Patent ID: 12260553

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

InFIG.1, a radiography system10A, a radiography system10B, and a radiography system10C are provided in a medical facility2. The radiography system10A comprises a radiation generation apparatus11A, an electronic cassette12A, and a console13A. The console13A is embedded in the radiation generation apparatus11A. The radiography system10B comprises a radiation generation apparatus11B, an electronic cassette12B, and a console13B. Similarly, the radiography system10C comprises a radiation generation apparatus11C, an electronic cassette12C, and a console13C. The radiography system10A is an example of a “first radiography system” according to the technique of the present disclosure. The radiography system10B and the radiography system10C are an example of a “second radiography system” according to the technique of the present disclosure.

The radiation generation apparatus11A has a radiation generation unit20, an irradiation switch21, and a carriage22. The radiation generation unit20emits radiation R (seeFIG.2) toward a subject H (seeFIG.2). The radiation generation unit20is configured with a radiation source23and an irradiation field limiter24. A radiation tube25is embedded in the radiation source23. The radiation tube25generates, for example, X-rays as the radiation R.

The irradiation switch21is a switch that is provided for an operator OP (seeFIG.2), such as a radiographer, to instruct an irradiation start of the radiation R. The irradiation switch21is, for example, a two-stage push switch. The irradiation switch21generates a warm-up instruction signal92(seeFIG.7) when being pushed to the first stage (half-pushed), and generates an irradiation start instruction signal93(seeFIG.7) when being pushed to the second stage (fully pushed).

The radiation tube25is provided with a filament, a target, a grid electrode, and the like (all are not shown). A voltage is applied between the filament as a cathode and the target as an anode from a voltage generator26. The voltage that is applied between the filament and the target is referred to as a tube voltage. The filament discharges thermoelectrons according to the applied tube voltage toward the target. The target radiates radiation R with collision of the thermoelectrons from the filament. The grid electrode is disposed between the filament and the target. The grid electrode changes a flow rate of the thermoelectrons from the filament toward the target according to the voltage applied from the voltage generator26. The flow rate of the thermoelectrons from the filament toward the target is referred to as a tube current. The tube voltage and the tube current are set as irradiation conditions91(seeFIGS.7and8) along with an irradiation time.

In a case where the irradiation switch21is half-pushed and the warm-up instruction signal92is generated, the filament is warmed up and the rotation of the target is started. When the filament reaches a prescribed temperature, and the target reaches a prescribed rotation speed, warm-up is completed. In a case where the irradiation switch21is fully pushed and the irradiation start instruction signal93is generated in a state in which the warm-up is completed, the tube voltage is applied from the voltage generator26, and radiation R is generated from the radiation tube25. When the irradiation time set in the irradiation conditions91has elapsed from the start of generation of radiation R, the application of the tube voltage is stopped, and irradiation of radiation R ends.

The irradiation field limiter24limits an irradiation field of radiation R generated from the radiation tube25. For example, the irradiation field limiter24has a configuration in which four shield plates formed of lead or the like shielding radiation R are disposed on respective sides of a quadrangle, and an emission opening of the quadrangle transmitting radiation is formed in a center portion. The irradiation field limiter24changes the positions of the shield plates to change the size of the emission opening, and accordingly, changes the irradiation field of radiation R.

The carriage22has a pair of right and left front wheels27and a pair of right and left rear wheels28. The radiation generation apparatus11A is movable inside a hospital by the carriage22. That is, the radiation generation apparatus11A is an example of a “mobile radiation generation apparatus” according to the technique of the present disclosure. The radiation generation apparatus11A can be used in so-called round imaging for imaging the subject H while visiting patient's rooms. For this reason, the radiation generation apparatus11A is also referred to as a treatment cart. The radiation generation apparatus11A can also be carried to an operation room and used in the middle of an operation. In addition, the radiation generation apparatus11A can also be carried in an outdoor disaster site and used in emergency.

As well known in the art, the electronic cassette12A has a sensor panel embedded in a portable housing and is driven by a battery. As is also well known, the sensor panel has a configuration in which a plurality of pixels that are sensitive to the radiation R or visible light converted from the radiation R to generate signal charge are arranged. The electronic cassette12A receives the radiation R emitted from the radiation generation unit20and transmitted through the subject H and outputs a radiographic image30A. The electronic cassette12A transmits the radiographic image30A to the console13A in a wireless manner. The radiographic image30A is an example of a “first radiographic image” according to the technique of the present disclosure.

The console13A receives the radiographic image30A from the electronic cassette12A in a wireless manner. The console13A executes various kinds of image processing on the radiographic image30A and displays the radiographic image30A after the image processing on a touch panel display (hereinafter, simply referred to as a display)42(seeFIG.4).

The radiation generation apparatus11B and the radiation generation apparatus11C emit the radiation R toward the subject H like the radiation generation apparatus11A. The electronic cassette12B receives the radiation R transmitted through the subject H and outputs a radiographic image30B. The electronic cassette12B transmits the radiographic image30B to the console13B in a wireless manner. The electronic cassette12C receives the radiation R transmitted through the subject H and outputs a radiographic image30C. The electronic cassette12C transmits the radiographic image30C to the console13C in a wireless manner. The radiographic image30B and the radiographic image30C are an example of a “second radiographic image” according to the technique of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, the radiographic image30A, the radiographic image30B, and the radiographic image30C may be collectively written as radiographic images30. The radiation generation apparatus11B and the radiation generation apparatus11C may be a mobile type like the radiation generation apparatus11A or may be a stationary type that is installed in an imaging room.

The console13B receives the radiographic image30B from the electronic cassette12B in a wireless manner. The console13B executes various kinds of image processing on the radiographic image30B and displays the radiographic image30B after the image processing on a display (not shown). The console13C receives the radiographic image30C from the electronic cassette12C in a wireless manner. The console13C executes various kinds of image processing on the radiographic image30C and displays the radiographic image30C after the image processing on a display (not shown).

InFIGS.2and3, a body portion35is mounted on the carriage22. The body portion35includes a center portion36, a column portion37, an arm portion38, and the like in addition to the above-described radiation generation unit20.

The center portion36has a user interface (UI)-based device39, a cassette storage portion40, and a handle41. As shown inFIG.4, the UI-based device39is configured with a touch panel display42and an operation panel43. The display42displays the radiographic image30A and the like. The operation panel43is operated by the operator OP at the time of setting the irradiation conditions91of the radiation R, or the like.

The cassette storage portion40is provided on a rear portion side of the center portion36. The cassette storage portion40stores the electronic cassette12A. There are a plurality of kinds of electronic cassettes12A having a longitudinal/lateral size of 17 inches×17 inches, 17 inches×14 inches, 12 inches×10 inches, and the like. The cassette storage portion40can store a plurality of kinds of electronic cassettes12A regardless of the kinds. The cassette storage portion40has a function of charging a battery of the stored electronic cassette12A.

The handle41is provided to surround above the center portion36. The handle41is held by the operator OP to operate not only the carriage22but also the radiation generation apparatus11A. The operator OP runs the radiation generation apparatus11A while holding the handle41in a state shown inFIG.3in which the radiation generation unit20is stored above the carriage22and in front of the center portion36.

The irradiation switch21is attached to the center portion36. An extension cable is connected to the irradiation switch21, and can be detached from the center portion36for use.

The column portion37has a prismatic columnar shape and is provided upright at the center of the carriage22. The arm portion38has a base end that is attached to the column portion37, and a distal end that is a free end on an opposite side to the base end and to which the radiation generation unit20is attached.

The column portion37has a first column45and a second column46that is consecutively provided upward at a predetermined angle from the first column45. The first column45is provided on an upper surface of the carriage22. The second column46can rotate with respect to the first column45with a vertical axis as a rotation axis.

The arm portion38can be bent with respect to the second column46or can extend in a direction along the second column46. The radiation generation unit20can swing front and back with respect to the arm portion38.FIG.2shows a manner of imaging a chest of the subject H who lies on a bed47.

As shown inFIG.5, the console13A has a CAD processing unit50. The CAD processing unit50executes CAD processing on the radiographic image30A to generate a radiographic image30AP after the CAD processing. The CAD processing is, for example, processing of extracting a candidate of a lesion, such as a tumor, reflected in the radiographic image30A. On the other hand, the console13B and the console13C do not have a function of the CAD processing.

The console13B or the console13C transmits an acceptability inquiry55in a wireless manner. The acceptability inquiry55inquires of whether or not there is an apparatus that can accept a request for the CAD processing on the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C. In a case where the acceptability inquiry55is received in a wireless manner, the console13A transmits an acceptability notification56to the console13B or the console13C in a wireless manner. The acceptability notification56is a notification indicating that the console13A can accept the request for the CAD processing on the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C. The console13A receives a CAD processing request57transmitted from the console13B or the console13C in a wireless manner with respect to the acceptability notification56. The CAD processing request57includes the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C. The CAD processing request57also includes identification information (not shown) of the console13B or the console13C, or the like.

The console13A executes the CAD processing on the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C in response to the CAD processing request57to generate a radiographic image30BP after the CAD processing or a radiographic image30CP after the CAD processing. The console13A transmits a CAD processing result58including the radiographic image30BP after the CAD processing or the radiographic image30CP after the CAD processing to the console13B or the console13C in a wireless manner. In this way, the console13A executes the CAD processing on the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C on behalf of the console13B or the console13C having no CAD processing function and returns the CAD processing result58to the console13B or the console13C. The CAD processing result58is an example of “a result of second computer aided diagnosis processing” according to the technique of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, the radiographic image30AP after the CAD processing, the radiographic image30BP after the CAD processing, and the radiographic image30CP after the CAD processing may be collectively written as radiographic images30P after the CAD processing.

InFIG.6, the radiation generation apparatus11A has a wireless communication unit60, a storage device61, a memory62, a central processing unit (CPU)63, a graphics processing unit (GPU)64, and the like. The wireless communication unit60, the storage device61, the memory62, the CPU63, the GPU64, and the like are connected through a busline65. The voltage generator26and the UI-based device39are also connected to the busline65. The wireless communication unit60, the storage device61, the memory62, the CPU63, the GPU64, and the busline65, and the UI-based device39configure the console13A. The storage device61, the memory62, the CPU63, the GPU64, and the busline65are an example of a “computer” according to the technique of the present disclosure. The CPU63and the GPU64are an example of a “processor” according to the technique of the present disclosure. The GPU64may not be included in the configuration of the console13A and may be connected to the busline65or may be included in a configuration dedicated to CAD processing independent of the console13A.

The wireless communication unit60performs wireless communication directly with the electronic cassette12A. The wireless communication unit60performs wireless communication with an external device other than the electronic cassette12A through a network. Examples of the external device include the console13B and the console13C. Examples of the external device include a radiology information system (RIS) that manages information, such as an imaging order, and a picture archiving and communication systems (PACS). Examples of the network include a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet or a public communication network.

The storage device61is, for example, a hard disk drive or a solid state drive, and is an example of a “storage unit” according to the technique of the present disclosure. The storage device61stores various programs and various kinds of data associated with various programs. The memory62is a work memory on which the CPU63or the GPU64executes processing. The CPU63and the GPU64read out a program stored in the storage device61to the memory62and execute processing depending on the read-out program.

The above-described irradiation switch21is connected to the CPU63. The irradiation switch21outputs the warm-up instruction signal92and the irradiation start instruction signal93to the CPU63.

A power feed unit66is connected to the busline65. The power feed unit66supplies power from the battery67to each unit of the radiation generation apparatus11A. The power feed unit66includes a direct-current (DC)-DC converter that converts a direct-current voltage from the battery67to a voltage having a value depending on a supply destination, a voltage stabilization circuit that stabilizes the value of the converted voltage, and the like. The battery67is embedded in, for example, the center portion36. In this way, the radiation generation apparatus11A is driven by the battery67. The radiation generation apparatus11A can connect a plug (not shown) of a power cord extending from a lower portion of the body portion35to a socket of a commercial power supply to charge the battery67or can operate with electric power from the commercial power supply. Alternatively, a charger having a connector that is directly connected to the body portion35can also be connected to the body portion35to charge the battery67.

InFIG.7, an operation program70is stored in the storage device61. The operation program70is a program causing a computer configured with the storage device61, the memory62, the CPU63, the GPU64, and the busline65to operate as a “mobile radiation generation apparatus” according to the technique of the present disclosure. That is, the operation program70is an example of “an operation program for a mobile radiation generation apparatus” according to the technique of the present disclosure. The storage device61also stores an irradiation condition table71and a model72for CAD processing.

The CPU63executes the operation program70to function as a reception unit75, an irradiation control unit76, a cassette control unit77, a notification unit78, a first reception unit79, a second reception unit80, a read-write (hereinafter, abbreviated as RW) control unit81, an image processing unit82, a display control unit83, and a return unit84in cooperation with the memory62and the like. The GPU64executes the operation program70to function as the above-described CAD processing unit50in cooperation with the memory62and the like. For this reason, the CPU63is an example of a “first sub-processor” according to the technique of the present disclosure, and the GPU64is an example of a “second sub-processor” according to the technique of the present disclosure.

The reception unit75receives an imaging menu90input from the operator OP through the operation panel43. The reception unit75reads out the irradiation conditions91corresponding to the received imaging menu90from the irradiation condition table71and outputs the read-out irradiation conditions91to the irradiation control unit76.

The reception unit75also receives the warm-up instruction signal92and the irradiation start instruction signal93from the irradiation switch21. The reception unit75outputs the reception of the warm-up instruction signal92to the irradiation control unit76and the notification unit78. The reception unit75outputs the reception of the irradiation start instruction signal93to the irradiation control unit76.

The irradiation control unit76controls the operation of the radiation tube25to control the irradiation of the radiation R. The irradiation control unit76sets the irradiation conditions91in the voltage generator26. The irradiation control unit76makes the radiation tube25perform warm-up in a case where the reception of the warm-up instruction signal92is input from the reception unit75. Furthermore, the irradiation control unit76causes the irradiation of the radiation R from the radiation tube25through the voltage generator26under the set irradiation conditions91in a case where the reception of the irradiation start instruction signal93is input from the reception unit75.

The irradiation control unit76outputs the start of the irradiation of the radiation R to the cassette control unit77conforming to an irradiation start timing of the radiation R. Furthermore, the irradiation control unit76outputs the end of the irradiation of the radiation R to the cassette control unit77conforming to an irradiation end timing of the radiation R.

The cassette control unit77transmits various control signals to the electronic cassette12A to control the operation of the electronic cassette12A. The cassette control unit77transmits an irradiation start synchronization signal94to the electronic cassette12A in a case where the start of the irradiation of the radiation R is input from the irradiation control unit76. Furthermore, the cassette control unit77transmits an irradiation end synchronization signal95to the electronic cassette12A in a case where the end of the irradiation of the radiation R is input from the irradiation control unit76. Though not shown, the cassette control unit77transmits a gain value and the like of signal charge depending on the irradiation conditions91to the electronic cassette12A.

The notification unit78receives the acceptability inquiry55from the console13B or the console13C (not shown). In a case where the acceptability inquiry55is received, the notification unit78notifies the console13B and the console13C of the acceptability notification56. That is, the notification unit78executes first notification processing of notifying the radiography system10B and the radiography system10C that a request for second CAD processing on the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C can be accepted.

The first reception unit79executes first reception processing of receiving the radiographic image30A from the electronic cassette12A. The first reception unit79outputs the radiographic image30A to the RW control unit81.

The second reception unit80executes second reception processing of receiving the radiographic image30B from the console13B or the radiographic image30C from the console13C. Specifically, the second reception unit80receives the CAD processing request57including the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C. The second reception unit80outputs the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C to the RW control unit81. The second reception unit80outputs the reception of the CAD processing request57to the notification unit78. In addition, the second reception unit80outputs the identification information of the console13B or the console13C included in the CAD processing request57to the return unit84.

The RW control unit81controls storage of various kinds of data in the storage device61and readout of various kinds of data in the storage device61. The RW control unit81reads out the irradiation condition table71from the storage device61and outputs the irradiation condition table71to the reception unit75. The RW control unit81reads out the model72for CAD processing from the storage device61and outputs the model72for CAD processing to the CAD processing unit50.

The RW control unit81stores the radiographic image30A from the first reception unit79in the storage device61. The RW control unit81reads out the radiographic image30A from the storage device61and outputs the radiographic image30A to the image processing unit82.

The RW control unit81stores the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C from the second reception unit80in the storage device61. The RW control unit81reads out the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C from the storage device61and outputs the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C to the CAD processing unit50.

The image processing unit82executes image processing of processing the radiographic image30A to a radiographic image for display. Specifically, the image processing unit82executes offset correction processing, sensitivity correction processing, defective pixel correction processing, and the like as the image processing. The offset correction processing is processing of subtracting, from the radiographic image30A, an offset correction image detected in a state in which there is no irradiation of the radiation R, in units of pixels. The image processing unit82executes the offset correction processing to remove fixed pattern noise due to dark charge or the like from the radiographic image30A. The sensitivity correction processing is processing of correcting variation or the like in sensitivity of each pixel, variation in output characteristic of a circuit that reads out the signal charge, and the like based on sensitivity correction data. The defective pixel correction processing is processing of linearly interpolating a pixel value of a defective pixel with a pixel value of a surrounding normal pixel based on information of a defective pixel having an abnormal pixel value generated during shipment, during a periodic inspection, or the like. The offset correction processing, the sensitivity correction processing, and the defective pixel correction processing are processing essential for making the image quality of the radiographic image30A enough to endure display. The image processing unit82outputs the radiographic image30A subjected to various image processing described above to the RW control unit81. The RW control unit81stores the radiographic image30A subjected to the image processing in the storage device61.

The CAD processing unit50executes the CAD processing using the model72for CAD processing. The model72for CAD processing is a machine learning model that has the radiographic image30as input data and the radiographic image30P after the CAD processing as output data. The model72for CAD processing is a learned model where the accuracy of the CAD processing is increased to a predetermined level by learning.

The CAD processing unit50receives the radiographic image30A subjected to the image processing from the RW control unit81. The CAD processing unit50executes first CAD processing of executing the CAD processing on the radiographic image30A subjected to the image processing to generate the radiographic image30AP after the CAD processing. The CAD processing unit50outputs the radiographic image30AP after the CAD processing to the RW control unit81. The RW control unit81stores the radiographic image30AP after the CAD processing in the storage device61.

The CAD processing unit50receives the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C from the RW control unit81. The CAD processing unit50executes second CAD processing of executing the CAD processing on the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C to generate the radiographic image30BP after the CAD processing or the radiographic image30CP after the CAD processing. The CAD processing unit50outputs the radiographic image30BP after the CAD processing or the radiographic image30CP after the CAD processing to the RW control unit81. The RW control unit81stores the radiographic image30BP after the CAD processing or the radiographic image30CP after the CAD processing in the storage device61.

As shown inFIG.4, the display control unit83performs control such that the radiographic image30A is displayed on the display42. The display control unit83performs control for receiving the radiographic image30AP after the CAD processing from the RW control unit81and displaying the radiographic image30AP after the CAD processing on the display42(seeFIG.10).

The return unit84receives the radiographic image30BP after the CAD processing or the radiographic image30CP after the CAD processing from the RW control unit81. The return unit84executes return processing of returning the CAD processing result58including the radiographic image30BP after the CAD processing to the console13B or return processing of returning the CAD processing result58including the radiographic image30CP after the CAD processing to the console13C. The return unit84specifies a console to which the CAD processing result58is returned, based on the identification information of the console13B or the console13C from the second reception unit80.

As shown inFIG.8, in the irradiation condition table71, the irradiation conditions91corresponding to various imaging menus90are registered. The imaging menu90defines an imaging procedure having a set of an imaging part, a posture, and an imaging direction, such as “front chest decubitus”. The imaging part is a head, a neck, an abdomen, a waist, a shoulder, an elbow, a hand, a knee, an ankle, and the like in addition to the chest. The posture is an upright posture, a sitting posture, and the like in addition to the decubitus posture. The imaging direction is a rear surface, a lateral surface, and the like in addition to the front surface. Information regarding a body shape of the subject H, such as “body shape small”, is also included in the imaging menu90. As described above, the irradiation conditions91are a set of a tube voltage, a tube current, and an irradiation time. Instead of the tube current and the irradiation time, a tube current and irradiation time product may be set as the irradiation condition91.

The radiation generation apparatus11A receives an imaging order from the RIS through the wireless communication unit60. In the imaging order, identification data (ID) for identifying the subject H, instruction information of an imaging procedure by a treatment department physician or the like who issues the imaging order, and the like are registered. The radiation generation apparatus11A displays the imaging order from the RIS on the display42in response to an operation of the operator OP. The operator OP confirms the content of the imaging order through the display42.

The radiation generation apparatus11A displays one of a plurality of electronic cassettes12A stored in the cassette storage portion40on the display42in a selectable form. The operator OP selects one electronic cassette12A that is used to image the subject H indicated by the imaging order. With this, the selected electronic cassette12A and the imaging order are associated with each other.

The radiation generation apparatus11A displays the imaging menu90on the display42in a selectable form. The operator OP selects the imaging menu90that coincides with the imaging procedure designated by the imaging order and coincides with the body shape of the subject H. With this, the imaging menu90is received by the reception unit75, and the irradiation conditions91corresponding to the imaging menu90are read out from the irradiation condition table71to the reception unit75. As a result, the irradiation conditions91are set in the voltage generator26by the irradiation control unit76. The irradiation conditions91read out from the irradiation condition table71can be finely adjusted by the operator OP through the operation panel43before being set in the voltage generator26.

As shown inFIG.9, the radiation tube25performs warm-up conforming to the warm-up instruction signal92received in the reception unit75. Next, the radiation tube25generates the radiation R conforming to the irradiation start instruction signal93received in the reception unit75. The electronic cassette12A performs an accumulation operation to make the pixels accumulate the signal charge in response to the irradiation start synchronization signal94transmitted conforming to the irradiation start timing of the radiation R after performing a reset operation (not shown) to read out and discard dark charge from the pixels of the sensor panel. Furthermore, the electronic cassette12A performs a readout operation to read out the signal charge accumulated in the pixels and to output the signal charge as the radiographic image30A in response to the irradiation end synchronization signal95transmitted conforming to the irradiation end timing of the radiation R. The electronic cassette12A transmits the radiographic image30A to the console13A.

The console13A executes the first reception processing of receiving the radiographic image30A with the first reception unit79. The console13A executes the image processing on the radiographic image30A with the image processing unit82. The console13A displays the radiographic image30A after the image processing on the display42under the control of the display control unit83. In a case where a set time has elapsed after the radiographic image30A is displayed on the display42, the console13A executes the first CAD processing on the radiographic image30A with the CAD processing unit50. The set time is, for example, one minute. The console13A displays the radiographic image30A after the CAD processing on the display42under the control of the display control unit83. The series of processing from when the warm-up instruction signal92is received in the reception unit75in this way to when the first CAD processing on the radiographic image30A by the CAD processing unit50ends is defined as “imaging-related processing” according to the technique of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG.10, the radiographic image30AP after the CAD processing is, for example, an image in which a marker100surrounding a candidate of a lesion extracted by the first CAD processing is displayed.

In the console13B or the console13C, an application program that requests second CAD processing on the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C to the radiation generation apparatus11A is installed. The acceptability inquiry55is transmitted toward the console13A in a wireless manner in a case where the application program is activated by an operator of the radiography system10B or the radiography system10C.

In a case where the acceptability notification56in response to on the acceptability inquiry55is received in a wireless manner, the console13B or the console13C displays an acceptability notification screen105shown inFIG.11on the display. On the acceptability notification screen105, a request button107and a cancel button108are displayed along with a message106indicating that the second CAD processing of the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C can be requested to the radiography system10A. In a case where the request button107is selected, the CAD processing request57is transmitted from the console13B or the console13C to the radiation generation apparatus11A in a wireless manner. In a case where the cancel button108is selected, the display of the acceptability notification screen105disappears.

As shown inFIG.12, the notification unit78does not notify of the acceptability notification56in response to the acceptability inquiry55while the second reception processing, the second CAD processing, the return processing on any one of the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C are being executed. That is, the notification unit78interrupts the first notification processing while the second reception processing, the second CAD processing, and the return processing on any one of the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C are being executed. For this reason, until the CAD processing request57of one “second radiographic image” is received in the second reception unit80(second reception processing), and the CAD processing result58of the “second radiographic image” is returned from the return unit84(return processing), the acceptability notification screen105is not displayed in the console13B and the console13C. The first notification processing is interrupted in this way, whereby only one “second radiographic image” is present in the radiation generation apparatus11A while the second reception processing, the second CAD processing, and the return processing are being executed. In other words, two or more “second radiographic images” are not present together in the radiation generation apparatus11A while the second reception processing, the second CAD processing, and the return processing are being executed. The processing of interrupting the first notification processing shown inFIG.12is an example of “first restriction processing” according to the technique of the present disclosure.

The notification unit78notifies the console13B or the console13C of a first busy state notification110instead of the acceptability notification56. The first busy state notification110is a notification indicating that the second reception processing, the second CAD processing, and the return processing on any one of the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C are being executed in the radiation generation apparatus11A. That is, the processing of notifying of the first busy state notification110is an example of “second notification processing” according to the technique of the present disclosure.

In a case where the first busy state notification110is received, the console13B or the console13C displays a first busy state notification screen115shown inFIG.13on the display. On the first busy state notification screen115, a message116indicating that the request of the second CAD processing on the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C is being executed in the radiography system10A is displayed. The display of the first busy state notification screen115disappears in a case where an OK button117is selected.

As shown inFIG.14, the notification unit78does not notify of the acceptability notification56in response to the acceptability inquiry55while the imaging-related processing is being executed. That is, the notification unit78interrupts the first notification processing while the imaging-related processing is being executed. For this reason, from when the warm-up instruction signal92is received in the reception unit75to when the first CAD processing on the radiographic image30A by the CAD processing unit50ends, the acceptability notification screen105is not displayed on the console13B and the console13C. The first notification processing is interrupted in this way, whereby the radiation generation apparatus11A does not execute the second reception processing, the second CAD processing, and the return processing while the imaging-related processing is being executed. The processing of interrupting the first notification processing shown inFIG.13is an example of “second restriction processing” according to the technique of the present disclosure.

The notification unit78notifies the console13B or the console13C of a second busy state notification120instead of the acceptability notification56. The second busy state notification120is a notification indicating that the imaging-related processing is being executed in the radiation generation apparatus11A. That is, the processing of notifying of the second busy state notification120is an example of “third notification processing” according to the technique of the present disclosure.

In a case where the second busy state notification120is received, the console13B or the console13C displays a second busy state notification screen125shown inFIG.15on the display. On the second busy state notification screen125, a message126indicating that the imaging-related processing is being executed in the radiography system10A is displayed. The display of the second busy state notification screen125disappears in a case where an OK button127is selected.

FIG.16shows a relationship between a transfer speed and a transmission speed. The transfer speed is a speed at which the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C received in the second reception processing is transferred from the second reception unit80to the CAD processing unit50by way of the RW control unit81. The transmission speed is a speed at which the CAD processing request57is transmitted from the console13B or the console13C to the second reception unit80. That is, the transmission speed is a speed at which the radiographic image30B is transmitted from the console13B to the second reception unit80and a speed at which the radiographic image30C is transmitted from the console13C to the second reception unit80. As shown in a balloon in a lower portion, the transfer speed is faster than the transmission speed.

As shown inFIG.17, the RW control unit81executes processing of erasing the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C from the storage device61after the return processing of the CAD processing result58by the return unit84. Similarly, the RW control unit81executes erasure processing of erasing the radiographic image30BP after the CAD processing or the radiographic image30CP after the CAD processing from the storage device61.

The RW control unit81stores an execution history of the second CAD processing in the storage device61. The execution history of the second CAD processing includes, for example, a time at which the CAD processing request57is received in the second reception unit80, the identification of the console13B or the console13C as a transmission source of the CAD processing request57, identification information of the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C included in the CAD processing request57, and a time at which the second CAD processing is executed.

Next, the operations of the above-described configuration will be described referring to flowcharts ofFIGS.18and19. In a case where the operation program70is activated, as shown inFIG.7, the CPU63functions as the reception unit75, the irradiation control unit76, the cassette control unit77, the notification unit78, the first reception unit79, the second reception unit80, the RW control unit81, the image processing unit82, the display control unit83, and the return unit84. The GPU64functions as the CAD processing unit50.

Before imaging, the imaging menu90corresponding to the imaging order is selected by the operator OP through the display42, and the imaging menu90is received in the reception unit75. Then, the irradiation conditions91corresponding to the imaging menu90are read out from the irradiation condition table71by the reception unit75. The read-out irradiation conditions91are finely adjusted by the operator OP as needed, and then, are set in the voltage generator26by the irradiation control unit76.

InFIG.18, after the irradiation conditions91are set, the irradiation switch21is operated by the operator OP, and the warm-up instruction signal92is received in the reception unit75(Step ST100). With this, as shown inFIG.9, the radiation tube25is warmed up (Step ST110). As shown inFIG.14, wireless transmission (first notification processing) of the acceptability notification56by the notification unit78in response to the acceptability inquiry55is interrupted (Step ST110, the second restriction processing).

After the warm-up, the irradiation switch21is further operated by the operator OP, and the irradiation start instruction signal93is received in the reception unit75(Step ST120). With this, as shown inFIG.9, the irradiation of the radiation R is started from the radiation tube25under the set irradiation conditions91, and the irradiation start synchronization signal94is transmitted from the cassette control unit77to the electronic cassette12A (Step ST130). In the electronic cassette12A, the accumulation operation is performed in response to the irradiation start synchronization signal94.

After the irradiation time set in the irradiation conditions91has elapsed, the irradiation of the radiation R from the radiation tube25ends, and the irradiation end synchronization signal95is transmitted from the cassette control unit77to the electronic cassette12A (Step ST140). In the electronic cassette12A, the read-out operation is performed in response to the irradiation end synchronization signal95. With this, the radiographic image30A is output from the electronic cassette12A.

The radiographic image30A from the electronic cassette12A is received by the first reception unit79(Step ST150, the first reception processing). The radiographic image30A is output from the first reception unit79to the RW control unit81and is stored in the storage device61by the RW control unit81(Step ST160).

The radiographic image30A is read out from the storage device61by the RW control unit81and is output to the image processing unit82. Then, in the image processing unit82, various kinds of image processing, such as offset correction processing, sensitivity correction processing, and defective pixel correction processing, are executed on the radiographic image30A (Step ST170). The radiographic image30A after the image processing is output from the image processing unit82to the RW control unit81and is stored in the storage device61by the RW control unit81.

As shown inFIG.4, the radiographic image30A after the image processing is displayed on the display42by the display control unit83(Step ST180). With this, the operator OP can instantly confirm a reflected state of the radiographic image30A at an imaging site.

When the set time has elapsed after the radiographic image30A is displayed on the display42, the CAD processing is executed on the radiographic image30A after the image processing by the CAD processing unit50(Step ST190, the first CAD processing). With this, the radiographic image30A is changed to the radiographic image30AP after the CAD processing. The radiographic image30AP after the CAD processing is output from the CAD processing unit50to the RW control unit81and is stored in the storage device61by the RW control unit81.

In a case where the warm-up instruction signal92is received in the reception unit75(Step ST100), the imaging-related processing is started. Then, in a case where the first CAD processing on the radiographic image30A by the CAD processing unit50ends (Step ST190), the imaging-related processing ends.

While the imaging-related processing is being executed, in a case where the acceptability inquiry55is received, as shown inFIG.14, the second busy state notification120, instead of the acceptability notification56, is notified from the notification unit78to the console13B or the console13C. With the reception of the second busy state notification120, the second busy state notification screen125shown inFIG.15is displayed on the display of the console13B or the console13C.

As shown inFIG.10, the radiographic image30AP after the CAD processing is displayed on the display42by the display control unit83(Step ST200). Wireless transmission (the first notification processing) of the acceptability notification56by the notification unit78in response to the acceptability inquiry55is resumed (Step ST200). The radiographic image30AP after the CAD processing is displayed on the display42, whereby the operator OP can instantly confirm the radiographic image30AP after the CAD processing at the imaging site.

The operator of the radiography system10B or the radiography system10C activates the application program for requesting the second CAD processing on the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C to the radiation generation apparatus11A. With this, the acceptability inquiry55is transmitted from the console13B or the console13C to the console13A in a wireless manner.

As shown inFIG.19, the acceptability inquiry55is received by the notification unit78(Step ST300). After the acceptability inquiry55is received, the acceptability notification56is transmitted from the notification unit78(Step ST310, the first notification processing).

With the reception of the acceptability notification56, the acceptability notification screen105shown inFIG.11is displayed on the display of the console13B or the console13C. In a case where the request button107is selected on the acceptability notification screen105, the CAD processing request57including the radiographic image30B or the CAD processing request57including the radiographic image30C is transmitted from the console13B or the console13C to the console13A in a wireless manner.

The CAD processing request57is received by the second reception unit80(Step ST320, the second reception processing). As shown inFIG.12, wireless transmission (the first notification processing) of the acceptability notification56by the notification unit78is interrupted (Step ST320, the first restriction processing). The radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C included in the CAD processing request57is output from the second reception unit80to the RW control unit81and is stored in the storage device61by the RW control unit81(Step ST330).

The radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C is read out from the storage device61by the RW control unit81and is output to the CAD processing unit50. Then, the CAD processing is executed on the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C by the CAD processing unit50(Step ST340, the second CAD processing). With this, the radiographic image30B is changed to the radiographic image30BP after the CAD processing or the radiographic image30C is changed to the radiographic image30CP after the CAD processing. The radiographic image30BP after the CAD processing or the radiographic image30CP after the CAD processing is output from the CAD processing unit50to the RW control unit81and is stored in the storage device61by the RW control unit81(Step ST350).

The radiographic image30BP after the CAD processing or the radiographic image30CP after the CAD processing is read out from the storage device61by the RW control unit81and is output to the return unit84. The radiographic image30BP after the CAD processing or the radiographic image30CP after the CAD processing is returned as the CAD processing result58to the console13B or the console13C by the return unit84(Step ST360, the return processing).

In a case where the acceptability inquiry55is received while the second reception processing, the second CAD processing, and the return processing on any one of the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C are being executed, as shown inFIG.12, the first busy state notification110, instead of the acceptability notification56, is notified from the notification unit78to the console13B or the console13C. With the reception of the first busy state notification110, the first busy state notification screen115shown inFIG.13is displayed on the display of the console13B or the console13C.

After the return processing, as shown inFIG.17, the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C and the radiographic image30BP after the CAD processing or the radiographic image30CP after the CAD processing of the storage device61are erased by the RW control unit81(Step ST370, the erasure processing). Wireless transmission (the first notification processing) of the acceptability notification56by the notification unit78is resumed (Step ST370).

As described above, the CPU63of the radiation generation apparatus11A comprises the first reception unit79, the second reception unit80, and the return unit84. The GPU64comprises the CAD processing unit50. The first reception unit79executes first reception processing of receiving the radiographic image30A from the electronic cassette12A. The second reception unit80executes the second reception processing of receiving the radiographic image30B from the radiography system10B or the radiographic image30C from the radiography system10C. The CAD processing unit50executes the first CAD processing of executing the CAD processing on the radiographic image30A. The CAD processing unit50executes the second CAD processing of executing the CAD processing on the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C. The return unit84executes the return processing of returning the CAD processing result58as a result of the second CAD processing to the radiography system10B or the radiography system10C. In this way, since the target of the CAD processing by the CAD processing unit50is not limited to the radiographic image30A, the radiation generation apparatus11A can effectively utilize the function of the CAD processing.

The notification unit78executes the first notification processing of notifying the radiography system10B or the radiography system10C that the request of the second CAD processing can be accepted, with the acceptability notification56. For this reason, the operator of the radiography system10B or the radiography system10C can be informed of the presence of the radiography system10A that can accept the request of the second CAD processing.

The RW control unit81executes the erasure processing of erasing the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C and the radiographic image30BP after the CAD processing or the radiographic image30CP after the CAD processing from the storage device61after the return processing by the return unit84.

Since the radiation generation apparatus11A is a “mobile radiation generation apparatus”, the radiation generation apparatus11A has many chances to be exposed to a person other than the operator OP compared to a stationary type radiation generation apparatus. For this reason, there is a need to further improve the data security of the “second radiographic image” as an article on deposit from another radiography system. In the technique of the present disclosure, a configuration is made in which the “second radiographic image” is stored in the storage device61for a required period and is erased from the storage device61in a case where the “second radiographic image” is no longer required. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce a concern that the “second radiographic image” leaks from the radiation generation apparatus11A, and to contribute to the improvement of the data security of the “second radiographic image”.

The notification unit78executes the first restriction processing of interrupting the first notification processing while the second reception processing, the second CAD processing, and the return processing on one “second radiographic image” are being executed, such that only one “second radiographic image” is present in the radiation generation apparatus11A. For this reason, it is possible to reliably restrain a mistake, such as erroneously returning the CAD processing result58including the radiographic image30BP after the CAD processing to the console13C or erroneously returning the CAD processing result58including the radiographic image30CP after the CAD processing to the console13B. Accordingly, even with this configuration, it is possible to contribute to the improvement of the data security of the “second radiographic image”.

The notification unit78executes the second notification processing of notifying the radiography system10B or the radiography system10C that the second reception processing, the second CAD processing, and the return processing on one “second radiographic image” are being executed, with the first busy state notification110. For this reason, it is possible to reliably inform the operator of the radiography system10B or the radiography system10C that the second reception processing, the second CAD processing, and the return processing on one “second radiographic image” are being executed in the radiation generation apparatus11A, and the radiation generation apparatus11A is not in a state of receiving the request of the CAD processing.

As shown inFIG.16, the transfer speed at which the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C received in the second reception processing is transferred to the second CAD processing is faster than the transmission speed of the radiographic image30B from the radiography system10B and the transmission speed of the radiographic image30C from the radiography system10C. For this reason, it is possible to start the second CAD processing without delay after the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C is received in the second reception processing.

The radiation generation apparatus11A has the CPU63that executes the processing other than the first CAD processing and the second CAD processing, and the GPU64that executes at least the first CAD processing and the second CAD processing.

Since the CAD processing has a comparatively large processing load, in a case where the CAD processing and other kinds of processing are executed in parallel with one processor, a processing speed of each of the CAD processing and other kinds of processing may be temporarily delayed. In contrast, in the technique of the present disclosure, as described above, the processor is divided into the CPU63that executes the processing other than the first CAD processing and the second CAD processing, and the GPU64that executes at least the first CAD processing and the second CAD processing. Accordingly, it is possible to execute the first CAD processing and the second CAD processing at a high speed without influencing on other kinds of processing.

The notification unit78executes the second restriction processing of interrupting the first notification processing while the imaging-related processing involving imaging of the radiographic image30A and including the first reception processing and the first CAD processing is being executed, not to execute the second CAD processing. For this reason, it is possible to give priority to the imaging-related processing of the radiography system10A over the second CAD processing that is additional processing for the radiography system10A.

The notification unit78executes the third notification processing of notifying the radiography system10B or the radiography system10C that the imaging-related processing is being executed, by the second busy state notification120. For this reason, it is possible to reliably inform the operator of the radiography system10B or the radiography system10C that the imaging-related processing is being executed in the radiation generation apparatus11A, and the radiation generation apparatus11A is not in a state of receiving the request of the CAD processing.

In the first notification processing is interrupted in the notification unit78, a communication establishment state of the console13B and the console13C by the wireless communication unit60may be maintained until the first notification processing is resumed. On the contrary, in a case where the first notification processing is interrupted in the notification unit78, the communication establishment state of the console13B and the console13C by the wireless communication unit60may also be cancelled. In this case, the wireless communication unit60executes processing of establishing communication with the console13B or the console13C again at the time of resuming the first notification processing.

The first restriction processing is not limited to the above-described aspect where the first notification processing is interrupted. Instead of interrupting the first notification processing, first restriction processing based on an aspect described below may be executed. For example, as shown inFIG.20, an aspect may be made in which the CAD processing request57is not received in the second reception unit80while the second reception processing, the second CAD processing, and the return processing on any one of the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C are being executed. Alternatively, as shown inFIG.21, an aspect may be made in which the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C that is included in the CAD processing request57received in the second reception unit80is not stored in the storage device61and is discarded while the second reception processing, the second CAD processing, and the return processing on any one of the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C are being executed. Even with the aspects shown inFIGS.20and21, it is possible to contribute to the improvement of the data security of the “second radiographic image”.

Even in the aspects shown inFIGS.20and21, the notification unit78notifies the console13B or the console13C of the first busy state notification110indicating that the second reception processing, the second CAD processing, and the return processing on one “second radiographic image” are being executed.

As the first restriction processing, an aspect where, in a case where the CAD processing request57is received from one of the console13B and console13C, the communication establishment state with the other console of the console13B and the console13C is cancelled, and only the communication establishment state with one of the console13B and the console13C is maintained may be employed.

Similarly to the first restriction processing, the second restriction processing is also not limited to the above-described aspect where the first notification processing is interrupted. Instead of interrupting the first notification processing, second restriction processing based on an aspect described below may be executed. For example, as shown inFIG.22, an aspect may be made in which the CAD processing request57is not received in the second reception unit80while the imaging-related processing is being executed. Alternatively, as shown inFIG.23, an aspect may be made in which the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C that is included in the CAD processing request57received in the second reception unit80is not stored in the storage device61and is discarded while the imaging-related processing is being executed. Even with the aspects shown inFIGS.22and23, the radiography system10A can give priority to the imaging-related processing of the radiography system10A.

Even in the aspects shown inFIGS.22and23, the notification unit78notifies the console13B or the console13C of the second busy state notification120indicating that the imaging-related processing is being executed.

In the above-described embodiment, although an example where one radiation generation apparatus11A that is an example of a “mobile radiation generation apparatus” according to the technique of the present disclosure is provided has been described, the technique of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. A plurality of “mobile radiation generation apparatuses” may be provided. In this case, on the acceptability notification screen105, a plurality of request buttons107corresponding to a plurality of “mobile radiation generation apparatuses” are displayed in an alternatively selectable form.

Similarly, the “second radiography system” is not limited to the two radiography systems of the radiography system10B and the radiography system10C illustrated in the drawing. Two or more “second radiography systems” may be provided.

The CAD processing result58is not limited to the radiographic image30BP after the CAD processing or the radiographic image30CP after the CAD processing illustrated in the drawing. Information regarding a display position of the marker100surrounding the candidate of the lesion extracted by the second CAD processing may be returned as CAD processing result58. In a case where no candidate of a lesion is extracted, information indicating that no candidate of a lesion is extracted may be returned as CAD processing result58.

In addition to the radiation generation apparatus11A, an apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as a CAD processing apparatus) that executes second CAD processing on the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C may be present on the network. In this case, as a situation in which the second CAD processing is requested from the radiography system10B or the radiography system10C to the radiation generation apparatus11A, not to the CAD processing apparatus, for example, the following situations are considered. First, there is a case where a function of CAD processing in the CAD processing apparatus fails and cannot be used. Second, there is a case where a network failure occurs due to a disaster or the like, and the console13B or the console13C and the CAD processing apparatus cannot perform communication.

As a countermeasure of the second case, for example, the following countermeasure is considered. First, as shown inFIG.24, the reception of the acceptability inquiry55and the transmission of the acceptability notification56by the notification unit78, the reception of the CAD processing request57by the second reception unit80, and the transmission of the CAD processing result58by the return unit84are performed through a short range wireless communication unit130. That is, the second reception processing and the return processing are configured as processing of receiving and returning the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C through short range wireless communication. The short range wireless communication unit130performs transmission and reception of each kind of information described above, for example, conforming to a short range wireless communication standard, such as Bluetooth (Registered Trademark) or ZigBee (Registered Trademark).

Alternatively, as shown inFIG.25, the reception of the acceptability inquiry55and the transmission of the acceptability notification56by the notification unit78, the reception of the CAD processing request57by the second reception unit80, and the transmission of the CAD processing result58by the return unit84are performed through a wired communication unit135. That is, the second reception processing and the return processing are configured as processing of receiving and returning the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C through wired communication. The wired communication unit135performs transmission and reception of each kind of information described above, for example, conforming to a wired communication standard, such as a universal serial bus (USB) standard.

In this way, in a case where the second reception processing and the return processing are configured as processing using short range wireless communication or wired communication, even in a case where a network failure occurs and communication with the CAD processing apparatus cannot be performed, the second CAD processing on the radiographic image30B or the radiographic image30C can be executed.

The wireless communication unit60shown inFIG.6and at least one the short range wireless communication unit130shown inFIG.24or the wired communication unit135shown inFIG.25may be provided. The wireless communication unit60may be used normally, and in a case where a network failure occurs, the communication unit may be switched to the short range wireless communication unit130or the wired communication unit135.

In the above-described embodiment, although the CAD processing unit50executes the CAD processing using the model72for CAD processing, the technique of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The CAD processing may be executed using a known image recognition technique.

In the above-described embodiment, although the CAD processing is automatically executed on the radiographic image30A in the CAD processing unit50when the set time has elapsed after the radiographic image30A is displayed on the display42, the technique of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Only in a case where there is an instruction of the operator OP, the CAD processing may be executed on the radiographic image30A.

There may be plurality of kinds of CAD processing that can be executed by the CAD processing unit50. In this case, on the acceptability notification screen105, in addition to the request button107, a graphical user interface (GUI) for instructing execution of desire CAD processing among a plurality of kinds of CAD processing is displayed.

The GPU64may have the functions of the image processing unit82, the display control unit83, and the like in addition to the CAD processing unit50.

In the above-described embodiment, although the imaging-related processing is started in a case where the warm-up instruction signal92is received in the reception unit75, the technique of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In a case where the operator OP selects the imaging menu90, the imaging-related processing may be started. Alternatively, in a case where the irradiation start instruction signal93is received in the reception unit75, the imaging-related processing may be started. In addition, in a case where the radiographic image30A is received in the first reception unit79, the imaging-related processing may be started.

Similarly, the end of the imaging-related processing is not limited to a case where the first CAD processing ends. In a case where the radiographic image30AP after the CAD processing is displayed on the display42by the display control unit83, the imaging-related processing may end. In conclusion, the imaging-related processing may include at least the first reception processing and the first CAD processing.

In the above-described embodiment, although the first restriction processing ends conforming to the end timing of the return processing, the technique of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The first restriction processing may be extended and executed until an end timing of the erasure processing.

In the above-described embodiment, although the electronic cassette12A that performs the accumulation operation in response to the irradiation start synchronization signal94and performs the readout operation in response to the irradiation end synchronization signal95has been illustrated, the technique of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. An electronic cassette having a function of detecting the irradiation start and the irradiation end of the radiation R by itself may be used.

In the above-described embodiment, for example, as the hardware structure of processing units that execute various kinds of processing, such as the CAD processing unit50, the reception unit75, the irradiation control unit76, the cassette control unit77, the notification unit78, the first reception unit79, the second reception unit80, the RW control unit81, the image processing unit82, the display control unit83, and the return unit84, various processors described below can be used. Various processors include 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), a dedicated electric circuit that is a processor having a circuit configuration dedicatedly designed for executing specific processing, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the like in addition to the CPU63and the GPU64that are general-purpose processors configured to execute software (operation program70) to function as various processing units, as described above.

One processing unit may be configured of one of various processors described above or may be configured of a combination of two or more processors (for example, a combination of a plurality of FPGAs and/or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA) of the same type or different types. A plurality of processing units may be configured of one processor.

As an example where a plurality of processing units are configured of one processor, first, as represented by a computer, such as a client or a server, there is a form in which one processor is configured of a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and the processor functions as a plurality of processing units. Second, as represented by system on chip (SoC) or the like, there is a form in which a processor that implements all functions of a system including a plurality of processing units into one integrated circuit (IC) chip is used. In this way, various processing units may be configured using one or more processors among various processors described above as a hardware structure.

In addition, as the hardware structure of various processors, more specifically, an electric circuit (circuitry), in which circuit elements, such as semiconductor elements, are combined, can be used.

The technique of the present disclosure can also be appropriately combined with various embodiments and/or various modification examples described above. The technique of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various configurations can be of course employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the technique of the present disclosure. In addition to the program, the technique of the present disclosure extends to a storage medium that stores the program in a non-transitory manner. The content of the above description and the content of the drawings are detailed description of portions according to the technique of the present disclosure, and are merely examples of the technique of the present disclosure. For example, the above description relating to configuration, function, operation, and advantageous effects is description relating to examples of configuration, function, operation, and advantageous effects of the portions according to the technique of the present disclosure. Thus, it is needless to say that unnecessary portions may be deleted, new elements may be added, or replacement may be made to the content of the above description and the content of the drawings without departing from the gist of the technique of the present disclosure. Furthermore, to avoid confusion and to facilitate understanding of the portions according to the technique of the present disclosure, description relating to common technical knowledge and the like that does not require particular description to enable implementation of the technique of the present disclosure is omitted from the content of the above description and the content of the drawings.

In the specification, “A and/or B” is synonymous with “at least one of A or B”. That is, “A and/or B” may refer to A alone, B alone, or a combination of A and B. Furthermore, in the specification, a similar concept to “A and/or B” applies to a case in which three or more matters are expressed by linking the matters with “and/or”.

All of the documents, patent applications, and technical standards in the specification are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent that the individual documents, patent applications, and technical standards are described specifically and independently.