JP2023163668A - Radiation imaging system, control method of radiation imaging system, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To make it possible to easily set a lighting field to be used for automatic exposure control.SOLUTION: A radiation imaging system has: a radiation generator controlling irradiation of radiation; a radiation imaging apparatus imaging an image based on radiation transmitted through a subject; a plurality of automatic exposure control parts which differ in the number and an arrangement of lighting fields where dose of radiation can be detected and instruct the radiation generator to stop irradiating with radiation when integrated value of the dose of the radiation transmitted through the subject reaches a prescribed threshold; and a setting part which displays on a display device a lighting field setting screen for setting the lighting field to be used for detecting the dose of radiation in accordance with the number and the arrangement of the lighting fields in the automatic exposure control part to be used for the automatic exposure control.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a radiation imaging system, a method of controlling the radiation imaging system, and a program.

2. Description of the Related Art Radiation imaging apparatuses equipped with an automatic exposure control (hereinafter referred to as AEC) function are widely used. AEC is a system that detects a portion of the radiation that has passed through the subject in the sampling field, and stops radiation irradiation when the integrated value of the detected radiation dose reaches the target value, thereby achieving the desired amount of radiation with the minimum amount of radiation. This is a function that allows images to be acquired. Conventionally, in order to realize the AEC function, it is common to have an ion chamber (ionization chamber) dedicated to AEC between the subject and the radiation imaging device, separate from the radiation imaging device, to enable automatic exposure control. Met. In a radiation imaging apparatus equipped with an AEC function, a lighting field suitable for a region to be imaged is arranged.

In recent years, while a radiation source is emitting radiation, a radiation imaging device monitors the cumulative irradiation dose, and when the cumulative irradiation amount reaches a target value, the radiation imaging device controls the radiation source and stops the radiation. This allows the AEC function to be achieved using only the radiation imaging device. Patent Document 1 describes a radiation imaging system that reads charges accumulated in pixels during radiation irradiation to obtain irradiation dose information, and instructs the end of radiation irradiation according to the acquired attained dose information and a target dose value. An apparatus is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-213546 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-44856

If the radiation imaging device with a built-in AEC function is portable, the AEC function can be used in various positions, such as when placed on a table. As described in Patent Document 2, it is also possible to use a radiation imaging device with a built-in AEC function and a separate AEC device together. Possible usage methods include attaching a separate AEC device to a standing stand or table, and using a radiation imaging device with an AEC function when taking it out for use.

A radiation imaging device with a built-in AEC function can use the AEC function in various positions due to its structure, and therefore devices that can select various lighting fields are also being considered. In a separate AEC device, a selection of one to three, or at most four, lighting fields is common. When using a radiation imaging device with a built-in AEC function and a separate AEC device, if the number and arrangement of lighting fields differ depending on the device, it may not be possible to set the lighting field appropriately, or setting the lighting field may be complicated. It becomes.

An object of the present invention is to enable easy setting of a lighting field used for automatic exposure control.

The radiation imaging system according to the present invention includes a radiation generation device that controls radiation irradiation, a radiation imaging device that captures an image based on radiation transmitted through a subject, and a radiation imaging system that includes a radiation generation device that controls radiation irradiation, a radiation imaging device that captures an image based on radiation transmitted through a subject, and a radiation imaging system that includes a radiation imaging device that controls the radiation dose. Differently, a plurality of automatic exposure control units instruct the radiation generating device to stop irradiating radiation when the cumulative value of the dose of radiation transmitted through the subject reaches a predetermined threshold, and the lighting used for detecting the dose of radiation. a lighting field setting screen for setting a lighting field, the setting unit displaying on a display device the lighting field setting screen according to the number and arrangement of the lighting field in the automatic exposure control unit used for automatic exposure control; It is characterized by having the following.

According to the present invention, it becomes possible to easily set the lighting field used for automatic exposure control.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a radiation imaging system. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a radiation imaging device. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of arrangement of a lighting field of a radiation imaging device. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of arrangement of a lighting field of a radiation imaging device. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an imaging device control section in a radiation imaging device. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration and a functional configuration of a control device. It is a figure which shows the example of a lighting field setting screen. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the radiation imaging system in the first embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows an example of operation of a radiation imaging system in a 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a lighting field setting screen. It is a flowchart which shows the example of operation of the radiation imaging system in a 3rd embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below do not limit the present invention. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these features are essential configurations, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. In addition to alpha, beta, and gamma rays, which are beams created by particles (including photons) emitted by radioactive decay, radiation also includes beams with similar or higher energy, such as X-rays and particles. It can also include rays, cosmic rays, etc.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a radiation imaging system 10 according to the first embodiment. The radiation imaging system 10 is installed in a radiation room 1 in which radiographic images are taken by irradiating a subject 306 with radiation, and in a control room 2 installed near the radiation room 1.

In the radiation room 1, the radiation imaging system 10 includes a radiation imaging device 300, a standing stand 302, a radiation imaging device communication cable 307, an access point 320, and a communication control device 323. Furthermore, the radiation imaging system 10 functions as a separate AEC device with a radiation generating device 324, a radiation source 325, an access point communication cable 326, a radiation generating device communication cable 327, and a supine imaging table 328. It has an ion chamber 329. In the control room 2, the radiation imaging system 10 includes a control device 310, a radiation irradiation switch 311, an input device 313, a display device 314, an in-hospital LAN 315, and a radiation room communication cable 316.

The radiation imaging apparatus 300 includes a power supply control section 301 configured with a battery or the like, a wired communication section 303, and a wireless communication section 304. The radiation imaging device 300 is a radiation imaging device that acquires an image based on radiation that has passed through a subject 306, which is a subject, and detects the radiation that has passed through the subject 306 and generates radiation image data. The radiation imaging device 300 has an AEC function and has a built-in function as an AEC device. The radiation imaging device 300 is an example of a radiation imaging device and an automatic exposure control unit.

The standing stand 302 is a pedestal on which the radiation imaging device 300 can be mounted and radiographic images can be taken in a standing position. The supine position imaging table 328 is a stand on which the radiation imaging device 300 can be attached and capable of taking radiographic images in the supine position. Further, an ion chamber 329 connected to the radiation generating device 324 can be attached to the supine imaging table 328, and this ion chamber can be used for the AEC function. Ion chamber 329 is an example of an automatic exposure control section. The radiation imaging device 300 can be attached to and removed from the standing stand 302, and can take radiographic images either when it is attached to the pedestal or when it is taken out.

The wired communication unit 303 enables exchange of information between the radiation imaging apparatus 300 and the control device 310, etc., for example, by cable connection using a communication standard with a predetermined agreement or a standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark). . The wireless communication unit 304 includes, for example, a circuit board including an antenna, a communication IC, and the like. The circuit board including a communication IC and the like performs wireless communication processing using a protocol based on a wireless LAN or the like via an antenna, and enables information to be exchanged between the radiation imaging apparatus 300 and the control device 310 and the like. There are no particular limitations on the frequency band, standard, or method for wireless communication, and methods such as close proximity wireless communication such as NFC and Bluetooth (registered trademark) or UWB may be used. Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 304 is compatible with a plurality of wireless communication methods, and may appropriately select one of them to perform communication.

The radiation imaging device communication cable 307 is a cable for connecting the radiation imaging device 300 and the communication control device 323. The access point 320 performs wireless communication with the wireless communication unit 304 of the radiation imaging apparatus 300. For example, when the radiation imaging device 300 is taken out from the standing stand 302 and used, it can be used to relay communication between the radiation imaging device 300, the control device 310, and the radiation generating device 324. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, an example has been shown in which the radiation imaging device 300 and the communication control device 323 communicate via the access point 320, but the present invention is not limited to this. The radiation imaging device 300 or the communication control device 323 may function as an access point, and the radiation imaging device 300 and the communication control device 323 may communicate directly without going through the access point 320. The communication control device 323 controls communication between the radiation imaging device 300, the access point 320, the radiation generating device 324, and the control device 310, respectively. The access point communication cable 326 is a cable for connecting the access point 320 and the communication control device 323. The radiation generator communication cable 327 is a cable for connecting the radiation generator 324 and the communication control device 323.

Radiation generator 324 controls radiation source 325 to irradiate radiation based on irradiation conditions set by user 312 (for example, a radiologist). The radiation source 325 irradiates the subject 306 with radiation under the control of the radiation generator 324 .

The control device 310 communicates with the radiation generating device 324 and the radiation imaging device 300 via the communication control device 323, and centrally controls the radiation imaging system 10. The radiation irradiation switch 311 is operated by a user 312 to input the timing of radiation irradiation. The input device 313 is a device for inputting instructions from the user 312, and various input devices such as a keyboard and a touch panel are used. The display device 314 is a device that displays image-processed radiation image data and a GUI, and a display or the like is used. The radiation imaging device 300 may have a function equivalent to the input device 313 and the display device 314.

The in-hospital LAN 315 is connected to the in-hospital backbone network. The in-hospital backbone network may be, for example, a hospital information system (HIS) or a radiology information system (RIS). The radiation room communication cable 316 is a cable for connecting the control device 310 in the control room 2 and the communication control device 323 in the radiation room 1.

Next, the operation of the radiation imaging system 10 will be explained. Before performing radiographic imaging of the patient 306, the control device 310 acquires patient information such as the ID, name, and date of birth of the patient 306 and images the patient 306 in accordance with the operation of the user 312. Set imaging information such as body part and imaging technique. In addition to directly inputting and setting information such as patient information, imaging site, imaging technique, etc., the user 312 may also set the information by selecting an examination order received via the hospital LAN, for example. good. Further, information such as the region to be imaged and the imaging technique may be set by selecting a preset imaging program. Also, if necessary, the lighting field used in AEC (automatic exposure control) is set.

When the preparation for imaging is completed, the user 312 presses the radiation irradiation switch 311. When the radiation irradiation switch 311 is pressed, the radiation imaging apparatus 300 makes preparations, and then radiation is irradiated from the radiation source 325 toward the subject 306 . The radiation imaging device 300 communicates with the radiation generating device 324 and controls the start and end of radiation irradiation. The radiation irradiated to the subject 306 passes through the subject 306 and enters the radiation imaging apparatus. The radiation imaging apparatus 300 converts incident radiation into visible light, and then detects the visible light as a radiation electrical signal using a photoelectric conversion element.

The radiation imaging apparatus 300 drives a photoelectric conversion element to read out a radiation electrical signal, and converts the analog signal into a digital signal using an AD conversion circuit to obtain digital radiation image data. The obtained digital radiation image data is transferred from the radiation imaging device 300 to the control device 310. The control device 310 performs image processing on the received digital radiation image data. The control device 310 displays a radiation image based on the image-processed radiation image data on the display device 314. The above is the operation of the radiation imaging system 10.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the radiation imaging apparatus 300. The radiation imaging apparatus 300 includes an imaging unit 100 for acquiring radiation images. The imaging unit 100 has a function of detecting irradiated radiation. The imaging unit 100 includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns.

The plurality of pixels includes a pixel 101 for acquiring a radiation image or information on the cumulative radiation dose (hereinafter referred to as a detection pixel), and a pixel 101 for removing dark current components and crosstalk components. and a correction pixel 121. The detection pixel 101 may be used only to obtain a radiation image, or may be used only to obtain information on the cumulative radiation dose. Further, the detection pixel 101 may be selectively used for either one of obtaining radiation images and obtaining information on the cumulative radiation dose, or may be used for obtaining radiation images and obtaining information on the cumulative radiation dose. It may be used simultaneously with information acquisition.

The detection pixel 101 includes a conversion element 102 that converts radiation into an electrical signal, and a switch 103 arranged between the column signal line 106 and the conversion element 102. The conversion element 102 may include a scintillator that converts radiation into light and a photoelectric conversion element that converts the light converted by the scintillator into an electrical signal. For example, the scintillator may be formed in a sheet shape so as to cover the imaging unit 100, and may be shared by a plurality of pixels. Furthermore, the conversion element 102 may be configured to include a conversion element that directly converts radiation into an electrical signal without including a scintillator. The switch 103 includes, for example, a thin film transistor (TFT) whose active region is made of a semiconductor such as amorphous silicon or polycrystalline silicon.

The correction pixel 121 may have the same configuration as the detection pixel 101 and includes a conversion element 122 and a switch 123. The correction pixel 121 has the same configuration as the detection pixel 101, but has a different sensitivity for converting the incident radiation into an electric signal from the detection pixel 101 in order to output a different electric signal in response to the incident radiation. Do it like this. For example, in order for the detection pixel 101 to have a higher sensitivity for detecting radiation than the correction pixel 121, the area for detecting radiation of the detection pixel 101 may be made larger than that of the correction pixel 121. For example, in the case of a pixel that directly converts radiation into an electrical signal, a shielding member made of a heavy metal such as lead may be provided on the conversion element of the correction pixel 121 as a shielding member that blocks radiation. For example, in the case of an indirect type pixel that uses a scintillator to convert radiation into light and converts this light into an electrical signal, an aluminum shielding film or the like is used as a shielding member for blocking light as the conversion element of the correction pixel 121. It may also be provided between it and the citilator. Regardless of the conversion type radiation imaging device, the sensitivity to radiation can be improved by disposing the shielding member in a region that overlaps at least a portion of the conversion element of the correction pixel 121 in orthogonal projection onto the imaging unit 100. It can be changed. Thereby, information on the cumulative irradiation dose of radiation obtained using the detection pixel 101 can be generated more accurately by subtracting the electrical signal obtained from the detection pixel 101 and the electrical signal obtained from the correction pixel 121.

The radiation imaging apparatus 300 has a plurality of column signal lines 106 and a plurality of drive lines 104. Each of the column signal lines 106 corresponds to one of a plurality of columns in which pixels are arranged in the imaging unit 100. Each of the drive lines 104 corresponds to one of the plurality of rows in which pixels are arranged in the imaging unit 100. The drive line 104 is driven by a drive circuit 221.

One electrode of the conversion element 102 is connected to one main electrode of the switch 103, and the other electrode of the conversion element 102 is connected to the bias line 108. Similarly, one electrode of the conversion element 122 is connected to one main electrode of the switch 123, and the other electrode of the conversion element 122 is connected to the bias line 108.

The bias line 108 receives a bias voltage Vs from the element power supply circuit 226. Bias line 108 is commonly connected to the other electrode of conversion element 102 and conversion element 122. The bias voltage Vs is supplied from the element power supply circuit 226. The power supply control unit 301 includes a battery, a DC/DC converter, and the like. The power supply control unit 301 includes an element power supply circuit 226 and generates a digital circuit power supply that performs drive control, communication, etc. with the analog circuit power supply.

The main electrodes of the switches 103 of the detection pixels 101 and the switches 123 of the correction pixels 121 constituting one column are connected to one column signal line 106. The control electrodes of the switches 103 of the detection pixels 101 and the switches 123 of the correction pixels 121 constituting one row are connected to one drive line 104. The plurality of column signal lines 106 are connected to a reading circuit 222. Here, the reading circuit 222 includes a plurality of detection units 132, a multiplexer 134, and an analog-to-digital (AD) converter 136.

Each of the plurality of column signal lines 106 is connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of detection sections 132 of the reading circuit 222. Here, one column signal line 106 corresponds to one detection section 132. The detection unit 132 includes, for example, a differential amplifier. The multiplexer 134 selects a plurality of detection units 132 in a predetermined order and supplies the signals from the selected detection units 132 to the AD converter 136. The AD converter 136 converts the supplied signal into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal.

The signal processing unit 224 outputs information indicating the radiation dose to the radiation imaging apparatus 300 based on the output of the readout circuit 222 (AD converter 136). Specifically, the signal processing unit 224 performs, for example, characteristic correction processing for removing dark current components and crosstalk components of the radiation imaging apparatus 300 using the correction pixels 121, radiation irradiation detection, radiation irradiation amount, and integration. Performs calculations of irradiation amount, etc.

The imaging device control unit 225 controls the driving circuit 221, the reading circuit 222, and the like based on information from the signal processing unit 224 and control commands from the control device 310.

A plurality of lighting fields including detection pixels 101 and correction pixels 121 may be arranged in the imaging unit 100 in order to obtain information on the cumulative irradiation dose of radiation such as performing automatic exposure control (AEC). . The lighting field is arranged, for example, in an area as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 shows an example of the photographing section 100 in which three lighting fields, lighting field A to lighting field C, are arranged. Further, FIG. 4 shows an example of the photographing unit 100 in which five lighting fields, lighting field K to lighting field O, are arranged. The number (score) and arrangement of lighting fields are not limited to these examples. For example, two, four, six or more lighting fields may be arranged in the photographing section 100. Furthermore, the area where the lighting field is arranged may also be set as appropriate.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the imaging device control unit 225 of the radiation imaging device 300. The imaging device control section 225 includes a drive control section 500, a CPU 501, a memory 502, a radiation generation device control section 503, an image data control section 504, and a communication switching section 505.

The drive control unit 500 controls the operation of pixels arranged in the imaging unit 100 for acquiring radiation images by controlling the drive circuit 221 and the readout circuit 222. Further, the drive control unit 500 sets a photographing area of the photographing unit 100 to be used for photographing and a lighting field to be used for AEC (automatic exposure control) among the plurality of lighting fields according to a user's operation.

The CPU 501 controls the entire radiation imaging apparatus 300 using programs and various data stored in the memory 502. The memory 502 stores, for example, programs and various data used when the CPU 501 executes processing. The various data include data obtained through processing by the CPU 501 and radiation image data.

The radiation generator control unit 503 controls communication with the radiation generator 324 based on information input from the signal processing unit 224 and information input from the drive control unit 500. The radiation generating device control unit 503 and the radiation generating device 324 exchange information regarding control of the radiation generating device (for example, notification of start of radiation irradiation, notification of irradiation stop, radiation dose, cumulative dose, etc.). For example, the radiation generator control unit 503 transmits a signal for stopping radiation among the information regarding the control of the radiation generator 324 when the integrated value of the dose irradiated to the lighting field to be monitored for radiation reaches a predetermined threshold value. If so, it is transmitted to the radiation generating device 324. As described above, the daylighting field is, for example, the area of daylighting field A to daylighting field C in FIG. 3 or the area of daylighting field K to daylighting field O in FIG. 4.

When performing AEC, the radiation generator control unit 503 stops radiation irradiation when the integrated value of the radiation dose incident in at least one of the set lighting fields reaches a predetermined threshold. The first mode may include a first mode in which a signal is output. Furthermore, when performing AEC, the radiation generator control unit 503 stops radiation irradiation if the integrated value of the incident radiation dose reaches a predetermined threshold in all of the set lighting fields. It may also include a second mode that outputs a signal for causing the Furthermore, when performing AEC, the radiation generator control unit 503 stops radiation irradiation if the average value of the radiation dose that has entered all of the set lighting fields reaches a predetermined threshold value. It may also include a third mode for outputting a signal for. The radiation generator control unit 503 can be set to any of the modes described above, and AEC can be performed. The AEC operation mode of the radiation imaging device 300 set by the radiation generating device control unit 503 is set by a command received from any of the drive control unit 500, the radiation generating device 324, and the control device 310 of the radiation imaging device 300, for example. It can be done.

Image data control unit 504 stores image data from reading circuit 222 in memory 502 and controls communication with control device 310 . The image data control unit 504 and the control device 310 exchange radiation image data and information regarding control (eg, control commands). The communication switching unit 505 enables communication by the wired communication unit 303 when the wired cable 322 is connected to the radiation imaging apparatus 300, and enables communication by the wireless communication unit 304 when the wired cable 322 is disconnected from the radiation imaging apparatus 300. Switch the communication section to enable.

FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control device 310. The control device 310 includes a CPU 601 , a RAM 602 , a ROM 603 , an external memory 604 , a communication I/F section 605 , and a bus 606 . The CPU 601, RAM 602, ROM 603, external memory 604, and communication I/F section 605 are connected to each other via a bus 606 so that they can communicate with each other.

A CPU (central processing unit) 601 controls the operation of the control device 310 in an integrated manner, and controls each section (RAM 602 to communication I/F section 605) shown in FIG. 6(a) via a bus 606. Control. A RAM (writable memory) 602 functions as the main memory, work area, etc. of the CPU 601. When executing processing, the CPU 601 loads necessary computer programs 607, data, etc. from the ROM 603 into the RAM 602, and executes the computer programs 607, etc., thereby realizing various functional operations. A ROM (read only memory) 603 stores a computer program 607, data, etc. necessary for the CPU 601 to execute processing. Note that the computer program 607, data, etc. may be stored in the external memory 604.

The external memory 604 is a large-capacity storage device, and is realized by, for example, a hard disk device, an IC memory, or the like. The external memory 604 stores, for example, various data and various information necessary when the CPU 601 executes the computer program 607 and performs processing. Further, the external memory 604 stores various data and various information obtained by, for example, the CPU 601 executing and processing the computer program 607 and the like. A communication I/F (interface) unit 605 is in charge of communication between the control device 310 and the outside. A bus 606 is for communicably connecting the CPU 601, RAM 602, ROM 603, external memory 604, and communication I/F section 605.
The control device 310 according to the present embodiment is provided, for example, as a dedicated built-in device, but is not limited to this, and may be realized by a general-purpose information processing device such as a PC (personal computer) or a tablet terminal.

FIG. 6(b) is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control device 310. The control device 310 includes a control section 611, a communication section 612, an image acquisition section 613, a storage section 614, a lighting field number setting section 615, an AEC condition setting section 616, a detector rotation setting section 617, and a lighting field number setting section 615. field setting section 618. Each functional unit shown in FIG. 6B is realized, for example, by the CPU 601 loading a computer program 607 stored in the ROM 603 into the RAM 602 and executing it. Note that the functional configuration example shown in FIG. 6(b) is an example, and the control device 310 may have a configuration that does not include some of the functional units shown in FIG. 6(b), or may include additional functional units. It is also possible to have a configuration including the above.

The control unit 611 determines the presence or absence of various setting information set in the radiation imaging system 10, and performs creation, editing, and the like. The communication unit 612 communicates with the radiation generating device 324 and the radiation imaging device 300 to acquire various information. The image acquisition unit 613 acquires a radiation image from the radiation imaging apparatus 300. The storage unit 614 stores various setting information of the radiation imaging system 10, various information acquired by the communication unit 612, and the like.

The lighting field score setting unit 615 sets the number of lighting fields possessed by the AEC device used for each imaging technique. The AEC condition setting section 616 sets information used in AEC (automatic exposure control), and for example, multiplies the threshold and dose value of the radiation dose measured in the lighting field in order to control the stop of radiation irradiation. Set the coefficients, etc. The detector rotation setting unit 617 sets rotation information indicating the direction in the light collection plane of the radiation imaging apparatus 300 used in the AEC (automatic exposure control) function. The lighting field setting unit 618 displays a lighting field setting screen according to the number and arrangement of lighting fields, and sets whether to use each lighting field in AEC (automatic exposure control).

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a lighting field setting screen 701 that the lighting field setting unit 618 displays on the display device 314. The lighting field setting screen 701 displays the lighting field of an AEC device used for AEC (automatic exposure control), and is used to set the lighting field used for detecting the radiation dose in AEC. The lighting field setting unit 618 causes the display device 314 to display a lighting field setting screen 701 as shown in FIG. 7, depending on the number of lighting fields possessed by the AEC device used when capturing a radiation image. The lighting field setting screen 701 has an on/off designation button 702 for specifying whether to use each lighting field (use/non-use) according to the number of lighting fields. By operating the on/off designation button 702 and specifying the lighting field to be on, the lighting field of the AEC device corresponding to the designated position can be used. Note that it is possible to specify whether or not to use each lighting field of the AEC device independently. The on/off designation button 702 can be operated by the user using a mouse or touch operation. Alternatively, the lighting field to be used may be determined and specified without the user's operation.

Here, an example is shown in which the lighting field setting screen is displayed on the display device 314, but the screen is not limited to this, and may be displayed on another means such as an operation desk for operating a radiation generating device or the like. Further, the number of lighting field points shown in this example and the pattern of the lighting field setting screen to be displayed are merely examples, and any number of points can be displayed, and the arrangement of the on/off designation button 702 is not limited to this. For example, if there are AEC devices with the same number of lighting fields but different arrangements, different lighting field setting screens will exist depending on the number and arrangement of lighting fields of each AEC device.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the radiation imaging system 10 in the first embodiment. FIG. 8 shows an example of an operation in which the display regarding the lighting field setting is switched depending on the AEC device to be used in the radiation imaging system 10 having a plurality of AEC devices. Further, in this example, it is assumed that which AEC device to use is determined based on the information on the imaging technique, and the score of the lighting field of the AEC device to be used is acquired.

In step S801, the control unit 611 causes the display device 314 to display the captured screen.
In step S802, the control unit 611 acquires information on the imaging technique from the storage unit 614. The information on the imaging technique is set in advance according to the operation of the user 312, etc., and is stored in the storage unit 614.

In step S803, the control unit 611 acquires information about the radiation imaging device used for imaging from the storage unit 614. At this time, if there is no connection with the radiation imaging apparatus 300, it may be assumed that there is no connection with the radiation imaging apparatus 300 because information about the radiation imaging apparatus 300 cannot be acquired. Further, assuming that the state changes from a state in which there is no connection to the radiation imaging device 300 to a state in which it is connected, the control unit 211 repeats the process of step S803 at regular intervals until the radiation imaging device 300 is connected. It may also be executed.

In step S804, the control unit 611 determines the AEC device to be used based on the relationship between the imaging technique and the lighting field score set in advance by the lighting field score setting unit 615 from the information on the imaging technique acquired in step S802. Obtain the score of the daylight field.

In step S805, the control unit 611 controls the lighting field setting unit 618 to display on the display device 314 a lighting field setting screen 701 according to the number and arrangement of lighting fields acquired in step S804. In this way, a lighting field setting screen 701 is displayed that corresponds to the number and arrangement of lighting fields of the AEC device used for AEC (automatic exposure control), and the user 312 uses the displayed lighting field setting screen 701 to , the lighting field used for AEC can be easily set.

A specific example of the radiation imaging system 10 shown in FIG. 1 will be described below. For example, a radiation imaging device 300 that has a built-in function as an AEC device that has a nine-point light field, and an ion chamber 329 that realizes the function of an AEC device that has a three-point light field are arranged on a supine imaging table 328. Consider a case where both are used together. In addition, the ion chamber 329 is activated when the imaging technique is in a lying position, and the AEC device built into the radiation imaging device 300 is activated when the imaging procedure is in a standing position and free position imaging is performed without fixing the radiation imaging device 300. , and use them separately. In this case, the lighting field score is set in advance in the lighting field score setting unit 615 to "3" when the imaging technique is in the lying position, and to "9" when the imaging technique is in the standing position and free position. I'll keep it.

When imaging is started with the imaging technique set to the supine position, in step S802, the control unit 611 acquires that the designated imaging technique is the supine position. After completing the process in step S803, in step S804, the control unit 611 refers to the information in the lighting field score setting unit 615 and sets the lighting field score corresponding to the lying position, which is the imaging technique acquired in step S802. Get "3". Thereafter, in step S805, the lighting field setting screen 701 for the case where the lighting field score is "3" is displayed on the display device 314.

Furthermore, when imaging is started with the imaging technique set to the free position, in step S802, the control unit 611 acquires that the designated imaging technique is the free position. After completing the process in step S803, in step S804, the control unit 611 refers to the information in the lighting field score setting unit 615 and sets the lighting field score corresponding to the free position, which is the imaging technique acquired in step S802. Get "9". Thereafter, in step S805, the lighting field setting screen 701 for the case where the lighting field score is "9" is displayed on the display device 314.

According to this embodiment, the lighting field setting screen 701 is displayed on the display device 314 in accordance with the number and arrangement of lighting fields of an AEC device used for AEC (automatic exposure control). Even if there are multiple AEC devices with different numbers or arrangements of lighting fields that can detect radiation doses, the user 312 can use the displayed lighting field setting screen 701 that corresponds to the lighting field of the AEC device to be used. The lighting field used for AEC can be easily set. For example, it is possible to use the AEC function built into the radiation imaging device and the conventional AEC function in a separate device, and to make settings easier for the user by using a display format that matches the lighting field of both. I can do it.

(Second embodiment)
Depending on the environment to be imaged or the condition of the patient, the radiation imaging device may be rotated to take images. Therefore, it is desirable that the lighting field setting screen is also displayed in accordance with the rotational direction of the radiation imaging device. In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which when the AEC device to be used is built into the radiation imaging device 300, the display of the lighting field setting screen 701 is updated by changing the rotation information of the radiation imaging device 300 during use. do. Note that the configurations of the radiation imaging system, control device, etc. according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the radiation imaging system 10 in the second embodiment. In this example as well, it is assumed that which AEC device to use is determined based on the information on the imaging technique, and the score of the lighting field of the AEC device to be used is acquired.
In step S901, the control unit 611 causes the display device 314 to display the captured screen.
In step S902, the control unit 611 acquires information on the imaging technique from the storage unit 614. The information on the imaging technique is set in advance according to the operation of the user 312, etc., and is stored in the storage unit 614.

In step S903, the control unit 611 acquires information on the radiation imaging apparatus used for imaging from the storage unit 614, in the same manner as in step S803 of FIG.
In step S904, the control unit 611 determines the AEC device to be used based on the relationship between the imaging technique and the lighting field score set in advance by the lighting field score setting unit 615 from the information on the imaging technique acquired in step S902. Obtain the score of the daylight field.

In step S905, the control unit 611 determines whether the AEC device to be used is built in the radiation imaging apparatus 300 based on the number of lighting fields obtained in step S904. If the control unit 611 determines that the AEC device to be used is one built into the radiation imaging apparatus 300 (YES), the process of step S906 is executed. If the control unit 611 determines that the AEC device to be used is not built into the radiation imaging apparatus 300 (NO), the process of step S908 is executed.

In step S906, the control unit 611 acquires rotation information of the radiation imaging apparatus 300 from the storage unit 214. Here, the rotation information is information indicating, for example, the orientation of the radiation imaging device 300 in the direction within the light collection plane. The control unit 611 controls the lighting field setting unit 618 to rotate the lighting field setting screen according to the number and arrangement of lighting fields acquired in step S804 on the display device 314 based on the acquired rotation information. let

In step S907, the control unit 611 determines whether to end radiographic imaging. When the control unit 611 determines that radiographic imaging is finished (YES), the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 is finished. If the control unit 611 determines that radiographic imaging is not to be completed (NO), the process returns to step S906.

In step S908, the control unit 611 controls the lighting field setting unit 618 to display on the display device 314 a lighting field setting screen corresponding to the lighting field score acquired in step S904.

Through the above processing, a lighting field setting screen corresponding to the number and arrangement of lighting fields of the AEC device used for AEC (automatic exposure control) is displayed, and the user 312 uses the displayed lighting field setting screen to perform AEC control. It is easy to set the lighting field used for lighting.

Here, the rotation information of the radiation imaging apparatus 300 held by the storage unit 614 can be updated by the detector rotation setting unit 617, and the current rotation information of the radiation imaging apparatus 300 can be reflected in real time. Therefore, in step S906, it is possible to display the lighting field setting screen 1001 as shown in FIG. The display on screen 1001 can be updated. Note that the lighting field setting screen 1001 may continue to be updated intermittently until imaging is completed, or the lighting field setting screen 1001 may be updated at the timing when the control unit 611 detects that the rotation information of the radiation imaging apparatus 300 has been changed. may be updated.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a lighting field setting screen 1001 according to rotation information of the radiation imaging apparatus 300. The lighting field setting screen 1001 has an on/off designation button 1002 for specifying whether each lighting field is to be used (use/non-use) according to the number of lighting fields. Similar to the daylighting field setting screen 701 shown in FIG. 7, it is possible to specify whether or not to use each daylighting field independently. , the lighting field of the AEC device corresponding to the specified location can be used. Note that when the position of the lighting field arranged in the radiation imaging device 300 is approximately rotationally symmetrical with respect to the light collecting surface, the identifier 1003 indicating how the reference position of the radiation imaging device 300 is currently arranged is used. It may be given.

According to this embodiment, by making it possible to change the rotation information of the radiation imaging device during use, when the radiation imaging device is rotated, the actual rotational state of the radiation imaging device and the selected lighting field can be changed. It is possible to match the display of the state and the lighting field display form. This allows the user to easily grasp the positional relationship of the selected lighting field.

(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, when the AEC device to be used is built into the radiation imaging apparatus 300 and there are a large number of lighting fields, the lighting field setting unit 618 sets whether or not to use each lighting field. Let's discuss an example. Note that the configurations of the radiation imaging system, control device, etc. according to the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted.

A radiation imaging apparatus with a built-in AEC function can use the AEC function in a variety of positions, so it is designed to increase the number of settable lighting fields and enable a variety of lighting field settings. When the number of lighting fields increases, it becomes difficult to individually select whether or not to use each lighting field, as in the past, or to select from predetermined option patterns of effective lighting fields. Therefore, it is desirable that the lighting field setting be input using a method other than the user's direct operation.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the radiation imaging system 10 in the third embodiment. In this example as well, it is assumed that which AEC device to use is determined based on the information on the imaging technique, and the score of the lighting field of the AEC device to be used is acquired.
In step S1101, the control unit 611 causes the display device 314 to display the captured screen.
In step S1102, the control unit 611 acquires information on the imaging technique from the storage unit 614. The information on the imaging technique is set in advance according to the operation of the user 312, etc., and is stored in the storage unit 614.

In step S1103, the control unit 611 acquires information on the radiation imaging device used for imaging from the storage unit 614, similar to step S803 in FIG.
In step S1104, the control unit 611 selects the AEC device to be used based on the relationship between the imaging technique and the lighting field score set in advance by the lighting field score setting unit 615 from the information on the imaging technique acquired in step S1102. Obtain the score of the daylight field.
In step S1105, the control unit 611 controls the lighting field setting unit 618 to display on the display device 314 a lighting field setting screen according to the number and arrangement of lighting fields acquired in step S1104.

In step S1106, the control unit 611 determines whether the AEC device to be used is built in the radiation imaging apparatus 300 based on the number of lighting fields obtained in step S1104. If the control unit 611 determines that the AEC device to be used is not built into the radiation imaging apparatus 300 (NO), the process of step S1108 is executed. If the control unit 611 determines that the AEC device to be used is one built into the radiation imaging apparatus 300 (YES), the process of step S1109 is executed.

In step S1108, the control unit 611 sets the setting of the effective lighting field used for automatic exposure control to accept input by the user operating the on/off designation button 702 arranged on the lighting field setting screen 701.

In step S1109, the control unit 611 is configured to accept input from the lighting field setting unit 618 included in the control device 310 regarding the setting of an effective lighting field used for automatic exposure control. The input means of the lighting field setting section 618 is not limited. For example, an image input from a camera connected to the control device 310 is analyzed, and a lighting field to be enabled is automatically determined based on the patient image located on the radiation imaging device 300 and selected examination information. The settings may be made by the setting unit 618.

As a result, even if there are a large number of lighting fields and it is difficult to set whether or not to use lighting fields by direct input by the user, it is possible to easily set the lighting field to be used and use the AEC function. can.

Note that in the examples shown in the first to third embodiments described above, which AEC device to use is determined based on information on the imaging technique, and the score of the lighting field possessed by the AEC device to be used is obtained. However, it is not limited to this. In addition to the information on the imaging technique, information on the region to be imaged, the imaging conditions, and the radiation imaging device used for imaging may be used. For example, which AEC device to use is determined based on at least one of information on the region to be imaged, the imaging technique, the imaging conditions, and the radiation imaging device used for imaging, and the light field of the AEC device to be used is determined. It may also be possible to obtain scores.

(Other embodiments of the present invention)
The present invention provides a system or device with a program that implements one or more functions of the embodiments described above via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device reads and executes the program. This can also be achieved by processing. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

Note that the above-mentioned embodiments are merely examples of embodiments of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as limited by these embodiments. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical idea or main features.

The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, etc.
(Configuration 1)
a radiation generator that controls radiation irradiation;
a radiation imaging device that captures an image based on radiation transmitted through a subject;
A plurality of automatic exposure controls that have different numbers or arrangements of lighting fields that can detect the radiation dose, and instruct the radiation generating device to stop irradiating radiation when the cumulative value of the radiation dose that has passed through the subject reaches a predetermined threshold. Department and
A lighting field setting screen for setting the lighting field used for detecting the radiation dose, the lighting field corresponding to the number and arrangement of the lighting field in the automatic exposure control section used for automatic exposure control. A radiation imaging system comprising: a setting section that displays a setting screen on a display device.
(Configuration 2)
The radiation imaging system according to configuration 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of automatic exposure control units is built into the radiation imaging apparatus.
(Configuration 3)
3. The radiation imaging system according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein it is possible to set whether or not to use the lighting field for radiation dose detection by operating a button on the lighting field setting screen.
(Configuration 4)
The radiation imaging system according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein each lighting field in the automatic exposure control section can be independently set to be used for detecting a radiation dose. .
(Configuration 5)
The automatic exposure control section to be used for automatic exposure control is selected from among the plurality of automatic exposure control sections based on at least one of the region to be imaged, the imaging technique, the imaging conditions, and the radiation imaging device used for imaging. 5. The radiation imaging system according to any one of configurations 1 to 4.
(Configuration 6)
When the automatic exposure control unit used for automatic exposure control is built into the radiation imaging device, the setting unit displays the lighting field setting screen according to the orientation of the radiation imaging device in a light collection plane direction. The radiation imaging system according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the radiation imaging system is displayed on an apparatus.
(Configuration 7)
Any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the setting unit sets the lighting field to be used for radiation dose detection without a user's operation to set whether or not to use the lighting field. The radiographic imaging system described in section.
(Configuration 8)
8. The radiation imaging system according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the automatic exposure control unit built into the radiation imaging apparatus has five or more lighting fields.
(Method 1)
A method for controlling a radiation imaging system including a radiation generation device that controls radiation irradiation and a radiation imaging device that captures an image based on radiation transmitted through a subject, the method comprising:
One of a plurality of automatic exposure control units having different numbers or arrangements of lighting fields capable of detecting the radiation dose is activated when the integrated value of the dose of radiation transmitted through the subject reaches a predetermined threshold. Then, controlling the radiation generating device to instruct the radiation irradiation stop;
A lighting field setting screen for setting the lighting field used for detecting the radiation dose, the lighting field corresponding to the number and arrangement of the lighting field in the automatic exposure control section used for automatic exposure control. A method for controlling a radiation imaging system, comprising the step of displaying a setting screen on a display device.
(Program 1)
A radiation imaging system computer that includes a radiation generating device that controls radiation irradiation and a radiation imaging device that captures an image based on the radiation that has passed through the subject;
One of a plurality of automatic exposure control units having different numbers or arrangements of lighting fields capable of detecting the radiation dose is activated when the integrated value of the dose of radiation transmitted through the subject reaches a predetermined threshold value. Then, controlling the radiation generating device to instruct the radiation irradiation stop;
A lighting field setting screen for setting the lighting field used for detecting the radiation dose, the lighting field corresponding to the number and arrangement of the lighting field in the automatic exposure control section used for automatic exposure control. A program for executing the steps of displaying a setting screen on a display device.

10: Radiation imaging system 300: Radiation imaging device 302: Standing stand 310: Control device 313: Input device 314: Display device 320: Access point 323: Communication control device 324: Radiation generator 325: Radiation source 328: Supine imaging Stand 329: Ion chamber 225: Imaging device control section 611: Control section 612: Communication section 613: Image acquisition section 614: Storage section 615: Daylight field point setting section 616: AEC condition setting section 617: Detector rotation setting section 618: Light field setting section

Claims (10)

a radiation generator that controls radiation irradiation;
a radiation imaging device that captures an image based on radiation transmitted through a subject;
A plurality of automatic exposure controls that have different numbers or arrangements of lighting fields that can detect the radiation dose, and instruct the radiation generating device to stop irradiating radiation when the cumulative value of the radiation dose that has passed through the subject reaches a predetermined threshold. Department and
A lighting field setting screen for setting the lighting field used for detecting the radiation dose, the lighting field corresponding to the number and arrangement of the lighting field in the automatic exposure control section used for automatic exposure control. A radiation imaging system comprising: a setting section that displays a setting screen on a display device. The radiation imaging system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of automatic exposure control units is built into the radiation imaging apparatus. 3. The radiation imaging system according to claim 1, wherein by operating a button on the lighting field setting screen, it is possible to set whether or not to use the lighting field for detecting the radiation dose. 3. The radiation imaging system according to claim 1, wherein each lighting field in the automatic exposure control section can be independently set to be used for detecting a radiation dose. The automatic exposure control section to be used for automatic exposure control is selected from among the plurality of automatic exposure control sections based on at least one of the region to be imaged, the imaging technique, the imaging conditions, and the radiation imaging device used for imaging. The radiation imaging system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When the automatic exposure control unit used for automatic exposure control is built into the radiation imaging device, the setting unit displays the lighting field setting screen according to the orientation of the radiation imaging device in a light collection plane direction. The radiation imaging system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the radiation imaging system is displayed on an apparatus. 3. The setting unit sets the lighting field to be used for radiation dose detection without a user's operation to set whether or not to use the lighting field. Radiographic imaging system. The radiation imaging system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the automatic exposure control unit built into the radiation imaging apparatus has five or more lighting fields. A method for controlling a radiation imaging system including a radiation generation device that controls radiation irradiation and a radiation imaging device that captures an image based on radiation transmitted through a subject, the method comprising:
One of a plurality of automatic exposure control units having different numbers or arrangements of lighting fields capable of detecting the radiation dose is activated when the integrated value of the dose of radiation transmitted through the subject reaches a predetermined threshold. Then, controlling the radiation generating device to instruct the radiation irradiation stop;
A lighting field setting screen for setting the lighting field used for detecting the radiation dose, the lighting field corresponding to the number and arrangement of the lighting field in the automatic exposure control section used for automatic exposure control. A method for controlling a radiation imaging system, comprising the step of displaying a setting screen on a display device. A radiation imaging system computer that includes a radiation generating device that controls radiation irradiation and a radiation imaging device that captures an image based on the radiation that has passed through the subject;
One of a plurality of automatic exposure control units having different numbers or arrangements of lighting fields capable of detecting the radiation dose is activated when the integrated value of the dose of radiation transmitted through the subject reaches a predetermined threshold. Then, controlling the radiation generating device to instruct the radiation irradiation stop;
A lighting field setting screen for setting the lighting field used for detecting the radiation dose, the lighting field corresponding to the number and arrangement of the lighting field in the automatic exposure control section used for automatic exposure control. A program for executing the steps of displaying a setting screen on a display device.

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