Radiation imaging system, information processing device, program

Abstract

This invention provides a radiographic imaging system that takes into account the physical characteristics of the subject when executing stop control. [Solution] A radiation imaging system comprising a radiation generating device for irradiating radiation, a radiation imaging device for acquiring a radiation image based on the radiation irradiated from the radiation generating device, and an information processing device for controlling radiation imaging using the radiation generating device and the radiation imaging device, is characterized by having means for setting a stop control for radiation irradiation from the radiation generating device, and means for executing a predetermined process related to the setting of the stop control based on patient information including any of the following: information on bodily defects, information on the presence or absence of artificial implants, and information on surgical history.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a radiation imaging system. In a radiation imaging system, a radiation imaging device is used. The radiation imaging device is provided in the form of an X-ray flat panel detector (Flat Panel Detector: FPD) as a medical diagnostic device or a non-destructive inspection device. Various settings related to this radiation imaging device are performed via an information processing device communicably connected to the radiation imaging device. The information processing device is, for example, a personal computer (Personal Computer: PC).

Background Art

[0002] In the fields of medical image diagnosis and non-destructive inspection, radiation imaging devices that acquire radiation images by detecting radiation transmitted through a subject are widespread. In a radiation imaging system using such a radiation imaging device, a function of monitoring the transmitted dose (cumulative dose) of radiation transmitted through a subject and stopping the radiation irradiation when the cumulative dose reaches a threshold value may be used. This function is a stop control function called automatic exposure control (Automatic Exposure Control: AEC), and is useful for applications such as preventing excessive irradiation of radiation.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a radiation imaging device having a function of automatic exposure control. Further, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for improving the accuracy of automatic exposure control using subject information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The technology described in Patent Document 1 only considers general information about the subject and does not take into account specific physical characteristics of the subject, which have a significant impact on automatic exposure control. Automatic exposure control is a mechanism that monitors the transmitted dose of the subject and stops radiation irradiation based on the results. Therefore, if the distribution of radiation penetration in the imaging range is not as intended, the monitoring results of the transmitted dose will not be as intended. For example, if the patient being photographed has implants, the distribution of radiation penetration will be different from normal. In such cases, there is a risk that stop control such as automatic exposure control may not be performed properly.

[0006] In light of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a radiation imaging system that takes into account the physical characteristics of the subject when performing stop control. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A radiation imaging system comprising a radiation generating device for irradiating radiation, a radiation imaging device for acquiring radiation images based on radiation irradiated from the radiation generating device, and an information processing device for controlling radiation imaging using the radiation generating device and the radiation imaging device, characterized in that it includes means for setting a stop control for radiation irradiation from the radiation generating device, and means for executing a predetermined process related to the setting of the stop control based on patient information including any of the following: information on bodily defects, information on the presence or absence of artificial implants, or information on surgical history. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a radiographic imaging system that takes into account the physical characteristics of the subject when performing stop control. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a schematic configuration of a radiation imaging system. [Figure 2]This diagram shows the configuration of a radiation imaging device. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the flow of radiography. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the flow of the setup process. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the case of chest imaging followed by implant placement. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates the case of hand imaging followed by implant placement. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates a case involving chest imaging followed by lung resection. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates the process of extracting patient information. [Figure 9] This is a diagram explaining the inspection screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following describes specific embodiments for carrying out the present invention with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the case in which an X-ray imaging device is used as the radiation imaging device to capture X-ray image data of a subject using X-rays, which are a type of radiation, will be described. Although X-rays are preferred for radiation imaging, alpha rays, beta rays, gamma rays, etc. may also be used as radiation.

[0011] (Examples) Figure 1 shows an example of a schematic configuration of a radiation imaging system. As shown in Figure 1, the radiation imaging system 100 is configured to include a radiation generator 110, a radiation imaging device 120, an imaging control device 130, and a radiation control device 140.

[0012] The radiation generator 110 irradiates a subject (not shown) with radiation. This radiation generator 110 includes a radiation tube, which is a radiation generating unit that generates radiation, and a collimator that defines the beam divergence angle of the radiation generated by the radiation tube.

[0013] This radiation generator 110 includes a radiation tube, which is a radiation generating unit that generates radiation, and a collimator that defines the beam divergence angle of the radiation generated by the radiation tube.

[0014] The radiation imaging device 120 is a flat panel detector (FPD) in which multiple pixels are arranged in a matrix on a planar substrate, and has an image sensor distributed in two dimensions. The radiation imaging device 120 detects the two-dimensional distribution (dose information) of the radiation dose that has passed through the subject and reached (incidentally received by) the image sensor, and generates image data. The radiation imaging device 120 transmits the generated image data (radiation image data) to the image processing unit 134 of the imaging control device 130. The radiation imaging device 120 also transmits the dose information of the detected two-dimensional distribution of radiation dose and judgment information for controlling radiation irradiation in automatic exposure control to the imaging control device 130.

[0015] The radiation imaging device 120 is equipped with detection pixels that have radiation detection elements for monitoring the amount of radiation exposure. The detection pixels are distributed within the radiation imaging device 120. The detection region 121 is located within the radiation imaging device 120 and has multiple pixels for generating image data and multiple detection pixels. The amount of radiation exposure is monitored for each detection region, and the representative value of the detection pixels within each detection region is used. In the following description, the average value of the signal is used as the pixel information (representative value) of the detection pixels, but other information may be used as the pixel information (representative value). For example, the median, mode, integrated value, etc., based on the calculation processing of signals detected by multiple detection pixels may be used as the pixel information (representative value) of the detection pixels. Also, in the following description of each embodiment, the detection region is explained using an example of a region of 14 × 14 = 196 regions, but the detection region is not limited to this example.

[0016] The imaging control device 130 is an information processing device that relays communication between the radiation imaging device 120 and the radiation control device 140, and performs irradiation control of radiation on the radiation control device 140. The imaging control device 130 includes a communication I / F (not shown) and communicates with the radiation imaging device 120 and the radiation control device 140. The communication method may be a wired method or a wireless method.

[0017] The imaging control device 130 includes a control unit 131 that performs various controls. The control unit 131 includes an imaging technique setting unit 139, an imaging control unit 132, a communication control unit 133, an image processing unit 134, a display control unit 135, a patient information analysis unit 136, a determination condition determination unit 137, and a warning determination unit 138. Each unit configuration of the imaging control device 130 can be realized according to a computer program. That is, the control unit 131 includes a CPU (not shown), develops a program stored in a ROM (not shown) in a RAM (not shown), and executes it to realize functions as various units. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the unit configuration of the imaging control device 130 may be realized by using a dedicated circuit. ASIC, FPGA, etc. are used as the dedicated circuit.

[0018] <Control Unit of Imaging Control Device> Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 131 included in the imaging control device 130 will be described.

[0019] The imaging technique setting unit 139 receives imaging technique setting information input by the user via the operation input unit 160. The imaging technique setting unit 139 sets determination conditions based on the received imaging technique setting information. The imaging technique setting unit 139 transmits the received imaging technique setting information and the set determination conditions to the imaging control unit 132 and the radiation imaging device 120.

[0020] The imaging control unit 132 communicates with the radiation imaging device 120 via the communication control unit 133 and controls the radiation imaging device 120 based on the imaging technique setting information received from the imaging technique setting unit 139. In addition, the imaging control unit 132 controls the radiation control device 140 based on the determination conditions. Specific processing inside the FPD will be described in detail later.

[0021] The communication control unit 133 functions as a communication interface for sending and receiving data between the radiation imaging device 120, the radiation control device 140, the HIS / RIS 170, and the cloud 180. HIS stands for Hospital Information System, and RIS stands for Radiology Information System.

[0022] The image processing unit 134 performs processing on the radiation image data transmitted from the radiation imaging device 120, including dark current correction, gain correction, data loss correction, grayscale processing, and noise reduction. The image processing unit 134 then transmits the processed radiation image data to the display control unit 135.

[0023] The display control unit 135 performs display control to display image information transmitted from the image processing unit 134 and information regarding warning content transmitted from the warning determination unit 138 on a display unit 150 such as a monitor.

[0024] The display unit 150 is a display device that displays the radiation image data acquired from the image processing unit 134 after image processing. The display unit 150 is composed of any device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT), a plasma display panel, or an organic EL panel.

[0025] The patient information analysis unit 136 analyzes pre-imaging patient information and extracts information related to setting judgment conditions and warnings related to AEC. Here, pre-imaging patient information refers to information about the patient's characteristics at the time of imaging, and information related to imaging. The patient information analysis unit 136 also extracts information necessary for setting judgment conditions from the information related to radiography included in the pre-imaging patient information. Here, the information related to radiography included in the pre-imaging patient information includes, for example, body thickness information such as age, sex, height, and weight, as well as imaging site information, presence or absence of metal, and surgical history. Setting judgment conditions and warnings related to AEC (Automatic Exposure Control) are related to implant placement or removal, organ transplantation or excision, etc. Therefore, the patient information analysis unit 136 extracts information from the pre-imaging patient information regarding implant placement or removal, organ transplantation or excision, etc., for setting judgment conditions and warnings related to AEC. The setting of judgment conditions and extraction of information related to AEC warnings by the patient information analysis unit 136 may also be achieved by setting keywords in advance and performing a keyword search. Alternatively, information related to setting the judgment conditions for the patient information analysis unit 136 may be extracted using AI such as LLM. When using AI, it is also possible to connect to the cloud 180 via the network and use a service that performs intelligent searches using AI (artificial intelligence) on the cloud 180.

[0026] The judgment condition determination unit 137 determines the content of the judgment condition settings based on the information related to the setting of the judgment condition extracted by the patient information analysis unit 136, and obtains a judgment result for the judgment condition. Here, the judgment condition includes one of the following: the detection area to be selected, the weighting of the detection area, or information related to the judgment logic. Furthermore, the judgment of the judgment condition means determining the appropriate settings for the detection area to be selected, the weighting of the detection area, and the judgment logic. Based on the judgment result for the judgment condition, the judgment condition determination unit 137 instructs the imaging procedure setting unit 139 to set the judgment condition. Alternatively, if the judgment condition has been set in advance, it compares the set judgment condition with the judgment result for the judgment condition and determines whether the judgment condition setting needs to be modified. If it determines that the judgment condition needs to be modified, it instructs the imaging procedure setting unit 139 to modify the judgment condition setting.

[0027] The warning determination unit 138 determines the content of an AEC-related warning based on the information related to setting the determination conditions extracted by the patient information analysis unit 136, and obtains a determination result for the AEC-related warning content. The determination conditions here also include one of the following: the detection area to be selected, the weighting of the detection area, or information related to the determination logic. Furthermore, AEC-related warnings include those related to the implementation of AEC imaging and those related to the setting of determination conditions. The warning determination unit 138 issues a warning based on the determination result for the warning content. Alternatively, if determination conditions have been set in advance, the warning determination unit 138 compares the set determination conditions with the determination result for the warning content and determines whether an AEC-related warning is necessary. If the warning determination unit 138 determines that an AEC-related warning is necessary, it transmits the information of the AEC-related warning content to the display control unit 135.

[0028] Next, an overview of the AEC operation during subject imaging will be described with reference to FIG. 1. When installing the FPD, imaging technique settings are performed, and information necessary for setting determination conditions related to the AEC operation is input to the imaging technique setting unit 139. The imaging technique setting information includes, for example, ID information of the FPD to be installed and installation environment information of the FPD including cassette imaging, stand imaging, table imaging, etc. Further, the imaging technique setting information includes imaging technique information including the imaging site and imaging direction of the subject, or imaging condition information including tube voltage, tube current, irradiation time, etc. Based on the characteristics of a specific imaging technique from these imaging technique setting information, threshold information, etc. for controlling the signal output to the radiation generator 110 is set. By this threshold information, etc., the selection pattern information of the detection region used for controlling the radiation irradiation, the determination logic used for controlling the radiation irradiation, and the threshold for stopping the radiation generator 110 are controlled. These settings may be changed according to the information of the subject to be actually imaged before imaging the subject. When the cumulative radiation dose reaches a predetermined dose after the radiation generator 110 starts irradiation, an exposure stop signal is sent to the radiation control device 140. The radiation generator 110 that receives this exposure stop signal stops the radiation irradiation. Also, when the irradiation time set before subject imaging is reached, the radiation control device 140 stops the radiation irradiation of the radiation generator 110 regardless of the presence or absence of the exposure stop signal.

[0029] <AEC function> Next, the functions related to the AEC operation will be described using FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus.

[0030] The radiation imaging device 120 includes an FPD processing unit 200. The FPD processing unit 200 is a control unit that performs various controls in the radiation imaging device 120. The FPD processing unit 200 has the functions of a calculation unit 201, a judgment information setting unit 202, a threshold judgment unit 203, and a communication IF unit 204. Each functional unit in the FPD processing unit 200 can be realized by a computer program. That is, the FPD processing unit 200 has a CPU (not shown), and it loads a program stored in ROM (not shown) into RAM (not shown) and executes it to realize the functions of the various units. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the unit configuration of the FPD processing unit 200 may be realized using a dedicated circuit. As a dedicated circuit, ASIC or FPGA may be used.

[0031] The calculation unit 201 receives output signals (hereinafter referred to as monitor signal values) output from each detection region (for example, detection region 121 in Figure 1, etc.) and performs calculations on the received monitor signal values. Here, the monitor signal value is, for example, the average value of the signal values ​​of the detection pixels included in each region. Alternatively, it may be the average value of the signal values ​​of a predetermined number of detection pixels selected from among multiple detection pixels included in the detection region. Furthermore, the calculation unit 201 may calculate the signal values ​​of multiple detection pixels included in the detection region according to other algorithms.

[0032] The judgment information setting unit 202 sets thresholds for dose information that represent representative values ​​for each detection area. The thresholds set in the judgment information setting unit 202 are set by the imaging procedure setting unit 139 of the imaging control device 130 via the communication IF unit 204. The thresholds set here are used in AEC operation to determine whether the dose of irradiated radiation has reached the cumulative dose.

[0033] The threshold determination unit 203 generates determination information to control radiation irradiation by comparing the monitor signal value output from the calculation unit with a preset threshold. The threshold determination unit 203 determines whether the radiation dose from the radiation generator 110 has reached a predetermined cumulative dose by comparing the monitor signal value with a threshold set by the determination information setting unit 202. Based on the result of this determination, the threshold determination unit 203 generates determination information for controlling radiation irradiation. Here, the determination information becomes information (irradiation control information) for controlling radiation irradiation (continuing irradiation or stopping irradiation) in AEC. The determination information generated by the threshold determination unit 203 is transmitted to the imaging control unit 132 via the communication IF unit 204.

[0034] If the monitor signal value is below a threshold before the preset irradiation time is reached before imaging of the subject, the judgment information will be information instructing the continuation of radiation irradiation (irradiation continuation signal). If the dose information is above the threshold, the judgment information will be information instructing the cessation of radiation irradiation (irradiation stop signal). When the preset irradiation time is reached before imaging of the subject, the radiation control device 140 will stop the radiation irradiation from the radiation generator 110, regardless of whether or not there is an irradiation stop signal.

[0035] If there are multiple detection areas selected by the imaging procedure setting unit 139, the threshold determination unit 203 performs a determination based on a determination method (AND condition, OR condition, AVG condition, etc.) expressed by the determination logic set by the imaging procedure setting unit 139. In this determination, the threshold is compared with multiple monitor signal values ​​to determine whether the irradiation dose has reached a predetermined cumulative dose.

[0036] When performing a determination process using an AND condition (logical conjunction), the threshold determination unit 203 determines, using an AND condition (logical conjunction), whether the monitor signal values ​​of all multiple detection areas are above the threshold. If the dose information of all multiple detection areas is above the threshold, it generates and outputs determination information (irradiation stop signal) to stop radiation irradiation. For example, if the dose information of the detection area with the lowest dose information among multiple detection areas is above the threshold, an irradiation stop signal is generated and output. With determination processing based on an AND condition (logical conjunction), radiation imaging can be performed without dose deficiency in all of the multiple detection areas.

[0037] When performing a determination process using an OR condition (logical OR), the threshold determination unit 203 determines, using an OR condition (logical OR), whether the dose information of any of the multiple detection areas is above the threshold. If the dose information of any of the detection areas is above the threshold, it generates and outputs determination information (irradiation stop signal) to stop radiation irradiation. For example, if the dose information of the detection area with the highest dose information among the multiple detection areas is above the threshold, an irradiation stop signal is generated and output. Determination processing based on an OR condition (logical OR) allows for radiation imaging that suppresses excessive radiation exposure.

[0038] When performing judgment processing using the AVG (averaging) condition, the threshold determination unit 203 determines whether the averaged dose information from multiple detection areas is equal to or greater than the threshold using the AVG (averaging) condition. If the averaged dose information is equal to or greater than the threshold, it generates and outputs judgment information (irradiation stop signal) to stop radiation irradiation.

[0039] <Flow of shooting control> Next, we will explain the control flow for radiography. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the flow of radiography.

[0040] In S301, the control unit 131 acquires order information. The order information is related to the upcoming radiographic imaging procedure. The order information includes information on the imaging procedure and patient information.

[0041] This order information is entered by the user, for example, via the operation input unit 160. The user manually enters the order information using a pointing device, keyboard, or microphone. Alternatively, the user may enter the order information by specifying data or files. The data or files containing the order information may be obtained from the HIS / RIS 170 via the network.

[0042] In S302, the control unit 131 acquires patient information. Patient information includes, for example, body information such as age, sex, height, and weight. In this embodiment, in addition to the above information, medical record information is acquired as patient information. Medical record information is a medical record that describes the patient's treatment and progress, and includes descriptions of surgical history and the patient's physical characteristics. This medical record information may be an electronic medical record or scanned data of a paper medical record. The medical record information may be acquired with the medical record information included in the order information, or only the identification information may be included in the order information and the medical record information may be acquired from HIS / RIS170 using the identification information.

[0043] In S303, the control unit 131 performs the process of setting the imaging conditions. In S304, which will be described in detail later, the control unit 131 performs radiography using the imaging conditions set in S303. After these steps, the series of processes for radiography are completed.

[0044] <Setting shooting conditions> Next, the details of the setting process for imaging conditions in S302 will be explained using Figures 4 and 9. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the flow of the setting process. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the inspection screen.

[0045] In S401, the control unit 131 sets the imaging procedure based on the imaging conditions associated with the order information and determines candidate imaging conditions. The control unit 131 displays the examination screen 900, which reflects the determined candidate imaging conditions, on the display unit 150.

[0046] The examination screen 900 comprises an image display area 910 and a settings display area 920. The image display area 910 is the area where radiographic images are mainly displayed. The settings display area 920 is the area where setting information related to radiographic imaging is displayed. The settings display area 920 contains information on whether or not radiographic imaging can be performed, the patient's name, imaging information, setting information, an examination hold button, an examination end button, etc. Candidate imaging conditions are reflected in the settings display area 920, and imaging information 921 is registered. In addition, when imaging information 921 is selected, setting information corresponding to imaging information 921, such as light field setting information 922 and judgment method information 923, is displayed.

[0047] In S402, the control unit 131 receives input from the user for candidate settings for the imaging conditions. This input is made via a detailed settings screen (not shown) that is displayed by selecting imaging information 921, light field setting information 922, judgment method information 923, etc. The user can change the imaging conditions to any setting in this process.

[0048] In S403, the control unit 131 determines whether the currently set shooting conditions are configured to use AEC. If the setting is configured to use AEC (YES), the control unit 131 proceeds to S404. If the setting is not configured to use AEC (NO), the control unit 131 proceeds to S410.

[0049] In S404, the control unit 131 checks whether the patient information contains information that may affect the determination of AEC. If the information contains information that may affect the determination of AEC (YES), the control unit 131 proceeds to S405. If the information does not contain information that may affect the determination of AEC (NO), the control unit 131 proceeds to S410.

[0050] Here, in order to obtain information that may affect the determination of AEC, the control unit 131, which functions as a patient information analysis unit 136, analyzes the patient information beforehand. For example, information on surgical history can be used for analysis. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the patient information extraction process. As shown in Figure 8, patient information such as medical records contains various types of information. Among these, the diagnostic information "right lung tumor," the surgical name "right lung implant placement," the surgical procedure number "X-XXX-X," the surgical details "implant placed," and the implant model number "XYZ-1234" are extracted as surgery-related information. Note that patient information may be other information with similar characteristics, not just information obtained from medical records. For example, information obtained by analyzing images taken in the past may be used. Information obtained from images taken in the past includes information related to the subject's body thickness, information related to the subject's radiotransmission such as the presence or absence of implants in the body, and information about the FPD's posture at the time of past imaging and the subject's posture.

[0051] In S405, the control unit 131 identifies the surgical site and procedure from the surgery-related information. For example, in the example shown in Figure 8, information such as "right lung" and "implant placement" is identified from the patient information. Alternatively, the detailed surgical site may be identified from information such as the surgical procedure number and implant model number.

[0052] In S406, the control unit 131 determines whether or not settings related to AEC (Airway Economic Cord) settings are required. Here, it is determined whether the surgical site or the surgical procedure affects AEC. For example, in the example in Figure 8, information on the surgical site, "right lung," is obtained from the patient information, and information on the imaging site, "chest X-ray," is obtained from the examination information. Therefore, it is determined that the surgical site affects AEC. Also, information on the surgical procedure, "implant placement," is obtained from the patient information. Therefore, it is determined that the surgical procedure affects AEC. Here, the determination may be modified using information that identifies the material of the implant, such as "XYZ-1234." For example, if the implant material is metal, it can be determined that the surgical procedure affects AEC, and if the implant material is plastic, it can be determined that the surgical procedure does not affect AEC. If a modification to the AEC settings is required (YES), the control unit 131 proceeds to S407. If a modification to the AEC settings is not required (NO), the control unit 131 proceeds to S410.

[0053] In S407, the control unit 131 performs notification processing to display notification information 911 and warning information 912 on the inspection screen 900. As shown in Figure 9, it is possible to superimpose the notification information 911 and warning information 912 on the imaging information 921.

[0054] Notification information 911 includes information such as "extracted patient information," "predicted condition," and "candidate settings for review."

[0055] The "Extracted Patient Information" section contains information extracted from medical records, etc. Users can review the extracted information to determine whether or not it contains patient information that could affect the AEC (Acquired Epidemic Compromise). In the "Extracted Patient Information" section, items within the medical records, etc., that are highly relevant to the impact on the AEC may be highlighted.

[0056] The "predicted state" is a diagram created by the control unit 131 based on the "extracted patient information." By reviewing this diagram, the user can easily consider the impact of the patient's physical characteristics on the AEC.

[0057] The "revision setting candidates" are proposed modifications to the settings created by the control unit 131 based on the "extracted patient information." By presenting these modification proposals, users can easily make corrections to the settings. The content presented in the "revision setting candidates" includes the detection area to be selected, the weighting of the detection area, the judgment logic, or a combination of these.

[0058] Warning information 912 contains text suggesting and warning about the possibility that the patient's physical characteristics may affect AEC. Warning information 912 also includes "OK" and "Cancel" options. In this embodiment, both the warning and the creation of a revised plan are performed in S702, but it is also possible to perform only one of them. Furthermore, the warning content related to AEC may be conveyed to the user via voice output.

[0059] In S408, the control unit 131 waits for the user to change the settings. The user can either select "OK" in the warning information 912 to adopt the suggested correction, or select "Cancel" to make their own setting correction. If the settings are corrected, the control unit 131 proceeds to S409. If the settings are not corrected, the control unit 131 proceeds to S410.

[0060] In S409, the control unit 131 is modified to reflect the settings.

[0061] In S410, the control unit 131 confirms the settings and proceeds with the radiography process.

[0062] This completes the series of setup processes.

[0063] <Case 1: Chest X-ray - Implant Placement> The relationship between patient physical characteristics and AEC settings will be explained using the case of chest imaging and implant placement as an example. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the case of chest imaging and implant placement.

[0064] Figure 5 shows an example of chest radiography and implant placement. In this example, the imaging procedure is frontal chest imaging, and the criteria for determining whether the patient has had implant 122 surgically placed in the left side of their chest since previous imaging (i.e., they have an artificial implant) are set.

[0065] In a typical chest X-ray, both lung fields are selected as the selective detection area 123, as shown in Figure 5. However, the area around the implant 122 is shielded from the irradiated radiation. As a result, less radiation reaches the radiographic imaging device 120 than usual, delaying the timing at which the cumulative stop dose reaches the threshold. This delay also delays the timing of stopping radiation irradiation, potentially leading to over-irradiation.

[0066] Therefore, based on the information that implant 122 is embedded in the left side of the chest, it is desirable to set the detection area 124 to be corrected to be excluded from the detection area. Alternatively, it is desirable to set the judgment logic to OR so that radiation irradiation is stopped when the cumulative dose reaches a threshold in an area where implant 122 is not embedded. Alternatively, it is desirable to change the weighting of the cumulative dose in the detection area 124 to be corrected to minimize the effect of shielding from the irradiated radiation at the location of implant 122.

[0067] In this way, the surgical procedure and location can be identified from the patient's prior information, and it is possible to determine whether or not the judgment criteria need to be modified. The judgment criteria, such as the selected detection area, the weighting of the detection area, and the judgment logic, can then be modified.

[0068] Furthermore, based on the information that implant 122 is embedded in the left side of the chest, it would be advisable to issue a warning regarding AEC. In this way, the surgical procedure and site can be identified from the patient's prior information, the necessity of an AEC warning can be determined, and warnings regarding AEC imaging can be issued to the user, as well as warnings regarding the selection of the detection area, the weighting of the detection area, and the setting of the judgment logic.

[0069] <Case 2: Hand X-ray - Implant Placement> The relationship between a patient's physical characteristics and AEC settings will be explained using the case of hand imaging and implant placement as an example. In this case, the imaging procedure involves imaging of the hand, and the patient being studied has had implants placed in their hand surgically since previous imaging.

[0070] Figure 6 illustrates the case of hand imaging with implant placement. In this example, the imaging procedure is hand imaging, and the criteria for determining whether the patient has had implants 122 surgically placed in the hand since previous imaging are set. In this case, variations in the imaging direction of the hand and the possibility that the imaging target may be the entire hand are considered. Furthermore, it is anticipated that it will be difficult to identify the detection area to be corrected from within the imaging area. Therefore, the weighting of the detection area and the setting of the selected detection area will be left as is. As mentioned above, the location of implant 122 is shielded from the irradiated radiation. Therefore, the arrival of the cumulative stop dose threshold may be delayed, and there is a possibility of over-irradiation.

[0071] To solve this problem, it is desirable to set the decision logic to OR based on the information that implant 122 is embedded in the hand, so that radiation irradiation is stopped when the cumulative dose reaches a threshold in an area where implant 122 is not embedded.

[0072] Thus, even when it is difficult to identify the detection area to be corrected from within the imaging area, the surgical procedure can be identified from prior patient information, it can be determined whether or not the judgment conditions need to be modified, and the judgment logic can be modified as the judgment conditions.

[0073] Furthermore, based on the information that implant 122 is embedded in the hand, it is advisable to issue a warning regarding AEC. In this way, the surgical procedure and site can be identified from the patient's prior information, the necessity of an AEC warning can be determined, and warnings regarding AEC imaging can be issued to the user, as well as warnings regarding the selection of detection area, the weighting of the detection area, and the setting of the judgment logic.

[0074] <Case 3: Chest X-ray - Lung Resection> The relationship between a patient's physical characteristics and the AEC setting will be explained using a case of chest X-ray and lung resection as an example.

[0075] In this case, the imaging technique involves frontal chest imaging, and the criteria for determining whether the patient has a physical defect are set if the left lung has been surgically removed since previous imaging.

[0076] Figure 7 illustrates the case of chest imaging followed by lung resection. In this example, the imaging procedure is frontal chest imaging, and the criteria for determining whether the patient has had the left lung removed surgically since previous imaging are set. In a normal chest X-ray, both lung fields are selected as the selective detection area 123, as shown in Figure 7. However, the area where the lung has been removed is bypassed by the irradiated radiation. As a result, more radiation reaches the radiation imaging device 120 than usual, causing the cumulative stop dose to reach the threshold earlier. Therefore, the cumulative stop dose threshold is reached earlier, potentially resulting in under-irradiation.

[0077] Therefore, based on the information that the left lung portion of the chest has been removed, it is desirable to set the detection area 124 to be corrected to be excluded from the detection area. Alternatively, it is desirable to set the judgment logic to AND so that even if the cumulative dose reaches the threshold at the location where the left lung portion of the chest has been removed, radiation irradiation will not stop, and radiation irradiation will stop only after the cumulative dose of the entire detection area reaches the threshold. Alternatively, it is desirable to change the weighting of the cumulative dose of the detection area 124 to be corrected to minimize the effect of radiation being missed at the location where the left lung portion of the chest has been removed.

[0078] In this way, the surgical procedure can be identified from the patient's prior information, it can be determined whether or not the judgment criteria need to be modified, and the selection of detection areas, the weighting of detection areas, and the settings of the judgment logic can be modified as judgment criteria.

[0079] Furthermore, based on the information that the left lung portion of the chest has been removed, it would be advisable to issue a warning regarding AEC (Autonomous Emission Computation). In this way, the surgical procedure and site can be identified from the patient's prior information, the necessity of an AEC warning can be determined, and warnings regarding AEC imaging can be issued to the user, including warnings regarding the selection of the detection area, the weighting of the detection area, and the setting of the judgment logic.

[0080] <Supplement> In this embodiment, candidate imaging conditions were determined in advance, and the settings for the judgment conditions were modified as needed based on the results of the prior analysis of patient information. However, it is also possible to directly set the judgment conditions based on the results of the prior analysis of patient information.

[0081] In this embodiment, the imaging control device 130 set the determination conditions based on prior patient information. However, the radiation generator 110 or the radiation imaging device 120 may also set the determination conditions based on prior patient information.

[0082] In this way, the surgical procedure and location can be identified from the patient's prior information, the necessity of warnings related to AEC can be determined, and warnings can be given to the user regarding the implementation of AEC imaging, as well as warnings regarding the selection of detection areas, the weighting of detection areas, and the setting of the judgment logic.

[0083] (Other examples) The embodiments described above are merely examples of how the present invention can be implemented, and the technical scope should not be limited by them. In other words, the present invention is also included in the scope of the embodiments described above, which have been modified or improved as appropriate based on the ordinary knowledge of those skilled in the art, without departing from its technical concept or its main features.

[0084] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. This program and the computer-readable storage medium storing the program are included in the present invention.

[0085] In the embodiments described above, a radiation imaging device equipped with AEC functionality was used as an example, but this technology may also be applied to a dedicated radiation dose meter (monitor) used for AEC. Furthermore, this technology may be used to detect when radiation irradiation has started. Moreover, this technology may also be used to detect when radiation irradiation has ended.

[0086] (Note) This specification includes the following disclosures:

[0087] [Note 1] A radiation imaging system comprising a radiation generating device for irradiating radiation, a radiation imaging device for acquiring radiation images based on radiation irradiated from the radiation generating device, and an information processing device for controlling radiation imaging using the radiation generating device and the radiation imaging device, Means for setting stop control to stop the irradiation of radiation from the radiation generating device, It has means for executing a predetermined process related to the setting of the stop control based on predetermined patient information, A radiographic imaging system characterized in that the predetermined patient information includes any of the following: information on bodily defects, information on the presence or absence of artificial implants, or information on surgical history.

[0088] [Note 2] The radiation imaging system according to Appendix 1, characterized in that the predetermined process is a process relating to setting stop control.

[0089] [Note 3] The radiation imaging system according to Appendix 2, characterized in that the setting includes one of the following: setting of a detection area used for stop control, setting of weighting of the detection area, and setting of the judgment logic for stop control.

[0090] [Note 4] The radiation imaging system according to Appendix 2 or 3, characterized in that the settings are determined based on a predetermined setting for the stop control and predetermined patient information.

[0091] [Note 5] The radiographic imaging system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4, characterized in that the aforementioned artificial object is an implant.

[0092] [Note 6] A radiographic imaging system according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, characterized in that it analyzes medical records prior to the predetermined processing and provides means for extracting predetermined patient information.

[0093] [Note 7] The radiographic imaging system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 6, characterized in that the surgical history information includes either information regarding implant placement or removal of implants, or information regarding organ transplantation or organ extraction.

[0094] [Note 8] The radiation imaging system according to Appendix 1, characterized in that the predetermined process is a notification process related to stop control.

[0095] [Note 9] The radiation imaging system according to Appendix 8, characterized in that the notification that is not sent in the notification process is either a notification regarding the implementation of the stop control imaging or a notification regarding the setting of the stop control.

[0096] [Note 10] The radiation imaging system according to Appendix 1, characterized in that the predetermined processing is performed by the radiation generating device or the radiation imaging device.

[0097] [Note 11] An information processing device used in a radiation imaging system, Means for setting stop control to stop the irradiation of radiation from the radiation generating device, It has means for executing a predetermined process related to the setting of the stop control based on predetermined patient information, The information processing device is characterized in that the predetermined patient information includes any of the following: information on physical defects, information on the presence or absence of artificial implants, or information on surgical history.

[0098] [Note 12] The radiation imaging system according to Appendix 11, characterized in that the predetermined process is a process relating to setting stop control.

[0099] [Note 13] The information processing apparatus according to Appendix 12, characterized in that the setting includes one of the following: setting of a detection area used for stop control, setting of weighting of the detection area, and setting of the determination logic for stop control.

[0100] [Note 14] The information processing device according to appendix 12 or 13, characterized in that the setting is determined based on a predetermined setting for the stop control and predetermined patient information.

[0101] [Note 15] The information processing device according to any one of appendices 11 to 14, characterized in that the aforementioned artificial object is an implant.

[0102] [Note 16] An information processing device according to any one of appendices 11 to 15, characterized by analyzing medical records prior to the predetermined processing and providing means for extracting predetermined patient information.

[0103] [Note 17] The information processing device according to any one of the appendices 11 to 16, characterized in that the surgical history information includes either information regarding the implantation or removal of an implant, or information regarding organ transplantation or organ extraction.

[0104] [Note 18] The information processing apparatus according to Appendix 11, characterized in that the predetermined processing is a notification processing related to stop control.

[0105] [Note 19] The information processing apparatus according to Appendix 18, characterized in that the notification that is not provided in the notification process is either a notification regarding the implementation of the stop control imaging or a notification regarding the setting of the stop control.

[0106] [Note 20] A program that causes an information processing device used in a radiation imaging system to perform processing, The aforementioned process is, The process of setting stop control to stop the irradiation of radiation from the radiation generator. and, The process includes a step of performing a predetermined process related to the setting of the stop control based on predetermined patient information, The program is characterized in that the predetermined patient information includes any of the following: information on physical defects, information on the presence or absence of artificial implants, or information on surgical history. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 100 Radiation Imaging Systems 110 Radiation Generator 120 Radiation imaging device 121 Detection area 122 Implants 123 Selection detection area 124 Detection area to be corrected 130 Imaging control device 139 Imaging Procedure Setting Unit 132 Imaging Control Unit 133 Communication Control Unit 134 Image Processing Unit 135 Display Control Unit 136 Patient Information Analysis Department 137 Judgment condition judgment section 138 Warning judgment section 140 Radiation control device 150 Display section 160 Operation Input Section 170 HIS / RIS 180 Cloud 200 FPD Processing Unit 201 Arithmetic section 202 Judgment information setting section 203 Threshold determination unit 204 Communication Interface Section

Claims

1. A radiation imaging system comprising a radiation generating device for irradiating radiation, a radiation imaging device for acquiring radiation images based on radiation irradiated from the radiation generating device, and an information processing device for controlling radiation imaging using the radiation generating device and the radiation imaging device, Means for setting the stop control of radiation irradiation from the radiation generating device, A means for performing a predetermined process related to setting the stop control based on patient information including any of the following: information on physical defects, information on the presence or absence of artificial implants, or information on surgical history. A radiation imaging system characterized by having the following features.

2. The radiation imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that the stop control is an automatic exposure control for radiation imaging.

3. The radiation imaging system according to claim 2, characterized in that the setting includes one of the following: setting of a detection area used for stop control, setting of weighting of the detection area, and setting of the determination logic for stop control.

4. The radiation imaging system according to claim 2, characterized in that the settings are determined based on a predetermined setting for the stop control and predetermined patient information.

5. The radiography system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the aforementioned artificial object is an implant.

6. The radiography system according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes means for analyzing medical records and extracting predetermined patient information prior to the predetermined processing.

7. The radiographic imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that the surgical history information includes either information regarding implant placement or removal of implants, or information regarding organ transplantation or organ extraction.

8. The radiation imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined process is a notification process relating to stop control.

9. The radiation imaging system according to claim 8, characterized in that the notification that is not sent in the notification process is either a notification regarding the implementation of the stop control imaging or a notification regarding the setting of the stop control.

10. The radiation imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined processing is performed by the radiation generating device or the radiation imaging device.

11. An information processing device used in a radiation imaging system, A means for setting the stop control of radiation irradiation from a radiation generating device, A means for performing a predetermined process related to setting the stop control based on patient information including any of the following: information on physical defects, information on the presence or absence of artificial implants, or information on surgical history. An information processing device characterized by having the following features.

12. The radiation imaging system according to claim 11, characterized in that the stop control is an automatic exposure control for radiation imaging.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the setting includes one of the following: setting of a detection area used for stop control, setting of weighting of the detection area, and setting of the determination logic for stop control.

14. The information processing device according to claim 12, characterized in that the setting is determined based on a predetermined setting for the stop control and predetermined patient information.

15. The information processing device according to claim 11, characterized in that the artificial object is an implant.

16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that it includes means for analyzing medical records and extracting predetermined patient information prior to the predetermined processing.

17. The information processing device according to claim 11, characterized in that the surgical history information includes either information regarding implant placement or removal of implants, or information regarding organ transplantation or organ extraction.

18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the predetermined processing is a notification processing related to stop control.

19. The information processing apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the notification that is not provided in the notification process is either a notification regarding the implementation of the stop control imaging or a notification regarding the setting of the stop control.

20. A program that causes an information processing device used in a radiation imaging system to perform processing, The aforementioned process is, The process involves setting the stop control for radiation irradiation from the radiation generating device, The process includes executing a predetermined process related to setting the stop control based on patient information that includes any of the following: information on physical defects, information on the presence or absence of artificial implants, or information on surgical history. A program characterized by the following features.

Images