Radiography system and radiography support method

Abstract

Perform radiography while confirming the patient's positioning. [Solution] The system 100 comprises an optical imaging unit (optical camera) 2A that acquires an optical image of the subject (object) S, a radiation generator (control device) 2 (console 3) that displays the acquired radiation image, and a tablet (mobile terminal) 4 that can communicate wirelessly with the radiation generator 2. The tablet 4 that constitutes the system 100 is equipped with a display unit 44 that displays the optical image of the subject S acquired by the optical imaging unit 2A.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a radiation imaging system and a radiation imaging support method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for the purpose of performing X-ray imaging with appropriate positioning, an X-ray imaging system has been disclosed that determines whether a patient can be considered immobile based on image information generated by optically imaging the patient (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the X-ray imaging system disclosed in Patent Document 1 above, when it is determined that a patient can be considered immobile, the optical imaging is terminated, and the operator moves to the control room and instructs the execution of X-ray imaging. Therefore, in the above X-ray imaging system, there is a problem that after it is determined that a patient can be considered immobile, the operator cannot confirm that the body posture of the patient has changed even if the body posture of the patient changes.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to perform radiation imaging while confirming the positioning of a patient.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a radiation imaging system according to the present invention includes an optical camera that acquires an optical image of a subject, a control device that displays a captured radiation image, A mobile terminal capable of wireless communication with the optical camera or the control device, Equipped with, The mobile terminal includes a display unit that displays an optical image of a subject acquired by the optical camera. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, radiography can be performed while confirming the patient's positioning. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing a radiography system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows the functional configuration of an FPD (Flat Panel Detector). [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a mobile medical unit. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a tablet. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the inspection process. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the inspection process. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the inspection process. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the display on the inspection screen. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the display on the inspection screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0010] <1. Configuration of the radiography system> First, the schematic configuration of the radiography system according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the radiography system 100. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the FPD1. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mobile examination vehicle RC.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the radiography system (hereinafter referred to as the system) 100 of this embodiment is installed in a medical facility such as a hospital. When a user U, such as a radiographer at the medical facility, is making rounds to a patient, they move with the system 100 to the ward, operating room, or other location where the patient is located and take radiographs of the patient. Here, we will describe an example where the location of the rounds is a ward, a bed B is set up in the ward, and the patient S, who is the subject of the examination, is in a supine position on the bed B with its back raised when taking radiographs.

[0012] System 100 comprises an FPD (Flat Panel Detector) 1, a mobile medical unit (RC), and a tablet 4. The mobile medical unit (RC) includes a radiation generator 2 and a console 3. The FPD 1 and the mobile medical unit (RC) can communicate with each other, for example, via wireless communication. The mobile medical unit (RC) can also connect to the medical facility's communication network (such as a LAN (Local Area Network)) in its waiting area (storage location) before rounds. The mobile medical unit (RC) and the tablet 4 are connected via short-range wireless communication. This short-range wireless communication is assumed to be, for example, BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy). The tablet 4 is a mobile terminal used by user U.

[0013] Note that the system 100 is not limited to being configured to have a round-trip vehicle RC and be movable, and may be installed in a photography room of a medical facility. Also, the system 100 may be capable of communicating with a hospital information system (HIS), a radiology information system (RIS), etc. Further, the system 100 may be capable of communicating with a picture archiving and communication system (PACS), a dynamic analysis device, etc. Also, the communication network may be wired or wireless.

[0014] The FPD 1 is a device that generates radiation image data corresponding to the radiation R emitted from the radiation generator 2, is configured in a panel shape, and can be carried. Therefore, the FPD 1 can be loaded on the imaging table and used, and it is also possible to horizontally arrange and use the FPD 1 between the subject S lying on the bed B and the bed B. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, it is also possible to vertically arrange and use the FPD 1 between the subject S sitting in the raised bed B or wheelchair and the backrest.

[0015] Note that the radiation incident surface (the surface facing the subject S) of the FPD 1 loaded on the imaging table is in a state parallel or perpendicular to the horizontal plane. However, in imaging without using the imaging table (on the bed B or wheelchair), the radiation incident surface may not necessarily be in a state parallel or perpendicular to the horizontal plane (may be inclined). Also, when the FPD 1 is interposed between a soft instrument such as the bed B and the subject S, it may move along with the movement of the subject S.

[0016] The radiation generator 2 includes a generator main body 21, an irradiation instruction switch 22, an X-ray tube 23, an X-ray tube support portion 24, a collimator 25, and an FPD storage portion 26. Also, the radiation generator 2 is movable by wheels provided on the housing of the generator main body 21.

[0017] When the irradiation instruction switch 22 is operated (pressed) by the user U, it outputs an operation signal to the generator main body 21. In FIG. 1, the state where the irradiation instruction switch 22 is connected to the generator main body 21 by wire is illustrated, but the irradiation instruction switch 22 and the generator main body 21 may be connected wirelessly.

[0018] When the irradiation instruction switch 22 is operated, the tube 23 generates radiation R (such as X-rays) with a dose corresponding to the preset imaging conditions in a manner corresponding to the imaging conditions, and irradiates it from the irradiation port.

[0019] The tube support 24 is an arm that supports the tube 23. The tube support 24 has a support portion 241 that extends from the generator main body 21 to the upper tip, and a support portion 242 that extends forward from the upper part of the support portion 241. The tip of the support portion 242 supports the tube 23. Further, the tube support 24 has a joint mechanism (not shown), so that the tube 23 can be moved in the X-axis direction (the front-rear direction of the radiation generator 2 (the left-right direction in FIG. 1)), the Y-axis direction orthogonal to the X-axis (the width direction of the radiation generator 2 (the direction orthogonal to the paper surface in FIG. 1)), and the Z-axis direction orthogonal to the X-axis and Y-axis (the vertical direction (the up-down direction in FIG. 1)). Also, the tube support 24 can change the direction of the irradiation port of the radiation R by rotating the tube 23 around a rotation axis parallel to the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis by a joint mechanism (not shown).

[0020] The collimator 25 is attached to the irradiation port of the tube 23, and narrows the radiation R so that the irradiation field of the radiation R irradiated from the irradiation port becomes a preset rectangular shape. The collimator 25 also has a lamp button (not shown). When the lamp button is operated by the user, visible light is irradiated to the range that becomes the irradiation field of the radiation R.

[0021] The FPD storage unit 26 stores the FPD1 when not in use and is located on the side of the generator body 21. The FPD storage unit 26 is capable of storing multiple FPD1s. A connector (not shown) is provided inside the FPD storage unit 26, and when an FPD1 is stored, it may be configured to connect to the connector 16a (see Figure 2) of the FPD1.

[0022] Console 3 consists of a PC (Personal Computer), a mobile terminal, or a dedicated device and is mounted on top of the radiation generator 2. Based on imaging orders obtained from external devices (such as RIS) or operations performed on the control unit 32 by user U, Console 3 can set imaging conditions (tube voltage, tube current and irradiation time or current-time product (mAs value), imaging site, imaging direction, etc.) for at least one of the FPD1 and the radiation generator 2. An imaging order is information about radiography requested by a clinician from user U, and includes the specified date and time of radiography, patient information of the subject being examined (such as patient ID), imaging site (such as imaging site ID), purpose ID, and information about the imaging content. Console 3 can also acquire radiographic image data generated by FPD1 and save it to itself or transmit it to other external devices (such as PACS).

[0023] Radiography (seated radiography) using the system 100 (mobile RC) configured in this way is performed as follows. First, user U places the system 100 next to the patient S (bed B). Then, user U has the patient S assume a seated position. If the patient S is sitting on an adjustable device (such as bed B, which can be partially raised), user U adjusts the angle of the backrest of bed B as appropriate. Then, the approximate position and orientation of the radiograph tube 23 are adjusted so that the irradiation port of the radiograph tube 23 faces the area being photographed on the patient S. Next, the FPD 1 is taken out of the FPD storage unit 26 and placed between the patient S's back and the backrest. Finally, the orientation and irradiation field of the radiograph tube 23 are finely adjusted so that the irradiation axis of the radiation R is perpendicular to the radiation incident plane of the FPD 1. Then, radiography is performed (radiation R is irradiated onto the area of ​​the subject S, and radiographic image data of the area to be diagnosed is generated on the FPD1, either as a still image or a moving image).

[0024] In this case, when performing radiography, user U needs to assist in positioning the subject S to prevent movement. In this case, since user U is located near the bed B on which subject S is lying, user U cannot see the main display unit 31 of console 3 (see Figure 3). Therefore, even if the optical image of subject S taken by the optical imaging unit 2A (described later) is displayed on the main display unit 31, user U cannot see the optical image. In this embodiment, to solve this problem, the optical image of subject S taken by the optical imaging unit 2A is displayed on the display unit 44 of tablet 4, so that user U can assist in positioning the subject S and confirm the positioning of subject S.

[0025] The main body of the radiation generator 21 and the console 3 are configured to be integrated (they may be housed in a single enclosure), but they may also be separate. Furthermore, the radiation generator 2 may be movable by means other than wheels. For example, the radiation generator 2 may be lightweight enough to be carried by a person or mounted on a commercially available trolley, or its bottom surface may be smooth so that it can slide on the floor. Also, in the system 100, one of the FPD 1 and the radiation generator 2 may be installed in a room in a medical facility, etc. (the other device may be freely movable).

[0026] Next, the functional configuration of FPD1 will be described with reference to Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, FPD1 comprises a radiation detection unit 11, a scanning drive unit 12, a readout unit 13, a control unit 14, a storage unit 15, a communication unit 16, and a sensor unit 17. Each part of FPD1 is connected by communication.

[0027] The radiation detection unit 11 comprises a scintillator (not shown) and a photoelectric conversion panel 111. The scintillator is formed in a flat plate shape, for example, from a columnar crystal of CsI. When the scintillator receives radiation, it emits electromagnetic waves with a longer wavelength than the radiation (for example, visible light) at an intensity corresponding to the dose (mAs) of the radiation received. The scintillator is also arranged to spread parallel to the radiation incident surface of the housing of the radiation detection unit 11.

[0028] The photoelectric conversion panel 111 is positioned parallel to the scintillator, on the side opposite to the surface facing the radiation incident surface of the scintillator. The photoelectric conversion panel 111 has a substrate 111a and a plurality of charge storage units 111b. The plurality of charge storage units 111b are arranged in a two-dimensional (e.g., matrix) manner on the surface of the substrate facing the scintillator, corresponding to each pixel of the radiation image. Each charge storage unit 111b has a semiconductor element that generates an amount of charge corresponding to the intensity of the electromagnetic wave generated by the scintillator, and a switch element provided between each semiconductor element and the wiring connected to the readout unit 13. A bias voltage is applied to each semiconductor element from a power supply circuit (not shown). Each charge storage unit then stores and releases charge to be read out as a signal value according to the received radiation by switching the on / off state of the switch element.

[0029] The scanning drive unit 12 switches each switching element to an ON state or an OFF state by applying an ON voltage or an OFF voltage to each scanning line 111c of the radiation detection unit 11.

[0030] The reading unit 13 reads out the amount of charge flowing in from the charge storage unit 111b via each signal line 111d of the radiation detection unit 11 as a signal value. The reading unit 13 may perform binning when reading out the signal value.

[0031] The control unit 14 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and RAM (Random Access Memory), which are not shown. The CPU reads various processing programs stored in the memory unit 15, loads them into the RAM, and executes various processes in cooperation with the loaded processing programs, thereby comprehensively controlling the operation of each part of the FPD1. The control unit 14 also generates radiation image data based on multiple signal values ​​read by the reading unit 13.

[0032] The storage unit 15 is composed of semiconductor memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores various programs executed by the control unit 14, parameters necessary for program execution, and various file data. The storage unit 15 may also be capable of storing image data of radiation images.

[0033] The communication unit 16 consists of wireless communication modules and the like. The communication unit 16 transmits and receives various signals and data to and from external devices such as the mobile medical unit RC, which is connected via wireless communication.

[0034] The sensor unit 17 is a detection unit for information necessary to calculate the opposing angle between the FPD 1 and the light tube 23. The sensor unit 17 is a 3-axis accelerometer. The 3-axis accelerometer detects acceleration acting in the three axes (x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis) and outputs the acceleration information of the detected acceleration in the three axes to the control unit 14. In a stationary state, only gravitational acceleration acts on the 3-axis accelerometer. Therefore, in a stationary state, the 3-axis accelerometer detects the three axial components of gravitational acceleration.

[0035] The sensor unit 17 may be a 6-axis sensor or a 9-axis sensor. A 6-axis sensor is a 3-axis accelerometer with the added function of detecting angular velocity (gyro) on each of the three axes. A 9-axis sensor is a 6-axis sensor with the added function of detecting orientation (east, west, north, south) on each of the three axes.

[0036] The control unit 14, for example, triggers the sensor unit 17 to repeatedly detect acceleration information of gravity acceleration in the three axes when a predetermined condition is met. The predetermined condition includes, for example, the power of the FPD1 being turned on, the reception of a predetermined control signal from another device (such as the mobile medical unit RC), and the performance of a predetermined operation on the operating unit (not shown) of the FPD1. Each time the sensor unit 17 detects acceleration information of gravity acceleration, the control unit 14 transmits the detected acceleration information of gravity acceleration to the mobile medical unit RC via the communication unit 16.

[0037] As for the operation of the control unit 14, for example, the control unit 14 executes control to cause the scanning drive unit 12 to accumulate and release charge in the radiation detection unit 11 in synchronization with the timing of radiation R being irradiated from the radiation generator 2. The control unit 14 also executes control to cause the readout unit 13 to read out signal values ​​based on the charge released by the radiation detection unit 11. Furthermore, the control unit 14 generates still or moving image data of radiation corresponding to the dose distribution of the irradiated radiation R based on the signal values ​​read out by the readout unit 13. Moving images include dynamic images and fluoroscopic images. When generating still image radiation data, the control unit 14 generates the radiation image data only once for each press of the irradiation instruction switch 22. When generating moving image radiation data, i.e., when shooting a video, the control unit 14 repeats the generation of radiation image data of the frame images constituting the moving image multiple times per predetermined time (for example, 15 times per second) for each press of the irradiation instruction switch 22. Furthermore, the control unit 14 transmits the generated radiation image data to an external device (such as a mobile medical unit RC) via the communication unit 16.

[0038] Furthermore, FPD1 is not limited to the indirect conversion type that converts radiation into electrical signals via a scintillator as described above; it may also be a direct conversion type that directly converts radiation into electrical signals using a semiconductor element.

[0039] Next, with reference to Figure 3, the functional configuration of the radiation generator 2 and console 3 of the mobile medical unit RC will be described. As shown in Figure 3, the radiation generator 2 includes a generator body 21, an irradiation instruction switch 22, a light tube 23, a light tube support 24, a collimator 25, and an FPD storage unit 26, as well as a sensor unit 27, a sub-display unit 28, a distance measuring unit 29, and an optical imaging unit 2A. The generator body 21 also includes a control unit 211, a storage unit 212, a generator 213, a communication unit 214, and a short-range wireless communication unit 215. All parts of the radiation generator 2, except for the light tube 23, are connected in a communicative manner.

[0040] The sensor unit 27 is provided on the tube 23 and is a 3-axis acceleration sensor similar to the sensor unit 17. The sensor unit 27 may also be a 6-axis sensor or a 9-axis sensor. Furthermore, the sensors constituting the sensor unit 27 may be of a different type than the sensors constituting the sensor unit 17. The control unit 211 calculates the opposing angle between the FPD1 (the radiation incident surface of the FPD1) and the tube 23 (the surface perpendicular to the radiation irradiation direction of the FPD1) from the acceleration information of gravity acceleration in the 3 axes received from the stationary FPD1 via the communication unit 214 and the acceleration information of gravity acceleration in the 3 axes detected by the sensor unit 27 in the stationary tube 23.

[0041] The sub-display unit 28 is composed of a display unit such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and is provided, for example, near the tube 23. The sub-display unit 28 displays various images and other display information according to the display information input from the control unit 211. The sub-display unit 28 and the optical imaging unit 2A are provided in the housing of the collimator 25. However, the sub-display unit 28 and the optical imaging unit 2A may also be provided in the housing of the tube 23 or in the tube support unit 24. Furthermore, the display content of the sub-display unit 28 is separate from the display content of the main display unit 31.

[0042] The distance measuring unit 29 is a measuring unit that measures SID (Source Image Distance) and outputs the measured SID to the control unit 211. SID is the distance between the focal point F of the radiation R and the imaging surface of the FPD1 (the surface on which the charge accumulation unit 111b in the radiation detection unit 11 is provided). The distance measuring unit 29 may also be configured to measure SSD (Source Skin Distance). SSD is the distance between the focal point F of the radiation R and the body surface of the subject S, and is approximately equal to the difference between SID and the body thickness of the subject S. The distance measuring unit 29 is provided in the collimator 25.

[0043] The distance measuring unit 29 may consist of, for example, a light-emitting means for emitting laser light, a detection means for detecting the reflected laser light, and a calculation means for calculating the distance from the light-emitting means to the reflection point based on the time from when the laser light is emitted until the reflected laser light is detected. Alternatively, it may consist of a calculation means for calculating the SID based on the optical image of the FPD1 and the size information of the FPD1 generated by the optical imaging unit 2A, which optically photographs the FPD1 in the direction of radiation irradiation. It may also be a combination of these. Furthermore, since the laser light is reflected off the body surface of the subject S, the distance measured by the distance measuring unit 29 using laser light is often SSD. In this case, the SID is the measured SSD plus the body thickness of the subject S. The body thickness may be a predetermined reference value, a value entered by the user U, or automatically calculated from the information of the subject S.

[0044] The control unit 211 calculates alignment information that includes the three-axis acceleration information of the FPD1 from the sensor unit 17 (calculated from the tilt information (attitude) of the radiation incident surface of the FPD1 relative to the horizontal plane), the three-axis acceleration information of the tube 23 from the sensor unit 27 (calculated from the tilt information (attitude) of the plane of the tube 23 (collimator 25) perpendicular to the radiation irradiation direction relative to the horizontal plane), and the distance between the FPD1 and the tube 23 from the distance measuring unit 29. The tilt information of the FPD1 may also be expressed as a difference value from the tilt information of the tube 23 (collimator 25). The user can understand the arrangement of the FPD1 and the tube 23 in the current radiation imaging by looking at the alignment information from past radiation imaging and adjust the arrangement of the FPD1 and the tube 23 (collimator 25). Note that the alignment information may also be a standalone alignment of only the tilt information of the tube 23.

[0045] The optical imaging unit 2A includes an optical system such as a lens and an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). The optical imaging unit 2A, in accordance with the control unit 211, optically photographs the subject S with visible light to generate optical image data and outputs it to the control unit 211 or the like. For example, the optical imaging unit 2A optically photographs the subject S to generate optical image data such as a still image or a live image.

[0046] The control unit 211 consists of a CPU, RAM, and other components. The CPU reads various programs stored in the memory unit 212, loads them into the RAM, and performs various processes in cooperation with the loaded programs to control the radiation generator 2 and the console 3.

[0047] The memory unit 212 is composed of non-volatile semiconductor memory or an HDD, and stores various data such as various programs executed by the control unit 211, parameters necessary for program execution, and files.

[0048] Upon receiving a shooting instruction signal from the control unit 211, the generator 213 applies a voltage to the tube 23 according to the preset shooting conditions and supplies a current to the tube 23 according to the shooting conditions.

[0049] The communication unit 214 consists of communication modules and the like. The communication unit 214 is capable of sending and receiving various signals and data to and from the wirelessly connected FPD1 and external devices such as RIS via a communication network.

[0050] The short-range wireless communication unit 215, like the communication unit 214, is composed of communication modules and the like. The short-range wireless communication unit 215 performs short-range wireless communication with the tablet 4 using BLE.

[0051] Console 3 comprises a control unit, a storage unit, a communication unit, a main display unit 31, an operation unit 32, and an audio output unit 33. The control unit, storage unit, and communication unit of Console 3 are also the control unit 211, storage unit 212, and communication unit 214 of the radiation generator 2, respectively. Alternatively, Console 3 may be configured to include a dedicated control unit, storage unit, and communication unit.

[0052] The main display unit 31 is composed of an LCD or EL display, etc. The main display unit 31 displays various information according to the display information input from the control unit 211.

[0053] The operation unit 32 consists of, for example, a keyboard with various keys, a pointing device for inputting location information, and a touch panel integrally formed on the display screen of the main display unit 31, and receives operation input from the user U and outputs the operation information to the control unit 211.

[0054] The audio output unit 33 consists of an amplifier, a speaker, etc., and outputs audio according to the audio information input from the control unit 211.

[0055] Next, the functional configuration of the tablet 4 will be described with reference to Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, the tablet 4 comprises a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a short-range wireless communication unit 43, a display unit 44, and an operation unit 45.

[0056] The control unit 41 consists of a CPU, RAM, etc., and is designed to centrally control the operation of each part of the tablet 4.

[0057] The memory unit 42 is composed of non-volatile memory or a hard disk, and stores various programs executed by the CPU and parameters necessary for program execution.

[0058] The short-range wireless communication unit 43 consists of communication modules and the like. The short-range wireless communication unit 43 performs short-range wireless communication with the mobile medical unit RC (radiation generator 2) using BLE.

[0059] The display unit 44 is composed of, for example, an LCD. The display unit 44 displays an image corresponding to the image data acquired from the control unit 41 (for example, an optical image of the subject S taken by the optical imaging unit 2A).

[0060] The operation unit 45 includes various function keys and a touch panel laminated on the surface of the display unit 44. The operation unit 45 outputs control signals to the control unit 41 in response to operations performed by the user U.

[0061] <2. Operation of the radiography system> Next, with reference to Figure 5, the operation flow of the inspection process performed by system 100 will be described. Note that this inspection process can also be applied when system 100 is installed in the imaging room of a medical facility, as described above.

[0062] As shown in Figure 5, when the inspection process is started, the control unit 211 first displays an inspection list screen (not shown) on the main display unit 31 (step S1). The inspection list screen includes an inspection list display field that displays a list of inspection order information, an inspection information display field that displays the inspection order information selected by the operation unit 32, and an inspection start button for instructing the start of the inspection.

[0063] Next, the control unit 211 determines whether or not the operation to instruct the start of the inspection, that is, the operation to press the inspection start button described above, has been performed (step S2). If it is determined in step S2 that the operation to instruct the start of the inspection has not been performed (step S2; NO), the control unit 211 repeatedly executes the determination process of step S2.

[0064] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S2 that an operation to instruct the start of the examination has been performed (step S2; YES), the control unit 211 turns ON the display of the optical image captured by the optical imaging unit 2A (step S3). Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the control unit 211 transmits the optical image captured by the optical imaging unit 2A to the tablet 4 via the short-range wireless communication unit 215, and displays the optical image on the display unit 44 of the tablet 4. In the example in Figure 1, the optical image of the subject S is displayed on the display unit 44 of the tablet 4. This allows the user U to assist the subject S in maintaining their posture while confirming the subject S's positioning on the display unit 44 of the tablet 4. Note that if it is determined in step S2 that an operation to instruct the start of the examination has been performed, the main display unit 31 displays the examination screen (see Figure 8).

[0065] Next, the control unit 211 determines whether or not the irradiation instruction switch 22 has been pressed (step S4). If it is determined in step S4 that the irradiation instruction switch 22 has not been pressed (step S4; NO), the control unit 211 repeatedly executes the determination process in step S4.

[0066] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S4 that the irradiation instruction switch 22 has been pressed (step S4; YES), the control unit 211 performs radiography (still image capture) (step S5). When radiography is performed, the FPD1 accumulates and reads the charge corresponding to the radiation that has passed through the subject S, and transmits it to the control unit 211 as a radiographic image (captured image).

[0067] Next, the control unit 211 receives the radiation image transmitted from the FPD1 via the communication unit 214 (step S6). Subsequently, the control unit 211 turns off the display of the optical image captured by the optical imaging unit 2A (step S7). Specifically, the control unit 211 does not transmit the optical image captured by the optical imaging unit 2A to the tablet 4, and hides the display of the optical image on the display unit 44 of the tablet 4.

[0068] Next, as shown in Figure 8, the control unit 211 displays the radiation image Im received in step S6 in the image display field G11 of the inspection screen G1 displayed on the main display unit 31 (step S8). Until the radiation image Im is displayed in the image display field G11, the optical camera image viewer G13 may be displayed on the inspection screen G1, as shown in Figure 9, and the optical image Im2 captured by the optical imaging unit 2A may be displayed in the optical camera image viewer G13. In the example in Figure 9, an optical image of the chest of the subject S is displayed. In such a case, for example, when the irradiation instruction switch 22 is pressed, the optical camera image viewer G13 displayed in the image display field G11 is hidden, and the radiation image Im is displayed in the image display field G11.

[0069] Next, the control unit 211 determines whether or not an operation to instruct the end of the inspection has been performed, that is, whether or not the inspection end button G12 (see Figure 8) provided on the inspection screen G1 has been pressed (step S9).

[0070] If it is determined in step S9 that no operation to instruct the end of the inspection has been performed (step S9; NO), the control unit 211 returns to step S3 and repeats the subsequent processing. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S9 that an operation to instruct the end of the inspection has been performed (step S9; YES), the control unit 211 terminates the inspection process.

[0071] In the inspection process shown in Figure 5, if it is determined that an operation to instruct the start of the inspection has been performed (step S2; YES), the control unit 211 turns on the display of the optical image captured by the optical imaging unit 2A (step S3). However, this flow is merely one example. For example, as shown in Figure 6, if it is determined that an operation to instruct the start of the inspection has been performed (step S2; YES) and that the preparation for radiography is complete (step S2A; YES), the display of the optical image captured by the optical imaging unit 2A may be turned on. Here, regarding the operation flow of the inspection process shown in Figure 6, the processing content is the same as the operation flow of the inspection process shown in Figure 5, except that step S2A, which determines whether the preparation for radiography is complete or not, is added between steps S2 and S3, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0072] Next, with reference to Figure 7, the operation flow of the inspection process for video recording (serial recording) will be described. Note that steps S101 to S104 of the operation flow shown in Figure 7 correspond to steps S1 to S4 of the operation flow shown in Figure 5, so the explanation of these steps will be omitted, and the process from step S105 onwards will be described. Furthermore, this inspection process can also be applied when system 100 is installed in the imaging room of a medical facility.

[0073] In step S104, if it is determined that the irradiation instruction switch 22 has been pressed (step S104; YES), the control unit 211 performs radiography (video recording) (step S105). When radiography (video recording) is performed, the FPD 1 accumulates and reads the charge corresponding to the radiation that has passed through the subject S each time exposure occurs, and transmits it to the control unit 211 as a radiographic image (frame image).

[0074] Next, the control unit 211 receives the radiation image (frame image) transmitted from the FPD1 via the communication unit 214 (step S106). Subsequently, the control unit 211 displays the radiation image (frame image) received in step S106 in the image display field of the inspection screen displayed on the main display unit 31 (step S107).

[0075] Next, the control unit 211 determines whether or not the exposure related to video recording has been completed (step S108). If it is determined in step S108 that the exposure related to video recording has not been completed (step S108; NO), the control unit 211 returns to step S105 and proceeds with the subsequent processing.

[0076] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S108 that the exposure related to video recording is complete (step S108; YES), the control unit 211 turns OFF the display of the optical image captured by the optical imaging unit 2A (step S109). Specifically, the control unit 211 does not transmit the optical image captured by the optical imaging unit 2A to the tablet 4, and the display of the optical image on the tablet 4's display unit 44 is hidden. In other words, in cases where video recording is performed, the optical image captured by the optical imaging unit 2A is displayed on the tablet 4's display unit 44 during video recording. Therefore, the positioning of the subject S can be confirmed on the tablet 4's display unit 44 during video recording. Thus, if the system 100 is installed in a medical facility's imaging room, the positioning of the subject S during video recording can be confirmed on the tablet 4's display unit 44 even after the user U has left the imaging room when video recording is performed.

[0077] Next, the control unit 211 determines whether or not an operation to instruct the end of the inspection has been performed, that is, whether or not the inspection end button (see Figure 8) provided on the inspection screen has been pressed (step S110).

[0078] If it is determined in step S110 that no operation to instruct the end of the inspection has been performed (step S110; NO), the control unit 211 returns to step S103 and repeats the subsequent processing. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S110 that an operation to instruct the end of the inspection has been performed (step S110; YES), the control unit 211 terminates the inspection process.

[0079] <3. Effects> As described above, the system 100 according to this embodiment includes an optical imaging unit (optical camera) 2A that acquires an optical image of a subject (object) S, a radiation generator (control device) 2 (console 3) that displays the acquired radiation image, and a tablet (mobile terminal) 4 that can communicate wirelessly with the radiation generator 2. The tablet 4 that constitutes the system 100 includes a display unit 44 that displays the optical image of the subject S acquired by the optical imaging unit 2A. Therefore, with the system 100, the optical image of the subject S acquired by the optical imaging unit 2A can be displayed on the display unit 44 of the tablet 4, so that radiation imaging can be performed while confirming the positioning of the subject S on the tablet 4. As a result, radiation imaging can be performed immediately after positioning the subject S, so it is possible to suppress cases in which the subject S moves between positioning and the start of radiation imaging, resulting in the need for re-imaging. Furthermore, since the optical image of the subject S is displayed on the display unit 44 of the tablet 4 separately from the main display unit 31, the optical image of the subject S can be displayed without any restrictions. As a result, it becomes easier to confirm the positioning of the subject S.

[0080] <4. Others> It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the above embodiment, a tablet 4 was described as a mobile terminal constituting the radiography system according to the present invention, but the tablet 4 is merely one example of a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal may be, for example, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a smartphone, or a portable monitor that user U can carry.

[0081] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the tablet 4 is wirelessly connected to the radiation generator 2 (console 3) via the short-range wireless communication unit 43, but it may also be configured to allow direct wireless communication with the optical imaging unit 2A.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the operation flows of the examination processes in Figures 5 and 7 indicate that the display of the optical image captured by the optical imaging unit 2A is turned ON when an instruction operation to start the examination is made. However, the trigger for turning ON the display of the optical image captured by the optical imaging unit 2A is not limited to when an instruction operation to start the examination is made. For example, the display of the optical image captured by the optical imaging unit 2A may be turned ON when the irradiation instruction switch 22 is pressed and radiography begins. Alternatively, for example, the display of the optical image captured by the optical imaging unit 2A may be turned ON when a predetermined button (not shown), which is part of the operation unit 32 of the console 3, is pressed. In addition, if the system 100 is installed in an imaging room of a medical facility, the display of the optical image captured by the optical imaging unit 2A may be turned ON when the subject S enters the imaging room.

[0083] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when video recording is performed, while the display of the optical image captured by the optical shooting unit 2A is ON, a predetermined viewer may be displayed on the main display unit 31, and the optical image captured by the optical shooting unit 2A may be displayed on the viewer. Here, "while the display of the optical image captured by the optical shooting unit 2A is ON" refers to the period from step S103 to step S109 of the operation flow shown in Figure 7.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a case was described in which the optical camera image viewer G13 is displayed on the inspection screen G1 displayed on the main display unit 31, and the optical image Im2 captured by the optical imaging unit 2A is displayed on the optical camera image viewer G13 (see Figure 9). Here, the optical image Im2 captured by the optical imaging unit 2A may be displayed, for example, in the image display area G11 of the inspection screen G1. In this case, the control unit 211 hides the display of the optical image Im2 at the timing when it receives a notification of transfer (transmission) of the radiographic image from the FPD1, at the timing when it receives a preview image related to the radiographic image, or at the timing when it receives the radiographic image. This makes it possible to confirm the positioning of the subject S until just before the radiographic imaging is completed. Note that when the optical image Im2 is displayed on the display unit 44 of the tablet 4 or the optical camera image viewer G13, in addition to the above timings, the display of the optical image Im2 may also be hidden at the timing when the radiographic imaging is completed or when the examination is completed. Furthermore, if the system 100 is installed in a medical facility's imaging room, the display of the optical image Im2 may be hidden when the subject S leaves the imaging room.

[0085] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if it is possible to independently perform the transition of the focus display of the icon corresponding to the shooting order information and the transition of the focus display of the thumbnail image for confirming the captured radiographic image on the inspection screen G1, then it is preferable to hide the optical image Im2 displayed in the image display area G11 because the correspondence between the shooting order information and the thumbnail image after the focus display transition will be misaligned.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when displaying an optical image captured by the optical imaging unit 2A on the display unit 44 of the tablet 4, information indicating the quality of the subject S's positioning may also be displayed. As information indicating the quality of positioning, for example, the angle (roll angle, pitch angle) of the FPD1 with respect to the horizontal plane may be displayed. In this case, when the positioning is appropriate, the color of the displayed angle value may be changed. Alternatively, as information indicating the quality of positioning, for example, a simulated image of the FPD1 whose display mode (angle) changes according to the above angle may be displayed. In this case, when the positioning is appropriate, the color of the display frame of the simulated image may be changed. Also, in both cases of displaying the above angle and displaying the above simulated image, correction information for the angle of the FPD1 with respect to the horizontal plane may be displayed. Alternatively, instead of the above correction information, correction information for moving the subject S to an appropriate position may be displayed. Also, when displaying the above correction information, correction information for the angle of the light tube 23 with respect to the horizontal plane may be displayed. Furthermore, information indicating the quality of the positioning of the subject S may be output via the audio output unit 33. In addition, information indicating the consistency between the part of the subject S photographed by the optical imaging unit 2A (e.g., chest) and the imaging direction (e.g., front or side) and the imaging part and imaging direction included in the imaging order may be provided. For example, if the part of the subject S photographed by the optical imaging unit 2A or the imaging direction differs from the imaging part or imaging direction included in the imaging order, a warning may be issued by the tablet 4. Furthermore, information indicating the consistency between the subject S photographed by the optical imaging unit 2A and the patient information related to the subject S (e.g., gender) may be displayed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 100 Radiography Systems 1 FPD 11. Radiation detection unit 12 Scanning drive unit 13 Reading section 14 Control Unit 15 Storage section 16 Communications Department 16a connector 17 Sensor section 2. Radiation Generating Device 21 Generator main unit 211 Control Unit 212 Storage section 213 Generator 214 Communications Department 215 Near Field Wireless Communication Department 22. Irradiation Indicator Switch 23 Tube 24 Tube support part 25 Collimator 26 FPD storage compartment 27 Sensor section 28 Sub-display section 29 Distance measuring unit 2A Optical Imaging Section 3 Console 31 Main display unit 32 Operation section 33 Audio output section 4 tablets 41 Control Unit 42 Storage section 43 Near Field Wireless Communication Department 44 Display section 45 Control section B Bed RC patrol car S Subject U users

Claims

1. An optical camera that acquires an optical image of the subject, A control device that displays captured radiation images, A mobile terminal capable of wireless communication with the optical camera or the control device, Equipped with, The mobile terminal is a radiography system comprising a display unit that displays an optical image of a subject acquired by the optical camera.

2. The radiography system according to claim 1, wherein the radiography system has a mobile examination vehicle and is configured to be movable.

3. The radiography system according to claim 1, wherein the radiography system is capable of recording video, including motion imaging and fluoroscopic imaging.

4. The radiography system according to claim 3, wherein the mobile terminal displays an optical image of a subject acquired by the optical camera during video recording on the display unit.

5. The radiography system according to claim 4, wherein the control device displays the captured radiographic image during the video recording.

6. Equipped with a radiation generating device that irradiates, The radiation imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the optical camera is provided in the tube of the radiation generating device.

7. The radiography system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile terminal displays an optical image of the subject acquired by the optical camera on the display unit when the inspection is initiated.

8. The control device includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the preparation for taking the radiation image has been completed. When the determination unit determines that the shooting preparation is complete, the mobile terminal displays the optical image of the subject acquired by the optical camera on the display unit. The radiography system according to claim 1.

9. The radiography system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the mobile terminal disables the display of the optical image of the subject on the display unit when the capture of the radiographic image is completed.

10. The mobile terminal displays support information for capturing the radiographic image on the display unit. The radiography system according to claim 1.

11. The radiography system according to claim 10, wherein the mobile terminal displays on the display unit information indicating consistency with the shooting order and / or patient information based on the optical image of the subject acquired by the optical camera, or information indicating whether the positioning of the subject is good or bad based on the optical image of the subject.

12. A radiography support method performed by a radiography system comprising an optical camera for acquiring an optical image of a subject, a control device for displaying the captured radiographic image, and a mobile terminal capable of wireless communication with the optical camera or the control device, A method for supporting radiography, comprising a display step in which the mobile terminal displays an optical image of a subject acquired by the optical camera on a display unit.

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