Imaging support device, method and program, and radiography apparatus

Abstract

In radiography equipment, methods, and programs, the aim is to make it easier to check the necessary information at each work step when performing radiography using a mobile radiography device. [Solution] When assisting with the imaging of a radiography apparatus comprising a radiation source that emits radiation, a mobile body, a foldable arm connecting the body and the radiation source, a sensor that acquires distance information representing the imaging distance from the radiation source to the subject, and an optical camera attached to the radiation source that acquires an optical image from the radiation source to the subject, the processor determines the completion of each of several work processes for aligning the radiography apparatus and displays alignment indicators on the display according to the completed work process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a photographing support device, method, and program, and a radiation imaging device.

Background Art

[0002] When performing radiation imaging at the site of a home visit using a mobile radiation imaging device (mobile X-ray unit), a radiation image of a patient is taken using a radiation detector at the home visit site. When performing radiation imaging at the home visit site in this way, it is necessary to align the radiation source and the radiation detector. Specifically, the SID (Source to Image receptor Distance), which is the distance between the radiation source and the radiation detector, is made to match the target distance, the center of the radiation emitted from the source and the imaging center of the subject are made to match, and the distance, relative position, and relative angle between the radiation source and the radiation detector are adjusted so that the optical axis of the radiation intersects the radiation detector perpendicularly. For this reason, a method has been proposed in which indicators necessary for alignment, such as the SID, the angle of the radiation source, and the angle of the radiation detector, are displayed on a display provided in the radiation imaging device to assist in alignment (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In addition, a method has also been proposed in which an indicator representing the center of the subject and an indicator representing the center of the radiation irradiation field are displayed on the display, and when the positions of these two indicators match, the relative angle between the radiation source and the radiation detector is displayed on the display (see Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, when photographing a subject using a mobile radiography device, the photograph is taken after performing several tasks, including setting up the radiography device, deploying the arm, setting up the radiation detector, adjusting the shooting position, adjusting the SID, adjusting the relative angle between the radiation source and the radiation detector, and confirming the shooting conditions. When performing these multiple tasks, displaying numerous indicators such as the SID, the angle of the radiation source, and the angle of the radiation detector on the display makes the display content cluttered, making it difficult to confirm the indicators necessary for the current work process. The method described in Patent Document 2 displays the relative angle on the display in addition to the indicators displayed in the previous work process when the indicator representing the center of the subject and the indicator representing the center of the radiation field coincide. As a result, the indicators necessary for the work process are displayed on the display, but indicators necessary for other work processes are also displayed, making it difficult to confirm the indicators.

[0006] This disclosure is made in view of the above circumstances and aims to make it easier to confirm the necessary information at each work step when taking images using a mobile radiography device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The imaging support device disclosed herein includes a radiation source that emits radiation, A mobile unit, A foldable arm connects the main unit and the radiation source, A sensor that acquires distance information representing the shooting distance in the direction from the radiation source to the subject, A radiography apparatus imaging support device comprising an optical camera attached to a radiation source and an optical camera that acquires an optical image in the direction of the subject from the radiation source, The display and Equipped with a processor, The processor is The completion of each of the multiple work processes for aligning the radiography equipment is determined. The display shows alignment indicators corresponding to the completed work process.

[0008] In the imaging support device according to this disclosure, the processor may display alignment indicators corresponding to completed work processes in place of the indicators displayed on the display during the completed work process.

[0009] In the imaging support device according to this disclosure, the processor may determine the completion of a work process based on at least one of the following: whether the angle of the arm has reached a predetermined angle; whether the distance between the radiation source and the surface of the bed on which the subject is placed or the detection surface of a radiation detector installed behind the subject has reached a predetermined distance; whether the relative angle between the radiation source and the radiation detector has reached a predetermined angle; whether the target position of the subject and the radiation irradiation center are within a predetermined range; and whether an operation by the operator has been received.

[0010] In the imaging support device according to this disclosure, the indicator may include at least one of the following: the distance between the radiation source and the surface of the bed on which the subject is placed, or the detection surface of a radiation detector installed behind the subject; the relative angle between the radiation source and the radiation detector; the target position of the subject; the radiation irradiation center; imaging conditions; and the thickness of the subject.

[0011] In the shooting support device according to this disclosure, the processor may change the indicator displayed on the display according to the shooting menu for photographing the subject.

[0012] In the imaging support device according to this disclosure, the processor may change the index according to the level of precision required for alignment in the work process that follows the completed work process.

[0013] In the imaging support device according to this disclosure, the processor may instruct the radiography device to perform an action indicating completion when alignment is completed in at least one of the multiple work processes.

[0014] In the imaging support device according to this disclosure, the processor may determine in at least one of a plurality of work processes that alignment has been completed, depending on at least one of the following: whether the distance between the radiation source and the detection surface of the radiation detector installed on the surface of the bed on which the subject is placed or behind the subject is within a predetermined distance range; whether the relative angle between the radiation source and the radiation detector is within a predetermined angular range; and whether the distance between the radiation irradiation center and the target position of the subject is within a predetermined distance range.

[0015] In the imaging support device according to this disclosure, the processor may instruct the radiography device to perform the operation of irradiating the subject with a light field as an operation indicating completion.

[0016] In the imaging support device according to this disclosure, the processor may instruct the radiography device to turn off the light irradiation field when it deviates from the state in which alignment is complete.

[0017] In the imaging support device according to this disclosure, the display may be attached to a radiation source unit having a radiation source.

[0018] The imaging support method disclosed herein involves a radiation source that emits radiation, A mobile unit, A foldable arm connects the main unit and the radiation source, A sensor that acquires distance information representing the shooting distance in the direction from the radiation source to the subject, A method for assisting the imaging of a radiographic apparatus, comprising an optical camera attached to a radiation source and an optical camera that acquires an optical image in the direction of the subject from the radiation source, The computer determines the completion of each of the multiple work processes for aligning the radiography equipment. The display shows alignment indicators corresponding to the completed work process.

[0019] The imaging support program according to the present disclosure is for a radiation imaging apparatus including a radiation source that emits radiation, a movable main body, a foldable arm that connects the main body and the radiation source, a sensor that acquires distance information representing the imaging distance in the direction of a subject from the radiation source, and an optical camera that is attached to the radiation source and acquires an optical image in the direction of the subject from the radiation source, and the imaging support program causes a computer to execute: a procedure for determining completion of each of a plurality of work steps for aligning the radiation imaging apparatus, a procedure for displaying, on a display, an index for alignment according to the completed work step.

[0020] Note that the technology of the present disclosure may be applied to a program product.

[0021] The radiation imaging apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a radiation source that emits radiation, a movable main body, a foldable arm that connects the main body and the radiation source, a sensor that acquires distance information representing the imaging distance in the direction of a subject from the radiation source, an optical camera that is attached to the radiation source and acquires an optical image in the direction of the subject from the radiation source, and the imaging support apparatus according to the present disclosure.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to the present disclosure, when imaging is performed using a mobile radiation imaging apparatus, it is possible to easily check the information required in each work step.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] External perspective view of a radiation imaging apparatus to which the imaging support apparatus according to the present embodiment is applied [Figure 2] Diagram showing the state of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment during use [Figure 3]Diagram showing the detailed configuration of the radiation source unit. [Figure 4] This figure shows the hardware configuration of the imaging support device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Functional configuration diagram of the imaging support device according to this embodiment [Figure 6] A diagram to explain plane detection. [Figure 7] Diagram showing the display screen after the completion of the first work process. [Figure 8] Diagram showing the display screen after the completion of the second work process. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the display screen immediately before the completion of the third work process. [Figure 10] Diagram showing the display screen after the completion of the fourth work process. [Figure 11] Flowchart showing the process performed in this embodiment [Figure 12] Flowchart showing the process performed in this embodiment [Figure 13] This figure shows another example of the display screen after the completion of the second work process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is an external perspective view of a radiography apparatus to which the imaging support device according to this embodiment is applied, and Figure 2 is a diagram showing the state of the radiography apparatus to which the imaging support device according to this embodiment is applied when in use. The radiography apparatus 1 to which the imaging support device according to this embodiment is applied is a mobile radiography apparatus and has legs 2 that can travel on the apparatus mounting surface, a main body 3 held on the legs 2, an arm 4 connected to the main body 3, and a radiation source unit 5 attached to the tip of the arm 4.

[0025] The leg section 2 has four legs 11 and wheel sections 12 attached to the underside of the tip of each leg 11. The wheel sections 12 are equipped with stoppers (not shown) to prevent the wheels from rotating unintentionally.

[0026] The main unit 3 houses a computer 10 and battery, etc., for controlling the radiography apparatus 1 within the housing 3A. The computer 10 incorporates the radiography support device according to this embodiment. A handle 13 for pushing and pulling the radiography apparatus is attached to the upper end of the housing 3A. An operation panel 14 is also attached to the upper part of the housing 3A.

[0027] The control panel 14 employs a touch panel system integrated with the display, receiving operator instructions such as setting imaging conditions and starting imaging, and inputting these instructions into the radiography device 1. Imaging menus that can be set include chest radiography, limb radiography, and upper body radiography.

[0028] The arm 4 consists of a foldable first member 15 and a second member 16. The first member 15 is rotatably connected to the main body 3 in the vertical direction. The first member 15 and the second member 16 are rotatably connected relative to each other. The first member 15 is also provided with a potentiometer 8 for detecting the angle between the first member 15 and the second member.

[0029] The radiation source unit 5 is attached to the tip of the second member 16 of the arm 4 by a mounting member 17. The mounting member 17 supports the radiation source unit 5 so that it can swing freely. The mounting member 17 is also rotatably mounted around the long axis of the second member 16.

[0030] When using the radiography apparatus 1, for example, as shown in Figure 2, the upper body of the subject H is raised on the bed 30, and a radiation detector 31 is inserted between the raised portion of the bed 30 and the subject H to generate a radiographic image by detecting the radiation that has passed through the subject H. The operator moves the radiography apparatus 1 close to the bed 30, unfolds the folded arm 4, and adjusts the radiation source unit 5 so that radiation is irradiated to a predetermined part of the subject H according to the set SID, and the radiation is irradiated perpendicularly to the radiation detector 31. The adjustment of the radiation source unit 5 will be described later.

[0031] The radiation detector 31 is a cassette-type detector configured to acquire a radiation image of the subject H by detecting radiation. Furthermore, the radiation detector 31 is a wireless type detector and transmits the radiation image acquired by radiation irradiation to the computer 10 wirelessly.

[0032] In this embodiment, the radiation detector 31 includes a motion sensor 32. The motion sensor 32 is a 9-axis motion sensor that detects the acceleration in three axes, the angular velocity in three axes, and the tilt in three axes of the radiation detector 31. The acceleration, angular velocity, and tilt detected by the motion sensor 32 are output to the computer 10 as motion information. Processing using the motion information will be described later.

[0033] Figure 3 shows a detailed configuration of the radiation source unit. As shown in Figure 3, the radiation source unit 5 has a tube housing 18 for housing a radiation tube such as an X-ray tube, and a collimator 19 that is rotatably mounted on the tube housing 18 around the optical axis of the radiation. A radiation emission window 20, an optical camera 21, a stereo camera 22, and two handles 23 and 24 are attached to the radiation emission surface of the collimator 19. A display 25 is attached to the side of the collimator 19. In Figure 3, the handle 23 is shown by a dashed line to illustrate the configuration of the collimator 19. Alternatively, the display 25 may be mounted on the side or back of the tube housing 18 instead of the collimator 19. A motion sensor 9 is also attached to the radiation source unit 5.

[0034] The collimator 19 sets the radiation field by changing the size of the emission window 20. The radiation field is set according to instructions from the control panel 14. A visible light source, the field lamp, is installed inside the emission window 20 of the collimator 19. By turning on the field lamp, visible light is emitted onto the subject, and the range of visible light illumination changes according to the size of the emission window 20. This allows the operator to confirm the radiation field on the subject H.

[0035] The optical camera 21 acquires an optical image G1 in the direction from which radiation is emitted from the radiation source unit 5. The optical image G1 is a moving image at a predetermined frame rate, representing objects on the side from which radiation is irradiated from the radiation source unit 5 using RGB color pixels. The acquired optical image G1 is displayed on the display 25 as described later. The optical camera 21 is designed to acquire a color optical image G1, but it may also acquire a monochrome optical image G1.

[0036] The stereo camera 22 has two cameras 22A and 22B and acquires a shooting distance image G2 by measuring the distance using the principle of triangulation. The shooting distance image G2 is also a moving image with a predetermined frame rate. In the shooting distance image G2, each pixel represents the shooting distance in the direction from the light source unit 5 to the subject. Instead of the stereo camera 22, a TOF (Time-of-Flight) camera that measures the distance by the time it takes for light to return may be used. The shooting distance image may also be derived using a LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) sensor. The stereo camera 22, TOF camera, and LiDAR sensor are examples of sensors that acquire distance information representing the shooting distance in this disclosure. The shooting distance image G2 is an example of distance information representing the shooting distance in this disclosure. Note that the distance information is not limited to an image format and may be the numerical value itself that represents the shooting distance.

[0037] Handles 23 and 24 are used by the operator to grasp them and change the position and angle of the radiation source unit 5. Here, assuming the x, y, and z axes are set as shown in Figure 3, the collimator 19 is rotatably mounted on the tube housing 18 around the z axis. Therefore, the radiation field on the subject H can be rotated. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the radiation source unit 5 is rotatably mounted around the long axis of the second member 16 and is swingably attached to the second member 16 by the mounting member 17. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the angles around the x and y axes shown in Figure 3.

[0038] The optical image G1 captured by the optical camera 21 is displayed on the display 25. The display on the display 25 will be described later.

[0039] The motion sensor 9 is a 9-axis motion sensor that detects the acceleration, angular velocity, and tilt of the three axes of the radiation source unit 5. The acceleration, angular velocity, and tilt detected by the motion sensor 9 are output to the computer 10 as motion information. The motion sensor 9 is an example of the first angle sensor of this disclosure.

[0040] Next, a computer for executing the processing of the imaging support device according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the computer for executing the processing of the imaging support device. As shown in Figure 4, the computer 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41, non-volatile storage 43, and memory 46 as a temporary storage area. The computer 10 also includes an operation panel 14, a network I / F (Interface) 47 connected to a network (not shown), and wired and wireless I / F 45 for connecting the optical camera 21, stereo camera 22, and display 25 to the computer 10. The potentiometer 8 of the arm 4, the motion sensor 9 of the radiation source unit 5, and the motion sensor 32 of the radiation detector 31 are connected to the computer 10 wirelessly by I / F 45. The CPU 41, storage 43, operation panel 14, I / F 45, memory 46, and network I / F 47 are connected to a bus 48. Note that the CPU 41 is an example of a processor in this disclosure.

[0041] The computer 10 processes the display of the radiation image acquired by the radiation detector 31 and transmits it to external devices, but a detailed explanation of these processes will be omitted here. The computer 10 incorporates the imaging support device according to this embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the imaging support device according to this embodiment will also be referred to as 10.

[0042] The storage 43 is implemented by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), flash memory, etc. The storage 43, as a storage medium, stores the shooting support program 42. The CPU 41 reads the shooting support program 42 from the storage 43, expands it into memory 46, and executes the expanded shooting support program 42.

[0043] Next, the functional configuration of the imaging support device according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the imaging support device according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the imaging support device 10 includes an information acquisition unit 51, an output unit 52, a determination unit 53, and a display control unit 54. When the CPU 41 executes the imaging support program 42, the CPU 41 functions as the information acquisition unit 51, the output unit 52, the determination unit 53, and the display control unit 54.

[0044] The information acquisition unit 51 acquires the optical image G1 acquired by the optical camera 21 and the shooting distance image G2 acquired by the stereo camera 22. The information acquisition unit 51 also acquires angle information representing the angle between the first member 15 and the second member 16 output by the potentiometer 8. In addition, the information acquisition unit 51 also acquires motion information output by the motion sensors 9 and 32.

[0045] The derivation unit 52 derives the relative angle between the radiation source unit 5 and the target plane. In this embodiment, the target plane is the detection surface of the radiation detector 31. The derivation unit 52 then derives the relative angle between the radiation source unit 5 and the target plane based on motion information acquired from the motion sensor 9 of the radiation source unit 5 and the motion sensor 32 of the radiation detector 31.

[0046] In this embodiment, the radiography apparatus 1 is assumed to be moved to the leg side of the subject H relative to the bed 30, as shown in Figure 2. In this situation, the derivation unit 52 obtains the rotation angles of the radiation source unit 5 around the x-axis and y-axis from a reference angle, and the rotation angles of the radiation detector 31 around the x-axis and y-axis from a reference angle, respectively, from the motion sensor 9 of the radiation source unit 5 and the motion sensor 32 of the radiation detector 31. Then, the relative angles αx and αy of the radiation source unit 5 and the radiation detector 31 around the x-axis and y-axis are derived. For example, if the rotation angle of the radiation source unit 5 around the x-axis is 8.2° and the rotation angle of the radiation detector 31 is 10 degrees, the relative angle αx is derived by the calculation αx = 10 - 8.2 = 1.8°.

[0047] Furthermore, the derivation unit 52 detects a plane in the captured distance image G2 and derives the distance of the detected plane from the radiation source unit 5. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the detection of a plane. As shown in Figure 6, for the distance from the stereo camera 22 to a certain angle of view near the subject H on the bed 30, the surface of the bed 30 is flat and has a certain area, so the shooting distances of multiple pixels are within a predetermined range, and the group of pixels whose shooting distances are within the predetermined range (shown as black circles in Figure 6) has an area of ​​a certain size or larger. On the other hand, since the surface of the subject H is curved, the shooting distances of multiple pixels representing the surface of the subject H (shown as × marks in Figure 6) will exceed the predetermined range. The predetermined range can be, for example, ±2 cm.

[0048] Therefore, the derivation unit 52 determines that a group of pixels in the shooting distance image G2 constitutes a plane if the shooting distances of multiple pixels are within a predetermined range and the group of pixels within the predetermined range has an area greater than or equal to a certain amount. The derivation unit 52 then derives the distance from the radiation source unit 5 based on the shooting distance image G2, but only for the determined plane. Since there is variation in the shooting distance of each pixel in the determined plane in the shooting distance image G2, representative values ​​such as the average value or median value of the shooting distances are derived as the distance from the radiation source unit 5.

[0049] Alternatively, the derivation unit 52 may detect the region of the radiation detector 31 included in the optical image G1 and derive the distance from the radiation source unit 5 only in the region of the radiation detector 31. In this case, the detection of the region of the radiation detector 31 can be performed using a detection model constructed by performing machine learning using images of multiple radiation detectors 31 as training data.

[0050] The distance from the radiation source unit 5 to the plane is the SID if the plane is the detection surface of the radiation detector 31. On the other hand, if the radiation detector 31 is not installed behind the subject H, the distance from the radiation source unit 5 to the plane is the distance from the radiation source unit 5 to the surface of the bed 30 on which the subject H is placed. However, for the sake of simplicity, regardless of the presence or absence of the radiation detector 31, the distance from the radiation source unit 5 to the plane will be referred to as the SID.

[0051] Furthermore, the derivation unit 52 derives the body thickness of the subject H based on the imaging distance image G2, the SID, and the distance from the radiation source unit 5 to the surface of the subject H. The distance to the surface of the subject H may be the distance from the radiation source unit 5 to the closest position of the subject H, or it may be a representative value (e.g., average value, center value) of the distance within a predetermined range including the closest position. The derivation unit 52 also sets the imaging conditions according to the derived body thickness. The imaging conditions may be, for example, the tube voltage (keV) and the mAs value. In this case, imaging conditions are set such that the tube voltage and mAs value are larger as the body thickness increases. Note that the derivation of body thickness and the setting of imaging conditions may be performed after the completion of the third work step described later.

[0052] Furthermore, the derivation unit 52 detects the target position of the subject H during shooting from the optical image G1. The target position differs depending on the shooting menu. For example, in the case of chest shooting, the target position is the center of the chest, and in the case of abdominal shooting, the target position is the center of the abdomen. Therefore, the derivation unit 52 detects the target position of the subject H in the optical image G1 using a learning model constructed by performing machine learning to detect the target position according to the shooting menu.

[0053] Here, when photographing subject H using the radiography apparatus 1, the operator performs several tasks to align the radiation source unit 5 with subject H. Specifically, first, the operator moves the radiography apparatus 1 close to the patient bed 30 of subject H and unfolds the arm 4, which is in a folded state. This is the first work step.

[0054] Once the first work step is complete, the operator directs the radiation source unit 5 towards the subject H on the bed 30 and roughly adjusts its position so that the SID matches the target distance according to the imaging menu. This is the second work step.

[0055] Once the second work step is complete, the operator inserts the radiation detector 31 between the subject H and the bed 30 and fine-tunes the relative angle between the radiation source unit 5 and the radiation detector 31, the SID, and the imaging position. This is the third work step. Thus, the level of precision in positioning differs between the second and third work steps. In the following explanation, the relative angle between the radiation source unit 5 and the radiation detector 31 may be simply referred to as the relative angle.

[0056] The process of fine-tuning the relative angle is the process of making the absolute value of the relative angle as small as possible. The process of adjusting the SID is the process of setting the SID to the target distance. The process of fine-tuning the shooting position is the process of moving the center of the radiation field to the target position for photographing the subject.

[0057] Once the third work step is completed, the operator sets the shooting conditions. This is the fourth work step.

[0058] Once the fourth work process is complete, the operator operates the control panel 14 to perform radiographic imaging of subject H.

[0059] The determination unit 53 determines the completion of a series of work processes for aligning the radiography apparatus 1 with the subject H, i.e., the first to fourth work processes described above. First, the determination unit 53 determines the completion of the first work process based on the angle information between the first member 15 and the second member 16 acquired by the information acquisition unit 51 from the potentiometer 8. Here, when the arm 4 is deployed, the angle between the first member 15 and the second member 16 of the arm 4 increases, so the angle information output by the potentiometer 8 increases. When the angle information exceeds a predetermined threshold (for example, 90°), the determination unit 53 determines that the arm 4 has been deployed and determines that the first work process has been completed based on this.

[0060] Once the first work process is complete, the operator performs a rough alignment of the distance between the radiation source unit 5 and the bed 30 as the second work process. After the rough alignment is complete, the plane of the bed 30 will be included in the shooting distance image G2 acquired by the stereo camera 22. Therefore, the determination unit 53 detects the plane from the shooting distance image G2 during the second work process. The determination unit 53 determines that the second work process is complete when the derivation unit 52 detects the plane in the shooting distance image G2.

[0061] Once the second work process is complete, the operator performs the third work process, which involves fine-tuning the relative angle between the radiation source unit 5 and the radiation detector 31, the SID, and the imaging position. Regarding the relative angle, the operator adjusts the position of the radiation source unit 5 so that the absolute value of the relative angle is as small as possible. The determination unit 53 determines whether the relative angle is within a predetermined angular range (for example, less than ±2°).

[0062] Regarding the SID, the operator adjusts the position of the radiation source unit 5 so that the SID is at the target distance. The determination unit 53 determines whether the SID is within a predetermined distance range (for example, less than ±1 cm) relative to the target distance.

[0063] Regarding the shooting position, the operator adjusts the position of the radiation source unit 5 so that the center of the irradiation field moves to the target position of the subject H. The determination unit 53 determines whether the distance between the center of the radiation irradiation field and the target position of the subject being photographed in the optical image G1 is within a predetermined distance range (for example, less than ±3 cm). Then, if all three of these determinations are confirmed, the determination unit 53 determines that the third work process is complete.

[0064] Once the third work step is completed, the operator sets the imaging conditions for radiographic imaging of subject H as the fourth work step. When the determination unit 53 determines that the third work step is complete, it turns on the illumination field lamp of the collimator 19. As a result, the light illumination field is displayed on subject H. On the other hand, if, after the light illumination field has been irradiated, the relative angle exceeds a predetermined angular range, the SID exceeds a predetermined distance range, or the distance between the center of the radiation illumination field and the target position for imaging the subject exceeds a predetermined distance range, the determination unit 53 turns off the illumination field lamp. As a result, the operator can recognize that either the relative angle, SID, or imaging position has deviated from the aligned state. Subsequently, when the relative angle, SID, and imaging position are aligned again, the determination unit 53 turns on the illumination field lamp. As a result, the light illumination field is displayed on subject H again, allowing the operator to recognize that alignment has been performed again.

[0065] In the fourth operational step, the operator sets the imaging conditions. At this time, the operator adjusts the illumination field using the collimator 19 as needed. The illumination field is adjusted by adjusting the range of the emission window 20 according to instructions from the control panel 14.

[0066] After setting the shooting conditions and irradiation field, the operator uses the control panel 14 to instruct the irradiation of radiation. The determination unit 53 determines whether the operator has instructed the irradiation of radiation using the control panel 14, and if this determination is affirmative, it determines that the fourth work step is complete.

[0067] When the determination unit 53 determines that each work process is complete, the display control unit 54 displays alignment indicators on the display 25 for the work process following the completed work process. The indicators displayed after the completion of each work process will be described below. During the first work process, the display 25 is turned off and nothing is displayed.

[0068] Figure 7 shows the display screen after the completion of the first work process. As shown in Figure 7, the display screen 60 displays a first display area 61 that displays the optical image G1 acquired by the optical camera 21, as well as a second display area 62 and a third display area 63 that display indicators for alignment.

[0069] When the angle between the first member 15 and the second member 16 exceeds a predetermined angle, and the determination unit 53 determines that the first work process is complete, the optical image G1 is displayed in the first display area 61. The optical image G1 displays a center indicator 64 near its center, representing the center of the irradiation field. The second display area 62 displays distance information 62A as a numerical value, representing the distance from the radiation source unit 5 to the center of the radiation irradiation field within the imaging range of the optical image G1. In Figure 7, the numerical value "70cm" is displayed as the distance information 62A. Note that instead of a numerical value, the distance information 62A may display icons that show the distance in steps. Here, the imaging ranges of the optical image G1 and the imaging distance image G2 are almost the same. Therefore, the distance information uses the imaging distance at a pixel near the center of the imaging distance image G2. The numerical value of the distance information 62A is changed according to the distance from the radiation source unit 5 to the center of the radiation irradiation field within the imaging range of the optical image G1.

[0070] In the second work step following the first work step, the operator, while observing the distance information 62A, directs the radiation source unit 5 towards the subject H on the bed 30 and roughly adjusts the position so that the distance between the radiation source unit 5 and the surface of the bed 30 matches the SID according to the shooting menu. For example, if the SID is 100 cm, the operator adjusts the position so that the distance information 62A is approximately 100 cm.

[0071] If a plane is detected in the captured distance image G2 during the second work process, the determination unit 53 determines that the second work process is complete. If a plane is detected, the display control unit 54 may display the distance from the radiation source unit 5 to the plane, i.e., the SID, as distance information 62A.

[0072] The radiation detector 31 may be installed between the subject H and the bed 30 before the first work process, after the first work process and before the second work process, or after the second work process and before the next third work process.

[0073] When a plane is detected in the shooting distance image G2 and the determination unit 53 determines that the second work process is complete, the display control unit 54 displays a target index 65 in the first display area 61, as shown in Figure 8, indicating the target position of the subject H detected by the derivation unit 52 during shooting. The display control unit 54 also displays an angle index 66 representing the relative angle in the first display area 61. The SID 62B is displayed in the second display area 62. Instead of a numerical value, the SID 62B may display icons that show the SID in stages. The position of the angle index 66 moves on the optical image G1 in accordance with the change in the relative angle. When the angle index 66 almost coincides with the target index 65, the relative angle between the radiation source unit 5 and the radiation detector 31 is within a predetermined angular range.

[0074] In the third work step following the second work step, the operator fine-tunes the position of the radiation source unit 5 while observing the SID62B so that the SID62B reaches the target distance according to the imaging menu. The operator also fine-tunes the tilt of the radiation source unit 5 while observing the target indicator 65 and the angle indicator 66 so that the angle indicator 66 coincides with the target indicator 65. The operator also fine-tunes the position of the radiation source unit 5 so that the target indicator 65 coincides with the center indicator 64, which represents the imaging center.

[0075] When the relative angle is within a predetermined angular range (e.g., less than ±2°), the SID62B is within a predetermined distance range relative to the target distance (e.g., less than ±1cm), and the center of the radiation field and the target position of the subject being photographed are within a predetermined distance range (e.g., less than ±3cm), then, as shown in Figure 9, the positions of the center indicator 64, target indicator 65, and angle indicator 66 will be approximately aligned on the display screen 60. In this state, the alignment between the radiation source unit 5 and the radiation detector 31 is completed.

[0076] When the determination unit 53 determines that the third work process is complete, the display control unit 54 displays the estimated body thickness 63A and shooting conditions 63B in the third display area 63, as shown in Figure 10. The SID 62B, target indicator 65, and angle indicator 66 that were displayed during the third work process are hidden. The display of the center indicator 64 may continue, or it may be hidden.

[0077] Furthermore, the optical image G1 displayed on the display screen 60 shown in Figure 10 includes the light illumination field 69. As described above, the light illumination field 69 is illuminated onto the subject H when the determination unit 53 determines that the third work process is complete. Therefore, the optical image G1 includes the light illumination field 69.

[0078] The body thickness 63A is assigned numbers from 1 to 3, indicating that the thickness of the subject H decreases in the order of 1 to 3. Here, the body thickness of the subject H is classified into three stages; for example, body thickness 1 is 40 cm or more, body thickness 2 is 30 cm or more but less than 40 cm, and body thickness 3 is less than 30 cm. In body thickness 63A, one of 1 to 3 is highlighted according to the body thickness value derived by the derivation unit 52. In Figure 10, the highlighting of "1" is indicated by adding a diagonal line to the area of ​​"1". Alternatively, instead of representing the thickness with stepwise numerical values ​​in body thickness 63A, icons that show the change in thickness stepwise may be used.

[0079] The imaging conditions 63B display the imaging conditions set by the output unit 52 according to the body thickness. In Figure 10, the tube voltage is displayed as 90 keV and the mAs value as 0.50 mAs.

[0080] In the fourth work step following the third work step, the operator uses the control panel 14 to readjust the shooting conditions as needed. They also adjust the light irradiation field 69 as necessary to adjust the radiation irradiation field. Once the shooting conditions are set, the operator issues a shooting command from the control panel 14. This causes the radiation source unit 5 to irradiate the subject H, and the radiation detector 31 acquires a radiation image of the subject H.

[0081] Furthermore, after the imaging has been performed and a predetermined amount of time has elapsed, the determination unit 53 may turn off the power to the radiography device 1.

[0082] Next, the processes performed in this embodiment will be described. Figures 11 and 12 are flowcharts showing the processes performed in this embodiment. First, the information acquisition unit 51 acquires angle information from the potentiometer 8 (step ST1), and the determination unit 53 starts monitoring whether the arm 4 has been deployed and the first work process has been completed (step ST2).

[0083] If step ST2 is affirmed, the information acquisition unit 51 acquires the optical image G1 and the shooting distance image G2 (step ST3), and the derivation unit 52 derives distance information 62A representing the distance from the radiation source unit 5 to the center of the radiation field within the shooting range of the optical image G1 (step ST4). Furthermore, the display control unit 54 displays the optical image G1 and the distance information 62A on the display 25 (step ST5). Then, the determination unit 53 determines whether the second work process is complete by detecting a plane in the shooting distance image G2 (step ST6). If step ST6 is denied, the process returns to step ST3, and steps ST3 to ST6 are repeated.

[0084] If step ST6 is affirmed, the derivation unit 52 derives the relative angle (step ST7), and the display control unit 54 displays the target indicator 65 and the angle indicator 66 (step ST8). Then, the determination unit 53 determines whether the third work process is complete because the relative angle is within a predetermined angle range, the SID is within a predetermined distance range relative to the target distance, and the distance between the target position, which is the target for photographing the subject, and the center of the radiation field is within a predetermined distance range (step ST9). If step ST9 is denied, the process returns to step ST7, and steps ST7 to ST9 are repeated.

[0085] If step ST9 is confirmed, the determination unit 53 lights up the irradiation field lamp (step ST10) and displays the body thickness 63A and imaging conditions 63B in the third display area 63 instead of displaying the distance information 62A, target indicator 65 and angle indicator 66 (step ST11). The operator sets the imaging conditions 63B and irradiation field as needed. The determination unit 53 then starts monitoring whether or not an instruction to take an image has been given (step ST12), and if step ST12 is confirmed, radiation is emitted from the radiation source unit 5 to take an image of the subject H (step ST13), and the process ends.

[0086] Thus, in this embodiment, alignment indicators are displayed according to the completed work process. This makes it easier to check the necessary information at each work process.

[0087] In particular, by displaying alignment indicators corresponding to completed work processes in place of the indicators displayed during the completed work process, only the indicators for the next work process are shown. This makes it easier to confirm the necessary information for each work process.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the indicator displayed on the display screen 60 may be changed according to the shooting menu. For example, as shown in Figure 2, when photographing the chest of subject H with the upper body raised, it is clear from looking at subject H which position on subject H should be the target position. For this reason, after the completion of the second work step, as shown in Figure 13, the target indicator 65 may not be displayed on the optical image G1, and instead, in addition to SID 62B, the angle indicator 66A may be displayed in the second display area 62. The angle indicator 66A includes a black circle 66B, and when the relative angle changes, the position of the black circle 66B within the angle indicator 66A changes. The operator can adjust the relative angle by adjusting the angle of the radiation source unit 5 so that the black circle 66B moves to the center of the angle indicator 66A.

[0089] On the other hand, when photographing subject H in a supine position with the subject H lying on a bed, it is difficult to determine the center of the target position. For this reason, it is preferable to display the target indicator 65, as shown in Figure 8.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the completion of each work process is determined according to the angle between the first member 15 and the second member 16, the shooting distance, and the relative angle, but it is not limited to this. After each work process is completed, the operator may indicate from the operation panel 14 that the work process is complete, and the determination unit 53 may determine the completion of each work process based on the input instruction.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the illumination lamp is turned on and the light field is directed onto the subject H when the third work step is completed, but the invention is not limited to this. The light field may be directed onto the subject H only when the relative angle in the third work step satisfies the conditions, only when the shooting distance satisfies the conditions, only when the shooting center coincides with the target position, or only when any two of these three conditions are met.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when displaying alignment indicators corresponding to completed work processes in place of indicators displayed on the display during the completed work process, only some of the indicators for the completed work process may be hidden. For example, after the completion of the third work process, instead of hiding all of the SID62B, target indicator65, and angle indicator66 that were displayed during the third work process, only some of these SID62B, target indicator65, and angle indicator66 may be hidden.

[0093] In this embodiment, each process is executed on any computer. Furthermore, any computer may execute these processes using a processor as hardware, a program as software, or a combination thereof. In that case, the processor is configured to work in cooperation with the program to execute the various processes in this embodiment, and can function as a unit or means in this embodiment. Also, the execution order of the processes by the processor is not limited to the order described and may be changed as appropriate. Any computer may be a general-purpose computer, a computer designed for a specific purpose, a workstation, or any other system capable of executing each process.

[0094] A processor may consist of one or more hardware components, and the type of hardware is not limited. For example, a processor may consist of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a dedicated circuit for executing a specific process such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), or an NPU (Neural Processing Unit). Furthermore, the type of hardware may be a combination of different types of hardware. When multiple hardware components are configured to execute one or more processes of a given processor, these components may reside in physically separate devices or in the same device. Also, in any embodiment, the order of each process performed by the processor is not limited to the order described above and may be changed as appropriate. Hardware is composed of electrical circuits (circuitry) that combine circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0095] Furthermore, the program may be firmware or software such as microcode. Alternatively, the program may be, for example, a set of program modules, each function of which may be implemented by a processor configured to perform its respective function. The program may be program code or multiple code segments stored on one or more non-temporary computer-readable media (e.g., storage media or other storage). The program may be divided and stored on multiple non-temporary computer-readable media located in physically separate devices. Program code or code segments may represent any combination of procedures, functions, subprograms, routines, subroutines, modules, software packages, classes, or instructions, data structures, or program statements. Program code or code segments may be connected to other code segments or hardware circuits by sending and receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents.

[0096] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a configuration in which the shooting support program 42 is pre-stored (installed) in the storage 43, the invention is not limited to this configuration. The shooting support program 42 may be provided in the form of a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Alternatively, the shooting support program 42 may be provided in the form of a download from an external device via a network.

[0097] The technology disclosed herein extends to all program products. Program products include all forms of products for providing programs. For example, program products include programs provided via networks such as the Internet, and non-temporary computer-readable recording media such as CD-ROMs, DVDs, and USB memory sticks on which programs are stored.

[0098] The following are additional notes to this disclosure. (Additional note 1) A radiation source that emits radiation, A mobile unit, A foldable arm connecting the main body and the radiation source, A sensor that acquires distance information representing the shooting distance in the direction of the subject from the radiation source, A radiography apparatus imaging support device comprising an optical camera attached to the radiation source and which acquires an optical image in the direction of the subject from the radiation source, The display and Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, The completion of each of the multiple work processes for aligning the aforementioned radiography apparatus is determined, A shooting support device that displays on the display indicators for alignment corresponding to the completed work process. (Additional note 2) The imaging support device according to Appendix 1, wherein the processor displays the alignment indicator corresponding to the completed work process in place of the indicator displayed on the display during the completed work process. (Additional note 3) The imaging support device according to appendix 1 or 2, wherein the processor determines the completion of the work process based on at least one of the following: whether the angle of the arm has reached a predetermined angle; whether the distance between the radiation source and the surface of the bed on which the subject is placed or the detection surface of a radiation detector installed behind the subject has reached a predetermined distance; whether the relative angle between the radiation source and the radiation detector has reached a predetermined angle; whether the target position of the subject and the irradiation center of the radiation are within a predetermined range; and whether an operation by the operator has been accepted. (Additional note 4) The imaging support device according to any one of the appendix 1 to 3, wherein the indicator includes at least one of the following: the distance between the radiation source and the surface of the bed on which the subject is placed or the detection surface of a radiation detector installed behind the subject; the relative angle between the radiation source and the radiation detector; the target position of the subject; the irradiation center of the radiation; imaging conditions; and the thickness of the subject. (Additional note 5) The shooting support device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4, wherein the processor changes the indicator displayed on the display according to the shooting menu for photographing the subject. (Additional note 6) The imaging support device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 5, wherein the processor changes the index according to the fineness of the alignment in the work process performed in the work process following the completed work process. (Additional note 7) The imaging support device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 6, wherein the processor instructs the radiography apparatus to perform an action indicating completion when the alignment is completed in at least one of the plurality of work processes. (Additional note 8) The imaging support device according to Appendix 7, wherein the processor determines that the alignment has been completed in at least one of the plurality of work steps, depending on whether the distance between the radiation source and the surface of the bed on which the subject is placed or the detection surface of a radiation detector installed behind the subject is within a predetermined distance range, whether the relative angle between the radiation source and the radiation detector is within a predetermined angular range, and whether the distance between the radiation irradiation center and the target position of the subject is within a predetermined distance range. (Additional note 9) The imaging support device according to appendix 7 or 8, wherein the processor instructs the radiography apparatus to perform the operation of irradiating the subject with a light field as an operation indicating completion. (Additional note 10) The imaging support device according to Appendix 9, wherein the processor instructs the radiography apparatus to perform an operation to turn off the light irradiation field when it deviates from the state in which the alignment is completed. (Additional note 11) The imaging support device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 10, wherein the display is attached to the radiation source unit having the radiation source. (Additional note 12) A radiation source that emits radiation, A mobile unit, A foldable arm connecting the main body and the radiation source, A sensor that acquires distance information representing the shooting distance in the direction of the subject from the radiation source, A method for assisting the imaging of a radiographic apparatus, comprising an optical camera attached to the radiation source and an optical camera that acquires an optical image in the direction of the subject from the radiation source, The computer determines the completion of each of the multiple work steps for aligning the radiography apparatus, A shooting support method that displays alignment indicators on a display corresponding to the completed work process. (Additional note 13) A radiation source that emits radiation, A mobile unit, A foldable arm connecting the main body and the radiation source, A sensor that acquires distance information representing the shooting distance in the direction of the subject from the radiation source, A radiography apparatus comprising an optical camera attached to the radiation source and an optical camera that acquires an optical image in the direction of the subject from the radiation source, is a radiography support program, A procedure for determining the completion of each of the multiple work processes for aligning the aforementioned radiography apparatus, A shooting support program that causes a computer to perform the procedure of displaying the alignment indicators corresponding to the completed work process on a display. (Additional note 14) A radiation source that emits radiation, A mobile unit, A foldable arm connecting the main body and the radiation source, A sensor that acquires distance information representing the shooting distance in the direction of the subject from the radiation source, An optical camera attached to the radiation source and which acquires an optical image in the direction of the subject from the radiation source, A radiography apparatus equipped with a radiography support device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 11. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0099] 1. Radiography equipment 2 legs 3 Main unit 3A enclosure 4 Arms 5. Source Unit 10 Computers 11 legs 12 Wheel section 13 Handle 14. Control Panel 15. First Member 16. Second Member 17 Mounting components 18. Tube housing 19. Collimator 20 Ejection window 21 Optical Camera 22 Stereo Cameras 22A, 22B Camera 23, 24 Handle 25 displays 30 berths 31. Radiation detector 41 CPU 42. Filming Support Program 43 Storage 46 memory 45 I / F 47 Network Interface 48 bus 51 Information Acquisition Department 52 Derivation part 53 Judgment section 54 Display Control Unit 60 display screen 61 1st display area 62 2nd display area 62A Distance Information 62B SID 63 Third display area 63A body thickness 63B Shooting conditions 64 Central indicator 65 Target indicators 66,66A angle indicator 66B Black Circle 69 Light field G1 Optical Image G2 shooting distance image H Subject

Claims

1. A radiation source that emits radiation, A mobile unit, A foldable arm connecting the main body and the radiation source, A sensor that acquires distance information representing the shooting distance in the direction of the subject from the radiation source, A radiography apparatus imaging support device comprising an optical camera attached to the radiation source and which acquires an optical image in the direction of the subject from the radiation source, The display and Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, The completion of each of the multiple work processes for aligning the aforementioned radiography apparatus is determined, A shooting support device that displays on the display indicators for alignment corresponding to the completed work process.

2. The imaging support device according to claim 1, wherein the processor displays the alignment indicator corresponding to the completed work process in place of the indicator displayed on the display during the completed work process.

3. The imaging support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor determines the completion of the work process based on at least one of the following: whether the angle of the arm has reached a predetermined angle; whether the distance between the radiation source and the surface of the bed on which the subject is placed or the detection surface of a radiation detector installed behind the subject has reached a predetermined distance; whether the relative angle between the radiation source and the radiation detector has reached a predetermined angle; whether the target position of the subject and the irradiation center of the radiation are within a predetermined range; and whether an operation by the operator has been accepted.

4. The imaging support apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the indicator includes at least one of the following: the distance between the radiation source and the surface of the bed on which the subject is placed or the detection surface of a radiation detector installed behind the subject; the relative angle between the radiation source and the radiation detector; the target position of the subject; the irradiation center of the radiation; the imaging conditions; and the thickness of the subject.

5. The shooting support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor changes the indicator displayed on the display according to the shooting menu for photographing the subject.

6. The imaging support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor changes the index according to the precision of the alignment in the work process performed in the work process following the completed work process.

7. The imaging support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor instructs the radiography apparatus to perform an action indicating completion when the alignment is completed in at least one of the plurality of work processes.

8. The imaging support device according to claim 7, wherein the processor determines in at least one of the plurality of work steps that the alignment has been completed, depending on whether the distance between the radiation source and the surface of the bed on which the subject is placed or the detection surface of a radiation detector installed behind the subject is within a predetermined distance range, whether the relative angle between the radiation source and the radiation detector is within a predetermined angular range, and whether the distance between the radiation irradiation center and the target position of the subject is within a predetermined distance range.

9. The imaging support device according to claim 7, wherein the processor instructs the radiography apparatus to perform the operation of irradiating the subject with a light field as an operation indicating completion.

10. The imaging support device according to claim 9, wherein the processor instructs the radiography device to perform an operation to turn off the light irradiation field when it deviates from the state in which the alignment is completed.

11. The imaging support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display is attached to the radiation source unit having the radiation source.

12. A radiation source that emits radiation, A mobile unit, A foldable arm connecting the main body and the radiation source, A sensor that acquires distance information representing the shooting distance in the direction of the subject from the radiation source, A method for assisting the imaging of a radiographic apparatus, comprising an optical camera attached to the radiation source and an optical camera that acquires an optical image in the direction of the subject from the radiation source, The computer determines the completion of each of the multiple work steps for aligning the radiography apparatus, A shooting support method that displays alignment indicators on a display corresponding to the completed work process.

13. A radiation source that emits radiation, A mobile unit, A foldable arm connecting the main body and the radiation source, A sensor that acquires distance information representing the shooting distance in the direction of the subject from the radiation source, A radiography apparatus comprising an optical camera attached to the radiation source and an optical camera that acquires an optical image in the direction of the subject from the radiation source, is a radiography support program, A procedure for determining the completion of each of the multiple work processes for aligning the aforementioned radiography apparatus, A shooting support program that causes a computer to perform the procedure of displaying the alignment indicators corresponding to the completed work process on a display.

14. A radiation source that emits radiation, A mobile unit, A foldable arm connecting the main body and the radiation source, A sensor that acquires distance information representing the shooting distance in the direction of the subject from the radiation source, An optical camera attached to the radiation source and which acquires an optical image in the direction of the subject from the radiation source, A radiography apparatus comprising the imaging support device described in claim 1.

Images