X-ray imaging system and positioning time acquisition method

Abstract

This X-ray imaging system (100) comprises: an X-ray imaging device (1) provided with an X-ray irradiation unit (10) and an X-ray detection unit (11); a detection unit (12) for detecting a subject (101); an input reception unit (3); and a control device (2) that performs control for starting, on the basis of the subject being detected, measurement of a positioning time (40), which is the time until alignment of the subject and the X-ray irradiation unit is completed, ending measurement of the positioning time and acquiring the positioning time on the basis of receipt of an operation input performed by an operator after positioning of the subject and the X-ray irradiation unit is completed, and outputting the acquired positioning time.

Description

X-ray imaging system and positioning time acquisition method

[0001] The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging system and a positioning time acquisition method, and more particularly to an X-ray imaging system and a positioning time acquisition method for acquiring and outputting a positioning time, which is the time required for aligning a subject with an X-ray irradiation unit.

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an X-ray imaging system that acquires and outputs a positioning time, which is the time it takes to align a subject with an X-ray irradiation unit. Such an X-ray imaging system is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-191555.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-191555 discloses a radiography system (X-ray imaging system). This radiography system includes a radiation generator and a radiography device installed in an imaging room, an exposure switch installed in an operation room, wireless communication units installed in both the imaging room and the operation room, and a portable console carried by an operator. The radiography system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-191555 is configured to detect the operator's entry into and exit from the imaging room using the wireless communication unit and the portable console. The configuration disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-191555 is also configured to acquire the time required for positioning the patient and the radiography system from the time the operator enters the imaging room until the operator leaves the room.

[0004] JP 2015-191555 A

[0005] However, in a configuration like the radiation imaging system (X-ray imaging system) disclosed in JP 2015-191555 A, in which the time from entering an examination room to leaving the room is acquired as the positioning time, there is a disadvantage in that the time spent by the operator explaining the imaging to the patient (subject) after entering the examination room and before starting positioning is also included in the positioning time. In this case, time other than positioning is also included in the positioning time, reducing the accuracy of the positioning time measurement. Therefore, there is a demand for an X-ray imaging system and a positioning time acquisition method that can accurately acquire the operator's positioning time.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray imaging system and a positioning time acquisition method that can accurately acquire the operator's positioning time.

[0007] An X-ray imaging system according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises an X-ray imaging device including an X-ray irradiation unit including an X-ray tube and an X-ray detection unit that detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiation unit and transmitted through a subject; a detection unit that detects the subject; an input reception unit that receives operational input from an operator; and a control device that, based on the detection of the subject by the detection unit, starts measuring a positioning time, which is the time required to complete alignment between the subject and the X-ray irradiation unit; and, after the alignment between the subject and the X-ray irradiation unit is completed, stops measuring the positioning time and acquires the positioning time based on the input reception unit receiving a predetermined operational input from the operator, and outputs the acquired positioning time.

[0008] In addition, a positioning time acquisition method in a second aspect of the present invention is a positioning time acquisition method for acquiring a positioning time, which is the time required for completing alignment between a subject and an X-ray irradiation unit, in an X-ray imaging device equipped with an X-ray irradiation unit, and includes the steps of: starting measurement of the positioning time based on the subject being detected by a detection unit; ending measurement of the positioning time based on the input receiving unit receiving a predetermined operation input by an operator after completion of alignment between the subject and the X-ray irradiation unit; acquiring the time from the start to the end of measurement of the positioning time as the positioning time; and outputting the positioning time.

[0009] Here, after the operator enters the imaging room, it may take time to start positioning the subject with the X-ray irradiation unit, for example, because the operator needs to explain the details of the examination to the subject. Therefore, as in the X-ray imaging system according to the first aspect and the positioning time acquisition method according to the second aspect, by starting measurement of the positioning time based on the detection of the subject by the detection unit, it is possible to start measurement of the positioning time at a more accurate timing than in a configuration in which measurement of the positioning time is started based on the operator's entry into the examination room. As a result, it is possible to acquire the positioning time of the operator with high accuracy.

[0010] Furthermore, when the measurement of the positioning time is terminated based on the operator's exit from the imaging room, if the operator enters and exits the imaging room multiple times before the positioning of the subject is completed, multiple positioning times will be measured. Therefore, by configuring the measurement of the positioning time to be terminated based on the input receiving unit receiving a predetermined operation input from the operator after the alignment of the subject with the X-ray irradiator is completed as described above, the measurement of the positioning time is terminated based on the predetermined operation input from the operator after the alignment of the subject with the X-ray irradiator is completed. Therefore, for example, even if the operator enters and exits the imaging room multiple times before the positioning of the subject is completed, the timing to terminate the measurement of the positioning time can be easily and accurately determined. As a result, unlike a configuration in which the measurement of the positioning time is terminated based on the operator's exit from the imaging room, a single positioning time can be obtained even if the operator enters and exits the imaging room multiple times.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an X-ray imaging system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an X-ray imaging device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a holding unit according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of a configuration in which a control device according to an embodiment acquires a positioning time. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of a configuration in which a control device according to an embodiment acquires a positioning time. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a detailed screen of statistical information output by a control device according to an embodiment and displayed on a display unit. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining a simplified screen of statistical information output by a control device according to an embodiment and displayed on a display unit. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining a display setting screen output by a control device according to an embodiment and displayed on a display unit. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining acquisition processing of positioning time by an X-ray imaging system according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining display processing of statistical information by an X-ray imaging system according to an embodiment.

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

[0013] (Configuration of X-ray Imaging System and Positioning Time Acquisition Method) The configuration of an X-ray imaging system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray imaging system 100 includes an X-ray imaging apparatus 1, a control apparatus 2, an input receiving unit 3, and a server 4.

[0015] The X-ray imaging apparatus 1, the control device 2, and the server 4 are communicably connected to each other via a network 90. ​​The network 90 is, for example, a local area network (LAN) within a facility such as a hospital where the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 is installed.

[0016] The X-ray imaging device 1 includes an X-ray irradiation unit 10, an X-ray detection unit 11, a detection unit 12, a detection unit holding unit 13, an irradiation unit holding unit 14, an apparatus control unit 20, and a movement mechanism 30. The X-ray imaging system 100 is an imaging device including a medical X-ray imaging system, and is configured to perform X-ray imaging of a subject 101 (see FIG. 2 ) who is the subject of imaging.

[0017] The X-ray irradiation unit 10 includes an X-ray tube 10a (see FIG. 3). The X-ray irradiation unit 10 is configured to irradiate the subject 101 with X-rays from the X-ray tube 10a. The X-ray tube 10a is configured to irradiate X-rays when a predetermined voltage is applied thereto.

[0018] The X-ray detection unit 11 is configured to detect X-rays that are irradiated from the X-ray irradiation unit 10 and that have passed through the subject 101. The X-ray detection unit 11 includes, for example, a flat panel detector (FPD). That is, in the X-ray imaging system 100, X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiation unit 10 are detected by the X-ray detection unit 11, thereby performing X-ray imaging of the subject 101.

[0019] The detection unit 12 is configured to detect the subject 101. In this embodiment, the detection unit 12 includes an optical imaging unit 12a. The optical imaging unit 12a includes an imaging element. The optical imaging unit 12a is, for example, an optical camera. The imaging element includes, for example, a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. The optical imaging unit 12a also includes, for example, a microcomputer including a central processing unit (CPU), memory, etc. The optical imaging unit 12a also transmits and receives signals to and from the device control unit 20 via a wireless or wired connection.

[0020] The detector holder 13 is configured to hold the X-ray detector 11. Details of the detector holder 13 will be described later.

[0021] The irradiation unit holding unit 14 is configured to hold the X-ray irradiation unit 10. In this embodiment, the irradiation unit holding unit 14 is provided with a display operation unit 15. Details of the irradiation unit holding unit 14 will be described later.

[0022] The display operation unit 15 includes, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display, and is configured to function as an image display unit on which an operation screen for various operations by an operator (such as a doctor or a technician) is displayed, and also as an operation unit through which various operations by the operator are input.

[0023] The control device 2 has a first control unit 2a, a first storage unit 2b, a display unit 2c, and an input unit 2d. The control device 2 is configured to perform control to acquire a positioning time 40, which is the time required to complete alignment between the subject 101 and the X-ray irradiation unit 10. The control device 2 is also configured to perform control to output the acquired positioning time 40.

[0024] The first control unit 2a is configured to control each unit of the control device 2. The first control unit 2a includes, for example, a CPU and a memory.

[0025] The first storage unit 2b stores various programs executed by the first control unit 2a. The first storage unit 2b also stores positioning times 40, subject information 42 (described later), and display setting information 43 (described later). In this embodiment, the first storage unit 2b is configured to store multiple positioning times 40 for each imaging region of the subject 101 for each operator. The first storage unit 2b is, for example, a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0026] The display unit 2c is configured to display statistical information 41. The statistical information 41 includes an average time 41a of the positioning time 40 and a standard deviation 41b of the positioning time 40. The display unit 2c is a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) monitor.

[0027] The input unit 2d is configured to receive operation input from an operator and is, for example, an input device such as a mouse or a keyboard.

[0028] The input receiving unit 3 is configured to receive operation inputs from an operator. In this embodiment, the input receiving unit 3 has a function of receiving input operations related to X-ray imaging. The input operations include setting imaging conditions for X-ray imaging and issuing an instruction to start X-ray irradiation.

[0029] The server 4 includes a second control unit 4a and a second storage unit 4b.

[0030] The second control unit 4a is configured to control each unit of the server 4. The second control unit 4a is also configured to control communication with the X-ray imaging device 1 and the control device 2 via the network 90. ​​The second control unit 4a includes, for example, a CPU and a memory.

[0031] The second storage unit 4b stores various programs executed by the second control unit 4a, and also stores a positioning time 40, statistical information 41, and subject information 42. The second storage unit 4b is, for example, a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD or an SSD.

[0032] The device control unit 20 includes a memory 20a. The device control unit 20 controls X-ray imaging by the X-ray irradiation unit 10 and the X-ray detection unit 11, and controls the movement of the detection unit holding unit 13 and / or the irradiation unit holding unit 14. Specifically, the device control unit 20 includes a CPU. The device control unit 20 controls X-ray imaging based on parameters and various programs that are set in advance and stored in the memory 20a. The device control unit 20 controls the amount of adjustment of the irradiation field by the collimator unit 10b (see FIG. 3).

[0033] The movement mechanism 30 has a drive unit 30a such as a motor and a motion detector 30b that detects the motion of the drive unit 30a. The motion detector 30b includes, for example, a potentiometer that detects the rotation of the motor. The drive unit 30a and the motion detector 30b are disposed in various parts of the movement mechanism 30 that move the irradiation unit holder 14, and are also disposed on the radiography table 13a (see FIG. 2) and the radiography stand 13b (see FIG. 2) to change the position of the X-ray detection unit 11. The device controller 20 controls the operation of the movement mechanism 30 based on an input operation on the input receiver 3 or the display / operation unit 15, or an operating force on the grip 16 (see FIG. 3) of the irradiation unit holder 14, thereby changing the position and angle of the X-ray irradiation unit 10 and the position of the X-ray detection unit 11. In addition, the device control unit 20 outputs a control signal to control the operation of the drive unit 30a, and controls the operation of the moving mechanism 30 by feedback control by inputting a detection signal indicating the operation of the drive unit 30a detected by the operation detection unit 30b.

[0034] 2 shows an example of a ceiling-suspended X-ray imaging system 100. As shown in FIG. 2, in the X-ray imaging system 100, the X-ray irradiation unit 10, the X-ray detection unit 11, the optical imaging unit 12a, the irradiation unit holding unit 14, and the movement mechanism 30 are installed in an imaging room 110, and the device control unit 20 and the input receiving unit 3 are installed outside the imaging room 110.

[0035] In the ceiling-suspended X-ray imaging system 100, an irradiation unit holder 14 that holds the X-ray irradiation unit 10 is suspended from the ceiling by a movement mechanism 30 disposed on the ceiling of an imaging room 110. The irradiation unit holder 14 is held movably within the imaging room 110 by the movement mechanism 30. The vertical (perpendicular) direction is defined as the Z direction, and two mutually orthogonal horizontal directions are defined as the X direction and the Y direction.

[0036] The detection unit holding unit 13 includes at least one of an imaging table 13a for imaging the subject 101 in a lying position (supine position) and an imaging stand 13b for imaging the subject 101 in an upright position (standing position). In this embodiment, the detection unit holding unit 13 includes both the imaging table 13a and the imaging stand 13b. The imaging table 13a and the imaging stand 13b each movably hold an X-ray detection unit 11. The movement mechanism 30 is capable of moving the irradiation unit holding unit 14 at least between an imaging position in a supine position using the imaging table 13a (see solid line in FIG. 2 ) and an imaging position in an upright position using the imaging stand 13b (see two-dot chain line in FIG. 2 ).

[0037] The irradiation unit holding unit 14 includes a display operation unit 15 (see FIG. 3) and a grip unit 16 (see FIG. 3). The irradiation unit holding unit 14 is configured to be movable in the horizontal and vertical directions via a movement mechanism 30, either manually or under the control of the device control unit 20.

[0038] In X-ray imaging in a lying position, the irradiation unit holder 14 is disposed at a position vertically facing the X-ray detection unit 11 of the imaging table 13a, and X-ray imaging of the subject 101 lying on the imaging table 13a is performed between the X-ray irradiation unit 10 and the X-ray detection unit 11 that are vertically facing each other, and an image (optical imaging) of the subject 101 lying on the imaging table 13a is taken by the optical imaging unit 12a. In X-ray imaging in a standing position, the irradiation unit holder 14 is disposed at a position horizontally facing the X-ray detection unit 11 of the imaging stand 13b, and X-ray imaging of the subject 101 standing in front of the imaging stand 13b is performed between the X-ray irradiation unit 10 and the X-ray detection unit 11 that are horizontally facing each other, and an image of the subject 101 standing in front of the imaging stand 13b is taken by the optical imaging unit 12a.

[0039] The movement mechanism 30 is configured to hold the irradiation unit-holding unit 14 so that it can move in the horizontal direction (X direction and Y direction) and the vertical direction (Z direction). The movement mechanism 30 includes a ceiling suspension unit 31 and a support unit 32. The movement mechanism 30 is supported by rails 33 provided on the ceiling of the radiography room 110. The ceiling suspension unit 31 is configured to be movable in the horizontal direction by the rails 33. The ceiling suspension unit 31 is configured to support the support unit 32. The support unit 32 is configured to support the irradiation unit-holding unit 14. The support unit 32 is configured to be extendable and retractable in the vertical direction. The irradiation unit-holding unit 14 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction by the support unit 32. The movement mechanism 30 also moves the X-ray detection unit 11 arranged on each of the radiography table 13a and the radiography stand 13b.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3 , the X-ray irradiation unit 10 includes an X-ray tube 10a and a collimator unit 10b. The collimator unit 10b has a plurality of position-adjustable shielding plates (collimator leaves). The collimator unit 10b is configured to adjust the irradiation field of the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 10a by blocking a portion of the X-rays from the X-ray tube 10a. The collimator unit 10b is provided near the X-ray tube 10a in the X-ray irradiation direction of the X-ray tube 10a. Also, as shown in FIG. 3 , the grip unit 16 is provided so that an operator can grip the irradiation unit holder 14 when manually moving it. The grip unit 16 transmits the operator's operating force to the irradiation unit holder 14.

[0041] 3, the optical imaging unit 12a is provided in the irradiation unit holding unit 14 together with the X-ray irradiator 10. Specifically, the optical imaging unit 12a is provided on the outer surface of the collimator unit 10b. In this embodiment, the optical imaging unit 12a is provided on the outer surface of the collimator unit 10b on the longitudinal side of the imaging table 13a when the patient is in the lying position. Furthermore, the optical imaging unit 12a is provided on the outer surface of the collimator unit 10b on the lateral side that intersects with the detection plane of the X-ray detector 11 when the patient is in the standing position. The optical imaging unit 12a is provided facing the irradiation direction of X-rays from the X-ray irradiator 10.

[0042] (Measurement of Positioning Time) Next, with reference to Fig. 4, a configuration in which the first control unit 2a (see Fig. 1) acquires the positioning time 40 will be described. In this embodiment, the first control unit 2a is configured to start measuring the positioning time 40, which is the time required for the alignment of the subject 101 with the X-ray irradiation unit 10 (see Fig. 1), based on the detection of the subject 101 (see Fig. 2) by the detection unit 12 (see Fig. 1). Specifically, the first control unit 2a is configured to perform control to start measuring the positioning time 40 based on the detection by the detection unit 12 (optical imaging unit 12a (see Fig. 1)) that the subject 101 has been placed at a predetermined position.

[0043] 4, when the detection unit 12 detects the subject 101 at time t1, the first control unit 2a starts measuring the positioning time 40 from time t1. Note that the horizontal axis of the graph 50 represents time.

[0044] In this embodiment, the first control unit 2a is configured to perform control to start measuring the positioning time 40 based on the detection by the detection unit 12 (optical imaging unit 12a) that the subject 101 is placed within a reference area 17 (see FIG. 2) that is set based on the position of the detection unit holding unit 13 (see FIG. 2). The reference area 17 includes a first reference area 17a (see FIG. 2) and a second reference area 17b (see FIG. 2).

[0045] The first reference area 17a is set based on the imaging table 13a (see FIG. 2). Specifically, the first reference area 17a is the upper surface of the imaging table 13a. That is, the first control unit 2a starts measuring the positioning time 40 based on the optical imaging unit 12a detecting that the subject 101 has been placed on the upper surface of the imaging table 13a.

[0046] The second reference area 17b is set based on the imaging stand 13b (see FIG. 2). Specifically, the second reference area 17b is an area extending from the front of the imaging stand 13b to a predetermined distance 18. The predetermined distance 18 is, for example, 30 cm. That is, the first control unit 2a starts measuring the positioning time 40 based on the optical imaging unit 12a detecting that the subject 101 is positioned within 30 cm of the front of the imaging stand 13b. Note that, for convenience, the reference areas 17 (the first reference area 17a and the second reference area 17b) are hatched in FIG. 2.

[0047] The first control unit 2a is configured to terminate measurement of the positioning time 40 and acquire the positioning time 40 based on the completion of alignment between the subject 101 and the X-ray irradiator 10. Specifically, the first control unit 2a is configured to terminate measurement of the positioning time 40 based on the input receiving unit 3 (see FIG. 1 ) receiving a predetermined operation input by an operator after the alignment between the subject 101 and the X-ray irradiator 10 is completed. More specifically, the first control unit 2a is configured to terminate measurement of the positioning time 40 based on the input receiving unit 3 receiving an operation input for X-ray irradiation input by the operator when irradiating X-rays from the X-ray irradiator 10 after the alignment between the subject 101 and the X-ray irradiator 10 is completed.

[0048] The first controller 2a may be configured to terminate measurement of the positioning time 40 based on receiving an operation input indicating completion of positioning input by an operator after the alignment of the subject 101 and the X-ray irradiator 10 is completed. In this case, for example, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) button for receiving an operation input indicating completion of positioning may be displayed on the display operation unit 15 (see FIG. 3 ). The first controller 2a may be configured to terminate measurement of the positioning time 40 based on the operation (pressing) of the GUI button displayed on the display operation unit 15.

[0049] In this embodiment, for example, as shown in graph 50, when an operation input to irradiate X-rays from the X-ray irradiation unit 10 or an operation input to complete alignment is received at time t2, the first control unit 2a ends measurement of the positioning time 40 at time t2.

[0050] The first control unit 2a then acquires the time from time t1 to time t2 as the positioning time 40. The first control unit 2a then outputs the acquired positioning time 40. In this embodiment, the first control unit 2a is configured to output the acquired positioning time 40 to the first storage unit 2b. Note that the first control unit 2a may also output the acquired positioning time 40 to the server 4 (see FIG. 1) via the network 90 (see FIG. 1).

[0051] 5, when the optical imaging unit 12a (see FIG. 1) detects the subject 101 (see FIG. 2) at time t11, the first control unit 2a (see FIG. 1) starts measuring the positioning time 40 from time t11. Note that the horizontal axis of the graph 51 represents time.

[0052] Thereafter, at time t12, when the optical imaging unit 12a detects that the subject 101 has moved to an area outside the reference area 17 (see FIG. 2 ), the first control unit 2a stops measuring the positioning time 40 at time t12. Then, the first control unit 2a resets the positioning time 40 that it had been measuring. That is, the first control unit 2a sets the positioning time 40 to 0 (zero).

[0053] Thereafter, at time t13, when the optical imaging unit 12a detects the subject 101 again, the first control unit 2a starts measuring the positioning time 40 from time t13. Thereafter, at time t14, when the X-ray irradiation unit 10 inputs an operation to irradiate X-rays or an operation to complete positioning is received, the first control unit 2a ends measuring the positioning time 40 at time t14. The first control unit 2a then acquires the time from time t13 to time t14 as the positioning time 40.

[0054] 4 and 5 , the first control unit 2a is configured to measure (in real time) a positioning time 40 during imaging of the subject 101, based on the subject 101 detected by the optical imaging unit 12a and the operation input for irradiating X-rays from the X-ray irradiator 10 or the operation input for completing positioning, which is received by the input receiving unit 3, and to output the measured positioning time 40. Note that the first control unit 2a may also be configured to acquire and output the positioning time 40 after imaging of the subject 101 is completed, based on the image captured by the optical imaging unit 12a and the time at which the input receiving unit 3 receives the operation input for irradiating X-rays from the X-ray irradiator 10 or the operation input for completing positioning.

[0055] (Statistical Information) Here, if the operator's positioning ability, which is the ability of the operator when aligning the subject 101 with the X-ray irradiation unit 10, is low, the positioning time 40 will be long, and if the operator's positioning ability is high, the positioning time 40 will be short. In other words, the positioning time 40 is a value that reflects the operator's positioning ability. Furthermore, changes in the positioning time 40 represent changes in the operator's positioning ability. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first control unit 2a is configured to acquire statistical information 41 (see FIG. 1) of the positioning time 40 for each imaging region for each operator, based on the positioning time 40 for each operator stored in the first storage unit 2b (see FIG. 1). The first control unit 2a is configured to acquire, for each operator, an average time 41a (see FIG. 1) of the positioning time 40 for each imaging region and a standard deviation 41b (see FIG. 1) of the positioning time 40 for each imaging region as statistical information 41. The first control unit 2a acquires, for each imaging region, the average time 41a and the standard deviation 41b of the positioning time 40 by a known calculation method based on the positioning time 40 within a preset period or a period selected by the operator.

[0056] In this embodiment, the first control unit 2 a is configured to control output of the acquired statistical information 41. Specifically, the first control unit 2 a is configured to control output of the statistical information 41 including the acquired average time 41 a for each imaging region and the standard deviation 41 b for each imaging region.

[0057] Even if the operator has high positioning ability, positioning may take a long time due to the subject 101, for example, if the subject 101 is elderly, has a disease, or has a disability. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first controller 2a is configured to acquire subject information 42 (see FIG. 1 ) including the subject 101's age, sex, physique, disease, and whether or not the subject 101 has a disability, as the statistical information 41. The first controller 2a is configured to control output of the statistical information 41 including the subject information 42. The subject information 42 is pre-stored in the server 4 (see FIG. 1 ) and is included in the imaging order, etc., when imaging the subject 101 using the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 (see FIG. 1 ). The first controller 2a acquires the subject information 42 included in the imaging order, etc., in advance and stores it in the first storage unit 2b when imaging the subject 101. The first control unit 2a may directly acquire the subject information 42 from the server 4 and store it in the first storage unit 2b.

[0058] (Screen displaying statistical information) In the present embodiment, the first control unit 2a is configured to control outputting and displaying the acquired statistical information 41 to the display unit 2c (see FIG. 1). In the present embodiment, the first control unit 2a controls outputting and displaying a detailed screen 60 (see FIG. 6) of the statistical information 41 or a simplified screen 70 (see FIG. 7) of the statistical information 41 to the display unit 2c. Note that the first control unit 2a outputs and displays the detailed screen 60 of the statistical information 41 or the simplified screen 70 of the statistical information 41 to the display unit 2c based on an operation input by the operator.

[0059] First, referring to Fig. 6, a configuration in which the first control unit 2a (see Fig. 1) outputs and displays a detailed screen 60 of the statistical information 41 on the display unit 2c (see Fig. 1) will be described. The detailed screen 60 of the statistical information 41 is a screen that displays the statistical information 41 calculated based on the period selected by the operator and the subject information 42 (see Fig. 1). The configuration in which the period and the subject information 42 are selected by the operator will be described later.

[0060] 6, the detailed screen 60 of the statistical information 41 includes a first display field 60a that displays the operator's name, a second display field 60b that displays the name of the imaging region, a third display field 60c that displays the subject information 42, and a fourth display field 60d that displays the statistical information 41. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the third display field 60c includes a gender display field 61 that displays the gender of the subject 101 and an age display field 62 that displays the age (generation) of the subject 101, and the statistical information 41 based on the gender and age of the subject 101 is displayed.

[0061] Furthermore, on the detailed screen 60 of the statistical information 41 shown in FIG. 6, the average time 41a of the positioning time 40 and the standard deviation 41b of the positioning time 40 are displayed in a fourth display field 60d.

[0062] 6, only the "chest" and "abdomen" are shown as the imaging regions, but in reality, other imaging regions may be included. In addition to the "chest" and "abdomen," imaging regions may include, for example, the "lower back," "legs," "neck," "head," "shoulders," "arms," ​​and "hands."

[0063] 6, only the teens to thirties are displayed as the age of the subject 101, but in reality, other ages (decades) may also be included. The age of the subject 101 may include, for example, each of the 40s to 90s. It may also include ages under the age of 10 and ages over the age of 90.

[0064] (Simplified screen displaying statistical information) Next, referring to FIG. 7, a configuration in which the first control unit 2a (see FIG. 1) outputs and displays a simplified screen 70 of the statistical information 41 on the display unit 2c (see FIG. 1) will be described.

[0065] The simplified screen 70 of the statistical information 41 shown in FIG. 7 is a screen that displays the average time 41a of the positioning time 40 (see FIG. 4) for each imaging region for each operator, the average time 41c of the positioning time 40 for each imaging region for all operators, and the standard deviation 41d of the positioning time 40, for a predetermined period or a period selected by the operator.

[0066] 7, the simplified screen 70 of the statistical information 41 includes a first display field 70a that displays the operator name, a second display field 70b that displays the name of the imaging region, a third display field 70c that displays the statistical information 41 for each operator, and a fourth display field 70d that displays the statistical information 41 for all operators. The fourth display field 70d includes an average time display field 71 that displays the average time 41c of the positioning times 40 for all operators, and a standard deviation display field 72 that displays the standard deviation 41d of the positioning times 40 for all operators.

[0067] 7, only the "chest," "abdomen," "lumbar region," and "legs" are shown as imaging regions, but in reality, other imaging regions may be included. In addition to the "chest," "abdomen," "lumbar region," and "legs," imaging regions may include, for example, the "neck," "head," "shoulders," "arms," ​​and "hands."

[0068] The detailed screen 60 of the statistical information 41 shown in FIG. 6 and the simplified screen 70 of the statistical information 41 shown in FIG. 7 are not screens that are displayed when the operator photographs the subject 101, but are screens that the operator can use to provide technical feedback to the operator and / or to check the statistical information 41 for his / her own positioning time 40 after photographing the subject 101 has been completed.

[0069] Next, a display setting screen 80 for setting the display setting information 43 (see FIG. 1) when displaying the detailed screen 60 of the statistical information 41 shown in FIG. 6 or the simplified screen 70 of the statistical information 41 shown in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. The display setting screen 80 is a screen for selecting, as the display setting information 43, whether to display the detailed screen 60 of the statistical information 41 or the simplified screen 70 of the statistical information 41, and for selecting the attributes and aggregation period based on the subject information 42 when displaying the detailed screen 60 of the statistical information 41.

[0070] As shown in Figure 8, the display setting screen 80 includes a first selection field 80a for selecting whether to display the detailed screen 60 of the statistical information 41 or the simplified screen 70 of the statistical information 41, a second selection field 80b for selecting attributes based on the subject information 42, and a third selection field 80c for selecting the period for which the statistical information 41 is to be compiled.

[0071] The first selection field 80a is an exclusive selection field for selecting either the "simple version" or the "detailed version." The first selection field 80a is, for example, a radio button. The second selection field 80b and the third selection field 80c are selection fields in which multiple items can be selected at the same time. The second selection field 80b and the third selection field 80c are, for example, check boxes.

[0072] Furthermore, when "simplified version" is selected in the first selection field 80a, the second selection field 80b and the third selection field 80c are hidden or controlled to not accept any operation. When "simplified version" is selected, the first controller 2a acquires the statistical information 41 for each imaging region without distinguishing based on the subject information 42 during a preset period. When "simplified version" is selected in the first selection field 80a, the third selection field 80c may be displayed in an operable state, and the first controller 2a may acquire the statistical information 41 for each imaging region without distinguishing based on the subject information 42 during a period selected by the operator.

[0073] When "Detailed Version" is selected in the first selection field 80a, the second selection field 80b and the third selection field 80c are displayed in an operable state. The first controller 2a distinguishes between the subject information 42 selected in the second selection field 80b, and then acquires the statistical information 41 for each imaging region selected in the third selection field 80c.

[0074] For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when "area to be photographed," "gender," "age," and "presence or absence of disability" are selected in the second selection field 80b, and "week" is selected in the third selection field 80c, the first control unit 2a acquires statistical information 41 classified by gender, age, and presence or absence of disability for the area to be photographed based on one week's worth of positioning time 40 classified by gender, age, and presence or absence of disability for the area to be photographed, and displays a detailed screen 60 of the statistical information 41.

[0075] The first control unit 2a also stores the information set on the display setting screen 80 in the first storage unit 2b as display setting information 43 (see FIG. 1).

[0076] (Positioning Time Acquisition Method) Next, with reference to FIG. 9, a process of a positioning time acquisition method in the X-ray imaging system 100 (see FIG. 1) of this embodiment will be described.

[0077] First, in step 201, the detection unit 12 (see FIG. 1) starts detecting the subject 101 (see FIG. 2). Specifically, in step 201, the optical imaging unit 12a (see FIG. 3) starts detecting (imaging).

[0078] Next, in step 202, the first control unit 2a determines whether or not the subject 101 is located within the reference area 17 (see FIG. 2 ) based on the detection result of the detection unit 12 (optical imaging unit 12a). If the subject 101 is located within the reference area 17, the process proceeds to step 203. If the subject 101 is not located within the reference area 17, the first control unit 2a repeats the process of step 202.

[0079] Next, in step 203, the first control unit 2a starts measuring the positioning time 40 (see FIG. 4). That is, the first control unit 2a starts measuring the positioning time 40 based on the detection of the subject 101 by the detection unit 12.

[0080] Next, in step 204, the first control unit 2a determines whether or not the subject 101 has moved outside the reference area 17. If the subject 101 has moved outside the reference area 17, the process proceeds to step 205. If the subject 101 has not moved outside the reference area 17, the process proceeds to step 206.

[0081] Next, in step 205, the first control unit 2a resets the positioning time 40. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 202.

[0082] Furthermore, when the process proceeds from step 204 to step 206, in step 206, the first control unit 2a determines whether or not an operational input indicating completion of alignment has been received. Specifically, the first control unit 2a determines whether or not an operational input indicating completion of alignment has been received, based on whether or not the input receiving unit 3 has received an operational input to irradiate X-rays from the X-ray irradiation unit 10 or an operational input indicating completion of alignment. If an operational input indicating completion of alignment has been received, the process proceeds to step 207. If an operational input indicating completion of alignment has not been received, the first control unit 2a repeats the process of step 206.

[0083] Next, in step 207, the first control unit 2a ends measurement of the positioning time 40 based on the input acceptance unit 3 accepting a predetermined operation input by the operator after the alignment of the subject 101 with the X-ray irradiator 10 is completed. That is, the first control unit 2a ends measurement of the positioning time 40 when the input acceptance unit 3 accepts an operation input to irradiate X-rays from the X-ray irradiator 10 or an operation input to complete the alignment.

[0084] Next, in step 208, the first control unit 2a acquires the time from the start to the end of measurement of the positioning time 40 as the positioning time 40. Specifically, the first control unit 2a acquires the time from the time when measurement of the positioning time 40 starts to the time when measurement of the positioning time 40 ends as the positioning time 40.

[0085] Next, in step 209, the first control unit 2a outputs the positioning time 40. In this embodiment, the first control unit 2a outputs the positioning time 40 to the first storage unit 2b. Then, the processing ends.

[0086] (Statistical Information Display Method) Next, with reference to FIG. 10, a process for displaying the statistical information 41 (see FIG. 1) in the X-ray imaging system 100 (see FIG. 1) of this embodiment will be described.

[0087] First, in step 301, the first control unit 2a (see FIG. 1) acquires the display setting information 43 (see FIG. 1) from the first storage unit 2b (see FIG. 1).

[0088] Next, in step 302, the first control unit 2a determines whether or not the setting is to display the detailed screen 60 (see FIG. 6) of the statistical information 41. If the setting is to display the detailed screen 60 of the statistical information 41, the process proceeds to step 303. If the setting is not to display the detailed screen 60 of the statistical information 41, that is, if the setting is to display the simplified screen 70 of the statistical information 41 (see FIG. 7), the process proceeds to step 306.

[0089] Next, in step 303, the first control unit 2a acquires the statistical information 41 based on the detailed display setting information 43. That is, the first control unit 2a acquires the statistical information 41 based on the subject information 42 and the period included in the detailed display setting information 43.

[0090] Next, in step 304, the first control unit 2a generates a details screen 60 (see FIG. 6) of the statistical information 41 and outputs the generated details screen 60 of the statistical information 41 to the display unit 1c (see FIG. 1).

[0091] Next, in step 305, the display unit 1c displays the details screen 60 of the statistical information 41. After that, the process ends.

[0092] Furthermore, when the process proceeds from step 302 to step 306, in step 306, the first controller 2a acquires the statistical information 41 based on the simplified display setting information 43. That is, the first controller 2a acquires the statistical information 41 for each imaging region of the subject 101 during the period included in the simplified display setting information 43.

[0093] Next, in step 307, the first control unit 2a generates a simplified screen 70 (see FIG. 7) of the statistical information 41, and outputs the generated simplified screen 70 of the statistical information 41 to the display unit 1c.

[0094] Next, in step 308, the display unit 1c displays the simplified screen 70 of the statistical information 41. After that, the process ends.

[0095] (Effects of this embodiment) In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0096] In this embodiment, as described above, the X-ray imaging system 100 includes the X-ray imaging device 1 including the X-ray irradiation unit 10 including the X-ray tube 10a and the X-ray detection unit 11 that detects the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiation unit 10 and transmitted through the subject 101, the detection unit 12 that detects the subject 101, the input reception unit 3 that receives operation input from an operator, and a first control unit 2a (control device 2) that starts measuring a positioning time 40, which is the time it takes to complete alignment between the subject 101 and the X-ray irradiation unit 10, based on the detection of the subject 101 by the detection unit 12, and after the alignment between the subject 101 and the X-ray irradiation unit 10 is completed, ends the measurement of the positioning time 40 and acquires the positioning time 40 based on the input reception unit 3 receiving a predetermined operation input from the operator, and controls to output the acquired positioning time 40.

[0097] As a result, measurement of the positioning time 40 is started based on the detection of the subject 101 by the detection unit 12, so measurement of the positioning time 40 can be started at a more accurate timing compared to a configuration in which measurement of the positioning time 40 is started based on the operator entering the examination room. As a result, the positioning time 40 of the operator can be obtained with high accuracy.

[0098] Furthermore, when the measurement of the positioning time 40 is terminated based on the operator's exit from the imaging room 110, if the operator enters and exits the imaging room 110 multiple times before the positioning of the subject 101 is completed, multiple positioning times 40 will be measured. Therefore, as described above, by configuring the measurement of the positioning time 40 to be terminated based on the input receiving unit 3 receiving a predetermined operation input by the operator after the alignment of the subject 101 with the X-ray irradiation unit 10 is completed, the measurement of the positioning time 40 is terminated based on the predetermined operation input by the operator after the alignment of the subject 101 with the X-ray irradiation unit 10 is completed. Therefore, for example, even if the operator enters and exits the imaging room 110 multiple times before the positioning of the subject 101 is completed, the timing to terminate the measurement of the positioning time 40 can be easily and accurately determined. As a result, unlike a configuration in which measurement of the positioning time 40 is terminated when the operator leaves the imaging room 110, a single positioning time 40 can be obtained even if the operator enters and exits the imaging room 110 multiple times.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the positioning time acquisition method is a positioning time acquisition method for acquiring a positioning time 40, which is the time required for the alignment of the subject 101 with the X-ray irradiation unit 10 to be completed, in an X-ray imaging device 1 equipped with an X-ray irradiation unit 10, and includes the steps of: starting measurement of the positioning time 40 based on the subject 101 being detected by the detection unit 12; ending measurement of the positioning time 40 based on the input receiving unit 3 receiving a predetermined operation input by the operator after the alignment of the subject 101 with the X-ray irradiation unit 10 is completed; acquiring the time from the start to the end of measurement of the positioning time 40 as the positioning time 40; and outputting the positioning time 40.

[0100] As a result, measurement of the positioning time 40 begins upon detection of the subject 101 by the detection unit 12, and as with the above-mentioned X-ray imaging system 100, it becomes possible to start measuring the positioning time 40 at an accurate timing, thereby providing a positioning time acquisition method that can accurately acquire the operator's positioning time 40.

[0101] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the following additional effects can be obtained by configuring as follows.

[0102] That is, in this embodiment, as described above, the first control unit 2a (control device) is configured to control the start of measurement of the positioning time 40 based on the detection by the detection unit 12 that the subject 101 has been placed at a predetermined position. Here, when imaging the subject 101, the subject 101 is placed at a predetermined position, and the subject 101 and the X-ray irradiation unit 10 are aligned. Therefore, with the above configuration, the timing at which measurement of the positioning time 40 starts can be made closer to the timing at which positioning actually starts, compared to a configuration in which measurement of the positioning time 40 starts when the operator enters the imaging room 110. Therefore, it is possible to start measurement of the positioning time 40 at a more accurate timing, thereby further improving the accuracy of measurement of the positioning time 40. As a result, the operator's positioning time 40 can be obtained with even greater accuracy.

[0103] Furthermore, as described above, this embodiment further includes a detector holding unit 13 that holds the X-ray detector 11, and the first control unit 2a (control device) is configured to control the start of measurement of the positioning time 40 based on the detection by the detector 12 that the subject 101 has been placed within a reference area that is set based on the position of the detector holding unit 13. As a result, measurement of the positioning time 40 is started based on the subject 101 being placed within the reference area, so the timing at which measurement of the positioning time 40 starts can be made even closer to the timing at which positioning actually starts. As a result, the measurement accuracy of the positioning time 40 can be further improved.

[0104] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as described above, the first control unit 2a (control device) is configured to terminate measurement of the positioning time 40 based on receiving an X-ray irradiation operation input input by the operator when irradiating X-rays from the X-ray irradiator 10 after the alignment of the subject 101 with the X-ray irradiator 10 is completed, or receiving an alignment completion operation input input by the operator after the alignment of the subject 101 with the X-ray irradiator 10 is completed. Thus, in a configuration in which measurement of the positioning time 40 is terminated based on an operation input to irradiate X-rays from the X-ray irradiator 10, the operation of irradiating X-rays is included in the series of operations for imaging the subject 101, and therefore measurement of the positioning time 40 can be terminated without requiring the operator to perform a separate operation. As a result, an increase in the burden on the operator can be suppressed. Furthermore, in the case of a configuration in which measurement of the positioning time 40 is terminated based on an operation input indicating completion of alignment, measurement of the positioning time 40 is terminated at the point in time when alignment is completed, thereby further improving the measurement accuracy of the positioning time 40. As a result, the accuracy of the positioning time 40 can be further improved.

[0105] Furthermore, as described above, this embodiment further includes a first storage unit 2b (storage unit) that stores, for each operator, a plurality of positioning times 40 for each imaging region of the subject 101, and the first control unit 2a (control device) is configured to acquire, for each operator, statistical information 41 of the positioning times 40 for each imaging region based on the positioning times 40 for each operator stored in the first storage unit 2b, and to control output of the acquired statistical information 41. As a result, the statistical information 41 of the positioning times 40 for each imaging region of the subject 101 is output, allowing the operator to check the statistical information 41 of the positioning times 40 for each imaging region. As a result, the operator can grasp the positioning ability for each imaging region as a numerical value based on the statistical information 41 for each imaging region.

[0106] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the first control unit 2a (control device) is configured to acquire, for each operator, the average time 41a of the positioning time 40 for each imaging region and the standard deviation 41b of the positioning time 40 for each imaging region as statistical information 41, and to control output of the statistical information 41 including the acquired average time 41a for each imaging region and the standard deviation 41b for each imaging region. Here, as the operator's positioning ability improves, the average time 41a of the positioning time 40 decreases. On the other hand, even if the operator's positioning ability is high, the positioning time 40 may take a long time depending on the subject 101. In other words, the positioning time 40 may vary depending on the subject 101 as well as the operator's positioning ability. Therefore, with the above configuration, the average time 41a and standard deviation 41b of the positioning time 40 are output, allowing the operator to objectively grasp his / her own positioning ability as a numerical value based on the average time 41a of the positioning time 40. Furthermore, even if the operator's positioning ability is high, the positioning time 40 may change depending on the condition of the subject 101. That is, when the change in the positioning time 40 increases due to the condition of the subject 101, the standard deviation 41b of the positioning time 40 also increases. Therefore, based on the standard deviation 41b of the positioning time 40, the operator can easily determine whether the average time 41a of the positioning time 40 depends on the operator's ability or on the subject 101. As a result, the operator can grasp his / her own positioning ability in more detail by checking the statistical information 41 including the average time 41a and standard deviation 41b of the positioning time 40.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the first control unit 2 a (control device) is configured to further acquire subject information 42 including any of the age, sex, physique, disease, and presence or absence of disability of the subject 101 as statistical information 41, and to control output of the statistical information 41 including the subject information 42. Here, even when positioning is performed to image the same imaging region, the positioning time 40 varies depending on the age, sex, physique, disease, and presence or absence of disability of the subject 101. For example, when positioning is performed to image the same imaging region of a large subject 101 with a disability and a small subject 101 without a disability, the positioning time 40 is longer for the large subject 101 with a disability than for the small subject 101 without a disability. Therefore, with the above configuration, it is possible to output statistical information 41 that reflects the condition of subject 101 in detail based on subject information 42 including the age, sex, physique, illness, and presence or absence of disability of subject 101. As a result, by the operator checking statistical information 41 including subject information 42, the operator can grasp his / her own positioning ability for each condition of subject 101, and therefore it is possible for the operator to grasp his / her own positioning ability in even more detail.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the display unit 2c that displays the statistical information 41 is further provided, and the first control unit 2a (control device) is configured to control output of the acquired statistical information 41 to the display unit 2c for display. This allows the operator to easily visually grasp the statistical information 41. As a result, by visually checking the statistical information 41, the operator can easily visually grasp the positioning ability quantified by the statistical information 41.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the detector 12 further includes an irradiation unit holder 14 that holds the X-ray irradiator 10, and the detector 12 includes an optical imaging unit 12a, which is provided on the irradiation unit holder 14 together with the X-ray irradiator 10. When irradiating X-rays from the X-ray irradiator 10, the position of the irradiation unit holder 14 is adjusted so that no interfering object is placed between the subject 101 and the X-ray irradiator 10. Therefore, by providing the optical imaging unit 12a on the irradiation unit holder 14 together with the X-ray irradiator 10, the optical imaging unit 12a can be easily moved to a position suitable for detecting the subject 101 when detecting (photographing) the subject 101 using the optical imaging unit 12a. As a result, a decrease in the detection accuracy of the subject 101 by the optical imaging unit 12a can be suppressed.

[0110] [Modifications] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above-mentioned embodiments, and further includes all modifications (modifications) within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0111] For example, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the first control unit 2 a (control device) is configured to end measurement of the positioning time 40 based on receiving an operation input for X-ray irradiation input by the operator when irradiating X-rays from the X-ray irradiator 10 after the alignment of the subject 101 with the X-ray irradiator 10 is completed, or an operation input for completing alignment input by the operator after the alignment of the subject 101 with the X-ray irradiator 10 is completed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first control unit (control device) may be configured to end measurement of the positioning time based on an operation input other than the operation input for X-ray irradiation input by the operator when irradiating X-rays from the X-ray irradiator and the operation input for completing alignment input by the operator. For example, the first control unit (control device) may be configured to end the measurement of the positioning time based on an utterance made by the operator when alignment is completed, a gesture made by the operator when alignment is completed, or an operation input resulting from operating (pressing) a button on the GUI to end the measurement of the positioning time.

[0112] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of a configuration in which the first control unit 2a (control device) acquires statistical information 41 based on multiple positioning times 40 stored in the first memory unit 2b (memory unit) was described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first control unit (control device) does not need to be configured to acquire statistical information as long as it acquires positioning times. However, if the first control unit (control device) is not configured to acquire statistical information, it becomes difficult for the operator to grasp changes in his or her own positioning ability as numerical values. Therefore, it is preferable that the first control unit (control device) be configured to acquire statistical information.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the first control unit 2a (control device) acquires, for each operator, the average time 41a of the positioning time 40 for each imaging region and the standard deviation 41b of the positioning time 40 for each imaging region as the statistical information 41. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first control unit (control device) may be configured to acquire statistical information other than the average time and standard deviation of the positioning time. The first control unit (control device) may be configured to acquire, for example, a variance, a median, or the like as the statistical information.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the first control unit 2a (control device) is configured to acquire subject information 42 including the subject 101's age, sex, physique, illness, and / or disability as statistical information 41, and to output statistical information 41 including the subject information 42. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first control unit (control device) may be configured to acquire and output statistical information that does not include subject information. However, if the first control unit (control device) acquires and outputs statistical information that does not include subject information, it becomes difficult to acquire statistical information that reflects the subject's condition in detail, making it difficult for the operator to grasp their own positioning ability in detail. Therefore, it is preferable that the first control unit (control device) be configured to acquire and output statistical information that includes subject information.

[0115] In the above embodiment, the first control unit 2a (control device) is configured to output and display the acquired statistical information 41 on the display unit 2c. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first control unit (control device) may be configured to output the statistical information to a printing machine such as a printer. In this case, the operator can understand his or her own positioning ability by checking the printed statistical information.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the optical imaging unit 12a is provided in the irradiation unit holder 14 together with the X-ray irradiation unit 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the optical imaging unit may be installed anywhere as long as it can detect whether or not the subject is positioned within the reference area. The optical imaging unit may be installed, for example, on the ceiling of the examination room.

[0117] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of a configuration was shown in which the detection unit 12 includes the optical imaging unit 12a, and the first control unit 2a (control device) determines whether the subject 101 is located within the reference area 17 based on an image (video) captured by the optical imaging unit 12a, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the detection unit may be a proximity sensor or a load sensor provided on the imaging table and / or imaging stand. When the detection unit is a proximity sensor or a load sensor, the first control unit (control device) may determine whether the subject is located within the reference area based on the detection result of the proximity sensor or the load sensor.

[0118] The detection unit may also be a distance sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor, a ToF (Time of Flight) sensor, an infrared sensor, etc. When the detection unit is a distance sensor, the first control unit (control device) may be configured to use the distance sensor to previously acquire a Source to Image Receptor Distance (SID), which is the distance between the X-ray irradiator and the X-ray detection unit, and also acquire a Source to Object Distance (SOD), which is the distance between the X-ray irradiator and the body surface of the subject, and start measuring the positioning time when the difference between the SID and SOD becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0119] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of a configuration in which the first control unit 2a (control device) acquires the positioning time 40 and the statistical information 41 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the positioning time and the statistical information may be acquired by an apparatus control unit provided in the X-ray imaging apparatus or a second control unit provided in the server. That is, the positioning time and the statistical information may be acquired by any one of the first control unit (control device), the apparatus control unit, and the second control unit. Furthermore, the positioning time and the statistical information may be acquired by any two of the first control unit (control device), the apparatus control unit, and the second control unit. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the positioning time is acquired by the first control unit (control device), and the statistical information is acquired by the second control unit.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the statistical information 41 is displayed on the display unit 2c of the control device 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the statistical information may be displayed on a display operation unit of the X-ray imaging device.

[0121] In the above embodiment, the first control unit 2a (control device) may be configured with a personal computer, a processor, or a circuit. The control processes performed by the control unit may be performed by a combination of different hardware components. The device control unit 20 and the second control unit 4a may be configured with a personal computer, a processor, or a circuit.

[0122] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the process of acquiring the positioning time 40 by the first control unit 2a (control device) and the process of displaying the statistical information 41 are described using a flow-driven flowchart in which the process is performed in order according to a processing flow, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the present invention, the process of acquiring the positioning time by the first control unit (control device) and the process of acquiring the statistical information may be performed by event-driven processing in which processing is performed on an event-by-event basis. In this case, the process may be completely event-driven, or may be a combination of event-driven and flow-driven.

[0123] Aspects It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of the following aspects.

[0124] (Item 1) An X-ray imaging system comprising: an X-ray imaging device including an X-ray irradiation unit including an X-ray tube; and an X-ray detection unit that detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiation unit and transmitted through a subject; a detection unit that detects the subject; an input reception unit that receives operation input from an operator; and a control device that, based on the detection of the subject by the detection unit, starts measuring a positioning time, which is the time it takes to complete alignment between the subject and the X-ray irradiation unit, and, after the alignment between the subject and the X-ray irradiation unit is completed, ends measuring the positioning time and acquires the positioning time based on the input reception unit receiving a predetermined operation input from the operator, and performs control to output the acquired positioning time.

[0125] (Item 2) In the X-ray imaging system according to Item 1, the control device is configured to control the start of measurement of the positioning time based on the detection by the detection unit that the subject has been placed at a predetermined position.

[0126] (Item 3) An X-ray imaging system according to Item 1 or 2, further comprising a detection unit holding unit that holds the X-ray detection unit, wherein the control device is configured to control the start of measurement of the positioning time based on the detection unit detecting that the subject has been placed within a reference area that is set based on the position of the detection unit holding unit.

[0127] (Item 4) The X-ray imaging system according to Item 1, wherein the control device is configured to terminate measurement of the positioning time based on receiving an X-ray irradiation operation input input by an operator when irradiating X-rays from the X-ray irradiator after alignment between the subject and the X-ray irradiator is completed, or an alignment completion operation input input by an operator after alignment between the subject and the X-ray irradiator is completed.

[0128] (Item 5) An X-ray imaging system according to any one of items 1 to 4, further comprising a memory unit that stores, for each operator, a plurality of positioning times for each imaging region of the subject, and the control device is configured to acquire statistical information on the positioning times for each imaging region for each operator based on the positioning times for each operator stored in the memory unit, and to control output of the acquired statistical information.

[0129] (Item 6) The control device is configured to acquire, for each operator, an average time of the positioning time for each imaging region and a standard deviation of the positioning time for each imaging region as the statistical information, and to perform control to output the statistical information including the acquired average time for each imaging region and the standard deviation for each imaging region.

[0130] (Item 7) The X-ray imaging system according to Item 5 or 6, wherein the control device is configured to further acquire subject information including any of the subject's age, sex, physique, disease, and presence or absence of disability as the statistical information, and to perform control to output the statistical information including the subject information.

[0131] (Item 8) An X-ray imaging system according to any one of Items 5 to 7, further comprising a display unit that displays the statistical information, and the control device is configured to control outputting and displaying the acquired statistical information to the display unit.

[0132] (Item 9) The X-ray imaging system according to any one of Items 1 to 8, further comprising an irradiation unit holding unit that holds the X-ray irradiation unit, wherein the detection unit includes an optical imaging unit, and the optical imaging unit is provided on the irradiation unit holding unit together with the X-ray irradiation unit.

[0133] (Item 10) A positioning time acquisition method for acquiring a positioning time, which is a time required for completing alignment between a subject and the X-ray irradiation unit, in an X-ray imaging device equipped with an X-ray irradiation unit, comprising: a step of starting measurement of the positioning time based on the subject being detected by a detection unit; a step of ending measurement of the positioning time based on an input receiving unit receiving a predetermined operation input by an operator after completing alignment between the subject and the X-ray irradiation unit; a step of acquiring the time from the start to the end of measurement of the positioning time as the positioning time; and a step of outputting the positioning time.

[0134] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 X-ray imaging device 2 Control device 2b First storage unit (storage unit) 3 Input reception unit 10 X-ray irradiation unit 10a X-ray tube 11 X-ray detection unit 12 Detection unit 12a Optical imaging unit 13 Detection unit holding unit 14 Irradiation unit holding unit 40 Positioning time 41 Statistical information 41a Average time 41b Standard deviation 42 Subject information 100 X-ray imaging system 101 Subject

Claims

1. An X-ray imaging system comprising: an X-ray imaging device having an X-ray irradiation unit including an X-ray tube, and an X-ray detection unit that detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiation unit and transmitted through a subject; a detection unit that detects the subject; an input reception unit that receives operational input from an operator; and a control device that, based on the detection of the subject by the detection unit, starts measuring a positioning time, which is the time it takes to complete alignment between the subject and the X-ray irradiation unit, and, after alignment between the subject and the X-ray irradiation unit is completed, stops measuring the positioning time and acquires the positioning time based on the input reception unit receiving a predetermined operational input from the operator, and controls to output the acquired positioning time.

2. The X-ray imaging system of claim 1, wherein the control device is configured to control the start of measurement of the positioning time based on the detection unit detecting that the subject has been placed at a predetermined position.

3. The X-ray imaging system of claim 2, further comprising a detection unit holding unit that holds the X-ray detection unit, and the control device is configured to control the start of measurement of the positioning time based on the detection unit detecting that the subject has been placed within a reference area that is set based on the position of the detection unit holding unit.

4. The X-ray imaging system of claim 1, wherein the control device is configured to terminate measurement of the positioning time based on receiving an operation input for X-ray irradiation input by an operator when irradiating X-rays from the X-ray irradiation unit after alignment between the subject and the X-ray irradiation unit is completed, or an operation input for completing alignment input by an operator after alignment between the subject and the X-ray irradiation unit is completed.

5. An X-ray imaging system as described in claim 1, further comprising a memory unit which stores multiple positioning times for each imaging region of the subject for each operator, and the control device is configured to obtain statistical information on the positioning time for each imaging region for each operator based on the positioning time for each operator stored in the memory unit, and to control the output of the obtained statistical information.

6. The X-ray imaging system according to claim 5, wherein the control device is configured to acquire, for each operator, an average time of the positioning time for each imaging part and a standard deviation of the positioning time for each imaging part as the statistical information, and to control output of the statistical information including the acquired average time for each imaging part and the standard deviation for each imaging part.

7. The X-ray imaging system of claim 6, wherein the control device is configured to further acquire subject information including any of the subject's age, sex, physique, disease, and the presence or absence of a disability as the statistical information, and to control the output of the statistical information including the subject information.

8. An X-ray imaging system as described in claim 5, further comprising a display unit for displaying the statistical information, wherein the control device is configured to control the output of the acquired statistical information to the display unit for display.

9. The X-ray imaging system according to claim 1, further comprising an irradiation unit holding unit that holds the X-ray irradiation unit, wherein the detection unit includes an optical imaging unit, and the optical imaging unit is provided on the irradiation unit holding unit together with the X-ray irradiation unit.

10. A positioning time acquisition method in an X-ray imaging device equipped with an X-ray irradiation unit for acquiring a positioning time, which is the time required for alignment of a subject with the X-ray irradiation unit to be completed, comprising the steps of: starting measurement of the positioning time based on the subject being detected by a detection unit; ending measurement of the positioning time based on an input receiving unit receiving a predetermined operation input by an operator after alignment of the subject with the X-ray irradiation unit is completed; acquiring the time from the start to the end of measurement of the positioning time as the positioning time; and outputting the positioning time.

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