Processing device and radiographic system

Abstract

To provide a processing device and a radiographic system which suppress the elongation of a time between pre-exposure and main exposure.SOLUTION: The processing device comprises: a determination unit which with the start timing of main exposure which exposes a subject to radiation, determines whether the main exposure condition of the main exposure derived based on pre-exposure performed before the main exposure is usable or not; and a processing unit which changes the execution mode of the main exposure in accordance with a result of the determination by the determination unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing device and a radiation imaging system. [Background technology]

[0002] Among radiation imaging systems, those having an automatic exposure control function for performing a main exposure and a pre-exposure performed before the main exposure when capturing a radiation image are known. In this type of automatic exposure control function, a pre-exposure is performed at a lower dose than the main exposure, and exposure conditions such as a dose for performing the main exposure are determined based on the obtained pre-exposure image and supplementary information linked to the pre-exposure image (e.g., the irradiation time in the pre-exposure).

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration for determining whether a pre-exposure image has been appropriately captured by image analysis of the pre-exposure image. If the result of the image analysis is appropriate, the main exposure is continued, and if the result of the image analysis is inappropriate, the main exposure is stopped.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which the spatial resolution in pre-exposure is made coarse, thereby shortening the time required to read out a pre-exposure image from an X-ray detector. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-126709 A [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2003-515366 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, if the time required for transferring the pre-exposure image or for analyzing the pre-exposure image is long, the time required for deriving the exposure conditions for the main exposure is also long, which may result in the main exposure not being able to be started, and may otherwise deteriorate the usability of the radiation imaging system.

[0007] Furthermore, as the time between pre-exposure and main exposure becomes longer, the subject's body movements increase, which may lead to inappropriate positioning of the subject during main exposure, and ultimately to failed imaging.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a processing device and a radiation imaging system capable of preventing the time between pre-exposure and main exposure from becoming long. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The processing device according to the present invention comprises: a determination unit that determines whether or not a main exposure condition of the main exposure derived based on a pre-exposure performed before the main exposure can be used at a start timing of the main exposure in which radiation is irradiated to a subject; A processing unit that performs processing to change the execution mode of the main exposure in accordance with a determination result of the determination unit; Equipped with.

[0010] The radiation imaging system according to the present invention comprises: a radiation irradiation device that irradiates radiation; a radiation imaging device that generates image data of an exposure image by receiving the radiation; The processing device; Equipped with. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the time between pre-exposure and main exposure from becoming long. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1]1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a radiation imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of a console. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram showing an example of time-dependent changes in each state of a radiation imaging system, main exposure conditions, a measurement unit, and a radiation irradiation device. FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is a diagram showing an example of time-dependent changes in each state of a radiation imaging system, main exposure conditions, a measurement unit, and a radiation irradiation device. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of exposure condition setting control in a control unit. [Figure 7] 4 is a diagram showing an example of time-dependent changes in each state of a radiation imaging system, main exposure conditions, a measurement unit, and a radiation irradiation device. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a table listing measurement times associated with imaging regions and imaging directions. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a table listing measurement times associated with imaging regions and imaging directions. [Figure 10] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table listing calculation parameters for measurement times associated with device types and communication methods. FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a table in which the calculation results of the table shown in FIG. 10 are recorded. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a radiation imaging system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] 1, a radiation imaging system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a radiation irradiation device 1, a radiation imaging device 2, and a console 3. The radiation imaging system 100 is connectable to a Radiology Information System (RIS), a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), and the like (not shown).

[0015] The radiation irradiation device 1 is connected to a console 3 so as to be able to communicate with the console 3 via wire or wirelessly. The radiation irradiation device 1 is also configured to include a generator 11, an exposure switch 12, and a radiation source 13.

[0016] The generator 11 is configured to be able to apply a voltage to the radiation source 13 according to preset radiation exposure conditions (tube voltage, tube current, irradiation time, tube current time product (mAs value), etc.) based on the operation of the exposure switch 12.

[0017] The generator 11 also has a measurement unit 11A, an irradiation control unit 11B, and a storage unit 11C. The measurement unit 11A measures the time (derivation time) indicating the derivation completion timing when deriving the main exposure condition of the main exposure based on the pre-exposure image by the pre-exposure in the automatic exposure control described later. Note that the derivation time includes all the time required for the processing until the main exposure condition can be set in the generator 11. For example, it also includes the communication time when transmitting the main exposure condition based on the pre-exposure image from the console 3 described later to the generator 11.

[0018] The measuring unit 11A may be an up counter or a down counter that starts counting at the timing when the measurement starts and stops or resets counting at the timing when the measurement ends, or may be a counter that measures the current time and calculates the elapsed time. If the measuring unit 11A is configured to measure the current time, it is not necessary to provide a separate device such as a counter, so that a smaller-scale and less expensive device can be realized.

[0019] The irradiation control unit 11B is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. Upon receiving a control signal or the like from an external device such as the console 3, the CPU of the irradiation control unit 11B reads out various programs stored in the storage unit 11C and loads them in the RAM, and executes various processes according to the loaded programs to centrally control the operations of each unit in the radiation irradiating device 1.

[0020] If the irradiation control unit 11B receives the exposure conditions from the console 3 before the time measurement by the measurement unit 11A ends, the irradiation control unit 11B sets the received exposure conditions. If the irradiation control unit 11B does not receive the exposure conditions, the irradiation control unit 11B sets temporary exposure conditions, which will be described later. The irradiation control unit 11B corresponds to the "processing device" of the present invention.

[0021] The radiation source 13 (bulb) has a rotating anode, a filament, etc. (not shown). When a voltage is applied from the generator 11, the filament irradiates the rotating anode with an electron beam according to the applied voltage, and the rotating anode generates radiation X (X-rays, etc.) with a dose according to the intensity of the electron beam.

[0022] 1 shows an example in which the generator 11, the exposure switch 12, and the radiation source 13 are separate, but they may be configured as an integrated unit. Also, in Fig. 1, an example in which the exposure switch 12 is connected to the generator 11 is shown, but the exposure switch 12 may be provided in another device. Also, the radiation irradiation device 1 may be installed in an imaging room, or may be configured to be mobile by being incorporated in a medical cart or the like.

[0023] The radiation imaging device 2 is connected to the console 3 so as to be able to communicate with the console 3 via a wired or wireless manner. The radiation imaging device 2 is configured to be able to generate image data of an exposure image of a subject by receiving radiation X from the radiation irradiation device 1 via the subject.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the radiation imaging apparatus 2 includes an imaging control unit 21, a radiation detection unit 22, a readout unit 23, a communication unit 24, a storage unit 25, and a bus 26 connecting the respective units.

[0025] The imaging control unit 21 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. Upon receiving a control signal or the like from an external device such as the console 3, the CPU of the imaging control unit 21 reads out various programs stored in the storage unit 25, loads the programs in the RAM, executes various processes according to the loaded programs, and centrally controls the operations of each unit in the radiation imaging apparatus 2.

[0026] The radiation detection unit 22 is configured by a substrate on which pixels, each of which has a radiation detection element that receives radiation X and generates an electric charge according to the dose, and a switching element, are arranged two-dimensionally (in a matrix).

[0027] The readout section 23 is configured to be able to read out the amount of charge discharged from each pixel as a signal value and generate image data from a plurality of signal values.

[0028] The communication unit 24 is configured to be able to receive various control signals, various data, etc. from external devices, and to transmit various control signals, generated image data, etc. to external devices.

[0029] The storage unit 25 is composed of a non-volatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk, etc., and stores various programs executed by the imaging control unit 21 and parameters required for executing processes by the programs, etc. In addition, the storage unit 25 is capable of storing image data generated by the readout unit 23 and various data processed by the imaging control unit 21.

[0030] When the radiation imaging device 2 configured in this manner is exposed to radiation with the imaging control unit 21 turning off each switch element of the radiation detection unit 22, charge corresponding to the radiation dose is accumulated in each pixel. When the imaging control unit 21 turns on each switch element to release charge from each pixel, the readout unit 23 converts each charge amount into a signal value and reads it out as image data.

[0031] The radiation imaging device 2 may have a built-in scintillator or the like, converting the irradiated radiation X into light of another wavelength such as visible light using the scintillator, and generating charges according to the converted light, or may generate charges directly from the radiation X without using a scintillator or the like. The radiation imaging device 2 may be a dedicated device integrated with an imaging stand, or a portable device.

[0032] The console 3 is configured with a PC, a mobile terminal, or a dedicated device, and is connected to the radiation irradiation device 1 and the radiation imaging device 2, etc., so as to be able to communicate with them via wired or wireless communication. The console 3 is capable of setting the imaging conditions and the imaging target area of ​​the radiation irradiation device 1 and the radiation imaging device 2, etc., based on an imaging order from an external device (such as a RIS) or an operation by a user.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, the console 3 includes a control unit 31, a communication unit 32, a storage unit 33, a display unit 34, an operation unit 35, and a bus 36 that connects the various units.

[0034] The control unit 31 is composed of a CPU, a RAM, etc. The CPU of the control unit 31 reads out various programs stored in the storage unit 33 in response to operations of the operation unit 35, loads them in the RAM, executes various processes according to the loaded programs, and centrally controls the operations of each unit of the console 3.

[0035] The communication unit 32 includes a LAN adapter, a modem, a TA (Terminal Adapter), etc., and controls data transmission and reception between each device connected to the communication network.

[0036] The storage unit 33 is configured with a non-volatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk, etc., and stores various programs executed by the control unit 31 and parameters required for executing processes by the programs, etc. The storage unit 33 is also capable of storing image data received from the radiation imaging device 2 and image data processed by the control unit 31 in association with supplementary information.

[0037] The display unit 34 is composed of a monitor such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), and displays input instructions and data from the operation unit 35 according to instructions of a display signal input from the control unit 31.

[0038] The operation unit 35 is configured with a keyboard equipped with cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, etc., and a pointing device such as a mouse, and outputs instruction signals input by key operations on the keyboard or mouse operations to the control unit 31. The operation unit 35 may also be equipped with a touch panel on the display screen of the display unit 34, and in this case, outputs instruction signals input via the touch panel to the control unit 31.

[0039] Next, the control of the radiation imaging system 100 by the irradiation control unit 11B and the control unit 31 will be described. The irradiation control unit 11B and the control unit 31 perform automatic exposure control to determine the main exposure conditions when performing the main exposure based on the pre-exposure image obtained by the pre-exposure and the associated information linked to the pre-exposure image. The pre-exposure is performed before the main exposure at a lower dose than the main exposure.

[0040] In the automatic exposure control, the captured pre-exposure image is transferred between the radiation imaging device 2 and the console 3, and the pre-exposure image is subjected to image analysis in the console 3. The console 3 performs image analysis on the pre-exposure image to derive main exposure conditions for the main exposure.

[0041] 4, when the radiography system 100 is in the middle of capturing a pre-exposure image, the pre-exposure image is transferred to the console 3, and the console 3 starts deriving the main exposure conditions for the main exposure. Temporal changes in the radiography state of the radiography system 100, the derivation state of the main exposure conditions by the control unit 31, the measurement state of the measurement unit 11A, and the setting state of the radiation irradiator 1 are shown in FIG.

[0042] The irradiation control unit 11B receives the main exposure conditions of the main exposure derived on the basis of the pre-exposure in the console 3 from the console 3 and judges whether or not they can be used. Then, the irradiation control unit 11B performs a process of changing the execution mode of the main exposure according to the judgment result of whether or not the main exposure conditions can be used. The irradiation control unit 11B corresponds to the "judgment unit" and the "processing unit" of the present invention.

[0043] Specifically, the irradiation control unit 11B determines that the final exposure condition can be used if the timing of receiving the final exposure condition is before the measurement time of the measurement unit 11A reaches a predetermined time.

[0044] The predetermined time is the maximum time that may be taken from the end of the pre-exposure image capture to the start of the main exposure image capture. In other words, it specifies the limit value of how much the delay in the start timing of the main exposure can be without affecting the success or failure of the capture. Therefore, a value that takes into consideration the success or failure of the capture is set. For example, the relationship between the magnitude of body movement during capture, the time from the end of the pre-exposure image capture to the start of the main exposure image capture, and whether the finally obtained image can achieve the purpose of the capture is obtained in advance by experiment, and set in the generator 11 as the predetermined time. Since this relationship varies depending on the imaging site, patient attributes, the purpose of the capture, etc., it is preferable to set an optimal predetermined time for each of these types or type groups. This will be described later. Alternatively, a predetermined time that includes all types may be set without changing the value for each type or type group. In this case, the shortest predetermined time may be set among the predetermined times for all types. In this case, since the value set for the predetermined time is small, it can be realized with a small amount of memory and the cost of the device can be reduced.

[0045] The predetermined time is set in the generator 11, for example, by sending a value input by the user from the operation unit 35 of the console 3 to the generator 11 via the communication unit 32 and storing the value in the memory unit 11C of the generator 11. Alternatively, if the generator 11 has an operation unit, the value input by the user from the operation unit may be stored in the memory unit 11C.

[0046] The measurement unit 11A starts measuring the elapsed time from the completion of capturing the pre-exposure image when the pre-exposure image is captured, and ends measuring the elapsed time after a predetermined time.

[0047] The irradiation control unit 11B judges whether the main exposure condition has been derived before the predetermined time has elapsed, for example, by using a state of whether or not the time measurement acquired from the measurement unit 11A of the generator 11 has ended and a state of whether or not the generator 11 has received the main exposure condition (in other words, a state of whether or not the main exposure derivation has been completed). Note that the judgment method is not limited to this, and for example, it may be possible to compare the measured time at the time of reception with the predetermined time to judge whether or not the main exposure condition has been derived before the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0048] When the derivation of the main exposure condition is completed before the predetermined time has elapsed, the irradiation control unit 11B determines that the main exposure condition can be used. Specifically, when the main exposure condition is received before the measurement unit 11A finishes counting (i.e., before the elapsed time from the completion of the capture of the pre-exposure image reaches a predetermined time), the irradiation control unit 11B determines that the main exposure condition can be used. Then, the main exposure is started under the main exposure condition immediately after reception. That is, the main exposure is started without waiting for the measurement unit 11A to finish counting. In this way, the main exposure is performed with as little delay as possible using the main exposure condition derived based on the pre-exposure image. Note that, when the main exposure condition is received, if the preparations required for performing the main exposure have not been completed (for example, the tube preparation has not been completed), the main exposure is started after these preparations are completed. If these preparations need to be started after the main exposure condition is received, the predetermined time needs to take into account the time T required for these preparations. Specifically, the predetermined time used by the measurement unit 11A is set to the predetermined time previously obtained by the experiment minus the time T. By doing so, the time from the completion of capturing the pre-exposure image to the start of the main exposure falls within the predetermined time obtained by the experiment, and it is possible to prevent imaging failure due to body movement.

[0049] 5, if the derivation of the final exposure condition is not completed before a predetermined time has elapsed, the irradiation control unit 11B determines that the final exposure condition cannot be used. Specifically, if the final exposure condition cannot be received before the measurement unit 11A finishes timing (i.e., before the elapsed time from the completion of capturing the pre-exposure image reaches a predetermined time), the irradiation control unit 11B determines that the final exposure condition cannot be used.

[0050] When it is determined that the main exposure conditions cannot be used, the irradiation control unit 11B uses the temporary exposure conditions, which are stored in the storage unit 11C and will be described later, for the main exposure and starts the main exposure. In other words, the main exposure is captured under the temporary exposure conditions when a predetermined time is reached.

[0051] The provisional exposure conditions are determined based on, for example, the imaging region and imaging direction of the subject in the radiation imaging system 100, and are determined to be the same as the conditions in exposure control other than the above-mentioned automatic exposure control in the radiation imaging system 100, for example.

[0052] The exposure conditions other than the automatic exposure control are, for example, the exposure conditions in capturing an exposure image by one exposure. The exposure conditions other than the automatic exposure control are, for example, linked to each combination of the subject's imaging part (e.g., chest, abdomen, head, etc.) and imaging direction (e.g., front, side, etc.) and described in a table. This table is stored in the storage unit 33, etc.

[0053] When the control unit 31 acquires input information on the imaging part of the subject and the imaging direction, the control unit 31 refers to the above table and selects a provisional exposure condition for the combination of the imaging part and the imaging direction based on the input information. Then, the control unit 31 sets the selected provisional exposure condition in the radiation irradiation device 1 (generator 11). The irradiation control unit 11B stores the received provisional exposure condition in the storage unit 11C.

[0054] In this embodiment, the provisional exposure conditions are determined based on the imaging region and imaging direction, but the present invention is not limited to this as long as the conditions affect the exposure conditions. For example, the patient's body pressure, the patient's body shape, the focus-receptor distance, the focus-skin distance, the presence and type of an additional filter, and the presence and type of an anti-scatter grid also affect the exposure conditions. Therefore, values ​​for each combination of these may be provided in the tables, and the values ​​in the tables may be referenced and used based on information on the conditions for dynamic imaging.

[0055] In this way, the main exposure is started by the provisional exposure condition. When the main exposure condition derived based on the pre-exposure image is used as the imaging condition of the main exposure, the start timing of the main exposure is the timing when the derivation of the main exposure is completed, but this timing is earlier than the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of the pre-exposure. On the other hand, when the provisional exposure condition is used as the imaging condition of the main exposure, the start timing of the main exposure is the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of the pre-exposure. In other words, the start timing of the main exposure in this embodiment is the earlier of the timing when the derivation of the main exposure condition derived based on the pre-exposure image is completed and the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed from a predetermined point in time regarding the pre-exposure. In other words, in this embodiment, the main exposure is reliably started by a specific time regardless of the derivation time of the main exposure condition of the main exposure based on the pre-exposure image.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the timing when the derivation of the exposure conditions is completed or the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed from a predetermined point in time regarding the pre-exposure is set as the start timing of the exposure, it can be said that it is determined that the exposure conditions derived based on the pre-exposure image cannot be used.

[0057] The problem to be solved is that the main exposure is reliably started by a specific time regardless of the derivation time of the exposure conditions of the main exposure based on the pre-exposure image. For example, if the transfer time of the pre-exposure image or the image analysis time of the pre-exposure image is long, the time to derive the main exposure conditions of the main exposure is long. As a result, the usability of the radiation imaging system is deteriorated, such as the main exposure cannot be started at a specific time.

[0058] Furthermore, as the time between pre-exposure and main exposure becomes longer, the subject's body movements increase, which may lead to inappropriate positioning of the subject during main exposure, and ultimately to failed imaging.

[0059] However, in this embodiment, when the derivation time of the main exposure condition becomes long, the main exposure is started based on the provisional exposure condition, and as a result, the main exposure is reliably started by a specific time, so that the time between the pre-exposure and the main exposure can be prevented from becoming long.

[0060] This reduces the increase in the body movement of the subject caused by the longer time between pre-exposure and main exposure, and ultimately reduces the frequency of imaging failures in the radiation imaging system.

[0061] The exposure conditions in the exposure controls other than the automatic exposure control are stored in the storage unit 33 etc. in a table linked to, for example, the imaging part and the imaging direction. The control unit 31 determines the provisional exposure conditions by referring to this table.

[0062] In this way, since there is no need to separately store a table describing the provisional exposure conditions in the storage unit 33, it is possible to reduce the storage size in the storage unit 33, and thus to reduce the cost of the entire apparatus. After referring to the above table, the provisional exposure conditions may be corrected using the ratio between the shooting distance (the distance between the subject and the radiation irradiation device, etc.) that is the premise of the reference value and the shooting distance in the actual device.

[0063] Furthermore, the control unit 31 may determine the provisional exposure conditions so that the dose is lower than the dose in the conditions of the exposure control other than the automatic exposure control. Since the exposure control other than the automatic exposure control is a control by one exposure, if the provisional exposure conditions are set to the same conditions as the exposure control, the dose in the provisional exposure conditions may be the sum of the dose of the pre-exposure and the dose of the main exposure.

[0064] Therefore, in the automatic exposure control, if the pre-exposure image based on the pre-exposure and the main exposure image based on the main exposure are added under the same provisional exposure conditions as those of the exposure control, this is essentially equivalent to performing two pre-exposures and one main exposure. As a result, one extra pre-exposure is performed, and the subject is exposed to more radiation.

[0065] Therefore, in this configuration, the control unit 31 sets provisional exposure conditions to doses obtained by subtracting the dose for pre-exposure from the conditions in exposure control other than automatic exposure control.

[0066] For example, assume that the exposure conditions in exposure control other than automatic exposure control are a tube voltage of 120 kV and a tube current time product of 10 mAs, and the exposure conditions in pre-exposure are a tube voltage of 120 kV and a tube current time product of 1 mAs.

[0067] In this case, the provisional exposure conditions are a tube voltage of 120 kV and a tube current time product of 9 mAs, which is 10 mAs minus 1 mAs. This makes it possible to suppress unnecessary exposure caused by performing one extra pre-exposure.

[0068] In addition, the control unit 31 controls the display unit 34 to display the provisional exposure conditions. For example, in a configuration in which pre-exposure and main exposure are performed by pressing the exposure switch 12 once, the display unit 34 displays the provisional exposure conditions before the pre-exposure is performed. In this configuration, a series of images of pre-exposure and main exposure are automatically and quickly performed by pressing the exposure switch 12 once, so the user cannot take action according to the value of the provisional exposure conditions even if the provisional exposure conditions are displayed for the first time between the pre-exposure and main exposure. Therefore, by displaying the provisional exposure conditions before the pre-exposure in this manner, the user can take action according to the value of the provisional exposure conditions (for example, if the provisional exposure conditions are too large, review the provisional exposure conditions before performing the image capture), and the image capture can be performed under more appropriate image capture conditions.

[0069] In addition, in the case of a configuration in which image addition is performed between a pre-exposure image based on pre-exposure and a main exposure image based on main exposure, and a common value is used for the tube voltage and tube current of the pre-exposure and the tube voltage and tube current of the main exposure, the common tube voltage and common tube current may be displayed together before the pre-exposure is performed. Furthermore, an irradiation time obtained by adding up the irradiation time of the pre-exposure and the irradiation time of the provisional exposure condition may be displayed. Alternatively, a common tube voltage and a tube current time product obtained by adding up the tube current time product of the pre-exposure and the tube current time product of the provisional exposure condition may be displayed. In this way, the user can grasp the total radiation output in a series of imaging of the pre-exposure and the main exposure at a glance, improving usability.

[0070] Furthermore, since the irradiation control unit 11B determines to use the provisional exposure conditions, the irradiation control unit 11B notifies the console 3 that the provisional exposure conditions are to be used. As a result, the display on the display unit 34 of the console 3 is switched.

[0071] In addition, in the case of a configuration in which the exposure switch 12 is pressed for each of pre-exposure and main exposure, the display unit 34 changes the display contents of the temporary exposure conditions before and after the use of the temporary exposure conditions is confirmed. Specifically, the display unit 34 does not display the temporary exposure conditions until the use of the temporary exposure conditions is confirmed, and displays the temporary exposure conditions after the use of the temporary exposure conditions is confirmed. Alternatively, the display color of the temporary exposure conditions may be changed. From the end of pre-exposure until the temporary exposure conditions are confirmed, the temporary exposure conditions are displayed in a color that is less noticeable or a color different from the color displayed before normal shooting, and after the use of the temporary exposure conditions is confirmed, the temporary exposure conditions are displayed in a color that is more noticeable or the same color as the color displayed before normal shooting. Alternatively, the display shape (size, shape, etc.) may be changed. From the end of pre-exposure until the temporary exposure conditions are confirmed, the temporary exposure conditions are displayed in a small size, and after the use of the temporary exposure conditions is confirmed, the temporary exposure conditions are displayed in a larger size than before. In the above example, the provisional exposure conditions are displayed after the pre-exposure is completed, but the provisional exposure conditions may be displayed before the pre-exposure shooting, and the display content of the provisional exposure conditions may be different before and after the use of the provisional exposure conditions is confirmed.

[0072] In this way, the user can understand that the main exposure will be performed under the provisional exposure conditions. This allows the user to take measures such as not performing the main exposure if the provisional exposure conditions are not the desired conditions, thereby reducing unnecessary exposure.

[0073] An operation example of the exposure condition setting control in the irradiation control unit 11B configured as above will be described. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the exposure condition setting control in the irradiation control unit 11B. The process in Fig. 6 is appropriately executed when, for example, imaging of an exposure image in the radiation imaging system 100 is started.

[0074] 6, the irradiation control unit 11B executes pre-exposure (step S101). After the pre-exposure ends, the irradiation control unit 11B determines whether or not the main exposure condition has been received (step S102).

[0075] As a result of the determination, if the final exposure condition has been received (step S102, YES), the irradiation control unit 11B sets the radiation irradiating device 1 to the final exposure condition (step S103). On the other hand, if the final exposure condition has not been received (step S102, NO), the irradiation control unit 11B determines whether or not the measurement unit 11A has finished timing (step S104).

[0076] If it is determined that the time measurement has not ended (step S104, NO), the process returns to step S102. On the other hand, if the time measurement has ended (step S104, YES), the irradiation control unit 11B sets the radiation irradiating device 1 to a provisional exposure condition (step S105).

[0077] After step S103 or step S105, the irradiation control unit 11B executes the main exposure (step S106). After step S106, this control ends.

[0078] According to the present embodiment configured as described above, regardless of the time required to derive the main exposure conditions based on the pre-exposure image, the main exposure is reliably started by a specific time, which makes it possible to prevent the time between the pre-exposure and the main exposure from becoming long.

[0079] This reduces an increase in the body movement of the subject caused by a longer time between pre-exposure and main exposure, and ultimately reduces the frequency of imaging failures in the radiation imaging system 100.

[0080] Furthermore, since the generator 11 has the measuring unit 11A, it is possible to measure the time immediately after the end of pre-exposure in the area where radiation is exposed. If the measuring unit is provided in the console 3, the time is measured after the console 3 recognizes the end of pre-exposure through communication after the end of pre-exposure, so the start of measurement may be delayed depending on the occurrence of communication delays.

[0081] In contrast, in the present embodiment, since measurement can be started at the timing after the end of pre-exposure in the generator 11, the measurement time can be set accurately.

[0082] In the above embodiment, when the provisional exposure conditions are used for the main exposure, the main exposure is performed under the provisional exposure conditions as they are, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, the provisional exposure conditions may be changed to the main exposure conditions derived after the main exposure is started under the provisional exposure conditions during the main exposure.

[0083] Specifically, when the irradiation control unit 11B receives the main exposure conditions for the main exposure derived based on the pre-exposure between the start of the main exposure using the provisional exposure conditions and the end of the main exposure (i.e., when the derivation is completed), the irradiation control unit 11B determines whether or not to use the main exposure conditions for the main exposure instead of the provisional exposure conditions.

[0084] The irradiation control unit 11B determines that, when the conditions other than the irradiation time of radiation to the subject are the same between the actual exposure conditions and the provisional exposure conditions and the irradiation time of the actual exposure conditions is longer than the irradiation time of the provisional exposure conditions, the actual exposure conditions are used for the actual exposure instead of the provisional exposure conditions.

[0085] In this way, the main exposure under the provisional exposure conditions is substantially extended to match the irradiation time under the main exposure conditions, so that the main exposure can be performed under appropriate conditions.

[0086] In addition, when the conditions other than the irradiation time of radiation to the subject are the same between the main exposure conditions and the provisional exposure conditions and the irradiation time of the main exposure conditions is shorter than the irradiation time of the provisional exposure conditions, the irradiation control unit 11B terminates the main exposure based on the irradiation time of the main exposure conditions.

[0087] By doing so, the main exposure ends in the middle of the main exposure under the provisional exposure condition. As a result, if the irradiation time under the main exposure condition has not elapsed, the main exposure under the main exposure condition is performed, so that the exposure can be performed under appropriate conditions. Also, if the irradiation time under the main exposure condition has elapsed, the main exposure ends immediately, so that unnecessary exposure can be reduced.

[0088] In the above embodiment, if the derivation of the main exposure condition is not completed before the predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined that the main exposure condition cannot be used, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the main exposure condition of the main exposure derived based on the pre-exposure is outside the range of the predetermined conditions in the radiation imaging system 100, the irradiation control unit 11B determines that the main exposure condition cannot be used. The irradiation control unit 11B starts the main exposure using the tentative exposure condition immediately after the determination. In other words, the main exposure is started without waiting for the end of the time measurement by the measurement unit 11A. In this way, the main exposure is performed with as little delay as possible.

[0089] The predetermined conditions are, for example, conditions for setting the tube voltage, the tube current time product, the irradiation time, etc., which are relatively high values ​​but do not pose a health risk to the subject. The predetermined conditions may be compared with the main exposure conditions, or may be compared with a combined condition of the main exposure conditions and the pre-exposure conditions of the pre-exposure.

[0090] In this way, if the main exposure condition is not appropriate, the main exposure condition is not used for the main exposure, so that the main exposure can be prevented from being performed under the inappropriate main exposure condition. In the above embodiment, the irradiation control unit 11B compares the main exposure condition with the predetermined condition, but the control unit 31 may compare the main exposure condition derived based on the pre-exposure with the predetermined condition before sending it to the generator 11, and send it to the generator 11 with information on whether it is outside the range. In that case, the irradiation control unit 11B uses the information attached to determine whether it is outside the range of the predetermined condition, and if it is outside the range, determines that the main exposure condition cannot be used. Alternatively, the control unit 31 may compare the main exposure condition derived based on the pre-exposure with the predetermined condition before sending it to the generator 11, and if it is outside the range, replace the main exposure condition to be sent to the generator 11 with the tentative exposure condition.

[0091] In the above embodiment, when it is determined that the main exposure conditions cannot be used, the temporary exposure conditions are used for the main exposure, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the irradiation control unit 11B may prohibit the main exposure.

[0092] In this way, unnecessary exposure due to the main exposure can be suppressed. In addition, since the main exposure is prohibited before the time between the pre-exposure and the main exposure becomes long, unnecessary prolongation of the imaging time can be suppressed. In this embodiment, the irradiation control unit 11B prohibits the main exposure, but the control unit 31 of the console 3 may prohibit the main exposure by, for example, comparing the main exposure conditions derived based on the pre-exposure with predetermined conditions before sending them to the generator 11, and if the conditions are outside the range, sending a notice to the generator 11 to prohibit the main exposure.

[0093] In addition, when it is determined that the actual exposure conditions cannot be used, the irradiation control unit 11B may perform either a first process of prohibiting the actual exposure or a second process of using the provisional exposure conditions for the actual exposure. Specifically, the irradiation control unit 11B selects either the first process or the second process based on at least one of information on the imaging conditions for the subject in the radiation imaging system 100, information on the user, and information on the device related to the radiation imaging system 100. In this case, the irradiation control unit 11B needs to acquire information used for the selection at the latest at the time when it is determined whether or not the actual exposure conditions can be used. Although the details of each information will be described later, since these information can be set in the console 3 based on an imaging order from an external device (RIS, etc.) or an operation by the user, the control unit 31 of the console 3 transmits these information to the irradiation control unit 11B of the generator 11 at the latest by the time when it is determined whether or not the actual exposure conditions can be used. Since these information are determined before the pre-exposure, they may be transmitted before the pre-exposure. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in communication delay due to communication load from the pre-exposure to the start of the actual exposure.

[0094] The information on the imaging conditions is, for example, information related to the imaging part of the subject and the imaging direction relative to the subject. The user information is, for example, information related to the patient and the photographer. The apparatus information is, for example, information related to the radiation irradiation apparatus 1 and the radiation imaging apparatus 2 used in the radiation imaging system 100. The apparatus information also includes information related to a configuration in which the exposure switch 12 is pressed for each of pre-exposure and main exposure, and a configuration in which the exposure switch 12 is pressed once at the start of pre-exposure.

[0095] For example, the irradiation control unit 11B performs the first process of prohibiting the main exposure when the imaging part of the subject is a part where the subject (patient) is likely to have large body movements or when the patient has attributes that make the subject likely to have large body movements (for example, a child, etc.). This can reduce the frequency of imaging failures caused by the subject's body movements.

[0096] Furthermore, for example, when the user is familiar with the system or the patient is relatively healthy and satisfies the provisional exposure conditions, the irradiation control unit 11B performs a second process in which the provisional exposure conditions are used for the main exposure. This allows both pre-exposure and main exposure to be performed accurately.

[0097] Also, for example, the irradiation control unit 11B may select the first process when the device is complex, and may select the second process when the device is simple.

[0098] In this embodiment, the irradiation control unit 11B of the generator 11 selects either the first process or the second process based on at least one of information on imaging conditions for a subject in the radiation imaging system 100, user information, and information on devices related to the radiation imaging system 100, but the control unit 31 of the console 3 may determine whether to select either the first process or the second process, transmit the determined content to the irradiation control unit 11B of the generator 11, and the irradiation control unit 11B may switch between the first process and the second process according to the determined content. In this manner, it becomes unnecessary to transmit information used for selecting the first process or the second process, such as user information, from the control unit 31 of the console 3 to the irradiation control unit 11B of the generator 11, and the processing can be simplified.

[0099] Furthermore, when the irradiation control unit 11B has performed the above-mentioned first process, second process, or the like, and is configured to perform image addition between a pre-exposure image based on pre-exposure and a main exposure image based on main exposure, the irradiation control unit 11B may instruct the control unit 31 not to perform the image addition. Alternatively, the control unit 31 may actively refer to the implementation information of the above-mentioned first process, second process, or the like, and select whether or not to perform the image addition.

[0100] For example, if the actual exposure is prohibited, there is no need to perform image addition, and if the actual exposure is performed using provisional exposure conditions that are not based on pre-exposure images, there is a possibility that accurate exposure results will not be obtained even if image addition is performed.

[0101] The irradiation control unit 11B may select either the first process or the second process based on multiple combinations of information on the imaging conditions for the subject in the radiation imaging system 100, information on the user, and information on the devices related to the radiation imaging system 100 (e.g., the imaging area and user attributes).

[0102] In the above embodiment, the measurement start timing of the measurement unit 11A and the start point of the predetermined time are set to the end of pre-exposure, but the present invention is not limited to this as long as they can specify the start timing of the main exposure. For example, it may be after a certain period has passed since the end of pre-exposure. However, this certain period needs to be a small value that does not exceed the limit of the delay in the start timing of the main exposure that is obtained in advance by the above-mentioned experiment and does not affect the success or failure of imaging.

[0103] Also, the start of pre-exposure exposure or the pressing of the exposure switch 12 during pre-exposure may be used as the measurement start timing and the starting point of the predetermined time, but in this case, it is necessary to obtain the actual value of the preparation time of pre-exposure and the actual value of the exposure time and reflect them in the system. For example, if the time required for pre-exposure changes depending on the exposure time used for pre-exposure, it is necessary to determine the standard irradiation time of pre-exposure and the corresponding standard predetermined time, and to add "the actual value of the exposure time of pre-exposure - the standard irradiation time" to the standard predetermined time as the predetermined time. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the processing by using the measurement start timing and the starting point of the predetermined time as a time point that is not affected by the fluctuation of the required time for pre-exposure, such as the end of pre-exposure or the elapsed time of a certain period of time since the end of pre-exposure.

[0104] In addition, the maximum value of the measurement time of the measurement unit 11A, i.e., the specified time, may be determined based on at least one of information on the shooting conditions for the subject in the radiation imaging system 100, information on the user, and information on the transfer time of the pre-exposure image in the pre-exposure.

[0105] The relationship between the imaging time of the radiation imaging system 100 and the magnitude of the subject's body movement varies depending on the imaging part of the subject and the imaging direction (imaging conditions for the subject). For example, in chest imaging, the patient (subject) is generally asked to take a deep breath and hold it, but if the imaging time becomes long, the patient will not be able to continue holding his / her breath, which will result in body movement. In this case, it is preferable for the predetermined time to be short.

[0106] In addition, when photographing the front of the hand, the patient is generally asked to keep the hand still with the hand outstretched over the radiation imaging device 2, and as this is a stable position, the patient is unlikely to move even if the imaging time is long.

[0107] 8 is stored in the storage unit 33, and the control unit 31 selects the predetermined time based on the imaging part and imaging direction. In the table shown in FIG. 8, the predetermined time is associated with each imaging part and imaging direction.

[0108] For example, when the imaging part is the chest and the imaging direction is the front, the control unit 31 selects 5 seconds as the predetermined time of No. 1. In this way, the predetermined time can be appropriately adjusted according to the imaging conditions for the subject, and the frequency of imaging failures can be reduced.

[0109] In addition, for example, when the attribute of a patient (user) is that of a patient with a respiratory disease, the patient tends not to survive for long compared to patients who are not patients with a respiratory disease. Therefore, when the attribute of a patient is that of a patient with a respiratory disease, it is preferable to shorten the predetermined time.

[0110] In addition, if the patient's attribute is that of a patient with tremors in the limbs, it is more difficult for the patient to maintain the position of the limbs compared to a patient without such tremors, so if the patient's attribute is that of a patient with tremors in the limbs, it is preferable to shorten the specified time.

[0111] Furthermore, when the patient's attributes are elderly or infants, it is difficult for them to maintain their posture, so it is preferable to shorten the predetermined time.

[0112] Therefore, for example, the table shown in Fig. 9 is stored in the storage unit 33, and the control unit 31 selects the predetermined time based on the imaging site and imaging direction. In the table shown in Fig. 9, the predetermined time is associated with each imaging site and imaging direction. In addition, in this table, the predetermined time based on disease correction and age correction is also associated with each imaging site and imaging direction. At this time, with reference to the disease correction or age correction, if the patient's attributes are subject to disease correction or age correction, the correction described in the disease correction or age correction is reflected in the predetermined time.

[0113] For example, if the imaging part is a hand and the imaging direction is the front, the specified time is 8 seconds, but if the patient attribute is a patient with tremor, the -7 seconds described in the disease correction is reflected in the specified time. Therefore, the specified time in this case is 1 second.

[0114] This allows the time to be adjusted taking into consideration the patient's illness and age, thereby reducing the frequency of imaging failures.

[0115] Alternatively, the photographer may determine the difficulty of maintaining the patient's posture and adjust the predetermined time. For example, buttons indicating the magnitude of body movement (e.g., large body movement, medium body movement, small body movement) are provided on the operation unit 35, etc., and the photographer presses an appropriate button according to the patient's body movement.

[0116] For example, the predetermined time shown in the table in Fig. 9 can be appropriately corrected by setting it to -4 seconds for large body movement, -2 seconds for medium body movement, and -1 second for small body movement. This makes it possible to adjust the predetermined time according to the patient's attributes even in a system that is not connected to a RIS and cannot obtain patient information.

[0117] In addition, the transfer time of the pre-exposure image in the pre-exposure differs between a configuration in which wired communication is performed and a configuration in which wireless communication is performed. In general, the transfer time tends to be longer in a configuration in which wireless communication is performed than in a configuration in which wired communication is performed.

[0118] For example, it is considered better to set the predetermined time for the configuration in which the main exposure is prohibited when the main exposure conditions derived based on the pre-exposure image become abnormal due to an abnormality in the device to different values ​​for the configuration in which wireless communication is performed and the configuration in which wired communication is performed. By doing so, it is possible to accurately detect the abnormality in the main exposure conditions, and in turn to prevent the main exposure from being performed by the device in the abnormal state.

[0119] Furthermore, the wireless communication method may differ depending on the type of radiation irradiation device, and the predetermined time may be optimized for each type of radiation irradiation device.

[0120] 10, which describes calculation parameters for the predetermined time, is stored in the storage unit 33. The control unit 31 refers to the type of radiation irradiation device and the communication method, and acquires the transfer time of the pre-exposure image, the standard deviation 1σ of the transfer time, and the maximum time (hereinafter, maximum time) required to create the main exposure condition after the transfer of the pre-exposure image.

[0121] The transfer time of the pre-exposure images is the average transfer time of the pre-exposure images. The standard deviation 1σ of the transfer time is a value based on the variation of the transfer time.

[0122] For example, the control unit 31 calculates the sum of the transfer time of the pre-exposure image, the standard deviation 1σ of the transfer time multiplied by 5 (5σ), and the maximum time, and sets the sum as the time for judging an abnormality of the device (measurement time). For example, assume that the type of radiation irradiation device is A and the communication method is wireless. In this case, the transfer time of the pre-exposure image is 1 second, the standard deviation 1σ is 0.2 seconds, and the maximum time is 0.5 seconds.

[0123] The control unit 31 calculates the sum of these, 1+0.2×5+0.5=2.5 seconds, as the predetermined time. If the predetermined time has elapsed and the main exposure condition has not been derived, the control unit 31 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the device.

[0124] Alternatively, the measurement time may be calculated for each device and wireless system shown in FIG. 10, and a table shown in FIG.

[0125] In this way, the control unit 31 refers to this table and transmits the selected measurement time to the generator 11. The generator 11 uses the received predetermined time in the measurement unit 11A.

[0126] The predetermined time may be adjusted by combining two or more of the information on the imaging conditions for the subject in the radiation imaging system 100, the information on the user, and the information on the transfer time of the pre-exposure image in the pre-exposure. In this case, for example, the minimum value of the predetermined time may be selected.

[0127] In the above embodiment, the selection of the predetermined time is performed by the console 3, but it may be performed by the generator 11. In this case, a table used for the selection is stored in the memory unit 11C of the generator 11. Also, an operation unit provided in the generator 11 is used instead of the operation unit 35, and an irradiation control unit 11B is used instead of the control unit 31. Also, the console 3 may transmit information on the imaging conditions for the subject in the radiation imaging system 100, information on the user, and information on the transfer time of the pre-exposure image in the pre-exposure to the generator 11, and the generator may use such information.

[0128] Further, in the above embodiment, the measuring unit 11A is provided in the generator 11, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the measuring unit 11A may be provided in the console 3, or may be provided outside the radiation imaging system 100.

[0129] When the measuring unit 11A is provided in the generator 11 as in the above embodiment, it may be necessary to customize the generator 11 in some cases. In that case, for example, when a generator to be used in an expensive radiography system is different from a generator to be used in a low-cost radiography system, it is necessary to customize each generator, which requires development time and development costs. In contrast, if the measuring unit is provided in the console 3, it is economical because it does not require customization of various generators.

[0130] However, in a configuration in which a measurement unit is provided in the console 3, as described above, there arises a problem in that the accuracy of the measurement time decreases.

[0131] However, to address this, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the measured time by adopting a communication method with small delay or a communication method with small variation in communication delay between the generator 11 and the console 3 and adding the time for the communication delay to the measured time. For example, this can be solved by using a wired communication method (for example, RS232C or hardware signals) instead of wireless communication (IEEE802.11, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.) for communication between the generator 11 and the console 3.

[0132] Alternatively, after synchronizing the time between the generator 11 and the console 3, the generator 11 may notify the console 3 of the time at which the pre-exposure ends (the time measured by the synchronized timing means), and the console 3 may compare the notified time with its own synchronized timing means to measure the elapsed time from the end of the pre-exposure. As a method of time synchronization, for example, the time synchronization method defined in IEEE1588 may be used. If time synchronization is used, for example, when different cable lengths and communication speeds are used between the console 3 and the generator 11 for each of a plurality of radiation imaging systems, the communication delay difference due to these differences can be easily absorbed, and it is not necessary to perform different settings or additional development for each radiation imaging system, which is economical.

[0133] In the above embodiment, the generator 11 has a determination unit and a processing unit. This allows the main exposure to start immediately after a determination is made as to whether the main exposure conditions or the temporary exposure conditions should be used for the main exposure. Similarly, when the main exposure is performed after various processes based on the determination are performed, the main exposure can start immediately after the processes. In other words, the time taken from the end of capturing the pre-exposure image to the start of capturing the main exposure image can be prevented from being extremely longer than a predetermined time, and failure in capturing images due to body movement can be prevented.

[0134] However, in a configuration in which the judgment unit and the processing unit are provided in the generator 11, it may be necessary to customize the generator 11. In this case, for example, when a generator to be used in an expensive radiography system is different from a generator to be used in a low-cost radiography system, it is necessary to customize each generator, which requires development time and development costs. In contrast, if the judgment unit and the processing unit are provided in the console 3, customization of various generators is unnecessary, which is economical.

[0135] However, in a configuration in which the judgment unit and the processing unit are provided in the console 3, the judgment result needs to be sent from the console 3 to the generator 11 via communication after the judgment, and is affected by communication delays. The processing unit also needs to send the processing result from the console 3 to the generator 11 via communication, and is similarly affected by communication delays. In other words, in this configuration, if the communication delay becomes large, the time taken from the end of capturing the pre-exposure image to the start of capturing the main exposure image becomes longer than the predetermined time by the amount of communication delay, and the possibility of imaging failure due to body movement increases.

[0136] However, to cope with this, it is advisable to adopt a communication method between the generator 11 and the console 3 with a small delay, or to adopt a communication method with a small variation in communication delay, and then set the predetermined time used by the measurement unit 11A to be the predetermined time previously obtained by an experiment minus the time T2 required for communication delay. For example, instead of using wireless communication (IEEE802.11, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.) for communication between the generator 11 and the console 3, a wired communication method (e.g. RS232C or hardware signal, etc.) is used. By doing so, the time from the completion of capturing the pre-exposure image to the start of the main exposure falls within the predetermined time obtained by the experiment, and it is possible to prevent imaging failure due to body movement.

[0137] Moreover, by taking the above-mentioned measures, it is possible to configure the console 3 so that it is provided with all of the measurement unit, determination unit, and processing unit.

[0138] In addition, in the above embodiment, the irradiation control unit 11B or the control unit 31 is configured to function as both the judgment unit and the processing unit, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the judgment unit and the processing unit may be provided separately.

[0139] In the above embodiment, the irradiation control unit 11B of the generator 11 is exemplified as a processing device, but the present invention is not limited to this. The processing device may be provided outside the radiation imaging system 100.

[0140] In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments are merely examples of the embodiment of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by them. In other words, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the gist or main characteristics of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 1 Radiation irradiation device 2. Radiography equipment 3 Console 11. Generator 11A Measurement section 11B Irradiation control unit 11C Storage section 12 Exposure switch 13 Radiation source 21 Shooting control section 22 Radiation detection unit 23 Reading part 24 Communications Department 25 Memory section 31 Control Unit 32 Communications Department 33 Storage section 34 Display section 35 Control section 100 Radiography system

Claims

1. a determination unit that determines whether or not a main exposure condition of the main exposure derived based on a pre-exposure performed before the main exposure can be used at a start timing of the main exposure in which radiation is irradiated to a subject; A processing unit that performs processing to change the execution mode of the main exposure in accordance with a determination result of the determination unit; A processing device comprising:

2. The start timing of the main exposure is either the timing when the derivation of the main exposure condition is completed or the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed from a predetermined point in time regarding the pre-exposure, whichever is earlier. The processing device of claim 1 .

3. The determination unit is When the start timing of the main exposure is the timing when the predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined that the main exposure condition cannot be used. The processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The predetermined time is determined based on at least one of information on imaging conditions for the subject in a radiation imaging system, information on a user, and information on a transfer time of a pre-exposure image in the pre-exposure. The processing device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The processing unit prohibits the main exposure when the determination unit determines that the main exposure condition cannot be used. The processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the processing unit uses a tentative exposure condition for the main exposure when the determination unit determines that the main exposure condition cannot be used. The processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. When the determination unit determines that the main exposure conditions cannot be used, the processing unit performs either a first process of prohibiting the main exposure or a second process of using a tentative exposure condition for the main exposure. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. the processing unit selects either the first process or the second process based on at least one of information on imaging conditions for the subject in a radiation imaging system, information on a user, and information on an apparatus related to the radiation imaging system. The processing device of claim 7.

9. the determination unit, when a main exposure condition of the main exposure is derived based on the pre-exposure after starting the main exposure using the provisional exposure condition, determines whether or not to use the main exposure condition for the main exposure instead of the provisional exposure condition; The processing device according to any one of claims 6 to 8.

10. the determination unit determines that the main exposure condition is to be used for the main exposure in place of the temporary exposure condition when conditions other than an irradiation time of radiation to the subject are the same between the main exposure condition and the temporary exposure condition and the irradiation time of the main exposure condition is longer than the irradiation time of the temporary exposure condition. The processing device of claim 9.

11. when conditions other than an irradiation time of radiation to the subject are the same between the main exposure condition and the provisional exposure condition, and the irradiation time of the main exposure condition is shorter than the irradiation time of the provisional exposure condition, the processing unit terminates the main exposure based on the irradiation time of the main exposure condition. The processing device according to claim 9 or 10.

12. the processing unit determines the provisional exposure conditions based on at least one of an imaging part of the subject in a radiation imaging system, an imaging direction, information on a patient's body pressure, information on a patient's body shape, information on an imaging distance, the presence or absence and the type of an additional filter, and the presence or absence and the type of a grid. The processing device according to any one of claims 6 to 11.

13. the processing unit determines the provisional exposure conditions so as to be identical to conditions in exposure control other than an automatic exposure control for performing the pre-exposure and the main exposure in the radiation imaging system. The processing device of claim 12.

14. the processing unit determines the provisional exposure conditions so as to provide a lower dose than conditions in exposure control other than an automatic exposure control for performing the pre-exposure and the main exposure in the radiation imaging system. The processing device of claim 12.

15. a display unit that displays the provisional exposure condition before the pre-exposure is performed; The processing device according to any one of claims 6 to 14.

16. a display unit that displays the provisional exposure conditions in a different manner before and after the use of the provisional exposure conditions is confirmed, The processing device according to any one of claims 6 to 15.

17. the display unit does not display the provisional exposure condition until use of the provisional exposure condition is confirmed, and displays the provisional exposure condition after use of the provisional exposure condition is confirmed. The processing device according to claim 15 or 16.

18. the determination unit determines that the main exposure condition of the main exposure derived based on the pre-exposure is not usable when the main exposure condition is outside a range of predetermined conditions in a radiation imaging system. The processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. When the determination unit determines that the main exposure condition cannot be used, the processing unit does not perform image addition of a pre-exposure image based on the pre-exposure and a main exposure image based on the main exposure. The processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. a radiation irradiation device that irradiates radiation; a radiation imaging device that generates image data of an exposure image by receiving the radiation; A processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, A radiation imaging system comprising:

21. the radiation irradiating device has a measurement unit that measures a time required to derive a main exposure condition for the main exposure; The radiography system according to claim 20.

22. a console for setting the radiation irradiation device, the console does not use wireless communication for communication with the radiation irradiation device; 22. The radiation imaging system according to claim 20 or 21.

Images