X-ray imaging system and X-ray imaging apparatus

Abstract

To provide an X-ray imaging system capable of suppressing deterioration in efficiency of adjustment of relative positions among an X-ray irradiation unit, an X-ray detection unit, and a subject by inhibiting an operator from moving a visual line.SOLUTION: An X-ray imaging system 100 includes: an X-ray irradiation unit 4 for irradiating a subject 90 with an X-ray; an X-ray detection unit 5 for detecting the X-ray emitted from the X-ray irradiation unit 4; an imaging unit 2 for acquiring a subject image 30 of an external appearance of the subject 90; a position information acquisition unit 6a for acquiring position information on the subject 90 in the subject image 30 on the basis of the subject image 30; a target position acquisition unit 6b for acquiring a target position according to an imaging condition 20 on the basis of the imaging condition 20 and the position information; and a projection unit 3 for projecting a marker 40 indicating a contour of the subject 90 for guiding the position of the subject 90 to the target position acquired by the target position acquisition unit 6b onto the subject 90 or an imaging position 80, which is a surface 13a to which the subject 90 is fixed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging system and an X-ray imaging apparatus, and more particularly to an X-ray imaging system and an X-ray imaging apparatus that assist in adjusting the relative positions of an X-ray irradiation unit, an X-ray detection unit, and a subject.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, X-ray imaging systems and X-ray imaging apparatuses that assist in adjusting the relative positions of an X-ray irradiation unit, an X-ray detection unit, and a subject are known (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The radiographic imaging apparatus (X-ray imaging system) disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a radiation source, an image receptor, a collimator, and a display device. Further, a sensor element is provided in the collimator disclosed in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 also discloses a configuration including a holder that holds the image receptor. The holder holds an electromagnetic coil together with the image receptor. In Patent Document 1, a configuration is disclosed in which the relative position between the radiation source and the image receptor is detected by detecting electromagnetic waves emitted from the electromagnetic coil held by the holder using the sensor element provided in the collimator.

[0004] Patent Document 1 also discloses a configuration in which information that an operator refers to when adjusting the relative positions of the radiation source, the image receptor, and the subject is displayed on the display device. Specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which the distance between the radiation source and the image receptor, the angle of the radiation source with respect to the subject, the position of the optical axis of the radiation emitted from the radiation source, etc. are displayed on the display device as information that the operator refers to when adjusting the relative positions of the radiation source, the image receptor, and the subject. That is, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the operator adjusts the relative positions of the radiation source, the image receptor, and the subject while looking at the display device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Special table 2013-523396 publication [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 above, in a configuration in which the relative positions of the radiation source (X-ray irradiation unit), the image receiver (X-ray detection unit), and the subject are adjusted while checking the information displayed on the display device, the operator adjusts the relative positions of the X-ray irradiation unit, the X-ray detection unit, and the subject by alternately moving their gaze between the display device and the subject. Therefore, there is a problem that the efficiency of adjusting the relative positions of the X-ray irradiation unit, the X-ray detection unit, and the subject decreases as the operator's gaze alternately moves.

[0007] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one objective of this invention is to provide an X-ray imaging system and X-ray imaging apparatus that can suppress a decrease in the efficiency of adjusting the relative positions of the X-ray irradiation unit, the X-ray detection unit and the patient by suppressing the operator's movement of their gaze. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the X-ray imaging system in the first aspect of this invention includes an X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates a subject who is the subject of X-ray imaging, positioned at a target location, with X-rays; an X-ray detection unit that detects the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiation unit; an imaging unit that acquires a subject image capturing the external appearance of the subject who is the subject of X-ray imaging; and a system that, based on the subject image, determines the subject who is the subject of X-ray imaging. Center line and contour line A posture information acquisition unit that acquires posture information, and a reference that shows the subject's reference posture at a reference position. center line A memory unit that stores the shooting conditions, including the shooting area and shooting direction, and a standard linked to specific shooting conditions. center line Read from the memory unit, and the read reference center line and , the center line and contour line acquired by the posture information acquisition unitBased on this, the body size of the subject who is the subject of the X-ray imaging at the reference position corresponds to the body size of the subject. Target contour line A contour acquisition unit that acquires the contour, Target contour line It includes a projection unit that projects a sign indicating a target onto the target position.

[0009] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above objective, the X-ray imaging apparatus in the second aspect of this invention includes an X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates a subject who is the subject of X-ray imaging and is positioned at a target location with X-rays, an X-ray detection unit that detects the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiation unit, an imaging unit that acquires a subject image of the subject who is the subject of X-ray imaging, and based on the subject image, the X-ray imaging apparatus of the subject who is the subject of X-ray imaging Center line and contour line A posture information acquisition unit that acquires posture information, and a reference that shows the subject's reference posture at a reference position. center line A memory unit that stores the shooting conditions, including the shooting area and shooting direction, and a standard linked to specific shooting conditions. center line Read from the memory unit, and the read reference center line and , the center line and contour line acquired by the posture information acquisition unit Based on this, the body size of the subject who is the subject of the X-ray imaging at the reference position corresponds to the body size of the subject. Target contour line A contour acquisition unit that acquires the contour, Target contour line It includes a projection unit that projects a sign indicating a target onto the target position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] In the X-ray imaging system in the first phase described above, as stated above, criteria are tied to specific imaging conditions. center line Read from the memory unit, and the read reference center line and , the center line and contour line acquired by the posture information acquisition unit Based on this, the body size of the subject who is the subject of the X-ray imaging at the reference position corresponds to the body size of the subject. Target contour line A contour acquisition unit that acquires the contour, Target contour line It includes a projection unit that projects a marker indicating the target position to the target location, thereby guiding the subject to the target position according to the shooting conditions. Target contour lineSince a marker indicating the position is projected onto the imaging location, the operator can adjust the relative positions of the X-ray irradiation unit, the X-ray detection unit, and the patient while confirming the projected marker. In other words, the operator can adjust the relative positions of the X-ray irradiation unit, the X-ray detection unit, and the patient without moving their line of sight from the patient. As a result, by suppressing the operator's movement of their line of sight, it is possible to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus that can suppress a decrease in the efficiency of adjusting the relative positions of the X-ray irradiation unit, the X-ray detection unit, and the patient.

[0011] Furthermore, by providing a projection unit that projects the above-mentioned markers, markers for guiding the patient's position are projected, allowing the relative positions of the X-ray irradiation unit, X-ray detection unit, and patient to be adjusted to an appropriate position regardless of the operator's skill level. In addition, by providing a projection unit that projects the above-mentioned markers, the operator can be made aware of whether the relative positions of the X-ray irradiation unit, X-ray detection unit, and patient are appropriate before taking the image. As a result, it is possible to suppress the need for re-imaging due to inappropriate relative positions of the X-ray irradiation unit, X-ray detection unit, and patient, thereby suppressing the increase in the patient's radiation exposure due to re-imaging.

[0012] Furthermore, the X-ray imaging equipment in the second phase described above is subject to standards tied to specific imaging conditions. center line Read from the memory unit, and the read reference center line and , the center line and contour line acquired by the posture information acquisition unit Based on this, the body size of the subject who is the subject of the X-ray imaging at the reference position corresponds to the body size of the subject. Target contour line A contour acquisition unit that acquires the contour, Target contour line The system includes a projection unit that projects a marker indicating the target position. This makes it possible to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus that suppresses a decrease in the efficiency of adjusting the relative positions of the X-ray irradiation unit, the X-ray detection unit, and the subject by suppressing the operator's movement of their line of sight, similar to the first-plane X-ray imaging system described above. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1]It is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an X-ray imaging system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a side view showing the overall configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus included in an X-ray imaging system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a side view showing the state during imaging in an X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram for explaining a subject image captured by an imaging unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram for explaining a subject target image in which a subject in a position and posture suitable for imaging conditions is captured. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration in which a position information acquisition unit acquires a contour line and a center line of a subject according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration in which a target position acquisition unit acquires a target position and a target posture according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration in which a marker acquisition unit acquires a target contour line according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration in which a marker acquisition unit acquires a subject target image according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration in which a marker acquisition unit acquires a target distance between an X-ray irradiation unit and an X-ray detection unit, a target angle of the X-ray irradiation unit, and a target angle of the X-ray detection unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a schematic diagram for explaining a marker and information projected at an imaging position by a projection unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration in which a projection distance acquisition unit acquires a projection distance according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration in which a notification unit notifies that the position and posture of a subject have become a target position and a target posture according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart for explaining a process in which an X-ray imaging apparatus projects a marker according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a flowchart illustrating the process by which a notification unit according to one embodiment notifies that the subject's position and posture have reached the target position and posture. [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the target contour line acquired by the modified mark acquisition unit and projected by the projection unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] (Configuration of X-ray imaging equipment) Referring to Figure 1, the configuration of an X-ray imaging system 100 according to one embodiment will be described.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, the X-ray imaging system 100 comprises an X-ray imaging device 1, an imaging unit 2, and a projection unit 3. The imaging unit 2 and the projection unit 3 are provided in the X-ray imaging device 1.

[0016] The imaging unit 2 is configured to acquire a subject image 30, which captures the external appearance of the subject 90 (see Figure 3). In this embodiment, the imaging unit 2 is configured to acquire an image of the subject 90 using light other than X-rays. For example, the imaging unit 2 includes one of the following: a visible light camera that acquires an image of the subject 90 using visible light, an infrared camera that acquires an image of the subject 90 using infrared light, and an ultraviolet camera that acquires an image of the subject 90 using ultraviolet light. In this embodiment, the imaging unit 2 is a visible light camera. That is, the imaging unit 2 includes, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor.

[0017] The projection unit 3 is configured to project the marker 40 onto the imaging position 80 (see Figure 3). The imaging position 80 is the subject 90, or the surface 13a (see Figure 3) on which the subject 90 is fixed. The imaging position 80 is also the position where the subject 90 is positioned when the X-ray imaging device 1 images the subject 90. The projection unit 3 includes, for example, a projector.

[0018] The X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment comprises an X-ray irradiation unit 4, an X-ray detection unit 5, and a control unit 6. In this embodiment, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 also comprises a storage unit 7. In this embodiment, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 also comprises a projection distance acquisition unit 8. In this embodiment, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 also comprises a collimator 9, a moving mechanism unit 10, a display operation unit 11, and a communication unit 12.

[0019] The X-ray irradiation unit 4 is configured to irradiate the subject 90 (see Figure 3) with X-rays. The X-ray irradiation unit 4 is configured to irradiate X-rays when a voltage is applied by an X-ray tube drive unit (not shown). The X-ray irradiation unit 4 includes, for example, an X-ray irradiation device equipped with an X-ray tube.

[0020] The X-ray detection unit 5 is configured to detect X-rays emitted from the X-ray irradiation unit 4. The X-ray detection unit 5 includes a light-receiving unit that receives X-rays emitted from the X-ray irradiation unit 4, and a conversion unit that converts the X-rays received by the light-receiving unit into an image signal. The X-ray detection unit 5 is composed of, for example, a plurality of conversion elements (not shown) and pixel electrodes (not shown) arranged on the plurality of conversion elements. The X-ray detection unit 5 includes, for example, an FPD (flat panel detector). In this embodiment, the X-ray detection unit 5 is configured as a wireless type X-ray detector and can be separated from the X-ray imaging device 1 and carried around. The X-ray detection unit 5 is configured to be stored in a storage unit 10b (see Figure 2), which will be described later, when not being used for X-ray imaging.

[0021] The control unit 6 is configured to display X-ray images on the display operation unit 11. Furthermore, the control unit 6 is configured to control various components of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 based on operations input by the display operation unit 11. The control unit 6 is a processor comprising, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) configured for image processing, ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0022] Furthermore, the control unit 6 includes a location information acquisition unit 6a and a target location acquisition unit 6b as functional software (program) blocks. The control unit 6 also includes a marker acquisition unit 6c as a functional software block. Furthermore, the control unit 6 includes a marker shape adjustment unit 6d as a functional software block. Furthermore, the control unit 6 includes a notification unit 6e as a functional software block. Furthermore, the control unit 6 includes an image processing unit 6f as a functional software block. The location information acquisition unit 6a, target location acquisition unit 6b, marker acquisition unit 6c, marker shape adjustment unit 6d, notification unit 6e, and image processing unit 6f may be individually configured by hardware using dedicated processors (processing circuits).

[0023] The location information acquisition unit 6a is configured to acquire location information of the subject 90 (see Figure 3) as it appears in the subject image 30 (see Figure 4). In this embodiment, the location information acquisition unit 6a includes a contour line acquisition unit 60 that acquires the contour line 90b (see Figure 6) of the subject 90 based on the subject image 30, and a center line acquisition unit 61 that acquires the center line 90c (see Figure 6) of the subject 90 as it appears in the subject image 30. Details of how the location information acquisition unit 6a acquires the contour line 90b and the center line 90c will be described later.

[0024] The target position acquisition unit 6b is configured to acquire a target position according to the shooting conditions 20, based on the shooting conditions 20 and position information. Details of how the target position acquisition unit 6b acquires the target position will be described later. The shooting conditions 20 are the shooting conditions, including the area of ​​the subject 90 to be photographed and the shooting direction. The shooting area in the shooting conditions 20 may include, for example, the chest. The shooting direction in the shooting conditions 20 may include, for example, the front.

[0025] The sign acquisition unit 6c is configured to acquire the sign 40. Details of the configuration by which the sign acquisition unit 6c acquires the sign 40, and details of the sign 40 acquired by the sign acquisition unit 6c, will be described later.

[0026] The sign shape adjustment unit 6d is configured to adjust the shape of the sign 40 based on the projection distance acquired by the projection distance acquisition unit 8. Details of how the sign shape adjustment unit 6d adjusts the shape of the sign 40 will be described later.

[0027] The notification unit 6e is configured to provide notification when the position and orientation of the subject 90 (see Figure 3) reach the target position and orientation. Details of how the notification unit 6e provides notification will be described later.

[0028] The image processing unit 6f is configured to generate an X-ray image (not shown) based on the intensity distribution of X-rays detected by the X-ray detection unit 5.

[0029] The memory unit 7 includes, for example, a non-volatile memory device. The memory unit 7 stores various programs used for processing by the control unit 6. The memory unit 7 is also configured to store reference information 21, which is reference position and reference orientation information according to the shooting conditions 20. The reference information 21 includes a reference centerline 21a (see Figure 7), which is the centerline 90c (see Figure 6) of the subject 90 when the reference position and reference orientation are assumed. In this embodiment, the reference information 21 is stored in the memory unit 7 in association with the shooting conditions 20. That is, a reference centerline 21a suitable for the shooting area and shooting direction included in the shooting conditions 20 is stored in the memory unit 7 for each shooting condition 20. The memory unit 7 also stores a first trained model 22, a second trained model 23a, and a second trained model 23b. Details of the first trained model 22, the second trained model 23a, and the second trained model 23b will be described later.

[0030] The projection distance acquisition unit 8 is configured to acquire the projection distance, which is the distance 50 between the projection unit 3 and the subject 90 (see Figure 3), or the distance 51 between the projection unit 3 and the surface 13a (see Figure 3) that fixes the subject 90 (see Figure 3). In this embodiment, the projection distance acquisition unit 8 includes a light source that emits infrared light, a scanning unit that scans the infrared light emitted from the light source, and a detection unit that detects the infrared light emitted from the light source and reflected by the object to be detected (for example, the subject 90). That is, the projection distance acquisition unit 8 includes an infrared scanner that acquires the distance to each point of the object to be detected by infrared light. Details of the configuration in which the projection distance acquisition unit 8 acquires the projection distance will be described later.

[0031] The collimator 9 is configured to allow adjustment of the irradiation range of the X-rays emitted from the X-ray irradiation unit 4.

[0032] The moving mechanism 10 is configured to be movable while supporting the X-ray irradiation unit 4. The detailed configuration of the moving mechanism 10 will be described later.

[0033] The display operation unit 11 is configured, for example, as a touch panel type liquid crystal display. The display operation unit 11 is configured to function as a display unit for displaying X-ray images and as an input unit for receiving various operations.

[0034] The communication unit 12 is configured to communicate with an external network and is capable of acquiring the imaging conditions 20 of the subject 90 from an external source and transmitting X-ray images to an external source.

[0035] (Device configuration) As shown in Figure 2, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is movable as a whole, and is configured to be able to move to each patient room in the hospital during rounds to take X-rays of patients (subjects 90, see Figure 3). In other words, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is a so-called mobile X-ray imaging apparatus.

[0036] In the X-ray imaging apparatus 1, the X-ray irradiation unit 4, the X-ray detection unit 5, and the display operation unit 11 are located in the moving mechanism unit 10. The projection unit 3 is located near the X-ray irradiation unit 4. The imaging unit 2 and the collimator 9 are also located near the X-ray irradiation unit 4. Specifically, the collimator 9 is provided relative to the X-ray irradiation unit 4. The imaging unit 2 and the projection unit 3 are provided relative to the collimator 9. That is, the imaging unit 2, the projection unit 3, the X-ray irradiation unit 4, and the collimator 9 are provided in the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 as a single unit. In this embodiment, the vertical direction is defined as the Z direction. Within the Z direction, the upward direction is defined as the Z1 direction, and the downward direction is defined as the Z2 direction. Furthermore, "near the X-ray irradiation unit 4" includes both the position of the X-ray irradiation unit 4 itself and the area near the position of the X-ray irradiation unit 4.

[0037] The mobile mechanism 10 is configured as a trolley for the X-ray imaging apparatus 1. Inside the mobile mechanism 10, there is a power supply unit, a battery, etc., for supplying power when moving the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 and when taking images. The mobile mechanism 10 is also provided with multiple wheels 10a, a storage section 10b, a support column 10c, and an arm section 10d.

[0038] Multiple wheels 10a are provided at the bottom of the moving mechanism 10. This makes it possible to move the X-ray imaging device 1.

[0039] Furthermore, the storage section 10b is located at the rear of the moving mechanism section 10. The storage section 10b is configured to allow the X-ray detection unit 5 to be stored in a removable manner.

[0040] Furthermore, the moving mechanism 10 is provided with a support column 10c. Specifically, the support column 10c is attached to the front of the moving mechanism 10 so as to extend vertically (in the Z direction). The support column 10c holds the arm 10d so as to be able to move up and down. The X-ray irradiation unit 4, imaging unit 2, projection unit 3, and collimator 9 are provided on the arm 10d. That is, the X-ray irradiation unit 4, imaging unit 2, projection unit 3, and collimator 9 are configured to move up and down in accordance with the movement of the arm 10d. In addition, the support column 10c is configured to be able to rotate in the rotational direction around the vertical axis.

[0041] The arm section 10d is attached to the support column 10c so as to extend horizontally. The arm section 10d is also configured to be vertically movable relative to the support column 10c. Furthermore, the arm section 10d is configured to be extendable and retractable so as to change the horizontal position of the X-ray irradiation section 4.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, when photographing the subject 90, the operator moves the X-ray irradiation unit 4 from its position behind the support column 10c (direction X2) as shown in Figure 2 to its position in front of the support column 10c (direction X1). The X-ray detection unit 5 is positioned between the subject 90 and the top plate 13 on which the subject 90 is placed during X-ray irradiation. That is, during X-ray irradiation (when photographing the subject 90), the X-ray detection unit 5 is positioned by the operator between the top plate 13 and the back 90a of the subject 90. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the top plate 13 is defined as the X direction. The direction on which the subject 90's head is placed is defined as the X1 direction, and the direction on which the subject 90's feet are placed is defined as the X2 direction. The longitudinal direction of the top plate 13 (left-right direction of the subject 90), which is perpendicular to the X direction, is defined as the Y direction. Furthermore, when the subject 90 is lying on their back, the direction to the right of the subject 90 is defined as the Y1 direction, and the direction to the left of the subject 90 is defined as the Y2 direction. Also, the tabletop 13 is the tabletop of a bed installed in the hospital room.

[0043] In this embodiment, the projection unit 3 is configured to project the marker 40 in a direction along the optical axis of the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiation unit 4. Specifically, the projection unit 3 projects the marker 40 from the Z1 direction to the Z2 direction relative to the imaging position 80.

[0044] In this embodiment, when photographing a patient 90 with the X-ray imaging device 1, the operator moves the X-ray imaging device 1 to a predetermined position. The operator then adjusts the relative positions of the X-ray irradiation unit 4, the X-ray detection unit 5, and the patient 90. After the adjustment of the relative positions is complete, the operator performs the operation to irradiate X-rays from the X-ray irradiation unit 4, thereby capturing an X-ray image. In this embodiment, the X-ray irradiation unit 4 is configured to be movable by a physician or radiologic technologist. The X-ray detection unit 5 is also positioned by a physician or radiologic technologist. Therefore, the relative positions of the X-ray irradiation unit 4, the X-ray detection unit 5, and the patient 90 may not be in a position suitable for the imaging conditions 20. If the relative positions of the X-ray irradiation unit 4, the X-ray detection unit 5, and the patient 90 are not in a position suitable for the imaging conditions 20, the image quality of the X-ray image of the area of ​​the patient 90 may be reduced. The position suitable for the imaging conditions 20 is the preferred position of the subject 90, which is set according to the imaging site and imaging direction.

[0045] Therefore, in this embodiment, the projection unit 3 projects a marker 40 (see Figure 1) onto the imaging position 80 to guide the relative positions of the X-ray irradiation unit 4, the X-ray detection unit 5, and the subject 90 to a position suitable for imaging conditions 20 (see Figure 1) before starting imaging (X-ray irradiation) of the subject 90. Specifically, the projection unit 3 is configured to project a marker 40 indicating the contour of the subject 90 onto the subject 90 or the imaging position 80, which is the surface 13a on which the subject 90 is fixed, to guide the subject 90 to a target position acquired by the target position acquisition unit 6b (see Figure 1).

[0046] (Image of the subject and target image of the subject) Refer to Figures 4 and 5 to explain the subject image 30 and the subject target image 31.

[0047] The subject image 30 shown in Figure 4 is an image captured by the imaging unit 2. Specifically, the subject image 30 is an image showing the position of the subject 90, which may not be in a position and posture suitable for the imaging conditions 20 (see Figure 1). The position information acquisition unit 6a (see Figure 1) is configured to acquire the position and posture of the subject 90 as seen in the subject image 30. Although only an outline of the subject 90 is shown in the subject image 30, in reality, parts of the subject 90 (mouth, ears, nose, etc.) and the clothing the subject 90 is wearing are also visible. In the example shown in Figure 4, hatching is added to the subject 90 for convenience in order to distinguish it from the image 36 showing the target outline 40a (see Figure 8), which will be described later.

[0048] The subject target image 31 shown in Figure 5 is an image of the subject 90 in a position and posture suitable for the shooting conditions 20. In this embodiment, the position information acquisition unit 6a, the target position acquisition unit 6b (see Figure 1), and the marker acquisition unit 6c (see Figure 1) acquire markers 40 (see Figure 1) to guide the subject to the position and posture shown in the subject target image 31, based on the subject image 30 captured by the shooting unit 2 (see Figure 1). The subject target image 31 also shows parts of the subject 90 (mouth, ears, nose, etc.) and the clothing the subject 90 is wearing. In the example shown in Figure 5, hatching is added to the subject 90 for convenience in order to distinguish it from the image 36 showing the target contour line 40a (see Figure 8), which will be described later.

[0049] Specifically, the location information acquisition unit 6a acquires the location information of the subject 90 from the subject image 30. The target location acquisition unit 6b acquires a target position and target orientation suitable for the shooting conditions 20 based on the location information of the subject 90 acquired by the location information acquisition unit 6a and the shooting conditions 20 stored in the memory unit 7 (see Figure 1). Then, the marker acquisition unit 6c acquires a marker 40 to guide to the target position and target orientation acquired by the target location acquisition unit 6b.

[0050] (Acquisition of the subject's contour and centerline) Referring to Figure 6, the configuration in which the location information acquisition unit 6a acquires the location information of the subject 90 will be described. In this embodiment, the location information acquisition unit 6a acquires the location information of the subject 90 as seen in the subject image 30 by acquiring the contour line 90b and center line 90c of the subject 90 as seen in the subject image 30. Note that the location information acquisition unit 6a acquires the center line 90c of the subject 90, which is not visible to the naked eye. In the example shown in Figure 6, for convenience, the center line 90c of the subject 90 is shown as a dashed line.

[0051] In this embodiment, the contour acquisition unit 60 is configured to acquire the contour line 90b of the subject 90. The center line acquisition unit 61 is configured to acquire the center line 90c of the subject 90.

[0052] In this embodiment, the contour acquisition unit 60 acquires the contour 90b of the subject 90 by rule-based image processing. For example, the contour acquisition unit 60 acquires the contour 90b of the subject 90 by acquiring the boundary line between the subject 90 and the background by image processing that extracts boundary lines.

[0053] Furthermore, the centerline acquisition unit 61 is configured to acquire the centerline 90c of the subject 90 based on the subject image 30 and a first trained model 22 that has been trained to acquire the centerline 90c of the subject 90 from an image of the subject 90. The first trained model 22 is generated by training the model using an image of the subject 90 as training input data and the centerline of the subject 90 as training output data. The generated first trained model 22 is stored in the storage unit 7 beforehand.

[0054] (Acquisition of target position and target attitude) Next, referring to Figure 7, we will describe the configuration in which the target position acquisition unit 6b acquires the target position and target attitude.

[0055] In this embodiment, the target position acquisition unit 6b is configured to acquire a target position corresponding to the shooting conditions 20 (see Figure 1) based on the shooting conditions 20 and the position information of the subject 90 in the subject image 30. In this embodiment, the target position acquisition unit 6b is configured to acquire a target position along with a target posture corresponding to the shooting conditions 20, based on the shooting conditions 20, the position information and the posture information of the subject 90.

[0056] Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, the target position acquisition unit 6b is configured to acquire the target position and target posture based on the center line 90c acquired by the center line acquisition unit 61 (see Figure 1) and the reference center line 21a. Here, the reference center line 21a is a center line that represents a position and posture suitable for the shooting conditions 20. That is, the reference center line 21a is a center line that represents a position and posture suitable for the shooting conditions 20 without considering the body shape of the subject 90. Therefore, in this embodiment, the target position acquisition unit 6b acquires the center line 90d shown in Image 34 based on the center line 90c shown in Image 32 and the reference center line 21a shown in Image 33. The center line 90d is the center line when the position and posture of the subject 90 become the target position and target posture. Also, Images 32, 33, and 34 are images to explain the configuration in which the target position acquisition unit 6b acquires the target position and target posture. In other words, images 32, 33, and 34 are images that are not generated.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the target position acquisition unit 6b is configured to acquire the direction of movement to move the subject 90 to the target position from the position of the subject 90 as seen in the subject image 30 and the target position. More specifically, the target position acquisition unit 6b is configured to acquire the direction of movement to move the subject 90 to the target position based on the position of the center line 90d and the position of the center line 90c of the subject 90. More specifically, the target position acquisition unit 6b is configured to acquire the direction of movement to move the subject 90 to the target position by acquiring the difference between the position of the center line 90d and the position of the center line 90c.

[0058] (Acquisition of signs) In this embodiment, the mark acquisition unit 6c is configured to acquire, as a mark 40, the target contour line 40a when the subject 90 assumes the target posture at the target position, or the subject target image 31 (see Figure 5), which is an image obtained by transforming the subject 90 as it appears in the subject image 30 (see Figure 3) so that the subject 90 is at the target position and in the target posture, based on the subject image 30, the target position, and the target posture.

[0059] (Acquiring the target contour line) First, with reference to Figure 8, the configuration in which the mark acquisition unit 6c acquires the target contour line 40a will be described. In this embodiment, the mark acquisition unit 6c is configured to acquire the target contour line 40a, which is the contour line when the subject 90 assumes the target posture at the target position, as a mark 40 (see Figure 1). In this embodiment, the mark acquisition unit 6c is configured to acquire the target contour line 40a based on a second trained model 23a that has been trained to acquire the target contour line 40a of the subject 90 from the centerline 90c of the subject 90 (see Figure 7), reference information 21, the target position, and the target posture.

[0060] In this embodiment, the second trained model 23a is generated by training the learning model to acquire the contour line 90b of the subject 90 when the subject 90 assumes a target posture at a target position, based on the contour line 90b (see Figure 6) of the subject 90 as seen in the subject image 30 (see Figure 4) and the reference center line 21a (see Figure 7). That is, the second trained model 23a is generated by training the learning model using the contour line 90b of the subject 90 acquired from the subject image 30 and the reference center line 21a as training input data, and the contour line when the subject 90 assumes a target posture at a target position as training output data. The generated second trained model 23a is stored in the storage unit 7 beforehand.

[0061] Therefore, in this embodiment, the label acquisition unit 6c acquires the target contour line 40a shown in image 36 by inputting the center line 90d at the target position shown in image 34 and the contour line 90b of the subject 90 shown in image 35 into the second trained model 23a. Images 35 and 36 are images used to explain the configuration in which the label acquisition unit 6c acquires the target contour line 40a. In other words, images 35 and 36 are images that are not generated.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mark acquisition unit 6c is configured to acquire a target contour line 40a of the actual size of the subject 90 as the mark 40. Specifically, the mark acquisition unit 6c acquires a target contour line 40a that, when projected onto the shooting position 80 (see Figure 3), will be the actual size of the subject 90.

[0063] (Acquisition of target images of the subject) Next, with reference to Figure 9, the configuration in which the mark acquisition unit 6c acquires the subject target image 31 will be described. In this embodiment, the mark acquisition unit 6c is configured to acquire the subject target image 31 based on the reference information 21, the target position, and the target posture, using a second trained model 23b that has been trained to output an image of the subject 90 when the subject 90 assumes the target posture at the target position, based on an image of the subject 90 and reference information 21 (see Figure 1). The subject target image 31 is an image generated by transforming the subject 90 as seen in the subject image 30 so that the position and posture of the subject 90 become the target position and target posture.

[0064] In this embodiment, the second trained model 23b is generated by training the learning model to output a subject target image 31, which is an image of the subject 90 when he assumes the target posture at the target position, based on the subject image 30 (see Figure 4) and the reference centerline 21a (see Figure 7). That is, the second trained model 23b is generated by training the learning model using the subject image 30 and the reference centerline 21a as training input data, and an image of the subject 90 when he assumes the target posture at the target position as training output data. The generated second trained model 23b is stored in the storage unit 7 beforehand.

[0065] In this embodiment, the label acquisition unit 6c acquires either the target contour line 40a or the subject target image 31 based on the operator's selection or setting. That is, if the operator selects or sets to acquire the target contour line 40a, the label acquisition unit 6c acquires the target contour line 40a as label 40. Also, if the operator selects or sets to acquire the subject target image 31, the label acquisition unit 6c acquires the subject target image 31 as label 40.

[0066] (Other signs acquired by the sign acquisition unit) In this embodiment, the marker acquisition unit 6c is configured to acquire a marker 40b (see Figure 11) indicating the direction of movement of the subject 90, which is used as a marker 40 to guide the subject 90 to a target position and target posture. Specifically, the marker acquisition unit 6c is configured to acquire a marker 40b indicating the direction of movement based on the direction of movement that moves the subject 90 to the target position, which is acquired by the target position acquisition unit 6b. The target position acquisition unit 6b acquires the direction of movement based on the position of the subject 90 as seen in the subject image 30 (see Figure 4) (the subject 90's current position) and the target position.

[0067] (Other information acquired by the sign acquisition unit) Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the imaging conditions 20 include information not only about the position and orientation of the subject 90, but also about the position of the X-ray detection unit 5 (see Figure 1). Therefore, in this embodiment, the label acquisition unit 6c (see Figure 1) is configured to acquire the target position 41 (see Figure 11) of the X-ray detection region of the X-ray detection unit 5. Specifically, the label acquisition unit 6c acquires the target position 41 of the X-ray detection region based on the position information of the X-ray detection region included in the imaging conditions 20.

[0068] Furthermore, the imaging conditions 20 also include preferred positional information for the X-ray irradiation unit 4 (see Figure 1) and the X-ray detection unit 5. In this embodiment, based on the preferred positional information for the X-ray irradiation unit 4 and the X-ray detection unit 5 included in the imaging conditions 20, the label acquisition unit 6c is configured to acquire at least one of the target distance 42 between the X-ray irradiation unit 4 and the X-ray detection unit 5, the target angle 43 of the X-ray irradiation unit 4, and the target angle 44 of the X-ray detection unit 5. In this embodiment, the label acquisition unit 6c is configured to acquire all of the target distance 42, target angle 43, and target angle 44.

[0069] (Projected signs and information) Next, with reference to Figure 11, the markers 40 and information projected by the projection unit 3 (see Figure 1) will be described. As shown in image 37 of Figure 11, the projection unit 3 is configured to project the contour of the subject 90 (see Figure 1) as a marker 40 onto the shooting position 80 (see Figure 1) to guide the subject 90 to the target position and orientation. Specifically, the projection unit 3 is configured to project at least the target contour line 40a as the marker 40. More specifically, the projection unit 3 is configured to project either the target contour line 40a or the subject target image 31 as the marker 40 onto the shooting position 80. The example shown in Figure 11 is a configuration in which the projection unit 3 projects the target contour line 40a onto the shooting position 80. Note that image 37 is an image used to illustrate the markers 40 projected by the projection unit 3. In other words, image 37 is an image that is not generated.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mark acquisition unit 6c (see Figure 1) acquires the actual-size target contour line 40a of the subject 90. Therefore, the projection unit 3 is configured to project the actual-size target contour line 40a of the subject 90 onto the shooting position 80.

[0071] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the projection unit 3 is configured to project a marker 40b indicating the direction of movement of the subject 90. In the example shown in Figure 11, the marker 40b indicating the direction of movement indicates that the subject 90 should move to the upper left of the image 37.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the projection unit 3 is configured to project the target position 41 of the X-ray detection area relative to the imaging position 80. In this embodiment, the projection unit 3 is configured to project the target position 41 of the X-ray detection area by displaying a rectangular marker 40c at a position of the X-ray detection area suitable for the imaging conditions 20 (see Figure 1).

[0073] Furthermore, the projection unit 3 is configured to project at least one of the target distance 42 between the X-ray irradiation unit 4 and the X-ray detection unit 5, the target angle 43 of the X-ray irradiation unit 4, and the target angle 44 of the X-ray detection unit 5 onto the imaging position 80. In the example shown in Figure 11, the projection unit 3 is configured to project all of the target distance 42 between the X-ray irradiation unit 4 and the X-ray detection unit 5, the target angle 43 of the X-ray irradiation unit 4, and the target angle 44 of the X-ray detection unit 5. In this embodiment, the projection unit 3 projects each of the target distance 42 between the X-ray irradiation unit 4 and the X-ray detection unit 5, the target angle 43 of the X-ray irradiation unit 4, and the target angle 44 of the X-ray detection unit 5 as text information.

[0074] The target distance 42 between the X-ray irradiation unit 4 and the X-ray detection unit 5, the target angle 43 of the X-ray irradiation unit 4, and the target angle 44 of the X-ray detection unit 5 are textual information. Therefore, when the projection unit 3 projects the target distance 42 between the X-ray irradiation unit 4 and the X-ray detection unit 5, the target angle 43 of the X-ray irradiation unit 4, and the target angle 44 of the X-ray detection unit 5 onto the imaging position 80, it projects the target distance 42 between the X-ray irradiation unit 4 and the X-ray detection unit 5, the target angle 43 of the X-ray irradiation unit 4, and the target angle 44 of the X-ray detection unit 5 onto a position with minimal irregularities. In this embodiment, for example, the projection unit 3 projects the target distance 42 between the X-ray irradiation unit 4 and the X-ray detection unit 5, the target angle 43 of the X-ray irradiation unit 4, and the target angle 44 of the X-ray detection unit 5 onto the surface 13a (see Figure 3) of the top plate 13 (see Figure 3) at the imaging position 80.

[0075] (Adjustment of sign shape) Here, the imaging position 80 (see Figure 3) includes the body surface of the subject 90 (see Figure 3) and the surface 13a (see Figure 3) on which the subject 90 is fixed. Therefore, the projection unit 3 (see Figure 1) projects the marker 40 onto the body surface of the subject 90 and the surface 13a on which the subject 90 is fixed. In other words, the projection surface onto which the projection unit 3 projects the marker 40 has an uneven shape. When projecting the marker 40 onto a projection surface with an uneven shape, the shape of the marker 40 may deform because the distance from the projection unit 3 to each projection position changes. Therefore, the projection unit 3 is configured to project the marker 40, whose shape has been adjusted based on the projection distance, onto the imaging position 80.

[0076] In this embodiment, the sign shape adjustment unit 6d (see Figure 1) is configured to adjust the shape of the sign 40 based on the projection distance acquired by the projection distance acquisition unit 8 (see Figure 1).

[0077] As shown in Figure 12, the projection distance acquisition unit 8 (see Figure 1) acquires the projection distance, which is the distance from the projection unit 3 (see Figure 3) to the shooting position 80 (see Figure 3) along the body axis direction (X direction) of the subject 90, as indicated by arrow 70. The projection distance acquisition unit 8 also acquires the projection distance, which is the distance from the projection unit 3 to the shooting position 80 along the body width direction (Y direction) of the subject 90, as indicated by arrow 71.

[0078] Graph 72 shows the change in projection distance in the direction of the body axis at a given position. In Graph 72, the horizontal axis represents position and the vertical axis represents distance. The projection distance in the direction of the body axis shown in Graph 72 is obtained by the projection distance acquisition unit 8 from the projection unit 3 to the body surface of the subject 90 along the body axis of the subject 90, from the head to the chest. In Graph 72, a larger projection distance means that the distance from the projection unit 3 to the body surface of the subject 90 is greater. Also, in Graph 72, a smaller projection distance means that the distance from the projection unit 3 to the body surface of the subject 90 is closer.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mark shape adjustment unit 6d acquires the uneven shape 73 of the subject 90 in the axial direction based on the graph 72. Specifically, the mark shape adjustment unit 6d acquires the uneven shape 73 of the subject 90 in the axial direction by acquiring the amount of protrusion from the surface 13a of the top plate 13 based on the distance in the graph 72. The mark shape adjustment unit 6d acquires the uneven shape 73 of the subject 90 in the axial direction at the imaging position 80 by scanning the position for acquiring the graph 72 in the width direction of the body and acquiring the uneven shape 73 of the subject 90 in the axial direction.

[0080] Graph 74 is a graph showing the change in projection distance in the body width direction at a predetermined position. In Graph 74, the horizontal axis is position and the vertical axis is distance. The mark shape adjustment unit 6d acquires the uneven shape 75 of the subject 90 in the body width direction based on Graph 74. Graph 74 is the same as Graph 72 except that the direction in which the projection distance is acquired is different. The mark shape adjustment unit 6d acquires the uneven shape 75 of the subject 90 in the body width direction at the shooting position 80 by scanning the position for acquiring Graph 74 in the body axis direction. Note that the configuration in which the mark shape adjustment unit 6d acquires the uneven shape 75 of the subject 90 in the body width direction based on Graph 74 is the same as the configuration in which the mark shape adjustment unit 6d acquires the uneven shape 73 of the subject 90 in the body axis direction based on Graph 72, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0081] The mark shape adjustment unit 6d adjusts the shape of the mark 40 based on the uneven shape 73 of the subject 90 in the axial direction and the uneven shape 75 of the subject 90 in the width direction. Specifically, the mark shape adjustment unit 6d acquires the uneven shape 73 in the axial direction and the uneven shape 75 in the width direction within the plane of the shooting position 80, and acquires the uneven shape of the shooting position 80. Based on the uneven shape of the shooting position 80, the mark shape adjustment unit 6d adjusts the shape of the mark 40 so that the shape of the mark 40 does not deform based on the distance from the projection unit 3 to each position in the shooting position 80. Specifically, the mark shape adjustment unit 6d adjusts the shape of the mark 40 by adjusting the magnification ratio based on the projection distance for each pixel of the image projected as the mark 40.

[0082] (Notification based on target contour lines) Next, with reference to Figure 13, the configuration in which the notification unit 6e provides notification will be described. In this embodiment, the notification unit 6e is configured to change the display pattern of the marker 40 before the subject 90's position and posture reach the target position and posture, and after the subject 90 reaches the target position and posture. Specifically, the notification unit 6e is configured to provide notification by changing the display pattern of the target contour line 40a before the subject 90's position and posture reach the target position and posture, and after the subject 90 reaches the target position and posture.

[0083] In this embodiment, the notification unit 6e notifies that the subject 90's position and posture have reached the target position and posture by changing the color of the target contour line 40a before and after the subject 90's position and posture reach the target position and posture. For example, the notification unit 6e displays the target contour line 40a in red before the subject 90's position and posture reach the target position and posture. After the subject 90's position and posture reach the target position and posture, the notification unit 6e displays the target contour line 40a in green. In the example shown in Figure 13, the thickness of the target contour line 40a in image 37a, which shows the state where the position and posture of the subject 90 are not the target position and target posture, is made different from the thickness of the target contour line 40a in image 37b, which shows the state where the position and posture of the subject 90 are the target position and target posture, thereby showing a difference in the display manner (display color) of the target contour line 40a (mark 40). Note that images 37a and 37b are images used to explain the configuration for notification by the notification unit 6e and are not images generated by the X-ray imaging device 1.

[0084] (Marker projection processing) Next, referring to Figure 14, the process by which the control unit 6 (see Figure 1) acquires the marker 40 (see Figure 1) and the projection unit 3 (see Figure 1) projects the marker 40 (see Figure 1) onto the shooting position 80 (see Figure 3) will be described. The process of projecting the marker 40 shown in Figure 14 starts when the operator selects the shooting conditions 20 (see Figure 1) and ends when the position and orientation of the subject 90 (see Figure 3) become the target position and target orientation. In other words, the process of projecting the marker 40 according to this embodiment is executed in real time.

[0085] In step 101, the control unit 6 acquires the subject image 30 (see Figure 4). Specifically, the control unit 6 acquires the subject image 30 taken by the imaging unit 2 (see Figure 1).

[0086] In step 102, the contour acquisition unit 60 (control unit 6) acquires the contour lines 90b (see Figure 6) of the subject 90 as seen in the subject image 30. In this embodiment, the contour acquisition unit 60 acquires the contour lines 90b by rule-based image processing.

[0087] In step 103, the centerline acquisition unit 61 (control unit 6) acquires the centerline 90c (see Figure 6) of the subject 90 as seen in the subject image 30. In this embodiment, the centerline acquisition unit 61 acquires the centerline 90c using the first trained model 22 (see Figure 1).

[0088] In step 104, the target position acquisition unit 6b (control unit 6) acquires the reference information 21 stored in the memory unit 7. Specifically, the target position acquisition unit 6b acquires the reference centerline 21a (see Figure 7) as the reference information 21.

[0089] In step 105, the target position acquisition unit 6b acquires the target position and target posture. Specifically, the target position acquisition unit 6b acquires the centerline 90d (see Figure 7) of the subject 90 when the subject assumes the target posture at the target position, based on the subject 90's centerline 90c and the reference centerline 21a.

[0090] In step 106, the label acquisition unit 6c (control unit 6) acquires the label 40 (see Figure 1). In this embodiment, the label acquisition unit 6c acquires the target contour line 40a, the label 40b indicating the direction of movement of the subject 90, the target position 41 of the X-ray detection area, the target distance 42 between the X-ray irradiation unit 4 and the X-ray detection unit 5, the target angle 43 of the X-ray irradiation unit 4, and the target angle 44 of the X-ray detection unit 5.

[0091] In step 107, the projection distance acquisition unit 8 acquires the projection distance. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, the projection distance acquisition unit 8 acquires the projection distance in the body axis direction of the subject 90 and the projection distance in the body width direction of the subject 90.

[0092] In step 108, the sign shape adjustment unit 6d (control unit 6) adjusts the shape of the sign 40 (see Figure 1) based on the projection distance.

[0093] In step 109, the projection unit 3 projects the marker 40 onto the imaging position 80. In this embodiment, the projection unit 3 projects the target contour line 40a (see Figure 8) as the marker 40 onto the imaging position 80. Also in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, the projection unit 3 projects the marker 40b indicating the direction of movement of the subject 90, the target position 41 of the X-ray detection area, the target distance 42 between the X-ray irradiation unit 4 and the X-ray detection unit 5, the target angle 43 of the X-ray irradiation unit 4, and the target angle 44 of the X-ray detection unit 5 onto the imaging position 80.

[0094] In step 110, the control unit 6 determines whether the position and orientation of the subject 90 are in the target position and target orientation. Specifically, the control unit 6 determines whether the position and orientation of the subject 90 are in the target position and target orientation by determining whether the center line 90c (see Figure 6) of the subject 90 coincides with the center line 90d (see Figure 7) of the target position and target orientation. If the position and orientation of the subject 90 are not in the target position and target orientation, the process proceeds to step 101. If the position and orientation of the subject 90 are in the target position and target orientation, the process ends.

[0095] The processes in steps 102 to 104 described above may be performed in any order.

[0096] In this embodiment, the control unit 6 and the projection unit 3 perform the processing described in steps 101 to 110 in real time and project the marker 40. In other words, the control unit 6 and the projection unit 3 are configured to project the marker 40 as a moving image. Furthermore, the capture of the subject image 30 by the imaging unit 2 is also performed in real time. That is, the imaging unit 2 captures the subject image 30 as a moving image.

[0097] (Notification processing) Next, the notification process by the notification unit 6e (see Figure 1) will be explained with reference to Figure 15. The notification process by the notification unit 6e begins when the first step 109 of the projection process of the marker 40 shown in Figure 14 is completed. In other words, the notification process by the notification unit 6e begins when the marker 40 is projected from the projection unit 3.

[0098] In step 200, the position information acquisition unit 6a (control unit 6) acquires the position information of the subject 90 (see Figure 3) as seen in the subject image 30 (see Figure 4). Specifically, the position information acquisition unit 6a acquires the center line 90c (see Figure 6) of the subject 90 as seen in the subject image 30.

[0099] In step 201, the control unit 6 determines whether the position and orientation of the subject 90 are in the target position and target orientation. Specifically, the control unit 6 determines whether the position and orientation of the subject 90 are in the target position and target orientation by determining whether the center line 90c of the subject 90 coincides with the center line 90d (see Figure 7) of the target position and target orientation. If the position and orientation of the subject 90 are not in the target position and target orientation, the process proceeds to step 200. If the position and orientation of the subject 90 are in the target position and target orientation, the process proceeds to step 202.

[0100] In step 202, the notification unit 6e (control unit 6) changes the display mode of the indicator 40. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, the notification unit 6e changes the display mode of the target contour line 40a by changing the color of the target contour line 40a. In this embodiment, the notification unit 6e changes the color of the target contour line 40a from red to green.

[0101] In step 203, the projection unit 3 projects a marker 40 (target contour line 40a) with a different display pattern onto the shooting position 80 (see Figure 3). After that, the process is completed.

[0102] When performing the processing in step 200, depending on the timing of capturing each frame of the subject image 30 and the timing of projecting the marker 40 onto the shooting position 80, the marker 40 may be visible in the subject image 30. In this case, the position information acquisition unit 6a acquires the projected marker 40 at the time each frame of the subject image 30 is acquired. The position information acquisition unit 6a removes the marker 40 from each frame of the subject image 30 by subtracting the acquired marker 40 from each frame of the subject image 30. As a result, the position information acquisition unit 6a can acquire the centerline 90c of the subject 90 based on each frame of the subject image 30 from which the marker 40 has been removed. Also, if the marker 40 is not projected at the time each frame of the subject image 30 is captured, the marker 40 will not be visible in each frame of the subject image 30. In this case, the position information acquisition unit 6a only needs to acquire the centerline 90c of the subject 90 based on each frame of the acquired subject image 30.

[0103] (Effects of this embodiment) In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0104] In this embodiment, as described above, the X-ray imaging system 100 includes an X-ray irradiation unit 4 that irradiates the subject 90 with X-rays, an X-ray detection unit 5 that detects the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiation unit 4, an imaging unit 2 that acquires a subject image 30 that captures the appearance of the subject 90, a position information acquisition unit 6a that acquires position information of the subject 90 as seen in the subject image 30 based on the subject image 30, a target position acquisition unit 6b that acquires a target position according to the imaging conditions 20 based on the imaging conditions 20 and the position information, and a projection unit 3 that projects a marker 40 indicating the contour of the subject 90 onto the subject 90 or the imaging position 80 which is the surface 13a on which the subject 90 is fixed, in order to guide the subject 90 to the target position acquired by the target position acquisition unit 6b.

[0105] As a result, a marker 40 indicating the contour of the subject 90 for guidance to the target position is projected onto the imaging position 80. This allows the operator to adjust the relative positions of the X-ray irradiation unit 4, the X-ray detection unit 5, and the subject 90 while confirming the marker 40 projected onto the imaging position 80. In other words, the operator can adjust the relative positions of the X-ray irradiation unit 4, the X-ray detection unit 5, and the subject 90 without moving their line of sight from the subject 90. As a result, an X-ray imaging system 100 can be provided that suppresses a decrease in the efficiency of relative position adjustment by suppressing the operator's movement of their line of sight.

[0106] Furthermore, by providing a projection unit 3 that projects the above-mentioned marker 40, a marker 40 for guiding the position of the subject 90 is projected, so that the relative position of the X-ray irradiation unit 4, the X-ray detection unit 5, and the subject 90 can be adjusted to an appropriate position regardless of the operator's skill level. In addition, by providing a projection unit 3 that projects the above-mentioned marker 40, the operator can be made aware of whether the relative position of the X-ray irradiation unit 4, the X-ray detection unit 5, and the subject 90 is appropriate before taking the image. As a result, it is possible to suppress the need for re-imaging due to an inappropriate relative position of the X-ray irradiation unit 4, the X-ray detection unit 5, and the subject 90, thereby suppressing the increase in the subject's radiation exposure due to re-imaging.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 includes an X-ray irradiation unit 4 that irradiates the subject 90 with X-rays, an X-ray detection unit 5 that detects the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiation unit 4, an imaging unit 2 that acquires a subject image 30 that captures the appearance of the subject 90, a position information acquisition unit 6a that acquires position information of the subject 90 that is captured in the subject image 30 based on the subject image 30, a target position acquisition unit 6b that acquires a target position according to the imaging conditions 20 based on the imaging conditions 20 and the position information, and a projection unit 3 that projects a marker 40 indicating the contour of the subject 90 onto the subject 90 or the imaging position 80 which is the surface 13a on which the subject 90 is fixed, in order to guide the subject 90 to the target position acquired by the target position acquisition unit 6b.

[0108] This makes it possible to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus 1 that, similar to the X-ray imaging system 100 described above, can suppress a decrease in the efficiency of adjusting the relative position by suppressing the operator's movement of their gaze.

[0109] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the following additional effects can be obtained by configuring it as follows.

[0110] In other words, in this embodiment, as described above, the target position acquisition unit 6b is configured to acquire a target position and a target posture corresponding to the shooting conditions 20, based on the shooting conditions 20, position information, and information on the posture of the subject 90, and the projection unit 3 is configured to project the contour of the subject 90 as a marker 40 onto the shooting position 80 in order to guide the subject 90's position and posture to become the target position and target posture. As a result, by aligning the subject 90's position and posture with the marker 40, the subject 90 can be positioned to be in a position and posture suitable for the shooting conditions 20. In other words, even if the operator's skill level is low, the subject 90's position and posture can be easily adjusted to a position and posture suitable for the shooting conditions 20. As a result, regardless of the operator's skill level, it is possible to suppress the shooting of the subject 90 when its position and posture are not suitable for the shooting conditions 20, thereby suppressing the need for reshoots.

[0111] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the system further includes a mark acquisition unit 6c for acquiring the mark 40. The mark acquisition unit 6c is configured to acquire the target contour line 40a, which is the contour line when the subject 90 assumes the target posture at the target position, as the mark 40. The projection unit 3 is configured to project at least the target contour line 40a as the mark 40. This allows the subject 90 to be positioned at the location of the target contour line 40a, thereby adjusting the subject 90's position and posture to be suitable for the imaging conditions 20. As a result, unlike, for example, a configuration that projects a cross-shaped mark at the target position, not only the subject 90's position but also their posture can be easily adjusted to a posture suitable for the imaging conditions 20.

[0112] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the mark acquisition unit 6c is configured to acquire a target contour line 40a of the actual size of the subject 90 as a mark 40, and the projection unit 3 is configured to project the target contour line 40a of the actual size of the subject 90 onto the shooting position 80. Here, for example, when adjusting the position and posture of the subject 90 while checking the target position and target posture displayed on the monitor, the target position and target posture are displayed on the monitor in a reduced state. Therefore, there is a difference between the distance moved on the monitor and the actual distance moved. As a result, the efficiency of adjusting the position and posture of the subject 90 decreases. Therefore, as described above, by projecting the target contour line 40a of the actual size of the subject 90 onto the shooting position 80, the size of the target contour line 40a is the actual size of the subject 90, so by adjusting the position and posture of the subject 90 so that the subject 90 approaches the target contour line 40a, the position and posture of the subject 90 can be set to the target position and target posture. As a result, compared to a configuration in which relative position adjustments are made while checking the target position and target posture displayed on a monitor, for example, the efficiency of adjusting the position and posture of the subject 90 can be further improved.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the position information acquisition unit 6a includes a contour acquisition unit 60 that acquires the contour line 90b of the subject 90 based on the subject image 30, and a center line acquisition unit 61 that acquires the center line 90c of the subject 90 as seen in the subject image 30. It further includes a storage unit 7 that stores reference information 21, which is reference position and reference posture information according to the shooting conditions 20. The reference information 21 includes a reference center line 21a, which is the center line 90c of the subject 90 when the reference position and reference posture are taken. The target position acquisition unit 6b is configured to acquire the target position and target posture based on the center line 90c acquired by the center line acquisition unit 61 and the reference center line 21a. As a result, the target position and target posture are acquired based on the center line 90c of the subject 90 acquired from the subject image 30 and the reference center line 21a, so the target position and target posture can be easily acquired by acquiring the subject image 30.

[0114] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the centerline acquisition unit 61 is configured to acquire the centerline 90c based on the first trained model 22, which has been trained to acquire the centerline 90c of the subject 90 from an image of the subject 90, and the subject image 30. However, for example, if the subject 90 is large in stature, or depending on the position of the subject 90 in the subject image 30, there may be parts of the contour of the subject 90 that cannot be extracted from the subject image 30. In such cases, with a configuration that acquires the centerline 90c by extracting the contour lines of the subject 90 as an image processing step and acquiring the center of the opposing contour lines, it may be difficult to acquire the centerline 90c. Therefore, as described above, by using the first pre-trained model 22, which has been trained to acquire the centerline 90c of the subject 90 from an image of the subject 90, the centerline 90c of the subject 90 can be acquired by the first pre-trained model 22 regardless of the subject 90's physique or the position of the subject 90 in the subject image 30.

[0115] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the mark acquisition unit 6c is configured to acquire, as a mark 40, the target contour line 40a when the subject 90 assumes the target posture at the target position, or the subject target image 31 which is an image obtained by transforming the subject 90 as it appears in the subject image 30 so that the subject 90 is at the target position and in the target posture, based on the subject image 30, the target position, and the target posture. The projection unit 3 is configured to project the target contour line 40a or the subject target image 31 as a mark 40 onto the shooting position 80. As a result, regardless of whether the target contour line 40a or the subject target image 31 is projected, the operator can grasp the mark 40 indicating the target posture at the target position. Consequently, regardless of whether the target contour line 40a or the subject target image 31 is projected, the operator can easily grasp the position and posture of the subject 90 that are suitable for the shooting conditions 20.

[0116] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the mark acquisition unit 6c is configured to acquire the target contour line 40a or the subject target image 31 based on the reference information 21, the target position, and the subject target image 31, using a second trained model (second trained model 23a or second trained model 23b) that has been trained to acquire the target contour line 40a of the subject 90 from the center line 90c of the subject 90, or to output an image of the subject 90 when it assumes a target posture at a target position, based on an image of the subject 90 and reference information 21. As a result, the target contour line 40a is acquired based on the center line 90c acquired from the subject image 30 in which the subject 90 is captured, so compared to the case where the target contour line is acquired using the reference center line 21a, it is possible to acquire a target contour line 40a that is appropriate to the body shape of the subject 90. Furthermore, the image of the subject 90 assuming the target posture at the target position (subject target image 31) is acquired based on the image of the subject 90 and the reference information 21. Therefore, the subject target image 31 is equivalent to the image taken when the subject 90 assumed the target posture at the target position. Consequently, whether the target contour line 40a is projected onto the shooting position 80 or the subject target image 31 is projected onto the shooting position 80, it is possible to project a marker 40 corresponding to the body shape of the subject 90 onto the shooting position 80, making it easy to adjust the position and posture of the subject 90.

[0117] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the target position acquisition unit 6b is configured to acquire the direction of movement for moving the subject 90 to the target position from the position of the subject 90 as seen in the subject image 30 and the target position, the marker acquisition unit 6c is configured to acquire a marker 40b indicating the direction of movement, and the projection unit 3 is configured to project the marker 40b indicating the direction of movement. As a result, the subject 90 can be easily brought closer to the target position by moving in the direction of the marker 40b indicating the direction of movement.

[0118] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the label acquisition unit 6c is configured to acquire the target position 41 of the X-ray detection area of ​​the X-ray detection unit 5, and the projection unit 3 is configured to project the target position 41 of the X-ray detection area onto the imaging position 80. As a result, by confirming the target position 41 of the X-ray detection area projected onto the imaging position 80, the appropriate placement of the X-ray detection unit 5 can be easily determined. Consequently, the X-ray detection unit 5 can be easily placed in the appropriate position.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the label acquisition unit 6c is configured to acquire at least one of the target distance 42 between the X-ray irradiation unit 4 and the X-ray detection unit 5, the target angle 43 of the X-ray irradiation unit 4, and the target angle 44 of the X-ray detection unit 5. The projection unit 3 is configured to project at least one of the target distance 42 between the X-ray irradiation unit 4 and the X-ray detection unit 5, the target angle 43 of the X-ray irradiation unit 4, and the target angle 44 of the X-ray detection unit 5 onto the imaging position 80. By confirming the target distance 42 between the X-ray irradiation unit 4 and the X-ray detection unit 5, the target angle 43 of the X-ray irradiation unit 4, and the target angle 44 of the X-ray detection unit 5 projected onto the imaging position 80, it is possible to determine the position and angle of the X-ray irradiation unit 4 and the angle of the X-ray detection unit 5 that are suitable for the imaging conditions 20. As a result, regardless of the operator's skill level, it is easy to determine whether the X-ray irradiation unit 4 is positioned at a suitable position and angle for the imaging conditions 20, and whether the X-ray detection unit 5 is positioned at a suitable angle for the imaging conditions 20.

[0120] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the system further includes a projection distance acquisition unit 8 that acquires a projection distance which is the distance 50 between the projection unit 3 and the subject 90, or the distance 51 between the projection unit 3 and the surface 13a that fixes the subject 90, and a sign shape adjustment unit 6d that adjusts the shape of the sign 40 based on the projection distance acquired by the projection distance acquisition unit 8. The projection unit 3 is configured to project the sign 40, whose shape has been adjusted based on the projection distance, onto the shooting position 80. This makes it possible to suppress deformation of the sign 40's shape even when the surface onto which the sign 40 is projected has an uneven shape, such as when the sign 40 is projected over both the body surface of the subject 90 and the surface 13a that fixes the subject 90. As a result, the sign 40 for guiding the subject 90's position and posture to the target position and posture can be projected in an appropriate shape.

[0121] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, a notification unit 6e is provided that notifies when the position and posture of the subject 90 become the target position and posture. This allows the operator to easily understand whether or not the position and posture of the subject 90 has become the target position and posture. As a result, the convenience of the operator can be improved.

[0122] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the notification unit 6e is configured to display the sign 40 differently before the subject 90's position and posture reach the target position and posture, and after the subject 90 reaches the target position and posture. As a result, the operator can easily visually determine whether the subject 90's position and posture have reached the target position and posture by checking the sign 40.

[0123] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the projection unit 3 is located near the X-ray irradiation unit 4 and is configured to project the marker 40 in a direction along the optical axis direction of the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiation unit 4. As a result, when photographing the subject 90, the projection unit 3 is located near the X-ray irradiation unit 4, which is positioned opposite the subject 90, so the projection unit 3 can project the marker 40 from a position opposite the subject 90. Consequently, unlike configurations where the projection unit 3 is located elsewhere and projects the marker 40 from a direction intersecting the optical axis direction of the X-rays, the projection unit 3 can irradiate the marker 40 without adjusting the shape of the marker 40 according to the angle at which the marker 40 is projected.

[0124] (modified version) It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and further includes all modifications (exceptions) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0125] For example, the above embodiment shows an example in which the projection unit 3 projects a target contour line 40a onto the shooting position 80, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the projection unit 3 may be configured to project a subject target image 31 onto the shooting position 80.

[0126] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example of a configuration in which the X-ray imaging device 1 is used to image the chest of a subject 90, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the X-ray imaging device 1 may be used to image the hands or feet of a subject 90. When the X-ray imaging device 1 is used to image the hands of a subject 90, the projection unit 3 only needs to project the contour line 40g of the subject 90's hands as a marker 40, as shown in image 38 in Figure 16. With this configuration, the subject 90 can easily align the relative position of their hands with respect to the X-ray irradiation unit 4 and the X-ray detection unit 5 by aligning the position of their hands with the projected contour line 40g of their hands. As a result, the relative position of the hands with respect to the X-ray irradiation unit 4 and the X-ray detection unit 5 can be adjusted by the subject 90 themselves without the operator (such as a doctor or radiographer) having to perform the adjustment, thus reducing the burden on the operator.

[0127] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example in which the X-ray imaging device 1 is configured as a mobile imaging device, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the X-ray imaging device may be configured as a so-called general imaging device installed in an X-ray examination room or the like.

[0128] Furthermore, while the above embodiment shows an example in which the position information acquisition unit 6a acquires the target position and target orientation based on the position and orientation of the subject 90, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the position information acquisition unit 6a may be configured to acquire only the target position based on the position of the subject 90, without using the orientation of the subject 90.

[0129] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the mark acquisition unit 6c acquires the target contour line 40a based on the contour line 90b of the subject 90 and the center line 90d at the target position and target orientation, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the mark acquisition unit 6c may be configured to acquire the target contour line 40a based on the subject image 30 and the center line 90d. In this case, the second trained model 23a is generated by training the model using an image of the subject 90 and the center line 90d of the subject 90 as training input data, and the contour line 90b of the subject 90 as training output data.

[0130] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the mark acquisition unit 6c acquires the target contour line 40a based on the contour line 90b of the subject 90 and the center line 90d at the target position and target orientation, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the mark acquisition unit 6c may be configured to acquire the target contour line 40a based on the shooting conditions 20 and the subject image 30. In this case, the second trained model 23a is generated by training the model using the shooting conditions 20 and the image showing the subject 90 as training input data and the contour line 90b of the subject 90 as training output data.

[0131] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example in which the mark acquisition unit 6c acquires a target contour line 40a that is the actual size of the subject 90, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the mark acquisition unit 6c may be configured to acquire a target contour line that is not the actual size of the subject 90. However, if the mark acquisition unit 6c is configured to acquire a target contour line that is not the actual size of the subject 90, the size of the target contour line projected onto the shooting position 80 will differ from the size of the actual contour line 90b of the subject 90. Therefore, it becomes difficult to project a target contour line that is suitable as guidance when the operator adjusts the position of the subject 90. For this reason, it is preferable that the mark acquisition unit 6c be configured to acquire a target contour line 40a that is the actual size of the subject 90.

[0132] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example in which the centerline acquisition unit 61 acquires the centerline 90c of the subject 90 based on the first trained model 22, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the centerline acquisition unit 61 may be configured to acquire the centerline 90c of the subject 90 by image processing. As long as it is possible to acquire the centerline 90c of the subject 90 from the subject image 30, the configuration in which the centerline acquisition unit 61 acquires the centerline 90c is not limited.

[0133] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example in which the label acquisition unit 6c acquires a label 40b indicating the direction of movement of the subject 90, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the label acquisition unit 6c does not need to acquire a label 40b indicating the direction of movement of the subject 90. Alternatively, the label acquisition unit 6c may be configured to acquire a label 40b indicating the direction of movement of the X-ray detection unit 5. In this case, the target position acquisition unit 6b only needs to acquire the current position of the X-ray detection unit 5, the target position of the X-ray detection unit 5, and the direction of movement of the X-ray detection unit 5. Regarding the configuration in which the target position acquisition unit 6b acquires the current position of the X-ray detection unit 5, existing technologies such as acquiring the position information of the X-ray detection unit 5 from the subject image 30 captured by the imaging unit 2 may be used.

[0134] Furthermore, while the above embodiment shows an example in which the label acquisition unit 6c acquires the target position 41 of the X-ray detection area of ​​the X-ray detection unit 5, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the label acquisition unit 6c does not need to acquire the target position 41 of the X-ray detection area. However, if the label acquisition unit 6c is configured not to acquire the target position 41 of the X-ray detection area, the rectangular label 40c indicating the target position 41 of the X-ray detection area will not be projected. As a result, it becomes difficult for the operator to grasp the position of the X-ray detection unit 5 that is suitable for the imaging conditions 20. Therefore, it is preferable to configure the label acquisition unit 6c to acquire the target position 41 of the X-ray detection area.

[0135] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example in which the projection distance acquisition unit 8 is configured as an infrared scanner, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the projection distance acquisition unit 8 may be configured to acquire the projection distance from an image captured by a stereo camera. Alternatively, the projection distance acquisition unit 8 may include a laser light source and a light detection unit, and may be configured to acquire the distance to the detection target by detecting laser light emitted from the laser light source and reflected by the detection target (for example, a subject 90). In other words, the projection distance acquisition unit 8 may be configured as a so-called LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging).

[0136] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example in which the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 is equipped with a marker shape adjustment unit 6d, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 does not need to be equipped with a marker shape adjustment unit 6d. However, if the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 is not equipped with a marker shape adjustment unit 6d, the shape of the marker 40 will not be adjusted according to the uneven shape of the surface of the imaging position 80. As a result, the shape of the marker 40 projected onto the imaging position 80 may be distorted, which may reduce the visibility of the marker 40. For this reason, it is preferable that the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 is equipped with a marker shape adjustment unit 6d.

[0137] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example in which the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 is equipped with a notification unit 6e, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 does not need to be equipped with a notification unit 6e. However, if the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 is not equipped with a notification unit 6e, it becomes difficult for the operator to easily grasp that the position and posture of the subject 90 has reached the target position and posture. For this reason, it is preferable that the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 is equipped with a notification unit 6e.

[0138] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the notification unit 6e notifies that the position and posture of the subject 90 has reached the target position and posture by changing the display manner of the marker 40 (target contour line 40a), but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the notification unit 6e may be configured to notify that the position and posture of the subject 90 has reached the target position and posture by sound (notification sound) or light (notification light). Any method by which the notification unit 6e notifies is acceptable, as long as the operator can grasp that the position and posture of the subject 90 has reached the target position and posture.

[0139] Furthermore, while the above embodiment shows an example in which the notification unit 6e notifies that the position and orientation of the subject 90 have reached the target position and orientation, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the notification unit 6e may be configured to notify that the position of the X-ray detection unit 5 has reached the target position 41. In this case, the notification unit 6e can notify that the position of the X-ray detection unit 5 has reached the target position 41 by changing the display pattern of the outline of the rectangular marker 40c projected onto the target position 41, or by filling the inside of the rectangular marker 40c with a different color.

[0140] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example in which the projection unit 3 is provided near the X-ray irradiation unit 4, the present invention is not limited thereto. If the X-ray imaging device 1 is a mobile imaging device, the position in which the projection unit 3 is provided does not matter as long as it is provided on the X-ray imaging device 1. Also, if the X-ray imaging device 1 is a general imaging device, the position in which the projection unit 3 is provided does not matter as long as it is provided in the X-ray examination room.

[0141] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example in which the X-ray imaging system 100 comprises an X-ray imaging apparatus 1 equipped with an imaging unit 2 and a projection unit 3, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the X-ray imaging system 100 may consist of an X-ray imaging apparatus 1 and an imaging unit 2 and a projection unit 3 that are individually provided at different locations from the X-ray imaging apparatus 1.

[0142] Furthermore, while the above embodiment shows an example configuration in which the label acquisition unit 6c acquires either the target contour line 40a or the subject target image 31 based on the operator's selection or setting, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the label acquisition unit 6c may be configured to acquire both the target contour line 40a and the subject target image 31. Alternatively, the label acquisition unit 6c may be configured to acquire only the target contour line 40a. In this case, the storage unit 7 only needs to store the second trained model 23a. Alternatively, the label acquisition unit 6c may be configured to acquire only the subject target image 31. In this case, the storage unit 7 only needs to store the second trained model 23b.

[0143] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of a configuration in which the marker 40 is projected as a moving image in real time was shown as the process of projecting the marker 40, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the control unit 6 may be configured to acquire the marker 40 as a still image, and the projection unit 3 may be configured to project the marker 40 as a still image onto the shooting position 80. In this case, the control unit 6 may be configured to acquire the marker 40 based on the changed position of the subject 90 when the position of the subject 90 in the subject image 30 changes.

[0144] [Pattern] Those skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiments described above are specific examples of the following embodiments.

[0145] (Item 1) An X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates the subject with X-rays, An X-ray detection unit for detecting X-rays emitted from the aforementioned X-ray irradiation unit, The imaging unit acquires images of the subject's appearance, A location information acquisition unit acquires location information of the subject as seen in the subject image based on the subject image, A target position acquisition unit that acquires a target position corresponding to the shooting conditions based on the shooting conditions and the position information, An X-ray imaging system comprising: a projection unit that projects a marker indicating the contour of the subject onto the subject or the imaging position which is a surface on which the subject is fixed, in order to guide the subject's position to the target position acquired by the target position acquisition unit.

[0146] (Item 2) The target position acquisition unit is configured to acquire the target position along with the target posture corresponding to the shooting conditions, based on the shooting conditions, the position information, and the subject's posture information. The X-ray imaging system according to item 1, wherein the projection unit is configured to project the contour of the subject as a marker onto the imaging position, for guiding the subject's position and posture to become the target position and the target posture.

[0147] (Item 3) The system further includes a sign acquisition unit that acquires the aforementioned sign, The mark acquisition unit is configured to acquire the target contour line, which is the contour line when the subject assumes the target posture at the target position, as the mark. The X-ray imaging system according to item 2, wherein the projection unit is configured to project at least the target contour line as the marker.

[0148] (Item 4) The mark acquisition unit is configured to acquire the target contour line, which is the actual size of the subject, as the mark. The X-ray imaging system according to item 3, wherein the projection unit is configured to project the target contour line, which is the actual size of the subject, onto the imaging position.

[0149] (Item 5) The aforementioned location information acquisition unit, Based on the aforementioned subject image, a contour acquisition unit acquires the contour lines of the subject, It includes a centerline acquisition unit that acquires the centerline of the subject as seen in the subject image, The system further includes a storage unit that stores reference information, which is information on a reference position and reference orientation according to the aforementioned shooting conditions. The aforementioned reference information includes the reference position and the reference centerline, which is the centerline of the subject when the subject assumes the reference posture. The X-ray imaging system according to item 3 or 4, wherein the target position acquisition unit is configured to acquire the target position and target orientation based on the center line acquired by the center line acquisition unit and the reference center line.

[0150] (Item 6) The X-ray imaging system according to item 5, wherein the centerline acquisition unit is configured to acquire the centerline based on a first trained model that has been trained to acquire the centerline of a subject from an image of the subject, and the subject image.

[0151] (Item 7) The mark acquisition unit is configured to acquire, based on the subject image, the target position, and the target posture, the target contour line when the subject assumes the target posture at the target position, or a subject target image which is an image obtained by transforming the subject in the subject image so that the subject assumes the target position and the target posture, as the mark. The X-ray imaging system according to item 5 or 6, wherein the projection unit is configured to project the target contour line or the subject target image as a marker onto the imaging position.

[0152] (Item 8) The X-ray imaging system according to item 7, wherein the mark acquisition unit is configured to acquire the target contour line of the subject from the subject's centerline, or to output an image of the subject in the target position at the target location based on an image of the subject and the reference information, and to acquire the target contour line or the subject target image based on the reference information, the target position, and the target position.

[0153] (Item 9) The target position acquisition unit is configured to acquire the direction of movement for moving the subject to the target position from the position of the subject as seen in the subject image and the target position. The sign acquisition unit is configured to acquire the sign indicating the direction of movement, The X-ray imaging system according to any one of items 3 to 8, wherein the projection unit is configured to project the sign indicating the direction of movement.

[0154] (Item 10) The label acquisition unit is configured to acquire the target position of the X-ray detection region of the X-ray detection unit. The X-ray imaging system according to any one of items 3 to 9, wherein the projection unit is configured to project the target position of the X-ray detection area relative to the imaging position.

[0155] (Item 11) The label acquisition unit is configured to acquire at least one of the following: the target distance between the X-ray irradiation unit and the X-ray detection unit, the target angle of the X-ray irradiation unit, and the target angle of the X-ray detection unit. The X-ray imaging system according to any one of items 3 to 9, wherein the projection unit is configured to project at least one of the target distance between the X-ray irradiation unit and the X-ray detection unit, the target angle of the X-ray irradiation unit, and the target angle of the X-ray detection unit onto the imaging position.

[0156] (Item 12) A projection distance acquisition unit acquires the projection distance, which is the distance between the projection unit and the subject, or the distance between the projection unit and the surface on which the subject is fixed. The system further comprises a sign shape adjustment unit that adjusts the shape of the sign based on the projection distance acquired by the projection distance acquisition unit, The X-ray imaging system according to any one of items 2 to 11, wherein the projection unit is configured to project the marker, whose shape is adjusted based on the projection distance, onto the imaging position.

[0157] (Item 13) An X-ray imaging system according to any one of items 2 to 12, further comprising a notification unit that provides notification when the position and posture of the subject reach the target position and the target posture.

[0158] (Item 14) The X-ray imaging system according to item 13, wherein the notification unit is configured to display the sign differently before the subject's position and posture reach the target position and target posture, and after the subject reaches the target position and target posture.

[0159] (Item 15) The X-ray imaging system according to any one of items 1 to 14, wherein the projection unit is provided in the vicinity of the X-ray irradiation unit and is configured to project the marker in a direction along the optical axis direction of the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiation unit.

[0160] (Item 16) An X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates the subject with X-rays, An X-ray detection unit for detecting X-rays emitted from the aforementioned X-ray irradiation unit, The imaging unit acquires images of the subject's appearance, A location information acquisition unit acquires location information of the subject as seen in the subject image based on the subject image, A target position acquisition unit that acquires a target position corresponding to the shooting conditions based on the shooting conditions and the position information, An X-ray imaging apparatus comprising: a projection unit that projects a marker indicating the contour of the subject onto the subject or the imaging position which is a surface on which the subject is fixed, in order to guide the subject's position to the target position acquired by the target position acquisition unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0161] 1 X-ray imaging device 2. Photography Department 3 Projection section 4 X-ray detection unit 5 X-ray detection unit 6a Location information acquisition section 6b Target position acquisition section 6c Mark Acquisition Department 6d Sign shape adjustment section 6e News Department 7 Memory section 8 Projection distance acquisition section 13a Surface on which the subject is fixed 20 Shooting conditions 21. Standard Information 21a Reference center line 22 First pre-trained model 23a, 23b Second pre-trained model 30. Subject images 31 Subject target image 40 signs 40a Target contour line 40b Sign indicating the subject's direction of movement 41 Target position of the X-ray detection area within the X-ray detection unit 42 Target distance between the X-ray irradiation unit and the X-ray detection unit 43 Target angle of the X-ray irradiation area 44 Target angle of the X-ray detector 50 Distance between the projection unit and the subject 51 Distance between the projection unit and the surface on which the subject is fixed. 60 Contour acquisition unit 61 Center line acquisition part 80 Shooting position 90 subjects 90b Outline of the subject 90c Centerline of the subject 90d Centerline at target location 100 X-ray imaging system

Claims

1. An X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates the subject, who is the subject of the X-ray imaging, positioned at the target location, An X-ray detection unit that emits X-rays irradiated from the aforementioned X-ray irradiation unit, An imaging unit that acquires an image of the subject's appearance, which is the subject of the aforementioned X-ray imaging, Based on the aforementioned subject image, a posture information acquisition unit acquires the centerline and contour line of the subject who is the subject of the X-ray imaging, A memory unit that stores a reference centerline indicating the subject's reference posture at a reference position, and associates and stores imaging conditions including the imaging area and imaging direction. A contour acquisition unit reads the reference center line associated with specific imaging conditions from the storage unit, and based on the read reference center line, the center line and contour line acquired by the posture information acquisition unit, acquires a target contour line of the subject corresponding to the physique of the subject who is the subject of the X-ray imaging at the reference position. An X-ray imaging system comprising: a projection unit that projects a marker indicating the target contour line onto the target position.

2. The contour acquisition unit includes a target position acquisition unit that acquires the target position, The target position acquisition unit is configured to acquire the target position and target posture according to the shooting conditions, based on the shooting conditions, the position information of the subject captured in the subject image, the center line, and the contour line. The X-ray imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the projection unit is configured to project the target contour line, which is the surface on which the subject is fixed, as the marker, for guiding the subject's position and posture to become the target position and the target posture.

3. The system further includes a sign acquisition unit that acquires the aforementioned sign, The mark acquisition unit is configured to acquire the target contour line, which is the contour line when the subject assumes the target posture at the target position, as the mark. The X-ray imaging system according to claim 2, wherein the projection unit is configured to project at least the target contour line as the marker.

4. The mark acquisition unit is configured to acquire the target contour line, which is the actual size of the subject, as the mark. The X-ray imaging system according to claim 3, wherein the projection unit is configured to project the target contour line, which is the actual size of the subject, onto the imaging position.

5. The posture information acquisition unit includes a centerline acquisition unit that acquires the centerline of the subject as seen in the subject image, The X-ray imaging system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the target position acquisition unit is configured to acquire the target position and target orientation based on the center line acquired by the center line acquisition unit and the reference center line.

6. The X-ray imaging system according to claim 5, wherein the centerline acquisition unit is configured to acquire the centerline based on a first trained model that has been trained to acquire the centerline of a subject from an image of the subject, and the subject image.

7. The X-ray imaging system according to claim 3, wherein the mark acquisition unit is configured to acquire the target contour line based on a second trained model which has been trained to acquire the target contour line of a subject from the subject's centerline, the reference centerline, the target position, and the target posture.

8. The target position acquisition unit is configured to acquire the direction of movement for moving the subject to the target position from the position of the subject as seen in the subject image and the target position. The sign acquisition unit is configured to acquire the sign indicating the direction of movement, The X-ray imaging system according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the projection unit is configured to project the sign indicating the direction of movement.

9. The label acquisition unit is configured to acquire the target position of the X-ray detection region of the X-ray detection unit. The X-ray imaging system according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the projection unit is configured to project the target position of the X-ray detection area relative to the imaging position.

10. The label acquisition unit is configured to acquire at least one of the following: the target distance between the X-ray irradiation unit and the X-ray detection unit, the target angle of the X-ray irradiation unit, and the target angle of the X-ray detection unit. The X-ray imaging system according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the projection unit is configured to project at least one of the target distance between the X-ray irradiation unit and the X-ray detection unit, the target angle of the X-ray irradiation unit, and the target angle of the X-ray detection unit onto the imaging position.

11. A projection distance acquisition unit acquires the projection distance, which is the distance between the projection unit and the subject, or the distance between the projection unit and the surface on which the subject is fixed. The system further comprises a sign shape adjustment unit that adjusts the shape of the sign based on the projection distance acquired by the projection distance acquisition unit, The X-ray imaging system according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the projection unit is configured to project the sign, whose shape has been adjusted based on the projection distance, onto the imaging position.

12. The X-ray imaging system according to any one of claims 2 to 11, further comprising a notification unit that provides notification when the position and posture of the subject become the target position and the target posture.

13. The X-ray imaging system according to claim 12, wherein the notification unit is configured to display the sign differently before the subject's position and posture reach the target position and target posture, and after the subject reaches the target position and target posture.

14. The X-ray imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the projection unit is provided in the vicinity of the X-ray irradiation unit and is configured to project the marker in a direction along the optical axis direction of the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiation unit.

15. An X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates the subject, who is the subject of the X-ray imaging, positioned at the target location, An X-ray detection unit that emits X-rays irradiated from the aforementioned X-ray irradiation unit, An imaging unit that acquires an image of the subject's appearance, which is the subject of the aforementioned X-ray imaging, Based on the aforementioned subject image, a posture information acquisition unit acquires the centerline and contour line of the subject who is the subject of the X-ray imaging, A memory unit that stores a reference centerline indicating the subject's reference posture at a reference position, and associates and stores imaging conditions including the imaging area and imaging direction. A contour acquisition unit reads the reference center line associated with specific imaging conditions from the storage unit, and based on the read reference center line, the center line and contour line acquired by the posture information acquisition unit, acquires a target contour line of the subject corresponding to the physique of the subject who is the subject of the X-ray imaging at the reference position. An X-ray imaging apparatus comprising: a projection unit that projects a marker indicating the target contour line onto the target position.

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