Mobile Radiographic Apparatus and Program

Abstract

To inhibit communication of information on a captured still image and examination order information to an external device from staying or being delayed by the output of a captured moving image to the external device in a movable radiographic apparatus.SOLUTION: A control unit of a movable radiographic apparatus prioritizes second processing for communicating information on a still image acquired in still image photographing or examination order information with an external device (RIS or PACS) by a second communication unit, over first processing for outputting a moving image acquired by moving image capturing to an external device (moving image analysis device) by the second communication unit as a wireless communication unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile radiography apparatus and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In order to observe and analyze a moving image captured by a radiography apparatus using an external device, it is necessary to output (transfer) the moving image to the external device. However, since the amount of data of the moving image is large, this output requires a huge amount of time.

[0003] Therefore, for example, Patent Document 1 describes that, among the moving images captured by an X-ray diagnostic apparatus (radiography apparatus), frame images that meet predetermined conditions (for example, at the end-diastolic phase of heart movement) are preferentially transmitted to an external device, and the remaining frame images are transmitted using idle time.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to install a process for determining whether each frame image of a moving image meets predetermined conditions in a radiation imaging apparatus, which is not suitable for an inexpensive system. In addition, in a mobile radiation imaging apparatus such as a mobile examination vehicle, data communication is performed with an external device by wireless communication. However, due to wireless interference, shielding objects, switching of wireless access points during movement, etc., the communication is not stable, and events such as an increase in output time or inability to output in the output of a moving image are assumed. Due to the backlog of moving image output, the output of still images to a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System), the acquisition of examination order information from a RIS (Radiology Information System), and the output of examination result information related to the examination order information to the RIS will be backlogged or delayed.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in a mobile radiation imaging apparatus, it is to suppress the communication of information related to captured still images and examination order information with an external device from being backlogged or delayed due to the output of a captured moving image to the external device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, a mobile radiation imaging apparatus according to the present invention is a mobile radiation imaging apparatus capable of performing moving image shooting by radiation, A control unit that prioritizes a second process of communicating information regarding inspection order information with an external device by the wireless communication unit over a first process of outputting a moving image obtained by the video shooting to the external device by the wireless communication unit. Comprising: The control unit temporarily suspends the first process until the completion of the inspection related to all the inspection order information acquired in the second process.

[0008] Also, a mobile radiation imaging apparatus according to the present invention is a mobile radiation imaging apparatus capable of performing moving image shooting by radiation, a control unit that prioritizes a second process of communicating information related to examination order information with an external device by the wireless communication unit over a first process of outputting a moving image obtained by the moving image shooting to the external device by the wireless communication unit, and includes 、 When new inspection order information is acquired by the second process and a moving image is being output by the first process, the control unit temporarily suspends the first process.

[0009] Also, the program according to the present invention causes a computer A control unit that prioritizes a second process of communicating information regarding inspection order information with an external device by the wireless communication unit over a first process of outputting a moving image obtained by video shooting in a mobile radiation imaging device to the external device by the wireless communication unit. Function as: The control unit temporarily suspends the first process until the completion of the inspection related to all the inspection order information acquired in the second process.

[0010] Also, the program according to the present invention causes a computer to function as a control unit that prioritizes a second process of communicating information regarding inspection order information with an external device by the wireless communication unit over a first process of outputting a moving image obtained by video shooting in a mobile radiography apparatus to the external device by the wireless communication unit 、 When new inspection order information is acquired by the second process and a moving image is being output by the first process, the control unit temporarily suspends the first process.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, in a mobile radiography apparatus, it is possible to suppress the communication of the photographed still images and information regarding inspection order information to an external device from being detained or delayed due to the output of the photographed moving image to the external device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] <First Embodiment> (Configuration of the Radiographic Imaging System 100) First, the configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of the radiographic imaging system 100 in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the radiographic imaging system 100 includes a mobile radiographic imaging device 10, a RIS 30, a PACS 40, and a video analysis device 50, which are connected via a communication network N such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) so as to be able to transmit and receive data. The mobile radiographic imaging device 10 is connected to the communication network N via a wireless access point (AP) 20 of a wireless LAN. A plurality of wireless access points 20 are provided within the medical facility where the radiographic imaging system 100 is installed.

[0017] The mobile radiographic imaging device 10 is, for example, a device for performing radiographic imaging of patients with difficulty in moving through a referral. It includes a main body 1, a radiation source 2, and an FPD (Flat Panel Detector) cassette 3. The mobile radiographic imaging device 10 has wheels on the main body 1 and is configured as a movable referral cart. In addition, a storage unit 120 for storing the FPD cassette 3 is provided in the main body 1. The storage unit 120 is provided with a connector 108 (see FIG. 2) for connecting to the stored FPD cassette 3, and it is possible to carry while charging the battery 301 (see FIG. 2) of the stored FPD cassette 3. Note that the mobile radiographic imaging device 10 may be a portable one without wheels.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile radiography apparatus 10 is brought into an operating room, an intensive care unit, a hospital ward, etc., and irradiates radiation from the radiation source 2 with the FPD cassette 3 inserted, for example, between the subject H lying on the bed B and the bed B, or inserted into an insertion port provided on the opposite side of the bed B (not shown) from the subject H, to perform still image shooting or moving image shooting of the subject H. In the present embodiment, still image shooting means acquiring an image of a single subject in response to a single shooting operation (pressing of the exposure switch 102a). Moving image shooting means irradiating the subject with radiation such as X-rays in a pulsed manner at predetermined time intervals (pulse irradiation) or continuously irradiating at a low dose rate without interruption (continuous irradiation) in response to a single shooting operation to acquire a plurality of images of the subject. A series of images obtained by moving image shooting is called a moving picture (video). Also, each of the plurality of images constituting the moving picture is called a frame image. Moving image shooting includes dynamic shooting for acquiring a dynamic image composed of a plurality of frame images showing the dynamics of the subject.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the mobile radiography apparatus 10. The main body 1 of the mobile radiography apparatus 10 has a function as a console (imaging control device). As shown in FIG. 2, it includes a control unit 101, an operation unit 102, a display unit 103, a storage unit 104, a communication unit 105, a drive unit 106, a battery 107, a connector 108, a charging unit 109, a timer 112, etc., and each unit is connected by a bus 110.

[0020] The control unit 101 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The CPU of the control unit 101 reads out the system program and various processing programs stored in the storage unit 104 in response to the input of the operation unit 102, expands them in the RAM, and executes various processes according to the expanded programs.

[0021] The operation unit 102 has a touch panel or the like in which transparent electrodes are arranged in a grid pattern so as to cover the surface of the display unit 103, detects the position pressed by a finger, a touch pen, etc., and inputs the position information as operation information to the control unit 101. Also, the operation unit 102 includes an exposure switch 102a for the user to instruct the start of radiation exposure.

[0022] The display unit 103 is composed of a monitor such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), and performs display according to the instruction of the display signal input from the control unit 101.

[0023] The storage unit 104 is composed of a non-volatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 104 stores various programs executed by the control unit 101, parameters necessary for executing the processing by the programs, or data such as processing results.

[0024] Also, in this embodiment, an inspection order information storage unit 104a and the like are provided in the storage unit 104. The inspection order information storage unit 104a stores the inspection order information acquired from the RIS 30. Here, the inspection order information includes, for example, inspection identification information (such as inspection ID), inspection date, patient information regarding the subject patient (patient ID, name, gender, age, ward (building), etc.), information regarding each imaging performed in the inspection (imaging ID, imaging type indicating the distinction between still image imaging and moving image imaging, imaging conditions (for example, imaging site, imaging direction, frame rate, number of imaging frames, imaging time, irradiation power of the radiation source 2, etc.), type of analysis processing to be performed by the moving image analysis device 50 (type or name of the analysis processing, etc.), referring department, type indicating whether it is an emergency, etc.). Also, the storage unit 104 is provided with a temporary storage area for temporarily storing information to be output to an external device (for example, moving images, etc.).

[0025] The communication unit 105 includes a first communication unit 105a for transmitting and receiving data with the FPD cassette 3 through wired or wireless communication, and a second communication unit 105b (wireless communication unit) for transmitting and receiving (inputting / outputting) data with external devices such as the RIS 30, PACS 40, and video analysis device 50 connected to the communication network N via the wireless access point 20.

[0026] The drive unit 106 is a circuit for driving the tube of the radiation source 2. The drive unit 106 and the radiation source 2 are connected via a cable.

[0027] The battery 107 supplies power to each part of the main body 1 and the radiation source 2. The battery 107 can be charged from the outside via the AC cable 111. The battery 107 is pre-charged via the AC cable 111 during a time period when there is no imaging operation, and the AC cable 111 is stored inside the main body 1 during movement.

[0028] The connector 108 is provided inside the storage unit 120 and is electrically connected to the FPD cassette 3 stored in the storage unit 120.

[0029] The charging unit 109 is a circuit that charges the battery 301 of the FPD cassette 3 connected via the connector 108 with the power supplied from the battery 107 during non-imaging time based on the control from the control unit 101.

[0030] The timer 112 measures a preset time in response to an instruction from the control unit 101 and notifies the control unit 101 when the preset time has elapsed.

[0031] The radiation source 2 is driven by the drive unit 106 and irradiates the subject H with radiation (X-rays).

[0032] The FPD cassette 3 is a portable radiation detector that uses a rechargeable battery 301 as a drive source and supports still image shooting and video shooting. The FPD cassette 3 has, for example, a glass substrate or the like, and at a predetermined position on the substrate, a plurality of detection elements that detect radiation irradiated from the radiation source 2 and transmitted through at least the subject H according to its intensity, convert the detected radiation into an electrical signal, and accumulate it are arranged two-dimensionally. The detection elements are constituted by semiconductor image sensors such as photodiodes. Each detection element is connected to a switching unit such as a TFT (Thin Film Transistor), and the accumulation and reading of the electrical signal are controlled by the switching unit, and image data (frame image) is acquired. FPDs include an indirect conversion type that converts radiation into an electrical signal by a photoelectric conversion element via a scintillator, and a direct conversion type that directly converts radiation into an electrical signal. Either type may be used as the FPD cassette 3.

[0033] The RIS 30 is an order issuing device that issues and stores inspection order information, and transmits the issued inspection order information to modalities such as the mobile radiation imaging device 10 via the communication network N. Further, by receiving inspection result information (for example, the status of inspection completion) for each inspection order information transmitted (output) from modalities such as the mobile radiation imaging device 10 and storing it in association with each inspection order information, the progress of each ordered inspection is managed.

[0034] The PACS 40 is an image management device that stores and manages medical images (still images, moving images) generated by modalities such as the mobile radiation imaging device 10 and analysis results by the video analysis device 50 in association with patient information and inspection information.

[0035] The video analysis device 50 performs analysis processing such as dynamic analysis of the subject on the moving image output from the mobile radiation imaging device 10 or the like, and transmits the moving image and the analysis result to the PACS 40. The video analysis device 50 can perform a plurality of types of analysis processing, and performs the type of analysis processing specified from among the plurality of types of analysis processing.

[0036] (Operation of the Radiographic Imaging System 100) Next, the operation of the radiographic imaging system 100 will be described. As described above, the mobile radiographic imaging device 10 performs data communication with external devices (RIS 30, PACS 40, video analysis device 50) by wireless communication via the wireless access point 20. However, communication may become unstable due to a decrease in communication speed or disconnection caused by wireless interference, a decrease in communication speed or disconnection caused by obstacles, switching of the wireless access point 20 during movement, etc. Since the amount of data for information related to examination order information (examination order information, examination result information corresponding to the examination order information) and still images is small, even if the communication is unstable, the communication process (second process) of these data with external devices is not likely to be congested, and the problem does not become apparent. However, in the process of outputting a moving image to an external device (first process), events such as an increase in output time (transfer time) or inability to output are assumed due to unstable communication. The output of the still image to the PACS 40 in the second process, the acquisition of examination order information from the RIS 30, and the output of examination result information to the RIS 30 may be congested or delayed due to the backlog of moving image output. On the other hand, since the analysis process in the video analysis device 50 is performed after the examination, there is a time buffer.

[0037] Therefore, the control unit 101 of the mobile radiographic imaging device 10 gives priority to the second process of communicating a still image obtained by still image shooting or information related to examination order information (examination order information and examination result information corresponding to the examination order information) with external devices (PACS 40 and RIS 30) by wireless communication over the first process of outputting a moving image obtained by moving image shooting to an external device (video analysis device 50) by wireless communication.

[0038] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are diagrams for explaining communication control in the present embodiment. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the vertical axis represents the communication priority, and the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time. The communication priority indicates that the higher the vertical axis goes, the higher the priority. That is, the communication priority is "information regarding inspection order information > still image > moving image". Note that the case where inspections A and B include still image shooting and moving image shooting is taken as an example. In the case shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an example is shown where inspection order information reserved by the RIS 30 is acquired one by one and then the inspection is performed, but the acquisition of inspection order information may be performed in a batch.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, when the inspection order information of inspection A from the RIS 30 is acquired by the second communication unit 105b (inspection A order acquisition), the control unit 101 displays the acquired inspection order information of inspection A on the inspection list screen 130 (see FIG. 5) of the display unit 103. When the inspection order information of inspection A is selected by the operation unit 102 from the inspection list screen 130 and an inspection start is instructed, the radiation source 2 and the FPD cassette 3 are controlled to perform inspection A (inspection A execution). When inspection A is completed, the control unit 101 starts the second process based on the communication priority. That is, the output of the inspection result information of inspection A to the RIS 30 by the second communication unit 105b is started (inspection A result output), and then the output of the still image of inspection A to the PACS 40 by the second communication unit 105b is started (A still image output). Next, the control unit 101 starts the first process. That is, the output of the moving image of inspection A to the moving image analysis device 50 by the second communication unit 105b is started (A moving image output).

[0040] After the output of the inspection result information of Inspection A is completed, based on the communication priority, even if the output of the still image and the moving image of Inspection A is not completed, if there is a next inspection (referred to as Inspection B), the second communication unit 105b acquires the inspection order information of the next Inspection B (Inspection B order acquisition), and displays the acquired inspection order information of Inspection B on the inspection list screen 130 of the display unit 103. When the inspection order information of Inspection B is selected by the operation unit 102 from the inspection list screen 130 and an inspection start is instructed, the radiation source 2 and the FPD cassette 3 are controlled to perform Inspection B (Inspection B execution). When Inspection B is completed, the control unit 101 starts the second process for Inspection B. That is, it starts the output of the inspection result information of Inspection B to the RIS 30 by the second communication unit 105b (Inspection B result output). Next, if the output of the still image of Inspection A is completed, without waiting for the completion of the output of the moving image of Inspection A, the second communication unit 105b starts the output of the still image of Inspection B to the PACS 40 (B still image output). If the output of the still image of Inspection A is not completed, it waits for the completion of the output of the still image of Inspection A, and after the completion of the output of the still image of Inspection A, without waiting for the completion of the output of the moving image of Inspection A, the second communication unit 105b starts the output of the still image of Inspection B to the PACS 40. Next, if the output of the moving image of Inspection A is completed, the first process is started. That is, the second communication unit 105b starts the output of the moving image of Inspection B to the video analysis device 50 (B moving image output). If the output of the moving image of Inspection A is not completed, it waits for the completion of the output of the moving image of Inspection A, and after the completion of the output of the moving image of Inspection A, the second communication unit 105b starts the output of the moving image of Inspection B to the video analysis device 50.

[0041] In the above control, as shown in FIG. 3, even when the output of the moving image of one Inspection A to the video analysis device 50 is in progress, the inspection order information of the next Inspection B is acquired, and when Inspection B is completed, even when the output of the moving image of Inspection A is in progress, the output of the inspection result information and the still image of Inspection B is started.

[0042] Note that in the second communication unit 105b, it is possible to perform the input / output (communication) with the RIS 30 for information related to inspection order information, the output to the PACS 40 for still images, and the output to the video analysis device 50 for moving images in parallel. However, the load increases, and there is a possibility that the communication speed of information related to inspection order information with high priority and still images may become slow. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 101 temporarily stops the output of the moving image to the video analysis device 50 after the output of the inspection result information of inspection A to the RIS 30, sets the moving image in an output waiting state, and controls to resume the output of the moving image of inspection A to the video analysis device 50 after the output of the inspection result information and still images of inspection B is completed.

[0043] As described above, the control unit 101 of the mobile radiography apparatus 10 prioritizes the second process of communicating the still image obtained by still image shooting or the information related to inspection order information with an external device (PACS 40 or RIS 30) by wireless communication over the first process of outputting the moving image obtained by moving image shooting to an external device (video analysis device 50) by wireless communication. For example, the second process is started prior to the first process, and the second process of the next inspection is started even if the first process is in the middle of output or waiting for output. Therefore, in the mobile radiography apparatus 10, it is possible to suppress the situation where the communication of the captured still image and the information related to inspection order information to the external device is detained or delayed due to the output of the captured moving image to the external device.

[0044] Here, as described above, since the output of the moving image captured by the mobile radiography apparatus 10 to the video analysis device 50 is performed by the second communication unit 105b, events such as an increase in output time or inability to output due to unstable communication are assumed. Therefore, there may be a problem that the output time of the moving image of one inspection becomes long and the output of the moving image of the next inspection cannot be started easily. Therefore, the control unit 101 of the mobile radiography apparatus 10 executes the moving image output control process shown in FIG. 6 when outputting the moving image of each inspection by the second communication unit 105b. The moving image output control process will be described below.

[0045] First, the control unit 101 waits for the second communication unit 105b to establish a communication connection with the video analysis device 50. When the communication connection with the video analysis device 50 is established (step S1; YES), it initializes the retry count (step S2) and starts measuring a predetermined time (counting down) using a timer (step S3).

[0046] Next, the control unit 101 determines whether the output of the moving image to the video analysis device 50 by the second communication unit 105b has been completed (step S4). If it is determined that the output of the moving image to the video analysis device 50 has not been completed (step S4; NO), the control unit 101 determines whether the predetermined time has elapsed and the timer has ended (step S5). If it is determined that the timer has not ended (step S5; NO), the control unit 101 returns to step S4.

[0047] On the other hand, if it is determined that the timer has ended (step S5; YES), the control unit 101 adds 1 to the retry count (step S6) and determines whether the retry count has exceeded a predetermined number of times (step S7). If it is determined that the retry count has not exceeded the predetermined number of times (step S7; NO), the control unit 101 returns to step S4 and repeatedly executes steps S4 to S7.

[0048] In step S4, if it is determined that the output of the moving image to the video analysis device 50 has been completed (step S4; YES), the control unit 101 ends the moving image output control process. In step S7, if it is determined that the retry count has exceeded the predetermined number of times (step S7; YES), the control unit 101 temporarily stops the output of the moving image and notifies of an output error (step S8), and ends the moving image output control process. For the notification of the output error, it may display a message indicating an output error on the display unit 103, or it may sound a buzzer or the like.

[0049] In this way, in the moving image output control process, if the output of the moving image is not completed within a predetermined time, retrying is repeated up to a predetermined number of times. If the output still cannot be completed after that, it is regarded as an error and the output of the moving image is temporarily stopped. Therefore, the output time of the moving image for one inspection becomes longer, and it is possible to suppress the situation where it is difficult to start the output of the moving image for the next inspection.

[0050] In addition, it is preferable that the control unit 101 notifies the output status of whether the moving image is currently being output by the first process, there is no output (the state of not outputting), or there is an output error. As a result, the user can easily grasp whether the moving image is currently being output, there is no output, or there is an output error. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, an output status display button 130a as a notification unit is provided on the inspection list screen 130, and the control unit 101 displays the output status display button 130a in different modes according to the status. For example, when outputting, the output status display button 130a is displayed in blue, and the white frame around the button is displayed in a rotating state. When there is no output, the output status display button 130a is displayed in blue without a frame. When there is an output error, the output status display button 130a is displayed in red without a frame. Note that the output status display button 130a is not limited to this. For example, characters representing statuses such as "outputting", "no output", and "output error" may be displayed, or the color, presence or absence of a frame, or shape of the button may be changed for each status. Also, not only the output status of the moving image but also the output status of the still image may be displayed together. In this case, it is preferable to display the output status of the moving image and the output status of the still image separately.

[0051] In addition, the control unit 101 may perform processing to reduce the data amount in the moving image before outputting the moving image and output it to the moving image analysis device 50. As processing methods, for example, there is a method of thinning out a moving image in the time direction or the spatial direction according to the imaging conditions included in the inspection order information, the type of analysis process performed by the moving image analysis device 50, and the like. For example, when the analysis process performed by the moving image analysis device 50 is an analysis process that uses only frame images of a predetermined phase in the cycle of the subject's motion state, the moving image is thinned out in the time direction and only the frame images of the predetermined phase are output. Further, for example, when the analysis process performed by the moving image analysis device 50 can be a rough image, the pixels of each frame image are thinned out and output. Thereby, the time required for outputting the moving image can be reduced.

[0052] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, until all the inspections of the inspection order information acquired from the RIS 30 are completed, the above-described first process, that is, the output of the moving image to the moving image analysis device 50 is temporarily stopped, and an example in which the moving image is collectively output after all the reserved inspections are completed will be described.

[0053] Note that the configuration of the radiation imaging system 100 in the second embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, so the description is incorporated by reference, and the operation of the radiation imaging system 100 in the second embodiment will be described.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the inspection control process A performed by the control unit 101 in the second embodiment. Hereinafter, the inspection control process A will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0055] First, the control unit 101 acquires inspection order information of the inspection reserved from the RIS 30 by the second communication unit 105b (step S11). The number of inspection order information acquired here is not particularly limited as long as it is 1 or more.

[0056] Next, the control unit 101 stores the acquired inspection order information in the inspection order information storage unit 104a and adds it to the inspection list screen 130 (step S12).

[0057] Next, the control unit 101 starts one inspection according to the operation of the operation unit 102 (in response to the selection of inspection order information from the inspection list screen 130 and the inspection start instruction) (step S13), and controls the radiation source 2 and the FPD cassette 3 based on the inspection order information to perform imaging (step S14).

[0058] When the imaging is completed, the control unit 101 starts a second process of outputting the inspection result information of the performed inspection to the RIS 30 and the still image to the PACS 40 by the second communication unit 105b (step S15). The moving image is stored in the temporary storage area of the storage unit 104. In addition, the inspection order information of the inspection is stored in the inspection order information storage unit 104a in association with the inspection end status information.

[0059] Next, the control unit 101 determines whether there is an unperformed inspection (step S16). For example, the control unit 101 refers to the inspection order information storage unit 104a to determine whether there is an unperformed inspection. If it is determined that there is an unperformed inspection (step S16; YES), the control unit 101 starts the next inspection according to the operation of the operation unit 102 (step S17) and returns to step S14. Steps S14 to S15 are repeatedly executed for the inspections corresponding to all the acquired inspection order information.

[0060] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S16 that there is no unperformed inspection (step S16; NO), the control unit 101 performs a first process of outputting the moving image captured in the performed inspection to the video analysis device 50 by the second communication unit 105b (step S18), and ends the inspection control process A.

[0061] Thus, in the second embodiment, since the second communication unit 105b outputs all the inspection result information obtained from the RIS 30 and the moving images together after the still images are output, the communication load due to the output of the moving images can be eliminated when communicating with an external device regarding information related to the still images or inspection order information, and it becomes possible to perform communication with the external device regarding information related to the still images or inspection order information more smoothly.

[0062] Note that also in the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, when outputting the moving images, it is preferable to perform the moving image output control process shown in FIG. 6. Further, it is preferable to notify the status of whether the moving images are currently being output, not being output, or there is an output error (for example, display an output status display button 130a on the inspection list screen 130). Also, the control unit 101 may process the moving images before outputting them, reduce the data amount, and output them to the video analysis device 50.

[0063] Also, for example, the control unit 101 may prioritize the output of the moving images for inspections that are high-priority inspections indicated by information included in the inspection order information, such as inspection order information with information indicating that it is an emergency, or inspections selected by the user to be preferentially output from the inspection list screen 130, with respect to the output of the inspection result information and still images. For example, in step S15, it may be possible to start the output of the moving images before starting the output of the inspection result information and still images by the second communication unit 105b. Thereby, it becomes possible to preferentially output the moving images that should be output to the video analysis device 50 earlier.

[0064] <The Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which when new inspection order information is acquired, if the first process (during moving image output) is in progress, the first process (moving image output) is temporarily stopped.

[0065] Note that since the configuration of the radiographic imaging system 100 in the third embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, the description thereof is incorporated herein by reference, and the operation of the radiographic imaging system 100 in the third embodiment will be described.

[0066] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the inspection control process B performed by the control unit 101 in the third embodiment. Hereinafter, the inspection control process B will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0067] First, the control unit 101 acquires, via the second communication unit 105b, the inspection order information of the inspection reserved from the RIS 30 (step S21). The number of inspection order information acquired here is not particularly limited as long as it is 1 or more.

[0068] Next, the control unit 101 stores the acquired inspection order information in the inspection order information storage unit 104a and adds it to the inspection list screen 130 (step S22).

[0069] Next, the control unit 101 starts one inspection according to the operation of the operation unit 102 (step S23), and controls the radiation source 2 and the FPD cassette 3 based on the inspection order information to perform imaging (step S24). The processes in steps S21 to S24 are the same as those described in steps S11 to 14 of FIG. 7, and thus the description thereof is incorporated herein by reference.

[0070] When the inspection is completed, the control unit 101 starts outputting the inspection result information, still images, and moving images of the performed inspection to the external device via the second communication unit 105b in the priority order of inspection result information>still image>moving image (step S25). In step S25, first, the control unit 101 starts the second process. That is, it starts the process of outputting the inspection result information of the performed inspection to the RIS 30, and then starts the process of outputting the still image of the performed inspection to the PACS 40. Next, the control unit 101 starts the first process. That is, it starts the process of outputting the moving image of the performed inspection to the video analysis device 50. Also, the inspection order information of the inspection stored in the inspection order information storage unit 104a is stored with the status information of inspection completion associated therewith.

[0071] Next, the control unit 101 determines whether there is new inspection order information that has not yet been acquired by the mobile radiography apparatus 10 in the RIS 30 (step S26). For example, it inquires of the RIS 30 whether there is new inspection order information that has not yet been transmitted to the mobile radiography apparatus 10.

[0072] When it is determined that there is new inspection order information in the RIS 30 (step S26; YES), the control unit 101 determines whether the output of the moving image by the second communication unit 105b is in progress (step S27). When it is determined that the output of the moving image is in progress (step S27; YES), the control unit 101 temporarily stops the output of the moving image by the second communication unit 105b (step S28), acquires the inspection order information of the new inspection from the RIS 30 by the second communication unit 105b, stores it in the inspection order information storage unit 104a, and adds it to the inspection list screen 130 (step S29). Then, the control unit 101 resumes the output of the moving image by the second communication unit 105b (step S30), starts the next inspection according to the operation of the operation unit 102 (step S33), and returns to step S24.

[0073] In step S27, when it is determined that the output of the moving image is not in progress (step S27; NO), the control unit 101 acquires the new inspection order information from the RIS 30 by the second communication unit 105b, stores it in the inspection order information storage unit 104a, and adds it to the inspection list screen 130 (step S31). Then, according to the operation of the operation unit 102, the next inspection is started (step S33), and the process returns to step S24.

[0074] On the other hand, in step S26, when it is determined that there is no new inspection order information in the RIS 30 (step S26; NO), the control unit 101 determines whether there is an unperformed inspection (step S32). For example, the control unit 101 refers to the inspection order information storage unit 104a to determine whether there is an unperformed inspection. When it is determined that there is an unperformed inspection (step S32; YES), the control unit 101 starts the next inspection according to the operation of the operation unit 102 (step S33), and returns to step S24.

[0075] On the other hand, in step S32, when it is determined that there is no unperformed inspection (step S32; NO), the control unit 101 ends the inspection control process B.

[0076] Thus, in the third embodiment, when acquiring new inspection order information from the RIS 30, if the second communication unit 105b is outputting a moving image, the output of the moving image is temporarily stopped, so that the communication load due to the output of the moving image can be eliminated when acquiring new inspection order information, and the acquisition of new inspection order information can be performed more smoothly.

[0077] Note that also in the third embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, it is preferable to perform the moving image output control process shown in FIG. 6 when outputting a moving image. Further, it is preferable to notify the status of whether a moving image is currently being output, there is no output, or there is an output error (for example, display on the inspection list screen 130). Further, the control unit 101 may process the moving image before outputting the moving image to reduce the data amount and output it to the moving image analysis device 50.

[0078] Also, for example, the control unit 101 may continue to output the moving image without pausing the output of the moving image in step S28 for a moving image of an examination for which information indicating a high-priority examination is included in the examination order information, such as examination order information with information indicating that it is an emergency, or an examination selected by the user to preferentially output from the examination list screen 130. Alternatively, new examination order information may be acquired after the output of the moving image is completed.

[0079] As described above, the control unit 101 of the mobile radiography apparatus 10 gives priority to the second process of communicating the still image obtained by still image shooting or information regarding the examination order information to the external apparatus (RIS 30 or PACS 40) by the second communication unit 105b over the first process of outputting the moving image obtained by moving image shooting to the external apparatus (moving image analysis apparatus 50) by the second communication unit 105b as a wireless communication unit. Therefore, in the mobile radiography apparatus 10, it is possible to suppress the communication of the captured still image and information regarding the examination order information to the external apparatus from being detained or delayed due to the output of the captured moving image to the external apparatus.

[0080] For example, the control unit 101 temporarily stops the first process until the completion of the examination related to all the examination order information acquired in the second process. Therefore, when communicating with the external apparatus regarding the still image and information regarding the examination order information, the communication load due to the output of the moving image can be eliminated, and the communication with the external apparatus regarding the still image and information regarding the examination order information can be made even smoother.

[0081] Also, for example, the control unit 101 controls to output a still image by the second communication unit 105b while waiting for or during the output of the moving image by the first process. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the communication of the still image to the external apparatus from being detained or delayed due to the output of the moving image to the external apparatus.

[0082] Further, when the control unit 101 acquires new inspection order information by the second process, if a moving image is being output by the first process, the first process is temporarily stopped. Therefore, when acquiring new inspection order information from the RIS 30, if the second communication unit 105b is outputting a moving image, the output of the moving image is temporarily stopped, so that the communication load due to the output of the moving image can be eliminated when acquiring new inspection order information, and it becomes possible to perform the acquisition of new inspection order information more smoothly.

[0083] In addition, since it is provided with an output status display button 130a for notifying the waiting, outputting, or output error of the moving image by the first process, the user can easily grasp whether the moving image is waiting to be output, is being output, or is an output error.

[0084] Note that the description content in the above embodiment is a preferred example of the present invention and is not limited thereto.

[0085] For example, in the above embodiment, the case of acquiring inspection order information from the RIS 30 is taken as an example for explanation, but the inspection order information may be input by the operation unit 102 in the mobile radiography apparatus 10. In this case, since there is no need to communicate information regarding the inspection order information with an external device, in the second process, only the output of the still image to the external device is performed.

[0086] Also, in the above description, an example using a hard disk, a semiconductor non-volatile memory, etc. as a computer-readable medium of the program according to the present invention is disclosed, but it is not limited to this example. As other computer-readable media, portable recording media such as CD-ROM can be applied. Also, a carrier wave is applied as a medium for providing the data of the program according to the present invention via a communication line.

[0087] In addition, regarding the detailed configuration and detailed operation of each device constituting the mobile radiography apparatus, they can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Description of Symbols

[0088] 100 Radiographic system 10 Mobile radiographic apparatus 1 Main body 2 Radiation source 3 FPD cassette 101 Control unit 102 Operation unit 102a Exposure switch 103 Display unit 104 Storage unit 104a Inspection order information storage unit 105 Communication unit 105a First communication unit 105b Second communication unit 106 Driving unit 107 Battery 108 Connector 109 Charging unit 110 Bus 111 AC cable 120 Storage section 301 Battery

Claims

1. A mobile radiation imaging device capable of performing video imaging using radiation, a control unit that prioritizes a second process of communicating information regarding inspection order information with an external device via the wireless communication unit over a first process of outputting a moving image obtained by the video imaging to the external device via the wireless communication unit, comprising: The control unit temporarily suspends the first process until completion of an inspection related to all inspection order information acquired in the second process. A mobile radiation imaging device.

2. A mobile radiation imaging device capable of performing video imaging using radiation, a control unit that prioritizes a second process of communicating information regarding inspection order information with an external device via the wireless communication unit over a first process of outputting a moving image obtained by the video imaging to the external device via the wireless communication unit, comprising: When new inspection order information is acquired by the second process and a moving image is being output by the first process, the control unit temporarily suspends the first process. A mobile radiation imaging device.

3. The mobile radiation imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the external device that is the output destination of the first process and the external device that is the communication destination of the second process are different devices.

4. The mobile radiation imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a notification unit that notifies of waiting for output, output in progress, or output error of a moving image by the first process.

5. A computer, functioning as a control unit that prioritizes a second process of communicating information regarding inspection order information with an external device via the wireless communication unit over a first process of outputting a moving image obtained by video imaging in a mobile radiation imaging device to the external device via the wireless communication unit, wherein the control unit temporarily suspends the first process until completion of an inspection related to all inspection order information acquired in the second process. A program.

6. A computer, functioning as a control unit that prioritizes a second process of communicating information regarding inspection order information with an external device via the wireless communication unit over a first process of outputting a moving image obtained by video imaging in a mobile radiation imaging device to the external device via the wireless communication unit, wherein when new inspection order information is acquired by the second process and a moving image is being output by the first process, the control unit temporarily suspends the first process. A program. ​ ​

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