Radiation imaging system, radiation imaging method, and program

Abstract

To provide a radiation imaging system capable of performing imaging using an AEC function as intended by a user.SOLUTION: A radiation imaging system according to the present invention includes a radiation generation device that emits radiation, a radiation detection device that detects radiation and generates a radiation image, and a radiation imaging device that communicates with the radiation detection device and controls its operation, the radiation imaging system comprising: acquisition means for acquiring information on the radiation detection device; and determination means for determining whether or not the radiation detection device has an AEC function, on the basis of the information on the radiation detection device which is acquired by the acquisition means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a radiation imaging system, a radiation imaging method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Radiography devices using sensor panels for detecting radiation such as X-rays are widely used in industrial and medical fields. In recent years, efforts have been made to increase the number of functions available for radiography devices. One such example is the incorporation of a radiation irradiation monitoring function. This function would enable, for example, detection of the timing at which radiation irradiation from a radiation source begins, detection of the timing at which radiation irradiation should be stopped, and detection of the radiation dose or cumulative dose. Automatic exposure control (AEC) is also possible by detecting the cumulative dose of radiation that has penetrated the subject and terminating radiation irradiation from the radiation source when the detected cumulative dose reaches an appropriate dose. Generally, when performing AEC using a flat panel detector (FPD), a separate, plate-shaped AEC sensor is placed between the subject and the FPD. The AEC sensor measures the radiation dose that has penetrated the subject in one to five predetermined radiation detection areas (detection fields) and controls the termination of X-ray irradiation when the predetermined dose is reached.

[0003] When using a separate AEC sensor, it is difficult to transport the FPD and AEC sensor, so stationary installations such as standing and lying position imaging are common. If the AEC function is installed inside the FPD, it becomes portable like a conventional FPD, and AEC imaging becomes possible in positions other than standing and lying position. However, if the positional relationship between the subject and the FPD becomes arbitrary or unintended, it becomes impossible to control the exposure properly. As a result, it is not possible to obtain a radiation image with the appropriate density, and there is a risk that the image will have to be retaken.

[0004] Therefore, methods for aligning the subject with the radiation measurement field in the FPD are disclosed in, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2017-127444 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2020-162971 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, unlike when a separate AEC sensor is used, when an FPD with an internal AEC function is used, it may not be possible to clearly determine whether the FPD used for imaging is equipped with the AEC function. Furthermore, the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 were unable to detect FPDs that do not have the AEC function.

[0007] Therefore, if FPDs equipped with AEC functions and those without are mixed, a user may misuse an FPD without AEC functions when performing an imaging procedure in which the AEC function is desired, resulting in the intended control not being carried out and the patient receiving excessive radiation.

[0008] In view of the above-mentioned problems, one object of the present invention is to provide a radiation imaging system that performs AEC imaging and is capable of performing imaging using the AEC function as intended by the user.

[0009] In addition to the above-mentioned object, another object of the present invention is to achieve effects that are derived from the various components shown in the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention described below, and that cannot be obtained by conventional techniques. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The radiation imaging system according to the present invention includes a radiation generating device that irradiates radiation, a radiation detecting device that detects radiation and generates a radiation image, and a radiation imaging device that communicates with the radiation detecting device and controls its operation, and is characterized by comprising: an acquisition means that acquires information about the radiation detecting device; and a determination means that determines whether the radiation detecting device has an AEC function based on the information about the radiation detecting device acquired by the acquisition means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, in a radiation imaging system that performs AEC imaging, imaging can be performed using the AEC function as intended by the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a radiation imaging system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a radiation imaging apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the light measurement field and the arrangement of the imaging area. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an imaging apparatus control unit in the radiation imaging apparatus. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of control of determining whether an AEC function is present and displaying an irradiation field. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display unit in a radiation imaging apparatus. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display unit in a radiation imaging apparatus. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an imaging apparatus control unit in the radiation imaging apparatus. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of a warning display regarding an AEC function. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display unit in a radiation imaging apparatus. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an imaging apparatus control unit in the radiation imaging apparatus. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of a warning display regarding an AEC function. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display unit in a radiation imaging apparatus. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an imaging apparatus control unit in the radiation imaging apparatus. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of a warning display regarding an AEC function. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display unit in a radiation imaging apparatus. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display unit in a radiation imaging apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solutions of the present invention. In the following embodiments and claims, radiation includes not only X-rays, but also α-rays, β-rays, γ-rays, and various particle beams.

[0014] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a radiation imaging system according to the first embodiment.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 1, a radiography device 1 for performing radiography is installed in an imaging room 100. Also installed in the imaging room 100 are a radiation generation device 4 for generating radiation, a detection device 7 for capturing a radiographic image by detecting radiation that has passed through a subject 10, and an imaging table 16. In other words, the radiography system includes a radiation generation device that irradiates radiation, a radiation detection device that captures a radiographic image by detecting radiation and has a light collection field that performs automatic exposure control, and a control device that communicates with the radiation detection device and controls its operation.

[0016] The radiographic imaging device 1 includes a display unit 2 that displays radiographic images and various information, an operation unit 3 that is operated by an operator, and a control unit 5 that controls each component. The radiographic imaging device 1 also includes one or more processors and memories, and the processors execute programs stored in the memories to realize the functional configuration of each unit. However, as long as the functional configuration of each unit performs the same function, some or all of the units may be realized by hardware such as dedicated integrated circuits.

[0017] The radiation generating device 4 sets radiation imaging conditions in the radiation generating unit 6 and controls the radiation generating unit 6. The radiation generating unit 6 functions as a radiation source that generates radiation. The radiation generating unit 6 is realized by, for example, a radiation tube, and irradiates radiation toward the subject 10 (for example, a specific part of the subject).

[0018] The radiation generating unit 6 can irradiate radiation to a desired irradiation range. A radiation-blocking aperture (not shown) is installed on the irradiation surface of the radiation generating unit 6. The operator can adjust the irradiation range of the radiation irradiated from the radiation generating unit 6 by controlling the radiation-blocking aperture.

[0019] The radiation imaging system includes a detection device 7 that detects radiation irradiated from a radiation generation unit 6. The detection device 7 detects radiation that has passed through a subject 9 and outputs image data corresponding to the radiation. The image data can also be referred to as a radiation image.

[0020] Specifically, the detector 7 detects the radiation that has passed through the subject 9 as an electric charge corresponding to the amount of transmitted radiation. The detector 7 may be a direct conversion FPD that directly converts radiation into electric charges, such as a-Se, which converts radiation into electric charges, or an indirect FPD that uses a scintillator such as CsI and a photoelectric conversion element such as a-Si.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the detection device 7. As shown in FIG. 2, the detection device 7 has a radiation detector 100. The radiation detector 100 has a function of detecting irradiated radiation. The radiation detector 100 has a plurality of pixels arranged to form a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. In the following description, the region in which the plurality of pixels are arranged in the radiation detector 100 is referred to as the detection region.

[0022] The plurality of pixels include imaging pixels 101 for acquiring radiation images or radiation irradiation information (hereinafter referred to as detection pixels in order to describe the application of this invention to acquiring radiation irradiation information), and correction pixels 121 for removing dark current components and crosstalk components. The detection pixels 101 may be used only for acquiring radiation images, or only for acquiring radiation irradiation information. Furthermore, the detection pixels 101 may be used for selecting either one of the applications of acquiring radiation images or acquiring radiation irradiation information, or may be used for both the applications of acquiring radiation images and acquiring radiation irradiation information simultaneously.

[0023] The detection pixel 101 includes a first conversion element 102 that converts radiation into an electrical signal, and a first switch 103 disposed between a column signal line 106 and the first conversion element 102 .

[0024] The first conversion element 102 is composed of a scintillator that converts radiation into light and a photoelectric conversion element that converts light into an electrical signal. The scintillator is generally formed in a sheet shape to cover the detection area and is shared by multiple pixels. Alternatively, the first conversion element 102 is composed of a conversion element that directly converts radiation into light.

[0025] The first switch 103 includes a thin film transistor (TFT) whose active region is made of a semiconductor such as amorphous silicon or polycrystalline silicon (preferably polycrystalline silicon). The area in which the detection pixels 101 and correction pixels 121 for acquiring radiation irradiation information are arranged is located at any position within the detection region of the detection device 7. For example, similar to a conventional separate AEC sensor, they may be arranged in multiple regions such as those indicated by A to C, K to O, and AA to AI in Figures 3(a), 3(b), and 3(c).

[0026] The detection device 7 has a plurality of column signal lines 106 and a plurality of drive lines 104. Each column signal line 106 corresponds to one of a plurality of columns in the detection area. Each drive line 104 corresponds to one of a plurality of rows in the detection area. Each drive line 104 is driven by a drive circuit 221.

[0027] The first electrodes of the first conversion element 102 and the second conversion element 122 are connected to the first main electrodes of the first switch 103 and the second switch 123, and the second electrodes of the first conversion element 102 and the second conversion element 122 are connected to a bias line 108. Here, one bias line 108 extends in the column direction and is commonly connected to the second electrodes of the plurality of conversion elements 102 and 122 arranged in the column direction.

[0028] The bias line 108 receives a bias voltage Vs from the element power supply circuit 226. The bias voltage Vs is supplied from the element power supply circuit 226. The power supply control unit 301 is composed of a battery, a DC-DC converter, etc. The power supply control unit 301 includes the element power supply circuit 226, and generates power for analog circuits and power for digital circuits that perform drive control, communication, etc.

[0029] The second main electrodes of the first switches 103 of the multiple detection pixels 101 that make up one column and the second switches 123 of the correction pixels 121 that make up one row are connected to one column signal line 106. The control electrodes of the first switches 103 of the multiple detection pixels 101 that make up one row and the second switches 123 of the correction pixels 121 that make up one row are connected to one drive line 104. The multiple column signal lines 106 are connected to a readout circuit 222. Here, the readout circuit 222 includes multiple detection units 132, a multiplexer 134, and an analog-to-digital converter (hereinafter, referred to as an AD converter) 136.

[0030] Each of the multiple column signal lines 106 is connected to a corresponding one of the multiple detection units 132 in the readout circuit 222. Here, one column signal line 106 corresponds to one detection unit 132. The detection unit 132 includes, for example, a differential amplifier. The multiplexer 134 selects one of the multiple detection units 132 in a predetermined order and supplies a signal from the selected detection unit 132 to the AD converter 136. The AD converter 136 converts the supplied signal into a digital signal and outputs it.

[0031] Based on the output of the readout circuit 222 (AD converter 136), the signal processing unit 224 outputs information indicating the irradiation of radiation to the detection device 7. Specifically, the signal processing unit 224 performs, for example, characteristic correction processing to remove dark current components and crosstalk components of the detection device 7 using correction pixels, detection of irradiation of radiation, calculation of the radiation dose and integrated irradiation dose, etc.

[0032] The imaging device control unit 225 controls the drive circuit 221, readout circuit 222, etc. based on information from the signal processing unit 224 and control commands from the control device 310.

[0033] The detector 7 is a portable cassette type detector, and is carried together with the radiation generator 4 to the radiography room 100 where the examination is carried out.

[0034] The detection device 7 can add information (image ID, photographing date and time, and transfer status of image data) to the image data and transfer it to the radiation imaging device 1 together with the image data.

[0035] The display unit 2 is realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information to an operator (for example, a radiographer or a doctor). The operation unit 3 includes an input unit 28 and a designation unit 29, and operates the processing in the radiation imaging apparatus 1. The operation unit 3 is composed of, for example, a mouse and operation buttons, and inputs various instructions from the operator to each component. The display unit 2 and operation unit 3 may be realized as an integrated touch panel.

[0036] The control unit 5 of the radiation imaging apparatus 1 is connected to the detection device 7 via a wireless LAN. Image data, control signals, etc. are transmitted and received between the control unit 5 and the detection device 7. That is, image data stored in the detection device 7 by radiography is output (transferred) to the control unit 5 via wireless LAN.

[0037] The radiation imaging system of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0038] The radiation imaging apparatus 1 includes a control unit 5 that performs image processing on the radiation image output from the detection device 7 to generate an image.

[0039] The control unit 5 has an application function that operates on a computer. The control unit 5 controls the operation of the detection device 7, outputs radiographic images to the display unit 2, and outputs a graphical user interface (GUI). The control unit 5 also includes, as functional components, a communication unit 20 that communicates with the detection device 7, a management unit 21 that manages the status of the detection device 7, and a storage unit 22 that stores radiographic images output from the detection device 7 and various settings for the radiation imaging system of the present invention.

[0040] The communication unit 20 includes a connection detection unit 30, an information acquisition unit 31, and an image acquisition unit 32.

[0041] The connection detection unit 30 detects communication connection and disconnection between the radiation imaging apparatus 1 and the detection device 7. The information acquisition unit 31 receives information stored in the detection device 7. More specifically, the information stored in the detection device 7 includes information related to radiographic images and information related to the detection device, and the information related to the detection device includes, for example, information indicating the size of the detection device and whether the detection device has an AEC function. Note that the information indicating whether the detection device has an AEC function may be information directly indicating whether the detection device has an AEC function. Alternatively, for example, if the presence or absence of an AEC function is uniquely determined by the sensor name, sensor type, etc., the above items may function as information indicating whether the detection device has an AEC function. In the following description, the information acquisition unit 31 is described as acquiring information related to radiographic images and information related to the detection device. The image acquisition unit 32 acquires radiographic images from the detection device 7, which captures radiographic images by detecting radiation.

[0042] The management unit 21 manages the information acquired by the communication unit 20 and includes an AEC function management unit 33.

[0043] The AEC function management unit 33 stores information about the detection device, including information indicating whether or not the detection device has an AEC function, acquired from the information acquisition unit 31, in the detection device information storage unit .

[0044] In addition, the AEC function management unit 33 stores the display contents for when the AEC function is installed and when it is not installed in the AEC function display storage unit 35, and displays on the display unit 2 whether or not the AEC function is installed based on the stored contents.

[0045] The storage unit 22 includes a detection device information storage unit 34 and an AEC function display storage unit 35 .

[0046] The detection device information storage unit 34 stores information about the detection device, including information acquired from the information acquisition unit 31 indicating whether or not the detection device has an AEC function.

[0047] The AEC function display storage unit 35 stores display contents for both the case where the AEC function is installed and the case where the AEC function is not installed.

[0048] Next, the processing of the radiation imaging system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0049] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the radiation imaging system of this embodiment.

[0050] FIG. 6 shows the display form of the display unit 2 during an examination in the radiographic imaging system of the present invention.

[0051] First, the display unit 2 includes a radiation image display unit 1001 , a patient information display unit 1002 , an imaging information display unit 1003 , an irradiation field information display unit 1004 , an examination suspension instruction unit 1005 , and an examination end instruction unit 1006 .

[0052] The radiographic image display unit 1001 displays the radiographic image that has been captured.

[0053] The patient information display section 1002 displays patient information.

[0054] The imaging information display section 1003 displays imaging protocols (1007a, 1007b, 1007c in FIG. 6) that display information about the imaging region and detection device to be performed in the examination. In FIG. 6, as an example, imaging protocols that use the AEC function are all used.

[0055] The display unit 2 also includes a shooting status display section 1008 that displays whether shooting is currently possible.

[0056] The measurement field information display unit 1004 includes a measurement field position display unit 1009 that displays the position information of the measurement field of the connected detection device 7. The measurement field position information is information that indicates the position set as the measurement field among the candidate measurement fields available in the connected detection device. As shown in Fig. 6, the currently selected protocol 1007a is an examination that performs chest imaging, so for example, of the five candidate measurement fields, two, the upper left and upper right, are set as the measurement fields, and this setting is displayed as the position information of the measurement field.

[0057] Next, the processing flow of the radiation imaging system will be described.

[0058] First, the radiation imaging apparatus 1 and the detection apparatus 7 are connected by wire or wirelessly (S101). Here, the connection detection unit 30 detects the communication connection between the radiation imaging apparatus 1 and the detection apparatus 7.

[0059] Then, when the connection detection unit 30 detects a communication connection with the detection device 7, the information acquisition unit 31 acquires information about the detection device 7 (S102). In response to the connection detection, the AEC function management unit 33 acquires information about the detection device 7, including information indicating whether or not the detection device has an AEC function, via the inspection information acquisition unit 31. Note that, if a separate AEC sensor is used at this time, information indicating that the AEC function is present can be acquired.

[0060] After the start of the inspection (S103), the AEC function management unit 33 acquires display contents for cases where the AEC function is installed and cases where the AEC function is not installed from the AEC function display storage unit 34, and determines the contents to be displayed on the display unit 2. Furthermore, the control unit 5 determines whether the detection device 7 has the AEC function based on information about the detection device, including information indicating the presence or absence of the AEC function, acquired by the inspection information acquisition unit 31 (S104). In other words, the control unit 5 corresponds to a determination means that determines whether the radiation detection device has the AEC function based on information about the radiation detection device acquired by the acquisition means. Note that connection with the detection device and information acquisition (S102, S103) may occur after the start of the inspection (S103).

[0061] If the control unit 5 determines that the detection device 7 is equipped with an AEC function, it displays the position information of the detection device 7's irradiation field as shown in the irradiation field position display unit 1009 in Fig. 6 (S105). Note that the display method for indicating that the detection device 7 is equipped with an AEC function is not limited to the above, and can be defined by any combination of identifiable expressions such as letters, symbols, figures, sizes, colors, and shapes.

[0062] On the other hand, if the control unit 5 determines that the detection device 7 does not have an AEC function, the position information of the detection field is not displayed on the measurement field position display unit 1009 (S106). In this case, for example, the measurement field may not be displayed as shown in the measurement field position display unit 1010 in Fig. 7, and only the frame of the detection device 7 may be displayed. Alternatively, nothing may be displayed on the measurement field information display unit 1004. Alternatively, the display indicating the irradiation field may be grayed out on the irradiation field information display unit 1004. That is, if the detection device 7 does not have an AEC function, the display unit 2 may be set to display that fact, or if the detection device 7 has an AEC function, the display unit 2 may be set to not display any information to indicate that the AEC function is not installed.

[0063] As described above, a series of processes in the radiation imaging system according to this embodiment is carried out.

[0064] According to this embodiment, in a radiation imaging system that performs AEC imaging, it is possible to prevent radiation imaging from being erroneously performed without using the AEC function.

[0065] Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a radiation imaging apparatus and a radiation imaging system that perform AEC imaging and that have a support function that enables radiation imaging to be performed as intended by the user.

[0066] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described.

[0067] In this embodiment, if the detecting device 7 does not have an AEC function, it is possible to notify the user of this. What differs from the first embodiment is that the AEC function management unit 41 is newly provided with a function for displaying a notification on the display unit, as shown in Fig. 8, to notify the user that the FPD does not have an AEC function. Note that the functional configuration other than the AEC function management unit 41 is the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0068] The processing of the AEC function management unit 41 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 showing the display form of the display unit 2 in the second embodiment. Note that the control before S106 and the display before 1009 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0069] If the radiation detection device 7 does not have the AEC function, the display unit 2 displays a message indicating that the AEC function is unavailable. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the notification display unit 2001 displays a pop-up message indicating that the radiation detection device does not have the AEC function, such as "This is an FPD without AEC. If you would like to continue capturing images without using AEC, please select OK." The pop-up message notifies the user that the radiation detection device does not have the AEC function and prompts the user to select whether or not to continue capturing images without using the AEC function (S201). Note that a button prompting the user to select whether or not to continue capturing images does not necessarily need to be displayed. That is, the AEC function management unit 41 corresponds to an example of a display control unit that, when it is determined that the radiation detection device does not have the AEC function, displays a pop-up message indicating that the radiation detection device does not have the AEC function. The AEC function management unit 41 corresponds to an example of a display control unit that displays a button prompting the user to select whether or not to continue capturing images.

[0070] Furthermore, if the examination is to be continued, imaging continues without using the AEC function (S202, S203), and the measurement field position display section 1009 and the warning display section 2001 are hidden.

[0071] If the test is not to be continued, the test is interrupted and the display unit 2 transitions to the display before the test started (S204). At this time, whether to continue the test or not may be determined for each system. Alternatively, an OK button and a Cancel button may be displayed as in FIG. 7, and the user may select one. Alternatively, buttons may not be provided as in FIG. 7, and the determination may be made based on the passage of time.

[0072] In addition, it may be possible to set whether or not to display the notification. In this case, the setting may be determined for each system. Alternatively, a condition may be set, such as not displaying the notification if subsequent imaging has been performed with imaging information that matches the detection device information.

[0073] According to this embodiment, in a radiation imaging system that performs AEC imaging, by notifying the user that the FPD does not have an AEC function, the possibility of imaging being performed by mistake without using the AEC function can be reduced.

[0074] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described.

[0075] In this embodiment, if the detection device 7 does not have an AEC function, it is possible to prompt the user to switch to another detection device that has an AEC function so as not to start imaging.

[0076] The difference from the first and second embodiments is that an AEC function management unit 51 and a detection device notification unit 52 are provided as shown in Fig. 11. As a result, when a detection device without an AEC function is used during imaging that uses the AEC function, the control unit 5 can notify the detection device 7 that this means that imaging cannot be continued. Note that, since the components other than the AEC function management unit 51 and the detection device notification unit 52 are the same as those in the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0077] 12 and FIG. 13 showing the display form of the display unit 2 during an examination in the radiation imaging system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the processing of the AEC function management unit 51 and the detection device notification unit 52 will be described. Note that the control before S105 and the display before 1009 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0078] In S301, a warning to the user to connect a detecting device capable of AEC function is displayed on the display unit 2. For example, as shown in the warning display unit 3002 in FIG. 13 , a message such as "This is an FPD without AEC. Please connect an FPD with AEC. Press the cancel button to return to the screen before the examination started" is displayed to warn the user that the detecting device is not equipped with the AEC function and to connect a detecting device capable of AEC function. In S302, the detecting device notification unit 52 notifies the detecting device 7 that imaging cannot be performed. Furthermore, the imaging status display unit 3001 shown in FIG. 13 displays that imaging cannot be performed. In S303, if a detecting device capable of AEC function is connected, the detecting device notification unit 52 notifies the detecting device 7 that imaging can be performed. Furthermore, the imaging status display unit 3001 shown in FIG. 13 displays that imaging can be performed, and the examination using the AEC function is started (S305). In other words, the AEC function management unit 51 corresponds to an example of a display control means that displays a notification that imaging is possible when the switched radiation detection device is a detection device that can use the AEC function. In this case, the case where the radiation detection device is connected to a detection device that can use the AEC function may be a detection device that has the AEC function. Alternatively, a separate AEC sensor may be used.

[0079] In S304, if the test is to be continued, S106, S202, and S203 continue. If the test is not to be continued, the test is interrupted, and the display unit 2 transitions to the display before the test started (S204). At this time, whether or not the test is to be continued may be determined for each system. Alternatively, a cancel button may be displayed as shown in FIG. 13, and the user may select it. Alternatively, a button may not be provided as shown in FIG. 13, and the determination may be made based on the passage of time.

[0080] According to this embodiment, if the detection device 7 does not have an AEC function, the possibility of performing imaging by mistake using an FPD that does not have an AEC function can be reduced by prompting the user to switch to a detection device that has an AEC function.

[0081] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.

[0082] In this embodiment, the user can be notified that the AEC function is unavailable, taking into account the enabled / disabled state of the AEC function of the radiation imaging system. The difference from the first and second embodiments is that, as shown in Fig. 14, a new function is provided in which the AEC function management unit 61 compares the enabled / disabled state of the AEC function acquired from the AEC function enabled / disabled storage unit 62 with the presence / absence of the AEC function of the detection device acquired from the detection device information storage unit 34 to determine the content to be displayed on the display unit 2, thereby making it possible to issue a warning regarding the AEC function in a radiation imaging system that uses the AEC function. Note that, since components other than the AEC function management unit 61 and the AEC function enabled / disabled storage unit 62 are the same as those in the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0083] The processing of the AEC function management unit 61 and the AEC function enable / disable storage unit 62 will be described using the flowchart in Fig. 15 and Figs. 16 and 17 described later. Note that, although the description in this embodiment is based on an example before the start of an inspection, the same applies after the start of an inspection. Furthermore, the control before S102 is the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0084] 16 and 17 show the display form of the display unit 2 before the start of an examination in the radiation imaging system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The display unit 2 includes a radiation examination list 4001, a patient information display section 4002 registered in the examination list selected by the user, an imaging information display section 4003, a radiation examination list display section 4004, a patient information input section 4005, and an examination start instruction section 4006.

[0085] In Figure 16, the imaging information display section 4003 includes imaging protocols (4007a, 4007b, 4007c in Figure 6) that display the imaging area to be performed in the examination, information on the detection device, and whether or not the AEC function is used, and all of these are imaging protocols that use the AEC function.

[0086] In Figure 17, the imaging information display section 4003 includes imaging protocols (4011a, 4011b, 4011c in Figure 6) that display the imaging area and detection device information to be performed in the examination, and whether or not the AEC function is used, and all of these are imaging protocols that do not use the AEC function.

[0087] In S401, the AEC function management unit 61 acquires information regarding whether the AEC function of the radiation imaging system is enabled or disabled. In this case, the information regarding whether the AEC function is enabled or disabled may be a setting determined for each system. For example, the setting regarding whether the AEC function is enabled or disabled in the system may be acquired from the storage unit 21. Alternatively, the AEC function management unit 61 may acquire imaging information from the storage unit 21, and determine whether the AEC function is enabled or disabled based on whether all imaging information corresponding to the detection device uses (does not use) the AEC function. Note that the method of setting the information regarding whether the AEC function is enabled or disabled is one example and is not limited to the above.

[0088] The AEC function management unit 61 acquires the display contents for both the case where the AEC function is provided and the case where the AEC function is not provided from the AEC function control storage unit 34, and determines the contents to be displayed on the display unit 2 (S402).

[0089] If the detecting device 7 does not have an AEC function but the AEC function is enabled (S402, S403), a warning to the user that the AEC function cannot be used is displayed on the display unit 2. For example, as shown in the warning display unit 4008 in Fig. 16, a message such as "This is an FPD without AEC, so AEC cannot be used" is displayed, and a warning is displayed that imaging will continue without using the AEC function (S405). At this time, the content of the warning may suggest to the user, for example, "If you want to use AEC, please prepare an AEC-equipped FPD or a separate AEC sensor and reconnect the FPD."

[0090] If the detecting device 7 is equipped with an AEC function but the AEC function is disabled (S402, S404), a warning to the user that the AEC function is unavailable is displayed on the display unit 2. For example, as shown in the warning display unit 4008 in FIG. 17, a message such as "This is an AEC-equipped FPD, but the AEC function is disabled" is displayed, and a warning is displayed to warn the user that imaging will continue without using the AEC function (S405). At this time, the content of the warning may suggest to the user, for example, "If you want to use AEC, please enable the AEC function." The displayed warning may be closed over time. Alternatively, an OK button may be displayed as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, and the warning may be hidden by the user's selection. Alternatively, the warning may be hidden once the AEC function becomes available.

[0091] Furthermore, when a warning is displayed in the fourth embodiment, the second and third embodiments may be omitted without being implemented.

[0092] According to this embodiment, in a radiation imaging system in which there is a discrepancy between the enabled and disabled AEC functions of the detection device and the radiation imaging system, the enabled and disabled state of the AEC function of the radiation imaging system is taken into account, and the user is notified that the AEC function is unavailable, thereby reducing the possibility of radiation imaging being performed without the AEC function being implemented.

[0093] [Other embodiments] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more of the 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, or by a circuit that realizes one or more of the functions.

[0094] The processor or circuitry may include a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gateway (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), a data flow processor (DFP), or a neural processing unit (NPU).

[0095] The radiation imaging system in each of the above-described embodiments may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as a combination of multiple devices that can communicate with each other to execute the above-described processing, and both are included in the embodiments of the present invention. The above-described processing may be executed by a common server device or server group. The multiple devices that make up the radiation imaging system only need to be able to communicate at a predetermined communication rate, and do not need to be located in the same facility or the same country.

[0096] Embodiments of the present invention include a form in which a software program that realizes the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments is supplied to a system or device, and the computer of the system or device reads and executes the code of the supplied program.

[0097] Therefore, the program code itself installed on a computer to implement the processes according to the embodiments is also an embodiment of the present invention. Also, the OS running on the computer may perform some or all of the actual processing based on instructions contained in the program read by the computer, and the functions of the above-described embodiments may also be implemented by this processing.

[0098] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, such as being applicable not only to still image capture but also to video capture, and these are not excluded from the scope of the present invention. That is, all configurations that combine the above-described embodiments are included in the embodiments of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1. Radiography equipment 2 Display section 3 Control section 4. Radiation Generator 5. Control section 6 Radiation generating unit 7. Detection equipment 8. Photo stand

Claims

[Claim 1] A radiation imaging system including a radiation generating device that irradiates radiation, a radiation detecting device that detects radiation and generates a radiation image, and a radiation imaging device that communicates with the radiation detecting device and controls its operation, an acquisition means for acquiring information about the radiation detection device; a determination unit that determines whether the radiation detection device has an AEC function based on the information about the radiation detection device acquired by the acquisition unit; A radiation imaging system comprising:

Images