CONTROL DEVICE, CONTROL METHOD, RADIATION IMAGING SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM

Abstract

To improve convenience by reducing a load on an operator.SOLUTION: A control device includes: detection means for detecting changeover of radiation detection devices which are the radiation detection devices for photographing a radiation image by detecting a radiation and have lighting fields for performance of automatic exposure control; acquisition means for acquiring information related to the changeover-detected radiation detection device to be used in photographing; and selection means for selecting the lighting field of the radiation detection device to be used in photographing based on the acquired information related to the radiation detection device, information of a subject to be photographed, and information of a photographing portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, a control method, a radiation imaging system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Radiation imaging devices using a sensor panel for detecting radiation such as X-rays are widely used in fields such as industry and medicine. In recent years, the multifunctionalization of radiation imaging devices has been studied. As one of them, it has been studied to incorporate a function for monitoring radiation irradiation. With this function, for example, it is possible to detect the timing when radiation irradiation from a radiation source starts, the timing when radiation irradiation should be stopped, and the radiation dose or integrated radiation dose. By detecting the integrated radiation dose of the radiation that has passed through the subject and stopping the radiation irradiation by the radiation source when the detected integrated radiation dose reaches an appropriate amount, automatic exposure control (AEC) is also possible. Generally, when performing automatic exposure amount control using an FPD (Flat Panel Detector), a plate-shaped AEC sensor separate from the FPD is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the subject and the FPD. The AEC sensor measures the dose of radiation that has passed through the subject in a radiation detection region (light collection field) that monitors radiation at 1 to 5 predetermined locations, and controls the stop of X-ray irradiation when a predetermined dose is reached.

[0003] Shooting using a separate AEC sensor is difficult to carry around the FPD and the AEC sensor, so stationary installation shooting such as standing and lying shooting is common. When an AEC function is installed inside the FPD, it can be carried around like a conventional FPD, and AEC shooting is possible in positions other than standing and lying positions. In addition, it is also possible to switch between a plurality of FPDs equipped with AEC functions having different sizes and different numbers of light collection fields according to the application. The switching in a conventional stationary installation AEC sensor is disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 are inventions that solve the problems when changing a stationary AEC to a new AEC and applying the settings of the old AEC before the change to the new AEC after the change.

[0006] However, when using a plurality of FPDs with built-in AEC functions, since the size of the FPD itself and the position of the light collection field may be different, operations such as changing the position of the light collection field after switching the sensor may be required, which may increase the burden on the operator.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and one of the objectives is to reduce the burden on the operator and improve usability.

[0008] In addition to the above object, the effects derived from each configuration shown in the embodiments for carrying out the invention described later, and which are effects that cannot be obtained by the prior art, can also be positioned as one of the other objects of the disclosure of this specification.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The control device according to the present invention is a radiation detection device that captures a radiation image by detecting radiation, and includes a detection means for detecting a switch of a radiation detection device having a light collection field for performing automatic exposure control, an acquisition means for acquiring information regarding the radiation detection device used for imaging when the switch is detected, and a selection means for selecting the light collection field of the radiation detection device used in the imaging based on the acquired information regarding the radiation detection device, information on a subject to be imaged, and information on an imaging site.

Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, the burden on the operator can be reduced and the usability can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

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Figure 10

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the present invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of the features described in the present embodiments are essential for the solution means of the present invention. In the following embodiments and claims, radiation includes, in addition to X-rays, α-rays, β-rays, γ-rays, and various particle beams.

[0013] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a radiation imaging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The radiation imaging system 10 includes a control device 100, a radiation detection device (D1) 110, a radiation detection device (D2) 111, an operation unit 120, a RIS (Radiology Information System) 130, a display unit 140, and a radiation generation device 150.

[0014] The radiation detection device (D1) 110 detects radiation irradiated from the radiation generation device 150 and passed through a subject (not shown), and outputs image data corresponding to the radiation. Note that the image data can also be referred to as medical images or radiation images. The radiation detection device (D1) 110 detects the radiation transmitted through the subject as electric charges corresponding to the transmitted radiation dose. Here, a description will be given of the case where the radiation detection device (D1) 110 is used as a configuration for converting radiation into electric charges. The radiation detection device (D1) 110 uses a direct conversion type sensor such as a-Se that directly converts radiation into electric charges, or an indirect type sensor using a scintillator such as CsI that converts radiation into visible light and a photoelectric conversion element such as a-Si. Further, the radiation detection device (D1) 110 generates digital data image data by A / D converting the detected electric charges of the analog data, and outputs it to the control device 100.

[0015] The control device 100 is connected to a RIS 130 for inputting inspection orders (inspection information) and a display unit 140, and can control radiographic imaging using a radiation detection device (D1) 110, a radiation detection device (D2) 111, and a radiation generator 150. The control device 100 is connected to the radiation generator 150 and the radiation detection device (D1) 110 via, for example, a wired or wireless network or a dedicated line. The radiation detection device (D1) 110 generates image data based on the radiation generated by the radiation generator 150 and outputs the generated image data to the control device 100.

[0016] While controlling the operation of the radiation detection device (D1) 110, the control device 100 can perform display control to output an image to the display unit 140 or provide a graphical user interface using the display unit 140.

[0017] The control device 100 has one or more processors and a memory, and realizes the functional configurations of the following-described units by the processor executing a program stored in the memory. However, as long as the functional configurations of the units perform the same functions, part or all of the units may be realized by hardware such as a dedicated integrated circuit.

[0018] The control device 100 controls the radiographic imaging system 10 in order to perform X-ray imaging while coordinating the radiation generator 150 and the radiation detection device (D1) 110. That is, the control device 100 communicates with the radiation generator 150 and the radiation detection device 110 to perform operation control.

[0019] Functionally, the control device 100 has an image acquisition unit 101, a detection unit 102, an input unit 103, a determination unit 104, a storage unit 105, a selection unit 106, and a setting unit 107.

[0020] The image acquisition unit 101 acquires image data from the radiation detection device (D1) 110 or the radiation detection device (D2) 111 used during imaging.

[0021] The detection unit 102 detects the switching when the operator switches the radiation detection device used, such as from the radiation detection device (D1) 110 to the radiation detection device (D2) 111. Further, when the detection unit 102 detects the switching, it requests the determination unit 104, which determines whether appropriate light collection fields are set for the radiation detection device before the change and the radiation detection device after the change, to perform processing. Here, as described above, the light collection field refers to a predetermined radiation detection area for monitoring radiation, which measures the dose transmitted through the subject and controls the stop of X-ray irradiation when a predetermined dose is reached. Thereby, it becomes possible to detect the timing when the irradiation of radiation from the radiation source is started, the timing when the irradiation of radiation should be stopped, and the irradiation amount or integrated irradiation amount of radiation. Then, by detecting the integrated irradiation amount of the radiation transmitted through the subject and stopping the irradiation of the radiation by the radiation source when the detected integrated irradiation amount reaches an appropriate amount, automatic exposure control (AEC) becomes possible.

[0022] The input unit 103 receives the input of the inspection information manually input by the operator from the operation unit 120. Also, the input unit 103 receives the selection from the operation unit 120 regarding the inspection information acquired from the RIS 130. The input unit 103 sets the imaging target based on the selected inspection information in response to the operation input in which the operator selects any one of the plurality of inspection information via the operation unit 120.

[0023] The determination unit 104 determines whether appropriate light collection fields are set for the radiation detection device before the change and the radiation detection device after the change. Specifically, for example, by determining the inclusion relationship between the subject area determined using the information of the subject and the information of the imaging site and the light collection field area determined using the information regarding the radiation detection device and the information of the imaging site, it is determined whether an appropriate light collection field is set. The specific processing of the determination unit 104 will be described later.

[0024] The memory unit 105 holds master data, which is catalog information of the respective unique radiation detection devices, for the radiation detection device (D1) 110 and the radiation detection device (D2) 111. In the present embodiment, a configuration using two types of radiation detection devices, the radiation detection device (D1) 110 and the radiation detection device (D2) 111, is employed. However, three or more types of radiation detection devices can be connected, and each can hold its own unique catalog information.

[0025] Based on the result of the determination by the determination unit 104, the selection unit 106 selects a light collection field to be used in the changed radiation detection device.

[0026] Based on the result of the determination by the determination unit 104, when there is no light collection field that can be appropriately set in the changed radiation detection device, the setting unit 107 invalidates the light collection field.

[0027] When there is no available light collection field, the notification unit 108 notifies the operator to that effect.

[0028] As a characteristic configuration of the first embodiment, two types of radiation detection devices with different performances, the radiation detection device (D1) 110 and the radiation detection device (D2) 111, are used. Specifically, the radiation detection device (D1) 110 is a radiation detection device having five light collection fields at positions A to E as shown in FIG. 4. Further, the radiation detection device (D2) 111 is a radiation detection device having nine light collection fields from AA to AI as shown in FIG. 5. Compared with the radiation detection device (D1) 110, the size of the radiation detection device itself is smaller, and the rectangular size of the light collection field is also smaller. Note that FIGS. 4 and 5 are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0029] Next, a specific example will be given to explain the flow of the imaging process by the radiation imaging system 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the imaging process.

[0031] (S201: Inspection information input) In step S201, the input unit 103 selects whether to use the inspection information received from the RIS 130 or manually input the inspection information by the operator from the operation unit 120 as a method for inputting the inspection information, and inputs the inspection information by the selected method.

[0032] As a method for inputting the inspection information, when the input unit 103 selects the latter method of manual input, after the input of the inspection information, the process proceeds to step S203. On the other hand, when the input unit 103 selects the input method of using the inspection information received from the former RIS 130, the process proceeds to step S202.

[0033] As specific information regarding the input of the inspection information, for example, information that identifies and characterizes an individual such as patient ID, patient name, gender, age, height, weight, etc. is input. This is the same whether it is input manually or using the inspection information from the RIS 130. Regarding the information that characterizes an individual, even if it is not numerical information, characters, pictures, or icons that indicate a general physique may be selectable.

[0034] (S202: Inspection Selection) In step S202, the input unit 103 selects and sets one of the inspection information received from the RIS 130 as an inspection target. For example, in response to an operation input in which the operator selects any one of a plurality of inspection information displayed in a list format via the operation unit 120, the input unit 103 sets the imaging target based on the selected inspection information. In the following embodiments, specifically, the chest will be described as the imaging site.

[0035] (S203: Inspection Start) In step S203, the inspection starts based on the control of the control device 100. In order to image the imaging target set based on the inspection information manually input in S201 or the inspection information selected in S202, the control device 100 transmits a signal to transition the radiation detection device 110 to a ready state.

[0036] When the radiation detection device (D1) 110 is not applying a bias voltage to the two-dimensional imaging device based on the signal transmitted from the control device 100, the main control circuit controls the bias power supply to apply a bias voltage to the two-dimensional imaging device. Then, in order to read out the dark current signal accumulated in the pixels, the drive circuit initializes the reading of the image signal from the pixel array. After the initialization is completed, the radiation detection device 110 transmits state information indicating that it is in a state ready (capable of imaging) for taking a radiation image to the control device 100. When the state of the radiation detection device (D1) 110 becomes the imaging-capable state, it becomes possible to take a radiation image in the radiation detection device (D1) 110.

[0037] Also, in step S203, until the radiation detection device (D1) 110 becomes capable of imaging, the operator performs positioning on the imaging part of the subject.

[0038] At this time, when the body size of the subject is small, there may be a case of switching the radiation detection device of an inappropriate size to a radiation detection device of an appropriate size. Specifically, in the default setting when imaging the chest with the radiation detection device (D1) 110, the light reception fields A and B in FIG. 4 are used for the setting. However, when the subject is a child (even more so when it is an infant), it may become larger than the area of the subject and there is a risk that appropriate imaging cannot be performed. In the following steps, the case where it becomes necessary to switch the radiation detection device in this way will be described. In particular, as an example, the case of imaging a subject with a small body size such as a child will be described.

[0039] (S204: Switching of the radiation detection device) In step S204, the operator changes to a radiation detection device of a size suitable for the subject. Specifically, it is changed to a radiation detection device (D2) 111 with a smaller interval between the light reception fields and a smaller size of the light reception fields themselves. With the size of the radiation detection device (D2) 111, it is possible to image the chest using the light reception fields AA and AC in FIG. 5. Also, when the subject child is an infant, it is possible to perform imaging by using only the light reception field AB in FIG. 5.

[0040] The detector can be switched by an operation from the operation unit, or can be switched by a physical switch provided in the radiation detection device itself. Also, switching from the radiation detection device (D1) 110 to the radiation detection device (D2) 111 may be performed by a method other than the above.

[0041] Hereinafter, the case of switching from the radiation detection device (D1) 110 in FIG. 4 to the radiation detection device (D2) 111 in FIG. 5 will be taken as an example. When the radiation detection device is switched, the detection unit 102 of the control device 100 detects the switching of the radiation detection device. At that time, the detection unit 102 detects that the device before switching is the radiation detection device (D1) 110 and that the destination of switching is the radiation detection device (D2) 111. A processing request is made to the determination unit 104 based on the detected information.

[0042] The determination unit 104 determines the light collection field using the patient information input in step S201, the imaging site information selected in the examination selection of step S202, the information of the radiation detection device (D1) 110 before switching, and the information of the radiation detection device (D2) 111 as the switching destination.

[0043] The flow will be described in detail based on the flowchart of FIG. 3.

[0044] (S301: Determine the subject area using the site information and patient information) In step S301, the determination unit 104 determines the subject area based on the patient information input in the input unit 103 and the site information selected at the start of the examination.

[0045] The subject area represents, in a rectangular shape, the area of the actual size of the subject to be actually photographed, based on the patient information such as the patient's height, weight, gender, age, etc. input at the start of the examination, in addition to the part to be photographed. The subject area can be represented, for example, as the rectangular area 501 in FIG. 5(d). The rectangular area 501 is determined, for example, based on statistical information. Specifically, for example, when performing chest imaging as in this embodiment, by referring to statistical information such as a clothing size chart, a general chest size can be obtained from the height, and a rough chest size can be calculated from the statistical information. Alternatively, the rectangular area 501 may be calculated based on past identical patient information, or the rectangle of the subject area may be determined using an optical camera (not shown). Note that the method for identifying (estimating) the subject area by the optical camera may be, for example, identification using a rule-based table, or identification using a learned model that has undergone machine learning. Here, the learned model is a machine learning model according to a machine learning algorithm such as a support vector machine or deep learning (deep neural network) using a neural network, and is a machine learning model that has been learned in advance using appropriate learning data. Note that the learned model is not limited to one that does not perform further learning, and additional learning can also be performed. The learning data is composed of a group of pairs of one or more input data and output data (correct data). The learned model according to this embodiment learns, according to an arbitrary learning algorithm, output data (data for identifying the subject area) for input data (data regarding a plurality of feature amounts detected from a radiation image) as learning data. In this embodiment, for example, an optical image photographed by an optical camera is input to a learned model that has been learned to identify a plurality of pixels constituting the optical image into a first class group (for example, the subject area and other areas), thereby estimating the subject area. Note that the method for determining the above rectangular area 501 is an example and is not limited thereto.

[0046] (S302: Obtain radiation detection device information from the storage unit) In step S302, the determination unit 104 acquires information on the radiation detection device (D2) 111 at the switching destination detected by the detection unit 102 from the storage unit 105. The acquired information on the radiation detection device (D2) 111 includes, for example, information such as the overall size of the radiation detection device, the number of light collection fields, the positions of the light collection fields, the vertical and horizontal sizes of the rectangles that can be used as light collection fields, and the distance between two different light collection fields. This information is used in the subsequent steps.

[0047] (S303: Determine the light collection field area from the radiation detection device information) In step S303, the determination unit 104 determines a light collection field area for determining the light collection fields to be used in the radiation detection device (D2) 111 at the switching destination. The light collection field area is represented by an outer circumscribing rectangle of an actual-size area including a plurality of light collection fields. Note that the method of representing the light collection field area is not limited to an outer circumscribing rectangle, and may be a circular shape such as a perfect circle or an ellipse, or other shapes.

[0048] The light collection field area is determined based on the part of the imaging object and the default light collection field settings of the radiation detection device (D2) 111. Specifically, for example, when the imaging object is the chest, the default light collection field settings in FIG. 5 are, as shown in FIG. 5(b), for example, AA and AC. Alternatively, when the imaging object is the abdomen, the default setting is, for example, AE.

[0049] When the imaging object is the chest, the light collection field area is an outer circumscribing rectangle area 502 including AA, AB, and AC as shown in FIG. 5(c), and the actual size in the rectangle is calculated based on the information acquired in step S302.

[0050] (S304: Does the subject area include the light collection field area?) In step S304, the determination unit 104 compares the subject area 501 determined in step S301 with the light collection field area 502 determined in step S303, and determines the inclusion relationship between the subject area 501 and the light collection field area 502. Specifically, for example, the top left vertices of the subject area 501 and the light collection field area 502 are overlapped, and it is determined whether the light collection field area 502 is included in the subject area 501 in the right direction and the downward direction. Note that the method for confirming whether the subject area 501 includes the light collection field area 502 is not limited to the above, and for example, they may be overlapped so that the centers of the respective rectangular areas are aligned for determination. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5(d), when the subject area 501 completely includes the light collection field area 502, the process proceeds to step S305. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5(e), when the subject area 501 does not partially include or completely include the light collection field area 502, the process proceeds to step S306.

[0051] (S305: Select the light collection field that is included) In step S305, the selection unit 106 selects, as the light collection field when changing the light collection field included in the light collection field area 502 compared in step S304, the light collection field for the radiation detection device (D2) 111. That is, in this case, the selection unit 106 selects AA and AC, which are the default settings when the imaging target is the chest, as the light collection fields. That is, the selection unit 106 corresponds to an example of a selection means for selecting the light collection field set for the imaging site when the subject area completely includes the light collection field area as a result of the determination by the determination means.

[0052] (S306: Can the light collection field area be reduced?) In step S306, the determination unit 104 determines whether the light collection field area 502 can be reduced by reducing the target light collection field when there are a plurality of light collection fields included in the light collection field area 502 compared in step S304.

[0053] Specifically, in the radiation detection device (D2) 111 of FIG. 5, since the light collection field region 502 that was the comparison target in step S304 includes the light collection fields AA, AB, and AC, for example, by making only the light collection field AB effective, the light collection field region 502 that is the circumscribed rectangle of the light collection field can be reduced.

[0054] When reducing the light collection field region 502, it is preferable to select a light collection field as close as possible to the center of the light collection field region 502. The reason is that if a light collection field at the edge of the radiation detection device is selected, when positioning, the light collection field may protrude from the subject and be directly irradiated with X-rays, reducing the possibility that the irradiation stops at an unintended time.

[0055] Note that it is not always necessary to select a light collection field close to the center to reduce the light collection field region 502. Any method of selecting a light collection field that can reduce the possibility of the irradiation stopping at an unintended time is acceptable.

[0056] As a result of step S306, if it is possible to reduce the light collection field region 502, proceed to step S303 to determine the light collection field region 502 again and perform the subsequent processing once more. That is, when the determination unit 104 determines that the subject region 501 does not partially include the light collection field region 502 as a result of the determination, it further determines the inclusion relationship between the light collection field region 502 with the reduced light collection field region so that the non-included region disappears and the subject region 501. If the light collection field region 502 cannot be reduced, proceed to step S307.

[0057] (S307: Disable the light collection field) In step S307, since the size of the rectangle that can be used as the light collection field in the radiation detection device (D2) 111 is larger than the subject and there is a possibility that the intended imaging cannot be performed, the setting unit 107 determines that there is no available light collection field and sets all light collection fields to be invalid. That is, when the subject region 501 does not partially include the light collection field region 502 and the light collection field region 502 cannot be reduced so that the non-included region disappears, the setting unit 107 sets the light collection field to be invalid.

[0058] At this time, the notification unit 108 may notify the operator that there is no available lighting field for the display unit 140.

[0059] (S205: Imaging) In step S205, the control device 100 causes the radiation generation device 150 and the radiation detection device (D2) 111 to cooperate to capture a radiation image. The drive circuit of the radiation detection device 110 reads out the image signal obtained by detecting the irradiated radiation by the readout circuit, and generates image data. Thereafter, the radiation detection device 110 transmits the image data to the control device 100. The image acquisition unit 101 of the control device 100 acquires the image data transmitted from the radiation detection device 110.

[0060] (S206: Inspection End) In step S206, the inspection is terminated by the operator's input operation.

[0061] As described above, a series of processes of the radiation imaging system 10 are executed.

[0062] According to the above, the radiation imaging system 10 in the first embodiment can reduce the burden on the operator and improve the usability by selecting an appropriate lighting field when switching the radiation detection device to another radiation detection device.

[0063] [Second Embodiment] In this embodiment, the case where the lighting field is changed after the inspection is started and before the radiation detection device is switched will be described. Note that the description of the parts overlapping with the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0064] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the imaging process of the second embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 6, the processing contents of steps S201 to S203, step S205, and step S206 are the same as those of the flowchart of FIG. 2, and the difference is the change of the lighting field (S601) and the switching of the radiation detection device (S602), which are different from the flowchart of FIG. 2.

[0065] (S601: Change of light collection field) In step S601 of FIG. 6, after starting the inspection, the operator changes the setting of the light collection field of the radiation detection device (D1) from the operation unit 120.

[0066] (S602: Switching of radiation detection device) In step S602, similar to the first embodiment, the operator changes to a radiation detection device of a size corresponding to the subject. The difference is that the setting of the light collection field has been changed in step S601 in advance.

[0067] The procedure will be described in detail based on the flowchart of FIG. 7.

[0068] (S701: Determine the light collection field area of the radiation detection device (D1)) In step S701, an external rectangle including the changed light collection field is created to determine the light collection field area of the radiation detection device (D1). This is taken as the light collection field area. That is, in the present embodiment, the light collection field area is determined based on the setting information set via the operation unit for the first radiation imaging device. Specifically, in S601, when the light collection fields A and B in FIG. 4 are set, 801 in FIG. 8 is taken as the light collection field area.

[0069] (S702: Obtain radiation detection device (D2) information) In step S702, the information of the radiation detection device (D2) 111 is obtained from the storage unit 105.

[0070] (S703: Compare the light collection field area (D1) with the light collection fields of the radiation detection devices (D2)) In step S703, the light collection field area determined in step S701 is compared with the light collection fields of the radiation detection device (D1) 110 and the radiation detection device (D2) 111. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the centers of the radiation detection device (D1) 110 and the radiation detection device (D2) 111 are overlapped.

[0071] (S704: Is the light collection field of the radiation detection device (D2) included?) In step S704, it is checked whether the light reception field of the radiation detector (D2) 111 is included in the determined light reception field area on the superposed radiation detector (D1) 110. In FIG. 9, the light reception fields AA, AB, and AC are included. If it is included, the process proceeds to step S705; if not, the process proceeds to step S706.

[0072] (S705: Select the included light reception field) In step S705, the included light reception field is set to the light reception field of the switched radiation detector (D2) 111.

[0073] (S706: Disable the light reception field) In step S706, since the light reception field is not included when switching to the radiation detector (D2) 111, the light reception field is set to be invalid. Alternatively, the default light reception field of the combination of the radiation detector (D2) 111 and the part information may be adopted.

[0074] At this time, the operator may be notified that there is no available light reception field for the display unit 140.

[0075] Through the above, a series of processes of the radiation imaging system 10 are executed.

[0076] According to the above, the radiation imaging system 10 in the second embodiment can also perform setting inheritance and select an appropriate light reception field even when switching the radiation detector after changing the light reception field, thereby reducing the burden on the operator and improving the usability.

[0077] [Third Embodiment] In this embodiment, a case will be described in which, when there is a more appropriate combination of a radiation detector and a light reception field setting compared to the combination of the radiation detector and the light reception field setting at the start of the inspection, the operator is notified accordingly. Note that descriptions of parts overlapping with the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0078] The flowchart of FIG. 10 is processed while executing step S203 of FIG. 6.

[0079] Since it is the same as the first embodiment before step S306, the description thereof is omitted. In the first embodiment, when there are a plurality of light-receiving field areas and the area cannot be reduced at step S306, the light-receiving field is disabled.

[0080] However, in the third embodiment, at step S1001, other types of radiation detection devices are registered in addition to the default radiation detection device, and it is confirmed whether they can be used. If there is a usable radiation detection device, a notification recommending switching to a different radiation detection device is displayed to the operator, and the process proceeds to step S1002. If there is no usable radiation detection device, the process proceeds to step S309. Alternatively, at step S1001, the operator may be notified that different light-receiving field settings are recommended. Alternatively, a notification recommending both switching to a different radiation detection device and setting a different light-receiving field may be displayed. That is, when the light-receiving field area 502 cannot be reduced so that there is no area where the subject area 501 does not partially include the light-receiving field area 502, the notification unit 108 displays a notification recommending at least one of switching to a different radiation detection device and setting a different light-receiving field on the display unit. Then, the operator performs the process based on the notification.

[0081] At step S1002, the operator selects the notified other radiation detection device and proceeds to step S303 to determine the light-receiving field area again.

[0082] As a result of the flowchart of FIG. 10, if it is other than the combination of the default radiation detection device and the light-receiving field, an appropriate combination of the radiation detection device and the light-receiving field is notified to the operator on the display unit 140. Alternatively, the flowchart of FIG. 10 may be called at step S202 where the inspection is selected to notify the operator in advance.

[0083] As described above, a series of processes of the radiation imaging system 10 are executed.

[0084] According to the above, the radiation imaging system 10 in the third embodiment proposes a combination of a radiation detection device and a light collection field that is more appropriate than the default setting in the combination of the radiation detection device and the light collection field, thereby reducing the burden on the operator and improving usability.

[0085] [Other Embodiments] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and causing one or more processors in a computer of the system or device to read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit that realizes one or more functions.

[0086] The processor or circuit may include a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The processor or circuit may also include a digital signal processor (DSP), a data flow processor (DFP), or a neural processing unit (NPU).

[0087] The radiation imaging system in each of the above-described embodiments may be realized as a single device, or may be realized in a form in which a plurality of devices are combined so as to be communicable with each other to execute the above-described processing, and both are included in the embodiments of the present invention. It may also be configured to execute the above-described processing using a common server device or a group of servers. The plurality of devices constituting the radiation imaging system only need to be able to communicate at a predetermined communication rate, and do not need to be present within the same facility or the same country.

[0088] Embodiments of the present invention include a form in which a software program that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device, and a computer of the system or device reads and executes the code of the supplied program.

[0089] Therefore, in order to implement the processing according to the embodiment by a computer, the program code itself installed in the computer is also one of the embodiments of the present invention. Also, based on the instructions included in the program read by the computer, the operating system or the like running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments can also be realized by this processing.

[0090] Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, it is applicable not only to still image shooting but also to moving image shooting. Based on the spirit of the present invention, various modifications (including organic combinations of each embodiment) are possible and are not excluded from the scope of the present invention. That is, all configurations combining the above-described embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0091] 100 Control device 102 Detection unit 103 Input unit 104 Determination unit 105 Storage unit 110 Radiation detection device (D1) 111 Radiation detection device (D2) 120 Operation unit 140 Display unit

Claims

1. A radiation detection device that captures a radiation image by detecting radiation, the radiation detection device having a light collection field for performing automatic exposure control, and a detection means for detecting switching of the radiation detection device. an acquisition unit for acquiring information about the radiation detection device used for imaging, the information being detected by the switching; a selection means for selecting a radiation collection field of the radiation detection device to be used for the imaging based on the acquired information about the radiation detection device, information about a subject to be imaged, and information about an imaging region; A control device comprising:

2. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the information relating to the radiation detection device includes at least one of information on the size of the radiation detection device, the number of light-gathering fields, the position of the light-gathering fields, the distance between two different light-gathering fields, and the size of the light-gathering fields.

3. a determination unit for determining an inclusion relationship between an object region determined using information on the object and the imaging site and a radiation measurement field region determined using information on the radiation detection device and the imaging site, 3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the selection means selects the measurement area based on an inclusion relationship between the subject area and the measurement area determined by the determination means.

4. 4. The control device according to claim 3, wherein the selection means selects the measurement field set for the imaging region when the result of the determination by the determination means is that the subject region completely encompasses the measurement field region.

5. When the result of the determination indicates that the subject region does not partially or completely include the illumination area, the determining means further determines an inclusion relationship between the illumination area smaller than the illumination area and the subject region, The control device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the selection means selects a measurement area included in a measurement area smaller than the measurement area when the subject area completely encompasses a measurement area smaller than the measurement area.

6. The control device described in claim 5, characterized in that, when the result of the judgment is that the subject area does not partially encompass the light-gathering area, the judgment means further determines the inclusion relationship between the light-gathering area, which is made smaller so that the area that does not partially encompass the light-gathering area is eliminated, and the subject area.

7. The control device according to claim 6, further comprising a setting unit that sets the measurement area to be invalid when the measurement area cannot be reduced so that the partially uncontained area is eliminated.

8. The control device according to claim 6, further comprising a notification means for displaying a notification on a display unit recommending switching to a different radiation detection device if the light collection field cannot be reduced so that the partially uncontained area is eliminated.

9. The control device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the selection means compares at least one of the sides of the subject region and the sides of the light-gathering area, or the center of the subject region and the center of the light-gathering area, by overlapping them.

10. the detection means detects switching from a first radiation detection device to a second radiation detection device that is different from the first radiation detection device in at least one of the number of radiation collection fields and the size of the radiation detection device, The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the acquiring means acquires information relating to the second radiation detection device.

11. The control device according to claim 10, characterized in that the selection means selects the radiation area by comparing a subject area determined using information about the subject and information about the imaging part with a radiation area area determined based on setting information set for the first radiation detection device via an operation unit.

12. A radiation detection device that captures a radiation image by detecting radiation, the radiation detection device having a light collection field for performing automatic exposure control, and a detection means for detecting switching of the radiation detection device. an acquisition unit for acquiring information about the radiation detection device used for imaging, the information being detected by the switching; a determination means for determining an inclusion relationship between a subject region estimated by inputting an optical image obtained by optically photographing a subject, and a radiation measurement field region determined using information related to the radiation detection device and information related to the photographed part, for a trained model trained to classify a plurality of pixels constituting an optical image into a first class group; a selection means for selecting a measurement area based on the inclusion relationship between the subject area and the measurement area determined by the determination means; A control device comprising:

13. A radiation imaging system including a radiation generating device which irradiates radiation, a radiation detecting device which captures a radiation image by detecting the radiation, the radiation detecting device having a light collection field for performing automatic exposure control, and a control device which communicates with the radiation detecting device and controls its operation, A detection means for detecting switching of the radiation detection device; an acquisition unit for acquiring information about the radiation detection device used for imaging, the information being detected by the switching; a selection means for selecting a radiation collection field of the radiation detection device to be used in the imaging based on the acquired information about the radiation detection device, information about a subject to be imaged, and information about an imaging region; A radiation imaging system comprising:

14. a detection step of detecting switching of a radiation detection device which captures a radiation image by detecting radiation and has a light collection field for performing automatic exposure control; an acquisition step of acquiring information about the radiation detection device used for imaging, in which the switching has been detected; a selection step of selecting a radiation collection field of the radiation detection device to be used in the imaging based on the acquired information about the radiation detection device, information about a subject to be imaged, and information about an imaging region; A control method comprising:

15. A program for causing a computer to execute each of the means of the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

16. A radiation detection device for capturing a radiation image by detecting radiation, comprising: a detection means for detecting selection of a radiation detection device having a light collection field for performing automatic exposure control; an acquisition means for acquiring information about the radiation detection device used for imaging, the selection of which has been detected; a selection means for selecting a radiation collection field of the radiation detection device to be used for the imaging based on the acquired information about the radiation detection device, information about a subject to be imaged, and information about an imaging region; A control device comprising:

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