources of a processor such as the CPU 53. Therefore, there is a higher risk that display-related processing will be stalled due to CAD processing. Therefore, by applying the technology of the present invention to the console 55 mounted on the mobile radiation generating device 10, the effect of priority processing can be further exerted.

[0148] [Second embodiment]

[0149] In the first embodiment described above, the CAD process is automatically started, but the present invention is not limited to this. Figure 19 to Figure 22 As in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the CAD process may be executed when the operator OP issues an execution instruction for the CAD process.

[0150] like Fig.19 As shown, the display control unit 69 displays a CAD processing execution button 100 for inputting an execution instruction of the CAD processing on the display 32. The operator OP selects the CAD processing execution button 100 when he wants to execute the CAD processing on the displayed radiographic image 20. When the operator OP selects the CAD processing execution button 100, an execution instruction signal 101 instructing execution of the CAD processing is issued from the display 32 and accepted by the accepting unit 65. As a result, the CAD processing unit 70 executes the CAD processing.

[0151] Fig. 20 FIG. 1 shows a case where the CAD processing related to the Nth photography is executed according to the execution instruction signal 101, and after the CAD processing related to the Nth photography is completed, the N+1th photography is performed and the display-related processing related to the N+1th photography is started. In this case, Fig. 9 Similarly to the case of , the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging does not conflict with the display-related processing related to the (N+1)th imaging, so the main control unit 71 does not perform priority processing.

[0152] In contrast, Fig.21 1 shows a case where the N+1th imaging is performed and the display-related processing related to the N+1th imaging is started before the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging is executed according to the execution instruction signal 101. In this case, if the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging is started according to the execution instruction signal 101, it will conflict with the display-related processing related to the N+1th imaging, so the main control unit 71 does not allow the receiving unit 65 to receive the execution instruction signal 101 for the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging. Fig.10Similarly to the case of , the main control unit 71 prohibits the execution of the CAD process while the display-related process is being executed as a priority process.

[0153] As a method of not accepting the execution instruction signal 101 of the CAD process related to the N-th imaging, for example, a method of non-displaying or freezing the CAD process execution button 100 so that the operator OP cannot select the CAD process execution button 100 may be adopted. Alternatively, a method may be adopted in which the CAD process execution button 100 is displayed in a selectable form as before, but even if the acceptance unit 65 accepts the execution instruction signal 101, it is ignored. In the latter method, when the CAD process execution button 100 is selected, a message such as "The execution of the CAD process is not accepted." is preferably displayed in a pop-up.

[0154] When the reception unit 65 receives the execution instruction signal 101 after the display-related processing related to the N+1th imaging is completed, the main control unit 71 causes the CAD processing unit 70 to execute the CAD processing related to the N+1th imaging.

[0155] Fig. 22 FIG. 1 shows a case where the N+1th imaging is performed during the execution of the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging according to the execution instruction signal 101. In this case, Fig.11 Similarly, the CAD processing involved in the Nth photography will conflict with the display-related processing involved in the N+1th photography. Therefore, as a priority processing, the main control unit 71 interrupts the CAD processing involved in the Nth photography and starts the display-related processing involved in the N+1th photography.

[0156] When the main control unit 71 receives the execution instruction signal 101 from the receiving unit 65 after completing the display-related processing related to the N+1th shooting, Fig.11 The main control unit 71 automatically restarts the interrupted CAD processing related to the Nth imaging in the same manner as in the case of the Nth imaging. After the main control unit 71 completes the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging, it immediately causes the CAD processing unit 70 to execute the CAD processing related to the N+1th imaging.

[0157] Thus, in the second embodiment, the receiving unit 65 receives the CAD processing execution instruction signal 101 from the operator OP and executes the CAD processing. Therefore, the operator OP can select whether to execute the CAD processing, thereby preventing the CAD processing from being executed on the radiographically failed radiographic images 20 that do not require the CAD processing. Compared with the case where the CAD processing is automatically executed, the conflict between the display-related processing and the CAD processing can be reduced.

[0158] Furthermore, the configuration may be switchable between a mode in which the CAD process is automatically started and a mode in which the CAD process is executed when the operator OP issues an instruction to execute the CAD process.

[0159] [Third Embodiment]

[0160] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the interrupted CAD processing is automatically restarted, but the present invention is not limited to this. Figure 23 to Figure 25 As in the third embodiment shown in the figure, a selection instruction from the operator OP as to whether to resume the interrupted CAD processing may be accepted.

[0161] like Fig.23 As shown, when the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging is interrupted, the display control unit 69 displays a dialog box 110 on the display 32 after the display-related processing related to the N+1th imaging is completed. The dialog box 110 is provided with a confirmation button 111 for inputting a selection instruction to restart the CAD processing related to the interrupted Nth imaging and a cancel button 112 for inputting a selection instruction not to restart the CAD processing related to the interrupted Nth imaging. The operator OP selects the confirmation button 111 when he wants to restart the CAD processing related to the interrupted Nth imaging, and selects the cancel button 112 when he does not want to restart. When the operator OP selects the confirmation button 111, a first selection instruction signal 113 indicating a selection instruction to restart the CAD processing related to the interrupted Nth imaging is output from the display 32 and accepted by the acceptance unit 65. As a result, the CAD processing unit 70 restarts the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging. On the other hand, when the operator OP selects the cancel button 112, the second selection instruction signal 114 indicating a selection instruction not to restart the CAD processing related to the interrupted N-th imaging is output from the display 32 and accepted by the acceptance unit 65. In this case, the CAD processing related to the N-th imaging is not restarted.

[0162] Fig.24 and Fig.25 In each of the figures, it is shown that the N+1th imaging is performed during the execution of the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging. Fig.11 In the same manner as in the case of , as a priority process, the main control unit 71 interrupts the CAD process related to the Nth imaging and starts the display-related process related to the N+1th imaging.

[0163] Fig.242 shows a case where the operator OP selects the confirmation button 111 of the dialog box 110 after the display-related processing related to the N+1th imaging is completed, and the first selection instruction signal 113 is accepted by the acceptance unit 65. In this case, the main control unit 71 causes the CAD processing unit 70 to resume the interrupted CAD processing related to the Nth imaging. After the main control unit 71 completes the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging, it causes the CAD processing unit 70 to execute the CAD processing related to the N+1th imaging.

[0164] In contrast, Fig.25 2 shows a case where the operator OP selects the cancel button 112 of the dialog box 110 after the display-related processing related to the N+1th imaging is completed, and the receiving unit 65 receives the second selection instruction signal 114. In this case, the main control unit 71 causes the CAD processing unit 70 to execute the CAD processing related to the N+1th imaging, and does not cause the CAD processing unit 70 to restart the interrupted CAD processing related to the Nth imaging.

[0165] Thus, in the third embodiment, after the display-related processing related to the N+1th imaging is completed, the receiving unit 65 receives the operator OP's selection instruction on whether to restart the CAD processing related to the interrupted Nth imaging. Then, when the first selection instruction signal 113 indicating the selection instruction to restart is received, the CAD processing unit 70 restarts the CAD processing related to the interrupted Nth imaging. On the other hand, when the second selection instruction signal 114 indicating the selection instruction not to restart is received, the CAD processing unit 70 does not restart the CAD processing related to the interrupted Nth imaging. Therefore, similar to the above-mentioned second embodiment, the operator OP can select whether to restart the interrupted CAD processing, thereby preventing the CAD processing from being restarted for the radiographic image 20 that does not need to be processed by CAD, such as the radiographic image 20 that failed to be imaged. Compared with the case where the CAD processing is automatically restarted, the conflict between the display-related processing and the CAD processing can be reduced.

[0166] The configuration may be switchable between a method of automatically resuming the interrupted CAD processing and a method of accepting a selection instruction from the operator OP as to whether to resume the interrupted CAD processing.

[0167] In addition, Fig.10In the example (indicating a situation in which the N+1th photograph is performed and the display-related processing related to the N+1th photograph is started during the period from the end of the display-related processing related to the Nth photograph to the start of the CAD processing related to the Nth photograph, thereby postponing the start of the CAD processing related to the Nth photograph), the operator OP's selection instruction on whether to cause the CAD processing unit 70 to execute the start of the postponed CAD processing related to the Nth photograph can also be accepted.

[0168] [Fourth embodiment]

[0169] exist Figure 26 to Figure 30 In the fourth embodiment shown, whether or not to restart the CAD processing related to the interrupted Nth imaging is determined based on whether or not the N+1th imaging is a re-imaging of the Nth imaging.

[0170] exist Fig.26 In the fourth embodiment, the CPU 53 of the console 55 performs the functions of the components 65 to 71 ( Fig.26 1 and 2 ). In addition to the functions of the CAD processing unit 70 and the main control unit 71, the imaging part determination unit 120 also performs the function. The imaging part determination unit 120 uses a known image recognition technology to determine the imaging part of the Nth imaging according to the image of the subject H shown in the radiographic image 20 involved in the Nth imaging. Similarly, the imaging part determination unit 120 uses a known image recognition technology to determine the imaging part of the N+1th imaging according to the image of the subject H shown in the radiographic image 20 involved in the N+1th imaging. The imaging part determination unit 120 outputs the determination result 121 of the imaging part to the main control unit 71. The main control unit 71 controls the operation of the CAD processing unit 70 according to the determination result 121.

[0171] Fig. 27 1 shows a case where the content of the determination result 121 is that the imaging part of the Nth imaging is different from the imaging part of the N+1th imaging. In this case, the main control unit 71 regards that the N+1th imaging is not a re-imaging of the Nth imaging, and outputs a restart instruction signal 122 (refer to FIG. 1 ) to the CAD processing unit 70 for causing the CAD processing unit 70 to restart the CAD processing related to the interrupted Nth imaging. Fig.29 ). The CAD processing unit 70 receives the restart instruction signal 122 and restarts the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging that was interrupted.

[0172] In contrast, Fig.281 shows the case where the content of the determination result 121 is that the imaging part of the Nth imaging is the same as the imaging part of the N+1th imaging. In this case, the main control unit 71 regards the N+1th imaging as a re-imaging of the Nth imaging, and does not output the restart instruction signal 122 to the CAD processing unit 70. The CAD processing unit 70 does not receive the restart instruction signal 122, and therefore does not restart the CAD processing related to the interrupted Nth imaging.

[0173] Fig.29 and Fig.30 In each of the figures, it is shown that the N+1th imaging is performed during the execution of the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging. Fig.11 In the same manner as in the case of , as a priority process, the main control unit 71 interrupts the CAD process related to the Nth imaging and starts the display-related process related to the N+1th imaging.

[0174] Fig.29 The content of the determination result 121 of the imaging part determination unit 120 is shown in FIG. Fig. 27 The imaging part of the Nth imaging shown is different from the imaging part of the N+1th imaging. In this case, the main control unit 71 outputs the restart instruction signal 122 to the CAD processing unit 70 after completing the display-related processing related to the N+1th imaging. As a result, the main control unit 71 causes the CAD processing unit 70 to restart the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging that was interrupted. After completing the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging, the main control unit 71 causes the CAD processing unit 70 to execute the CAD processing related to the N+1th imaging.

[0175] In contrast, Fig.30 The content of the determination result 121 of the imaging part determination unit 120 is shown in FIG. Fig.28 In the case where the imaging part of the Nth imaging is the same as the imaging part of the N+1th imaging, the main control unit 71 does not output the restart instruction signal 122 to the CAD processing unit 70 after completing the display-related processing related to the N+1th imaging. As a result, the main control unit 71 causes the CAD processing unit 70 to execute the CAD processing related to the N+1th imaging, and does not cause the CAD processing unit 70 to restart the interrupted CAD processing related to the Nth imaging.

[0176] Thus, in the fourth embodiment, the CAD processing unit 70 restarts the CAD processing related to the interrupted Nth photography when the N+1th photography is not a re-photography of the Nth photography, and does not restart the CAD processing related to the interrupted Nth photography when the N+1th photography is a re-photography of the Nth photography. The fact that the N+1th photography is a re-photography of the Nth photography indicates that the photography of the Nth photography has failed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the CAD processing from being restarted for the failed radiographic image 20 that does not require CAD processing. In the above-mentioned third embodiment, when the operator OP does not want to restart the interrupted CAD processing, it is necessary to select the cancel button 112, but this operation is not required in the fourth embodiment. Therefore, it is possible to save the operator OP the trouble.

[0177] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the CAD processing unit 70 regards the N+1th imaging as not a re-imaging of the Nth imaging when the imaging part is different from that in the Nth imaging, and restarts the CAD processing related to the interrupted Nth imaging. If the imaging part is the same as that in the Nth imaging, the CAD processing related to the interrupted Nth imaging is regarded as the N+1th imaging as a re-imaging of the Nth imaging, and does not restart the CAD processing related to the interrupted Nth imaging. Therefore, it is possible to accurately and easily determine whether the N+1th imaging is a re-imaging of the Nth imaging.

[0178] In addition, based on the imaging part, it is also possible to determine whether the N+1th imaging is a re-photography of the Nth imaging according to whether the subject H is the same as that of the Nth imaging. Specifically, when at least one of the imaging part and the subject H is different, the N+1th imaging is considered not to be a re-photography of the Nth imaging, and the CAD processing related to the interrupted Nth imaging is restarted. In contrast, when the imaging part and the subject H are the same, the N+1th imaging is considered to be a re-photography of the Nth imaging, and the CAD processing related to the interrupted Nth imaging is not restarted.

[0179] [Fifth embodiment]

[0180] In the above-mentioned embodiments, when the N+1th photography is performed during the execution of the CAD processing related to the Nth photography, the CAD processing related to the Nth photography is interrupted as a priority process and the display-related processing related to the N+1th photography is started, but the present invention is not limited to this. Fig.31 and Fig.32As shown in the fifth embodiment, as a priority processing, the CAD processing related to the Nth photography may not be interrupted, and a part of the resources allocated to the CAD processing related to the Nth photography may be allocated to the display-related processing related to the N+1th photography, and the resources allocated to the display-related processing related to the N+1th photography may be greater than the CAD processing related to the Nth photography.

[0181] Fig.31 The CPU 125 of the console shown has four cores 126A, 126B, 126C, and 126D. Each core 126A to 126D has one thread (not shown). That is, the CPU 125 is a multi-core single-thread CPU. The cores 126A to 126D are an example of "resources" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0182] When the CAD processing related to the N-th imaging is executed, as shown on the left side of the arrow, the main control unit 71 allocates the function of the CAD processing unit 70 to all the four cores 126A to 126D. On the other hand, when the N+1-th imaging is performed during the execution of the CAD processing related to the N-th imaging, as shown on the right side of the arrow, the main control unit 71 allocates the function of the display-related processing unit 68 to three cores 126B to 126D among the four cores 126A to 126D allocated to the CAD processing related to the N-th imaging, so that they execute the display-related processing related to the N+1-th imaging. The function of the CAD processing unit 70 is continuously allocated to the core 126A so that it executes the CAD processing related to the N-th imaging.

[0183] Fig.32 The CPU 130 of the console shown has one core 131. The core 131 has four threads 132A, 132B, 132C, and 132D. That is, the CPU 130 is a single-core multi-threaded CPU. The threads 132A to 132D are examples of "resources" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0184] When the CAD processing related to the N-th imaging is executed, as shown on the upper side of the arrow, the main control unit 71 allocates the functions of the CAD processing unit 70 to all four threads 132A to 132D. On the other hand, when the N+1-th imaging is performed during the execution of the CAD processing related to the N-th imaging, as shown on the lower side of the arrow, the main control unit 71 allocates the functions of the display-related processing unit 68 to three threads 132B to 132D among the four threads 132A to 132D allocated to the CAD processing related to the N-th imaging, so that they execute the display-related processing related to the N+1-th imaging. The functions of the CAD processing unit 70 are continuously allocated to the thread 132A so that it executes the CAD processing related to the N-th imaging.

[0185] Thus, in the fifth embodiment, the main control unit 71 allocates part of the resources allocated to the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging to the display-related processing related to the N+1th imaging as a priority process, and makes the resources allocated to the display-related processing related to the N+1th imaging greater than the CAD processing related to the Nth imaging. Therefore, the CAD processing can be continuously executed while reducing the risk of the display-related processing being stalled due to the CAD processing.

[0186] In addition, Fig.31 A multi-core single-threaded CPU 125 is illustrated in Fig.32 Although a single-core multi-thread CPU 130 is illustrated in FIG. 1 , the present invention is not limited thereto and a multi-core multi-thread CPU having multiple cores and each core having multiple threads may also be used.

[0187] [Sixth embodiment]

[0188] In the above-mentioned embodiments, one CPU is exemplified as a processor, but the present invention is not limited to this. Fig.33 As in the sixth embodiment shown in the figure, two sub-processors may be used: a first sub-processor for executing display-related processing and a second sub-processor for executing CAD processing.

[0189] exist Fig.33 In the sixth embodiment, the console includes a CPU 135 and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) 136. The CPU 135 functions as the receiving unit 65, the irradiation control unit 66, the cassette control unit 67, the display-related processing unit 68, and the main control unit 71 ( Fig.33 Only the functions of the display-related processing unit 68 and the main control unit 71 are shown in the figure. The GPU 136 plays the role of the display control unit 69 and the CAD processing unit 70 ( Fig.33 Only the function of the CAD processing unit 70 is shown in the figure. The CPU 135 is an example of the "first sub-processor" involved in the technology of the present invention. The GPU 136 is an example of the "second sub-processor" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0190] As described above, the sixth embodiment includes two subprocessors, namely, the CPU 135 as the first subprocessor for executing display-related processing and the GPU 136 as the second subprocessor for executing CAD processing. Therefore, the risk of display-related processing being stalled by CAD processing can be reduced.

[0191] In the first embodiment described above, the console 55 is exemplified as a console that performs the functions of the display-related processing unit 68, the CAD processing unit 70, the main control unit 71, etc. by executing the work program 60, but the present invention is not limited to this. Fig.34As shown, the function of the CAD processing unit 70 can also be added by installing a CAD processing function expansion operation program 141 in the console 140 that performs the functions of the display-related processing unit 68, the main control unit 71, etc. but does not perform the function of the CAD processing unit 70. The CAD processing function expansion operation program 141 is an example of a "operation program of the console of the radiographic system" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0192] In the first embodiment described above, the console 55 is exemplified as being built into the mobile radiation generating device 10, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Fig.35 As shown, the operation program 60 may be installed in a notebook personal computer 145 that is separate from the mobile radiation generating device 10, and the notebook personal computer 145 may be used as the "console of the radiographic system" involved in the technology of the present invention. In addition, a tablet terminal may be used as the "console of the radiographic system" involved in the technology of the present invention instead of the notebook personal computer 145.

[0193] like Fig.36 As shown, when the notebook personal computer 145 is used as the "console of the radiographic system" involved in the technology of the present invention, it is also the same as Fig.34 Similar to the example shown, the function of the CAD processing unit 70 is added by installing the CAD processing function expansion job program 141 .

[0194] Furthermore, when there is a conflict between display-related processing and CAD processing, part of the CAD processing may be delegated to an external device connected to the console via a network or the like.

[0195] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the timing when the image receiving unit 85 receives the image transmission notification signal 87 is defined as the start timing of the display-related processing, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The timing when the operator OP selects the photography menu 75 related to the N+1-th photography may be defined as the start timing of the display-related processing. Alternatively, the timing when the receiving unit 65 receives the irradiation start instruction signal 78 may be defined as the start timing of the display-related processing.

[0196] And, if Fig.37 As shown, the timing of sending the irradiation start synchronization signal 79 from the cassette control unit 67 to the electronic cassette 11 may be used as the start timing of the display-related processing. Fig.37 In the case of the method shown, Figures 38 to 41 In addition, the contents described in the first embodiment are omitted as appropriate below.

[0197] Fig.382 shows a case where the N+1th photography is performed during the period from the end of the display-related processing related to the Nth photography to the start of the CAD processing related to the Nth photography, and the display-related processing related to the N+1th photography is started by sending the irradiation start synchronization signal 79 from the cassette control unit 67 to the electronic cassette 11. In this case, if the CAD processing related to the Nth photography is started as before, it will conflict with the display-related processing related to the N+1th photography, so the main control unit 71 does not start the CAD processing related to the Nth photography.

[0198] Fig.39 2 shows a case where the irradiation start synchronization signal 79 is sent from the cassette control unit 67 to the electronic cassette 11 during the execution of the CAD processing related to the Nth photography, and the N+1th photography is performed. In this case, the CAD processing related to the Nth photography conflicts with the display-related processing related to the N+1th photography, so as a priority process, the main control unit 71 interrupts the CAD processing related to the Nth photography and starts the display-related processing related to the N+1th photography.

[0199] Fig.40 Yes means Fig.38 Flowchart of the method shown in FIG. First, when the irradiation start synchronization signal 79 related to the N-th photography is sent from the cassette control unit 67 to the electronic cassette 11 (Yes in step ST50, step ST51), after the irradiation time set in the irradiation condition 76 has passed, the irradiation end synchronization signal 80 related to the N-th photography is sent from the cassette control unit 67 to the electronic cassette 11. Next, the image transmission notification signal 87 and the radiographic image 20 related to the N-th photography are received by the image receiving unit 85 (step ST52). The radiographic image 20 related to the N-th photography is output from the image receiving unit 85 to the image processing unit 86.

[0200] The image processing unit 86 performs various image processing on the radiographic image 20 related to the N-th imaging (step ST12 ). The radiographic image 20 related to the N-th imaging after image processing is output from the image processing unit 86 to the display control unit 69 and the CAD processing unit 70 .

[0201] As shown in step ST53, the display-related processing related to the N-th imaging is started at the timing when the irradiation start synchronization signal 79 related to the N-th imaging is sent from the cassette control unit 67. And the display-related processing related to the N-th imaging is ended at the timing when the radiographic image 20 related to the N-th imaging after image processing is output from the image processing unit 86. Step ST53 is an example of the "display-related processing step" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0202] When the N+1th photography is performed until the set time has passed since the display-related processing related to the Nth photography is finished in the display-related processing section 68 and the irradiation start synchronization signal 79 related to the N+1th photography is sent from the cassette control section 67 (Yes in step ST54), the start of the CAD processing related to the Nth photography is postponed, thereby prohibiting the CAD processing (step ST55). Then, the irradiation start synchronization signal 79 related to the N+1th photography is sent from the cassette control section 67 to the electronic cassette 11 (step ST56). Then, after the irradiation time set in the irradiation condition 76 has passed, the irradiation end synchronization signal 80 related to the N+1th photography is sent from the cassette control section 67 to the electronic cassette 11. Next, the image transmission notification signal 87 related to the N+1th photography and the radiographic image 20 are received by the image receiving section 85 (step ST57). The radiographic image 20 related to the N+1th photography is output from the image receiving section 85 to the image processing section 86. Step ST55 is an example of the “priority processing step” involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0203] The image processing unit 86 performs image processing on the radiographic image 20 related to the N+1th imaging (step ST19 ). The radiographic image 20 related to the N+1th imaging after image processing is output from the image processing unit 86 to the display control unit 69 and the CAD processing unit 70 .

[0204] As shown in step ST58, the display-related processing related to the N+1th imaging is started at the timing when the irradiation start synchronization signal 79 related to the N+1th imaging is sent from the cassette control unit 67. And the display-related processing related to the N+1th imaging is ended at the timing when the radiographic image 20 related to the N+1th imaging after image processing is output from the image processing unit 86. Like step ST53, step ST58 is an example of the "display-related processing step" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0205] Fig.41 Yes means Fig.39Flowchart of the method shown in FIG. First, when the N+1th photography is performed during the execution of the CAD processing related to the Nth photography shown in step ST30 and the irradiation start synchronization signal 79 related to the N+1th photography is sent from the cassette control unit 67 (yes in step ST60), the CAD processing related to the N+1th photography is interrupted (step ST61). Then, the irradiation start synchronization signal 79 related to the N+1th photography is sent from the cassette control unit 67 to the electronic cassette 11 (step ST62). Then, after the irradiation time set in the irradiation condition 76 has passed, the irradiation end synchronization signal 80 related to the N+1th photography is sent from the cassette control unit 67 to the electronic cassette 11. Next, the image sending notification signal 87 and the radiographic image 20 related to the N+1th photography are received by the image receiving unit 85 (step ST63). The radiographic image 20 related to the N+1th photography is output from the image receiving unit 85 to the image processing unit 86. Similar to step ST55 , step ST61 is an example of the “priority processing step” according to the technique of the present invention.

[0206] The image processing unit 86 performs image processing on the radiographic image 20 related to the N+1th imaging (step ST33 ). The radiographic image 20 related to the N+1th imaging after image processing is output from the image processing unit 86 to the display control unit 69 and the CAD processing unit 70 .

[0207] As shown in step ST64, the display-related processing related to the N+1th imaging is started at the timing when the irradiation start synchronization signal 79 related to the N+1th imaging is sent from the cassette control unit 67. And the display-related processing related to the N+1th imaging is ended at the timing when the radiographic image 20 related to the N+1th imaging after image processing is output from the image processing unit 86. Like step ST53 and step ST58, step ST64 is an example of the "display-related processing step" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0208] Thus, the display-related processing starts at the timing when the irradiation start synchronization signal 79 notifying the start of irradiation of the radiation R is sent to the electronic cassette 11. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the transmission timing of the irradiation start synchronization signal 79 and the irradiation end synchronization signal 80 from being delayed by the CAD processing with a relatively large processing load.

[0209] In addition, other embodiments other than the first embodiment described above may also be applied to Fig.37 The method shown.

[0210] Likewise, the end timing of the display-related processing is not limited to the timing when the radiation image 20 is output from the image processing unit 86. The display-related processing may be ended at the timing when the radiation image 20 is displayed on the display 32 by the display control unit 69.

[0211] In the above embodiments, the Nth radiography is an example of the "first radiography" involved in the technology of the present invention, and the N+1th radiography is an example of the "second radiography" involved in the technology of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto. One or more radiography may be inserted between the "first radiography" and the "second radiography".

[0212] The cooling level during CAD processing may be increased by turning off the cooling fan 56 when CAD processing is not being executed and rotating the cooling fan 56 during CAD processing. The cooling level of the cooling fan 56 may be continuously increased until a predetermined time has passed since the CAD processing is finished.

[0213] The cooling mechanism is not limited to the cooling fan 56 exemplified, and a Peltier element may be used, for example. Furthermore, a liquid cooling mechanism may be used instead of an air cooling mechanism.

[0214] In addition, when the image receiving unit 85 receives the image sending notification signal 87 of the radiographic image 20 related to the N+1th radiographic image while the image processing unit 86 is executing the image processing related to the Nth radiographic image, the image processing related to the Nth radiographic image can be interrupted and the receiving process of the radiographic image 20 related to the N+1th radiographic image can be given priority.

[0215] In the first embodiment described above, the electronic cassette 11 is exemplified as performing the accumulation operation according to the irradiation start synchronization signal 79 and performing the reading operation according to the irradiation end synchronization signal 80, but the present invention is not limited thereto. An electronic cassette having a function of self-detecting the start and end of irradiation of the radiation R may also be used. Furthermore, the electronic cassette is not limited to an electronic cassette, and a radiation image detection device mounted on a radiographic table may also be used.

[0216] In the above embodiments, the console 55 and the like mounted on the mobile radiation generator 10 are exemplified, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the technology of the present invention may be applied to a console mounted on a mammography apparatus that radiographs the breast of the subject H.

[0217] In the above-mentioned embodiments, for example, various processors shown below can be used as the hardware structure of the processing unit (Processing Unit) that performs various processes, such as the receiving unit 65, the irradiation control unit 66, the dark box control unit 67, the display-related processing unit 68 (the image receiving unit 85 and the image processing unit 86), the display control unit 69, the CAD processing unit 70, the main control unit 71, and the imaging part determination unit 120. The various processors include CPUs 53, 125, 130, and 135, and GPU 136, which are general-purpose processors that execute software (the operating program 60 and the operating program 141 for CAD processing function expansion) to perform the functions of various processing units, and in addition, programmable logic devices (PLDs) such as FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) that are processors whose circuit structures can be changed after manufacturing, and / or dedicated circuits such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) that are processors having circuit structures specifically designed to perform specific processes.

[0218] A processing unit may be composed of one of these various processors, or a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs and / or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Furthermore, multiple processing units may be composed of one processor.

[0219] As an example of a plurality of processing units being composed of one processor, first, there is a method represented by computers such as clients and servers, where a processor is composed of a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and the functions of the plurality of processing units are performed by the processor. Secondly, there is a method represented by a system on chip (SoC), where a processor is used to realize the functions of the entire system including the plurality of processing units by a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip. In this way, the various processing units are configured as a hardware structure using one or more of the various processors described above.

[0220] Furthermore, as the hardware configuration of these various processors, more specifically, a circuit (Circuitry) formed by combining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements can be used.

[0221] The technology of the present invention may also appropriately combine the above-mentioned various embodiments and / or various variations. Moreover, it is certainly not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various structures may be adopted within the scope of the main purpose. Furthermore, the technology of the present invention relates to a program, and in addition, it also relates to a storage medium that stores the program non-temporarily.

[0222] The recorded contents and illustrated contents shown above are detailed descriptions of the parts involved in the technology of the present invention, and are only an example of the technology of the present invention. For example, the description of the above-mentioned structure, function, action and effect is a description of an example of the structure, function, action and effect of the parts involved in the technology of the present invention. Therefore, of course, it is also possible to delete unnecessary parts, add new elements or replace the recorded contents and illustrated contents shown above without departing from the main purpose of the technology of the present invention. In addition, in order to avoid trouble and facilitate understanding of the parts involved in the technology of the present invention, the description of technical common sense that does not need to be specifically explained when implementing the technology of the present invention is omitted in the recorded contents and illustrated contents shown above.

[0223] In this specification, "A and / or B" has the same meaning as "at least one of A and B". That is, "A and / or B" means that it can be only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. In addition, in this specification, when three or more items are expressed in association with "and / or", the same concept as "A and / or B" also applies.

[0224] All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each document, patent application, or technical standard was specifically and individually described as being incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A radiographic system console comprising at least one processor, The processor performs the following processing: Display-related processing for displaying a radiographic image obtained by radiography at a radiography site, and including receiving processing for receiving the radiographic image from a radiographic image detection device and image processing for processing the received radiographic image into an image for display; Computer-assisted diagnostic processing is performed on the radiographic image after the image processing; and priority processing, when the display-related processing conflicts with the computer-supported diagnosis processing, giving priority to the display-related processing over the computer-supported diagnosis processing, As the priority processing, the processor allocates a portion of the resources allocated to the computer-supported diagnostic processing involved in the first photography to the display-related processing involved in the second photography after the first photography, and makes the resources allocated to the display-related processing involved in the second photography greater than the computer-supported diagnostic processing involved in the first photography.

2. The console of the radiographic system according to claim 1, wherein: The processor prohibits execution of the computer supported diagnosis process while the display related process is being executed as the priority process.

3. The console of the radiographic system according to claim 2, wherein: The processor does not start the computer-supported diagnosis process related to the current photography if the display-related process related to the next photography is started between the end of the display-related process related to the current photography and the automatic start of the computer-supported diagnosis process related to the current photography.

4. The console of the radiographic system according to claim 1, wherein: As the priority process, the processor interrupts the computer-supported diagnosis process related to a first imaging and starts the display-related process related to a second imaging subsequent to the first imaging.

5. The console of the radiographic system according to claim 4, wherein: The processor automatically resumes the interrupted computer-supported diagnosis process related to the first imaging after completing the display-related process related to the second imaging.

6. The console of the radiographic system according to claim 4, wherein: The processor receives an instruction from an operator to select whether to restart the interrupted computer-supported diagnosis process related to the first imaging after the display-related process related to the second imaging is completed. When a restart selection instruction is received, restarting the interrupted computer-assisted diagnosis process related to the first imaging, When a selection instruction not to restart is accepted, the computer-supported diagnosis process related to the interrupted first imaging is not restarted.

7. The console of the radiographic system according to claim 4, wherein: the processor restarts the computer-supported diagnosis process related to the interrupted first imaging when the second imaging is not a re-imaging of the first imaging, When the second imaging is the re-imaging, the computer-supported diagnosis process related to the interrupted first imaging is not restarted.

8. The console of the radiation imaging system according to claim 7, wherein: When the imaging part is different from that in the first imaging, the processor considers that the second imaging is not the re-imaging and restarts the computer-assisted diagnosis process related to the interrupted first imaging. When the imaging part is the same as that in the first imaging, the second imaging is regarded as the re-imaging, and the computer-supported diagnosis process related to the interrupted first imaging is not restarted.

9. The console of the radiation imaging system according to claim 4, wherein: The processor notifies an operator that the computer supported diagnosis process related to the first imaging is interrupted.

10. The console of the radiation imaging system according to claim 1, wherein: The processor receives an instruction from an operator to execute the computer supported diagnostic process.

11. The console of the radiation imaging system according to claim 1, wherein: The number of the processors that execute the display-related processing and the computer-supported diagnosis processing is one.

12. The console of the radiation imaging system according to claim 1, wherein: The processor includes two sub-processors: a first sub-processor that executes the display-related process and a second sub-processor that executes the computer-supported diagnosis process.

13. The console of the radiation imaging system according to claim 1, wherein: The processor starts the display-related process at the start timing of the reception process.

14. The console of the radiation imaging system according to claim 1, wherein: The processor starts the display-related processing at a timing of transmitting an irradiation start synchronization signal notifying the start of irradiation of radiation to the radiation image detection apparatus.

15. The console of the radiation imaging system according to claim 1, wherein: The console of the radiographic system is provided with a cooling mechanism. The cooling mechanism cools the processor, The processor increases the cooling level of the cooling mechanism compared to a normal level at least during execution of the computer supported diagnostic process.

16. A console for a radiographic imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: The console of the radiographic system includes a radiation generating unit that emits radiation, and is mounted on a mobile radiation generating device that is wirelessly driven by a battery.

17. A method for operating a console of a radiographic system, comprising: A display-related processing step of performing display-related processing for displaying a radiographic image obtained by radiography at a radiography site, and including a receiving process of receiving the radiographic image from a radiographic image detection device and an image processing of processing the received radiographic image into an image for display; a computer-assisted diagnosis processing step of performing computer-assisted diagnosis processing on the radiographic image after the image processing; and a prioritizing step of, when the display-related processing conflicts with the computer-supported diagnosis processing, giving priority to the display-related processing over the computer-supported diagnosis processing, In the priority processing step, a portion of the resources allocated to the computer-supported diagnostic processing involved in the first photography is allocated to the display-related processing involved in the second photography after the first photography, and the resources allocated to the display-related processing involved in the second photography are made greater than the computer-supported diagnostic processing involved in the first photography.

18. A computer-readable storage medium storing an operating program of a console of a radiographic system, the operating program causing a computer to perform the functions of the following components: a display-related processing unit that performs display-related processing for displaying a radiographic image obtained by radiography at a radiography site, and includes receiving processing for receiving the radiographic image from a radiographic image detection device and image processing for processing the received radiographic image into an image for display; a computer-assisted diagnosis processing unit that performs computer-assisted diagnosis processing on the radiographic image after the image processing; and a priority processing unit that, when a conflict occurs between the display-related processing and the computer-supported diagnosis processing, prioritizes the display-related processing over the computer-supported diagnosis processing; The priority processing unit allocates a portion of the resources allocated to the computer-supported diagnostic processing involved in the first photography to the display-related processing involved in the second photography after the first photography, and makes the resources allocated to the display-related processing involved in the second photography greater than the computer-supported diagnostic processing involved in the first photography.

Images