Mobile radiation imaging device, dynamic image output method and storage medium

Abstract

In an external display device, it is possible to reduce the sense of incongruity and quickly confirm the moving image. The mobile radiation imaging device includes: a first wireless output unit that wirelessly outputs a moving image including multiple frame images obtained through dynamic imaging to an external device; and a second wireless output unit that wirelessly outputs a display moving image based on the moving image to an external display device, wherein the second wireless output unit outputs the display moving image after obtaining at least two of the multiple frame images of the moving image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a mobile radiation imaging device, a dynamic image output method, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] It is known in the past that mobile radiography devices (mobile radiography devices) transmit dynamic images wirelessly in mobile medical vehicles (for example, see Patent Document 1) for taking dynamic images that are composed of multiple frames based on radiation.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-7851

[0004] If we assume that dynamic imaging is performed during surgery via a mobile medical vehicle, examples include confirming the routes of catheters and delivery tubes, and confirming postoperative residue (gauze). However, since the monitor screen of the mobile medical vehicle is relatively small, it is desirable to use an external display device with a larger monitor screen for confirmation of such dynamic images during surgery.

[0005] Here, if it is a perspective device, the captured perspective image can be displayed on an external display device in real time. However, since the dynamic image is an encapsulation of multiple frames, it will not be output to the external device unless the image processing for all the output frames is completed and all the output frames are generated. It is also impossible to output the dynamic image to the external display device.

[0006] Furthermore, during dynamic imaging, within the range where dynamic analysis such as ventilation and blood flow can be performed normally on moving images, there are instances where the frame rate is reduced (e.g., 7–15 fps) to minimize radiation dose. Since this frame rate is lower than the typical frame rate for motion picture reproduction (e.g., 30–60 fps), even when the moving image is output to an external display device for motion picture reproduction, it cannot be a smooth motion picture reproduction, which can cause a sense of disharmony for doctors and others viewing the image.

[0007] On the other hand, there is a desire to output dynamic images obtained through dynamic imaging to PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) for preservation as evidence, or to external dynamic analysis devices for dynamic analysis such as ventilation analysis and blood flow analysis. Therefore, the following problem exists: considering the output to such external devices, if the dynamic images are first output to the external device, then a considerable amount of time is required until the dynamic images can be confirmed using the external display device. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to reduce the sense of incongruity and quickly confirm dynamic images in an external display device.

[0009] To address the aforementioned issues, the mobile radiation imaging apparatus of the present invention is a mobile radiation imaging apparatus capable of performing dynamic imaging based on radiation imaging. The mobile radiation imaging apparatus is characterized by comprising: a first wireless output unit that wirelessly outputs to an external device a dynamic image including multiple frames obtained through the aforementioned dynamic imaging; and a second wireless output unit that wirelessly outputs to an external display device a display dynamic image based on the aforementioned dynamic image, wherein the second wireless output unit outputs the display dynamic image after obtaining at least two of the multiple frames.

[0010] The dynamic image output method of the present invention is a dynamic image output method in a mobile radiation imaging device capable of performing dynamic imaging based on radiation imaging. The dynamic image output method is characterized by comprising: a first wireless output step, wirelessly outputting a dynamic image including multiple frames obtained through the aforementioned dynamic imaging to an external device; and a second wireless output step, wirelessly outputting a display dynamic image based on the aforementioned dynamic image to an external display device. In the second wireless output step, the display dynamic image is output after at least two of the multiple frames have been obtained.

[0011] The storage medium of the present invention stores a program, characterized in that the program enables a computer in a mobile radiation imaging device capable of performing dynamic imaging based on radiation imaging to function as the following components: a first wireless output unit that wirelessly outputs to an external device a dynamic image including multiple frames obtained through the dynamic imaging; and a second wireless output unit that wirelessly outputs to an external display device a display dynamic image based on the dynamic image, wherein the second wireless output unit outputs the display dynamic image after obtaining at least two of the multiple frames.

[0012] According to the present invention, in an external display device, it is possible to reduce the sense of disharmony and quickly confirm moving images. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall structure of a radiographic imaging system.

[0014] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A block diagram of the functional structure of a mobile radiography device.

[0015] Figure 3 It means by Figure 2The flowchart shows the process of image output control processing performed by the control unit.

[0016] Figure 4 It means in Figure 4 A diagram showing an example of a movie display screen shown on the display unit in step S4.

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100…Radiation imaging system; 10…Mobile radiation imaging device; 1…Main body; 2…FPD; 3…Radiation source; 4…Exposure switch; 5…External display device; 51…Monitor; 52…Wireless IF; 101…Control unit; 102…Operation unit; 103…Display unit; 104…Wireless IF; 105…Wired IF; 106…Wireless IF; 107…Wired IF; 108…High voltage generator; 109…Battery; 110…Power distribution unit; 111…Power cable; 6, 112…Wireless access point; 20…Dynamic analysis device; 30…RIS; 40…PACS. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and examples.

[0019] (Structure of the X-ray imaging system 100)

[0020] First, the structure of the embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0021] exist Figure 1 The image shows an example of the overall structure of the radiographic imaging system 100 of this embodiment.

[0022] The radiography system 100 is a system constructed within a medical facility, such as... Figure 1As shown, the mobile radiography device 10, dynamic analysis device 20, RIS (Radiation Information System) 30, and PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) 40 are connected via an intra-hospital communication network N (LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), etc.) to enable data transmission and reception. Multiple wireless access points (APs) 6 are provided within the medical facility where the radiography system 100 is installed. The mobile radiography device 10 can connect to the communication network N via the wireless access points 6. Communication between devices connected to the communication network N follows the DICOM (Digital Image and Communications in Medicine) standard.

[0023] In addition, the mobile radiography device 10 can transmit and receive data with the external display device 5 via a universal wireless LAN, which is different from the hospital's communication network N.

[0024] The mobile radiography device 10 is, for example, a device for performing radiography on patients with mobility difficulties during rounds. The mobile radiography device 10 has wheels W on its main body 1, thus constituting a mobile medical cart. Alternatively, the mobile radiography device 10 can also be a portable device without wheels.

[0025] The mobile X-ray imaging device 10 is brought into operating rooms, intensive care units (ICUs), wards, etc. With the FPD2 inserted between the subject S lying on a bed and the bed, or with an insertion port on the opposite side of the bed (not shown) opposite to the subject S, radiation is irradiated from the radiation source 3 to capture still or dynamic images of the subject S. In this embodiment, still image capture refers to acquiring one image of the subject S in a single imaging operation. Dynamic imaging refers to acquiring multiple images of the subject S by repeatedly irradiating it with pulsed X-rays or other radiation at predetermined time intervals (pulsed irradiation) or continuously irradiating it with a low linear rate (continuous irradiation) in a single imaging operation. A series of images obtained through dynamic imaging is called a dynamic image. Furthermore, each of the multiple images constituting a dynamic image is called a frame image.

[0026] Here, dynamic shooting includes capturing moving images, but excludes situations where still images are captured while simultaneously displaying moving images. Dynamic images include moving pictures, but exclude images obtained by capturing still images while simultaneously displaying dynamic images.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the mobile radiation imaging device 10.

[0028] like Figure 2 As shown, the mobile radiation imaging device 10 is composed of a main body 1, an FPD 2, a radiation source 3, an exposure switch 4, etc.

[0029] The main body 1 is composed of a control unit 101, an operation unit 102, a display unit 103, a wireless IF 104, a wired IF 105, a wireless IF 106, a wired IF 107, a high voltage generator 108, a battery 109, a power distribution unit 110, and a wireless access point (AP) 112.

[0030] The control unit 101 consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The CPU of the control unit 101 reads various programs stored in the ROM and expands them in the RAM. It then executes various processes according to the expanded programs and centrally controls the operation of each part of the mobile radiation imaging device 10.

[0031] In this embodiment, the control unit 101 performs the image output control processing described later (see reference) in cooperation with a program stored in the ROM. Figure 3 This enables the first wireless output unit 101a and the second wireless output unit 101b to function as both. The first wireless output unit 101a wirelessly outputs a motion image, including multiple frames obtained through motion capture, to an external device (motion analysis device 20 or PACS 40). After obtaining at least two frames from the multiple frames of the motion image, the second wireless output unit 101b wirelessly outputs a display motion image based on the motion image to an external display device 5.

[0032] Furthermore, the control unit 101 performs the functions of an image generation unit, an image processing unit, and a display processing unit by executing the image output control processing described later.

[0033] The operation unit 102 includes operation buttons, a touch panel, etc., and detects the user's operation content (the type of operation button pressed, the finger, the contact position of the stylus, etc.) and outputs it to the control unit 101 as operation information.

[0034] Additionally, an exposure switch 4 for irradiation by radiation X as indicated by the user is connected to the operation unit 102.

[0035] Furthermore, the exposure switch 4 can also be a remotely operated structure that is connected to the mobile radiation imaging device 10 via wired or wireless means. This allows the user to control radiation exposure from a location far from the main body 1 of the mobile radiation imaging device 10.

[0036] The display unit 103 consists of monitors such as LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), and displays inspection command information and captured images according to the display signal input from the control unit 101.

[0037] Here, the inspection command information, for example, is information sent from RIS30, including inspection identification information (inspection ID, etc.), inspection date, patient information related to the patient who becomes the subject S (patient ID, name, gender, age, ward (ward building, operating room) etc.), information related to each shot taken during the inspection (shot ID, type of shot indicating the difference between still image shot and dynamic shot, shot conditions (e.g., shot location, shot direction, frame rate, number of shots, shot time, radiation source 3 irradiation power, etc.), type of analysis processing performed by dynamic analysis device 20 (type or name of analysis processing, etc.), commissioning department, and shooting location (ward, operating room, ICU, etc.)).

[0038] The wireless IF104 is an interface for wirelessly connecting to the wireless access point 6 and external devices (such as dynamic analysis device 20, RIS30, PACS40, etc.) connected to the communication network N via the wireless access point 6 to transmit and receive data (input / output).

[0039] The wired IF105 is an interface for inserting a communication cable and connecting to a communication network N via wired communication, and for sending and receiving data with external devices connected to the communication network N.

[0040] Furthermore, the connection method with the communication network N can be switched between wired and wireless based on the control signal from the control unit 101.

[0041] The wireless IF106 is a wireless interface used for transmitting and receiving data with the FPD2 and external display device 5, which are connected to a common wireless LAN or other communication network via wireless access point 112. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the wireless IF106 is described as being included in the main body 1 of the mobile radiation imaging device 10; however, since the wireless access point 112 is connected to the control unit 101 via a wired connection, there are cases where the wireless IF106 is not required.

[0042] The wired IF107 is an interface used to insert a communication cable and transmit and receive data with the FPD2 via wired communication.

[0043] Furthermore, the connection method with FPD2 can be switched between wired and wireless based on the control signal from the control unit 101.

[0044] The high-voltage generator 108 applies a voltage to the radiation source 3 based on the control signal received from the control unit 101, which corresponds to the pre-set radiation irradiation conditions (such as the type of shooting, dynamic or still image shooting, tube voltage, tube current, irradiation time, current-time product, and other shooting conditions related to radiation irradiation).

[0045] The battery 109 is configured to supply the power stored therein to the power distribution unit 110, or to store the power supplied from the power distribution unit 110.

[0046] The power distribution unit 110 has a power cable 111 with a plug at the front end, and is configured to receive power from the outside by inserting the plug into a nearby socket. The power distribution unit 110 distributes power from the battery 109 or externally supplied power to various parts of the mobile radiation imaging device 10.

[0047] The wireless access point (AP) 112 is a wireless access point installed on the mobile radiation imaging device 10, which mediates the wireless data transmission and reception between the wireless IF 106 and the external display device 5 or FPD2.

[0048] The FPD2 includes: a substrate formed by arranging pixels in a two-dimensional (matrix) configuration, each pixel having a radiation detection element that generates a charge corresponding to the amount of radiation X by receiving radiation X, and a switching element for accumulating and releasing the charge; a readout circuit that reads the amount of charge released from each pixel as a signal value; a control unit that generates image data based on multiple signal values ​​read from the readout circuit; a communication unit that transmits the image data and various signals to the main body 1 via wired or wireless communication; and a connector for inserting a cable connected to the main body 1.

[0049] In addition, FPD2 can also be a structure that uses a built-in scintillator to convert the irradiated radiation X into light of other wavelengths such as visible light and generate charges corresponding to the converted light (so-called indirect type), or it can be a structure that generates charges directly from radiation X without going through a scintillator or the like (so-called direct type).

[0050] The radiation source 3 may include, for example, a rotating anode (not shown) and a filament. Furthermore, when a voltage is applied from the high-voltage generator 108, the filament is irradiated with an electron beam corresponding to the voltage toward the rotating anode, and the rotating anode generates radiation X in a linear amount corresponding to the intensity of the electron beam.

[0051] The external display device 5 includes a large-screen monitor 51 (at least larger than the display unit 103) such as an LCD, and a wireless IF 52. The wireless IF 52 receives data of display motion images transmitted from the mobile X-ray imaging device 10 via the wireless access point 112 and displays it on the monitor 51. A general-purpose monitor (or generic monitor) can be used as the external display device 5. The external display device 5 is positioned close to the mobile X-ray imaging device 10, for example, in an indoor space (e.g., an operating room) where motion imaging is performed using the mobile X-ray imaging device 10.

[0052] The dynamic analysis device 20 performs analysis processing on the dynamic images output from the mobile radiography device 10 and sends the dynamic images and analysis results to the PACS 40. The dynamic analysis device 20 is capable of performing various analysis processes, and can perform a specified type of analysis process from among the various analysis processes.

[0053] RIS30 is a command issuing device that issues and stores inspection command information and sends the issued inspection command information to the mobile radiation imaging device 10 via the communication network N.

[0054] PACS40 is an image management device that stores and manages medical images (still images and moving images) generated by methods such as mobile radiography device 10, analysis results based on dynamic analysis device 20, and patient and examination information in a corresponding relationship.

[0055] (action)

[0056] Next, the operation of the mobile radiation imaging device 10 will be explained.

[0057] In the mobile radiation imaging device 10, if an inspection command message is received from the RIS30 via the wireless IF104 or the wired IF105, the control unit 101 stores the received inspection command message in RAM and displays it on the inspection list screen (not shown) of the display unit 103.

[0058] If an inspection command for performing an inspection is selected from the inspection list screen via the operation unit 102, the control unit 101 displays a selection button on the display unit 103 for selecting the image to be taken included in the inspection command, and selects the image to be taken. If the image to be taken is selected, the control unit 101 sets the irradiation conditions (tube current, tube voltage, irradiation time, current-time product, etc.) for the high-voltage generator 108 based on the selected image command content, and sets the reading conditions for the FPD2.

[0059] If the exposure switch 4 is pressed, the control unit 101 controls the high-voltage generator 108 and FPD2 to start radiographic imaging (still image imaging or dynamic imaging).

[0060] For example, in order to confirm the route of catheters and delivery tubes during surgery, and to confirm postoperative residue (gauze), dynamic imaging is sometimes performed during surgery using a mobile X-ray imaging device 10. Regarding the confirmation of such dynamic images during surgery, since the monitor of the display unit 103 mounted on the mobile X-ray imaging device 10 is relatively small, it is desirable to display the images on an external display device 5 with a large screen if the confirmation by multiple people is further considered.

[0061] However, in the past, the transmission of moving images from a mobile radiography device to an external device was carried out via communication according to the DOCOM standard. In the DICOM standard, moving images are treated as a single file; that is, all the frames constituting the moving image are treated as a single encapsulated file. Therefore, output cannot begin until all the frames from a series of moving images (from the start instruction of moving image capture (e.g., pressing of exposure switch 4) to the release instruction of moving image capture (e.g., releasing of the press of exposure switch 4) are complete, resulting in output time.

[0062] In addition, during motion capture, the frame rate is sometimes set low (e.g., 7–15 fps) to reduce the radiation dose to patients. This is lower than the frame rate for normal motion picture reproduction, so even if the motion picture is output to the monitor at the original frame rate, smooth motion picture reproduction cannot be achieved, and sometimes doctors and others may feel a sense of disharmony.

[0063] Therefore, in the mobile radiation imaging device 10 of this embodiment, the following structure is adopted: in addition to a first wireless output unit 101a that outputs a dynamic image including multiple frame images obtained through a series of dynamic images to an external device (dynamic analysis device 20 or PACS 40) according to the DICOM standard, a second wireless output unit 101b is also provided. After obtaining at least two or more frame images through dynamic imaging, the second wireless output unit 101b outputs a display dynamic image generated based on the dynamic image to an external display device 5 via wireless communication. In the external display device 5, the sense of incongruity can be reduced and the dynamic image can be quickly confirmed.

[0064] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the image output control processing performed in the mobile radiation imaging device 10. When dynamic imaging is selected as the subject, and the exposure switch 4 is pressed to indicate the start of dynamic imaging, image output control processing is performed through the cooperation of the CPU of the control unit 101 and the program stored in the ROM. Hereinafter, refer to... Figure 3 The image output control processing is explained.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is described that FPD2 is connected to the mobile radiation imaging device 10 via wired IF107, and wireless communication between wireless IF106 and external display device 5 is established via wireless access point 112. However, wireless communication between wireless IF106 and external display device 5 can also be established at a predetermined time after the start of dynamic imaging and before the output of the dynamic image for display. Alternatively, it can be in the following form: wireless access point 112, wireless IF106 and wireless access point 6, wireless IF104 are shared, and the first wireless output unit 101a and the second wireless output unit 101b are used separately according to the judgment of the control unit 101, switching the connection destination.

[0066] First, the control unit 101 sends a start instruction for dynamic shooting to the high voltage generator 108 and FPD2, starting a series of dynamic shooting (step S1).

[0067] In dynamic imaging, to reduce the radiation dose to the patient, the subject is irradiated with radiation from radiation source 3 at a low linear dose compared to still image imaging, and at a low frame rate (e.g., 7-15 fps) lower than typical moving images (e.g., 30-60 fps). FPD2 then sequentially sends the captured frame images to subject 1.

[0068] If the exposure switch 4 is deactivated, the control unit 101 sends an end instruction for dynamic shooting to the high-voltage generator 108 and FPD2 to end a series of dynamic shooting sessions. However, the control unit 101 does not wait for the end of the series of dynamic shooting sessions and moves to step S2.

[0069] If the frame image of the moving image sent from FPD2 is received via the wired IF107, the control unit 101 temporarily stores the received frame image in RAM in a correspondence with the frame number, and starts to display the received frame images sequentially on the preview display of the display unit 103 (step S2).

[0070] The preview display is for the purpose of simply confirming the frame images obtained through dynamic shooting, for example, displaying frame images shot at a low frame rate.

[0071] Next, in parallel with the preview display, the control unit 101 begins generating a movie display image based on the received frames (step S3).

[0072] Cine-display of moving images refers to the sequential display of a series of frames of moving images (including image-processed moving images) (i.e., motion picture reproduction). As mentioned above, since moving images are captured with low resolution, they contain a lot of noise, making them difficult to see clearly if displayed as is on the display unit 103 or the external display device 5. Therefore, in step S3, image processing for removing noise components is performed on the received frame images to generate an image for cine-display of the moving images. Examples of image processing for removing noise components include averaging and moving average processing using multiple frame images (temporally adjacent frame images), but these are not limited to these. In addition, other image processing such as grayscale processing and frequency emphasis processing can also be performed.

[0073] Next, the control unit 101 displays the movie display screen 130 on the display unit 103 (step S4).

[0074] For example, while the display unit 101 is displaying a preview on the display unit 103, the control unit 101 displays a message on the display unit 103 indicating whether to move to the movie display screen 130 (see reference). Figure 4The control unit 101 displays operation buttons, etc. For example, when generating movie display images based on all frame images obtained through dynamic shooting, the control unit 101 displays the aforementioned operation buttons to indicate the timing of movie display of those frame images after generating movie display images based on those frame images. For example, if the CPU of the control unit 101 has very high specifications and can generate movie display images faster than the movie display speed, the control unit 101 immediately displays operation buttons to indicate moving to the movie display screen 130 as soon as it starts receiving frame images obtained through dynamic shooting and starts generating movie display images. If the CPU of the control unit 101 has less high specifications and the speed of generating movie display images is slower than the speed of movie display, and the remaining number of movie display images is less than a predetermined amount (or, after the movie display images of all frame images have been generated), the control unit 101 displays operation buttons to indicate moving to the movie display screen 130. Furthermore, if the movie is displayed at the same frame rate as during dynamic shooting, a smooth reproduction cannot be achieved, resulting in a sense of disharmony. Therefore, considering the occasional use of a doubled frame rate for movie display, the control unit 101 displays an operation button for indicating the movement to the movie display screen 130. If the displayed operation button is pressed, the control unit 101 displays the movie display screen 130 on the display unit 103. Additionally, when the preview display ends, the control unit 101 automatically displays the movie display screen 130 on the display unit 103.

[0075] Figure 4 This is an example diagram representing a 130-degree view of a movie screen. For example, as shown... Figure 4 As shown, the movie display screen 130 displays an image display area 130a for displaying images for movie display, a replay button 130b for indicating the start of movie display (moving image reproduction), a fast forward button 130c for indicating the speed of movie display, and a replay control area 130d for performing various controls on the movie display. If the replay button 130b is pressed, the button switches to the display of a temporary stop button. In addition to speed adjustment, operation buttons that can indicate fast forward, such as 3x speed, can also be displayed. Furthermore, in addition to fast forwarding at multiples of the frame rate during dynamic shooting, such as speed adjustment or 3x speed, fast forwarding can also be indicated at a specified frame rate. Furthermore, depending on the specified fast forward magnification, the display time based on the actual shooting time can be compared with the display time shortened by speed adjustment, or displayed separately.

[0076] Additionally, the movie display screen 130 displays an output button 130e for indicating that the received dynamic image is output to an external device (dynamic analysis device 20, PACS 40), and an inspection end button 130f for indicating the end of the inspection.

[0077] If the playback button 130b or the fast forward button 130c is pressed, indicating the start of movie display of moving images acquired through a series of dynamic shots (step S5; Yes), the control unit 101 begins processing the movie display moving images on the display unit 103, and begins generating the image capture of the moving images for display and outputting it to the external display device 5.

[0078] That is, firstly, the control unit 101 displays a movie display image on the movie display screen 130 (step S6).

[0079] Here, sometimes markings or imprints are overlaid on the displayed image. Examples of these markings or imprints include information indicating the shooting direction (P→A, A→P, etc.), left and right directions, shooting conditions (tube current, tube voltage, current-time product, frame rate, etc.), and arrows indicating areas of interest. However, displaying this information on a movie display causes flickering and makes it difficult to see. Therefore, the control unit 101 does not display the markings or imprints on the movie display, but only during periods when the movie display is paused.

[0080] Next, the control unit 101 generates a frame capture of the movie display screen 130 in sync with the movie display (in sync with the display of the image for the movie display) (step S7).

[0081] Then, the control unit 101, acting as the second wireless output unit 101b, captures and outputs (transmits) the generated image to the external display device 5 via the wireless IF 106 (step S8). During the period until the movie display ends (step S9; no), the control unit 101 repeatedly executes steps S6 to S8 while changing the displayed movie display images sequentially according to the shooting order (frame number order) at the frame rate corresponding to the pressed operation button (playback button 130b or fast forward button 130c).

[0082] Furthermore, in step S7, the control unit 101 can capture the entire screen to generate a screen capture, or it can capture only a portion of the area where the image is displayed, such as the image display area 130a. Alternatively, instead of generating a new screen capture, a capture image can be generated internally based on the movie display image used for display in step S6. Additionally, the total data volume in the case of capturing the entire screen can be predicted based on the image size and number of frames of the movie display image. If the total data volume exceeds a preset threshold, a screen capture of only a portion of the screen can be generated. In the case of generating a screen capture of only a portion of the screen, to prevent misidentification of the patient on the external display device 5, only the necessary information (patient information, examination information) can be assigned separately.

[0083] In steps S6-7, when the playback button 130b is pressed, the control unit 101 displays a movie on the movie display screen 130 on the display unit 103 at the same frame rate as during a series of motion captures. Simultaneously with the movie display, it generates a frame capture at the same frame rate as during motion capture and outputs (transmits) the frame capture to the external display device 5 via the second wireless output unit 101b. The external display device 5 displays the motion image received from the mobile radiation imaging device 10 on the monitor 51 at approximately the same frame rate as during motion capture. When the fast-forward button 130c is pressed on the movie display screen 130, the control unit 101 displays a movie at double speed on the movie display screen 130 on the display unit 103. Simultaneously with the movie display, it generates a frame capture at double the frame rate of motion capture and outputs (transmits) the frame capture to the external display device 5 via the second wireless output unit 101b. The external display device 5 displays the motion image at approximately double the frame rate of motion capture. That is, in the external display device 5, the display motion image can be displayed at a frame rate approximately the same as the frame rate of the movie displayed on the display unit 103. When the user presses the fast forward button 130c to play the movie at double speed, the motion image can be quickly viewed on the large screen of the external display device 5 at the same frame rate as the normal motion image reproduction without any sense of incongruity. In addition, when a part (time period) needs to be viewed in detail, the frame rate of the movie display can be doubled by pressing the replay button 130b, allowing for careful viewing of the parts that should be of interest.

[0084] Here, the process of generating image captures for display at the frame rate of movie display is a high-processing-load process. Therefore, the control unit 101 can also perform the following control: during the capture of the moving image, for example, by making the movie display screen 130 undisplayable, or by making the replay button 130b and fast forward button 130c unpressable (invalid), movie display cannot be started, thereby preventing image capture from being generated. This reduces the processing load during moving image capture, allowing for appropriate moving image capture. On the other hand, for example, if the CPU of the control unit 101 has a high specification, and generating image captures during a series of moving image captures does not affect the capture, the press of the replay button 130b and fast forward button 130c during a series of moving image captures can be allowed, allowing image capture generation during the series of moving image captures. This speeds up the display of the moving image to the external display device 5.

[0085] If the display of the moving image movie ends (step S9; yes), the control unit 101 performs image processing for output to an external device on the frame images of the moving image obtained through a series of moving shots, and generates a frame image for output of the moving image (output frame) (step S10).

[0086] The image processing for output to external devices is the process of generating output frame images by performing specified image processing such as grayscale processing, frequency emphasis processing, and noise removal processing on all frames of the dynamic image, and generating a dynamic image file in DICOM format that includes the generated series of output frame images.

[0087] If, after the image processing for output is completed, the output button 130e is pressed to indicate the output of the dynamic image to an external device, or the check end button 130f is pressed to indicate the end of the check, then the control unit 101, as the first wireless output unit 101a, sends the processed dynamic image (a dynamic image file in DICOM format) to the dynamic analysis device 20 or PACS 40 via the wireless IF 104 (step S11), and ends the output control processing.

[0088] (Examples of variations of the action)

[0089] In the above image output control processing, it is explained that image processing for output to the external device is performed after the display of the dynamic image is output to the external display device 5. However, image processing for output can start at any time after receiving a series of frames of dynamic images from FPD2. However, in the DICOM standard, since all frames of dynamic images obtained through a series of dynamic captures are encapsulated as a single file, image processing for output cannot be completed if all frames of the dynamic image are not complete. Therefore, the situation where dynamic images can be output to the external device by pressing the output button 130e is only possible after all frames of the series of dynamic captures are complete and all output frames have been generated.

[0090] On the other hand, regarding the output of the display motion image to the external display device 5, as long as at least two or more frame images are obtained from the multiple frame images of the motion image, and the display motion image is generated from at least two or more frame images, the frame rate can be increased and the display motion image can be output to the external display device 5. Therefore, in the external display device 5, the motion image can be quickly viewed with reduced incongruity.

[0091] Furthermore, in the case of an image processing structure that begins output immediately after receiving frame images from the FPD2, the motion picture can be output to an external device as soon as image processing for all frame images is completed and a DICOM-format motion picture file is generated. Therefore, even during the process of outputting motion pictures for movie display, the output button 130e can be pressed to output motion pictures to an external device in parallel after the aforementioned motion picture file is generated. Alternatively, one can wait for the output image processing to finish and begin movie display after starting the output of motion pictures to an external device.

[0092] Since a processing load is applied during parallel processing, in order not to affect the output of the display of the dynamic image to the external display device 5, it is preferable that the control unit 101 performs control such as preventing the output button 130e from being pressed (disabled) during movie display. Furthermore, it is preferable to set the communication frequency bands used by wireless IF 104 and wireless IF 106 to different frequency bands to suppress mutual communication interference.

[0093] In addition, Figure 3 In the image output control processing, an example is described where the movie display begins at a time specified by the user for the movie display on display unit 103, and the generation of a display motion image and its output to the external display device 5 are performed synchronously with the movie display. In this example, the display motion image can be quickly displayed on the large external display device 5 at a time desired by the user (e.g., a time that can be confirmed by multiple medical personnel). However, the timing of the output of the display motion image to the external display device 5 is not particularly limited, as long as it is after two or more frames of a series of motion images obtained through a series of motion captures. For example, the display motion image can also be generated synchronously with the movie display on display unit 103, and the output of the display motion image to the external display device 5 can begin at the time when the movie display is completed. Alternatively, the generation of the display motion image and its output to the external display device 5 can be performed at the time when a series of motion captures are completed. The user can preset the output time through the operation of operation unit 102.

[0094] Furthermore, the above description illustrates the case where the display motion image is captured as a scene, but it is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 101 may generate an interval-canceled image after removing the number of frames of motion images obtained through a series of motion captures, and a low-resolution image after converting each frame image to a low resolution, as the display motion image, and the second wireless output unit 101b outputs the interval-canceled image and the low-resolution image to the external display device 5 via the wireless IF 106.

[0095] In addition, information not displayed on the movie display screen 130, such as the frame rate during dynamic shooting, the frame rate during fast-forwarded display, the playback magnification, and the playback time, can be added to the image capture displayed on the external display device 5.

[0096] Alternatively, the second wireless output unit 101b can determine whether it is necessary to output a display animation to the external display device 5 based on the content and settings of the examination command information. If it is determined that it is necessary, the display animation will be output to the external display device 5. For example, output can be performed when the examination command information captured in the animation includes information indicating surgery, and output can be omitted during general rounds (excluding information indicating surgery). Alternatively, output can be performed if the examination command information captured in the animation comes from the circulatory system department, and not if it comes from the orthopedic department. Furthermore, the need for output can also be determined based on the monitor size of the external display device 5. For example, the control unit 101 obtains information about the monitor size from the external display device 5 at a predetermined time. If the monitor size is smaller than or equal to the monitor size of the display unit 103, the urgency and necessity of displaying it on the external display device 5 are considered to be low, and therefore output can be omitted.

[0097] In addition, as another situation, if motion or image abnormalities are detected during preview display or movie display (such as line saturation, ROI loss, etc., which cause problems in diagnosis and analysis), the control unit 101 may also stop the generation of image capture and stop the output of image capture to the external display device 5. Conversely, as a precaution for image capture displayed on the external display device 5, it may also be displayed in the form of detection information indicating motion or image abnormalities.

[0098] As described above, the control unit 101 of the mobile radiation imaging device 10 includes: a first wireless output unit 101a, which wirelessly outputs a dynamic image including multiple frame images obtained through dynamic imaging to an external device; and a second wireless output unit 101b, which wirelessly outputs a display dynamic image based on the aforementioned dynamic image to an external display device 5. The second wireless output unit 101b outputs the display dynamic image after obtaining at least two or more frame images from the multiple frame images of the aforementioned dynamic image.

[0099] Therefore, the frame rate can be increased and the display of dynamic images can be output to the external display device 5. Thus, in the external display device 5, the sense of disharmony can be reduced and the dynamic images can be quickly recognized.

[0100] For example, the second wireless output unit 101b outputs a display image at a frame rate higher than that of the video recording. Therefore, in the external display device 5, the sense of disharmony can be reduced and the moving image can be quickly viewed.

[0101] Furthermore, for example, after generating all frames of the output frame for the moving image obtained through a series of dynamic shots, the first wireless output unit 101a begins to output the moving image to an external device. Before the generation of all frames of the output frame for the moving image obtained through a series of dynamic shots is completed, the second wireless output unit 101b begins to output the display moving image.

[0102] Therefore, before starting the output of the moving image using the first wireless output unit 101a, the user can confirm the moving image to be displayed using the external display device 5.

[0103] In addition, for example, the control unit 101 does not generate dynamic images for display during a series of dynamic shooting operations, thereby reducing the processing load of the mobile radiation imaging device 10 and enabling appropriate dynamic shooting.

[0104] Specifically, during a series of dynamic shooting sessions, the control unit 101 does not perform the processing of generating a frame captured by capturing the frame of the display unit 103 to display the dynamic image in sync with the motion image reproduction of the dynamic image. As a result, the processing load of the mobile radiation imaging device 10 can be reduced, and dynamic shooting can be performed appropriately.

[0105] In addition, after the first wireless output unit 101a completes the output of the second wireless output unit 101b, it outputs a dynamic image, thereby enabling the output of a dynamic image for display to the external display device 5 more quickly.

[0106] Furthermore, the second wireless output unit 101b outputs a display video based on at least one of the completion of dynamic shooting, the start of dynamic image display processing to the display unit 103, and the completion of dynamic image display processing to the display unit 103. Therefore, at any of the above timings, the user can confirm the display video.

[0107] In addition, during a series of dynamic shooting, the control unit 101 begins to generate dynamic images for display, thereby accelerating the output of dynamic images for display to the external display device 5.

[0108] Furthermore, the descriptions in the above embodiments and variations are preferred examples of the present invention and are not limited thereto.

[0109] For example, the above description discloses examples of using hard disks, semiconductor non-volatile memory, etc., as media that can be read by a computer as the program of the present invention, but it is not limited to these examples. Other computer-readable media can be used, such as removable recording media like CD-ROMs. Furthermore, as the medium for providing data of the program of the present invention via a communication line, a carrier wave (transmission wave) is also used.

[0110] Furthermore, the detailed structure and operation of the mobile radiography device can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A mobile radiation imaging device capable of performing dynamic imaging based on radiation imaging, characterized in that, The mobile radiation imaging device includes: The first wireless output unit wirelessly outputs to an external device a dynamic image comprising multiple frames obtained through the dynamic capture; and The second wireless output unit wirelessly outputs a display animation based on the aforementioned animation to an external display device. After receiving at least two of the plurality of frames, the second wireless output unit outputs the display animation. The mobile radiation imaging device includes: The display unit displays the dynamic image; The image processing unit performs prescribed image processing on the dynamic image; The display processing unit reproduces the motion image on the screen of the display unit after image processing. as well as The image generation unit synchronously generates a frame capture obtained by capturing the frame of the display unit as the dynamic image for display, which is obtained by capturing the frame of the display unit and simultaneously with the motion image reproduction of the dynamic image of the dynamic image after image processing on the screen of the display unit.

2. The mobile radiation imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second wireless output unit outputs the display image at a frame rate higher than the frame rate of the dynamic capture.

3. The mobile radiation imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, After generating all frames of the dynamic image obtained through a series of dynamic shots, the first wireless output unit begins outputting the dynamic image.

4. The mobile radiation imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Before the generation of all frames of the dynamic image obtained through a series of dynamic shots is completed, the second wireless output unit begins to output the dynamic image for display.

5. The mobile radiation imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, During a series of dynamic shots, the image generation unit does not generate the dynamic image for display.

6. The mobile radiation imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, After the second wireless output unit completes its output, the first wireless output unit outputs the dynamic image.

7. The mobile radiation imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second wireless output unit outputs the display image based on at least one of the completion of the dynamic shooting, the start of the display processing of the dynamic image to the display unit, and the completion of the display processing of the dynamic image to the display unit.

8. The mobile radiation imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, During a series of dynamic shots, the image generation unit begins generating the dynamic image for display.

9. A dynamic image output method, which is a dynamic image output method in a mobile radiographic apparatus capable of dynamic radiographic imaging based on radiographic imaging, characterized by comprising: a step of outputting a dynamic image in which a plurality of radiographic images are combined, the dynamic image being outputted in a case where a dynamic image output instruction is inputted while the mobile radiographic apparatus is in a state of being capable of dynamic radiographic imaging. The dynamic image output method includes: The first wireless output process wirelessly outputs a dynamic image, including multiple frames obtained through the dynamic capture, to an external device; and The second wireless output process involves wirelessly outputting a display-ready dynamic image based on the aforementioned dynamic image to an external display device. In the second wireless output process, after obtaining at least two of the plurality of frames, the dynamic image for display is output. The dynamic image output method includes: The image processing step performs prescribed image processing on the dynamic image; The display processing step involves reproducing the motion image of the processed dynamic image on the screen of the display unit; and The image generation process generates a frame capture obtained by capturing the frame of the display unit as the dynamic image for display, synchronously with the motion image reproduction of the dynamic image after image processing on the screen of the display unit.

10. The dynamic image output method according to claim 9, characterized in that, In the second wireless output process, the display dynamic image is output at a frame rate higher than the frame rate of the dynamic shooting.

11. The dynamic image output method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, In the first wireless output process, the output of the dynamic image begins after the generation of all frames of the dynamic image obtained through a series of dynamic shots.

12. The dynamic image output method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, In the second wireless output process, the output of the display dynamic image begins before the generation of all frames of the dynamic image obtained through a series of dynamic shots is completed.

13. The dynamic image output method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, During the image generation process, the generation of the display dynamic image is not performed during a series of dynamic shots.

14. The dynamic image output method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, In the first wireless output process, the dynamic image is output after the output of the second wireless output process is completed.

15. The dynamic image output method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, In the second wireless output process, the display dynamic image is output based on at least one of the completion of the dynamic shooting, the start of the display processing of the dynamic image to the display unit, and the completion of the display processing of the dynamic image to the display unit.

16. The dynamic image output method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, In the image generation process, the generation of the display dynamic image begins during a series of dynamic shots.

17. A storage medium storing a program, characterized in that, The program enables the computer in a mobile radiography device capable of performing dynamic radiography based on radiation imaging to function as a component in the following way: The first wireless output unit wirelessly outputs a dynamic image, including multiple frames obtained through the dynamic shooting, to an external device; as well as The second wireless output unit wirelessly outputs a display animation based on the aforementioned animation to an external display device. After receiving at least two of the plurality of frames, the second wireless output unit outputs the display animation. The program enables the computer to function as the following components: The image processing unit performs prescribed image processing on the dynamic image; The display processing unit reproduces the motion image on the screen of the display unit after the image processing is completed. as well as The image generation unit synchronously generates a frame capture obtained by capturing the frame of the display unit as the dynamic image for display, which is obtained by capturing the frame of the display unit and simultaneously with the motion image reproduction of the dynamic image of the dynamic image after image processing on the screen of the display unit.

18. The storage medium according to claim 17, characterized in that, The second wireless output unit outputs the display image at a frame rate higher than the frame rate of the dynamic capture.

19. The storage medium according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, After generating all frames of the dynamic image obtained through a series of dynamic shots, the first wireless output unit begins outputting the dynamic image.

20. The storage medium according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, Before the generation of all frames of the dynamic image obtained through a series of dynamic shots is completed, the second wireless output unit begins to output the dynamic image for display.

21. The storage medium according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, During a series of dynamic shots, the image generation unit does not generate the dynamic image for display.

22. The storage medium according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, After the second wireless output unit completes its output, the first wireless output unit outputs the dynamic image.

23. The storage medium according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The second wireless output unit outputs the display dynamic image based on at least one of the completion of the dynamic shooting, the start of the display processing of the dynamic image to the display unit, and the completion of the display processing of the dynamic image to the display unit.

24. The storage medium according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, During a series of dynamic shots, the image generation unit begins generating the dynamic image for display.

Images