Dynamic imaging system, imaging control method, and program

Abstract

To enable acquisition of a dynamic image for a required period of time while suppressing an increase of exposure dose.SOLUTION: In a dynamic imaging system, the controller of the body controls the radiation source and the FPD to operate in an intermittent imaging mode in which dynamic imaging is performed multiple times from one time of imaging start to the one time of imaging end, based on a specified imaging period and a specified imaging suspension period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dynamic image capturing system, a capturing control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a radiation image capturing system for the purpose of dynamically capturing a subject outside a hospital imaging room (such as a patient room or an operating room) is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a radiation image capturing system, convenience has been improved, such as being able to perform dynamic imaging of patients who have difficulty moving to the imaging room, such as seriously injured patients.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in imaging outside the imaging room, from the perspective of risk management, the total dose per imaging is limited, and long-time X-ray pulse irradiation cannot be performed. Therefore, for example, when it is desired to dynamically image and confirm the in-vivo situation during a treatment or immediately after taking a contrast agent, it is not possible to obtain an image at the necessary timing because long-time imaging is not possible.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to be able to obtain dynamic images for a necessary period while suppressing an increase in the exposure dose.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the dynamic image capturing system of the present invention includes a radiation source and a radiation detector, A dynamic image capturing system that irradiates a subject with radiation from the radiation source and captures a dynamic image composed of a plurality of frames by detecting the radiation that has passed through the subject with the radiation detector, a control unit that controls the radiation source and the radiation detector so as to operate in an intermittent shooting mode in which the shooting of the dynamic image is performed a plurality of times based on a designated shooting period and a shooting interruption period between the start and the end of one shooting, is provided.

[0007] The shooting control method of the present invention includes a radiation source and a radiation detector, and is a shooting control method in a dynamic image shooting system that irradiates a subject with radiation from the radiation source and captures a dynamic image composed of a plurality of frames by detecting the radiation that has passed through the subject with the radiation detector, and controls the radiation source and the radiation detector so as to operate in an intermittent shooting mode in which the shooting of the dynamic image is performed a plurality of times based on a designated shooting period and a shooting interruption period between the start and the end of one shooting.

[0008] The program of the present invention includes a radiation source and a radiation detector, and causes a computer provided in a dynamic image shooting system that irradiates a subject with radiation from the radiation source and captures a dynamic image composed of a plurality of frames by detecting the radiation that has passed through the subject with the radiation detector to function as a control unit that controls the radiation source and the radiation detector so as to operate in an intermittent shooting mode in which the shooting of the dynamic image is performed a plurality of times based on a designated shooting period and a shooting interruption period between the start and the end of one shooting.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a dynamic image for a necessary period while suppressing an increase in the exposure dose.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are subject to various technically preferable limitations for carrying out the present invention. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an in-hospital system including a dynamic image capturing system 10 according to the present embodiment. The dynamic image capturing system 10 is a system for performing dynamic imaging of a patient with difficulty in moving, for example, during a round-robin visit. The dynamic image capturing system 10 includes a main body 1, a radiation source 2, and an FPD 3. The main body 1 has wheels and is configured as a mobile round-robin vehicle. Note that the dynamic image capturing system 10 may be a portable one without wheels. The main body 1 is connected to a communication network N such as an in-hospital LAN (Local Area Network) via a wireless access point (AP) 20 installed in the hospital. The main body 1 can transmit and receive data to and from external devices such as a RIS (Radiology Information Systems) 30, a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) 40, and an analysis device 50 via the communication network N.

[0013] The dynamic image capturing system 10 irradiates radiation from the radiation source 2 while the FPD 3 is disposed at a position facing the radiation source 2 with the subject H therebetween, and captures a still image or dynamic image of the subject H. In the present embodiment, dynamic imaging means irradiating radiation such as X-rays in a pulsed manner at predetermined time intervals (pulse irradiation) to the subject to obtain a plurality of images of the subject. A series of images obtained by dynamic imaging is called a dynamic image. Each of the plurality of images constituting the dynamic image is called a frame. Note that dynamic imaging includes video imaging, but does not include capturing a still image while displaying a video. Also, the dynamic image includes a video, but does not include an image obtained by capturing a still image while displaying a video.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the main body 1. The main body 1 has a function as a console (imaging control device). As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 1 is configured to include a control unit 101, an operation unit 102, a display unit 103, a storage unit 104, a communication unit 105, a drive unit 106, a battery 107, a connector 108, a charging unit 109, etc. Each part of the main body 1 is connected by a bus 110.

[0015] The control unit 101 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The CPU of the control unit 101 reads out the system program and various processing programs stored in the storage unit 104 according to the input of the operation unit 102, expands them in the RAM, and executes various processes according to the expanded programs.

[0016] The operation unit 102 has a touch panel or the like in which transparent electrodes are arranged in a grid pattern so as to cover the surface of the display unit 103. The touch panel detects the position pressed by a finger, a touch pen, etc., and inputs the position information as operation information to the control unit 101. Also, the operation unit 102 includes an exposure switch 102a. The exposure switch 102a is a switch for a user to instruct radiation irradiation by the radiation source 2.

[0017] The display unit 103 is composed of a monitor such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube). The display unit 103 performs display according to the instruction of the display signal input from the control unit 101.

[0018] The storage unit 104 is composed of a non-volatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 104 stores various programs executed by the control unit 101, parameters necessary for executing the processes by the programs, or data such as processing results.

[0019] Also, in the present embodiment, an inspection order information storage unit 104a or the like is provided in the storage unit 104. The inspection order information storage unit 104a stores the inspection order information acquired from the RIS 30. Here, the inspection order information includes patient information and inspection information. The patient information includes the patient ID, name, gender, age, ward (building), etc. of the patient to be examined. The inspection information includes the inspection ID, inspection date, and shooting order for each shooting performed in the inspection. The shooting order includes the shooting site, shooting direction, classification of still image shooting / dynamic image shooting, etc. In addition, the storage unit 104 is provided with a temporary storage area (not shown) for temporarily storing the medical images transferred from the FPD 3. Further, the storage unit 104 is provided with an image storage area (not shown) for storing the medical images transferred from the FPD 3 in association with the attached information for a certain period.

[0020] The communication unit 105 includes a first communication unit 105a and a second communication unit 105b. The first communication unit 105a performs data transmission and reception with the FPD 3 through wired communication or wireless communication. The second communication unit 105b performs data transmission and reception with external devices such as the RIS 30 and the PACS 40 connected to the communication network N via the wireless access point 20. The second communication unit 105b functions as an output unit.

[0021] The drive unit 106 is a circuit that drives the tube ball of the radiation source 2. The drive unit 106 and the radiation source 2 are connected via a cable.

[0022] The battery 107 supplies power to each part of the main body 1 and the radiation source 2. The battery 107 can be charged from the outside via the AC cable 111.

[0023] The connector 108 is provided inside the storage unit 120 and is electrically connected to the FPD 3 stored in the storage unit 120.

[0024] The charging unit 109 charges the FPD 3 connected via the connector 108 with the power supplied from the battery 107 based on the control from the control unit 101.

[0025] The radiation source 2 is driven by the driving unit 106 and irradiates the subject H with radiation (X-rays). In the case of dynamic imaging, the radiation source 2 irradiates the subject H with radiation in a pulsed manner at predetermined time intervals, for example.

[0026] The FPD 3 is a portable radiation detector corresponding to still image imaging and dynamic imaging. The FPD 3 includes, for example, radiation detection elements two-dimensionally arranged on a glass substrate. The radiation detection elements are constituted by semiconductor image sensors such as photodiodes. The radiation detection elements detect the radiation irradiated from the radiation source 2 and at least transmitted through the subject H according to its intensity, convert the detected radiation into an electrical signal, and accumulate it. A switching unit such as a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) is connected to each radiation detection element, for example, and the accumulation and reading of the electrical signal are controlled by the switching unit, and image data is acquired. Note that the FPD has an indirect conversion type in which radiation is converted into an electrical signal by a photoelectric conversion element via a scintillator and a direct conversion type in which radiation is directly converted into an electrical signal, and either one may be used. In the present embodiment, the FPD 3 will be described as being a so-called self-detection type FPD. That is, the FPD 3 has an automatic detection mode function for automatically detecting radiation irradiation. When performing dynamic imaging, when detecting the start of radiation irradiation, the FPD 3 performs imaging (accumulation and reading) at a preset frame rate. The frames obtained by imaging are sequentially transferred to the main body 1 by a communication unit (not shown). Note that the FPD 3 is not limited to the self-detection method.

[0027] The RIS 30 issues and stores examination order information. In addition, the RIS 30 transmits the issued examination order information to the main body 1 etc. of the dynamic imaging system 10 via the communication network N.

[0028] The PACS 40 stores and manages medical images generated by modalities such as the dynamic imaging system 10 in association with the attached information of the medical images (patient information, examination information). The medical images include still images and dynamic images.

[0029] The analysis device 50 analyzes medical images generated by modalities such as the dynamic imaging system 10 and outputs the analysis results.

[0030] (Operation of the dynamic imaging system) Next, the imaging operation in the intermittent imaging mode of the dynamic imaging system 10 in the present embodiment will be described.

[0031] In conventional dynamic imaging, during the period from the start of imaging to the end of imaging, pulsed irradiation from the radiation source 2 was continuously performed to obtain a dynamic image composed of a series of multiple frames. However, in imaging outside the imaging room, from the perspective of risk management, the total dose that can be irradiated from the start of imaging to the end of imaging is limited, and long-term pulsed irradiation cannot be performed. Therefore, for example, when dynamically imaging and confirming the state of a catheter insertion procedure or the in-vivo situation immediately after taking a contrast agent, since long-term imaging cannot be performed, images at the necessary timings may not be obtained.

[0032] Therefore, the dynamic imaging system 10 of the present embodiment has a normal mode and an intermittent imaging mode as operation modes for dynamic imaging. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing pulsed irradiation in the normal mode, and FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing pulsed irradiation in the intermittent imaging mode. The normal mode is a mode for performing dynamic imaging similar to the conventional one. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the normal mode is a mode in which pulsed irradiation from the radiation source 2 is continuously performed during the period from the start of one imaging to the end of imaging. In the normal mode, one dynamic image composed of a series of multiple frames is obtained. The intermittent imaging mode is a mode in which, as shown in FIG. 4, during the period from the start of one imaging to the end of imaging, based on the specified imaging time and imaging interruption time, dynamic imaging in which pulsed irradiation from the radiation source 2 is continuously performed is intermittently performed a plurality of times. In the intermittent imaging mode, a plurality of dynamic images composed of a series of multiple frames are obtained. Each dynamic imaging in the intermittent imaging mode is called intermittent imaging.

[0033] In this embodiment, in the normal mode, the radiation source 2 continues pulsed irradiation from the start to the end of imaging. In the intermittent imaging mode, the radiation source 2 performs pulsed irradiation during a specified imaging period within the period from the start to the end of imaging, stops pulsed irradiation during the specified imaging interruption period, and waits with the anode rotating. In the normal mode, after being notified of the start of imaging, when the FPD 3 detects radiation, it starts accumulating and reading out charges corresponding to the radiation. When radiation is not detected for a predetermined time or more, the FPD 3 recognizes the end of imaging and ends the accumulation and reading out of charges. In the intermittent imaging mode, after being notified of the start of imaging, when the FPD 3 detects radiation, it starts accumulating and reading out charges corresponding to the radiation. Thereafter, even if radiation is not detected for a predetermined time or more, the FPD 3 recognizes that imaging is in progress until it is notified of the end of imaging, and continues accumulating and reading out charges in response to the detection of radiation.

[0034] For dynamic imaging, the imaging operator, who is the user, instructs the display of the inspection order list screen on the main body 1 by operating the operation unit 102. The control unit 101 of the main body 1 causes the display unit 103 to display an inspection order list screen (not shown) based on the inspection order information stored in the inspection order information storage unit 104a. The user selects an inspection of an imaging target including dynamic imaging from the inspection order list screen by operating the operation unit 102. The control unit 101 causes the display unit 103 to display an imaging screen 130 corresponding to the selected inspection.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the imaging screen 130. As shown in FIG. 5, the imaging screen 130 is provided with an imaging order list 13a, an image display column 13b, an intermittent mode button 13c, an inspection end button 13d, an output button 13e, a retake button 13f, etc. The imaging order list 13a is a list of imaging orders included in the inspection order information of the selected inspection. The imaging order includes the imaging site, the imaging direction, the classification of still image imaging / dynamic imaging, etc. The image display column 13b is a column for displaying the captured image. Before shooting, information indicating the status of the system such as "Waiting for exposure permission" and "Can shoot" is displayed in the image display column 13b. The intermittent mode button 13c is a button for instructing the start and end of shooting in the intermittent shooting mode. Note that the intermittent mode button 13c becomes active and can be pressed when the shooting order for dynamic shooting is selected. The output button 13e is a button for instructing to output the captured image to the PACS 40 and / or the analysis device 50. The discard button 13f is a button for instructing to discard the captured image without outputting it. The inspection end button 13d is a button for instructing to end the inspection.

[0036] The user selects a shooting order from the shooting order list 13a on the shooting screen 130 by operating the operation unit 102 and performs shooting preparations such as positioning. In the main body 1, when a shooting order for dynamic shooting is selected by operating the operation unit 102, the control unit 101 displays "Waiting for exposure permission" in the image display column 13b and activates the intermittent mode button 13c. In addition, the control unit 101 causes the radiation source 2 and the FPD 3 to perform shooting preparations. For example, the control unit 101 sets the radiation irradiation conditions corresponding to the selected shooting order in the drive unit 106 and activates the radiation source 2 by the drive unit 106 to make it standby. In addition, the control unit 101 transmits the image reading conditions corresponding to the selected shooting order to the FPD 3 by the first communication unit 105a and causes it to perform shooting preparations such as reset processing. When the reset processing is completed, the FPD 3 shifts to the automatic detection mode.

[0037] When it is notified that the shooting preparations are completed from the drive unit 106 and the FPD 3, the control unit 101 causes "Can shoot" to be displayed in the image display column 13b. When the intermittent mode button 13c is pressed, the control unit 101 instructs the drive unit 106 and the FPD 3 to start shooting in the intermittent shooting mode. Then, the control unit 101 starts the intermittent shooting mode process A and performs multiple intermittent shootings in response to the pressing of the exposure switch 102a by the user.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the intermittent shooting mode process A in the present embodiment. The intermittent shooting mode process A is executed in cooperation with the control unit 101 and the program stored in the storage unit 104.

[0039] In the intermittent shooting mode A, the user designates the shooting period and the shooting interruption period of the intermittent shooting by operating the exposure switch 102a. For example, the start of the intermittent shooting can be instructed by turning on the exposure switch 102a. The interruption of the shooting can be instructed by turning off the exposure switch 102a. That is, from the ON of the exposure switch 102a to the OFF of the exposure switch 102a is the shooting period of the intermittent shooting, and from the OFF of the exposure switch 102a to the ON of the exposure switch 102a is the shooting interruption period. The ON of the exposure switch 102a is, for example, the pressing (full press) of the exposure switch 102a. The OFF of the exposure switch 102a is, for example, the release of the exposure switch 102a. Here, the shooting period is the period during which the radiation source 2 performs pulsed irradiation. The shooting interruption period is the period during which the pulsed irradiation by the radiation source 2 is interrupted.

[0040] In the intermittent shooting mode A, first, the control unit 101 sets the variable n to 1 (step S1). Next, the control unit 101 waits for the exposure switch 102a to be turned on (step S2). When the exposure switch 102a is turned on (step S2; YES), the control unit 101 starts pulsed irradiation of the radiation source 2 by the drive unit 106 and starts the nth intermittent shooting (step S3). For example, the control unit 101 causes the drive unit 106 to perform pulsed irradiation of the radiation source 2 at the frame rate specified by the radiation irradiation conditions. Here, when the FPD 3 detects radiation, it repeats the process of acquiring frames with an accumulation time and a readout time according to the frame rate specified in the image reading conditions. Then, it attaches a frame number indicating the shooting order and an identification number for intermittent shooting to the acquired frames and transfers them to the main body 1.

[0041] The control unit 101 receives the frames transferred from the FPD 3 by the first communication unit 105a and sequentially displays them in the image display column 13b (step S4). FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a shooting screen 130 in which the transferred frames are displayed in the image display column 13b. Here, the control unit 101 stores the transferred frames in the temporary storage area of the storage unit 104. Also, it is preferable that the control unit 101 performs offset correction, gain correction, gradation correction, etc. before displaying the frames. When performing offset correction, in order to simplify and speed up the internal processing, an offset correction image (dark image) may be acquired at the first intermittent shooting, and correction may be performed using the same offset correction image during the shooting period. Of course, an offset correction image may be acquired for each group of intermittent shootings.

[0042] Next, the control unit 101 determines whether the exposure switch 102a has been turned off (step S5). If it is determined that the exposure switch 102a is not turned off (step S5; NO), the control unit 101 determines whether the total dose irradiated after the start of shooting exceeds a predetermined upper limit value (step S6). If it is determined that the total dose does not exceed the upper limit value (step S6; NO), the control unit 101 returns to step S4. That is, the control unit 101 continues the nth intermittent shooting, receives the frames transferred from the FPD 3 by the first communication unit 105a, and sequentially displays them in the image display column 13b. If it is determined that the irradiated total dose exceeds the upper limit value (step S6; YES), the control unit 101 proceeds to step S12.

[0043] On the other hand, when it is determined that the irradiation switch 102a has been turned off (step S5; YES), the control unit 101 ends the n-th intermittent shooting and interrupts the shooting (step S7). That is, the control unit 101 interrupts (temporarily stops) the radiation irradiation by the radiation source 2 by the drive unit 106. When no radiation is detected by the FPD 3, while waiting for the next detection of radiation, the FPD 3 transfers the untransferred frames. The FPD 3 may continue accumulation and readout during this period, but the images acquired during this period are discarded and not transferred to the main body 1.

[0044] During the shooting interruption, the control unit 101 continuously receives the frames transferred from the FPD 3 by the first communication unit 105a and sequentially displays them in the image display column 13b (step S8). During the shooting interruption, when the last frame in the immediately preceding intermittent shooting is received by the first communication unit 105a, the control unit 101 displays the last frame in the image display column 13b and maintains the state in which the last frame is displayed. In addition to displaying the last frame, it is also possible to extract characteristic frames in the group of the immediately preceding intermittent shooting according to prior settings and definitions and display them in the image display column 13b. For example, by detecting the catheter through image analysis, the last frame in which the movement of the catheter has stopped may be extracted and displayed in the image display column 13b. Also, only during the shooting interruption, instead of displaying the last frame as the original image, image processing such as scatter correction processing or frequency enhancement processing may be performed according to prior settings and then displayed. Also, during the shooting interruption, it is preferable that the control unit 101 also displays notification information such as icons or marks indicating that the image displayed in the image display column 13b is not in real-time. For example, when it is possible to recognize that the shooting is interrupted due to the irradiation switch 102a being turned off or the interruption time having elapsed for a certain period, the control unit 101 preferably displays that the shooting is interrupted as an overlay on the last frame or the like displayed in the image display column 13b.

[0045] Next, the control unit 101 determines whether the exposure switch 102a has been turned on (step S9). If it is determined that the exposure switch has been turned on (step S9; YES), the control unit 101 increments the variable n (step S10) and returns to step S3. That is, the control unit 101 starts the next intermittent shooting and sequentially displays the frames obtained by shooting in the image display column 13b.

[0046] On the other hand, if it is determined that the exposure switch is not turned on (step S9; NO), the control unit 101 determines whether shooting end has been instructed (step S11). Here, when the intermittent mode button 13c on the shooting screen 130 is pressed again, the control unit 101 determines that shooting end has been instructed. If it is determined that shooting end has not been instructed (step S11; NO), the control unit 101 returns to step S9. If it is determined that shooting end has been instructed (step S11; YES), the control unit 101 proceeds to step S12.

[0047] In step S12, the control unit 101 notifies the drive unit 106 and the FPD 3 of the end of shooting and ends the shooting (step S12). Also, the control unit 101 continues to receive the frames transferred from the FPD 3 by the first communication unit 105a and sequentially displays them in the image display column 13b (step S13).

[0048] When the display of the frames obtained by shooting ends, the control unit 101 concatenates the plurality of moving images obtained by intermittent shooting to generate one series of moving images (step S14).

[0049] Regarding step S14, an example will be described where three intermittent shootings are performed from the start to the end of one shooting. Assume that the frames of the moving image of the first intermittent shooting are frame numbers 1 to 50, the frames of the moving image of the second intermittent shooting are frame numbers 51 to 100, and the frame numbers of the moving image of the third intermittent shooting are 101 to 150. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 101 generates a series of moving images by attaching the same series information (for example, Se1) to each frame of frame numbers 1 to 150. The series information is a series ID or the like for identifying a series within the same examination. By attaching the same series information, a plurality of moving images obtained by a plurality of intermittent shootings can be associated as moving images of the same series within the same examination. In addition, the control unit 101 attaches, to the image of each frame, in addition to the series information, frame numbers, patient information, examination information, and the like.

[0050] When connecting a plurality of moving images, the control unit 101 may insert a summary image, which is a frame in which shooting conditions are described, at the connection part (joint). Examples of the summary image include an image in which shooting conditions (delay time, shooting time, tube voltage, mAs value, etc.) and shooting interruption time of the intermittent shooting in which the frame group immediately before the connection part was shot are described. Alternatively, a summary image describing a list of shooting conditions for each intermittent shooting may be inserted at the connection part. Alternatively, one predetermined frame may be inserted at the connection part, or a predetermined number of frames corresponding to the shooting interruption time may be inserted. Examples of the predetermined frame include a copy of the final frame, a frame with an all-black screen, and a frame with a predetermined pattern. This makes it possible to easily determine which part is the connection part. Alternatively, it may be connected without inserting a summary image or a predetermined frame at the connection part, and a summary image describing the shooting conditions of each intermittent shooting may be inserted at the end of a series of frames. In this case, in order to make the connection part distinguishable, for example, characters such as "final frame of the ○th time" may be added in an overlay to the final frame of each intermittent shooting. Alternatively, for example, if it is the first frame of the first intermittent shooting, it may be indicated as "1-1", and if it is the fifth frame of the second intermittent shooting, it may be indicated as "2-5". A display indicating which frame of which intermittent shooting may be added as an overlay to each frame.

[0051] Information indicating which frame image of which intermittent shooting or which frame of which intermittent shooting may be added to the attached information or header information of the image instead of being added to the image as an overlay. By adding information that can identify which group of frames of intermittent shooting it is, it becomes possible to perform head-out or split display in units of intermittent shooting during display. For example, when intermittently shooting a swallowing movement, in order to first view the frame of the timing of swallowing, it is possible to view the subsequent dynamic images of intermittent shooting including the timing of swallowing, and then sequentially view the dynamic images intermittently shot from the start of shooting.

[0052] Next, the control unit 101 stores the generated dynamic image in the image storage area of the storage unit 104 in association with the attached information (step S15). Also, the control unit 101 transmits (outputs) the generated dynamic image to the PACS 40 and / or the analysis device 50 by the second communication unit 105b (step S16). Then, the control unit 101 ends the intermittent shooting mode process A.

[0053] In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the start and end of shooting are instructed by pressing the intermittent mode button 13c. Alternatively, it may be possible to instruct the start and end of shooting by operating the exposure switch 102a. For example, if the exposure switch 102a is a two-stage switch that can be half-pressed and fully pressed, the first full press of the exposure switch 102a is an instruction to start shooting and start the first intermittent shooting. Changing the exposure switch 102a from the fully pressed state to the half-pressed state is an instruction to interrupt shooting. When the exposure switch 102a is returned from the half-pressed state to the fully pressed state, it is an instruction to start the next intermittent shooting. When the exposure switch 102a is released, it is an instruction to end shooting.

[0054] Note that the control unit 101 may automatically determine that the shooting has ended when any of the following conditions (1) to (5) is met. (1) When the total shooting time from the start of shooting reaches the predetermined shooting time. This makes it possible to manage so that the total time actually shot by intermittent shooting does not exceed the predetermined shooting time. (2) When the total irradiation dose becomes the predetermined irradiation dose as described above. (3) When the total time of the shooting time and the interruption time reaches the predetermined time. For example, with a limit of 3 minutes, shooting and interruption can be performed any number of times during that period. (4) When the interruption time of intermittent shooting reaches the predetermined time. This makes it possible to end the shooting once and perform a reset process due to the relationship of the shooting quality when the interruption time becomes longer than the predetermined time. (5) When the number of times of intermittent shooting reaches the predetermined number of times. Considering that time and dose may not be intuitive for engineers, by managing intermittent shooting with the number of times that can be implemented, it becomes easier for engineers to grasp the timing of the end of shooting.

[0055] Which of the above (1) to (5) is used as the condition for ending the shooting may be set in advance in the storage unit 104, or may be specified by the user on the control panel or dialog on the shooting screen 130 before shooting. Further, the control unit 101 may display the current time, dose, number of times, etc. on the shooting screen 130 during shooting, or notify by sound or the like, so as to indicate how much longer shooting can be continued.

[0056] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the moving image shooting system 10 in the second embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be incorporated herein. Hereinafter, the operation of the second embodiment will be described.

[0057] When the intermittent mode button 13c is pressed on the shooting screen 130, as shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 101 pops up and displays the designation screen 131. The designation screen 131 is a screen for designating, before shooting, the delay time from the start of shooting to the first intermittent shooting, the shooting time of each intermittent shooting, and the shooting interruption time. By designating the delay time, the shooting time, and the shooting interruption time on the designation screen 131, it is possible to designate the shooting period and the shooting interruption period of each intermittent shooting.

[0058] When an input is made from the designation screen 131 by an operation of the operation unit 102, the control unit 101 calculates the total dose in the current series of dynamic shootings based on the shooting time of each input intermittent shooting and the radiation irradiation conditions. When the calculated total dose exceeds a predetermined upper limit value, the control unit 101, for example, displays a warning such as "The upper limit of the dose has been exceeded" on the designation screen 131 and prompts a change in the shooting time or the number of shootings. When the input is made so that the total dose is within the upper limit value and the "OK" button 131a is pressed, the control unit 101 sets the designated information in a predetermined area of the storage unit 104. Further, the control unit 101 instructs the drive unit 106 and the FPD 3 to start shooting in the intermittent shooting mode. Then, the control unit 101 starts the intermittent shooting mode process B and controls to execute a plurality of intermittent shootings according to the designated delay time, shooting time, and shooting interruption time. Note that on the designation screen 131, shooting conditions (tube voltage, mAs value, etc.) in each intermittent shooting may also be designated together.

[0059] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the intermittent shooting mode process B in the present embodiment. The intermittent shooting mode process B is executed in cooperation with the program stored in the control unit 101 and the storage unit 104.

[0060] In the intermittent shooting mode process B, first, the control unit 101 sets the variable n to 1 (step S21).

[0061] Next, the control unit 101 waits for the specified delay time to elapse (step S22). When the specified delay time has elapsed (step S22; YES), the control unit 101 causes the drive unit 106 to start pulsed irradiation of the radiation source 2 and starts the n-th intermittent imaging (step S23). For example, the control unit 101 causes the drive unit 106 to perform pulsed irradiation of the radiation source 2 at the frame rate specified by the radiation irradiation conditions. When the FPD 3 detects radiation, it repeats the process of acquiring a frame with an accumulation time and a readout time corresponding to the frame rate specified by the image reading conditions. Then, the FPD 3 attaches a frame number indicating the imaging order and an identification number of the intermittent imaging to the acquired frame and transfers it to the main body 1.

[0062] The control unit 101 receives the frame transferred from the FPD 3 by the first communication unit 105a and sequentially displays it in the image display column 13b (step S24).

[0063] Next, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the imaging time of the n-th intermittent imaging has elapsed (step S25). If it is determined that the imaging time of the n-th intermittent imaging has not elapsed (step S25; NO), the control unit 101 returns to step S24. That is, the control unit 101 continues the n-th intermittent imaging, receives the frame transferred from the FPD 3 by the first communication unit 105a, and sequentially displays it in the image display column 13b.

[0064] On the other hand, if it is determined that the imaging time of the n-th intermittent imaging has elapsed (step S25; YES), the control unit 101 determines whether or not the imaging has ended (step S26). The control unit 101 determines that the imaging has ended when the imaging interruption time and the imaging time after the n-th intermittent imaging are not specified.

[0065] If it is determined that the imaging has not ended (step S26; NO), the control unit 101 ends the n-th intermittent imaging and interrupts the imaging (step S27). That is, the control unit 101 interrupts (temporarily stops) the radiation irradiation by the radiation source 2 by the drive unit 106. When no radiation is detected, the FPD 3 transfers the untransferred frames while waiting for the next detection of radiation. During this period, the FPD 3 may continue accumulation and readout, but the images acquired during this period are discarded and not transferred to the main body 1.

[0066] Further, the control unit 101 continuously receives the frames transferred from the FPD 3 by the first communication unit 105a and sequentially displays them in the image display column 13b (step S28).

[0067] Next, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the n-th shooting interruption time has elapsed (step S29). If it is determined that the n-th shooting interruption time has not elapsed (step S29; NO), the control unit 101 returns to step S28. If it is determined that the n-th shooting interruption time has elapsed (step S29; YES), the control unit 101 increments the variable n (step S30) and returns to step S23. That is, the control unit 101 starts the next intermittent shooting and sequentially displays the frames obtained by the shooting in the image display column 13b.

[0068] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S26 that the shooting has ended (step S26; YES), the control unit 101 instructs the drive unit 106 and the FPD 3 to end the shooting and ends the shooting (step S31). Further, the control unit 101 continuously receives the frames transferred from the FPD 3 by the first communication unit 105a and sequentially displays them in the image display column 13b (step S32).

[0069] When the display of the frames obtained by the shooting is completed, the control unit 101 concatenates a plurality of dynamic images obtained by the intermittent shooting to generate a series of dynamic images (step S33). The process of step S33 is the same as that described in step S14 of FIG. 6, and thus the description thereof is incorporated herein by reference.

[0070] Next, the control unit 101 stores the generated moving image in the image storage area of the storage unit 104 in association with the attached information (step S34). Further, the control unit 101 transmits (outputs) the generated moving image to the PACS 40 and / or the analysis device 50 by the second communication unit 105b (step S35). Then, the control unit 101 ends the intermittent shooting mode process B.

[0071] As described in the first and second embodiments, in the moving image shooting system 10, during the period from the start of shooting to the end of shooting, the shooting of the moving image can be performed a plurality of times based on the shooting period and the shooting interruption period specified by the user operation. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a moving image for a necessary period while suppressing an increase in the exposure amount without shooting during a period when shooting is not necessary. For example, when dynamically shooting and confirming a treatment such as catheter insertion, it is necessary to confirm the state at the start of catheter insertion and the insertion result of the catheter. In such a case, in conventional dynamic shooting, if the treatment takes a long time, the insertion result of the catheter cannot be shot. On the other hand, in the intermittent shooting mode of the moving image shooting system 10, since parts that are not necessary during the treatment process can be not shot, the result of the treatment can be shot.

[0072] Hereinafter, a modification example of the above embodiment will be described.

[0073] <Modification Example 1> In the above-described first and second embodiments, the control unit 101 concatenated a plurality of moving images obtained by shooting in the intermittent shooting mode. Instead, the control unit 101 may generate each moving image obtained by each intermittent shooting as one series of moving images. For example, assume that the frames of the moving image of the first intermittent shooting are frame numbers 1 to 50, the frames of the moving image of the second intermittent shooting are frame numbers 51 to 100, and the frame numbers of the moving image of the third intermittent shooting are 101 to 150. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, for example, the control unit 101 attaches series information Se1 to the frames with frame numbers 1 to 50. Further, the control unit 101 attaches series information Se2 to the frames with frame numbers 51 to 100. Further, the control unit 101 attaches series information Se3 to the frames with frame numbers 101 to 150. Further, for the frames of the series information Se2 and the series information Se3, the control unit 101 reassigns the frame numbers with the smallest frame number as frame number 1. Further, the control unit 101 attaches, to each frame, in addition to the series information, frame numbers, patient information, examination information, and the like. A summary image of the shooting conditions of each series may be inserted at the end of the moving image of each series. Note that it is preferable to include the shooting time as information attached to each frame. Thereby, it becomes possible to identify when each of the intermittently shot moving image groups was shot from and until. Therefore, the shooting time of each intermittent shooting can be described in the summary image. For example, when confirming the progress of catheter insertion by intermittent shooting, it is preferable to attach the shooting time to each frame also in terms of grasping the time required. Thereby, the user can grasp how far the catheter insertion has progressed over what period of time.

[0074] Also, in the main body 1, it may be possible to select a series to be transmitted to the PACS 40 and / or the analysis device 50. For example, the control unit 101 causes the shooting screen 130 to display a series selection button. The control unit 101 causes the moving image of the series selected by the selection button to be displayed in the image display column 13b. When the output button 13e is pressed in this state, the control unit 101 transmits (outputs) the moving image of the selected series to the PACS 40 and / or the analysis device 50 by the second communication unit 105b. When the retake button 13f is pressed, the control unit 101 discards the moving image of the selected series without transmitting it. The analysis device 50 may perform different analyses for each intermittent shooting. By applying different processes for each intermittent shooting, for example, when using a contrast agent in a swallowing image, the intensity of image processing and the analysis process can be made different depending on the passing position (site) of the contrast agent.

[0075] Thus, according to the first modification example, it becomes possible to handle the moving images taken in each intermittent shooting in the intermittent shooting mode as different series.

[0076] Note that whether to concatenate a plurality of moving images obtained by shooting in the intermittent shooting mode or to make them into separate series may be selectable by a user operation.

[0077] <Modification Example 2> When displaying the transferred moving image, as shown in FIG. 12, the image display column 13b may be divided into a plurality of areas and arranged side by side so as to be comparable with other images. For example, the control unit 101 divides the image display column 13b into left and right, and causes the frame of the n-th intermittent shooting during shooting to be displayed in the right area R, and the frame of the (n - 1)-th intermittent shooting to be displayed in the left area L. Alternatively, the control unit 101 may display the frame of the intermittent shooting during shooting in one area of the image display column 13b and display a reference image in another area. Examples of the reference image include a still image already taken within the same examination or a key frame (representative frame) of a moving image. For example, when shooting the state of catheter insertion in the current dynamic shooting, a still image of the same part taken before catheter insertion is displayed as a reference image. The reference image can be selected by a user operation from among the medical images stored in the storage unit 104.

[0078] As described above, according to the moving image shooting system 10, the control unit 101 of the main body 1 controls the radiation source 2 and the FPD 3 so as to operate in an intermittent shooting mode in which the moving image is shot a plurality of times based on the specified shooting period and shooting interruption period from the start to the end of one shooting. Therefore, since the shooting of the moving image can be interrupted during the period when shooting is not required, a moving image for the required period can be obtained while suppressing an increase in the exposure dose.

[0079] Further, the control unit 101 causes the second communication unit 105b to output a plurality of moving images captured by a plurality of shootings in the intermittent shooting mode in association with each other. For example, the control unit 101 causes the second communication unit 105b to output the plurality of moving images by concatenating them as a series of moving images. Specifically, the control unit 101 causes the second communication unit 105b to output the plurality of moving images as a series of moving images within the same inspection. Therefore, a plurality of moving images captured by a plurality of shootings in the intermittent shooting mode can be managed as a series of moving images. For example, it becomes possible to manage a plurality of moving images captured by a plurality of shootings in the intermittent shooting mode as a series of moving images within the same inspection.

[0080] Further, the control unit 101 adds information for identifying the range of each frame of the plurality of moving images to the above series of moving images. Therefore, it becomes possible to identify each of the plurality of moving images captured by a plurality of shootings in the intermittent shooting mode.

[0081] Further, the control unit 101 causes the second communication unit 105b to output a plurality of moving images captured by a plurality of shootings in the intermittent shooting mode as moving images of different series within the same inspection. Therefore, it becomes possible to manage a plurality of moving images captured by a plurality of shootings in the intermittent shooting mode as moving images of different series within the same inspection.

[0082] Also, the shooting period and the shooting interruption period in the intermittent shooting mode can be specified by operating the exposure switch 102a for instructing the radiation source 2 to emit radiation. Therefore, the user can specify the shooting period and the shooting interruption period while shooting.

[0083] Also, the shooting period and the shooting interruption period in the intermittent shooting mode can be specified from a specified screen 131 displayed on the display unit 103 before shooting. Therefore, the user can specify the shooting period and the shooting interruption period in advance before shooting.

[0084] In addition, the control unit 101 causes the display unit 103 to sequentially display the frames of a plurality of moving images captured by a plurality of shootings in the intermittent shooting mode. Therefore, the user can confirm the frames of a plurality of moving images captured by a plurality of shootings in the intermittent shooting mode.

[0085] For example, when the display unit 103 displays the frame of one moving image among the plurality of moving images, the frames of the other captured moving images are arranged and displayed. Therefore, the user can confirm the frame of one moving image among the plurality of moving images obtained in the intermittent shooting mode while comparing it with the frames of the other captured moving images.

[0086] Also, for example, when the display unit 103 displays the frames of the plurality of moving images, a pre-selected reference image is arranged and displayed. Therefore, the user can confirm the frames of the plurality of moving images while comparing them with the reference image.

[0087] In addition, the control unit 101 controls so that the total dose irradiated from the radiation source in the plurality of shootings performed from the start to the end of the shooting in the intermittent shooting mode does not exceed a predetermined upper limit value. Therefore, a plurality of moving images can be acquired while suppressing the exposure dose.

[0088] Note that the description content in the above embodiment is a preferred example of the present invention and is not limited thereto.

[0089] For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the moving image shooting system 10 for outpatient shooting is taken as an example and described, but it may be applied to a moving image shooting system that performs shooting in a shooting room.

[0090] Also, in the above embodiment, the dynamic shooting has been described as obtaining a plurality of images by pulse-irradiating a subject with radiation such as X-rays. However, a plurality of images may be obtained by irradiating (continuous irradiation) the radiation such as X-rays at a low dose rate without interruption.

[0091] In the above description, an example in which a hard disk, a semiconductor non-volatile memory, etc. are used as the computer-readable medium of the program according to the present invention has been disclosed, but the present invention is not limited to this example. As other computer-readable media, portable recording media such as CD-ROMs can be applied. In addition, a carrier wave is also applied as a medium for providing the data of the program according to the present invention via a communication line.

[0092] In addition, regarding the detailed configuration and detailed operation of the moving image shooting system, appropriate changes can be made within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention.

Explanation of Signs

[0093] 10 Moving image shooting system 1 Main body 101 Control unit 102 Operation unit 102a Exposure switch 103 Display unit 104 Storage unit 104a Inspection order information storage unit 105 Communication unit 105a First communication unit 105b Second communication unit 106 Driving unit 107 Battery 108 Connector 109 Charging unit 111 AC cable 2 Radiation source

Claims

1. A dynamic image capturing system comprising a radiation source and a radiation detector, wherein the radiation source irradiates a subject with radiation, and the radiation transmitted through the subject is detected by the radiation detector to capture a dynamic image composed of a plurality of frames, and a control unit that controls the radiation source and the radiation detector to operate in an intermittent shooting mode, in which the shooting of the dynamic image is performed a plurality of times based on a specified shooting period and a shooting interruption period between the start and end of one shooting. A dynamic image capturing system comprising the same.

2. The dynamic image capturing system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the output unit to output a plurality of dynamic images captured by a plurality of shootings in the intermittent shooting mode in association with each other.

3. The dynamic image capturing system according to claim 2, wherein the control unit causes the output unit to output the plurality of dynamic images by connecting them as a series of dynamic images.

4. The dynamic image capturing system according to claim 2, wherein the control unit causes the output unit to output the plurality of dynamic images as a series of dynamic images within the same inspection.

5. The dynamic image capturing system according to claim 3, wherein the control unit adds information for identifying the range of each frame of the plurality of dynamic images to the series of dynamic images.

6. The dynamic image capturing system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the output unit to output a plurality of dynamic images captured by a plurality of shootings in the intermittent shooting mode as different series of dynamic images within the same inspection.

7. The dynamic image capturing system according to claim 1, wherein the shooting period and the shooting interruption period are specified by an operation of an exposure switch for instructing radiation irradiation to the radiation source.

8. Comprising a display unit, The dynamic image capturing system according to claim 1, wherein the shooting period and the shooting interruption period are specified based on an input from a specified screen of the shooting period and the shooting interruption period displayed on the display unit.

9. The dynamic image capturing system according to claim 1, comprising a display unit that sequentially displays frames of a plurality of dynamic images captured by a plurality of shootings in the intermittent shooting mode.

10. The dynamic image capturing system according to claim 9, wherein when the display unit displays frames of one of the plurality of dynamic images, the display unit displays the frames of the other captured dynamic images side by side.

11. The dynamic image capturing system according to claim 9, wherein when displaying frames of the plurality of dynamic images, the display unit displays the preselected reference images side by side.

12. The dynamic image capturing system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls so that the total dose irradiated from the radiation source in the plurality of shootings does not exceed a predetermined upper limit value.

13. A radiation source and a radiation detector are provided. A shooting control method in a dynamic image capturing system that captures a dynamic image composed of a plurality of frames by irradiating a subject with radiation from the radiation source and detecting the radiation transmitted through the subject with the radiation detector, A shooting control method for controlling the radiation source and the radiation detector so as to operate in an intermittent shooting mode in which the shooting of the dynamic image is performed a plurality of times based on a specified shooting period and a shooting interruption period between the start and end of one shooting.

14. A radiation source and a radiation detector are provided. A computer provided in a dynamic image capturing system that captures a dynamic image composed of a plurality of frames by irradiating a subject with radiation from the radiation source and detecting the radiation transmitted through the subject with the radiation detector, A control unit that controls the radiation source and the radiation detector so as to operate in an intermittent shooting mode in which the shooting of the dynamic image is performed a plurality of times based on a specified shooting period and a shooting interruption period between the start and end of one shooting. A program for functioning as such.

Images