Radiation imaging apparatus and manufacturing method

Abstract

To provide a radiographic apparatus having a lighting field index with improved visibility.SOLUTION: A radiation imaging apparatus (100) includes a lighting field index (105) on an incident surface of a housing, and the index of a main lighting field in the lighting field index (105) is emphasized and displayed, and the indexes of the other lighting fields are not emphasized and displayed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a radiographic apparatus, which is used as a medical diagnostic device or a non-destructive testing device, and is used as, for example, an X-ray flat panel detector. [Background technology]

[0002] Radiography devices capable of acquiring radiological images are known as devices used in medical image diagnosis and non-destructive testing. Recently, these radiography devices have begun to use a technology called Auto Exposure Control (AEC) to capture images with an appropriate radiation dose. This technology controls the radiation irradiation so that it stops when the radiation dose received by the imaging unit exceeds a certain level.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a radiation imaging device equipped with an AEC function. Patent Document 1 also discloses an example in which the radiation collection field, which is the area for monitoring the radiation dose, is subdivided into a large number of matrix-shaped areas, such as a 3x5 area. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-77929 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When the measurement field is subdivided into many regions as in Patent Document 1, it is expected that the measurement field indices, which are indices corresponding to the measurement field, will be divided. However, since the subdivided measurement field indices look cluttered, it is desirable to improve their visibility.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a radiographic apparatus equipped with a radiation measurement field indicator with improved visibility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The radiographic imaging device of the present invention is a radiographic imaging device that detects dose in a selected one of a plurality of detection fields, and includes a radiation detection panel having at least one dose detection element for each of the plurality of detection fields, and a housing that houses the radiation detection panel and has an incident surface that receives the incident radiation, wherein the incident surface has a plurality of indices that correspond to the plurality of detection fields and are arranged in a matrix, and the display form of a first indice of the plurality of indices is a first display form, and the display form of a second indice of the plurality of indices is a second display form that is different from the first display form. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a radiographic apparatus equipped with a radiation measurement field indicator with improved visibility. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a radiation imaging apparatus system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a radiation imaging apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a usage sequence of a radiation imaging system. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an inspection screen. [Figure 5] Fig. 5(a) is an example of emphasizing the illumination field index. Fig. 5(b) is an example of emphasizing the illumination field index. Fig. 5(c) is an example of emphasizing the illumination field index. Fig. 5(d) is an example of emphasizing the illumination field index. [Figure 6] Fig. 6(a) is an example of coloring the measurement field index, Fig. 6(b) is an example of coloring the measurement field index, and Fig. 6(c) is an example of coloring the measurement field index. [Figure 7]Fig. 7(a) shows an example of not emphasizing the measurement field index, Fig. 7(b) shows an example of not displaying the measurement field index, and Fig. 7(c) shows an example of prioritizing the measurement field index. [Figure 8] Fig. 8(a) shows an example of adding an auxiliary line to the measurement area index, and Fig. 8(b) shows an example of adding an auxiliary line to the measurement area index. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples. Similar elements throughout the examples will be designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, the configurations described in the examples may be modified or combined as appropriate.

[0011] Example 1 <Radiation imaging system> The configuration of a radiation imaging system 1 (radiation imaging system, radiation detection system) will be described below. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a radiation imaging system.

[0012] The radiation imaging system 1 includes a radiation imaging device 100, a radiation generating device 110, a control device 120, a display device 130, and an optical imaging device 140. Of the components in the radiation imaging system, the radiation imaging device 100, the control device 120, and the display device 130 constitute an image processing device group 10 that handles radiation images. The image processing device group 10 is a device group in which any of the devices performs image processing on a radiation image. That is, image processing may be performed in the radiation imaging device 100, or in the control device 120. Image processing includes, for example, offset correction processing, sensitivity correction processing, spatial frequency processing, gradation processing, and defect correction processing.

[0013] The radiation imaging apparatus 100 is an apparatus that generates a radiation image based on radiation emitted from a radiation generating apparatus 110 .

[0014] The radiation generating device 110 is a device that generates radiation and includes an X-ray tube as a radiation source.

[0015] The display device 130 is a display capable of displaying information, and displays an examination screen for managing radiography, etc.

[0016] The optical imaging device 140 is a camera capable of optical imaging, and can capture images of a subject who is the target of radiation imaging.

[0017] The control device 120 is a communication device that relays communication between the radiation imaging apparatus 100 and the radiation generation apparatus 110. The control device 120 transmits imaging condition information to the radiation imaging apparatus 100 based on instructions input by a user via an input unit (not shown), and receives image information of a radiation image as an imaging result. The control device 120 also receives an irradiation permission / stop signal from the radiation imaging apparatus 100 and outputs the irradiation permission / stop signal to the radiation generation apparatus 110. The communication between the control device 120 and the radiation imaging apparatus 100 and the communication between the control device 120 and the radiation generation apparatus 110 may be wireless or wired. The wireless communication is, for example, wireless LAN (IEEE802.11), and the wired communication is, for example, wired LAN (IEEE802.3). The control device 120 also receives an optical image from the optical imaging apparatus 140 and outputs screen information to the display device 130.

[0018] The control device 120 also functions as an information processing device that outputs radiographic examination screen information to the display device 130. The control device 120 outputs the radiographic image received from the radiographic device 100 to the display device 130 as examination screen information. The control device 120 also transfers the radiographic image to a server (not shown) of an in-hospital image management system such as a PACS. The control device 120 may be configured by one device or may be configured by multiple devices.

[0019] The radiation imaging apparatus 100, the radiation generation apparatus 110, and the control apparatus 120 each include a control unit. Each control unit includes a CPU as a calculation unit, and ROM and RAM as storage units. The CPU loads a program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes it to realize various functions.

[0020] <Radiation imaging device> Next, the configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 will be described.

[0021] The radiation imaging device 100 is a device (radiation imaging device, radiation detection device) that generates a radiation image based on radiation irradiated from a radiation generation device 110. As shown in FIG. 1 , the radiation imaging device 100 is roughly divided into an imaging unit 101, a control unit 102, and an index display unit 103.

[0022] <Photography Department> The imaging unit 101 performs various processes for detecting radiation.

[0023] The imaging unit 101 includes an imaging panel 201 (radiation detection panel), a drive control unit 204, and an area setting unit 205. The imaging panel 201 includes image generation pixels 203 and dose measurement pixels 202 (dose detection pixels, dose detection elements). The drive control unit 204 controls the driving of the imaging panel 201. The area setting unit 205 sets a dose measurement area based on imaging condition information received from the control unit 102.

[0024] The imaging panel 201 has pixels arranged in an array (a two-dimensional planar area), each pixel including an imaging element that outputs a radiation signal corresponding to the irradiated radiation (incident light). The photoelectric conversion element of each pixel converts the light converted by the phosphor into an electrical signal, that is, a radiation signal (charge), and the capacitor of each pixel stores the radiation signal (charge). The phosphor of the imaging panel 201 can be, for example, CsI:Tl, in which cesium iodide (CsI) is doped with thallium (Tl), or a terbium-activated rare earth sulfide phosphor (e.g., GO2S:Tb).

[0025] The imaging panel 201 has pixels (image generation pixels 203) that generate a radiographic image based on radiation that has passed through a subject, and pixels (dose measurement pixels 202) that measure the radiation dose (perform dose detection).

[0026] The image generation pixels 203 accumulate radiation signals that have passed through the subject and are used to generate a radiation image. The dose measurement pixels 202 periodically read out the radiation signals during radiation imaging to monitor the exposure dose. Under the control of the drive control unit 204, signals are read out from each pixel of the imaging panel 201. The image generation pixels 203 output the radiation signals (radiation image information) to an image processing unit 208 of the control unit 102. The dose measurement pixels 202 also output the radiation signals (dose information) to a dose determination unit 206.

[0027] Here, the imaging pixels 203 and the dosimetry pixels 202 each have different signal lines and gate lines. With this structure, the drive control unit 204 can drive the dosimetry pixels 202 and the imaging pixels 203 at different timings. By driving them at different timings, information (radiation image information, dose information) based on the accumulated radiation signals (charges) is output at different timings.

[0028] The structure for arranging the image generation pixels 203 and the dose measurement pixels 202 in the imaging panel 201 can be designed as appropriate. For example, the imaging panel 201 may have a layer structure in which a layer made up of a plurality of image generation pixels 203 and a layer made up of a plurality of dose measurement pixels 202 are arranged. Furthermore, the dose measurement pixels 202 and the image generation pixels 203 may be arranged in a mixed manner on the same plane of the imaging panel 201.

[0029] The pixel structure can also be designed as appropriate. For example, a structure in which one type of pixel (image generation pixels 203 or dosimetry pixels 202) is arranged so that each of a plurality of pixel regions arranged in an array has one function may be used. Alternatively, a structure in which multiple pixels (image generation pixels 203 and dosimetry pixels 202) are arranged in one pixel region may be used so that some or all of the plurality of pixel regions arranged in an array have multiple functions.

[0030] The drive control unit 204 generates a drive signal based on the imaging condition information received from the control unit 102, and outputs the drive signal to the imaging panel 201 to drive the imaging panel 201. The imaging condition information includes, for example, imaging region information (chest, abdomen, lumbar vertebrae, etc.), imaging direction (PA (post-anterior) / AP (front-rear), front / side), subject information (physique, whether the subject is a child, etc.), and dose measurement region information.

[0031] When the imaging condition information is input from the control unit 102 to the drive control unit 204, the drive control unit 204 generates drive control signals for driving the pixels (dose measurement pixels 202 and image generation pixels 203) of the imaging panel 201. The drive control unit 204 performs predetermined drive control on the image generation pixels 203. This predetermined drive control causes the image generation pixels 203 to accumulate radiation signals from the start to the end of radiation irradiation, and then output the accumulated radiation signals.

[0032] The region setting unit 205 sets a pixel region (dose measurement region) to be used for measuring the dose in accordance with the dose measurement region information set by the user. Accordingly, the region setting unit 205 outputs the set dose measurement region information to the drive control unit 204 and the control unit 102.

[0033] The drive control unit 204 specifies a pixel area of ​​the dose measurement pixels 202 to be used for dose measurement from among the plurality of dose measurement pixels 202 arranged on the imaging panel 201, based on the dose measurement area information acquired from the area setting unit 205. The drive control unit 204 drives the specified pixel area of ​​the dose measurement pixels 202. This driving executes a dose monitoring process in which data is read periodically during irradiation imaging.

[0034] <Control unit> The control unit 102 performs overall control of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 and performs communication processing with the outside. The control unit 102 includes a dose determination unit 206, a main control unit 207, and an image processing unit 208.

[0035] The main control unit 207 receives imaging condition information from the control device 120 and controls the imaging unit 101 based on the imaging condition information. The main control unit 207 also receives a drive status output from the drive control unit 204. After the imaging panel 201 is powered on, the drive control unit 204 checks the output characteristics of the imaging panel 201 and performs preparatory driving of the imaging panel 201 until the output characteristics of the imaging panel 201 stabilize. During the period until the output characteristics of the imaging panel 201 stabilize, the drive control unit 204 transmits a drive status indicating that imaging is not possible to the main control unit 207. Once the output characteristics of the imaging panel 201 stabilize, the drive control unit 204 transmits a drive status indicating that imaging is possible to the main control unit 207. The main control unit 207 also communicates with the radiation generation device 110 via the control device 120 and transmits an irradiation permission / stop signal.

[0036] The dose determination unit 206 makes an irradiation stop determination based on the dose information acquired from the dose measurement pixels 202 and outputs the result to the main control unit 207. In detail, the dose determination unit 206 receives an integrated dose value from the dose measurement pixels 202 and compares it with a preset dose threshold. If the integrated value exceeds the dose threshold, the dose determination unit 206 outputs a radiation irradiation stop determination signal to the main control unit 207 of the control unit 102. The control unit 102 controls to stop radiation irradiation based on the comparison result between the integrated value of the dose measured by the pixels in the pixel region and the preset threshold. For example, the control unit 102 controls to stop radiation irradiation if the integrated value exceeds the threshold.

[0037] The image processing unit 208 outputs an image after processing the radiation image information received from the image generating pixels 203 .

[0038] <Indicator display area> Next, the index display unit 103 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 4. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the radiation imaging apparatus. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an examination screen.

[0039] 2, the radiation imaging device 100 has a box-shaped (approximately rectangular parallelepiped) housing (exterior) that houses an imaging panel 201. Of the multiple surfaces that make up the housing of the radiation imaging device 100, the surface that receives incident radiation is the incident surface (front surface). An index display unit 103 is provided on this incident surface.

[0040] The index display unit 103 is a display index provided in the radiation imaging apparatus 100. The index display unit 103 includes an effective area index 104 and an irradiation field index 105. The effective area index 104 is an index indicating an area in which the image generation pixels 203 are arranged. The irradiation field index 105 is a plurality of indices indicating a range area in which a group (control unit) of multiple dose measurement pixels 202 is located.

[0041] These indices are formed by printing directly on the radiation incidence surface of the imaging unit 101. However, if paint is printed in overlapping areas where the indices overlap, i.e., at intersections, there is a risk of localized reduction in radiation transmittance. Localized reduction in radiation transmittance affects the quality of the radiographic image. Therefore, when printing each indices, it is preferable to adjust the area where the indices overlap so that only one layer of paint is applied.

[0042] The measurement field indices 105 can be used as a reference when aligning the subject and the radiation imaging device 100. Therefore, it is desirable to consider the visibility of the multiple measurement field indices 105 so that they are easy to use for alignment. The details of how to improve the visibility of the measurement field indices 105 will be described later.

[0043] 4, an examination screen for managing radiography displays indices similar to those displayed on the index display unit 103. The indices displayed on the examination screen can be used as information to assist in aligning the subject and the radiography device 100.

[0044] When radiography is performed, an examination screen 400 is displayed as a GUI of the imaging management application.

[0045] The examination screen 400 includes an image display area 410 and an information display area 420 .

[0046] Examination information and the like are displayed in the information display area 420. Information included in the information display area 420 includes, for example, imaging status, patient information, and imaging protocol information. In addition to these, the information display area 420 also displays measurement field selection information 423, an examination hold button 421, and an examination end button 422.

[0047] The measurement field selection information 423 displays the status of the currently selected measurement field. In FIG. 4, among the multiple measurement fields shown in the measurement field selection information 423, the one marked with diagonal lines is the selected measurement field. The selected measurement field is used for determining automatic exposure control (AEC) in the next radiation imaging. The selected measurement field can also be changed by performing a click operation, touch operation, etc. on the measurement field selection information 423. When the selected measurement field is changed, the selection status in the measurement field selection information 423 also changes. In detail, when the measurement field setting is changed in the control device 120, the measurement field information (dose measurement region information) is transmitted to the radiation imaging device 100. The radiation imaging device 100 updates the measurement field setting based on the acquired measurement field information. Then, it responds with the updated measurement field information to the control device. Based on this response, the control device 120 updates the display of the measurement field selection information 423 to the latest state.

[0048] A radiographic image 411 is mainly displayed in the image display area 410. The user diagnoses the subject based on the radiographic image 411 displayed after radiography.

[0049] Furthermore, in a situation where the next imaging is awaited, an optical image window 430 is superimposed on the image display area 410. An optical image 431 that allows the current state of the subject to be grasped is displayed in the optical image window 430 as an optical image acquired from the optical imaging device 140. A radiation field marker 432 is superimposed on the optical image 431.

[0050] The radiation measurement field marker 432 is displayed so as to follow a position corresponding to the detection position of the radiation imaging device 100. Therefore, the user can adjust the position of the subject to an appropriate position according to the position of the radiation measurement field to be used. Alternatively, the radiation measurement field marker 432 may be displayed superimposed so as to follow the subject. The user can adjust the position of the radiation measurement field to an ideal position by adjusting the position of the radiation imaging device 100 so that it matches the radiation measurement field marker 432. These processes can be realized, for example, by performing image recognition processing on the optical image and detecting the subject or the radiation imaging device 100.

[0051] Furthermore, the measurement field marker 432 may be displayed superimposed on the radiographic image 411 instead of the optical image 431. That is, the control device 120 (display control unit) can cause the display device 130 to display the processed image in a display format in which the set measurement field is superimposed on the processed image. By performing such output control (display control), the user can determine whether the dose measurement region has been appropriately set for the imaging region based on the output (displayed) image. The measurement field marker 432 may be used for comparison with an image previously captured under similar imaging conditions.

[0052] Here, the measurement field selection information 423 and the measurement field marker 432 are information that are used by comparing (collating) with the measurement field index 105 printed on the radiographic imaging apparatus 100. Therefore, it is desirable that the measurement field selection information 423 and the measurement field marker 432 are displayed in accordance with the display characteristics of the actual measurement field index 105. For example, among the measurement field indexes 105 in Fig. 2, the central measurement field index is printed with a bold frame. Therefore, it is desirable to display the measurement field selection information 423 and the measurement field marker 432 so that they have similar characteristics.

[0053] <Usage sequence> Next, the flow of using the radiation imaging system will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the sequence of using the radiation imaging system.

[0054] First, in step 301 (hereinafter referred to as S301, etc.), a user registers the radiation imaging apparatus 100 in the radiation imaging system 1. This operation enables the radiation imaging apparatus 100 to access a network that can communicate with the radiation generation apparatus 110.

[0055] In S302, the control device 120 acquires the identification information of the registered radiation imaging device 100 and performs processing to reflect the information on the examination screen so that the UI is in accordance with the functions and features of the radiation imaging device 100. The display of the radiation imaging device 100's features includes the measurement field index 105. That is, in accordance with the display format of the measurement field index of the radiation imaging device 100, the measurement field selection information 423 and the measurement field marker 432 are switched to the corresponding display format.

[0056] In S303, the user inputs examination information via the examination screen. The examination information includes selection information for the irradiation field (pixel area for dose management). The irradiation field may be selected from irradiation field selection information preset in the imaging device, or a unique combination of irradiation field selection information may be determined. The selected irradiation field information is input from the control device 120 to the drive control unit 204 and the area setting unit 205 via the main control unit 207.

[0057] Thereafter, the user performs an operation to align the imaging part of the subject to be imaged with the imaging unit 101 .

[0058] In S304, the user checks the measurement field indicator 105 marked on the radiation imaging apparatus 100 to ascertain the installation orientation of the radiation imaging apparatus, etc.

[0059] In S305, the user checks the examination screen (display screen) displayed on the display device 130 and understands the ideal installation position and installation orientation of the radiation imaging apparatus 100.

[0060] In S306, the user adjusts the installation position of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 relative to the subject so as to reflect the results of the comparison in S304 and S305, and completes the installation.

[0061] In S307, the user instructs the radiation generating apparatus 110 and the radiation imaging apparatus 100 to start radiation imaging using an exposure button (not shown) or the like.

[0062] In S308, the radiation imaging apparatus 100 starts radiation imaging.

[0063] In S309, the radiation imaging apparatus 100 checks whether the cumulative dose in the selected radiation measurement field has reached the threshold value.

[0064] In S310, the radiation imaging apparatus 100 outputs a radiation irradiation stop signal. In response to this, the radiation generation apparatus 110 stops irradiating radiation. When radiation imaging is completed, the radiation imaging apparatus 100 transmits the radiation image to the control apparatus 120.

[0065] In S311, the control device displays an examination screen including information about the radiation image on the display device 130. The control device 120 can display the dose measurement region information acquired from the main control unit 207 and the image after image processing (processed image) in a superimposed display format on the display device 130. This allows the user to check the alignment result between the imaging part of the subject and the dose measurement region.

[0066] <Improvement of the light collection area index> A method for improving the measurement field index will now be described. To accommodate a variety of imaging conditions, it is desirable to provide multiple measurement fields over a wide area. Arranging the measurement fields in a roughly matrix (column, two-dimensional) configuration is one possible method for providing multiple measurement fields. Here, "roughly matrix" refers to a configuration in which figures or marks are arranged in a roughly regular pattern vertically and horizontally. A measurement field arranged in a roughly matrix (column) configuration is, for example, a group of measurement fields with a 3x3 grid or greater number of cells. However, measurement fields arranged in a partially irregular pattern or with gaps in the matrix may also be included. In this manner, arranging the measurement fields in a roughly matrix configuration can achieve multi-region and subdivision of the measurement field. However, as the measurement field is further multi-regioned and subdivided, it becomes difficult to distinguish which measurement field index of the radiography device 100 is indicated by the measurement field index displayed on the control device 120. Therefore, it is desirable to provide the measurement field index 105 with a mechanism for improving visibility. In this embodiment, an example of improving visibility by providing two or more line thicknesses will be described.

[0067] FIG. 5(a) shows an example of emphasizing the illumination field indices. In FIG. 5(a), rectangular illumination field indices 105 are arranged in a matrix with intervals between them. Here, the illumination field indices (emphasized illumination field) around the center (toward the center) that are used as a reference for alignment are drawn with thick lines. On the other hand, the other illumination field indices (normal illumination fields) are drawn with thin lines. In this way, by varying the line width of multiple illumination field indices, the visibility of the illumination field indices used as a reference for alignment can be improved. In this example, the illumination field indices can be distinguished using two levels of line width, thick and thin, but the illumination field indices may also be distinguished using more line widths (three or more).

[0068] <Modification> Although a rectangular measurement area index is used as an example in Fig. 5(a), the measurement area index may have any other frame shape. The frame shape may be a geometrical figure.

[0069] Fig. 5(b) is an example of emphasizing the illumination field index, Fig. 5(c) is an example of emphasizing the illumination field index, and Fig. 5(d) is an example of emphasizing the illumination field index.

[0070] In FIG. 5(b), a pentagonal shape is used as the measurement field index 105. By using a vertically asymmetric (point-asymmetric) figure in this way, the user can recognize the installation orientation of the radiation imaging apparatus from the orientation of the measurement field index 105. Note that a horizontally asymmetric figure may be used instead of a vertically asymmetric figure. The measurement field index 105 may be a polygon other than a pentagon.

[0071] 5(c), the illumination field indices 105 that divide the area into a grid pattern are used. When the arrangement density of the illumination field indices is high, using such a shape can reduce the number of lines.

[0072] In Figure 5(d), a measurement field index 105 is used, which displays circular dots in a matrix. In this example, the center position (representative position) of the measurement field is represented by a dot (a non-frame-shaped figure). When the placement density of the measurement field is high, using this shape can improve visibility.

[0073] Instead of the approximately circular dots, symbolic figures such as cross marks or star marks may be used, and a combination of multiple types of marks may also be used.

[0074] Example 2 In this embodiment, an example of improving visibility by coloring or not will be described. Fig. 6(a) shows an example of coloring the illumination field index.

[0075] In FIG. 6(a), the interior of the central measurement field index (colored measurement field) that can be used as a reference for alignment is colored. On the other hand, the other measurement field indexes (normal measurement fields) are not colored. In this way, by differentiating the fill patterns (colored / uncolored) of the multiple measurement field indexes 105, it is possible to improve the visibility of the measurement field indexes used as a reference for alignment. In this example, the measurement field indexes are distinguishable in two levels: colored and uncolored. However, the measurement field indexes 105 may be distinguishable into three or more types by differentiating the hue, saturation, brightness, etc. of the measurement field indexes 105.

[0076] <Modification> In Fig. 6(a), an example is shown in which the central measurement area index is filled with a single color, but other coloring methods may be used. Fig. 6(b) shows an example of coloring the measurement area index. Fig. 6(c) shows an example of coloring the measurement area index.

[0077] 6(b), the arrangement of the colored measurement field indices 105 is configured to be asymmetrical between the top and bottom. With this configuration, the orientation of the radiation imaging device 100 can be recognized simply by visually checking the measurement field indices 105.

[0078] 6(b), coloring is performed so that an asymmetric shading (gradation) occurs above and below within one measurement field index 105. By changing the coloring pattern in this way, the orientation of the radiation imaging device 100 can be recognized simply by visually checking the measurement field index 105.

[0079] Example 3 In this embodiment, an example will be described in which visibility is improved by de-emphasizing some of the measurement field indices.

[0080] FIG. 7(a) shows an example of deemphasizing the illumination field indices. In FIG. 7(a), rectangular illumination field indices 105 are arranged in a matrix. Here, the illumination field indices around the center (normal illumination fields) used as a reference for alignment are drawn with solid lines. On the other hand, the other illumination field indices (non-emphasized illumination fields) are drawn with dashed lines. In this way, by using different line types for multiple illumination field indices, the visibility of the illumination field indices used as a reference for alignment can be improved. In this example, the illumination field indices can be distinguished using two types of lines, solid and dashed, but the illumination field indices may also be distinguished using more types of line types (three or more).

[0081] <Modification> In FIG. 7(a), a method is adopted in which dotted lines and solid lines are used to distinguish the measurement area indices, but other methods may be used to make the measurement area indices distinguishable.

[0082] Fig. 7(b) shows an example in which the measurement field index is not displayed, and Fig. 7(c) shows an example in which the measurement field index is given priority.

[0083] In Fig. 7(b), some of the measurement field indices are displayed while other measurement field indices are hidden. The dotted lines of the hidden measurement fields in Fig. 7(b) indicate that the lines are not actually drawn. Here, the hidden measurement fields (hidden measurement fields) refer to measurement fields (internal measurement fields) that are not displayed on the measurement field indices 105 but are selectable on the examination screen 400.

[0084] The illumination field indicator 105 does not necessarily need to display all illumination fields selectable by the user. Therefore, when the illumination fields are arranged densely, the clutter of the illumination field indicator 105 can be reduced by omitting the description of some of the illumination field indicators. Furthermore, when the internal illumination field is arranged over a wider range than the arrangement range of the displayed illumination field, the outermost shape of the internal illumination field may be indicated by the marker 701. In this way, by hiding some of the illumination field indicators, the visibility of the illumination field indicators used as a reference for alignment can be improved.

[0085] FIG. 7( c) shows an example in which the display format is differentiated by whether or not other indices are displayed within the measurement field indices. An example of such an indices is the central indices 702. The indices in the priority measurement field are displayed with priority over the central indices 702. Therefore, the central indices 702 are not displayed superimposed within the area of ​​the priority measurement field indices. On the other hand, the indices in the non-priority measurement fields are displayed with priority over the central indices 702. Therefore, the central indices are displayed superimposed within the area of ​​the non-priority measurement field indices. This relationship can also be considered as a layered structure. Specifically, the indices in the priority measurement field are positioned in front of the central indices 702, and the indices in the non-priority measurement fields are positioned behind the central indices 702. By varying whether or not the central indices 702 are displayed superimposed, the visibility of the measurement field indices used as a reference for alignment can be improved.

[0086] Example 4 In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the visibility of the measurement area index is improved by expressing a detailed measurement area within the measurement area. Fig. 8(a) shows an example in which an auxiliary line is provided on the measurement area index.

[0087] In FIG. 8( a), in addition to the grid lines (matrix lines) indicating the detailed measurement fields, measurement field indices 105 are provided to group multiple detailed measurement fields. By providing the measurement field indices 105 to group (consolidate or group) the numerous detailed measurement fields with low visibility, visibility can be improved. Specifically, the measurement field indices 105 are provided to overlap the grid lines. This configuration allows not only the positions of the representative measurement fields used in normal settings but also the relative positions of the detailed measurement fields to be grasped. For example, the control device 120 can accept normal measurement field settings via the examination screen. In normal measurement field settings, a measurement field to be used for radiography is selected from a 5×5 grid. Furthermore, the control device 120 can accept detailed measurement field settings via the examination screen. In detailed measurement field settings, a measurement field to be used for radiography is selected from a 15×15 grid. In other words, FIG. 8( a) shows that one normal measurement field includes nine detailed measurement fields. In this case, it is desirable to improve visibility by making the line of the measurement field index 105 and the auxiliary lines different in line width, line type, line color, etc. For example, it is desirable to improve visibility by making the measurement field index 105 a thick line and the auxiliary lines a thin line.

[0088] <Modification> FIG. 8(b) shows an example in which auxiliary lines (grid lines) are provided on the light-collecting field index.

[0089] In FIG. 8(b), the measurement field index 105 is arranged so as not to align with the grid lines (matrix lines) that indicate the detailed measurement field. Such measurement field indexes are used in the radiography device 100, which allows for flexible design of the measurement field. In this way, visibility can be improved by arranging the measurement field index 105 so as to surround an area where multiple detailed measurement fields, which are numerous and have low visibility, are arranged. In this case, it is desirable to improve visibility by making the lines of the measurement field index 105 and the grid lines different in line width, type, or color. For example, it is desirable to improve visibility by using thick lines for the measurement field index 105 and thin lines for the grid lines.

[0090] (Other Examples) Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Inventions modified within the scope of the present invention and inventions equivalent to the present invention are also included in the present invention. For example, not all of the combinations of features described in the above embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention. Some features may be replaced with other features or deleted as long as the effects of the present invention are obtained. Furthermore, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of components described in the above embodiments are merely examples and can be changed as appropriate depending on the conditions. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate within the scope of the present invention. The above embodiments disclose not only the device itself but also a manufacturing method.

[0091] In this specification, radiation includes not only X-rays but also α-rays, β-rays, γ-rays, particle rays, cosmic rays, and the like.

[0092] (Addendum) This specification includes the following disclosure.

[0093] [Appendix 1] A radiation imaging apparatus that detects a dose in a selected one of a plurality of radiation measurement fields, a radiation detection panel including at least one dose detection element in each of the plurality of radiation measurement areas; a housing that houses the radiation detection panel and has an incident surface that receives the radiation, a plurality of indices corresponding to the plurality of irradiation areas and arranged in a matrix are formed on the incident surface; the display form of a first index among the plurality of indexes is a first display form; A radiation imaging apparatus, wherein a display form of a second index among the plurality of indexes is a second display form different from the first display form.

[0094] [Appendix 2] The radiographic imaging device described in Appendix 1, wherein the second display form differs from the first display form in at least one of line type, line width, hue, saturation, brightness, and fill pattern.

[0095] [Appendix 3] The radiographic imaging device described in Appendix 1 or 2, characterized in that the first index is an index located closer to the center of the incident surface than the second index, and the first display form is a display form with better visibility than the second display form.

[0096] [Appendix 4] 4. The radiographic imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the entrance surface further comprises an index indicating the outline of an area in which the plurality of irradiation fields are arranged.

[0097] [Appendix 5] 5. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of indices correspond to respective range regions of the plurality of irradiation fields.

[0098] [Appendix 6] 6. The radiographic imaging device according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of indices are represented by a plurality of frame-shaped figures arranged in a matrix at intervals.

[0099] [Appendix 7] 7. The radiographic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the frame-shaped figure is a geometric figure.

[0100] [Appendix 8] 8. The radiographic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the geometric shape is a polygon.

[0101] [Appendix 9] 9. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the polygon is a rectangle.

[0102] [Appendix 10] 7. The radiographic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the frame-shaped figure is a point-asymmetric figure.

[0103] [Appendix 11] 5. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of indices correspond to representative positions of the plurality of irradiation fields.

[0104] [Appendix 12] 12. The radiographic imaging device according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of indices are represented by a plurality of non-frame-shaped figures arranged in a matrix at intervals.

[0105] [Appendix 13] 13. The radiographic apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the non-frame-shaped figure is a dot.

[0106] [Appendix 14] 13. The radiographic apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the non-frame-shaped graphic is a symbol-shaped graphic.

[0107] [Appendix 15] The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the representative position is the center position of the radiation field.

[0108] [Appendix 16] 4. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of indices are represented by areas divided into a grid pattern.

[0109] [Appendix 17] A method for manufacturing a radiographic imaging device that detects a dose in a selected one of a plurality of radiation measurement fields, the radiographic imaging device comprising: a radiation detection panel having at least one dose detection element in each of the plurality of radiation measurement fields; and a housing that houses the radiation detection panel and has an incident surface that receives the radiation, the method comprising: forming a plurality of indices corresponding to the plurality of irradiation areas and arranged in a matrix on the incident surface; the display form of a first index among the plurality of indexes is a first display form; A manufacturing method characterized in that the display form of a second index among the plurality of indexes is a second display form different from the first display form.

[0110] [Appendix 18] A radiation imaging apparatus that detects a dose in a selected one of a plurality of radiation measurement fields, a radiation detection panel including at least one dose detection element in each of the plurality of radiation measurement areas; a housing that houses the radiation detection panel and has an incident surface that receives the radiation, a plurality of indices corresponding to the plurality of irradiation areas and arranged in a matrix are formed on the incident surface; the display form of the plurality of indicators is a first display form, A radiation imaging apparatus, characterized in that a display form of a second index that groups together some of the plurality of indexes is a second display form different from the first display form.

[0111] [Appendix 19] A radiation imaging apparatus that detects a dose in a selected one of a plurality of radiation measurement fields, a radiation detection panel including at least one dose detection element in each of the plurality of radiation collection fields; and a housing that houses the radiation detection panel and has an incident surface that receives the radiation, the method comprising: forming a plurality of indices corresponding to the plurality of irradiation areas and arranged in a matrix on the incident surface; the display form of the plurality of indicators is a first display form, A manufacturing method characterized in that the display form of a further second indicator that groups together some of the multiple indicators is a second display form different from the first display form. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 100 Radiography equipment 104 Effective Area Index 105 Light field index 202 Dose measurement pixel (dose detection pixel, dose detection element)

Claims

1. A radiation imaging apparatus that detects a dose in a selected one of a plurality of radiation measurement fields, a radiation detection panel including at least one dose detection element in each of the plurality of radiation measurement areas; a housing that houses the radiation detection panel and has an incident surface that receives the radiation, a plurality of indices corresponding to the plurality of irradiation areas and arranged in a matrix are formed on the incident surface; a display form of a first index among the plurality of indexes is a first display form; a display mode of a second index among the plurality of indexes being a second display mode different from the first display mode;

2. 2. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second display mode differs from the first display mode in at least one of line type, line width, hue, saturation, brightness, and fill pattern.

3. 2. The radiographic imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the first index is an index located closer to the center of the incident surface than the second index, and the first display form is a display form having better visibility than the second display form.

4. 2. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the incident surface further comprises an index indicating the outline of an area in which the plurality of radiation measurement fields are arranged.

5. 2. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of indices correspond to respective range regions of the plurality of radiation fields.

6. 6. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of indices are represented by a plurality of frame-shaped figures arranged in a matrix at intervals.

7. 7. The radiographic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the frame-shaped figure is a geometric figure.

8. 8. The radiographic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the geometrical figure is a polygon.

9. 9. The radiographic apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the polygon is a rectangle.

10. 7. The radiographic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the frame-shaped figure is a point-asymmetric figure.

11. 2. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of indices correspond to representative positions of the plurality of radiation collection fields.

12. 12. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of indices are represented by a plurality of non-frame-shaped figures arranged in a matrix at intervals.

13. 13. The radiographic apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the non-frame-shaped graphic is a dot.

14. 13. The radiographic apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the non-frame-shaped graphic is a symbol-shaped graphic.

15. 12. The radiographic apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the representative position is a center position of the radiation field.

16. 2. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of indices are represented by areas divided into a grid pattern.

17. A method for manufacturing a radiographic imaging device that detects a dose in a selected one of a plurality of radiation measurement fields, the radiographic imaging device comprising: a radiation detection panel having at least one dose detection element in each of the plurality of radiation measurement fields; and a housing that houses the radiation detection panel and has an incident surface that receives the radiation, the method comprising: forming a plurality of indices corresponding to the plurality of irradiation areas and arranged in a matrix on the incident surface; a display form of a first index among the plurality of indexes is a first display form; A manufacturing method characterized in that a display form of a second index among the plurality of indexes is a second display form different from the first display form.

18. A radiation imaging apparatus that detects a dose in a selected one of a plurality of radiation measurement fields, a radiation detection panel including at least one dose detection element in each of the plurality of radiation measurement areas; a housing that houses the radiation detection panel and has an incident surface that receives the radiation, a plurality of indices corresponding to the plurality of irradiation areas and arranged in a matrix are formed on the incident surface; the display form of the plurality of indicators is a first display form, A radiation imaging apparatus, characterized in that a display form of a second index that groups together some of the plurality of indexes is a second display form different from the first display form.

19. A radiation imaging apparatus that detects a dose in a selected one of a plurality of radiation measurement fields, a radiation detection panel including at least one dose detection element in each of the plurality of radiation collection fields; and a housing that houses the radiation detection panel and has an incident surface that receives the radiation, the method comprising: forming a plurality of indices corresponding to the plurality of irradiation areas and arranged in a matrix on the incident surface; the display form of the plurality of indicators is a first display form, A manufacturing method characterized in that the display form of a further second index that groups together some of the plurality of indexes is a second display form different from the first display form.

Images