Display method in x-ray imaging apparatus and x-ray imaging apparatus

Abstract

This display method in an X-ray imaging device (100) comprises the steps of: forming an X-ray image display screen (71) and an imaging condition setting screen (72) by simultaneously and individually executing X-ray image generation software (61), which is a product of a first manufacturer, and imaging condition setting software (62), which is a product of a second manufacturer, in one control device (40); and arranging and displaying the X-ray image display screen and the imaging condition setting screen in different regions of a display unit (70).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display method in an X-ray imaging apparatus and an X-ray imaging apparatus. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an X-ray imaging apparatus including an X-ray source, an X-ray detector, and a display unit has been known. For example, such an X-ray imaging apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-33552.

[0003] In Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-33552, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus (X-ray imaging apparatus) includes an X-ray tube (X-ray source), an X-ray detector, and a console (display unit) including a display. In Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-33552, the X-ray detector converts X-ray information that has passed through a subject into image data and transmits the image data to the console in an operation room.

[0004] In addition, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-33552, the console is a single console that integrates a system for setting, managing, and collecting imaging conditions and a system for performing image processing and image display. In addition, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-33552, an operator displays imaging conditions on the display or accepts setting of imaging conditions in the console. In addition, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-33552, the console collects captured image data, performs preset image processing on the collected image data, or changes image processing by operations from a mouse, a keyboard, etc., or displays an image on the display.

[0005] Prior Art Documents

[0006] Patent Documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-33552 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] Although not explicitly described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-33552, regarding the X-ray diagnostic apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-33552, it is considered that the system for setting imaging conditions and the like and the system including the X-ray detector for performing image processing, image display, etc. are manufactured by the same manufacturer. In addition, although not explicitly described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-33552, it is considered that by integrating these systems, the software for setting imaging conditions and the like and the software for performing image processing and image display are also integrated. Therefore, regarding the X-ray diagnostic apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-33552, it is considered that the screen for image processing, image display, etc. and the screen for setting imaging conditions can be displayed on one console.

[0010] In contrast, although not disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-33552, X-ray detectors manufactured by different manufacturers are sometimes used in combination in an X-ray diagnostic apparatus (X-ray imaging apparatus). That is, in an X-ray imaging apparatus, a system for setting imaging conditions and the like and a system including an X-ray detector for performing image processing, image display, etc. manufactured by different manufacturers are sometimes used. In this case, since these systems are not integrated, the software for setting imaging conditions (imaging condition setting software) and the software for performing image processing, image display, etc. (X-ray image generation software) are not integrated. Therefore, it is difficult to display the screen for image processing, image display, etc. and the screen for setting imaging conditions on one console. As a result, the screen displayed by the software for performing image processing, image display, etc. and the screen displayed by the software for setting imaging conditions are displayed on different display devices. Thus, it is desired to achieve an environment in which the X-ray image generation software and the imaging condition setting software, which are independently set, can be executed simultaneously and individually by being flexibly combined without being restricted by the manufacturers of the X-ray imaging apparatus and the X-ray detector.

[0011] The present invention has been completed to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a display method and an X-ray imaging apparatus in an X-ray imaging apparatus that can achieve an environment in which the X-ray image generation software and the imaging condition setting software, which are independently set, can be executed simultaneously and individually by being flexibly combined without being restricted by the manufacturers of the X-ray imaging apparatus and the X-ray detector.

[0012] Means for Solving the Problem

[0013] The display method in the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes the following steps: a screen forming step of forming an X-ray image display screen based on the X-ray image generation software and a shooting condition setting screen based on the shooting condition setting software by simultaneously and individually executing, in one control device, the X-ray image generation software of a product of a first manufacturer and the shooting condition setting software of a product of a second manufacturer different from the first manufacturer, wherein the X-ray image generation software is X-ray image generation software that generates an X-ray image based on a detection signal output by an X-ray detector and forms an X-ray image display screen, and the shooting condition setting software is shooting condition setting software that is independent of the X-ray image generation software, sets the shooting conditions for the X-ray image, and forms a shooting condition setting screen; and a screen display step of arranging and displaying the X-ray image display screen and the shooting condition setting screen in different areas of a display unit.

[0014] The X-ray imaging apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention includes: an X-ray source that irradiates an object to be examined with X-rays; an X-ray detector that detects the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray source; a display unit; and a single control unit that forms an X-ray image display screen based on the X-ray image generation software and a shooting condition setting screen based on the shooting condition setting software by simultaneously and individually executing, in one control device, the X-ray image generation software of a product of a first manufacturer and the shooting condition setting software of a product of a second manufacturer different from the first manufacturer, and arranges and displays the X-ray image display screen based on the X-ray image generation software and the shooting condition setting screen based on the shooting condition setting software in different areas of the display unit, wherein the X-ray image generation software is X-ray image generation software that generates an X-ray image based on a detection signal output by an X-ray detector and forms an X-ray image display screen, and the shooting condition setting software is shooting condition setting software that is independent of the X-ray image generation software, sets the shooting conditions for the X-ray image, and forms a shooting condition setting screen.

[0015] The X-ray imaging apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention includes: an X-ray source that irradiates an X-ray to a subject; an X-ray detector that detects the X-ray irradiated from the X-ray source; a display unit; and a control unit that causes an X-ray image display screen based on X-ray image generation software and a photographic condition setting screen based on photographic condition setting software to be arranged and displayed in different areas of the display unit, wherein the X-ray image generation software is X-ray image generation software that generates an X-ray image based on a detection signal output from the X-ray detector and forms the X-ray image display screen, the photographic condition setting software is photographic condition setting software that is independently set from the X-ray image generation software, sets photographic conditions for the X-ray image, and forms the photographic condition setting screen, and when the control unit forms the X-ray image display screen by using the X-ray image generation software, it controls to make the total number of pixels constituting the X-ray image display screen smaller than the total number of pixels of the entire display unit, and when forming the photographic condition setting screen by using the photographic condition setting software, it controls to make the total number of pixels constituting the photographic condition setting screen equal to or less than the number of pixels obtained by subtracting the total number of pixels of the X-ray image display screen from the total number of pixels of the entire display unit.

[0016] Effects of the Invention

[0017] As described above, the display method in the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first aspect includes the following steps: a screen forming step of forming an X-ray image display screen based on the X-ray image generation software and a photographic condition setting screen based on the photographic condition setting software by simultaneously and individually executing, in one control device, the X-ray image generation software of a product of a first manufacturer and the photographic condition setting software of a product of a second manufacturer that is independent of the X-ray image generation software; and a screen display step of arranging and displaying the X-ray image display screen and the photographic condition setting screen in different areas of the display unit. Thus, by simultaneously and individually executing the X-ray image generation software and the photographic condition setting software of different manufacturers in one control device, an X-ray image display screen and a photographic condition setting screen can be formed, and the X-ray image display screen and the photographic condition setting screen can be displayed in different areas of the display unit. Therefore, an environment in which the X-ray image generation software and the photographic condition setting software that are independently set can be simultaneously and individually executed can be realized by being flexibly combined without being restricted by the manufacturers of the X-ray imaging apparatus and the X-ray detector.

[0018] In addition, as described above, in the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the second aspect, the control unit is a single control unit, and forms an X-ray image display screen based on the X-ray image generation software of the product of the first manufacturer and a shooting condition setting screen based on the shooting condition setting software of the product of the second manufacturer, which is independent of the X-ray image generation software, by simultaneously and individually executing the X-ray image generation software and the shooting condition setting software. Then, the X-ray image display screen and the shooting condition setting screen are arranged and displayed in different areas of the display unit. Thus, by simultaneously and individually executing the X-ray image generation software and the shooting condition setting software of different manufacturers in one control device, the X-ray image display screen and the shooting condition setting screen can be formed, and the X-ray image display screen and the shooting condition setting screen can be displayed in different areas of the display unit. Therefore, an environment in which the X-ray image generation software and the shooting condition setting software, which are independently set, can be simultaneously and individually executed can be realized by a flexible combination without being restricted by the manufacturers of the X-ray imaging apparatus and the X-ray detector.

[0019] In addition, as described above, in the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the third aspect, when the control unit arranges and displays the X-ray image display screen based on the X-ray image generation software and the imaging condition setting screen based on the imaging condition setting software independently provided from the X-ray image generation software in different areas of the display unit and forms the X-ray image display screen by the X-ray image generation software, the control unit controls to make the total number of pixels constituting the X-ray image display screen smaller than the total number of pixels of the entire display unit, and when forming the imaging condition setting screen by the imaging condition setting software, the control unit controls to make the total number of pixels constituting the imaging condition setting screen equal to or less than the number of pixels obtained by subtracting the total number of pixels of the X-ray image display screen from the total number of pixels of the entire display unit. By arranging and displaying the X-ray image display screen based on the X-ray image generation software and the imaging condition setting screen based on the imaging condition setting software in different areas of the display unit, it is possible to realize an environment in which the X-ray image generation software and the imaging condition setting software independently provided can be executed simultaneously and individually through a flexible combination without being restricted by the manufacturers of the X-ray imaging apparatus and the X-ray detector. In addition, by the X-ray image generation software, the X-ray image display screen is formed in such a way that the total number of pixels constituting the X-ray image display screen is smaller than the total number of pixels of the entire display unit in the X-ray imaging apparatus, and by the imaging condition setting software, the imaging condition setting screen is formed in such a way that the total number of pixels constituting the imaging condition setting screen is equal to or less than the number of pixels obtained by subtracting the total number of pixels of the X-ray image display screen from the total number of pixels of the entire display unit, and the X-ray image display screen and the imaging condition setting screen are arranged and displayed in different areas of the display unit. Thus, in an area other than the area for displaying the X-ray image display screen in one display unit, the imaging condition setting screen can be displayed. Therefore, both the X-ray image display screen based on the X-ray image generation software and the imaging condition setting screen based on the imaging condition setting software can be displayed on the display unit. Therefore, when the X-ray image generation software and the imaging condition setting software are not integrated, by displaying the X-ray image display screen and the imaging condition setting screen on one display unit, it is possible to suppress the complication of the structure of the display unit and the increase in the number of display units. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an X-ray image display screen and an imaging condition setting screen.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing a series of processes for the display processing of the X-ray image display screen and the imaging condition setting screen. Detailed implementation mode

[0024] Next, the implementation mode for specifically implementing the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings.

[0025] (Structure of the X-ray imaging apparatus)

[0026] Refer to Figures 1 to 3 to describe the structure of the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] As Figure 1 shown, the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 includes an X-ray irradiation unit 10, a moving mechanism 20, an X-ray detector 30, and a control device 40.

[0028] The X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is a medical X-ray imaging apparatus configured to perform X-ray imaging on a subject 1 (patient) as an imaging object. The X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is provided in an examination room 2 for performing medical procedures on the subject 1.

[0029] The X-ray irradiation unit 10 includes an X-ray source 11. The X-ray source 11 is configured to irradiate the subject 1 with X-rays.

[0030] The moving mechanism 20 is configured to hold the X-ray irradiation unit 10 in a movable manner. The moving mechanism 20 includes a ceiling hanger 21 and a support column portion 22. The moving mechanism 20 is supported by a rail 23 provided at the top of the imaging room. The ceiling hanger 21 is configured to be movable horizontally along the rail 23. The ceiling hanger 21 is configured to support the support column portion 22. The support column portion 22 is configured to support the X-ray irradiation unit 10. The support column portion 22 is configured to be telescopable in the vertical direction. The X-ray irradiation unit 10 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction through the support column portion 22.

[0031] The X-ray detector 30 is configured to detect the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiation unit 10. The X-ray detector 30 includes, for example, an FPD (Flat Panel Detector) in the DR (Digital Radiography) mode. The X-ray detector 30 is provided on a top plate 24 for taking pictures in a posture (lying position) where the subject 1 lies down. During X-ray imaging, the X-ray irradiation unit 10 is disposed at a position facing the X-ray detector 30 of the top plate 24 in the vertical direction. The X-ray imaging apparatus 100 images the subject 1 lying on the top plate 24 between the X-ray source 11 and the X-ray detector 30 facing each other in the vertical direction.

[0032] As Figure 2 shown, the control device 40 is constituted by, for example, a PC (Personal Computer). The control device 40 is constituted by one device. The control device 40 includes a control unit 50, a storage unit 60, and an input / output unit 41. The control device 40 is connected to a display unit 70 and an input unit 42.

[0033] The control unit 50 is, for example, a processor configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) configured for image processing. The control unit 50 is configured as a single control unit.

[0034] The control unit 50 generates an X-ray image based on the detection signal output from the X-ray detector 30 by executing the X-ray image generation software 61 (application software) stored in the storage unit 60. In addition, the control unit 50 forms an X-ray image display screen 71 for displaying the generated X-ray image by executing the X-ray image generation software 61 (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0035] In addition, the control unit 50 sets the imaging conditions for the X-ray image by executing the imaging condition setting software 62 (application software) stored in the storage unit 60. In addition, the control unit 50 forms an imaging condition setting screen 72 for setting the imaging conditions and displaying the set imaging conditions by executing the imaging condition setting software 62 (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0036] In addition, the control unit 50 controls to arrange and display the X-ray image display screen 71 (refer to Figure 3 ) based on the X-ray image generation software 61 and the imaging condition setting screen 72 (refer to Figure 3 ) based on the imaging condition setting software 62 in different areas of the display unit 70.

[0037] In addition, the control unit 50 performs the following control: by simultaneously and individually executing the X-ray image generation software 61 and the imaging condition setting software 62, an X-ray image display screen 71 based on the X-ray image generation software 61 and an imaging condition setting screen 72 based on the imaging condition setting software 62 are formed, and the X-ray image display screen 71 based on the X-ray image generation software 61 and the imaging condition setting screen 72 based on the imaging condition setting software 62 are displayed on the display unit 70.

[0038] The X-ray image generation software 61 is software for generating an X-ray image based on the detection signal output by the X-ray detector 30. In addition, the X-ray image generation software 61 is software for forming the X-ray image display screen 71 (refer to Figure 3 ) displayed on the display unit 70. In addition, the X-ray image generation software 61 is, for example, a product of the first manufacturer.

[0039] The imaging condition setting software 62 is software for setting the imaging conditions of the X-ray image. In addition, the imaging condition setting software 62 is the imaging condition setting software 62 that forms the imaging condition setting screen 72 (refer to Figure 3 ) displayed on the display unit 70. The imaging condition setting software 62 is provided independently of the X-ray image generation software 61. In addition, the imaging condition setting software 62 is, for example, a product of a second manufacturer different from the first manufacturer.

[0040] The storage unit 60 is configured to include a volatile storage device and a non-volatile storage device. The X-ray image generation software 61, the imaging condition setting software 62, the program 63, the setting information 64 of the X-ray imaging conditions of the X-ray imaging apparatus 100, the acquired X-ray image data 65, and the coordinate data 66 of the display positions of the X-ray image display screen 71 and the imaging condition setting screen 72 written into a setting file (not shown) are stored in the storage unit 60, etc.

[0041] The input / output unit 41 is composed of various interfaces for inputting and outputting signals to and from the control device 40. The input / output unit 41 is connected to the display unit 70 and the input unit 42. The display unit 70 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device or the like. The input unit 42 is, for example, a keyboard and a mouse or the like. The control unit 50 acquires the detection signal (image signal) from the X-ray detector 30 via the input / output unit 41. In addition, the control unit 50 controls the operation of starting or stopping imaging of the X-ray irradiation unit 10 via the input / output unit 41.

[0042] As Figure 3As shown, as an example, the display unit 70 is configured to include an X-ray image display screen 71 and a photography condition setting screen 72. In the display unit 70, the X-ray image display screen 71 and the photography condition setting screen 72 are arranged horizontally and displayed in different areas of the display unit 70. In the display unit 70, the X-ray image display screen 71 and the photography condition setting screen 72 are displayed in sequence from the left side of the display unit 70 when the user observes the display unit 70. In addition, for the sake of easy explanation, the X-ray image display screen 71 and the photography condition setting screen 72 are shown with thick lines.

[0043] The X-ray image display screen 71 includes an X-ray image display area 71a, a subject information display area 71b, a toolbar 71c, and an image processing operation area 71d. An X-ray image generated by an image generation unit 51 (to be described later) (refer to Figure 2 ) is displayed in the X-ray image display area 71a. Subject information related to the subject 1 that has been photographed with the displayed X-ray image is displayed in the subject information display area 71b. The subject information is, for example, the subject ID, the date of birth of the subject, the gender, etc. Through the input operation of the toolbar 71c, for example, the displayed X-ray image can be enlarged or reduced. Through the input operation of the image processing operation area 71d, for example, image processing such as grayscale processing can be performed.

[0044] Information on the photography conditions for X-ray photography that can be set by a photography condition setting unit 52 (to be described later) (refer to Figure 2 ) is displayed in the photography condition setting screen 72. In the photography condition setting screen 72, as an example, information 72a on the tube voltage of an X-ray tube (not shown) set by the user or initially set, information 72b on the tube current, information 72c on the X-ray irradiation time, and information 72d on the photography part of the subject 1 are displayed. In addition, in the photography condition setting screen 72, the photography condition setting unit 52 is configured to be able to change the settings of the tube voltage, tube current, X-ray irradiation time, and photography part of the subject 1 in the X-ray tube through the input operation of the user.

[0045] (Processing of the control unit)

[0046] Refer to Figure 2To describe the processing executed by the control unit 50. The control unit 50 composed of a CPU or the like as hardware includes an image generation unit 51, a shooting condition setting unit 52, a shooting control unit 53, and a display control unit 54 as functional blocks of software (application software) and a program 63. The control unit 50 functions as the image generation unit 51 by executing the X-ray image generation software 61 stored in the storage unit 60. In addition, the control unit 50 functions as the shooting condition setting unit 52 by executing the shooting condition setting software 62 stored in the storage unit 60. In addition, the control unit 50 functions as the display control unit 54 and the shooting control unit 53 by executing the program 63 stored in the storage unit 60.

[0047] The image generation unit 51 is configured to generate an X-ray image based on the X-rays detected by the X-ray detector 30 (refer to Figure 1 ). In addition, the image generation unit 51 is configured to form an X-ray image display screen 71 (refer to Figure 3 ). In addition, the image generation unit 51 is configured to display the generated X-ray image on the X-ray image display screen 71. In addition, the image generation unit 51 is configured to perform image processing such as grayscale processing on the X-ray image displayed on the X-ray image display screen 71 based on an input instruction of the user to the operation image.

[0048] The image generation unit 51 is configured to, when forming the X-ray image display screen 71 (refer to Figure 3 ) by executing the X-ray image generation software 61, perform control so that the total number of pixels constituting the X-ray image display screen 71 is controlled to be smaller than the total number of pixels of the entire display unit 70. Specifically, the image generation unit 51 is configured to, when forming the X-ray image display screen 71 by executing the X-ray image generation software 61, perform control so that the total number of pixels of the X-ray image display screen 71 is a total number of pixels pre-selected from a plurality of total numbers of pixels that are pre-set to be able to display the X-ray image display screen 71.

[0049] Here, the generally common software 61 for X-ray image generation is configured to perform full-screen display in a plurality of display units 70 having different total pixel numbers, so that it can perform display corresponding to various total pixel numbers. That is, the software 61 for X-ray image generation is configured to be able to perform full-screen display of the X-ray image display screen 71 in a display unit 70 having a total pixel number of, for example, horizontal pixel number 1920 × vertical pixel number 1080, a display unit 70 having a total pixel number of horizontal pixel number 1280 × vertical pixel number 1024, a display unit 70 having a total pixel number of horizontal pixel number 1600 × vertical pixel number 1200, a display unit 70 having a total pixel number of horizontal pixel number 800 × vertical pixel number 600, etc. The software 61 for X-ray image generation is configured to display the X-ray image display screen 71 with an appropriate total pixel number for full-screen display corresponding to the above-listed display unit 70 as an example, and when changing to a display unit 70 having a different total pixel number, switch to an appropriate total pixel number for full-screen display corresponding to the changed display unit 70 to display the X-ray image display screen 71.

[0050] In the present invention, while using the above-described software 61 for X-ray image generation, the image generation unit 51 does not form the X-ray image display screen 71 based on full-screen display in the display unit 70, but forms the X-ray image display screen 71 in the display unit 70 with a pixel number less than the total pixel number of the entire display unit 70. At this time, the total pixel number of the formed X-ray image display screen 71 is a total pixel number preselected from a plurality of total pixel numbers preset to be able to display the X-ray image display screen 71.

[0051] As an example, as Figure 3 shown, the software 61 for X-ray image generation is configured to be able to perform full-screen display of the X-ray image display screen 71 in a display unit 70 having a total pixel number of horizontal pixel number 1920 × vertical pixel number 1080, a display unit 70 having a total pixel number of horizontal pixel number 1280 × vertical pixel number 1024, a display unit 70 having a total pixel number of horizontal pixel number 1600 × vertical pixel number 1200, and a display unit 70 having a total pixel number of horizontal pixel number 800 × vertical pixel number 600, etc. When the display unit 70 has a total pixel number of horizontal pixel number 1920 × vertical pixel number 1080, the image generation unit 51 forms the X-ray image display screen 71 in the display unit 70 with a total pixel number of horizontal pixel number 1280 × vertical pixel number 1024 preselected from a plurality of preset total pixel numbers. In the present embodiment, the total pixel number of the X-ray image display screen 71 to be formed in the display unit 70 is selected when installing the X-ray imaging apparatus 100.

[0052] As Figure 2As shown, the imaging condition setting unit 52 is configured to form an imaging condition setting screen 72 (see Figure 3 ). In addition, the imaging condition setting unit 52 is configured to set the tube voltage, tube current, X-ray irradiation time of an X-ray tube (not shown), the imaging region of the subject 1, etc. based on an input instruction from the user. In addition, the imaging condition setting unit 52 is configured to display information 72a on the tube voltage of the X-ray tube set or initially set by the user, information 72b on the tube current, information 72c on the X-ray irradiation time, and information 72d on the imaging region of the subject 1, etc. in the imaging condition setting screen 72.

[0053] The imaging condition setting unit 52 is configured to control such that the total number of pixels constituting the imaging condition setting screen 72 becomes equal to or less than the number of pixels obtained by subtracting the total number of pixels of the X-ray image display screen 71 from the total number of pixels of the entire display unit 70 when forming the imaging condition setting screen 72 by executing the imaging condition setting software 62. Specifically, the imaging condition setting unit 52 is configured to control such that the total number of pixels of the imaging condition setting screen 72 becomes the total number of pixels preselected from among a plurality of total number of pixels that are pre-set to be capable of displaying the imaging condition setting screen 72 in the region of the display unit 70 where the X-ray image display screen 71 is not displayed.

[0054] Here, the imaging condition setting software 62 is configured to be able to form the imaging condition setting screen 72 with a plurality of total number of pixels corresponding to a plurality of X-ray image display screens 71 that are to be formed on a plurality of display units 70 having different total number of pixels. The imaging condition setting unit 52 forms the imaging condition setting screen 72 on the display unit 70 with a number of pixels equal to or less than the number of pixels obtained by subtracting the total number of pixels of the X-ray image display screen 71 from the total number of pixels of the entire display unit 70. At this time, the total number of pixels of the formed imaging condition setting screen 72 is the total number of pixels preselected from among a plurality of total number of pixels that are pre-set to be capable of displaying the imaging condition setting screen 72 in the region where the X-ray image display screen 71 is not displayed.

[0055] As an example, as Figure 3As shown, when the display unit 70 has a total number of pixels of horizontal pixel count 1920 × vertical pixel count 1080, and the image generation unit 51 forms the X-ray image display screen 71 with a total number of pixels of horizontally pre-selected pixel count 1280 × vertically pixel count 1024, the imaging condition setting unit 52 forms an imaging condition setting screen 72 in the display unit 70 with a total number of pixels of horizontally pre-selected pixel count 640 × vertically pixel count 1024 from among a plurality of pre-set total pixel counts. In the present embodiment, the total number of pixels of the imaging condition setting screen 72 to be formed in the display unit 70 is selected when the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is installed.

[0056] As Figure 2 shown, the imaging control unit 53 controls the X-ray source 11 to emit X-rays and controls the X-ray source 11 to stop emitting X-rays based on the imaging conditions set by the imaging condition setting unit 52.

[0057] The display control unit 54 is configured to arrange and display the X-ray image display screen 71 based on the X-ray image generation software 61 and the imaging condition setting screen 72 based on the imaging condition setting software 62 in different regions of the display unit 70.

[0058] The display control unit 54 is configured to display the X-ray image display screen 71 formed by the image generation unit 51 in the display unit 70 in a state where it cannot be enlarged or reduced and with its position and size fixed. In addition, the display control unit 54 is configured to display the imaging condition setting screen 72 formed by the imaging condition setting unit 52 in the display unit 70 in a state where it cannot be enlarged or reduced and with its position and size fixed.

[0059] As an example, as Figure 3 shown, the display control unit 54 is configured to display the X-ray image display screen 71 in the left side of the display unit 70 in a state where it cannot be enlarged or reduced and with its position and size fixed with a total number of pixels of horizontally 1280 × vertically 1024. In addition, the display control unit 54 is configured to display the imaging condition setting screen 72 in the right side of the display unit 70 in a state where it cannot be enlarged or reduced and with its position and size fixed with a total number of pixels of horizontally 640 × vertically 1024.

[0060] That is, the display control unit 54 is configured to prohibit the user from changing the display size of each of the X-ray image display screen 71 and the imaging condition setting screen 72, changing the display position of each screen, or displaying only one of the screens during the startup period of the control device 40. Thus, the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is configured to automatically display the X-ray image display screen 71 and the imaging condition setting screen 72 in the display unit 70 in a state where they cannot be enlarged or reduced and with their positions and sizes fixed during the period from when the power of the control device 40 is turned on to when the power of the control device 40 is turned off.

[0061] In addition, as an example, the display control unit 54 is configured to arrange and display the X-ray image display screen 71 and the imaging condition setting screen 72 in the left-right direction of the display unit 70. The display control unit 54 sequentially displays the X-ray image display screen 71 and the imaging condition setting screen 72 in a non-overlapping manner starting from the left side of the display unit 70 when the user observes the display unit 70.

[0062] In addition, as an example, the display control unit 54 controls the position of one end 71e in the left-right direction of the X-ray image display screen 71 to be located at one end 70a in the left-right direction of the display unit 70, and controls the position of the other end 71f in the left-right direction of the X-ray image display screen 71 to be a position based on the total number of pixels of the X-ray image display screen 71 selected in advance.

[0063] In the present embodiment, the display control unit 54 controls the position of the left end (one end 71e in the left-right direction of the X-ray image display screen 71) in the left-right direction of the X-ray image display screen 71 to be located at the left end in the left-right direction of the display unit 70 (one end 70a in the left-right direction of the display unit 70), and sets the position of the right end (the other end 71f in the left-right direction of the X-ray image display screen 71) in the left-right direction of the X-ray image display screen 71 to be a position based on the total number of pixels of the X-ray image display screen 71 selected in advance. That is, for example, when the display unit 70 has a total number of pixels of X coordinate 1920 × Y coordinate 1080 and the X-ray image display screen 71 is formed by a total number of pixels of horizontal pixel number 1280 × vertical pixel number 1024, the display control unit 54 is configured to display the X-ray image display screen 71 within the range of X coordinate 0 to 1280.

[0064] In addition, as an example, the display control unit 54 controls the position of one end 72e in the left-right direction of the imaging condition setting screen 72 to be located at the other end 70b in the left-right direction of the display unit 70, and controls the position of the other end 72f in the left-right direction of the imaging condition setting screen 72 to be a position based on the total number of pixels of the imaging condition setting screen 72 selected in advance.

[0065] In the present embodiment, the display control unit 54 controls such that the position of the right end in the left-right direction of the imaging condition setting screen 72 (one end 72e in the left-right direction of the imaging condition setting screen 72) is located at the right end in the left-right direction of the display unit 70 (the other end 70b in the left-right direction of the display unit 70), and sets the position of the left end in the left-right direction of the imaging condition setting screen 72 (the other end 72f in the left-right direction of the imaging condition setting screen 72) to a position based on the total number of pixels of the imaging condition setting screen 72 selected in advance. That is, for example, when the display unit 70 has a total number of pixels of X coordinate 1920 × Y coordinate 1080, the X-ray image display screen 71 is formed by a total number of pixels of horizontal pixel number 1280 × vertical pixel number 1024, and the imaging condition setting screen 72 is formed by a total number of pixels of horizontal pixel number 640 × vertical pixel number 1024, the display control unit 54 is configured to display the imaging condition setting screen 72 within the range of X coordinate from 1281 to 1920.

[0066] In the present embodiment, when the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is installed, the coordinate data 66 of the display position is written and saved in the setting file so that the range of the X coordinate is 0 to 1280 as the screen position of the X-ray image display screen 71. In addition, when the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is installed, the coordinate data 66 of the display position is written and saved in the setting file so that the range of the X coordinate is 1281 to 1920 as the screen position of the imaging condition setting screen 72. In addition, when the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is installed, regarding the vertical position as well, the coordinate data 66 of the display position is written and saved in the setting file so that the range of the Y coordinate is 29 to 1052 as the screen positions of the X-ray image display screen 71 and the imaging condition setting screen 72. That is, the coordinate data 66 of the display position is written in the setting file so that distances corresponding to 28 pixel numbers are respectively left at the upper end and the lower end of the display unit 70 as the screen positions of the X-ray image display screen 71 and the imaging condition setting screen 72. When the X-ray image generation software 61 and the imaging condition setting software 62 are started (executed), the display control unit 54 reads the setting file, and thereby displays the X-ray image display screen 71 and the imaging condition setting screen 72 based on the coordinate data 66 of the display position.

[0067] (Display processing of X-ray image display screen and imaging condition setting screen)

[0068] Refer to Figure 4 to describe a series of processes of the display processing of the X-ray image display screen 71 and the imaging condition setting screen 72 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] In step S1, when the software 61 for generating X-ray images and the software 62 for setting imaging conditions are started (executed), the display control unit 54 obtains the coordinate data 66 of the display positions of the set X-ray image display screen 71 and the imaging condition setting screen 72 by reading the setting file. After that, the process proceeds to step S2.

[0070] In step S2, the image generation unit 51 forms the X-ray image display screen 71 by means of the software 61 for generating X-ray images. After that, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0071] In step S3, the imaging condition setting unit 52 forms the imaging condition setting screen 72 by means of the software 62 for setting imaging conditions. After that, the process proceeds to step S4. Additionally, regarding the order of step S1, step S2, and step S3, any of these steps can come first, and these steps can also be performed simultaneously.

[0072] In step S4, the display control unit 54 causes the X-ray image display screen 71 and the imaging condition setting screen 72 to be displayed on the display unit 70. After that, the process ends.

[0073] (Effect of this Embodiment)

[0074] In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0075] In the present embodiment, as described above, the display method in the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 includes the following steps: a screen formation step of forming an X-ray image display screen 71 based on the X-ray image generation software 61 and a shooting condition setting screen 72 based on the shooting condition setting software 62 by simultaneously and individually executing, in one control device 40, the X-ray image generation software 61 of a product of a first manufacturer and the shooting condition setting software 62 of a product of a second manufacturer different from the first manufacturer, where the X-ray image generation software 61 is X-ray image generation software that generates an X-ray image based on a detection signal output from the X-ray detector 30 and forms the X-ray image display screen 71, and the shooting condition setting software 62 is shooting condition setting software that is independent of the X-ray image generation software 61, sets the shooting conditions for the X-ray image, and forms the shooting condition setting screen 72; and a screen display step of arranging and displaying the X-ray image display screen 71 and the shooting condition setting screen 72 in different areas of the display unit 70. Thus, by simultaneously and individually executing the X-ray image generation software 61 and the shooting condition setting software 62 of different manufacturers in one control device 40, the X-ray image display screen 71 and the shooting condition setting screen 72 can be formed, and the X-ray image display screen 71 and the shooting condition setting screen 72 can be displayed in different areas of the display unit 70. Therefore, an environment in which the independently provided X-ray image generation software 61 and the shooting condition setting software 62 can be simultaneously and individually executed can be realized by a flexible combination without being restricted by the manufacturers of the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 and the X-ray detector 30.

[0076] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, by configuring as follows, the following effects can be further obtained.

[0077] That is, in the present embodiment, as described above, in the screen forming step, the X-ray image generation software 61 forms the X-ray image display screen 71 such that the total number of pixels constituting the X-ray image display screen 71 is smaller than the total number of pixels of the entire display unit 70, and the imaging condition setting software 62 forms the imaging condition setting screen 72 such that the total number of pixels constituting the imaging condition setting screen 72 is equal to or less than the number of pixels obtained by subtracting the total number of pixels of the X-ray image display screen 71 from the total number of pixels of the entire display unit 70. Thus, in one display unit 70, the imaging condition setting screen 72 can be displayed in an area other than the area where the X-ray image display screen 71 is displayed. Therefore, the display unit 70 can display both the X-ray image display screen 71 based on the X-ray image generation software 61 and the imaging condition setting screen 72 based on the imaging condition setting software 62. Therefore, when the X-ray image generation software 61 and the imaging condition setting software 62 are not integrated, by displaying the X-ray image display screen 71 and the imaging condition setting screen 72 on one display unit 70, the complication of the structure of the display unit 70 and the increase in the number of display units 70 can be suppressed.

[0078] In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, in the screen forming step, the X-ray image generation software 61 forms the X-ray image display screen 71 such that the total number of pixels of the X-ray image display screen 71 is a total number of pixels preselected from a plurality of total numbers of pixels that are preset to be capable of displaying the X-ray image display screen 71, and the imaging condition setting software 62 forms the imaging condition setting screen 72 such that the total number of pixels of the imaging condition setting screen 72 is a total number of pixels preselected from a plurality of total numbers of pixels that are preset to be capable of displaying the imaging condition setting screen 72 in the area of the display unit 70 where the X-ray image display screen 71 is not displayed. By selecting the total number of pixels of the X-ray image display screen 71 from a plurality of total numbers of pixels that are preset to be capable of displaying the X-ray image display screen 71, the existing X-ray image generation software 61 can be directly used to form the imaging condition setting screen 72. In addition, the total number of pixels of the imaging condition setting screen 72 can be selected from a plurality of total numbers of pixels based on the selected total number of pixels of the X-ray image display screen 71. For these reasons, when the X-ray image generation software 61 and the imaging condition setting software 62 are not integrated, the X-ray image display screen 71 and the imaging condition setting screen 72 can be easily displayed on one display unit 70.

[0079] In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, in the screen display step, the X-ray image display screen 71 formed by the X-ray image generation software 61 is displayed on the display unit 70 in a state where it cannot be enlarged or reduced and in a manner that fixes the position and size, and the imaging condition setting screen 72 formed by the imaging condition setting software 62 is displayed on the display unit 70 in a state where it cannot be enlarged or reduced and in a manner that fixes the position and size. Here, since the X-ray image display screen 71 and the imaging condition setting screen 72 are screens that display information required in X-ray imaging, they need to be displayed on the display unit 70 during the X-ray imaging process. By displaying the X-ray image display screen 71 and the imaging condition setting screen 72 on the display unit 70 in a state where they cannot be enlarged or reduced and in a manner that fixes the position and size, it is possible to suppress the situation where part or all of the X-ray image display screen 71 and the imaging condition setting screen 72 are no longer displayed due to a change in the display position or display size of the screen during the X-ray imaging process.

[0080] In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, in the screen display step, the X-ray image display screen 71 and the imaging condition setting screen 72 are arranged and displayed in the left-right direction on the display unit 70. One end position of the X-ray image display screen 71 in the left-right direction formed by the X-ray image generation software 61 is displayed so as to be located at one end in the left-right direction of the display unit 70, and the other end position of the X-ray image display screen 71 in the left-right direction is displayed so as to be a position based on the total number of pixels of the pre-selected X-ray image display screen 71. One end position of the imaging condition setting screen 72 in the left-right direction formed by the imaging condition setting software 62 is displayed so as to be located at the other end in the left-right direction of the display unit 70, and the other end position of the imaging condition setting screen 72 in the left-right direction is displayed so as to be a position based on the total number of pixels of the pre-selected imaging condition setting screen 72. Thus, in the case where the X-ray image generation software 61 and the imaging condition setting software 62 are not integrated, it is possible to easily display the X-ray image display screen 71 and the imaging condition setting screen 72 on one display unit 70.

[0081] In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, the displayed imaging condition setting screen 72 is configured to be able to set at least the tube voltage, tube current, and irradiation time. Thus, in the imaging condition setting screen 72 displayed on the display unit 70, it is possible to easily set the tube voltage, tube current, and X-ray irradiation time of an X-ray tube (not shown), and it is possible to easily visually confirm the tube voltage, tube current, and X-ray irradiation time of the X-ray tube (not shown).

[0082] In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 includes: an X-ray source 11 that irradiates an X-ray to a subject; an X-ray detector 30 that detects the X-ray irradiated from the X-ray source 11; a display unit 70; and a single control unit 50 that forms an X-ray image display screen 71 based on the X-ray image generation software 61, which is a product of a first manufacturer, and a photographing condition setting screen 72 based on the photographing condition setting software 62, which is a product of a second manufacturer different from the first manufacturer, by simultaneously and individually executing the X-ray image generation software 61 and the photographing condition setting software 62, and arranges and displays the X-ray image display screen 71 based on the X-ray image generation software 61 and the photographing condition setting screen 72 based on the photographing condition setting software 62 in different areas of the display unit 70. The X-ray image generation software 61 is X-ray image generation software that generates an X-ray image based on a detection signal output from the X-ray detector 30 and forms an X-ray image display screen, and the photographing condition setting software 62 is photographing condition setting software that is independent of the X-ray image generation software 61, sets the photographing conditions of the X-ray image, and forms the photographing condition setting screen 72. Thus, by simultaneously and individually executing the X-ray image generation software 61 and the photographing condition setting software 62, which are products of different manufacturers, in one control device 40, the X-ray image display screen 71 and the photographing condition setting screen 72 can be formed, and the X-ray image display screen 71 and the photographing condition setting screen 72 can be displayed in different areas of the display unit 70. Therefore, an environment in which the independently provided X-ray image generation software 61 and the photographing condition setting software 62 can be simultaneously and individually executed can be realized by a flexible combination without being restricted by the manufacturers of the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 and the X-ray detector 30.

[0083] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, by configuring as follows, the following effects can be further obtained.

[0084] That is, in the present embodiment, as described above, when the control unit 50 forms the X-ray image display screen 71 using the X-ray image generation software 61, it controls so that the total number of pixels constituting the X-ray image display screen 71 is smaller than the total number of pixels of the entire display unit 70. Further, when forming the imaging condition setting screen 72 using the imaging condition setting software 62, it controls so that the total number of pixels constituting the imaging condition setting screen 72 is equal to or less than the number of pixels obtained by subtracting the total number of pixels of the X-ray image display screen 71 from the total number of pixels of the entire display unit 70. Thus, in one display unit 70, the imaging condition setting screen 72 can be displayed in an area other than the area for displaying the X-ray image display screen 71. Therefore, the display unit 70 can display both the X-ray image display screen 71 based on the X-ray image generation software 61 and the imaging condition setting screen 72 based on the imaging condition setting software 62. Accordingly, when the X-ray image generation software 61 and the imaging condition setting software 62 are not integrated, by displaying the X-ray image display screen 71 and the imaging condition setting screen 72 on one display unit 70, it is possible to suppress the complication of the structure of the display unit 70 and the increase in the number of display units 70.

[0085] In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 includes: an X-ray source 11 that irradiates an X-ray to a subject; an X-ray detector 30 that detects the X-ray irradiated from the X-ray source 11; a display unit 70; and a control unit 50 that causes an X-ray image display screen 71 based on the X-ray image generation software 61 and a photographic condition setting screen 72 based on the photographic condition setting software 62 to be arranged and displayed in different areas of the display unit 70. The X-ray image generation software 61 is X-ray image generation software that generates an X-ray image based on a detection signal output from the X-ray detector 30 and forms the X-ray image display screen 71. The photographic condition setting software 62 is X-ray image generation software that is independently set from the X-ray image generation software 61, sets photographic conditions for the X-ray image, and forms the photographic condition setting screen 72. The control unit 50 controls such that the total number of pixels constituting the X-ray image display screen 71 becomes smaller than the total number of pixels of the entire display unit 70 when forming the X-ray image display screen 71 by the X-ray image generation software 61, and controls such that the total number of pixels constituting the photographic condition setting screen 72 becomes equal to or less than the number of pixels obtained by subtracting the total number of pixels of the X-ray image display screen 71 from the total number of pixels of the entire display unit 70 when forming the photographic condition setting screen 72 by the photographic condition setting software 62. By arranging and displaying the X-ray image display screen 71 based on the X-ray image generation software 61 and the photographic condition setting screen 72 based on the photographic condition setting software 62 in different areas of the display unit 70, it is possible to achieve an environment in which the X-ray image generation software 61 and the photographic condition setting software 62, which are independently set, can be executed simultaneously and individually through a flexible combination without being restricted by the manufacturers of the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 and the X-ray detector 30. In addition, the X-ray image generation software 61 forms the X-ray image display screen 71 such that the total number of pixels constituting the X-ray image display screen 71 is smaller than the total number of pixels of the entire display unit 70 in the X-ray imaging apparatus 100. The photographic condition setting software 62 forms the photographic condition setting screen 72 such that the total number of pixels constituting the photographic condition setting screen 72 is equal to or less than the number of pixels obtained by subtracting the total number of pixels of the X-ray image display screen 71 from the total number of pixels of the entire display unit 70, and arranges and displays the X-ray image display screen 71 and the photographic condition setting screen 72 in different areas of the display unit 70. Thus, in one display unit 70, the photographic condition setting screen 72 can be displayed in an area other than the area where the X-ray image display screen 71 is displayed. Therefore, both the X-ray image display screen 71 based on the X-ray image generation software 61 and the photographic condition setting screen 72 based on the photographic condition setting software 62 can be displayed on the display unit 70.Therefore, in the case where the software 61 for X-ray image generation and the software 62 for setting imaging conditions are not integrated, by displaying the X-ray image display screen 71 and the imaging condition setting screen 72 on one display unit 70, it is possible to suppress the complication of the structure of the display unit 70 and the increase in the number of display units 70.

[0086] [Modification Example]

[0087] In addition, it should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is not shown by the description of the above embodiments, but is shown by the claims, and also includes all changes (modification examples) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0088] For example, in the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the X-ray imaging apparatus is configured to perform imaging in a posture (lying position) in which the subject lies down, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the X-ray imaging apparatus may also be configured to perform imaging in a posture (standing position) in which the subject stands up.

[0089] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the X-ray imaging apparatus is a top-running general X-ray imaging apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may also be an X-ray CT (computed tomography) apparatus, a mammography apparatus, or the like.

[0090] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the X-ray image display screen based on the software for X-ray image generation and the imaging condition setting screen based on the software for setting imaging conditions are arranged and displayed in different areas of the display unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in addition to the X-ray image display screen and the imaging condition setting screen, a screen based on software different from the software for X-ray image generation and the software for setting imaging conditions may also be arranged and displayed in different areas of the display unit.

[0091] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example is shown in which control is performed so that the total number of pixels of the X-ray image display screen becomes a total number of pixels preselected from a plurality of total numbers of pixels preset to be able to display the X-ray image display screen, and control is performed so that the total number of pixels of the imaging condition setting screen becomes a total number of pixels preselected from a plurality of total numbers of pixels preset to be able to display the imaging condition setting screen in an area of the display unit where the X-ray image display screen is not displayed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one total number of pixels of the X-ray image display screen and one total number of pixels of the imaging condition setting screen may also be correspondingly determined in advance for the total number of pixels of the display unit.

[0092] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the total number of pixels of the X-ray image display screen and the total number of pixels of the imaging condition setting screen to be formed in the display unit are selected when the X-ray imaging apparatus is installed, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it may be configured such that the total number of pixels of the X-ray image display screen and the total number of pixels of the imaging condition setting screen can be re-selected and changed during the startup period of the control device.

[0093] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the X-ray image display screen and the imaging condition setting screen are displayed in a state where they cannot be enlarged or reduced and in a manner where the position and size are fixed in the display unit, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the X-ray image display screen and the imaging condition setting screen may also be displayed in a state where they can be enlarged or reduced and in a manner where the position and size can be changed in the display unit.

[0094] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the X-ray image display screen and the imaging condition setting screen are arranged and displayed in the left-right direction of the display unit, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the X-ray image display screen and the imaging condition setting screen may also be arranged and displayed in the up-down direction of the display unit.

[0095] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the X-ray image display screen is displayed on the left side of the display unit and the imaging condition setting screen is displayed on the right side of the display unit, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it may also be that the X-ray image display screen is displayed on the right side of the display unit and the imaging condition setting screen is displayed on the left side of the display unit.

[0096] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the position of the left end of the X-ray image display screen is located at the left end of the display unit and the position of the right end of the imaging condition setting screen is located at the right end of the display unit, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it may also be that the position of the left end of the X-ray image display screen is a position away from the left end of the display unit and the position of the right end of the imaging condition setting screen is a position away from the right end of the display unit.

[0097] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which when setting the imaging conditions of the X-ray image by the imaging condition setting software, at least the tube voltage, tube current, and X-ray irradiation time are set, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it may also be configured to set any one of the tube voltage, tube current, and X-ray irradiation time.

[0098] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the display unit has a total number of pixels of 1920 horizontal pixels × 1080 vertical pixels, the X-ray image display screen has a total number of pixels of 1280 horizontal pixels × 1024 vertical pixels, and the imaging condition setting screen has a total number of pixels of 640 horizontal pixels × 1024 vertical pixels. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. There is no particular limitation on the total number of pixels of the display unit, the X-ray image display screen, and the imaging condition setting screen.

[0099] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the acquired X-ray image data is stored in the storage unit. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the acquired X-ray image data may be stored in a server device (not shown). The server device is, for example, a computer. The server device has, for example, a CPU, a GPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. as a hardware configuration. In addition, the server device includes a non-volatile storage medium. In addition, in this case, the server device is configured to be able to communicate with the control device of the X-ray imaging device.

[0100] [Aspect]

[0101] Those skilled in the art should understand that the above exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following aspects.

[0102] (Item 1)

[0103] A display method in an X-ray imaging device, comprising the following steps: a screen forming step of forming an X-ray image display screen based on the X-ray image generation software and an imaging condition setting screen based on the imaging condition setting software by simultaneously and individually executing, in one control device, the X-ray image generation software of a product of a first manufacturer and the imaging condition setting software of a product of a second manufacturer different from the first manufacturer, wherein the X-ray image generation software is X-ray image generation software that generates an X-ray image based on a detection signal output by an X-ray detector and forms the X-ray image display screen, and the imaging condition setting software is imaging condition setting software that is independent of the X-ray image generation software, sets the imaging conditions of the X-ray image, and forms the imaging condition setting screen; and

[0104] a screen display step of arranging and displaying the X-ray image display screen and the imaging condition setting screen in different areas of a display unit.

[0105] (Item 2)

[0106] The display method in the X-ray imaging apparatus according to Item 1, wherein, in the step of forming the screen, the X-ray image display screen is formed by the software for generating the X-ray image such that the total number of pixels constituting the X-ray image display screen is smaller than the total number of pixels of the entire display unit, and the imaging condition setting screen is formed by the software for setting the imaging conditions such that the total number of pixels constituting the imaging condition setting screen is equal to or less than the number of pixels obtained by subtracting the total number of pixels of the X-ray image display screen from the total number of pixels of the entire display unit.

[0107] (Item 3)

[0108] The display method in the X-ray imaging apparatus according to Item 2, wherein, in the step of forming the screen, the X-ray image display screen is formed by the software for generating the X-ray image such that the total number of pixels of the X-ray image display screen is the number of pixels preselected from among a plurality of the total number of pixels preset to be capable of displaying the X-ray image display screen, and the imaging condition setting screen is formed by the software for setting the imaging conditions such that the total number of pixels of the imaging condition setting screen is the number of pixels preselected from among a plurality of the total number of pixels preset to be capable of displaying the imaging condition setting screen in the area of the display unit where the X-ray image display screen is not displayed.

[0109] (Item 4)

[0110] The display method in the X-ray imaging apparatus according to Item 3, wherein, in the step of displaying the screen, the X-ray image display screen formed by the software for generating the X-ray image is displayed in the display unit in a state where it cannot be enlarged or reduced and with its position and size fixed, and the imaging condition setting screen formed by the software for setting the imaging conditions is displayed in the display unit in a state where it cannot be enlarged or reduced and with its position and size fixed.

[0111] (Item 5)

[0112] The display method in the X-ray imaging apparatus according to Item 4, wherein, in the step of displaying the screen, the X-ray image display screen and the imaging condition setting screen are arranged and displayed in the left-right direction of the display unit.

[0113] The position of one end in the left - right direction of the X - ray image display screen formed by the X - ray image generation software is displayed so as to be located at one end in the left - right direction of the display unit, and the position of the other end in the left - right direction of the X - ray image display screen is displayed so as to be a position based on the total number of pixels of the pre - selected X - ray image display screen.

[0114] The position of one end in the left - right direction of the imaging condition setting screen formed by the imaging condition setting software is displayed so as to be located at the other end in the left - right direction of the display unit, and the position of the other end in the left - right direction of the imaging condition setting screen is displayed so as to be a position based on the total number of pixels of the pre - selected imaging condition setting screen.

[0115] (Item 6)

[0116] According to the display method in the X - ray imaging apparatus according to Item 5, wherein the displayed imaging condition setting screen is configured to be capable of setting at least tube voltage, tube current, and X - ray irradiation time.

[0117] (Item 7)

[0118] An X - ray imaging apparatus includes:

[0119] An X - ray source that irradiates an object to be examined with X - rays;

[0120] An X - ray detector that detects the X - rays irradiated by the X - ray source;

[0121] A display unit; and

[0122] A single control unit that forms an X - ray image display screen based on the X - ray image generation software and an imaging condition setting screen based on the imaging condition setting software by simultaneously and individually executing the X - ray image generation software of a product of a first manufacturer and the imaging condition setting software of a product of a second manufacturer different from the first manufacturer, and arranges and displays the X - ray image display screen based on the X - ray image generation software and the imaging condition setting screen based on the imaging condition setting software in different areas of the display unit, wherein the X - ray image generation software is X - ray image generation software that generates the X - ray image based on the detection signal output by the X - ray detector and forms the X - ray image display screen, and the imaging condition setting software is imaging condition setting software that is independent of the X - ray image generation software, sets the imaging conditions of the X - ray image, and forms the imaging condition setting screen.

[0123] (Item 8)

[0124] The X-ray imaging apparatus according to Item 7, wherein when forming the X-ray image display screen by the X-ray image generation software, the control unit controls to make the total number of pixels constituting the X-ray image display screen smaller than the total number of pixels of the entire display unit, and when forming the imaging condition setting screen by the imaging condition setting software, controls to make the total number of pixels constituting the imaging condition setting screen equal to or less than the number of pixels obtained by subtracting the total number of pixels of the X-ray image display screen from the total number of pixels of the entire display unit.

[0125] (Item 9)

[0126] An X-ray imaging apparatus, comprising:

[0127] An X-ray source that irradiates an X-ray to a subject;

[0128] An X-ray detector that detects the X-ray irradiated from the X-ray source;

[0129] A display unit; and

[0130] A control unit that arranges and displays an X-ray image display screen based on X-ray image generation software and an imaging condition setting screen based on imaging condition setting software in different areas of the display unit, wherein the X-ray image generation software is X-ray image generation software that generates an X-ray image based on a detection signal output from the X-ray detector and forms an X-ray image display screen, and the imaging condition setting software is imaging condition setting software that is independently set from the X-ray image generation software, sets the imaging conditions of the X-ray image, and forms the imaging condition setting screen,

[0131] wherein when forming the X-ray image display screen by the X-ray image generation software, the control unit controls to make the total number of pixels constituting the X-ray image display screen smaller than the total number of pixels of the entire display unit, and when forming the imaging condition setting screen by the imaging condition setting software, controls to make the total number of pixels constituting the imaging condition setting screen equal to or less than the number of pixels obtained by subtracting the total number of pixels of the X-ray image display screen from the total number of pixels of the entire display unit.

[0132] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0133] 1: Subject; 11: X-ray source; 30: X-ray detector; 40: Control device; 50: Control unit; 61: Software for generating X-ray images; 62: Software for setting imaging conditions; 70: Display unit; 70a: One end of the display unit in the left-right direction; 70b: The other end of the display unit in the left-right direction; 71: X-ray image display screen; 71e: One end of the X-ray image display screen in the left-right direction; 71f: The other end of the X-ray image display screen in the left-right direction; 72: Imaging condition setting screen; 72e: One end of the imaging condition setting screen in the left-right direction; 72f: The other end of the imaging condition setting screen in the left-right direction; 100: X-ray imaging apparatus.

Claims

1. A display method in an X-ray imaging apparatus, comprising the following steps: A screen forming step of forming an X-ray image display screen based on the X-ray image generation software and a photographing condition setting screen based on the photographing condition setting software by simultaneously and individually executing, in a control device, the X-ray image generation software of a product of a first manufacturer and the photographing condition setting software of a product of a second manufacturer different from the first manufacturer, wherein the X-ray image generation software is X-ray image generation software that generates an X-ray image based on a detection signal output by an X-ray detector and forms the X-ray image display screen, and the photographing condition setting software is photographing condition setting software that is independent of the X-ray image generation software, sets the photographing conditions of the X-ray image, and forms the photographing condition setting screen; and A screen display step of arranging and displaying the X-ray image display screen and the photographing condition setting screen in different areas of a display unit.

2. The display method in an X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the screen forming step, the X-ray image generation software forms the X-ray image display screen in such a manner that the total number of pixels constituting the X-ray image display screen is smaller than the total number of pixels of the entire display unit, and the photographing condition setting software forms the photographing condition setting screen in such a manner that the total number of pixels constituting the photographing condition setting screen is equal to or less than the number of pixels obtained by subtracting the total number of pixels of the X-ray image display screen from the total number of pixels of the entire display unit.

3. The display method in an X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein in the screen forming step, the X-ray image generation software forms the X-ray image display screen in such a manner that the total number of pixels of the X-ray image display screen is a total number of pixels preselected from a plurality of total number of pixels preset to be capable of displaying the X-ray image display screen, and the photographing condition setting software forms the photographing condition setting screen in such a manner that the total number of pixels of the photographing condition setting screen is a total number of pixels preselected from a plurality of total number of pixels preset to be capable of displaying the photographing condition setting screen in an area of the display unit where the X-ray image display screen is not displayed.

4. The display method in an X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein in the screen display step, the X-ray image display screen formed by the X-ray image generation software is displayed in the display unit in a state where it cannot be enlarged or reduced and with its position and size fixed, and the photographing condition setting screen formed by the photographing condition setting software is displayed in the display unit in a state where it cannot be enlarged or reduced and with its position and size fixed.

5. The display method in the X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, in the screen display step, the X-ray image display screen and the imaging condition setting screen are arranged and displayed in the left-right direction of the display unit, the position of one end in the left-right direction of the X-ray image display screen formed by the X-ray image generation software is displayed so as to be located at one end in the left-right direction of the display unit, and the position of the other end in the left-right direction of the X-ray image display screen is displayed so as to be a position based on the total number of pixels of the pre-selected X-ray image display screen, the position of one end in the left-right direction of the imaging condition setting screen formed by the imaging condition setting software is displayed so as to be located at the other end in the left-right direction of the display unit, and the position of the other end in the left-right direction of the imaging condition setting screen is displayed so as to be a position based on the total number of pixels of the pre-selected imaging condition setting screen.

6. The display method in the X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, the displayed imaging condition setting screen is configured to be able to set at least tube voltage, tube current, and X-ray irradiation time.

7. An X-ray imaging apparatus, comprising: an X-ray source that irradiates an X-ray to a subject; an X-ray detector that detects the X-ray irradiated from the X-ray source; a display unit; and A single control unit that forms an X-ray image display screen based on the X-ray image generation software and a photographic condition setting screen based on the photographic condition setting software by simultaneously and individually executing the X-ray image generation software for the products of the first manufacturer and the photographic condition setting software for the products of the second manufacturer different from the first manufacturer, and arranges and displays the X-ray image display screen based on the X-ray image generation software and the photographic condition setting screen based on the photographic condition setting software in different areas of the display unit, where, the X-ray image generation software is X-ray image generation software that generates an X-ray image based on a detection signal output from the X-ray detector and forms the X-ray image display screen, and the imaging condition setting software is imaging condition setting software that is independent of the X-ray image generation software, sets the imaging conditions of the X-ray image, and forms the imaging condition setting screen.

8. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, when forming the X-ray image display screen by the X-ray image generation software, the control unit controls so that the total number of pixels constituting the X-ray image display screen becomes a smaller number of pixels than the total number of pixels of the entire display unit, and when forming the imaging condition setting screen by the imaging condition setting software, the control unit controls so that the total number of pixels constituting the imaging condition setting screen becomes equal to or less than the number of pixels obtained by subtracting the total number of pixels of the X-ray image display screen from the total number of pixels of the entire display unit.

9. An X-ray imaging apparatus, comprising: an X-ray source that irradiates an X-ray to a subject; an X-ray detector that detects the X-ray irradiated from the X-ray source; a display unit; and A control unit that arranges and displays an X-ray image display screen based on X-ray image generation software and a photographic condition setting screen based on photographic condition setting software in different areas of the display unit, wherein The software for X-ray image generation is software for X-ray image generation that generates an X-ray image based on the detection signal output by the X-ray detector and forms the X-ray image display screen. The software for setting photographic conditions is software for setting photographic conditions of the X-ray image and forming the photographic condition setting screen, which is set independently of the software for X-ray image generation. Among them, when forming the X-ray image display screen through the software for X-ray image generation, the control unit controls to make the total number of pixels constituting the X-ray image display screen smaller than the total number of pixels of the entire display unit. Also, when forming the photographic condition setting screen through the software for setting photographic conditions, the control unit controls to make the total number of pixels constituting the photographic condition setting screen equal to or less than the number of pixels obtained by subtracting the total number of pixels of the X-ray image display screen from the total number of pixels of the entire display unit.

Images