JP4548896B2

JP4548896B2 - X-ray imaging control apparatus and control method thereof

Info

Publication number: JP4548896B2
Application number: JP2000095351A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 司酒向
Original assignee: Canon Inc
Current assignee: Canon Inc
Priority date: 2000-03-30
Filing date: 2000-03-30
Publication date: 2010-09-22
Anticipated expiration: 2020-03-30
Also published as: JP2001276031A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、Ｘ線撮影制御装置及びその制御方法に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、医用分野で画像診断を行う場合、Ｘ線撮影されたフィルム画像をシャーカステンに掛けて、観察していた。しかし、通常のＸ線フィルムは、診断部位の観察のしやすさを追及するあまり、観察しやすい濃度域１．０〜１．５Ｄ程度のコントラストを強くするように設定しているため、撮影条件が適正条件から多少ずれると、すぐ露光オーバーになったり、露光アンダーになったりし、読影による診断に悪影響を及ぼす。
【０００３】
一方、近年のコンピュータの発展に伴い、医用分野においてもコンピュータ化が浸透してきた。画像診断の分野においてもこの流れが急であり、各種ＣＴや超音波診断機器、ラジオアイソトープを用いた診断機器などの普及には目をみはるものがある。そして、各種診断機器をコンピュータで接続し、各種モダリティ画像を総合的に診断しようとする「総合画像診断」という概念が発生してきた。しかし、Ｘ線フィルム画像は本質的にアナログ画像であり、画像診断の中で最も使用頻度が多く、かつ、重要視されているにもかかわらず、総合画像診断にうまく溶け込めず、画像診断分野のコンピュータ化の障害になっていた。
【０００４】
ところが近年、固体撮像素子等を用いたＸ線撮影が開発されてきており、Ｘ線画像においてもコンピュータを用いたＸ線画像デジタル画像読取撮影が徐々に始まってきている。このＸ線画像デジタル撮影装置を利用すると、既に撮影が行われた画像のコントラスト調整や、撮影が失敗した場合には即座に再撮影することが可能となる。従って、撮影する部位に応じたＸ線量が過多、過少であったとしても、撮影後の修正はある程度の範囲で行うことが可能である。
【０００５】
しかしながら、Ｘ線画像デジタル撮影装置を使用する場合に、被検者が受けるＸ線量が多いと被曝量が増大するので、被検者が受けるＸ線量を最小限に留め、かつ診断に充分な画質を維持する撮影が重要である点はいうまでもない。
【０００６】
そこで、従来よりＸ線デジタル画像収集装置とＸ線発生装置とを結合し、撮影すべき部位に最適なＸ線発生条件をＸ線発生装置に撮影前に予め送り、Ｘ線発生装置の発生条件を制御する事で、被検者が受けるＸ線量を最小限に留め、かつ診断に充分な画質を維持して撮影する方法が確立している。
【０００７】
また、Ｘ線画像デジタル画像収集装置を利用する場合、Ｘ線撮影の実施条件（Ｘ線実施条件）などを画像の付帯情報として記録できる為に、Ｘ線実施条件をＸ線画像デジタル撮影装置で入力する方法が必要となる。
【０００８】
そこで、上記結合されたＸ線デジタル撮影制御装置とＸ線発生装置において、Ｘ線実施条件をＸ線デジタル画像収集装置に送信する事で、Ｘ線発生条件を改めて入力しなくても、送信されたＸ線の実施条件をそのまま撮影画像の付帯情報として記録するという方法があった。
【０００９】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかし、Ｘ線発生装置は、モデルによってはＸ線デジタル画像収集装置等の外部からの撮影条件入力部を１つしか備えていないケースが有り、その場合、複数のＸ線デジタル画像収集装置を接続することが不可能であるという課題があった。
【００１０】
また、外部からの撮影条件入力部を１つしか備えていない場合に、複数のＸ線デジタル画像収集装置に対して実施条件を出力することが不可能であるという課題があった。
【００１１】
本発明は上記問題点を鑑みてなされたものであり、Ｘ線発生装置に外部制御ポートが一つしかなくても、複数のＸ線撮影制御装置がＸ線発生装置と通信することを可能とし、操作上の利便性を向上することを第１の目的とする。
【００１２】
また、複数のＸ線撮影制御装置が接続されている場合でも、Ｘ線発生条件設定を混乱無く指定することを第２の目的とする。
【００１３】
また、複数のＸ線撮影制御装置が接続されている場合に、Ｘ線撮影後に得られるＸ線実施条件を、そのＸ線撮影で用いられたＸ線発生条件を指定したＸ線撮影制御装置に送信することを可能とし、操作上の利便性を向上させることを第３の目的とする。
【００１４】
さらに、複数のＸ線撮影制御装置が接続されている場合でも、Ｘ線実施条件を必要とするＸ線撮影制御装置に戻し、混乱の無い撮影を達成することを第４の目的とする。
【００１９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明のＸ線撮影制御装置は、撮影条件を指定するための撮影条件指定手段と、外部よりＸ線発生条件を受信するためのＸ線発生条件受信手段と、Ｘ線発生条件をＸ線発生装置に送信するＸ線発生条件送信手段と、前記撮影条件指定手段により指定された撮影条件に基づいて得たＸ線発生条件及び前記Ｘ線発生条件受信手段から受信したＸ線発生条件のうちいずれか１つを、前記Ｘ線発生条件送信手段により送信するように制御する制御手段とを有し、前記制御手段は、前記撮影条件指定手段により指定された撮影条件に基づいて得たＸ線発生条件を、前記Ｘ線発生条件受信手段から受信したＸ線発生条件よりも優先的に用い、前記Ｘ線発生条件受信手段からＸ線発生条件を受信した場合に、受信に先立って前記撮影条件指定手段により撮影条件が指定されている場合には、前記Ｘ線発生条件送信手段による前記Ｘ線発生条件受信手段から受信した前記Ｘ線発生条件の送信を中止し、指定されていなければ、当該Ｘ線発生条件を前記Ｘ線発生条件送信手段により送信させる。
また、撮影条件を指定するための撮影条件指定手段と、外部よりＸ線発生条件を受信するためのＸ線発生条件受信手段とを有するＸ線撮影制御装置の本発明の制御方法は、前記撮影条件指定手段により指定された撮影条件に基づいて得たＸ線発生条件及び前記Ｘ線発生条件受信手段から受信したＸ線発生条件のうちいずれか１つを、Ｘ線発生装置に送信する送信工程を有し、前記送信工程では、前記撮影条件指定手段により指定された撮影条件に基づいて得たＸ線発生条件を、前記Ｘ線発生条件受信手段から受信したＸ線発生条件よりも優先的に扱い、前記Ｘ線発生条件受信手段からＸ線発生条件を受信した場合に、受信に先立って前記撮影条件指定手段により撮影条件が指定されている場合には、前記Ｘ線発生条件送信手段による前記Ｘ線発生条件受信手段から受信した前記Ｘ線発生条件の送信を中止し、指定されていなければ、当該Ｘ線発生条件を前記Ｘ線発生条件送信手段により送信する。
【００２０】
また、別の構成によれば、本発明のＸ線撮影制御装置は、撮影条件を指定するための撮影条件指定手段と、外部よりＸ線発生条件を受信するためのＸ線発生条件受信手段と、Ｘ線発生条件をＸ線発生装置に送信するＸ線発生条件送信手段と、前記撮影条件指定手段により指定された撮影条件に基づいて得たＸ線発生条件及び前記Ｘ線発生条件受信手段から受信したＸ線発生条件のうちいずれか１つを、前記Ｘ線発生条件送信手段により送信するように制御する制御手段とを有し、前記制御手段は、前記撮影条件指定手段により指定された撮影条件に基づいて得たＸ線発生条件を、前記Ｘ線発生条件受信手段から受信したＸ線発生条件よりも優先的に用い、前記撮影条件指定手段によって撮影条件が指定された場合、前記Ｘ線発生条件受信手段により受信したＸ線発生条件が前記Ｘ線発生条件送信手段により送信されない旨を表示する表示手段を更に有する。
また、撮影条件を指定するための撮影条件指定手段と、外部よりＸ線発生条件を受信するためのＸ線発生条件受信手段とを有するＸ線撮影制御装置の本発明の制御方法は、前記撮影条件指定手段により指定された撮影条件に基づいて得たＸ線発生条件及び前記Ｘ線発生条件受信手段から受信したＸ線発生条件のうちいずれか１つを、Ｘ線発生装置に送信する送信工程を有し、前記送信工程では、前記撮影条件指定手段により指定された撮影条件に基づいて得たＸ線発生条件を、前記Ｘ線発生条件受信手段から受信したＸ線発生条件よりも優先的に扱い、前記撮影条件指定手段によって撮影条件が指定された場合、前記Ｘ線発生条件受信手段により受信したＸ線発生条件が前記送信工程で送信されない旨を表示手段に表示する表示工程を更に有する。
【００２２】
更に別の構成によれば、本発明のＸ線撮影制御装置は、撮影条件を指定するための撮影条件指定手段と、外部よりＸ線発生条件を受信するためのＸ線発生条件受信手段と、Ｘ線発生条件をＸ線発生装置に送信するＸ線発生条件送信手段と、前記撮影条件指定手段により指定された撮影条件に基づいて得たＸ線発生条件及び前記Ｘ線発生条件受信手段から受信したＸ線発生条件のうちいずれか１つを、前記Ｘ線発生条件送信手段により送信するように制御する制御手段とを有し、前記制御手段は、前記撮影条件指定手段により指定された撮影条件に基づいて得たＸ線発生条件を、前記Ｘ線発生条件受信手段から受信したＸ線発生条件よりも優先的に用い、前記Ｘ線発生条件受信手段からのＸ線発生条件の受信に先立って前記撮影条件指定手段が指定解除を行った場合、前記制御手段は、前記Ｘ線発生条件を前記Ｘ線発生条件送信手段により送信させる。
また、撮影条件を指定するための撮影条件指定手段と、外部よりＸ線発生条件を受信するためのＸ線発生条件受信手段とを有するＸ線撮影制御装置の本発明の制御方法は、前記撮影条件指定手段により指定された撮影条件に基づいて得たＸ線発生条件及び前記Ｘ線発生条件受信手段から受信したＸ線発生条件のうちいずれか１つを、Ｘ線発生装置に送信する送信工程を有し、前記送信工程では、前記撮影条件指定手段により指定された撮影条件に基づいて得たＸ線発生条件を、前記Ｘ線発生条件受信手段から受信したＸ線発生条件よりも優先的に扱い、前記Ｘ線発生条件受信手段から受信したＸ線発生条件を前記送信工程で送信した後に、前記撮影条件指定手段により撮影条件が指定された場合に、前記撮影条件指定手段により指定された撮影条件に基づいて得たＸ線発生条件を更に送信する工程を更に有する。
【００２３】
また好ましくは、前記Ｘ線発生条件受信手段から受信したＸ線発生条件を前記Ｘ線発生条件送信手段により送信した後に、前記撮影条件指定手段により撮影条件が指定された場合には、前記撮影条件指定手段により指定された撮影条件に基づいて得たＸ線発生条件を前記Ｘ線発生条件送信手段により送信させる。
【００３３】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、添付図面を参照して本発明の好適な実施の形態を詳細に説明する。
【００３４】
＜第１の実施形態＞
本実施の形態では、Ｘ線撮影の制御機能を有するＸ線画像収集装置について説明する。
【００３５】
図１は、Ｘ線画像読取装置の構成を表すブロック図である。まず、操作者はキーボードおよびマウスなどにより構成される指示・指定部１２１より患者名などの患者情報を入力し、検査開始処理を行う。
【００３６】
次に、操作者は、撮影する被写体１００を固体撮像素子１０１とＸ線管球１０２の間に配置する。次に、操作者が撮影する部位をユーザインターフェース（ユーザーＩＦ部１１９、ディスプレイ１２０、キーボード及びマウス１２１で構成される）を用いて選択することによりＸ線撮影条件を指定していることになる。
Ｘ線撮影条件が指定されると、Ｘ線発生装置制御部１０９にＧＥＮ／ＩＦ（Generation Interface）１１７を介して、指定されたＸ線撮影条件を送信する。この撮影条件の指定処理に関しては後段で詳しく説明を行う。
【００３７】
引き続き画像読取制御部１１３は、固体撮像素子駆動制御信号を用いて、固体撮像素子１０１に電圧を加え、固体撮像素子１０１に画像がいつ入力されても良い様に準備する。
【００３８】
曝射ボタン１１０は、Ｘ線管球１０２にＸ線を発生させるトリガとなる。この曝射ボタン１１０より発生する曝射信号１は、画像読取装置１１１内の画像読取制御部１１３へ一度入力される。画像読取制御部１１３では、固体撮像素子１０１が入力されたＸ線を画像化できる状態となっているかを、固体撮像素子１０１を含むユニットからの駆動通知信号の状態で確認した後、曝射許可信号を発生する。曝射許可信号は、曝射許可スイッチ１１４をオンにして、曝射信号１を、曝射信号２に導通させる。なお、曝射ボタン１１０は２段押しとなっていて、一段目（ファーストスイッチ）がＸ線発生器への電圧をかけるためのもので、２段目（セカンドスイッチ）がＸ線を曝射するものである。曝射信号は、曝射ボタン１１０のセカンドスイッチの押下に応じて発生される。
【００３９】
曝射信号２は、Ｘ線発生装置制御部１０９へ入力される。Ｘ線発生装置制御部１０９では、Ｘ線曝射の準備が整い次第、曝射信号３を出力して、先に指定したＸ線発生条件に従ってＸ線管球１０２よりＸ線を発生させる。曝射を受けた後、Ｘ線の透過線がグリッド１０４、およびシンチレータ１０３を介して、固体撮像素子１０１に画像として入力される。
【００４０】
固体撮像素子１０１はこの画像に対応した電気信号を生成し、これを読み出してＡ／Ｄ変換器１０７によりデジタル化して、画像読取制御部１１３に転送する。画像読取制御部１１３は、ＣＰＵ１１２により管理されている。ＣＰＵ１１２は、この他に、ＲＡＭ１１５、ＲＯＭ１１６、ＧＥＮ／ＩＦ１１７、ＬＡＮ／ＩＦ１１８、ＤＩＳＫ／ＩＦ１１９、不揮発性記憶装置１２２、ユーザＩＦ部１１９とバス１２３を介して繋がれている。
【００４１】
また、外部のＸ線発生条件送信装置との接続は、ＧＥＮ／ＩＦ１１７を用いて行われる。また本ＧＥＮ／ＩＦ１１７は、複数の外部のＸ線発生条件送信装置と通信できるように設計されている。
【００４２】
不揮発性記憶装置１２２としては、本実施形態では、一例としてハードディスクを用いるものとする。また、ユーザＩＦ部１１９は、ディスプレイ１２０およびキーボード及びマウスなどからなる指示・指定部１２１と接続し、ユーザとのインターフェースを行っている。Ａ／Ｄ変換機１０８より画像読取制御部１１３に入力された画像（デジタル画像）は一度ＲＡＭ１１５上に格納され、ＣＰＵ１１２により様々な処理を行う。
【００４３】
図２は、本発明の第１の実施形態におけるＸ線撮影制御装置の機能構成を示すブロック図である。
【００４４】
図２に示すように、Ｘ線撮影制御装置１はＸ線発生装置２及びＸ線発生条件送信装置３に接続して用いられる。なお、Ｘ線撮影制御装置１は複数のＸ線発生条件送信装置に接続できるように構成することも可能であるが、説明の簡略化のため、ここではＸ線発送条件送信装置３の１台に接続するものとする。Ｘ線撮影制御装置１は、Ｘ線発送条件送信装置３から送信されるＸ線発生条件を受信するＸ線発生条件受信部１１と、Ｘ線発生装置２へＸ線発生条件を送信するＸ線発生条件送信部１２と、コントロール部１３と、操作部１４とを有する。また、操作部１４は、撮影条件を指定するための撮影条件指定部１５と、表示部１６とを有する。
【００４５】
なお、Ｘ線発生条件受信部１１及びＸ線発生条件送信部１２は図１のＧＥＮ／ＩＦ１１７に対応し、コントロール部１３は、ＣＰＵ１１２、画像読取制御部１１３、ＲＡＭ１１５、ＲＯＭ１１６、ＬＡＮ／ＩＦ１１８、ＤＩＳＫ／１Ｆ１１９、不揮発性記憶装置１２２に対応し、撮影条件指定部１５は指示・指定部１２１に対応し、表示部１６は表示部１２０に対応する。
【００４６】
図２に示すＸ線撮影制御装置１の動作を、図３の状態遷移図および図４のＸ線発生条件の設定手順を示すフローチャートを参照しながら説明を行う。
【００４７】
まず撮影条件指定部１５により撮影する部位が設定されると（ステップＳ１００でＹＥＳ）、ステップＳ１０１へ進み、すでにＸ線発生条件が設定されているかどうかを判断する。未設定であると判断すると（ステップＳ１０１でＮＯ）、ステップＳ１０２でコントロール部１３は、設定の内容に対応して記憶されているＸ線発生条件をＸ線発生条件送信部１２を介してＸ線発生装置２に送ることにより、指定されたＸ線発生条件を設定する（図３の１Ａ状態）。Ｘ線発生条件の指定は何度行ってもよく、ステップＳ１０２で設定後はステップＳ１００へ戻る。新たな指定がなされると（ステップＳ１００でＹＥＳ、ステップＳ１０１でＹＥＳ）、ステップＳ１０３へ進む。
【００４８】
ステップＳ１０３では外部のＸ線発生条件送信装置３の指定によるＸ線発生条件がすでに設定されているかどうかを判断し、設定されている場合には（ステップＳ１０３でＹＥＳ）、外部のＸ線発生条件送受信装置３からの撮影条件指定を取り消し、新たにＸ線撮影制御装置１の指定による発生条件に変更する旨を警告（ステップＳ１０４）した後に、ステップＳ１０２で変更を行う（図３の３Ａ状態）。
【００４９】
また、外部のＸ線発生条件送信装置３の指定によるＸ線発生条件が設定されていない場合（ステップＳ１０３でＮＯ）、設定されている条件はＸ線撮影制御装置１が指定した条件である。従ってステップＳ１０５で指定された内容が設定されている条件をキャンセルするものであるかどうかを判断し、そうでない場合には（ステップＳ１０５でＮＯ）ステップＳ１０２でＸ線発生条件の変更を行う（図３の２Ａ状態）。逆にキャンセルが指定されている場合（ステップＳ１０５でＹＥＳ）、ステップＳ１０６で条件がクリアされ、条件未設定と同じ状態となる（図３の２Ｃ状態）。
【００５０】
また、外部のＸ線発生条件送信装置３からＸ線発生条件を受信した場合（ステップＳ１０７でＹＥＳ）、すでにＸ線撮影制御装置１が指定した条件が設定されているかどうかを判断する（ステップＳ１０８）。設定されていなければ（ステップＳ１０８でＮＯ）、Ｘ線発生条件が未設定状態であるか、Ｘ線発生条件送信装置３が設定した条件であるので、ステップＳ１０２に進み、ステップＳ１０７で受信したＸ線発生条件をＸ線発生条件送信部１２を介してＸ線発生装置２へ送ることにより設定する（図３の１Ｂまたは３Ｂ状態）。逆にＸ線撮影制御装置１が指定した条件が設定されていれば（ステップＳ１０８でＹＥＳ）、ステップＳ１０７で受信した条件に設定せずに、ステップＳ１００に戻る（図３の２Ｂ状態）。ここで、Ｘ線発生条件送信装置３に条件を設定しない旨の警告表示を行うようにしてもよい。
【００５１】
なお、Ｘ線発生条件の設定が行われた後に、外部のＸ線発生条件送受信装置３からＸ線発生条件を受信した場合、この受信を正常として受信するか、設定エラーとするかはＸ線撮影制御装置１で設定できるようになっていて、Ｘ線発生条件送信部の内部実装にあわせて選択が可能である。これは、外部のＸ線発生条件送受信装置３が設定エラーを受け付けない実装の場合などに利用される。しかし、いずれの場合であっても、受信したＸ線発生条件のＸ線発生装置２への転送は行わない。そして、外部Ｘ線発生条件送受信装置３からの発生条件を送信しない状態の時は、表示部１６に色の付いた警告ランプを点灯して外部信号を受け付けない状態であることを示す。さらに、外部のＸ線発生条件送受信装置３からＸ線発生条件を受信した場合、例えばランプが点灯消滅を繰り返すことで、設定がＸ線発生装置に伝わっていない旨を操作者に示す。
【００５２】
なお、上記説明ではＸ線発生装置２に直接接続されているＸ線撮影制御装置１の優先度を、外部のＸ線発生条件送受信装置３の優先度よりも高く設定している場合について説明したが、本発明はこれに限るものではなく、優先順位を逆にすることも可能である。
【００５３】
上記の通り本発明の第１の実施形態によれば、使用者は、第１のＸ線撮影制御装置でＸ線発生装置にＸ線発生条件を指定し、指定を解除するまでの間に、第２のＸ線撮影制御装置から、第１のＸ線撮影制御装置経由でＸ線発生装置にＸ線発生条件を指定しても、第１のＸ線撮影制御装置がＸ線発生装置にその条件の転送を行わないが、第１のＸ線撮影制御装置による指定を解除した場合には、転送を行う。従って、Ｘ線発生装置に外部制御ポートが一つしかなくても、複数のＸ線撮影制御装置がＸ線発生装置と通信することが可能となり、操作上の利便性を向上することができる。
【００５４】
さらに、第１のＸ線撮影制御装置経由で第２のＸ線撮影制御装置からＸ線発生装置に撮影条件を指定しても、その後に第１のＸ線撮影制御装置でＸ線発生装置にＸ線発生条件を指定した場合は、第１のＸ線撮影制御装置が指定したＸ線発生条件をＸ線発生装置に転送する。このように、複数のＸ線撮影制御装置が接続されている場合に、Ｘ線発生装置に直接接続される撮影機器をメインにして撮影を行うので、Ｘ線発生条件設定を混乱無く指定することが可能となる。
【００５５】
＜第２の実施形態＞
次に、本発明の第２の実施形態について説明する。
【００５６】
図４に、第２の実施形態で使用するＸ線撮影制御装置の機能構成図を示す。上記第１の実施形態で説明した図２との相違点は、Ｘ線発生条件送受信部５がＸ線発生条件送信装置３の代わりに接続されており、これに応じて、Ｘ線発生装置４からＸ線撮影の実施条件（Ｘ線実施条件）を受信するためのＸ線実施条件受信部２３と、受信したＸ線実施条件をＸ線発生条件送受信部５に送信するためのＸ線実施条件送信部２２とをさらに有している点である。
【００５７】
従って、図１に示す構成では、撮影後に、実際に曝射に用いられたＸ線撮影実施条件をＸ線発生装置よりＧＥＮ／ＩＦ１７を介して入力され、受信したＸ線実施条件はやはりＧＥＮ／ＩＦ１１７を介して、Ｘ線発生条件送受信装置５に送信される。
【００５８】
次に、図５に示すＸ線撮影制御装置１の動作を説明する。なお、Ｘ線発生条件の設定手順は上記第１の実施形態で図３及び図４を参照して説明したものと、同様であるので、ここでは説明を省略する。従って、設定されたＸ線発生条件に基づいて撮影が行われた後のＸ線実施条件を格納する手順を、図６及び図７のＸ線実施条件の格納手順を示すフローチャートを参照しながら説明を行う。
【００５９】
撮影が終了すると、Ｘ線実施条件がＸ線発生装置４よりＸ線撮影制御装置２１に送信され、Ｘ線実施条件受信部２３で受信する。Ｘ線撮影制御装置２１の指定によるＸ線発生条件の設定が行われている場合は（ステップＳ２０１でＹＥＳ）、受信された実施条件は、Ｘ線撮影制御装置２１内で記録され（ステップＳ２０２）、同時に条件未設定状態に移行する（ステップＳ２０４、図１の２Ｄ状態）。なお、外部のＸ線発生条件送受信装置５へは送信されない。
【００６０】
また、外部のＸ線発生条件送受信装置５から撮影条件が指定されている状態で、撮影が行われた場合（ステップＳ２０１でＮＯ）、受信した実施条件は、外部のＸ線発生条件送受信装置５へ転送され（ステップＳ２０３）、同時に条件未設定状態に移行する（ステップＳ２０４、図３の３Ｄ状態）。なお、Ｘ線撮影制御装置２１では実施条件の記録は行わない。
【００６１】
上記のような動作手順であれば、外部のＸ線発生条件送受信装置５が撮影条件設定を行った場合に、実際にはＸ線撮影制御装置２１からの撮影条件の指示で撮影が行われたとしても、Ｘ線発生条件送受信装置５は撮影が行われない状態が続いていると認識しているので、特段の障害にはならない。
【００６２】
なお、Ｘ線撮影が終了すると、終了指示が操作部１４から操作者により入力されるが、この際に内部状態は条件未設定状態に戻る。この為、Ｘ線撮影が終了すれば、外部のＸ線発生条件送受信装置５は再びＸ線発生装置４に実質的に撮影条件を転送することが可能となる。
【００６３】
上記の通り本発明の第２の実施形態によれば、第１のＸ線撮影制御装置でＸ線発生装置に撮影条件を指定し、指定に引き続き撮影が行われた場合、Ｘ線発生装置からのＸ線実施条件は第２のＸ線撮影制御装置へ送られず、第１のＸ線撮影制御装置が受信する。一方、第２のＸ線撮影制御装置から、第１のＸ線撮影制御装置経由でＸ線発生装置に撮影条件を指定し、指定に引き続き撮影が行われた場合、第１のＸ線撮影制御装置側が受信したＸ線実施条件は第２のＸ線撮影制御装置へ送られる。このように、複数のＸ線撮影制御装置が接続されている場合に、Ｘ線撮影後に得られるＸ線実施条件を、そのＸ線撮影で用いられたＸ線発生条件を指定したＸ線撮影制御装置が受け取ることができるので、Ｘ線実施条件の記録などに活用でき、操作上の利便性を向上する事ができる。
【００６４】
さらに、第２のＸ線撮影制御装置から、第１のＸ線撮影制御装置経由でＸ線発生装置に撮影条件を指定しても、その後に第１のＸ線撮影制御装置でＸ線発生装置にＸ線発生条件を指定していれば、指定に引き続き撮影が行われた場合、Ｘ線発生装置からの撮影実施条件は第２のＸ線撮影制御装置へ反映されず、第１のＸ線撮影制御装置が受信する。この為、Ｘ線発生装置に直接接続されるＸ線撮影制御装置をメインにして撮影を行うことで、Ｘ線実施条件を必要とするＸ線撮影制御装置に戻すことができる上に、混乱の無い撮影を達成できる。
【００６５】
＜第３の実施形態＞
図８は、図５に示すＸ線撮影制御装置に複数の外部のＸ線発生条件送受信装置５が接続された例である。この場合、最終的にＸ線撮影に使用されたＸ線発生条件がＸ線撮影制御装置３１からの指示によるものか、またはどのＸ線発生条件受信部（１１ａ〜１１ｎ）で得られたかをシステム内部に記憶しておく。そして、Ｘ線撮影が行われ、Ｘ線実施条件を受信すると、システム内部に記憶しておいた情報に基づいて、撮影に使用したＸ線発生条件を指定した装置に、受信したＸ線実施条件を送信する。
【００６６】
【他の実施形態】
なお、本発明は、複数の機器から構成されるシステムに適用しても、一つの機器からなる装置に適用してもよい。
【００６７】
また、本発明の目的は、前述した実施形態の機能を実現するソフトウェアのプログラムコードを記録した記憶媒体（または記録媒体）を、システムあるいは装置に供給し、そのシステムあるいは装置のコンピュータ（またはＣＰＵやＭＰＵ）が記憶媒体に格納されたプログラムコードを読み出し実行することによっても、達成されることは言うまでもない。この場合、記憶媒体から読み出されたプログラムコード自体が前述した実施形態の機能を実現することになり、そのプログラムコードを記憶した記憶媒体は本発明を構成することになる。また、コンピュータが読み出したプログラムコードを実行することにより、前述した実施形態の機能が実現されるだけでなく、そのプログラムコードの指示に基づき、コンピュータ上で稼働しているオペレーティングシステム（ＯＳ）などが実際の処理の一部または全部を行い、その処理によって前述した実施形態の機能が実現される場合も含まれることは言うまでもない。
【００６８】
さらに、記憶媒体から読み出されたプログラムコードが、コンピュータに挿入された機能拡張カードやコンピュータに接続された機能拡張ユニットに備わるメモリに書込まれた後、そのプログラムコードの指示に基づき、その機能拡張カードや機能拡張ユニットに備わるＣＰＵなどが実際の処理の一部または全部を行い、その処理によって前述した実施形態の機能が実現される場合も含まれることは言うまでもない。
【００６９】
本発明を上記記憶媒体に適用する場合、その記憶媒体には、先に説明した図４および/または図７に示す）フローチャートに対応するプログラムコードが格納されることになる。
【００７０】
【発明の効果】
本発明によれば、Ｘ線発生装置に外部制御ポートが一つしかなくても、複数のＸ線撮影制御装置がＸ線発生装置と通信することが可能となり、操作上の利便性を向上することができる。
【００７１】
また、複数のＸ線撮影制御装置が接続されている場合に、Ｘ線発生装置に直接接続されるＸ線撮影制御装置をメインにして撮影を行うので、Ｘ線発生条件設定を混乱無く指定することが可能となる。
【００７２】
また、複数のＸ線撮影制御装置が接続されている場合に、Ｘ線撮影後に得られるＸ線実施条件を、そのＸ線撮影で用いられたＸ線発生条件を指定したＸ線撮影制御装置が受け取ることができるので、Ｘ線実施条件の記録などに活用でき、操作上の利便性を向上する事ができる。
【００７３】
さらに、Ｘ線発生装置に直接接続されるＸ線撮影制御装置をメインにして撮影を行うことで、Ｘ線実施条件を必要とするＸ線撮影制御装置に戻すことができる上に、混乱の無い撮影を達成できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】Ｘ線画像読取装置の構成を示すブロック図である。
【図２】本発明の第１の実施形態にかかるＸ線撮影制御装置の機能構成を示すブロック図である。
【図３】本発明の第１の実施形態にかかるＸ線撮影制御装置の状態遷移図である。
【図４】本発明の第１の実施形態にかかるＸ線発生条件設定の手順を示すフローチャートである。
【図５】本発明の第２の実施形態にかかるＸ線撮影制御装置の機能構成を示すブロック図である。
【図６】本発明の第２の実施形態にかかるＸ線撮影制御装置の状態遷移図である。
【図７】本発明の第２の実施形態にかかるＸ線実施条件の格納手順を示すフローチャートである。
【図８】本発明の第３の実施形態にかかるＸ線撮影制御装置の機能構成を示すブロック図である。[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging control apparatus and a control method therefor.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, when performing an image diagnosis in the medical field, an X-ray film image has been applied to a Schaukasten and observed. However, since normal X-ray films are set so as to increase the contrast in the density range of about 1.0 to 1.5D, which is easy to observe because of the ease of observing the diagnostic region, However, if it deviates somewhat from the appropriate conditions, it will immediately overexpose or underexpose, which will adversely affect diagnosis by interpretation.
[0003]
On the other hand, with the development of computers in recent years, computerization has spread in the medical field. This trend is also rapid in the field of image diagnosis, and there is a remarkable spread in the spread of various CT, ultrasonic diagnostic equipment, diagnostic equipment using radioisotopes, and the like. Then, a concept of “total image diagnosis” has been generated in which various diagnostic devices are connected by a computer and various modality images are comprehensively diagnosed. However, X-ray film images are essentially analog images, and are the most frequently used and most important in image diagnosis. It was an obstacle to computerization.
[0004]
However, in recent years, X-ray imaging using a solid-state imaging device or the like has been developed, and X-ray image digital image reading / imaging using a computer has also started gradually for X-ray images. If this X-ray image digital imaging apparatus is used, it is possible to adjust the contrast of an image that has already been imaged, or to immediately re-image if imaging fails. Therefore, even if the X-ray dose according to the region to be imaged is excessive or small, correction after imaging can be performed within a certain range.
[0005]
However, when an X-ray image digital imaging apparatus is used, if the subject receives a large amount of X-ray, the amount of exposure increases. Therefore, the X-ray dose received by the subject is kept to a minimum, and the image quality is sufficient for diagnosis. Needless to say, it is important to keep shooting.
[0006]
Therefore, conventionally, an X-ray digital image acquisition device and an X-ray generation device are combined, and an X-ray generation condition optimal for a region to be imaged is sent to the X-ray generation device in advance before imaging, and the X-ray generation device generation condition By controlling the above, there has been established a method for taking an image while minimizing the X-ray dose received by the subject and maintaining an image quality sufficient for diagnosis.
[0007]
In addition, when the X-ray image digital image acquisition device is used, since the X-ray imaging execution conditions (X-ray execution conditions) and the like can be recorded as supplementary information of the image, A method of input is required.
[0008]
Therefore, in the combined X-ray digital imaging control apparatus and X-ray generation apparatus, the X-ray execution conditions are transmitted to the X-ray digital image acquisition apparatus, so that the X-ray generation conditions are not input again. In addition, there is a method in which the X-ray execution conditions are recorded as they are as incidental information of a photographed image.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, there are cases where the X-ray generator has only one external imaging condition input unit such as an X-ray digital image acquisition device depending on the model. In that case, a plurality of X-ray digital image acquisition devices are connected. There was a problem that it was impossible to do.
[0010]
Further, when only one external imaging condition input unit is provided, there is a problem that it is impossible to output the execution conditions to a plurality of X-ray digital image acquisition apparatuses.
[0011]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and enables a plurality of X-ray imaging control apparatuses to communicate with an X-ray generation apparatus even if the X-ray generation apparatus has only one external control port. The first object is to improve operational convenience.
[0012]
A second object is to specify the X-ray generation condition setting without confusion even when a plurality of X-ray imaging control apparatuses are connected.
[0013]
Further, when a plurality of X-ray imaging control devices are connected, the X-ray execution conditions obtained after X-ray imaging are set to the X-ray imaging control device that specifies the X-ray generation conditions used in the X-ray imaging. It is a third object to enable transmission and improve operational convenience.
[0014]
Furthermore, even when a plurality of X-ray imaging control apparatuses are connected, the fourth object is to return to the X-ray imaging control apparatus that requires X-ray execution conditions and achieve imaging without confusion.
[0019]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An X-ray imaging control apparatus according to the present invention includes an imaging condition specifying means for specifying an imaging condition, an X-ray generation condition receiving means for receiving an X-ray generation condition from the outside, and an X-ray generation condition as an X-ray generation condition. Any of an X-ray generation condition transmitting means for transmitting to the apparatus, an X-ray generation condition obtained based on an imaging condition designated by the imaging condition designating means, and an X-ray generation condition received from the X-ray generation condition receiving means Control means for controlling one of them to be transmitted by the X-ray generation condition transmission means, and the control means generates X-rays obtained based on an imaging condition designated by the imaging condition designation means The condition is used preferentially over the X-ray generation condition received from the X-ray generation condition receiving means,When the X-ray generation condition is received from the X-ray generation condition receiving means and the imaging condition specifying means specifies an imaging condition prior to reception, the X-ray generation condition transmitting means transmits the X-ray. Transmission of the X-ray generation condition received from the generation condition receiving unit is stopped, and if not designated, the X-ray generation condition transmission unit transmits the X-ray generation condition.
  Further, the control method of the present invention of an X-ray imaging control apparatus having an imaging condition designating unit for designating an imaging condition and an X-ray generation condition receiving unit for receiving an X-ray generation condition from the outside includes the imaging method described above. A transmission step of transmitting any one of the X-ray generation condition obtained based on the imaging condition designated by the condition designation unit and the X-ray generation condition received from the X-ray generation condition reception unit to the X-ray generation apparatus. And in the transmitting step, the X-ray generation condition obtained based on the imaging condition designated by the imaging condition designation unit is prioritized over the X-ray generation condition received from the X-ray generation condition receiving unit. When the X-ray generation condition is received from the X-ray generation condition receiving unit and the imaging condition is specified by the imaging condition specifying unit prior to reception, the X-ray generation condition transmitting unit transmits the X-ray generation condition. X-ray Stops transmission of the X-ray generation conditions received from the raw condition reception means, if not specified, and transmits the X-ray generating condition by said X-ray generating condition transmitting means.
[0020]
  According to another configuration, the X-ray imaging control apparatus of the present invention includes an imaging condition specifying unit for specifying an imaging condition, and an X-ray generation condition receiving unit for receiving an X-ray generation condition from the outside. From the X-ray generation condition transmitting means for transmitting the X-ray generation conditions to the X-ray generation apparatus, the X-ray generation condition obtained based on the imaging conditions designated by the imaging condition designating means, and the X-ray generation condition receiving means Control means for controlling so that any one of the received X-ray generation conditions is transmitted by the X-ray generation condition transmission means, wherein the control means is an imaging designated by the imaging condition designation means. The X-ray generation condition obtained based on the conditions is used in preference to the X-ray generation condition received from the X-ray generation condition receiving means.When the imaging condition specifying unit specifies the imaging condition, the display unit further includes a display unit for displaying that the X-ray generation condition received by the X-ray generation condition receiving unit is not transmitted by the X-ray generation condition transmitting unit.
  Further, the control method of the present invention of an X-ray imaging control apparatus having an imaging condition designating unit for designating an imaging condition and an X-ray generation condition receiving unit for receiving an X-ray generation condition from the outside includes the imaging method described above. A transmission step of transmitting any one of the X-ray generation condition obtained based on the imaging condition designated by the condition designation unit and the X-ray generation condition received from the X-ray generation condition reception unit to the X-ray generation apparatus. And in the transmitting step, the X-ray generation condition obtained based on the imaging condition designated by the imaging condition designation unit is prioritized over the X-ray generation condition received from the X-ray generation condition receiving unit. A display step of displaying on the display means that the X-ray generation condition received by the X-ray generation condition receiving unit is not transmitted in the transmission step when the imaging condition is specified by the imaging condition specifying unit. That.
[0022]
  According to still another configuration, the X-ray imaging control apparatus of the present invention includes an imaging condition specifying unit for specifying an imaging condition, an X-ray generation condition receiving unit for receiving an X-ray generation condition from the outside, X-ray generation condition transmitting means for transmitting X-ray generation conditions to the X-ray generation apparatus, X-ray generation conditions obtained based on the imaging conditions designated by the imaging condition designating means, and reception from the X-ray generation condition receiving means Control means for controlling so that any one of the generated X-ray generation conditions is transmitted by the X-ray generation condition transmission means, wherein the control means is an imaging condition designated by the imaging condition designation means The X-ray generation condition obtained based on the X-ray generation condition is used preferentially over the X-ray generation condition received from the X-ray generation condition receiving means.When the imaging condition designation unit cancels the designation prior to receiving the X-ray generation condition from the X-ray generation condition reception unit, the control unit sets the X-ray generation condition to the X-ray generation condition transmission unit. To send.
  Further, the control method of the present invention of an X-ray imaging control apparatus having an imaging condition designating unit for designating an imaging condition and an X-ray generation condition receiving unit for receiving an X-ray generation condition from the outside includes the imaging method described above. A transmission step of transmitting any one of the X-ray generation condition obtained based on the imaging condition designated by the condition designation unit and the X-ray generation condition received from the X-ray generation condition reception unit to the X-ray generation apparatus. And in the transmitting step, the X-ray generation condition obtained based on the imaging condition designated by the imaging condition designation unit is prioritized over the X-ray generation condition received from the X-ray generation condition receiving unit. If the imaging condition is specified by the imaging condition specifying means after the X-ray generation condition received from the X-ray generation condition receiving means is transmitted in the transmission step, the imaging condition specified by the imaging condition specifying means is specified. Further comprising the step of further transmitting the obtained X-ray generation conditions based on conditions.
[0023]
Preferably, when the imaging condition is specified by the imaging condition specifying unit after the X-ray generation condition received from the X-ray generation condition receiving unit is transmitted by the X-ray generation condition transmitting unit, the imaging condition is specified. X-ray generation conditions obtained based on the imaging conditions designated by the designation means are transmitted by the X-ray generation condition transmission means.
[0033]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0034]
<First Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, an X-ray image acquisition apparatus having an X-ray imaging control function will be described.
[0035]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the X-ray image reading apparatus. First, an operator inputs patient information such as a patient name from an instruction / designation unit 121 including a keyboard and a mouse, and performs an examination start process.
[0036]
Next, the operator places the subject 100 to be photographed between the solid-state imaging device 101 and the X-ray tube 102. Next, an X-ray imaging condition is specified by selecting a part to be imaged by the operator using a user interface (comprising a user IF unit 119, a display 120, a keyboard, and a mouse 121).
When the X-ray imaging conditions are designated, the designated X-ray imaging conditions are transmitted to the X-ray generator control unit 109 via a GEN / IF (Generation Interface) 117. This imaging condition designation process will be described in detail later.
[0037]
Subsequently, the image reading control unit 113 applies a voltage to the solid-state image sensor 101 using the solid-state image sensor drive control signal, and prepares for the image to be input to the solid-state image sensor 101 at any time.
[0038]
The exposure button 110 serves as a trigger for causing the X-ray tube 102 to generate X-rays. The exposure signal 1 generated from the exposure button 110 is input once to the image reading control unit 113 in the image reading device 111. In the image reading control unit 113, after confirming whether the solid-state image sensor 101 is in a state in which the input X-rays can be imaged in the state of the drive notification signal from the unit including the solid-state image sensor 101, exposure permission is given. Generate a signal. The exposure permission signal turns on the exposure permission switch 114 so that the exposure signal 1 is conducted to the exposure signal 2. The exposure button 110 is pressed in two stages, and the first stage (first switch) is for applying voltage to the X-ray generator, and the second stage (second switch) exposes the X-rays. Is. The exposure signal is generated in response to pressing of the second switch of the exposure button 110.
[0039]
The exposure signal 2 is input to the X-ray generator control unit 109. The X-ray generator control unit 109 outputs an exposure signal 3 as soon as preparation for X-ray exposure is completed, and X-rays are generated from the X-ray tube 102 in accordance with the previously specified X-ray generation conditions. After the exposure, X-ray transmission lines are input as an image to the solid-state imaging device 101 via the grid 104 and the scintillator 103.
[0040]
The solid-state image sensor 101 generates an electrical signal corresponding to this image, reads it, digitizes it by the A / D converter 107, and transfers it to the image reading control unit 113. The image reading control unit 113 is managed by the CPU 112. In addition, the CPU 112 is connected to the RAM 115, ROM 116, GEN / IF 117, LAN / IF 118, DISK / IF 119, nonvolatile storage device 122, and user IF unit 119 via the bus 123.
[0041]
Connection with an external X-ray generation condition transmitter is performed using GEN / IF 117. The GEN / IF 117 is designed to communicate with a plurality of external X-ray generation condition transmission apparatuses.
[0042]
In the present embodiment, a hard disk is used as an example of the nonvolatile storage device 122. The user IF unit 119 is connected to the display 120 and an instruction / designation unit 121 including a keyboard and a mouse to interface with the user. An image (digital image) input from the A / D converter 108 to the image reading control unit 113 is once stored in the RAM 115 and subjected to various processes by the CPU 112.
[0043]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the X-ray imaging control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0044]
As shown in FIG. 2, the X-ray imaging control apparatus 1 is used by being connected to an X-ray generation apparatus 2 and an X-ray generation condition transmission apparatus 3. Note that the X-ray imaging control apparatus 1 can be configured to be connected to a plurality of X-ray generation condition transmission apparatuses. However, for simplification of description, one X-ray shipping condition transmission apparatus 3 is used here. Shall be connected to The X-ray imaging control apparatus 1 includes an X-ray generation condition receiving unit 11 that receives an X-ray generation condition transmitted from the X-ray sending condition transmission apparatus 3 and an X-ray that transmits the X-ray generation condition to the X-ray generation apparatus 2. The generation condition transmission unit 12, the control unit 13, and the operation unit 14 are included. In addition, the operation unit 14 includes a shooting condition designating unit 15 for designating shooting conditions and a display unit 16.
[0045]
The X-ray generation condition reception unit 11 and the X-ray generation condition transmission unit 12 correspond to the GEN / IF 117 in FIG. 1, and the control unit 13 includes the CPU 112, the image reading control unit 113, the RAM 115, the ROM 116, the LAN / IF 118, and the DISK. / 1F119 corresponds to the non-volatile storage device 122, the imaging condition designation unit 15 corresponds to the instruction / designation unit 121, and the display unit 16 corresponds to the display unit 120.
[0046]
The operation of the X-ray imaging control apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to the state transition diagram of FIG. 3 and the flowchart showing the X-ray generation condition setting procedure of FIG.
[0047]
First, when a region to be imaged is set by the imaging condition designating unit 15 (YES in step S100), the process proceeds to step S101, and it is determined whether or not an X-ray generation condition has already been set. If it is determined that it has not been set (NO in step S101), in step S102, the control unit 13 uses the X-ray generation condition transmission unit 12 to store the X-ray generation conditions stored corresponding to the set contents. The designated X-ray generation conditions are set by sending the data to the generator 2 (state 1A in FIG. 3). The designation of the X-ray generation condition may be performed any number of times. After setting in step S102, the process returns to step S100. When a new designation is made (YES in step S100, YES in step S101), the process proceeds to step S103.
[0048]
In step S103, it is determined whether or not the X-ray generation condition specified by the external X-ray generation condition transmitter 3 is already set. If it is set (YES in step S103), the external X-ray generation condition is set. After the imaging condition designation from the transmission / reception apparatus 3 is canceled and a warning is given that the condition is newly changed to the generation condition designated by the X-ray imaging control apparatus 1 (step S104), the change is made in step S102 (state 3A in FIG. 3). .
[0049]
If the X-ray generation condition specified by the external X-ray generation condition transmitter 3 is not set (NO in step S103), the set condition is the condition specified by the X-ray imaging control apparatus 1. Accordingly, it is determined whether or not the condition set in step S105 is to cancel the condition, and if not (NO in step S105), the X-ray generation condition is changed in step S102 (FIG. 3 2A state). Conversely, when cancel is designated (YES in step S105), the condition is cleared in step S106, and the state is the same as when no condition is set (2C state in FIG. 3).
[0050]
When the X-ray generation condition is received from the external X-ray generation condition transmission apparatus 3 (YES in step S107), it is determined whether or not the condition specified by the X-ray imaging control apparatus 1 has already been set (step S108). ). If it is not set (NO in step S108), the X-ray generation condition is not set or the condition set by the X-ray generation condition transmission apparatus 3, so the process proceeds to step S102, and the X received in step S107. The line generation conditions are set by sending them to the X-ray generation apparatus 2 via the X-ray generation condition transmission unit 12 (1B or 3B state in FIG. 3). Conversely, if the condition specified by the X-ray imaging control apparatus 1 is set (YES in step S108), the process returns to step S100 without setting the condition received in step S107 (state 2B in FIG. 3). Here, a warning display may be made to the effect that the condition is not set in the X-ray generation condition transmitter 3.
[0051]
If the X-ray generation condition is received from the external X-ray generation condition transmitter / receiver 3 after the X-ray generation condition is set, whether the reception is normal or a setting error is determined. It can be set by the imaging control apparatus 1 and can be selected according to the internal implementation of the X-ray generation condition transmission unit. This is used when the external X-ray generation condition transmitting / receiving apparatus 3 is mounted so as not to accept a setting error. However, in any case, the received X-ray generation conditions are not transferred to the X-ray generator 2. When the generation condition from the external X-ray generation condition transmitter / receiver 3 is not transmitted, a colored warning lamp is lit on the display unit 16 to indicate that the external signal is not accepted. Further, when the X-ray generation condition is received from the external X-ray generation condition transmitter / receiver 3, for example, the lamp is repeatedly turned off and extinguished to indicate to the operator that the setting is not transmitted to the X-ray generation apparatus.
[0052]
In the above description, the case where the priority of the X-ray imaging control apparatus 1 directly connected to the X-ray generation apparatus 2 is set higher than the priority of the external X-ray generation condition transmission / reception apparatus 3 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the priority order can be reversed.
[0053]
As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the user designates the X-ray generation condition to the X-ray generation apparatus with the first X-ray imaging control apparatus, and cancels the designation. Even if the X-ray generation condition is specified from the second X-ray imaging control device to the X-ray generation device via the first X-ray imaging control device, the first X-ray imaging control device is assigned to the X-ray generation device. The condition is not transferred, but is transferred when the designation by the first X-ray imaging control apparatus is cancelled. Therefore, even if the X-ray generation apparatus has only one external control port, a plurality of X-ray imaging control apparatuses can communicate with the X-ray generation apparatus, and the operational convenience can be improved.
[0054]
Furthermore, even if the imaging conditions are specified from the second X-ray imaging control apparatus to the X-ray generation apparatus via the first X-ray imaging control apparatus, the first X-ray imaging control apparatus then switches to the X-ray generation apparatus. When the X-ray generation condition is specified, the X-ray generation condition specified by the first X-ray imaging control apparatus is transferred to the X-ray generation apparatus. As described above, when a plurality of X-ray imaging control devices are connected, imaging is performed mainly with the imaging equipment directly connected to the X-ray generation device, so the X-ray generation condition setting should be specified without confusion. Is possible.
[0055]
<Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0056]
FIG. 4 is a functional configuration diagram of the X-ray imaging control apparatus used in the second embodiment. The difference from FIG. 2 described in the first embodiment is that the X-ray generation condition transmission / reception unit 5 is connected instead of the X-ray generation condition transmission apparatus 3, and accordingly, the X-ray generation apparatus 4. X-ray execution condition receiving unit 23 for receiving the X-ray imaging execution condition (X-ray execution condition) from X, and the X-ray execution condition for transmitting the received X-ray execution condition to the X-ray generation condition transmitting / receiving unit 5 The transmitter 22 is further included.
[0057]
Therefore, in the configuration shown in FIG. 1, after imaging, the X-ray imaging execution conditions actually used for exposure are input from the X-ray generator via the GEN / IF 17, and the received X-ray execution conditions are still GEN / IF. The data is transmitted to the X-ray generation condition transmission / reception device 5 via the IF 117.
[0058]
Next, the operation of the X-ray imaging control apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 5 will be described. Since the procedure for setting the X-ray generation conditions is the same as that described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted here. Accordingly, the procedure for storing the X-ray execution conditions after the imaging is performed based on the set X-ray generation conditions will be described with reference to the flowcharts showing the X-ray execution condition storage procedures in FIGS. 6 and 7. I do.
[0059]
When the imaging is completed, the X-ray execution conditions are transmitted from the X-ray generator 4 to the X-ray imaging control device 21 and received by the X-ray execution condition receiving unit 23. When the X-ray generation condition is set by the designation of the X-ray imaging control device 21 (YES in step S201), the received execution condition is recorded in the X-ray imaging control device 21 (step S202). At the same time, the process shifts to the condition unset state (step S204, 2D state in FIG. 1). It is not transmitted to the external X-ray generation condition transmitter / receiver 5.
[0060]
When imaging is performed in a state where imaging conditions are specified from the external X-ray generation condition transmission / reception device 5 (NO in step S201), the received execution condition is the external X-ray generation condition transmission / reception device 5 (Step S203), and at the same time, the state shifts to a condition unset state (Step S204, 3D state of FIG. 3). Note that the X-ray imaging control apparatus 21 does not record the execution conditions.
[0061]
In the case of the above operation procedure, when the external X-ray generation condition transmitting / receiving apparatus 5 sets the imaging conditions, the imaging is actually performed in accordance with the imaging condition instruction from the X-ray imaging control apparatus 21. However, since the X-ray generation condition transmitting / receiving apparatus 5 recognizes that the state in which imaging is not performed continues, there is no particular obstacle.
[0062]
When the X-ray imaging is completed, an end instruction is input from the operation unit 14 by the operator. At this time, the internal state returns to the condition unset state. Therefore, when the X-ray imaging is completed, the external X-ray generation condition transmission / reception device 5 can substantially transfer the imaging conditions to the X-ray generation device 4 again.
[0063]
As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when an imaging condition is specified for the X-ray generator by the first X-ray imaging controller, and imaging is performed following the specification, the X-ray generator The X-ray execution conditions are not sent to the second X-ray imaging control apparatus, but are received by the first X-ray imaging control apparatus. On the other hand, when an imaging condition is specified from the second X-ray imaging control apparatus to the X-ray generation apparatus via the first X-ray imaging control apparatus, and imaging is performed following the specification, the first X-ray imaging control is performed. The X-ray execution conditions received by the apparatus side are sent to the second X-ray imaging control apparatus. As described above, when a plurality of X-ray imaging control apparatuses are connected, the X-ray imaging control conditions specifying the X-ray generation conditions used in the X-ray imaging are used as the X-ray execution conditions obtained after the X-ray imaging. Since it can be received by the apparatus, it can be used for recording X-ray execution conditions and the like, and the convenience in operation can be improved.
[0064]
Furthermore, even if an imaging condition is designated from the second X-ray imaging control apparatus to the X-ray generation apparatus via the first X-ray imaging control apparatus, the X-ray generation apparatus is subsequently used by the first X-ray imaging control apparatus. If the X-ray generation condition is specified in the above, when imaging is performed following the specification, the imaging execution condition from the X-ray generation apparatus is not reflected on the second X-ray imaging control apparatus, and the first X-ray generation condition is not reflected. Received by the imaging control device. For this reason, it is possible to return to the X-ray imaging control apparatus that requires the X-ray execution conditions by performing imaging with the X-ray imaging control apparatus directly connected to the X-ray generation apparatus as the main, and it is confusing. No shooting can be achieved.
[0065]
<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 8 shows an example in which a plurality of external X-ray generation condition transmitting / receiving apparatuses 5 are connected to the X-ray imaging control apparatus shown in FIG. In this case, the system determines whether the X-ray generation conditions finally used for X-ray imaging are based on an instruction from the X-ray imaging control device 31 or which X-ray generation condition receiving unit (11a to 11n) has obtained. Remember it inside. When the X-ray imaging is performed and the X-ray execution conditions are received, the received X-ray execution conditions are transmitted to the apparatus that specifies the X-ray generation conditions used for the imaging based on the information stored in the system. Send.
[0066]
[Other Embodiments]
Note that the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device.
[0067]
Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or recording medium) in which a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or CPU) of the system or apparatus. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by the MPU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.
[0068]
Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is determined based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0069]
When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4 and / or 7 described above.
[0070]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, even if the X-ray generation apparatus has only one external control port, a plurality of X-ray imaging control apparatuses can communicate with the X-ray generation apparatus, thereby improving operational convenience. be able to.
[0071]
In addition, when a plurality of X-ray imaging control devices are connected, the X-ray imaging control device directly connected to the X-ray generation device performs imaging, so the X-ray generation condition setting is specified without confusion. It becomes possible.
[0072]
In addition, when a plurality of X-ray imaging control devices are connected, an X-ray imaging control device that specifies the X-ray execution conditions obtained after X-ray imaging and the X-ray generation conditions used in the X-ray imaging. Since it can be received, it can be used for recording the X-ray execution conditions, and the convenience in operation can be improved.
[0073]
Furthermore, by performing imaging with the X-ray imaging control apparatus directly connected to the X-ray generation apparatus as the main, it is possible to return to the X-ray imaging control apparatus that requires X-ray execution conditions, and there is no confusion. Shooting can be achieved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an X-ray image reading apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the X-ray imaging control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a state transition diagram of the X-ray imaging control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure for setting an X-ray generation condition according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an X-ray imaging control apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a state transition diagram of the X-ray imaging control apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for storing X-ray execution conditions according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an X-ray imaging control apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

Shooting condition specifying means for specifying shooting conditions;
X-ray generation condition receiving means for receiving X-ray generation conditions from outside;
X-ray generation condition transmitting means for transmitting the X-ray generation condition to the X-ray generation device;
One of the X-ray generation condition obtained based on the imaging condition designated by the imaging condition designation unit and the X-ray generation condition received from the X-ray generation condition receiving unit is used as the X-ray generation condition transmission unit. And control means for controlling to transmit by
The control means preferentially uses the X-ray generation condition obtained based on the imaging condition specified by the imaging condition specifying means over the X-ray generation condition received from the X-ray generation condition receiving means,
When the X-ray generation condition is received from the X-ray generation condition receiving unit, if the imaging condition is specified by the imaging condition specifying unit prior to reception, the control unit transmits the X-ray generation condition transmission The transmission of the X-ray generation condition received from the X-ray generation condition reception means by the means is stopped, and if not specified, the X-ray generation condition transmission means transmits the X-ray generation condition. X- ray imaging control device.

When the imaging condition designating unit cancels the designation prior to receiving the X-ray generation condition receiving unit from the X-ray generation condition receiving unit, the control unit sets the X-ray generation condition to the X-ray generation condition transmitting unit. The X-ray imaging control apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein transmission is performed.

Shooting condition specifying means for specifying shooting conditions;
X-ray generation condition receiving means for receiving X-ray generation conditions from outside;
X-ray generation condition transmitting means for transmitting the X-ray generation condition to the X-ray generation device;
One of the X-ray generation condition obtained based on the imaging condition designated by the imaging condition designation unit and the X-ray generation condition received from the X-ray generation condition receiving unit is used as the X-ray generation condition transmission unit. And control means for controlling to transmit by
The control means preferentially uses the X-ray generation condition obtained based on the imaging condition specified by the imaging condition specifying means over the X-ray generation condition received from the X-ray generation condition receiving means,
When the imaging condition is specified by the imaging condition specifying unit, the display unit further includes a display unit for displaying that the X-ray generation condition received by the X-ray generation condition receiving unit is not transmitted by the X-ray generation condition transmitting unit. X-ray imaging control apparatus shall be the features.

Shooting condition specifying means for specifying shooting conditions;
X-ray generation condition receiving means for receiving X-ray generation conditions from outside;
X-ray generation condition transmitting means for transmitting the X-ray generation condition to the X-ray generation device;
One of the X-ray generation condition obtained based on the imaging condition designated by the imaging condition designation unit and the X-ray generation condition received from the X-ray generation condition receiving unit is used as the X-ray generation condition transmission unit. And control means for controlling to transmit by
The control means preferentially uses the X-ray generation condition obtained based on the imaging condition specified by the imaging condition specifying means over the X-ray generation condition received from the X-ray generation condition receiving means,
After the X-ray generation condition received from the X-ray generation condition receiving means is transmitted by the X-ray generation condition transmitting means, and when the imaging condition is specified by the imaging condition specifying means, the control means X-ray imaging control apparatus you characterized in that the X-ray generation conditions obtained on the basis of the specified photographing condition by condition designating means is transmitted by the X-ray generating condition transmitting means.

A control method for an X-ray imaging control apparatus comprising imaging condition specifying means for specifying imaging conditions and X-ray generation condition receiving means for receiving X-ray generation conditions from the outside,
Any one of the X-ray generation condition obtained based on the imaging condition designated by the imaging condition designation unit and the X-ray generation condition received from the X-ray generation condition receiving unit is transmitted to the X-ray generation apparatus. It has a transmission step,
In the transmitting step, the X-ray generation condition obtained based on the imaging condition specified by the imaging condition specifying means is treated with priority over the X-ray generation condition received from the X-ray generation condition receiving means,
When the X-ray generation condition is received from the X-ray generation condition receiving means and the imaging condition specifying means specifies an imaging condition prior to reception, the X-ray generation condition transmitting means transmits the X-ray. X-ray imaging control apparatus , wherein transmission of the X-ray generation condition received from the generation condition receiving means is stopped, and if not specified, the X-ray generation condition is transmitted by the X-ray generation condition transmission means Control method.

  A control method for an X-ray imaging control apparatus comprising imaging condition specifying means for specifying imaging conditions and X-ray generation condition receiving means for receiving X-ray generation conditions from the outside,
  Any one of the X-ray generation condition obtained based on the imaging condition designated by the imaging condition designation unit and the X-ray generation condition received from the X-ray generation condition receiving unit is transmitted to the X-ray generation apparatus. A transmission process,
  In the transmitting step, the X-ray generation condition obtained based on the imaging condition specified by the imaging condition specifying means is treated with priority over the X-ray generation condition received from the X-ray generation condition receiving means,
  And a display step of displaying on the display means that the X-ray generation condition received by the X-ray generation condition receiving unit is not transmitted in the transmission step when the imaging condition is specified by the imaging condition specifying unit. A control method of the X-ray imaging control apparatus.

  A control method for an X-ray imaging control apparatus comprising imaging condition specifying means for specifying imaging conditions and X-ray generation condition receiving means for receiving X-ray generation conditions from the outside,
  Any one of the X-ray generation condition obtained based on the imaging condition designated by the imaging condition designation unit and the X-ray generation condition received from the X-ray generation condition receiving unit is transmitted to the X-ray generation apparatus. A transmission process,
  In the transmitting step, the X-ray generation condition obtained based on the imaging condition specified by the imaging condition specifying means is treated with priority over the X-ray generation condition received from the X-ray generation condition receiving means,
  After the X-ray generation condition received from the X-ray generation condition receiving unit is transmitted in the transmission step, when the imaging condition is specified by the imaging condition specifying unit, the imaging condition specified by the imaging condition specifying unit is set. A method for controlling an X-ray imaging control apparatus, further comprising a step of further transmitting an X-ray generation condition obtained based on the X-ray imaging control apparatus.

A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute each step of the control method of the X-ray imaging control apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7.