Radiography control device, control method thereof, and program

Abstract

To enable a radiographic image to be displayed appropriately according to the position of a contrast medium injection tool inserted into a subject without a complicated operation of an examiner.SOLUTION: A radiographic image of a subject obtained by radiography of the subject is acquired, and it is determined whether or not a contrast medium injection tool 810 inserted into the subject has reached a target position of the subject. As a result of the determination, control is performed such that the radiographic image is displayed in an image display region 410 under a first image display condition in a case where the contrast medium injection tool 810 has not reached the target position of the subject, and the radiographic image is displayed in the image display region 410 under a second image display condition different from the first image display condition in a case where the contrast medium injection tool 810 has reached the target position of the subject.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a radiographic imaging control device, a control method therefor, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In a radiation imaging system that performs radiation imaging of a subject, radiation images are collected by performing continuous radiation imaging of the subject, for example, to confirm the position of a catheter, which is a type of contrast agent injection device, inserted into the subject, or to confirm the spread of a contrast agent injected through the catheter. In such radiation imaging, the image display conditions appropriate for the radiation images vary depending on the purpose of imaging and the passage of time.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a radiological diagnostic device that generates and displays a radiological image of angiographically enhanced blood vessels by subtracting a radiological image taken when a contrast agent is injected through a catheter inserted into the blood vessels of a subject from a radiological image taken before the injection of the contrast agent. Specifically, Patent Document 1 describes a technology that ensures necessary contrast even when the contrast agent is present in peripheral blood vessels, without the examiner having to perform complicated operations, by changing radiation irradiation conditions based on information within a region of interest in the radiological image of the angiographically enhanced blood vessels. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-31857 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to display radiographic images under image display conditions appropriate for the scene during insertion of a catheter into a subject and the scene during injection of a contrast agent from the catheter, without the examiner having to perform complicated operations. In other words, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is not possible to display appropriate radiographic images according to the position of the contrast agent injection tool inserted into the subject, without the examiner having to perform complicated operations, and there is a problem in that the examiner cannot perform an examination of the subject safely and efficiently.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of these problems, and aims to enable the examiner to display an appropriate radiographic image according to the position of a contrast agent injection tool inserted into a subject, without having to perform complicated operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The radiation imaging control device of the present invention is a radiation imaging control device that controls radiation imaging of a subject, and includes: an acquisition means for acquiring a radiation image of the subject obtained by the radiation imaging; a judgment means for judging whether or not a contrast agent injection tool inserted into the subject has reached a target position of the subject; and a display control means for controlling the display of the radiation image under a first image display condition if the judgment means determines that the contrast agent injection tool has not reached the target position, and for controlling the display of the radiation image under a second image display condition different from the first image display condition if the contrast agent injection tool has reached the target position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, an appropriate radiographic image can be displayed according to the position of the contrast medium injection tool inserted into the subject, without the examiner having to perform any complicated operations. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a radiation imaging system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2A]FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a shooting condition creation screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a shooting condition creation screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 2C] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a shooting condition creation screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 3A] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a new examination input screen displayed on the display unit shown in FIG. [Figure 3B] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a new examination input screen displayed on the display unit shown in FIG. [Figure 3C] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a shooting information input screen displayed on the display unit shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a photographing screen displayed on a display unit shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure in a control method for a radiation imaging control apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a frame (radiographic image) displayed on the display unit (image display area) by the processing in steps S504 and S505 of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, a mode (embodiment) for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the configurations shown in the embodiments described below are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the configurations described below.

[0011] (First embodiment) First, the first embodiment will be described.

[0012] <General configuration of the radiation imaging system> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of a radiation imaging system 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the radiation imaging system 10 includes a radiation imaging control device 100, a radiation generation device 200, a radiation detection device 300, an HIS 400, a RIS 500, a PACS 600, a printer 700, a contrast agent injection device 800, and a network 900. In this embodiment, as an example, the radiation imaging control device 100, the radiation generation device 200, the radiation detection device 300, and the contrast agent injection device 800 are provided in an imaging room 20 as shown in Fig. 1.

[0013] The radiation imaging control device 100 is a device that controls radiation imaging of a subject 50 placed on an imaging table 30 .

[0014] The radiation generating device 200 is communicably connected to the radiation imaging control device 100 via a communication cable 101. The radiation generating device 200 irradiates radiation R toward the subject 50 (the imaging region of the subject 50) and the radiation detection device 300 under the control of the radiation imaging control device 100. The radiation generating device 200 is configured to include, for example, a radiation tube that generates radiation R.

[0015] The radiation detection device 300 is installed on an imaging table 30. The radiation detection device 300 is also communicably connected to the radiation imaging control device 100 via a communication cable 102. The radiation detection device 300 is a sensor that detects incident radiation R (including radiation R that has passed through the subject 50) as an image signal and generates a radiation image. In this embodiment, the radiation generation device 200 and the radiation detection device 300 operate in cooperation with each other under the control of the radiation imaging control device 100, thereby realizing a radiation imaging device.

[0016] The HIS 400 is an in-hospital information system (HIS) that manages the progress of radiography. The HIS 400 may include a server that manages accounting information. The RIS 500 is an in-radiology information system (RIS). The PACS 600 is an image server (Picture Archiving and Communication System: PACS). The printer 700 is a printing device.

[0017] Generally, when it is determined that radiography is necessary, an examination instruction is input from the HIS 400 and transmitted to the radiology department to which the request is made. This examination instruction is called an examination order, and this examination order includes, in addition to the name of the department that made the request, subject information (patient information) about the subject 50, examination information about the subject 50 (including one or more imaging regions of the subject 50), and the like. When the radiology department receives the examination order at the RIS 500, it transfers the received examination order to the radiography control device 100. The radiography control device 100 controls the execution of radiography of the subject 50 as an examination in accordance with the received examination order. The radiography control device 100 acquires radiographic images obtained by this radiography, assigns examination information to the acquired radiographic images, and transfers them to the PACS 600 for storage or to the printer 700 for printing out on paper. The radiologist (who may or may not be the examiner 40) checks the radiographic images transferred to the PACS 600 or the radiographic images printed out by the printer 700 and performs radiographic interpretation. Furthermore, the implementation information of the examination in the radiation imaging control apparatus 100 is transferred to the HIS 400. The implementation information of the examination transferred to the HIS 400 is used not only for the progress management of the examination but also for post-examination accounting processing.

[0018] Contrast agent injection device 800 is a device used by examiner 40 to inject a contrast agent into subject 50. As shown in FIG. 1 , contrast agent injection device 800 includes contrast agent injection tool 810, contrast agent 820, injection control unit 830, and operation unit 840. Contrast agent injection tool 810 is inserted into subject 50 by operation of examiner 40, and is used to inject contrast agent 820 into subject 50 from its tip. Contrast agent injection tool 810 includes, for example, an endoscope and a catheter. Contrast agent 820 is injected into subject 50 from contrast agent injection tool 810 (specifically, from the tip of contrast agent injection tool 810) under the control of injection control unit 830. Injection control unit 830 controls the injection of contrast agent 820 from contrast agent injection tool 810 (specifically, the tip of contrast agent injection tool 810) into subject 50. Injection control unit 830 controls the injection of contrast agent 820 from contrast agent injection tool 810, based on an operation input from operation unit 840, for example. Operation unit 840 is operated by examiner 40, for example.

[0019] The network 900 is a communication network that communicatively connects the radiation imaging control device 100 with the HIS 400, RIS 500, PACS 600, printer 700, and contrast agent injection device 800. The network 900 is configured, for example, as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). Each device connected to the network 900 includes one or more computers. In this case, the computer includes components such as a main control unit such as a CPU, and a storage unit such as a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). The computer may also include components such as a communication unit such as a network card, and an input / output unit such as a keyboard, display, or touch panel. The components included in the computer are connected by a bus or the like, and control and processing are performed by the main control unit reading and executing programs stored in the storage unit.

[0020] <General configuration of the radiation imaging control device> Next, the schematic configuration of the radiation imaging control device 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the radiation imaging control device 100 includes an imaging control unit 110, a radiation generation control unit 120, an operation unit 130, a determination unit 140, a storage unit 150, a display control unit 160, and a display unit 170.

[0021] The imaging control unit 110 comprehensively controls the operation of the radiation imaging control device 100 and performs various processes. The imaging control unit 110 is communicably connected to the radiation detection device 300 via a communication cable 102. Power is supplied between the imaging control unit 110 and the radiation detection device 300, and image signals related to radiographic images, control signals, and the like are transmitted and received via the communication cable 102. The imaging control unit 110 functions as an instruction unit that instructs the start of radiation imaging corresponding to at least one of the examination orders received from the RIS 500. At this time, the examination order includes, for example, subject information (patient information) related to the subject 50 and one or more imaging regions of the subject 50. The instruction to start radiation imaging may be issued, for example, when the imaging control unit 110 detects an operation input to the operation unit 130 by a user (which may be, for example, the examiner 40) (for example, when it detects selection of order information to be imaged).

[0022] The radiation generation control unit 120 controls the irradiation of radiation R from the radiation generation device 200 via the communication cable 101 based on the control of the imaging control unit 110, for example.

[0023] The operation unit 130 is realized by, for example, a mouse, operation buttons, etc., and inputs operation input from a user (which may be, for example, the examiner 40) to the imaging control unit 110. The display unit 170 is realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display, etc., and displays various images and various information to the examiner 40 based on the control of the display control unit 160. Note that in this embodiment, the display unit 170 and the operation unit 130 may be realized by an integrated touch panel.

[0024] The storage unit 150 stores various types of information, various types of images, programs, etc. that are required when the imaging control unit 110, the radiation generation control unit 120, the determination unit 140, and the display control unit 160 perform various processes, etc. The storage unit 150 also stores various types of information and various types of images that are obtained when the imaging control unit 110, the radiation generation control unit 120, the determination unit 140, and the display control unit 160 perform various processes, etc.

[0025] In this embodiment, the storage unit 150 stores information on pre-set imaging conditions for the subject 50. At this time, the information on imaging conditions includes information on imaging procedures such as the imaging region and imaging direction of the subject 50, and information on image display conditions for the radiographic image obtained by radiography. In addition, in this embodiment, the image display conditions are configured by a combination of one or more settings of rotation, inversion, contrast, brightness, and highlighting of the radiographic image.

[0026] An example of creating pre-set imaging conditions for the subject 50 will now be described using an imaging condition creation screen. FIGS. 2A to 2C are diagrams showing an example of an imaging condition creation screen 201 in the first embodiment. In FIGS. 2A to 2C, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The imaging condition creation screen 201 shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C can be configured by, for example, the display unit 170 and the operation unit 130 shown in FIG. 1.

[0027] The imaging condition creation screen 201 shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C includes a sensor to be used setting area 210, an imaging region setting area 220, an imaging direction setting area 230, a mode setting area 240, and a create button 260. The sensor to be used setting area 210 is an area for setting the radiation detection device 300 (sensor) to be used for radiography. The imaging region setting area 220 is an area for setting the imaging region of the subject 50. The imaging direction setting area 230 is an area for setting the imaging direction of the subject 50. The mode setting area 240 is an area for setting the imaging mode of the subject 50, and it is possible to set image display conditions (251 to 253) for each of the imaging modes of a still image 241, a fluoroscopy 242, and a video 243. The create button 260 is a button operated by a user (which may be the examiner 40, for example) when creating the imaging conditions set on the imaging condition creation screen 201.

[0028] Specifically, the imaging condition creation screen 201 shown in Fig. 2A shows a case where the mode setting area 240 is set to a still image 241. When the mode setting area 240 shown in Fig. 2A is set to a still image 241, a display condition setting area 251 is displayed as a setting area for image display conditions, and a single image display condition can be set. Specifically, in the display condition setting area 251, image display conditions such as rotation, inversion, contrast, brightness, and highlighting of the radiographic image can be set.

[0029] The imaging condition creation screen 201 shown in FIG. 2B shows a case where the mode setting area 240 is fluoroscopy 242. When the mode setting area 240 shown in FIG. 2B is fluoroscopy 242, an alignment display condition setting area 252 and a contrast agent confirmation display condition setting area 253 are displayed as setting areas for image display conditions, and a plurality of image display conditions can be set. Specifically, the alignment display condition setting area 252 and the contrast agent confirmation display condition setting area 253 shown in FIG. 2B allow setting of image display conditions for rotation, inversion, contrast, brightness, and highlighting of the radiographic image, respectively. The alignment display condition setting area 252 is an area for setting image display conditions (first image display conditions) for aligning the contrast agent injection tool 810 inside the subject 50. Specifically, the alignment display condition setting area 252 sets the image display conditions for rotation of the radiographic image to "0°," inversion to "disabled," contrast to "40," brightness to "60," and highlighting to "enabled." Furthermore, contrast agent confirmation display condition setting area 253 is an area for setting image display conditions (second image display conditions) for checking contrast agent 820 injected from contrast agent injection tool 810 inside subject 50. Specifically, in contrast agent confirmation display condition setting area 253, the following image display conditions are set: rotation of the radiographic image is "0°", inversion is "enabled", contrast is "60", brightness is "35", and highlighting is "disabled".

[0030] The imaging condition creation screen 201 shown in FIG. 2C illustrates a case where the mode setting area 240 is set to the moving image 243. When the mode setting area 240 shown in FIG. 2C is set to the moving image 243, an alignment display condition setting area 252 and a contrast agent confirmation display condition setting area 253 are displayed as setting areas for image display conditions, and a plurality of image display conditions can be set. Specifically, in the alignment display condition setting area 252 and the contrast agent confirmation display condition setting area 253 shown in FIG. 2C, the image display conditions of rotation, inversion, contrast, brightness, and highlighting of the radiographic image can be set, respectively, as in FIG. 2B. Note that in the alignment display condition setting area 252 and the contrast agent confirmation display condition setting area 253 shown in FIG. 2C, the same image display conditions as those in the alignment display condition setting area 252 and the contrast agent confirmation display condition setting area 253 shown in FIG. 2B are set, respectively.

[0031] Note that both the fluoroscopy 242 and the video 243 are continuous radiography, and each radiographic image obtained in a series of continuous radiography is referred to as a frame as necessary. Furthermore, the fluoroscopy 242 and the video 243 may differ as follows, for example. Compared to, for example, the radiography using the video 243, the radiography using the fluoroscopy 242 has a higher frame rate and a lower dose of radiation R. Furthermore, the radiography using the fluoroscopy 242 may take a form in which the frames obtained by the radiography are not stored. In contrast, the radiography using the video 243 has a lower frame rate and a higher dose of radiation R compared to, for example, the radiography using the fluoroscopy 242. Furthermore, the radiography using the video 243 may take a form in which the frames obtained by the radiography are stored.

[0032] Here, we return to the description of the schematic configuration of the radiation imaging control device 100 shown in FIG. The determination unit 140 is a determination means that determines whether the contrast agent injection tool 810 inserted into the subject 50 (specifically, in this embodiment, the tip of the contrast agent injection tool 810) has reached the target position of the subject 50.

[0033] The display control unit 160 is a display control means that controls the display of various images and various information on the display unit 170 based on the control of the imaging control unit 110. Specifically, in this embodiment, when the determination unit 140 determines that the contrast agent injection tool 810 inserted into the subject 50 has not reached the target position of the subject 50, the display control unit 160 controls the display of the obtained radiographic image under a first image display condition. Furthermore, when the determination unit 140 determines that the contrast agent injection tool 810 inserted into the subject 50 has reached the target position of the subject 50, the display control unit 160 controls the display of the obtained radiographic image under a second image display condition that is different from the first image display condition described above.

[0034] The above is a description of an example of the schematic configuration of the radiation imaging system 10 according to the first embodiment. Note that the configuration shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example and can be modified as needed. For example, in FIG. 1, various devices (400 to 800) are communicably connected to the radiation imaging control device 100 via the network 900, but the radiation imaging control device 100 does not necessarily need to be communicatively connected to such devices. For example, a diagnostic radiation image may be output to a portable medium such as a DVD, and the radiation image may be input to various devices via this portable medium. Furthermore, the network 900 may be configured as a wired network, or may be configured as a wireless signal transmission path in part. Furthermore, the communication performed via the communication cables 101 and 102 may also be performed in part via a wireless signal transmission path.

[0035] <Inspection photography processing> Here, a processing procedure for capturing a radiographic image will be described along the flow of an examination of the subject 50 using the radiography system 10 shown in FIG.

[0036] First, patient information and examination information, which are an example of subject information related to the subject 50, are input via the operation unit 130 of the radiation imaging control device 100 in response to an examination request form or an examination order from the RIS 500. Here, the patient information includes the patient name, patient ID, etc., and the examination information includes imaging information that specifies the content of imaging to be performed on the patient, who is the subject 50.

[0037] Next, the radiation imaging control device 100 displays a new examination input screen on the display unit 170 under the control of the display control unit 160. FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams showing an example of a new examination input screen 301 displayed on the display unit 170 shown in FIG. 1. The new examination input screen 301 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B can be configured, for example, by the display unit 170 and the operation unit 130 shown in FIG. 1. The new examination input screen 301 shown in FIG. 3A has a patient information input area 310, a patient information confirmation button 320, a requested examination list 330, a patient information display area 340, an imaging information display area 350, an imaging information input button 360, and an examination start button 370. The requested examination list 330 shown in FIG. 3A displays a list of examinations received from the RIS 500.

[0038] When one examination 331 shown in FIG. 3B is selected from the requested examination list 330 shown in FIG. 3A, patient information (patient ID, patient name, date of birth, etc.) corresponding to the selected examination 331 is displayed in the patient information display area 340 as shown in FIG. 3B. As shown in FIG. 3B, the examination ID corresponding to the selected examination 331 is displayed in the examination ID display area 353 in the imaging information display area 350. Furthermore, in the imaging information display area 350, a chest front button 351 and a chest side button 352, which are imaging condition buttons corresponding to the imaging information of the examination ID, are displayed in the area directly below the examination ID display area 353. Here, the imaging information is received from the RIS 500.

[0039] FIG. 3C is a diagram showing an example of an imaging information input screen 302 displayed on the display unit 170 shown in FIG. 1. The imaging information input screen 302 shown in FIG. 3C is a screen displayed on the display unit 170 when a user (e.g., the examiner 40) presses an imaging information input button 360 shown in FIG. 3B or the like. In FIG. 3C, the same components as those shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The imaging information input screen 302 shown in FIG. 3C may be configured, for example, by the display unit 170 and the operation unit 130 shown in FIG. 1. When the imaging information input button 360 shown in FIG. 3B is pressed, a list of imaging conditions is displayed in an imaging condition input area 380 on the display unit 170 as shown in FIG. 3C, and the user can add imaging conditions. In the example shown in FIG. 3C, multiple imaging condition selection buttons 381 are displayed in the imaging condition input area 380, and the user can add imaging conditions by selecting one of the imaging condition selection buttons 381. The added imaging conditions are displayed in the imaging information display area 350 alongside a chest front button 351 and a chest side button 352. Each imaging condition is associated with an imaging condition ID. After the user confirms the patient information and imaging information, the examination to be performed is confirmed by pressing the examination start button 370.

[0040] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an imaging screen 401 displayed on the display unit 170 shown in Fig. 1. The imaging screen 401 shown in Fig. 4 is a screen displayed on the display unit 170 when the user presses the examination start button 370 shown in Fig. 3C etc., and is a screen used when radiography of the subject 50 is performed. In Fig. 4, the same components as those shown in Figs. 3A to 3C are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The imaging screen 401 shown in Fig. 4 can be configured by, for example, the display unit 170 and the operation unit 130 shown in Fig. 1.

[0041] The imaging screen 401 shown in Fig. 4 has an image display area 410 and various buttons 421 to 427 instead of the patient information input area 310, patient information confirmation button 320, and requested examination list 330 of the new examination input screen 301 shown in Fig. 3B. The various buttons 421 to 427 shown in Fig. 4 are, for example, instruction buttons for a radiographic image or the like displayed in the image display area 410. Specifically, the various buttons 421 to 427 shown in Fig. 4 include a rotate button 421, a flip button 422, a cut button 423, an annotation button 424, a re-photograph button 425, a rejected image button 426, and a key object button 427.

[0042] 4, a message area 430 and an image processing setting area 440 are added to the new examination input screen 301 shown in Fig. 3B. The photographing screen 401 shown in Fig. 4 also has an examination end button 450 instead of the examination start button 370 on the new examination input screen 301 shown in Fig. 3B.

[0043] When the imaging screen 401 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display unit 170, the chest front button 351 located at the top of the imaging information display area 350 is selected by default. In response to this, the imaging control unit 110 of the radiation imaging control device 100 transmits the irradiation conditions of radiation R (tube voltage, tube current, irradiation time, etc.) set in accordance with the chest front button 351 (imaging conditions) to the radiation generation control unit 120. The imaging control unit 110 also controls the radiation detection device 300 in accordance with the irradiation conditions to prepare for radiation imaging of the subject 50. When preparations for radiation imaging of the subject 50 are complete, the imaging control unit 110 transitions the state of the radiation imaging control device 100 to a state ready for imaging. At this time, a "Ready" message indicating that imaging is ready is displayed in the message area 430 of the imaging screen 401 shown in FIG. 4.

[0044] Next, the user checks the imaging conditions, sets up the radiation imaging, and positions the patient, who is the subject 50. When a series of imaging preparations is complete, the user refers to the message area 430 to confirm that the radiation imaging control device 100 is in a state where imaging is possible, and then presses the radiation irradiation switch (not shown). Then, the radiation generation device 200 irradiates a specific part of the patient, who is the subject 50, with radiation R, and the radiation detection device 300 detects the radiation R that has passed through the subject 50 and generates a radiation image of the subject 50.

[0045] When radiography of the subject 50 is completed, the radiography control unit 110 of the radiography control device 100 acquires a radiographic image from the radiation detection device 300 and performs image processing on the acquired radiographic image in accordance with image display conditions predefined in the radiography conditions. When image processing is completed, the radiography control device 100 displays the processed radiographic image in the image display area 410 of FIG. 4.

[0046] When the user wishes to change the contrast or brightness of the radiation image or the like displayed in the image display area 410 in FIG. 4, the user operates the contrast or brightness buttons provided in the image processing setting area 440 to make the change.

[0047] 4, the user operates the cutout button 423 and the cutout frame 411, etc. to change the cutout area to the desired area. Furthermore, when the user wants to add diagnostic information such as character strings (which may include graphic objects), the user operates the annotation button 424, etc. to add the character strings, etc., by superimposing them on the image.

[0048] Furthermore, if the orientation of the radiographic image, etc. displayed in the image display area 410 in Fig. 4 is not suitable for diagnosis, the user performs geometric transformation using the rotate button 421, invert button 422, etc. Furthermore, if the user wants to add a key object such as a mark to the radiographic image, etc. displayed in the image display area 410 in Fig. 4, the user operates the key object button 427, etc., to add the key object by superimposing it on the image. As described above, the user can perform additional image editing on the radiographic image, etc. displayed in the image display area 410 via the operation unit 130. These image editing operations are performed by, for example, the display control unit 160.

[0049] 4 is not suitable for diagnosis, the user operates the re-shoot button 425 etc. to instruct re-shooting. Also, if the radiographic image etc. displayed in the image display area 410 in Fig. 4 is not suitable for diagnosis, the user operates the rejected image button 426 etc. to instruct discarding the obtained radiographic image.

[0050] The user repeats the above-described procedure to perform radiography under all radiography conditions in the radiography information display area 350. When all radiography is completed, the user presses the examination end button 450 shown in FIG. 4. This completes the series of examinations, and the radiography control device 100 again displays the new examination input screen 301 on the display unit 170. At this time, the radiography control unit 110 of the radiography control device 100 outputs the radiographic images that were not treated as rejected images to, for example, the PACS 600, the printer 700, or the ROM of the device itself. The PACS 600, the ROM of the device itself, etc. store the radiographic images in association with patient information.

[0051] <Image display condition switching procedure> Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure in the control method of the radiation imaging control apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for setting which image display condition among the image display conditions (251 to 253) shown in Figs. 2A to 2C is to be used when displaying a radiation image obtained by radiation imaging on the display unit 170. Here, the imaging control unit 110 of the radiation imaging control apparatus 100 acquires a radiation image of the subject 50 obtained by the radiation detection device 300 through radiation imaging of the subject 50.

[0052] First, when radiography of the subject 50 is started, in step S501 of Fig. 5, the determination unit 140 determines whether or not the imaging conditions for the started radiography are continuous imaging. Here, in this embodiment, the imaging conditions include imaging modes for the still image 241, fluoroscopy 242, and video 243 shown in Figs. 2A to 2C. In this embodiment, as described above, of the still image 241, fluoroscopy 242, and video 243 shown in Figs. 2A to 2C, the fluoroscopy 242 and video 243 correspond to continuous imaging.

[0053] As a result of the determination in step S501 in FIG. 5, if the imaging condition for the started radiation imaging is continuous imaging (S501 / Yes), the process proceeds to step S502. 5, the determination unit 140 determines whether or not a plurality of image display conditions are set for the imaging conditions determined to be continuous imaging in step S501. Here, the fluoroscopy 242 and video 243 shown in FIGS. 2B to 2C correspond to continuous imaging as described above, but different image display conditions are set for them in the alignment display condition setting area 252 and the contrast agent confirmation display condition setting area 253, respectively. In the case of the fluoroscopy 242 and video 243 shown in FIGS. 2B to 2C, different image display conditions are set in the alignment display condition setting area 252 and the contrast agent confirmation display condition setting area 253, so it is determined in S502 that a plurality of image display conditions are set. For example, if the same image display condition is set in the alignment display condition setting area 252 and the contrast agent confirmation display condition setting area 253, it is determined in S502 that a plurality of image display conditions are not set.

[0054] As a result of the determination in step S502 in FIG. 5, if a plurality of image display conditions are set for the shooting conditions determined to be continuous shooting in step S501 (S502 / Yes), the process proceeds to step S503. 5, determination unit 140 determines whether or not contrast agent injection tool 810 inserted into subject 50 has reached a target position in subject 50. The determination in step S503 is performed for each frame obtained in continuous imaging of subject 50.

[0055] As a result of the determination in step S503 of FIG. 5, if the contrast medium injection tool 810 inserted into the subject 50 has reached the target position in the subject 50 (S503 / Yes), the process proceeds to step S504. 5, the determination unit 140 or the display control unit 160 determines that the frame (radiation image) obtained in the continuous imaging of the subject 50 is a frame for checking the injection status of the contrast agent 820. Then, the display control unit 160 controls to display the frame obtained in the continuous imaging of the subject 50 on the display unit 170 (for example, the image display area 410) under the contrast agent confirmation display condition (second image display condition) set in the contrast agent confirmation display condition setting area 253. For frames acquired after the frame obtained in the continuous imaging of the subject 50, the determination of step S503 etc. is not performed, and the display control unit 160 controls to display the frame on the display unit 170 (for example, the image display area 410) under the contrast agent confirmation display condition.

[0056] Also, if the result of the determination in step S503 in FIG. 5 is that contrast medium injection tool 810 inserted into subject 50 has not reached the target position in subject 50 (S503 / No), the process proceeds to step S505. 5, the determination unit 140 or the display control unit 160 determines that the frames (radiation images) obtained in the continuous imaging of the subject 50 are frames for aligning the contrast agent injection tool 810. Then, the display control unit 160 controls the display unit 170 (for example, the image display area 410) to display the frames obtained in the continuous imaging of the subject 50 under the alignment display conditions (first image display conditions) set in the alignment display condition setting area 252.

[0057] When the process of step S505 in FIG. 5 is completed, the process proceeds to step S506. 5, the determination unit 140 or the display control unit 160 determines whether or not there are any undetermined frames in the continuous imaging of the subject 50. If the result of this determination is that there are any undetermined frames in the continuous imaging of the subject 50 (S506 / Yes), the process returns to step S503, and the processes from step S503 onwards are performed on the undetermined frames.

[0058] 5, if the imaging conditions for the started radiography are not continuous imaging (S501 / No), the process proceeds to step S507. Here, in this embodiment, among the still image 241, fluoroscopy 242, and video 243 shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C, the still image 241 corresponds to an imaging condition that is not continuous imaging. Then, when the process proceeds to step S507 in FIG. 5, the display control unit 160 controls the display of the radiographic image obtained in the non-continuous still image imaging of the subject 50 on the display unit 170 (for example, the image display area 410) under the image display conditions set in the display condition setting area 251.

[0059] 5, if multiple image display conditions are not set for the imaging conditions determined to be continuous imaging in step S501 (S502 / No), the process proceeds to step S507. In this embodiment, if step S502 / No is determined, it is assumed that one image display condition is set for the imaging conditions determined to be continuous imaging in step S501. Then, when the process proceeds to step S507 in FIG. 5, the display control unit 160 controls the display of frames (radiation images) obtained in the continuous imaging of the subject 50 on the display unit 170 (for example, the image display area 410) under the one image display condition described above.

[0060] When the process of step S504 in FIG. 5 is completed, when step S506 / No in FIG. 5 is completed, or when the process of step S507 in FIG. 5 is completed, the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 is completed.

[0061] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a frame (radiographic image) displayed on the display unit 170 (image display area 410) by the processing of steps S504 and S505 in Fig. 5. In Fig. 6, the same components as those shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0062] Specifically, Fig. 6(a) is a diagram showing an example of a frame (radiographic image) displayed in image display area 410 by the processing of step S505 in Fig. 5. The frame (radiographic image) displayed in image display area 410 shown in Fig. 6(a) is a frame for aligning contrast agent injection tool 810, and is displayed under the alignment display conditions (first image display conditions) set in alignment display condition setting area 252. Specifically, Fig. 6(a) displays tip 811 of contrast agent injection tool 810 together with the main body of contrast agent injection tool 810.

[0063] 6(b) is a diagram showing an example of a frame (radiographic image) displayed in image display area 410 by the processing of step S504 in Fig. 5. The frame (radiographic image) displayed in image display area 410 shown in Fig. 6(b) is a frame for checking the injection status of contrast agent 820, and is displayed under the contrast agent confirmation display conditions (second image display conditions) set in contrast agent confirmation display condition setting area 253. Specifically, Fig. 6(b) displays contrast agent 820 injected from tip 811 of contrast agent injection tool 810.

[0064] 2B to 2C , the frames in Figures 6(a) and 6(b) are displayed as follows based on the alignment display conditions set in alignment display condition setting area 252 and the contrast agent confirmation display conditions set in contrast agent confirmation display condition setting area 253. In the example of Figure 6, the frame shown in Figure 6(a) and the frame shown in Figure 6(b) are shown in the same "inverted" orientation for the purpose of making it easier to compare them, but in reality, one is displayed in an inverted orientation and the other is not, as shown in display condition setting areas 252 and 253. The frame (radiographic image) for positioning the contrast agent injection tool 810 shown in Fig. 6(a) is displayed with, for example, higher brightness in order to highlight the contrast agent injection tool 810 compared to the frame for confirming the injection of the contrast agent 820 shown in Fig. 6(b). Furthermore, the frame (radiographic image) for confirming the injection of the contrast agent 820 shown in Fig. 6(b) is displayed with, for example, higher contrast in order to highlight the contrast agent 820 compared to the frame for positioning the contrast agent injection tool 810 shown in Fig. 6(a).

[0065] <Processing to determine whether the target position has been reached> Next, the details of the process of determining whether the target position has been reached in step S503 of FIG. 5 in the first embodiment will be described.

[0066] 5, the determination unit 140 determines whether or not the contrast agent injection tool 810 inserted into the subject 50 has reached the target position of the subject 50, using pixel statistical information within the frame (radiographic image) acquired by the imaging control unit 110. Specifically, when continuous imaging of the subject 50 is started (S501 / Yes), the determination unit 140 generates pixel statistical information for the frame (radiographic image) acquired by the imaging control unit 110. Here, when the contrast agent injection tool 810 reaches the target position of the subject 50 and injection of the contrast agent 820 begins, the luminance value within the frame increases, and therefore the determination unit 140 determines that the positioning of the contrast agent injection tool 810 has ended when the generated pixel statistical information exceeds a threshold value. That is, in the first embodiment, when contrast agent 820 injected from contrast agent injection tool 810 is detected in a frame (radiation image) acquired by imaging control unit 110, determination unit 140 determines that contrast agent injection tool 810 has reached the target position of subject 50.

[0067] In the radiation imaging control device 100 according to the first embodiment described above, the imaging control unit 110 acquires a radiographic image of the subject 50 obtained by the radiation detection device 300 through radiography of the subject 50. The imaging control unit 110, which performs processing to acquire this radiographic image of the subject 50, constitutes an acquisition unit. The determination unit 140 determines whether the contrast agent injection tool 810 inserted into the subject 50 has reached the target position of the subject 50. The determination unit 140, which performs this determination processing, constitutes a determination unit. When the determination unit 140 determines that the contrast agent injection tool 810 has not reached the target position of the subject 50, the display control unit 160 controls the display of the radiographic image acquired by the imaging control unit 110 under the alignment display condition (first image display condition). Furthermore, when the determination unit 140 determines that the contrast agent injection tool 810 has reached the target position of the subject 50, the display control unit 160 controls the display of the radiographic image acquired by the imaging control unit 110 under the contrast agent confirmation display condition (second image display condition). The display control unit 160 that performs these display controls constitutes a display control means. According to this configuration, the examiner 40 can display an appropriate radiographic image according to the position of the contrast agent injection tool 810 inserted into the subject 50 without performing any complicated operations. This allows the examiner 40 to examine the subject 50 safely and efficiently.

[0068] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following description of the second embodiment, matters common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and only matters different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0069] The schematic configuration of the radiation imaging system according to the second embodiment is similar to the schematic configuration of the radiation imaging system 10 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1. The processing procedure in the control method of the radiation imaging control device 100 according to the second embodiment is similar to the processing procedure in the control method of the radiation imaging control device 100 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 5. In the second embodiment, the detailed processing content of the target position arrival determination processing in step S503 in Fig. 5 is different from that in the first embodiment.

[0070] In the second embodiment, the injection control unit 830 of the contrast agent injection device 800 receives an instruction to inject the contrast agent 820 from the examiner 40, for example, via the operation unit 840, and when the injection of the contrast agent 820 is started, transmits a contrast agent injection signal to the radiation imaging control device 100.

[0071] <Processing to determine whether the target position has been reached> Next, the details of the process of determining whether the target position has been reached in step S503 of FIG. 5 in the second embodiment will be described.

[0072] 5, determination unit 140 determines whether contrast agent injection tool 810 has reached the target position in subject 50, depending on whether a contrast agent injection signal indicating that contrast agent 820 has been injected has been received from contrast agent injection device 800. Specifically, when determination unit 140 has not yet received a contrast agent injection signal from contrast agent injection device 800, determination unit 140 determines that contrast agent injection tool 810 inserted into subject 50 has not reached the target position in subject 50. When determination unit 140 has received a contrast agent injection signal from contrast agent injection device 800, determination unit 140 determines that contrast agent injection tool 810 inserted into subject 50 has reached the target position in subject 50.

[0073] As in the first embodiment, the radiography control apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment described above can display an appropriate radiographic image according to the position of the contrast agent injection tool 810 inserted into the subject 50, without the examiner 40 having to perform any complicated operations. This allows the examiner 40 to examine the subject 50 safely and efficiently.

[0074] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the following description of the third embodiment, matters common to the first and second embodiments will be omitted, and only matters different from the first and second embodiments will be described.

[0075] The schematic configuration of the radiation imaging system according to the third embodiment is similar to the schematic configuration of the radiation imaging system 10 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1. Furthermore, the processing procedure in the control method of the radiation imaging control device 100 according to the third embodiment is similar to the processing procedure in the control method of the radiation imaging control device 100 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 5. In the third embodiment, the detailed processing content of the target position arrival determination processing in step S503 in Fig. 5 is different from that in the first embodiment.

[0076] In the third embodiment, the determining unit 140 of the radiation imaging control apparatus 100 counts the number of consecutive radiation imaging (continuous imaging) of the subject 50.

[0077] <Processing to determine whether the target position has been reached> Next, the details of the process of determining whether the target position has been reached in step S503 of FIG. 5 in the third embodiment will be described.

[0078] When continuous imaging of the subject 50 is started, the determination unit 140 counts the number of times a series of continuous imaging has been performed as one. If the number of times continuous imaging has been performed is one, the determination unit 140 determines that the examiner 40 is still aligning the contrast agent injection tool 810 with the target position of the subject 50 during that continuous imaging, and determines that the contrast agent injection tool 810 has not reached the target position of the subject 50. If the number of times continuous imaging has been performed is two, the determination unit 140 determines that alignment of the contrast agent injection tool 810 with the target position of the subject 50 has been completed, and determines that the contrast agent injection tool 810 has reached the target position of the subject 50 at the start of the second continuous imaging. Note that even if the number of times continuous imaging has been performed is three or more, the determination unit 140 may make the determination in the same manner as when continuous imaging has been performed two times. As a result, when continuous imaging is resumed under the same imaging conditions or when the number of continuous imaging operations is two or more, the determination unit 140 determines that the contrast agent injection tool 810 has reached the target position of the subject 50. Note that the count of the number of continuous imaging operations performed by the determination unit 140 is reset to 0 at the end of the examination or when imaging under different imaging conditions is performed.

[0079] According to the radiation imaging control device 100 of the third embodiment described above, when continuous imaging is performed once, the radiation image is displayed under the alignment display conditions, and when continuous imaging is performed from the second time onwards, the radiation image is displayed under the contrast agent confirmation display conditions. According to this configuration, the examiner 40 can display an appropriate radiographic image according to the position of the contrast agent injection tool 810 inserted into the subject 50 without performing any complicated operations. This allows the examiner 40 to examine the subject 50 safely and efficiently.

[0080] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. This program and a computer-readable storage medium storing the program are included in the present invention.

[0081] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely illustrative examples of the implementation of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by these. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or main features.

[0082] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. [Configuration 1] A radiation imaging control device that controls radiation imaging of a subject, an acquisition means for acquiring a radiation image of the subject obtained by the radiation imaging; a determining means for determining whether or not the contrast agent injection tool inserted into the subject has reached a target position in the subject; If the result of the determination by the determining means is that the contrast agent injection tool has not reached the target position, the radiographic image is displayed under a first image display condition; a display control means for controlling the display of the radiographic image under a second image display condition different from the first image display condition when the contrast medium injection tool reaches the target position; A radiation imaging control device comprising: [Configuration 2] The determining means determines that the contrast medium injection tool has reached the target position when the contrast medium injected from the contrast medium injection tool is detected in the radiation image. 2. The radiation imaging control device according to configuration 1, [Configuration 3] The determining means determines that the contrast agent injection tool has reached the target position when a contrast agent injection signal indicating that a contrast agent has been injected from a contrast agent injection device including the contrast agent injection tool is received. 2. The radiation imaging control device according to configuration 1, [Configuration 4] The determination means If the number of consecutive radiographic imaging of the subject is one, it is determined that the contrast agent injection tool has not reached the target position; If the number of times is two, it is determined that the contrast agent injection tool has reached the target position at the start of the second consecutive radiography. 2. The radiation imaging control device according to configuration 1, [Configuration 5] The determining means determines whether or not the tip of the contrast medium injection tool has reached the target position. 5. The radiography control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4. [Configuration 6] the first image display condition is an image display condition for positioning the contrast agent injection tool, The second image display condition is an image display condition for confirming the contrast agent injected from the contrast agent injection tool. 6. The radiography control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5. [Method 1] A control method for a radiation imaging control device that controls radiation imaging of a subject, comprising: an acquiring step of acquiring a radiographic image of the subject obtained by the radiography; a determining step of determining whether or not the contrast agent injection tool inserted into the subject has reached a target position in the subject; If the result of the determination in the determining step is that the contrast agent injection tool has not reached the target position, the radiographic image is displayed under a first image display condition; a display control step of controlling the display of the radiographic image under a second image display condition different from the first image display condition when the contrast medium injection tool has reached the target position; 10. A method for controlling a radiography control device, comprising: [Program 1] A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the radiography control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 10: Radiography system, 20: Radiography room, 30: Radiography table, 40: Examiner, 50: Subject, 100: Radiography control device, 101: Communication cable, 102: Communication cable, 110: Radiation control unit, 120: Radiation generation control unit, 130: Operation unit, 140: Determination unit, 150: Memory unit, 160: Display control unit, 170: Display unit, 200: Radiation generation device, 300: Radiation detection device, 400: HIS, 500: RIS, 600: PACS, 700: Printer, 800: Contrast agent injection device, 810: Contrast agent injection tool, 820: Contrast agent, 830: Injection control unit, 840: Operation unit, 900: Network

Claims

1. A radiation imaging control device that controls radiation imaging of a subject, an acquisition means for acquiring a radiation image of the subject obtained by the radiation imaging; a determining means for determining whether or not the contrast agent injection tool inserted into the subject has reached a target position in the subject; a display control means for controlling the display of the radiographic image under a first image display condition when the contrast agent injection tool has not reached the target position as a result of the determination by the determination means, and for controlling the display of the radiographic image under a second image display condition different from the first image display condition when the contrast agent injection tool has reached the target position; A radiation imaging control device comprising:

2. The determining means determines that the contrast medium injection tool has reached the target position when the contrast medium injected from the contrast medium injection tool is detected in the radiation image.

2. The radiography control device according to claim 1,

3. The determining means determines that the contrast agent injection tool has reached the target position when a contrast agent injection signal indicating that a contrast agent has been injected from a contrast agent injection device including the contrast agent injection tool is received.

2. The radiography control device according to claim 1,

4. The determining means determines that the contrast agent injection tool has not reached the target position when the number of consecutive radiographic imaging of the subject is one, and determines that the contrast agent injection tool has reached the target position when the number of consecutive radiographic imaging is two.

2. The radiography control device according to claim 1,

5. The determining means determines whether or not the tip of the contrast medium injection tool has reached the target position.

2. The radiography control device according to claim 1,

6. the first image display condition is an image display condition for positioning the contrast agent injection tool, The second image display condition is an image display condition for confirming the contrast agent injected from the contrast agent injection tool.

2. The radiography control device according to claim 1,

7. A control method for a radiation imaging control device that controls radiation imaging of a subject, comprising: an acquiring step of acquiring a radiographic image of the subject obtained by the radiography; a determining step of determining whether or not the contrast agent injection tool inserted into the subject has reached a target position in the subject; a display control step of controlling the display of the radiographic image under a first image display condition when the contrast agent injection tool has not reached the target position as a result of the determination in the determination step, and to display the radiographic image under a second image display condition different from the first image display condition when the contrast agent injection tool has reached the target position; 10. A method for controlling a radiography control device, comprising:

8. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the radiography control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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