Radiation imaging apparatus, transfer method, program, and radiation imaging system

Abstract

To provide a radiographic imaging device, a transfer method, a program, and a radiographic imaging system capable of suppressing delay in display of radiographic images on display media due to transfer time.SOLUTION: A radiographic imaging apparatus is capable of capturing a first radiographic image by irradiation with a first dose of radiation and a second radiographic image captured by irradiation with a second dose of radiation higher than the first dose of radiation in a case in which a subject enters a predetermined state and comprises a transmission processing unit that transmits the second radiographic image between the first radiographic image and the second radiographic image to a display medium on the basis of predetermined information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a radiographic apparatus, a transfer method, a program, and a radiographic system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a method of performing pre-imaging before actual imaging to confirm appropriate positioning during imaging has been known. While still images are generally used in this pre-imaging, dynamic radiation imaging, including pre-imaging, may be used instead, for example, when evaluating the condition of a subject's joints. Also known is a configuration in which, in order to reduce radiation exposure, dynamic radiation images are captured at a low dose, and then, when the subject reaches a desired state, a radiation image is captured at a higher dose than the low dose (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-342088 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a radiographic imaging device, information about a captured radiographic image may be transmitted to a console, converted into a display image, and then transferred to a display medium for display. In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the two radiographic images are captured, each converted into a display image, and each transferred to a display medium. This may result in a significant overall delay in the time from capturing a radiographic image to displaying it on the display medium.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a radiographic imaging apparatus, a transfer method, a program, and a radiographic imaging system that can suppress a significant delay in displaying a radiographic image on a display medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The radiographic apparatus according to the present invention comprises: A radiographic apparatus capable of capturing a first radiographic image obtained by irradiating a subject with a first dose of radiation and a second radiographic image obtained by irradiating a subject with a second dose of radiation that is higher than the first dose when the subject is in a predetermined state, The image processing device further includes a transfer processing unit that transfers the second radiographic image, of the first radiographic image and the second radiographic image, to a display medium based on predetermined information.

[0007] The transfer method according to the present invention comprises: A method for transferring radiographic images of a radiographic apparatus capable of capturing a first radiographic image obtained by irradiating a subject with a first dose of radiation and a second radiographic image obtained by irradiating a subject with a second dose of radiation that is higher than the first dose when the subject is in a predetermined state, comprising: and transferring the second radiographic image, of the first radiographic image and the second radiographic image, to a display medium based on predetermined information.

[0008] The program according to the present invention comprises: A program for controlling the operation of a radiographic apparatus capable of capturing a first radiographic image obtained by irradiating a subject with a first dose of radiation and a second radiographic image obtained by irradiating a subject with a second dose of radiation that is higher than the first dose when the subject is in a predetermined state, the program comprising: A computer provided in the radiation imaging apparatus, A transfer process is executed to transfer the second radiographic image, of the first radiographic image and the second radiographic image, to a display medium based on predetermined information.

[0009] The radiation imaging system according to the present invention comprises: a radiation imaging device capable of capturing a radiation image by irradiating radiation; an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating that the subject has reached a predetermined state; an imaging control unit that performs control to capture a second radiographic image by irradiating with radiation at a second dose that is higher than the first dose, based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit; The radiation imaging apparatus includes a transfer processing unit that transfers the second radiation image to a display medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a significant delay in displaying a radiation image on a display medium. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a radiographic image capturing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a radiation imaging apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a console. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit of the radiation imaging apparatus and the configuration of an imaging control unit of the console. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a process performed by a control unit of the radiation imaging apparatus. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an imaging control unit of a console according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a radiographic image capturing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] 1, a radiation image capturing system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a radiation irradiation device 1, a radiation imaging device 2, and a console 3. The radiation image capturing system 100 is also connectable to a Radiology Information System (RIS), a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), and the like, which are not shown.

[0014] The radiation irradiation device 1 is connected to the console 3 so as to be able to communicate with it via wire or wirelessly. The radiation irradiation device 1 is also configured to include a generator 11, an exposure switch 12, and a radiation source 13.

[0015] The generator 11 is configured to be able to apply a voltage to the radiation source 13 according to the preset radiation exposure conditions (tube voltage, tube current, irradiation time, tube current time product (mAs value), etc.) based on the operation of the exposure switch 12.

[0016] The radiation source 13 (tube) has a rotating anode, a filament, etc. (not shown). When a voltage is applied from the generator 11, the filament irradiates the rotating anode with an electron beam according to the applied voltage, and the rotating anode generates radiation X (X-rays, etc.) at a dose according to the intensity of the electron beam.

[0017] 1 illustrates an example in which the generator 11, exposure switch 12, and radiation source 13 are separate, but they may also be configured as an integrated unit. Also, while FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the exposure switch 12 is connected to the generator 11, the exposure switch 12 may be provided in another device. Furthermore, the radiation irradiation device 1 may be installed in an imaging room, or may be configured to be mobile by being incorporated into a medical cart or the like.

[0018] The radiation imaging device 2 is connected to the console 3 via wire or wireless communication. The radiation imaging device 2 is configured to be able to generate image data of a radiation image of a subject by receiving radiation X from the radiation irradiator 1 via the subject.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the radiation imaging apparatus 2 includes a control unit 21, a radiation detection unit 22, a readout unit 23, a communication unit 24, a storage unit 25, and a bus 26 connecting the respective units.

[0020] The control unit 21 is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. Upon receiving a control signal or the like from an external device such as the console 3, the CPU of the control unit 21 reads out various programs stored in the storage unit 25 and loads them into the RAM. The CPU of the control unit 21 then executes various processes in accordance with the loaded programs and centrally controls the operations of each unit in the radiation imaging apparatus 2.

[0021] The radiation detection unit 22 is configured by a substrate on which pixels, each having a radiation detection element that receives radiation X and generates a charge according to the dose, and a switch element, are arranged two-dimensionally (in a matrix).

[0022] The readout unit 23 is configured to be able to read out the amount of charge emitted from each pixel as a signal value and generate image data from a plurality of signal values.

[0023] The communication unit 24 is configured to be able to receive (acquire) various control signals, various data, etc. from external devices, and to transmit various control signals, generated image signals, etc. to external devices.

[0024] The storage unit 25 is configured with a non-volatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk, etc., and stores various programs executed by the control unit 21 and parameters required for executing processes by the programs. The storage unit 25 is also capable of storing image data generated by the readout unit 23 and various data processed by the control unit 21.

[0025] When the radiation imaging device 2 configured in this manner is exposed to radiation with the control unit 21 turning off each switch element of the radiation detection unit 22, each pixel accumulates a charge corresponding to the radiation dose. When the control unit 21 turns on each switch element to release charge from each pixel, the readout unit 23 converts each charge amount into a signal value and reads it out as image data.

[0026] The radiation imaging device 2 may have a built-in scintillator or the like, which converts the irradiated radiation X into light of another wavelength, such as visible light, and generates charges corresponding to the converted light. Alternatively, the radiation imaging device 2 may generate charges directly from the radiation X without using a scintillator or the like. The radiation imaging device 2 may be a dedicated device integrated with an imaging table, or a portable device such as a flat panel detector (FPD).

[0027] The console 3 is configured by a PC (Personal Computer), a mobile terminal, or a dedicated device, and is connected to the radiation irradiating device 1 and the radiation imaging device 2, etc., via wired or wireless communication. The console 3 is capable of setting the imaging conditions and the imaging target area of ​​the radiation irradiating device 1 and the radiation imaging device 2, etc., based on imaging orders from an external device (RIS, etc.) and operations by the user.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the console 3 includes an imaging control unit 31, a communication unit 32, a storage unit 33, a display unit 34, an operation unit 35, and a bus 36 connecting each unit.

[0029] The imaging control unit 31 is composed of a CPU, RAM, etc. The CPU of the imaging control unit 31 reads out various programs stored in the storage unit 33 in response to operations on the operation unit 35 and loads the programs into the RAM. The imaging control unit 31 executes various processes in accordance with the loaded programs and centrally controls the operations of each unit of the console 3.

[0030] Furthermore, the imaging control unit 31 performs image processing to generate an image to be displayed on the display unit 34 based on the image signal acquired by the radiation imaging device 2 .

[0031] The imaging control unit 31 can also observe the condition of the subject while capturing dynamic images, and can execute control to switch from capturing dynamic images to capturing still images depending on the condition of the subject. Details of control related to this control will be described later.

[0032] The communication unit 32 includes a LAN (Local Area Network) adapter, a modem, a TA (Terminal Adapter), etc., and controls data transmission and reception with each device connected to the communication network.

[0033] The storage unit 33 is configured with a non-volatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk, etc., and stores various programs executed by the imaging control unit 31 and parameters required for executing processing by the programs, etc. The storage unit 33 is also capable of storing image data received from the radiation imaging device 2 and image data processed by the imaging control unit 31 in association with accompanying information.

[0034] The display unit 34 is composed of a monitor such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), and displays input instructions and data from the operation unit 35 in accordance with the instructions of a display signal input from the imaging control unit 31.

[0035] The operation unit 35 is configured to include a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, etc., and a pointing device such as a mouse, and outputs instruction signals input by operating the keyboard or the mouse to the imaging control unit 31. The operation unit 35 may also include a touch panel on the display screen of the display unit 34, and in this case, outputs instruction signals input via the touch panel to the imaging control unit 31.

[0036] Next, a description will be given of details of the control in the control unit 21 of the radiation imaging apparatus 2 and the imaging control unit 31 of the console 3. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 21 of the radiation imaging apparatus 2 and the configuration of the imaging control unit 31 of the console 3.

[0037] In this embodiment, the radiation imaging device 2 can confirm that the subject has reached a predetermined state from the first radiation image, and can then capture a second radiation image of the subject in that predetermined state. The console 3 can acquire the radiation image from the radiation imaging device 2, and generate a display image to be displayed on a display medium (e.g., the display unit 34) from the acquired radiation image.

[0038] The predetermined state is a state in which the subject's movement, posture, or position is in a specific state, such as a state in which the subject feels discomfort such as pain, or a state in which the subject is moving, posing, or in a position that is the same as in a previous examination.

[0039] The first radiographic image is a dynamic image generated by applying a first dose of radiation. The second radiographic image is a still image generated by applying a second dose of radiation. The first dose is a relatively low dose of radiation. The second dose is a higher dose of radiation than the first dose, and may be, for example, an optimal dose for radiographing the subject.

[0040] The control unit 21 of the radiation imaging apparatus 2 can acquire the first radiographic image and the second radiographic image via the communication unit 24, and transfers the radiographic images to the console 3. As shown in FIG. 4 , the control unit 21 includes a determination unit 211 and a transfer processing unit 212.

[0041] The determination unit 211 determines whether the subject has reached a predetermined state based on the first radiographic image. Specifically, the determination unit 211 compares the first radiographic image with an image or the like that indicates that the subject is in a specific situation, and determines that the subject has reached the predetermined state if the difference between the first radiographic image and the image is within a predetermined value (which can be set arbitrarily). The radiation imaging apparatus 2 transmits information indicating the determination result of the determination unit 211 to the console 3 via the communication unit 24.

[0042] The transfer processing unit 212 transfers the radiographic images acquired by irradiating with radiation at the dose set by the dose setting unit 311 (described later) to the console 3, and displays them on the display unit 34 of the console 3. Specifically, the transfer processing unit 212 transfers the second radiographic image, of the first and second radiographic images, to an external display medium, such as the display unit 34 of the console 3, via the communication unit 24, and displays it thereon. In other words, the transfer processing unit 212 transfers only the second radiographic image to the display medium, and does not transfer the first radiographic image.

[0043] In this way, only the information of the second radiographic image that the viewer of the radiographic image wishes to view is transferred to the external display medium.

[0044] That is, in this embodiment, since only the information of the second radiographic image is transferred, it is possible to reduce the delay between when the second radiographic image is captured and when it is displayed on the display medium.

[0045] The console 3 also includes a dose setting unit 311 and an image generating unit 312 .

[0046] The dose setting unit 311 sets the radiation irradiation dose based on whether the subject has reached a predetermined state. Specifically, the dose setting unit 311 sets the radiation irradiation dose of the radiation imaging apparatus 2 to a first dose, and monitors the determination result of the determination unit 211 while the first radiographic image is being acquired by the radiation imaging apparatus 2. More specifically, the dose setting unit 311 continues to acquire information indicating the determination result of the determination unit 211 via the communication unit 32. Then, when the determination unit 211 determines that the subject has reached a predetermined state, the dose setting unit 311 sets the radiation irradiation dose so as to switch the radiation irradiation dose from the first dose to the second dose.

[0047] As a result, a second radiographic image is acquired using the second dose in the radiographic imaging apparatus 2. After setting the radiation irradiation dose to the first dose, the dose setting unit 311 does not need to continue to acquire information indicating the determination result of the determination unit 211. In other words, when the determination unit 211 determines that the subject has reached a predetermined state, the dose setting unit 311 may acquire information indicating the determination result and switch the radiation irradiation dose from the first dose to the second dose.

[0048] The image generation unit 312 generates a display image for displaying the transferred second radiographic image on the display unit 34 via the communication unit 32. The console 3 causes the display unit 34 to display the display image based on the second radiographic image generated by the image generation unit 312.

[0049] In this manner, only the second radiographic image is generated and processed as the display image to be displayed on the display unit 34. As a result, the time required for generating the display image can be reduced compared to a configuration in which both the first radiographic image and the second radiographic image are displayed.

[0050] Furthermore, the radiation imaging device 2 according to this embodiment may be capable of capturing a first radiographic image based on the first dose and a second radiographic image based on the second dose by a single depression of the exposure switch 12. This reduces the number of times the exposure switch 12 is operated compared to a configuration in which the exposure switch 12 is pressed once for each of the first and second radiographic images.

[0051] Next, a description will be given of the flow of processing by the control unit 21 of the radiation imaging apparatus 2. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of processing by the control unit 21 of the radiation imaging apparatus 2.

[0052] 5, the control unit 21 sets the radiation irradiation dose to a first dose (step S101) based on the setting control of the console 3. After the dose is set to the first dose, the control unit 21 acquires a first radiographic image (dynamic image) at the first dose (step S102).

[0053] Next, the control unit 21 determines whether the subject has reached a predetermined state in the first radiographic image (step S103). If the determination result shows that the subject has not reached the predetermined state (step S103, NO), the process of step S103 is repeated. Note that while the control unit 21 is repeatedly performing the process of step S103, it may or may not continue to transmit information indicating the determination result to the console 3.

[0054] On the other hand, if the subject has reached the predetermined state (step S103, YES), the control unit 21 transmits information indicating the determination result to the console 3 and sets the radiation irradiation dose to the second dose based on the setting control of the console 3 (step S104). After the dose is set to the second dose, the control unit 21 acquires a second radiographic image (still image) at the second dose (step S105).

[0055] Next, the control unit 21 transfers the acquired second radiographic image to an external display medium (console 3) (step S106). After step S106, this control ends. Thereafter, the imaging control unit 31 of the console 3 generates a display image based on the second radiographic image and displays it on the display unit 34.

[0056] According to the present embodiment configured as described above, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the subject has reached a predetermined state based on the first radiographic image, and transfers the second radiographic image based on the second dose set based on the determined information to the display medium for display.

[0057] As a result, only the information of the second radiographic image that the viewer of the radiographic images wishes to observe is transferred to the external display medium. When the first radiographic image and the second radiographic image are captured, the information of both radiographic images is generally transferred to the external display medium. As a result, there is a tendency for a delay in the time from when the second radiographic image is captured until it is displayed on the display medium. This delay in transfer time is particularly noticeable in configurations that transmit and receive radiographic images wirelessly, such as medical carts.

[0058] In contrast, in the present embodiment, only the information of the second radiographic image is transferred, so that the delay between when the second radiographic image is captured and when it is displayed on the display medium can be reduced.

[0059] Furthermore, since only the second radiographic image is generated and processed as a display image to be displayed on the display unit 34, the time required for generating and processing the display image can be reduced compared to a configuration in which both the first radiographic image and the second radiographic image are displayed. In other words, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent a significant overall delay in the time from when a radiographic image is captured until it is displayed on the display medium.

[0060] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit 21 of a radiation imaging apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 21 of the radiation imaging apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment has a notification processing unit 213 in addition to the configuration of the control unit 21 of the radiation imaging apparatus 2 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

[0062] The notification processing unit 213 executes a process of notifying the user that the second radiographic image is a radiographic image obtained by irradiating with the second dose of radiation. Specifically, the notification processing unit 213 executes a process of associating information indicating that the second radiographic image is a radiographic image obtained by irradiating with the second dose of radiation with the second radiographic image. The process of associating with the second radiographic image may be a process of outputting information indicating that the second radiographic image is a radiographic image obtained by irradiating with the second dose of radiation in association with the second radiographic image.

[0063] The transfer processing unit 212 transfers the second radiographic image, to which information indicating that the second radiographic image was obtained by irradiation with the second dose of radiation has been added, to a display medium.

[0064] In this way, in the second embodiment, the user can accurately recognize that the radiographic image displayed on the display medium is the second radiographic image, which prevents the user from mistaking the radiographic image displayed on the display medium for the first radiographic image.

[0065] The notification processing unit may be included in the console 3. The processing by the console 3 may be, for example, a process of linking information indicating that the second dose of radiation was irradiated with the second radiographic image and saving it, and displaying the information by overlay or the like when the second radiographic image is displayed on a display medium. Furthermore, this process may be a process of adding information indicating that the second dose of radiation was irradiated as DICOM header information when the second radiographic image is output. Furthermore, this process may be a process of outputting the information in association with the second radiographic image in a predetermined file (for example, a CSV file).

[0066] The information indicating that the radiographic image was obtained by irradiating with the second dose of radiation may be any information, as long as the viewer of the radiographic image can understand that it is a radiographic image obtained by irradiating with the second dose of radiation, and may be, for example, textual information, numerical information, etc.

[0067] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the imaging control unit 31 of the console 3 according to the third embodiment.

[0068] The control unit 21 of the radiation imaging apparatus 2 according to the third embodiment selects one of the first imaging to capture both the first and second radiographic images, and the second imaging to capture only the second radiographic image, based on information about the subject. The selection of the first imaging or the second imaging is performed, for example, by the imaging control unit 31 of the console 3 shown in FIG. 7.

[0069] The imaging control unit 31 includes a selection processing unit 313 in addition to the configuration of the imaging control unit 31 of the console 3 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

[0070] Furthermore, the selection processing unit 313 executes a process of selecting either the first imaging or the second imaging based on information about the subject. The information about the subject may be, for example, information about the subject's age, information about past radiation images of the subject, etc.

[0071] For example, the selection processing unit 313 selects the first imaging when the subject's age corresponds to an age for a child, and selects the second imaging when the subject's age corresponds to an age for an adult. Furthermore, the selection processing unit 313 selects the first imaging when the subject's body movement is large in the past radiographic images, and selects the second imaging when the subject's body movement is small in the past radiographic images.

[0072] The selection processing unit 313 may execute processing to allow the user to select either the first radiography in which both the first radiographic image and the second radiographic image are captured, or the second radiography in which only the second radiographic image is captured.

[0073] The process of prompting the user to make a selection may be a process of displaying a selection operation screen on a display device that the user can see, or a process of outputting a sound from an audio output device or the like, prompting the user to operate an operation device that can select either the first or second photographing.

[0074] Furthermore, when the second imaging is selected, the dose setting unit 311 sets the radiation irradiation dose to the second dose without making a determination by the determination unit 211. Note that the dose setting unit 311 may set the radiation irradiation dose to the second dose based on the user's operation of the exposure switch 12 when the subject reaches a predetermined state.

[0075] In this way, in the third embodiment, it is possible to select either the first or second imaging, and when the second imaging is selected, the overall imaging time can be reduced by reducing the number of times radiographic images are captured.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the determination unit 211 determines whether the subject has reached a predetermined state based on the first radiographic image, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the determination unit 211 may determine whether the subject has reached a predetermined state based on an optical image.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the dose setting unit 311 automatically switches from the first dose to the second dose to capture the first and second radiographic images, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first dose may be switched to the second dose by the user operating the exposure switch 12.

[0078] This allows the second radiographic image to be captured at a timing desired by the user. In addition, in this configuration, the control unit 21 does not need to include the determination unit 211.

[0079] The exposure switch 12 may also include multiple types of switches, including, for example, a hand switch that can be operated by the user's hand and a foot switch that can be operated by the user's foot.

[0080] In this case, for example, the operation of the foot switch may be an operation corresponding to the first radiographic image, and the operation of the hand switch may be an operation corresponding to the second radiographic image.

[0081] In this way, the radiation dose can be determined by operating different types of switches.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the second radiographic image is a still image, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second radiographic image may be a dynamic image. In this case, taking into account the amount of delay in transmission time, it is preferable that the second radiographic image be a dynamic image of a relatively short period of time.

[0083] An example of the second radiographic image being a dynamic image is one in which a dynamic image is captured for a certain period of time when a specific state is reached. The specific state may be, for example, when the subject's posture changes from upright to forward leaning during rehabilitation to check the weight bearing of the legs, and the angle of the ankle reaches a certain value or more. The specific state may also be when barium begins to move into the subject's esophagus during swallowing radiography.

[0084] In the above embodiment, only the second radiographic image is transferred to the display medium. However, a portion of the first radiographic image (for example, the first image of the dynamic images) may be transferred to the display medium. In other words, the transfer processing unit 212 may transfer the second radiographic image and a predetermined first radiographic image captured before the second radiographic image to the display medium. This allows the user to confirm that low-dose radiation irradiation is being performed accurately.

[0085] The transfer processing unit 212 may also transfer the second radiographic image and a predetermined first radiographic image captured after the second radiographic image to the display medium.

[0086] For example, suppose there is a case where second radiographic images of a subject in two different first and second states are captured consecutively. In this case, first, a first radiographic image for the first state is captured, and then a second radiographic image for the first state is captured. Then, a first radiographic image for the second state is captured, and then a second radiographic image for the second state is captured. In this case, the first second radiographic image and the subsequent first radiographic image may be transferred to the display medium. In this case, both the first radiographic image before the first second radiographic image and the first radiographic image after the first second radiographic image may be transferred to the display medium.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the determination unit 211 is provided in the radiation imaging apparatus 2, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the determination unit may be provided in the console. In this case, the determination unit may make a determination based on the first radiation image.

[0088] In this way, since only the display image based on the second radiographic image is generated, the time required for the process of generating the display image can be shortened compared to a configuration in which display images of both the first radiographic image and the second radiographic image are generated, which means that a significant overall delay in the time from capturing the radiographic image to displaying it on the display medium can be suppressed.

[0089] The determination unit may also make a determination based on an optical image instead of the first radiographic image. In this case, for example, the determination unit superficially monitors the irradiated area of ​​the subject using an optical camera to determine whether the subject has reached a predetermined state. When the subject has reached the predetermined state, the dose setting unit 311 of the console 3 sets a dose in the radiation imaging device 2.

[0090] This similarly reduces the time required for the process of generating the display image, and also eliminates the need to capture the first radiographic image, thereby reducing the overall radiation exposure.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the determination unit 211 makes a determination by comparing the first radiographic image with an image or the like that indicates that the subject is in a specific situation, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0092] For example, the determination unit 211 may make the determination by comparing parameters extracted from a region of interest in an image in which the subject is in a specific state with parameters of the region of interest in the first radiological image. Parameters extracted from the region of interest include joint angles, diaphragm position, and pixel values ​​of specific locations. The specific location may be, for example, a location for checking, using pixel values, whether or not barium has passed during swallowing.

[0093] Alternatively, the determination unit 211 may perform the determination using a classifier based on machine learning. The classifier is a machine learning model that receives each frame image of the first radiographic image as input and outputs a degree of coincidence indicating the degree to which the state of the subject in the first radiographic image matches the state of the specific situation of the subject.

[0094] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first radiographic image is a dynamic image, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first radiographic image may be a still image previously captured at the first dose. In this case, the user may view the first radiographic image and the subject's movements, and operate the exposure switch 12 only after confirming that the subject has reached the state (predetermined state) represented by the first radiographic image.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the transfer processing unit 212 transfers the second radiographic image to the display medium based on information (predetermined information) indicating whether the subject has reached a predetermined state, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the transfer processing unit 212 may transfer the second radiographic image to the display medium based on instruction information for transferring the second radiographic image.

[0096] The instruction information for transferring the second radiographic image may be, for example, imaging instruction information for the second radiographic image by the user operating the operation unit 35 of the console 3, or transfer instruction information based on the imaging instruction. In this case, the user determines whether or not the subject has reached a predetermined state, and therefore the radiographic imaging device 2 does not need to obtain information indicating whether or not the subject has reached a predetermined state.

[0097] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are merely examples of specific embodiments for carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present invention can be carried out in various forms without departing from the gist or main features thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1 Radiation irradiation device 2. Radiography equipment 3 Console 11. Generator 12 Exposure switch 13 Radiation source 21 Control section 22 Radiation detection unit 23 Reading section 24 Communications Department 25 Memory section 31 Shooting control unit 32 Communications Department 33 Storage section 34 Display section 35 Control section 100 Radiation imaging system 211 Judgment section 212 Transfer processing unit 213 Notification processing unit 311 Dose setting unit 312 Image Generation Unit 313 Selection processing section

Claims

1. A radiographic apparatus capable of capturing a first radiographic image obtained by irradiating a subject with a first dose of radiation and a second radiographic image obtained by irradiating a subject with a second dose of radiation, the second dose being higher than the first dose, when the subject is in a predetermined state, a transfer processing unit that transfers the second radiographic image, of the first radiographic image and the second radiographic image, to a display medium based on predetermined information; Radiography equipment.

2. a determination unit that determines whether the subject has reached the predetermined state based on the first radiographic image, the radiation imaging apparatus captures the second radiation image when it is determined that the subject has reached the predetermined state. The radiographic apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. a notification processing unit that executes processing to notify a user that the second radiographic image is a radiographic image obtained by irradiating with the second dose of radiation; The radiographic apparatus according to claim 1 .

4. the notification processing unit processes the second radiographic image so as to associate with the second radiographic image information indicating that the second radiographic image is a radiographic image obtained by irradiating with the second dose of radiation; the transfer processing unit transfers the second radiographic image associated with information indicating that the second radiographic image is the radiographic image to the display medium. The radiographic apparatus according to claim 3 .

5. the radiation imaging device performs an imaging selected from a first imaging for capturing both the first radiation image and the second radiation image and a second imaging for capturing only the second radiation image based on information about the subject; The radiographic apparatus according to claim 1 .

6. the first radiographic image is a dynamic image; The radiographic apparatus according to claim 1 .

7. the second radiographic image is a still image; The radiographic apparatus according to claim 1 .

8. the transfer processing unit transfers only the second radiographic image to the display medium, and does not transfer the first radiographic image. The radiographic apparatus according to claim 1 .

9. the transfer processing unit transfers the second radiographic image and a predetermined first radiographic image captured before and / or after the second radiographic image to the display medium; The radiographic apparatus according to claim 1 .

10. The predetermined information is information indicating whether the subject has reached the predetermined state. The radiographic apparatus according to claim 1 .

11. the predetermined information is instruction information for transferring the second radiographic image. The radiographic apparatus according to claim 1 .

12. A method for transferring radiographic images of a radiographic apparatus capable of capturing a first radiographic image obtained by irradiating a subject with a first dose of radiation and a second radiographic image obtained by irradiating a subject with a second dose of radiation that is higher than the first dose when the subject is in a predetermined state, comprising: and transferring the second radiographic image, of the first radiographic image and the second radiographic image, to a display medium based on predetermined information. Transfer method.

13. The predetermined information is information indicating whether the subject has reached the predetermined state. The transfer method according to claim 12.

14. the predetermined information is instruction information for transferring the second radiographic image. The transfer method according to claim 12.

15. A program for controlling the operation of a radiographic apparatus capable of capturing a first radiographic image obtained by irradiating a subject with a first dose of radiation and a second radiographic image obtained by irradiating a subject with a second dose of radiation that is higher than the first dose when the subject is in a predetermined state, the program comprising: A computer provided in the radiation imaging apparatus, a transfer process of transferring the second radiographic image, of the first radiographic image and the second radiographic image, to a display medium based on predetermined information; program.

16. The predetermined information is information indicating whether the subject has reached the predetermined state. The program according to claim 15.

17. the predetermined information is instruction information for transferring the second radiographic image. The program according to claim 15.

18. a radiation imaging device capable of capturing a radiation image by irradiating radiation; an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating that the subject has reached a predetermined state; an imaging control unit that performs control to capture a second radiographic image by irradiating with radiation at a second dose that is higher than the first dose, based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit; the radiation imaging apparatus includes a transfer processing unit that transfers the second radiation image to a display medium; Radiography system.

19. a determination unit that determines whether the subject has reached the predetermined state, the imaging control unit performs control to capture the second radiographic image when it is determined that the subject has reached the predetermined state. The radiography system according to claim 18.

20. the determination unit makes the determination based on a first radiographic image obtained by irradiating the patient with the first dose of radiation.

20. The radiography system according to claim 19.

21. the determination unit makes the determination based on an optical image of the subject.

20. The radiography system according to claim 19.

22. a notification processing unit that executes processing to notify a user that the second radiographic image is a radiographic image obtained by irradiating with the second dose of radiation; The radiography system according to claim 18.

23. the notification processing unit processes the second radiographic image so as to associate with the second radiographic image information indicating that the second radiographic image is a radiographic image obtained by irradiating with the second dose of radiation; the transfer processing unit transfers the second radiographic image associated with information indicating that the second radiographic image is the radiographic image to the display medium. The radiography system according to claim 22.

24. the radiation imaging device performs an imaging selected from a first imaging for capturing both the first radiation image and the second radiation image and a second imaging for capturing only the second radiation image based on information about the subject; The radiography system according to claim 20.

25. the first radiographic image is a dynamic image; The radiography system according to claim 20.

26. the second radiographic image is a still image; The radiography system according to claim 18.

27. the transfer processing unit transfers only the second radiographic image to the display medium, and does not transfer the first radiographic image; The radiography system according to claim 20.

28. the transfer processing unit transfers the second radiographic image and a predetermined first radiographic image captured before and / or after the second radiographic image to the display medium; The radiography system according to claim 20.

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