Exposure Performance Management Device and Radiographic Imaging System

Abstract

To provide an exposure result aggregation device and a radiographic system, capable of appropriately linking an exposure image and an exposure result.SOLUTION: An exposure result aggregation device comprises: an aggregation unit that, when a radiographic system creates a first exposure image by first exposure and a second exposure image by second exposure, aggregates a first exposure result of the first exposure image and a second exposure result of the second exposure image; and a linking unit that links information on a third exposure result aggregated by the aggregation unit to a third exposure image created on the basis of the first exposure image and the second exposure image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an exposure result calculation device and a radiation imaging system.

Background Art

[0002] In a radiation imaging system, when taking a radiation image, there are those that perform multiple exposures including a first exposure and a second exposure, such as those having an automatic exposure control function that performs a main exposure and a pre-exposure performed before the main exposure. For example, in the automatic exposure control function, a pre-exposure is performed at a dose lower than the main exposure, and based on the obtained pre-exposure image and the attached information (for example, the irradiation time in the pre-exposure) associated with the pre-exposure image, imaging conditions such as the dose when performing the main exposure are determined.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration for determining from image analysis of a pre-exposure image whether the pre-exposure image has been appropriately taken. In this technique, an exposure image is generated by synthesizing the pre-exposure image and the main exposure image.

[0004] Also, as a technique for synthesizing images, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for generating one synthesized image by synthesizing a plurality of images captured under different exposure conditions at a predetermined synthesis ratio.

[0005] Also, generally, in a radiation imaging system, every time the irradiation of radiation to a subject ends, an actual value of the actual exposure result (for example, tube voltage, tube current, and irradiation time, or tube voltage and tube current-time product) is acquired, and is saved or displayed on a console or the like.

[0006] Also, when managing exposure images on a console, the above actual values are saved in association with the exposure images, or output to an external device or the like. In the configuration that performs the above multiple exposures, an exposure image of the first exposure associated with the exposure result of the first exposure and an exposure image of the second exposure associated with the exposure result of the second exposure are saved, displayed, managed, etc.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] However, when generating one composite image from two projection images as in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, if managed for each projection result associated with each projection image as in the prior art, there may be inconveniences for the user in saving, displaying the composite image, and associating the composite image with each projection result. For example, if one composite image is associated with two projection results, the user may misrecognize that either one of the two projection results is the projection result of the composite image.

[0009] In addition, since the configuration described in Patent Document 2 is not a configuration for associating the radiation exposure result with the composite image, the above problem cannot be solved.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a radiation exposure result summing device and a radiation imaging system capable of appropriately associating a projection image with a radiation exposure result.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] The radiation exposure result management device according to the present invention associates information on the radiation exposure result based on the first radiation exposure result of the first projection image and the second radiation exposure result of the second projection image with a third projection image generated based on the first projection image by the first projection and the second projection image by the second projection. Determination result of the summability is provided with an association unit for associating, The types of the first exposure record and the second exposure record are records related to at least one of irradiation time, tube current-time product, area dose value, and entrance surface dose value. and When the radiation quality is different between the first exposure and the second exposure, and / or when the additional filter in the radiation irradiation device is different between the first exposure and the second exposure, associate information regarding each exposure result of the first exposure result and the second exposure result with the third exposure image 。

[0012] The radiation imaging system according to the present invention includes a radiation irradiation device that irradiates radiation, a radiation imaging device that generates image data of an exposure image by receiving the irradiation of the radiation, the above exposure record Management device, and is provided.

Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, the association between the exposure image and the exposure record can be appropriately performed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a radiation imaging system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the radiation imaging system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a radiation irradiation device 1, a radiation imaging device 2, and a console 3. The radiation imaging system 100 can also be connected to a radiology information system (RIS) or a picture archiving and communication system (PACS), etc., not shown in the figure.

[0017] The radiation irradiation device 1 is communicably connected to the console 3, either wired or wirelessly. The radiation irradiation device 1 includes a generator 11, an exposure switch 12, and a radiation source 13.

[0018] Based on the operation of the exposure switch 12, the generator 11 is configured to apply a voltage corresponding to preset radiation exposure conditions (such as tube voltage, tube current, exposure time, tube current-time product (mAs value), etc.) to the radiation source 13.

[0019] The radiation source 13 (X-ray tube) has a rotating anode and a filament, etc., not shown in the figure. When a voltage is applied from the generator 11, the filament irradiates an electron beam corresponding to the applied voltage toward the rotating anode, and the rotating anode generates radiation X (such as X-rays) with a dose corresponding to the intensity of the electron beam.

[0020] In FIG. 1, the generator 11, the exposure switch 12, and the radiation source 13 are illustrated as being separately divided, but they may be integrally configured. Also, in FIG. 1, the exposure switch 12 is illustrated as being connected to the generator 11, but the exposure switch 12 may be provided in another device. Further, the radiation irradiation device 1 may be installed in the imaging room, or may be configured to be movable by being incorporated into a mobile cart or the like.

[0021] The radiographic apparatus 2 is communicably connected to the console 3, either wired or wirelessly. Further, the radiographic apparatus 2 is configured to be able to generate image data of a radiographed image of a subject by receiving exposure to radiation X from the radiation irradiating apparatus 1 through the subject.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the radiographic apparatus 2 includes a photographing control unit 21, a radiation detection unit 22, a reading unit 23, a communication unit 24, a storage unit 25, and a bus 26 that connects the respective units.

[0023] The photographing control unit 21 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. Based on receiving a control signal or the like from an external device such as the console 3, the CPU of the photographing control unit 21 reads out various programs stored in the storage unit 25 and expands them in the RAM, executes various processes according to the expanded programs, and centrally controls the operations of the respective units in the radiographic apparatus 2.

[0024] The radiation detection unit 22 is composed of a substrate on which pixels including radiation detection elements and switch elements that generate charges according to the dose by receiving radiation X are arranged two-dimensionally (in a matrix).

[0025] The reading unit 23 is configured to be able to read out the amount of charge released from each pixel as a signal value and generate image data from a plurality of signal values.

[0026] The communication unit 24 is configured to be able to receive various control signals and various data from an external device, or transmit various control signals and generated image data to an external device.

[0027] The storage unit 25 is composed of a non-volatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk, etc., and stores various programs executed by the imaging control unit 21 and parameters necessary for executing processing by the programs. Further, the storage unit 25 can store the image data generated by the reading unit 23 and various data processed by the imaging control unit 21.

[0028] When the radiation imaging apparatus 2 configured as described above is irradiated with radiation while the imaging control unit 21 turns off each switch element of the radiation detection unit 22, each pixel accumulates charges corresponding to the radiation dose. When the imaging control unit 21 turns on each switch element and charges are released from each pixel, the reading unit 23 converts each charge amount into a signal value and reads it out as image data.

[0029] Note that the radiation imaging apparatus 2 may incorporate a scintillator or the like, convert the irradiated radiation X into light of another wavelength such as visible light with the scintillator, and generate charges corresponding to the converted light, or may generate charges directly from the radiation X without passing through a scintillator or the like. Further, the radiation imaging apparatus 2 may be a dedicated model integrated with the imaging table or a portable model.

[0030] The console 3 is composed of a PC, a mobile terminal, or a dedicated device, and is connected to the radiation irradiation device 1, the radiation imaging device 2, etc. so as to be communicable by wire or wirelessly. The console 3 can set imaging conditions, imaging target sites, etc. of the radiation irradiation device 1 and the radiation imaging device 2 based on an imaging order from an external device (RIS etc.) or an operation by a user. The console 3 corresponds to the "exposure result totalizing device" of the present invention.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, the console 3 includes a control unit 31, a communication unit 32, a storage unit 33, a display unit 34, an operation unit 35, and a bus 36 connecting each unit.

[0032] The control unit 31 is composed of a CPU, a RAM, etc. The CPU of the control unit 31 reads out various programs stored in the storage unit 33 according to the operations of the operation unit 35, expands them in the RAM, executes various processes according to the expanded programs, and centrally controls the operations of each part of the console 3.

[0033] The communication unit 32 is equipped with a LAN adapter, a modem, a TA (Terminal Adapter), etc., and controls the data transmission and reception with each device connected to the communication network.

[0034] The storage unit 33 is composed of a non-volatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk, etc., and stores various programs executed by the control unit 31, parameters necessary for the execution of the processes by the programs, etc. Further, the storage unit 33 can store the image data received from the radiation imaging device 2 and the image data processed by the control unit 31 in association with the accessory information.

[0035] The display unit 34 is composed of a monitor such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), and displays the input instructions and data from the operation unit 35 according to the instructions of the display signal input from the control unit 31.

[0036] The operation unit 35 is composed of a keyboard equipped with cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, etc., and a pointing device such as a mouse, and outputs the instruction signal input by the key operation or mouse operation on the keyboard to the control unit 31. Further, the operation unit 35 may be equipped with a touch panel on the display screen of the display unit 34. In this case, the instruction signal input through the touch panel is output to the control unit 31.

[0037] Next, the control of the radiation imaging system 100 by the control unit 31 will be described. The control unit 31 performs automatic exposure control to determine the imaging conditions when performing the main exposure (second exposure) based on the pre-exposure image obtained by the pre-exposure (first exposure) and the additional information associated with the pre-exposure image. The pre-exposure is performed at a lower dose than the main exposure before the main exposure.

[0038] When performing the automatic exposure control, the control unit 31 generates a pre-exposure image (first exposure image) by the pre-exposure and a main exposure image (second exposure image) by the main exposure, and synthesizes the pre-exposure image and the main exposure image. The control unit 31 stores the first exposure result by the pre-exposure in the storage unit 33 in association with the pre-exposure image. In addition, the control unit 31 stores the second exposure result by the main exposure in the storage unit 33 in association with the main exposure image.

[0039] The first exposure result is the exposure result of the radiation imaging system 100 when generating the pre-exposure image, and includes the results such as the tube voltage, tube current, irradiation time, tube current-time product (the product of the tube current and the irradiation time), and radiation dose (area dose value or incident surface dose value) of the radiation. The second exposure result is the exposure result of the radiation imaging system 100 when generating the main exposure image, and includes the results such as the tube voltage, tube current, irradiation time, tube current-time product, and radiation dose of the radiation.

[0040] Then, when generating the pre-exposure image and the main exposure image, the control unit 31 sums up the first exposure result and the second exposure result. The control unit 31 corresponds to the "summation unit" of the present invention.

[0041] Specifically, when synthesizing the pre-exposure image and the main exposure image, the control unit 31 determines whether to sum up the first exposure result and the second exposure result according to whether the radiation quality is different between the first exposure and the second exposure.

[0042] When the quality of the radiation is the same for the first exposure and the second exposure, and at least one of the types of the first exposure record and the second exposure record is the irradiation time, the tube current-time product, and the radiation dose, the control unit 31 determines that the first exposure record and the second exposure record are to be added together. Also, when the quality of the radiation is the same for the first exposure and the second exposure, and at least one of the types of the first exposure record and the second exposure record is the tube voltage and the tube current of the radiation, the control unit 31 determines that the first exposure record and the second exposure record are not to be added together.

[0043] Also, when the quality of the radiation is different between the first exposure and the second exposure, the control unit 31 determines that the first exposure record and the second exposure record are not to be added together.

[0044] The case where the quality of the radiation is the same means, for example, the case where the tube voltage of the radiation is the same. The case where the quality of the radiation is different means, for example, the case where the tube voltage of the radiation is different.

[0045] The control unit 31 associates and outputs information regarding the third exposure record based on the determination result of whether the first exposure record and the second exposure record can be added together to at least one of the storage unit 33, the display unit 34, and the external device in the exposure image (third exposure image) generated based on the pre-exposure image and the main exposure image. The control unit 31 corresponds to the "associating unit" of the present invention. The external device is a device external to the radiation imaging system 100, and is, for example, a management device such as the above-mentioned RIS, PACS, image detector, and radiation dose management system, a display device, a storage device, or the like.

[0046] When the control unit 31 determines that the first exposure record and the second exposure record are to be added together, the control unit 31 sets the exposure record obtained by adding the first exposure record and the second exposure record as the third exposure record. That is, the third exposure record obtained by adding the first exposure record and the second exposure record is associated with the composite exposure image obtained by combining the pre-exposure image and the main exposure image.

[0047] Further, when the control unit 31 determines not to sum up the first exposure result and the second exposure result, and uses the current exposure image as the exposure image, the second exposure result is set as the third exposure result. That is, the second exposure result (the third exposure result) is associated with the current exposure image.

[0048] Also, when the control unit 31 determines not to sum up the first exposure result and the second exposure result, and uses the composite exposure image as the exposure image, each of the first exposure result and the second exposure result is set as the third exposure result. That is, each of the first exposure result and the second exposure result is associated with the composite exposure image.

[0049] The third exposure result is stored in the storage unit 33 in association with the above exposure image, and the above exposure image and the third exposure result associated with the exposure image are displayed on the display unit 34. Also, the third exposure result is output to an external device in association with the above exposure image.

[0050] For example, when synthesizing a pre-exposure image and a current exposure image, and the first exposure result of the pre-exposure is tube voltage 120 kV, tube current 100 mA, and irradiation time 4 msec, and the second exposure result of the current exposure is tube voltage 120 kV, tube current 100 mA, and irradiation time 16 msec.

[0051] In this case, regarding the tube voltage and the tube current, since they indicate the value per unit time, without summing up the pre-exposure and the current exposure, the values used in the pre-exposure and the current exposure are set as the third exposure result.

[0052] Also, since the tube voltage is the same for the pre-exposure and the current exposure, the quality of the radiation is the same. Therefore, regarding the irradiation time, the time obtained by summing up the irradiation time of the pre-exposure and the irradiation time of the current exposure is set as the third exposure result. Therefore, the irradiation time related to the third exposure result is 20 msec, which is the sum of the irradiation time of the pre-exposure, 4 msec, and the irradiation time of the current exposure, 16 msec.

[0053] In the display unit 34, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, a composite exposure image obtained by synthesizing a pre-exposure image and a main exposure image, a tube voltage of 120 kV, a tube current of 100 mA, and an irradiation time of 20 msec are displayed. In FIG. 4, since the tube voltage and the tube current are the same for the pre-exposure and the main exposure, an example is shown in which they are displayed without being distinguished between the pre-exposure and the main exposure.

[0054] In this way, by associating and displaying the third exposure result with the composite exposure image in the display unit 34, the user can easily grasp the third exposure result while checking the composite exposure image. In addition, since the third exposure result obtained by adding up the first exposure result of the pre-exposure and the second exposure result of the main exposure is displayed, the user can grasp the exposure result required for the composite exposure image without having to calculate it, and the burden on the user can be reduced.

[0055] Also, in FIG. 4, when the display unit 34 displays the composite exposure image, the composite exposure image and the third exposure result are displayed without displaying the pre-exposure image and the main exposure image. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the user from misrecognizing that the third exposure result is associated with the pre-exposure image or the main exposure image.

[0056] Also, for example, in the case of synthesizing a pre-exposure image and a main exposure image, and the first exposure result of the pre-exposure is a tube voltage of 120 kV, a tube current of 50 mA, and an irradiation time of 8 msec, and the second exposure result of the main exposure is a tube voltage of 120 kV, a tube current of 100 mA, and an irradiation time of 16 msec.

[0057] Even in this case, for the tube voltage and the tube current, the values used for the pre-exposure and the main exposure are regarded as the third exposure result without adding them up between the pre-exposure and the main exposure.

[0058] In this case, since the tube voltage is the same for the pre-exposure and the main exposure, the quality of the radiation is the same. However, since the tube current is different between the pre-exposure and the main exposure, the irradiation time cannot be simply added up between the pre-exposure and the main exposure.

[0059] Therefore, in this case, the tube current-time product, which is the product of the tube current and the irradiation time, is used instead of the exposure performance of the tube current and the irradiation time. The tube current-time product related to the third exposure performance is 2 mAs, which is the sum of 50 mA × 8 msec, the tube current-time product of the pre-exposure, and 100 mA × 16 msec, the tube current-time product of the main exposure.

[0060] By the way, when there are two different tube currents for one exposure image, there are systems that cannot accept two tube currents for one exposure image in order to manage them. Therefore, in such a case, the third exposure performance can be accurately managed by associating it with the composite exposure image as the tube current-time product as described above.

[0061] Note that the storage unit 33, the display unit 34, and the external device may output all of the tube voltage, the tube current of the pre-exposure image, the tube current of the main exposure, and the tube current-time product obtained by adding the pre-exposure and the main exposure, associated with the composite exposure image, or may output the tube voltage and the tube current-time product associated with the composite exposure image.

[0062] Also, even when there are two tube currents as described above, there are cases where the user wants to manage by the irradiation time. For example, in order to grasp the influence of the subject's body movement due to the irradiation time, if the user wants to grasp it by the irradiation time but it is managed by the tube current-time product, the user cannot grasp the irradiation time.

[0063] In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the irradiation time is set to 24 msec, which is the sum of 8 msec, the irradiation time of the pre-exposure, and 16 msec, the irradiation time of the main exposure, and associated with the composite exposure image. Also, the average tube current obtained by averaging the tube current of the pre-exposure and the tube current of the main exposure may be associated with the composite exposure image. In this case, the value obtained by dividing the tube current-time product by the irradiation time (2 mAs / 24 msec = 83 mA) is associated with the composite exposure image.

[0064] Also, for example, when synthesizing a pre-exposure image and a main-exposure image, and assuming that the first exposure result of the pre-exposure is a tube voltage of 110 kV, a tube current of 50 mA, and an irradiation time of 8 msec, and the second exposure result of the main-exposure is a tube voltage of 120 kV, a tube current of 100 mA, and an irradiation time of 16 msec.

[0065] In this case, since the tube voltage is different between the pre-exposure and the main-exposure, the quality of the radiation in the pre-exposure is different from that in the main-exposure. Therefore, if the irradiation time or the tube current-time product is added together for the pre-exposure and the main-exposure, it becomes difficult to accurately manage the exposure. In this case, the third exposure result is not the sum of the first exposure result and the second exposure result, but rather the first exposure result and the second exposure result respectively.

[0066] Therefore, in this case, the first exposure result and the second exposure result will be associated with the synthesized exposure image respectively.

[0067] However, if this is done, the number of display items in the display unit 34 will increase, and the usability for the user may decrease. Therefore, it may be possible to output the tube current-time product in the pre-exposure and the tube current-time product in the main-exposure to the storage unit 33, the display unit 34, etc.

[0068] Also, there may be cases where the additional filter in the radiation irradiation device 1 is different between the pre-exposure and the main-exposure. If the additional filter is different between the pre-exposure and the main-exposure, the quality of the radiation in the pre-exposure will be different from that in the main-exposure. Therefore, in this case, the third exposure result is the first exposure result and the second exposure result respectively, and the first exposure result and the second exposure result are associated with the synthesized exposure image respectively.

[0069] Also, when the exposure result includes radiation doses such as the area dose and the entrance surface dose, it may be a condition to add together the area dose and the entrance surface dose for the pre-exposure and the main-exposure. Note that the area dose may be a value measured by an area dosimeter provided in any of the devices of the radiation imaging system 100, or may be a value calculated according to the tube voltage, tube current, irradiation time, irradiation field, presence or absence of an additional filter, and type of additional filter.

[0070] Also, when the exposure record includes an EI (Exposure Index) value or a sensitivity index value (S value), if the EI value or S value of the pre-exposure or the EI value or S value of the main exposure is associated with the composite exposure image, the dose reached cannot be properly managed. However, the EI value or S value may not be simply added between the pre-exposure and the main exposure. Therefore, when the exposure record includes an EI value or an S value, calculate the EI value or S value from the composite exposure image without simply adding the EI value or S value between the pre-exposure and the main exposure.

[0071] Also, when associating the third exposure record with the composite exposure image and outputting it to an external device, it is preferable not to associate and output the first exposure record of the pre-exposure and the second exposure record of the main exposure with the composite exposure image. This is because if the first exposure record and the second exposure record are not properly handled by the external device, the radiation dose of the subject (patient) may not be properly managed. An example where the radiation dose cannot be properly managed is when the third exposure record and the second exposure record are erroneously added together.

[0072] Also, the control unit 31 may be configured to select either composite exposure, which synthesizes the pre-exposure image and the main exposure image to form an exposure image (third exposure image), or non-composite exposure, which does not synthesize the pre-exposure image and the main exposure image and uses the main exposure image as the exposure image (third exposure image). The control unit 31 corresponds to the "selection unit" of the present invention.

[0073] Specifically, the control unit 31 selects either composite exposure or non-composite exposure based on information regarding the body movement of the subject of the radiation imaging system 100.

[0074] The determination of whether there is body movement of the subject is made, for example, based on the time between the pre-exposure and the main exposure. The time between the pre-exposure and the main exposure may be prolonged due to a delay in the transfer time of the pre-exposure image or the like. When the time is prolonged, it is considered that the body movement of the subject becomes larger.

[0075] Therefore, when the time between the pre-exposure and the main exposure becomes relatively long, the control unit 31 selects non-composite exposure. When the control unit 31 performs non-composite exposure, that is, when the pre-exposure image and the main exposure image are not combined, it determines that the first exposure result and the second exposure result are not added together.

[0076] Then, for example, the control unit 31 uses the second exposure result, which is the exposure result of the main exposure image, as the third exposure result. By doing so, even when the composite exposure image is not appropriate, it can be substituted with the main exposure image.

[0077] Also, the determination of whether the subject has moved may be made, for example, based on the deviation between the pre-exposure image and the main exposure image. The deviation between the pre-exposure image and the main exposure image is determined, for example, by overlapping the pre-exposure image and the main exposure image. When this deviation is large enough that the pre-exposure image and the main exposure image cannot be combined, it can be determined that the subject has moved significantly.

[0078] Therefore, when the deviation between the pre-exposure image and the main exposure image becomes relatively large, the control unit 31 selects non-composite exposure. By doing so, even when the composite exposure image is not appropriate, it can be substituted with the main exposure image.

[0079] Further, the control unit 31 may select either composite exposure or non-composite exposure based on a selection command from the operation unit 35. The operation unit 35 outputs a selection command for either composite exposure or non-composite exposure to the control unit 31 based on the user's operation.

[0080] For example, on the operation unit 35, buttons for selecting composite exposure and non-composite exposure are provided, enabling the user to select either composite exposure or non-composite exposure. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the display unit 34 simultaneously displays a composite exposure image obtained by combining the pre-exposure image and the main exposure image and the main exposure image.

[0081] This allows the user to easily compare the composite exposure image and the main exposure image.

[0082] Further, the display unit 34 may display information based on the third exposure result and information based on the second exposure result in a state where the synthesized exposure image and the main exposure image are displayed simultaneously. FIG. 6 shows an example in which the third exposure result and the second exposure result are the tube voltage, tube current, and irradiation time. Further, in FIG. 6, an example is shown in which the third exposure result and the second exposure result are displayed superimposed on each of the synthesized exposure image and the main exposure image. Although not shown, the S value and the EI value may be included in the third exposure result and the second exposure result. That is, the S value and the EI value calculated from the synthesized exposure image are superimposed and displayed on the synthesized exposure image, and the S value and the EI value calculated from the main exposure image are superimposed and displayed on the main exposure image.

[0083] By doing so, the user can easily compare the synthesized exposure image and the main exposure image while comparing the exposure results.

[0084] Further, when the main exposure image is selected by the control unit 31 and the second exposure result is associated with the main exposure image and output, the display unit 34 displays the main exposure image and the second exposure result in the same manner as in FIGS. 4 and 5. In other words, when the display unit 34 displays the main exposure image, it displays the main exposure image and the second exposure result without displaying the pre-exposure image and the synthesized exposure image.

[0085] In this way, by associating and displaying the second exposure result with the main exposure image in the display unit 34, the user can easily grasp the second exposure result while checking the main exposure image.

[0086] An operation example of the exposure result output control in the control unit 31 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the exposure result output control in the control unit 31. The process in FIG. 7 is appropriately executed, for example, when the shooting of the exposure image in the radiation imaging system 100 is completed.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 31 determines whether to synthesize the pre-exposure image and the main exposure image (step S101). As a result of the determination, if the pre-exposure image and the main exposure image are not synthesized (step S101, NO), the process proceeds to step S104.

[0088] On the other hand, when synthesizing the pre-exposure image and the main exposure image (step S101, YES), the control unit 31 determines whether the quality of the radiation is the same for the pre-exposure and the main exposure (step S102).

[0089] As a result of the determination, if the quality of the radiation is different between the pre-exposure and the main exposure (step S102, NO), the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if the quality of the radiation is the same for the pre-exposure and the main exposure (step S102, YES), the control unit 31 adds up the first exposure result and the second exposure result to obtain a third exposure result (step S103).

[0090] When NO in step S101 or NO in step S102, the control unit 31 does not add up the first exposure result and the second exposure result (step S104). Specifically, when NO in step S101, the second exposure result of the main exposure image is used as the third exposure result. When NO in step S102, each of the first exposure result of the pre-exposure image and the second exposure result of the main exposure image is used as the third exposure result.

[0091] After step S103 or step S104, the control unit 31 outputs the third exposure result associated with the exposure image (step S105). When step S105 is after step S103, the exposure image is a composite exposure image obtained by synthesizing the pre-exposure image and the main exposure image. When step S105 is after step S104 and NO in step S101, the exposure image is the main exposure image. When step S105 is after step S104 and NO in step S102, the exposure image is a composite exposure image. After step S105, this control ends.

[0092] According to the embodiment configured as described above, when the pre-exposure image and the main exposure image are synthesized, under predetermined conditions, the third exposure result obtained by adding up the first exposure result and the second exposure result is associated with the synthesized exposure image and output. As a result, the association between the synthesized exposure image and the third exposure result can be appropriately performed.

[0093] Also, when the quality of the radiation is the same for pre-exposure and main exposure, since the first exposure result and the second exposure result are added up, the synthesized exposure result and the third exposure result can be managed in an appropriately associated state.

[0094] Also, when the quality of the radiation is different between pre-exposure and main exposure, since the first exposure result and the second exposure result are not added up, it is possible to suppress the situation where the synthesized exposure image and the third exposure result are managed in an inappropriate state.

[0095] Also, when the pre-exposure image and the main exposure image are not synthesized due to the body movement of the subject, the misalignment between the pre-exposure image and the main exposure image, etc., the first exposure result and the second exposure result are not added up, and the main exposure image and the second exposure result (third exposure result) are output. Therefore, when the main exposure image is more appropriate than the synthesized exposure image, the main exposure image can be used, and by associating the third exposure result with the second exposure result for the main exposure image, the association between the exposure result and the exposure image can be made appropriate.

[0096] That is, the exposure image to be output and displayed and the exposure result contributed to the exposure image can be appropriately related according to whether the images are synthesized or not and whether the qualities are different or not. As a result, the user can appropriately manage the exposure results in units of exposure images.

[0097] In the above embodiment, a configuration in which synthesized exposure and non-synthesized exposure can be selected is provided, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the first exposure image and the second exposure image are generated and either the first exposure image or the second exposure image is used may be employed.

[0098] In this case, the control unit 31 determines not to sum up the first exposure result of the first exposure image and the second exposure result of the second exposure image. The control unit 31 outputs, by associating with the exposure image, the exposure result of the exposure image to be used as the third exposure result among the first exposure image and the second exposure image.

[0099] Also, in the above-described embodiment, it has been determined whether or not to sum up the first exposure result and the second exposure result according to whether or not the quality of the radiation differs between the pre-exposure and the main exposure. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which it is determined whether or not to sum up the first exposure result and the second exposure result according to the presence or absence of synthesis of the pre-exposure image and the main exposure image.

[0100] Also, in the above-described embodiment, in order to determine whether or not the quality of the radiation differs between the first exposure and the second exposure, the tube voltage included in the first exposure result is compared with the tube voltage included in the second exposure result. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the tube voltage included in the first exposure result, the tube voltage included in the imaging conditions used for the first exposure may be used. Also, instead of the tube voltage included in the second exposure result, the tube voltage included in the imaging conditions used for the second exposure may be used. Further, in the case of determining the difference in quality from the difference in the additional filters used in the first exposure and the second exposure, the results of the additional filters used in each exposure may be used, or the information on the additional filters to be used included in the imaging conditions of the first exposure and the imaging conditions of the second exposure may be used.

[0101] In addition, when determining whether the quality of the radiation is different between the first exposure and the second exposure by comparing the tube voltage included in the first exposure record with the tube voltage included in the second exposure record, if the difference between the two tube voltages is minute, it may be regarded as the same. For example, even if the tube voltage under the imaging conditions of the first exposure and the tube voltage under the imaging conditions of the second exposure are both 120 kV, there may be a deviation from the target in terms of the actual results. In that case, for example, the tube voltage included in the first exposure record may be 121 kV and the tube voltage included in the second exposure record may be 119 kV. In this case, many users consider that it is easier to grasp and manage the exposure results if the quality of both is regarded as equivalent. Therefore, if the difference is minute, the quality of the first exposure and the second exposure is regarded as the same. Specifically, for example, if the absolute value of the difference between the tube voltages of the first exposure and the second exposure is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (for example, 2 kV or less), it is determined that the dose is the same, and if it exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that the doses are different. In addition to the absolute value of the difference in tube voltage, the determination may be made based on the ratio of the tube voltage of the second exposure to the tube voltage of the first exposure. By doing so, the usability for the user is improved.

[0102] Also, it may be configured such that the user cannot set the quality of the first exposure and the second exposure to be different, and the determination process for whether the above-mentioned quality is different may be omitted. Specifically, in the imaging condition settings of the first exposure and the second exposure, the tube voltages of both can only be set to a common value, and further, in the imaging condition settings of the first exposure and the second exposure, the presence or absence and type of the additional filter for both can only be set to a common setting. Then, the determination process for whether the quality is different is omitted, and only the process in the case of the same quality is performed. That is, the process of step S102 described above is not performed. By doing so, the process can be simplified, and the display of the third exposure record can be accelerated. Usually, after the main exposure is completed, the photographer checks whether the third exposure image and the third exposure record are as intended and then moves on to the next shooting. Therefore, accelerating the display of the third exposure record leads to a reduction in the wasted waiting time for the photographer.

[0103] In the above-described embodiment, in the case of combined exposure, the first exposure result and the second exposure result are added together according to the conditions and then linked to the third exposure image, and output and display are performed. In the case of non-combined exposure, the second exposure result is linked to the third exposure image, and output and display are performed. As a result, the exposure results that contributed to image generation could be appropriately linked to the third exposure image. That is, the exposure results could be appropriately managed on a per-image basis. On the other hand, there are also users who want to regard the first exposure and the second exposure as a single series of shootings and manage the exposure results in terms of shooting units. For such users, the management of exposure results in the above-described per-image unit is inconvenient, and regardless of whether the first exposure image and the second exposure image are synthesized or not, it is more appropriate to add the series of exposure results of the first exposure and the second exposure according to the conditions and then link them to the third exposure image for output and display. Specifically, the control unit 31 does not determine whether to synthesize the pre-exposure image and the main exposure image in step S101 in FIG. 7, and always performs the same processing as when the pre-exposure image and the main exposure image are synthesized (step S101, YES). The subsequent steps S102 and later are the same as those in the above-described embodiment. With the above configuration, even when the pre-exposure image and the main exposure image are synthesized or not synthesized, under predetermined conditions, the third exposure result obtained by adding the first exposure result and the second exposure result is linked to the third exposure image and displayed and output. As a result, the user can manage the exposure results in terms of shooting units.

[0104] Further, a configuration that can manage the exposure results in the above-described shooting unit and a configuration that prevents the user from setting the qualities of the first exposure and the second exposure to be different and omits the determination process of whether the above qualities are different may be combined. In this case, the processes of step S101 and step S102 can be omitted, the process can be further simplified, and the display of the third exposure result can be further stopped. As a result, the useless waiting time of the photographer can be reduced.

[0105] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the control unit 31 has a configuration that also serves as an adding unit, a linking unit, and a selection unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the adding unit, the linking unit, and the selection unit are each provided separately may be used.

[0106] In addition, in the above embodiment, the console 3 is exemplified as the exposure result summing device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the exposure result summing device may be provided outside the radiation imaging system.

[0107] In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments are merely examples of the embodiment of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by them. In other words, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the gist or main characteristics of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1 Radiation irradiation device 2. Radiography equipment 3 Console 11. Generator 12 Exposure switch 13 Radiation source 21 Shooting control section 22 Radiation detection unit 23 Reading part 24 Communications Department 25 Memory section 31 Control Unit 32 Communications Department 33 Storage section 34 Display section 35 Control section 100 Radiography system

Claims

1. A linking unit links information on an exposure result based on a determination result of whether or not a first exposure result of the first exposure image and a second exposure result of the second exposure image can be added to a third exposure image generated based on a first exposure image by the first exposure and a second exposure image by the second exposure, The types of the first exposure result and the second exposure result are results related to at least one of an irradiation time, a tube current time product, an area dose value, and an entrance surface dose value, When the radiation quality is different between the first exposure and the second exposure, and / or when an additional filter in a radiation irradiating device is different between the first exposure and the second exposure, information on each of the first exposure results and the second exposure results is linked to the third exposure image. Exposure record management device.

2. The exposure history management device according to claim 1 , wherein the third exposure image is a composite exposure image obtained by combining the first exposure image and the second exposure image.

3. The exposure history management device according to claim 1 , further comprising a display unit that displays the third exposure image and information related to the second exposure history.

4. The exposure history management device according to claim 1 , further comprising a display unit that displays the second exposure image, the third exposure image, and information related to the second exposure history.

5. An exposure history management device as described in claim 1, which determines that the radiation qualities of the first exposure and the second exposure are different when the tube voltage of the first exposure and the tube voltage of the second exposure are different.

6. An exposure history management device as described in claim 1, which determines that the radiation quality of the first exposure and the second exposure are the same when the difference between the tube voltage of the first exposure history and the tube voltage of the second exposure history is below a predetermined threshold value.

7. a radiation irradiation device that irradiates radiation; a radiation imaging device that generates image data of an exposure image by receiving the radiation; An exposure record management device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A radiation imaging system comprising:

Images