Mobile radiographic apparatus, program, and moving image capturing method

Abstract

To provide an appropriate evacuation place for an operator and surrounding persons by providing a scattered dose corresponding to a situation of the outside when imaging outside a radiation control area by a mobile health clinic.SOLUTION: A mobile radiographic apparatus comprises: an input unit which receives an external factor; a control unit which estimates a scattered dose of the mobile radiographic apparatus based on the external factor; and an output unit which outputs a scattered dose map based on the scattered dose.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mobile radiographic imaging device, a program, and a video imaging method. [Background technology]

[0002] Mobile radiography devices that use radiation such as X-rays are available on the market. These mobile radiography devices are called mobile carts and can be used in general hospital rooms such as ICUs.

[0003] Unlike radiography in a radiation-controlled area, radiography in a general hospital room may involve the presence of nearby people, such as nurses and other medical professionals, or the patient's family. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the radiation exposure of nearby people. An X-ray diagnostic device has been disclosed that displays a dose map of a subject model formed according to X-ray generation conditions and a scattered radiation map near the subject model, enabling easy management of radiation exposure for the operator. Regarding the cumulative radiation dose, the subject's movement trajectory is detected, and the operator's position is stored in association with the X-ray irradiation (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-236798 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, the cumulative radiation dose to which the operator has been exposed during previous imaging is displayed, allowing for radiation exposure management for the operator, but it is not possible to estimate the level of radiation exposure from the current imaging before imaging. In addition, while Patent Document 1 allows for the management of radiation exposure for simple X-ray imaging, the clinical use of dynamic X-ray imaging has been expanding in recent years.

[0006] In dynamic radiography using radiation such as X-rays, a radiation generator repeatedly emits radiation pulses multiple times per unit time (e.g., 15 times per second) for a predetermined time (duration) while an emission command is issued, and a radiation detection device reads out the amount of charge generated according to the radiation dose received through the subject as a signal value (intensity), thereby generating a dynamic image composed of multiple still images. In dynamic radiography such as fluoroscopy or dynamic radiography, pulsed X-rays are irradiated multiple times, so it is desirable to be able to estimate the radiation dose before imaging. In other words, in dynamic radiography, the radiation dose changes depending on imaging conditions such as imaging time, so it is necessary to estimate the cumulative dose according to the imaging conditions.

[0007] Furthermore, when radiography is performed using a mobile cart outside of a radiation-controlled area, various external factors such as the layout of the room where the radiography is performed and the arrangement of patient beds are involved, and the scattering conditions also vary depending on the radiography location, so it is necessary to provide the surgeon and those around him with an appropriate evacuation location. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A mobile radiography device in one aspect of the present disclosure includes an input unit to which external factors are input, a control unit that estimates the scattered radiation dose of the radiography device based on the external factors, and an output unit that outputs a scattered radiation dose map based on the scattered radiation dose.

[0009] A program in one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute the steps of inputting an external factor, estimating the scattered radiation dose of a radiography device based on the external factor, and outputting a scattered radiation dose map based on the scattered radiation dose.

[0010] A video imaging method according to one aspect of the present disclosure inputs an external factor, estimates a scattered radiation dose of a radiation imaging device based on the external factor, outputs a scattered radiation dose map based on the scattered radiation dose, and performs video imaging.

[0011] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when radiography is performed outside a radiation-controlled area using a mobile cart, the amount of scattered radiation corresponding to the external conditions can be displayed, thereby indicating an appropriate evacuation location to the surgeon and those around. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] Diagram showing an example of a medical cart in use [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of a medical cart when in use or not in use [Figure 3] Diagram showing the functional blocks of the medical cart [Figure 4] Figure showing the estimated results [Figure 5] A diagram highlighting the direction with less scattered radiation [Figure 6] An example of the display of scattered radiation dose according to the imaging time [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process performed by a control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[0015] <1. Radiography System> First, a schematic configuration of a radiographic imaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The radiographic imaging device includes at least a radiation generating device. The radiographic imaging device may be, for example, a medical examination cart 100. The medical examination cart 100 may have an automatic driving function. The radiographic imaging device may be a fixed radiographic imaging device.

[0016] FIG. 1 shows an example of a medical cart 100 in use.

[0017] FIG. 2 shows an example of the medical cart 100 when in transit or not in use.

[0018] The medical cart 100 includes a radiation generating device 110, a radiation detecting device 120, an arm 130, and a main body 140.

[0019] The medical cart 100 may be capable of communicating with a Hospital Information System (HIS), a Radiology Information System (RIS), an image analysis device, a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), other radiographic devices, etc., all of which are not shown.

[0020] The medical cart 100 may be capable of setting a plurality of imaging modes, including a dynamic imaging mode for performing dynamic imaging and a fluoroscopic imaging mode for performing fluoroscopic imaging.

[0021] [Radiation generator] The radiation generating device 110 includes a generator 111 and a collimator 112. The radiation generating device 110 may be a radiation generating unit.

[0022] The generator 111 includes a tube. When a voltage is applied to the tube and a current flows, radiation, for example, X-rays, is emitted from the tube. When a pulsed voltage is applied to the tube, pulsed radiation, for example, X-rays, may be emitted from the tube.

[0023] The generator 111 is limited in the maximum radiation dose, i.e., the allowable radiation dose, depending on the video imaging mode (e.g., dynamic imaging mode, fluoroscopy mode) set in the medical cart 100. In dynamic imaging mode, the radiation dose is limited due to limitations imposed by a general imaging device. In fluoroscopy mode, a greater radiation dose can be emitted than in dynamic imaging mode because it is not subject to limitations imposed by a general imaging device. In fluoroscopy mode, the radiation dose does not need to be limited. The generator 111 also emits radiation based on settings from the input unit. Imaging conditions include conditions related to the subject 150, such as the imaging region, imaging direction, and physique, as well as conditions related to radiation emission, such as tube voltage, tube current, emission time, current-time product (mAs value), frame rate, allowable number of frames, pulse width, pulse interval, pulse period, pulse duty ratio, FOD (Focus to Object Distance), and irradiation field range (the degree of narrowing of the collimator 112).

[0024] In dynamic imaging, i.e., imaging in dynamic imaging mode, the radiation generation device 110 repeatedly emits radiation pulses multiple times per unit time (e.g., 15 times per second) for a predetermined time (duration) while an emission instruction is being issued. Here, the pulse period and duration are set in advance by the input / output unit 141. The pulse interval, pulse width, and pulse duty ratio may also be set in advance by the input / output unit 141. The radiation detection device 120 acquires an image corresponding to each pulse, thereby acquiring a series of multiple images (dynamic images). Note that, in the dynamic imaging mode of this embodiment, an example is described in which radiation pulses are emitted, but a configuration in which radiation is continuously emitted may also be used. In dynamic imaging mode, radiation emission is limited due to limitations imposed by a general imaging device.

[0025] In fluoroscopy, i.e., imaging in fluoroscopy mode, the radiation generation device 110 repeatedly emits radiation pulses multiple times per unit time (e.g., 6, 10, or 15 times per second) while an emission instruction is being issued. Here, the pulse period is set in advance by the input / output unit 141. In fluoroscopy mode, the duration is not set. That is, in fluoroscopy mode, radiation emission is not limited by the duration. Furthermore, in fluoroscopy mode, since there are no limitations imposed by general imaging devices, more radiation can be emitted than in dynamic imaging mode. In fluoroscopy mode, the radiation dose does not need to be limited. The pulse interval, pulse width, and pulse duty ratio may be set in advance by the input / output unit 141. The radiation detection device 120 detects an image corresponding to each pulse, and the input / output unit 141 displays the image. Note that, although the fluoroscopy mode in this embodiment will be described using an example in which radiation pulses are emitted, a configuration in which radiation is continuously emitted may also be used.

[0026] The collimator 112 narrows the irradiation field of the emitted radiation. The collimator 112 may have a shielding means such as a filter. The shielding means may narrow the area irradiated with the emitted radiation. The shielding means may also attenuate the intensity of the emitted radiation.

[0027] [Radiation detection device] The radiation detection device 120 has a communication unit 121. Although not shown, the radiation detection device 120 also includes a sensor substrate, a scanning circuit, a readout circuit, a control unit, etc. The radiation detection device 120 may be a radiation detection unit.

[0028] The radiation detection device 120 detects the radiation emitted from the radiation generation device 110 through the subject 150. The subject 150 is, for example, a human being, an animal, or the like.

[0029] The sensor substrate has pixels arranged two-dimensionally (in a matrix). Each pixel has a radiation detection element that generates an electric charge according to the dose of radiation received through the subject, and a switch element that stores and releases the electric charge. The scanning circuit switches each switch element on or off. The readout circuit reads out the amount of electric charge released from each pixel as a signal value (intensity). The control unit controls the entire radiation detection device 120. The control unit generates a radiographic image from the multiple signal values ​​read out by the readout circuit. The communication unit 121 transmits the radiographic image data generated by the readout circuit and various signals to the outside. The communication unit 121 also receives various information and signals. The communication unit 121 may perform wireless communication or wired communication.

[0030] In each pixel of the radiation detection device 120 configured in this manner, when the radiation detection element receives radiation while the scanning circuit turns off the switch element, the radiation detection element generates and accumulates an electric charge corresponding to the radiation dose. When the scanning circuit turns on the switch element, the accumulated electric charge is released, and the readout circuit detects the amount of electric charge released from each pixel and generates a signal value indicating the amount of electric charge. The control unit generates a radiographic image based on the signal value generated for each pixel. In dynamic radiography, each generated radiographic image is a single still image. In the case of pulsed radiation, one still image is generated corresponding to each pulse.

[0031] The communication unit 121 communicates with the communication unit 144 of the main body unit 140 and transmits the generated radiographic image to the communication unit 144 of the main body unit 140. The communication unit 121 may transmit each still image to the main body unit 140 each time it is generated, or may transmit multiple still images together to the communication unit 144 of the main body unit 140. The communication unit 121 may communicate with a device other than the main body unit 140. The communication performed by the communication unit 121 may be wireless communication or wired communication.

[0032] When the radiation generating device 110 performs pulsed radiation emission, the timing at which the radiation detecting device 120 generates the multiple still images that constitute the dynamic image is synchronized with the timing at which radiation is emitted from the radiation generating device 110. On the other hand, when the radiation generating device 110 performs continuous radiation emission, the timing at which the radiation detecting device 120 generates the multiple still images that constitute the dynamic image is any timing during the continuous radiation period.

[0033] When the medical cart 100 is moving or not in use, the radiation detection device 120 may be stored in a storage unit provided in the main body unit 140. The state in which the radiation detection device 120 is stored in the storage unit of the main body unit 140 is shown by dotted lines in FIG. 2. When the radiation detection device 120 is stored in the storage unit of the main body unit 140, the radiation detection device 120 may be connected to the main body unit 140 by wire, and the main body unit 140 may charge the radiation detection device 120 and communicate with the main body unit 140. When the radiation detection device 120 is stored in the storage unit of the main body unit 140, software or firmware of the radiation detection device 120 may be updated through communication with the main body unit 140. Charging the radiation detection device 120 and communication with the main body unit 140 may be performed wirelessly.

[0034] The radiation detection device 120 may be connected wirelessly during use. The radiation detection device 120 may be powered by an internal battery. The radiation detection device 120 may be supplied with power from the main body 140 via a wired or wireless connection.

[0035] The radiation detection device 120 may be connected to the main body 140 by wire when it is moved or not in use, and may be connected to the main body 140 wirelessly when it is in use.

[0036] [arm] The arm 130 includes a vertical arm 131 and a horizontal arm 132. The vertical arm 131 supports the horizontal arm 132 rotatably, i.e., rotatably about the Z axis. The vertical arm 131 may also support the horizontal arm 132 movably. The horizontal arm 132 supports the radiation generation device 110 rotatably, i.e., rotatably about the X axis and the Y axis. The vertical arm 131 and the horizontal arm 132 allow the radiation generation device 110 to be oriented in any direction relative to the main body 140. The position and orientation of the arms may be determined by input from the input / output unit 141. The vertical arm 131 and the horizontal arm 132 may be rotatable and movable under control of the main body 140, or may be rotatable and movable manually.

[0037] [Main body] The main body 140 includes an input / output unit 141 and a communication unit 144. The main body 140 may include a control unit (control circuit) 330 and a memory 142 shown in Fig. 3. The main body 140 may include a storage unit (not shown) that stores the radiation detection device 120.

[0038] The inclination angle of the input / output unit 141 can be changed with respect to the main body unit 140. The input / output unit 141 may be separable from the main body unit 140. When the input / output unit 141 is separated from the main body unit 140, the input / output unit 141 and the main body unit 140 are connected wirelessly or by wire.

[0039] The input / output unit 141 may be configured with a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a camera, a display, a speaker, an indicator light, etc. The input / output unit 141 may have separate input and output units. The input / output unit 141 may use input means such as voice input, gesture input, gaze input, and brain wave input. The input / output unit 141 sets the radiation generation device 110. The input / output unit 141 can also perform an operation to instruct the radiation generation device 110 to emit radiation. The input / output unit 141 may output the emission instruction during the period from when the toggle button is pressed the first time to when it is pressed the second time, or may output the emission instruction while the button is being held down.

[0040] The input / output unit 141 receives input of imaging conditions for dynamic imaging. The imaging conditions include imaging time, frame rate, tube voltage, tube current, or tube voltage time product (mAs). The input imaging conditions are set in the radiation generating device 110. The imaging conditions may be determined in accordance with an imaging order. The imaging conditions determined in accordance with an imaging order may be changeable (modifiable).

[0041] The input / output unit 141 receives external factors when performing dynamic imaging. The external factors include the layout of the imaging location, the arrangement of the patient bed, the position of the shielding plate, or the material of the shielding plate. The external factors may be determined according to the imaging order. The external factors determined according to the imaging order may be modifiable. The external factors may be generated by analyzing images captured by a camera mounted on the medical cart 100 or information acquired by a sensor mounted on the medical cart 100. The external factors generated based on the captured images or information acquired by the sensor may be modifiable.

[0042] By operating the input / output unit 141, the generator 111 emits radiation at a dose set by the input / output unit 141. The radiation is, for example, X-rays.

[0043] The input / output unit 141 may issue a warning. The notification will be described in detail later.

[0044] The communication unit 144 communicates with the radiation detection device 120. The communication between the communication unit 144 of the main body unit 140 and the communication unit 121 of the radiation detection device 120 may be wireless communication or wired communication.

[0045] [Function Block] 3 is a diagram showing the functional blocks of the medical examination cart 100. The medical examination cart 100 includes an input unit 310, an output unit 320, a memory 142, a radiation generator 110, and a control unit 330. The input unit 310 and the output unit 320 form the input / output unit 141. The input unit 310 and the output unit 320 may be integrated.

[0046] When an instruction to start shooting is given, the input section 310 may notify the control section 330 that an instruction to start shooting has been given.

[0047] The output unit 320 displays a notification regarding the amount of scattered radiation under the control of the control unit 330.

[0048] The memory 142 stores programs, parameters, etc. used by the control unit 330 for processing. The memory 142 may store a map (hereinafter referred to as a blank map) in which the layout of the imaging location, the arrangement of patient beds, etc. are stored. The memory 142 may store a two-dimensional blank map and a three-dimensional blank map. The memory 142 may store a blank map corresponding to imaging in a sitting position and a blank map corresponding to imaging in a lying position. The memory 142 may store a blank map with no settings.

[0049] The radiation generating device 110 emits radiation based on imaging conditions such as imaging time, frame rate, tube voltage, tube current, and tube voltage time product (mAs).

[0050] The control unit 330 controls the entire medical cart 100. The control unit 330 is made up of a computer such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0051] The control unit 330 may be instructed to start imaging from the input unit 310. The control unit 330 may be present in the main body unit 140. The control unit 330 may select and acquire from the memory 142 a blank map corresponding to the location where the medical cart 100 is located. Depending on whether imaging is performed in a sitting position or a lying position, the control unit 330 may select and acquire from the memory 142 a blank map corresponding to imaging in a sitting position or a blank map corresponding to imaging in a lying position. The control unit 330 may select and acquire a two-dimensional blank map or a three-dimensional blank map according to input from the input unit 310.

[0052] The control unit 330 estimates the amount of scattered radiation based on the imaging conditions input from the input / output unit 141 and displays the estimated result on the output unit 320 before imaging. The control unit 330 calculates the amount of emitted radiation based on the tube voltage, tube current, emission time, current-time product (mAs value), frame rate, allowable frame count, pulse width, pulse interval, pulse period, pulse duty ratio, etc. The control unit 330 calculates the irradiated area based on the imaging region, imaging direction, FOD, irradiation field range, etc. The control unit 330 can estimate the amount of scattered radiation scattered to areas other than the irradiated area based on the irradiated radiation amount and the irradiated area. The control unit 330 can estimate the amount of reflected and absorbed radiation of the irradiated radiation based on the layout of the imaging location, conditions related to the subject 150 such as the physique, the arrangement of the patient bed, the position of the shielding plate, the material of the shielding plate, etc. The control unit 330 may estimate the amount of scattered radiation scattered to areas other than the irradiated area by taking into account the amount of reflected and absorbed radiation in addition to the irradiated radiation amount and the irradiated area. The control unit 330 may display the estimated results in response to an instruction to start imaging input from the input unit 310, and may cause the radiation generation device 110 to emit radiation when it is confirmed that the surgeon and surrounding people have evacuated. The control unit 330 may display the estimated results in response to a setting input from the input unit 310, and may be able to issue an instruction to start imaging when it is confirmed that the surgeon and surrounding people have evacuated.

[0053] The control unit 330 may make the estimation taking into consideration the subject's conditions such as the subject's 150 imaging position (standing, sitting, lying down, etc.), the imaging location of the subject 150, the subject's 150 body thickness, the bed material, the arm orientation, the bed position, the bed angle, and the position of the monitor device for the subject 150.

[0054] When radiography is performed outside a radiation-controlled area using a medical cart, there are various external factors involved, such as the layout of the radiography location, the positioning of patient beds, and shielding panels, so it is necessary to provide the operator and those around with an appropriate evacuation location.

[0055] [display] <Display example 1> The control unit 330 determines the location of the medical cart 100. The control unit 330 may determine the location of the medical cart 100 using a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) such as a global positioning system (GPS) installed in the medical cart 100, or may determine the location of the medical cart 100 from information acquired from a camera installed in the medical cart 100. The control unit 330 may also determine the location of the medical cart 100 by having the medical cart 100 receive beacons placed within the hospital.

[0056] The control unit 330 may select a blank map depending on the determined shooting location of the medical cart 100. The control unit 330 may create a blank map based on information acquired from cameras and sensors mounted on the medical cart 100. For example, the control unit 330 may select a blank map depending on the body position of the subject 150. The control unit 330 may select a blank map depending on the shooting location, etc., and modify the selected blank map depending on the shooting conditions, external factors, etc.

[0057] The control unit 330 estimates the amount of scattered radiation by simulating it based on imaging conditions such as imaging time, frame rate, tube voltage, tube current, and tube voltage time product (mAs) set in the radiation generation device 110. The control unit 330 may estimate the amount of scattered radiation by taking into consideration external factors such as the layout of the imaging location, the material of the bed, the imaging region (chest, abdomen, limbs, etc.), the radiation irradiation direction, body thickness, the position (orientation) of the arm, the positions (layout) of the medical cart and bed, and the positions of other monitors such as a respiratory monitor.

[0058] The control unit 330 estimates the scattered radiation amount of radiation emitted by the radiation generation device 110 and overlays the estimated result on a blank map. The scattered radiation amount map that the control unit 330 causes the input / output unit 141 to display has the estimated scattered radiation amount overlaid on the blank map. The control unit 330 may display the estimated result in two dimensions or three dimensions. The control unit 330 may highlight areas (directions) and / or evacuation locations with low scattered radiation amounts on the screen, output them by audio, or output them both on the screen and by audio. For example, the control unit 330 may change the orientation of the map so that areas (directions) and / or evacuation locations with low scattered radiation amounts are displayed at the top of the screen. For example, the control unit 330 may change the color of areas with low scattered radiation amounts or surround them with a line to display them on the screen. For example, the control unit 330 may display areas with low scattered radiation amounts in a separate window. The separate window may be located, for example, at the top of the screen. The control unit 330 may display the scattered radiation amount in a color corresponding to the amount of scattered radiation, or may display only the amount of scattered radiation exceeding a predetermined dose, or only the amount of scattered radiation equal to or less than the predetermined dose. The control unit 330 may display the scattered radiation amount in a color corresponding to the amount of scattered radiation, or may change the display mode between the amount of scattered radiation exceeding a predetermined dose and the amount of scattered radiation equal to or less than the predetermined dose. The correspondence between the amount of scattered radiation and the color may be changeable. The control unit 330 may change the predetermined dose depending on the determined location of the medical cart 100. The control unit 330 may change the map depending on the movement of the arm 130. The control unit 330 may change the orientation of the scattered radiation map (the direction of the top of the map) depending on the orientation of the medical cart 100, the orientation of the arm 130, the direction of radiation irradiation, or the orientation of the subject 150. The control unit 330 may estimate the amount of scattered radiation taking into account the shielding material placed. The control unit 330 may estimate the amount of scattered radiation in conjunction with the movement of the arm 130 of the medical cart 100.

[0059] The control unit 330 may cause the output unit 320 to output an alarm when the estimated scattered radiation amount is greater than a preset value. The alarm can be issued by voice and / or by display on a screen. The control unit 330 may also cause the output unit 320 to output an alarm when it recognizes, using a camera mounted on the medical cart 100, that a person is present in a position where the scattered radiation amount is greater than a preset value. The control unit 330 may also cause the output unit 320 to output an alarm urging the user to change the imaging conditions.

[0060] The alarms include, for example, "Shooting is possible," "Too much scattered radiation," and "Please check to see if you can take shelter." The control unit 330 may output warnings such as "Please install a shield," "Please change the shooting conditions," etc. The warning may be a warning at the time of elapsed time, a warning for the entire shooting, or both warnings. The control unit 330 may select a warning taking into consideration the shooting conditions required to obtain the required image quality. For example, if the shooting conditions cannot be lowered to obtain the required image quality, "Please install a shield" may be selected instead of "Please change the shooting conditions."

[0061] FIG. 4 shows the results of the estimation. FIG. 4 shows the scattered radiation dose around a bed 410 on which a subject 150 is lying. The subject 150 is lying on the bed 410 with his head facing up and his legs facing down. The medical cart 100 is located to the right of the bed 410. Alternatively, the medical cart 100 may be located to the left of the bed 410. The estimated scattered radiation dose may be displayed using iso-microsievert lines. For example, line 420 indicates 8 microsieverts, line 430 indicates 2 microsieverts, and line 440 indicates 1 microsievert. For example, areas with a higher scattered radiation dose than line 420 may be displayed in red, areas with a higher scattered radiation dose than line 430 may be displayed in orange, and areas with a higher scattered radiation dose than line 440 may be displayed in yellow. While FIG. 4 shows the scattered radiation dose displayed two-dimensionally, the scattered radiation dose may also be displayed three-dimensionally. In FIG. 4, for example, one square represents 1 m. The number of regions to be displayed is arbitrary, as are the number of isomicrosievert rays of scattered radiation to be displayed and the amount of scattered radiation to be displayed. The amount of scattered radiation may be displayed using a color gradation according to the amount of scattered radiation. Figure 4 also shows the estimation results when the imaging time is 15 seconds.

[0062] FIG. 5 shows a diagram in which areas (directions) with low scattered radiation are highlighted. Based on the estimation results of FIG. 4, areas 510 and 520 with low scattered radiation are displayed overlapping the estimated results (FIG. 4). For example, the frames of areas 510 and 520 may be displayed in blue. While FIG. 5 defines areas with low scattered radiation as areas with 2 microsieverts or less, areas with low scattered radiation may be 1 microsievert or less, or may have other values. Also, a voice message such as "Please move at least 1 meter away from the bed to the right or front of the bed" may be output.

[0063] <Display example 2> Display example 2 takes into consideration the shooting time of the video. In addition to the display described in display example 1, display taking into consideration the shooting time may also be performed.

[0064] When performing dynamic radiography, the radiation dose to which operators such as X-ray technicians and doctors are exposed increases with the duration of the radiography. Therefore, it is necessary to estimate the scattered radiation dose according to the duration of the radiography and provide a shelter.

[0065] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of displaying the amount of scattered radiation according to the imaging time.

[0066] The display 600 may be displayed on a touch panel of the input / output unit 141. When the content displayed on the display 600 is selected, the control unit 330 performs the corresponding control.

[0067] The display 600 includes bibliographic information 610, imaging conditions 620, playback control 630, playback status 640, alarms 650, scattered radiation dose 660, imaging 670, and examination end 680. Other information such as "imaging conditions changed" and "standby completed" may also be included, or some of the information may not be included.

[0068] The bibliographic information 610 may include a patient ID, a patient name, a patient's date of birth, a patient's gender, and a photographing date. The bibliographic information 610 may also include other information such as the department in charge and the name of the doctor in charge.

[0069] The imaging conditions 620 may include an imaging region (chest, stomach, etc.), imaging position (standing, sitting, supine, etc.), imaging type (fluoroscopy, dynamic imaging, still image, etc.), etc. The imaging conditions 620 may include imaging time, frame rate, tube voltage, tube current, tube voltage-time product (mAs), FOD, irradiation field range, etc.

[0070] The playback control 630 may include playback types such as fast forward, fast rewind (rewind), frame by frame, frame by frame rewind, repeat playback, and reverse playback. The playback control 630 may allow image adjustment using tabs. Image adjustment may include changing the shooting conditions. Rather than selecting playback and image adjustment using tabs, each may be displayed separately. For example, when "fast forward" is selected in the playback control 630, the elapsed time progresses, for example, at double speed, and the scattered radiation dose that changes with the passage of time is displayed. For example, when "frame by frame" is selected in the playback control, the scattered radiation dose at the elapsed time at fixed intervals is displayed.

[0071] The playback status 640 may include playback, pause, current status, and end. In the current status, a horizontal bar indicates the total imaging time, and the position of a vertical bar indicates the elapsed time relative to the total imaging time. The control unit 330 may advance the elapsed time when playback is selected, stop the advancement of the elapsed time when pause is selected, and end the display of the scattered radiation amount when end is selected. For example, when "play" in the playback status 640 is selected, the elapsed time advances, the position of the vertical bar for the current status moves to the right, and the scattered radiation amount 660 that changes over time is displayed.

[0072] The alarm 650 includes a warning. The warning may display, for example, "imaging is possible," "the amount of scattered radiation is too high," "check the evacuation area," "install a shielding plate," "change the imaging conditions," etc. The alarm 650 may display a warning at the time of elapsed time, a warning for the entire imaging, or both warnings may be displayed.

[0073] The scattered radiation amount 660 indicates a scattered radiation amount map at the elapsed time indicated by the playback status 640. The scattered radiation amount 660 may indicate a scattered radiation amount map corresponding to the imaging time. Scatter radiation amount maps corresponding to multiple imaging times may be displayed. Scatter radiation amount maps corresponding to different imaging times may be selectable. When a setting is changed, the scattered radiation amount (history) before the change may be displayed along with the current scattered radiation amount. By displaying scattered radiation amount maps corresponding to multiple imaging conditions, imaging can be performed while taking into consideration the exposure of surrounding people. The control unit 330 may not display a scattered radiation amount map when it determines that the scattered radiation amount is less than a predetermined amount, such as when the imaging time is short or when capturing a still image. The control unit 330 may always display a scattered radiation amount map when it determines that the scattered radiation amount is greater than a predetermined amount, such as when the imaging time is longer than a predetermined time, and may perform imaging only after checking the scattered radiation amount map, i.e., after confirming the safety of the operator and surrounding people.

[0074] When the photographing 670 is selected, the photographing is performed. For example, when the operator touches the photographing 670 button displayed on the touch panel, the medical cart 100 starts photographing. The photographing 670 may be selectable after the scattered radiation dose 660 is confirmed, or may be selectable after one scattered radiation dose map is selected from multiple scattered radiation dose maps. The photographing 670 button may be selectable after it is confirmed that the evacuation has ended.

[0075] When End Exam 680 is selected, the examination ends. Selecting End Exam 680 may also turn off the power to the medical cart 100.

[0076] [flowchart] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the control unit 330.

[0077] The control unit 330 reads the settings (step S701). The settings include imaging conditions, external factors, and subject conditions. The settings may be read based on an imaging order. The correspondence between the imaging order and the settings may be stored in the memory 142. The imaging conditions may include, for example, conditions related to the subject 150, such as the imaging region, imaging direction, and physique, tube voltage, tube current, radiation time, current-time product (mAs value), frame rate, allowable frame count, pulse width, pulse interval, pulse period, pulse duty ratio, FOD, and irradiation field range. The external factors may include the layout of the imaging location, the arrangement of the patient bed, and a shielding plate. The subject conditions may include the imaging position of the subject 150 (standing, sitting, lying down, etc.), the imaging location of the subject 150, the body thickness of the subject 150, the material of the bed, the direction of the arm, the position of the bed, the angle of the bed, the position of the monitor device relative to the subject 150, and the like.

[0078] The control unit 330 estimates the amount of scattered radiation based on the read settings (step S702).

[0079] The control unit 330 displays the estimated scattered radiation dose on a blank map to create and output a scattered radiation dose map (step S703).

[0080] The control unit 330 determines whether or not the settings have been changed (step S704). If the settings have been changed (step S704, Yes), the process returns to step S701 and the changed settings are read. If the settings have not been changed (step S704, No), imaging is started (step S705). The control unit 330 may confirm that evacuation has been performed before starting imaging. Imaging includes fluoroscopic imaging and dynamic imaging.

[0081] When the settings are changed, the imaging conditions of the radiation generating device may be changed at the same time as the change, or the imaging conditions of the radiation generating device may be changed when imaging is performed.

[0082] When the image capture is completed, the control unit 330 ends the process.

[0083] The processes described in this disclosure are performed by a program.

[0084] Although the present disclosure has described the mobile radiography device, ie, the medical cart 100, the amount of scattered radiation can be similarly estimated and displayed for a fixed radiography device. Also, although the control unit 330 has been described as estimating and displaying the amount of scattered radiation when dynamic radiography is performed, the amount of scattered radiation can also be similarly estimated and displayed when fluoroscopy is performed.

[0085] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims. It is understood that such modifications or alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components in the embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0086] According to the present disclosure, an appropriate evacuation location can be presented.

[0087] (1) In one aspect of the present disclosure, a mobile radiography device includes an input unit to which external factors are input, a control unit that estimates the scattered radiation dose of the radiography device based on the external factors, and an output unit that outputs a scattered radiation dose map based on the scattered radiation dose.

[0088] (2) In one aspect of the present disclosure, the radiographic imaging device is a mobile radiographic imaging device as described in (1), wherein the radiographic imaging device is capable of dynamic imaging of a subject, and the control unit estimates the amount of scattered radiation during the dynamic imaging by the radiographic imaging device.

[0089] (3) In one aspect of the present disclosure, the radiographic imaging device is the mobile radiographic imaging device of (1), wherein the scattered radiation dose map displays areas where the dose is equal to or less than a predetermined dose.

[0090] (4) In one aspect of the present disclosure, the radiographic imaging device is the mobile radiographic imaging device of (1), wherein the scattered radiation dose map displays areas where the dose exceeds a predetermined dose.

[0091] (5) In a radiographic imaging apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, in the mobile radiographic imaging apparatus of (3) or (4), the predetermined dose is variable.

[0092] (6) In one aspect of the present disclosure, the radiographic imaging device is the mobile radiographic imaging device of (1), wherein the scattered radiation dose map is in color.

[0093] (7) In one aspect of the present disclosure, the radiographic imaging device is the mobile radiographic imaging device of (1), wherein the scattered radiation dose map is such that the scattered radiation dose is overlapped on a blank map according to the setting.

[0094] (8) In one aspect of the present disclosure, the radiographic imaging device is a mobile radiographic imaging device as described in (1), wherein the external factors include the layout of the imaging location, the position of the patient bed, the position of the shielding plate, or the material of the shielding plate.

[0095] (9) A program in one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute the steps of inputting an external factor, estimating the scattered radiation dose of a radiography device based on the external factor, and outputting a scattered radiation dose map based on the scattered radiation dose.

[0096] (10) In one aspect of the present disclosure, in the program of (9), the radiation imaging device is an apparatus capable of dynamic imaging of the subject, and the estimating step estimates the amount of scattered radiation in the dynamic imaging by the radiation imaging device.

[0097] (11) In one aspect of the present disclosure, in the program of (9), the scattered radiation dose map displays areas where the radiation dose is below a predetermined dose.

[0098] (12) In one aspect of the present disclosure, in the program of (9), the scattered dose map displays areas where the dose exceeds a predetermined dose.

[0099] (13) In one aspect of the present disclosure, in the program of (11) or (12), the predetermined dose is variable.

[0100] (14) In one aspect of the present disclosure, in the program of (9), the scattered radiation dose map is in color.

[0101] (15) In one aspect of the present disclosure, in the program of (9), the scattered radiation dose map is overlapped with a blank map corresponding to the external factor.

[0102] (16) In one aspect of the present disclosure, in the program of (9), the external factors include the layout of the imaging location, the arrangement of the patient bed, the position of the shielding plate, or the material of the shielding plate.

[0103] (17) A video imaging method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes inputting an external factor, estimating the scattered radiation dose of a radiation imaging device based on the external factor, outputting a scattered radiation dose map based on the scattered radiation dose, and performing video imaging. [Industrial Applicability]

[0104] The present disclosure is useful in medical carts. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 100 medical carts 110 Radiation Generator 111 Generator 112 Collimator 120 Radiation detection equipment 121, 144 Communications Department 130 Arm 131 Vertical Arm 132 horizontal arm 140 Main body 141 Input / output section 142 memory 150 subjects 310 Input section 320 Output Section 330 Control Unit 410 beds 420, 430, 440 lines 510, 520 area 600 displays 610 Bibliographic information 620 Shooting Conditions 630 Playback Control 640 Playback Status 650 alarm 660 Scattered Radiation 670 Shooting 680 Inspection completed

Claims

1. an input unit to which external factors are input; a control unit that estimates the amount of scattered radiation of the radiation imaging apparatus based on the external factors; an output unit that outputs a scattered radiation dose map based on the scattered radiation dose; A mobile radiography device having the above features.

2. The radiation imaging device is a device capable of taking dynamic images of a subject. the control unit estimates the amount of scattered radiation in the dynamic imaging performed by the radiation imaging apparatus.

2. The mobile radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The scattered radiation dose map displays areas where the radiation dose is below a predetermined dose.

2. The mobile radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The scattered dose map shows areas where the dose exceeds a predetermined dose.

2. The mobile radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The predetermined dose is variable.

5. A mobile radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 3.

6. the scatter dose map is in color; 2. The mobile radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

7. In the scattered radiation dose map, the scattered radiation dose is overlapped on a blank map according to the external factor.

2. The mobile radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The external factors include the layout of the imaging location, the arrangement of the patient bed, the position of the shielding plate, or the material of the shielding plate; 2. The mobile radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

9. inputting external factors; estimating the amount of scattered radiation from the radiation imaging device based on the external factors; outputting a scattered radiation dose map based on the scattered radiation dose; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

10. The radiation imaging device is a device capable of taking dynamic images of a subject. the estimating step estimates the amount of scattered radiation in the dynamic imaging performed by the radiation imaging apparatus; The program according to claim 9.

11. The scattered radiation dose map displays areas where the radiation dose is below a predetermined dose. The program according to claim 9.

12. The scattered dose map shows areas where the dose exceeds a predetermined dose. The program according to claim 9.

13. The predetermined dose is variable.

13. The program according to claim 11 or 12.

14. the scatter dose map is in color; The program according to claim 9.

15. In the scattered radiation dose map, the scattered radiation dose is overlapped on a blank map according to the external factor. The program according to claim 9.

16. The external factors include the layout of the imaging location, the arrangement of the patient bed, the position of the shielding plate, or the material of the shielding plate; The program according to claim 9.

17. Enter external factors, estimating the scattered radiation amount of the radiographic imaging device based on the external factors; outputting a scattered radiation dose map based on the scattered radiation dose; Do video shooting, How to shoot video.

Images