JP4313985B2 - Image processing apparatus, image processing system, image processing method, storage medium, and program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an image processing apparatus that is used in an imaging apparatus or imaging system that irradiates a subject with radiation and forms an image signal of the subject, which is an intensity distribution of the radiation transmitted through the subject, by an imaging element. The present invention relates to an image processing system, an image processing method, a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the image processing method, and the program.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, for example, as an imaging device, a large-scale sensor in which an imaging element composed of a single crystal sensor represented by a CCD sensor or a MOS sensor, or a PIN sensor of hydrogenated amorphous silicon is arranged one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally. Various products using the are produced.
Such an imaging device is used not only for obtaining a visible light image represented by a digital camera, a digital copying machine, etc., but also with the development of nuclear power, radiological medical equipment, or nondestructive inspection. It has been developed as a device that converts electrical signals.
[0003]
By the way, the S / N ratio possessed by the imaging apparatus as described above is often 2 to 3 digits, and an S / N ratio higher than that has not been conventionally required. This is due to, for example, the following reasons (1) and (2).
(1) There was no analog / digital (A / D) converter suitable for digitizing an output with a high S / N ratio with high accuracy.
(2) The amount of data after the conversion becomes large, which is subject to memory limitations and communication limitations, resulting in poor usability.
[0004]
However, in recent years, the need for an imaging device having a high S / N ratio of 4 to 5 digits is increasing due to improvement in performance of A / D converters, increase in memory capacity, and development of high-speed communication technology.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional imaging apparatus as described above, the necessity for a high S / N ratio is increasing, but due to the variation in the production process, a reduction in the S / N ratio due to dark noise cannot be avoided.
[0006]
Therefore, for example, the following method has been proposed as a method for solving the problem of the reduction in the S / N ratio.
First, when the image pickup apparatus is shipped from the factory, dark noise data is stored in the memory as correction data for the image pickup apparatus. Then, when the imaging device is actually used, the image data acquired by imaging the subject is corrected using the correction data in the memory.
However, such a method has problems as described below.
[0007]
First, normally, when a user shoots a subject using an imaging device, the user selects and sets operating conditions for the imaging device based on the subject, surrounding environments, shooting purposes, and the like. .
At this time, the characteristics of each component constituting the imaging apparatus change depending on the temperature or the like. In the imaging apparatus, various automatic controls such as automatic exposure work in order to easily obtain an optimal subject image without failure.
[0008]
Accordingly, the conditions for actually performing the above-described photographing are different from the conditions when the correction data is acquired (factory shipment), and accordingly, dark noise that causes a decrease in the S / N ratio. Therefore, even if the image data obtained at the time of actual photographing is corrected by the correction data, the error included in the image data is not completely corrected.
[0009]
As described above, the fact that the conditions at the time of actual photographing differ from the conditions at the time of acquisition of correction data is a serious problem with respect to acquiring imaging data with a high S / N ratio.
[0010]
Therefore, in order to obtain image data with a high S / N ratio by obtaining correction data under substantially the same conditions as the actual shooting conditions, for example, the actual data is taken at a timing close to the shooting time. A method has been proposed in which the same operation as that at the time of shooting is performed and correction data is acquired.
However, this method can acquire image data with a high S / N ratio, but has the following problems.
[0011]
First, since there are parameters (for example, exposure time, etc.) determined after shooting due to automatic exposure, etc., in order to perform the same operation as actual shooting for the purpose of obtaining image data with a higher S / N. The correction data needs to be acquired after shooting.
For this reason, it takes time to output the data through the correction process after the acquisition of both the image data and the correction data is completed after the correction data is acquired. Since the correction data is acquired under the same conditions, the delay time until data output increases in proportion to the exposure time at the time of shooting.
[0012]
Therefore, the present invention has been made to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks, and can efficiently acquire image data having a high S / N ratio, an image processing apparatus, an image processing system, an image processing method, It is an object of the present invention to provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for execution, and the program.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Under such an object, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus that captures an image of a subject by an imaging unit, acquires the captured image of the subject, and externally outputs the captured image. Image processing means for offset-correcting the captured image using image data for offset correction acquired from the imaging means under conditions according to the shooting conditions of the captured image, and before the offset correction by the image processing means is completed Output means for outputting an image based on the captured image to the outside.
[0014]
The image processing method according to the present invention is an image processing method for acquiring a captured image of a subject by imaging the subject with an imaging unit, and outputting the captured image to the outside. An image processing step of performing offset correction of the captured image using image data for offset correction acquired from the imaging unit under conditions according to image capturing conditions, and before the offset correction in the image processing step ends. And an output step of outputting an image based on the captured image to the outside.
[0016]
Further, the program according to the present invention is a program for causing a computer to capture an image of a subject with an imaging unit so as to acquire a captured image of the subject and externally output the captured image. An image processing step for offset correction of the captured image using image data for offset correction acquired from the imaging means under conditions according to the shooting conditions of the captured image, and before the offset correction in the image processing step ends And an output step of outputting an image based on the captured image to the outside.
[0018]
A computer-readable storage medium according to the present invention is a storage medium that stores a program that causes a computer to capture an image of a subject and to output the captured image of the subject by external imaging. An image processing step for performing offset correction on the captured image using the image data for offset correction acquired from the imaging unit under a condition corresponding to a capturing condition of the captured image after capturing the captured image on the computer. And an output step of outputting an image based on the captured image to the outside before the offset correction in the image processing step is completed.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0020]
The present invention is applied to, for example, a radiation imaging apparatus 100 as shown in FIG.
The radiation imaging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is an apparatus that acquires image data (digital radiation image data) of a subject by imaging radiation (X-rays or the like) that has passed through the subject with an imaging device, and in particular. The first image (the image subjected to the temporary correction process) is transferred immediately after the image acquisition, and the second image (the image subjected to the main correction process) different from the first image after the dark image acquisition immediately after the image acquisition With this configuration, it is possible to efficiently acquire image data with a high S / N ratio and to make the delay time until the data output smaller than before.
Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be specifically described.
[0021]
<Configuration of radiation imaging apparatus 100>
As shown in FIG. 1, the radiation imaging apparatus 100 includes a radiation detection unit 101, an image storage unit 102 having a plurality of memories (1) to (4), an image processing unit 103, and a transfer control unit 104. It is said.
[0022]
Although not shown, the radiation detection unit 101 includes a scintillator, a photodetector array, a drive circuit, and an A / D converter.
[0023]
In the radiation detection unit 101, in the scintillator, the host material of the phosphor is excited by high-energy radiation that has passed through the subject, and fluorescence in the visible region is obtained by recombination energy when recombining. This fluorescence is CaWO _Four Or CdWO _Four Or by a luminescent center substance added to the mother body such as CsI: Tl or ZnS: Ag.
[0024]
The photodetector array is disposed adjacent to the scintillator and converts photons into electrical signals for output. The photodetector array is not particularly limited. For example, other solid-state imaging devices (charge-coupled devices, etc.) or devices such as photomultiplier tubes can be applied. Even if it is used, the configuration after the A / D converter does not change.
[0025]
From the photodetector array, an electric signal corresponding to the amount of fluorescence detected by each pixel constituting the photodetector array, that is, the amount of radiation incident on the scintillator phosphor is sequentially output by the operation of the drive circuit.
The A / D converter digitizes the output signal and outputs it.
[0026]
The image storage unit 102 stores digital image data output from the radiation detection unit 101 using a plurality of memories (1) to (4).
[0027]
The image processing unit 103 performs various types of image processing on the image data stored in the image storage unit 102.
As the image processing here, for example, basic correction processing such as dark noise (offset) correction and gain correction for obtaining low-noise radiation image data, or image quality required by the user such as gradation correction Examples include image processing such as adjustment.
[0028]
The transfer control unit 104 transfers the image data processed by the image processing unit 103 to the outside.
[0029]
<Image acquisition operation in radiation imaging apparatus 100>
Here, an actual image acquisition process using the radiation imaging apparatus 100 will be specifically described.
[0030]
First, when a subject is irradiated with radiation, the radiation is subjected to different absorption and scattering due to differences in constituent materials in the subject. As a result, the radiation incident on the radiation detection unit 101 forms a transmission image depending on the configuration inside the subject.
[0031]
The radiation detection unit 101 generates and outputs digital image data from incident radiation by the image data output process as described above.
The image storage unit 102 stores output image data of the radiation detection unit 101 in an arbitrary memory of the plurality of memories (1) to (4).
[0032]
Here, in order to obtain higher quality image data, it is necessary to correct the dark noise of the radiation detection unit 101. However, depending on the subject, the surrounding environment, or the purpose of photographing, For the radiation imaging apparatus 100, the operation conditions are selected and set, and in the radiation imaging apparatus 100, automatic control such as automatic exposure works to simplify the user operation, and the operation conditions vary. Accordingly, the characteristics of the radiation detection unit 101 of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 change.
[0033]
Therefore, in order to obtain correction data under substantially the same conditions as those at the time of shooting, it is necessary to perform the same operation as at the time of shooting and acquire correction data at a timing close to that at the time of shooting. In addition, the acquisition of the correction data at this time needs to be performed after photographing because there are parameters (for example, exposure time, etc.) determined after photographing as described above.
[0034]
However, in a configuration in which image data output is performed after waiting for acquisition of correction data, the delay time from image data acquisition to data output increases in proportion to the exposure time at the time of shooting.
[0035]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, first, immediately after image data acquisition, first image transfer is performed in parallel with correction data acquisition.
The first image referred to here corresponds to a so-called preview image that conveys the outline of the current imaging result to the user of the radiation imaging apparatus 100, and transmits the entire image rather than the image quality itself. It is for the purpose.
[0036]
Therefore, the image processing unit 103 and the transfer control unit 104 execute any one of the following processes (1) to (3). These processes (1) to (3) are examples of processes in the present embodiment, and any process can be applied.
[0037]
(1) The transfer control unit 104 acquires uncorrected image data from the image storage unit 102 and transfers it as a first image without waiting for acquisition of correction data.
(2) The image processing unit 103 generates image data subjected to provisional offset correction using correction data at the time of previous shooting stored in the image storage unit 102. The transfer control unit 104 transfers the image data as the first image.
(3) The image processing unit 103 performs provisional offset correction using provisional offset correction data (absolute implicit image data) stored in advance in the image storage unit 102 in the manufacturing process of the radiation imaging apparatus 100. Generate data. The transfer control unit 104 transfers the image data as the first image.
[0038]
Further, the characteristics that the radiation detection unit 101 can have include not only the above-described dark noise but also a characteristic in which the correlation between the incident light amount and the output value is different for each pixel, that is, a gain characteristic for each pixel.
[0039]
In order to correct the gain characteristics of each pixel, in the present embodiment, first, image data when the radiation is uniformly irradiated without passing through the subject to the radiation detection unit 101 is acquired as light-time image data, This is held in the image storage unit 102. The image processing unit 103 corrects the gain characteristics of the radiation detection unit 101 (gain correction) by normalizing the radiation image data of the subject for each pixel using the bright-time image data in the image storage unit 102.
An example of a configuration for correcting such gain characteristics is as follows.
[0040]
First, normalization can be expressed mathematically by division. However, since the circuit scale tends to increase when this is constituted by a multiplication / division circuit, it is desirable to implement the addition / subtraction circuit.
[0041]
Specifically, for example, the normalization circuit performs log conversion on the radiation image data of the subject to be input, and between the converted data and the light-time image data previously stored in the image storage unit 102 as log area data. Subtract with, and the subtraction result is converted to linear.
[0042]
The log conversion and linear conversion can be easily realized by a look-up table conversion process having an input capable of covering the data variable since the radiation image data to be input is digital data.
[0043]
The above conversion processing and subtraction processing are the same as the obtained results regardless of whether they are configured by hardware or software.
[0044]
Since the acquisition of bright image data involves radiation irradiation, it is difficult to acquire bright image data when acquiring a radiographic image of a subject. For this reason, for example, a method of acquiring the light image data once a day or once a week is used.
[0045]
Offset correction is executed even during bright image acquisition. For this reason, the fluctuation image component affected by the environment such as temperature is removed from the bright-time image data, and only the input / output gain characteristics of the radiation detection element are recorded purely.
[0046]
Therefore, even if the gain correction processing is performed using the bright-time image data acquired in a time-separated state from the time of image acquisition by radiation irradiation, there is substantially no problem. It is not necessary to acquire the bright-time image data every time the subject is photographed, and there is no trouble in using the radiation photographing apparatus 100. In addition, an image that has been subjected to gain correction using the light-time image data here can be applied to the first image.
[0047]
In parallel with the transfer (output) of the first image as described above, the transfer of the second image as described below is performed.
[0048]
First, in parallel with the output of the first image, implied image data without radiation irradiation is acquired.
Specifically, implicit image data is obtained by performing exactly the same operation as at the time of imaging so as to reproduce various parameters measured at the time of radiation image acquisition accompanied by radiation irradiation, and stored in the image storage unit 102. To do. Thereby, substantially the same dark noise component as that at the time of radiographic image acquisition is obtained.
[0049]
The image processing unit 103 generates image data that has been subjected to offset correction using dark image data stored in the image storage unit 102, and uses this as a second image.
The transfer control unit 104 outputs the second image (image after offset correction) obtained by the image processing unit 103.
[0050]
At this time, for example, the image processing unit 103 may generate image data that has been subjected to gain correction using the above-described bright image data, and may use this as the second image.
[0051]
The second image is not limited to the image as described above, and an image as described below can also be applied.
[0052]
First, as an automatic exposure method, for example, a radiation photometric device called a phototimer is disposed on the front surface of the radiation detection unit 101, and radiation irradiation is stopped when the amount of radiation that exposes the phototimer exceeds a specified value. However, it has been adopted since the era of photography using a film and a fluorescent screen.
[0053]
The above-mentioned phototimer aims at the effect of making the density of the acquired radiation image uniform regardless of the subject thickness, in addition to the purpose of setting an upper limit on the exposure dose to the subject by determining the upper limit value of the radiation dose. Is.
[0054]
However, the radiation imaging apparatus 100 capable of acquiring a radiographic image as digital image data obtains an effect equivalent to the adjustment of the image density using the phototimer by processing the acquired data by the image processing unit 103. In addition, various image processing such as image edge sharpening and dynamic range compression can be performed. Therefore, an image subjected to such image adjustment may be used as the second image.
[0055]
The transfer of the first image and the second image obtained as described above will be described in more detail. First, the first image is a current imaging result for the user of the radiation imaging apparatus 100. It is intended to convey the outline of. For this reason, it is desirable that the data of the first image to be transferred is composed of as little data as possible within a range that holds the entire image. Also, by reducing the amount of data, it is possible to avoid the problem that the second image cannot be transmitted without waiting for the completion of the first image all data transfer.
[0056]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the transfer control unit 104 divides data constituting all images to be transferred into a plurality of groups according to a predetermined rule, and transfers the data for each group.
[0057]
Specifically, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, when the image data output from the radiation detection unit 101 (image data to be transferred) is data in which the number of vertical and horizontal pixels is 2000 pixels × 2000 pixels, The transfer control unit 104 divides 8 pixels × 8 pixels as one area (block) on the vertical and horizontal matrixes of the image. As a result, the image data of 2000 pixels × 2000 pixels is divided into areas of 250 × 250 = 62500.
[0058]
Next, after the area is divided, the transfer control unit 104 extracts pixels corresponding to the coordinates (0, 0) to form a pixel group 00, and similarly, from the pixels corresponding to the coordinates (0, 1) to the group. 01, and a group 02 is formed from pixels corresponding to the coordinates (0, 2), and thereafter, in the same manner, a total of 64 groups of groups 00 to 77 are formed, thereby dividing the entire image into 64.
An image constituted by these groups can be regarded as a reduced image having a pixel extraction center of gravity different from that of the entire image.
[0059]
The transfer control unit 104 sequentially outputs the group 00 to group 77 (hereinafter, also referred to as “divided image group”) as first image data.
For example, the display unit 105 provided after the transfer control unit 104 configures and displays a preview image from the first image data output from the transfer control unit 104.
[0060]
The order of data transfer of the divided image groups 00 to 77 in the transfer control unit 104 does not matter, but for the sake of simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that the transfer is performed in the order of divided image groups 00, 01, 02,. . Further, it is assumed that the first image having an area of 1/64 (vertical / horizontal ratio of 1/8) is displayed as a preview image with respect to the entire image in the same manner as the above division rule.
[0061]
In this case, the display unit 105 that receives the output of the transfer control unit 104 directly displays the data of the divided image group 00 received from the transfer control unit 104 as preview image data directly.
[0062]
At this time, it may be configured that the preview display is finished, and the subsequent divided image group data is not processed. In this case, it is more preferable to configure the data transfer itself to be interrupted only by the group 00.
[0063]
On the other hand, when the data after the divided image group 01 is also handled, various processes can be considered as the process in the display unit 105. Here, as an example, the process described below is given.
[0064]
The display unit 105 uses the data of the divided image group 01 (group composed of pixels corresponding to coordinates (0, 1)) and the previously received divided image group 00 (pixels corresponding to coordinates (0, 0)). The average of the data of the group) is taken and the result is reflected in the display again. That is, the addition average result of the data of the divided image group 01 and the data of the divided image group 00 is reflected on the display.
[0065]
The display unit 105 sequentially executes the above processing up to the data of the divided image group 77. Such an averaging process is executed for each group transfer.
[0066]
The display method in the display unit 105 is not limited to the method described above. For example, the number of pixels in the preview image is set to be the same as the number of pixels in the radiation detection unit 101, and each division is performed from the data of the input divided image group. A method of handling as a representative value of the area is mentioned. In this case, every time the display unit receives the data of the divided image group, the divided area of the whole image is sequentially updated.
[0067]
3A to 3D show data transfer to the display unit 105 by the transfer control unit 104 in the case of the above display method.
[0068]
First, as shown in FIG. 3A, the transfer control unit 104 sets the area division to a divided state in which 8 pixels × 8 pixels are one area when the divided image group 00 is transferred. Receiving this, the display unit 105 displays each data constituting the divided image group 00 as a representative value of each area.
[0069]
Next, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the transfer control unit 104 transfers the divided image group 07. In the display unit 105, the display of the new divided image group 07 is updated as a representative value of the new divided area 301.
[0070]
Next, as illustrated in FIG. 3C, the transfer control unit 104 transfers the divided image group 70. In the display unit 105, the display of the new divided image group 70 is updated as a representative value of the new divided area 302.
[0071]
Next, as illustrated in FIG. 3D, the transfer control unit 104 transfers the divided image group 77. In the display unit 105, the display of the new divided image group 77 is updated as a representative value of the new divided area 302.
[0072]
By performing data transfer, area division, and display update as described above, the display unit 105 displays an image that captures the entire image at the first stage of data transfer, and more data transfer is completed. As a result, the display is sequentially updated to detailed images.
[0073]
In the present embodiment, the image division size is configured to be 1/8 in the vertical and horizontal directions. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the display size of the image display destination (display unit 105) and the data transfer path The image division size may be based on a parameter that should be determined in consideration of the bandwidth (transfer rate) and the like. In this case, a transfer information input unit is separately prepared, and from this, by inputting the display resolution information of the image display destination (display unit 105) or the transfer rate information of the image transfer path, an appropriate image segmentation is performed. The size may be changed.
[0074]
In the present embodiment, the target image data is divided in units of pixels. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the amount of information constituting one pixel is not changed without changing the number of pixels. Even if it is configured to be divided, it is possible to obtain the same effect of reducing the transfer data size and speeding up the display of the entire image.
[0075]
Specifically, for example, when the amount of data constituting one image is 16 bits, and each divided image group is composed of data obtained by extracting 4 bits from the higher order, the transfer control unit 104 sets bits 15 to 12 divided image groups 15-12, divided image groups 11-8 formed of bits 11-8, divided image groups 7-4 formed of bits 7-4, and bits 3-0. The divided image groups are divided into four groups of divided image groups 3 to 0 and sequentially transferred from the divided image group of the upper bits.
[0076]
4A to 4H show data transfer when the data bus width between the transfer control unit 104 and the display unit 105 is 16 bits, for example.
[0077]
First, as shown in FIG. 4A, the display unit 105 receives data of the divided image groups 15 to 12 as shown in FIG. This received data is a state in which data for four pixels is aggregated into 16 bits.
[0078]
For this reason, the display unit 105 reconstructs data as shown in FIG.
That is, since the data of the divided image groups 15 to 12 currently received is the most significant 4 bit data in 16 bits per pixel, the display unit 105 receives the most significant 4 bits in the 16 bit data for display. Data is applied and 0 padding is set for the remaining 12 bits. The data (display data) obtained as a result is equal to image data composed of 4 bits of density resolution.
The display unit 105 displays image data for all the pixels reconstructed in this way.
[0079]
Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 4C, the display unit 105 receives data of the divided image groups 11 to 8 as illustrated in FIG. This received data is a state in which the data for four pixels is aggregated into 16 bits, similarly to the data of the divided image groups 15 to 12 described above.
[0080]
For this reason, the display unit 105 reconstructs data as shown in FIG.
That is, since the data of the divided image groups 11 to 8 currently received is the data of bits 11 to 8 in 16 bits per pixel, the display unit 105 uses bits 11 to 8 in the 16-bit data for display generated earlier. The received data is applied to. The display data updated in this way is equivalent to image data configured with a density resolution of 8 bits.
The display unit 105 displays the display data updated in this way.
[0081]
By sequentially executing the above-described processing from the divided image groups 3 to 0, the display unit 105 displays an image that captures the entire image at the first stage of data transfer, and more data transfer is completed. As a result, the display is updated to a detailed image sequentially.
[0082]
In order to realize a smooth transition from the display of the first image as the preview image to the display of the second image that can be called the main image, for example, the above-described data division is also used for the second image. Transfer is desirable. In this case, this object can be realized by executing the processes of Steps 1 to 4 described below. Since the processing in step 1 and step 2 here is the processing already described, detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0083]
Step 1:
A radiographic image accompanying radiation irradiation of a subject is acquired.
Step 2:
The first image divided into a plurality of pixel groups is transferred as one packet for each group. At the same time, a dark image without radiation is acquired.
[0084]
Step 3:
When the dark image acquisition in step S2 is completed and the transfer of the second image is possible, the transfer of the first image is stopped after the current packet transfer is completed and divided into a plurality of groups. The grouped second image is transferred as one packet for each group.
Step 4:
The transfer process is repeatedly executed until the transfer of all packets of the second image is completed.
[0085]
FIG. 5 shows how image data is transferred by the above-described step processing.
As shown in FIG. 5, in step 3, by interrupting the transfer of the first image, it is possible to immediately shift to the transfer of the second image. Further, the first image is transferred as divided group data, and each group is transferred as one packet, so that at least one group data transfer is guaranteed, the preview image is displayed quickly, and the first image is displayed. It is possible to shift to the second image transfer without waiting for the transfer of all the data constituting the image.
[0086]
Further, the first and second images have the same division rule, and the first image and the second image are mixed by transferring the second image from a packet corresponding to the untransferred packet of the first image. The image is not completely corrected, but the resolution information in the case of pixel division, the density decomposition information in the case of bit division, and the second image for all the pixels constituting one image. Can be obtained before transfer completely. After the image 1 screen is configured in a state where the first and second images are mixed, a group corresponding to a group that has already been transferred with the first image among the groups that configure the second image. Forward. When this remaining group packet transfer is completed, the image data transfer is completely completed, and the displayed image is an image in which the correction processing is effective for all pixels.
[0087]
Also, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the host and terminal of the present embodiment to a system or apparatus, and the computer of the system or apparatus (or CPU or MPU). Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the present embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code and the program code constitute the present invention.
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, ROM, flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, and the like can be used.
Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the present embodiment are realized, but also an OS or the like running on the computer based on an instruction of the program code performs actual processing. It goes without saying that a case where the function of this embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the above and the processing thereof is included.
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to the memory provided in the extension function board inserted in the computer or the function extension unit connected to the computer, the function extension is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the present embodiment are realized by the processing.
[0088]
FIG. 6 shows the function 600 of the computer.
As shown in FIG. 6, the computer function 600 includes a CPU 601, a ROM 602, a RAM 603, a keyboard controller (KBC) 605 of a keyboard (KB) 609, and a CRT controller (CRT) 610 as a display unit (CRT controller 610). CRTC) 606, a hard disk (HD) 611 and a disk controller (DKC) 607 of a flexible disk (FD) 612, and a network interface controller (NIC) 608 for connection to the network 620 via a system bus 604 It is the structure connected so that communication was possible mutually.
[0089]
The CPU 601 comprehensively controls each component connected to the system bus 604 by executing software stored in the ROM 602 or the HD 611 or software supplied from the FD 612.
That is, the CPU 601 performs a control for realizing the operation in the present embodiment by reading a processing program according to a predetermined processing sequence from the ROM 602, the HD 611, or the FD 612 and executing it.
[0090]
The RAM 603 functions as a main memory or work area for the CPU 601.
The KBC 605 controls instruction input from the KB 609 or a pointing device (not shown).
The CRTC 606 controls the display of the CRT 610.
The DKC 607 controls access to the HD 611 and the FD 612 that store a boot program, various applications, editing files, user files, a network management program, a predetermined processing program in the present embodiment, and the like.
The NIC 608 exchanges data bidirectionally with devices or systems on the network 620.
[0091]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, immediately after a captured image (such as a radiographic image) is obtained, a first image based on the captured image (a preview image for image confirmation that has not been subjected to correction processing) ) Are externally output (transferred), and after the correction image is acquired, the second image (the captured image after correction processing different from the first image) is output. While obtaining an image, the delay time until image output (preview image display, etc.) can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a radiation imaging apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of an image dividing method in the radiation imaging apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of an image display method in the radiation imaging apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining another example of an image dividing method in the radiation imaging apparatus.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of an image transfer method in the radiation imaging apparatus.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer that reads and executes a program for causing the computer to realize the functions of the radiation imaging apparatus from a computer-readable storage medium.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 Radiography equipment
101 Radiation detector
102 Image storage unit
103 Image processing unit
104 Transfer control unit
105 display

Claims (7)

An image processing apparatus that captures an image of a subject with an imaging unit to acquire a captured image of the subject and externally outputs the captured image.
Image processing means for offset-correcting the captured image using image data for offset correction acquired from the imaging means under conditions according to the imaging conditions of the captured image after capturing the captured image;
Output means for outputting an image based on the captured image before the offset correction by the image processing means is completed;
An image processing apparatus comprising:   The output unit transfers an image based on the captured image divided into a plurality of pixel groups as one packet for each group, and when the image corrected by the image processing unit can be transferred, The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein transfer of an image based on the captured image divided into pixel groups is stopped.   The image based on the captured image is an image that has not been subjected to correction processing, an image that has been subjected to offset correction processing using a correction image prepared in advance, or that has been subjected to offset correction processing using a correction image that was previously used. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is any one of the recorded images.   An image processing system in which a plurality of devices are communicably connected to each other, and at least one of the plurality of devices has the function of the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. An image processing system comprising: An image processing method for capturing an image of a subject with an imaging unit to acquire a captured image of the subject and externally output the image,
An image processing step of offset-correcting the captured image using image data for offset correction acquired from the imaging means under conditions corresponding to the imaging conditions of the captured image after capturing the captured image;
An output step of externally outputting an image based on the captured image before the offset correction in the image processing step is completed;
An image processing method comprising: A program for causing a computer to capture an image of an object with an image capturing unit, to acquire a captured image of the object, and to output the image to the outside.
In the computer,
An image processing step of offset-correcting the captured image using image data for offset correction acquired from the imaging means under conditions corresponding to the imaging conditions of the captured image after capturing the captured image;
An output step of externally outputting an image based on the captured image before the offset correction in the image processing step is completed;
A program characterized by having executed. A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to capture an image of an object by an image capturing unit to acquire a captured image of the object and externally output the image,
The program is stored in the computer.
An image processing step of offset-correcting the captured image using image data for offset correction acquired from the imaging means under conditions corresponding to the imaging conditions of the captured image after capturing the captured image;
An output step of externally outputting an image based on the captured image before the offset correction in the image processing step is completed;
The computer-readable storage medium characterized by performing this.

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