Radiography equipment, quality information acquisition method, and program

Abstract

This involves users evaluating the image quality of radiographic image data according to the purpose of the imaging at the patient's site during rounds. [Solution] The radiography system 100, as a radiography apparatus, comprises a radiation generator 2 as an irradiation unit that irradiates a subject S as a subject with radiation R, an FPD 1 as a detection unit that detects radiation R and radiographs the subject S to generate radiographic image data, and a control unit that acquires an imaging order for radiography of the subject S, and acquires quality information from an external device to evaluate the image quality according to the purpose of radiography based on the imaging order and stores it in a storage unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a radiation imaging apparatus, a method for acquiring quality information, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when a user such as a radiographer makes rounds of patients in a ward of a medical facility such as a hospital, a mobile radiation imaging apparatus (rounds vehicle) that takes a radiation (X-ray) image of a patient using an FPD (Flat Panel Detector) at the rounds destination is known.

[0003] For example, by an operation of a user before going on rounds, a shooting order is acquired from a HIS (Hospital Information System) / RIS (Radiology Information System), and a past radiation image corresponding to the shooting order is acquired from a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) and displayed. There is known an X-ray imaging apparatus (see Patent Document 1). At the time of imaging, the user checks the imaging conditions referring to the displayed past radiation and aligns the position of the subject.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, while the X-ray imaging device described in Patent Document 1 is effective for comparing with past radiographic images, such as for follow-up observations, it may not be useful when the purpose of imaging is different. For example, even with the same imaging conditions, such as chest or frontal imaging, the disease being examined may be different, or the tubes and equipment attached, such as ventilators, may be different from those of previous patients. In such cases, the image quality of the radiographic image data required by the clinician may not be obtained by imaging in the same way.

[0006] In such cases, users may be unable to determine whether the captured radiographic image data meets the image quality requirements of the clinician, and may be unable to decide whether to terminate the imaging or whether to retake the images.

[0007] The objective of this invention is to enable users to evaluate the image quality of radiographic image data at the patient's location according to the purpose of the imaging. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the radiography apparatus of the invention described in claim 1 is An irradiation unit that irradiates the subject with radiation, A detection unit that detects the aforementioned radiation and performs radiation imaging on the subject to generate radiation image data, The system includes a control unit that acquires a shooting order for radiography of the subject, and acquires quality information from an external device for evaluating the image quality according to the purpose of the radiography based on the shooting order, and stores it in a storage unit.

[0009] The invention described in claim 2 is a radiographic apparatus described in claim 1, The control unit performs desired image processing on the radiation image data and generates radiation image data that can be compared with the radiation image data of the quality information.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 relates to the radiography apparatus described in claim 1 or 2, The memory unit is separate from the radiography apparatus.

[0011] The invention described in claim 4 relates to the radiography apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 3, The control unit acquires the quality information before moving the radiography apparatus to the location where the subject is being examined, or before taking the radiograph.

[0012] The invention described in claim 5 is a radiography apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The control unit automatically determines and acquires quality information corresponding to the shooting purpose from the shooting order.

[0013] The invention described in claim 6 is a radiography apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The aforementioned shooting order includes a purpose ID that identifies the purpose of shooting, The control unit acquires the quality information corresponding to the objective ID.

[0014] The method for obtaining quality information of the invention described in claim 7 is: The irradiation process involves irradiating the subject with radiation, A detection step of detecting the aforementioned radiation and performing radiation imaging on the subject to generate radiation image data, The control process includes obtaining a shooting order for radiography of the subject, and obtaining quality information from an external device to evaluate the image quality according to the purpose of the radiography based on the shooting order, and storing it in a memory unit.

[0015] The program of the invention described in claim 8 is An irradiation unit that irradiates the subject with radiation, A computer for a radiography apparatus comprising a detection unit that detects the aforementioned radiation and performs radiographic imaging of the subject to generate radiographic image data, A control unit that obtains a shooting order for radiography of the subject, and obtains quality information from an external device to evaluate the image quality according to the purpose of radiography based on the shooting order, and stores it in a memory unit. To make it function as such.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, at a referral destination, a user can evaluate the image quality of radiographic image data according to the imaging purpose.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a schematic configuration diagram showing a radiographic imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the FPD. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mobile medical unit. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the configuration of the imaging purpose table. [Figure 5] (a) is a block diagram showing the data flow of the mobile medical unit before radiographic imaging. (b) is a block diagram showing the data flow of the mobile medical unit after radiographic imaging. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing the first quality information acquisition process. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing the navigation process. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing the judgment support process. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing the second quality information acquisition process.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0019] First, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the device configuration of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a radiographic imaging system 100. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the FPD 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mobile medical unit RC.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the radiography 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, visits a patient for rounds, they move to the ward, operating room, or other location where the patient is located, along with the radiography system 100, and perform radiography on the patient. Here, we will describe an example where the visit location is a ward, a bed B is set up in the ward, and radiography is performed with the patient S, who is the subject of the examination, in a supine position on the bed B with its back raised.

[0021] The radiography system 100 comprises an FPD 1 as a detection unit and a mobile radiography unit RC. The mobile radiography unit RC has a radiation generator 2 as an irradiation unit and a console 3. The FPD 1 and the mobile radiography unit RC can communicate with each other, for example, via wireless communication. Furthermore, the mobile radiography unit RC can connect to the medical facility's communication network (such as a LAN (Local Area Network)) in its waiting area (storage location) before rounds, but at the rounds destination, it is assumed that it cannot connect to the communication network or that communication with the communication network is weak.

[0022] Furthermore, the mobile RC unit can communicate with external devices such as the HIS, RIS60, and external devices 70 (Figures 5(a) and 5(b)) via the aforementioned communication network. The communication network is assumed to be wireless, but it may also be wired.

[0023] FPD1 is a device that generates radiation image data corresponding to the radiation R emitted from the radiation generator 2. It is configured in a panel shape and is portable. Therefore, FPD1 can be used not only by being loaded onto the imaging table, but also by being placed horizontally between the subject S, who is lying down on the bed B, and the bed B, or, as shown in Figure 1, by being placed upright between the subject S, who is sitting on the raised bed B or wheelchair, and the backrest.

[0024] When the FPD1 is mounted on the imaging table, the radiation incidence surface (the surface facing the subject S) is parallel or perpendicular to the horizontal plane. However, in imaging without an imaging table (using bed B or a wheelchair), the radiation incidence surface may not necessarily be parallel or perpendicular to the horizontal plane (it may be tilted). Also, when the FPD1 is interposed between a soft device such as bed B and the subject S, it may move in accordance with the movement of the subject S.

[0025] The radiation generator 2 comprises 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. The radiation generator 2 is also movable by wheels provided on the housing of the generator body 21.

[0026] The irradiation instruction switch 22 outputs an operation signal to the generator main unit 21 when it is operated (pressed) by the user U. Although Figure 1 illustrates a state in which the irradiation instruction switch 22 is connected to the generator main unit 21 by a wire, the irradiation instruction switch 22 and the generator main unit 21 may be connected wirelessly.

[0027] When the irradiation instruction switch 22 is operated, the light tube 23 generates radiation R (such as X-rays) in a manner corresponding to the preset imaging conditions and irradiates from the irradiation port.

[0028] The tube support section 24 is an arm that supports the tube 23. The tube support section 24 has a support section 241 extending upward from the main body of the generator 21, and a support section 242 extending forward from the upper part of the support section 241. The tip of the support section 242 supports the tube 23. The tube support section 24 also has a joint mechanism (not shown) that allows the tube 23 to be moved in the X-axis direction (front-to-back direction of the radiation generator 2 (left-to-right direction in Figure 1)), the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the X-axis (width direction of the radiation generator 2 (direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 1)), and the Z-axis direction perpendicular to the X and Y axes (vertical direction (up and down direction in Figure 1)). Furthermore, the tube support section 24, by a joint mechanism (not shown), can rotate the tube 23 around a rotation axis parallel to the X, Y, and Z axes to change the direction of the radiation R irradiation port.

[0029] The collimator 25 is attached to the irradiation port of the tube 23 and focuses the radiation R emitted from the irradiation port so that the irradiation field of the radiation R 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 into the area that will be the irradiation field of radiation R.

[0030] 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 connected to the connector 16a (Figure 2) of the FPD1.

[0031] 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 RIS60 (Figure 5(a))) 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. The imaging order is information about radiography requested by the clinician to the user, and includes the specified date and time of radiography, patient information of the subject being examined (such as the patient ID described later), imaging site (such as the imaging site ID described later), purpose ID described later, 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).

[0032] Radiography (seated radiography) using the radiography system 100 (mobile RC) configured in this way is performed as follows. First, user U places the radiography 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).

[0033] 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. In addition, the radiography system 100 may consist of either the FPD 1 or the radiation generator 2, which are installed in a room in a medical facility (while the other device is freely movable).

[0034] Next, with reference to Figure 2, the internal configuration of FPD1 will be described. 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] The control unit 14 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and RAM (Random Access Memory) (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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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 detector 1 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 FPD 1. 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.

[0045] 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 reading unit 13 to read out signal values ​​based on the charge released by the radiation detection unit 11. Furthermore, the control unit 14 generates radiation image data of a still image or a moving image corresponding to the dose distribution of the irradiated radiation R based on the signal values ​​read out by the reading unit 13. When generating radiation image data of a still image, the control unit 14 generates radiation image data only once for each press of the irradiation instruction switch 22. Furthermore, when generating radiation image data of a moving image, the control unit 14 repeats the generation of radiation image data for frames constituting the moving image multiple times per predetermined time (for example, 15 times per second) for each press of the irradiation instruction switch 22. Finally, 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] Next, with reference to Figure 3, the internal configuration of the radiation generator 2 and console 3 of the mobile 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, and a communication unit 214. All parts of the radiation generator 2, except for the light tube 23, are connected in a communicative manner.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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 optically photographs the subject S, who is the subject of the examination, with visible light according to the control of the control unit 211, generates optical image data, and outputs it to the control unit 211 or the like. The optical imaging unit 2A optically photographs the subject S and generates optical image data of a still image or a moving image (such as a live image).

[0054] 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 various parts of the radiation generator 2 and the console 3.

[0055] The storage unit 212 is composed of non-volatile 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. In particular, the storage unit 212 stores a first quality information acquisition program for executing the first quality information acquisition process described later, a navigation program for executing the navigation process described later, a decision support program for executing the decision support process described later, and a shooting purpose table 400 described later.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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 RIS50 via a communication network.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] The operation unit 32 consists of, for example, a keyboard with various keys, a pointing device for inputting position 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.

[0061] 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. For example, the audio output unit 33 outputs synthesized speech of a message as imaging support information, which is information to assist user U in radiography. Imaging support information is information based on quality information, which is information to assist (support) radiography of the subject being photographed and to improve the image quality of radiographic image data. Quality information is information for evaluating the image quality of radiographic image data according to the purpose of radiography.

[0062] Next, with reference to Figure 4, the information stored in the mobile RC will be explained. Figure 4 shows the configuration of the imaging purpose table 400.

[0063] The memory unit 212 of the mobile radiography unit RC stores an imaging purpose table 400. The imaging purpose table 400 is a table that defines quality information for image quality according to the imaging purpose acquired by the mobile radiography unit RC during rounds. The imaging purpose is the type of examination for which the radiographic image data of the patient taken during rounds will be used, and includes "follow-up observation," "initial examination," "disease identification," "confirmation of the location of intubated devices such as tubes," and "confirmation of the condition of patients transported by ambulance." Furthermore, the imaging purpose may differ depending on the medical department and the type of disease. In addition, in the case of ward rounds, if the wards are divided by medical department, it is possible to narrow down the imaging purpose to some extent by specifying the ward instead of the medical department.

[0064] Image quality refers to the quality of the captured radiographic image data, such as the visibility of lesions and medical devices like catheters, that is necessary and sufficient for the clinician's examination and diagnosis purposes, and / or the quality that meets the requirements for performing image analysis processing using radiographic image data (including dynamic images). Requirements include, for example, signal value, granularity, contrast, positioning of the area to be analyzed, and the presence or absence of streaks and artifacts. For example, in the case of radiographic image data of dynamic images, image quality also includes whether a certain number of frames that meet the requirements are secured, whether the minimum required acquisition time (frames) for image analysis is secured, whether the patient's movement (such as breathing) is maintained for a certain period of time, whether there are gaps in the image, and whether the frame rate is appropriate. A gap refers to an area in radiographic image data where there is no subject (the area being scanned of the patient) (an area that is only air). Since gaps in the image receive a higher dose because there are no obstacles, comparing pixel values ​​together with the subject area will not yield correct values ​​such as average or maximum. For example, when performing analysis, gaps and artificial objects are excluded from calculations. Furthermore, even for the same imaging area (imaging order), the observation area and the comparison target for radiographic image data (past radiographic image data of the same patient, radiographic image data of other patients, etc.) differ depending on the purpose of imaging, and the indicators for judging image degradation of radiographic image data after imaging also differ. The quality information is not information for setting imaging conditions as in Patent Document 1, but rather information for evaluating the image quality of the acquired radiographic image data.

[0065] As shown in Figure 4, the imaging purpose table 400 has the following items (columns): Purpose ID 401 and Quality Information 402. Purpose ID 401 is identification information for the purpose of radiography. Quality Information 402 is the content of quality information acquired by the mobile radiography unit RC from an external device (RIS60 (Figure 5(a))) corresponding to the imaging purpose (and imaging site) of Purpose ID 401. In the example of Quality Information 402 in Figure 4, "Patient" is the subject. "Imaging Site" is the site of the subject to be imaged, for example, supine chest AP (radiography in which radiation is irradiated from the anterior (ventral) to the posterior (dorsal) side). "Alignment Adjustment History" is history information of the alignment information adjustment of the tube 23 and FPD1. "EI (Exposure Index)" is an index that shows the incident dose to FPD1. "S Value" is the sensitivity corresponding to the radiation dose during radiography.

[0066] In the imaging purpose table 400, for example, if the imaging site is supine chest AP and the imaging purpose is "follow-up observation," the purpose ID 401 shall be "0001." Also, if the imaging site is supine chest AP and the imaging purpose is "initial consultation," the purpose ID 401 shall be "0002." The purpose ID 401 (quality information) may be associated with at least one of the following: imaging site (imaging site ID), subject (patient ID), user (radiography technician's user ID), or clinician (clinician ID). In Figure 4, as an example, the quality information 402 for purpose ID 401 has multiple items, but it may also be structured so that an ID is assigned to each piece of quality information and these IDs are grouped by the purpose ID. Furthermore, the units and setting ranges (or thresholds) of each item may be defined in relation to the quality information 402. For example, there may be a setting that targets examinations up to a certain number of generations back for "past" data.

[0067] Here, an example of the purpose of shooting, quality information, and decision support information in this embodiment is shown in Table I below. Decision support information is information based on quality information, and is support (auxiliary) information for the user to determine whether or not the captured radiation image data meets a predetermined image quality (whether or not reshooting is necessary for a damaged image), and is information for improving the image quality of radiation image data. [Table 1]

[0068] The image data (, images) in Table I are radiographic image data (, radiographic images), but optical image data (, optical images) may also be included.

[0069] Next, the operation of the radiography system 100 will be explained with reference to Figures 5(a) to 8. Figure 5(a) is a block diagram showing the data flow of the mobile radiography unit RC before radiography. Figure 5(b) is a block diagram showing the data flow of the mobile radiography unit RC after radiography. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the first quality information acquisition process. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the navigation process. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the decision support process.

[0070] As shown in Figure 5(a), the terminal device 50, RIS 60, external device 70, and mobile RC located in the waiting area are pre-connected to each other via a relay device (an access point connected to a communication network, another mobile ward, a console, etc.) at the medical facility. The terminal device 50 is a terminal device such as a PC used by a clinician. RIS 60 is the server for the RIS (Radiology Information System), and may also be the server for the HIS (Hospital Information System). The external device 70 is a server that manages quality information and stores quality information. The external device 70 may overlap with RIS 60 and HIS.

[0071] When radiography is performed on a patient at a site visited during rounds, terminal device 50 receives operational input from the clinician, including the date and time of the radiography, information specifying at least one patient to be photographed, the area to be photographed, and the purpose of the radiography. It then issues a radiography order including the date and time of the radiography, a patient ID corresponding to the patient's information, an area ID corresponding to the area to be photographed, and a purpose ID corresponding to the purpose of the radiography, and transmits it to RIS 60. The radiography order issued by terminal device 50 is an order for one radiography unit, and since it includes the shooting conditions, it is considered a radiography unit (image unit). RIS 60 receives the radiography order from terminal device 50, stores it in its own memory, and issues a radiography order (RIS order) based on the received radiography order and transmits it to the mobile radio station RC. The radiography order (RIS order) issued by RIS 60 is an order for one radiography examination unit, and is generally considered an examination order. An examination order is an order for one examination unit, and it contains multiple radiography orders (issued by terminal device 50).

[0072] Users such as radiographers go to a waiting area where the FPD1 and mobile radiography unit RC are located. Then, on the mobile radiography unit RC (console 3), triggered by, for example, the start of receiving an imaging order from the RIS60 via the communication unit 214, the control unit 211 executes a first quality information acquisition process according to the first quality information acquisition program stored in the memory unit 212.

[0073] As shown in Figure 6, first, the control unit 211 receives and acquires the shooting order from the RIS 60 via the communication unit 214 (step S11). Then, the control unit 211 refers to the shooting purpose table 400 stored in the storage unit 212 and determines the quality information to acquire from the quality information 402 corresponding to the purpose ID 401 of the shooting order acquired in step S11 (step S12).

[0074] Then, the control unit 211 transmits a request for quality information determined in step S12, including the patient ID, purpose ID, and imaging site ID of the imaging order, to the external device 70 via the communication unit 214, and receives and acquires the said quality information from the external device 70 (step S13). In response to step S13, the external device 70 receives the request for quality information from the mobile RC, reads the quality information corresponding to the patient ID, purpose ID, and imaging site ID in the request for quality information from its own storage unit, and transmits it to the mobile RC.

[0075] Then, the control unit 211 stores the quality information acquired in step S13 in the storage unit 212 in association with the shooting order (step S14), and the first quality information acquisition process ends.

[0076] Furthermore, if a communication network is available at the medical site or along the route between the waiting area and the medical site, the control unit 211 of the medical vehicle RC may be configured to perform the first quality information acquisition process at the medical site or while moving from the waiting area to the medical site, rather than at the waiting area.

[0077] After the first quality information acquisition process is completed, the user goes from the waiting area to the mobile examination vehicle RC containing the FPD1 at the examination site where the patient to be photographed is located, and starts radiography of the patient. At this time, triggered by the user inputting an instruction to execute navigation processing via, for example, the operation unit 32 on the mobile examination vehicle RC (console 3) at the examination site, the control unit 211 executes navigation processing according to the navigation program stored in the memory unit 212.

[0078] As shown in Figure 7, first, the control unit 211 reads all imaging orders from the storage unit 212 and displays them on the main display unit 31, and accepts input from the user via the operation unit 32 to select the imaging order of the subject (patient) to be photographed from the displayed imaging orders (step S21).

[0079] Then, the control unit 211, in response to the imaging order selected in step S21, reads and acquires quality information from the storage unit 212 to support radiography, and acquires round-trip imaging information including the acquired quality information and various information about the current radiography (step S22). The quality information in step S22 is, for example, optical image data from past radiography. The various information about the current radiography in step S22 is information related to the current radiography, such as alignment (panel alignment) information between the FPD1 and the tube 23, and the dose of the tube 23. Then, the control unit 211 generates imaging support information to support radiography of the subject to be scanned from the round-trip imaging information acquired in step S22 (step S23). Then, the control unit 211 displays the generated imaging support information on the main display unit 31 in step S24 to navigate the radiography (step S24).

[0080] Then, the control unit 211 performs radiography of the subject using the FPD1 and radiation generator 2 in response to user input regarding radiography via the operation unit 32 and irradiation instruction switch 22, and acquires the radiographic image data of the subject from the FPD1 (step S25). Then, the control unit 211 stores various information from the radiography performed in step S25 (radiographic image data, shooting order, alignment information based on alignment measurement of the tube 23 and FPD1 by optical shooting of the optical imaging unit 2A, dose of the tube 23, optical image data, EI, S value, etc.) in the storage unit 212 in association with the information (step S26), and ends the navigation process.

[0081] Furthermore, when evaluating the image quality of radiographic image data using quality information, after radiography in step S25 of the navigation process, the control unit 211 performs image processing on the radiographic image data to convert it into radiographic image data that is easy to compare with past radiographic image data using quality information, thereby supporting the evaluation of the captured radiographic image data (defect judgment of radiographic image data, described later). Image processing includes, for example, region extraction, contour extraction, time-series difference, bone removal, displacement amount calculation, and left / right determination. Alternatively, based on the evaluation of the radiographic image data, the control unit 221 may automatically perform a defect judgment without proceeding to the user's defect judgment in the next step, and proceed to the re-imaging step.

[0082] After the navigation process is completed, the user begins to judge whether the radiographic image data captured during the navigation process is damaged. At this time, triggered by, for example, the user inputting an instruction to execute a judgment support process via the operation unit 32 in the mobile RC (console 3) at the destination of the medical rounds, the control unit 211 executes the navigation process according to the judgment support program stored in the memory unit 212.

[0083] As shown in Figure 8, first, the control unit 211 reads and acquires quality information from the storage unit 212 to support the determination of image defects, corresponding to the shooting order selected in step S21 of the navigation processing. It then generates judgment support information in step S26 to support the determination of image defects in the stored radiation image data, including the acquired quality information and various information from step S25. The quality information in step S41 is, for example, past radiation image data. The various information from step S41 is information to support the determination of image defects, such as alignment (panel alignment) information between the FPD1 and the tube 23, EIT (target exposure index), and S value. Alternatively, instead of or in addition to the EIT and S value of the various information from the radiation image, an exposure index related to noise in radiation images as described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-130796 may be used.

[0084] Then, the control unit 211 displays the decision support information generated in step S41 on the main display unit 31 together with at least the radiation image data from the various information stored in step S26 of the navigation processing (step S42). In response to step S43, the user refers to the displayed radiation image data and decision support information to determine whether the radiation image data is damaged.

[0085] The control unit 211 then receives input from the user via the operation unit 32 regarding the determination result of whether or not the radiation image data needs to be damaged, and stores the determination support information in the storage unit 212 in association with the radiation image data and the determination result of whether or not the image data needs to be damaged (step S43).

[0086] Then, the control unit 211 transmits the radiographic image data associated with the patient ID, imaging site ID, and target ID of the imaging order to the RIS 60 via the communication unit 214 (step S44). In step S44, as shown in Figure 5(b), the RIS 60 receives the radiographic image data associated with the imaging order from the mobile RC, stores it in its own memory unit, and transmits it to the terminal device 50. The terminal device 50 receives the radiographic image data associated with the imaging order from the RIS 60 and displays it on its own display unit. The clinician observes the radiographic image data of the patient at the mobile RC displayed on the terminal device 50.

[0087] The control unit 211 then transmits decision support information and imaging result information associated with the patient ID, imaging site ID, and objective ID of the imaging order to the external device 70 via the communication unit 214 (step S45), and terminates the decision support information. The imaging result information includes radiographic image data associated with the patient ID, imaging site ID, and objective ID of the imaging order, the result of the judgment on whether or not the image needs to be damaged, various other information stored in step S26 of the navigation processing (such as optical image data), and the date and time of imaging. In step S45, as shown in Figure 5(b), the RIS 60 receives the decision support information and imaging result information associated with the imaging order from the mobile RC and stores it in its own memory unit. This imaging result information can also be used as quality information for subsequent imaging.

[0088] Furthermore, the quality information stored in the external device 70 for use in subsequent uses is not limited to imaging result information, but may also include decision support information and memo information of handover items input by the user via the operation unit 32 (such as memos of failure cases or precautions to take when imaging linked to the patient ID). Regarding the storage operation of memo information, it is preferable that the user can save it to the storage unit 212 and the external device 70 simply by checking a checkbox displayed on the main display unit 31 via the operation unit 32. Alternatively, the mobile medical unit RC may be equipped with an audio input unit such as a microphone, and configured to allow voice input of the user's memo information via the audio input unit.

[0089] Furthermore, in the imaging results information, the radiographic image data from radiography and the optical image data obtained through optical imaging during the same radiography shall be associated. In addition, the quality information may be configured to expand the acceptable range of quality information levels according to the patient's condition.

[0090] Furthermore, the external device 70 may be configured to perform calibration of the quality information stored in the external device 70. For example, the user consults with a clinician based on the quality information stored in the external device 70. The external device 70 modifies the stored quality information standard (for comparison) radiographic image data (optical image data) and various other data according to the user's or clinician's operational input. Outliers (noise) in the quality information are excluded. For example, radiography that had to be taken under conditions that did not meet the quality standards due to the patient's condition, etc., and operational test radiography may be excluded or made correctable as outliers in the quality information.

[0091] Furthermore, the information stored in the external device 70 may also be stored in the memory unit 212 and reused during subsequent imaging. Depending on the capacity of the memory unit 212, the quality information acquired in step S13 may also be continuously retained to reduce the cost of pre-acquisition processing for the next examination of the same patient (subject). Alternatively, the external device 70 may be used as a portable memory unit for the mobile medical unit RC, such as an external semiconductor memory (SSD (Solid State Drive)) or HDD. This separates the transmission processing from the mobile medical unit RC to the external device 70 (step S45), and the control unit 211 of the mobile medical unit RC only performs the processing of saving judgment support information, imaging result information, quality information, etc. to the external semiconductor memory or HDD, thereby reducing the transmission processing load on the external device 70. The control unit 211 may also read the judgment support information, imaging result information, etc. from the external semiconductor memory or HDD and output (transmit) it to the external device 70 at any time.

[0092] As described above, according to this embodiment, the radiography system 100 as a radiography apparatus comprises a radiation generator 2 as an irradiation unit that irradiates a subject as a test subject with radiation, an FPD 1 as a detection unit that detects radiation and radiographs the subject to generate radiographic image data, and a control unit 211 that acquires an imaging order for radiography of the subject and acquires quality information from an external device for evaluating the image quality according to the purpose of radiography based on the imaging order and stores it in a storage unit 212.

[0093] Therefore, quality information allows users (especially those unfamiliar with mobile radiography) to evaluate the image quality of radiographic image data according to the purpose of the radiography at the site of the mobile radiography. More specifically, in radiography support processing, quality information can be used to indirectly evaluate and improve the image quality of radiographic image data acquired with the assistance of radiography. In decision support processing, quality information can be used to assist in the judgment of radiographic image data defects and evaluate image quality, thereby improving the image quality of radiographic image data that does not have defects.

[0094] Furthermore, the control unit 211 performs desired image processing on the radiation image data to generate radiation image data that can be compared with past radiation image data of quality information. Therefore, in the decision support process, the processed radiation image data and the radiation image data of quality information can be compared to make a more appropriate judgment on the degradation of the radiation image data, and the image quality of radiation image data that is not degraded can be further improved.

[0095] Furthermore, the control unit 211 acquires quality information before moving the mobile RC and FPD1 to the patient's location, or before radiography. This ensures that quality information is reliably acquired before radiography (navigation processing, decision support processing).

[0096] Furthermore, the shooting order includes a purpose ID that identifies the purpose of shooting. The control unit 211 acquires quality information corresponding to the purpose ID. Therefore, quality information according to the purpose of shooting can be easily acquired using the purpose ID.

[0097] Furthermore, the storage unit for quality information may be a separate storage unit from the mobile medical unit RC, rather than the storage unit 212 (for example, a storage unit in an external device that can communicate with the mobile medical unit RC at the medical site, or an external storage unit attached to the mobile medical unit RC). This configuration allows for a smaller capacity for the storage unit 212 and simplifies the configuration of the mobile medical unit RC.

[0098] (modified version) A modified example of the above embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a flowchart of the second quality information acquisition process.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the mobile radiography unit (RC) acquired quality information using the purpose ID. However, in this modified example, the mobile radiography unit (RC) identifies and acquires the quality information from the content information of the radiography order. For this reason, in this modified example, the purpose ID is not included in the radiography order. Furthermore, the radiography order includes at least one of the following as content information of the radiography: purpose information relating to the purpose of the radiography, environment information relating to the radiography environment, and method information relating to the radiography method.

[0100] The apparatus configuration of this modified example uses the same radiography system 100 as in the embodiment described above. However, the storage unit 212 of the mobile examination vehicle RC stores a second quality information acquisition program for executing the second quality information acquisition process described later, instead of the first quality information acquisition program, and the imaging purpose table 400 is not stored therein.

[0101] Next, the operation of the radiography system 100 will be described with reference to Figure 9. Similar to the above embodiment, when radiography is performed on a patient at a medical site, the control unit 211, triggered by the start of reception of a radiography order from the RIS 60 via the communication unit 214, for example, in the mobile medical unit RC (console 3) at the waiting area before moving, executes a second quality information acquisition process according to the second quality information acquisition program stored in the memory unit 212.

[0102] As shown in Figure 9, step S61 is the same as step S11 of the first quality information acquisition process in Figure 6 of the above embodiment. The control unit 211 then determines whether or not there is imaging purpose information in the imaging order acquired in step S61 (step S62). If there is imaging purpose information (step S62; YES), the control unit 211 determines, according to the imaging purpose information, that past examination information related to past examinations of the same subject to be acquired (e.g., past radiographic image data, optical image data), other examination information related to past examinations of other subjects (e.g., past radiographic image data, optical image data), etc., be used as quality information, and transmits a request for the determined quality information, including the patient ID and imaging site ID, to the external device 70 via the communication unit 214, and receives and acquires the quality information from the external device 70 (step S63).

[0103] If there is no information on the purpose of imaging (step S62; NO), the control unit 211 determines whether or not imaging environment information is included in the imaging order acquired in step S61 (step S64). If there is imaging environment information (step S64; YES), the control unit 211 determines, according to the imaging environment information, past examination information related to past examinations of the same subject to be acquired, other examination information related to past examinations of other subjects, etc., as quality information, and transmits a request for the determined quality information, including the patient ID and imaging site ID, to the external device 70 via the communication unit 214, and receives and acquires the said quality information from the external device 70 (step S65).

[0104] If there is no imaging environment information (step S64; NO), the control unit 211 determines whether or not imaging method information is included in the imaging order acquired in step S61 (step S66). If there is imaging method information (step S66; YES), the control unit 211 determines, according to the imaging method information, past examination information related to past examinations of the same subject to be acquired, other examination information related to past examinations of other subjects, etc., as quality information, and transmits a request for the determined quality information, including the patient ID and imaging site ID, to the external device 70 via the communication unit 214, and receives and acquires the quality information from the external device 70 (step S67).

[0105] In response to steps S63, S65, and S67, the external device 70 receives a request for quality information from the mobile RC, reads the quality information corresponding to the patient ID and imaging site ID in the quality information request from its own storage unit, and transmits it to the mobile RC. Then, the control unit 211 stores the quality information acquired in steps S63, S65, and S67 in the storage unit 212 in association with the imaging order (step S68), and terminates the second quality information acquisition process.

[0106] Here, Table II shows an example of the imaging environment information, imaging purpose information, ward round imaging information, and decision support information in this modified example. In Table II, "accessories" refers to ME (Medical Engineering) devices installed inside or near the patient's body, such as pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, and circulatory support pump catheters. [Table 2]

[0107] Furthermore, an example of the imaging site, imaging method information, ward round imaging information, and decision support information in this modified example is shown in Table III below. [Table 3]

[0108] The image data in Tables II and III are radiographic image data, but optical image data may also be included.

[0109] Furthermore, the priority (order of determination) for determining the presence or absence of shooting purpose information, shooting environment information, and shooting method within a shooting order is not limited to the example of the second quality information acquisition process in Figure 9. Also, the priority for determining the presence or absence of shooting purpose information, shooting environment information, and shooting method may be determined by factors such as the medical facility, user, or clinical department.

[0110] Furthermore, the determination of whether or not shooting purpose information, shooting environment information, and shooting method information are present in a shooting order is not limited to the example of the second quality information acquisition process in Figure 9. The determination of whether or not shooting purpose information, shooting environment information, and shooting method information are present in a shooting order may be made using any two of them, or just one of them.

[0111] Alternatively, the quality information to be acquired may be determined solely by the acquired shooting order, or the system may accept user input for additional quality information via the operation unit 32, or it may accept the display of options for additional part-of-speech information on the main display unit 31 and the user's selection input, and then determine the quality information to be acquired according to that operation information.

[0112] Furthermore, the types of quality information to be acquired are not limited to quality information based on shooting purpose information, quality information based on shooting environment information, or quality information based on shooting method information. In addition, the control unit 211 may manage the combinations of types of quality information to be acquired in advance using an internal ID such as a purpose ID, or it may issue an ID for internal management of the acquired quality information itself.

[0113] As described above, according to this modified configuration, the control unit 211 automatically determines and acquires quality information according to the purpose of shooting from the shooting order. Therefore, the configuration of the shooting order can be simplified, and quality information according to the purpose of shooting can be acquired.

[0114] The above description discloses an example in which a storage unit 212 (semiconductor memory, HDD) is used as a computer-readable medium for the program according to the present invention, but the invention is not limited to this example. Portable recording media such as CD-ROMs can be used as other computer-readable mediums. Furthermore, a carrier wave can also be used as a medium for providing the program data according to the present invention via a communication line.

[0115] The above-described embodiments and modifications are merely examples of preferred radiography apparatus, quality information acquisition method, and program according to the present invention, and are not limited thereto. For example, configurations may be appropriately combined from the above embodiments and modifications.

[0116] Furthermore, while the above embodiments and modifications include a configuration in which quality information includes past radiographic image data and optical image data, the system is not limited to this. The quality information may also include image data of other examination information. Examples of image data of other examination information include ultrasound image data from an ultrasound diagnostic device and 3D image data from CT (Computed Tomography) for identifying lesion locations (specification of radiographic imaging locations).

[0117] Furthermore, the detailed configuration and detailed operation of each part constituting the radiography system 100 in the above embodiments and modified examples can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 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 RC patrol car 2. Radiation Generating Devices 21 Generator main unit 211 Control Unit 212 Storage section 213 Generator 214 Communications Department 22. Irradiation Indicator Switch 23 Tube 24 Tube support part 241,242 Support part 25 Collimator 26 FPD storage compartment 27 Sensor section 28 Sub-display section 29 Distance measuring unit 2A Optical Imaging Section 50 Terminal devices 60 RIS 70 External device

Claims

1. An irradiation unit that irradiates the subject with radiation, A detection unit that detects the aforementioned radiation and performs radiation imaging on the subject to generate radiation image data, A radiography apparatus comprising: a control unit that acquires a radiography order for the aforementioned subject, and acquires quality information from an external device for evaluating the image quality according to the purpose of radiography based on the radiography order, and stores it in a memory unit.

2. The radiography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs desired image processing on the radiographic image data and generates radiographic image data that can be compared with the radiographic image data of quality information.

3. The radiography apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage unit is separate from the radiography apparatus.

4. The radiography apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit acquires the quality information before moving the radiography apparatus to the location where the subject is located, or before radiography is performed.

5. The radiography apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit automatically determines and acquires quality information corresponding to the purpose of the photograph from the photographic order.

6. The aforementioned shooting order includes a purpose ID that identifies the purpose of shooting, The radiography apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit acquires the quality information corresponding to the objective ID.

7. The irradiation process involves irradiating the subject with radiation, A detection step of detecting the aforementioned radiation and performing radiation imaging on the subject to generate radiation image data, A method for acquiring quality information, comprising a control step of acquiring a shooting order for radiography of the subject, and acquiring quality information from an external device for evaluating the image quality according to the purpose of radiography based on the shooting order, and storing it in a memory unit.

8. An irradiation unit that irradiates the subject with radiation, A computer for a radiography apparatus comprising a detection unit that detects the aforementioned radiation and performs radiographic imaging of the subject to generate radiographic image data, A control unit that obtains a shooting order for radiography of the subject, and obtains quality information from an external device to evaluate the image quality according to the purpose of radiography based on the shooting order, and stores it in a memory unit. A program designed to function as such.

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