Shooting position correction application introduction support system and shooting position correction application introduction support method

Abstract

To provide an imaging position correction application introduction support system that allows a provider or user of an imaging position correction application to determine an imaging position correction application that the user highly needs to introduce prior to actual introduction.SOLUTION: An imaging position correction application introduction support system 100 is provided with a storage unit 23 and a display unit 33. The imaging position correction application introduction support system is configured to cause the storage unit to store at least one of the number of times an imaging position correction application 120 is used and a degree of correction when the relative position of an X-ray irradiation unit 111 with respect to a specific site of a subject 800 is corrected by the imaging position correction application, as tentative use information when the imaging position correction application is tentatively used. The display unit displays the information on the basis of the tentative use information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and a method for supporting the introduction of a photography position correction application. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there is known an imaging position correction application for easily positioning a radiation irradiation device of an X-ray imaging system when capturing an X-ray image (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging position correction application that calculates the amount of correction required by the user to correct the position of the radiation irradiation device of an X-ray imaging system to a position where the subject to be imaged is properly captured when capturing an X-ray image, and notifies the user of the calculated amount of correction.

[0004] Although not described in Patent Document 1, various imaging position correction applications are provided for X-ray imaging systems (X-ray imaging devices) according to the imaging region. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-143699 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Here, users of X-ray imaging systems (X-ray imaging devices) want to install a highly necessary imaging position correction application from among various imaging position correction applications. However, it is difficult for providers or users of imaging position correction applications to know in advance which imaging position correction application should be installed before actually installing the imaging position correction application. In such cases, even if a imaging position correction application is highly necessary for users to install, the provider or user of the imaging position correction application may not actually install the imaging position correction application because they cannot understand the necessity of the imaging position correction application before actually installing it. Therefore, there is a need for a imaging position correction application installation support system and a imaging position correction application installation support method that enable providers or users of imaging position correction applications to know which imaging position correction applications are highly necessary for users to install before actually installing them.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide a shooting position correction application introduction support system and a shooting position correction application introduction support method that enable a shooting position correction application provider or user to understand which shooting position correction applications are highly necessary for users to introduce before actually introducing them. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a support system for introducing an imaging position correction application, the support system comprising: a storage unit for storing trial use information obtained when an imaging position correction application is used on a trial basis as information used to recommend actual introduction of an imaging position correction application to be introduced on a trial basis as an application for correcting the relative position of an X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates X-rays with respect to a specific part of a subject when an X-ray image of the specific part of the subject is taken; and a display unit for displaying information based on the trial use information stored in the storage unit, wherein the trial use information stored in the storage unit includes at least the number of times the imaging position correction application has been used and the degree of correction when the imaging position correction application corrects the relative position of the X-ray irradiation unit with respect to the specific part of the subject. Correction degree is configured to store the

[0009] A method for supporting introduction of an imaging position correction application according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a storage step of causing a storage unit to store trial use information obtained when the imaging position correction application is used on a trial basis as information used to recommend actual introduction of the imaging position correction application, which is used to correct the relative position of an X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates X-rays with respect to a specific part of a subject when an X-ray image of the specific part of the subject is taken, and a display step of displaying information based on the trial use information stored in the storage step, wherein the storage step stores, as the trial use information, at least one of the number of times the imaging position correction application has been used and the degree of correction when the imaging position correction application corrects the relative position of the X-ray irradiation unit with respect to the specific part of the subject. Correction degree The method includes a step of storing the above in a storage unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] In a device status management system according to a first aspect and a device status management method according to a second aspect of the present invention, trial use information obtained when the imaging position correction application is used on a trial basis is stored as information used to recommend the actual introduction of an imaging position correction application that is being introduced on a trial basis, and information based on the trial use information is displayed. At least one of the number of times the imaging position correction application is used and the degree of correction used by the imaging position correction application to correct the relative position of the X-ray irradiator with respect to a specific part of the subject is stored in a storage unit as the trial use information. Thus, when the number of times the imaging position correction application is used is stored as the trial use information, a provider or user of the imaging position correction application can visually check the information based on the trial use information to identify imaging position correction applications that were used frequently on a trial basis and are likely to be used in actual introduction. As a result, a system and a method for supporting introduction of an imaging position correction application can be provided that enable a provider or user of the imaging position correction application to identify imaging position correction applications that are highly necessary for the user to introduce before the actual introduction. Furthermore, when the degree of correction when correcting the relative position of the X-ray irradiator with respect to a specific part of the subject by the imaging position correction application is stored as the trial use information, the provider or user of the imaging position correction application can visually check the information based on the trial use information to identify the imaging position correction application that has a large degree of correction when introduced on a trial basis and will be highly effective when actually introduced. This makes it possible to provide a imaging position correction application introduction support system and a imaging position correction application introduction support method that enable the provider or user of the imaging position correction application to identify the imaging position correction application that is highly necessary for the user to introduce before actually introducing it. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1]1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a shooting position correction application introduction support system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing by a shooting position correction application. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of recommended information displayed on a display unit of the tablet terminal in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the shooting position correction application introduction support system. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a shooting position correction application introduction support system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of trial use information displayed on a display unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] [First embodiment] The configuration of a shooting position correction application introduction support system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0014] (Overall system configuration) 1, the imaging position correction application introduction support system 100 includes a server 2 connected to an X-ray imaging apparatus 1 via a network 101, and a tablet terminal 3. The imaging position correction application introduction support system 100 is a system used to consider the actual introduction of a imaging position correction application 120 (imaging position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d) described below.

[0015] The X-ray imaging device 1 is a device in which an imaging position correction application 120 (imaging position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d) is experimentally introduced, and which captures an X-ray image 4 (see FIG. 3) of a subject 800 (see FIG. 2).

[0016] 1, the X-ray imaging device 1 includes an imaging device main body 11 and a PC 12. The PC 12 is a console PC (Personal Computer) used for operating the imaging device main body 11 when imaging, and for analyzing the captured X-ray image 4.

[0017] The imaging device main body 11 includes an X-ray irradiation unit 111 , an X-ray detection unit 112 , an irradiation unit moving mechanism 113 , and a device control unit 114 .

[0018] The X-ray irradiator 111 is configured to irradiate the subject 800 with X-rays. The X-ray irradiator 111 also includes an X-ray source (not shown) that irradiates the subject 800 with X-rays, and a collimator (not shown) that adjusts the irradiation range of the X-rays.

[0019] The X-ray detection unit 112 is configured to detect X-rays that are irradiated from the X-ray irradiation unit 111 and have passed through the subject 800. The X-ray detection unit 112 is, for example, an FPD (Flat Panel Detector), and detects the X-rays that have passed through the subject 800.

[0020] The irradiation unit moving mechanism 113 is configured to change the position of the X-ray irradiator 111 relative to the subject 800 by moving the X-ray irradiator 111. In the X-ray imaging apparatus 1, the X-ray irradiator 111 is supported so as to be suspended from the ceiling by the irradiation unit moving mechanism 113. The X-ray irradiator 111 is supported by the irradiation unit moving mechanism 113 so as to be movable within an imaging room. The irradiation unit moving mechanism 113 includes motors and electromagnetic brakes (not shown) corresponding to the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively. The X-ray irradiator 111 is configured to be movable in the X, Y, and Z directions by the irradiation unit moving mechanism 113. The irradiation unit moving mechanism 113 also includes encoders (not shown) used to control the movement of the X-ray irradiator 111 corresponding to the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively. In addition, the irradiation unit moving mechanism 113 is provided with potentiometers (not shown) corresponding to the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction, respectively, and is configured to be able to detect the position of the X-ray irradiation unit 111 in each of the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction.

[0021] The device control unit 114 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The device control unit 114 is configured to control the entire imaging device main body 11. Specifically, the device control unit 114 is configured to control X-ray irradiation by the X-ray irradiation unit 111, such as starting and stopping X-ray irradiation, control changing the X-ray irradiation range by the X-ray irradiation unit 111, control detection by the X-ray detection unit 112, control movement of the X-ray irradiation unit 111 by the irradiation unit moving mechanism 113, and control movement of the tabletop.

[0022] The device control unit 114 is also configured to be able to receive detection signals from an encoder and a potentiometer (not shown) provided in the irradiation unit moving mechanism 113. The device control unit 114 is also configured to control a motor and an electromagnetic brake (not shown) provided in the irradiation unit moving mechanism 113.

[0023] The PC 12 includes a processing unit 121, a storage unit 122, a display unit 123, an operation unit 124, and a communication unit 125. The PC 12 is connected to the imaging device main body 11 (device control unit 114) so ​​as to be able to communicate with the imaging device main body 11. The PC 12 may be configured integrally with the device control unit 114.

[0024] The processing unit 121 includes a CPU, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a read-only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM).

[0025] The storage unit 122 includes a storage device (internal storage) such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0026] Display unit 123 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. Operation unit 124 is a user interface for operating PC 12. Operation unit 124 includes, for example, a keyboard and a mouse. Display unit 123 may also be provided with a touch panel as operation unit 124.

[0027] The communication unit 125 is a communication interface. The PC 12 is configured to transmit the trial use information 23a to the server 2 via the network 101 by means of the communication unit 125.

[0028] In the X-ray imaging apparatus 1, imaging position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d are experimentally introduced as imaging position correction applications 120, which are application software for correcting the relative position of the X-ray irradiation unit 111 that irradiates X-rays with respect to the specific part of the subject 800 when capturing an X-ray image 4 of the specific part of the subject 800. Note that the imaging position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d are examples of "plural imaging position correction applications."

[0029] The imaging position correction application 120a is an imaging position correction application 120 for correcting the position of the X-ray irradiator 111 relative to the knee of the subject 800 when capturing an X-ray image 4 of the knee (knee joint) of the subject 800. The imaging position correction application 120a is an example of a "knee imaging position correction application" in the claims.

[0030] The imaging position correction applications 120b, 120c, and 120d are imaging position correction applications 120 for correcting the relative position of the X-ray irradiation unit 111 with respect to each imaging subject when taking, for example, X-ray images 4 of the chest, elbow, and waist, respectively.

[0031] The server 2 is configured to be connected to the X-ray imaging device 1 via a network 101. The server 2 includes a communication unit 21, an acquisition unit 22, and a storage unit 23. The acquisition unit 22 and the storage unit 23 of the server 2 are examples of the "acquisition unit" and the "storage unit" in the claims, respectively.

[0032] The server 2 is configured to record the trial use information 23a acquired from the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 via the network 101 in the storage unit 23, and to acquire recommendation information 23b for recommending to the user the installation of the imaging position correction application 120, based on the trial use information 23a stored in the storage unit 23. The recommendation information 23b is also stored in the storage unit 23.

[0033] The communication unit 21 of the server 2 is a communication interface. The acquisition unit 22 of the server 2 includes a processor such as a CPU, a memory, etc. The server 2 (acquisition unit 22) acquires the recommended information 23b from the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 via the network 101 using the communication unit 21, and stores the recommended information 23b in the storage unit 23.

[0034] The storage unit 23 of the server 2 includes a storage device (internal storage) such as an HDD or SSD. The storage unit 23 of the server 2 stores trial use information 23a obtained when each of the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d is used on a trial basis, as information used to recommend the actual introduction of the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d that are introduced on a trial basis.

[0035] In addition, when each of the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d is used on a trial basis in the X-ray imaging device 1, the trial use information 23a is stored temporarily or long-term in the memory unit 122 of the PC 12, and is transmitted to the server 2 via the network 101, whereby it is stored in the memory unit 23 of the server 2.

[0036] The trial use information 23a is stored, for example, as log information for each of the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d. In this case, the trial use information 23a is temporarily or long-term stored in the storage unit 122 of the PC 12 by each of the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d. Alternatively, the trial use information 23a for each of the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d may be collectively managed and stored by a dedicated application that stores the trial use information 23a.

[0037] Furthermore, for example, when each of the imaging position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d is used, the trial use information 23a is stored in real time in the storage unit 23 of the server 2. Furthermore, when each of the imaging position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d is shut down or started up, the trial use information 23a stored in the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 (storage unit 122) may be transmitted to the server 2 via the network 101 and stored in the storage unit 23 of the server 2.

[0038] Furthermore, if the usage fee or purchase fee for the shooting position correction application 120 is determined according to the number of available functions included in the shooting position correction application 120, it is possible to reduce unnecessary costs by restricting (disabling) less necessary functions. Therefore, if each of the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d has multiple correction functions, the shooting position correction application introduction support system 100 is configured to store trial use information 23a (number of uses and degree of correction) for each correction function. This allows providers or users of the shooting position correction application 120 to consider actual introduction of the shooting position correction application 120 not only for each shooting position correction application 120 but also for each correction function of the shooting position correction application 120.

[0039] Furthermore, when using each of the photography position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d, if there is a photography error such as an error in the photography body part or photography direction, the photography position correction application introduction support system 100 may store the presence or absence of photography errors and the number of times such errors occurred as trial use information 23a.

[0040] The imaging position correction application introduction support system 100 is configured to store, as the trial use information 23a, the number of times each of the imaging position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d has been used in the storage unit 23 of the server 2. The imaging position correction application introduction support system 100 is also configured to store, as the trial use information 23a, the degree of correction used when correcting the relative position of the X-ray irradiator 111 with respect to a specific part of the subject 800 by each of the imaging position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d in the storage unit 23 of the server 2. The degree of correction stored as the trial use information 23a may be each value of the amount of correction in all corrections performed within a trial introduction period or a predetermined period, or may be the maximum or average value of the amount of correction in all corrections performed within a trial introduction period or a predetermined period.

[0041] That is, the memory unit 23 of the server 2 stores, as trial use information 23a, the number of times the imaging position correction application 120a, which is a knee imaging position correction application, has been used, and the degree of correction when the imaging position correction application 120a corrects the relative position of the X-ray irradiation unit 111 with respect to the knee of the subject 800.

[0042] The acquisition unit 22 of the server 2 is configured to acquire, based on the trial use information 23a, recommendation information 23b including information on the shooting position correction application 120 recommended for actual implementation as information for recommending to the user the actual implementation of the shooting position correction application 120 (shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d).

[0043] In the first embodiment, the acquisition unit 22 determines the imaging position correction application 120 that is recommended for actual implementation based on the number of times each of the imaging position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d has been used and the degree of correction when each of the imaging position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d corrects the relative position of the X-ray irradiation unit 111 with respect to a specific part of the subject 800.

[0044] That is, the acquisition unit 22 determines the imaging position correction application 120a as the imaging position correction application 120 recommended for actual implementation based on the number of times the imaging position correction application 120a, which is a knee imaging position correction application, has been used and the degree of correction when the imaging position correction application 120a corrects the relative position of the X-ray irradiation unit 111 with respect to the knee of the subject 800.

[0045] The acquisition unit 22 is configured to acquire recommendation information 23b including information on the imaging position correction application 120 recommended for actual implementation, determined based on the number of times each of the imaging position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d has been used and the degree of correction used by each of the imaging position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d to correct the relative position of the X-ray irradiation unit 111 with respect to a specific part of the subject 800.

[0046] The server 2 may also be configured to be connected to a plurality of X-ray imaging devices 1 via the network 101, acquire trial use information 23a from each of the plurality of X-ray imaging devices 1, and acquire recommendation information 23b individually or collectively from each of the acquired trial use information 23a. The server 2 may also be configured to be connected to a plurality of users' X-ray imaging devices 1 via the network 101, acquire trial use information 23a from each of the plurality of users' X-ray imaging devices 1, and acquire recommendation information 23b for each user from each of the acquired trial use information 23a.

[0047] The tablet terminal 3 includes a communication unit 31, a control unit 32, and a display unit 33. The tablet terminal 3 is, for example, a terminal owned by a provider of the shooting position correction application 120. The tablet terminal 3 is used when the provider of the shooting position correction application 120 recommends the introduction of the shooting position correction application 120 to a user.

[0048] The communication unit 31 is a communication interface. The tablet terminal 3 acquires the recommended information 23b from the server 2 via the network 101 using the communication unit 31.

[0049] The control unit 32 is configured to perform overall control of the tablet terminal 3. The control unit 32 performs overall control of the tablet terminal 3 based on software installed on the terminal. Specifically, the control unit 32 is configured to control communication using the communication unit 31, control the display of the display unit 33, and the like.

[0050] The display unit 33 is configured to display information based on the trial use information 23a stored in the storage unit 23. The display unit 33 is, for example, a touch panel display including a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. In the first embodiment, the display unit 33 is configured to display recommendation information 23b as information based on the trial use information 23a.

[0051] (Shooting position correction) When capturing the X-ray image 4, it is necessary to adjust the posture of the subject 800 and the position of the X-ray irradiator 111 so that they are appropriate depending on the region to be observed. Since the appropriate posture of the subject 800 and the position of the X-ray irradiator 111 differ depending on the region to be observed, it is necessary to correct the position of the X-ray irradiator 111 relative to the region to be observed of the subject 800 using the corresponding imaging position correction application 120 for each region to be observed.

[0052] For example, when imaging a knee (knee joint), the imaging position correction application 120a is used. In the imaging position correction application 120a, as shown in FIG. 3, the outer edge of the medial condyle and the outer edge of the lateral condyle of the femur are identified (estimated) from the X-ray image 4 by segmentation processing using a trained model. Then, based on the outer edges of the medial condyle and the lateral condyle identified (estimated) from the X-ray image 4, the deviation (amount and direction of deviation) between the outer edges of the medial condyle and the lateral condyle of the femur is calculated. Note that the X-ray image 4 used to calculate the deviation may be an image captured with approximately the same radiation dose as the image used in actual diagnosis, or may be an image captured with a lower radiation dose than the image used in actual diagnosis.

[0053] Then, based on the calculated deviation (amount and direction of deviation) between the lateral edge of the medial condyle and the lateral condyle of the femur, the imaging position correction application 120a calculates position correction information for correcting the relative position of the X-ray irradiator 111 with respect to the knee of the subject 800 to a position where an X-ray image 4 can be taken, in which the lateral edges of the medial condyle and the lateral condyle are superimposed on each other. The imaging position correction application 120a also has a function of automatically correcting the position of the X-ray irradiator 111 based on the calculated position correction information. This makes it possible to take an X-ray image 4 that allows accurate identification of diseases that occur around the knee joint, such as osteochondral inflammation dissecans and osteoarthritis.

[0054] As described above, the correction by the photographing position correction application 120 (photographing position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d) may be performed based on the X-ray image 4 or on a camera image captured using visible light or the like. Furthermore, the correction by the photographing position correction application 120 may be performed based on both the X-ray image 4 and a camera image captured using visible light or the like. That is, in the photographing position correction application introduction support system 100, the photographing position correction application 120 that is experimentally introduced and whose actual introduction is being considered may be the photographing position correction application 120 that performs correction using any method.

[0055] The imaging position correction application 120 (imaging position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d) determines that correction by the imaging position correction application 120 is necessary when, for example, the relative position of the X-ray irradiator 111 with respect to the observation target region of the subject 800 is not appropriate. That is, a case where the degree of correction when the imaging position correction application 120 performs correction is large is considered to be a case where the relative positioning of the X-ray irradiator 111 with respect to the observation target region of the subject 800 is insufficient.

[0056] (Get recommendations) In the first embodiment, the acquisition unit 22 is configured to select a shooting position correction application 120 that is recommended for actual implementation from among the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d based on the number of times each of the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d has been used, and to acquire recommendation information 23b that includes information on the selected shooting position correction application 120 that is recommended for actual implementation.

[0057] Specifically, the acquisition unit 22 selects a shooting position correction application 120 that is recommended for actual implementation from among the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d based on a comparison between the number of uses of each of the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d and a predetermined threshold value for number of uses, and based on a ranking of the shooting position correction applications 120 based on the number of uses of each of the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d. The acquisition unit 22 is then configured to acquire recommendation information 23b that includes information on the shooting position correction application 120 that is recommended for actual implementation and that has been selected from among the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d.

[0058] The predetermined threshold for the number of uses may be set by the provider of the photographing position correction application introduction support system 100, or may be changed (set) according to the user's request. By setting the threshold for the number of uses, the acquiring unit 22 can exclude, from among the photographing position correction applications 120 introduced on a trial basis, photographing position correction applications 120 whose number of uses does not meet the predetermined threshold for the number of uses, from the photographing position correction applications 120 recommended for actual introduction. Furthermore, by ranking the photographing position correction applications 120 based on the number of uses, the acquiring unit 22 can also acquire the priority order of the photographing position correction applications 120 recommended for actual introduction.

[0059] The acquisition unit 22 is also configured to select a shooting position correction application 120 that is recommended for actual implementation from among the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d based on the degree of correction used by each of the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d to correct the relative position of the X-ray irradiation unit 111 with respect to a specific part of the subject 800 and a predetermined correction degree threshold, and to acquire recommendation information 23b that includes information on the selected shooting position correction application 120 that is recommended for actual implementation.

[0060] The predetermined correction degree threshold may be set by the provider of the photography position correction application introduction support system 100, or may be changed (set) according to the user's request. For example, the predetermined correction degree threshold may be set according to the criteria by which the user determines that an image needs to be retaken (a failed image).

[0061] In the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the application name, number of times of use, and correction degree of each shooting position correction application 120 recommended for actual implementation are displayed as recommendation information 23b on the display unit 33 of the tablet terminal 3. Fig. 4 shows an example of recommendation information 23b in which the shooting position correction applications 120 with the highest number of times of use and the highest correction degree are displayed as the shooting position correction applications 120 recommended for actual implementation from among the shooting position correction applications 120 such as the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d.

[0062] In addition, the shooting position correction application introduction support system 100 (X-ray imaging device 1) can also display the recommended information 23b on the display unit 123 of the X-ray imaging device 1 by transmitting the recommended information 23b from the server 2 to the X-ray imaging device 1 via the network 101.

[0063] (Processing flow of the photography position correction application introduction support system) Next, a processing flow for acquiring the trial use information 23a and the recommendation information 23b by the shooting position correction application introduction support system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0064] In step 901, the trial use information 23a is stored. In step 901, the trial use information 23a obtained when the shooting position correction application 120 is used on a trial basis is stored in the storage unit 23 as information to be used for recommending the actual introduction of the shooting position correction application 120 that is introduced on a trial basis. Note that step 901 is an example of a "storage step" in the claims.

[0065] In step 901, as described above, the number of times the experimentally introduced imaging position correction application 120 has been used and the degree of correction when correcting the relative position of the X-ray irradiation unit 111 with respect to a specific part of the subject 800 using the experimentally introduced imaging position correction application 120 are stored in the memory unit 23 as trial use information 23a.

[0066] In step 902, the recommendation information 23b is acquired. In step 902, based on the trial use information 23a, the acquisition unit 22 of the server 2 acquires the recommendation information 23b including information on the shooting position correction application 120 recommended for actual implementation as information for recommending to the user the actual implementation of the shooting position correction application 120. Note that the transition from step 901 to step 902 may be performed after completion of step 901, or the processing step may transition to step 902 when the server 2 accepts an operation for acquiring the recommendation information 23b after completion of step 901. Then, after completion of step 902, the processing step transitions to step 903.

[0067] In step 903, the recommended information 23b is transmitted. In step 903, the recommended information 23b acquired by the acquisition unit 22 of the server 2 in step 902 is transmitted from the server 2 to the tablet terminal 3 via the network 101. After step 903 is completed, the processing proceeds to step 904.

[0068] In step 904, the recommended information 23b is displayed. In step 905, the recommended information 23b transmitted from the server 2 in step 903 is displayed on the display unit 33 (see FIG. 4) as information based on the trial use information 23a stored in step 901. Note that step 904 is an example of a "display step" in the claims.

[0069] In step 903 , the recommended information 23 b may be transmitted to the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 , and in step 904 , the recommended information 23 b may be displayed on the display unit 123 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 .

[0070] (Effects of the first embodiment) In the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0071] In the first embodiment, trial use information 23a obtained when the photographing position correction application 120 is used on a trial basis is stored as information used to recommend the actual introduction of the photographing position correction application 120 (photographing position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d) that is introduced on a trial basis, and information based on the trial use information 23a (recommended information 23b) is displayed. Then, as the trial use information 23a, the number of times the photographing position correction application 120 is used and the degree of correction when the photographing position correction application 120 corrects the relative position of the X-ray irradiator 111 with respect to a specific part of the subject 800 are stored in the storage unit 23. As a result, since the number of times the photographing position correction application 120 is used is stored as the trial use information 23a, a provider or user of the photographing position correction application 120 can visually recognize the information based on the trial use information 23a (recommended information 23b) to identify the photographing position correction application 120 that was used frequently when introduced on a trial basis and is likely to be used when actually introduced. As a result, a provider or user of the imaging position correction application 120 can identify the imaging position correction application 120 that is highly necessary for the user to introduce before the actual introduction. Furthermore, since the correction degree when the imaging position correction application 120 corrects the relative position of the X-ray irradiator 111 with respect to a specific part of the subject 800 is stored as the trial use information 23a, a provider or user of the imaging position correction application 120 can identify the imaging position correction application 120 that has a high correction degree when introduced on a trial basis and is highly effective when actually introduced, by visually checking the information based on the trial use information 23a (recommended information 23b). This allows a provider or user of the imaging position correction application 120 to identify the imaging position correction application 120 that is highly necessary for the user to introduce before the actual introduction. As a result, a provider or user of the imaging position correction application 120 can identify the imaging position correction application 120 that is highly likely to be used when actually introduced and that is highly effective when actually introduced, by visually checking the information based on the trial use information 23a (recommended information 23b).This allows the provider or user of the photographing position correction application 120 to know which photographing position correction application 120 is most likely to be introduced by the user before the application is actually introduced.

[0072] Furthermore, the shooting position correction application introduction support system 100 according to the first embodiment is configured as follows, thereby providing the following additional effects.

[0073] In the first embodiment, the acquisition unit 22 of the server 2 acquires, based on the trial use information 23a, recommendation information 23b including information on the shooting position correction applications 120 recommended for actual introduction as information for recommending to the user the actual introduction of the shooting position correction applications 120 (shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d). As a result, the acquisition unit 22 of the server 2 acquires the recommendation information 23b including information on the shooting position correction applications 120 recommended for actual introduction, even if the provider or user of the shooting position correction applications 120 does not carefully examine the content of the trial use information 23a. As a result, when proposing the introduction of the shooting position correction application 120 to the user, the provider of the shooting position correction application 120 can use the recommendation information 23b acquired by the acquisition unit 22 of the server 2, including information on the shooting position correction applications 120 recommended for actual introduction. This allows the provider of the shooting position correction application 120 to more easily propose the introduction of the shooting position correction application 120 than when proposing the introduction of the shooting position correction application 120 to a user using only the trial use information 23a. Furthermore, the display unit 33 displays recommendation information 23b including information on the shooting position correction application 120 that is recommended for actual introduction, as information based on the trial use information 23a. This allows the user and the provider of the shooting position correction application 120 to visually check the recommendation information 23b displayed on the display unit 33 and grasp the shooting position correction application 120 that is highly necessary to be introduced.

[0074] In the first embodiment, the acquiring unit 22 is configured to acquire recommendation information 23b including information on the imaging position correction applications 120 recommended for actual introduction, which are determined based on the number of times each of the imaging position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d has been used and the degree of correction when each of the imaging position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d corrects the position of the X-ray irradiator 111 relative to a specific part of the subject 800. This allows the user and the provider of the imaging position correction applications 120 to know which imaging position correction applications 120 are likely to be used in actual introduction and are therefore highly necessary for introduction, based on the recommendation information 23b acquired by the acquiring unit 22 based on the number of times each of the imaging position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d has been used. Furthermore, the user and the provider of the imaging position correction application 120 can know which imaging position correction application 120 will be highly effective when actually introduced and highly necessary to be introduced, from the recommendation information 23b acquired by the acquisition unit 22 based on the magnitude of the correction degree when correcting the relative position of the X-ray irradiator 111 with respect to a specific part of the subject 800. As a result, the user and the provider of the imaging position correction application 120 can know from the recommendation information 23b which imaging position correction application 120 will be highly likely to be used when actually introduced, will be highly effective when actually introduced, and highly necessary to be introduced.

[0075] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the acquiring unit 22 is configured to select a shooting position correction application 120 that is recommended for actual implementation from among the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d based on the number of times each of the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d has been used, and to acquire recommendation information 23b including information on the selected shooting position correction application 120 that is recommended for actual implementation. This allows the user and the provider of the shooting position correction application 120 to know, from among the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d that have been experimentally introduced, which shooting position correction application 120 is likely to be used when actually introduced and has a high need for introduction, based on the recommendation information 23b acquired by the acquiring unit 22 based on the number of times each of the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d.

[0076] In the first embodiment, the acquisition unit 22 is configured to acquire recommendation information 23b including information on a shooting position correction application 120 recommended for actual implementation selected from the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d based on a comparison between the number of uses of each of the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d and a predetermined threshold value for number of uses and a ranking of the shooting position correction applications 120 based on the number of uses of each of the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d. In this way, the acquisition unit 22 selects a shooting position correction application 120 that has been used in excess of the predetermined threshold value for number of uses as a shooting position correction application 120 recommended for actual implementation, thereby making it possible to acquire recommendation information 23b including information on a shooting position correction application 120 that is more likely to be used when actually implemented and is more necessary for implementation, from the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d that have been experimentally implemented. Furthermore, by selecting the shooting position correction application 120 with the highest ranking based on the number of times of use among the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d as the shooting position correction application 120 recommended for actual implementation, it is possible to acquire recommendation information 23b including information on the shooting position correction application 120 that is more likely to be used when actually implemented and has a higher need for implementation from among the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d that have been introduced on a trial basis.As a result, the acquisition unit 22 can acquire recommendation information 23b including information on the shooting position correction application 120 that has been used in excess of a predetermined threshold value for the number of times of use, has a high ranking based on the number of times of use, and is even more likely to be used when actually implemented from among the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d that have been introduced on a trial basis.

[0077] In the first embodiment, the acquiring unit 22 is configured to acquire recommendation information 23b including information on a photographing position correction application 120 recommended for actual introduction selected from the photographing position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d based on a predetermined correction degree threshold and a correction degree threshold used when correcting the position of the X-ray irradiator 111 relative to a specific part of the subject 800 by each of the photographing position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d. Thus, the acquiring unit 22 selects the photographing position correction application 120 that performs correction exceeding the predetermined correction degree threshold as the photographing position correction application 120 recommended for actual introduction, thereby making it possible to acquire recommendation information 23b including a photographing position correction application 120 that will be more effective when actually introduced and that is more necessary for introduction from the photographing position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d that have been experimentally introduced.

[0078] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the acquiring unit 22 determines the imaging position correction application 120a as the imaging position correction application 120 recommended for actual implementation based on the number of times the imaging position correction application 120a, which is a knee imaging position correction application, has been used and the degree of correction when the imaging position correction application 120a corrects the position of the X-ray irradiator 111 relative to the knee of the subject 800. As a result, if the imaging position correction application 120a, which is a knee imaging position correction application introduced on a trial basis, was used frequently when introduced on a trial basis and is likely to be used when introduced in actual practice, information about the imaging position correction application 120a is included in the recommendation information 23b. If the imaging position correction application 120a, which is a knee imaging position correction application introduced on a trial basis, was used frequently when introduced on a trial basis and is likely to be used when introduced in actual practice, information about the imaging position correction application 120a is included in the recommendation information 23b. As a result, if the photographing position correction application 120a, which is a knee photographing position correction application introduced on a trial basis, is likely to be used when actually introduced, has a large effect when actually introduced, and is a photographing position correction application 120 that is highly necessary for introduction, the user and the provider of the photographing position correction application 120 can understand from the recommendation information 23b that the photographing position correction application 120a is a photographing position correction application 120 that is highly necessary for introduction.

[0079] Moreover, in the first embodiment, the server 2 is configured to be connected to the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 via the network 101. The server 2 is configured to record the trial use information 23a acquired from the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 via the network 101 in the storage unit 23, and to acquire recommendation information 23b for recommending the introduction of the imaging position correction application 120 to the user based on the trial use information 23a stored in the storage unit 23. This allows a provider of the imaging position correction application 120 to acquire the recommendation information 23b based on the trial use information 23a acquired from the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 by accessing the server 2 via the network 101. As a result, the provider of the imaging position correction application 120 can acquire the recommendation information 23b based on the trial use information 23a without having to go to the installation site of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1, and can propose to the user the imaging position correction application 120 to be actually introduced based on the recommendation information 23b.

[0080] [Second embodiment] The configuration of a shooting position correction application introduction support system 200 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. In the figure, parts having the same configuration as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals.

[0081] In the imaging position correction application introduction support system 200 according to the second embodiment, a processing unit 121 in a PC 12 of an X-ray imaging apparatus 1 is configured to process the imaging position correction application 120 (imaging position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d) and acquire recommended information 23b. The processing unit 121 is an example of the "acquisition unit" and the "processing unit" in the claims.

[0082] In the second embodiment, the processing unit 121 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 is configured to record the trial use information 23a in the storage unit 122 and to acquire recommendation information 23b for recommending to the user the actual introduction of the imaging position correction application 120, based on the trial use information 23a stored in the storage unit 122. The recommendation information 23b is stored in the storage unit 122. The processing unit 121 is then configured to display the acquired recommendation information 23b on the display unit 123. Note that the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 may transmit the trial use information 23a and the recommendation information 23b to a device external to the apparatus, such as a tablet terminal 3 (see FIG. 1), via the network 101.

[0083] The other configurations of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0084] (Effects of the second embodiment) In the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0085] In the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide a shooting position correction application introduction support system 200 that enables a provider or a user of a shooting position correction application 120 to understand which shooting position correction application 120 is highly necessary for users to introduce before actually introducing it.

[0086] Furthermore, the shooting position correction application introduction support system 200 according to the second embodiment is configured as follows, thereby providing the following additional effects.

[0087] In the second embodiment, the processing unit 121 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 is configured to record the trial use information 23a in the storage unit 122 and to acquire recommendation information 23b for recommending to the user the actual introduction of the imaging position correction application 120, based on the trial use information 23a stored in the storage unit 122. Then, the processing unit 121 is configured to display the acquired recommendation information 23b on the display unit 123. As a result, the trial use information 23a is stored and the recommendation information 23b is acquired in the X-ray imaging apparatus 1, so that the imaging position correction application 120 that the user is most likely to introduce can be identified before the actual introduction, without connecting to an external network 101.

[0088] The other effects of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0089] [Variations] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than the above description of the embodiments, and further includes all modifications (variations) within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0090] For example, in the above-described first and second embodiments, an example was shown in which the recommendation information 23b was displayed as information based on the trial use information 23a, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7, the trial use information 23a may be displayed on the display unit 33 of the tablet terminal 3. Furthermore, the tablet terminal 3 may be configured to simultaneously display the trial use information 23a and the recommendation information 23b or to switch between displaying them. Furthermore, the trial use information 23a may be displayed on the display unit 123 of the X-ray imaging device 1 (see FIG. 1).

[0091] In the first and second embodiments, examples have been described in which the recommendation information 23b is acquired by each of the acquisition unit 22 and the processing unit 121, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, a provider or user of a shooting position correction application may visually check the trial use information displayed on the display unit and consider a shooting position correction application that is recommended for actual implementation.

[0092] In the above first and second embodiments, the imaging position correction application introduction support system 100 has been exemplified as storing, as the trial use information 23a, in the storage unit 23, the number of uses of the imaging position correction application 120 and the degree of correction when the imaging position correction application 120 corrects the position of the X-ray irradiator 111 relative to a specific part of the subject 800. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the imaging position correction application introduction support system may store, as the trial use information, only one of the number of uses of the imaging position correction application and the degree of correction when the imaging position correction application corrects the position of the X-ray irradiator relative to a specific part of the subject.

[0093] Furthermore, in the above first and second embodiments, an example has been shown in which the acquiring unit 22 determines the imaging position correction application 120 to be recommended for actual introduction based on the number of times the imaging position correction application 120 has been used and the degree of correction when the imaging position correction application 120 corrects the position of the X-ray irradiator 111 relative to a specific part of the subject 800, and acquires the recommendation information 23b including information on the determined imaging position correction application 120 to be recommended for actual introduction, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the acquiring unit may determine the imaging position correction application to be recommended for actual introduction based on only one of the number of times the imaging position correction application has been used and the degree of correction when the imaging position correction application corrects the position of the X-ray irradiator relative to a specific part of the subject.

[0094] In the first and second embodiments, the acquisition unit 22 selects a shooting position correction application 120 recommended for actual implementation from among the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d based on the number of times the shooting position correction application 120 has been used, and acquires the recommendation information 23b including information on the selected shooting position correction application 120 recommended for actual implementation. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention may also be used when one shooting position correction application is introduced on a trial basis. In this case, whether or not to recommend the introduction of the shooting position correction application introduced on a trial basis is determined based on the number of times the shooting position correction application has been used.

[0095] In the first and second embodiments, the acquisition unit 22 selects a shooting position correction application 120 recommended for actual implementation from among the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d based on a comparison of the number of uses of each of the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d with a predetermined threshold value for number of uses and a ranking of the shooting position correction applications 120 based on the number of uses of each of the shooting position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d, and acquires the recommendation information 23b including information on the selected shooting position correction application 120 recommended for actual implementation. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the acquisition unit may select a shooting position correction application recommended for actual implementation from among a plurality of shooting position correction applications based on only one of the comparison of the number of uses of each of the plurality of shooting position correction applications with a predetermined threshold value for number of uses and the ranking of the shooting position correction applications based on the number of uses of each of the plurality of shooting position correction applications.

[0096] In the first and second embodiments, the acquisition unit 22 selects a recommended imaging position correction application 120 for actual implementation from among the imaging position correction applications 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d based on the degree of correction used by the imaging position correction application 120 to correct the relative position of the X-ray irradiator 111 with respect to a specific part of the subject 800 and a predetermined correction degree threshold, and acquires the recommendation information 23b including information on the selected imaging position correction application 120 recommended for actual implementation. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention may also be used when one imaging position correction application is introduced on a trial basis. In this case, whether to recommend the introduction of the imaging position correction application introduced on a trial basis is determined based on the degree of correction used by the imaging position correction application to correct the relative position of the X-ray irradiator with respect to a specific part of the subject and a predetermined correction degree threshold.

[0097] In the second embodiment, an example has been shown in which the trial use information 23a is recorded in the storage unit 122 of the PC 12 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the imaging position correction application introduction support system may store the trial use information in a storage device such as a memory provided on the imaging apparatus main body unit 11 (see FIG. 1) side of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1.

[0098] In the above-described first and second embodiments, an example is shown in which the trial use information 23a and recommendation information 23b of an imaging position correction application that is trial-installed in the ceiling-suspended X-ray imaging apparatus 1 are acquired, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, trial use information and recommendation information of an imaging position correction application that is trial-installed in an X-ray fluoroscopy table (fluoroscopy table) may also be acquired.

[0099] Furthermore, in the above-described first and second embodiments, for convenience of explanation, the processing in the photography position correction application introduction support system of the present invention (processing for acquiring the trial use information 23a and the recommended information 23b) has been described using a flow-driven flowchart in which processing is performed in order according to a processing flow, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the processing in the photography position correction application introduction support system may be performed by event-driven processing in which processing is performed on an event-by-event basis. In this case, the processing may be performed completely event-driven, or may be performed in a combination of event-driven and flow-driven.

[0100] [Aspect] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of the following aspects.

[0101] (Item 1) a storage unit that stores trial use information obtained when the imaging position correction application is used on a trial basis as information used to recommend actual introduction of the imaging position correction application, which is introduced on a trial basis as an application for correcting the relative position of an X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates X-rays with respect to a specific part of a subject when taking an X-ray image of the specific part of the subject; and a display unit that displays information based on the trial use information stored in the storage unit, the storage unit is configured to store, as the trial use information, at least one of the number of times the imaging position correction application has been used and the degree of correction used by the imaging position correction application to correct the position of the X-ray irradiator relative to a specific part of the subject.

[0102] (Item 2) an acquisition unit that acquires, based on the trial use information, recommendation information including information on the shooting position correction application that is recommended for actual implementation as information for recommending actual implementation of the shooting position correction application to a user; 2. The shooting position correction application introduction support system according to item 1, wherein the display unit is configured to display the recommended information as information based on the trial use information.

[0103] (Item 3) Item 3. The imaging position correction application introduction support system according to Item 2, wherein the acquisition unit is configured to determine the imaging position correction application to be recommended for actual introduction based on at least one of the number of uses of the imaging position correction application, which is stored in the storage unit as the trial use information, and the degree of correction when the imaging position correction application corrects the relative position of the X-ray irradiator with respect to the specific part of the subject, which is stored in the storage unit as the trial use information, and to acquire the recommendation information including information on the determined imaging position correction application to be recommended for actual introduction.

[0104] (Item 4) the storage unit stores, as the trial use information, at least the number of times the shooting position correction application has been used; Item 4. The shooting position correction application introduction support system according to Item 3, wherein the acquisition unit is configured to select a shooting position correction application that is recommended for actual introduction from the plurality of shooting position correction applications based on the number of times the shooting position correction application has been used, which is stored in the storage unit as the trial use information, and to acquire the recommendation information including information on the selected shooting position correction application that is recommended for actual introduction.

[0105] (Item 5) 5. The shooting position correction application introduction support system according to Item 4, wherein the acquisition unit is configured to select a shooting position correction application that is recommended for actual introduction from the plurality of shooting position correction applications based on at least one of comparing the number of times each of the plurality of shooting position correction applications with a predetermined threshold value for number of times of use and ranking the shooting position correction applications based on the number of times each of the plurality of shooting position correction applications is used, and acquire the recommendation information including information on the selected shooting position correction application that is recommended for actual introduction.

[0106] (Item 6) the storage unit stores, as the trial use information, at least a correction degree when the imaging position correction application corrects the relative position of the X-ray irradiator with respect to the specific part of the subject; 6. The imaging position correction application introduction support system according to any one of items 2 to 5, wherein the acquisition unit is configured to select an imaging position correction application that is recommended for actual introduction from the plurality of imaging position correction applications based on a correction degree when the imaging position correction application corrects the relative position of the X-ray irradiator with respect to the specific part of the subject, the correction degree being stored in the storage unit as the trial use information, and a predetermined correction degree threshold, and to acquire the recommendation information including information on the selected imaging position correction application that is recommended for actual introduction.

[0107] (Item 7) the imaging position correction application to be experimentally introduced includes a knee imaging position correction application for correcting a relative position of the X-ray irradiation unit with respect to the knee of the subject when capturing the X-ray image of the knee of the subject; the storage unit stores, as the trial use information, at least one of the number of times the knee imaging position correction application has been used and a correction degree when the knee imaging position correction application corrects the relative position of the X-ray irradiator with respect to the knee of the subject; 7. The imaging position correction application introduction support system according to any one of items 2 to 6, wherein the acquisition unit is configured to determine the knee imaging position correction application as the imaging position correction application to be recommended for actual introduction based on at least one of the number of uses of the knee imaging position correction application, which is stored in the storage unit as the trial use information, and the degree of correction, which is stored in the storage unit as the trial use information, when the knee imaging position correction application corrects the position of the X-ray irradiator relative to the knee of the subject.

[0108] (Item 8) a server to which the imaging position correction application is experimentally installed and which is connected via a network to an X-ray imaging device that captures the X-ray image of the subject; 8. The imaging position correction application introduction support system according to any one of items 2 to 7, wherein the server includes the storage unit and the acquisition unit, and is configured to record the trial use information acquired from the X-ray imaging apparatus via a network in the storage unit, and to acquire the recommendation information for recommending the introduction of the imaging position correction application to a user based on the trial use information stored in the storage unit.

[0109] (Item 9) an X-ray imaging device to which the imaging position correction application is experimentally introduced and which captures the X-ray image of the subject; the X-ray imaging device includes the X-ray irradiator, the storage unit, the display unit, an X-ray detector that detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiator and transmitted through the subject, and a processing unit that processes the imaging position correction application and serves as the acquisition unit that acquires the recommendation information; 8. The imaging position correction application introduction support system according to any one of items 2 to 7, wherein the processing unit of the X-ray imaging device is configured to record the trial use information in the storage unit, obtain the recommendation information for recommending actual introduction of the imaging position correction application to a user based on the trial use information stored in the storage unit, and display the obtained recommendation information on the display unit.

[0110] (Item 10) a storage step of storing trial use information obtained when the imaging position correction application is used on a trial basis in a storage unit as information to be used for recommending actual introduction of the imaging position correction application, which is introduced on a trial basis as an application for correcting a relative position of an X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates X-rays with respect to a specific part of a subject when an X-ray image of the specific part of the subject is taken; a display step of displaying information based on the trial use information stored in the storage step, the storing step includes a step of storing, in the storage unit, at least one of the number of uses of the imaging position correction application and the degree of correction when the imaging position correction application corrects the position of the X-ray irradiator relative to the specific part of the subject, as the trial use information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1 X-ray equipment 2 Server 4 X-ray image 22 Acquisition Department 23 Memory section 23a Experimental Use Information 23b Recommendations 33 Display section 100, 200 Shooting position correction application introduction support system 111 X-ray irradiation section 112 X-ray detector 121 Processing unit (acquisition unit) 122 Storage section 120, 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d Shooting position correction application 123 Display section 800 subjects

Claims

1. a storage unit that stores trial use information obtained when the imaging position correction application is used on a trial basis as information used to recommend actual introduction of the imaging position correction application, which is introduced on a trial basis as an application for correcting a relative position of an X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates X-rays with respect to a specific part of a subject when an X-ray image of the specific part of the subject is taken; and a display unit that displays information based on the trial use information stored in the storage unit, the imaging position correction application introduction support system being configured to store, in the storage unit, as the trial use information, at least a correction degree out of the number of times the imaging position correction application has been used and a correction degree when the imaging position correction application corrects the position of the X-ray irradiator relative to a specific part of the subject.

2. an acquisition unit that acquires, based on the trial use information, recommendation information including information on the shooting position correction application that is recommended for actual implementation as information for recommending actual implementation of the shooting position correction application to a user; The shooting position correction application introduction support system according to claim 1 , wherein the display unit is configured to display the recommended information as information based on the trial use information.

3. 3. The imaging position correction application introduction support system according to claim 2, wherein the acquisition unit is configured to determine the imaging position correction application to be recommended for actual introduction based on the number of uses of the imaging position correction application stored in the storage unit as the trial use information and at least a correction degree when the imaging position correction application corrects the position of the X-ray irradiator relative to the specific part of the subject, which is stored in the storage unit as the trial use information, and to acquire the recommendation information including information on the determined imaging position correction application to be recommended for actual introduction.

4. the storage unit stores, as the trial use information, the number of times the shooting position correction application has been used; 4. The shooting position correction application introduction support system according to claim 3, wherein the acquisition unit is configured to select a shooting position correction application that is recommended for actual introduction from the plurality of shooting position correction applications based on the number of times the shooting position correction application has been used, which is stored in the storage unit as the trial use information, and to acquire the recommendation information including information on the selected shooting position correction application that is recommended for actual introduction.

5. 5. The shooting position correction application introduction support system according to claim 4, wherein the acquisition unit is configured to select a shooting position correction application that is recommended for actual introduction from the plurality of shooting position correction applications based on at least one of a comparison of the number of times each of the plurality of shooting position correction applications is used with a predetermined threshold value for number of times of use and a ranking of the plurality of shooting position correction applications based on the number of times each of the plurality of shooting position correction applications is used, and to acquire the recommendation information including information on the selected shooting position correction application that is recommended for actual introduction.

6. The imaging position correction application introduction support system described in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the acquisition unit is configured to select an imaging position correction application that is recommended for actual introduction from multiple imaging position correction applications based on the degree of correction used by the imaging position correction application to correct the relative position of the X-ray irradiation unit with respect to a specific part of the subject, which is stored in the memory unit as the trial use information, and a predetermined correction degree threshold, and to acquire the recommendation information including information on the selected imaging position correction application that is recommended for actual introduction.

7. the imaging position correction application to be experimentally introduced includes a knee imaging position correction application for correcting a relative position of the X-ray irradiator with respect to the knee of the subject when capturing the X-ray image of the knee of the subject, the storage unit stores, as the trial use information, at least a correction degree among the number of times the knee imaging position correction application has been used and a correction degree when the knee imaging position correction application corrects the relative position of the X-ray irradiator with respect to the knee of the subject; 7. The imaging position correction application introduction support system according to claim 2, wherein the acquisition unit is configured to determine the knee imaging position correction application as the imaging position correction application to be recommended for actual introduction, based on the number of uses of the knee imaging position correction application, which is stored in the storage unit as the trial use information, and at least a correction degree, which is stored in the storage unit as the trial use information, of the magnitude of a correction degree when the knee imaging position correction application corrects the position of the X-ray irradiator relative to the knee of the subject.

8. a server to which the imaging position correction application is experimentally installed and which is connected via a network to an X-ray imaging apparatus that captures the X-ray image of the subject; 8. The imaging position correction application introduction support system according to claim 2, wherein the server includes the storage unit and the acquisition unit, and is configured to record the trial use information acquired from the X-ray imaging device via a network in the storage unit, and to acquire the recommendation information for recommending installation of the imaging position correction application to a user based on the trial use information stored in the storage unit.

9. an X-ray imaging device to which the imaging position correction application is experimentally introduced and which captures the X-ray image of the subject; the X-ray imaging apparatus includes the X-ray irradiator, the storage unit, the display unit, an X-ray detector that detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiator and transmitted through the subject, and a processing unit that processes the imaging position correction application and serves as the acquisition unit that acquires the recommendation information; 8. The imaging position correction application introduction support system according to claim 2, wherein the processing unit of the X-ray imaging device is configured to record the trial use information in the storage unit, obtain the recommendation information for recommending to a user the actual introduction of the imaging position correction application based on the trial use information stored in the storage unit, and display the obtained recommendation information on the display unit.

10. a storage step of storing trial use information obtained when the imaging position correction application is used on a trial basis in a storage unit as information to be used for recommending actual introduction of the imaging position correction application, which is introduced on a trial basis as an application for correcting a relative position of an X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates X-rays with respect to a specific part of a subject when an X-ray image of the specific part of the subject is taken; a display step of displaying information based on the trial use information stored in the storage step, the storing step includes a step of storing, in the storage unit, as the trial use information, at least a correction degree out of the number of times the imaging position correction application has been used and a correction degree when the imaging position correction application corrects the position of the X-ray irradiation unit relative to a specific part of the subject.

Images