CN113171113B

CN113171113B - Imaging control device, long-size imaging system, and recording medium

Info

Publication number: CN113171113B
Application number: CN202110007999.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 铃木厚司; 桑田正弘
Original assignee: Konica Minolta Inc
Current assignee: Konica Minolta Inc
Priority date: 2020-01-09
Filing date: 2021-01-05
Publication date: 2023-08-11
Anticipated expiration: 2041-01-05
Also published as: JP7415571B2; JP2021108839A; CN113171113A

Abstract

The invention relates to an imaging control device, a long-size imaging system and a recording medium. In the long-size imaging of repeatedly imaging the subject while moving the radiation detector and the radiation source in the body axis direction of the subject, the width of the secondary exposure region is limited to a predetermined range, and the restriction of the movable ranges of the radiation detector and the radiation source can be handled. The photographing control apparatus includes: a calculation unit that calculates a maximum irradiation range, which is a maximum value of the irradiation field in the body axis direction, based on an upper limit value of the irradiation field repetition width, which is a width of the irradiation field in the body axis direction of the region overlapping with other shots in one shot, a lower limit value of the image repetition width, which is a width of the image repetition region in the body axis direction, a first distance that is a distance between the radiation source and the radiation detector, and a second distance that is a distance between the subject and the radiation detector; and an output unit that performs a predetermined output based on the maximum irradiation range obtained by the calculation unit.

Description

Imaging control device, long-size imaging system, and recording medium

Technical Field

The invention relates to an imaging control device, a long-size imaging system and a recording medium.

Background

A photographing method called long-size photographing is known in the past: the subject is repeatedly imaged while the radiation detector and the radiation source (bulb) are moved in the body axis direction of the subject, respectively, and the obtained plurality of radiation images are stitched together to generate an image of a size larger than usual (so-called long-size image).

In order to stitch together a plurality of radiographic images, it is necessary to repeatedly map the same portion at the end of each radiographic image. On the other hand, the portions repeatedly mapped to the plurality of radiographic images are photographed twice, and thus, the secondary exposure is performed.

However, from the viewpoint of avoiding wasteful exposure, it is desirable to minimize the area where the secondary exposure is performed.

For this reason, conventionally, various methods for managing the secondary exposure region have been proposed for such long-size imaging.

For example, patent document 1 describes the following method: in long-size imaging, when 2 images having overlapping areas adjacent to each other are imaged, the movement amounts of the radiation detector and the radiation source are calculated based on the size of the imaging area, the overlapping amount of overlapping between the adjacent images when the radiation images are combined, the distance from the radiation detector to the region of interest overlapping between the adjacent images when the radiation images are combined, and the distance between the radiation detector and the radiation source, and the radiation detector and the radiation source are controlled based on the calculated movement amounts.

Prior art literature

Patent literature

Patent document 1: chinese patent No. 101884544 specification

Disclosure of Invention

However, in the method described in patent document 1, the movement amounts of the radiation detector and the radiation source are determined. Therefore, depending on the distance between the radiation source and the radiation detector and the distance between the subject and the radiation detector, which are separately set, the following cases occur: the repeated image of the same portion is too small to generate a long-sized image, or conversely, the repeated image of the same portion is too large to expose the subject to an increased amount of light.

In addition, in a device for performing long-size imaging in which a radiation detector and a radiation source are moved together, since the movable ranges of the radiation source and the radiation detector are determined, one of the radiation source and the radiation detector may not be moved to the calculated movement amount.

However, since the movement calculated in the method described in patent document 1 is a fixed value, such a situation cannot be handled.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to: in long-size imaging in which the subject is repeatedly imaged while moving the radiation detector and the radiation source in the body axis direction of the subject, the radiation detector and the radiation source can be restricted to a movable range while limiting the width of the area for secondary exposure to a predetermined range.

In order to solve the above-described problems, an imaging control device according to the present invention is used to repeatedly image a subject while moving a radiation source and a radiation detector, respectively, in a body axis direction, which is a direction in which a body axis of the subject extends, in a radiation imaging system capable of imaging the subject, the radiation source and the radiation detector each having an image repetition region for commonly displaying a region of interest of the subject, and to generate a plurality of radiation images necessary for obtaining a long-sized image, the plurality of radiation images each having an image repetition region for commonly displaying a region of interest of the subject, the radiation detector being configured to generate a radiation image corresponding to radiation received on an imaging surface,

the imaging control device is provided with:

a calculation unit that calculates a maximum irradiation range based on an upper limit value of an irradiation field repetition width, which is a width in the body axis direction of a region where an irradiation field is overlapped with other shots in one shot, a lower limit value of an image repetition width, which is a width in the body axis direction of the image repetition region, a first distance, which is a distance between the radiation source and the radiation detector, and a second distance, which is a distance between the subject and the radiation detector, the maximum irradiation range being a maximum value in the body axis direction of the irradiation field, the irradiation field being a range in which a radiation line emitted from the radiation source irradiates the imaging surface; and

And an output unit configured to perform predetermined output according to the maximum irradiation range calculated by the calculation unit.

Further, an imaging control device according to the present invention is used for repeatedly imaging a subject while moving a radiation source and a radiation detector, respectively, in a body axis direction which is a direction in which a body axis of the subject extends, in a radiation imaging system capable of imaging the subject, the radiation source and the radiation detector each having an image repetition region in which a region of interest of the subject is commonly imaged, to generate a plurality of radiation images necessary for obtaining a long-sized image, the plurality of radiation images being used for generating a radiation image corresponding to radiation received on an imaging surface,

the imaging control device is provided with:

a second calculation unit that calculates a lower limit value of an image repetition width, which is a width in the body axis direction of a region overlapping an irradiation field in one shot with another shot, based on an upper limit value of an irradiation field repetition width, which is a range in which a radiation line emitted from the radiation source irradiates the shooting surface, a first distance, which is a distance between the radiation source and the radiation detector, a second distance, which is a distance between the subject and the radiation detector, and a dimension in the body axis direction of the radiation detector; and

And a second output unit that performs predetermined output based on the lower limit value of the image repetition width calculated by the second calculation unit.

The long-size imaging system of the present invention further includes:

a radiation source;

a diaphragm for changing a width of an irradiation field, which is a range in which a radiation line emitted from the radiation source irradiates the imaging surface, in the body axis direction;

a first moving mechanism that moves the radiation source and the diaphragm in a body axis direction, which is an extending direction of a body axis of a subject;

a radiation detector that generates a radiation image corresponding to radiation received at the imaging surface;

a second moving mechanism that moves the radiation detector in the body axis direction;

a calculation unit that calculates a maximum irradiation range based on an upper limit value of an irradiation field repetition width, which is a width in the body axis direction of a region where the irradiation field overlaps in one shot and other shots, a lower limit value of an image repetition width, which is a width in the body axis direction of an image repetition region where a plurality of radiographic images respectively have an image of a region of interest of the subject commonly, a first distance, which is a distance between the radiation source and the radiation detector, and a second distance, which is a distance between the subject and the radiation detector, the maximum irradiation range being a maximum value in the body axis direction of the irradiation field;

An output unit that performs predetermined output based on the maximum irradiation range calculated by the calculation unit; and

and a long-size image generation unit that generates a long-size image by overlapping and stitching together the image repetition areas generated by repeatedly imaging the subject while the radiation source and the radiation detector are respectively moved in the body axis direction.

The recording medium of the present invention can be read by a computer, and stores a program for causing a photographing control device to execute calculation processing and output processing,

the imaging control device is configured to repeatedly image a subject while moving the radiation source and the radiation detector in a body axis direction, which is a direction in which a body axis of the subject extends, so as to generate a plurality of radiation images necessary for obtaining a long-sized image, each of the plurality of radiation images having an image repetition region in which a region of interest of the subject is commonly displayed, the radiation imaging system being configured to be capable of imaging the subject,

In the calculation process, a maximum irradiation range is calculated based on an upper limit value of an irradiation field repetition width, which is a width in the body axis direction of a region where an irradiation field is overlapped with other shots in one shot, an image repetition width, which is a width in the body axis direction of the image repetition region, of a radiation line emitted from the radiation source, a first distance, which is a distance between the radiation source and the radiation detector, and a second distance, which is a distance between the subject and the radiation detector, the maximum irradiation range being a maximum value in the body axis direction of the irradiation field,

in the output process, a predetermined output is performed based on the maximum irradiation range calculated in the calculation process.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

According to the present invention, the width of the secondary exposure region can be limited to a predetermined range, and the restriction of the movable ranges of the radiation detector and the radiation source can be dealt with.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a side view of a long-size photographing system of the first and second embodiments.

Fig. 2 is a side view of another long-size photographing system of the first and second embodiments.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an imaging control device provided in the long-size imaging system of fig. 1 and 2.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of long-size shooting control processing performed by the shooting control apparatus.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen displayed when the imaging control device performs long-size imaging control processing.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing positional relationships among the radiation source, the irradiation field, the subject, and the radiation detector when long-size imaging is performed.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of the shooting position calculation process in the long-size shooting control process of fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a method of setting an imaging range when a plurality of radiographic images for generating a long-size image are imaged.

Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a method of setting an imaging range when a plurality of radiographic images for generating a long-size image are imaged.

Fig. 10 is a side view of the long-size photographing system of the first and second embodiments.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a method of setting an imaging range when a plurality of radiographic images for generating a long-size image are imaged.

Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a method of setting an imaging range when a plurality of radiographic images for generating a long-size image are imaged.

Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a method of setting an imaging range when a plurality of radiographic images for generating a long-size image are imaged.

Description of the reference numerals

100. 100A, 100B, 100C, long-size photographing systems; 110. a radiation imaging system; 1. a radiation output device; 11. a generator; 12. a radiation source; 13. an aperture; 13a, width sensor; 14. a first moving mechanism; 14a, a first position sensor; 15. a third movement mechanism; 15a, a third position sensor; 2. a radiation detector; 21. a radiation incident surface; 22. a shooting surface; 22a, radiation detection area; 3. 3A, shooting table; 31. a support post; 32. a second moving mechanism; 32a, a second position sensor; 33. a loading part; 34. a plate barrier; 35. a support section; 36. a top plate; 37. a fourth moving mechanism; 37a, a fourth position sensor; 38. a loading part; 120. 120A, a console (shooting control device); 121. a control unit; 122. a communication unit; 123. 123A, a storage unit; 124. a display unit; 125. an operation unit; FBbd, second partial area width; FTbd, first partial area width; ftbd+fbbd, detection zone width; IOa, a lower limit value of the image repetition width; OID, second distance; sid, first distance; TLda-BLda, long-size shooting range; XOa, upper limit of the irradiation field repetition width; xea, irradiation range; b1, default buttons; b2, a current button; b3, inputting buttons; b4, setting a button; b5, setting a button; B6-B9, detector select buttons; b10, upper limit button; b11, a lower limit button; b12, a start button; c1, C2, C3, display column; F. a focal point; i1, I2, I3, radiographic images; ia. An image repetition area; NW, communication network; r, radiation; s, a person to be detected; sa, site of interest; sc, setting a screen; w, maximum photographable range.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and drawings.

<1 > first embodiment

First, a first embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to the drawings.

[ 1-1. Long-size shooting System (1) ]

First, a schematic configuration of the long-size imaging system according to the present embodiment will be described.

Fig. 1 is a side view of a long-size photographing system 100 of the present embodiment, and fig. 2 is a side view of another long-size photographing system 100A of the present embodiment.

The bracketed reference numerals in fig. 1 and 2 denote reference numerals in the second embodiment described later.

As shown in fig. 1, the long-size photographing system 100 includes a radiographic photographing system 110 and a console 120.

The radiographic system 110 and the console 120 can communicate with each other via a communication network NW.

The long-size imaging system 100 may be connected to a hospital information system (Hospital Information System: HIS), a radiology department information system (Radiology Information System: RIS), an image storage communication system (Picture Archiving and Communication System: PACS), an image analysis device, or the like, which are not shown.

(1-1-1. Radiographic System)

The radiation imaging system 110 includes a radiation output device (hereinafter, referred to as "output device 1"), a radiation detector (hereinafter, referred to as "detector 2"), and an imaging table 3.

The devices 1 to 3 can communicate with each other via a communication network NW.

The output device 1 includes a generator 11, a radiation source 12 (bulb), an aperture 13, a first movement mechanism 14, and a third movement mechanism 15.

In addition, the output device 1 generates radiation R (for example, X-rays) in a form corresponding to a radiation image (a photographed image (including a long-size image) or a continuously photographed image) to be photographed.

The generator 11 is operated based on the imaging instruction switch, and applies a load corresponding to preset imaging conditions (for example, conditions related to the irradiation of the radiation such as an imaging region, an imaging direction, a physical constitution, and the like, a tube voltage, a tube current, an irradiation time, and a current time product (mAs value)) to the radiation source 12.

The generator 11 includes a shooting instruction switch, not shown.

The radiation source 12 generates radiation R at a radiation dose corresponding to the load from the generator 11.

The radiation source 12 of the present embodiment irradiates radiation R in the horizontal direction via the aperture 13.

The radiation source 12 is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the radiation irradiation direction (a direction perpendicular to the plane of fig. 1).

Therefore, the radiation source 12 can irradiate the radiation R vertically downward, for example.

The diaphragm 13 is configured to: the width of the rectangular opening formed by the control console 120 in the body axis direction can be controlled to change the width of the irradiation field (hereinafter referred to as "irradiation range Xea (i)") in the body axis direction, which is a range in which radiation emitted from the radiation source 12 is irradiated to the imaging surface 22 described below.

The "body axis direction" refers to the extending direction of the body axis of the subject S.

The long-size photographing system 100 shown in fig. 1 is for photographing a subject S standing. Therefore, in the long-size imaging system 100 shown in fig. 1, the vertical direction (up-down direction in fig. 1) is the body axis direction.

The diaphragm 13 may be configured to: the width of the opening in the direction perpendicular to the body axis direction can be changed.

The diaphragm 13 includes a width sensor 13a for detecting the width of the opening formed by itself in the body axis direction.

The width sensor 13a may be configured to: the width of the opening in the direction orthogonal to the body axis direction can be detected.

The diaphragm 13 can also recognize the irradiation range Xea (i) of the radiation R by irradiating the visible light in the same direction as the irradiation direction of the radiation R in the irradiation range equal to the irradiation field of the radiation R.

The first moving mechanism 14 is configured to: the radiation source 12 and the diaphragm 13 can be moved in the body axis direction.

The first moving mechanism 14 may be configured to manually move the radiation source 12 and the diaphragm 13 by a user operation, or may be configured to automatically move the radiation source 12 and the diaphragm 13 based on control from the console 120.

The first moving mechanism 14 includes a first position sensor 14a for detecting the position (distance from the start point of movement, height) of the radiation source 12.

The third moving mechanism 15 is configured to: the radiation source 12 and the diaphragm 13 can be moved in a direction (horizontal direction) orthogonal to the radiation incident surface 21 of the detector 2.

The third movement mechanism 15 may be configured to manually move the radiation source 12 and the diaphragm 13 by a user operation, or may be configured to automatically move the radiation source 12 and the diaphragm 13 based on control from the console 120.

In addition, the third moving mechanism 15 includes a third position sensor 15a for detecting the position (distance from the start point of movement) of the radiation source 12.

The detector 2 includes a sensor unit, a scanning drive unit, a reading unit, a control unit, and an output unit, which are not shown.

The sensor section includes a substrate, not shown, a plurality of semiconductor elements, a plurality of scanning lines, not shown, a plurality of signal lines, and a plurality of switching elements.

The plurality of scan lines are arranged as: extending parallel to each other at a predetermined interval on the surface of the substrate.

The plurality of signal lines are provided with: on the surface of the substrate, the scanning lines extend parallel to each other with a predetermined interval therebetween in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the scanning lines.

That is, the plurality of scanning lines and the plurality of signal lines are in a lattice shape.

The plurality of semiconductor elements are respectively arranged in a plurality of rectangular areas separated by a plurality of scanning lines and a plurality of signal lines on the surface of the substrate.

As described above, the plurality of scanning lines and the plurality of signal lines are arranged in a lattice shape, and thus the plurality of semiconductor elements are arranged in a matrix shape.

Each semiconductor element generates an electric charge corresponding to the radiation dose of the received radiation.

The plurality of switching elements are provided in the vicinity of each semiconductor element.

Each switching element can be switched to an on state in which charge can be discharged from the semiconductor element to the signal line or an off state in which charge cannot be discharged from the semiconductor element to the signal line, depending on a voltage applied to the scanning line.

Hereinafter, the surface of the substrate on which the semiconductor elements are formed is referred to as an imaging surface 22, and a region of the imaging surface 22 on which the semiconductor elements are arranged is referred to as a radiation detection region 22a.

The scan driving unit is configured to: the on/off of each switching element can be switched.

The reading unit is configured to: the amount of charge discharged from each pixel is read as a signal value.

The control unit is configured to: each section of the detector 2 is controlled to generate image data of a radiographic image from the plurality of signal values read by the reading section.

The output unit is configured to: the generated image data and the like can be output to another device (console 120 and the like).

The detector 2 thus configured generates a radiation image corresponding to radiation received at the imaging surface 22 (radiation detection region 22 a) in synchronization with the irradiation timing of radiation from the output device 1.

The photographing table 3 includes a column 31, a second moving mechanism 32, a loading portion 33 (wire filter), and a board barrier 34.

The stay 31 is provided to extend in the vertical direction.

In the case where the long-size imaging system 100 is provided in an imaging room, the support column 31 may be replaced by a wall of the imaging room.

The second moving mechanism 32 is provided on the column 31 and is configured to be able to move the loading portion 33 in the body axis direction.

The second moving mechanism 32 may be configured to manually move the loading unit 33 by a user operation, or may be configured to automatically move the loading unit 33 based on control from the console 120.

In addition, the second moving mechanism 32 includes a second position sensor 32a for detecting the position (distance, height from the start point of movement) of the detector 2.

The second moving mechanism 32 may be configured to: the detector 2 can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the radiation incident surface 21 and a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of fig. 1.

The loading unit 33 holds the detector 2 with the radiation incident surface 21 facing one of the radiation sources 12. That is, the second moving mechanism 32 moves the detector 2 in the body axis direction via the loading unit 33.

The plate barrier 34 is provided as: the standing position of the subject S between the radiation source 12 and the detector 2 extends in the vertical direction and spreads parallel to the radiation incident surface 21 of the detector 2.

(1-1-2. Console)

The console 120 is composed of a PC and a dedicated device as an imaging control device.

In addition, the console 120 is configured to cause: the radiation imaging system 110 repeatedly images the subject S while moving the radiation source 12 and the detector 2 in the body axis direction, respectively, thereby generating a plurality of radiation images necessary to obtain a long-size image.

The "long-size image" is obtained by overlapping and stitching together image repetition areas of a plurality of radiographic images each having an image repetition area.

In order to generate a long-size image, both of the radiation images to be combined need to be commonly mapped to a region of a part of the subject S (a region of interest Sa described later), regardless of whether the image is performed by any of the automatic and manual methods. The region is an image repetition region.

Details of the console 120 will be described later.

Although fig. 1 illustrates the console 120 serving as the imaging control device, the imaging control device may be another device independent of the console.

Although fig. 1 illustrates the long-size imaging system 100 including one console 120, the long-size imaging system 100 may include a console for controlling each device and a console for performing various processes (including generation of a long-size image) on the radiation image generated by the detector 2.

[ 1-2. Long-size shooting System (2) ]

The configuration of the imaging table 3A of the other long-size imaging system 100A is different from the long-size imaging system 100 described above.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 2, the imaging table 3A of the other long-sized imaging system 100A includes a support portion 35, a top plate 36, a fourth moving mechanism 37, and a loading portion 38.

The support 35 is placed on the ground.

The top plate 36 is disposed to extend horizontally above the support portion 35.

The fourth moving mechanism 37 is provided in the support portion 35 (below the top plate 36) and is configured to be able to move the loading portion 38 in the body axis direction.

Another long-sized photographing system 100A shown in fig. 2 is for photographing a subject S in a lying position. Therefore, in the long-size photographing system 100 shown in fig. 2, the horizontal direction (left-right direction in fig. 2) is the body axis direction.

The fourth movement mechanism 37 may manually move the loading unit 38 by a user operation, or may automatically move the loading unit 38 based on control from the console 120.

In addition, the fourth moving mechanism 37 includes a fourth position sensor 37a for detecting the position (distance, height from the start point of movement) of the detector 2.

The loading unit 38 holds the detector 2 with the radiation incident surface 21 facing one of the radiation sources 12. That is, the fourth moving mechanism 37 moves the detector 2 in the body axis direction via the loading unit 38.

According to the difference in the configuration of the imaging table 3A, the radiation source 12 of the present embodiment irradiates the radiation R vertically downward through the aperture 13.

In addition, the first movement mechanism 14 and the third movement mechanism 15 act in reverse.

That is, the first moving mechanism 14 is configured to: the radiation source 12 and the diaphragm 13 can be moved in a direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to the radiation incident surface 21 of the detector 2.

The third movement mechanism 15 is configured to: the radiation source 12 and the diaphragm 13 can be moved in the body axis direction.

[ 1-3. Console ]

Next, details of the console 120 included in the long-size imaging systems 100 and 100A will be described.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating console 120.

The bracketed reference numerals in fig. 3 are those of the second embodiment described later.

(1-3-1. Structure)

As shown in fig. 3, the console 120 includes a control section 121, a communication section 122, a storage section 123, a display section 124, and an operation section 125.

The respective sections 121 to 125 are electrically connected by a bus or the like.

The control unit 121 is configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit ), a RAM (Random Access Memory, random access memory), and the like.

The CPU of the control unit 121 reads various programs stored in the storage unit 123, expands the programs in the RAM, executes various processes according to the expanded programs, and centrally controls the operations of the respective units of the console 120.

The communication unit 122 is constituted by a communication module or the like.

The communication unit 122 transmits and receives various signals and various data to and from another device or the like connected via the communication network NW (LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), the internet, or the like) by a wired or wireless method.

The storage unit 123 is constituted by a nonvolatile semi-dynamic memory, a hard disk, or the like.

The storage unit 123 stores various programs executed by the control unit 121, parameters necessary for executing the programs, and the like.

The storage unit 123 can store image data of a radiation image (including a long-size image).

The display unit 124 is configured by a monitor that displays an image, such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube).

The display unit 124 displays various images and the like based on the control signal input from the control unit 121.

As described above, when the console 120 is divided into a console for controlling each device and a console for performing various processes on the radiation image generated by the detector 2, each console may be provided with a display unit, or one of the consoles may be provided with a display unit, and the display units display the two consoles.

The operation unit 125 of the present embodiment is configured by a pointing device such as a keyboard or a mouse including cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like, a touch panel laminated on the surface of the display unit 124, and the like.

The operation unit 125 outputs a control signal corresponding to an operation performed by the user to the control unit 121.

As described above, when the console 120 is divided into a console for controlling each device and a console for performing various processes on the radiation image generated by the detector 2, each console may be provided with an operation unit, or one of the consoles may be provided with an operation unit, and the operation units may be used to perform operations of both consoles.

(1-3-2. Action)

The control unit 121 of the console 120 configured as described above has a function of receiving a user selection of a shooting mode (type of radiographic image to be shot).

Specifically, for example, a list screen of shooting modes is displayed on the display unit 124, and any shooting mode displayed on the display unit 124 can be selected by the operation unit 125.

The control unit 121 also has a function of acquiring position information of the radiation source 12 from the first position sensor 14a and the third position sensor 15a of the output device 1.

The control unit 121 also has a function of acquiring positional information of the detector 2 from the second position sensor 32a of the imaging table 3 or the fourth position sensor 37a of the imaging table 3A.

The control unit 121 also has a function of acquiring the width of the aperture of the diaphragm 13 in the body axis direction from the width sensor 13a of the diaphragm 13.

The control unit 121 has the following functions: the long-size shooting control process shown in fig. 4 is executed when the long-size shooting mode is selected by the user, a shooting instruction to perform long-size shooting is acquired from another system, a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit 125, or the like.

[ 1-4. Procedure for Long-size shooting ]

Next, a flow of long-size shooting using the long-size shooting system 100 provided with the console 120 will be described.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of the long-size imaging control process performed by the console 120, fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen displayed when the console 120 performs the long-size imaging control process, fig. 6 is a diagram showing a positional relationship among the radiation source 12, the irradiation field, the subject S, and the detector 2 when performing the long-size imaging, fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of the imaging position calculation process in the long-size imaging control process, and fig. 8, 9, 11, and 12 are diagrams showing a setting method of an imaging range when imaging a plurality of radiation images for generating the long-size image, and fig. 10 is a side view of the long-size imaging system 100.

Here, the case of performing the vertical long-size imaging will be described as an example, but the case of performing the horizontal long-size imaging is also a flow similar to the vertical long-size imaging except that the body axis direction is changed from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction.

(1-4-1. Setting)

In the long-size imaging control process shown in fig. 4, first, settings of various information necessary for performing long-size imaging (for example, input operation performed by the user to the operation unit 125) are accepted (step S1).

The "various information" includes the imaging position (standing position, lying position) of the subject S, the first distance Sid (0), the type and size of the detector 2, the upper limit XOa of the irradiation field repetition width, the lower limit IOa of the image repetition width, and the like.

The control unit 121 of the present embodiment displays a setting screen Sc shown in fig. 5 on the display unit 124.

The user performs setting of various information by operating the operation unit 125 while viewing the setting screen Sc.

Here, as shown in fig. 6, the "first distance Sid (i)" is a distance between the radiation Source 12 and the detector 2, more specifically, a distance between the focal point F of the radiation in the radiation Source 12 and the radiation detection area 22a of the detector 2 (Source to Image-receptor Distance, distance between the radiation Source and the Image receiver).

The control unit 121 of the present embodiment sets the default value held by itself to the first distance Sid (0) when the default button B1 of the setting screen Sc is operated (touched or clicked), and sets the first distance Sid (0) when the start button B12 is operated when the current button B2 is operated.

When the input button B3 of the setting screen Sc is operated, the control unit 121 of the present embodiment sets an arbitrary value input by the user to the first distance Sid (0).

The control unit 121 of the present embodiment displays the first distance Sid (0) corresponding to each of the buttons B1, B2, and B3 in the display field C1 of the setting screen Sc.

When the current button B2 is designated, the display of the display field C1 changes according to the position of the radiation source 12 in the subsequent operations.

As shown in fig. 6, the "upper limit XOa of the irradiation field repetition width" is an upper limit of the width in the body axis direction of the region where the irradiation field emitted from the radiation source 12 irradiates the imaging surface 22 in one imaging and in other imaging.

In order to suppress the subject S from being subjected to useless secondary exposure and to reduce the number of shots, the upper limit XOa of the irradiation field repetition width needs to be limited. Therefore, the upper limit XOa of the irradiation field repetition width is preferably 80mm or less, and more preferably 50mm to 70mm.

The upper limit XOa of the irradiation field repetition width may be set by the user.

The "lower limit value IOa of the image repetition width (image repetition width)" is a lower limit value of the width of the image repetition region in the body axis direction.

The lower limit value IOa of the image repetition width is: when synthesizing the long-size image, the control section 121 recognizes a width required for the region of interest Sa that is commonly imaged in the two radiographic images to be stitched together.

The lower limit value IOa of the image repetition width may be set by the user.

In addition, even if the lower limit value IOa of the image repetition width is set, the actual value may be smaller than the lower limit value IOa of the image repetition width due to an error in control and an error in accuracy of the apparatus. Therefore, the control unit 121 may set the lower limit value ioa+β of the image repetition width in consideration of the control error and the accuracy error of the apparatus.

When any one of the detector selection buttons B6 to B9 on the setting screen Sc is operated, the control unit 121 of the present embodiment sets the type and size of the detector associated with each of the detector selection buttons B6 to B9.

When the detector 2 is mounted on the mounting portions 33 and 38 of the imaging tables 3 and 3A, and the connector of the detector 2 is connected to the wired connector provided in the mounting portions 33 and 38, the control portion 121 may automatically acquire the detector 2.

After setting the various information, the control unit 121 transmits the information indicating that the long-size shooting is set and the set various information to each device via the communication unit 122.

In the case where the selected imaging position is the upright position, the control unit 121 may instruct the user to prepare an instrument dedicated to upright position imaging (for example, display a character such as "please set a board barrier" on the display unit 124) in the processing of step S1.

After various settings are made, the start position of the imaging range is determined (step S2).

In this step, the control unit 121 of the present embodiment is in a standby state before the operation of the setting button B4 for specifying the start position of the imaging range is performed.

While the control unit 121 is in the standby state, the user sets the temporary first distance Sid (-1), the height Pfs (-1) of the focal point F, the shooting distance CSid (-1) on the diaphragm 13 (recognized by the diaphragm 13), and the irradiation range CXea (-1) on the diaphragm 13 to arbitrary values, and operates the diaphragm 13 so that the visible light is irradiated to the subject S and the back barrier 34 in the same manner as the irradiation field range.

Then, the user moves the radiation source 12 up and down while visually checking the irradiated visible light, and fine-adjusts the light irradiation field and the irradiation range CXea (-1) on the diaphragm 13 as necessary and fine-adjusts the first distance Sid (-1).

Then, when it is determined that the upper end (lower end) of the visible light is located at the height that is desired to be the upper end (lower end) of the actual irradiation field in the initial photographing, the user operates the setting button B4, and the control unit 121 calculates and stores the start position of the photographing range on the photographing surface 22 at that time.

The control unit 121 of the present embodiment displays each stored numerical value on the display field C2 of the setting screen Sc.

After the start position of the photographing range is specified, the end position of the photographing range is specified (step S3).

In this step, the control unit 121 is in a standby state before the operation of the setting button B5 for designating the start position is performed.

While the control unit 121 is in the standby state, the user sets the temporary first distance Sid (-2), the height Pfs (-2) of the focal point F, the shooting distance CSid (-2) on the diaphragm 13, and the irradiation range CXea (-2) on the diaphragm 13 to arbitrary values, and controls the diaphragm 13 so that the visible light is irradiated to the subject S and the rear plate barrier 34 in the same manner as the irradiation field range.

Then, the user moves the radiation source 12 up and down while visually checking the irradiated visible light, and fine-adjusts the light irradiation field and the irradiation range CXea (-2) on the diaphragm 13 as necessary and fine-adjusts the first distance Sid (-2).

Then, when it is determined that the lower end (upper end) of the visible light is located at the height of the lower end (upper end) of the actual irradiation field intended to be used in the last photographing, the user operates the setting button B5, and the control unit 121 calculates and stores the end position of the photographing range on the photographing surface 22 at that time.

The control unit 121 of the present embodiment displays each stored numerical value on the display field C3 of the setting screen Sc.

The control unit 121 of the present embodiment can perform the following other methods of specifying the end position of the imaging range.

When the upper limit button B10 of the setting screen Sc is operated, the upper limit height at which the image can be displayed is set at the end position of the shooting range.

When the lower limit button B11 of the setting screen Sc is operated, a lower limit height at which the image can be displayed is set at the end position of the shooting range.

The first distance Sid (0) at the time of shooting may be set after the shooting range is determined.

For example, after setting the imaging range, the position of the radiation source 12 can be manually operated to set a desired first distance Sid (0). Specifically, in a state where the current button B2 is set, the operation is performed while confirming the numerical value displayed in the display field C1 of the setting screen Sc (step S4).

The control unit 121 preferably notifies the user of the fact that long-size shooting is possible (for example, switches a shooting start button for entering the next process to an operable state).

The user operates the start button B12 to transmit the confirmation of the shooting range and the desired value of the first distance Sid (0) at the time of shooting to the apparatus. When the start button B12 is operated, as shown in fig. 4, the control section 121 executes shooting position calculation processing (step S5).

In this imaging position calculation process, as shown in fig. 7, the control unit 121 first acquires various values necessary for the calculation (step S51).

Specifically, various set values and various values stored in steps S2 and S3 are acquired.

The various setting values of the present embodiment include: an upper limit XOa of the irradiation field repetition width, a lower limit IOa of the image repetition width, the second distance OID, the first partial region width FTbd, and the second partial region width FBbd.

The "second distance OID" is a distance between the subject S and the detector 2, and more specifically, a distance between the region of interest Sa (for example, spine) of the subject S and the imaging surface 22 of the detector 2 (Object to Image-receptor Distance, distance from the target to the Image receiver).

The second distance OID is a distance due to the following reasons: in the long-size photographing, the detector 2 moves, and therefore a certain space needs to be provided between the subject S and the detector 2; the region of interest Sa (e.g., spine) is located inside the subject S.

The second distance OID may be set by the user.

In addition, the second distance OID may also be calculated based on the position of the board barrier 34.

The second distance OID may be calculated based on the position of the subject S.

The user may temporarily take a picture at a low dose, so that the set second distance OID may be readjusted based on the obtained radiation image, or the control unit 121 may perform image processing on the obtained radiation image, and recalculate based on the processing result.

The "first partial region width FTbd" is a distance from the center of the loading portion 33 to one end (upper end) of the radiation detection region 22a of the detector 2, and is determined by the size of the detector 2 and the loading direction (rotation of the loading portion 33).

The "second partial region width FBbd" is a distance from the center of the loading unit 33 to the other end (lower end) of the radiation detection region 22a, and is determined by the size of the detector 2 and the loading direction (rotation of the loading unit 33).

The sum of the first partial region width FTbd and the second partial region width FBbd is the detection region width ftbd+fbbd, which is the width of the radiation detection region 22a of the detector 2 used for imaging in the body axis direction.

In addition, the various values stored in step S2 include: the height Pfs (-1) of the focal point F at the start of shooting, the first distance Sid (-1), the shooting distance CSid (-1) on the diaphragm 13, and the irradiation range CXea (-1) on the diaphragm 13.

In addition, the various values stored in step S3 include: the height Pfs (-2) of the focal point F at the end of shooting, the first distance Sid (-2), the shooting distance CSid (-2) on the diaphragm 13, and the irradiation range CXea (-2) on the diaphragm 13.

After acquiring the various values, the control unit 121 temporarily determines the upper limit height TLda and the lower limit height BLda of the detection region (step S52).

In this process, the control unit 121 first determines which of the height Pfs (-1) of the focal point F at the start of shooting and the height Pfs (-2) at the end of shooting is high (whether shooting is performed from top to bottom or from bottom to top).

Here, when the height Pfs (-1) of the focal point F at the start of shooting is higher than the height Pfs (-2) at the end of shooting, the control unit 121 calculates the upper limit height ETea and the lower limit height EBea of the expected detection region using the following equations (1) and (2).

The upper limit height ETea of the expected detection area=the height Pfs (-1) + (1/2) x of the focal point F at the start of shooting (irradiation range CXea (-1) x first distance Sid (-1) on the diaphragm 13)/shooting distance CSid (-1) on the diaphragm 13) … (1)

The lower limit height EBea of the expected detection area=the height Pfs (-2) - (1/2) x of the focal point F at the end of shooting (irradiation range CXea (-2) x first distance Sid (-2) on the diaphragm 13)/shooting distance CSid (-2) on the diaphragm 13) … (2)

On the other hand, when the height Pfs (-2) of the focal point F at the end of shooting is higher than the height Pfs (-1) of the focal point F at the start of shooting, the control unit 121 calculates the upper limit height ETea and the lower limit height EBea of the expected detection region using the following equations (3) and (4).

The upper limit height ETea of the expected detection area=the height Pfs (-2) + (1/2) x of the focal point F at the end of photographing (irradiation range CXea (-2) x first distance Sid (-2) on the diaphragm 13)/photographing distance CSid (-2) on the diaphragm 13) … (3)

The lower limit height EBea of the expected detection area=the height Pfs (-1) - (1/2) x of the focal point F at the start of shooting (irradiation range CXea (1) on the diaphragm 13×first distance Sid (-1)/shooting distance CSid (-1) on the diaphragm 13)) … (4)

Then, the control unit 121 temporarily determines the expected upper limit height ETea of the detection region calculated here as the upper limit height TLda of the detection region, and temporarily determines the expected lower limit height EBea of the detection region as the lower limit height BLda of the detection region.

When the expected upper limit height ETea of the detection region is larger than the sum of the upper limit height TLbc of the center of the loading unit 33 and the first partial region width FTbd, the sum is set to the upper limit height TLda of the detection region.

When the expected lower limit height EBea of the detection region is smaller than the difference between the lower limit height BLbc of the center of the loading unit 33 and the second partial region width FBbd, the difference is set as the lower limit height BLda of the detection region.

The distance from the upper limit height TLda of the detection area to the lower limit height BLda of the detection area is the long-size photographing range TLda-BLda.

After temporarily determining the upper limit height TLda and the lower limit height BLda of the detection region, the control unit 121 calculates the maximum image shift amount maxPps, the maximum irradiation range maxea, the maximum photographable range W, the maximum moving distance maxUml, and the number of photographed sheets n (step S53).

The "maximum image shift amount maxPps" is: in the radiation detection area 22a, the image repetition area is shifted by the maximum value of the amount between one shot and the other shots.

The control unit 121 calculates the maximum image shift amount maxPps using the following equation (5).

Maximum image shift amount maxpps=upper limit XOa of irradiation field repetition width—lower limit IOa … of image repetition width (5)

In the above equation (5), the maximum image shift amount maxPps may be calculated in consideration of the error Afsp of the focal height and the error accp of the center height of the loading unit 33.

In addition, when the calculated maximum image shift amount maxPps is equal to or less than a predetermined value (for example, 20 mm), long-size photographing cannot be performed. Therefore, when the maximum image shift amount maxPps is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value, the control unit 121 may notify the user to change the meaning of the first distance Sid (i) set in step S1.

The "maximum irradiation range maxea" is the maximum value of the width in the body axis direction of the irradiation field that satisfies the upper limit XOa of the irradiation field repetition width and the lower limit IOa of the image repetition width when the first distance Sid (i) is a preset value.

The control unit 121 of the present embodiment calculates the maximum irradiation range maxea using a relationship in which the ratio of the difference between the upper limit XOa of the irradiation field repetition width and the lower limit IOa of the image repetition width to the maximum irradiation range maxea is equal to the ratio of the second distance OID to the first distance Sid (0) set in step S1.

Specifically, the calculation is performed using the following formula (6), for example.

Maximum irradiation range maxea=maximum image shift amount maxpps×first distance Sid (0)/second distance OID … (6)

In addition, the "maximum photographable range W" is the maximum value of the irradiation range Xea (i) of the radiation in 1 shot.

In this process, the control unit 121 first compares the calculated maximum irradiation range maxea with the detection region width ftbd+fbbd.

Here, as shown in fig. 6 (a), when the maximum irradiation range maxea is equal to or smaller than the detection region width ftbd+fbbd, the control unit 121 sets the maximum irradiation range maxea to the maximum photographable range W.

On the other hand, as shown in fig. 6 (b), when the maximum irradiation range maxea is larger than the detection region width ftbd+fbbd, the control unit 121 sets the detection region width ftbd+fbbd to the maximum photographable range W.

This is because: no matter how large the maximum irradiation range maxea can be set, the radiation outside the radiation detection area 22a of the detector 2 cannot be imaged.

The control unit 121 may compare the maximum irradiation range maxea with the detection region width ftbd+fbbd±γ in consideration of the error in control and the error in the accuracy γ of the device.

In addition, "maximum moving distance maxUml" is the maximum value of the distances that the radiation source 12 and the detector 2 move when entering the next shooting.

The control unit 121 of the present embodiment calculates the maximum movement distance maxUml using the following expression (7).

Maximum moving distance maxuml=maximum photographable range W-upper limit XOa … of irradiation field repetition width (7)

The "number of images n" is the minimum number of radiographic images required to generate a long-size image.

The control unit 121 of the present embodiment calculates the number of shots n as follows.

First, a numerical value n' including a decimal is calculated using the following expression (8).

The value n' = (long-size shooting range TLda-BLda-maximum photographable range W)/(maximum moving distance maxUml) +1 … (8)

Then, the calculated decimal point of the value n' is rounded up and down, and the obtained integer value is defined as the number of shots n.

After calculating the number of shots N, the control unit 121 determines whether or not the calculated number of shots N is equal to or less than the maximum number of shots N (step S54).

Here, when it is determined that the calculated number of shots N is not equal to or less than the maximum number of shots N (step S54: no), the control unit 121 of the present embodiment changes the long-size shooting range TLda-BLda (step S55).

In this process, the control unit 121 first determines which of the height Pfs (-1) of the focal point F at the start of shooting and the height Pfs (-2) at the end of shooting is high (shooting is performed from top to bottom or from bottom to top).

When the height Pfs (-1) of the focal point F at the start of shooting is higher than the height Pfs (-2) at the end of shooting, the control unit 121 calculates the lower limit height BLda of the detection region using the following expression (9).

Lower limit height blda=upper limit height ETea-maximum photographable range W-maximum movement distance maxuml× (maximum number of photographed sheets N-1) … of the detection area (9)

Then, the control unit 121 changes the lower limit height of the detection region to the calculated lower limit height TLda.

On the other hand, when the height Pfs (-2) of the focal point F at the end of shooting is higher than the height Pfs (-1) of the focal point F at the start of shooting, the control unit 121 calculates the upper limit height TLda of the detection area using the following expression (10).

Upper limit height tlda=lower limit height ebea+maximum photographable range w+maximum moving distance maxuml× (maximum number of photographed sheets N-1) … of the detection area (10)

Then, the control unit 121 changes the upper limit height of the detection region to the calculated upper limit height TLda.

When the upper limit height TLda of the detection region is larger than the sum of the upper limit height TLfs of the radiation source 12 and half of the maximum photographing possible range W, the sum is set as the upper limit height TLda of the detection region.

When the lower limit height BLda of the detection region is smaller than the difference between the lower limit height BLfs of the radiation source 12 and half of the maximum photographable range W, the difference is set as the lower limit height BLda of the detection region.

Thereafter, the process returns to step S52 again, and the number of shots n is calculated again based on the calculated upper limit height TLda of the detection region and the calculated lower limit height BLda of the detection region.

In the above-described method for automatically reducing the imaging range, it is preferable that the user be notified that the upper limit value of the number of images is exceeded and be reminded to confirm whether or not the imaging range is automatically reduced.

On the other hand, in step S54, when it is determined that the calculated number of shots N is not greater than the maximum number of shots N (N is not exceeded), the control unit 121 skips the processing in step S55 and proceeds to the next processing.

If a long-size image is generated using n (here, 3) radiographic images I1, the end of the long-size imaging range TLda-BLda is exceeded.

Accordingly, as shown in fig. 7, after the long-size imaging ranges TLda to BLda are changed in step S55, or after the number N of images calculated in step S54 is determined to be the maximum number N or less, the control unit 121 changes the irradiation ranges Xea (1) to Xea (N) in each image as a predetermined output (step S56).

Specifically, the irradiation range of at least any one of the respective shots is reduced so that the width of the generated long-size image in the body axis direction coincides with the long-size shooting range TLda-BLda.

The control unit 121 may change the irradiation range Xea (i) by controlling the operation of the diaphragm 13, or may change the irradiation range Xea (i) by controlling the operation of the moving mechanism so as to change the first distance.

Hereinafter, a method of changing the irradiation range Xea (i) will be described by taking a case of photographing from top to bottom as an example.

In this process, the control unit 121 first determines which of the upper limit height TLda of the detection region and the upper limit height TLfs of the radiation source 12 is higher, and determines which of the lower limit height BLda of the detection region and the lower limit height BLfs of the radiation source 12 is higher.

When the upper limit height TLda of the detection region is lower than the upper limit height TLfs of the radiation source 12 and the lower limit height BLda of the detection region is higher than the lower limit height BLfs of the radiation source 12, the control unit 121 calculates the irradiation range Xea (i) in each image using the following expression (11).

Irradiation range Xea (i) = (upper limit height TLda of detection region-lower limit height blda+ (n-1) of detection region x upper limit XOa/n) … of irradiation field repetition width (11)

In this case, as shown in fig. 9, each irradiation range Xea (i) is uniformly reduced, and is smaller than the maximum photographable range W. That is, the width of each of the radiation images I2 constituting the long-size image in the body axis direction is smaller than that of each of the radiation images I1 before modification.

Further, according to the configuration of the radiation imaging system 110, the movable range of each of the moving mechanisms 32 and 14 of the radiation source 12 may be smaller than the movable range of the detector 2.

Specifically, for example, in the case of the radiographic system 110 of the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 10, there is a case where the second moving mechanism 32 can lower the detector 2 sufficiently low, while the first moving mechanism 14 cannot lower the radiation source 12 sufficiently low (or vice versa).

In such a case, if the imaging region of the lower radiation image I1 is small, the radiation source 12 cannot sufficiently irradiate the lower imaging region, and a long-sized image lacking the lower end portion is generated.

Therefore, when the upper limit height TLda of the detection region is higher than the upper limit height TLfs of the radiation source 12 and the lower limit height BLda of the detection region is higher than the lower limit height BLfs of the radiation source 12, the control unit 121 calculates the irradiation range Xea (i) in each image as follows.

The irradiation range Xea (1) of the first (i=1) shot is set to the maximum photographable range W.

The irradiation range Xea (i) photographed after the second (i=2 to n) is calculated using the following equation (12).

Irradiation range Xea (i) = { upper limit height TLda of detection region-lower limit height BLda of detection region-first shot irradiation range Xea (1) + (n-1) ×upper limit value XOa of irradiation field repetition width }/(n-1) … (12)

In this case, as shown in fig. 10, the irradiation range Xea (1) of the first shot remains unchanged and is not reduced, and only the irradiation ranges Xea (i) of the second and subsequent shots are uniformly reduced, respectively, and smaller than the maximum photographable range W. That is, the control unit 121 makes the irradiation range Xea (i) in one shot different from the irradiation range Xea (i) in another shot.

Therefore, the width in the body axis direction of the (uppermost) radiation image I1 among the radiation images constituting the long-size image is equal to the respective radiation images I1 before the change, and the width in the body axis direction of the other radiation images I3 is further reduced as compared with the radiation image I2 in which all of them are uniformly reduced as shown in fig. 9.

When the upper limit height TLda of the detection region is lower than the upper limit height TLfs of the radiation source 12 and the lower limit height BLda of the detection region is lower than the lower limit height BLfs of the radiation source 12, the control unit 121 calculates the irradiation range Xea (i) in each image as follows.

The irradiation range Xea (n) of the nth shot is set to the maximum photographable range W.

The irradiation range Xea (i) of the first to n-1 th (i=1 to n-1) shots is calculated using the following formula (13).

Irradiation range Xea (i) = { upper limit height TLda of detection region-lower limit height BLda of detection region-irradiation range Xea (n) + (n-1) x upper limit value XOa of irradiation field repetition width }/(n-1) … (13)

In this case, as shown in fig. 11, the irradiation range Xea (1) of the nth shot remains unchanged and is not reduced, but only the irradiation ranges Xea (i) of the first to nth-1 shots are uniformly reduced, and smaller than the maximum photographable range W. That is, the control unit 121 makes the irradiation range Xea (i) in one shot different from the irradiation range Xea (i) in another shot.

Therefore, the width in the body axis direction of the last shot (lowermost) radiation image I1 among the radiation images constituting the long-size image is equal to the respective radiation images I1 before the change, and the width in the body axis direction of the other radiation images I3 is further reduced as compared with the radiation image I2 in which all of them are uniformly reduced as shown in fig. 9.

When the upper limit height TLda of the detection region is higher than the upper limit height TLfs of the radiation source 12 and the lower limit height BLda of the detection region is lower than the lower limit height BLfs of the radiation source 12, the control unit 121 calculates the irradiation range Xea (i) in each image as follows.

The irradiation range Xea (1) of the first (i=1) and nth (i=n) shots is set to the maximum photographable range W.

The irradiation range Xea (i) of the second to n-1 th (i=2 to n-1) shots is calculated using the following formula (14).

Irradiation range Xea (i) = (upper limit height TLda of detection region-lower limit height BLda of detection region-first shot irradiation range Xea (1) -nth shot irradiation range Xea (n) + (n-2) ×upper limit value XOa of irradiation field repetition width)/(n-2) … (14)

In the image-joined region obtained by superimposing the image repeat regions Ia of the respective radiation images on the long-size image, the image quality of the image-joined region may be inferior to that of the non-joined region due to a slight difference between the two radiation images joined.

Therefore, for example, when the abdomen of the subject S is a region of higher attention than other regions, it is desirable to avoid having the abdomen in the image-coupled region.

Therefore, the control unit 121 can also individually change the irradiation range Xea (i) in each image depending on the position of the target region.

For example, in a case where a region of high attention is to be mapped in the center of a long-size image, for example, as shown in fig. 13, the control unit 121 may maintain the irradiation range Xea (I) of the radiation image I1 in the center at the same time as the maximum photographable range W and reduce the irradiation range Xea (I) of the radiation image I3 in the front and rear (up and down) directions thereof.

The control unit 121 may perform such a change in response to an operation performed by the user, or may automatically perform such a change.

The control unit 121 performs the above predetermined output as output means.

After calculating the irradiation range Xea (i) in each of the shots, the control unit 121 calculates the height (target point) TP (i) of the radiation source 12 in each of the shots as follows (step S57).

The height TP (1) of the radiation source 12 photographed by the first (i=1) is calculated using the following equation (15).

Height TP (1) of radiation source 12=upper limit height TLda- (1/2) x irradiation range Xea (1) … (15) of detection area

The heights TP (i) of the second to nth (i=2 to n) radiation sources 12 are calculated using the following equation (16).

Height TP (i) of radiation source 12 = height TP (i-1) - (1/2) x of radiation source 12 from previous shot { previous shot irradiation range Xea (i-1) +irradiation range Xea (i) } + upper limit XOa … (16) of irradiation field repetition width

The control unit 121 may calculate the height (target point) TP (i) of the radiation source 12 in each shot as follows.

The height TP (n) of the nth (i=n) radiation source 12 is calculated using the following equation (17).

Height TP (n) of radiation source 12=lower limit height blda+ (1/2) of detection region x irradiation range Xea (n) … (17)

The height TP (i) of the radiation source 12 imaged by the first to n-1 th (i=1 to n-1) is calculated using the following equation (18).

Height TP (i) of radiation source 12=height TP (i+1) + (1/2) x of radiation source 12 for the last shot { irradiation range Xea (i+1) +irradiation range Xea (i) for the last shot } -upper limit XOa … (18) of irradiation field repetition width

After calculating the height of the radiation source 12, the control unit 121 determines the imaging distances CSid (1) to CSid (n) on the diaphragm 13, the irradiation ranges CXea (1) to CXea (n) on the diaphragm 13, the heights Pbc (1) to Pbc (n) of the center of the loading unit 33, and the first distances Sid (1) to Sid (n) in each imaging (step S58), and ends the imaging position calculation processing.

The imaging distance CSid (i) at the diaphragm 13 is set to the first distance Sid (0) set in step S1.

The irradiation range CXea (i) on the diaphragm 13 is set as the irradiation range Xea (i).

The height Pfs (i) of the focal point F is calculated using the following formula (19).

Height Pfs (i) of focal spot f=height TP (i) of radiation source 12) -error Axlf … of irradiation field with respect to visible light (19)

The height Pbc (i) of the center of the loading portion 33 is calculated using the following formula (20).

Height Pbc (i) of center of loading portion 33=height TP (i) of radiation source 12-first partial area width ftbd+second partial area width FBbd … (20)

The control unit 121 serves as a calculation means by executing the shooting position calculation processing (step S5) described above.

The control unit 121 of the present embodiment changes the irradiation range Xea (i) as a predetermined output in the above-described imaging position calculation process, but may also prompt attention or change the number of imaging sheets n.

When the predetermined output is "attention-seeking", the control unit 121 notifies the user that the desired long-size image cannot be obtained by performing the shooting as it is.

The attention may be given by displaying characters, symbols, drawings, or the like on the display unit, or by emitting at least one of simple light and sound.

When the predetermined output is "change the number of images n", the control unit 121 controls the operations of the diaphragm 13, the first moving mechanism 14, and the second moving mechanism 32 to change the number of images n of the radiographic image.

After the shooting position calculation process is performed (step S5), as shown in fig. 4, the control section 121 acquires position information from each device (step S6).

Then, the control unit 121 moves each device to the shooting start position calculated by the shooting position calculation processing based on the acquired position information (step S7).

Specifically, the control unit 121 controls the first moving mechanism 14 and the third moving mechanism 15 to move the radiation source 12 to the height Pfs (1) of the focal point F at the start of shooting calculated in the shooting position calculation process, and to move the detector 2 to a height at which the center of the irradiation field coincides with the center of the radiation detection area 22 a.

Then, the control unit 121 controls the diaphragm 13 to adjust the irradiation field so as to be within the range calculated in the imaging position calculation processing.

The control unit 121 may notify the user of the completion of the movement.

After the movement of each device is completed, the control unit 121 is in a standby state before the user performs a shooting instruction operation (presses the shooting instruction switch).

While the control unit 121 is in the standby state, the user performs a shooting instruction operation.

In this way, the control unit 121 starts the long-size imaging control of the output device 1 and the detector 2 (step S8).

Specifically, the control unit 121 causes the output device 1 to generate radiation for the first time, and causes the detector 2 to generate a first radiographic image.

After the first radiographic image is generated, the control unit 121 controls the first movement mechanism 14 and the third movement mechanism 15 to move the radiation source 12 and the detector 2 to the next imaging position, and generates the next radiographic image.

Such an operation is repeated in accordance with the number n of images calculated in advance, and long-size imaging is performed.

It is desirable to move the radiation source 12 and the detector 2 at each imaging so that the area where the secondary exposure is performed at each imaging is kept constant, but the exposure amount to which the subject S is exposed may be slightly increased or decreased at each imaging as long as the image repetition area Ia of a desired width is obtained and the exposure amount is within a range considered to be constant.

When the detector 2 generates a radiation image, the control unit 121 acquires a plurality of radiation images having the image repetition area Ia generated by the detector 2 (step S9).

Note that, the control section 121 may acquire one radiographic image at a time every time when shooting is performed in the above-described step S6, instead of acquiring a plurality of radiographic images at a time.

When a plurality of radiographic images having the image repetition area Ia are acquired, the control unit 121 executes long-size image generation processing (step S10).

In the long-size image generation process, the control unit 121 first identifies the region of interest Sa mapped to the image repetition region Ia.

Various conventionally known techniques can be used for identifying the region of interest Sa.

The control section 121 functions as an image recognition unit by executing this image recognition process.

Next, the control unit 121 superimposes and splices the image repetition areas Ia (the identified target region Sa) of the plurality of radiation images generated by the detector 2 on each other to generate a long-size image, and ends the long-size imaging control process.

Various conventionally known techniques can be used for generating the long-size image.

The control section 121 functions as a long-size image generating unit by executing the processing of this step S10.

[ 1-5. Effect ]

The long-size imaging systems 100 and 100A including the console 120 (imaging control device) described above are different from the conventional long-size imaging systems in that the irradiation range Xea (i) in each imaging can be changed without changing the upper limit XOa of the irradiation field repetition width, and therefore, the area of the subject S exposed twice can be prevented from increasing, and the division pattern of the long-size image (the irradiation range Xea (i) in each imaging) can be freely set.

Further, if the irradiation range Xea (i) is changed in this way, the lower limit value IOa of the image repetition width of the image repetition area Ia, which is displayed in both of the radiation images, is maintained, so that it is possible to prevent the control unit 121 from failing to recognize the image repetition area Ia and failing to generate a long-size image.

Therefore, according to the long-size imaging systems 100 and 100A, the width of the secondary exposure region can be limited to a predetermined range, and the restriction of the movable ranges of the radiation detector and the radiation source can be handled.

<2 > second embodiment

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Here, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

[ 2-1. Long-size shooting System ]

The processing performed by the console 120A (see fig. 1 and 4) of the long-size imaging systems 100B and 100C (see fig. 1 to 3) of the present embodiment is different from that of the console 120 of the first embodiment. That is, the program stored in the storage unit 123A of the console 120A is different from the console 120 of the first embodiment.

The configuration of the long-size photographing systems 100B, 100C other than the above is the same as that of the first embodiment described above.

[ 2-2. Console ]

The control unit 121 of the console 120A according to the present embodiment does not have a function of setting the lower limit value IOa of the image repetition width.

The control unit 121 of the present embodiment has a function of executing the second calculation process instead of executing the calculation process described above.

In this second calculation process, the control unit 121 calculates a lower limit value IOa of the image repetition width.

Has a function of executing the second calculation process as follows: the lower limit value IOa of the image repetition width is calculated based on the upper limit value XOa of the irradiation field repetition width, the second distance OID, the first distance Sid (i), the width of the detector 2 in the body axis direction, and the size of the detector 2 in the body axis direction.

The control section 121 functions as a second calculation unit by executing the second calculation process.

The control unit 121 of the present embodiment has a function of executing the second determination process when calculating the lower limit value IOa of the image repetition width.

In the second determination process, the control unit 121 determines whether or not the calculated lower limit value IOa of the image repetition width is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value.

The control unit 121 of the present embodiment performs this second determination process as a second determination means.

The control unit 121 of the present embodiment has a function of executing the second output process instead of executing the output process.

In this second output process, the control unit 121 performs a predetermined output based on the calculated lower limit value IOa of the image repetition width.

The second output unit performs a predetermined output when the determination unit determines that the lower limit value IOa of the image repetition width is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value.

The content of the predetermined output is the same as that of the first embodiment described above.

[ 2-3. Effect ]

According to the long-size imaging systems 100B and 100C including the console 120A described above, the width of the area to be subjected to the secondary exposure can be limited to a predetermined range, and the restriction of the movable ranges of the radiation detector and the radiation source can be handled, as in the long-size imaging system 100 according to the first embodiment.

<3. Other >

The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be appropriately modified within a range not departing from the gist of the present invention.

For example, although fig. 1 and 3 illustrate the long-size imaging systems 100 and 100A installed in the imaging room, the long-size imaging systems 100 and 100A may be configured as a movable long-size imaging system called a patrol car.

In addition, the long-size imaging systems 100 and 100A can cope with imaging of continuous imaging images in which radiation is repeatedly generated and radiation images are generated a plurality of times in a short time.

In the above description, examples using a hard disk, a semiconductor nonvolatile memory, or the like have been disclosed as a recording medium that can be read by a computer of the program of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. As another computer-readable recording medium, a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM can be applied. A carrier wave (transport wave) can be applied as a medium for supplying data of the program of the present invention via a communication line.

The detailed structure and detailed operation of each device constituting the radiographic image analysis system may be appropriately modified within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An imaging control device for repeatedly imaging a subject while moving a radiation source and a radiation detector, respectively, in a body axis direction which is a direction in which a body axis of the subject extends, in a radiation imaging system capable of imaging the subject, the imaging control device being used for generating a plurality of radiation images necessary for obtaining a long-sized image, each of the plurality of radiation images having an image repetition area in which a region of interest of the subject is commonly imaged, the radiation detector being used for generating a radiation image corresponding to radiation received on an imaging surface,

the imaging control device is provided with:

2. The photographing control apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein,

the calculation unit calculates the maximum irradiation range using a relationship in which a ratio of a difference between an upper limit value of the irradiation field repetition width and a lower limit value of the image repetition width with respect to the maximum irradiation range is equal to a ratio of the first distance to the second distance.

3. The photographing control apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein,

the imaging control device is provided with an image recognition unit for recognizing the region of interest mapped to the image repetition region,

the lower limit value of the image repetition width is a width required for the image recognition unit to recognize the region of interest.

4. The photographing control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein,

the upper limit value of the irradiation field repetition width is 80mm or less.

5. The photographing control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein,

as the predetermined output, the output unit changes a width of the irradiation field in the body axis direction.

6. The photographing control apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein,

the output means controls the operation of a diaphragm for changing the width of the irradiation field in the body axis direction, thereby changing the width of the irradiation field in the body axis direction.

7. The photographing control apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein,

the output means controls operation of a movement mechanism for changing the width of the irradiation field in the body axis direction so as to change the first distance, and the movement mechanism moves the radiation source and the aperture for changing the width of the irradiation field in the body axis direction in a direction orthogonal to a radiation incidence plane of the radiation detector as the predetermined output.

8. The photographing control apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein,

the output unit makes the width of the irradiation field in the body axis direction in one shot different from the width of the irradiation field in the body axis direction in the other shots.

9. The photographing control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein,

as the predetermined output, the output unit makes a reminder attention.

10. An imaging control device for repeatedly imaging a subject while moving a radiation source and a radiation detector, respectively, in a body axis direction which is a direction in which a body axis of the subject extends, in a radiation imaging system capable of imaging the subject, the imaging control device being used for generating a plurality of radiation images necessary for obtaining a long-sized image, each of the plurality of radiation images having an image repetition area in which a region of interest of the subject is commonly imaged, the radiation detector being used for generating a radiation image corresponding to radiation received on an imaging surface,

The imaging control device is provided with:

11. The photographing control apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein,

the photographing control device includes a judging unit that judges whether or not a lower limit value of the image repetition width calculated by the second calculating unit is a predetermined value or less,

The second output unit performs the predetermined output when the determination unit determines that the lower limit value of the image repetition width is a predetermined value or less.

12. The photographing control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein,

the imaging control device is provided with a long-size image generation unit that generates the long-size image by overlapping and stitching together the image repetition areas of the plurality of radiation images generated by the radiation detector.

13. A long-size photographing system is provided with:

a radiation source;

a diaphragm for changing the width of an irradiation field, which is a range in which a radiation line emitted from the radiation source irradiates the imaging surface, in a body axis direction, which is an extending direction of a body axis of the subject;

a first moving mechanism for moving the radiation source and the diaphragm in the body axis direction;

a calculation unit that calculates a maximum irradiation range based on an upper limit value of an irradiation field repetition width, which is a width in the body axis direction of a region where an irradiation field is overlapped with another irradiation field in one shot, a lower limit value of an image repetition width, which is a width in the body axis direction of an image repetition region where a plurality of radiation images respectively have an image repetition region that commonly reflects a region of interest of the subject, a first distance, which is a distance between the radiation source and the radiation detector, and a second distance, which is a distance between the subject and the radiation detector, the maximum irradiation range being a maximum value in the body axis direction of the irradiation field;

14. A recording medium, which is readable by a computer, stores a program for causing a photographing control device to execute a calculation process and an output process,

the imaging control device is configured to repeatedly image a subject while moving the radiation source and the radiation detector in a body axis direction, which is a direction in which a body axis of the subject extends, so as to generate a plurality of radiographic images necessary for obtaining a long-sized image, each of the plurality of radiographic images having an image repetition area in which a region of interest of the subject is commonly displayed, the radiographic system being configured to be capable of imaging the subject, the radiographic detector being configured to generate a radiographic image corresponding to radiation received on an imaging surface,

15. The recording medium of claim 14, wherein,

in the calculation process, the maximum irradiation range is calculated using a relationship in which a ratio of a difference between an upper limit value of the irradiation field repetition width and a lower limit value of the image repetition width with respect to the maximum irradiation range is equal to a ratio of the first distance to the second distance.

16. The recording medium according to claim 14 or 15, wherein,

the program further causes the imaging control device to execute image recognition processing in which the region of interest mapped to the image repetition region is recognized,

the lower limit value of the image repetition width is a width required to identify the region of interest in the image identification process.

17. The recording medium according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein,

18. The recording medium according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein,

in the output processing, a width of the irradiation field in the body axis direction is changed as the predetermined output.

19. The recording medium of claim 18, wherein,

in the output process, an operation of a diaphragm for changing a width of the irradiation field in the body axis direction is controlled to change the width of the irradiation field in the body axis direction.

20. The recording medium of claim 18, wherein,

in the output processing, an operation of a moving mechanism that moves the radiation source and a diaphragm for changing a width of the irradiation field in the body axis direction in a direction orthogonal to a radiation incidence plane of the radiation detector is controlled so as to change the first distance as the predetermined output, thereby changing the width of the irradiation field in the body axis direction.

21. The recording medium of claim 20, wherein,

in the output processing, the width of the irradiation field in the body axis direction in one shot is made different from the width of the irradiation field in the body axis direction in the other shots.

22. The recording medium according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein,

in the output processing, as the predetermined output, attention is paid.