JP7516865B2 - Control device, radiation imaging system and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a control device, a radiography system, and a program.

Radiography systems that perform multiple exposures, including a first exposure and a second exposure, when capturing a radiation image are known, such as those with an automatic exposure control function that performs a main exposure and a pre-exposure that is performed before the main exposure. For example, the automatic exposure control function performs a pre-exposure at a lower dose than the main exposure, and determines the imaging conditions (exposure conditions) such as the dose when performing the main exposure based on the obtained pre-image data and supplementary information linked to the pre-image data (e.g., the exposure time in the pre-exposure).

There is also a known radiation imaging system that determines whether the pre-image data has been captured appropriately by image analysis of the pre-image data (see Patent Document 1). If the results of the image analysis are appropriate, imaging by main exposure continues, and if the results of the image analysis are inappropriate, imaging by main exposure is stopped.

There is also a known radiography device that detects bodily movement during capture of preliminary image data, and stops capturing the actual image data if any bodily movement is detected (see Patent Document 2).

JP 2019-126709 A JP 2013-138828 A

However, the radiation imaging system in Patent Document 1 mentions a function to stop actual exposure based on preliminary image data, but does not mention judging the communication state between devices. The radiation imaging device in Patent Document 2 recognizes that there are risks such as body movement when preliminary images are taken, but again does not mention judging the communication state.

For this reason, for example, if the communication state before the pre-exposure is poor and the pre-exposure is performed but the pre-image data cannot be obtained, there is a risk of unnecessary exposure due to re-capturing the pre-image data. Also, if the communication state before the pre-exposure is poor and the pre-exposure is performed but the pre-image data cannot be transmitted in full size, there is a risk of unnecessary exposure due to re-capturing the pre-image data. Also, if the communication state becomes poor after the capture of the pre-image data, and the capture of the main image data is stopped even though it can be continued, there is a risk of unnecessary exposure due to re-capturing the pre-image data.

The objective of this invention is to prevent unnecessary exposure to radiation during radiography that involves multiple exposures.

In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 1 is:
A control device included in a radiation imaging system having a plurality of devices including a radiation imaging device that performs radiation imaging involving multiple exposures to a subject and generates image data of the subject in response to the exposures of radiation,
a control means for performing a communication check to determine whether or not communication between devices included in the radiation imaging system is normal before the first exposure, and for setting a transfer size from the radiation imaging device of image data generated by the first exposure by the radiation imaging device according to a result of the communication check;
and an exposure condition setting means for calculating and setting an exposure condition for a second exposure after the first exposure from the image data of the set transfer size transferred from the radiation imaging apparatus,
The control means sets the transfer size of image data to be transferred for calculation of the exposure conditions to a reduced size smaller than full size, and during imaging by the second exposure, transfers from the radiation imaging device image data generated by the radiation imaging device under the exposure conditions of the second exposure and full-size image data corresponding to the first exposure.

The present invention relates to a control device for controlling a vehicle.
The control means sets the transfer size by selecting from a full size of the image data generated by the first exposure and a reduced size smaller than the full size.

The radiation imaging system according to the third aspect of the present invention comprises:
The device includes the plurality of devices, each of which includes the control device according to claim 1 or 2 .

The invention described in claim 4 is
A control device included in a radiation imaging system having a plurality of devices for performing radiation imaging involving multiple exposures to a subject,
a control means for performing a communication check to determine whether or not communication between devices included in the radiation imaging system is normal before a second exposure following the first exposure, and determining whether or not to continue imaging of image data by the second exposure depending on a result of the communication check;
and an exposure condition setting means for calculating and setting an exposure condition for the second exposure from image data generated by the first exposure,
the plurality of devices include a generator that irradiates the subject with radiation, and an exposure control device that controls the exposure of the generator;
When the exposure control device does not receive an imaging permission signal from the control device within a preset time, the exposure control device causes the generator to perform exposure during a backup time .

The program of the invention according to claim 5 ,
A computer of a control device included in a radiation imaging system having a plurality of devices including a radiation imaging device that performs radiation imaging involving multiple exposures to a subject and generates image data of the subject in response to the exposures of radiation,
a control means for performing a communication check to determine whether or not communication between devices included in the radiation imaging system is normal before the first exposure, and setting a transfer size from the radiation imaging device of image data generated by the first exposure by the radiation imaging device according to a result of the communication check;
and functioning as an exposure condition setting means for calculating and setting exposure conditions for a second exposure after the first exposure from the image data of the set transfer size transferred from the radiation imaging apparatus;
The control means sets the transfer size of image data to be transferred for calculation of the exposure conditions to a reduced size smaller than full size, and during imaging by the second exposure, transfers from the radiation imaging device image data generated by the radiation imaging device under the exposure conditions of the second exposure and full-size image data corresponding to the first exposure.

The present invention makes it possible to prevent unnecessary exposure to radiation during radiography involving multiple exposures.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a radiation imaging system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a generator. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the imaging control device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the exposure control device. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing basic radiation imaging processing according to the first embodiment. 11 is a flowchart showing a first shooting control process. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a communication check. 10 is a flowchart showing a second shooting control process. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a radiation imaging process corresponding to a second imaging control process. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a communication check table according to a second modified example. 11 is a flowchart showing a first main photography control process. 13 is a flowchart showing a first main exposure control process. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a radiation imaging process corresponding to a first main imaging control process and a first main exposure control process; FIG. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing another example of the radiation imaging process corresponding to the first main imaging control process and the first main exposure control process. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing basic radiation imaging processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a communication check table according to a fourth modified example. 10 is a flowchart showing a second main photography control process. 13 is a flowchart showing a second main exposure control process. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a radiation imaging process corresponding to the second main imaging control process and the second main exposure control process. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a radiation imaging system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing basic radiation imaging processing according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a communication check table according to a sixth modified example. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a radiation imaging process corresponding to a first main imaging control process.

The first embodiment, the first and second modified examples, the second embodiment, the third and fourth modified examples, the third embodiment, the fifth and sixth modified examples of the present invention will be described in detail in this order with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. First, the device configuration of a radiation imaging system 100A of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the radiation imaging system 100A of this embodiment. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a generator 10. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a radiation imaging device 20. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an imaging control device 30. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an exposure control device 40.

The radiation imaging system 100A is a system that uses radiation to capture an image of a subject such as a patient and generate radiation image data, and is installed in a medical institution such as a hospital. The radiation imaging system 100A can also be connected to a Radiology Information System (RIS) and a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), both of which are not shown.

As shown in FIG. 1, the radiation imaging system 100A includes a generator 10, a radiation imaging device 20, an imaging control device 30 as a control device, and an exposure control device 40.

The generator 10 is a device that irradiates a subject with radiation. The radiography device 20 is a flat panel detector (FPD) that accumulates the radiation irradiated from the generator 10 and transmitted through the subject as electric charges and generates radiographic image data according to the accumulated electric charges.

The imaging control device 30 is a console that controls the imaging of a radiation image of a subject by controlling the generator 10, the radiation imaging device 20, and the exposure control device 40. The exposure control device 40 is a device that controls imaging involving exposure by the generator 10 and the radiation imaging device 20 under the control of the imaging control device 30.

In this embodiment, the generator 10 and the imaging control device 30, the radiation imaging device 20 and the imaging control device 30, the radiation imaging device 20 and the exposure control device 40, and the imaging control device 30 and the exposure control device 40 are each connected by wireless communication such as wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication. Also, the generator 10 and the exposure control device 40 are connected by wired communication via a hardwire.

As shown in FIG. 2, the generator 10 includes a control unit 11, an exposure switch 12, a memory unit 13, a radiation source (tube) 14, and a communication unit 15. The various parts of the generator 10 are connected via a bus 16.

The control unit 11 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and controls each part of the generator 10. The CPU of the control unit 11 reads out various programs stored in the memory unit 13, expands them in the RAM, and executes various processes in cooperation with the expanded programs.

The exposure switch 12 is a push button switch that accepts input from an examiner such as a doctor or technician pressing a button to start exposing the patient to radiation from the radiation source 14, and outputs information about the operation of pressing the button to the control unit 11.

The storage unit 13 is composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, etc., and stores various data and programs in a readable manner.

The radiation source 14 has a rotating anode and a filament (not shown). When a voltage is applied to the radiation source 14 under the control of the control unit 11 (for example, via a voltage supply unit (not shown)), the filament irradiates an electron beam corresponding to the applied voltage toward the rotating anode, and the rotating anode generates a dose of radiation (such as X-rays) corresponding to the intensity of the electron beam.

The communication unit 15 has an antenna, a modem unit, a signal processing circuit, etc., and performs wireless communication with an external device using a wireless LAN communication method. For example, the control unit 11 transmits and receives data (signals) to and from the imaging control device 30 as an external device via the communication unit 15 and an access point (not shown). The access point is, for example, an external device provided for the radiation imaging system 100A, but is not limited to this, and at least one device of the radiation imaging system 100A may have an access point function.

The communication unit 15 also has a network card or the like, and performs wired communication with an external device via a hardwire. For example, the control unit 11 transmits and receives data (signals) to and from the exposure control device 40, which is an external device, via the communication unit 15.

As shown in FIG. 3, the radiation imaging device 20 includes a control unit 21, an operation unit 22, a storage unit 23, a radiation imaging unit 24, and a communication unit 25. The individual units of the radiation imaging device 20 are connected via a bus 26.

Like the control unit 11, the control unit 21 is composed of a CPU, RAM, etc., and controls each part of the radiation imaging device 20. The CPU of the control unit 21 reads out various programs stored in the storage unit 23, expands them in the RAM, and executes various processes in cooperation with the expanded programs.

The operation unit 22 is composed of switches that accept operation inputs such as switching between shooting modes, and outputs operation information corresponding to the operations to the control unit 21.

The storage unit 23 is composed of a non-volatile semiconductor memory or the like, and stores various programs executed by the control unit 21 and various data such as radiation image data in a readable and writable manner.

The radiation imaging unit 24 is composed of, for example, a phosphor such as gadolinium sulfate or cesium iodide, an imaging element such as a photodiode arranged in a two-dimensional matrix that converts light generated by excitation with radiation incident on the phosphor and stores it as an electric charge, and a readout circuit that reads image data from the imaging element. Under the control of the control unit 21, the radiation imaging unit 24 images visible light emitted from the phosphor upon which radiation is incident by accumulating electric charges using the imaging element, reads out and generates radiation image data according to the electric charges stored in the imaging element using the readout circuit, and outputs the radiation image data to the storage unit 23 for storage. The radiation imaging unit 24 may be configured to have an imaging element such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor that directly converts radiation into an electric signal.

The communication unit 25 has a configuration similar to that of the communication unit 15, and performs wireless communication with external devices using a wireless LAN system. The control unit 21 transmits and receives data to and from the generator 10, the imaging control device 30, and the exposure control device 40, which are external devices, via the communication unit 25 and an access point (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 4, the imaging control device 30 includes a control unit 31 as a control means and exposure condition setting means, an operation unit 32, a storage unit 33, a display unit 34, and a communication unit 35. Each unit of the imaging control device 30 is connected via a bus 36.

Like the control unit 11, the control unit 31 is composed of a CPU, RAM, etc., and controls each part of the imaging control device 30. The CPU of the control unit 31 reads out various programs stored in the memory unit 33, expands them in the RAM, and executes various processes according to the expanded programs.

The operation unit 32 includes a keyboard with cursor keys, numeric input keys, and various function keys, and a pointing device such as a mouse, and outputs operation information input by key operations on the keyboard or position operations using the mouse to the control unit 31. The operation unit 32 may also include a touch panel provided on the display screen of the display unit 34, and outputs touch operation information input via the touch panel to the control unit 31.

The storage unit 33 is configured with a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc., and stores various programs and data executed by the control unit 31 in a readable and writable manner. The storage unit 33 stores a first shooting control program for executing a first shooting control process described below.

The display unit 34 is composed of a display panel such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an EL (Electro Luminescence) display, and displays various information on the display panel according to the display information input from the control unit 31.

The communication unit 35 has a configuration similar to that of the communication unit 15, and performs wireless communication with external devices using a wireless LAN system. The control unit 31 transmits and receives data to and from the external devices, such as the generator 10, the radiation imaging device 20, and the exposure control device 40, via the communication unit 35 and an access point (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 5, the exposure control device 40 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, and a communication unit 43. The various units of the exposure control device 40 are connected via a bus 44.

Like the control unit 11, the control unit 41 is composed of a CPU, RAM, etc., and controls each part of the exposure control device 40. The CPU of the control unit 41 reads out various programs stored in the memory unit 42, expands them in the RAM, and executes various processes in cooperation with the expanded programs.

The storage unit 42 is composed of a HDD, SSD, etc., and stores various programs and data executed by the control unit 41 in a readable and writable manner.

The communication unit 43 has a configuration similar to that of the communication unit 15, and performs wireless communication with external devices using a wireless LAN system. The control unit 41 transmits and receives data to and from the external devices, such as the radiation imaging device 20 and the imaging control device 30, via the communication unit 43 and an access point (not shown).

The communication unit 43 also has a network card or the like, and performs wired communication with an external device via a hardwire. For example, the control unit 11 transmits and receives data (signals) to and from the generator 10, which is an external device, via the communication unit 43.

Next, the operation of the radiation imaging system 100A will be described with reference to Figs. 6 to 8. Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the basic radiation imaging process of this embodiment. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the first imaging control process. Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a communication check.

First, the flow of the basic radiation imaging process of the radiation imaging system 100A will be described with reference to FIG. 6. However, this radiation imaging process includes imaging with two exposures: imaging of pre-image data by pre-exposure (pre-imaging), and imaging of main image data by main exposure (main imaging). Also, it is assumed that the examiner and the patient have entered the imaging room in which the radiation imaging system 100A is installed, and that the radiation source 14 of the generator 10 is aimed at a subject such as the patient's affected area, and exposure is prepared.

As shown in FIG. 6, first, the control unit 31 of the imaging control device 30 generates exposure conditions for pre-exposure and main exposure (provisional) in response to operation input from the examiner via the operation unit 32, and transmits the exposure conditions to the generator 10 via the communication unit 35 (step S101). The exposure conditions include the tube voltage and tube current of the radiation source 14, irradiation (exposure) time (mAs value), etc. Then, the control unit 31 of the imaging control device 30 generates an imaging permission signal indicating that the imaging control device 30 is ready and allows imaging for pre-exposure, and transmits the imaging permission signal to the exposure control device 40 via the communication unit 35 (step S102).

Then, the control unit 11 of the generator 10 accepts an input from the examiner pressing the exposure switch 12 (step S103). However, the examiner keeps the exposure switch 12 pressed until after the pre-exposure and main exposure. The control unit 11 of the generator 10 then generates a switch press signal indicating the press input of step S103, and transmits the switch press signal via the communication unit 35 to the exposure control device 40 (step S104). The control unit 41 of the exposure control device 40 then receives the switch press signal transmitted in step S104 via the communication unit 43, and transmits it to the radiation imaging device 20 (step S105).

The control unit 21 of the radiation imaging device 20 then receives the switch press signal transmitted in step S105 via the communication unit 25, and in response to the switch press signal, starts accumulating charge in the imaging element of the radiation imaging unit 24, generates an accumulation start signal indicating the start of accumulation of the charge, and transmits the accumulation start signal to the exposure control device 40 via the communication unit 25 (step S106). The control unit 41 of the exposure control device 40 then receives the accumulation start signal transmitted in step S106 via the communication unit 43, and in response to the accumulation start signal, generates an exposure permission signal that permits pre-exposure, and transmits the exposure permission signal to the generator 10 via the communication unit 43 (step S107).

Then, the control unit 11 of the generator 10 receives the exposure permission signal transmitted in step S107 via the communication unit 15, and in response to the exposure permission signal, applies a voltage to the radiation source 14 under the exposure conditions received in step S101 to perform pre-exposure of radiation (step S108). Then, after the exposure in step S108 is completed, the control unit 11 of the generator 10 generates an exposure end signal indicating the end of exposure, and transmits the exposure end signal to the exposure control device 40 via the communication unit 15 (step S109).

The control unit 41 of the exposure control device 40 receives the exposure end signal transmitted in step S109 via the communication unit 43, generates an accumulation stop signal to stop the accumulation of electric charge in response to the exposure end signal, and transmits the accumulation stop signal to the radiation imaging device 20 via the communication unit 43 (step S110). The control unit 21 of the radiation imaging device 20 receives the accumulation stop signal transmitted in step S110 via the communication unit 25, stops the accumulation of electric charge in the imaging element of the radiation imaging unit 24 in response to the accumulation stop signal, reads the electric charge of the imaging element to generate preliminary image data, and transmits the preliminary image data to the imaging control device 30 via the communication unit 25 (step S111). The preliminary image data transmitted to the imaging control device 30 is full-size (1/1) or a size smaller than full-size (for example, 1/4) radiation image data.

Then, the control unit 31 of the imaging control device 30 receives the preliminary image data transmitted in step S111 via the communication unit 35, performs image analysis on the preliminary image data, and calculates the exposure conditions for the main exposure (step S112). The control unit 31 of the imaging control device 30 then transmits the exposure conditions for the main exposure calculated in step S112 to the exposure control device 40 via the communication unit 35 (step S113). The control unit 31 of the imaging control device 30 then generates an imaging permission signal indicating that the imaging control device 30 is ready and permits imaging for the main exposure, and transmits the imaging permission signal to the exposure control device 40 via the communication unit 35 (step S114).

Then, the control unit 41 of the exposure control device 40 receives the imaging permission signal transmitted in step S104 via the communication unit 43, generates a pseudo switch press signal indicating a pseudo press of the exposure switch 12 being pressed in response to the imaging permission signal, and transmits the pseudo switch press signal to the radiation imaging device 20 via the communication unit 43 (step S115). The control unit 21 of the radiation imaging device 20 receives the pseudo switch press signal transmitted in step S115 via the communication unit 25, starts accumulating electric charge in the imaging element of the radiation imaging unit 24 in response to the pseudo switch press signal, generates an accumulation start signal indicating the start of accumulation of the electric charge, and transmits the accumulation start signal to the exposure control device 40 via the communication unit 25 (step S116).

The control unit 41 of the exposure control device 40 then receives the accumulation start signal transmitted in step S116 via the communication unit 43, generates an exposure permission signal that permits the main exposure under the exposure conditions received in step S115 in response to the accumulation start signal, and transmits the exposure permission signal to the generator 10 via the communication unit 43 (step S117). The control unit 11 of the generator 10 then receives the exposure permission signal transmitted in step S117 via the communication unit 15, and applies a voltage to the radiation source 14 under the exposure conditions of the exposure permission signal to perform the main radiation exposure (step S118).

Then, the control unit 41 of the exposure control device 40 generates an exposure stop signal to stop the exposure, and after the exposure time of the exposure conditions started in step S117 and received in step S115 has elapsed, transmits the exposure stop signal to the generator 10 via the communication unit 43 (step S119). Then, the control unit 11 of the generator 10 receives the exposure stop signal transmitted in step S119 via the communication unit 15, and in response to the exposure stop signal, stops the application of voltage to the radiation source 14 to terminate the main radiation exposure, and after the exposure is terminated, generates an exposure end signal indicating the end of the exposure, and transmits the exposure end signal to the exposure control device 40 via the communication unit 15 (step S120).

The control unit 41 of the exposure control device 40 receives the exposure end signal transmitted in step S120 via the communication unit 43, generates an accumulation stop signal to stop the accumulation of electric charge in response to the exposure end signal, and transmits the accumulation stop signal to the radiation imaging device 20 via the communication unit 43 (step S121). The control unit 21 of the radiation imaging device 20 receives the accumulation stop signal transmitted in step S120 via the communication unit 25, stops the accumulation of electric charge in the imaging element of the radiation imaging unit 24 in response to the accumulation stop signal, reads the electric charge of the imaging element to generate main image data, and transmits the main image data to the imaging control device 30 via the communication unit 25 (step S122). The main image data transmitted to the imaging control device 30 is full-size (1/1) radiation image data.

The processing in steps S101 to S112 is the pre-photography processing in which preliminary image data is captured. The processing in steps S113 to S122 is the main photography processing in which main image data is captured.

After step S112, the control unit 31 of the imaging control device 30 generates added image data by adding the preliminary image data acquired in step S111 and the main image data acquired in step S121 as necessary. The added image data can prevent a decrease in the image quality (S/N) of the diagnostic image even when the main imaging (main exposure) is performed with a reduced dose.

Next, the first imaging control process executed by the imaging control device 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. Before the basic radiation imaging process (step S101) involving pre-imaging of the radiation imaging system 100A in FIG. 6 or before the radiation imaging process for main imaging only, the imaging control device 30 is triggered by input of exposure conditions, etc., by the examiner via, for example, the operation unit 32, and the control unit 31 executes the first imaging control process according to the first imaging control program stored in the storage unit 33.

As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 31 determines whether or not there is (will be) pre-exposure based on the exposure conditions input by operation (step S11). If there is no pre-exposure (step S11; NO), the first imaging control process is terminated. In this case, the radiation imaging system 100A executes radiation imaging processing with only main exposure.

If there is pre-exposure (step S11; YES), the control unit 31 uses the communication unit 35 to check whether communication is normal between the imaging control device 30 and the generator 10, between the imaging control device 30 and the radiation imaging device 20, between the imaging control device 30 and the exposure control device 40, between the generator 10 and the exposure control device 40, and between the radiation imaging device 20 and the exposure control device 40 (step S12).

In step S12, the control unit 31, for example, via the communication unit 35, determines whether the radio wave intensity of the generator 10 (communication unit 15) is equal to or lower than a preset radio wave intensity threshold, and determines that the communication between the imaging control device 30 and the generator 10 is normal if the radio wave intensity is greater than the radio wave intensity threshold. Similarly, the control unit 31 determines whether the communication between the imaging control device 30 and the radiation imaging device 20 and between the imaging control device 30 and the exposure control device 40 is normal depending on whether the radio wave intensity of the radiation imaging device 20 (communication unit 25) and the exposure control device 40 (communication unit 43) is equal to or lower than the radio wave intensity threshold.

In addition, in the same manner as described above, when checking communication between the radiation imaging device 20 and the exposure control device 40, the control unit 31 causes one device to determine whether the radio wave strength of the other device is equal to or lower than the radio wave strength threshold, receives the determination result from the other device via the communication unit 35, and determines whether the communication is normal or not based on the received determination result.

8, the control unit 31 may be configured to transmit a response request to the generator 10 via the communication unit 35, receive a response corresponding to the response request, determine whether or not a response time tc from the transmission of the response request to the reception of the response is equal to or less than a preset response time threshold, and determine that the communication between the imaging control device 30 and the generator 10 is normal if the response time is equal to or less than the response threshold. Similarly, the control unit 31 may transmit and receive a response request and response to the radiation imaging device 20 (communication unit 25) and the exposure control device 40 (communication unit 43), and determine whether or not the communication between the imaging control device 30 and the radiation imaging device 20 and between the imaging control device 30 and the exposure control device 40 is normal depending on whether the response times ta and tb are equal to or less than the respective response time thresholds. Furthermore, the control unit 31 may be configured to check communication between the radiation imaging device 20 and the exposure control device 40 by having one of the devices send and receive a response request and response to the other device, receive the response time from the one device via the communication unit 35, and determine whether the communication between the devices is normal or not depending on whether the received response time is equal to or less than the response time threshold.

In addition, as described above, the control unit 31 checks communication between the generator 10 and the exposure control device 40 by having one device send a response request to the other device, receiving a response from the other device, and determining whether the response time is equal to or less than the response time threshold, receiving the determination result from the one device via the communication unit 35, and determining whether the communication is normal or not based on the received determination result.

Similarly, when the control unit 31 receives image data from the radiation imaging device 20 via the communication unit 35 during radiation imaging processing, the control unit 31 may obtain the transfer speed of the reception and store it in the memory unit 33, and then in the first imaging control processing, read the transfer speed of the previous image data from the memory unit 33 and determine whether the read transfer speed is equal to or higher than a preset transfer speed threshold, and if the transfer speed is equal to or higher than the transfer speed threshold, determine that the communication between the imaging control device 30 and the radiation imaging device 20 is normal.

Then, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the communication between all the devices in step S12 is normal (step S13). If the communication is normal (step S13; YES), the control unit 31 controls the pre-exposure (step S14) and ends the first imaging control process . Step S14 is a control process corresponding to the pre-exposure in the radiation imaging process involving pre-imaging (steps S101, S102, S111, and S112 of the basic radiation imaging control process in FIG. 6), followed by a control process corresponding to the main exposure in the main imaging (steps S113, S114, and S122).

If communication between at least one device is not normal (step S13; NO), the control unit 31 displays warning information including the fact that communication is not normal on the display unit 34 (step S15). Then, the control unit 31 prohibits control corresponding to pre-exposure (step S15) and ends the first imaging control process. Step S15 prohibits control processing corresponding to pre-exposure in the radiation imaging process involving pre-imaging, and control processing corresponding to main exposure for main imaging is also not performed. The warning information may also include information regarding which devices are not communicating normally.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the imaging control device 30 is included in the radiation imaging system 100A that includes multiple devices (generator 10, radiation imaging device 20, imaging control device 30, exposure control device 40) that perform radiation imaging involving multiple exposures (pre-exposure, main exposure) to the subject. The imaging control device 30 includes a control unit 31 that performs a communication check to determine whether or not communication between the devices included in the radiation imaging system 100A is normal before the first pre-exposure, and controls whether or not the first pre-exposure is performed depending on the result of the communication check. The radiation imaging system 100A includes the imaging control device 30. Therefore, when pre-image data cannot be obtained due to a communication abnormality and pre-image data is re-imaging, the imaging control device 30 prevents the subject from being exposed to radiation due to the first pre-exposure, thereby preventing unnecessary exposure in radiation imaging involving pre-exposure and main exposure.

The control unit 31 also checks communication between the devices in the radiation imaging system 100A based on whether the radio wave intensity between the devices is below a predetermined threshold. This makes it easy to check communication between the devices.

(First Modification)
A first modification as a modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

As the device configuration of this modified example, the radiation imaging system 100A is used as in the first embodiment. However, instead of the first imaging control program, the storage unit 33 of the imaging control device 30 stores a second imaging control program for executing a second imaging control process described below.

Next, the operation of the radiation imaging system 100A will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the second imaging control process. Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the radiation imaging process corresponding to the second imaging control process.

The second imaging control process executed by the imaging control device 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 9. Before the basic radiation imaging process (step S101) involving pre-imaging of the radiation imaging system 100A in FIG. 6 or the radiation imaging process involving only main exposure, the imaging control device 30 is triggered by input of exposure conditions, etc., by the examiner via, for example, the operation unit 32, and the control unit 31 executes the second imaging control process according to the second imaging control program stored in the storage unit 33.

Steps S21 to S23 are the same as steps S11 to S13 of the first imaging control process in Figure 7. If communication between all devices is normal (step S23; YES), the control unit 31 sets the transfer size of the pre-image data in the pre-exposure to the radiation imaging device 20 at 1/1 full size (the same size as the main image data) based on the main image data in the main exposure (step S24).

If at least one communication between the devices is not normal (step S23; NO), the control unit 31 sets the transfer size of the pre-image data in the pre-exposure to the radiation imaging device 20 at a predetermined 1/4 size based on the main image data in the main exposure (step S25). This 1/4 size is an example, and any other size may be used as long as it is smaller than the main image data.

In steps S24 and S25, for example, the control unit 31 transmits the size information (1/1 or 1/4) of the set pre-image data to the radiation imaging device 20 via the communication unit 35, and causes the radiation imaging device 20 to create pre-image data according to the size information in the pre-imaging process as a later process and transmit it to the imaging control device 30.

After step S25, the control unit 31 sets the pre-image data to be sent to the radiation imaging device 20 at 1/1 full size when transmitting the main image data in the main imaging (step S26). In step S26, for example, the control unit 31 transmits instruction information to the radiation imaging device 20 via the communication unit 35 to resend the pre-image data at 1/1 the size of the main image data transmitted. Step S27 is similar to step S14 of the first imaging control process in FIG. 7.

Now, referring to FIG. 10, the flow of the radiography processing in the radiography system 100A when steps S25 and S26 are executed in the second radiography control processing will be described. However, the description of the same parts as those in the radiography processing in FIG. 6 will be omitted. It is assumed that size information (1/4) of the pre-image data and instruction information for re-transmitting the full-size pre-image data at the time of transmitting the main image data have been transmitted to the radiography device 20 in advance in response to steps S25 and S26.

In the pre-imaging, after steps S101 to S110, the control unit 21 of the radiation imaging device 20, in response to the accumulation stop signal, uses the size information (1/4) of the pre-image data received in advance to store full-size pre-image data generated by the radiation imaging unit 24 in the storage unit 23, reduces the pre-image data to 1/4 size by a method such as simple thinning or binning, and transmits the 1/4 size pre-image data to the imaging control device 30 via the communication unit 25 (step S111a). In step S112, the exposure conditions are calculated using the 1/4 size pre-image data.

Then, in the actual imaging, after steps S113 to S121, the control unit 21 of the radiation imaging device 20 reads out 1/1 full-size pre-image data from the storage unit 23 in response to the accumulation stop signal and in response to the instruction information for re-transmitting pre-image data at 1/1 the size of the actual image data received in advance, and transmits the full-size pre-image data to the imaging control device 30 via the communication unit 25 (step S122a). Then, step S122 is executed. After executing step S122, the control unit 31 of the imaging control device 30, for example, adds the full-size pre-image data received in step S122a and the actual image data received in step S122 to generate high-quality added image data as radiation image data.

According to this modified example, the imaging control device 30 is included in the radiation imaging system 100A, which includes a plurality of devices (generator 10, radiation imaging device 20, imaging control device 30, exposure control device 40) including the radiation imaging device 20 that performs radiation imaging involving multiple exposures (pre-exposure, main exposure) to the subject and generates image data of the subject according to the radiation exposure. The imaging control device 30 includes a control unit 31 that performs a communication check before the pre-exposure to determine whether communication between the devices included in the radiation imaging system 100A is normal or not, and sets the transfer size from the radiation imaging device 20 of the image data generated by the pre-exposure by the radiation imaging device 20 according to the result of the communication check. Therefore, when full-size (1/1 size) pre-image data cannot be transferred by the pre-exposure and main exposure cannot be continued even though 1/4-size pre-image data can be transferred, the exposure of the subject by the first pre-exposure is prevented by re-taking the pre-image data, and unnecessary exposure in radiation imaging involving pre-exposure and main exposure can be prevented.

The control unit 31 also selects and sets the transfer size from the full size of the image data generated by pre-exposure and a reduced size (1/4 size) smaller than the full size. This makes it possible to easily and appropriately set the transfer size.

The control unit 31 also calculates and sets the exposure conditions for the main exposure after the pre-exposure from the image data of the set transfer size transferred from the radiation imaging device 20. The control unit 31 also sets the transfer size of the image data to be transferred for calculating the exposure conditions to a reduced size of 1/4, and transfers the image data generated by the radiation imaging device 20 under the exposure conditions for the main exposure and the full-size image data corresponding to the pre-exposure from the radiation imaging device 20 during imaging by the main exposure. Therefore, the exposure conditions for the main exposure can be appropriately and reliably set from the image data of the reduced size of 1/4 by the pre-exposure, and processing (e.g., addition processing) using the main image data by the main exposure and the full-size pre-image data by the pre-exposure can be appropriately and reliably performed, and high-quality added image data can be generated.

(Second Modification)
A second modified example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 15. Figure 11 is a diagram showing a communication check table 50 of this modified example.

As the device configuration of this modified example, the radiation imaging system 100A is used as in the first embodiment. However, the communication check table 50 shown in FIG. 11 is stored in the memory unit 33 of the imaging control device 30, and instead of the first imaging control program, a first main imaging control program for executing the first main imaging control process described below is stored. Also, the memory unit 42 of the exposure control device 40 is stored with a first main exposure control program for executing the first main exposure control process described below.

The communication check table 50 is a table that contains information for determining whether or not the main exposure can be continued by checking the communication of each device of the radiation imaging system 100A after the pre-exposure. The communication check table 50 contains the following items: case 51, imaging control device-radiography imaging device 52, imaging control device-exposure control device 53, radiation imaging device-exposure control device 54, and continuation possible/not possible 55.

Case 51 is identification information for cases in which the patterns of normal communication between the devices of the radiation imaging system 100A are different. The imaging control device-radiography device 52 is information indicating whether the communication between the imaging control device 30 and the radiation imaging device 20 in case 51 is normal (o) or abnormal (x). The imaging control device-exposure control device 53 is information indicating whether the communication between the imaging control device 30 and the exposure control device 40 in case 51 is normal (o) or abnormal (x). The radiation imaging device-exposure control device 54 is information indicating whether the communication between the radiation imaging device 20 and the exposure control device 40 in case 51 is normal (o) or abnormal (x). Continuation possibility 55 is information indicating whether the actual imaging can be continued in case 51 (o) or not (x), and if the actual imaging can be continued (o), it includes information on whether the backup time needs to be used. The backup time is the exposure time that the exposure control device 40 sets without using the exposure conditions when it cannot receive the exposure conditions from the imaging control device 30.

Next, the operation of the radiation imaging system 100A will be described with reference to Figs. 12 to 15. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the first main imaging control process. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the first main exposure control process. Fig. 14 is a sequence diagram showing an example of radiation imaging process corresponding to the first main imaging control process and the first main exposure control process. Fig. 15 is a sequence diagram showing another example of radiation imaging process corresponding to the first main imaging control process and the first main exposure control process.

The first main imaging control process executed by the imaging control device 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 12. In the basic radiation imaging process involving pre-imaging of the radiation imaging system 100A in FIG. 6, the end of pre-imaging (steps S101 to S112) is used as a trigger to cause the control unit 31 of the imaging control device 30 to execute the first main imaging control process according to the first main imaging control program stored in the storage unit 33.

First, the control unit 31 performs a communication check to determine whether or not communication is normal between the imaging control device 30 and the radiation imaging device 20 of the radiation imaging system 100A, between the imaging control device 30 and the exposure control device 40, and between the radiation imaging device 20 and the exposure control device 40, as in step S11 of the first imaging control process in FIG. 7 (step S31). Then, the control unit 31 refers to the communication check table 50 stored in the storage unit 33, and compares the check result of step S31 with the pattern of case 51 in the communication check table 50 to determine whether or not to continue the actual imaging (whether or not continuation 55 is possible (◯)) or not (whether or not continuation 55 is not possible (X)) (step S32).

When the actual radiography is continued (step S32; YES), the control unit 31 determines whether or not it is necessary to use the backup time according to the "○" of the corresponding continuation/non-continuation 55 (step S33). When it is not necessary to use the backup time (step S33; NO), the actual radiography is performed normally, and the exposure conditions of the actual exposure calculated in step S112 and the radiography permission signal are transmitted to the exposure control device 40 via the communication unit 35 (step S34), similar to steps S113 and S114 of the basic radiography process in FIG. 6. Then, the control unit 31 receives the actual image data of the actual exposure from the radiography device 20 via the communication unit 35 (step S35), similar to step S122 of the basic radiography process in FIG. 6, and ends the first actual radiography control process. When it is necessary to use the backup time (step S33; YES), the process proceeds to step S35.

If the actual shooting is not to be continued (step S32; NO), the control unit 31 displays warning information including the fact that the actual shooting will not be continued on the display unit 34 (step S36). The warning information may include information regarding which devices are not communicating normally. Then, the control unit 31 prohibits control corresponding to the actual exposure (step S37), and ends the first actual shooting control process.

Next, the first main exposure control process executed by the exposure control device 40 will be described with reference to FIG. 13. In the basic radiation imaging process involving pre-imaging of the radiation imaging system 100A in FIG. 6, the controller 41 of the exposure control device 40 executes the first main exposure control process according to the first main exposure control program stored in the memory unit 42, triggered by the end of the transmission of the accumulation stop signal for pre-imaging (step S110).

First, the control unit 41 determines whether or not the exposure conditions for the main exposure and the imaging permission signal have been received from the imaging control device 30 via the communication unit 43 (step S41), corresponding to steps S113 and S114 of the basic radiation imaging process in FIG. 6 (step S34 of the first main imaging control process in FIG. 12). If the exposure conditions for the main exposure and the imaging permission signal have not been received (step S41; NO), the control unit 41 determines whether or not a preset predetermined time t1 has elapsed since the start of the first main exposure control process (step S42). The predetermined time t1 is, for example, 1 [s]. If the predetermined time t1 has not elapsed (step S42; NO), the process proceeds to step S41.

When the predetermined time t1 has elapsed (step S42; NO), the control unit 41 acquires the backup time as the main exposure time (step S43). The backup time in step S43 is the exposure time of the main exposure determined by the control unit 41, and is the exposure time that has been set in advance and stored in the storage unit 42 and is read out from the storage unit 42. The backup time is, for example, 200 ms. Note that if the exposure conditions (tentative) of the main exposure (step S101 in FIG. 6) can be acquired from the generator 10, the value of the exposure conditions may be used as the backup time.

When the exposure conditions for the main exposure and the imaging permission signal are received (step S41; YES), or after step S43, the control unit 41 sets the exposure time for the main exposure to the exposure time of the exposure conditions received in step S41 or the backup time calculated in step S43 (step S44). Then, the control unit 41 transmits a pseudo switch press signal to the radiation imaging device 20 via the communication unit 43 in response to step S115 in FIG. 6 (step S45).

Then, the control unit 41 determines whether or not an accumulation start signal has been received from the radiation imaging device 20 via the communication unit 43, corresponding to step S116 in FIG. 6 (step S46). If an accumulation start signal has not been received (step S46; NO), the process proceeds to step S46. If an accumulation start signal has been received (step S46; YES), the control unit 41 transmits an exposure permission signal to the generator 10 via the communication unit 43, corresponding to step S117 in FIG. 6 (step S47). Then, after the exposure time started from step S47 and set in step S44, the control unit 41 transmits an exposure stop signal to the generator 10 via the communication unit 43, corresponding to step S119 in FIG. 6 (step S48).

Then, the control unit 41 determines whether or not an exposure end signal has been received from the generator 10 via the communication unit 43 (step S49), corresponding to step S120 in FIG. 6. If an exposure end signal has not been received (step S49; NO), the process proceeds to step S49. If an exposure end signal has been received (step S49; YES), the control unit 41 transmits an accumulation stop signal to the radiation imaging device 20 via the communication unit 43 (step S50), corresponding to step S121 in FIG. 6, and ends the first main exposure control process.

For example, as shown in FIG. 14, if a communication error (step S31a) occurs between the imaging control device 30 and the radiation imaging device 20 in step S31 of the first main imaging control process in FIG. 12, and communication between the other devices is normal, case 51 in the communication check table 50 becomes "5", continuation possibility 55 becomes "○", steps S32 to S35 are executed, and steps S41, S42, and S44 to S50 of the first main exposure control process in FIG. 13 are executed, and the main imaging is continued.

As shown in FIG. 15, in step S31 in FIG. 12, if a communication error occurs between the imaging control device 30 and the exposure control device 40 and between the imaging control device 30 and the radiation imaging device 20 (steps S31b and S31c), and communication between the other devices is normal, case 51 becomes "7", continuation possibility 55 becomes "○ (backup time)", steps S32, S33, and S35 are executed, steps S41 to S50 in FIG. 13 are executed, and the actual imaging is continued.

According to this modified example, the imaging control device 30 is included in the radiation imaging system 100A that includes a plurality of devices (generator 10, radiation imaging device 20, imaging control device 30, exposure control device 40) including the radiation imaging device 20 that performs radiation imaging involving multiple exposures (pre-exposure, main exposure) to the subject and generates image data of the subject according to the radiation exposure. The imaging control device 30 includes a control unit 31 that performs a communication check to determine whether or not communication between the devices included in the radiation imaging system 100A is normal before the main exposure after the pre-exposure, and determines whether or not to continue imaging the image data by the main exposure depending on the result of the communication check. Therefore, when the communication state between the devices deteriorates after the imaging of the pre-image data, the imaging of the main image data can be continued if it is possible to continue, or is stopped even if it is possible to continue, preventing the exposure of the subject to the first pre-exposure by re-imaging the pre-image data, thereby preventing unnecessary exposure in radiation imaging involving pre-exposure and main exposure.

The control unit 31 also calculates and sets the exposure conditions for the main exposure from the pre-image data generated by the pre-exposure. Therefore, the exposure conditions for the main exposure can be set appropriately and reliably from the pre-image data from the pre-exposure.

The multiple devices of the radiation imaging system 100A also include a generator 10 that exposes the subject to radiation, and an exposure control device 40 that controls the exposure of the generator 10. If the exposure control device 40 does not receive an imaging permission signal from the imaging control device 30 within a preset time t1, it causes the generator 10 to perform exposure during the backup time. Therefore, even if the imaging permission signal is not received from the imaging control device 30, the main exposure for the main imaging is continued, preventing exposure of the subject to the first pre-exposure due to re-imaging of the pre-image data, thereby preventing unnecessary exposure in radiation imaging involving pre-exposure and main exposure.

Second Embodiment
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 16. In the first embodiment, in a radiation imaging process involving a pre-imaging, the exposure control device 40 controls the exposure time of the main exposure, but in this embodiment, the generator 10 controls the exposure time of the main exposure.

The device configuration of this embodiment is the same as the first embodiment, and uses the radiation imaging system 100A.

Next, the operation of the radiation imaging system 100A will be described with reference to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram showing the basic radiation imaging process of this embodiment.

First, the flow of the basic radiation imaging process of the radiation imaging system 100A will be described with reference to FIG. 16. This radiation imaging process also includes imaging using two exposures: capturing pre-image data using pre-exposure (pre-imaging), and capturing main image data using main exposure (main imaging). In addition, it is assumed that the examiner and patient have entered the imaging room in which the radiation imaging system 100A is installed, and that the radiation source 14 of the generator 10 is aimed at a subject, such as the patient's affected area, and exposure is prepared.

As shown in FIG. 16, first, the control unit 31 of the imaging control device 30 generates exposure conditions for pre-exposure in response to operation input from the examiner via the operation unit 32, and transmits the exposure conditions to the generator 10 via the communication unit 35 (step S201). Steps S202 to S212 are the same as steps S102 to S112 of the basic radiography process in FIG. 6.

Then, the control unit 31 of the imaging control device 30 transmits the exposure conditions for the main exposure calculated in step S212 to the generator 10 via the communication unit 35 (step S213). Steps S214 to S217 are the same as steps S114 to S117 of the basic radiation imaging process in FIG. 6.

Then, the control unit 11 of the generator 10 applies a voltage to the radiation source 14 under the exposure conditions received in step S213 via the communication unit 15 to perform main radiation exposure (step S218). The control unit 11 of the generator 10 then ends the main exposure for the exposure time of step S218, and after the exposure ends, generates an exposure end signal indicating the end of the exposure, and transmits the exposure end signal to the exposure control device 40 via the communication unit 15 (step S219). Steps S220 and S221 are similar to steps S121 to S122 of the basic radiation imaging process in FIG. 6.

In this embodiment, the control unit 31 of the imaging control device 30 executes a first imaging control process similar to the first imaging control process of FIG. 7 in the first embodiment.

As described above, this embodiment provides the same effects as the first embodiment.

(Third Modification)
A third modified example of the second embodiment will be described below. This modified example is a combination of the operation of the first modified example with the configuration for performing basic radiation imaging processing of the second embodiment.

The device configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment, and uses the radiation imaging system 100A. In this modified example, the control unit 31 of the imaging control device 30 executes a second imaging control process similar to the second imaging control process of FIG. 9 of the first modified example.

As described above, this modification provides the same effects as the first modification.

(Fourth Modification)
A fourth modified example of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 17 to 20. This modified example is a configuration in which the operation of the second modified example is combined with a configuration for performing basic radiation imaging processing of the second embodiment.

The device configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment, and uses the radiation imaging system 100A. However, the storage unit 33 of the imaging control device 30 stores a communication check table 60, which will be described later, and stores a second main imaging control program for executing a second main imaging control process, which will be described later, instead of the first main imaging control program. Also, the storage unit 42 of the exposure control device 40 stores a second main exposure control program for executing a second main exposure control process, which will be described later, instead of the first main exposure control program.

Next, the communication check table 60 stored in the storage unit 33 of the imaging control device 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the communication check table 60 of this modified example.

As shown in FIG. 17, the communication check table 60 has the items of case 61, imaging control device-radiography device 62, imaging control device-exposure control device 63, radiation imaging device-exposure control device 64, and continuation possible/not possible 65.

Case 61, imaging control device-radiography device 62, imaging control device-exposure control device 63, radiation imaging device-exposure control device 64, and continuation/non-continuation 65 are the same as case 51, imaging control device-radiography device 52, imaging control device-exposure control device 53, radiation imaging device-exposure control device 54, and continuation/non-continuation 55 in the communication check table 50 in FIG. 11. However, since backup time is not required in this modified example, the continuation/non-continuation 65 does not specify whether or not backup time should be used even if the imaging can be continued (◯).

Next, the operation of the radiation imaging system 100A will be described with reference to Figs. 18 to 20. Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing the second main imaging control process. Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing the second main exposure control process. Fig. 20 is a sequence diagram showing an example of radiation imaging process corresponding to the second main imaging control process and the main exposure control process.

The second main imaging control process executed by the imaging control device 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 18. In the basic radiation imaging process involving pre-imaging of the radiation imaging system 100A in FIG. 16, the end of pre-imaging (steps S201 to S212) is used as a trigger to cause the control unit 31 of the imaging control device 30 to execute the second main imaging control process according to the second main imaging control program stored in the storage unit 33.

First, the control unit 31 performs a communication check to determine whether the communication between the imaging control device 30 and the radiation imaging device 20 of the radiation imaging system 100A, between the imaging control device 30 and the exposure control device 40, and between the radiation imaging device 20 and the exposure control device 40 of the radiation imaging system 100A is normal, as in step S31 of the first main imaging control process in FIG. 12, and further performs a communication check to determine whether the communication between the generator 10 and the imaging control device 30 is normal using the communication unit 35 (step S61). Then, the control unit 31 refers to the communication check table 60 stored in the storage unit 33, and compares the check result of step S61 with the pattern of case 61 in the communication check table 60 to determine whether the main imaging should be continued (whether continuation possible/not possible 65 is possible (◯)) or not (whether continuation possible/not possible 65 is not possible (X)) (step S62).

When the actual radiography is to be continued (step S62; YES), the control unit 31 determines whether or not the communication between the generator 10 and the radiography control device 30 is normal, based on the result of the communication check between the generator 10 and the radiography control device 30 in step S61 (step S63). When the communication between the generator 10 and the radiography control device 30 is normal (step S63; YES), normal actual radiography is performed, and the control unit 31 transmits the exposure conditions for the actual exposure calculated in step S212 to the generator 10 via the communication unit 35, as in steps S213 and S214 of the basic radiography process in FIG. 16, and transmits an imaging permission signal to the exposure control device 40 (step S64). Step S65 is the same as step S35 in FIG. 12 (step S221 in FIG. 16).

Steps S66 and S67 are the same as steps S36 and S37 in FIG. 12. If communication between the generator 10 and the imaging control device 30 is not normal (step S63; NO), the process proceeds to step S66.

Next, the second main exposure control process executed by the exposure control device 40 will be described with reference to FIG. 19. In the basic radiation imaging process involving pre-imaging of the radiation imaging system 100A in FIG. 16, the end of the transmission of the accumulation stop signal for pre-imaging (step S210) is used as a trigger to cause the control unit 41 of the exposure control device 40 to execute the second main exposure control process according to the second main exposure control program stored in the storage unit 42.

First, the control unit 41 determines whether or not an imaging permission signal has been received from the imaging control device 30 via the communication unit 43 (step S71), corresponding to step S214 of the basic radiography processing in FIG. 16 (step S64 of the second main imaging control processing in FIG. 18). Steps S72 to S77 are similar to steps S42, S45 to S47, S49, and S50 of the first main imaging control processing in FIG. 13, respectively.

For example, as shown in FIG. 20, after the pre-photography (steps S201 to S212) of the basic radiation imaging process in FIG. 16, in step S61 of the second main imaging control process, if a communication error occurs between the imaging control device 30 and the exposure control device 40 and between the imaging control device 30 and the radiation imaging device 20 (steps S61a, S61b), and communication between the other devices is normal, case 61 in the communication check table 60 becomes "7", continuation possibility becomes "○", steps S62 to S65 are executed, steps S71 to S77 of the second main exposure control process are executed, and main imaging is continued.

As described above, this modification provides the same effects as the second modification.

Third Embodiment
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 21 to 24. In the first and second embodiments, the radiation imaging system 100A is configured to include the exposure control device 40, but in this embodiment, the radiation imaging system 100B is configured not to include the exposure control device 40.

The device configuration of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 21. However, the same components as those in the above embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a radiation imaging system 100B of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 21, the radiation imaging system 100B of this embodiment includes a generator 10, a radiation imaging device 20, and an imaging control device 30. The imaging control device 30 has the same exposure control function as the exposure control device 40 of the first and second embodiments.

Next, the operation of the radiation imaging system 100B will be described with reference to FIG. 22. FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram showing the basic radiation imaging process of this embodiment.

The basic radiation imaging process of the radiation imaging system 100B will be described with reference to FIG. 22. However, this radiation imaging process includes imaging with two exposures: imaging of pre-image data by pre-exposure (pre-imaging), and imaging of main image data by main exposure (main imaging). In addition, it is assumed that the examiner and the patient have entered the imaging room in which the radiation imaging system 100B is installed, and that the radiation source 14 of the generator 10 is aimed at a subject such as the patient's affected area, and exposure is prepared.

As shown in FIG. 22, first, the control unit 31 of the imaging control device 30 generates exposure conditions for pre-exposure in response to operation input from the examiner via the operation unit 32, and transmits the exposure conditions to the generator 10 via the communication unit 35 (step S301).

Then, the control unit 11 of the generator 10 accepts an input from the examiner pressing the exposure switch 12 (step S302). However, the examiner keeps the exposure switch 12 pressed until after the pre-exposure and main exposure. The control unit 11 of the generator 10 then generates a switch press signal indicating the press input of step S302, and transmits the switch press signal to the imaging control device 30 via the communication unit 35 (step S303). The control unit 31 of the imaging control device 30 then receives the switch press signal transmitted in step S303 via the communication unit 35, generates a storage request signal corresponding to the switch press signal, and transmits the storage request signal to the radiation imaging device 20 (step S304).

Then, the control unit 21 of the radiation imaging device 20 receives the accumulation request signal transmitted in step S304 via the communication unit 25, and in response to the accumulation request signal, starts accumulating electric charge in the imaging element of the radiation imaging unit 24, generates an accumulation start signal indicating the start of accumulation of the electric charge, and transmits the accumulation start signal to the imaging control device 30 via the communication unit 25 (step S305). The control unit 31 of the imaging control device 30 receives the accumulation start signal transmitted in step S305 via the communication unit 35, and in response to the accumulation start signal, generates an imaging permission signal that permits pre-exposure, and transmits the imaging permission signal to the generator 10 via the communication unit 35 (step S306).

Then, the control unit 11 of the generator 10 receives the imaging permission signal transmitted in step S306 via the communication unit 15, and in response to the imaging permission signal, applies a voltage to the radiation source 14 under the exposure conditions received in step S301 to perform pre-exposure of radiation (step S307). After the exposure in step S307 is completed, the control unit 11 of the generator 10 generates an exposure end signal indicating the end of exposure, and transmits the exposure end signal to the imaging control device 30 via the communication unit 15 (step S308).

Then, the control unit 31 of the imaging control device 30 receives the exposure end signal transmitted in step S308 via the communication unit 35, generates an accumulation stop signal to stop the accumulation of charge in response to the exposure end signal, and transmits the accumulation stop signal to the radiation imaging device 20 via the communication unit 35 (step S309). Then, the control unit 21 of the radiation imaging device 20 receives the accumulation stop signal transmitted in step S309 via the communication unit 25, and in response to the accumulation stop signal, stops the accumulation of charge in the imaging element of the radiation imaging unit 24, reads out the charge in the imaging element to generate preliminary image data, and transmits the preliminary image data to the imaging control device 30 via the communication unit 25 (step S310).

Then, the control unit 31 of the imaging control device 30 receives the preliminary image data transmitted in step S310 via the communication unit 35, performs image analysis on the preliminary image data, and calculates the exposure conditions for the main exposure (step S311). The control unit 31 of the imaging control device 30 transmits the exposure conditions for the main exposure calculated in step S311 to the generator 10 via the communication unit 35 (step S312). The control unit 31 of the imaging control device 30 generates a storage request signal and transmits the storage request signal to the radiation imaging device 20 via the communication unit 35 (step S313). The control unit 21 of the radiation imaging device 20 receives the storage request signal transmitted in step S313 via the communication unit 25, and in response to the storage request signal, starts the storage of electric charge in the imaging element of the radiation imaging unit 24, generates a storage start signal indicating the start of storage of the electric charge, and transmits the storage start signal to the imaging control device 30 via the communication unit 25 (step S314).

Then, the control unit 31 of the imaging control device 30 receives the accumulation start signal transmitted in step S314 via the communication unit 35, generates an imaging permission signal that permits the main exposure under the exposure conditions received in step S312 in response to the accumulation start signal, and transmits the imaging permission signal to the generator 10 via the communication unit 43 (step S315). The control unit 11 of the generator 10 then receives the imaging permission signal transmitted in step S315 via the communication unit 15, applies a voltage to the radiation source 14 under the exposure conditions of the imaging permission signal, and performs the main radiation exposure (step S316).

Then, the control unit 11 of the generator 10 stops applying voltage to the radiation source 14 to end the main radiation exposure, and after the exposure is completed, generates an exposure end signal indicating the end of the exposure, and transmits the exposure end signal to the imaging control device 30 via the communication unit 15 (step S317).

Then, the control unit 31 of the imaging control device 30 receives the exposure end signal transmitted in step S317 via the communication unit 35, generates an accumulation stop signal to stop the accumulation of charge in response to the exposure end signal, and transmits the accumulation stop signal to the radiation imaging device 20 via the communication unit 35 (step S318). Then, the control unit 21 of the radiation imaging device 20 receives the accumulation stop signal transmitted in step S318 via the communication unit 25, and in response to the accumulation stop signal, stops the accumulation of charge in the imaging element of the radiation imaging unit 24, reads out the charge in the imaging element to generate main image data, and transmits the main image data to the imaging control device 30 via the communication unit 25 (step S319).

The processing in steps S301 to S311 is the pre-photography processing in which preliminary image data is captured. The processing in steps S312 to S319 is the main photography processing in which main image data is captured.

In this embodiment, the control unit 31 of the imaging control device 30 executes a first imaging control process similar to the first imaging control process of FIG. 7 in the first embodiment. However, the communication check in step S12 is a communication check as to whether the communication between the imaging control device 30 and the generator 10, and between the imaging control device 30 and the radiation imaging device 20 is normal.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the radiation imaging system 100B achieves the same effects as the first embodiment.

(Fifth Modification)
A fifth modified example of the third embodiment will be described below. This modified example is a combination of the operation of the first modified example with the configuration for performing basic radiation imaging processing of the third embodiment.

The device configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment, and uses the radiation imaging system 100B. In this modification, the control unit 31 of the imaging control device 30 executes a second imaging control process similar to the second imaging control process of FIG. 9 of the first modification.

As described above, this modified example provides the same effects as the first modified example in the radiation imaging system 100B.

(Sixth Modification)
A sixth modified example of the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 23 and 24. Figure 23 shows a communication check table 70 of this modified example.

As the device configuration of this modified example, the radiation imaging system 100B is used as in the third embodiment. However, the communication check table 70 shown in FIG. 23 is stored in the storage unit 33 of the imaging control device 30, and instead of the first imaging control program, a first main imaging control program for executing the first main imaging control process in FIG. 12 is stored.

The communication check table 70 is a table that contains information for determining whether or not the main exposure can be continued by checking the communication of each device of the radiation imaging system 100B after the pre-exposure. The communication check table 70 contains the items of case 71, imaging control device-radiography device 72, and continuation possible/not possible 73.

Case 71 is identification information for cases in which the patterns of normal communication between the devices of the radiation imaging system 100B are different. Imaging control device - radiation imaging device 72 is information indicating whether the communication between the imaging control device 30 and the radiation imaging device 20 in case 71 is normal (O) or abnormal (X). Continuation possible 73 is information indicating whether the actual imaging can be continued in case 71 (O) or not (X).

Next, the operation of the radiation imaging system 100B will be described with reference to FIG. 24. FIG. 24 is a sequence diagram showing an example of radiation imaging processing corresponding to the first main imaging control processing.

As with the second modified example, the first main imaging control process executed by the imaging control device 30 will be described. In the basic radiation imaging process involving pre-imaging of the radiation imaging system 100B in FIG. 22, the end of pre-imaging (steps S301 to S311) is used as a trigger to cause the control unit 31 of the imaging control device 30 to execute the first main imaging control process according to the first main imaging control program stored in the storage unit 33.

The first main imaging control process of this modified example is similar to the first main imaging control process of FIG. 12. However, in step S31, a communication check between devices including the exposure control device 40 is not performed. Also, step S33 is not executed. Also, in step S34, the exposure conditions are sent to the generator 10, a storage request signal is sent to the radiation imaging device 20, a photography permission signal is sent to the generator 10 in response to receiving the storage start signal, an exposure end signal after exposure is received from the generator 10, and an exposure stop signal is sent to the radiation imaging device 20 (corresponding to steps S312 to S315, S317, and S318 in FIG. 22).

For example, as shown in FIG. 24, after the pre-imaging (steps S301 to S311) of the basic radiography process in FIG. 22, if a communication error occurs between the imaging control device 30 and the radiography device 20 (step S31d) in step S31, and communication between the other devices is normal, case 71 in the communication check table 70 becomes "2", continuation possible/not possible 73 becomes "X", steps S36 and S37 are executed, and the actual imaging is stopped.

As described above, this modified example provides the same effects as the second modified example in the radiation imaging system 100B.

Note that the description in the above embodiment and modified example is an example of a suitable control device, radiation imaging system, and program according to the present invention, and is not limited thereto. For example, at least two of the above embodiments and modified examples may be appropriately combined. Specifically, for example, in the first embodiment, the control unit 31 of the imaging control device 30 may use a communication check table similar to the communication check table 50 of the second modified example to check the communication between the devices of the radiation imaging system 100A, and may determine whether or not to perform pre-exposure depending on the result of the communication check. In this way, when communication between at least some of the devices among all the devices of the radiation imaging system 100A is normal, the pre-exposure may be controlled. This is the same for the first modified example, the second embodiment, the third modified example, the third modified example, and the fifth modified example.

In the above embodiment and modified example, the radiation imaging systems 100A and 100B are configured such that all devices other than the generator 10 and the exposure control device 40 are connected via wireless communication, but this is not limiting. The radiation imaging systems 100A and 100B may be configured such that at least one of the devices is connected via wired communication. For example, in step S13 of the imaging control process in FIG. 7, pre-exposure may not be permitted if a communication cable is not connected between devices that communicate via wired communication. Also, pre-exposure may not be permitted if at least one of the devices in the radiation imaging system communicates via wireless communication.

In addition, in the above embodiment and modified example, the imaging control device 30 is configured to receive pre-image data from the radiation imaging device 20 and calculate the exposure conditions for the main exposure from the pre-image data, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the control unit 21 of the radiation imaging device 20 may be configured to calculate the exposure conditions for the main exposure after generating pre-image data by pre-exposure, and transmit the exposure conditions to the imaging control device 30 via the communication unit 25.

In addition, in the above embodiment and modified example, the radiation imaging with multiple exposures is configured to perform pre-exposure (pre-photographing) and main exposure (main photography), but this is not limited to this. Radiography with multiple exposures may also be other radiation imaging with multiple exposures, such as serial photography, long-length photography, and DES (Dual Energy Subtraction) photography. Serial photography is an imaging method in which still image data is captured multiple times in succession to obtain moving image data. Long-length photography is a method in which a single radiation imaging device is used to capture images continuously while shifting the position. DES photography is a method in which two pieces of image data with different doses are captured continuously.

In addition, in the above embodiment and modified example, the imaging control device 30 functions as a control device and performs processes such as the first imaging control process of FIG. 7, the second imaging control process of FIG. 9, the first main imaging control process of FIG. 12, and the second main imaging control process of FIG. 17, but this is not limited to the above. For example, among the devices in the radiation imaging system, a device other than the imaging control device 30 may function as a control device and perform processes similar to at least a part of the above processes.

Furthermore, the detailed configurations and detailed operations of the components constituting the radiation imaging systems 100A and 100B in the above-described embodiments and modifications may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

100A, 100B Radiation imaging system 10 Generator 11 Control unit 12 Exposure switch 13 Memory unit 14 Radiation source 15 Communication unit 16 Bus 20 Radiation imaging device 21 Control unit 22 Operation unit 23 Memory unit 24 Radiation imaging unit 25 Communication unit 26 Bus 30 Imaging control device 31 Control unit 32 Operation unit 33 Memory unit 34 Display unit 35 Communication unit 36 Bus 40 Exposure control device 41 Control unit 42 Memory unit 43 Communication unit 44 Bus

Claims (5)

A control device included in a radiation imaging system having a plurality of devices including a radiation imaging device that performs radiation imaging involving multiple exposures to a subject and generates image data of the subject in response to the exposures of radiation,
a control means for performing a communication check to determine whether or not communication between devices included in the radiation imaging system is normal before the first exposure, and for setting a transfer size from the radiation imaging device of image data generated by the first exposure by the radiation imaging device according to a result of the communication check;
and an exposure condition setting means for calculating and setting an exposure condition for a second exposure after the first exposure from the image data of the set transfer size transferred from the radiation imaging apparatus,
The control means sets the transfer size of image data to be transferred for calculation of the exposure conditions to a reduced size smaller than full size, and during imaging by the second exposure, causes the image data generated by the radiation imaging device under the exposure conditions of the second exposure and the full-size image data corresponding to the first exposure to be transferred from the radiation imaging device. 2 . The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control means sets the transfer size by selecting from a full size of the image data generated by the first exposure and a reduced size smaller than the full size. A radiation imaging system comprising the plurality of devices, including the control device according to claim 1 . A control device included in a radiation imaging system having a plurality of devices for performing radiation imaging involving multiple exposures to a subject,
a control means for performing a communication check to determine whether or not communication between devices included in the radiation imaging system is normal before a second exposure following the first exposure, and determining whether or not to continue imaging of image data by the second exposure based on a result of the communication check;
and an exposure condition setting means for calculating and setting an exposure condition for the second exposure from image data generated by the first exposure,
the plurality of devices include a generator that irradiates the subject with radiation, and an exposure control device that controls the exposure of the generator;
The radiation imaging system includes a radiation exposure control device that, when it does not receive an imaging permission signal from the control device within a preset time, causes the generator to perform exposure during a backup time. A computer of a control device included in a radiation imaging system including a plurality of devices including a radiation imaging device that performs radiation imaging involving multiple exposures to a subject and generates image data of the subject in response to the exposures of radiation,
a control means for performing a communication check to determine whether or not communication between devices included in the radiation imaging system is normal before the first exposure, and setting a transfer size from the radiation imaging device of image data generated by the first exposure by the radiation imaging device according to a result of the communication check;
and functioning as an exposure condition setting means for calculating and setting exposure conditions for a second exposure after the first exposure from the image data of the set transfer size transferred from the radiation imaging apparatus;
The control means sets the transfer size of image data to be transferred for calculation of the exposure conditions to a reduced size smaller than full size, and when photographing by the second exposure, transfers from the radiation imaging device image data generated by the radiation imaging device under the exposure conditions of the second exposure and full-size image data corresponding to the first exposure.

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