Information processing device, radiation imaging system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide a technology that allows all dose information detection units provided in the radiation imaging unit to be selected for use in automatic exposure control, regardless of the orientation of the radiation imaging unit. [Solution] An information processing device that processes images captured by a radiation imaging unit having multiple dose information detection units includes a determination unit that determines whether the relative position of a dose information detection unit selected from the multiple dose information detection units for automatic exposure control is maintained before and after rotation of the radiation imaging unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a radiation imaging system, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] As an imaging device used for medical image diagnosis and non-destructive inspection by radiation, a radiation imaging device using a flat panel detector (FPD) formed of a semiconductor material has become widespread. Such a radiation imaging device is used, for example, as a digital imaging device for still image imaging such as general photography or moving image imaging such as fluoroscopy in medical image diagnosis.

[0003] In addition, a radiation imaging device having an automatic exposure control function (Automatic Exposure Control, hereinafter also referred to as AEC) is widely used. AEC is a function that detects a part of the radiation transmitted through a subject by a dose information detection unit, converts the detected radiation into an electrical signal, and stops the radiation when the integrated value of this electrical signal reaches a target value, so that a desired image can be obtained with a minimum dose.

[0004] In recent years, as one of the multifunctionalizations of radiation imaging devices, it has been studied to incorporate an automatic exposure control function (AEC) into a radiation imaging device. By incorporating the automatic exposure control function, the radiation imaging device can grasp irradiation information while the radiation source is irradiating radiation. The radiation imaging device can use the automatic exposure control function to monitor the integrated irradiation amount, and when the integrated irradiation amount reaches the target value, the imaging device can control the radiation source and stop the radiation, and AEC can be realized only by the radiation imaging device.

[0005] Furthermore, FPDs are intended for use both mounted on a stand and placed on a table, and the placement of the FPD relative to the radiation source varies depending on the imaging conditions. In particular, when the FPD is removed from the stand and placed on a table, the position of the dose information detection unit, which was previously selected for dose detection in the AEC, may change due to the rotation of the FPD, and may differ from the position intended by the operator. As a result, it may not be possible to properly control the exposure, and it may not be possible to obtain a radiation image of appropriate density.

[0006] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for displaying information from a selected dose information detection unit, in which the result of rotating the dose information detection unit while taking into account the rotation information of the FPD is displayed, thereby allowing the operator to understand the positional relationship of the selected dose information detection unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-26883 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, Patent Document 1 does not take into account the movement of the dose information detection unit due to the rotation of the FPD. For example, if the dose information detection unit is not positioned in a rotationally symmetrical position, such as in an FPD where the dose information detection unit is positioned across the entire surface of the FPD, the dose information detection unit intended for use in AEC may not be positioned where it is needed due to the rotation of the FPD. In such cases, a portion of the dose information detection unit positioned across the entire surface of the FPD may not be usable for AEC, and automatic stop control may not be performed as intended.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a technology that makes all dose information detection units provided in the radiation imaging unit selectable for use in automatic exposure control, regardless of the orientation of the radiation imaging unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing device that processes an image captured by a radiation imaging unit having a plurality of dose information detection units, The system includes a determination unit that determines whether the relative position of the dose information detection unit selected from the plurality of dose information detection units for automatic exposure control is maintained before and after the rotation of the radiation imaging unit.

[0011] Another aspect of the present invention is an information processing method for processing an image captured by a radiation imaging unit having a plurality of dose information detection units, The system includes a determination step to determine whether the relative position of the dose information detection unit selected from the plurality of dose information detection units for automatic exposure control is maintained before and after the rotation of the radiation imaging unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, regardless of the orientation of the radiation imaging unit, all dose information detection units provided in the radiation imaging unit can be selected for use in automatic exposure control. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the schematic configuration of the radiation imaging system 1. [Figure 2A] A diagram showing the flow of the imaging preparation process. [Figure 2B] A diagram showing the flow of the imaging preparation process. [Figure 2C] A diagram showing the flow of the imaging preparation process. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the schematic configuration of the radiation imaging system 2. [Figure 4]Figure showing the flow of the display process of the dose information detection unit setting display unit. [Figure 5] Figure showing the flow of the rotation correspondence determination process. [Figure 6] Figure showing the flow of the selection position change process. [Figure 7] Figure showing the flow of the completion process of the dose information detection unit setting display unit. [Figure 8] Figure showing the margin between the edge of the radiation imaging unit and the dose information detection unit. [Figure 9] Figure showing the deviation of the position of the dose information detection unit during rotation of the radiation imaging unit. [Figure 10] Figure showing the movement of the position of the dose information detection unit during rotation of the radiation imaging unit. [Figure 11] Figure showing the movement of the position of the dose information detection unit during rotation of the radiation imaging unit. [Figure 12] Figure showing the insufficient dose information detection unit during rotation of the radiation imaging unit. [Figure 13] Figure showing the expansion of the dose information detection unit during rotation of the radiation imaging unit. [Figure 14] Figure showing the position of the dose information detection unit before and after rotation of the radiation imaging unit. [Figure 15] Figure showing an example where the dose information detection unit after rotation becomes compatible. [Figure 16] Figure showing an example where the dose information detection unit after rotation becomes incompatible. [Figure 17] Figure showing an example of a screen displaying the dose information detection unit setting display unit. [Figure 18] Figure showing an example of displaying a dose information detection unit that is incompatible with rotation on a screen displaying the dose information detection unit setting display unit.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. While the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any way. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, identical or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0015] (First embodiment) [Configuration of Radiation Imaging System 1] Figure 1 shows a schematic configuration of the radiation imaging system 1. The radiation imaging system 1 comprises a radiation generating unit (100), a radiation imaging unit (101), and an information processing unit (102).

[0016] The information processing unit (102) is a device that controls the radiation imaging system 1 by connecting to the radiation generating unit (100) and the radiation imaging unit (101) via a network (not shown). For example, a PC may be used for the information processing unit (102). Details of the information processing unit (102) will be described later.

[0017] (Configuration of the radiation generating unit) The radiation generating unit (100) is equipped with, for example, a radiation tube that generates radiation and irradiates a subject such as a patient with radiation. In the disclosed technology, radiation includes not only beams of alpha rays, beta rays, gamma rays, etc., which are beams created by particles (including photons) emitted by radioactive decay, but also beams with energy of equal or greater energy, such as X-rays, particle beams, and cosmic rays.

[0018] (Configuration of the radiography unit) The radiation imaging unit (101) is a device that generates an image based on radiation irradiated from the radiation generating unit (100). The radiation imaging unit (101) is, for example, a flat panel detector (FPD).

[0019] The radiation imaging unit (101) detects the radiation emitted from the radiation generating unit (100) and passed through the subject, and outputs image data corresponding to the radiation. Note that the image data can also be referred to as, for example, a medical image or a radiation image.

[0020] Specifically, the radiation imaging unit (101) detects the radiation that has passed through the subject as an electric charge corresponding to the amount of transmitted radiation. For example, the radiation imaging unit (101) may use a direct conversion sensor that directly converts radiation into electric charge, such as a-Se, or an indirect sensor that uses a scintillator such as CsI and a photoelectric conversion element such as a-Si to convert radiation into visible light. Furthermore, the radiation imaging unit (101) generates image data by performing A / D conversion on the detected charge and outputs it to the information processing unit (102).

[0021] The radiation imaging unit (101) has a functional configuration that includes a plurality of dose information detection units (103) and a rotation detection unit 104. In the radiation imaging unit (101), the plurality of dose information detection units (103) detect the generation of electric charge due to the incidence of radiation irradiated from the radiation generation unit (100). The plurality of dose information detection units (103) are composed of a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels are arranged to form a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. The plurality of dose information detection units (103: plurality of pixels) include a plurality of imaging pixels for acquiring image data based on the detected radiation and a plurality of detection pixels that function as detection elements for dose detection to monitor the amount of radiation irradiation. Each pixel includes a conversion element that converts radiation into an electrical signal, and the charge detected by the dose information detection unit (103) is converted by A / D conversion to generate image data, and the generated image data is sent from the radiation imaging unit (101) to the information processing unit (102). The radiation imaging unit (101) is connected to the automatic exposure control unit (105), and controls the irradiation of radiation from the radiation generating unit (100) based on the automatic exposure control by the automatic exposure control unit (105).

[0022] The rotation detection unit (104) is a device that detects the physical rotation of the radiation imaging unit (101). For example, a gyro sensor or an optical camera may be used in the rotation detection unit (104).

[0023] (Configuration of the information processing unit) (Display unit (110) · Input operation unit (113)) The display unit (110) of the information processing unit (102) is a display device equipped with a monitor such as a liquid crystal display. The input operation unit (113) of the information processing unit (102) is an input device equipped with a keyboard, a pointing device (e.g., a mouse), a touch panel, etc.

[0024] (Selection section (106)) The selection unit (106) of the information processing unit (102) selects a dose information detection unit (103) from among several dose information detection units (103) to be used for automatic exposure control, and acquires the position information of the dose information detection unit (111) selected for AEC. The position information (relative information with respect to a reference) of the dose information detection unit (111) selected for AEC is stored in the memory (first memory 111A) within the information processing unit (102).

[0025] (Calculation section (107)) Furthermore, the calculation unit (107) of the information processing unit (102) acquires the position information of the dose information detection unit (112) after it has been rotated, which is the dose information detection unit (111) selected for AEC, and calculates the dose information at the rotated dose information detection unit (112). Here, the rotated dose information detection unit (112) refers to the dose information detection unit (112) in which the orientation of the dose information detection unit (111) selected before rotation and used for AEC has been changed. The position information (relative information with respect to a reference) and dose information of the rotated dose information detection unit (112) are stored in the memory (second memory 112A) within the information processing unit (102).

[0026] (Rotation tracking determination unit (108)) Furthermore, the rotation tracking determination unit (108) of the information processing unit (102) determines whether the dose information detection unit (112) after rotation and the dose information detection unit (103) of the radiation imaging unit (101) are compatible. That is, the rotation tracking determination unit (108) determines whether the relative position of the dose information detection unit (pixel) selected for AEC with respect to the reference is maintained within the dose information detection unit (103) before and after rotation. The rotation tracking determination unit (108) also determines whether the relative position of the dose information detection unit (111) selected from the multiple dose information detection units (103) for automatic exposure control is maintained before and after the rotation of the radiation imaging unit (101). The rotation tracking determination unit (108) determines whether the relative position with respect to the reference is maintained before and after the rotation of the radiation imaging unit (101) by comparing the relative position before rotation obtained from the position information of the selected dose information detection unit (11) and a reference, with the relative position after rotation obtained from the position information of the dose information detection unit (112) and a reference. Here, the reference is the rotation center of the multiple dose information detection units (103) when the radiation imaging unit (101) is rotated, and can be set based on detection information detected by the rotation detection unit (104).

[0027] (Hochi Department (109)) The information processing unit 102 includes a notification unit (109) that notifies the operator that imaging is not possible when the rotation tracking determination unit (108) determines that it is not possible to perform the operation. The notification unit (109) notifies the operator that imaging is not possible when the rotation tracking determination unit (108) determines that it is not possible to perform the operation (the relative position is not maintained before and after the rotation). As notification to the operator, the notification unit (109) may, for example, display a message on the display unit (110) indicating that imaging is not possible, display an icon indicating that imaging is not possible, or change the display color of the display unit (110). Alternatively, a sound-producing device (sound-producing unit) such as an external speaker may be provided separately, and the notification unit (109) may output a sound (notification sound) to notify that imaging is not possible.

[0028] The information processing unit (102) may have a functional configuration in which the selection unit (106), calculation unit (107), rotation tracking determination unit (108), and notification unit (109) are executed by the CPU (central processing unit) of the information processing unit (102) or a dedicated or general-purpose processor executing programs in memory. Alternatively, it may be configured with hardware such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). The information processing unit (102) can also realize various functions by combining software processing by a processor and program with hardware processing.

[0029] (Explanation of the processing flow in Figure 2A) The radiation imaging system 1 of this embodiment is used in a flow as shown in Figures 2A to 2C. Figure 2A is a flowchart of the imaging preparation process before the imaging process begins. The flow in Figure 2A starts when the operator selects an imaging procedure on the radiation imaging system. Here, the imaging procedure includes information such as the imaging area, imaging direction, and the imaging position of the FPD to be placed (standing, supine, free position, etc.). For example, regarding the imaging position of the FPD to be placed, the imaging procedure includes at least position information of the dose detection unit corresponding to the imaging position of the FPD at the time of imaging, such as stand imaging (standing stand imaging), table imaging (supine table imaging), and cassette imaging (free position imaging). Here, the position information of the dose detection unit is information indicating the dose detection unit (pixel position) for AEC that is set in advance based on the imaging position, and the position information of the dose detection unit is determined for each imaging procedure.

[0030] Starting from S200, the imaging preparation processing flow will begin.

[0031] In S201, the selection unit (106) uses the positional information of the dose detection unit included in the imaging procedure to select the dose information detection unit (111) to be used for AEC from among multiple dose information detection units (103).

[0032] In S202, the correspondence determination process of the dose information detection unit, as shown in the flowchart (Figure 2B: S203~S207) which will be explained separately, is executed. The rotation tracking determination unit (108) determines whether the dose information detection unit (112) after rotation and the dose information detection unit (103) of the radiation imaging unit (101) are compatible. The details of this process will be described later in Figure 2B.

[0033] In S208, the rotation tracking determination unit (108) determines whether it is possible to respond based on the results of the processing shown in the flowchart in Figure 2B. If it is possible to respond (S208-YES), it may proceed to S209 to perform the next processing step for imaging preparation. Details of the next processing step for imaging preparation are omitted. Then, in S210, the imaging preparation is completed, and the information processing unit (102) is put into an imaging-ready state, ending the imaging preparation processing flow (S212).

[0034] On the other hand, in the decision process in S208, if the rotation tracking decision unit (108) determines that it is not possible to perform the task (S208-NO), it proceeds to S211, interrupts the imaging preparation, and puts the information processing unit (102) into an imaging-disabled state. Then, in S212, the imaging preparation process flow shown in Figure 2A is terminated.

[0035] (Explanation of the processing flow in Figure 2B) In the processing flow starting from S203 (Figure 2B), the rotation tracking determination unit (108) determines whether the dose information detection unit (112) after rotation and the dose information detection unit (103) of the radiation imaging unit (101) are compatible. Here, the dose information detection unit (112) after rotation refers to the dose information detection unit (112) in which the orientation of the dose information detection unit (111) used for AEC, which was selected before rotation, has been changed.

[0036] First, in S204, the rotation tracking determination unit (108) calculates the relative position of the dose information detection unit (112) after rotation with respect to the reference for all selected dose information detection units (111).

[0037] In S205, the rotation tracking determination unit (108) determines the correspondence between the dose information detection unit (112) after rotation and the dose information detection unit (103) of the radiation imaging unit (101). Here, the correspondence between the dose information detection unit (112) after rotation and the dose information detection unit (103) of the radiation imaging unit (101) will be explained with reference to Figures 14 to 16. Figure 14 is an example of the position of the dose information detection unit (103) before and after rotation of the radiation imaging unit (101), and Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example in which the dose information detection unit (103) after rotation is able to correspond. And Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example in which the dose information detection unit (103) after rotation is not able to correspond.

[0038] For example, as shown in Figure 14, the radiation imaging unit (1401), which is positioned so that the shorter side of the rectangle of the radiation imaging unit is horizontal, is considered to be in its state before rotation. 1404 shows the dose information detection unit (103) before rotation. Then, using the center (1403) of the radiation imaging units (1401, 1402) as a reference, the radiation imaging unit is rotated so that the longer side of the rectangle of the radiation imaging unit is horizontal, and this is considered to be the radiation imaging unit after rotation (1402). 1405 shows the dose information detection unit after rotation. In some cases, the dose information detection unit 1405 on the radiation imaging unit (1402) has a width greater than its height compared to the dose information detection unit 1404 before rotation (1402).

[0039] Based on this, as shown in Figure 15, when the dose information detection unit (1501) before rotation is rotated with respect to its center (1503), the relative position of the dose information detection unit (1502) selected for AEC with respect to the reference becomes the rotated dose information detection unit (1505) shown by hatching on the rotated dose information detection unit (1504).

[0040] The rotation tracking determination unit (108) determines whether the relative position of the dose information detection unit (pixel) selected for AEC with respect to the reference is maintained within the dose information detection unit (1501, 1504) before and after rotation. In the example shown in Figure 15, the position of the dose information detection unit (1505) after rotation, where the relative positional relationship with the reference is maintained, is calculated as the relative position with respect to the reference after rotation. Since all of the calculated positions of the dose information detection unit (1505) after rotation are on the dose information detection unit (1504) after rotation, the rotation tracking determination unit (108) determines that these dose information detection units (1505) after rotation are compatible (rotationally trackable).

[0041] On the other hand, in Figure 16, which shows an example of incompatibility, when the dose information detection unit (1601) before rotation is rotated with respect to its center (1603), the relative position of the dose information detection unit (1602) selected for AEC with respect to the reference becomes the rotated dose information detection unit (1605, 1606) shown by hatching on the rotated dose information detection unit (1604). In the example shown in Figure 16, the rotated dose information detection unit (1605), in which the relative positional relationship with the reference is maintained, and the rotated dose information detection unit (1606), in which the relative positional relationship with the reference is not maintained, are calculated. The rotated dose information detection unit (1606) is calculated as a dose information detection unit (pixel) that does not exist on the rotated dose information detection unit (1604). In such cases, the rotation tracking determination unit (108) determines that the relative position of the dose information detection unit (pixel) selected for AEC with respect to the reference is not maintained within the dose information detection unit (1601, 1604) before and after rotation. Since the calculated relative position of the dose information detection unit (1606) after rotation is not on the dose information detection unit (1604) after rotation, the dose information detection unit (1606) after rotation is determined to be unresponsive (rotation tracking impossible).

[0042] Returning to the explanation in Figure 2B, in S205, the rotation tracking determination unit (108) determines whether it can handle all dose information detection units (112) after rotation. If there are no dose information detection units (112) that cannot handle the rotation (S205-NO), the process transitions to S207 and ends.

[0043] On the other hand, in the judgment process of S205, if the judgment result is that it is not possible to perform the task (S205-YES), the process transitions to S206, and the notification unit (109) notifies the operator that the dose information detection unit is not able to perform the task at the current rotation angle of the radiation imaging unit. As an example of notification to the operator, the notification unit (109) may display a display on the display unit (110) as described in Figure 16. That is, based on the judgment result of the rotation tracking judgment unit (108), the notification unit (109) may display on the display unit (110) in different display formats so as to distinguish between the dose information detection unit after rotation (for example, 1605 in Figure 16) when the relative position with respect to the reference is maintained before and after rotation, and the dose information detection unit after rotation (for example, 1606 in Figure 16) when it is not maintained before and after rotation. After that, the process transitions to S207 and ends.

[0044] (Explanation of the processing flow in Figure 2C) The process described above in S203 to S207 of Figure 2B is a flow chart related to the response determination process of the dose information detection unit, and is one of the flow charts of the imaging preparation process in Figure 2A, in which the response is determined from the rotation information. This is not the only example; for example, as shown in S213 to S219 of Figure 2C, the process shown in the flow chart of S203 to S207 of Figure 2B may be executed when the operator rotates the radiation imaging unit (101).

[0045] In S214 of Figure 2C, the rotation tracking determination unit (108) acquires the current rotation information from the radiation imaging unit (101) via the rotation detection unit (104). Here, the rotation information can be acquired, for example, by using a gyro sensor or an optical camera to obtain the difference in rotation angles before and after the rotation.

[0046] In S215, the rotation tracking determination unit (108) executes the correspondence determination process of the dose information detection unit, as explained in Figure 2B.

[0047] In S216, the rotation tracking determination unit (108) determines whether it is possible to perform the operation based on the results of the processing shown in the flowchart of Figure 2B, which was performed in S204 and S205. If it is possible to perform the operation (S216-YES), it proceeds to S217 and puts the information processing unit (102) into an imaging-ready state.

[0048] On the other hand, in the judgment process of S216, if the rotation tracking judgment unit (108) determines that it is not possible to perform the action (S216-NO), it proceeds to S218 and puts the information processing unit (102) into an imaging-disabled state.

[0049] At S219, the rotation processing flow shown in Figure 2C is terminated. As explained above in the processing flow of Figure 2C, the corresponding determination processing of the dose information detection unit shown in the flow diagram (Figure 2B) from S203 to S207 may also be executed at any timing by the operator or other operations.

[0050] (Effects of the first embodiment) According to the configuration of the first embodiment, if any one position of the dose information detection unit (112) after rotation does not correspond to the position of the dose information detection unit (103) of the radiation imaging unit (101) before rotation, the operator is notified of this through the display unit (110), and radiation is not irradiated. This allows the operator to avoid the problem of the automatic exposure control unit (105) malfunctioning and irradiating with more radiation than necessary. The operator can change the selection of dose information detection units for AEC, such as changing the rotation angle, based on the notification. This makes it possible to select all dose information detection units provided on the radiation imaging unit for use in automatic exposure control, regardless of the orientation of the radiation imaging unit.

[0051] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment of the radiation imaging system 1 shown in Figure 1, the rotation detection unit (104) is included in the radiation imaging unit 101, but the system is not limited to this example, and the rotation detection unit (104) may be provided outside the radiation imaging unit 101. Alternatively, the rotation detection unit (104) may be provided within the information processing unit (102). If an optical camera provided outside the radiation imaging unit 101 is used as the configuration of the rotation detection unit (104), the physical rotation angle of the radiation imaging unit (101) can be obtained by image processing using the captured optical image.

[0052] (Effects of the second embodiment) According to this embodiment, even if the rotation detection unit (104) is located outside the radiation imaging unit (101), processing using information from the rotation detection unit (104) is possible, similar to the first embodiment. When an optical camera is used as the configuration for the rotation detection unit (104), connection to the radiation imaging unit (101) by cables or the like is unnecessary. Therefore, when it is necessary to move the radiation imaging unit (101), the effort of moving the optical camera as the rotation detection unit (104) is eliminated, and adjustments to accuracy due to changes in the position of the radiation imaging unit (101) are also unnecessary, thus improving the freedom of movement and positioning of the radiation imaging unit (101).

[0053] (Third embodiment) In the first embodiment, the automatic exposure control unit (105) is described as being separate from the radiation imaging unit (101). However, the system is not limited to this configuration, and the radiation imaging unit (101) may include the automatic exposure control unit (105). In the radiation imaging system 1, the automatic exposure control unit (105) may be provided in the information processing unit (102).

[0054] (Effects of the third embodiment) According to the configuration of the third embodiment, when it is necessary to move the radiation imaging unit (101), the effort of moving the automatic exposure control unit (105) is eliminated, and since there is no need to adjust the accuracy by changing the position, it is possible to improve the freedom of movement and position of the radiation imaging unit (101).

[0055] (Fourth embodiment) In the first embodiment, a configuration was described in which the rotation tracking determination unit (108) of the radiation imaging system 1 is notified to the operator. Specifically, in S206 of the processing flow in Figure 2B, a configuration was described in which the notification unit (109) notifies the operator that the dose information detection unit cannot handle the current rotation angle of the radiation imaging unit.

[0056] As a means of notifying the operator in S206 in Figure 2B, for example, a message indicating that imaging is not possible may be displayed on the display unit (110), an icon indicating that imaging is not possible may be displayed on the display unit (110), or the display color of the display unit (110) may be changed. Alternatively, a sound-emitting device (sound-emitting unit) such as an external speaker may be provided to output a sound (notification sound) to notify the operator that imaging is not possible.

[0057] (Effects of the fourth embodiment) According to the configuration of the fourth embodiment, when it is necessary to rotate the radiation imaging unit (101), the operator is notified whether or not automatic exposure control can continue by performing the rotation operation, thereby prompting them to make an appropriate decision.

[0058] (Fifth embodiment) Regarding the radiation imaging system 1, the rotation tracking determination unit (108) may determine that it is unsuitable if at least one of the multiple dose information detection units (112) after rotation is unsuitable, or it may determine that it is unsuitable if the dose information detection unit (112) after rotation is unsuitable for all possible rotation angles among the multiple dose information detection units. The number of dose information detection units (112) after rotation that are unsuitable among the multiple dose information detection units can be arbitrarily set depending on the area to be imaged and the application. The rotation tracking determination unit (108) may also determine that the selected multiple dose information detection units (111) cannot be selected because they are unsuitable for rotation if the relative position of at least one of the selected multiple dose information detection units (111) with respect to the reference is not maintained before and after rotation. Furthermore, the rotation tracking determination unit (108) may determine that the selected dose information detection units (111) are rotation-compatible and selectable if the relative position of all dose information detection units with respect to the reference is maintained before and after rotation.

[0059] (Effects of the fifth embodiment) Depending on the area being imaged and the application, the setting range of the dose information detection unit used for automatic exposure control differs, so in some cases, all selected dose information detection units need to be able to handle the rotation of the radiation imaging unit. On the other hand, for example, there are cases where only some dose information detection units that can handle the rotation of the radiation imaging unit during imaging are used for automatic exposure control. According to the configuration of the fifth embodiment, it becomes possible to perform imaging by adjusting the setting range of the dose information detection unit used for automatic exposure control depending on the area being imaged and the application.

[0060] (Sixth embodiment) [Radiation Imaging System 2] Figure 3 shows a schematic configuration of the radiation imaging system 2. In the radiation imaging system 2, the radiation generation unit (300), radiation imaging unit (301), dose information detection unit (303), rotation detection unit (304), automatic exposure control unit (305), selection unit (306), notification unit (309), display unit (310), and input operation unit (312) are the same as those described in the explanation of the radiation imaging system 1 (Figure 1), so redundant explanations are omitted.

[0061] The information processing unit (302) of the radiation imaging system 2 includes a rotation response determination unit (307), a response determination unit (308), and a setting display control unit (313). In the radiation imaging system 2, the automatic exposure control unit (305) is provided in the information processing unit (302), but the configuration of the radiation imaging system 2 is not limited to this example. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the automatic exposure control unit (305) may be provided outside the radiation imaging unit (301) or the information processing unit (302), or it may be provided inside the radiation imaging unit (301).

[0062] The information processing unit (302) may have a functional configuration in which the rotation response determination unit (307), response determination unit (308), setting display control unit (313), automatic exposure control unit (305), selection unit (306), and notification unit (309) are executed by the CPU (central processing unit) of the information processing unit (302) or a dedicated or general-purpose processor executing programs in memory. Alternatively, it may be configured with hardware such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). The information processing unit (302) can also realize various functions by combining software processing by a processor and program with hardware processing.

[0063] (Explanation of the processing flow in Figure 4) The radiation imaging system 2 of this embodiment is used, for example, in the flow shown in Figure 4. In the radiation imaging system 2, the automatic exposure control unit (305) needs to select in advance from among a plurality of dose information detection units (303) the dose information detection unit (311) used for automatic exposure control (AEC).

[0064] The setting display control unit (313) performs display control to display a display on the display unit (310) that simulates multiple dose information detection units (303) on the radiation imaging unit (301). In S300, the setting display control unit (313) displays a simulation of the dose information detection units (303) on the display unit (310), thereby performing the setting display processing from S300 as shown in Figure 4. The operator selects one imaging procedure and sets the selection position of the dose information detection unit using the input operation unit (312) according to the display on the display unit (310). Here, the imaging procedure includes information such as the imaging site, imaging direction, and position (standing, lying down, free position, etc.). The imaging procedure includes various conditions for capturing a radiation image, and includes information from the dose information detection unit, the default rotation information of the radiation imaging unit, etc. The operator sets the selection position of the dose information detection unit to be used for AEC, taking into consideration the imaging site, imaging direction, position, etc. The selection unit (306) can select a dose information detection unit to be used for AEC based on the operator's input.

[0065] In S303, the setting display control unit (313) acquires predetermined rotation information and information (position information) from the dose information detection unit selected by the selection unit (306) based on the operator's input, from the conditions included in the imaging procedure.

[0066] In S304, the setting display control unit (313) acquires the information from the dose information detection unit (311) selected by the selection unit (306). The setting display control unit (313) performs display control to display on the display unit (310) a diagram representing the result of adding predetermined rotation information to the dose information detection unit (303) of the radiation imaging unit (301), and the dose information detection unit (311) selected by the selection unit (306).

[0067] Figure 17 shows an example of the display screen (1700) of the display unit (310) whose display is controlled by the setting display control unit (313). The display screen (1700) shows a display (1702) indicating the dose information detection unit, and the operator can perform various operations using the operation cursor (1703) of the input operation unit (312). An operation panel (1704) is provided on the display screen (1700). The operation panel (1704) includes a rotation button (1705) for rotating the display (1701) indicating the radiation imaging unit to an arbitrary angle, and a setting completion button (1706) for inputting an instruction to complete the processing of the setting display control unit (313). The operation panel (1704), rotation button (1705), and setting completion button (1706) may be configured as touch panel buttons on the display unit (310).

[0068] Returning to Figure 4 for explanation, in S305, the setting display control unit (313) inputs the information of the selected dose information detection unit (303) to the correspondence determination unit (308). The correspondence determination unit (308) repeatedly causes the rotation correspondence determination unit (307) to execute rotation correspondence determination processing for each dose information detection unit (303). The rotation correspondence determination unit (307) performs rotation correspondence determination to determine whether the relative position of the dose information detection unit (pixel) selected for AEC with respect to the reference is maintained within the dose information detection unit (103) before and after rotation. The rotation correspondence determination processing executed by the rotation correspondence determination unit (307) is performed in the processing flow (S312~S317) of Figure 5. Details of the rotation correspondence determination will be described later.

[0069] In S306, the correspondence determination unit (308) determines whether the results from the rotation correspondence determination unit (307) have been obtained for all dose information detection units. If there are dose information detection units that have not yet been determined (S306-NO), the process returns to S305, and the rotation correspondence determination process by the rotation correspondence determination unit (307) is repeated for the next dose information detection unit. If the determination results have been obtained for all dose information detection units (S306-YES), the process proceeds to S307.

[0070] In S307, the setting display control unit (313) performs display control to change the display on the display unit (310) based on the result of the rotation compatibility determination process. Here, Figure 18 shows an example of displaying a dose information detection unit that is not compatible with rotation. Parts common to Figure 17 are given the same reference number and their explanation is omitted. In Figure 18, 1801 indicates a dose information detection unit that is compatible with rotation, and 1802 indicates a dose information detection unit that is not compatible with rotation. As shown in Figure 18, the setting display control unit (313) changes the selectability of the dose information detection unit (1802) that is not compatible with rotation to "not selectable" and displays it. The setting display control unit (313) may also perform display control to change the display color of the display screen (1700) of the display unit (310) so that the selected state of the dose information detection unit can be identified.

[0071] For example, the setting display control unit (313) may display a first state in a first display color when the dose information detection unit is not selected by the selection unit (306). The setting display control unit (313) may also display a second state in a second display color when the operator attempts to select the dose information detection unit and places the operation cursor (e.g., 1806) over the displayed dose information detection unit. Furthermore, the setting display control unit (313) may display a third state in a third display color when the selection unit (306) has finished selecting the dose information detection unit based on an instruction to complete the selection operation (e.g., pressing the setting completion button 1803).

[0072] Furthermore, the setting display control unit (313) may, based on the determination result of the rotation response determination unit (307), display a fourth state in a fourth display color, indicating that rotation is not possible and cannot be selected, if the relative position with respect to the reference is not maintained before and after rotation. Also, the setting display control unit (313) may, based on the determination result of the rotation response determination unit (307), display a fifth state in a fifth display color, indicating that rotation is possible and can be selected, if the relative position with respect to the reference is maintained before and after rotation. The setting display control unit (313) may also perform display control by changing the display color of the display unit (310) so that each of the above states can be identified.

[0073] Returning to the explanation in Figure 4, in S308, the correspondence determination unit (308), based on the result of the rotation correspondence determination process performed by the rotation correspondence determination unit (307) determined in S305, determines that rotation correspondence is possible for all selected dose information detection units among the multiple dose information detection units (S308-YES), and then proceeds to S309.

[0074] In S309, the response determination unit (308) determines that the selected dose information detection unit (311) is storable and stores it in the memory (311A) of the information processing unit (302). The position information (relative information with respect to the reference) of the dose information detection unit (311) selected for AEC is stored in the memory (311A) of the information processing unit (302).

[0075] On the other hand, if, as determined in S308, any of the selected dose information detection units are not compatible with rotation (S308-NO), the process branches to S310, where the compatibility determination unit (308) determines that the selected dose information detection unit (311) is not compatible with saving and stores it in the memory (311A) of the information processing unit (302). Then, in S311, the setting display process of the dose information detection unit setting display unit is terminated.

[0076] (Explanation of the processing flow in Figure 5: Rotation compatibility determination process) The processing flow shown in Figure 5 describes the rotation response determination process that starts from S312. In S313, the rotation response determination unit (307) calculates the relative position of the dose information detection unit after rotation and the reference, with respect to the center of rotation, for all possible rotation angles of the radiation imaging unit (301). The calculation of the relative position of the dose information detection unit after rotation may include not only rotation with respect to the center of the radiation imaging unit, but also operations to move the dose information detection unit after rotation. The operation to move the dose information detection unit may be, for example, a parallel movement (translational movement) in the vertical or horizontal direction from the position of the dose information detection unit after rotation. The operation to move the dose information detection unit will be described in the 7th and 8th embodiments described later.

[0077] In S314, the rotation response determination unit (307) determines whether the relative position between the dose information detection unit and the reference after rotation, calculated in S313, corresponds to the relative position between the reference and the dose information detection unit (303) before rotation on the radiation imaging unit.

[0078] In the S314 decision process, if it is not possible to perform the rotation (S314-NO), the result of the rotation response decision process is set to "not possible" in S315, and the process transitions to S317. In S317, "not possible" is set as the result. On the other hand, in the S314 decision process, if it is possible to perform the rotation (S314-YES), in S316, the rotation response decision unit (307) determines whether the processing of the rotation response decision unit is complete for all possible rotation angles of the radiation imaging unit (301). In the S316 decision process, if the processing of the rotation response decision unit is not complete for all possible rotation angles (S316-NO), the rotation response decision unit (307) returns the process to S313 and sends back the same process. On the other hand, in the S316 decision process, if the rotation response decision unit (307) has made a decision for all possible rotation angles of the radiation imaging unit (301) (S316-YES), the process transitions to S317.

[0079] In S317, if the result of processing S312 to S316 is not that it is not possible (S314-YES, S316-YES), the rotation compatibility determination unit (307) sets the result of the rotation compatibility determination process to be possible. In S318, the rotation compatibility determination unit (307) terminates the rotation compatibility determination process. After the completion of the rotation compatibility determination process, the process returns to S306 in Figure 4.

[0080] (Explanation of the processing flow in Figure 6: Selection position change process) Next, after the setting display processing of the setting display control unit (313) (Figures 4 and 5), the operator can change the selected position of the dose information detection unit (303). When the operator changes the selected position of the dose information detection unit (303) using the input operation unit (312), the setting display control unit (313) executes the selection position change processing starting from S319 shown in Figure 6.

[0081] In S320, the operator changes the selected position of the dose information detection unit (103) displayed on the display unit (310) using the input operation unit (312) via the display control of the setting display control unit (313). The operator can also change, add, or delete the selected position of the dose information detection unit (103) displayed on the display unit (310) using the input operation unit (312). In the following description, changing the selected position may include adding and deleting, and these are collectively referred to as changing the selected position.

[0082] In S321, the setting display control unit (313) performs the rotation response determination unit processing (S312-S317) shown in Figure 5 for the selected position of the dose information detection unit that has been changed based on the input operation from the input operation unit (312). The setting display control unit (313) inputs the information of the changed selected position of the dose information detection unit to the response determination unit (308). The response determination unit (308) repeatedly causes the rotation response determination unit (307) to execute rotation response determination processing for each of the changed selected positions of the dose information detection unit (303). The rotation response determination unit (307) performs rotation response determination to determine whether the relative position of the dose information detection unit (pixel) selected for AEC with respect to the reference is maintained within the dose information detection unit (103) before and after the rotation for the changed selected position of the dose information detection unit (303).

[0083] In S322, the correspondence determination unit (308) determines, based on the result of the rotation correspondence determination process performed by the rotation correspondence determination unit (307) regarding the changed selection position of the dose information detection unit, that the rotation correspondence determination is possible (S322-YES), and proceeds to S323. In S323, the correspondence determination unit (308) stores in the memory (311A) of the information processing unit (302) that the changed selection position of the dose information detection unit can be updated and saved. In addition, the setting display control unit (313) displays on the display unit (310) that the changed selection position of the dose information detection unit can be rotated, and enables the operation to change the selection position.

[0084] On the other hand, in the decision process of S322, if the changed selection position of the dose information detection unit is not rotatable (S322-NO), the corresponding decision unit (308) transitions the process to S324, and in S323, the corresponding decision unit (308) stores in the memory (311A) of the information processing unit (302) that the changed selection position of the dose information detection unit cannot be updated or saved. In addition, the setting display control unit (313) displays on the display unit (310) that the changed selection position of the dose information detection unit is not rotatable, making it impossible (prohibited) to change the selection position. Then, in S325, the setting display control unit (313) terminates the selection position change process.

[0085] (Explanation of the processing flow in Figure 7: Display completion operation process) As shown in Figure 7, after the display unit (310) is displayed by the setting display control unit (313), the operator can use the input operation unit (113) to perform an operation to terminate the procedure for changing the selected position of the dose information detection unit (display completion operation process).

[0086] For example, if the operator presses the setting completion button (1803) shown in Figure 18 to terminate the processing by the setting display control unit (313), the setting display control unit (313) executes the display completion operation process starting from S326 shown in Figure 7.

[0087] In S327, the setting display control unit (313) determines whether the selected position of the dose information detection unit, which was changed in the selection position change process, can be updated and saved, based on the information stored in the memory (311A) of the information processing unit (302) in the processes of S323 and S324.

[0088] If updating / saving is not possible (S327-NO), the process branches to S328, and the setting display control unit (313) displays on the display unit (310) that the selected position of the dose information detection unit cannot be saved.

[0089] On the other hand, in the decision process of S327, if the selected position of the dose information detection unit can be updated and saved (S327-YES), the process branches to S329, and the setting display control unit (313) saves the selected position of the dose information detection unit to the information included in the imaging procedure (not shown). The information included in the imaging procedure includes information such as the imaging area, imaging direction, and imaging position of the FPD to be placed (standing, supine, free position, etc.). The imaging procedure includes at least position information of the dose detection unit corresponding to the imaging position of the FPD at the time of imaging. Here, the position information of the dose detection unit is information indicating the dose detection unit (pixel position) for AEC that is set in advance based on the imaging position, and the position information of the dose detection unit is determined for each imaging procedure. If the selected position of the dose information detection unit can be updated and saved (S327-YES), the setting display control unit (313) saves the selected position of the dose information detection unit to the position information of the dose detection unit in the information included in the imaging procedure.

[0090] In S330, the setting display control unit (313) terminates the display control of the display unit (310), and in S331, the display completion operation process is terminated.

[0091] (Effects of the sixth embodiment) According to the configuration of the sixth embodiment, the operator can select the dose information detection unit to be used for automatic exposure control in advance, rather than at the time of imaging or immediately before imaging. This makes it possible to set up automatic exposure control without affecting the imaging workflow. In such cases, the sixth embodiment allows for prior confirmation of whether the dose information detection unit can handle the rotation angle that the radiation imaging unit can take, preventing cases where automatic exposure control cannot be performed at the time of imaging or immediately before imaging.

[0092] (Seventh Embodiment) In the radiation imaging system 2 described in the sixth embodiment above, the display control by the setting display control unit (313) was configured to change the selectability of the non-rotatable dose information detection unit (1802) to non-selectability and display it on the display unit (310), as shown in Figure 18. The setting display control unit (313) then displays the rotatable dose information detection unit (1801) on the display unit (310), so that both the non-rotatable dose information detection unit (1802) and the rotatable dose information detection unit (1801) can be distinguished and displayed.

[0093] The configuration of the radiation imaging system 2 is not limited to this example. The setting display control unit (313) may change the display that identifies the dose information detection unit (1802) that is not compatible with rotation, and may also control the display of the display unit (310) to inform the operator that the dose information detection unit (1802) cannot be selected (selection impossible). In other words, the setting display control unit (313) may perform display control that combines an identification display for rotation incompatible units and a display that informs the operator that selection is impossible.

[0094] Alternatively, the setting display control unit (313) may notify the operator by changing the display that identifies the dose information detection unit (1802) that is not compatible with rotation, and perform display control to allow the selection of the dose information detection unit (1802). In this case, the setting display control unit (313) can perform display control that combines an identification display for a unit that is not compatible with rotation and a display that allows the selection of the dose information detection unit (1802).

[0095] Alternatively, the setting display control unit (313) may display the rotation angle of the radiation imaging unit (301) currently displayed on the display unit (310), the display of the dose information detection unit (1802) which is not compatible with rotation, and a display indicating that the dose information detection unit (1802) is not selectable, in association with each other.

[0096] Furthermore, the setting display control unit (313) may display on the display unit (310) the rotation angle at which the dose information detection unit (1802) of the radiation imaging unit (301), which is not capable of rotation, becomes capable of rotation. For example, the setting display control unit (313) may display the rotation angle at which rotation becomes possible as numerical information on the display unit (310). Alternatively, the setting display control unit (313) may display on the display unit (310) the radiation imaging unit (301) rotated to the rotation angle at which rotation becomes possible. For example, the setting display control unit (313) may display on the display unit (310) with a solid line the radiation imaging unit (301) in a state where the dose information detection unit (1802) is not capable of rotation, and display on the display unit (310) with a different line type or display color the radiation imaging unit (301) in a state where rotation is possible.

[0097] (Effects of the seventh embodiment) According to the seventh embodiment configuration, by making the dose information detection unit (1802) that cannot be rotated unselectable, the operator is notified that the dose information detection unit is unresponsive, and it is possible to prevent the automatic exposure control from not functioning as intended during imaging due to incorrect selection. For example, in cases where the rotation angle of the radiation imaging unit (301) differs each time imaging is performed, by notifying the operator in advance that the rotation angle they have prepared is unresponsive, it is possible to prevent setting an incorrect rotation angle and perform imaging with automatic exposure control that functions as intended.

[0098] Furthermore, if only a display indicating that rotation is not supported is shown, and selection is possible, the operator can select a dose information detection unit that is not supported for any rotation angle. For example, for a dose information detection unit that is not supported when rotated by 45 degrees, the operator can select it for use in automatic exposure control, and then use a rotation angle other than 45 degrees, such as 0 degrees or 90 degrees, when imaging. In such cases, rotation is assumed to be possible with respect to the center of the radiation imaging unit (301), and the operator can perform imaging flexibly without having to re-select the rotation angle. In addition, by displaying the rotation angles at which rotation is possible on the display unit (310), the workload of the operator can be reduced in cases where fine adjustment of the rotation angle is necessary, and imaging of the subject can be performed smoothly.

[0099] (Eighth embodiment) Regarding the calculation of dose information in the dose information detection unit after rotation, which occurs when the radiation imaging unit rotates, as part of the operation flow of the radiation imaging system 1 or radiation imaging system 2, another example will be described as the eighth embodiment. Figure 8 shows the margin between the edge of the radiation imaging unit and the dose information detection unit, and Figure 9 shows the positional shift of the dose information detection unit when the radiation imaging unit rotates. Figure 10 shows the positional movement of the dose information detection unit when the radiation imaging unit rotates. In Figures 8 to 10, the dose information detection unit with hatching indicates the dose information detection unit used for AEC.

[0100] Depending on the imaging area of ​​the subject, if the center of the dose information detection unit after rotation of the radiographic imaging unit is aligned with the center of the radiographic imaging unit, the automatic exposure control may not function as expected. For example, when imaging the chest, if the subject is large and the shorter side of the rectangle of the radiographic imaging unit is positioned horizontally (801), the required width of the radiographic imaging unit may not be obtained. In this case, the operator rotates the radiographic imaging unit so that the longer side of the rectangle is horizontal (802) before imaging.

[0101] However, as shown in Figure 8, depending on the arrangement of the radiation imaging unit, there may be a margin (805, 806) between the edge (804) of the radiation imaging unit and the position where the dose information detection unit is located, and the width of this margin (805, 806) may differ between the long side and the short side of the rectangle of the radiation imaging unit. In the example shown in Figure 8, the margin (805) when the short side of the rectangle of the radiation imaging unit is positioned horizontally (801) is wider than the margin (806) when the long side of the rectangle of the radiation imaging unit is positioned horizontally (802) (the width of margin (805) is larger than the width of margin (806)).

[0102] Furthermore, when imaging a specific area of ​​the subject, such as when imaging the chest, the radiographic imaging unit is often positioned so that its edges touch the chin (910) of the subject (900), as shown in Figure 9. The setting display control unit (313) displays, for example, the selected dose information detection unit and the rotated dose information detection unit, which has been rotated based on predetermined rotation information included in the imaging procedure, on the display unit (310), as shown in Figure 9. In Figure 9, 901 shows the radiographic imaging unit positioned so that the shorter side of the rectangle of the radiographic imaging unit is horizontal, and 902 shows the radiographic imaging unit rotated so that the longer side of the rectangle of the radiographic imaging unit is horizontal.

[0103] Furthermore, the margin (903) for the arrangement of the radiation imaging unit (901) indicates the margin from the edge of the radiation imaging unit (901) to the position where the dose information detection unit is located, and the margin (904) for the arrangement of the radiation imaging unit (902) indicates the margin from the edge of the radiation imaging unit (902) to the position where the dose information detection unit is located. The width of the margin from the edge of the radiation imaging unit (901, 902) to the position where the dose information detection unit is located differs between the arrangement of the radiation imaging unit (901) and the arrangement of the radiation imaging unit (902) for the short side margin (903) and the long side margin (904). Therefore, if, after the rotation of the radiation imaging units (901, 902), the edges of the radiation imaging units (901, 902) are positioned to align with the jaw (910) of the subject (900), a positional shift (905) will occur in the position of the dose information detection unit selected for AEC by the difference in the width of the margin before and after the rotation, causing the position of the dose information detection unit selected for AEC to shift vertically (Y direction in Figure 9). The correspondence determination unit (308) corrects the position of the dose information detection unit after rotation by parallel movement to offset the positional shift (905) relative to a reference that occurs between the relative position before rotation and the relative position after rotation, if the relative position cannot be maintained before and after the rotation of the radiation imaging units (901, 902).

[0104] Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, the correspondence determination unit (308) stores in the memory (311A) of the information processing unit (302) the width of the margin on the first side of the radiation imaging unit (901) before rotation (the width of the margin on the short side (903)) and the width of the margin on the second side of the radiation imaging unit (902) after rotation (the width of the margin on the long side (904)). When the radiation imaging units (901, 902) are rotated, the correspondence determination unit (308) moves the position of the dose information detection unit selected for AEC by the difference in the width of the margin after rotation (1004 = position shift 905 in Figure 9). By moving the position of the dose information detection unit selected for AEC, the correspondence determination unit (308) corrects the position of the dose information detection unit selected for AEC so that the distance from the edge to the dose information detection unit selected for AEC remains constant before and after the rotation of the radiation imaging units (901, 902). Depending on the possible positions of the dose information detection unit, the dose information detection unit closest to the destination location may be newly selected as the dose information detection unit for AEC.

[0105] As shown in Figure 10, the correspondence determination unit (308) corrects the position of the dose information detection unit so that the distance from the edge of the radiation imaging unit (901, 902) to the dose information detection unit remains constant before and after rotation, based on the difference (1004 = positional shift 905 in Figure 9) between the width of the margin (903) before rotation and the width of the margin (904) after rotation. This allows the position of the dose information detection unit (hatched portion) used for AEC to remain constant before and after rotation, in accordance with the imaging area of ​​the subject (1000). Depending on the imaging area of ​​the subject (1000), the correction amount for the positional shift may be calculated with the radiation imaging unit's position rotated at the center of the dose information detection unit, or the correction amount may be calculated so that the distance from any edge of the radiation imaging unit remains constant. The edge of the radiation imaging unit may be a corner of the imaging unit or any point on the radiation imaging unit.

[0106] (Effects of the 8th embodiment) According to the configuration of the eighth embodiment, for example, when the operator images the chest to diagnose the lung field, the operator positions the radiography unit based on the position of the patient's jaw and clavicle in order to correctly capture the lung field within the image. With the eighth embodiment, even when the radiography unit is rotated, the operator can position the radiography unit using the same reference, making it possible to perform imaging using automatic exposure control.

[0107] (Ninth embodiment) Regarding the calculation of dose information detection after rotation in the operation flow of the radiation imaging system 1 or radiation imaging system 2, another example will be described as the ninth embodiment. Figure 11 shows the movement of the position of the dose information detection unit when the radiation imaging unit rotates, and Figure 12 shows the dose information detection unit that is insufficient when the radiation imaging unit rotates. Figure 13 also shows the expansion of the dose information detection unit when the radiation imaging unit rotates.

[0108] Depending on the imaging area of ​​the subject, there may be cases where the range of the dose information detection unit after rotation of the radiation imaging unit becomes insufficient. For example, when imaging relatively long body parts such as arms or lower limbs, the subject may be rotated to position it along the longer side of the rectangle of the radiation imaging unit or along the diagonal of the rectangle of the radiation imaging unit in order to make effective use of the radiation imaging unit.

[0109] In Figure 11, 1101 shows the state in which the shorter side of the rectangle of the radiation imaging unit is positioned horizontally, and 1102 shows the state in which the longer side of the rectangle of the radiation imaging unit is positioned horizontally. 1103 is the dose information detection unit, 1104 shows the dose information detection unit selected for AEC before rotation, and 1105 shows the dose information detection unit after rotation. As in the cases illustrated above, when the dose information detection unit is rotated with respect to its center before rotation, the relative position of the dose information detection unit selected for AEC (1104) with respect to the reference is calculated as shown in Figure 11, and the rotated dose information detection unit (1105), which is shown by hatching on the rotated dose information detection unit, is calculated.

[0110] In Figure 12, 1201 shows the state where the shorter side of the rectangle of the radiation imaging unit is positioned horizontally, and 1202 shows the state where the longer side of the rectangle of the radiation imaging unit is positioned horizontally. 1203 is the dose information detection unit, 1204 shows the dose information detection unit selected for AEC before rotation, and 1205 shows the dose information detection unit after rotation. The dose information detection units at both ends of the dose information detection unit (1205) after rotation indicate dose information detection units (1206) that are insufficient as dose information detection units for AEC. In the case shown in Figure 12, the dose information detection unit (1205) after rotation, which corresponds to the dose information detection unit (1204) selected before rotation, has an insufficient range of dose information detection for the actual subject (1207). In the dose information detection unit (1204) selected before rotation, a dose information detection unit (1204) with a range that matches the length of the shorter side of the rectangle of the radiation imaging unit (1201) is selected. Therefore, in the dose information detection unit (1205) after rotation, the dose information detection unit (1206) may be insufficient by the range of the difference between the longer side and the shorter side of the rectangle of the radiation imaging unit (1201).

[0111] Therefore, as shown in Figure 13, when the radiation imaging unit is rotated, the dose information detection unit after rotation is expanded using the width of the dose information detection unit in the horizontal direction (X direction) of the rectangle of the rotated radiation imaging unit (1201). Here, "expansion" means widening the range (width) of the dose information detection unit by adding a dose information detection unit to the rotated dose information detection unit. In Figure 13, parts common to Figure 12 are given the same reference numerals. In Figure 13, 1306 indicates the expanded (added) dose information detection unit after rotation. At the position of the dose information detection unit (1206) that is insufficient as a dose information detection unit for AEC as shown in Figure 12, the expanded rotated dose information detection unit (1306) is added to both ends of the rotated dose information detection unit 1205. Note that although the example shown in Figure 13 shows an example in which dose information detection units 1306 are added to both ends, it is not limited to this example, and the insufficient dose information detection unit may be added to either one side. By adding a dose information detection unit, it is sufficient that the range of the dose information detection unit remains constant before and after rotation.

[0112] The range over which the dose information detection unit is extended may be determined by using the shape information of the radiation imaging unit, in accordance with the imaging area and shape of the subject 1207. For example, the width in a first direction along the edge of the radiation imaging unit (e.g., the vertical direction (Y direction of the paper)) may be used, or the width in a second direction along the edge of the radiation imaging unit (e.g., the horizontal direction (X direction of the paper)) may be used. Here, the first direction and the second direction are intersecting directions within the plane of the radiation imaging unit where multiple dose information detection units are arranged. The example shown in Figure 13 shows an example where the dose information detection unit after rotation is extended in the X direction, but it is not limited to this example. For example, the dose information detection unit after rotation may be extended in the XY direction in accordance with the imaging area and shape of the subject 1207. In this case, the width in the first direction along the edge of the radiation imaging unit (Y direction of the paper) and the width in the second direction along the edge of the radiation imaging unit (X direction of the paper) may be used.

[0113] Furthermore, the range (width) of the dose information detection unit may be expanded using the length from the end of the rotated dose information detection unit on the radiation imaging unit (for example, 1205 in Figure 12) to the edge where multiple dose information detection units are located. The correspondence determination unit (308) can then expand the range (width) of the rotated dose information detection unit (1205) on the radiation imaging unit by adding a dose information detection unit (1306) to a range corresponding to the length from the end of the rotated dose information detection unit to the edge where multiple dose information detection units are located. Alternatively, the expansion of the dose information detection unit may be expanded using the length from the end of the rotated dose information detection unit (for example, 1205 in Figure 12) to the position of a dose information detection unit (pixel) determined based on arbitrary position information (position coordinates) on the dose information detection unit. For example, the correspondence determination unit (308) may expand the range (width) of the rotated dose information detection unit (1205) on the radiation imaging unit by adding a dose information detection unit (1306) to a range corresponding to the difference in position information using the position information of the end of the rotated dose information detection unit and the position information of the edge where multiple dose information detection units are arranged.

[0114] In Figures 12 and 13, the correspondence determination unit (308) compares the selected dose information detection unit with the rotated dose information detection unit and, if the range of the dose information detection unit is insufficient, adds a dose information detection unit to the rotated dose information detection unit to expand the range of the dose information detection unit so that the range of the dose information detection unit remains constant before and after rotation. However, the correspondence determination unit (308) may also compare the selected dose information detection unit with the rotated dose information detection unit and, if the range of the dose information detection unit is excessive, delete a dose information detection unit from the rotated dose information detection unit to reduce the range of the dose information detection unit so that the range of the dose information detection unit remains constant before and after rotation. The deletion of the rotated dose information detection unit may be done by deleting dose information detection units from both ends, or by deleting the excess dose information detection unit from either side. The goal is to make the range of the dose information detection unit constant before and after rotation by deleting the dose information detection unit.

[0115] (Effects of the 9th embodiment) According to the configuration of the ninth embodiment, for example, when imaging relatively long body parts such as arms or lower limbs, in order to effectively utilize the radiation imaging unit, the subject is rotated to be positioned along the long side of the rectangle of the radiation imaging unit or along the diagonal of the rectangle of the radiation imaging unit, and imaging can be performed using automatic exposure control without having to readjust the dose information detection unit used for the pre-set automatic exposure control.

[0116] (Tenth embodiment) In the radiation imaging system 2, the setting display control unit (313) may display the dose information detection unit on the display unit (310) at any rotation angle by operating the rotation button (1705) using the input operation unit (312). The rotation by pressing the rotation button (1705) may be a large rotation in 90-degree increments, or a small rotation in 1-degree increments.

[0117] (Effects of the 10th embodiment) According to the configuration of the tenth embodiment, when selecting a dose information detection unit to be used for automatic exposure control before imaging, the operator can easily grasp the positional relationship between the orientation of the radiation imaging unit when actually imaging and the dose information detection unit to be selected, thereby assisting the selection operation.

[0118] (Summary of the embodiments) [Item 1] An information processing device for processing images captured by a radiation imaging unit having multiple dose information detection units, A determination unit determines whether the relative position of the dose information detection unit selected from the plurality of dose information detection units for automatic exposure control is maintained before and after the rotation of the radiation imaging unit. An information processing device characterized by comprising: [Item 2] The information processing device according to item 1, characterized in that the aforementioned standard is the rotation center of the plurality of dose information detection units when the radiation imaging unit is rotated, and is set based on the detection information detected by the rotation detection unit. [Item 3] The information processing device according to item 2, characterized in that the rotation detection unit is included in the radiation imaging unit. [Item 4] The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that the radiation imaging unit includes an automatic exposure control unit that controls the irradiation of radiation from the radiation generating unit based on the automatic exposure control. [Item 5] A selection unit selects a dose information detection unit from among the plurality of dose information detection units to be used for the automatic exposure control, and acquires the position information of the selected dose information detection unit. A first memory for storing the location information of the selected dose information detection unit, An information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 4, further comprising the above. [Item 6] A calculation unit that acquires the position information of the dose information detection unit after the selected dose information detection unit has been rotated, and calculates the dose information at the dose information detection unit after rotation, The information processing device according to item 5, further comprising: a second memory for storing the position information of the dose information detection unit after rotation and the dose information. [Item 7] The information processing device according to item 6, characterized in that the determination unit determines whether the relative position with respect to the reference is maintained before and after the rotation of the radiation imaging unit by comparing the relative position before rotation obtained from the position information of the selected dose information detection unit and the reference, and the relative position after rotation obtained from the position information of the dose information detection unit and the reference after rotation. [Item 8] The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 7, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the operator that imaging is not possible when the determination unit determines that the relative position is not maintained before and after the rotation. [Item 9] The information processing device according to item 8, characterized in that the notification unit notifies the operator that imaging is not possible by changing the display on the display unit or by outputting a notification sound from the sound output unit. [Item 10] The information processing apparatus according to item 9, characterized in that the notification unit provides notification by displaying a message indicating that imaging is not possible, displaying an icon, and changing the display color of the display unit. [Item 11] The information processing apparatus according to any one of items 8 to 10, characterized in that the notification unit, based on the determination result of the determination unit, displays on the display unit in different display formats so as to distinguish between the dose information detection unit after rotation when the relative position with respect to the reference is maintained before and after the rotation, and the dose information detection unit after rotation when the relative position with respect to the reference is not maintained before and after the rotation, and provides notification. [Item 12] A setting display control unit that performs display control to display a display on the display unit that simulates the multiple dose information detection units in the radiation imaging unit, The system further comprises a selection unit that selects a dose information detection unit from among the plurality of dose information detection units to be used for the automatic exposure control based on settings made using an input operation unit, and acquires position information of the selected dose information detection unit, The determination unit determines whether the relative position of the selected dose information detection unit with respect to the reference is maintained before and after the rotation of the radiation imaging unit. An information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 11, characterized in that it is an information processing device. [Item 13] The information processing device according to item 12, characterized in that the setting display control unit causes the selected dose information detection unit and the rotated dose information detection unit, which has been rotated based on predetermined rotation information included in the imaging procedure, to be displayed on the display unit. [Item 14] The setting display control unit displays the first state, in which the dose information detection unit has not been selected by the selection unit, in a first display color. When the operator attempts to select the dose information detection unit and places the operation cursor over the displayed dose information detection unit, the second state is displayed in a second display color. Based on the instruction to complete the operation, the third state in which the selection unit has finished selecting the dose information detection unit is displayed in a third display color. Based on the determination result of the determination unit, if the relative position with respect to the reference is not maintained before and after the rotation, it is displayed in a fourth display color as a fourth state that cannot be selected due to inability to rotate. Based on the determination result of the determination unit, if the relative position with respect to the reference is maintained before and after the rotation, it is displayed as a fifth selectable fifth state with a fifth display color that is compatible with rotation. The information processing device according to item 12 or 13, characterized by performing display control to change the display color of the display unit so that each state can be identified. [Item 15] The determination unit determines that, due to a positional shift in the relative position relative to the reference that occurs between the relative position before rotation and the relative position after rotation, the relative position cannot be maintained before and after the rotation of the radiation imaging unit. The information processing apparatus according to item 7, characterized in that the position of the dose information detection unit after rotation is corrected by parallel movement to cancel out the aforementioned positional displacement. [Item 16] The information processing apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 15, characterized in that the determination unit compares the selected dose information detection unit with the rotated dose information detection unit and, if the range of the dose information detection unit is insufficient, expands the range of the dose information detection unit by adding a dose information detection unit to the rotated dose information detection unit. [Item 17] The information processing apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 15, characterized in that the determination unit compares the selected dose information detection unit with the rotated dose information detection unit and, if the range of the dose information detection unit becomes excessive, reduces the range of the dose information detection unit by deleting the rotated dose information detection unit. [Item 18] The information processing apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 17, characterized in that the determination unit determines that, with respect to the reference, the relative position of at least one of the selected plurality of dose information detection units is not maintained before and after the rotation, the selected plurality of dose information detection units cannot be selected because they are not compatible with rotation. [Item 19] The information processing apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 17, characterized in that the determination unit determines that, for all dose information detection units among the selected plurality of dose information detection units, the relative position with respect to the reference is maintained before and after the rotation, and that the selected plurality of dose information detection units are capable of rotation and are selectable. [Item 20] A radiation imaging unit that images radiation, A radiation imaging system comprising: an information processing device described in any one of items 1 to 19, which is communicably connected to the radiation imaging unit. [Item 21] An information processing method for processing images captured by a radiation imaging unit having multiple dose information detection units, A determination step to determine whether the relative position of the dose information detection unit selected from the plurality of dose information detection units for automatic exposure control is maintained before and after the rotation of the radiation imaging unit. An information processing method characterized by comprising: [Item 22] A program that causes a computer to execute the information processing methods described in item 21.

[0119] [Other embodiments] The disclosed technology can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the embodiments described above to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0120] The disclosed technology is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to make the scope of the invention public. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 100: Radiation generating part 101: Radiology Imaging Department 102: Information Processing Section 103: Dose information detection unit (pixel or multiple pixels) 104: Rotation detection unit 105: Automatic exposure control unit 106: Selection Section 107: Calculation Section 108: Rotation tracking determination unit 109: The reporting department that announces the decision results. 110: Display section 111A: First memory unit (first memory) 112A: Second memory unit 113: Input operation section 300: Radiation generating unit 301: Radiology Imaging Department 302: Information Processing Unit 303: Dose information detection unit 304: Rotation detection unit 305: Automatic exposure control unit 306: Selection Section 307: Rotation response determination unit 308: Response Decision Unit 309: Hochi Department 310: Display section 311A: Memory Unit 312: Input operation section 313: Setting Display Control Unit 1703: Operation Cursor 1704: Control Panel 1705: Rotation button 1706: Setup Complete Button 1803: Setup complete button

Claims

1. An information processing device for processing images captured by a radiation imaging unit having multiple dose information detection units, An information processing device characterized by comprising a determination unit that determines whether the relative position of a dose information detection unit selected from the plurality of dose information detection units for automatic exposure control is maintained before and after the rotation of the radiation imaging unit.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned standard is the rotation center of the plurality of dose information detection units when the radiation imaging unit is rotated, and is set based on the detection information detected by the rotation detection unit.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the rotation detection unit is included in the radiation imaging unit.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the radiation imaging unit includes an automatic exposure control unit that controls the irradiation of radiation from the radiation generating unit based on the automatic exposure control.

5. A selection unit selects a dose information detection unit from among the plurality of dose information detection units to be used for the automatic exposure control, and acquires the position information of the selected dose information detection unit. A first memory for storing the location information of the selected dose information detection unit, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the following:

6. A calculation unit that acquires the position information of the dose information detection unit after the selected dose information detection unit has been rotated, and calculates the dose information at the dose information detection unit after rotation, The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: a second memory for storing the position information of the dose information detection unit after rotation and the dose information.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the determination unit determines whether the relative position with respect to the reference is maintained before and after the rotation of the radiation imaging unit by comparing the relative position before rotation obtained from the position information of the selected dose information detection unit and the reference, with the relative position after rotation obtained from the position information of the dose information detection unit and the reference.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the operator that imaging is not possible when the determination unit determines that the relative position is not maintained before and after the rotation.

9. The information processing device according to claim 8, characterized in that the notification unit notifies the operator that imaging is not possible by changing the display on the display unit or by outputting a notification sound from the sound output unit.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the notification unit provides notification by displaying a message indicating that imaging is not possible, displaying an icon, and changing the display color of the display unit.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the notification unit, based on the determination result of the determination unit, displays on the display unit in different display formats so as to distinguish between the dose information detection unit after rotation when the relative position with respect to the reference is maintained before and after the rotation, and the dose information detection unit after rotation when the relative position with respect to the reference is not maintained before and after the rotation, and provides notification.

12. A setting display control unit that performs display control to display a display on the display unit that simulates the multiple dose information detection units in the radiation imaging unit, The system further comprises a selection unit that selects a dose information detection unit from among the plurality of dose information detection units to be used for the automatic exposure control based on settings made using an input operation unit, and acquires position information of the selected dose information detection unit, The determination unit determines whether the relative position of the selected dose information detection unit with respect to the reference is maintained before and after the rotation of the radiation imaging unit. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the setting display control unit causes the selected dose information detection unit and the rotated dose information detection unit, which has been rotated based on predetermined rotation information included in the imaging procedure, to be displayed on the display unit.

14. The setting display control unit displays the first state, in which the dose information detection unit is not selected by the selection unit, in a first display color. When the operator attempts to select the dose information detection unit and places the operation cursor over the displayed dose information detection unit, the second state is displayed in a second display color. Based on the instruction to complete the operation, the third state in which the selection unit has finished selecting the dose information detection unit is displayed in a third display color. Based on the determination result of the determination unit, if the relative position with respect to the reference is not maintained before and after the rotation, it is displayed in a fourth display color as a fourth state that cannot be selected due to inability to rotate. Based on the determination result of the determination unit, if the relative position with respect to the reference is maintained before and after the rotation, it is displayed as a fifth selectable fifth state with a fifth display color that is compatible with rotation. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that it performs display control to change the display color of the display unit so that each state can be identified.

15. The determination unit determines that, due to a positional shift in the relative position relative to the reference that occurs between the relative position before rotation and the relative position after rotation, the relative position cannot be maintained before and after the rotation of the radiation imaging unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the position of the dose information detection unit after rotation is corrected by parallel movement to cancel out the aforementioned positional displacement.

16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination unit compares the selected dose information detection unit with the dose information detection unit after rotation, and if the range of the dose information detection unit is insufficient, it adds a dose information detection unit to the dose information detection unit after rotation, thereby expanding the range of the dose information detection unit so that the range of the dose information detection unit remains constant before and after rotation.

17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination unit compares the selected dose information detection unit with the rotated dose information detection unit and, if the range of the dose information detection unit becomes excessive, reduces the range of the dose information detection unit by deleting the dose information detection unit from the rotated dose information detection unit so that the range of the dose information detection unit remains constant before and after rotation.

18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination unit determines that, with respect to the reference, the relative position of at least one of the selected plurality of dose information detection units is not maintained before and after the rotation, the selected plurality of dose information detection units cannot be selected because they are not compatible with rotation.

19. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination unit determines that, for all dose information detection units among the selected plurality of dose information detection units, the relative position with respect to the reference is maintained before and after the rotation, and that the selected plurality of dose information detection units are rotation-compatible and selectable.

20. A radiation imaging unit that images radiation, A radiation imaging system comprising an information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, which is communicably connected to the radiation imaging unit.

21. An information processing method for processing images captured by a radiation imaging unit having multiple dose information detection units, An information processing method characterized by comprising a determination step of determining whether the relative position of a dose information detection unit selected from the plurality of dose information detection units for automatic exposure control is maintained before and after the rotation of the radiation imaging unit.

22. A program that causes a computer to execute the information processing method described in claim 21.

Images