A shooting support device, a method for operating the shooting support device, and an operating program for the shooting support device.

Abstract

To provide an imaging support device which can contribute to correct positioning of an electronic cassette relative to a subject, an operation method of the imaging support device and an operation program of the imaging support device.SOLUTION: A CPU of a console includes a first acquisition unit, a first defining unit, a second defining unit and a display control unit. The first acquisition unit acquires an optical image in which an electronic cassette in which a detection panel for detecting the radiation is built in a portable housing and a subject to be subjected to radiography using the electronic cassette are imaged from a camera. The first defining unit defines a detection region that is the detection region of the radiation by the detection panel and is determined according to the position of the electronic cassette in the optical image. The second defining unit defines an imaging region that is the region to be imaged with the radiography and is determined according to the position of the subject in the optical image. The display control unit performs control so as to display a frame indicating the detection region and a frame indicating the imaging region on a touch panel display so as to be superimposed on the optical image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a photographing support device, a method for operating the photographing support device, and an operation program for the photographing support device.

Background Art

[0002] An electronic cassette in which a detection panel for detecting radiation is incorporated in a portable housing is known. The electronic cassette is used by being housed in a holder of a photographing table installed in a radiation photography room, and in addition, taking advantage of its mobility, it is mainly removed from the holder and used alone. For example, the electronic cassette is used during a round-trip photography in which a patient who cannot go to a radiation photography room is visited in a hospital room to perform radiation photography. In addition, the electronic cassette may be taken out of a medical facility and used to perform radiation photography on the elderly who are receiving home care or on emergency patients due to accidents, disasters, etc.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a technique of acquiring an optical image in which both an electronic cassette and a subject facing radiation photography using the electronic cassette are captured from a camera, detecting the position of the electronic cassette in the optical image, and superimposing a frame indicating the electronic cassette based on the detected position on the optical image and displaying it on a display. In the tenth embodiment, when photographing a subject lying on a bed, a frame indicating the recommended installation position (described as the recommended position in Patent Document 1) of the electronic cassette on the bed is superimposed on the optical image together with the frame indicating the electronic cassette and displayed on the display.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In radiography using an electronic cassette, the placement of the electronic cassette is flexible. Therefore, there is a risk that the electronic cassette may be placed incorrectly relative to the subject, resulting in radiography being performed without the cassette covering the area that should be imaged.

[0006] Patent Document 1 describes how to avoid situations where imaging is performed when the electronic cassette does not cover the imaging area by superimposing a frame indicating the recommended position onto the optical image. However, Patent Document 1 does not describe how the recommended position is set, nor does it describe the relationship between the recommended position and the imaging area. Therefore, it was insufficient as a solution to avoid situations where imaging is performed when the electronic cassette does not cover the imaging area.

[0007] One embodiment of the technology of this disclosure provides a shooting support device, a method for operating the shooting support device, and an operating program for the shooting support device that can contribute to more accurate positioning of an electronic cassette with respect to a subject. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The imaging support device of this disclosure includes a processor, which acquires an optical image from a camera that shows both an electronic cassette in which a detection panel for detecting radiation is built into a portable housing, and a subject undergoing radiography using the electronic cassette. The processor defines a radiation detection area determined by the detection panel, which is determined according to the position of the electronic cassette, within the optical image, and defines an imaging area, which is the area to be imaged in radiography, which is determined according to the position of the subject, within the optical image. The processor controls the display of indicators indicating the detection area and indicators indicating the imaging area superimposed on the optical image.

[0009] The processor preferably defines the detection area based on the detection result of a position detection sensor that detects the position of the electronic cassette.

[0010] The processor preferably extracts areas of interest from the subject contained in the optical image and defines the imaging region based on these areas of interest.

[0011] When performing radiography by inserting an electronic cassette between the subject and the bed while the subject is lying on the bed, it is preferable that the processor operates an optical indicator that displays light for positioning the electronic cassette on the side of the bed along the long side, and displays the insertion position of the electronic cassette corresponding to the imaging area.

[0012] The method of operating the imaging support device of this disclosure includes: acquiring an optical image from a camera that shows both an electronic cassette in which a detection panel for detecting radiation is built into a portable housing and a subject undergoing radiography using the electronic cassette; defining a radiation detection area determined by the detection panel within the optical image, which is determined according to the position of the electronic cassette; defining an imaging area within the optical image, which is the area to be imaged in radiography, which is determined according to the position of the subject; and performing control to display indicators indicating the detection area and indicators indicating the imaging area superimposed on the optical image on a display.

[0013] The operating program for the imaging support device of this disclosure causes a computer to perform the following processes: acquire an optical image from a camera that shows both an electronic cassette in which a detection panel for detecting radiation is built into a portable housing and a subject undergoing radiography using the electronic cassette; define a radiation detection area determined by the detection panel within the optical image, which is determined according to the position of the electronic cassette; define an imaging area within the optical image, which is the area to be imaged in radiography, which is determined according to the position of the subject; and control the display of indicators indicating the detection area and indicators indicating the imaging area superimposed on the optical image on a display device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the technology of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a photographing support device, a method of operating the photographing support device, and an operation program of the photographing support device that can contribute to more accurate positioning of an electronic cassette with respect to a subject.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a radiation imaging system. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of an electronic cassette. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a state of photographing an optical image with a camera. [Figure 4] It is a view of a radiation source, a subject, an electronic cassette, and a bed seen from above. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of a console. [Figure 6] It is a block diagram showing a processing unit of a CPU of a console. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the processing of a first defining unit. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing the processing of a second defining unit. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing the processing of a second defining unit. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the processing of a second defining unit. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an information display screen before inserting an electronic cassette between a subject and a bed. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an information display screen while inserting an electronic cassette between a subject and a bed. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing an information display screen when finishing inserting an electronic cassette between a subject and a bed. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a console. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing a state of lateral prone knee imaging. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing the processing of a second defining unit in the case of lateral prone knee imaging. [Figure 17]This diagram shows the processing of the second boundary area in the case of lateral radiography in the kneeling position. [Figure 18] This diagram shows a bed with an illuminated display unit installed on the side along the longer side. [Figure 19] This diagram shows how the optical display shows the insertion position of the electronic cassette corresponding to the image area. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] [First Embodiment] As an example, as shown in Figure 1, the radiography system 2 is a system that performs radiography of a subject H using radiation R such as X-rays and gamma rays, and includes a mobile radiation generator 10, an electronic cassette 11, a console 12, and a camera 13. The mobile radiation generator 10 has a trolley 14, a radiation source 15, and an irradiation switch 16. The trolley 14 is a rectangular block, and four wheels 17 are attached to its lower part, on the front, back, left, and right. These wheels 17 allow the mobile radiation generator 10 to be used for mobile radiography, where it performs radiography of a subject H while patrolling patient rooms within a medical facility. For this reason, the mobile radiation generator 10 is also called a mobile medical vehicle.

[0017] Figure 1 illustrates a frontal chest X-ray of subject H lying supine on a bed 18 in a hospital room. In this case, the electronic cassette 11 is inserted between subject H and bed 18 by an operator OP, such as a radiological technologist. In other words, in this example, the electronic cassette 11 is not used while housed in a holder on an imaging table installed in the radiography room, but is removed from the holder and used independently. Radiography performed using the electronic cassette 11 independently in this way is called free radiography. The mobile radiation generator 10 can also be brought into the operating room and used during surgery. Furthermore, the mobile radiation generator 10 can be brought to outdoor disaster sites and used in emergency situations.

[0018] The radiation source 15 is attached to the trolley section 14 via a first arm 19 and a second arm 20. The first arm 19 extends vertically from the front center of the upper surface of the trolley section 14. The first arm 19 is capable of extending and retracting vertically. As the first arm 19 extends and retracts, the height position of the radiation source 15 is changed. The first arm 19 is also rotatable relative to the trolley section 14 with its vertical axis as the axis of rotation.

[0019] The second arm 20 extends horizontally from the tip of the first arm 19. The second arm 20 is capable of extending and retracting horizontally. As the second arm 20 extends and retracts, the horizontal position of the radiation source 15 changes. The extended and retracted positions of the first arm 19 and the second arm 20 are detected, for example, by a linear encoder.

[0020] The radiation source 15 has a radiation tube 21 and an irradiation field limiter 22. The radiation tube 21 is equipped with a filament, a target, a grid electrode, etc. (all not shown in the figure). A voltage is applied between the filament, which is the cathode, and the target, which is the anode. This voltage applied between the filament and the target is called the tube voltage. The filament emits thermionic electrons toward the target in accordance with the applied tube voltage. The target emits radiation R through collisions with thermionic electrons from the filament. The grid electrode is positioned between the filament and the target. The grid electrode changes the flow rate of thermionic electrons from the filament toward the target in accordance with the applied voltage. This flow rate of thermionic electrons from the filament toward the target is called the tube current.

[0021] The irradiation field limiter 22, also called a collimator, limits the irradiation field of the radiation R emitted from the radiation tube 21. The irradiation field limiter 22 has a configuration in which, for example, four shielding plates made of lead or the like are placed on each side of a rectangle to shield the radiation R, and a rectangular exit aperture that allows the radiation R to pass through is formed in the center. The irradiation field limiter 22 changes the size of the exit aperture by changing the position of each shielding plate, thereby changing the irradiation field of the radiation R.

[0022] The trolley unit 14 houses a radiation source control device 23 and a tube voltage generator 24. The radiation source control device 23 is wirelessly connected to the console 12 for communication. The radiation source control device 23 controls the operation of the tube voltage generator 24. An irradiation switch 16 is also connected to the radiation source control device 23. The radiation source control device 23 controls the operation of the radiation source 15 in response to various instruction signals from the irradiation switch 16. The irradiation switch 16 is operated when the operator OP instructs the radiation source 15 to begin irradiating with radiation R. The irradiation switch 16 is detachably mounted on the trolley unit 14.

[0023] The radiation source control device 23 is set to radiation irradiation conditions 63 (see Figure 5). The irradiation conditions 63 are the tube voltage, tube current, and radiation irradiation time applied to the radiation tube 21. When the irradiation switch 16 is operated to instruct the start of radiation irradiation of radiation R, the radiation source control device 23 operates the tube voltage generator 24 according to the set irradiation conditions 63 and irradiates radiation R from the radiation tube 21. After the start of radiation irradiation of radiation R, if the irradiation time set in the irradiation conditions 63 has elapsed, the radiation source control device 23 stops the irradiation of radiation R from the radiation tube 21. The tube voltage generator 24 generates the tube voltage by boosting the input voltage with a transformer. The tube voltage generated by the tube voltage generator 24 is supplied to the radiation tube 21 via a voltage cable (not shown).

[0024] Alternatively, the irradiation of radiation R may be terminated using the Auto Exposure Control (AEC) function. The AEC function detects the dose of radiation R during irradiation and stops the irradiation of radiation R from the radiation tube 21 when the cumulative dose, which is the sum of the detected doses, reaches a preset target dose.

[0025] The rear of the trolley section 14 is provided with a cassette storage section 25 and a handle 26. The cassette storage section 25 stores electronic cassettes 11. Electronic cassettes 11 come in several sizes, such as 17 inches x 17 inches, 17 inches x 14 inches, and 12 inches x 10 inches. The cassette storage section 25 can store multiple electronic cassettes 11 of any type. The cassette storage section 25 also has a function to charge the batteries of the stored electronic cassettes 11.

[0026] The handle 26 is held by the operator OP in order to operate the trolley 14 and, consequently, the mobile radiation generator 10. The operator OP moves the mobile radiation generator 10 while holding the handle 26.

[0027] Console 12 is, for example, a tablet device and is an example of a "shooting support device" related to the technology disclosed herein. Console 12 may also be a notebook personal computer or the like.

[0028] Camera 13 is a digital camera that captures a digital optical image 40 (see Figure 3). Camera 13 is mounted in the center of the tip of the irradiation field limiter 22 of the radiation source 15. Camera 13 is wirelessly connected to the console 12 for communication. Camera 13 captures images of the subject H lying supine on the bed 18 in response to shooting instructions from the console 12. The instruction to capture the optical image 40 to Camera 13 via the console 12 is given, for example, by the operator OP after the mobile radiation generator 10 has been brought into the patient's room. Camera 13 transmits the captured optical image 40 to the console 12. Note that Camera 13 may be built into the irradiation field limiter 22.

[0029] As an example, as shown in Figure 2, the electronic cassette 11 has a portable housing 30 with a flat, box-like shape (rectangular in plan view). The housing 30 is made of a conductive metal or resin. Therefore, the housing 30 also functions as an electromagnetic shield to prevent electromagnetic noise from entering the inside of the electronic cassette 11 and from radiating electromagnetic noise from the electronic cassette 11 to the outside. A rectangular, plate-shaped radiation-transmitting plate 31, slightly smaller than the housing 30, is attached to the front of the housing 30 into which radiation R is incident. The radiation-transmitting plate 31 is made of, for example, a carbon material that is lightweight, highly rigid, and highly radioactive.

[0030] The housing 30 houses an image detection unit 32 and a circuit unit 33. The image detection unit 32 consists of a scintillator 34 and a detection panel 35, which are approximately the same size as the radiation-transmitting plate 31. The scintillator 34 and the detection panel 35 are stacked in the order of scintillator 34, followed by the detection panel 35, when viewed from the front side of the housing 30 into which the radiation R is incident.

[0031] The scintillator 34 has a phosphor such as CsI:Tl (thallium-activated cesium iodide) or GOS (Gd2O2S:Tb, terbium-activated gadolium oxysulfide), and converts incident radiation R into visible light and emits it. The detection panel 35 has a configuration in which multiple pixels are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix on a single TFT (Thin Film Transistor) active matrix substrate. Almost the entire surface of this detection panel 35 functions as a radiation R detection area DR (see Figure 4). The detection panel 35 accumulates charge in the pixels corresponding to the visible light emitted from the scintillator 34, and converts the charge accumulated in the pixels into an electrical signal and outputs it. The detection panel 35 is also called an FPD (Flat Panel Detector).

[0032] The circuit unit 33 controls the operation of the detection panel 35. Specifically, when radiation R is started, the circuit unit 33 causes the detection panel 35 to perform an accumulation operation to accumulate charge in the pixels. When radiation R is stopped, the circuit unit 33 causes the detection panel 35 to perform a readout operation to read out the charge accumulated in the pixels as an electrical signal. When radiation R is stopped by the AEC function, the circuit unit 33 causes the detection panel 35 to perform the readout operation when the cumulative dose of radiation R reaches the target dose. The circuit unit 33 generates a radiation image 66 based on the electrical signal output from the detection panel 35.

[0033] Inside the housing 30, two radio wave receivers 36 are mounted at symmetrical positions in the upper and lower center. The radio wave receivers 36 are provided to detect the position of the electronic cassette 11 on the bed 18. In other words, the radio wave receivers 36 are an example of a "position detection sensor" related to the technology of this disclosure.

[0034] The scintillator 34 and the detection panel 35 may be stacked in the order of detection panel 35, then scintillator 34, when viewed from the front. Furthermore, the image detection unit 32 may be a direct conversion type that directly converts radiation R, which is converted into visible light by the scintillator 34 in this example, into an electrical signal by the detection panel 35, rather than an indirect conversion type.

[0035] Although not shown in the diagram, the housing 30 has a built-in battery and antenna. The electronic cassette 11 can communicate wirelessly with the console 12 via the antenna. When communicating wirelessly with the console 12, the electronic cassette 11 is powered by the battery and can be used wirelessly.

[0036] Figure 3 shows an example of how camera 13 photographs subject H, who is lying supine on bed 18, for a frontal chest X-ray, in accordance with the operator OP's instructions. In this case, the radiation source 15, and thus camera 13, is positioned directly above subject H's chest. At this position, camera 13 has a field of view (FOV) that allows it to photograph approximately three-quarters of bed 18, the upper body of subject H lying supine on bed 18, and part of the lower body down to the knees. The optical image 40 captured by camera 13 in this way shows approximately three-quarters of bed 18, the upper body of subject H lying supine on bed 18, and part of the lower body down to the knees.

[0037] Here, an object "appearing" in the optical image 40 includes an object that exists within the optical image 40 but is obscured by some other object. For this reason, the electronic cassette 11, which is inserted between the subject H and the bed 18 and is obscured by the subject H, can also be said to be an object "appearing" in the optical image 40.

[0038] As an example, as shown in Figure 4, two radio transmitters 45 are installed by operator OP at the two corners of the bed 18 on the head side of the subject H. The two radio transmitters 45 transmit radio waves RW to the radio receiver 36 of the electronic cassette 11. The radio waves RW have the same intensity from each radio transmitter 45, but with different frequencies. In other words, there are two channels of radio waves RW. The radio receiver 36 receives these two channels of radio waves RW separately. The radio receiver 36 outputs the intensity of the two received channels of radio waves RW (hereinafter referred to as received radio wave intensity) as the detection result 46.

[0039] The received radio wave strength changes depending on the distance from the radio wave transmitter 45 to the radio wave receiver 36. Therefore, the distance from the radio wave transmitter 45 to the radio wave receiver 36 can be determined from the received radio wave strength. If the distance from the radio wave transmitter 45 to the radio wave receiver 36 is known, the position of the electronic cassette 11 on the bed 18 can also be determined. Furthermore, the positional relationship between the radio wave receiver 36 and the four vertices DRP1, DRP2, DRP3, and DRP4 of the detection region DR is known. Therefore, bed detection region information 47 indicating the positions of vertices DRP1 to DRP4 can be derived from the detection result 46. The electronic cassette 11 transmits the bed detection region information 47 to the console 12.

[0040] The bed detection area information 47 consists of the bed position coordinates BI_DRP1(x, y) of vertex DRP1, BI_DRP2(x, y) of vertex DRP2, BI_DRP3(x, y) of vertex DRP3, and BI_DRP4(x, y) of vertex DRP4. The bed position coordinates BI(x, y) are the position coordinates when the installation position of, for example, the left radio transmitter 45 of the two radio transmitters 45, is taken as the origin, the x-axis is the direction along the short side of the bed 18, and the y-axis is the direction along the long side of the bed 18. Note that the bed position coordinates BI(x, y) of the diagonal points of the detection area DR, such as bed position coordinates BI_DRP1(x, y) and bed position coordinates BI_DRP4(x, y), may also be used as the bed detection area information 47.

[0041] As an example, as shown in Figure 5, the console 12 includes storage 55, memory 56, CPU (Central Processing Unit) 57, communication interface 58, and touch panel display 59. These storage 55, memory 56, CPU 57, communication interface 58, and touch panel display 59 are interconnected via a bus line (not shown). The storage 55, memory 56, CPU 57, and bus line are examples of a "computer" related to the technology of this disclosure.

[0042] Storage 55 is a hard disk drive built into the computer that makes up console 12, or a hard disk drive connected via cable or network. Storage 55 stores control programs such as the operating system, various application programs, and various data associated with these programs. A solid-state drive may be used instead of a hard disk drive.

[0043] Memory 56 is work memory for the CPU 57 to execute processing. The CPU 57 loads the program stored in storage 55 into memory 56 and executes processing according to the program. In this way, the CPU 57 comprehensively controls each part of the computer. CPU 57 is an example of a "processor" related to the technology of this disclosure. Note that memory 56 may be built into the CPU 57.

[0044] The communication interface 58 controls the transmission of various information to external devices such as the electronic cassette 11. The touch panel display 59 displays various screens and accepts operation instructions from the operator OP. The touch panel display 59 is an example of a "display" related to the technology of this disclosure.

[0045] The CPU 57 receives imaging orders 61 from the Radiology Information System (RIS) 60 via the communication interface 58. The imaging order 61 contains information such as the subject ID (Identification Data) for identifying the subject H, and instructions for the imaging procedure from the physician or other person in the clinical department that issued the imaging order 61. The CPU 57 displays the imaging order 61 on the touch panel display 59 in response to instructions from the operator OP via the touch panel display 59. The operator OP confirms the contents of the imaging order 61 via the touch panel display 59.

[0046] The CPU 57 displays multiple types of imaging menus 62 on the touch panel display 59 in a selectable format. Each imaging menu 62 defines an imaging procedure where the imaging area of ​​the subject H, the imaging posture of the subject H, and the imaging direction of the subject H are set together, such as "chest, supine, front view". Imaging areas include the chest, head, neck, abdomen, waist, shoulders, elbows, hands, knees, ankles, etc. Imaging postures include supine, standing, sitting, etc. Imaging directions include the front view, back view, side view, etc. The operator OP operates the touch panel display 59 to select one imaging menu 62 from the multiple types of imaging menus 62 that matches the imaging procedure specified in the imaging order 61. The CPU 57 then accepts the imaging menu 62. The CPU 57 reads the irradiation conditions 63 corresponding to the accepted imaging menu 62 from the irradiation condition table 64 stored in the storage 55. The CPU 57 displays the read irradiation conditions 63 on the touch panel display 59. The irradiation condition table 64 contains irradiation conditions 63 corresponding to various imaging menus 62. As mentioned above, the irradiation conditions 63 are the tube voltage and tube current applied to the radiation tube 21, and the irradiation time of radiation R. Instead of the tube current and irradiation time, the product of tube current and irradiation time may be used as the irradiation condition 63.

[0047] The CPU 57 transmits the set irradiation conditions 63 to the radiation source control device 23 via the communication I / F 58. Although not shown in the diagram, when the radiation source control device 23 receives an instruction to start irradiation of radiation R via the irradiation switch 16, the CPU 57 receives an irradiation start signal from the radiation source control device 23 indicating that irradiation of radiation R has started. Upon receiving the irradiation start signal, the CPU 57 transmits a synchronization signal 65 to the electronic cassette 11 indicating that irradiation of radiation R has started. Furthermore, the CPU 57 receives an irradiation end signal from the radiation source control device 23 indicating that irradiation of radiation R has finished. Upon receiving the irradiation end signal, the CPU 57 transmits a synchronization signal 65 to the electronic cassette 11 indicating that irradiation of radiation R has finished.

[0048] When the electronic cassette 11 receives a synchronization signal 65 from the console 12 indicating that radiation R has started, it starts storing data in the detection panel 35. Similarly, when the electronic cassette 11 receives a synchronization signal 65 from the console 12 indicating that radiation R has finished, it starts reading data from the detection panel 35. Alternatively, the electronic cassette 11 may be equipped with a function to detect the start and end of radiation R irradiation. This function may cause the electronic cassette 11 to start storing data in the detection panel 35 when it detects the start of radiation R irradiation, and to start reading data from the detection panel 35 when it detects the end of radiation R irradiation.

[0049] The CPU 57 receives the radiation image 66 from the electronic cassette 11 via the communication interface 58. After performing various image processing on the radiation image 66, the CPU 57 displays the radiation image 66 on the touch panel display 59 for the operator to view.

[0050] Although not shown in the diagram, the CPU 57 also transmits a shooting instruction to the camera 13 via the communication I / F 58. The CPU 57 receives the optical image 40 captured by the camera 13 in response to this shooting instruction.

[0051] As an example, as shown in Figure 6, the storage 55 stores an operating program 70. The operating program 70 is an application program that causes the computer to function as an imaging support device. In other words, the operating program 70 is an example of an "operating program for an imaging support device" related to the technology of this disclosure. The storage 55 also stores correspondence relationship information 71 and extracted reference information 72, etc.

[0052] When the operating program 70 is started, the CPU 57 works in cooperation with the memory 56 and other components to function as the first acquisition unit 75, the second acquisition unit 76, the first definition unit 77, the second definition unit 78, and the display control unit 79.

[0053] The first acquisition unit 75 sequentially acquires optical images 40 output from the camera 13 at a predetermined frame rate. The first acquisition unit 75 outputs the optical images 40 to the first definition unit 77, the second definition unit 78, and the display control unit 79. The second acquisition unit 76 acquires bed detection area information 47 from the electronic cassette 11. The second acquisition unit 76 outputs the bed detection area information 47 to the first definition unit 77.

[0054] The first definition unit 77 defines the detection area DR within the optical image 40 based on the bed detection area information 47 and the correspondence relationship information 71. The first definition unit 77 outputs the image detection area information 85, which is the information of the defined detection area DR, to the display control unit 79.

[0055] The second definition unit 78 defines the imaging region IR (see Figure 10), which is the region to be imaged by radiography, within the optical image 40 based on the extracted reference information 72. The imaging region IR is a region pre-set according to the shooting menu 62, and is the region of the human body that should be included in the radiographic image 66 according to the shooting menu 62. The second definition unit 78 outputs the imaging region information 86, which is the information of the defined imaging region IR, to the display control unit 79.

[0056] The display control unit 79 controls the display of various screens on the touch panel display 59. These screens include the display screen for the shooting order 61, the selection screen for the shooting menu 62, and the information display screen 95 (see Figures 11 to 13). Although not shown in the diagram, the CPU 57 also includes, in addition to these processing units 75 to 79, a reception unit that receives the shooting order 61 from the RIS 60, an image processing unit that performs various image processing on the radiation image 66, and a setting unit that sets the irradiation conditions 63 for the radiation source control device 23.

[0057] The following explanation will use the case of a supine, frontal chest radiograph as an example.

[0058] As an example, as shown in Figure 7, the correspondence information 71 includes a function F that converts the bed position coordinates BI(x, y) to the position coordinates OI(X, Y) of the optical image 40. The first demarcation unit 77 uses this function F to convert the bed position coordinates BI_DRP1(x, y) to BI_DRP4(x, y) of the four vertices DRP1 to DRP4 of the detection region DR of the bed detection region information 47 to the position coordinates OI_DRP1(X, Y), OI_DRP2(X, Y), OI_DRP3(X, Y), and OI_DRP4(X, Y) of the optical image 40, thereby obtaining the image detection region information 85. Note that the origin of the position coordinates OI(X, Y) of the optical image 40 is, for example, the left edge of the optical image 40, the X axis is in the direction along the short side of the optical image 40, and the Y axis is in the direction along the long side of the optical image 40.

[0059] The first definition unit 77 modifies the function F of the correspondence information 71 using the transmitter position information 88. The transmitter position information 88 is obtained by image recognition of the radio transmitter 45 that is captured in the optical image 40. Specifically, the transmitter position information 88 consists of the position coordinates OI(X, Y) of the radio transmitter 45 in the optical image 40, and the size of the radio transmitter 45. The position and size of the radio transmitter 45 in the optical image 40 change depending on the position of the camera 13 relative to the bed 18. Therefore, the transmitter position information 88 can be said to be information that indicates the positional relationship between the camera 13 and the bed 18. The radio transmitter 45 not only transmits radio waves RW, but also functions as a marker for recognizing the position of the camera 13 relative to the bed 18.

[0060] As an example, as shown in Figure 8, the second framing unit 78 performs a feature point extraction process 90 on the optical image 40. The feature point extraction process 90 is a process that extracts feature points 91 of the subject H captured in the optical image 40 using well-known image recognition technology or a machine learning model. The feature points 91, from top to bottom, are the left and right orbital points, left and right external auditory meatus points, left and right shoulder joint points, left and right hip joint points, and left and right knee joint points. The orbit is, as is well known, the cavity in which the eyeball is housed, and the orbital point is the center point of this cavity. The external auditory meatus is what is commonly called the ear canal, and the external auditory meatus point is the center point of this ear canal. The shoulder joint point is the connection point between the scapula and the humerus. The hip joint point is the connection point between the pelvis and the femur. The knee joint point is the connection point between the femur and the tibia.

[0061] As an example, as shown in Figure 9, the second framing unit 78 performs a point of interest extraction process 92 on the optical image 40 following the feature point extraction process 90. The point of interest extraction process 92 is a process that extracts a point of interest (POI) from the feature points 91 by referring to the extracted reference information 72. In this example, the point of interest (POI) is the center point of the vertebral prominence (hereinafter referred to as the vertebral prominence point). Therefore, the extracted reference information 72 is information for identifying the vertebral prominence. Specifically, the extracted reference information 72 states that the point of the vertebral prominence is 1.2 times the length of line L3, which connects the midpoint MP1 of line L1 connecting the left and right shoulder joint points and the midpoint MP2 of line L2 connecting the left and right hip joint points. Therefore, the length of the line connecting the midpoint MP2 and the vertebral prominence point is 1.2 times the length of line L3.

[0062] The value "1.2 times" in the extracted reference information 72 was statistically determined from past data of an unspecified number of subjects H. For example, the value may be changed according to the attributes of subject H, such as gender, age, and body type, such as multiplying males by 1.2 times, females by 1.18 times, children by 1.12 times, and those over 180cm tall by 1.22 times.

[0063] As an example, as shown in Figure 10, the second demarcation unit 78 defines a rectangular region with the vertebral prominence as the center of its upper edge, and a rectangular region of a size corresponding to the SID (Source to Image receptor Distance) and the FOV of the camera 13, as the imaging region IR. As is well known, the SID is the distance from the radiation source R to the surface of the detection panel 35. The SID can be determined from the size of the radio wave transmitter 45 as seen in the optical image 40. The second demarcation unit 78 outputs the position coordinates OI_IRP1(X,Y), OI_IRP2(X,Y), OI_IRP3(X,Y), and OI_IRP4(X,Y) of the four vertices IRP1, IRP2, IRP3, and IRP4 of the imaging region IR to the display control unit 79 as imaging region information 86. Furthermore, the position coordinates OI(X,Y) of the diagonal points of the imaging region IR, such as position coordinates OI_IRP1(X,Y) and position coordinates OI_IRP4(X,Y), may be output as imaging region information 86.

[0064] As an example, as shown in Figures 11 to 13, the information display screen 95 has a display area 96 for the imaging menu 62 and a display area 97 for the irradiation conditions 63. The display area 96 displays the previously registered imaging menus 62 and pairs of subject IDs and the name of subject H side by side. The imaging menu 62 currently being used for radiography is displayed in a different color from the other imaging menus 62, as indicated by the hatching. The display area 97 displays the tube voltage, tube current, and irradiation time of the irradiation conditions 63 in an adjustable state.

[0065] The information display screen 95 also has a display area 98 for the optical image 40. A shooting instruction button 99 is provided at the top of the display area 98. The shooting instruction button 99 is an on / off button. When the shooting instruction button 99 is off, no instruction to shoot the optical image 40 is sent to the camera 13. Therefore, the optical image 40 is not displayed in the display area 98. On the other hand, when the shooting instruction button 99 is turned on, a instruction to shoot the optical image 40 is sent to the camera 13, and the optical image 40 is displayed in the display area 98. The display control unit 79 displays the optical image 40 output from the camera 13 at a predetermined frame rate in the display area 98 while sequentially updating it. In other words, the optical image 40 displayed in the display area 98 is a live view image (moving image).

[0066] The display control unit 79 superimposes a frame 100 indicating the detection area DR onto the optical image 40 of the display area 98 based on the image detection area information 85. The display control unit 79 also superimposes a frame 101 indicating the imaging area IR onto the optical image 40 of the display area 98 based on the imaging area information 86. Frame 100 is an example of an "indicator showing a detection area" related to the technology of this disclosure. Frame 101 is also an example of an "indicator showing an imaging area" related to the technology of this disclosure.

[0067] Figure 11 shows the information display screen 95 before inserting the electronic cassette 11 between the subject H and the bed 18. In this case, the subject H is visible in the optical image 40, but the electronic cassette 11 is not. Therefore, only the frame 101 indicating the imaging area IR is superimposed on the optical image 40 in the display area 98.

[0068] Figure 12 shows the information display screen 95 while an electronic cassette 11 is being inserted between the subject H and the bed 18. In this case, the optical image 40 includes both the subject H and the electronic cassette 11. Therefore, in addition to the frame 101 indicating the imaging area IR, a frame 100 indicating the detection area DR is also superimposed on the optical image 40 in the display area 98.

[0069] Figure 13 shows the information display screen 95 after the electronic cassette 11 has been inserted between the subject H and the bed 18. In this case as in Figure 12, the optical image 40 in the display area 98 is superimposed with a frame 100 indicating the detection area DR and a frame 101 indicating the imaging area IR.

[0070] Next, the operation of the above configuration will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 14 as an example. Prior to radiography, the operator performs preparation work. Preparation work includes selecting the radiography menu 62, setting the radiation irradiation conditions 63 for radiation R, installing the radio transmitter 45 on the patient bed 18, adjusting the position of the subject H on the patient bed 18, adjusting the position of the radiation source 15 relative to the patient bed 18 (adjustment of horizontal position and SID), adjusting the size of the irradiation field, and adjusting the position of the electronic cassette 11.

[0071] On console 12, when the operating program 70 is started, the CPU 57 functions as the first acquisition unit 75, the second acquisition unit 76, the first definition unit 77, the second definition unit 78, and the display control unit 79.

[0072] The operator OP operates the console 12 to select the imaging menu 62 corresponding to the radiography to be performed, and then sets the radiation irradiation conditions 63 for radiation R. The operator OP places radio transmitters 45 at each of the two corners of the bed 18 on the head side of the subject H. After that, the operator OP adjusts the position of the subject H so that the head-to-tail direction is parallel to the long side of the bed 18.

[0073] The operator OP adjusts the position of the radiation source 15 relative to the bed 18 by extending and retracting the first arm 19 and the second arm 20. The operator OP also adjusts the size of the irradiation field by operating the irradiation field limiter 22.

[0074] Before inserting the electronic cassette 11 between the subject H and the bed 18, the operator OP turns on the shooting instruction button 99 on the information display screen 95 to instruct the camera to take an optical image 40 (YES in step ST100). The shooting instruction is sent from the console 12 to the camera 13 (step ST110). As a result, the camera 13 takes an optical image 40, as shown in Figure 3.

[0075] The optical image 40 from the camera 13 is acquired by the first acquisition unit 75 (step ST120). The optical image 40 is output from the first acquisition unit 75 to the first definition unit 77, the second definition unit 78, and the display control unit 79.

[0076] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, when attempting to insert the electronic cassette 11 between the subject H and the bed 18, the radio wave receiver 36 of the electronic cassette 11 receives the radio wave RW from the radio wave transmitter 45, and the received radio wave strength is output as the detection result 46. Based on the detection result 46, the electronic cassette 11 derives bed detection area information 47, which includes the bed position coordinates BI_DRP1(x, y) to BI_DRP4(x, y) of the four vertices DRP1 to DRP4 of the radiation detection area DR detected by the detection panel 35.

[0077] The bed detection area information 47 from the electronic cassette 11 is acquired by the second acquisition unit 76 (step ST130). The bed detection area information 47 is output from the second acquisition unit 76 to the first definition unit 77. If the electronic cassette 11 is in a position where it cannot receive radio waves RW from the radio transmitter 45, this step ST130 is omitted.

[0078] As shown in Figure 7, the first demarcation unit 77 uses the correspondence relationship information 71 to derive image detection area information 85 from the bed detection area information 47. This defines the detection area DR within the optical image 40 (step ST140). The image detection area information 85 is output from the first demarcation unit 77 to the display control unit 79.

[0079] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the second delimiting unit 78 performs feature point extraction processing 90 and point of interest extraction processing 92 on the optical image 40, and a point of interest (POI) (in this case, the vertebral prominence) is extracted. Then, as shown in Figure 10, the second delimiting unit 78 defines the imaging region IR within the optical image 40 based on the point of interest POI (step ST150). The imaging region information 86, which is information about the defined imaging region IR, is output from the second delimiting unit 78 to the display control unit 79.

[0080] As shown in Figures 11 to 13, under the control of the display control unit 79, the optical image 40 is displayed in the display area 98 of the information display screen 95. A frame 100 indicating the detection area DR and a frame 101 indicating the imaging area IR are superimposed on the optical image 40 (step ST160). The operator OP checks each of the frames 100 and 101 of the optical image 40 in the display area 98 and adjusts the position of the electronic cassette 11 so that the imaging area IR fits within the detection area DR. This series of processes from steps ST120 to ST160 is repeated until the operator OP turns off the shooting instruction button 99 on the information display screen 95 (YES in step ST170) and a shooting stop instruction is sent to the camera 13 (step ST180).

[0081] After completing the preparation work for the shooting, the operator OP instructs the subject H to inhale and hold their breath. Then, the operator OP operates the irradiation switch 16 to instruct the radiation source 15 to begin irradiating with radiation R. As a result, radiation R is irradiated from the radiation source 15 towards the subject H.

[0082] The radiation R that has passed through the subject H reaches the electronic cassette 11. It is then detected as a radiation image 66 by the detection panel 35 of the electronic cassette 11. The radiation image 66 is output from the electronic cassette 11 to the console 12. Various image processing is then performed on the radiation image 66 from the electronic cassette 11 in the console 12. After that, the radiation image 66 is displayed in the display area 98 in place of the optical image 40.

[0083] As described above, the CPU 57 of the console 12 comprises a first acquisition unit 75, a first definition unit 77, a second definition unit 78, and a display control unit 79. The first acquisition unit 75 acquires an optical image 40 from the camera 13 that shows both the electronic cassette 11, which has a detection panel 35 for detecting radiation R built into a portable housing 30, and the subject H undergoing radiography using the electronic cassette 11. The first definition unit 77 defines the detection area DR of radiation R by the detection panel 35, which is determined according to the position of the electronic cassette 11, within the optical image 40. The second definition unit 78 defines the imaging area IR, which is the area to be imaged in radiography, within the optical image 40, which is determined according to the position of the subject H. The display control unit 79 controls the display of a frame 100 indicating the detection area DR and a frame 101 indicating the imaging area IR superimposed on the optical image 40 on the touch panel display 59.

[0084] Therefore, the operator OP can adjust the position of the electronic cassette 11 so that the imaging area IR is contained within the detection area DR. This contributes to more accurate positioning of the electronic cassette 11 relative to the subject H. This is particularly suitable when the electronic cassette 11 is obscured by the subject H and difficult to see, such as in the example of a supine frontal chest radiograph. This reduces the risk of imaging being performed when the imaging area IR is not covered by the detection area DR. In addition, since the positioning of the electronic cassette 11 can be easily completed, the time required for radiography can be shortened, and the stress on the subject H due to prolonged restraint can be reduced.

[0085] The first defining unit 77 defines the detection area DR based on the detection result 46 of the radio wave receiver 36, which is a position detection sensor that detects the position of the electronic cassette 11, and more specifically, the bed detection area information 47 derived from the detection result 46. Therefore, the detection area DR can be easily defined.

[0086] The second definition unit 78 extracts points of interest (POIs) of the subject H included in the optical image 40 and defines the imaging region IR based on the points of interest (POIs). Therefore, the imaging region IR can be defined more accurately than when the imaging region IR is defined directly from the optical image 40.

[0087] (modified version) Up to this point, the explanation has been based on the case of a supine chest frontal radiograph, but in this modified example, the case of a kneeling lateral radiograph will be explained. In this case, as shown in Figure 15 as an example, the subject H is lying on their side on the bed 18 with the knee to be photographed in the radiograph, in this case the left knee, bent downwards. The operator OP uses cushions and / or supports as needed to maintain the posture of the subject H.

[0088] As an example, as shown in Figure 16, the optical image 40 in this case shows approximately half of the bed 18 and the subject H lying on the bed 18 from the waist to the toes, that is, part of the upper body and the entire lower body. The second framing unit 78 applies a feature point extraction process 90 to this optical image 40 and extracts the left and right hip joint points, left and right knee joint points, and left and right ankle joint points as feature points 91. The ankle joint points are the connection points between the tibia and the talus. The second framing unit 78 extracts the left knee joint point from among the feature points 91 as a point of interest (POI). Therefore, the left knee joint point is both a feature point 91 and an example of a "point of interest" related to the technology of this disclosure. Furthermore, the feature point extraction process 90 is also a point of interest extraction process 92.

[0089] As an example, as shown in Figure 17, the second defining unit 78 defines a rectangular area centered on the left knee joint point, with a size corresponding to the SID and the FOV of the camera 13, as the imaging area IR. Although not shown in the figure, the defining unit 77 outputs the position coordinates OI_IRP1(X, Y) to OI_IRP4(X, Y) of the four vertices IRP1 to IRP4 of the imaging area IR to the display control unit 79 as imaging area information 86.

[0090] Thus, the area to be photographed is not limited to the chest; the knees are also acceptable. Furthermore, although not illustrated or explained in detail, the areas to be photographed may also include the head, neck, abdomen, waist, shoulders, elbows, hands, ankles, etc. Similarly, the subject H's posture does not have to be the supine position shown in the example; it can be standing or sitting. The direction of photography is also not limited to the front or side; it can be the back.

[0091] [Second Embodiment] As an example, as shown in Figure 18, the bed 110 of the second embodiment is provided with an optical indicator 112 on a side portion 111 along its long side. The optical indicator 112 has a configuration in which multiple light sources 113 are arranged without gaps along the long side of the bed 18. The light sources 113 are, for example, LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes).

[0092] As an example, as shown in Figure 19, the CPU 57 of the console 12 in the second embodiment functions as an optical display control unit 120 in addition to the processing units 75-79 (except for the second delimiting unit 78, which are not shown) of the first embodiment. The optical display control unit 120 controls the operation of the optical display 112. The optical display control unit 120 receives image region information 86 from the second delimiting unit 78. The optical display control unit 120 uses the position coordinates OI_IRP1(X,Y)~OI_IRP4(X,Y) of each vertex IRP1~IRP4 of the image region IR in the image region information 86 as the inverse function F of the function F shown in Figure 7. -1 This is used to convert the bed position coordinates BI_IRP1(x, y) to BI_IRP4(x, y). The light display control unit 120 operates the light display 112 to illuminate all the light sources 113 at positions that encompass the y coordinates of bed position coordinates BI_IRP1(x, y) and BI_IRP3(x, y), for example, thereby displaying the insertion position of the electronic cassette 11 corresponding to the imaging region IR.

[0093] Thus, in the second embodiment, when performing radiography by inserting an electronic cassette 11 between the subject H and the bed 18 while the subject H is lying on the bed 18, the light display control unit 120 operates a light display 112 that displays light for position adjustment of the electronic cassette 11 on the side portion 111 along the long side of the bed 18, and displays the insertion position of the electronic cassette 11 corresponding to the imaging region IR. As a result, the operator OP can see at a glance where to insert the electronic cassette 11, and the position adjustment of the electronic cassette 11 is made more efficient.

[0094] The light indicator is not limited to the light indicator 112 which consists of multiple light sources 113 arranged in a row as an example. It may also be a projector which projects light onto the side 111 for position adjustment of the electronic cassette 11.

[0095] If radiography is attempted when the imaging area IR is not contained within the detection area DR, a message indicating that the imaging area IR is not contained within the detection area DR may be displayed on the information display screen 95 to inform the operator OP. The operator OP may also be informed by voice that the imaging area IR is not contained within the detection area DR. Alternatively, this may be indicated by an indicator such as a warning lamp. Or, if radiography is attempted when the imaging area IR is not contained within the detection area DR, irradiation with radiation R from the radiation source 15 may be prohibited.

[0096] The index representing the detection region DR is not limited to the example frame 100. It may also be represented by an L-shaped line showing the four vertices DRP1 to DRP4 of the detection region DR. Similarly, the index representing the imaging region IR is not limited to the example frame 101. It may also be represented by an L-shaped line showing the four vertices IRP1 to IRP4 of the imaging region IR.

[0097] The position detection sensor is not limited to the radio wave receiver 36 shown in the example. The position of the electronic cassette 11 may also be detected by pressure sensors arranged in a two-dimensional matrix on the surface of the bed 18. Alternatively, a marker may be attached to the surface of the electronic cassette 11, and the position of the electronic cassette 11 may be detected by image recognition of the marker that appears in the optical image 40. In this case, the camera 13 becomes the position detection sensor.

[0098] Alternatively, light sources may be arranged in a row along the side of the bed 18, and a light receiving sensor may be provided on the side opposite the light sources to detect the position of the electronic cassette 11 based on the state of light shielding by the electronic cassette 11. Alternatively, the position of the electronic cassette 11 may be detected by an ultrasonic sensor. In short, any position detection sensor capable of detecting the position of the electronic cassette 11 is acceptable.

[0099] In addition to the example of the vertebral prominence, other points of interest (POIs) include the pharyngeal prominence (thyroid cartilage) when the imaging site is the head, the suprasternal fossa, inferior end of the scapula, xiphoid process, and lower edge of the ribs when the imaging site is the chest, and the superior edge of the iliac crest (the line connecting the tips of the left and right iliac crests (Jacobi's line)), anterior superior iliac spine, pubic symphysis / greater trochanter, and coccyx when the imaging site is the lumbar region. These are what are known as surface landmarks.

[0100] The camera 13 is not limited to being installed at the radiation source 15. It may be installed on the ceiling or wall of the hospital room, etc. Also, although a mobile radiation generator 10 is given as an example, it is not limited to this. A radiation generator installed in a radiography room may also be used.

[0101] The console 12 may be built into the mobile radiation generator 10. In this case, various screens, such as the information display screen 95, may be transmitted from the console 12 to a mobile device such as a tablet owned by the operator in the form of web-distributed screen data created using a markup language such as XML (Extensible Markup Language). In this case, the mobile device reproduces the various screens to be displayed on a web browser based on the screen data and displays them on the display. Note that other data description languages ​​such as JSON (Javascript® Object Notation) may be used instead of XML.

[0102] The hardware configuration of the computer constituting the imaging support device according to the technology disclosed herein can be modified in various ways. For example, the imaging support device can be configured with multiple computers separated as hardware, in order to improve processing power and reliability. For example, the functions of the first acquisition unit 75 and the second definition unit 78, and the functions of the second acquisition unit 76, the first definition unit 77, and the display control unit 79 can be distributed among two computers. In this case, the imaging support device is configured with two computers.

[0103] Thus, the hardware configuration of the computer in the imaging support device can be appropriately modified according to the required performance, such as processing power, safety, and reliability. Furthermore, not only the hardware, but also application programs such as the operating program 70 can, of course, be duplicated or distributed and stored on multiple storage devices for the purpose of ensuring safety and reliability.

[0104] In each of the above embodiments, the hardware structure of the Processing Unit that performs various processes, such as the first acquisition unit 75, the second acquisition unit 76, the first definition unit 77, the second definition unit 78, the display control unit 79, and the optical display control unit 120, can be the following types of processors. As mentioned above, the types of processors include a CPU 57, which is a general-purpose processor that executes software (operation program 70) and functions as various processing units, as well as programmable logic devices (PLDs), such as FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), which are processors whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacturing, and dedicated electrical circuits, such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), which are processors with circuit configurations specifically designed to perform specific processes.

[0105] A single processing unit may consist of one of these various processors, or it may consist of a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple ASICs, and / or a combination of an ASIC and an FPGA). Alternatively, multiple processing units may be composed of a single processor.

[0106] Examples of configuring multiple processing units with a single processor include, firstly, a configuration where one or more CPUs and software combine to form a single processor, which then functions as multiple processing units, as exemplified by client and server computers. Secondly, a configuration using a processor that realizes the functions of the entire system, including multiple processing units, on a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as exemplified by System-on-a-Chip (SoC). Thus, various processing units are configured, in terms of hardware structure, using one or more of the above-mentioned processors.

[0107] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors can more specifically utilize electrical circuits, which are combinations of circuit elements such as semiconductor devices.

[0108] The technology of this disclosure can be appropriately combined with the various embodiments and / or variations described above. Furthermore, it is understood that various configurations can be adopted without departing from the spirit of the invention, and the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Moreover, the technology of this disclosure extends not only to programs but also to storage media for storing programs non-temporarily.

[0109] The descriptions and illustrations presented above are detailed explanations of the technical aspects of this disclosure and are merely examples of the technical aspects. For example, the above descriptions of the structure, function, operation, and effect are examples of the structure, function, operation, and effect of the technical aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that you may delete unnecessary parts, add new elements, or replace elements in the descriptions and illustrations presented above, as long as you do not deviate from the essence of the technical aspects of this disclosure. Furthermore, in order to avoid confusion and facilitate understanding of the technical aspects of this disclosure, explanations of common technical knowledge and the like that do not require special explanation to enable the implementation of the technical aspects of this disclosure have been omitted from the descriptions and illustrations presented above.

[0110] In this specification, "A and / or B" is synonymous with "at least one of A and B." That is, "A and / or B" means that it may be A alone, or B alone, or a combination of A and B. Furthermore, in this specification, the same concept as "A and / or B" applies when expressing three or more things linked by "and / or."

[0111] All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually noted to be incorporated by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 2. Radiography System 10 Mobile radiation generator 11 Electronic Cassette 12 Consoles 13 Cameras 14 Bogie section 15 Radiation source 16. Irradiation switch 17 wheels 18, 110 berths 19. First Arm 20. Second Arm 21 Radiation tubes 22 Irradiation field limiter 23. Radiation source control device 24-tube voltage generator 25 Cassette storage compartment 26 handle 30 cabinets 31 Radiolucent plate 32 Image detection unit 33 Circuit section 34 Scintillator 35 detection panel 36 Radio wave receiver 40 Optical Images 45 Radio Transmitter 46 Detection Results 47 Bed detection area information 55 storage 56 memory 57 CPU 58 Communication I / F 59 Touch panel display 60. Radiology Information System (RIS) 61 Photo shoot order 62 Shooting Menu 63 Irradiation conditions 64 Irradiation Conditions Table 65 Synchronization signal 66 Radiation Response 70 Operating Programs 71 Correspondence Information 72 Extracted Reference Information 75 First acquisition part 76 Second acquisition part 77 First stroke section 78 Second stroke division 79 Display Control Unit 85 Image detection area information 86 Image Area Information 88 Transmitter location information 90 Feature Point Extraction Process 91 Key Features 92. Extraction of areas of interest 95 Information display screen 96, 97, 98 display area 99 Shooting instruction button 100 Frame indicating the detection area 101 Frame indicating the imaging area 111 Side 112 Light indicator 113 Light source 120 Optical display control unit DR detection area DRP1~DRP4 Vertices of the detection region FOV camera field of view H Subject IR imaging area IRP1~IRP4 Vertices of the imaging region L1, L2, L3 lines MP1, MP2 midpoint OP Operator Points of Interest (POIs) R radiation RW radio waves ST100, ST110, ST120, ST130, ST140, ST150, ST160, ST170, ST180 Step

Claims

1. Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, An optical image is acquired from a camera that captures both an electronic cassette, which has a radiation detection panel built into a portable housing, and the subject undergoing radiation imaging using the electronic cassette. The detection area of ​​the radiation by the detection panel is defined within the optical image, where the detection area is determined according to the position of the electronic cassette. The imaging region, which is the area to be imaged in the aforementioned radiography, is defined within the optical image, and the imaging region is determined according to the position of the subject. Control is performed to superimpose the indicator showing the detection area and the indicator showing the imaging area onto the optical image and display them on the display. When the subject is lying on a bed and the electronic cassette is inserted between the subject and the bed to perform radiography, An optical indicator is operated on the side of the bed along the long side to display light for adjusting the position of the electronic cassette, thereby displaying the insertion position of the electronic cassette corresponding to the imaging area. A device to assist in photography.

2. The processor is The shooting support device according to claim 1, wherein the detection area is defined based on the detection result of a position detection sensor that detects the position of the electronic cassette.

3. The processor is Extract the characteristic points of the subject included in the optical image, From the aforementioned feature points, extract the areas of interest of the subject, The imaging support device according to claim 1 or claim 2, which defines the imaging region based on the aforementioned points of interest.

4. An optical image is acquired from a camera that captures both an electronic cassette, which has a radiation detection panel built into a portable housing, and the subject undergoing radiographic imaging using the electronic cassette. The detection area of ​​the radiation by the detection panel, which is determined according to the position of the electronic cassette, is defined within the optical image. Defining an imaging region, which is the region to be imaged in the aforementioned radiographic imaging, within the optical image, where the imaging region is determined according to the position of the subject, Control to display the indicators indicating the detection area and the indicators indicating the imaging area superimposed on the optical image on the display, and When the subject is lying on a bed and the electronic cassette is inserted between the subject and the bed to perform radiography, An optical indicator is operated on the side of the bed along the long side to display light for positioning the electronic cassette, thereby indicating the insertion position of the electronic cassette corresponding to the imaging area. A method for operating a shooting support device, including the device itself.

5. An optical image is acquired from a camera that captures both an electronic cassette, which has a radiation detection panel built into a portable housing, and the subject undergoing radiographic imaging using the electronic cassette. The detection area of ​​the radiation by the detection panel, which is determined according to the position of the electronic cassette, is defined within the optical image. Defining an imaging region, which is the region to be imaged in the aforementioned radiographic imaging, within the optical image, where the imaging region is determined according to the position of the subject, Control to display the indicators indicating the detection area and the indicators indicating the imaging area superimposed on the optical image on the display, and When the subject is lying on a bed and the electronic cassette is inserted between the subject and the bed to perform radiography, An optical indicator is operated on the side of the bed along the long side to display light for positioning the electronic cassette, thereby indicating the insertion position of the electronic cassette corresponding to the imaging area. An operating program for a shooting support device that causes a computer to perform a process including [specific details].

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