Radiation imaging system, operation method thereof, and operation program thereof

Abstract

To provide a radiation imaging system, an operation method thereof, and an operation program thereof that can improve imaging efficiency when switching a communication mode from wired communication to wireless communication.SOLUTION: A radiation imaging system executes at least one of: prohibiting fluoroscopic imaging in response to switching of a communication mode from wired communication to wireless communication, allowing still image taking and continuous still image taking, and limiting a frame rate at the continuous still image taking to a fixed value or less; and invalidating an automatic exposure control function to transmit an irradiation stop signal for stopping irradiation with a radiation ray by a radiation irradiation device at the time point when an integrated value of the irradiation that a radiation imaging device is irradiated with reaches a proper amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to a radiation imaging system, an operating method thereof, and an operating program thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] A radiation imaging system is composed of a radiation imaging device, a radiation generating device, and a control device. Radiation imaging devices include portable radiation imaging devices that can be attached to and detached from an imaging stand. In general, portable radiation imaging devices are called electronic cassettes, and the control device is called a console. The console and the electronic cassette are configured to be able to communicate with each other via wire or wirelessly.

[0003] Also, among radiation imaging systems, there are known ones that are capable of performing fluoroscopic imaging for continuously capturing radiation images in addition to still image capture (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).Some radiation imaging systems have an automatic exposure control (AEC) function that monitors the cumulative dose of radiation from a radiation generating device to an electronic cassette and stops the radiation emission when the cumulative dose reaches an appropriate amount (see, for example, Patent Document 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-139851 A [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2014 / 142131 [Patent Document 3] JP 2020-103872 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As described above, since the electronic cassette can wirelessly communicate with the console, it is possible to detach the electronic cassette from the imaging stand and perform radiography. Radiography is performed after selecting an imaging function to be used for imaging based on the imaging technique, imaging purpose, etc., but there are imaging functions that are not suitable for use in wireless communication. However, when a user manually selects an imaging function, the user needs to refer to an operation manual or the like to check the imaging functions that can be used in wireless communication, which results in poor imaging efficiency.

[0006] An object of the technique disclosed herein is to provide a radiation imaging system, an operation method and an operation program thereof that can improve imaging efficiency when switching from wired communication to wireless communication. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the radiation imaging system disclosed herein is a radiation imaging system having still image capture, fluoroscopic capture, and continuous still image capture as imaging modes, and includes a radiation imaging device having wired communication and wireless communication as communication modes, a radiation irradiation device that irradiates radiation to the radiation imaging device, and a processor provided inside or outside the radiation imaging device, and in response to switching the communication mode from wired communication to wireless communication, the processor performs at least one of the following: prohibiting fluoroscopic capture, permitting still image capture and continuous still image capture, and limiting the frame rate during continuous still image capture to a certain value or less; and disabling an automatic exposure control function that transmits an irradiation stop signal to stop irradiation of radiation by the radiation irradiation device when the accumulated irradiation amount irradiated to the radiation imaging device reaches an appropriate amount.

[0008] It is preferable that the radiation imaging apparatus is portable and can be attached to and detached from the imaging stand.

[0009] The processor preferably switches the communication mode based on whether the radiography device is attached to an imaging table or not.

[0010] It is preferable that the processor switches the communication mode from wired communication to wireless communication in response to the radiation imaging apparatus being removed from the imaging stand.

[0011] It is preferable that the apparatus has an operation panel operated by a user, and includes a control device for controlling the radiation irradiation device and the radiation imaging device, and that the radiation imaging device performs wired or wireless communication with the control device.

[0012] It is preferable that the processor activates a scattered radiation reduction function that reduces scattered radiation by performing image processing on the radiation image generated by the radiation imaging device in response to switching the communication mode from wired communication to wireless communication.

[0013] The operating method of the radiation imaging system disclosed herein is a radiation imaging system having still image capture, fluoroscopic capture, and continuous still image capture as imaging modes, and including a radiation imaging device having wired communication and wireless communication as communication modes, a radiation irradiation device that irradiates radiation to the radiation imaging device, and a processor provided inside or outside the radiation imaging device, the method including, in response to the processor switching the communication mode from wired communication to wireless communication, performing at least one of the following: prohibiting fluoroscopic capture, permitting still image capture and continuous still image capture, and limiting the frame rate during continuous still image capture to a certain value or lower; and disabling an automatic exposure control function that transmits an irradiation stop signal to stop irradiation of radiation by the radiation irradiation device when the accumulated irradiation amount irradiated to the radiation imaging device reaches an appropriate amount.

[0014] The operating program of the present disclosure is an operating program for operating a radiography system having still image shooting, fluoroscopic shooting, and continuous still image shooting as shooting modes, the radiography system including a radiography device having wired communication and wireless communication as communication modes, a radiation irradiation device that irradiates radiation to the radiography device, and a processor provided inside or outside the radiography device, the operating program causing the processor to execute at least one of the following processes in response to switching the communication mode from wired communication to wireless communication: prohibiting fluoroscopic shooting, permitting still image shooting and continuous still image shooting, and limiting the frame rate during continuous still image shooting to a certain value or lower; and disabling an automatic exposure control function that transmits an irradiation stop signal to stop irradiation of radiation by the radiation irradiation device when the accumulated irradiation amount irradiated to the radiography device reaches an appropriate amount. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the technique of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a radiation imaging system, an operation method and an operation program thereof that can improve imaging efficiency when switching from wired communication to wireless communication. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a radiology information system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of devices in a photography room. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an electronic cassette. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of the imaging system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a radiation detector and a readout circuit. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a cassette control unit. [Figure 7] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a cassette control unit. [Figure 8]11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a scattered radiation reduction process. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating skyline photography. [Figure 10] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a process flow when the electronic cassette is removed from the imaging stand. FIG. [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example in which operations restricted in wireless communication are compared with those restricted in wired communication. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example in which operations restricted in wireless communication are compared with those restricted in wired communication. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] An example of an embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 shows a schematic configuration of a Radiology Information System (RIS) 10. The RIS 10 is a system for managing information such as appointment schedules and diagnosis records within the radiology department, and constitutes a part of the Hospital Information System (hereinafter referred to as "HIS (Hospital Information System)").

[0019] The RIS 10 comprises a plurality of radiography request terminal devices (hereinafter referred to as "terminal devices") 11, a RIS server 12, and radiography systems (hereinafter referred to as "radiography systems") 13 installed in individual radiography rooms in the hospital, all of which are connected to an intra-hospital network NW consisting of a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) etc. The RIS 10 constitutes a part of the HIS provided in the same hospital, and an HIS server (not shown) that manages the entire HIS is also connected to the intra-hospital network NW.

[0020] The terminal device 11 is a device for users such as doctors and radiologists to input and view diagnostic information and facility reservations, and requests for radiographic imaging and reservations for imaging are also made via this terminal device 11. Each terminal device 11 includes a personal computer having a display device, and is capable of communicating with the RIS server 12 via the hospital network NW.

[0021] On the other hand, the RIS server 12 receives imaging requests from the terminal devices 11 and manages imaging schedules for radiation images in the imaging system 13, and is configured to include a database 12A.

[0022] Database 12A is composed of information about the subject, such as the subject's attribute information (name, sex, date of birth, age, blood type, weight, subject ID (identification), etc.), medical history, medical examination history, and radiation images taken in the past.

[0023] The imaging system 13 captures radiographic images by user operation in response to instructions from the RIS server 12. The imaging system 13 includes a radiation generator 14, an electronic cassette 15, and a console 16. A radiation source 60 (see FIG. 2) generates radiation (e.g., X-rays) and irradiates the subject with the radiation. The electronic cassette 15 absorbs radiation that has passed through a region of the subject to be imaged, generates electric charges, and generates a radiographic image based on the generated electric charges. The console 16 controls the radiation generator 14 and the electronic cassette 15. The electronic cassette 15 is an example of a "radiographic imaging device" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The console 16 is an example of a "control device" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0024] Fig. 2 shows an example of the arrangement of each device in an imaging room. As shown in Fig. 2, the imaging room is equipped with a radiation source 60 of a radiation generating device 14, an upright imaging stand 20 used when performing radiation imaging in an upright position, and a lying-down imaging stand 21 used when performing radiation imaging in a lying position. The space in front of the upright imaging stand 20 is an imaging position 20A for the subject when performing radiation imaging in an upright position. The space above the lying-down imaging stand 21 is an imaging position 21A for the subject when performing radiation imaging in a lying position.

[0025] The electronic cassette 15 is portable and can be attached to and detached from the upright position imaging stand 20 and the lying position imaging stand 21. The upright position imaging stand 20 is provided with a holder 22 for mounting the electronic cassette 15. When capturing a radiographic image in an upright position, the electronic cassette 15 is mounted in the holder 22. When capturing a radiographic image in a lying position, the electronic cassette 15 is mounted in the holder 23 of the lying position imaging stand 21.

[0026] The holders 22 and 23 are configured so that an anti-scatter grid 17 can be attached to the radiation entrance side of the electronic cassette 15 .

[0027] The radiography room is also provided with a support movement mechanism 24 to enable radiography in both standing and lying positions using one radiation source 60. The support movement mechanism 24 supports the radiation source 60 so that it can rotate around a horizontal axis (in the direction of arrow A), move in the vertical direction (in the direction of arrow B), and move in the horizontal direction (in the direction of arrow C).

[0028] The support movement mechanism 24 includes a drive source that rotates the radiation source 60 about a horizontal axis, a drive source that moves the radiation source 60 in a vertical direction, and a drive source that moves the radiation source 60 in a horizontal direction (all of which are omitted from the drawing). The support movement mechanism 24 moves the radiation source 60 to a position facing the electronic cassette 15 in accordance with the posture of the subject during imaging.

[0029] When not in use, the electronic cassette 15 is stored in a cradle (not shown) to charge the built-in battery. When capturing a radiation image, the electronic cassette 15 is removed from the cradle by the user and attached to the holder 22 of the upright position imaging stand 20 if the imaging posture is upright, or to the holder 23 of the lying position imaging stand 21 if the imaging posture is lying.

[0030] 3 shows a schematic configuration of the electronic cassette 15. The electronic cassette 15 includes a radiation detector 30 and a housing 31. The radiation detector 30 detects radiation that has passed through a region of the subject to be imaged and outputs a radiographic image. The housing 31 has a flat box shape and houses the radiation detector 30 therein. The housing 31 is made of, for example, a conductive resin. In the housing 31, a rectangular opening is formed in a front surface 31A serving as an entrance surface through which radiation is incident, and a radiation-transmitting plate 32 is attached to this opening. The radiation-transmitting plate 32 is made of, for example, a carbon material that is lightweight, highly rigid, and highly transmissive to radiation.

[0031] The housing 31 also functions as an electromagnetic shield for preventing electromagnetic noise from entering the electronic cassette 15 and from radiating electromagnetic noise to the outside from the electronic cassette 15. The housing 31 has built-in a battery (e.g., a secondary battery) for supplying power for driving the electronic cassette 15, and an antenna for wireless communication with the console 16. The electronic cassette 15 is also provided with a connector (not shown) for wired connection to the console 16.

[0032] The housing 31 has a size conforming to the international standard ISO4090:2001, which is approximately the same as that of a film cassette or an IP cassette, for example. The electronic cassette 15 is attached to the holder 22 of the upright radiography stand 20 or the holder 23 of the lying-down radiography stand 21 so that the front surface 31A of the housing 31 is held in a position facing the radiation source 60. The electronic cassette 15 can also be used in a state removed from the upright radiography stand 20 or the lying-down radiography stand 21.

[0033] 4 shows an example of the internal configuration of the imaging system 13. The radiation generating device 14 is provided with a connection terminal 14A for communicating with the console 16. The console 16 is provided with a connection terminal 16A for communicating with the radiation generating device 14 and a connection terminal 16B for communicating with the electronic cassette 15. The connection terminal 14A of the radiation generating device 14 and the connection terminal 16A of the console 16 are connected by a cable 35.

[0034] When performing wired communication, the electronic cassette 15 is connected to a connection terminal 15A via a cable , and is connected to the console 16 via the cable .

[0035] The electronic cassette 15 includes a radiation detector 30, a cassette control unit 40, a readout circuit 41, an image memory 42, a wired communication unit 43, a wireless communication unit 44, and an attachment / detachment detection unit 45. The radiation detector 30 detects incident radiation and generates a radiation image.

[0036] The cassette control unit 40 comprehensively controls each unit in the electronic cassette 15. To the cassette control unit 40, a read circuit 41, an image memory 42, a wired communication unit 43, a wireless communication unit 44, and an attachment / detachment detection unit 45 are connected.

[0037] The readout circuitry 41 drives the radiation detector 30 to read out a radiation image under the control of the cassette control unit 40. The image memory 42 stores the radiation image read out by the readout circuitry 41.

[0038] The wired communication unit 43 is connected to the connection terminal 15A, and transmits and receives various information to and from the console 16 via the cable 36. The wireless communication unit 44 is compatible with wireless LAN (Local Area Network) standards such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11a / b / g / n / ac, and transmits and receives various information to and from the console 16 via wireless communication.

[0039] The cassette control unit 40 is capable of communicating with the console 16 via a wired communication unit 43 or a wireless communication unit 44, and transmits and receives various information to and from the console 16. The cassette control unit 40 controls the radiation detector 30 based on exposure conditions (described below) received from the console 16 via the wired communication unit 43 or the wireless communication unit 44. In addition, the cassette control unit 40 transmits radiation images stored in the image memory 42 to the console 16 via the wired communication unit 43 or the wireless communication unit 44.

[0040] The attachment / detachment detection unit 45 detects whether the electronic cassette 15 is attached to the holder 22 of the upright position imaging stand 20 or the holder 23 of the supine position imaging stand 21, and outputs a detection signal to the cassette control unit 40. For example, the attachment / detachment detection unit 45 is a switch that detects attachment / detachment based on a mechanical connection state or an electrical connection state between the holder 22 or the holder 23 and a connector provided on the electronic cassette 15. Hereinafter, the attachment of the electronic cassette 15 to the holder 22 or the holder 23 will be referred to as "attached to the imaging stand," and the removal of the electronic cassette 15 from the holder 22 or the holder 23 will be referred to as "removed from the imaging stand." The attachment / detachment detection unit 45 may be provided in the holder 22 of the upright position imaging stand 20 or the holder 23 of the supine position imaging stand 21.

[0041] When the electronic cassette 15 is attached to the imaging stand, the cassette control unit 40 enables wired communication by the wired communication unit 43 and disables wireless communication by the wireless communication unit 44. When the electronic cassette 15 is removed from the imaging stand, the cassette control unit 40 disables wired communication by the wired communication unit 43 and enables wireless communication by the wireless communication unit 44. That is, when the electronic cassette 15 is attached to the imaging stand, the communication mode becomes wired communication, and when the electronic cassette 15 is removed from the imaging stand, the communication mode becomes wireless communication.

[0042] In addition, the cassette control unit 40 performs control to select an imaging function suitable for wireless communication in response to switching the communication mode from wired communication to wireless communication, which will be described in detail later. In addition, the cassette control unit 40 transmits an irradiation stop signal to the console 16 when an AEC function, which will be described later, is enabled (i.e., turned on).

[0043] The console 16 is configured as a server computer and includes a display 50 that displays an operation menu, captured radiation images, etc., and an operation panel 51 that includes a number of keys and through which the user inputs various types of information, operation instructions, etc.

[0044] The console 16 also includes a console control unit 52, a display driver 50A, an operation input detection unit 51A, a communication I / F (interface) unit 53, a wired communication unit 54, and a wireless communication unit 55. The display driver 50A controls the display of various information on the display 50 based on control from the console control unit 52. The operation input detection unit 51A detects information input to the operation panel 51 and outputs it to the console control unit 52.

[0045] The communication I / F unit 53 is connected to the connection terminal 16A, and transmits and receives various information to and from the radiation generation device 14 via the cable 35. The wired communication unit 54 is connected to the connection terminal 16B, and transmits and receives various information to and from the electronic cassette 15 via the cable 36. The wireless communication unit 55 is compatible with the above-mentioned wireless LAN standard, and transmits and receives various information to and from the electronic cassette 15 via wireless communication.

[0046] The console control unit 52 can communicate with the radiation generation device 14 via the communication I / F unit 53, and transmits various information such as exposure conditions to the radiation generation device 14. The console control unit 52 can also communicate with the electronic cassette 15 via a wired communication unit 54 or a wireless communication unit 55, and transmits and receives various information to and from the console 16. The console control unit 52 transmits synchronization signals to the radiation generation device 14 and the electronic cassette 15, receives irradiation stop signals and radiation images from the electronic cassette 15, and transmits exposure conditions, irradiation stop signals, etc. to the radiation generation device 14.

[0047] The radiation generating device 14 includes a radiation source 60 that generates radiation, a communication I / F unit 61, a radiation source control unit 62, and an irradiation switch 63. The communication I / F unit 61 is connected to the connection terminal 14A, and transmits and receives various information to and from the console 16 via the cable 35. The radiation source control unit 62 receives exposure conditions from the console 16 via the communication I / F unit 61, and causes the radiation source 60 to generate radiation based on the received exposure conditions. The radiation generating device 14 is an example of a "radiation irradiation device" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0048] The exposure switch 63 is operated by a user. When the user operates the exposure switch 63, the radiation source control unit 62 causes the radiation source 60 to generate radiation. The exposure switch 63 includes a switch used during still image capture or continuous still image capture, which will be described later, and a foot switch used during fluoroscopic imaging.

[0049] 5 shows an example of the configuration of the radiation detector 30 and the readout circuit 41. The readout circuit 41 is made up of a gate driver 41A and a signal processing circuit 41B.

[0050] The radiation detector 30 has a plurality of pixels 70 arranged in a matrix along mutually orthogonal X and Y directions. The pixels 70 are elements that generate and accumulate electric charges according to the amount of incident radiation. A scintillator (not shown) that converts radiation into visible light is provided in the pixel region in which the plurality of pixels 70 are formed.

[0051] The pixel 70 has a photoelectric conversion unit 71 that generates and accumulates electric charges by photoelectrically converting visible light converted by the scintillator, and a TFT 72 as a switching element. The pixel 70 is connected to an intersection of a scanning line 73 and a signal line 74. A gate electrode of the TFT 72 is connected to the scanning line 73, and a source electrode of the TFT 72 is connected to the signal line 74. In addition, a drain electrode of the TFT 72 is connected to the photoelectric conversion unit 71. The scanning line 73 is connected to a gate driver 41A. The signal line 74 is connected to a signal processing circuit 41B.

[0052] The electric charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion unit 71 of the pixel 70 due to the incidence of radiation is output to the signal processing circuit 41B via the signal line 74 when the TFT 72 is turned on by the gate driver 41A via the scanning line 73.

[0053] The signal processing circuit 41B includes a charge amplifier, a CDS (correlated double sampling) circuit, an analog / digital (A / D) converter, etc., and performs signal processing based on the charges output from each pixel 70. The above-mentioned image memory 42 stores one frame of signals output from the signal processing circuit 41B as a radiation image.

[0054] The radiation detector 30 is not limited to an indirect conversion type in which a scintillator converts radiation into light and then converts the converted light into electric charges, but may be a direct conversion type that uses a conversion layer (e.g., amorphous selenium) that directly converts radiation into electric charges.

[0055] 6 shows an example of the configuration of the cassette control unit 40. The cassette control unit 40 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 80, a storage 81, and a memory 82. The storage 81 stores an operating program 84 and various data. The storage 81 is a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory. The memory 82 is a volatile storage device such as a DRAM (Random Access Memory) and is used as a work memory. The CPU 80 realizes various functions by operating each unit based on the operating program 84. The CPU 80 is an example of a "processor" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0056] The configuration of the console control unit 52 is similar to that of the cassette control unit 40. The console control unit 52 is composed of, for example, a CPU, a storage that stores an operating program, and a memory.

[0057] The imaging system 13 has imaging modes including still image imaging, fluoroscopic imaging, and continuous still image imaging. The still image imaging is a mode in which one radiation imaging is performed in response to the operation of the exposure switch 63. The fluoroscopic imaging is a mode in which continuous radiation imaging is performed while the exposure switch 63 is being operated. The continuous still image imaging is a mode in which multiple still image imaging is performed in succession in response to the operation of the exposure switch 63.

[0058] A user can specify one of still image shooting, fluoroscopic shooting, and continuous still image shooting as the shooting mode by operating the operation panel 51. Furthermore, when the user specifies fluoroscopic shooting, the user can specify continuous irradiation or pulse irradiation by operating the operation panel 51. Continuous irradiation is an irradiation method in which radiation is continuously irradiated from the radiation generating device 14 during fluoroscopic shooting. Pulse irradiation is an irradiation method in which radiation is irradiated in pulses from the radiation generating device 14 in synchronization with the frame rate of shooting during fluoroscopic shooting.

[0059] When the user designates still image shooting as the shooting mode, the user can designate exposure conditions such as tube voltage, tube current, and irradiation period when irradiating radiation by operating the operation panel 51. When the user designates fluoroscopic shooting as the shooting mode, the user can designate exposure conditions such as frame rate, tube voltage, and radiation dose by operating the operation panel 51. Furthermore, when the user designates continuous still image shooting as the shooting mode, the user can designate the number of shots to be performed in one continuous still image shooting and the frame rate (specifically, the number of times still image shooting is repeated per second) in addition to the exposure conditions for still image shooting by operating the operation panel 51. The designated exposure conditions are transmitted from the console 16 to the radiation generator 14 and the electronic cassette 15.

[0060] 7 shows an example of the functional configuration of the cassette control unit 40. The cassette control unit 40 functions as an imaging control unit 85, an AEC unit 86, a correction unit 87, and a function selection control unit 88. The imaging control unit 85 operates the radiation detector 30 by controlling the readout circuit 41 based on the frame rate, the number of imaging operations, and the like included in the exposure conditions transmitted from the console 16.

[0061] The AEC unit 86 monitors the accumulated dose of radiation from the radiation generator 14 to the electronic cassette 15, and performs control to transmit an irradiation stop signal to stop the radiation irradiation when the accumulated dose (i.e., the reached dose) reaches an appropriate amount. Specifically, when radiation incident on the radiation detector 30 is detected by the pixel 70, the AEC unit 86 starts calculating the accumulated dose, and transmits an irradiation stop signal to the console 16 when the accumulated dose reaches an appropriate amount calculated based on the exposure conditions. Upon receiving the irradiation stop signal, the console 16 controls the radiation generator 14 to stop irradiating radiation.

[0062] The correction unit 87 executes offset correction for correcting the radiographic image based on previously acquired offset data. The offset data is correction data for correcting dark current noise and fixed pattern noise contained in the radiographic image. The offset data is stored in, for example, the storage 81. The correction unit 87 also makes it possible to execute offset calibration for acquiring offset data by operating the radiation detector 30 in a state where radiation is not being irradiated.

[0063] The correction unit 87 is also capable of executing the scattered radiation reduction process shown in Fig. 8. The scattered radiation reduction process is a process for reducing scattered radiation from a radiographic image by performing image processing on radiation, as in the case of using the scattered radiation removal grid 17. For example, the scattered radiation reduction process is divided into a contrast improvement process and a graininess improvement process. The contrast improvement process is a process for improving the contrast of a radiographic image by generating a scattered radiation estimated image based on the radiographic image and the exposure conditions (tube voltage, radiation dose, shooting distance, etc.) and subtracting the scattered radiation estimated image from the radiographic image. The graininess improvement process is a process for suppressing graininess components from the radiographic image with improved contrast. The scattered radiation reduction process may be performed by the console 16 or an image processing device connected to the console 16.

[0064] When the electronic cassette 15 is removed from the imaging stand, the function selection control unit 88 performs control to select an imaging function suitable for wireless communication in response to switching the communication mode from wired communication to wireless communication. Specifically, the function selection control unit 88 prohibits fluoroscopic imaging and permits still image imaging and continuous still image imaging as imaging modes in response to switching from wired communication to wireless communication. That is, when the user operates the operation panel 51 to set an imaging mode in the case where the imaging mode is set from wired communication to wireless communication, the user cannot specify fluoroscopic imaging, but can specify still image imaging or continuous still image imaging. Note that still image imaging and continuous still image imaging are also permitted in wired communication, and are not permitted only in response to switching from wired communication to wireless communication.

[0065] In fluoroscopy, the radiation generator 14 and the electronic cassette 15 must be synchronized to perform fluoroscopy, and since wireless communication is less stable than wired communication, fluoroscopy is prohibited in wireless communication. In addition, in fluoroscopy, the radiation generator 14 and the electronic cassette 15 must be positioned to meet standards so that there is no misalignment in the radiation irradiation field. When fluoroscopy is performed after removing the electronic cassette 15 from the imaging stand, it is difficult for the user to accurately position them to meet standards, so fluoroscopy is prohibited.

[0066] In addition, the function selection control unit 88 limits the frame rate during continuous still image shooting to a certain value or less (for example, 2 fps or less) in response to switching from wired communication to wireless communication. This is because wireless communication has a more unstable communication state than wired communication, making it impossible to communicate large amounts of data, and there is a risk that communication will be impossible if the frame rate is higher than the certain value.

[0067] Furthermore, the function selection control unit 88 disables (i.e., turns off) the AEC function in response to switching from wired communication to wireless communication. This is because wireless communication is less stable than wired communication, and therefore there is a possibility that the irradiation stop signal sent from the electronic cassette 15 to the console 16 will not be received by the console 16. If the console 16 does not receive the irradiation stop signal, radiation irradiation will not be stopped at the optimal timing, and the subject may be unnecessarily exposed to radiation.

[0068] Furthermore, the function selection control unit 88 enables (i.e., turns on) the scattered radiation reduction function in response to switching from wired communication to wireless communication. This is because the anti-scatter grid 17 is often not used when the electronic cassette 15 is used after being removed from the imaging stand, and it is preferable to use the scattered radiation reduction function instead of the anti-scatter grid 17. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the subject holds the electronic cassette 15 to perform knee joint axial imaging (so-called skyline imaging), the anti-scatter grid 17 is often not used in consideration of the subject's burden, and in such a case, the scattered radiation reduction function is enabled to reduce the subject's burden.

[0069] Information on the imaging function selected by the function selection control unit 88 is transmitted to the console 16. The console control unit 52 partially restricts the operations possible on the operation panel 51 based on the information transmitted from the function selection control unit 88. Specifically, in wireless communication, only still image shooting or continuous still image shooting can be specified as the imaging mode, and only values ​​below a certain value can be specified as the frame rate during continuous still image shooting. In addition, since the AEC function is forcibly disabled in wireless communication, operations are restricted so that the AEC function cannot be enabled. Furthermore, since the scattered radiation reduction function is forcibly enabled in wireless communication, operations are restricted so that the scattered radiation reduction function cannot be disabled.

[0070] The console control unit 52 may display on the display 50 information on the imaging functions whose operations are restricted by switching from wired communication to wireless communication.

[0071] 10 shows an example of a process flow when the electronic cassette 15 is removed from the imaging stand. First, the cassette control unit 40 judges whether or not the electronic cassette 15 has been removed from the imaging stand based on a detection signal output by the attachment / detachment detection unit 45 when the electronic cassette 15 is attached to the imaging stand (step S10). If the electronic cassette 15 has not been removed from the imaging stand (step S10: NO), the cassette control unit 40 repeats the judgment of step S10. If the electronic cassette 15 has been removed from the imaging stand (step S10: YES), the cassette control unit 40 switches the communication mode from wired communication to wireless communication (step S11).

[0072] Next, the cassette control unit 40 prohibits fluoroscopic photography and permits still image photography and continuous still image photography as the photography mode (step S12). Next, the cassette control unit 40 limits the frame rate during continuous still image photography to a certain value or less (step S13). Next, the cassette control unit 40 disables the AEC function (step S14). Next, the cassette control unit 40 enables the scattered radiation reduction function (step S15). Information on the photography function selected in this manner, triggered by switching the communication mode from wired communication to wireless communication, is transmitted to the console 16. The order of steps S12 to S15 is not particularly limited, and some or all of steps S12 to S15 may be performed simultaneously.

[0073] Thereafter, the cassette control unit 40 executes offset calibration (step S16). The offset calibration may be triggered by the user operating the operation panel 51.

[0074] Next, the cassette control unit 40 judges whether or not the imaging mode and the exposure conditions have been specified on the console 16 (step S17). If the imaging mode and the exposure conditions have not been specified (step S17: NO), the cassette control unit 40 repeats the judgment of step S17. If the imaging mode and the exposure conditions have been specified (step S17: YES), the cassette control unit 40 transmits a permission signal to the console 16 to permit imaging (step S18). After this, imaging can start.

[0075] After that, when the electronic cassette 15 is attached to the imaging stand, the cassette control unit 40 detects that the electronic cassette 15 has been attached to the imaging stand based on a detection signal from the attachment / detachment detection unit 45, and switches the communication mode from wireless communication to wired communication. In wired communication, the function selection control unit 88 removes all operation restrictions on the operation panel 51 that were imposed in wireless communication.

[0076] FIG. 11 shows the operation restricted by wireless communication in comparison with that of wired communication. In this embodiment, as described above, the cassette control unit 40 prohibits fluoroscopic photography and permits still image photography and continuous photography, triggered by switching the communication mode from wired communication to wireless communication. However, the cassette control unit 40 limits the frame rate during continuous still image photography to a certain value or less. Also, the cassette control unit 40 disables the AEC function and enables the scattered radiation reduction function, triggered by switching the communication mode from wired communication to wireless communication. In contrast, the cassette control unit 40 permits all of still image photography, fluoroscopic photography, and continuous still image photography in wired communication, and allows the AEC function and scattered radiation reduction function to be enabled or disabled.

[0077] As described above, according to the technology disclosed herein, when switching from wired communication to wireless communication, the user does not need to perform tasks such as referring to an operation manual or the like to check the shooting functions that can be used with wireless communication, thereby improving shooting efficiency.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the cassette control unit 40 activates the scattered radiation reduction function when the communication mode is switched from wired communication to wireless communication, but the scattered radiation reduction function may be selectable between enabled and disabled in wireless communication as well, as shown in Fig. 12. This is because the anti-scatter grid 17 may be used in wireless communication as well, and even if the anti-scatter grid 17 is not used, there may be little scattered radiation in areas of the subject's body where the body thickness is thin, making it unnecessary to remove the scattered radiation.

[0079] In other words, the cassette control unit 40, when triggered by switching the communication mode from wired communication to wireless communication, performs at least one of the following: prohibiting fluoroscopic photography, permitting still image photography and continuous photography, limiting the frame rate during continuous still image photography to a certain value or lower, and disabling the AEC function.

[0080] In addition to limiting the frame rate during continuous still image shooting to a certain value or less, the cassette control unit 40 may change the frame rate depending on the radio wave conditions of wireless communication. For example, after limiting the frame rate during continuous still image shooting to a certain value or less, the cassette control unit 40 may further limit the frame rate when the radio wave conditions of wireless communication are poor.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the cassette control unit 40 mainly controls the selection of the imaging function, but the console control unit 52 may mainly control the selection. For example, the cassette control unit 40 may transmit a detection signal output from the attachment / detachment detection unit 45 to the console 16, and the console control unit 52 may control the selection of the imaging function including the change of the communication mode based on the detection signal. Also, the cassette control unit 40 may change the communication mode based on the detection signal output from the attachment / detachment detection unit 45, and the console control unit 52 may detect that the communication mode has been changed by the cassette control unit 40 and control the selection of the imaging function. The cassette control unit 40 is an example of a "processor provided inside the radiation imaging apparatus" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The console control unit 52 is an example of a "processor provided outside the radiation imaging apparatus".

[0082] The technology of the present disclosure can also be applied to a mobile radiography system including a mobile radiography device. The mobile radiography system is a radiography system in which the radiation generating device 14 and the console 16 of the above embodiment are integrated and configured to be movable as a mobile cart. In the mobile radiography system, the electronic cassette is mainly used for wireless communication in the communication mode. In emergency situations, it may be desired to perform radiography without transporting the emergency patient to the radiography room, but in the mobile radiography system, it is difficult to perform fluoroscopy because it is difficult to accurately position the radiation generating device and the electronic cassette. However, since fluoroscopy is not necessary for emergency patients, it may be desired to perform continuous still image photography, so it is preferable to apply the technology of the present disclosure to a mobile radiography system.

[0083] Furthermore, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to X-rays, but can also be applied to a system that captures an image of a subject using other types of radiation such as gamma rays.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the hardware structure of the processing unit that executes various processes, such as the cassette control unit 40 and the console control unit 52, is various processors as shown below.

[0085] Various types of processors include CPUs, programmable logic devices (PLDs), dedicated electrical circuits, etc. As is well known, a CPU is a general-purpose processor that executes software (programs) and functions as various processing units. A PLD is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). A dedicated electrical circuit is a processor with a circuit configuration designed specifically to execute specific processes, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0086] One processing unit may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Also, multiple processing units may be configured with one processor. As an example of configuring multiple processing units with one processor, first, there is a form in which one processor is configured with a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as multiple processing units. Second, there is a form in which a processor that realizes the functions of the entire system including multiple processing units in one IC chip is used, as represented by a system on chip (SoC). In this way, the various processing units are configured using one or more of the above various processors as a hardware structure.

[0087] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors is, more specifically, an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0088] The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the technology of the present disclosure extends to a computer-readable storage medium that non-temporarily stores a program, in addition to the program.

[0089] The above explanation makes it possible to understand the following techniques. [Additional note 1] A radiation imaging system having still image imaging, fluoroscopic imaging, and continuous still image imaging as imaging modes, a radiation imaging apparatus having a wired communication and a wireless communication mode; a radiation irradiation device that irradiates radiation to the radiation imaging device; A processor provided inside or outside the radiation imaging apparatus; Equipped with The processor, prohibiting the fluoroscopic imaging and permitting the still image imaging and the continuous still image imaging in response to switching the communication mode from the wired communication to the wireless communication; limiting the frame rate during the continuous still image shooting to a certain value or less; disabling an automatic exposure control function that transmits an irradiation stop signal to stop the irradiation of the radiation by the radiation irradiation device when an accumulated irradiation amount irradiated by the radiation imaging device reaches an appropriate amount; Execute at least one of the following: Radiography system. [Additional note 2] The radiographic imaging device is portable and can be attached to and detached from an imaging stand. Item 1. A radiation imaging system according to claim 1. [Additional note 3] The processor switches the communication mode based on whether the radiation imaging apparatus is attached to the imaging stand. Item 3. A radiation imaging system according to item 2. [Additional note 4] the processor switches the communication mode from the wired communication to the wireless communication in response to the radiation imaging apparatus being removed from the imaging stand. 4. A radiation imaging system according to claim 3. [Additional note 5] a control device having an operation panel operated by a user and controlling the radiation irradiation device and the radiation imaging device; The radiation imaging apparatus performs the wired communication or the wireless communication with the control device. 5. A radiation imaging system according to claim 1, [Additional note 6] the processor activates a scattered radiation reduction function that reduces scattered radiation by performing image processing on the radiation image generated by the radiation imaging apparatus in response to switching the communication mode from the wired communication to the wireless communication. 6. A radiation imaging system according to claim 1, [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 10 Radiation Information System 11 Terminal Equipment 12 RIS Server 12A Database 13 Radiography system 14 Radiation Generator 14A, 14B Connection terminal 15 Electronic Cassette 15A connection terminal 16 Console 16A, 16B Connection terminal 17 Anti-scatter grid 20 Standing photography stand 20A Shooting position 21 Recumbent photography stand 21A Shooting position 22,23 Holder 24 Support movement mechanism 30 Radiation Detector 31 Case 31A Front 32 Radiolucent plate 35,36 Cable 40 Cassette control unit 41 Readout circuit 41A Gate Driver 41B Signal processing circuit 42 Image Memory 43 Wired Communications Department 44 Wireless Communication Section 45 Attachment / detachment detection unit 50 Display 50A Display Driver 51 Operation Panel 51A Operation input detection section 52 Console control section 53 Communication I / F section 54 Wired Communications Department 55 Wireless Communication Division 60 Radiation Source 61 Communication I / F section 62 Radiation source control section 63 Irradiation switch 70 pixels 71 Photoelectric conversion unit 73 Scan Lines 74 Signal Line 80 CPU 81 Storage 82 Memory 84 Operating Program 85 Shooting control section 86 AEC Department 87 Correction section 88 Function selection control section NW Hospital network

Claims

1. A radiation imaging system having still image imaging, fluoroscopic imaging, and continuous still image imaging as imaging modes, a radiation imaging apparatus having a wired communication and a wireless communication mode; a radiation irradiation device that irradiates radiation to the radiation imaging device; A processor provided inside or outside the radiation imaging apparatus; Equipped with The processor, prohibiting the fluoroscopic imaging and permitting the still image imaging and the continuous still image imaging in response to switching the communication mode from the wired communication to the wireless communication; limiting the frame rate during the continuous still image shooting to a certain value or less; disabling an automatic exposure control function that transmits an irradiation stop signal to stop the irradiation of the radiation by the radiation irradiation device when an accumulated irradiation amount irradiated by the radiation imaging device reaches an appropriate amount; Execute at least one of the following: Radiography system.

2. The radiographic imaging device is portable and can be attached to and detached from an imaging stand. The radiation imaging system according to claim 1 .

3. The processor switches the communication mode based on whether the radiation imaging apparatus is attached to the imaging stand. The radiation imaging system according to claim 2 .

4. the processor switches the communication mode from the wired communication to the wireless communication in response to the radiation imaging apparatus being removed from the imaging stand. The radiation imaging system according to claim 3 .

5. a control device having an operation panel operated by a user and controlling the radiation irradiation device and the radiation imaging device; The radiation imaging apparatus performs the wired communication or the wireless communication with the control device. The radiation imaging system according to claim 1 .

6. the processor activates a scattered radiation reduction function that reduces scattered radiation by performing image processing on the radiation image generated by the radiation imaging apparatus in response to switching the communication mode from the wired communication to the wireless communication. The radiation imaging system according to claim 1 .

7. A radiation imaging system having still image imaging, fluoroscopic imaging, and continuous still image imaging as imaging modes, a radiation imaging apparatus having a wired communication and a wireless communication mode; a radiation irradiation device that irradiates radiation to the radiation imaging device; A processor provided inside or outside the radiation imaging apparatus; A method for operating a radiography system comprising: The processor, prohibiting the fluoroscopic imaging and permitting the still image imaging and the continuous still image imaging in response to switching the communication mode from the wired communication to the wireless communication; limiting the frame rate during the continuous still image shooting to a certain value or less; disabling an automatic exposure control function that transmits an irradiation stop signal to stop the irradiation of the radiation by the radiation irradiation device when an accumulated irradiation amount irradiated by the radiation imaging device reaches an appropriate amount; Executing at least one of the following: A method of operating a radiography system comprising:

8. A radiation imaging system having still image imaging, fluoroscopic imaging, and continuous still image imaging as imaging modes, a radiation imaging apparatus having a wired communication and a wireless communication mode; a radiation irradiation device that irradiates radiation to the radiation imaging device; A processor provided inside or outside the radiation imaging apparatus; An operation program for operating a radiation imaging system comprising: prohibiting the fluoroscopic imaging and permitting the still image imaging and the continuous still image imaging in response to switching the communication mode from the wired communication to the wireless communication; limiting the frame rate during the continuous still image shooting to a certain value or less; disabling an automatic exposure control function that transmits an irradiation stop signal to stop the irradiation of the radiation by the radiation irradiation device when an accumulated irradiation amount irradiated by the radiation imaging device reaches an appropriate amount; Executing at least one of the following: An operating program that causes the processor to execute a process including the steps of:

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