JP7838409B2 - Image processing device, image processing method, program, and image processing system - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, a program, and an image processing system.

A radiographic imaging system that captures radiographic images of a subject by detecting X-rays and other radiation that have passed through the subject using a DR (Digital Radiography) type radiation detector is becoming widespread. The radiographic images of the subject captured by the imaging system are transmitted via a network to an image processing device. The image processing device performs cropping, extracting the image area necessary for interpretation (diagnosis) by the physician. The cropped image is then displayed on the display unit as a diagnostic image.

Regarding trimming techniques, Patent Document 1 describes an image processing device that, when the conditions for inheriting the trimming area settings from a previous inspection are met, inherits the trimming area settings from a previous inspection and sets them as the trimming area for the current inspection. Patent Document 2 describes a radiographic image system that searches for image processing information corresponding to the shooting conditions of the current inspection from stored image processing information from past shootings.

Patent No. 6371535 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-224331

Incidentally, radiation detectors come in multiple sizes depending on the imaging application. When using radiation detectors of different sizes, the size of the resulting radiation images will also differ, so cropping must be appropriate for each size of radiation detector.

However, Patent Document 1 has a problem where, if the size of the radiation detector differs between the previous and current examinations, the cropping area setting from the previous examination is carried over to the current examination, resulting in the image being cropped to areas that the doctor does not need. Patent Document 2, for example, uses image processing information from past examinations of the same patient, so if different sized radiation detectors are used between the previous and current examinations, the image may be cropped to areas that the doctor does not need.

Therefore, the present invention solves the above problems and provides an image processing apparatus, image processing method, program, and image processing system that can reduce the workload during trimming even when using radiation detectors of multiple sizes.

To solve the above-mentioned problems, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires a radiation image of a subject taken using a radiation detector and detector information including identification information or size of the radiation detector; a storage unit that stores a trimming information table representing the correspondence between predetermined detector information and predetermined trimming information; and a processing unit that acquires trimming information corresponding to the detector information acquired by the acquisition unit from the trimming information table and performs trimming of the radiation image acquired by the acquisition unit based on the size and position included in the trimming information .

Furthermore, the image processing method according to the present invention is an image processing method using an image processing device that performs trimming on a radiation image of a subject taken using a radiation detector, and includes: an acquisition step of acquiring the radiation image and detector information including identification information or size of the radiation detector; a storage step of storing a trimming information table representing the correspondence between predetermined detector information and predetermined trimming information; and a processing step of acquiring trimming information corresponding to the acquired detector information from the trimming information table and performing trimming on the acquired radiation image based on the size and position included in the trimming information .

Furthermore, the program according to the present invention enables a computer to perform the following functions: acquire a radiation image of a subject taken using a radiation detector and detector information including identification information or size of the radiation detector; store a trimming information table representing the correspondence between predetermined detector information and predetermined trimming information; and acquire trimming information corresponding to the acquired detector information from the trimming information table and perform trimming of the acquired radiation image based on the size and position included in the trimming information .

Furthermore, the image processing system according to the present invention comprises an image acquisition device for capturing a radiographic image of a subject, and the image processing device described above.

According to the present invention, since the radiation image is trimmed using the radiation detector used to capture the radiation image and the corresponding trimming information for the radiation detector, which includes identification information or size, additional trimming operations are not required, thus reducing the workload during trimming.

This is a block diagram showing an example of an image processing system according to the first embodiment. This is a block diagram showing an example of an image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. This figure shows an example of a trimming information table stored in an image processing device according to the first embodiment. This figure illustrates a diagnostic image when cropping is performed on a radiographic image displayed on a display unit according to the first embodiment. This figure illustrates a diagnostic image when cropping is performed on a radiographic image displayed on a display unit according to the first embodiment. This figure shows a modified example of the trimming information table stored in the image processing device according to the first embodiment. This flowchart shows an example of the operation when performing trimming in the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. This is a block diagram showing a part of the image processing system according to the second embodiment. This flowchart shows an example of the operation when performing trimming in the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. This is a block diagram showing an example of an image processing system according to a modified example of the second embodiment.

Preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

<First Embodiment>
[Example configuration of image processing system 10A]
Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of an image processing system 10A according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the image processing system 10A comprises an image capture device 100 and an image processing device 200. The image capture device 100 and the image processing device 200 are connected via a wired or wireless network N. The network N includes, for example, at least a part of a WAN (Wide Area Network), LAN (Local Area Network), public telephone network, or mobile communication network.

[Example of the configuration of the image acquisition device 100]
As shown in Figure 1, the image acquisition device 100 includes an operating console 102, a radiation irradiation control device 104, a radiation source 106, a radiation detector 110, and a cable 120.

The control console 102 receives input operations to define, for example, imaging conditions related to the subject, such as the patient's ID and the area to be imaged, as well as irradiation conditions related to irradiation, such as the imaging mode, tube voltage, tube current, and irradiation time, which determine the amount of radiation. The control console 102 has an irradiation instruction switch 103 for instructing the start of imaging of radiographic images. The control console 102 is connected to the radiation irradiation control device 104 and outputs the received imaging conditions, irradiation conditions, and the request to start imaging (indicated by turning on the irradiation instruction switch 103) to the radiation irradiation control device 104.

The radiation irradiation control device 104 is connected to the radiation source 106 and performs radiation imaging of the subject (test subject) M by controlling the radiation source 106 based on the imaging conditions, irradiation conditions, and imaging start request input from the control console 102. The radiation irradiation control device 104 is implemented by a computer, for example, having a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

The radiation source 106 is positioned opposite the radiation detector 110, with the subject M in between. The radiation source 106 emits radiation corresponding to the imaging and irradiation conditions, based on the control of the radiation irradiation control device 104. An example of radiation is X-rays.

The radiation detector 110 is a portable type that can be installed and used inside, for example, a standing or supine imaging table, and is a semiconductor image sensor such as an FPD (Flat Panel Detector). The radiation detector 110 has multiple detection elements (pixels) arranged in a matrix on a substrate. Each pixel is composed of a switching element such as a TFT (Thin Film Transistor). The radiation detector 110 detects radiation irradiated from the radiation source 106 and transmitted through the subject M according to its intensity, and converts the detected radiation into an electrical signal for storage. The radiation detector 110 acquires image data of the radiation image by reading the electrical signal (amount of charge) emitted from each pixel by switching the switching elements on and off. The radiation detector 110 may be an indirect conversion type that converts X-rays (radiation) into electrical signals via a scintillator and a photoelectric conversion element, or a direct conversion type that directly converts X-rays (radiation) into electrical signals.

Cable 120 connects the radiation detector 110 and the image processing device 200 (network N). A connector 122 is provided at one end of cable 120. The connector 122, for example, has a magnet and is detachably attached to a terminal provided on the side of the radiation detector 110. Cable 120 includes, for example, a power line for supplying power to the radiation detector 110 and a signal line for data communication between the image processing device 200 and the other device. The other end of cable 120 is connected to a box 130, which is connected to network N. Inside the box 130 are a power supply unit and hubs for connecting the signal lines.

[Example configuration of the image processing device 200]
The image processing device 200 is connected to the radiation irradiation control device 104 and the radiation detector 110 via the network N. The image processing device 200 receives image data of the radiation image transmitted from the radiation detector 110 via the network N, performs cropping on the received radiation image (original image), and displays the cropped image enlarged on the display unit 220.

Here, trimming refers to the process of setting trimming position and trimming size as trimming information for a radiographic image, and partially extracting the image region (region of interest) necessary for the physician's diagnosis from the radiographic image. In this embodiment, the trimmed radiographic image is called the diagnostic image. For example, if a two-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system is set for the radiographic image, the trimming size specifies the length (top, bottom, left, and right) of the image region to be extracted, and the trimming position specifies the top-left point or center position of the image region to be extracted.

Figure 2 is a block diagram of the image processing device 200 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the image processing device 200 includes an operation reception unit 210, a display unit 220, a communication unit 230, a storage unit 240, and a control unit 250.

The operation reception unit 210 includes, for example, a keyboard equipped with cursor keys, number input keys, and various function keys, and a pointing device such as a mouse. The operation reception unit 210 outputs instruction signals to the control unit 250 according to the operations received from the keyboard and pointing device. The operation reception unit 210 may also be a touch panel integrated into the surface of the display unit 220.

The display unit 220 includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube). The display unit 220 displays radiographic images, diagnostic images, etc., based on image data controlled by the control unit 250. A separate image diagnostic device (viewer) for displaying diagnostic images may also be provided in addition to the display unit 220.

The communication unit 230 includes, for example, a LAN adapter, modem, or TA (Terminal Adapter). The communication unit 230 transmits and receives various signals and data with devices such as the radiation irradiation control device 104 and the radiation detector 110, which are connected to the network N.

The storage unit 240 is, for example, a non-volatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk, or an optical disk. The storage unit 240 stores various programs executed by the control unit 250, parameters necessary for processing by the programs, radiation images acquired from the image acquisition device 100, and diagnostic images created by the image processing device 200. The storage unit 240 also stores a trimming information table 242A that stores trimming information from past radiation image acquisitions using the radiation detector 110. The trimming information table 242A, radiation images, diagnostic images, and other data may be stored in an external storage device of the image processing device 200. For example, the data may be stored in a cloud server on the network N, or in an image storage device (PACS) on the intranet. Alternatively, the trimming size and trimming position may be obtained from past images or trimming information associated with past images. For example, the cropping size may be obtained from a recent past image taken with the same device or body part, stored in an image storage device (PACS) located within the intranet. Alternatively, cropping information may be obtained from the cropping position and cropping size associated with the past image. Details of the cropping information table 242A will be described later.

The control unit 250 includes a CPU, RAM (Random Access Memory), and memory. The memory stores various programs executed by the CPU and parameters necessary for program execution. The CPU is a hardware processor that reads various programs stored in memory, loads them into RAM, and executes various processes according to the loaded programs, thereby centrally controlling the operation of each part of the image processing device 200 and performing predetermined trimming of the radiographic image. The CPU may be a single processor or multiple processors.

As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 250 includes an acquisition unit 252, a determination unit 254, and a processing unit 256. The functions of the acquisition unit 252, the determination unit 254, and the processing unit 256 are implemented by a computer having the CPU and other components described above.

The acquisition unit 252 acquires a radiation image of the subject M captured using the radiation detector 110, and also acquires the serial number or panel size of the radiation detector 110 used to capture the radiation image. The serial number is an example of identification information and detector information, and the panel size is an example of detector information.

The determination unit 254 determines whether the trimming information corresponding to the radiation detector 110, which matches the serial number or panel size of the radiation detector 110 acquired by the acquisition unit 252, is present in the trimming information table 242A.

If the processing unit 256 determines that trimming information corresponding to a radiation detector 110 that matches the serial number or panel size of the radiation detector 110 is present in the trimming information table 242A, it performs trimming on the radiation image acquired by the acquisition unit 252 using that trimming information.

Figure 3 shows an example of a trimming information table 242A stored in the memory unit 240. Figure 4A is a diagram illustrating the diagnostic image G1 when trimming is performed on the radiographic image displayed on the display unit 220, and Figure 4B is a diagram illustrating the diagnostic image G2 when trimming is performed on the radiographic image displayed on the display unit 220.

As shown in Figure 3, the serial number assigned to each radiation detector 110 is associated with the trimming information of the radiation image taken using the radiation detector 110 with that serial number, namely the trimming position and trimming size, which are stored in association. Alternatively, the panel size of the radiation detector 110 may be used as identification information instead of the serial number mentioned above.

In this first embodiment, the panel size of the radiation detector 110 assigned serial number "No. 1" is set to, for example, a half-size (14 inches x 17 inches). Furthermore, the panel size of the radiation detector 110 assigned serial number "No. 2" is set to, for example, a size larger than the half-size (17 inches x 17 inches).

As shown in Figure 3, if a radiation detector 110 with serial number "No. 1" was used in a past diagnosis, and a diagnostic image G1 was created by trimming the image at the "top (vertical position relative to the radiation image) / middle (horizontal position relative to the radiation image)" and with a trimming size of "14 inches x 14 inches," as shown in Figure 4A, then the trimming position "top / middle" and trimming size "14 inches x 14 inches" are associated with the serial number "No. 1" of the radiation detector 110 and stored in the trimming information table 242A.

Furthermore, if, in a past diagnosis, the radiation detector 110 with serial number "No. 2" was used, and the diagnostic image G2 was created by trimming the image at the "top (vertical position relative to the radiation image) / middle (horizontal position relative to the radiation image)" and with a trimming size of "17 inches x 14 inches," as shown in Figure 4B, then the trimming position "top / middle" and trimming size "17 inches x 14 inches" are associated with the serial number "No. 2" of the radiation detector 110 and stored in the trimming information table 242A.

Furthermore, in addition to selecting the trimming position from the vertical positions relative to the radiation image (e.g., top/middle/bottom) and the horizontal positions relative to the radiation image (e.g., left/middle/right), the trimming position may also be specified by specifying an arbitrary position, for example, starting from the top left of the radiation detector 110 and setting the length to 100 mm in the X-axis direction and 100 mm in the Y-axis direction. The trimming position may also be specified by the number of pixels of the radiation detector 110.

Furthermore, while the trimming information table 242A described above stores trimming information for each serial number or panel size of the radiation detector 110, trimming information may also be stored for each imaging area. Figure 5 shows an example of the trimming information table 242B stored in the storage unit 240 (a modified version of the trimming information table 242A).

The trimming information table 242B stores, for example, the trimming position and trimming size associated with each imaging area, such as the chest and limbs, for the radiation detector 110 with serial number "No. 1".

The acquisition unit 252 acquires the radiation image of the subject M captured using the radiation detector 110, as well as the serial number or panel size of the radiation detector 110 used to capture the radiation image. The acquisition unit 252 also acquires the shooting conditions related to the subject M, including the shooting area, from the image acquisition device 100 (radiation irradiation control device 104). The processing unit 256, if the acquired serial number (panel size) of the radiation detector 110 and the corresponding trimming information for the radiation detector 110 matching the shooting area are found in the trimming information table 242B, performs trimming on the radiation image acquired by the acquisition unit 252 using the trimming information. This allows for optimal trimming of each part of the subject M at the appropriate position and size.

[Example of operation of the image processing device 200]
Next, we will explain the procedure for performing trimming on a radiographic image according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image processing device 200 when performing trimming on a radiographic image according to the first embodiment.

First, the acquisition unit 252 acquires the serial number of the radiation detector 110 used to capture a radiation image of the subject M (step S10, acquisition step). Specifically, when the cable 120 is connected to the radiation detector 110, data such as the serial number and panel size of the radiation detector 110 are transmitted to the image processing device 200 via the network N. The acquisition unit 252 acquires the serial number and other data transmitted from the radiation detector 110 via the communication unit 230.

Next, the acquisition unit 252 receives image data of the radiation image of the subject M captured by the radiation detector 110, etc. (step S11).

Next, the determination unit 254 determines whether trimming information matching the serial number of the radiation detector 110 used to capture the radiation image of subject M is stored in the trimming information table 242A (step S12). In other words, the determination unit 254 determines whether there is trimming information for a radiation image previously captured using a radiation detector 110 of the same size.

The determination unit 254 proceeds to step S13 if trimming information matching the serial number of the radiation detector 110 is stored in the trimming information table 242A (step S12: YES). Specifically, if the serial number of the radiation detector 110 used to capture the radiation image is "No. 1," it matches the serial number "No. 1" stored in the trimming information table 242A, and therefore proceeds to step S13.

The processing unit 256 obtains trimming information corresponding to the radiation detector 110 used to capture the radiation image of subject M from the trimming information table 242A (step S13). Specifically, if the serial number of the radiation detector 110 used to capture the radiation image is "No. 1", the processing unit 256 obtains the trimming position "top/middle" and the trimming size "14 inches x 14 inches".

The processing unit 256 uses the acquired trimming information to perform trimming on the acquired radiographic image of subject M (step S14 (processing step)). Specifically, the processing unit 256 uses the trimming information of "top/middle" trimming position and "14 inches x 14 inches" trimming size to partially extract the radiographic image of subject M and create image data for diagnostic use. The created image data may be stored in the storage unit 240 or in an image storage device separate from the image processing device 200.

Next, when the processing unit 256 receives, for example, a command from a physician to output a radiographic image, it reads the image data of the created diagnostic image from the storage unit 240, etc., and outputs it to the display unit 220 (step S15). Specifically, if the serial number of the radiation detector 110 is "No. 1", the display unit 220 displays a diagnostic image cropped to the "top/middle" trimming position and a trimming size of "14 inches x 14 inches".

On the other hand, if the determination unit 254 does not find any trimming information matching the serial number of the radiation detector 110 in the trimming information table 242A (step S12: NO), it proceeds to step S16. Specifically, if the serial number of the radiation detector 110 does not correspond to either "No. 1" or "No. 2," it determines that there is no matching trimming information in the trimming information table 242A and proceeds to step S16.

Next, if the serial number of the radiation detector 110 does not correspond to either "No. 1" or "No. 2," the processing unit 256 determines the display area of the acquired diagnostic image without performing a trimming process (step S16). For example, the display area of the diagnostic image is determined according to the panel size of the radiation detector 110.

Next, when the processing unit 256 receives, for example, an instruction from a physician to output a radiographic image, it reads the image data of the created diagnostic image from the storage unit 240, etc., and outputs it to the display unit 220 (step S15).

Next, the processing unit 256 determines whether an input operation for adjusting at least one of the trimming position and trimming size of the diagnostic image displayed on the display unit 220 has been received (step S17). For example, the processing unit 256 makes this determination based on whether the trimming adjustment button displayed on the screen of the display unit 220 has been selected.

If the processing unit 256 determines that an input operation for adjusting the trimming position, etc., has been received (step S17: YES), it proceeds to step S18. On the other hand, if it determines that an input operation for adjusting the trimming position, etc., has not been received (step S17: NO), it terminates the series of trimming processes.

The processing unit 256 displays an adjustment screen for adjusting the trimming position and trimming size on the display unit 220 (step S18). The adjustment screen displays buttons for selecting a trimming size, such as 14 inches x 14 inches, and an input field for specifying an arbitrary trimming size by directly entering a numerical value. Furthermore, once a trimming size is selected or entered on the adjustment screen, a frame corresponding to the selection is overlaid on the diagnostic image, and the trimming position can be adjusted by moving the frame up, down, left, or right.

The processing unit 256 acquires change information regarding the trimming position and trimming size received on the adjustment screen (step S19). For example, the processing unit 256 acquires change information based on the specification of the trimming size on the adjustment screen, and also acquires change information regarding the trimming position based on the specification of the frame position.

The processing unit 256 stores the acquired trimming position and trimming size change information in the storage unit 240, associating it with identification information such as the serial number of the radiation detector 110 (step S20). For example, if the radiation detector 110 has serial number "No. 1", the trimming position "top/middle" and trimming size "14 inches x 14 inches" pre-stored in the trimming information table 242A are updated (rewritten) based on the change information. Alternatively, if trimming adjustments are made to a diagnostic image that was not trimmed in step S16, a new serial number may be assigned to the radiation detector 110, and then the trimming position and trimming size corresponding to the change information may be stored in association with the assigned serial number.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, since trimming information from previously performed trimming is stored for each serial number or panel size of the radiation detector 110, even when multiple panel sizes of radiation detectors 110 are mixed in the examination room, the radiation images captured using each radiation detector 110 can be trimmed to the optimal position and size. Furthermore, since trimming is performed based on trimming information pre-stored in the trimming information table 242A, additional effort such as re-entering trimming information is reduced, thereby easing the workload of radiographers and doctors during trimming.

<Second Embodiment>
In the second embodiment, when radiation detectors 110 of the same size (type) are used on imaging tables installed in different locations, different trimming is performed depending on the location. For example, if there is a standing imaging table and a supine imaging table in the examination room, when taking radiographic images on the standing or supine imaging table, the imaging area is often the same on each table, and the trimming position and trimming size are often the same each time. On the other hand, when taking radiographic images in locations other than the standing and supine imaging tables, the imaging area varies, such as the hands, feet, waist, and abdomen, and the trimming position and trimming size often differ each time.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, even if the type of radiation detector 110 (serial number, panel size) is the same, different cropping is performed on the radiation image depending on its location on the imaging table. Regarding the configuration and operation common to the image processing system 10A of the first embodiment in the image processing system 10B of the second embodiment, redundant explanations are omitted by referencing the description of the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the location of the standing imaging table refers to the state in which the radiation detector 110 is attached and fixed to the mounting part of the standing imaging table (see Figure 9). Similarly, the location of the supine imaging table refers to the state in which the radiation detector 110 is attached and fixed to the mounting part of the supine imaging table (see Figure 9). Furthermore, locations other than the standing and supine imaging tables refer to cases where radiographic images are taken without using a standing or supine imaging table, or where radiographic images are taken with the radiation detector 110 placed on the supine imaging table (without being attached to the mounting part).

[Example configuration of image processing system 10B]
Figure 7 is a block diagram showing a part of the image processing system 10B according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, in addition to the image processing device 200 shown in Figure 1, a first cable 120a and a second cable 120b are provided as cables 120 connecting the radiation detector 110 and the image processing device 200.

The first cable 120a is used when taking radiographic images on a standing or supine imaging table. One end of the first cable 120a is equipped with a connector 122a that can be attached to or detached from the radiation detector 110, and the other end is connected to the box 130. Each connector 122a is assigned a unique ID. When the connector 122a is attached to the terminal on the side of the radiation detector 110, the ID of the connector 122a is transmitted to the image processing device 200. The image processing device 200 can determine from the received ID of the connector 122a whether the radiation detector 110 is being used on a standing or supine imaging table.

The second cable 120b is used when taking radiographic images in locations other than the standing and supine imaging tables. One end of the second cable 120b is equipped with a connector 122b that can be attached to and detached from the radiation detector 110, and the other end is connected to the box 130. The connector 122b is assigned a unique ID different from its own. When the connector 122b is attached to the terminal on the side of the radiation detector 110, the ID of the connector 122b is transmitted to the image processing device 200. From the received ID of the connector 122b, the image processing device 200 can determine that the radiation detector 110 is being used without an imaging table.

[Example of operation of the image processing device 200]
Next, the procedure for performing cropping on the radiographic image of subject M according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image processing device 200 when cropping is performed on the radiographic image of subject M according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the shooting locations for capturing radiographic images using the portable radiation detector 110 are a standing shooting table, a supine shooting table, and a location other than the standing shooting table and the supine shooting table.

First, the acquisition unit 252 acquires the ID of the connector 122 of the cable 120 attached to the radiation detector 110 used to capture a radiation image of the subject M (step S30). Specifically, when the connector 122a of the first cable 120a or the connector 122b of the second cable 120b is attached to the radiation detector 110, the ID of connector 122a or the ID of connector 122b is transmitted to the image processing device 200 via the network N. The acquisition unit 252 acquires the ID of connector 122a or the ID of connector 122b via the communication unit 230.

Next, the acquisition unit 252 receives image data of the radiation image of the subject M captured using the radiation detector 110, and the serial number of the radiation detector 110 used to capture the radiation image, etc., via the network N (step S31). When capturing radiation images at a standing or supine imaging table, for example, a half-size radiation detector 110 is used. On the other hand, when capturing radiation images at a location other than a standing or supine imaging table, for example, a radiation detector 110 smaller than half-size is used.

Next, the determination unit 254 determines from the acquired ID of connector 122 whether the location of use of the radiation detector 110 is a standing or supine imaging table (step S32). Specifically, the processing unit 256 makes this determination based on whether or not it has acquired the ID assigned to connector 122a of the first cable 120a. If the determination unit 254 determines that the imaging location of the radiation detector 110 is a standing or supine imaging table (step S32: YES), the process proceeds to step S33.

Next, the processing unit 256 obtains trimming information for the standing or supine imaging table from the storage unit 240 (step S33). For example, the trimming information for the standing or supine imaging table may be the trimming information from when radiographic images were trimmed using the standing or supine imaging table in the past. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 3, a trimming information table may be created by associating the trimming information with the serial number and panel size of the radiation detector 110, and the trimming information matching the acquired serial number of the radiation detector 110 may be obtained from the trimming information table.

Next, the processing unit 256 uses the acquired trimming information for the standing or supine imaging table to trim the radiographic image taken using the radiation detector 110 (step S34). For example, the processing unit 256 trims the radiographic image to a large size (14 inches x 14 inches) as trimming information for the standing or supine imaging table to create image data for the diagnostic image.

Next, when the processing unit 256 receives, for example, an instruction from a physician to output a radiographic image, it reads the image data of the created diagnostic image from the storage unit 240, etc., and outputs it to the display unit 220 (step S35).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the radiation detector 110 is not being used on a standing or supine imaging table (step S32: NO), the process proceeds to step S36. Specifically, when the determination unit 254 obtains the ID assigned to the connector 122b of the second cable 120b, it determines that the radiation detector 110 is being used in a location other than a standing or supine imaging table.

Next, the processing unit 256 acquires trimming information for locations other than the standing and supine imaging tables (for locations without imaging tables) from the storage unit 240 (step S36). Specifically, when the radiation detector 110 is used in a location other than the standing and supine imaging tables, the processing unit 256 acquires a pre-set irradiation field recognition method processing program as trimming information from the storage unit 240, etc. Here, the irradiation field recognition method is a process that automatically extracts images of the radiation-irradiated area from the radiation image (original image).

Next, the processing unit 256 performs trimming on the radiation image captured using the radiation detector 110 using the irradiation field recognition method (step S37). Specifically, the processing unit 256 determines the trimming area of the radiation image of the subject M using the irradiation field recognition method, automatically trims it to, for example, a 6x8 inch size, and creates image data for a diagnostic image.

Next, when the processing unit 256 receives, for example, an instruction from a physician to output a radiographic image, it reads the image data of the created diagnostic image from the storage unit 240, etc., and outputs it to the display unit 220 (step S35).

As described above, according to the second embodiment, even when using radiation detectors 110 of the same panel size, when taking radiographic images on a supine imaging table, for example, trimming is performed using a predetermined irradiation field recognition method without using trimming information from past diagnoses stored in the trimming information table 242A. This allows for optimal trimming at the appropriate position and size, even when taking radiographic images of various body parts (subject M) in locations such as a supine imaging table. Furthermore, when taking radiographic images on a standing or supine imaging table, for example, trimming of the radiographic image is performed using trimming information from past diagnoses stored in the trimming information table 242A. This eliminates the need for additional effort such as inputting trimming information, thereby reducing the workload of radiographers and physicians during trimming.

In the example described above, the same trimming process was performed when taking radiographic images at both the standing and supine imaging tables, but this is not limited to this. For example, when taking images of various body parts such as hands and feet at the supine imaging table, the same field-of-irradiation method trimming may be performed for the supine imaging table as for the standing and other locations. Furthermore, while the above description described three locations for taking radiographic images—the standing table, the supine imaging table, and locations other than the standing and supine imaging tables—the trimming method of the second embodiment can also be applied when there are three or more locations. Also, in the second embodiment, the type of imaging table on which the radiation detector 110 is used was determined by the ID of the connector 122 attached to the radiation detector 110, but this method is not limited to this. For example, sensors could be installed on each imaging table, and when the radiation detector 110 is detected by the sensors on each imaging table, the imaging table on which the sensor is installed could be determined to be the imaging table on which the radiation detector 110 is used.

<Modified form of the second embodiment>
In a modified example of the second embodiment, the location of the imaging table is identified by obtaining identification information of the radiation detector 110 using communication technology such as RFID. The following description will explain a case where the same size radiation detector 110 is used at different locations on the standing and supine imaging tables, and different trimming is performed on each radiation image taken on the standing and supine imaging tables using the trimming information table 242C.

[Example configuration of image processing system 10C]
Figure 9 is a block diagram showing an image processing system 10C according to a modified example of the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, the image processing system 10C includes, in addition to the image processing device 200, a reading unit 260A provided on the standing imaging table 300A and a reading unit 260B provided on the lying imaging table 300B.

The radiation detector 110 is equipped with an information storage unit 140 for storing identification information such as the serial number and panel size of the radiation detector 110. Examples of the information storage unit 140 include RF tags, barcodes, or QR codes (registered trademarks).

The standing imaging table 300A has a mounting portion 310A for attaching and fixing the radiation detector 110 to the imaging table 300. The mounting portion 310A may be configured, for example, as a tray that can be pulled out from the side of the standing imaging table 300A and on which the radiation detector 110 can be placed, or as an opening from the side of the standing imaging table 300A that allows the radiation detector 110 to be inserted and removed.

The reading unit 260A is attached to the mounting portion 310A of the standing imaging table 300A and reads the identification information held in the information holding unit 140 of the radiation detector 110. The reading unit 260A also holds location information to identify the location of the standing imaging table 300A to which it is attached. The reading unit 260A is connected to the image processing device 200 via a third cable 270A and transmits the identification information read from the information holding unit 140 of the radiation detector 110 and the location information indicating the standing imaging table 300A to the image processing device 200.

The supine imaging table 300B has a mounting portion 310B for attaching and fixing the radiation detector 110 to the imaging table 300. The mounting portion 310B may be, for example, configured as a tray that can be pulled out from the side of the supine imaging table 300B and on which the radiation detector 110 can be placed, or as an opening from the side of the supine imaging table 300B that allows the radiation detector 110 to be inserted and removed.

The reading unit 260B is attached to the mounting portion 310B of the supine imaging table 300B and reads the identification information held in the information holding portion 140 of the radiation detector 110. The reading unit 260B also holds location information to identify the location of the supine imaging table 300B to which it is attached. The reading unit 260B is connected to the image processing device 200 via the fourth cable 270B and transmits the identification information read from the information holding portion 140 of the radiation detector 110 and the location information indicating the supine imaging table 300B to the image processing device 200.

The image processing device 200 has a trimming information table 242C. The trimming information table 242C stores different trimming information associated with each radiation detector 110, depending on its location on the imaging table. For example, if the imaging table is in a standing position 300A, the trimming position "upper/middle" and trimming size "17 inches x 14 inches" are associated. If the imaging table is in a supine position 300B, the trimming position "upper/middle" and trimming size "14 inches x 14 inches" are associated. Note that the trimming size is not limited to the values in this example; any value can be selected.

[Example of operation of image processing system 10C]
Next, we will describe the procedure for performing cropping on the radiographic image of subject M according to a modified example of the second embodiment. The following description will focus on the case where a radiographic image is taken using the standing radiography table 300A.

When the radiation detector 110 is attached to the mounting portion 310A of the standing imaging table 300A, the reading unit 260A of the standing imaging table 300A reads the identification information held in the information holding unit 140 of the radiation detector 110. The reading unit 260A transmits the identification information of the radiation detector 110, read from the information holding unit 140, along with location information indicating the location of the imaging table it holds, to the image processing device 200 via the third cable 270A.

The determination unit 254 of the image processing device 200 identifies the serial number and panel size of the radiation detector 110 based on the identification information transmitted from the reading unit 260A. Furthermore, the determination unit 254 identifies the location where the radiation image was taken as the standing imaging table 300A, based on the location information transmitted from the reading unit 260A.

When the processing unit 256 of the image processing device 200 receives image data of the radiation image of subject M captured by the radiation detector 110, it obtains trimming information corresponding to the previously acquired identification information and location information from the trimming information table 242C. For example, if the location information is the standing imaging table 300A, it obtains "top/middle" as the trimming position and "17 inches x 14 inches" as the trimming size.

Next, the processing unit 256 of the image processing device 200 performs cropping on the acquired radiographic image of subject M using the acquired cropping information. Specifically, the processing unit 256 extracts a portion of the radiographic image of subject M based on the cropping position "top/middle" and cropping size "17 inches x 14 inches" corresponding to the position on the standing radiography table 300A, and creates image data for a diagnostic image.

The embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments and includes designs and other elements that do not depart from the gist of this disclosure. Furthermore, the effects described herein are merely illustrative and not limiting, and other effects may also exist.

10A, 10B, 10C Image processing system 100 Image acquisition device 110 Radiation detector 200 Image processing device 240 Storage unit 242A, 242B, 242C Trimming information table 250 Control unit 252 Acquisition unit 254 Judgment unit 256 Processing unit M Subject

Claims (12)

An acquisition unit that acquires a radiation image of a subject taken using a radiation detector and detector information including identification information or size of the radiation detector,
A storage unit that stores a trimming information table representing the correspondence between predetermined detector information and predetermined trimming information,
A processing unit which obtains trimming information corresponding to the detector information obtained by the acquisition unit from the trimming information table and trims the radiation image obtained by the acquisition unit based on the size and position included in the trimming information ,
An image processing device equipped with the following features. The system includes a determination unit that determines whether or not there is trimming information corresponding to a radiation detector that matches the detector information of the radiation detector acquired by the acquisition unit.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The processing unit performs trimming based on the trimming information set for each part of the subject.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The predetermined trimming information includes trimming performed on the radiation image of the subject captured using the radiation detector.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The processing unit acquires the trimming information associated with the location where the radiation image was taken, and performs trimming using the acquired trimming information.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. An image processing method using an image processing device that performs cropping on a radiation image of a subject taken using a radiation detector,
An acquisition step of acquiring the aforementioned radiation image and detector information including identification information or size of the radiation detector,
A storage step of storing a trimming information table that represents the correspondence between predetermined detector information and predetermined trimming information,
A processing step of obtaining trimming information corresponding to the acquired detector information from the trimming information table , and trimming the acquired radiation image based on the size and position included in the trimming information ,
Image processing methods including [specific details omitted]. On the computer,
A function to acquire a radiation image of a subject taken using a radiation detector, and detector information including identification information or size of the radiation detector.
A function to store a trimming information table that represents the correspondence between predetermined detector information and predetermined trimming information,
A function to obtain trimming information corresponding to the acquired detector information from the trimming information table, and to trim the acquired radiation image based on the size and position included in the trimming information ,
A program to achieve this. It is determined whether or not there is trimming information corresponding to a radiation detector that matches the detector information of the acquired radiation detector.
The program according to claim 7. The subject is trimmed based on the trimming information set for each part of the subject.
The program according to claim 7. The predetermined trimming information includes trimming performed on the radiation image of the subject captured using the radiation detector.
The program according to claim 7. The trimming information associated with the location of the imaging table where the aforementioned radiographic image was taken is acquired, and the acquired trimming information is used to perform trimming.
The program according to claim 8. An image acquisition device for capturing a radiographic image of a subject, and an image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
An image processing system equipped with the following features.