Radiography support apparatus, radiography support method, and program

Abstract

To provide a radiation image photographing support device, a radiation image photographing support method and a program capable of suitably preparing equipment and materials for photographing suitable for photographing at a visiting destination before going to the visiting destination.SOLUTION: The console 3 as the radiography support apparatus includes the notification unit (controller 211) that notifies the information on the imaging equipment (the radiography apparatus, the grid attached to and detached from the radiography apparatus, the jig for fixing the subject, the auxiliary tool, and the mobile radiography apparatus) to be used by the radiographer at the movement destination, which is determined based on the examination information on the subject to be radiographed by the mobile radiography apparatus (medical cart RC).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a radiographic image capture assistance device, a radiographic image capture assistance method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, when a user such as a radiographer makes rounds to visit patients in a ward or other area of ​​a medical facility such as a hospital, they take radiological (X-ray) images of the patient at each visit. In this case, the user takes the images using a mobile radiography device (medical rounds cart) that uses an FPD (Flat Panel Detector). During rounds, the user may take images of a single patient, or may take images of multiple patients consecutively. When traveling to each visit, the user must be prepared for the imaging situation at each visit.

[0003] For example, when the X-ray imaging device described in Patent Document 1 is set to take images from a medical cart, it determines which of multiple wireless sensors (FPDs) to use, regardless of the imaging conditions.

[0004] On the other hand, when a user takes an image at a medical rounds location, they generally first go to a waiting area where an FPD and a medical cart are located. Next, the user selects the FPD and medical cart to be used for imaging. The user then takes the selected FPD and medical cart to the medical rounds location and takes the image. When taking radiographs at such locations, there are the following issues compared to general radiographs taken in an radiography room: Specifically, when selecting the FPD to be used for imaging, the patient to be imaged is not present, so the user cannot see the patient directly as in general imaging, and cannot decide the size of the FPD to take to the patient's location based on the patient's physique, etc. Furthermore, since it is assumed that patients will not be able to move when radiographed at the patient's location, it is possible that immobilization jigs or auxiliary devices will be required to immobilize the patient. However, when selecting the immobilization jigs or auxiliary devices to be used for radiography, the patient to be radiographed will not be present, so the user cannot see the patient directly as in general radiography, and cannot decide which immobilization jigs or auxiliary devices to take to the patient's location based on the patient's condition. Furthermore, when selecting the fixtures and auxiliary tools to be used for radiography, the environment of the ward or other area where the patient will be making rounds is unknown, so the user cannot directly check the environment as with general radiography, and cannot decide which fixtures and auxiliary tools to take to the location based on the environment of the location. Furthermore, if there are no electronic medical records or RIS (Radiology Information Systems) terminals nearby at the patient's visit destination, and if the communication environment of the ward or other location is weak, the user may not be able to check the radiography equipment necessary for radiography at the patient's visit destination. This radiography equipment includes FPDs, medical carts, fixtures, and auxiliary tools. Although experienced technicians can select the necessary equipment based on experience, this selection is still the bare minimum and is hardly optimal. Furthermore, it is even more difficult for inexperienced technicians. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-50620 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to solve the above problem and enable users to take photographic equipment suitable for photographing the location of their rounds to the location where they make their rounds. In the invention described in Patent Document 1, when radiography is performed on a medical cart, the FPD to be used for radiography is selected regardless of the radiography conditions. Therefore, with this invention, there is a possibility that radiography equipment including an FPD suitable for radiography at the medical cart cannot be selected.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a radiographic image capture support device, a radiographic image capture support method, and a program that enable suitable imaging equipment to be prepared before going to the destination. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, the radiographic image capturing support device according to claim 1 comprises: The mobile radiography device includes a notification unit that notifies the radiographer of information about radiography equipment to be used at the destination, the information being determined based on examination information about the subject who will be radiographed by the mobile radiography device.

[0009] The invention described in claim 2 is the radiation image capturing support device described in claim 1, The imaging equipment is at least one of a radiation image capturing device, a grid that is attached to and detached from the radiation image capturing device, a jig for fixing the subject, an auxiliary tool, and the mobile radiation image capturing device.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 is the radiation image capturing support device described in claim 1, The examination information includes information regarding the type of radiography.

[0011] The invention described in claim 4 is the radiation image capturing support device described in claim 1, The examination information is examination information relating to a plurality of subjects.

[0012] The invention described in claim 5 is the radiation image capturing support device described in claim 1, The photographing equipment is determined based on one piece of examination information.

[0013] The invention described in claim 6 is the radiation image capturing support device described in claim 1, The photographing equipment is determined based on a plurality of pieces of examination information.

[0014] The invention described in claim 7 is the radiation image capturing support device described in claim 1, The photographing equipment is determined based on the examination information and related information related to the examination information.

[0015] The invention described in claim 8 is the radiation image capturing support device described in claim 7, The relevant information is at least one of the subject's condition, age, weight, medical precautions, medical history, location within the facility, and previous radiography information.

[0016] The invention described in claim 9 is the radiation image capturing support device described in claim 1, The photographic equipment is determined based on the inspection information and information about the state of the photographic equipment.

[0017] The invention described in claim 10 is the radiation image capturing support device described in claim 1, The notification section notifies information relating to the photographic equipment based on a predetermined operation by the user.

[0018] The invention described in claim 11 is the radiation image capturing support device described in claim 10, The specified operation is one of the following: the user specifying the examination to be performed on the subject of radiography, issuing an instruction to update the examination information, inputting related information relating to the examination information, and clicking on an icon representing the imaging equipment.

[0019] The invention described in claim 12 is the radiation image capturing support device described in claim 1, The notification unit issues a notification when there is a mismatch between the radiographic imaging device stored in a storage unit provided in the mobile radiographic imaging device and the radiographic imaging device determined as the imaging equipment to be used by the photographer at his or her destination.

[0020] The radiographic image capturing assistance method according to claim 13, The method includes a notification step of notifying the radiographer of information about radiography equipment to be used at the destination, the information being determined based on examination information about the subject who will be radiographed by the mobile radiography device.

[0021] The program according to claim 14 comprises: The computer of the radiographic imaging support device, The mobile radiography device functions as a notification unit that notifies the radiographer of information about the radiography equipment to be used at the destination, which information is determined based on examination information about the subject who will be radiographed by the mobile radiography device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present invention, photographing equipment suitable for photographing the destination of rounds can be prepared in an appropriate manner before going to the destination of rounds. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a radiation imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a medical cart. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing a recommended equipment information display process. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen that displays examination information. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen that displays recommended equipment information. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a recommended equipment information screen that displays recommended equipment information. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen that displays recommended equipment information. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen that displays recommended equipment information. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen that displays recommended equipment information. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen that displays recommended equipment information. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a recommended equipment information screen that displays recommended equipment information. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reason screen that displays recommendation reason information. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a modified radiation system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0025] <1. Radiography System Configuration> First, the configuration of the apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a radiography system 100. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a medical examination cart RC.

[0026] The radiation imaging system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is installed in a medical facility such as a hospital. When making rounds on patients, a user U, such as a radiographer at a medical facility, moves to the destination, such as a ward or operating room, where the patient is located, along with the radiography system 100, and performs radiography on the patient. Here, an example will be described in which the destination is a ward, a bed B is installed in the ward, and radiography is performed on a patient S, who is the subject, in a supine position on the bed B with its back raised.

[0027] The radiation imaging system 100 includes an FPD 1, which is a radiation image capturing device, and a medical cart RC, which is a mobile radiation imaging device. The FPD 1 and the medical cart RC can communicate with each other via, for example, wireless communication.

[0028] The FPD 1 is a device that generates radiation image data corresponding to the radiation R emitted from the radiation generating device 2. The FPD 1 is configured in the form of a panel and is portable. A user U can use the FPD 1 by mounting it on an imaging table. Alternatively, the user U can use the FPD 1 by placing it horizontally between the bed B and a subject S who is lying on the bed. Alternatively, the user U can use the FPD 1 by placing it upright between the bed B with the back raised or the backrest of a wheelchair where the subject S is sitting, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0029] The FPD 1 includes, for example, a scintillator, a PD (Photo Diode), a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) switch, etc. (all not shown). The scintillator converts incident radiation R into light. The PDs are arranged in a matrix corresponding to the pixels. The TFT switches are arranged corresponding to each PD. The incident radiation R is converted into light by the scintillator, and then incident on the PD, where it is accumulated as an electric charge for each pixel. The electric charge accumulated in the PD flows out through the TFT switch and signal line, where it is amplified, A / D converted, and output to the mobile cart RC as radiation image data. The FPD 1 may be of the indirect conversion type described above, or may be of a direct conversion type that directly converts the radiation R into an electrical signal.

[0030] 2, the medical examination cart RC can communicate with the RIS 40 via a communication network N. Note that the medical examination cart RC may also be able to communicate via the communication network N with an electronic medical record system, consoles provided in other radiography systems, other medical examination carts, a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System), other examination devices, bed systems, etc. Furthermore, the communication network N is assumed to be wireless, but may also be wired.

[0031] The medical cart RC includes a radiation generator 2 and a console 3 .

[0032] The radiation generating device 2 includes a generator main body 21, an irradiation instruction switch 22, a tube 23, a tube support part 24, a collimator 25, and an FPD storage part 26. The radiation generating device 2 is movable by wheels 27 provided on the housing of the generator main body 21.

[0033] When the irradiation instruction switch 22 is operated (pressed) by the user U, it outputs an operation signal to the generator main body 21. Note that Fig. 1 illustrates a state in which the irradiation instruction switch 22 is connected to the generator main body 21 by wire. However, the irradiation instruction switch 22 and the generator main body 21 may be connected wirelessly.

[0034] When irradiation instruction switch 22 is operated, tube 23 generates radiation R (such as X-rays) in a dose corresponding to preset imaging conditions in a manner corresponding to the imaging conditions. Then, tube 23 irradiates the generated radiation R from the irradiation port.

[0035] The tube support 24 is an arm that supports the tube 23 . The tube support 24 has a support part 241 extending upward from the generator main body 21 to its tip, and a support part 242 extending forward from the top of the support part 241. The tip of the support part 242 supports the tube 23. Furthermore, the tube support part 24 has a joint mechanism (not shown) that allows the tube 23 to move in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the X-axis, and the Z-axis direction perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis. The X-axis direction in FIG. 1 is the left-right direction in FIG. 1, i.e., the front-rear direction of the radiation generating device 2. The Y-axis direction in FIG. 1 is the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in FIG. 1, i.e., the width direction of the radiation generating device 2. The Z-axis direction in FIG. 1 is the up-down direction in FIG. 1, i.e., the vertical direction. Furthermore, the tube support part 24 can change the direction of the radiation R irradiation port by rotating the tube 23 around rotation axes parallel to the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis using an articulation mechanism (not shown).

[0036] Collimator 25 is attached to the irradiation port of tube 23, and focuses radiation R so that the irradiation field of radiation R irradiated from the irradiation port has a predetermined rectangular shape. The collimator 25 also includes a lamp button (not shown). When the lamp button is operated by the user, visible light is emitted to a range that will become the radiation R irradiation field.

[0037] The FPD storage unit 26 is provided on the side of the generator main body 21 and stores the FPD 1 when not in use. The FPD storage unit 26 can store one or more FPDs 1. A connector (not shown) may be provided inside the FPD storage section 26, and when the FPD 1 is stored, it may be connected to a connector (not shown) that the FPD 1 has.

[0038] The console 3 is configured by a PC (Personal Computer), a mobile terminal, or a dedicated device, and is mounted on the radiation generating device 2. The console 3 is capable of setting imaging conditions for at least one of the FPD 1 and the radiation generation device 2. The imaging conditions include tube voltage, tube current and irradiation time or current-time product (mAs value), imaging region, imaging direction, etc. In the case of dynamic imaging, the imaging conditions further include the frame rate. The imaging conditions are based on examination information acquired from an external device such as the RIS 40 or an operation performed by the user U on the operation unit 32. Examination information is information about radiography that a clinician requests from a user. The console 3 can also acquire radiation image data generated by the FPD 1, store it in itself, or transmit it to another external device (such as a PACS).

[0039] Sitting position radiography, which is radiography using the radiography system 100 configured as described above, is performed as follows. First, the user U places the radiation imaging system 100 near the subject S, such as beside the bed B. Then, the user U has the subject S assume a sitting position. If the subject S is sitting on an angle-adjustable device such as the bed B, the user U appropriately adjusts the angle of the backrest of the bed B. Then, the user U adjusts the approximate position and orientation of the tube 23 so that the irradiation port of the tube 23 faces the region of the subject S to be imaged. Then, the user U removes the FPD 1 from the FPD storage unit 26 and places the FPD 1 between the back of the subject S and the backrest. Then, the user U fine-tunes the orientation and irradiation field of the tube 23 so that the irradiation axis of the radiation R is perpendicular to the radiation entrance surface of the FPD 1. Then, the user U performs radiation imaging. That is, the user U causes the tube 23 to irradiate the imaging region of the subject S with radiation R, and causes the FPD 1 to generate radiation image data of a still image or dynamic image showing the region to be diagnosed.

[0040] In this embodiment, the generator main body 21 and the console 3 are housed in a single housing and integrated into one unit, but they may also be separate entities. The radiation generating device 2 may be movable by means other than the wheels 27. For example, the radiation generating device 2 may be lightweight enough to be carried by a person or to be mounted on a commercially available dolly or the like. The radiation generating device 2 may have a smooth bottom surface so that it can slide on the floor surface. In addition, the radiation generating device 2 in the radiation imaging system 100 may be installed in a room in a medical facility.

[0041] Next, the internal configuration of the radiation generator 2 and the console 3 of the medical cart RC will be described with reference to FIG. The radiation generating device 2 further includes an optical imaging unit . The generator main body 21 also includes a control unit 211 , a storage unit 212 , a generator 213 , and a communication unit 214 . The components of the radiation generating device 2, except for the bulb 23, are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0042] The optical photographing unit 28 has an optical system such as a lens, and an imaging element such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS). In this embodiment, the optical photographing unit is provided in the housing of the collimator 25. Note that the optical photographing unit may be provided in the housing of the bulb 23 or in the bulb support . The optical photographing unit 28 optically photographs the subject S as a subject with visible light under the control of the control unit 211 to generate optical image data and output the data to the control unit 211, etc. The optical photographing unit 28 optically photographs the subject S to generate optical image data of a still image or dynamic images (such as live images).

[0043] The control unit 211 is configured with a CPU, a RAM, etc. The CPU reads out various programs stored in the storage unit 212 and loads them into the RAM. The CPU then executes various processes in cooperation with the loaded programs and controls each unit of the radiation generation device 2 and the console 3.

[0044] The storage unit 212 is configured by a non-volatile memory, a HDD, or the like. The storage unit 212 stores various programs executed by the control unit 211, parameters required for executing the programs, files, and other various data. The storage unit 212 stores a recommended equipment information display program for executing a recommended equipment information display process, which will be described later.

[0045] Upon receiving an imaging instruction signal from the control unit 211, the generator 213 applies a voltage according to the preset imaging conditions to the tube 23 and also passes a current according to the imaging conditions to the tube 23.

[0046] The communication unit 214 is configured with a communication module and the like. The communication unit 214 is capable of transmitting and receiving various signals and various data to and from the wirelessly connected FPD 1 and external devices such as the RIS 40 via the communication network N.

[0047] The console 3 includes a control unit, a storage unit, a communication unit, a display unit 31, an operation unit 32, and an audio output unit 33. The control unit, storage unit, and communication unit of the console 3 are respectively served as the control unit 211, storage unit 212, and communication unit 214 of the radiation generating device 2. Note that the console 3 may be configured to include dedicated control units, storage units, and communication units.

[0048] The display unit 31 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like. The display unit 31 displays various types of information in accordance with display information input from the control unit 211.

[0049] The operation unit 32 includes, for example, a keyboard having various keys, a pointing device for inputting position information, a touch panel formed integrally with the display screen of the display unit 31, and the like. The operation unit 32 receives operation input from the user and outputs the operation information to the control unit 211 .

[0050] The audio output unit 33 includes an amplifier, a speaker, and the like, and outputs audio in accordance with audio information input from the control unit 211.

[0051] <2. Operation of the Radiography System> Next, the operation of the radiation imaging system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. A user such as a radiographer goes to a waiting area where the FPD 1 and the medical cart RC are located before going to a location where a patient to be imaged is to be examined. Then, in the medical cart RC, the control unit 211 executes the recommended equipment information display process shown in FIG. 3 in accordance with the recommended equipment information display program stored in the storage unit 212.

[0052] The control unit 211 executes the recommended equipment information display process to determine recommended equipment information indicating imaging equipment recommended for use in radiography to be performed at the next round destination. Then, the control unit 211 notifies the user of the recommended equipment information by displaying the determined recommended equipment information on the display unit 31. That is, the control unit 211 notifies the radiographer of information about the radiography equipment to be used at the destination, which is determined based on examination information about the subject who will be radiographed using the medical cart RC as a mobile radiography device. Here, the control unit 211 functions as a notification unit. In this case, the console 3 is a radiographic image capture support device.

[0053] The imaging equipment includes the FPD 1, a grid that can be attached to and detached from the FPD 1, a fixture that fixes the subject, and auxiliary tools.

[0054] (Recommended equipment information display processing) First, the control unit 211 acquires the examination information, the related information related to the examination information, and the equipment status information which is information related to the status of the photographing equipment (step S1).

[0055] The examination information acquired in step S1 includes an examination ID, examination date and time, the requesting department, the place of rounds, imaging information, and the like. The destinations for the rounds are places where radiography is performed, such as hospital wards, intensive care units, operating rooms, general radiography rooms, and the like. The imaging information includes the imaging region, imaging direction, size of the FPD1 corresponding to imaging, resolution, information on the type of imaging, irradiation conditions, dose index for this imaging, whether a grid is required, the type of grid, and so on. The information on the type of imaging is still image imaging, dynamic imaging, fluoroscopic imaging, and the like. Here, a series of images obtained by dynamic imaging is called a dynamic image, and each of the images that make up the dynamic image is called a frame image. Dynamic photography includes video photography, but does not include taking still images while displaying the video. Dynamic images include video, but do not include images obtained by taking still images while displaying the video. The irradiation conditions include the mAs value, tube voltage, frame rate, irradiation time, and the like.

[0056] The related information acquired in step S1 includes patient information, past imaging information, statistical information, and the like. The patient information is information about the patient as a subject who is the object of radiography. Specifically, the patient information includes the patient's patient ID, name, sex, pregnancy status, age, height, weight, medical precautions, medical history, location in the facility such as a ward, condition, etc. Examples of the patient's condition include whether the patient has a hunched back, whether the patient has difficulty lying on their side, whether the patient has a tube such as an intravenous drip attached, etc.

[0057] The past imaging information is imaging information from radiation imaging performed in the past, specifically, the past imaging information includes the imaging region, imaging direction, the size of the FPD1 corresponding to the imaging, resolution, information on the type of imaging, irradiation conditions, the trimming size during the past imaging, precautions during the past imaging, the presence or absence of a grid, the type of grid, whether image processing is applied, the imaging location, etc. The notes regarding the past imaging may include, for example, the number of imaging technicians who performed the previous imaging. The image processing is, for example, scattered radiation correction processing. The imaging location is, for example, a hospital ward, an intensive care unit, an operating room, a general imaging room, or the like.

[0058] The statistical information includes the frequency with which the combination of the medical cart RC and FPD1 was used in radiography, the frequency with which the combination of the imaging information and FPD1 was used in radiography, the frequency with which the combination of the subject's case and FPD1 was used in radiography, the frequency with which the combination of the radiographer information and fixing jigs or auxiliary tools was used in radiography, etc. The radiographer information is information about the radiographer who performs the radiography.

[0059] The equipment status information acquired in step S1 includes location information of FPD1, remaining battery charge information of FPD1, type of FPD1, location information of medical cart RC, charging status information of medical cart RC, number of FPD1s that can be stored in medical cart RC, date of last imaging on medical cart RC, imaging interval on medical cart RC, information about the radiographer, etc.

[0060] In step S1, for example, the control unit 211 acquires examination information and patient information from the RIS 40 via the communication unit 214 at predetermined time intervals. Alternatively, the control unit 211 may acquire the examination information and the patient information from the RIS 40 via the communication unit 214 when the user inputs an instruction to update the examination information via the operation unit 32.

[0061] Alternatively, the control unit 211 may acquire the test information and patient information as follows. Specifically, first, the control unit 211 accepts the input of patient information by the user via the operation unit 32. Then, the control unit 211 transmits the accepted patient information to the RIS 40. The RIS 40 transmits test information based on the received patient information to the medical cart RC. Then, the control unit 211 receives the test information from the RIS 40. When the test information is stored in the storage unit 212, the control unit 211 may acquire the test information as follows: Specifically, the control unit 211 acquires the test information from the storage unit 212 based on the patient information input via the operation unit 32.

[0062] Furthermore, if the patient information, the imaging information, the past imaging information, the statistical information, and the equipment status information are stored in the storage unit 212, the control unit 211 acquires this information from the storage unit 212. Furthermore, if the patient information, imaging information, past imaging information, statistical information, and equipment status information are stored in a storage unit of the other radiation imaging system, the control unit 211 acquires this information from the other radiation imaging system.

[0063] The control unit 211 may also acquire equipment status information from other medical carts RC. Furthermore, the control unit 211 may acquire patient information, imaging information, and equipment status information from devices such as a PACS, another examination device, and a bed system. Furthermore, the control unit 211 may acquire patient information, imaging information, and equipment status information based on the optical image data generated by the optical imaging unit . Furthermore, the control unit 211 may acquire examination information and equipment status information in addition to patient information through input by the user via the operation unit 32. Furthermore, the control unit 211 may acquire patient information from a DICOM (Digital Image and Communications in Medicine) tag.

[0064] Next, the control unit 211 selects examination information for which recommended equipment information indicating imaging equipment recommended for radiography to be performed at the next visit destination is to be determined (step S2). For example, the control unit 211 determines all the examination information acquired from the RIS 40 in step S1. The examination information sent from the RIS 40 to the medical examination cart RC is the examination information for the medical examination photography that will be taken by the medical examination cart RC. Therefore, in this case, the control unit 211 determines the examination information for the medical examination photography that will be taken by the medical examination cart RC.

[0065] Alternatively, the control unit 211 may select the examination information to be determined as follows. Specifically, first, the control unit 211 displays a list of examination information that is a candidate for the determination target on the display unit 31. The candidates for the determination target include examination information for rounds photography taken by the medical examination cart RC, which is the device itself, and examination information for rounds photography taken by another medical examination cart RC. Then, the control unit 211 receives a selection input from the user via the operation unit 32 of examination information to be determined from the displayed examination information. Then, the control unit 211 sets the examination information selected by the user as the examination information to be determined.

[0066] FIG. 4 shows an example of a display screen 311 displayed on the display unit 31. As shown in FIG. The control unit 211 displays a list of examination information that is a candidate for determination and information related to the examination information in a list 311a on the display screen 311. The control unit 211 displays, for example, the patient ID, the patient name, the imaging region, the scheduled imaging date and time, the size of the FPD1 corresponding to imaging, the imaging conditions, etc. The imaging conditions include the tube voltage, the mAs value, the S value, etc. The S value is the sensitivity corresponding to the radiation dose during radiation imaging.

[0067] The control unit 211 accepts, via the operation unit 32, a selection input from the user of the examination information displayed in the list 311a. The control unit 211 may display check boxes or the like in the list 311a to indicate selection inputs from the user. Furthermore, the control unit 211 may provide a tab on the display screen 311 that displays only the examination information for the rounds imaging. Furthermore, the control unit 211 may display the test information selected by the user on a different tab within the display screen 311, or on a screen other than the display screen 311, such as a dialog display. Then, when the control unit 211 receives an input from the user pressing the equipment determination button 311b on the display screen 311 with the examination information to be determined selected, the control unit 211 shifts the process to step S3.

[0068] Alternatively, the control unit 211 may select the test information to be determined as follows: Specifically, the control unit 211 selects the test information to be determined based on selection conditions set in advance for each facility or each user. The selection conditions include, for example, examination information that has not yet been photographed, examination information that photographs patients in a specific ward, examination information that photographs the same patient as the patient photographed in the focused predetermined examination, and the like.

[0069] Furthermore, the control unit 211 may select test information relating to one subject as a determination target, or may select test information relating to a plurality of subjects as a determination target.

[0070] Furthermore, in step S2, the control unit 211 may select the determination target by limiting it to examination information that is rounds imaging. Furthermore, in step S2, the control unit 211 may select a determination target from the examination information of general radiography, dynamic radiography, and rounds radiography.

[0071] Next, the control unit 211 determines recommended equipment information corresponding to the examination information to be determined selected in step S2, based on the examination information, related information, and equipment status information (step S3).

[0072] The recommended equipment information in this embodiment includes the recommended size of the FPD 1. A specific method for determining the recommended size of the FPD1 will be described below. For example, the control unit 211 determines the maximum size of the FPD 1 based on the imaging information included in the plurality of pieces of examination information to be determined as the recommended size of the FPD 1. Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines the recommended order of sizes of the FPD 1 based on preset priorities. For example, the control unit 211 sets the recommended order between the size of the FPD 1 based on the imaging information included in the examination information to be determined and the size of the FPD 1 used when previously imaging the same patient as the patient corresponding to the examination information. Furthermore, the control unit 211 estimates the physique of the patient corresponding to the examination information to be determined from patient information of the patient obtained by radiography during a predetermined period in the past. Then, the control unit 211 determines the FPD1 size corresponding to the estimated physique as the recommended FPD1 size. Note that the predetermined period is, for example, one year. Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines the size of the FPD 1 based on the height and weight of the patient related to the examination information to be determined as the recommended size of the FPD 1.

[0073] In addition, a case will be described in which the size of the FPD1 included in the examination information to be determined does not match the size of the FPD1 included in the previous imaging information related to the examination information. In this case, the control unit 211 determines the size of the FPD1 included in the previous imaging information as the recommended size of the FPD1. Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines the size of the FPD 1 based on the trimming size included in the past imaging information related to the examination information to be determined as the recommended size of the FPD 1. Specifically, the control unit 211 determines the size of the FPD 1 that can include the trimming size in the past radiation imaging as the recommended size of the FPD 1. Furthermore, when the gender of the radiographer included in the radiographer information is female, the control unit 211 determines a relatively small FPD1 size as the recommended FPD1 size.

[0074] The recommended equipment information of this embodiment includes the number of types of recommended FPD 1 sizes. A specific method for determining the number of recommended sizes of FPD 1 will be described below. For example, the control unit 211 determines the number of recommended sizes of FPD 1 depending on the size of the FPD storage unit 26. In this case, the equipment condition information includes the size of the FPD storage unit 26.

[0075] Furthermore, the recommended equipment information of this embodiment includes type information of the recommended FPD 1. A specific method for determining the type information of the recommended FPD 1 will be described below. For example, when the information on the type of imaging included in the examination information to be determined is dynamic imaging, the control unit 211 determines the type of FPD 1 that is capable of dynamic imaging as the type of FPD 1 to be recommended. Furthermore, if frame rate information is included in the irradiation conditions included in the examination information to be determined, the control unit 211 determines that the type of imaging is dynamic imaging. Then, the control unit 211 determines the type of FPD 1 that is capable of dynamic imaging as the type of FPD 1 to be recommended. Furthermore, if the value of the dose index included in the examination information to be determined is greater than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 211 determines that the type of imaging is dynamic imaging. Then, the control unit 211 determines the type of FPD 1 capable of dynamic imaging as the type of FPD 1 to be recommended.

[0076] Furthermore, when the resolution in the imaging information included in the examination information to be determined is high, the control unit 211 determines the type of FPD 1 capable of imaging with high reading resolution as the type of FPD 1 to be recommended. The control unit 211 also determines the case to be imaged based on the requested department and the imaging region included in the examination information to be determined, and then determines the type of FPD 1 capable of imaging at a resolution according to the determination result as the type of FPD 1 to be recommended.

[0077] Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines the type of FPD 1 based on the imaging region included in the past imaging information related to the examination information to be determined as the recommended type of FPD 1. Specifically, the control unit 211 determines the type of FPD 1 used in the past radiation imaging that captured the same region as the current imaging region as the type of FPD 1 to be recommended. Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines the type of FPD 1 based on information on the imaging type included in the past imaging information related to the examination information to be determined as the recommended type of FPD 1. Specifically, the control unit 211 determines the type of FPD 1 used in past radiation imaging of the same type as the current imaging type as the recommended type of FPD 1. Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines the type of FPD 1 based on the irradiation conditions included in the past imaging information related to the examination information to be determined as the recommended type of FPD 1. Specifically, the control unit 211 determines the type of FPD 1 used in past radiation imaging under the same irradiation conditions as the current irradiation conditions as the recommended type of FPD 1. Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines the type of FPD 1 based on the precautions at the time of past imaging included in the past imaging information related to the examination information to be determined as the type of FPD 1 to be recommended.

[0078] In addition, a case will be described in which the resolution included in the examination information to be determined does not match the resolution included in the previous imaging information related to the examination information. In this case, the control unit 211 determines the type of FPD 1 that can perform imaging at the resolution included in the previous imaging information as the type of FPD 1 to be recommended. Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines whether the type of FPD 1 determined as described above matches the type of FPD 1 included in the equipment status information. If the types of FPD 1 match, the control unit 211 may set the determined type of FPD 1 as the recommended type of FPD 1.

[0079] Furthermore, the recommended equipment information of this embodiment includes identification information of the recommended FPD 1. A specific method for determining the identification information of the recommended FPD 1 will be described below. For example, a case will be described in which there are multiple FPDs 1 having the recommended FPD1 size. In this case, the control unit 211 determines, based on the statistical information, the FPD 1 that is frequently used for the imaging information included in the examination information that is the determination target, as the recommended FPD 1. Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines, based on statistical information, the FPD 1 that is frequently used in combination with the medical cart RC as the recommended FPD 1. Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines, based on the statistical information, the FPD 1 that is frequently used in combination with the case of the subject corresponding to the examination information being the determination target, as the recommended FPD 1.

[0080] Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines to exclude from recommended FPDs 1 any FPD 1 whose location included in the equipment status information is farther than a predetermined threshold from the destination of rounds included in the examination information to be determined. Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines to exclude from the recommended FPDs 1 any FPD 1 whose remaining battery power included in the equipment status information is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines to exclude from recommended FPDs 1 any FPD 1 whose remaining battery capacity included in the equipment status information is less than the remaining capacity that allows imaging of the examination information to be determined.

[0081] Furthermore, the recommended equipment information of this embodiment includes information on the type of the recommended grid. A specific method for determining the type information of a recommended grid will be described below. For example, the control unit 211 determines the type of grid according to the size of the FPD 1 based on the imaging information included in the examination information to be determined as the recommended type of grid. Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines the type of grid according to the imaging region included in the examination information to be determined as the type of recommended grid. For example, when the imaging region is the chest, the control unit 211 determines a grid with a grid ratio of 10:1 as the recommended grid. When the imaging region is the abdomen, the control unit 211 determines a grid with a grid ratio of 8:1 as the recommended grid.

[0082] Furthermore, when the information on the type of imaging included in the examination information to be determined is dynamic imaging, the control unit 211 determines the grid for dynamic imaging as the recommended grid. Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines the type of grid corresponding to the destination of rounds included in the examination information to be determined as the recommended type of grid. For example, when the destination of rounds is an operating room or an emergency ward, the control unit 211 determines the type of grid corresponding to the FPD1 that can be used on an operating table or a special-order emergency bed as the recommended type of grid. Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines the type of grid based on past imaging information related to the examination information to be determined as the type of recommended grid. For example, a case will be described in which scattered radiation correction processing was used in the previously performed radiation imaging and the grid was gridless. In this case, the control unit 211 determines that the recommended type of grid is "no grid used."

[0083] Furthermore, the recommended equipment information in this embodiment includes type information of the recommended fixing jigs and auxiliary tools. A specific method for determining the type information of the recommended fixing jig and auxiliary tool will be described below. For example, the control unit 211 determines the types of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools corresponding to the imaging region included in the examination information to be determined as the types of recommended fixing jigs and auxiliary tools. For example, a case will be described in which the imaging region is the lateral chest or the like and the subject needs to be moved and immobilized during imaging. In this case, the control unit 211 determines the types of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools required for the operation of moving and immobilizing the subject as the types of recommended fixing jigs and auxiliary tools.

[0084] Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines the types of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools based on the imaging region included in the past imaging information related to the examination information to be determined as the types of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools to be recommended. Specifically, the control unit 211 determines the types of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools used in a past radiography in which the same region as the current imaging region was imaged as the types of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools to be recommended. Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines the types of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools based on the imaging direction included in the past imaging information related to the examination information to be determined as the types of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools to be recommended. Specifically, the control unit 211 determines the types of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools used in past radiation imaging performed in the same direction as the current imaging direction as the types of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools to be recommended. In addition, the control unit 211 determines the types of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools based on information on the imaging type included in the past imaging information related to the examination information to be determined as the types of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools to be recommended. The types of fixation jigs and auxiliary devices used in previous radiography are determined as the types of fixation jigs and auxiliary devices recommended.

[0085] Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines the types of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools based on the irradiation conditions included in the past imaging information related to the examination information to be determined as the types of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools to be recommended. Specifically, the control unit 211 determines the types of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools used in past radiation imaging under the same irradiation conditions as the current irradiation conditions as the types of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools to be recommended. In addition, the control unit 211 determines the types of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools to be recommended based on the precautions taken during past imaging included in the past imaging information related to the examination information to be determined. Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines the types of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools based on the imaging location included in the past imaging information related to the examination information to be determined as the types of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools to be recommended. Specifically, the control unit 211 determines the types of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools used in past radiography at the same location as the current round destination as the types of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools to be recommended.

[0086] Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines the types of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools based on the patient information and technician information related to the examination information to be determined as the types of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools to be recommended. For example, the control unit 211 determines the types of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools according to a combination of the patient's physique and the gender of the radiographer. Specifically, a case will be described in which the patient's physique is larger than a predetermined threshold, the radiographer is female, and the radiographer is expected to have insufficient power. In this case, the control unit 211 determines that a fixing jig is required as the type of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools to be recommended. Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines the types of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools based on information on the type of imaging included in the examination information to be determined as the types of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools to be recommended. For example, when the information on the type of imaging is still image imaging, the control unit 211 determines a fixing jig for immobilizing the subject as the type of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools to be recommended. When the information on the type of imaging is dynamic imaging, the control unit 211 determines an auxiliary tool for assisting moving parts of the subject and a fixing jig for immobilizing immobile parts of the subject as the type of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools to be recommended.

[0087] Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines the types of immobilization jigs and assistive devices based on the medical precautions and the location in the facility related to the examination information to be determined as the types of recommended immobilization jigs and assistive devices. For example, a case will be described in which the medical precautions are kyphosis and the location in the facility is a hospital ward where beds that do not support reclining, etc. are used. In this case, the control unit 211 determines a cushion or the like to be inserted in the lower back of the subject when the imaging posture is in a sitting position as the type of recommended immobilization jigs and assistive devices. Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines the types of fixing jigs and assisting devices based on the pregnancy state of the patient related to the examination information to be determined as the types of recommended fixing jigs and assisting devices. For example, if the patient is pregnant and there are restrictions on the postures that can be taken, the control unit 211 determines a cushion to be inserted into the patient's lower back as the type of fixing jigs and assisting devices to be recommended. Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines the types of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools based on the age of the patient associated with the examination information to be determined as the types of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools to be recommended. For example, if the age of the patient is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 211 determines that an auxiliary tool is necessary as the type information of the recommended fixing jigs and auxiliary tools.

[0088] Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines the types of fixation jigs and auxiliary tools based on the patient's medical history associated with the examination information being determined as the types of fixation jigs and auxiliary tools to be recommended. For example, the control unit 211 determines whether the patient is bedridden, whether the patient has a tube attached, whether there are any positions the patient cannot assume, etc., based on the patient's medical history. The control unit 211 then determines the types of fixation jigs and auxiliary tools according to the determination results as the types of fixation jigs and auxiliary tools to be recommended. Specifically, a case will be described in which the patient's medical history includes a fracture of the pulmonary rib, and the patient is unable to assume a position on the bed for lateral chest imaging by himself / herself. In this case, the control unit 211 determines that an auxiliary tool for supporting the patient is required as the type of fixation jigs and auxiliary tools to be recommended.

[0089] Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines whether or not a fixing jig and an auxiliary tool are necessary based on the imaging direction included in the examination information to be determined and the height and weight of the patient related to the examination information, and then determines the determination result as type information of the fixing jig and auxiliary tool to be recommended. In addition, based on statistical information, the control unit 211 determines the types of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools that are frequently used in combination with the destination of the rounds, shooting information, and radiologist information included in the examination information to be determined as the types of fixing jigs and auxiliary tools to be recommended.

[0090] Furthermore, the recommended equipment information in this embodiment includes information on recommended support personnel. A specific method for determining recommended support personnel information will be described below. For example, the control unit 211 determines, as recommended support personnel information, support personnel information based on patient information and technician information related to the examination information to be determined. For example, the control unit 211 determines the support personnel information based on a combination of the patient's physique and the technician's gender. Specifically, a case will be described in which the patient's physique is larger than a predetermined threshold, the technician is female, and the technician's power is expected to be insufficient. In this case, the control unit 211 determines that a support personnel is required as recommended support personnel information.

[0091] The control unit 211 may determine the recommended equipment information by combining the above determination methods. Furthermore, the content of the above-mentioned determination method may be configured to be changeable for each user or facility. The control unit 211 may also determine recommended equipment information based on information such as power ON / OFF information for the FPD 1, association information (registration information) between the console 3 and the FPD 1, and information on whether the FPD 1 is in use.

[0092] As described above, the control unit 211 determines the recommended equipment information based on the examination information related to the subject who will be radiographed using the mobile radiography cart RC. In other words, the radiography equipment to be used by the radiographer at the destination is determined based on the examination information related to the subject who will be radiographed using the mobile radiography device. Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines recommended equipment information based on one piece of examination information regarding a subject who will undergo radiography using the medical cart RC. In other words, the imaging equipment to be used by the radiographer at the destination is determined based on one piece of examination information. Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines recommended equipment information based on a plurality of pieces of examination information related to the subject who will undergo radiography using the medical cart RC. In other words, the imaging equipment to be used by the radiographer at the destination is determined based on a plurality of pieces of examination information. Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines recommended equipment information based on examination information about the subject who will be radiographed using the medical cart RC and related information related to the examination information. In other words, the radiography equipment to be used by the radiographer at the destination is determined based on the examination information about the subject and related information related to the examination information. Furthermore, the control unit 211 determines recommended equipment information based on examination information and equipment status information related to the subject who will be radiographed using the medical cart RC. In other words, the radiography equipment to be used by the radiographer at the destination is determined based on the examination information related to the subject and information related to the status of the radiography equipment.

[0093] Next, the control unit 211 displays the recommended equipment information determined in step S3 on the display unit 31 (step S4), and ends this process. Step S4 is a notification step.

[0094] FIG. 5 shows a display screen 312 that displays recommended equipment information. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 211 displays on the display screen 312 all information related to the examination for imaging one patient. The vertical axis of the display screen 312 represents the examination type, and the horizontal axis represents the time axis. That is, the control unit 211 displays information about the examination on the display screen 312 in a timeline format for each examination type.

[0095] The control unit 211 may display the horizontal axis of the display screen 312 in units of time instead of in units of dates as shown in FIG. Furthermore, the control unit 211 may display on the display screen 312 all the information about the examinations performed in one day, rather than the information about the examinations performed on one patient.

[0096] For an examination for which imaging has been completed, the control unit 211 displays a thumbnail image of the radiation image captured in that examination, such as the thumbnail image 312a. Furthermore, the control unit 211 displays an icon 312b indicating the recommended equipment determined in step S3 for the examination that is scheduled to be performed.

[0097] Furthermore, when the control unit 211 receives a click input on the icon 312b by the user via the operation unit 32, the control unit 211 displays a recommended equipment information screen 313 shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 211 displays, on the recommended equipment information screen 313, the size of the FPD 1 recommended as recommended equipment information, the type of grid, and whether or not a fixing jig is required and the type thereof.

[0098] The display of the recommended equipment information on the recommended equipment information screen 313 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. For example, a case will be described in which the size of the FPD1 included in the examination information to be determined does not match the size of the FPD1 included in the previous imaging information related to the examination information. In this case, as described above, the control unit 211 determines the size of the FPD1 included in the previous imaging information as the recommended size of the FPD1 in step S3. In this case, the control unit 211 may display on the recommended equipment information screen 313 the reason why the size of the FPD 1 was used in the past imaging.

[0099] In addition, a case will be described in which the resolution included in the examination information to be determined does not match the resolution included in the previous imaging information related to the examination information. In this case, the control unit 211 determines in step S3 as the recommended type of FPD 1 the type of FPD 1 that can perform imaging at the resolution included in the previous imaging information. In this case, the control unit 211 may display on the recommended equipment information screen 313 the reason why that type of FPD 1 was used in the past imaging.

[0100] Furthermore, the control unit 211 may display on the recommended equipment information screen 313 notes regarding past imaging included in the past imaging information related to the examination information to be determined. Furthermore, the control unit 211 may display on the recommended equipment information screen 313 the FPD 1, fixing jig, or auxiliary tool according to the precautions taken during past imaging included in the past imaging information related to the examination information to be determined.

[0101] Furthermore, the control unit 211 displays the identification of the recommended FPD 1 on the recommended equipment information screen 313. When displaying information, the following may be displayed: Specifically, the control unit 211 may further display the location information of the recommended FPD 1. Furthermore, if the remaining battery power of the recommended FPD 1 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 211 may further display remaining battery power information of the FPD 1.

[0102] Furthermore, when displaying support personnel information recommended as recommended equipment information on the recommended equipment information screen 313, the control unit 211 may display the following. For example, a case will be described in which the patient's physique is larger than a predetermined threshold, the radiographer is female, and the radiographer is expected to lack sufficient power. In this case, the control unit 211 may display a message suggesting that radiographing be performed by two radiographers.

[0103] 6, the control unit 211 displays one type each of the recommended FPD1 size, grid type, and fixing jig type as the recommended equipment information, but this is not limiting. The control unit 211 may display multiple types of recommended imaging equipment as the recommended equipment information. When the control unit 211 displays multiple types of recommended imaging equipment, it is preferable to display them together with the recommendation order.

[0104] FIG. 7 shows a display screen 314 that is another example of displaying recommended equipment information. 7, the vertical axis of the display screen 314 is the time axis, and the horizontal axis is the date. The control unit 211 displays information about the examination on the display screen 314 in a timeline format.

[0105] The control unit 211 displays an icon 314a indicating the recommended equipment determined in step S3 for the examination that is scheduled to be performed. Furthermore, when the control unit 211 receives a click input on the icon 314a by the user via the operation unit 32, it displays a recommended equipment information screen on the display screen 314, similar to the recommended equipment information screen 313 shown in FIG. That is, the control unit 211 as a notification unit notifies the user (photographer) by displaying information (recommended equipment information) about the photography equipment to be used at the destination based on a predetermined operation by the user (user), as shown in Figures 5 to 7. The predetermined operation in this case is a click input by the user on the icons 312b, 314a indicating the photography equipment.

[0106] FIG. 8 shows another example of displaying recommended equipment information. The example shown in FIG. 8 is a case where the control unit 211 receives a plurality of selections by the user of the examination information to be determined from the examination information displayed in the list 311a in step S2 above. In this case, in step S3, when the control unit 211 receives a click input of the equipment decision button 311b after the user has performed the selection operation, it decides on recommended equipment information corresponding to the selected plurality of pieces of examination information. Then, in step S4, the control unit 211 displays, on the display screen 311, a recommended equipment information screen 313 that displays the recommended equipment information determined in step S3, as shown in FIG.

[0107] That is, the control unit 211 as a notification unit notifies the user (photographer) by displaying information (recommended equipment information) about the photographic equipment to be used at the destination based on a predetermined operation by the user (user). In this case, the predetermined operation is the user's specification of the examination of the radiation imaging target. Here, the specification of the examination of the radiation imaging target by the user is the user's selection of examination information to be determined.

[0108] The type, display format and display of the recommended equipment information displayed in step S4 Currently, the settings may be configured to be changeable for each facility. Furthermore, when the control unit 211 receives a user click input on the OK button 313a (see FIG. 8) provided on the recommended equipment information screen 313, the control unit 211 performs the following process: Specifically, the control unit 211 changes the size of the FPD1 included in the examination information selected as the determination target to the size of the FPD1 as the recommended equipment information.

[0109] 8, the control unit 211 performs steps S3 and S4 when it receives a click input of the equipment determination button 311b from the user, but this is not limited to this. The control unit 211 may also perform steps S3 and S4 when it receives a press operation of an inspection start button (not shown) from the user. The inspection start button is provided on the generator main body 21, for example.

[0110] Also, a case will be described in which the control unit 211 selects all of the examination information displayed in the list 311a in step S2 as the determination target. In this case, the control unit 211 performs steps S3 and S4 without accepting the user's selection operation of the examination information. Then, in step S4, the control unit 211 provides an area on the display screen 311 for displaying the recommended equipment information determined in step S3, and displays the recommended equipment information. That is, the control unit 211 as a notification unit notifies the user (photographer) by displaying information (recommended equipment information) about the photographing equipment to be used at the destination based on a predetermined operation by the user (user). The predetermined operation in this case is an instruction by the user in step S1 to update the examination information, or an input by the user in step S1 of patient information, which is related information relating to the examination information.

[0111] FIG. 9 shows another example of displaying recommended equipment information. The example shown in Figure 9 is similar to the example shown in Figure 8, in the case where, in step S2 above, the control unit 211 accepts multiple selections by the user of the test information to be determined from the test information displayed in the list 311a. In step S4, the control unit 211 displays the recommended equipment information determined in step S3 in the display area 311c of the display screen 311, as shown in FIG.

[0112] FIG. 10 shows another example of displaying recommended equipment information. 10 is a display example when there is a possibility that the recommended equipment determined in step S3 by the control unit 211 may not be usable. In this case, the control unit 211 displays a warning screen 315 on the display screen 311 in step S4. For example, a case will be described in which in step S3 the control unit 211 determines that the size of the recommended FPD1 is "17x17", but the power of the FPD1 of that size is currently OFF. In this case, the control unit 211 displays a message to that effect on the warning screen 315. The control unit 211 also displays a message on the warning screen 315 urging the user to resolve the cause why the recommended equipment cannot be used. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 211 displays the message "Please decide on the equipment again after preparations are complete" as a message urging the user to turn ON the power of the recommended FPD1.

[0113] Furthermore, the control unit 211 may cause the display mode of the warning screen 315 to differ from that of the recommended equipment information screen 313. For example, the control unit 211 may change the color or font of the warning screen 315 from that of the recommended equipment information screen 313, or add a mark or the like to the warning screen 315 to highlight it. This allows the user to easily recognize that the recommended equipment may not be available.

[0114] The control unit 211 may display the warning screen 315 in step S4 in the following cases. Specifically, this is the case when the recommended FPD 1 determined in step S3 is not associated with the console 3. In other words, this is the case when the recommended FPD 1 is not registered in the console 3. In this case, the control unit 211 may display information about the FPD 1 that is ranked second in the recommendation order on the warning screen 315. Also, there is a case where the recommended FPD 1 determined in step S3 does not match the FPD stored in the FPD storage unit 26 of the radiation generator 2. In other words, the control unit 211 as a notification unit notifies the user if there is a mismatch between the FPD stored in the FPD storage unit 26 and the FPD determined as the imaging equipment to be used by the photographer at the destination.

[0115] Furthermore, the control unit 211 may also display the warning screen 315 in step S4 in the following cases. Specifically, this is the case when the remaining battery power of the recommended FPD 1 determined in step S3 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. Also, there is a case where the size of the recommended FPD 1 determined in step S3 differs from the size of the FPD 1 corresponding to the imaging included in the examination information to be determined. Also, there is a case where the recommended FPD1 determined in step S3 is being used for another examination. Also, this is the case when the location of the recommended FPD 1 determined in step S3 is a location that is a predetermined distance or more away from the medical cart RC, which is the own device.

[0116] FIG. 11 shows another example of displaying recommended equipment information. As shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 211 may provide a reason display button 313b on a recommended equipment information screen 313 that displays recommended equipment information. When the control unit 211 receives a click input from the user on the reason display button 313b via the operation unit 32, it displays a reason screen 316 shown in FIG. The control unit 211 displays, on the reason screen 316, the reason for determining the recommended equipment information in step S3 as a recommendation reason. By displaying the reason for recommendation in this way, it is possible to improve the satisfaction of users such as camera operators and the educational aspect.

[0117] The control unit 211 may provide a scroll on the recommended equipment information screen 313 and display the reason for recommendation below the recommended equipment information. Furthermore, the control unit 211 may display the reasons for recommendation for each piece of photographing equipment, or may display them all together. Additionally, the control unit 211 may display other imaging equipment that is a candidate for the recommended equipment along with the reason for recommendation. Furthermore, the control unit 211 may display the mandatory recommendation reasons in a different color or font from the other recommendation reasons, or may highlight them by adding a mark or the like. The mandatory recommendation reasons are described below. For example, if the examination information to be determined includes that the imaging is dynamic imaging, the control unit 211 always determines an FPD 1 capable of dynamic imaging as the recommended FPD 1. In this case, the control unit 211 displays, as the mandatory recommendation reason, that the FPD 1 capable of dynamic imaging has been selected because the imaging is dynamic imaging.

[0118] After the recommended equipment information display process is executed, the user, such as a radiologist, goes from the waiting area to the location where the patient is being examined, carrying the radiography equipment indicated by the recommended equipment information displayed in the process. The user then starts radiography of the patient using the radiography equipment.

[0119] <3.Other> The present invention has been described above based on the above embodiment, but the description of the above embodiment is a preferred example of the radiation imaging system according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in recommended equipment information display processing step S4, the control unit 211 may display recommended equipment information for each predetermined unit, such as each imaging unit, each examination unit, each round unit, each ward unit, or each schedule time slot unit. When the recommended equipment information is displayed for each shooting, the control unit 211 may display the recommended equipment information in a list. Furthermore, the control unit 211 may notify the recommended equipment information by displaying it using symbols or audio output unit 33, in addition to displaying it using characters or icons.

[0120] Furthermore, in recommended equipment information display processing step S4, the control unit 211 may transmit the recommended equipment information determined in step S3 to another device via the communication unit 214. The other device may be a console provided in a radiography system for general radiography, another medical cart RC, etc. Upon receiving the recommended equipment information, the other device displays the recommended equipment information on its own display unit. In this case, the control unit 211 may transmit only the recommended equipment information corresponding to the examination to be performed by the other device to the other device.

[0121] Furthermore, the recommended photographic equipment may be determined as follows. A case where the control unit 211 displays, for example, a plurality of recommended FPDs in the recommended equipment information display processing step S4 will be described. In this case, a user such as a radiologist brings multiple recommended FPDs to the destination of the rounds. Then, at the destination, the user causes the control unit 211 to execute the recommended equipment information display process again, and inputs additional information based on the situation at the destination in step S1. Then, based on the recommended equipment information displayed in step S4, the user decides which FPD to use for imaging from the multiple FPDs they have brought with them.

[0122] <4. Modifications> Next, a modified example of the present invention will be described. The radiographic image capturing assistance device of the present invention may be applied to a console in a radiographic imaging system for general imaging. FIG. 13 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a radiation imaging system 100A for general imaging in this modified example.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 13, the radiation imaging system 100A includes a radiation imaging apparatus 1A, a radiation generating apparatus 2A, a console 3A, and a medical examination cart RC. The radiation imaging apparatus 1A, the radiation generation apparatus 2A, and the console 3A can communicate with each other via, for example, a communication network NA.

[0124] The radiation imaging apparatus 1A generates radiation image data corresponding to the radiation R emitted from the radiation generation apparatus 2A.

[0125] The radiation generating device 2A includes a generator 21A, an irradiation instruction switch 22A, and a tube 23A. Generator 21A applies a voltage according to preset imaging conditions to tube 23A based on the operation of irradiation instruction switch 22A. When a voltage is applied from generator 21A, bulb 23A generates radiation R (for example, X-rays) at a dose corresponding to the applied voltage.

[0126] The console 3A is capable of setting imaging conditions for at least one of the radiation imaging apparatus 1A and the radiation generation apparatus 2A. Furthermore, the console 3A can acquire radiation image data generated by the radiation imaging apparatus 1A, store it therein, or transmit it to another external device (such as a PACS).

[0127] The console 3A also includes a control unit 31A, a storage unit 32A, a communication unit 33A, a display unit 34A, an operation unit 35A, and an audio output unit 36A. The storage unit 32A, communication unit 33A, display unit 34A, operation unit 35A, and audio output unit 36A have the same configurations as the storage unit 212, communication unit 214, display unit 31, operation unit 32, and audio output unit 33, respectively.

[0128] The control unit 31A is composed of a CPU, RAM, etc. The CPU reads out various programs stored in the storage unit 32A and loads them into the RAM. The CPU then executes various processes in cooperation with the loaded programs and controls each unit of the console 3A.

[0129] In this modified example, a case will be described in which the console 3A, which is a console for general radiography, executes the recommended equipment information display process. In this case, the control unit 31A notifies the radiographer of information regarding the radiography equipment to be used at the destination, which is determined based on examination information regarding the subject who will be radiographed using the medical cart RC, which is a mobile radiography device. Here, the control unit 31A functions as a notification unit. In this case, the console 3A is a radiography support device. In addition, the radiography equipment in this case includes the medical cart RC used for radiography.

[0130] In recommended equipment information display processing step S3, the control unit 31A determines recommended equipment information corresponding to the examination information to be determined selected in step S2, as in the above embodiment. The control unit 31A determines the recommended equipment information based on the examination information, related information, and equipment status information.

[0131] The recommended equipment information in this modified example further includes type information of the recommended medical cart RC. It is preferable that the type information of the recommended medical examination cart RC is notified to a user such as a radiologist before selecting the medical examination cart RC at a waiting area. Therefore, in this case, the control unit 31A of the console 3A for general radiography executes the recommended equipment information display process. The method by which the control unit 31A determines the type of the recommended medical examination cart RC will be described below. For example, the control unit 31A determines the type of medical examination cart RC based on information on the type of radiography included in the examination information to be determined as the type of medical examination cart RC to be recommended. For example, if the information on the type of radiography is dynamic radiography, the control unit 31A determines the type of medical examination cart RC that is capable of dynamic radiography as the type of medical examination cart RC to be recommended.

[0132] Furthermore, the recommended equipment information in this modified example includes identification information of the recommended medical cart RC. It is preferable that the identification information of the recommended medical cart RC is notified to a user such as a radiologist before selecting the medical cart RC at the waiting area. Therefore, in this case, the control unit 31A of the console 3A for general radiography executes the recommended equipment information display process. The method by which the control unit 31A determines the identification information of the recommended medical cart RC will be described below. For example, the control unit 31A determines the medical examination car RC based on the patient information and equipment status information related to the examination information to be determined as the recommended medical examination car RC. For example, the control unit 31A determines the medical examination car RC whose location is the subject's residence within the facility as the recommended medical examination car RC. Furthermore, the control unit 31A determines the medical examination vehicle RC based on the medical examination destination and equipment status information included in the examination information to be determined as the recommended medical examination vehicle RC. For example, the control unit 31A determines the medical examination vehicle RC whose location is relatively close to the medical examination destination as the recommended medical examination vehicle RC.

[0133] In addition, the control unit 31A decides to exclude from the recommended medical examination vehicles RC any medical examination vehicle RC whose location included in the equipment status information is farther than a predetermined threshold from the medical examination destination included in the examination information being determined. Furthermore, the control unit 31A determines to exclude from the recommended medical carts RC any medical carts RC whose charge state included in the equipment status information is below a predetermined threshold. In addition, the control unit 31A decides to exclude from the recommended medical carts RC any medical carts RC whose charging state included in the equipment status information is less than the charge amount that allows imaging to be performed for the examination information being determined.

[0134] Next, in recommended equipment information display processing step S4, the control unit 31A displays the recommended equipment information determined in step S3 on the display unit 34A, similar to the above embodiment.

[0135] The control unit 31A may display the following when displaying the identification information of the recommended medical cart RC on the recommended equipment information screen 313 displayed on the display unit 34A. Specifically, the control unit 31A may further display location information of the recommended medical cart RC. Furthermore, if the charge state of the recommended medical cart RC is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 31A may further display charge state information of the medical cart RC.

[0136] Furthermore, the control unit 31A may further display a warning screen 315 on the display unit 34A in step S4 in the following cases: Specifically, when the recommended medical cart RC determined in step S3 is being used for another examination.

[0137] In step S4, the control unit 31A may transmit the recommended equipment information determined in step S3 to the console 3 of the medical cart RC. Upon receiving the recommended equipment information, the control unit 211 of the console 3 displays the recommended equipment information on the display unit 31. In this case, the control unit 211 functions as a notification unit.

[0138] In the above embodiment and modified examples, the recommended equipment information display process may be executed by an external device such as the RIS 40 or a terminal device such as a PC used by the user. In this case, the external device may determine the recommended equipment information and transmit the determined recommended equipment information to the console 3 of the medical cart RC.

[0139] Furthermore, the display items and display mode of the recommended equipment information may be set for each device that displays the recommended equipment information. For example, the console 3A included in the general radiography system 100A displays information about the medical cart as recommended equipment information. On the other hand, the medical cart RC does not display information about the medical cart RC as recommended equipment information.

[0140] <5. Effects> As described above, according to this embodiment, the consoles 3, 3A as a radiographic image capturing support device are equipped with a notification unit (control unit 211, control unit 31A) that notifies the photographer of information regarding the imaging equipment to be used at the destination, which is determined based on examination information regarding the subject who will be radiographed using the mobile radiographic imaging device (medical cart RC). Therefore, the user can prepare suitable photographing equipment for photographing the destination before going to the destination. This allows the necessary equipment to be brought with more confidence, allowing for more efficient imaging during rounds and reducing the burden on users.

[0141] In addition, in the radiographic imaging support device of this embodiment, the imaging equipment is at least one of a radiographic imaging device (FPD1), a grid that can be attached and detached to the radiographic imaging device, a jig (fixing jig) for fixing the subject, an auxiliary tool, and a mobile radiographic imaging device (mobile cart RC). Therefore, before going to a place for rounds, the user can preferably prepare the FPD 1, grid, fixing jig, auxiliary tools, medical cart RC, etc. that are suitable for imaging at the place for rounds.

[0142] In the radiographic image capture assistance device of this embodiment, the examination information includes information relating to the type of radiography. Therefore, the user can conveniently prepare imaging equipment suitable for the type of radiography before going to the patient's rounds.

[0143] In the radiation image capture assistance device of this embodiment, the examination information is examination information relating to a plurality of subjects. Therefore, the user can prepare appropriate imaging equipment for examinations of multiple subjects before going to the examination site, thereby reducing the number of imaging equipment items to be brought to the examination site.

[0144] Furthermore, in the radiation image capture support device of this embodiment, the imaging equipment is determined based on one piece of examination information. Therefore, the user can conveniently prepare the imaging equipment suitable for one examination before going to the rounds.

[0145] In addition, in the radiation image capturing support device of this embodiment, the imaging equipment is determined based on a plurality of pieces of examination information. Therefore, the user can conveniently prepare imaging equipment suitable for multiple examinations before going to the doctor's office, thereby reducing the number of imaging equipment items to be brought to the doctor's office.

[0146] In addition, in the radiation image capture support device of this embodiment, the imaging equipment is determined based on the examination information and related information related to the examination information. Therefore, the user can preferably prepare imaging equipment suitable for the examination information and related information before going to the rounds.

[0147] In the radiation image capture support device of this embodiment, the related information is at least one of the subject's condition, age, weight, medical precautions, medical history, location within the facility, and past radiation capture information. Therefore, the user can conveniently prepare imaging equipment appropriate for the examination information, as well as the subject's condition, age, weight, medical precautions, medical history, location within the facility, and past radiography information, before going to the clinic.

[0148] Furthermore, in the radiographic image capture support device of this embodiment, the imaging equipment is determined based on the examination information and information on the status of the imaging equipment (equipment status information). Therefore, the user can preferably prepare imaging equipment suitable for the examination information and equipment status information before going to the doctor's rounds.

[0149] Furthermore, in the radiographic image capturing assistance device of this embodiment, the notification unit (control unit 211, control unit 31A) notifies information related to the imaging equipment based on a predetermined operation by the user. Therefore, when the user performs a predetermined operation, the user can be notified of the photographic equipment suitable for photographing the location where the patient is being examined.

[0150] In addition, in the radiographic image capture support device of this embodiment, the specified operation is any one of the following: the user specifying the examination to be performed on the radiographic image capture target, issuing an instruction to update the examination information, inputting related information relating to the examination information, and clicking on an icon indicating the imaging equipment. Therefore, the user can be notified of the imaging equipment suitable for imaging at the location where the patient is being examined at any of the following times: when the user specifies the examination to be performed on the subject of radiography, when the user instructs an update of the examination information, when the user inputs related patient information, or when the user clicks on an icon indicating the imaging equipment. therefore,

[0151] Furthermore, in the radiographic imaging support device of this embodiment, the notification unit (control unit 211, control unit 31A) notifies when there is a mismatch between the radiographic imaging device (FPD1) stored in the storage unit (FPD storage unit 26) provided in the mobile radiographic imaging device (medical rounds cart RC) and the radiographic imaging device (FPD1) determined as the imaging equipment to be used by the photographer at the destination. This makes it possible to prompt the user to store the FPD 1 determined as the imaging equipment in the FPD storage unit 26.

[0152] The present invention has been described above based on the above embodiment, but the description of the above embodiment is a preferred example of the radiation imaging systems 100 and 100A according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the above embodiment, the mobile radiation imaging device is the medical cart RC, but the mobile radiation imaging device may also be a fluoroscopic imaging device.

[0153] In the above embodiment, the imaging equipment is at least one of the FPD1, a grid detachable from the FPD1, a fixture for fixing the subject, an auxiliary tool, and the medical cart RC, but is not limited to this. The imaging equipment may also be a disinfection set or a radiation protection suit. The recommended equipment information may also include whether or not a disinfection set or a radiation protection suit is necessary.

[0154] In the above description, an example has been disclosed in which the storage units 212, 32A (semiconductor memory, HDD) are used as computer-readable media for the program according to the present invention, but this is not limiting. Portable recording media such as CD-ROMs can also be used as other computer-readable media. Furthermore, carrier waves can also be used as a medium for providing program data according to the present invention via a communication line.

[0155] Furthermore, the detailed configurations and operations of the components constituting the radiation imaging systems 100 and 100A in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] 100 Radiography System 1 FPD RC patrol car 2. Radiation generator 21 Generator body 211 Control unit (notification unit) 212 Storage section 213 Generator 214 Communications Department 22 Irradiation instruction switch 23 Tube 24 Tube support part 241,242 Support part 25 Collimator 26 FPD storage section 27 wheels 28 Optical photography unit 3 Console 31 Display section 311,312,314 display screen 313 Recommended equipment information screen 315 Warning Screen 316 Reason screen 32 Operation section 33 Audio output section 40 RIS 100A Radiography System 1A Radiography equipment 2A Radiation Generator 21A Generator 22A Irradiation indicator switch 23A tube 3A Console 31A Control section (notification section) 32A Storage section 33A Communication Department 34A Display section 35A Operation section 36A Audio output section B Bed R Radiation S Subject U User

Claims

1. A radiographic image capture support device that includes a notification unit that notifies a radiographer of information about the imaging equipment to be used at the destination, the information being determined based on examination information about a subject who will be radiographed using a mobile radiographic device.

2. 2. The radiographic imaging support device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging equipment is at least one of a radiographic imaging device, a grid that is attached to and detached from the radiographic imaging device, a jig for fixing the subject, an auxiliary tool, and the mobile radiographic imaging device.

3. The radiation image capture assistance device according to claim 1 , wherein the examination information includes information relating to a type of radiation capture.

4. The radiation image capture support device according to claim 1 , wherein the examination information is examination information relating to a plurality of subjects.

5. The radiographic image capture support device according to claim 1 , wherein the imaging equipment is determined based on one piece of examination information.

6. The radiographic image capture support device according to claim 1 , wherein the imaging equipment is determined based on a plurality of pieces of examination information.

7. The radiographic image capture support device according to claim 1 , wherein the imaging equipment is determined based on the examination information and related information related to the examination information.

8. 8. The radiation image capture support device according to claim 7, wherein the related information is at least one of the subject's condition, age, weight, medical precautions, medical history, location within the facility, and past radiation capture information.

9. The radiographic image capture support device according to claim 1 , wherein the imaging equipment is determined based on the examination information and information about the state of the imaging equipment.

10. The radiographic image capture support device according to claim 1 , wherein the notification unit notifies information about the imaging equipment based on a predetermined operation by a user.

11. The radiographic image capture support device according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined operation is any one of a user's specification of an examination to be radiographed, an instruction to update the examination information, input of related information relating to the examination information, and a click input on an icon representing the imaging equipment.

12. 2. The radiographic imaging support device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit issues a notification when there is a mismatch between the radiographic imaging device stored in a storage unit provided in the mobile radiographic imaging device and the radiographic imaging device determined as the imaging equipment to be used by the photographer at the destination.

13. A radiation image capture support method including a notification step of notifying a radiographer of information about imaging equipment to be used at the destination, the information being determined based on examination information about a subject who will be radiographed using a mobile radiation imaging device.

14. The computer of the radiographic imaging support device, A program for functioning as a notification unit that notifies information about the imaging equipment to be used by the radiographer at the destination, which information is determined based on examination information about a subject undergoing radiography using a mobile radiography device.

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