RADIOGRAPHY CONTROL APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING CONTROL METHOD AND STORAGE MEDIUM

A radiography control apparatus includes a storage; a communicator that obtains irradiation information from an irradiation apparatus; and a hardware processor that: upon determining that the communicator obtains the irradiation information before a specific timing, executes image processing based on the irradiation information obtained from the communicator; and upon determining that the communicator does not obtain the irradiation information before the specific timing, executes the image processing based on information stored in advance in the storage.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-105988 filed on Jun. 25, 2021 is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a radiography control apparatus, an image processing control method and a storage medium.

Description of Related Art

When radiographs of a subject are taken with radiation passing through the subject, the radiation is scattered in the subject according to the thickness of the subject, and scattered radiation is generated accordingly. This scattered radiation generates low-contrast radiographs.

In order to prevent the scattered radiation from affecting radiographs obtained by imaging, scattered radiation correction is performed on the radiographs. (Refer to, for example, JP 2016-202219 A and JP 2017-225525 A.).

As disclosed in JP 2016-202219 A and JP 2017-225525 A, scattered radiation correction uses irradiation information (imaging distance (SID: source to image distance), exposure dose (product of tube current and time), tube voltage, tube current, irradiation time, material of target and filter of radiation source, type of imaging stand, radiation field size, grid information, type of radiation detector, etc. at the time of imaging) as processing parameters. In a conventional radiography control apparatus, for example, irradiation conditions (imaging distance, exposure dose, tube voltage, tube current, irradiation time, material of target and filter of radiation source, type of imaging stand, radiation field size, grid information, type of radiation detector, etc.) for each imaging region are stored in advance in a storage as fixed information, and at the time of imaging, the fixed information for the imaging region or the like is read from the storage and set in an irradiation apparatus as irradiation conditions, and then imaging is performed. However, depending on the physique or the like of an examinee, it is possible that an irradiation condition(s) is changed to be different from that of the fixed information at an irradiation apparatus and radiography is performed. Since a conventional radiography control apparatus uses fixed information as processing parameters in scattered radiation correction, if an irradiation condition is changed at an irradiation apparatus and imaging is performed, the radiography control apparatus cannot perform scattered radiation correction accurately and needs to perform it again (i.e., reprocessing), which is troublesome. In the case where an irradiation condition is changed at an irradiation apparatus and imaging is performed, it is conceivable that an operator inputs the irradiation information accordingly and scattered radiation correction is performed. However, it is troublesome and may cause incorrect input.

Meanwhile, irradiation apparatuses that send, after exposure, the irradiation information to a radiography control apparatus(es) require different lengths of time to send the irradiation information to the radiography control apparatus. Hence, if a radiography control apparatus always waits to perform scattered radiation correction until it receives the irradiation information, timing at which the radiography control apparatus performs scattered radiation correction may be delayed, which results in requirement of a long time to display an image.

Such troublesomeness and delay arise in not only scattered radiation correction but also any image processing that is performed by using the irradiation information.

SUMMARY

Advantages provided by one or more embodiments of the present disclosure include not causing delay in displaying an image, not giving an operator trouble of performing reprocessing or inputting the irradiation information, and improving accuracy of image processing.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a radiography control apparatus including:

an obtaining unit (i.e., communicator) that obtains irradiation information from an irradiation apparatus; and

a hardware processor that performs image processing based on the irradiation information obtained from the obtaining unit, wherein the hardware processor:in response to (upon determining that) the obtaining unit obtaining (obtains) the irradiation information before a specific timing, performs the image processing based on the irradiation information obtained from the obtaining unit; andin response to (upon determining that) the obtaining unit not obtaining (does not obtain) the irradiation information before the specific timing, performs the image processing based on information stored in advance in the radiography control apparatus.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an image processing control method including:

obtaining irradiation information from an irradiation apparatus; and

performing image processing based on the obtained irradiation information,wherein the performing includes:in response to obtaining the irradiation information before a specific timing (upon determining that the irradiation information is obtained before a specific timing), performing the image processing based on the irradiation information; andin response to not obtaining the irradiation information before the specific timing (upon determining that the irradiation information is not obtained before the specific timing), performing the image processing based on information stored in advance in a storage.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program that causes a computer to:

obtain irradiation information from an irradiation apparatus; and

perform image processing based on the obtained irradiation information,wherein the program causes the computer to:

in response to obtaining the irradiation information before a specific timing (upon determining that the irradiation information is obtained before a specific timing), perform the image processing based on the irradiation information; andin response to not obtaining the irradiation information before the specific timing (upon determining that the irradiation information is not obtained before the specific timing), perform the image processing based on information stored in advance in a storage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments or illustrated examples.

First, an outline of a radiographic system (hereinafter “system100”) according to one or more embodiments will be described.

FIG.1is a block diagram showing an example of the system100.

As shown inFIG.1, the system100includes a radiation detector (hereinafter “detector1”), a console2and an irradiation apparatus (hereinafter “irradiation apparatus3”).

These apparatuses1to3can communicate with one another, for example, via a communication network N (local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), Internet, etc.).

The system100is capable of communicating with a hospital information system (HIS), a radiology information system (RIS), a picture archiving and communication system (PACS), an analysis apparatus and so forth, all of which are not shown.

The irradiation apparatus3includes a generator31, an irradiation instructing switch32and a radiation source33.

When receiving irradiation conditions for irradiation with radiation R (tube voltage, tube current, irradiation time, exposure dose, imaging distance (SID, distance from the radiation source33to the detector1), grid information, material of target and filter of radiation source, type of imaging stand (e.g., for upright position or for decubitus position), radiation field size, type of detector, etc.) from the console2, the generator31sets the received irradiation conditions as irradiation conditions to be used for radiography (imaging).

The generator31may be connected to an imaging stand (imaging stand for upright position, imaging stand for decubitus position, etc.) that holds the detector1. In this case, on the basis of the type of imaging stand, the generator31moves the radiation source33to the front of the imaging stand to be used for imaging, or issues a warning if the detector1to be used is not mounted on the imaging stand.

The generator31is connected to a not-shown console panel, and when receiving a change made to an irradiation condition from this console panel, changes the setting of the irradiation condition in accordance with a value received/input. When the irradiation instructing switch32is operated, the generator31applies voltage suitable for the set irradiation conditions to the radiation source33(tube) and flows current suitable for the set irradiation conditions to the radiation source33.

When the generator31applies the voltage and flows the current to the radiation source33, the radiation source33generates and emits a dose of radiation R (e.g., X-rays) corresponding to the applied voltage and the flowed current in a mode suitable for the applied voltage and the flowed current.

Although not shown, the detector1includes a sensor substrate, a scanning circuit, a reading circuit, a controller and a communication unit. On the sensor substrate, pixels provided with radiation detecting elements and switching elements are arranged two-dimensionally (in a matrix). The radiation detecting elements generate electric charges corresponding to the dose of received radiation R. The switching elements accumulate and release the electric charges. The scanning circuit turns on and off each switching element. The reading circuit reads the amounts of the electric charges released from the respective pixels as signal values. The controller generates a radiograph from the signal values read by the reading circuit. The communication unit sends data of radiographs generated, various signals and so forth to the outside, and receives various pieces/types of information and various signals therefrom.

The detector1generates a radiograph corresponding to the dose of radiation R irradiated therewith, by accumulating and releasing electric charges and reading these as signal values in sync with being irradiated with the radiation R by the irradiation apparatus3.

The detector1is not limited to a flat panel detector (FPD), but may be a CR cassette having a photo stimulable phosphor plate therein.

The console2serves as a radiography control apparatus and is configured by a PC, a dedicated apparatus or the like. The console2sets, on the basis of examination order information received from a not-shown HIS, RIS or the like, irradiation conditions in the irradiation apparatus3and image reading conditions in the detector1. Further, the console2performs image processing including scattered radiation correction on radiographs sent from the detector1and displays the processed radiographs.

Details of the console2will be described below.

<2. Details of Console>

Next, details of the console2included in the system100will be described.

FIG.2is a block diagram of the console2.

[2.1 Specific Configuration of Console]

As shown inFIG.2, the console2includes a controller21(hardware processor), a storage22, a communication unit23(communicator or obtaining unit), a display24and an operation unit (user interface)25.

These components21to25are electrically connected to one another by a bus or the like.

The controller21includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU of the controller21reads various programs stored in the storage22, loads the read programs to the RAM, performs various processes in accordance with the loaded programs, and performs centralized control of operation of the components of the console2.

The storage22includes a nonvolatile memory, a hard disk and/or the like.

The storage22stores various programs that are executed by the CPU, parameters necessary for execution of the programs, and so forth.

In one or more embodiments, the storage22stores a fixed information table221in which default (standard) imaging conditions for each imaging region are stored.

FIG.3shows an example of the fixed information table221. As shown inFIG.3, in the fixed information table221, each imaging region (e.g., “Head, Front”, “Chest, Front”, “Abdomen, Front”, . . . ) is associated and stored with imaging conditions including irradiation conditions, examples of which include tube voltage, tube current, irradiation time, exposure dose, imaging distance, grid information, material(s) of a target and a filter of a radiation source, type of imaging stand, radiation field size, and type of radiation detector.

The fixed information table221is set by a technical expert at the time of installation of the console2.

The storage22further stores examination order information received from an HIS, RIS or the like.

The storage22further stores each processed radiograph associated with, for example, an irradiation result flag indicating whether irradiation information has been applied (used) as processing parameters, processing parameters, patient information and examination information.

The communication unit23is configured by a communication module that may comprise a central processing unit (CPU) and transmitter/receiver, or the like. The communication unit23sends and receives various signals and various data to and from other apparatuses (detector1, irradiation apparatus3, etc.) connected thereto via the communication network N with wires or wirelessly.

The display24is configured by a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT) or the like. The display24displays various screens in accordance with image signals received from the controller21.

The operation unit25includes a keyboard (cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, etc.), a pointing device (mouse, etc.) and/or a touchscreen overlaid on the surface of the display24. The operation unit25outputs, to the controller21, control signals corresponding to operations made by a user.

The console2may not include the display24and/or the operation unit25, and may receive control signals from an input apparatus provided separately from the console2and/or output image signals to a display apparatus (monitor) provided separately from the console2through the communication unit23or the like, for example.

[2-2. Operation of Console]

The controller21of the console2configured as described above operates as follows.

For example, when receiving examination order information from a not-shown HIS, RIS or the like through the communication unit23, the controller21stores the received examination order information in the storage22and also displays the received examination order information in a not-shown examination list screen on the display24. The examination order information includes an examination ID, an examination date, patient information, and imaging information (imaging region, imaging direction, posture, etc.) on each imaging included in the examination. When examination order information about an examination to be performed is selected from the examination list screen, the controller21causes the display24to display an examination screen241.

FIG.4shows an example of the examination screen241. As shown inFIG.4, the examination screen241includes imaging condition buttons241a, thumbnail display areas241b, an image display area241c, a patient information display area241d, an image adjustment menu area241eand an examination end button241i.

The imaging condition buttons241aare buttons each corresponding to each imaging included in examination order information, and are for setting imaging conditions (irradiation conditions and image reading conditions) for each imaging in the irradiation apparatus3and the detector1. On the imaging condition buttons241a, in order to distinguish imagings included in examination order information, imaging regions or the like of the respective imagings are displayed, for example.

The thumbnail display areas241bare each an area where a thumbnail image of a radiograph obtained by radiography performed in response to a press on its adjacent imaging condition button241ais displayed.

The image display area241cis an area where a radiograph obtained by radiography is displayed.

The patient information display area241dis an area where patient information on a patient (examinee) as an examination target is displayed.

The image adjustment menu area241eis an area where an image adjustment menu for the radiograph displayed in the image display area241cis displayed.

The examination end button241iis a button for the operator (user) to make an instruction to end an examination.

The operator presses one of the imaging condition buttons241aon the examination screen241for radiography (imaging) to be performed next, and prepares for imaging.

When the operator presses one of the imaging condition buttons241aon the examination screen241by operating the operation unit25, the controller21reads imaging conditions corresponding to the pressed imaging condition button241afrom the fixed information table221in the storage22, and sends, of the fixed information, irradiation conditions (e.g., tube voltage, tube current, irradiation time, exposure dose, imaging distance, grid information, material of target and filter of radiation source, type of imaging stand, radiation field size, type of radiation detector, etc.) to the generator31of the irradiation apparatus3and image reading conditions to the detector1, through the communication unit23.

The generator31of the irradiation apparatus3sets the irradiation conditions received from the console2as irradiation conditions for radiography to be performed next. The detector1sets the image reading conditions received from the console2as image reading conditions for radiography to be performed next.

The operator places a subject S between the radiation source33and the detector1and performs positioning. Depending on the physique or the like of the subject S, if necessary, the operator inputs a change(s) with respect to the irradiation condition(s) by using the console panel connected to the generator31of the irradiation apparatus3. When receiving the input of the change with respect to the irradiation condition(s), the generator31changes the setting(s) of the irradiation condition(s) in accordance with the input.

When finishing preparations for imaging, the operator operates the irradiation instructing switch32. When the irradiation instructing switch32is operated, the generator31of the irradiation apparatus3causes the radiation source33to irradiate the subject S on the set irradiation conditions, and sends the irradiation information, which is irradiation conditions used in irradiation at the time of imaging, to the console2. The irradiation information sent to the console2includes at least one of, for example, the tube voltage, the tube current, the irradiation time, the exposure dose, the imaging distance, the grid information, the material(s) of the target and the filter of the radiation source, the type of imaging stand, the radiation field size and the type of radiation detector at the time of imaging.

In sync with the irradiation apparatus3, the detector1accumulates and reads the radiation with which the detector1is irradiated, and generates and then sends image data of a radiograph to the console2.

In the console2, when receiving the radiograph from the detector1through the communication unit23, the controller21performs image processing on the radiograph and causes the display24to display the radiograph in the image display area241cand one of the thumbnail display areas241bon the examination screen241.

More specifically, the controller21generates a wipe image, a preview image and a main image in this order from the received radiograph and causes the display24to display each generated image in the image display area241cas soon as it is generated. The main image is an image generated by performing predetermined image processing, such as scattered radiation correction, gradation processing and/or frequency processing, on a radiograph without pixel thinning, and is displayed for diagnosis as an imaging result of the radiograph. The preview image is an image generated by performing, on a radiograph, simpler image processing than that for the main image, and is displayed before the main image is displayed. The wipe image is an image generated by performing, on a radiograph, simpler image processing than that for the preview image or no image processing, and is displayed before the preview image is displayed.

In one or more embodiments, the controller21generates the main image by performing image processing, such as scattered radiation correction, gradation processing and/or frequency processing, on the preview image. That is, scattered radiation correction is started after generation of the preview image, almost at the display timing of the preview image.

In scattered radiation correction, of the irradiation information, at least the tube voltage, the exposure dose and the imaging distance are used as processing parameters. Other pieces/types of information included in the irradiation information may be used as processing parameters. In the storage22, the fixed information table221is stored. As a conventional method, scattered radiation correction is performed with irradiation conditions of fixed information sent to an irradiation apparatus as processing parameters. However, in the case where fixed information is used, if an irradiation condition is changed at an irradiation apparatus and imaging is performed, scattered radiation correction cannot be performed accurately and needs to be performed again, which is troublesome. It is conceivable that if an irradiation condition is changed at an irradiation apparatus and imaging is performed, an operator inputs the irradiation information accordingly, and scattered radiation correction is performed. However, it is troublesome and may cause incorrect input.

Meanwhile, irradiation apparatuses that send, after exposure, the irradiation information to a radiography control apparatus(es) require different lengths of time to send the irradiation information to the radiography control apparatus. Hence, if a radiography control apparatus always waits to perform scattered radiation correction until it receives the irradiation information, the start timing of scattered radiation correction may be delayed, which results in requirement of a long time to display an image (main image).

In order to deal with this, in the console2of one or more embodiments, the controller21performs, in cooperation with a program stored in the storage22, a scattered radiation correction control process shown inFIG.5, for example, at the timing when the controller21is about to perform scattered radiation correction on a radiograph. In this process, if the communication unit23receives (obtains) the irradiation information (information about irradiation with radiation (emission of radiation) at the time of imaging of the radiograph) from the irradiation apparatus3before a specific timing, the controller21performs scattered radiation correction on the basis of the obtained irradiation information, whereas if the communication unit23does not receive (obtain) the irradiation information from the irradiation apparatus3before the specific timing, the controller21performs scattered radiation correction on the basis of the fixed information stored in advance.

In one or more embodiments, the specific timing is timing at which a preview image of a radiograph is displayed. This is because if the irradiation information is obtained before the timing at which a preview image of a radiograph is displayed, a main image can be generated by accurate scattered radiation correction based on the irradiation information and can be displayed with no delay from the original timing at which the main image is supposed to be displayed. The specific timing may be timing at which a process to display a preview image of a radiograph is started, which is almost the same as the timing at which a preview image of a radiograph is displayed.

Hereinafter, the scattered radiation correction control process will be described with reference toFIG.5.

First, the controller21determines whether it has received (obtained), through the communication unit23, the irradiation information from the irradiation apparatus3before the specific timing, namely, the timing at which a preview image of a received radiograph from the detector1is displayed (Step S1).

If the controller21determines that it has received (obtained), through the communication unit23, the irradiation information from the irradiation apparatus3before the specific timing (Step S1; YES), the controller21determines whether the received irradiation information includes at least one of the information on the tube voltage, the information on the exposure dose and the information on the imaging distance (Step S2).

Since “exposure dose=tube current×irradiation time”, the tube current and the irradiation time may be used in Step S2instead of the exposure dose.

If the controller21determines that the received irradiation information includes at least one of the information on the tube voltage, the information on the exposure dose and the information on the imaging distance (Step S2; YES), the controller21determines whether the received irradiation information includes all of the information on the tube voltage, the information on the exposure dose and the information on the imaging distance (Step S3).

As described above with respect to Step S2, since “exposure dose=tube current×irradiation time”, the tube current and the irradiation time may be used in Step S3instead of the exposure dose.

If the controller21determines that the received irradiation information includes all of the information on the tube voltage, the information on the exposure dose and the information on the imaging distance (Step S3; YES), the controller21performs scattered radiation correction on the received radiograph by using the received irradiation information as processing parameters (Step S4), and then proceeds to Step S6.

In one or more embodiments, scattered radiation correction is performed on the preview image generated from the radiograph.

If the controller21determines that the received irradiation information includes not all (does not include at least one) of the information on the tube voltage, the information on the exposure dose and the information on the imaging distance (Step S3; NO), the controller21performs scattered radiation correction on the radiograph by using, as to pieces/types of information included in the received irradiation information, pieces of the irradiation information as processing parameters, and as to pieces/types of information not included in the received irradiation information, pieces of the fixed information as processing parameters, the fixed information having been sent to the irradiation apparatus3as irradiation conditions for the radiograph (Step S5), and then proceeds to Step S6. As to a piece(s) of information not included in the received irradiation information but obtainable by calculation with piece(s) of information included in the received irradiation information, a value obtained by the calculation may be used as a processing parameter.

As a method for scattered radiation correction, well-known methods disclosed, for example, in JP 2019-126524 A, JP 2019-129988 A and so forth are usable. For example, there is a method of estimating the body thickness of a subject S on the basis of the tube voltage, the exposure dose and the imaging distance, estimating a scattered radiation component of each pixel of a radiograph on the basis of the estimated body thickness, and removing (subtracting) the estimated scattered radiation component from the radiograph. Scattered radiation correction may be performed with another piece(s) of information included in the irradiation information, such as the grid information.

In Step S5, before performing scattered radiation correction, the controller21performs a consistency check about the received irradiation information. Since the exposure dose (tube current x irradiation time) is used as a processing parameter in scattered radiation correction, if the received irradiation information employs a system of specifying irradiation conditions by three values of the tube voltage, the tube current and the irradiation time (three-point system), the controller21converts it into information that employs a system of specifying irradiation conditions by two values of the tube voltage and the exposure dose (two-point system), for example. This makes it possible to use, as processing parameters, the irradiation information received from the irradiation apparatus3that sends irradiation conditions by the three-point system.

In Step S6, the controller21associates the radiograph having undergone scattered radiation correction (processing result) with an irradiation result flag “applied” indicating that the irradiation information has been applied (used) as processing parameters (Step S6), stores the processing result associated with the irradiation result flag, used processing parameters, patient information, examination information and so forth in the storage22(Step S9), and then ends the scattered radiation correction control process.

On the other hand, if the controller21determines in Step S1that it has not received (obtained), through the communication unit23, the irradiation information from the irradiation apparatus3before the specific timing, namely, the timing at which a preview image of a received radiograph from the detector1is displayed (Step S1; NO), or determines in Step S2that the received irradiation information does not include any of the information on the tube voltage, the information on the exposure dose and the information on the imaging distance (Step S2; NO), the controller21performs scattered radiation correction on the radiograph by using the fixed information as processing parameters, the fixed information having been sent to the irradiation apparatus3as irradiation conditions for the radiograph (Step S7).

Then, the controller21associates the radiograph having undergone scattered radiation correction (processing result) with an irradiation result flag “unapplied” indicating that the irradiation information has not been applied (used) (Step S8), stores the processing result associated with the irradiation result flag, used processing parameters, patient information, examination information and so forth in the storage22(Step S9), and then ends the scattered radiation correction control process.

Thus, in the scattered radiation correction control process shown inFIG.5, if the communication unit23receives (obtains) the irradiation information from the irradiation apparatus3before the specific timing, for example, the timing at which a preview image of a radiograph is displayed, the controller21performs control to perform scattered radiation correction based on the obtained irradiation information. Receiving the irradiation information from the irradiation apparatus3before the specific timing makes the following possible: to perform accurate scattered radiation correction based on the irradiation conditions actually used for imaging without delay in displaying an image (main image); to save time and effort of the operator to perform reprocessing (i.e., perform scattered radiation correction again); to save time and effort of the operator to input the irradiation information every time a change(s) is made to the irradiation condition(s) at the time of radiography, and accordingly prevent incorrect input.

On the other hand, if the communication unit23does not receive (obtain) the irradiation information from the irradiation apparatus3before the specific timing, for example, the timing at which a preview image of a received radiograph is displayed, the controller21performs control to perform scattered radiation correction based on the fixed information stored in advance. This can prevent the start timing of scattered radiation correction from being delayed, and accordingly prevent a long time from being required to display an image (main image).

That is, the scattered radiation correction control process shown inFIG.5does not cause delay in displaying an image (main image), does not give the operator trouble of performing reprocessing or inputting the irradiation information, and can improve accuracy of image processing.

Further, since the console2can obtain the irradiation information from the irradiation apparatus3, unlike conventional cases, at the time of installation of the irradiation apparatus3, it is unnecessary to set detailed imaging condition keys (fixed information of irradiation conditions or the like for each imaging region) in the console2. This can reduce steps that a technical expert needs to take.

After the scattered radiation correction control process, the controller21performs other image processing that has not been performed on the radiograph, thereby generating a main image, and causes the display24to display the main image in the image display area241con the displayed examination screen241and also display a thumbnail image of the main image in its corresponding thumbnail display area241bon the displayed examination screen241.

At the time, the controller21notifies the operator (user) about whether the irradiation information has been applied to (used in) scattered radiation correction. For example, as shown inFIG.6, a notification indicating whether the irradiation information (irradiation result) has been applied may be displayed as an overlay A1on or near a taken image or a thumbnail image, or as shown inFIG.7, may be displayed as an icon A2. The A1inFIG.6and the A2inFIG.7are examples of notification that the irradiation information has been applied. The notification may not be displayed, but may be made by audio signal, optical signal or the like.

This allows the operator to know whether the irradiation information has been applied as processing parameters to scattered radiation correction that a displayed radiograph has undergone.

Hereinafter, modifications of one or more embodiments will be described.

In one or more embodiments, the irradiation information is used as processing parameters in scattered radiation correction, but may be used as processing parameters in image processing other than scattered radiation correction, for example, in at least one of edge enhancement, structure enhancement, noise suppression, incident surface dose processing, body thickness estimation, frequency processing and grid moiré removal.

For example, as described above, the body thickness of a subject can be estimated on the basis of the tube voltage, the exposure dose and the imaging distance included in the irradiation information, and scattered radiation correction and incident surface dose calculation (process to calculate a dose value on the body surface) can be performed with the estimated body thickness (body thickness estimate). Further, body thickness estimation to output the body thickness estimate itself enables statistical processing of the exposed dose for each physique type of patients.

Further, the irradiation information, such as the tube voltage, the exposure dose and the imaging distance, can be used not only for body thickness estimation, but also as rough standards to measure S/N and graininess of radiographs. On the basis of the S/N and/or the graininess of a radiograph(s), intensity of frequency processing, noise suppression or the like can be changed. Thus, the irradiation information is useful for optimization of image processing.

Further, the irradiation information may include the grid information. The grid information can be used to perform scattered radiation correction suitable for a grid, and also can be used in grid moiré removal or the like.

When the aforementioned image processing other than scattered radiation correction is about to be performed with the irradiation information as processing parameters, a control process similar to the scattered radiation correction control process shown inFIG.5(i.e., the control process same as the scattered radiation correction control process except that scattered radiation correction is replaced by other image processing) may be performed.

Further, in one or more embodiments, the specific timing is the timing at which a preview image of a radiograph is displayed, and if the communication unit23receives the irradiation information before the specific timing, the controller21performs image processing with the received irradiation information, whereas if the communication unit23does not receive the irradiation information before the specific timing, the controller21performs image processing with the fixed information stored in advance in the storage22, but the specific timing is not limited thereto. For example, the specific timing may be timing at which a wipe image, a preview image or a main image of a radiograph is displayed on the display24, timing at which a process to display a wipe image, a preview image or a main image of a radiograph on the display24is started, timing at which image processing other than the image processing to which the irradiation information is applied is performed, timing at which an examination is ended (timing at which an examination related to the obtained irradiation information is ended, such as timing at which the examination end button241iis pressed), or the like.

For example, in the case where incident surface dose calculation is performed as image processing, since it does not affect images, the timing at which an examination is ended can be specified as the specific timing. In the case where frequency processing is performed as image processing, the timing at which its preceding image processing (e.g., grid moiré removal) is performed can be specified as the specific timing.

Further, in the console2, whether to perform image processing, such as scattered radiation correction, with the irradiation information as processing parameters or perform the image processing with the fixed information stored in advance in the storage22as processing parameters is settable by the user (operator) with the operation unit25.

For example, the controller21causes the display24to display a setting screen242as shown inFIG.8in response to a setting screen display instructing operation made with the operation unit25, and if a check mark is input in a check box242afor “Apply Irradiation Result to Image Processing”, the controller21stores, in the storage22, setting information indicating that image processing is performed with the irradiation information as processing parameters, whereas if a check mark is not input in the check box242aor removed from the check box242a, the controller21stores, in the storage22, setting information indicating that image processing is performed with the fixed information as processing parameters. Then, when the controller21is about to perform predetermined image processing, such as scattered radiation correction, if it is set that the predetermined image processing is performed with the irradiation information as processing parameters, the controller21performs the control process same as or similar to the scattered radiation correction control process shown inFIG.5, whereas if it is set that the predetermined image processing is performed with the fixed information as processing parameters, the controller21performs the predetermined image processing with the fixed information, no matter whether it receives (obtains) the irradiation information.

In the console2, whether to perform image processing, such as scattered radiation correction, with the irradiation information as processing parameters or perform the image processing with the fixed information stored in advance in the storage22as processing parameters is settable by the user with the operation unit25for each imaging mode (e.g., plain imaging, long-length imaging, movie imaging) or for each imaging condition.

Further, in the scattered radiation correction control process shown inFIG.5(including the case where scattered radiation correction is replaced by other image processing), if the irradiation information is obtained after image processing with the fixed information stored in advance as processing parameters, the controller21may perform the image processing again (reprocessing) with the obtained irradiation information as processing parameters. After reprocessing, the controller21may replace the image displayed on the display24with the reprocessed image.

Further, the controller21may wait to perform image processing until it obtains the irradiation information. During the waiting time, for example, as shown inFIG.9, a dialog box241fis displayed where a message notifying the user of waiting for irradiation information is displayed, and when the controller21obtains the irradiation information, the controller21may perform image processing on a radiograph with the obtained irradiation information as processing parameters. Further, as shown inFIG.9, in the dialog box241f, a cancel button B1may be displayed, and when the cancel button B1is pressed, the controller21may stop waiting and perform image processing on a radiograph with the fixed information as processing parameters. This makes it possible to perform image processing that suits the user's needs of image quality or processing speed, whichever is more important for the user.

Further, the controller21may set, in advance, a waiting time before image processing, and if the controller21obtains the irradiation information before the set waiting time elapses, the controller21performs image processing on a radiograph with the irradiation information as processing parameters, whereas if the controller21does not obtain the irradiation conditions at the time of imaging (i.e., irradiation information) before the set waiting time elapses, the controller21performs image processing on a radiograph with the fixed information as processing parameters. That is, the aforementioned specific timing may be the timing at which a preset waiting time elapses.

The waiting time may be changeable (i.e., the controller21may automatically set the waiting time) in accordance with specifications, image transfer time and/or the like of the connected irradiation apparatus3or the console2itself. Alternatively, a fixed time specified by the user may be set as the waiting time. For example, the controller21causes the display24to display the setting screen242as shown inFIG.8in response to a setting screen display instructing operation made with the operation unit25, and if a waiting time is input in a waiting time input section242b, the controller21stores the input waiting time in the storage22as setting information.

As the starting point of the waiting time, the following may be used: timing at which the console2receives an exposure-finished signal sent from the irradiation apparatus3after exposure with radiation (irradiation); timing at which the console2receives a radiograph from the detector1; and other timing.

Further, if the controller21obtains the irradiation information after starting image processing with the fixed information as processing parameters or while waiting to perform image processing, the controller21may notify the user of having obtained the irradiation information.

For example, as shown inFIG.10, the controller21causes the display24to display a message dialog box241gwhere a message notifying the user of having received the irradiation information and asking the user whether to apply the received irradiation information to image processing, an OK button B2and a cancel button B3are displayed, and when the OK button B2is operated by the user, performs image processing with the received irradiation information as processing parameters, and when the cancel button B3is operated by the user, continues to perform image processing with the fixed information as processing parameters or wait to perform image processing.

Alternatively, the controller21performs control to output, by display or audio signal, a message notifying the user of having received the irradiation information, and causes the display24to display a re-apply dialog box241h(shown inFIG.11) where a fixed button (e.g., an irradiation result obtaining button B4) to make an instruction to obtain the irradiation information, an apply button B5and so forth are displayed, and when the irradiation result obtaining button B4and the apply button B5are pressed, performs image processing with the received irradiation information as processing parameters.

Still alternatively, the controller21automatically performs image processing with the irradiation information as processing parameters as soon as it obtains the irradiation information.

If the controller21obtains the irradiation information piece by piece, the controller21waits to perform image processing until it obtains all or part of the irradiation information, the part being parameters necessary for image processing.

Further, even if the controller21obtains the irradiation information before the specific timing, the controller21may use the fixed information as processing parameters, depending on the type of image processing. The type(s) of image processing in which the fixed information is used may be settable in advance by the user with the operation unit25.

Further, if the controller21cannot obtain the irradiation information owing to, for example, an error in communications between the console2and the irradiation apparatus3or an error in the irradiation apparatus3itself, the controller21notifies the user that application of the irradiation information to image processing has failed. As the notification, a message dialog box may be displayed on the examination screen241of the display24, the message dialog box where “Application of Irradiation Result to Image Processing has Failed” or the like is displayed, or a similar message may be output by audio.

Further, if a radiograph is a failed image and re-imaging is necessary, the controller21may save the obtained irradiation information in the RAM or the storage22, and perform image processing on a radiograph obtained by re-imaging with the saved irradiation information as processing parameters.

Further, if a copy/duplicate of a radiograph (copy source) is made, the controller21may save the irradiation information of the original radiograph in the copy (e.g., in its accessary information or the like, and perform image processing on the copy with the saved irradiation information as processing parameters.

Hence, if re-imaging or copying is performed with no change made to the irradiation conditions at the time of imaging of the original image, which is a failed image or a copy source, the controller21can perform image processing on an image obtained by re-imaging or copying without waiting to obtain the irradiation information of the image.

Further, if examination order information includes imaging of multiple imaging regions, the imaging regions are usually imaged in order of being requested (original order of imaging), but depending on the patient's condition, imaging efficiency or the like, the imaging regions may be imaged in a different order, and consequently become different image regions (image regions after change) as compared with those scheduled to be imaged in the original order of imaging. This change of the imaging regions may be registered later at the console2. In such a case, if the controller21obtains the irradiation information before the specific timing, the controller21performs image processing (or reprocessing) on a radiograph of an image region after change with the irradiation information as processing parameters, whereas if the controller21does not obtain the irradiation information before the specific timing, the controller21performs image processing (or reprocessing) on the radiograph of the imaging region after change with the fixed information associated with the imaging region after change as processing parameters.

Further, if a radiograph obtained by previous imaging is associated and stored with the irradiation information, the controller21may overwrite, with the irradiation information, the fixed information in the fixed information table221for the imaging region same as that of the radiograph.

Further, in one or more embodiments, the irradiation apparatus3has the functions of an irradiation console, but a single console may have both the functions of the console2as the radiography control apparatus and the functions of the irradiation console.

Although the embodiments and its modifications have been described in the above, those described in the embodiments and the modifications are not limitations but some examples of the radiography control apparatus of the present disclosure.

For example, in the above, the computer-readable storage medium storing the programs of the present disclosure is a hard disk, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory or the like, but not limited thereto and may be a portable recording medium, such as a CD-ROM. Further, as a medium to provide data of the programs of the present disclosure via a communication line, a carrier wave can be used.

The detailed configurations and operations of the components of the radiography control apparatus can be appropriately changed within a range not departing from the scope of the present invention.