Patent Description:
In the related art, a radiographic apparatus that images a subject by using radiation such as X-rays has become widespread. For example, in a case where the subject is a person or an animal, a radiation image is used for diagnosis of a lesion or the like.

The radiographic apparatus includes, for example, a radiation source that generates radiation, a radiographic panel that images the subject by using radiation transmitted through the subject, and a console as a control table that sets an imaging menu. The imaging menu is a menu relating to radiography in which imaging conditions and the like are set based on a request for radiography (imaging order) received from a doctor or the like.

In recent years, there has been known an X-ray image diagnostic apparatus that determines a part of a subject using a camera image obtained by imaging an X-ray irradiation region with a camera, and permits X-ray irradiation only in a case where the determined part matches a imaging condition (<CIT>). In addition, there has been known a radiography apparatus that determines, in a case where radiography on a breast of a subject being tested is performed, whether an imaging part is the right breast or the left breast according to an orientation of a face of the subject being tested, and provides notification to an operator in a case where the left and right of the determined imaging part and the left and right of an imaging part set in an imaging menu do not match each other (<CIT>). Radiographic systems are also disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>. In particular, the document <CIT> discloses a controller configured to control a display unit to display a warning screen notifying that the current direction of the object does not correspond to the protocol.

Radiography needs to be performed appropriately in accordance with an imaging menu set or selected. This is to provide an appropriate radiation image according to an imaging order for diagnosis and the like.

However, in a case where radiography is performed actually, radiography may be performed in a manner that an orientation of a subject does not match the imaging menu. In this case, since the obtained radiation image does not correspond to an imaging order, it may not be possible to perform an appropriate diagnosis or the like. For example, in a case where a radiation image obtained by posterior-anterior (PA) view imaging is provided to an imaging order for anterior-posterior (AP) view imaging of the chest of a specific subject being tested who is a subject, the misidentification of the left and right of a disease position and/or the misidentification of situs inversus may be caused in diagnosis.

Therefore, a radiographic system may support imaging by determining whether or not an imaging part is correct, but there is a case where a radiological technician, a doctor, or the like (hereinafter, referred to as a radiological technician or the like) may rely too much on the support from the radiographic system. For example, although a result of the determination for supporting the imaging has a certain degree of accuracy, a possibility of outputting a recognition result with a low accuracy cannot be completely excluded in a specific situation in reality. However, a radiological technician or the like may implicitly exclude a possibility that there is an error in the result of the determination. In a case where such excessive reliance occurs, there is a case where imaging in accordance with an imaging menu cannot be performed as a result of the support of the radiographic system.

An object of the present invention is to provide a radiographic system capable of preventing excessive reliance by a radiological technician or the like and appropriately supporting radiography in accordance with an imaging menu.

A radiographic system according to an aspect of the present invention is as defined by claim <NUM>.

It is preferable that the display is located in a blind spot of the radiographic unit.

It is preferable that the display is provided in the radiation source.

It is preferable that the display is a tablet terminal.

It is preferable that a plurality of the displays are provided.

It is preferable that the plurality of displays have different display aspects of the recognition result, respectively.

It is preferable that the processor recognizes whether or not an orientation of the subject in the camera image matches an orientation of the subject in the imaging menu.

It is preferable that the processor recognizes an orientation of the subject whose back faces the radiation source and an orientation of the subject whose abdomen faces the radiation source.

It is preferable that the processor recognizes whether or not an imaging part of the subject recognized by using the camera image matches an imaging part of the subject in the imaging menu.

It is preferable that the processor displays, on the display, a warning indicating that the arrangement of the subject in the camera image does not match the arrangement of the subject in the imaging menu.

It is preferable that the processor displays, on the display, arrangement support information for supporting the arrangement of the subject in the camera image to match the arrangement of the subject in the imaging menu.

It is preferable that the processor prohibits irradiation with the radiation in a case where the arrangement of the subject in the camera image does not match the arrangement of the subject in the imaging menu.

The radiographic system according to the aspect of the present invention can prevent excessive reliance by a radiological technician or the like, and can appropriately support radiography in accordance with an imaging menu.

As shown in <FIG>, a radiographic system <NUM> comprises a radiation source <NUM>, a radiographic unit <NUM>, a camera <NUM>, a console <NUM>, and a tablet terminal <NUM>. The radiation source <NUM>, the radiographic unit <NUM>, and the console <NUM> constitute a radiographic apparatus.

The radiation source <NUM> generates radiation Ra used for radiography. Therefore, as shown in <FIG>, the radiation source <NUM> includes a radiation tube <NUM> that generates the radiation Ra, a high voltage generation circuit <NUM> that generates a high voltage required for the radiation tube to generate the radiation Ra, and the like. The radiation source <NUM> can generate a plurality of types of radiation having different radiation qualities (that is, energy distribution) by adjusting the tube voltage and the tube current of the radiation tube <NUM>. The energy of the radiation Ra generated by the radiation source <NUM> is one of imaging conditions. In the present embodiment, the radiation source <NUM> is an X-ray source that generates X-rays. Therefore, the radiographic system <NUM> is an X-ray imaging system that acquires an X-ray image of a subject Obj by imaging the subject Obj using X-rays. The subject Obj is, for example, a person.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the radiation source <NUM> comprises an irradiation range display unit <NUM>, a display <NUM>, and an operation unit <NUM>. The irradiation range display unit <NUM> projects an image representing an irradiation position and/or range (it is a so-called irradiation range or irradiation field; hereinafter, referred to as an irradiation range) of the radiation Ra onto the subject Obj or the like. Thus, the irradiation range display unit <NUM> displays the irradiation range of the radiation Ra.

The display <NUM> is a display that displays an imaging menu or the like in the radiation source <NUM>, and is separate from the console <NUM>. As will be described below, in the present embodiment, the display <NUM> displays the presence of a recognition result by a recognition unit <NUM> (see <FIG>) and the content of the recognition result in a case where at least the arrangement of the subject Obj in a camera image does not match the arrangement of the subject Obj in the imaging menu. In addition, the display <NUM> displays a first display mode for indicating the presence of the recognition result (see <FIG>), and displays a second display mode for displaying the content of the recognition result in a case where an explicit display request for the recognition result is received (see <FIG>). Regarding the display request, the term "explicit" means that there is an input such as operation or setting to the radiographic system <NUM> based on the intention or determination of a radiological technician or the like.

The operation unit <NUM> is a physical button or switch, a graphical user interface (GUI), or the like, and the operation unit <NUM> can be used, for example, to perform on/off switching of the irradiation range of the radiation Ra, or to set the tube voltage of the radiation tube <NUM>. In addition, the operation unit <NUM> can be used to input a "display request for recognition result" that explicitly requests the display of the content of the recognition result. The display <NUM> and the operation unit <NUM> can be integrated and constituted by a touch panel.

The radiographic unit <NUM> images the subject Obj using the radiation Ra generated by the radiation source <NUM>. The radiographic unit <NUM> includes a so-called radiation detector, and is, for example, a flat panel detector (FPD). The FPD outputs a radiation image of the subject Obj by detecting the radiation Ra transmitted through the subject Obj and converting it into an electric signal. In the imaging using the radiographic unit <NUM>, a grid (not shown) can be used in combination as needed. The grid is a device that removes scattered radiation components of radiation, for example, a static type Lysholm blende, a mobile type Bucky blende, or the like. In the present embodiment, the radiographic unit <NUM> includes one radiation detector and outputs one radiation image by one time of irradiation of the radiation Ra, but the radiographic unit <NUM> may include a plurality of radiation detectors. In a case where the radiographic unit <NUM> includes a plurality of radiation detectors, the radiographic unit <NUM> can output a plurality of radiation images by one time of irradiation of the radiation Ra.

The radiation detector included in the radiographic unit <NUM> may be either an indirect conversion type radiation detector or a direct conversion type radiation detector. In a case where the radiographic unit <NUM> includes a plurality of radiation detectors, a plurality of different types of radiation detectors can be used in combination. The indirect conversion type radiation detector is a detector that indirectly obtains an electric signal by converting the radiation Ra into visible light using a scintillator made of cesium iodide (CsI) or the like and photoelectrically converting the visible light. The direct conversion type radiation detector is a detector that directly converts the radiation Ra into an electric signal using a scintillator made of amorphous selenium or the like. In addition, the radiation detector included in the radiographic unit <NUM> may be a penetration side sampling (PSS) method radiation detector or an irradiation side sampling (ISS) method radiation detector. The PSS method is a method in which a scintillator is arranged on the subject Obj side with respect to a thin film transistor (TFT) that reads out an electric signal. Contrary to the PSS method, the ISS method is a method in which the scintillator and the TFT are arranged in the order of the TFT and the scintillator from the subject Obj side.

The camera <NUM> images the subject Obj arranged with respect to the radiographic unit <NUM> by using visible light, infrared light, or the like (light having a wavelength or energy distribution different from that of the radiation Ra). More specifically, the camera <NUM> is, for example, a digital camera or a digital video camera. In addition, an imaging range SR of the camera <NUM> includes at least an irradiation range of the radiation Ra. In the radiographic system <NUM>, an image (including a motion picture as a collection of still images; hereinafter, referred to as a camera image) captured using the camera <NUM> is used for recognition of arrangement of the subject Obj in radiography. Therefore, the camera image includes at least a part or the whole of the irradiation range of the radiation Ra to the extent that the recognition process can be performed. In the present embodiment, the camera <NUM> is a digital video camera, and the subject Obj is imaged using visible light. Although the camera <NUM> is randomly arranged within a range in which the subject Obj can be imaged in the irradiation range of the radiation Ra, in the present embodiment, the camera <NUM> is provided substantially integrally with the radiation source <NUM>. This is to surely image the subject Obj arranged in the irradiation range of the radiation Ra without excess or deficiency to the extent that the above recognition process can be performed.

The console <NUM> is a main control device (so-called computer) of the radiographic system <NUM>, comprises a processor, and sets, for example, an imaging menu. As shown in <FIG>, the console <NUM> comprises an imaging menu setting unit <NUM>, a display <NUM>, an operation unit <NUM>, a recognition unit <NUM>, and a control unit <NUM>. In the console <NUM>, programs relating to processes of the imaging menu setting unit <NUM>, the display <NUM>, the operation unit <NUM>, the recognition unit <NUM>, and the control unit <NUM> are incorporated in a memory (not shown). The programs are operated by a central control unit (not shown) composed of a processor, whereby functions of the imaging menu setting unit <NUM>, the display <NUM>, the operation unit <NUM>, the recognition unit <NUM>, and the control unit <NUM> are realized.

The imaging menu setting unit <NUM> acquires an imaging order by manual input or from radiology information systems (RIS) <NUM>, hospital information systems (HIS) <NUM>, or other external system. Then, an imaging menu is set according to the acquired imaging order. The imaging order is a request for radiography, and includes, for example, information (identification number of a subject being tested who is the subject Obj) for specifying the subject Obj and information for specifying the imaging part and imaging direction of the subject Obj. The imaging menu is a menu showing specific imaging items, and is set according to the imaging order. For example, in a case where the imaging order is "imaging request for each one of chest front (P → A) and chest front (A → P) of the specific subject Obj ", the imaging menu setting unit <NUM> sets "chest front (P → A)" and "chest front (A → P)" as the imaging menu for the specific subject Obj. The term "chest front (P → A)" means a menu in which the radiation Ra is emitted from the rear surface (posterior) toward the front surface (anterior) of the subject Obj to image the chest of the subject Obj from the front. In addition, the term "chest front (A → P)" means a menu in which the radiation Ra is emitted from the front surface toward the rear surface of the subject Obj to image the chest of the subject Obj from the front.

The display <NUM> is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays a captured radiation image and other necessary operations or settings. For example, the display <NUM> displays the presence of the recognition result by the recognition unit <NUM> and the content of the recognition result in a case where at least the arrangement of the subject Obj in a camera image does not match the arrangement of the subject Obj in the imaging menu. In addition, the display <NUM> displays a first display mode for indicating the presence of the recognition result (see <FIG>), and displays a second display mode for displaying the content of the recognition result in a case where an explicit display request for the recognition result is received (see <FIG>).

The operation unit <NUM> is, for example, a keyboard and/or a pointing device used for setting input of the imaging conditions and the like and for operating the radiation source <NUM> and the radiographic unit <NUM>. In addition, the operation unit <NUM> can be used to input a "display request for recognition result" that explicitly requests the display of the content of the recognition result. The display <NUM> and the operation unit <NUM> can be constituted by a touch panel.

The recognition unit <NUM> recognizes whether or not the arrangement of the subject Obj in the camera image captured using the camera <NUM> matches the arrangement of the subject Obj in the imaging menu. The arrangement of the subject Obj in the camera image is the arrangement of the subject Obj recognized by using the camera image. The arrangement of the subject Obj in the imaging menu is the arrangement of the subject Obj designated by the imaging menu. For example, in a case where the imaging menu is "chest front (P → A)", "P → A" is the arrangement of the subject Obj. That is, an orientation of the subject Obj whose rear surface (back side surface) faces the radiation source <NUM> and whose front surface (abdominal side surface) faces the radiographic unit <NUM> is the arrangement of the subject Obj in the imaging menu of "chest front (P → A)".

The imaging range in radiography is determined by a relative positional relationship between the radiation source <NUM> and the radiographic unit <NUM>. Specifically, an overlapping portion of the irradiation range (range in which effective pixels contributing to the radiation image are arranged) of the radiation Ra and the effective imaging range of the radiographic unit <NUM> is the imaging range in radiography. The arrangement (positioning) of the subject Obj means the position and/or orientation of the subject Obj in the "imaging range". The portion of the subject Obj in the imaging range is the imaging part of the subject Obj. The orientation of the subject Obj in the imaging range is the direction in which the imaging part is captured (imaging direction) and the direction in which the radiation Ra is emitted to the imaging part. In the present embodiment, the recognition unit <NUM> recognizes whether or not at least the orientation of the subject Obj in the camera image matches the orientation of the subject Obj in the imaging menu.

The recognition of the subject Obj in the camera image can be performed using characteristics relating to a shape of the whole or part of the subject Obj. For example, in a case where the subject Obj is a person and the camera image includes the face of the subject Obj, the subject Obj can be recognized in the camera image by determining the position and orientation of the face of the subject Obj. In addition, the recognition unit <NUM> can be realized by an artificial intelligence (AI) program that has been learned by machine learning or the like.

The control unit <NUM> comprehensively controls the operation of the radiographic system <NUM>. For example, the control unit <NUM> prohibits irradiation with the radiation Ra in a case where the arrangement of the subject Obj in the camera image does not match the arrangement of the subject Obj in the imaging menu. As a result, the execution of radiography is prohibited. This is to prevent the execution of radiography with a mistake (positioning mistake) in the arrangement of the subject Obj and surely, and as a result, to prevent misidentification of a disease position or the like in diagnosis. The term "prohibit" for irradiation with the radiation Ra means no irradiation with the radiation Ra regardless of the instruction input from a radiological technician or the like, and includes no irradiation with the radiation Ra as a result of not receiving the instruction input relating to irradiation with the radiation Ra, not generating the radiation Ra, and not executing preliminary operation for generating the radiation Ra. For example, the control unit <NUM> prohibits the irradiation with the radiation Ra by inactivating a GUI switch, locking a mechanical switch, or the like.

The control unit <NUM> controls the display contents and display aspects of the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM>, the display <NUM> of the console <NUM>, and a display <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the tablet terminal <NUM>. For example, a display that is at least separate from the console <NUM>, that is, the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> and the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM> displays the presence of the recognition result by the recognition unit <NUM> (or the content of the recognition result) in a case where at least the arrangement of the subject Obj in the camera image does not match the arrangement of the subject Obj in the imaging menu. In the present embodiment, in a case where the arrangement of the subject Obj in the camera image does not match the arrangement of the subject Obj in the imaging menu, the control unit <NUM> displays a first display mode for displaying the presence of the recognition result on the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM>, the display <NUM> of the console <NUM>, and the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM>.

In a case where the control unit <NUM> receives the "display request for recognition result" input by using the operation unit <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> switches the display aspect of the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> from the first display mode to the second display mode. That is, the control unit <NUM> displays the content of the recognition result on the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> by receiving the "display request for recognition result" using the operation unit <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM>. In addition, in a case where the control unit <NUM> receives the "display request for recognition result" input by using the operation unit <NUM> of the console <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> switches the display aspect of the display <NUM> of the console <NUM> from the first display mode to the second display mode. That is, the control unit <NUM> displays the content of the recognition result on the display <NUM> of the console <NUM> by receiving the "display request for recognition result" using the operation unit <NUM> of the console <NUM>. Similarly, in a case where the control unit <NUM> receives the "display request for recognition result" input by using an operation unit <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> switches the display aspect of the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM> from the first display mode to the second display mode. That is, the control unit <NUM> displays the content of the recognition result on the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM> by receiving the "display request for recognition result" using the operation unit <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM>.

The tablet terminal <NUM> is a sub-control device of the radiographic system <NUM>. The tablet terminal <NUM> is portable and can perform some or all of the settings, controls, and/or displays performed using the console <NUM> or the operation unit <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM>. Therefore, the tablet terminal <NUM> can be used on the spot in a case of adjusting the arrangement of the subject Obj, such as in the vicinity of the radiation source <NUM> and/or the radiographic unit <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the tablet terminal <NUM> comprises the display <NUM> and the operation unit <NUM>, and communicates with the radiation source <NUM>, the radiographic unit <NUM>, and/or the console <NUM> as needed. The display <NUM> is separate from the console <NUM>, and displays a camera image, a radiation image, other images (including a motion picture), and/or a setting screen or a control screen (GUI or the like) using the radiographic system <NUM> for control. In addition, the display <NUM> displays the presence of the recognition result by the recognition unit <NUM> or the content of the recognition result in a case where at least the arrangement of the subject Obj in a camera image does not match the arrangement of the subject Obj in the imaging menu. In addition, the display <NUM> displays a first display mode for indicating the presence of the recognition result (see <FIG>), and displays a second display mode for displaying the content of the recognition result in a case where an explicit display request for the recognition result is received (see <FIG>).

The operation unit <NUM> is an input device used for setting input of the imaging conditions and the like and for operating the radiation source <NUM> and the radiographic unit <NUM>. In addition, the operation unit <NUM> can be used to input the "display request for recognition result" that explicitly requests the display of the content of the recognition result. The display <NUM> and the operation unit <NUM> can be constituted by using, for example, a touch panel.

A flow of radiography using the radiographic system <NUM> constituted as described above will be described. As shown in <FIG>, the imaging menu setting unit <NUM> acquires an imaging order automatically or by manual input, and sets an imaging menu according to the acquired imaging order (step S101). The imaging menu set by the imaging menu setting unit <NUM> is displayed, for example, on the display <NUM> of the console <NUM> (see <FIG> and the like). Therefore, a radiological technician or the like selects an imaging menu to be executed next by using the operation unit <NUM> of the console <NUM> (step S102). After that, the radiological technician or the like arranges the subject Obj in accordance with the selected imaging menu (step S103). The selection of the imaging menu and the arrangement of the subject Obj are preparatory work for executing the imaging performed by the radiological technician or the like. The work of "arranging the subject Obj" performed by the radiological technician or the like includes selection, position, or orientation adjustment of the radiation source <NUM> and/or the radiographic unit <NUM>.

On the other hand, in parallel with the work of arranging the subject Obj, the radiographic system <NUM> acquires a camera image by imaging the subject Obj arranged with respect to the radiographic unit <NUM> by the camera <NUM> (step S104). Thus, the recognition unit <NUM> can obtain information on the selected imaging menu (imaging menu to be executed) and a camera image in which the subject Obj is captured. Therefore, the recognition unit <NUM> recognizes whether or not the arrangement of the subject Obj in the camera image captured using the camera <NUM> matches the arrangement of the subject Obj in the imaging menu (step S105).

In a case where the arrangement of the subject Obj in the camera image matches the arrangement of the subject Obj in the imaging menu (step S106: YES), the radiological technician or the like inputs an instruction to execute imaging, whereby the radiographic system <NUM> executes radiography (step S107). On the other hand, in a case where the arrangement of the subject Obj in the camera image does not match the arrangement of the subject Obj in the imaging menu (step S106: NO), the control unit <NUM> displays the recognition result of the recognition unit <NUM> on the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM>, the display <NUM> of the console <NUM>, and the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM> in the display aspect of the first display mode for indicating the presence of the recognition result (step S108), and the control unit <NUM> prohibits irradiation with the radiation Ra (step S109).

Here, in a case where the radiological technician or the like inputs display request for the recognition result by using the operation unit <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM>, the operation unit <NUM> of the console <NUM>, and/or the operation unit <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM> (step S110: YES), the control unit <NUM> switches the display aspect of the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM>, the display <NUM> of the console <NUM>, and/or the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM> from the display of the first display mode to the display of the second display mode according to the operation unit that has input the display request for the recognition result. Thus, the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM>, the display <NUM> of the console <NUM>, and/or the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM> displays the content of the recognition result (step S111).

By viewing the display of the first display mode, the radiological technician or the like can infer that there is some defect in radiography, such as a possibility that the arrangement of the subject Obj in the camera image does not match the arrangement of the subject Obj in the imaging menu. In addition, by viewing the display of the second display mode, the radiological technician or the like can specifically know that the arrangement of the subject Obj in the camera image does not match the arrangement of the subject Obj in the imaging menu. Therefore, after viewing the display of the first display mode or the display of the second display mode, the radiological technician or the like adjusts the arrangement of the subject Obj, thereby arranging the subject Obj such that the arrangement of the subject Obj in the camera image matches the arrangement of the subject Obj in the imaging menu (step S103). Thus, radiography in accordance with the imaging menu can be correctly executed (step S107).

The display of the first display mode and the display of the second display mode on the display <NUM> of the console <NUM>, the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM>, and the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM> are performed as follows.

First, as shown in <FIG>, the display <NUM> of the console <NUM> has, for example, an imaging menu display area <NUM> and an image display area <NUM>. The imaging menu display area <NUM> displays an imaging menu set by the imaging menu setting unit <NUM>. In a case where the imaging menu setting unit <NUM> sets a plurality of imaging menus based on one imaging order, the imaging menu display area <NUM> displays each of the plurality of imaging menus. In the present embodiment, the imaging order is "imaging request for each one of chest front (P → A) and chest front (A → P)" for a specific subject being tested (subject Obj), and the imaging menu setting unit <NUM> automatically sets two imaging menus from one imaging order: a first imaging menu <NUM> for imaging the chest of the subject Obj from the front in the rear and front (P → A) orientation; and a second imaging menu <NUM> for imaging the chest of the subject Obj from the front in the front and rear (A → P) orientation. Therefore, the display <NUM> of the console <NUM> displays the first imaging menu <NUM> and the second imaging menu <NUM>.

As one of the imaging preparations, the radiological technician or the like uses the operation unit <NUM> or the like to select an imaging menu to be executed from one or a plurality of imaging menus displayed in the imaging menu display area <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> displays an imaging menu in a selected state and an imaging menu in a non-selected state in the imaging menu display area <NUM> in such a manner that the imaging menus can be distinguished from each other. For example, <FIG> shows an example in which the first imaging menu <NUM> is in a selected state and the second imaging menu <NUM> is in a non-selected state. Therefore, in <FIG>, radiography to be performed next is imaging of "chest front (P → A)" of the first imaging menu <NUM>.

The image display area <NUM> appropriately displays a camera image and a captured radiation image. Before the execution of radiography, the image display area <NUM> displays a camera image. In a camera image <NUM> displayed by the image display area <NUM> in <FIG>, the abdomen of the subject Obj faces the radiographic unit <NUM> and the back of the subject Obj faces the radiation source <NUM> and the camera <NUM>. That is, in the camera image <NUM>, the subject Obj is arranged as "P → A".

Here, since the arrangement of the subject Obj in the camera image <NUM> and the arrangement of the subject Obj in the first imaging menu <NUM> in the selected state are both "P → A" and match each other, radiography can be performed as is. Therefore, the radiological technician or the like inputs an instruction to execute imaging, whereby the radiographic system <NUM> executes imaging. After the execution of radiography, as shown in <FIG>, the display <NUM> of the console <NUM> displays a captured radiation image <NUM> in the image display area <NUM>. The radiation image <NUM> is a radiation image obtained by capturing the chest of the subject Obj from the front in the "P → A" direction.

On the other hand, similarly to the above, even though the first imaging menu <NUM> having the imaging direction of "P → A" is in the selected state, as shown in <FIG>, in a camera image <NUM>, there is a case where the abdomen of the subject Obj faces the radiation source <NUM> and the camera <NUM> and the back of the subject Obj faces the radiographic unit <NUM>. That is, in the camera image <NUM>, the arrangement of the subject Obj is "A → P". In this case, the recognition unit <NUM> recognizes that the arrangement of the subject Obj in the camera image <NUM> does not match the arrangement of the subject Obj in the first imaging menu <NUM> in the selected state. Therefore, the control unit <NUM> provides a recognition result display area <NUM> that is superimposed on, for example, the camera image <NUM> on the display <NUM> of the console <NUM>. Then, in the recognition result display area <NUM>, the presence of the recognition result by the recognition unit <NUM> is displayed by using, for example, a color, a shape, a pattern, or a change (movement) thereof, or a mark <NUM> or the like (including, in addition to the mark <NUM>, an icon that functions as a GUI, an assistant character formed by imitating a radiological technician or the like, or other forms of notification) indicated by using other visual forms. This is the display of the first display mode on the display <NUM> of the console <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, for example, the mark <NUM> or the like is constituted by a clickable GUI. The control unit <NUM> receives the click of the mark <NUM> or the like as an explicit display request for the recognition result. Therefore, as shown in <FIG>, in a case where the mark <NUM> or the like is clicked on the console <NUM>, the display <NUM> of the console <NUM> displays the specific content of the recognition result in a form of a warning <NUM> such as "[chest front (P → A)] is selected but positioning seems to be different". This is the display of the second display mode on the display <NUM> of the console <NUM>. The term "warning" means notification having the content that directly informs a user of the erroneous arrangement of the subject Obj and requests correction of the problem, either directly or indirectly.

The display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> usually has a different display area from the display <NUM> of the console <NUM>. Therefore, even in a case where the common contents are displayed, the display form of the recognition result and the like on the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> is different from the display form on the display <NUM> of the console <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> has an imaging menu display area <NUM> and a recognition result display area <NUM>, at least before the execution of radiography. The imaging menu display area <NUM> displays the imaging menu in the selected state. This is so that the selected imaging menu can be confirmed in the vicinity of the radiation source <NUM> (in a range in which the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> can be visually recognized). In <FIG>, the imaging menu in the selected state is the first imaging menu <NUM>. In addition, the recognition result display area <NUM> displays the presence of the recognition result by the recognition unit <NUM> by using the mark <NUM> or the like. This is the display of the first display mode on the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM>.

In a case where there is no selected imaging menu, or in a case where the imaging menu is not set, the imaging menu display area <NUM> displays that effect. In addition, in a case where there is no selected imaging menu, or in a case where the imaging menu is not set, the imaging menu display area <NUM> does not display anything, thereby displaying that there is no selected imaging menu or that the imaging menu is not set (selected). In the present embodiment, in a case where the recognition result is a recognition result in which the arrangement of the subject Obj in the camera image matches the arrangement of the subject Obj in the selected imaging menu, nothing is displayed in the recognition result display area <NUM>. Thus, the recognition result display area <NUM> improves attention drawing performance (easiness of drawing attention of a radiological technician or the like) of the mark <NUM> or the like as compared with a case where some kind of display is performed intermittently or continuously. In addition, the mark <NUM> or the like displayed in the recognition result display area <NUM> may be identical to or different from the mark <NUM> or the like displayed in the recognition result display area <NUM> of the console <NUM>. In a case of displaying the mark <NUM> or the like identical to or similar to that in the recognition result display area <NUM> or the like of the console <NUM>, the radiological technician or the like can easily know the meaning content and/or importance of the mark <NUM> or the like displayed in the recognition result display area <NUM> due to the identity or similarity of the display form. On the other hand, in a case where the mark <NUM> or the like different from that in the recognition result display area <NUM> of the console <NUM> is displayed in the recognition result display area <NUM>, the meaning content and/or importance of the mark <NUM> or the like may be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner according to the display area or the like.

In the present embodiment, the mark <NUM> or the like is also constituted by a clickable GUI on the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM>. Therefore, the control unit <NUM> receives the click of the mark <NUM> or the like as an explicit display request for the recognition result. As shown in <FIG>, in a case where the mark <NUM> or the like is clicked on the radiation source <NUM>, the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> displays the specific content of the recognition result in a form of, for example, the warning <NUM>. This is the display of the second display mode on the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM>.

The display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM> usually has a different display area from the display <NUM> of the console <NUM> and/or the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM>. Therefore, even in a case where the contents common to the display <NUM> of the console <NUM> and/or the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> are displayed, the display form of the recognition result and the like on the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM> is different from the display form on the display <NUM> of the console <NUM> and/or the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM>.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM> has an imaging menu display area <NUM> and an image display area <NUM>, at least before the execution of radiography. The imaging menu display area <NUM> displays the imaging menu in the selected state. This is so that the tablet terminal <NUM> can be used to confirm the imaging menu selected at any place. In <FIG>, the imaging menu in the selected state is the first imaging menu <NUM>.

The image display area <NUM> displays a camera image. In addition, in a case where the recognition result of the recognition unit <NUM> is a recognition result in which the arrangement of the subject Obj in the camera image does not match the arrangement of the subject Obj in the selected imaging menu, the control unit <NUM> provides a recognition result display area <NUM> that is superimposed on the image display area <NUM>. Then, the recognition result display area <NUM> displays the presence of a matter to be notified about the recognition result by the recognition unit <NUM> by using the mark <NUM> or the like. In <FIG>, the arrangement ("A → P") of the subject Obj in the camera image <NUM> does not match the arrangement ("P → A") of the subject Obj in the first imaging menu <NUM> in the selected state. Therefore, the recognition result display area <NUM> displays the mark <NUM>, thereby displaying the presence of the recognition result by the recognition unit <NUM>. This is the display of the first display mode on the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM>. The image display area <NUM> can display the captured radiation image after the execution of radiography.

In the present embodiment, for example, the mark <NUM> or the like is also constituted by a clickable GUI on the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM>. Therefore, the control unit <NUM> receives the click of the mark <NUM> or the like as an explicit display request for the recognition result. As shown in <FIG>, in a case where the mark <NUM> or the like is clicked on the tablet terminal <NUM>, the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM> displays the specific content of the recognition result in a form of, for example, the warning <NUM>. This is the display of the second display mode on the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM>.

As described above, the radiographic system <NUM> displays the specific content of the recognition result in a case where there is an explicit request, through the display of the mark <NUM> or the like in which the specific content of the recognition result is omitted. Therefore, the radiographic system <NUM> can support the execution of radiography in accordance with the imaging menu by using the recognition result of the recognition unit <NUM>, and can prevent the radiological technician or the like from excessively relying on the recognition result of the recognition unit <NUM>. This is because the radiographic system <NUM> displays the specific content of the recognition result only in a necessary case as a result of the determination of the radiological technician or the like, and therefore the radiological technician or the like has to examine the correctness of the arrangement of the subject Obj by himself or herself before receiving the presentation of the content of the recognition result.

The radiographic system <NUM> displays the presence of the recognition result by the recognition unit <NUM> and the specific content of the recognition result (hereinafter, referred to as the recognition result and the like) not only on the display <NUM> of the console <NUM> but also on the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> and the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM>. Therefore, in a case where the radiographic system <NUM> is used, by viewing the display of the recognition result and the like on the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> or the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM>, the radiological technician or the like can know a possibility of a mistake in the arrangement of the subject Obj on the spot where the subject Obj is arranged without returning to the place where the console <NUM> is located. As a result, a mistake in the arrangement of the subject Obj can be prevented, and radiography can be smoothly executed.

The radiographic system <NUM> displays the recognition result and the like, and comprises the plurality of displays separate from the console <NUM>. Therefore, even though the radiological technician or the like moves in order to arrange the subject Obj, there are many opportunities for the radiological technician or the like to quickly and easily know the recognition result or the like at the place after the movement. Therefore, the radiographic system <NUM> can almost surely prevent a mistake in the arrangement of the subject Obj and can smoothly execute radiography.

In addition, the radiographic system <NUM> displays the recognition result and the like, and the plurality of displays separate from the console <NUM> have the different display aspects of the recognition result, respectively. Specifically, the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> displays the mark <NUM> or the like without displaying the camera image, and the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM> displays the mark <NUM> or the like after displaying the camera image. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately and effectively provide notification about a possibility of a mistake in the arrangement of the subject Obj in accordance with the display area of each display.

In addition, the radiographic system <NUM> recognizes whether or not the orientation of the subject Obj in the camera image matches the orientation of the subject Obj in the imaging menu, and does not provide the radiation image to the diagnosis in a case where the orientation of the subject Obj in the camera image does not match the orientation of the subject Obj in the imaging menu. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the misidentification of the position of the organ or the disease in the subject Obj, such as the misidentification of situs inversus and/or the misidentification of the left and right disease positions. In particular, in the above embodiment, the recognition unit <NUM> recognizes the orientation of the subject Obj whose back faces the radiation source <NUM> and the orientation of the subject Obj whose abdomen faces the radiation source <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the misidentification relating to left-right reversal of the subject Obj that is difficult to notice in a case of viewing a large number of radiation images in, for example, a medical examination.

In the above embodiment, the recognition unit <NUM> recognizes whether or not the orientation of the subject Obj in the camera image matches the orientation of the subject Obj in the imaging menu, but the recognition unit <NUM> can recognize whether or not the imaging part of the subject Obj recognized by using the camera image matches the imaging part of the subject Obj in the imaging menu, in addition to the recognition of the orientation of the subject Obj or in place of the recognition of the orientation of the subject Obj. In a case where the imaging part of the subject Obj recognized by using the camera image does not match the imaging part in the imaging menu, the control unit <NUM> displays a warning on the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> or the like at that stage, and can provide notification about a possibility of a mistake in the arrangement of the subject Obj. As a result, erroneous imaging of an unnecessary imaging part that does not match the imaging menu can be prevented, and necessary radiography that matches the imaging menu can be smoothly executed.

In the above embodiment, in addition to the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> and the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM>, the display <NUM> of the console <NUM> displays the recognition result and the like, but in a case where the recognition result and the like are displayed on the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> or the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM>, the display of the recognition result and the like on the display <NUM> of the console <NUM> may be omitted. This is because the radiological technician or the like can adjust the arrangement of the subject Obj by viewing the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> or the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM> without returning to the console <NUM>. On the contrary, in a case where the recognition result and the like are displayed on the display <NUM> of the console <NUM>, even though the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> or the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM> is provided, the display of the recognition result and the like on the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> and/or the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM> can be omitted. This is because, in principle, the radiological technician or the like controls radiography using the console <NUM>.

In the above embodiment, while the warning <NUM> indicating the specific content of the recognition result is displayed in the second display mode, the radiographic system <NUM> can display arrangement support information for supporting the arrangement of the subject Obj in the camera image to match the arrangement of the subject Obj in the imaging menu, in addition to the display of the warning <NUM> indicating the specific content of the recognition result, or in place of the display of the warning <NUM> indicating the specific content of the recognition result. The arrangement support information is information indicating the orientation or distance of the subject Obj, the radiation source <NUM>, or the radiographic unit <NUM> that relatively moves or rotates, or the posture (joint bending degree or the like) of the subject Obj. Specifically, a message such as "please turn the abdomen of the subject Obj toward the radiation source <NUM>" is given.

The radiographic system <NUM> can display the warning <NUM> and the arrangement support information without displaying the mark <NUM> or the like. In a case where there is no excessive reliance on the recognition result, the radiological technician or the like can more easily and quickly know the content of the warning <NUM> by directly displaying the warning <NUM> and/or the arrangement support information without the display of the mark <NUM> or the like, and as a result, the radiological technician or the like can smoothly and accurately execute radiography.

In the above embodiment, while the radiographic system <NUM> displays the content of the recognition result in a case of receiving an explicit display request for the recognition result, the radiographic system <NUM> can display the second display mode for displaying the content of the recognition result in a case where a certain time (for example, several seconds to several tens seconds) determined by settings or the like has elapsed, in place of an explicit display request for the recognition result. In this case as well, as in the case of receiving an explicit display request for the recognition result, the radiological technician or the like has to examine the correctness of the arrangement of the subject Obj by himself or herself before displaying the specific content of the recognition result. Therefore, while the radiographic system <NUM> of the present modification example can support the execution of radiography in accordance with the imaging menu by using the recognition result of the recognition unit <NUM>, it can prevent the radiological technician or the like from excessively relying on the recognition result of the recognition unit <NUM>. As described above, in the configuration of displaying the second display mode for displaying the content of the recognition result by the elapse of time, in a case where there is an explicit display request for the recognition result before the display of the content of the recognition result (before the elapse of a predetermined time), the display of the second display mode for displaying the content of the recognition result may be performed based on the explicit display request for the recognition result without waiting for the elapse of time.

In the above embodiment, in a case where a display request for the recognition result is input using the operation unit <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM>, the content of the recognition result is displayed on the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM>, and in a case where a display request for the recognition result is input using the operation unit <NUM> of the console <NUM>, the content of the recognition result is displayed using the display <NUM> of the console <NUM>. Similarly, in a case where a display request for the recognition result is input using the operation unit <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM>, the content of the recognition result is displayed on the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM>. However, in a case where a display request for the recognition result is input using the operation unit of any one of the radiation source <NUM>, the console <NUM>, or the tablet terminal <NUM>, the radiographic system <NUM> can display the content of the recognition result on the corresponding display and/or other display. For example, in a case where a display request for the recognition result is input using the operation unit <NUM> of the console <NUM>, the content of the recognition result can be displayed not only on the display <NUM> of the console <NUM> but also on the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> and/or the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM>. In this case, even though the radiological technician or the like inputs a display request for the recognition result in the radiation source <NUM>, the console <NUM>, or the tablet terminal <NUM> and then moves to another place, the content of the recognition result can be quickly confirmed at the movement destination without inputting the display request for the recognition result again. For example, after confirming the content of the recognition result in the console <NUM>, the content of the recognition result can be easily reconfirmed in the radiation source <NUM>. Therefore, the rearrangement of the subject Obj and the radiography can be smoothly executed.

In the above embodiment and modification example, the recognition result and the like are displayed in a case where the arrangement of the subject Obj in the camera image does not match the arrangement of the subject Obj in the imaging menu, but even in a case where the arrangement of the subject Obj in the camera image matches the arrangement of the subject Obj in the imaging menu, the recognition result and the like can be displayed on the display <NUM> of the console <NUM>, the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM>, and/or the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM>. In a case where the arrangement of the subject Obj in the camera image matches the arrangement of the subject Obj in the imaging menu, and in a case where a message or the like indicating that the arrangement of the subject Obj in the camera image matches the arrangement of the subject Obj in the imaging menu or an icon or the like indicating that effect is displayed, the radiological technician or the like can confirm the correctness of the arrangement of the subject Obj by the display. In particular, it is useful in a case where it is difficult to arrange the subject Obj and the radiological technician or the like wants to refer to an objective determination by the recognition unit <NUM> as to whether or not the subject Obj has been arranged correctly. However, as in the above embodiment, in a case where the recognition result and the like are displayed only in a case where the arrangement of the subject Obj in the camera image does not match the arrangement of the subject Obj in the imaging menu, attention drawing performance in a case where the mark <NUM> or the like is displayed is improved as compared with a case where some kind of additional display such as the mark <NUM> is performed intermittently or continuously. Therefore, it is possible to more surely provide notification about the presence of a matter to be notified by the mark <NUM> or the like.

In the above-described embodiment and modification example, the specific arrangement of the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> is optional, but the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> is preferably located in a blind spot of the radiographic unit <NUM>. This is because, in a case where the display content of the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> can be recognized from the subject Obj arranged in front of the radiographic unit <NUM>, the subject Obj may feel uneasy, and the subject Obj may suffer mental burden in a case where an attention drawing display such as the mark <NUM> or the warning <NUM> appears on the display <NUM>. In a case where the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> is provided in the blind spot of the radiographic unit <NUM>, the display on the display <NUM> is difficult to be viewed from the subject Obj due to the arrangement of the subject Obj, the radiation source <NUM>, and the radiographic unit <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the subject Obj from feeling uneasy by the display on the display <NUM>.

The blind spot of the radiographic unit <NUM> refers to an angle range in which the display content on the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> is not visible as viewed from the radiographic unit <NUM>. In addition, an angle range in which the display <NUM> can be visually recognized from the radiographic unit <NUM> but the display content thereof cannot be substantially recognized is included in the blind spot of the radiographic unit <NUM>. In addition, although the tablet terminal <NUM> can move to any place, usually, the display content thereof is not intentionally disclosed to the subject Obj. Therefore, the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM> constitutes a display which is substantially in the blind spot of the radiographic unit <NUM> unless it is arranged in a facility (stand or the like) for disclosing the display content to the subject Obj.

In the above embodiment and modification example, the recognition result and the like are visually notified by displaying the mark <NUM> or the like on the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM>, but a method of notifying the radiological technician or the like of the recognition result and the like is not limited to visual display. For example, the radiographic system <NUM> can notify the radiological technician or the like of the recognition result and the like by using sound or voice in a case where there is a speaker, or using vibration or vibration pattern using a motor in a case where there is the motor or the like. Note that, in a case where the recognition result and the like are notified by these methods, it is preferable that the sound or vibration does not give an uneasy feeling to the subject Obj.

In the above embodiment and modification example, the radiographic system <NUM> can display the progress of the recognition process of the recognition unit <NUM> on the display <NUM> of the console <NUM>, the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM>, and the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM>. The progress of the recognition process means a state in which the recognition process is performed and the recognition process is not completed, for example, a state in which the recognition unit <NUM> performs the recognition process, a state in which the recognition process is being performed, a state in which the recognition process is started, and/or a state in which the recognition process is not completed. In this way, in a case of displaying the progress of the recognition process, it is possible to know that the recognition unit <NUM> is in the recognition process. As a result, it is possible to prevent imaging from being executed while misarranging the subject Obj without waiting for the display of the recognition result and the like.

The radiographic system <NUM> of the above embodiment and modification example displays the recognition result of the recognition unit <NUM> on the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> at least before the execution of radiography. This is to notify that there is a mistake in the arrangement of the subject Obj or the like before the execution of radiography. In addition, although a timing at which the recognition unit <NUM> executes the recognition process is optional, it is preferable that the recognition unit <NUM> recognizes the movement of the subject Obj and executes the recognition process for determining whether or not the arrangement of the subject Obj in the camera image matches the arrangement of the subject Obj in the imaging menu in a case where the movement of the subject Obj stops, and the display <NUM> of the radiation source <NUM> displays the result or the like. This is because, usually, in a case where the arrangement of the subject Obj is completed and the radiography is to be executed, the subject Obj is instructed not to move. The "stop" of the movement of the subject Obj includes that the movement of the subject Obj is smaller than, for example, a predetermined reference (threshold value), in addition to a case where the subject Obj is stationary.

In the above embodiment and modification example, there is provided an operation method of the radiographic system including the radiation source <NUM> that generates the radiation Ra, the radiographic unit <NUM> that images the subject Obj using the radiation Ra, the camera <NUM> that images the subject Obj arranged with respect to the radiographic unit <NUM>, and the console <NUM> that sets the imaging menu, the operation method comprising: a recognition step of recognizing, by the recognition unit <NUM>, whether or not the arrangement of the subject Obj in the camera image captured using the camera <NUM> matches the arrangement of the subject Obj in the imaging menu; a first display step of displaying, by the displays <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the first display mode for indicating the presence of the recognition result; and a second display step of displaying, by the displays <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the second display mode for displaying the content of the recognition result in a case where an explicit display request for the recognition result is received.

In the above embodiment and modification example, there is provided a program for driving the radiographic system including the radiation source <NUM> that generates the radiation Ra, the radiographic unit <NUM> that images the subject Obj using the radiation Ra, the camera <NUM> that images the subject Obj arranged with respect to the radiographic unit <NUM>, and the console <NUM> that sets the imaging menu, the program for executing: a recognition step of recognizing, by using the recognition unit <NUM>, whether or not the arrangement of the subject Obj in the camera image captured using the camera <NUM> matches the arrangement of the subject Obj in the imaging menu; a first display step of displaying, by using the displays <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the first display mode for indicating the presence of the recognition result; and a second display step of displaying the second display mode for displaying the content of the recognition result in a case where an explicit display request for the recognition result is received.

The radiographic system <NUM> of the above embodiment and modification example may include a configuration for automatically setting the imaging conditions. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the radiographic system <NUM> may comprise a time-of-flight (TOF) camera <NUM> integrally with the radiation source <NUM>. The TOF camera <NUM> has, for example, a pulse light source that emits pulses. Then, a propagation time of the pulse light is measured by using an image sensor by imaging a range including at least the irradiation range of the radiation Ra using the pulse light emitted from the pulse light source. As a result, the TOF camera <NUM> measures the distance to the subject Obj. In the present modification example, since the TOF camera <NUM> is provided integrally with the radiation source <NUM>, the distance to the subject Obj measured by the TOF camera <NUM> is substantially the distance from the radiation source <NUM> to the subject Obj (so-called source to object distance (SOD)).

As shown in <FIG>, the console <NUM> is provided with a body thickness measurement unit <NUM> and an imaging condition setting unit <NUM>. The body thickness measurement unit <NUM> measures the body thickness of the subject Obj (in a case where the subject Obj is an object, the body thickness is the thickness of the object) by using a measurement result of the distance to the subject Obj by the TOF camera <NUM>. Specifically, since the source to image distance (SID) is determined by the arrangement of the radiation source <NUM> and the radiographic unit <NUM>, the body thickness measurement unit <NUM> can calculate the body thickness of the subject Obj by subtracting the SOD measured using the TOF camera <NUM>, from the SID. In addition, the imaging condition setting unit <NUM> automatically sets the imaging conditions by using the body thickness of the subject Obj measured by the body thickness measurement unit <NUM>. The imaging conditions are the tube voltage and/or tube current (dose and/or radiation quality of the radiation Ra) of the radiation tube <NUM>, the use or non-use of the grid, the aspect ratio of the grid in a case of being used, and the like.

As described above, in a case where the radiographic system <NUM> includes a configuration for automatically setting the imaging conditions, the setting of the imaging conditions can be facilitated, whereby radiography can be executed more smoothly.

The TOF camera <NUM>, the body thickness measurement unit <NUM>, and the imaging condition setting unit <NUM>, which are configured to automatically set the imaging conditions, can also be used in a radiographic system which recognizes whether or not the arrangement of the subject Obj in the camera image matches the arrangement of the subject Obj in the imaging menu and does not display the result. In this case, as compared with a radiographic system having no TOF camera <NUM> or the like, the radiographic system having the configuration for automatically setting the imaging conditions such as the TOF camera <NUM> facilitates the setting of the imaging conditions, thereby enabling radiography to be executed more smoothly.

In the radiographic system <NUM> of the above embodiment and modification example, in a case where the camera image (the camera image <NUM> or the camera image <NUM> in the above embodiment) is displayed on the display <NUM> of the console <NUM> and/or the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM>, the display angle of view of the camera image to be displayed can be optionally changed. The display angle of view is a display range of the camera image to be displayed on the display <NUM> of the console <NUM> and/or the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM> in the whole captured camera image, and is a part or the whole of the camera image.

As described above, in a case where the display angle of view of the camera image is variable, as shown in <FIG>, the radiographic system <NUM> preferably comprises an irradiation range estimation unit <NUM> and a display angle of view determination unit <NUM>.

The irradiation range estimation unit <NUM> estimates the irradiation range of the radiation Ra using the camera image. The irradiation range estimation unit <NUM> estimates the irradiation range of the radiation Ra by recognizing, for example, the position, size, and/or orientation of the radiographic unit <NUM> which is captured in the camera image. In addition, in a case where the radiation source <NUM> has a collimator for adjusting the irradiation range of the radiation Ra, the irradiation range estimation unit <NUM> acquires information relating to the setting state of the collimator, and can estimate the irradiation range of the radiation Ra using the information. In a case where the irradiation range of the radiation Ra is projected using the irradiation range display unit <NUM>, the irradiation range estimation unit <NUM> recognizes the display of the irradiation range by the irradiation range display unit <NUM> in the camera image, and can estimate the irradiation range of the radiation Ra using the result.

The display angle of view determination unit <NUM> determines the display angle of view of the camera image based on the irradiation range of the radiation Ra estimated by the irradiation range estimation unit <NUM>. The display angle of view determination unit <NUM> determines the display angle of view such that the irradiation range of the radiation Ra estimated by the irradiation range estimation unit <NUM> is included, for example, and at least a range smaller than the whole camera image is set as the display range. In addition, the display angle of view determination unit <NUM> can determine the display angle of view of the camera image such that the display range is equal to the irradiation range of the radiation Ra estimated by the irradiation range estimation unit <NUM>.

In a case where the display angle of view determination unit <NUM> determines the display angle of view of the camera image, the display <NUM> of the console <NUM> and the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM> optimally display a portion of the camera image corresponding to the display angle of view determined by the display angle of view determination unit <NUM>. Specifically, the display <NUM> of the console <NUM> makes the center of the irradiation range of the radiation Ra match the center of the image display area <NUM>, and enlarges and displays the portion of the camera image corresponding to the determined display angle of view. Similarly, the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM> makes the center of the irradiation range of the radiation Ra match the center of the image display area <NUM>, and enlarges and displays the portion of the camera image corresponding to the determined display angle of view. Note that, the portion of the camera image corresponding to the display angle of view can be displayed in the original size without being enlarged.

As described above, the radiographic system <NUM> comprising the irradiation range estimation unit <NUM> and the display angle of view determination unit <NUM> operates as follows, for example. First, before the determination of the display angle of view, the display <NUM> of the console <NUM> displays the whole camera image (the whole portion in a case of setting for displaying a part of the camera image) in the image display area <NUM> (see <FIG> or <FIG>). On the other hand, as shown in <FIG>, in a case where the display angle of view determination unit <NUM> determines a display angle of view <NUM> after the irradiation range estimation unit <NUM> estimates the irradiation range, the display <NUM> of the console <NUM> optimally displays a portion corresponding to the determined display angle of view <NUM> in the image display area <NUM> by adjusting the position and size. Therefore, according to the radiographic system <NUM> having the irradiation range estimation unit <NUM> and the display angle of view determination unit <NUM>, the radiological technician or the like can clearly and surely recognize the irradiation range of the radiation Ra. As a result, it is easy to smoothly and accurately arrange the subject Obj in accordance with the irradiation range of the radiation Ra. The operation of the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM> is the same as the operation of the display <NUM> of the console <NUM> described above. In addition, each display form of the first display mode and the second display mode is the same as that of the above embodiment (see <FIG> and the like).

In the above modification example, although the display angle of view of the camera image is changed, the irradiation range of the radiation Ra may be displayed on the camera image instead of changing the display angle of view of the camera image. In this case, the display angle of view determination unit <NUM> in the above modification example is omitted or the function thereof is stopped. The display <NUM> of the console <NUM> and the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM> display the camera images in the image display area <NUM> and the image display area <NUM>, respectively, and display, on the camera images, the position, size, and range of the irradiation range of the radiation Ra estimated by the irradiation range estimation unit <NUM>. For example, a frame line indicating the estimated irradiation range of the radiation Ra is superimposed on the camera image. In this way, by emphasizing the estimated irradiation range of the radiation Ra with a frame line or the like, the radiological technician or the like can accurately recognize the irradiation range of the radiation Ra. As a result, it is easy to smoothly and accurately arrange the subject Obj in accordance with the irradiation range of the radiation Ra. In addition, in the display of the display <NUM> of the console <NUM> and the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM>, it is possible to prevent the irradiation range of the radiation Ra from being chipped.

In the above embodiment and various modification examples, although the display <NUM> of the console <NUM> and the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM> each automatically display the camera image, it is preferable that the display and the non-display of the camera image are optionally switched by the radiological technician or the like. However, even in a case where the camera image is not displayed, the recognition unit <NUM> can recognize the subject Obj and display the first display mode and the second display mode. In addition, even though the camera image is set not to be displayed, the control unit <NUM> can automatically display the camera image in a case of displaying the first display mode (that is, in a case of displaying the mark <NUM> or the like). This is so that even in a case where the camera image is not displayed, the arrangement of the subject Obj, which may need to be rearranged, can be easily confirmed without passing through the display setting of the camera image. In addition, in a case where it is necessary to confirm the camera image, it is preferable to display a warning to that effect and prompt the display of the camera image.

In the above embodiment and various modification examples, since the camera <NUM> is provided substantially integrally with the radiation source <NUM>, in a case where the position of the radiation source <NUM> (or a portion such as a collimator constituting the radiation source <NUM>) is adjusted or rotated, the orientation of the camera image captured by the camera <NUM> is also changed. Therefore, it is preferable that the display <NUM> of the console <NUM> and the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM> automatically adjust the orientation of the camera image in a case of displaying the camera image. For example, the camera image is rotated and displayed so that the vertical upper part is always positioned above the display <NUM> of the console <NUM> and the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM>. In addition, the display <NUM> of the console <NUM> and the display <NUM> of the tablet terminal <NUM> can adjust the overall shape of the camera image in accordance with the image display area <NUM> and the image display area <NUM> by trimming the camera image (or adjusting the display angle of view) as needed. In a case where the rectangular camera image is rotated in the image display area <NUM> and the image display area <NUM>, the camera image is reduced, and therefore the overall shape of the camera image is adjusted as well, so that the subject Obj or the like can be easily confirmed through the camera image.

In the above embodiment and various modification examples, in a case where the first display mode and/or the second display mode is displayed, it is preferable to also display an indicator (it is a so-called certainty degree or reliability degree; hereinafter, referred to as a certainty degree) such as a numerical value indicating the certainty of the recognition result by the recognition unit <NUM>. This is so that the radiological technician or the like can determine the reliability of the recognition result almost intuitively by viewing the display of the certainty degree since the display of the certainty degree can be used an indicator for determining whether or not the recognition result is reliable. The certainty degree can be output together with the recognition result by the recognition unit <NUM> in association with the recognition process.

In addition, in the above embodiment and modification example, a part or the whole can be used in any combination.

In the above embodiment, the hardware structure of a processing unit executing various processes such as the imaging menu setting unit <NUM>, the operation unit <NUM>, the recognition unit <NUM>, the control unit <NUM>, the body thickness measurement unit <NUM>, the imaging condition setting unit <NUM>, the irradiation range estimation unit <NUM>, and the display angle of view determination unit <NUM> is any of the following various processors. The various processors include a central processing unit (CPU) that is a general-purpose processor that executes software (programs) to function as various processing units, a graphical processing unit (GPU), a programmable logic device (PLD) that is a processor capable of changing a circuit configuration after manufacture, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and an exclusive electric circuit that is a processor having a circuit configuration exclusively designed to execute various processes.

One processing unit may be constituted by one of these various processors, or may be a combination of two or more processors of the same type or different types (for example, a plurality of FPGAs, a combination of a CPU and an FPGA, or a combination of a CPU and a GPU). In addition, a plurality of processing units may be constituted by one processor. As an example in which the plurality of processing units are constituted by one processor, first, as represented by a computer such as a client or a server, one processor is constituted by a combination of one or more CPUs and software and this processor functions as the plurality of processing units. Second, as represented by a system on chip (SoC) or the like, a processor that realizes the functions of the entire system including the plurality of processing units by using one integrated circuit (IC) chip is used. As described above, the various processing units are constituted by using one or more of the above described various processors as the hardware structure.

Claim 1:
A radiographic system comprising:
a radiation source (<NUM>) that generates radiation;
a radiographic unit (<NUM>) that images a subject using the radiation;
a camera (<NUM>) that images the subject arranged with respect to the radiographic unit;
a processor; and
a display (<NUM>),
wherein the processor
sets an imaging menu,
recognizes whether or not arrangement of the subject in a camera image captured using the camera matches arrangement of the subject in the imaging menu, and
displays a first display mode for indicating presence of a result of the recognition, and switches to display a second display mode for displaying a content of the recognition result in response to receiving an explicit display request, from a user of the system, for the recognition result, on the display.