JP2022022249A - Radiographic image display apparatus and image display method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radiographic image display apparatus and an image display method capable of ensuring the speed and accuracy of image reading and also diagnosis.

SOLUTION: One aspect of the invention is a radiographic image display apparatus for displaying, on a display screen, a captured image output from an image detection device which detects radiation projected onto a subject and generates a captured image of the detected radiation, the radiographic image display apparatus comprising: a gravity information acquisition unit for acquiring information about the gravity direction; a rotation processing unit for performing a rotation process on the captured image; and a display information generation unit for generating display information about the captured image. The display information generation unit generates an indicator indicative of the gravity direction as display information, displays the captured image and the indicator on the display screen, and rotates the indicator in the same direction as for the captured image during the rotation process.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a radiographic image display device and an image display method.

Conventionally, there is known a radiography system that irradiates a patient as a subject with X-rays to image the inside of the body (organs and the like) (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In recent years, in radiographic imaging systems, an image detection device called an FPD (flat panel detector) has become widespread as a device for X-ray imaging that is attached to and detached from an imaging table. The FPD is different from the conventional method in which the X-rays irradiated to the affected area are directly imaged with a silver salt film, the X-rays irradiated to the affected area are converted into an electric signal, and the converted electric signal is digitized as an electronic image. A device that transfers data to a display computer. According to the radiological imaging system using the FPD, there are advantages that the image can be displayed in a short time after the imaging and the FPD is easy to carry.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-37837

By the way, when performing X-ray imaging by a radiography imaging system, for example, due to a patient's physical function inconvenience, the positional relationship between the image detector and the subject may not be the original correct angle. In this case, it is conceivable that the image cannot be acquired in the direction expected by the diagnostician (doctor), and the photographed organs of the patient or the like may become an image that is uncomfortable for the diagnostician.

Specifically, when X-raying the internal organs of a patient, the posture and position of each organ are determined according to gravity, and the pleural effusion tilts according to the direction of gravity. For this reason, for example, when it is difficult for the patient to take an X-ray in an upright posture, or when the X-ray is taken by tilting the image detector, the posture and overlap of each organ, the water surface of the pleural effusion, etc. , The image will look a little different from the usual one. When such an uncomfortable image is displayed, there is a risk that the speed and accuracy of the diagnosis by the diagnostician (doctor) will be reduced.

An object of the present invention is to provide a radiographic image display device and an image display method capable of ensuring the speed and accuracy of image interpretation and, by extension, diagnosis.

The radiographic image display device according to the present invention is
It is a radiation image display device that displays the photographed image output from the image detection device that detects the radiation radiated to the subject and generates the photographed image of the detected radiation on the display screen.
Gravity information acquisition unit that acquires information in the direction of gravity,
A rotation processing unit that performs rotation processing of the captured image, and
A display information generation unit that generates display information related to the captured image,
Equipped with
The display information generation unit generates a sign indicating the direction of gravity as the display information, displays the photographed image and the sign on the display screen, and makes the sign the same as the photographed image by the rotation process. Rotate in the direction.

The image display method according to the present invention is
It is an image display method that displays the captured image of the radiation radiated to the subject.
Obtaining information on the direction of gravity when the radiation is applied,
From the information on the direction of gravity, a sign indicating the direction of gravity of the photographed image is generated.
The photographed image and the sign are displayed on the display screen, and the photographed image and the sign are displayed.
During the rotation process of the captured image, the sign is displayed on the display screen so as to be rotated in the same direction as the captured image.

According to the present invention, the speed and accuracy of image interpretation and, by extension, diagnosis can be ensured.

It is a block diagram which illustrates the structure of the radiographic image imaging system in this embodiment. 2A, 2B, and 2C are diagrams schematically showing an example of a screen displayed by the radiographic image display device according to the present embodiment. 3A and 3B are examples showing more specifically the screen displayed on the radiographic image display device according to the present embodiment. 4A and 4B are other examples specifically showing the screen displayed on the radiographic image display device according to the present embodiment. 5A and 5B are still another example concretely showing a screen displayed on the radiographic image display device according to the present embodiment. 6A and 6B are still other examples specifically showing the screen displayed on the radiographic image display device according to the present embodiment. It is a figure explaining the case where a plurality of image detection devices are attached to a shooting table. It is a flowchart about image display processing in this embodiment.

An embodiment of an X-ray imaging system to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a main configuration of the X-ray imaging system of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray imaging system 1 detects an X-ray generator 10 provided with an X-ray irradiating unit 20 that irradiates a subject with X-rays, and detects X-rays radiated to the subject to obtain a radiation image ( It includes an FPD (flat panel detector) 30 that generates a photographed image) and a console 50 that has a function as a radiation image display device that processes and displays a radiation image output from the FPD 30.

The X-ray generator 10 includes a known X-ray tube (vacuum tube) (not shown) as an X-ray irradiation unit 20, a power supply unit that applies a voltage to the X-ray tube, a control unit that controls the power supply unit, and the like. Here, the power supply unit includes a filament power supply for heating the filament provided on the cathode of the X-ray tube, and a high-voltage power supply for accelerating electrons colliding with a target on the anode surface of the X-ray tube. The X-ray generator 10 controls the X-rays output from the X-ray tube by controlling the power sources of the filament power source and the high voltage power source.

The FPD 30 detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray irradiation unit 20 of the X-ray generator 10 to the affected area of the subject S, and the detected radiation is referred to as an electronic image (X-ray image, hereinafter simply an image). ) Is a device that outputs. Although not shown, the FPD 30 includes a sensor panel in which a plurality of radiation detection elements are arranged in a two-dimensional manner of n × m, and the sensor panel detects X-rays applied to the affected portion of the subject S. Further, the FPD 30 has a conversion unit that converts the detected X-ray into an electric signal, an A / D conversion unit that digitizes the converted electric signal, and a console 50 (computer for display) that uses the digitized signal as a captured image. ) Is provided with an output unit, etc. In this example, the sensor panel of the FPD 30 is arranged in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which X-rays are irradiated from the X-ray irradiation unit 20.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the FPD 30 includes a gravity sensor 35. The gravity sensor 35 includes, for example, an acceleration sensor, and functions as a gravity detection unit that detects the gravity direction related to the inclination (inclination direction) of the FPD 30. The information in the direction of gravity detected by the gravity sensor 35 is output to the radiation image display device 50. In the present embodiment, the gravity sensor 35 is, for example, a two-dimensional sensor, and the inclination of the two-dimensional plane (n-direction and m-direction) formed by the sensor panel (n × m radiation detection elements) of the FPD 30. Can be detected.

Further, in the present embodiment, the FPD 30 is removable from the long photographing table 40. The photographing table 40 extends, for example, along the vertical direction of the floor surface, and a plurality of FPDs 30 can be mounted along such a direction (see FIG. 7). For the sake of simplicity, the following assumes that one FPD 30 is mounted on the photographing table 40, and the processing and the like when a plurality of FPD 30s (30A to C) are mounted on the support table 42 will be described later.

In the present embodiment, the console 50 is installed in a room separate from the X-ray generator 10, the FPD 30, and the imaging table 40, and controls radiographic imaging and performs image processing related to the obtained radiographic image data. .. The console 50 has a function as a radiographic image display device of the present invention, and is hereinafter referred to as a radiographic image display device 50. The radiation image display device 50 includes an image data acquisition unit 51 connected to the image output terminal of the FPD 30 by wire or wirelessly, a gravity information acquisition unit 52 connected to the gravity sensor 35 by wire or wirelessly, a rotation information holding unit 57, and an operation. It has an input unit 60, an image display unit 70, a CPU 100, and the like.

The image data acquisition unit 51 has an input interface circuit (not shown) or the like, acquires image data of a captured image from the FPD 30, and outputs the acquired image data to the CPU 100.

The gravity information acquisition unit 52 includes an input interface circuit (not shown), an A / D conversion circuit, and the like. The gravity information acquisition unit 52 acquires information indicating the direction of gravity with respect to the FPD 30 (hereinafter referred to as gravity information) from the detection signal of the gravity sensor 35, digitizes the acquired gravity information, and outputs the information to the CPU 100.

The rotation information holding unit 57 is a data storage medium such as a hard disk drive or a semiconductor memory, and has a function of storing and holding various data related to the rotation of a captured image.

The operation input unit 60 includes a mouse, a keyboard, and the like, and supplies operation contents by a user (a doctor such as an image interpreter or a clinician, the same applies hereinafter) who interprets and diagnoses a captured image to the CPU 100 as an operation input signal.

The image display unit 70 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) and displays various images including captured images under the control of the CPU 100. The image display unit 70 can also be configured as a liquid crystal display with a touch panel, and in this case, the image display unit 70 also functions as an operation unit input unit.

The CPU 100 controls the operation of each part of the radiation image display device 50. As shown in FIG. 1, the CPU 100 also functions as an image rotation processing unit 53 and a display information generation unit 54. Here, the image rotation processing unit 53 mainly has a function of rotating a captured image (X-ray image RI described later) output from the FPD 30. On the other hand, the display information generation unit 54 mainly has a function of generating display information to be displayed together with the X-ray image RI described later. In the present embodiment, it is premised that the image rotation processing unit 53 and the display information generation unit 54 have a software-like configuration, that is, a software function block of a program executed by the CPU 100. On the other hand, the image rotation processing unit 53 and the display information generation unit 54 may be configured by a dedicated processor.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray generator 10 and the radiation image display device 50 are connected, and the X-ray generator 10 is operated by the operation of the operation input unit 60 of the radiation image display device 50. ing. Further, the radiation image display device 50 has a communication unit (not shown), and the patient database (not shown) owned by the hospital in which the X-ray generator 10 is installed can be accessed through the communication unit. There is.

Hereinafter, a schematic operation of the X-ray imaging system 1 will be described by taking an X-ray imaging of the front of the chest of the subject S as an example.

Prior to this X-ray imaging, a menu screen (not shown) is displayed on the image display unit 70 of the radiation image display device 50. In the present embodiment, the patient database is accessed from the menu screen by operating the operation input unit 60, and various information (patient ID, name, date of birth) regarding the patient to be the subject S (hereinafter, simply referred to as the subject S) is obtained. , Gender, the name of the affected area to be photographed (in this example, the front of the chest), etc.) are entered in advance to register or update the patient database.

Further, prior to the X-ray imaging, the height position of the FPD 30 attached to the imaging table 40 is adjusted so as to be the position of the chest of the subject S. Subsequently, the back of the subject S is brought close to or in contact with the FPD 30 in advance, and the X-ray irradiation unit 20 is brought close to the front of the chest of the patient.

Further, an operation screen (not shown) for executing X-ray photography is displayed on the image display unit 70 through the menu screen, and parameters such as the intensity of X-rays output from the X-ray irradiation unit 20 are displayed through the operation screen. , Is input by the input operation of the operation input unit 60 by the user. Subsequently, when a shooting instruction is output via the operation screen, the X-ray generator 10 that receives the shooting instruction is activated, and is set through processing for preparation for irradiation (initialization of FPD30, etc.). X-rays are output from the X-ray irradiation unit 20 according to the parameters.

The X-rays output in this way pass through the affected part of the subject S and irradiate the sensor panel of the FPD 30. The FPD 30 detects the intensity (intensity / weakness distribution) of X-rays transmitted through the affected part of the subject S by a sensor panel, converts the detected X-rays into an electric signal, and digitizes the converted electric signal for imaging. Generate an image. The generated image data is then transferred from the FPD 30 to the radiographic image display device 50 and displayed as an X-ray image RI (see FIG. 2A) on the image display unit 70 under the control of the CPU 100. After that, the user operates the operation input unit 60 to input instructions such as zoom (enlargement or reduction) and rotation, and the CPU 100 processes the image processing according to the instruction contents to the X-ray image RI. The applied and processed X-ray image RI is displayed on the image display unit 70.

By the way, when X-ray photography is performed by such an X-ray imaging system 1, there is a case where the imaging direction of the subject S is deviated and the positional relationship between the FPD 30 and the subject S cannot be captured at the original correct angle. be. Such cases include, for example, the case where the posture (upright state, etc.) of the subject S cannot be maintained correctly due to injury, inconvenience of physical function, or the like. In addition, there may be various cases such as the shooting table 40 not standing upright or the mounting angle of the FPD 30 with respect to the shooting table 40 being deviated due to durability or mechanical error. In this case, since the X-ray image in the direction expected by the diagnostician (doctor) cannot be obtained, the photographed organ of the patient or the like may be an image that is uncomfortable for the diagnostician.

Specifically, when the internal organs of the subject S are photographed by X-ray, the posture and position of each organ are determined according to gravity, and the pleural effusion is tilted according to the direction of gravity. Therefore, for example, when it is difficult to perform X-ray imaging with the subject S in an upright posture, or when X-ray imaging is performed by tilting the FPD 30 from the floor surface, the posture of each organ reflected in the X-ray image RI. The image may look slightly different from the usual one, such as the degree of overlap and the surface of the pleural effusion.

Here, the degree of overlap of organs and the inclination of pleural effusion reflected in the X-ray image RI are one of the important information when the image interpreter or the clinician performs image interpretation or diagnosis. Further, even if the positional relationship between the FPD 30 and the subject S cannot be captured at the correct angle, the X-ray image RI can be displayed at the correct angle on the image display unit 70 by performing the above-mentioned rotation process.

However, even if the captured image is displayed on the image display unit 70 at the correct angle due to image rotation, the X-ray image RI when the captured image is captured at an angle where the positional relationship between the FPD 30 and the subject S is not normal is described above. The image may have a strange feeling, such as the posture of the damaged organ, which is different from the usual one. For example, even when the X-ray image RI is rotated so that the body of the subject S stands upright and displayed on the image display unit 70, if the overlapping condition of the organs is different from the normal one, the image causes a sense of discomfort for the doctor. It becomes. If such an uncomfortable image is displayed, there is a risk that the speed and accuracy of the diagnosis by the doctor will be reduced.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in the X-ray imaging system 1 of the present embodiment, the CPU 100 performs the following processing with respect to the display of the X-ray image RI.

Hereinafter, an outline of the processing executed by the CPU 100 of the radiation image display device 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 (2A to 2C). When the subject S is irradiated with X-rays from the X-ray irradiation unit 20, the CPU 100 acquires information in the gravity direction from the gravity sensor 35 (gravity detection unit) through the gravity information acquisition unit 52, and from the information in the gravity direction. Generates a marker indicating the direction of gravity of the X-ray image RI (photographed image). This sign is, for example, an arrow-shaped icon 110 as shown in FIG. 2B, and the direction indicated by the arrow (the direction directly below in the example of FIG. 2B) is the direction of gravity. Hereinafter, this icon 110 will be referred to as a "gravity display icon 110".

Subsequently, the CPU 100 performs a process of displaying the generated gravity display icon 110 on the image display unit 70 so as to be integrally added to the X-ray image RI (see FIGS. 2A and 2B). Here, as shown in FIG. 2B, the CPU 100 displays the gravity display icon 110 on the image display unit 70 so as to overlay the gravity display icon 110 on the area outside the X-ray image RI (hereinafter, also referred to as the outside of the effective area).

FIG. 2A schematically shows a state in which the X-ray image RI generated by the FPD 30 is displayed on the image display unit 70 without processing. In the present embodiment, the display surface of the image display unit 70 has a horizontally long shape, while the above-mentioned sensor panel of the FPD 30 has a rectangular shape whose vertical width is slightly longer than the horizontal width (see FIG. 7). Therefore, when the X-ray image RI generated by the FPD 30 is displayed on the image display unit 70, a margin (blank) area outside the effective area of the X-ray image RI is displayed in the horizontal (left and right) directions on the display surface. Occurs. In the present embodiment, various information related to the X-ray image RI is displayed in an empty display area (hereinafter referred to as “blank area”) of the image display unit 70 which is outside the effective area of the X-ray image RI. As information, it is displayed together with the X-ray image RI. Here, the display information displayed on the image display unit 70 includes various information such as various signs including the gravity display icon 110 and information on the subject S of the X-ray image RI. The display information other than the gravity display icon 110 will be described later.

FIG. 2B shows an example in which the gravity display icon 110 (sign indicating the direction of gravity) is displayed in the blank area as gravity information together with the X-ray image RI generated by the FPD 30. Thus, by displaying the gravity display icon 110 outside the effective area of the X-ray image RI, it is possible to prevent the affected portion of the photographed subject S from being hidden by the gravity display icon 110. In one example, the CPU 100 (display information generation unit 54) generates a layer image including the gravity display icon 110, and overlays (overlays) the generated layer image on a position outside the effective area of the X-ray image RI. , Displayed in the blank area of the image display unit 70.

Further, the CPU 100 displays the X-ray image RI and the gravity display icon 110 on the image display unit 70 so that the gravity display icon 110 rotates at the same angle as the X-ray image RI during the rotation processing of the X-ray image RI. Perform the display process (see FIG. 2C). FIG. 2C shows a case where the X-ray image RI shown in FIG. 2B is rotated to the right based on a rotation operation by a user's operation input. At this time, the CPU 100 controls the display of the image display unit 70 so that the X-ray image RI and the gravity display icon 110 are rotated to the right at the same angle by the function of the image rotation processing unit 53.

In the present embodiment, when operating or adjusting the rotation direction on the image display unit 70 of the X-ray image RI of the photographed subject S, refer to the gravity display icon 110 which is rotated and displayed in the same direction and angle. By doing so, the gravity direction of the X-ray image RI after rotation can be visually recognized and taken into consideration. Therefore, even if the shooting direction of the subject S is deviated, the gravity direction indicated by the gravity display icon 110 displayed together with the rotated X-ray image RI while adjusting the rotation direction of the X-ray image RI. It is possible to perform image interpretation and diagnosis while always checking. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to secure or improve the speed and accuracy of the image interpretation and the diagnosis.

Further, the CPU 100 changes the display magnification of the X-ray image RI so that the X-ray image RI does not protrude from the display screen of the image display unit 70 during the rotation processing of the X-ray image RI, and the display magnification after the change. The X-ray image RI according to the above may be displayed together with the gravity display icon 110 (see FIGS. 2B and 2C). That is, the CPU 100 (display information generation unit 54) makes the X-ray image RI after the rotation fit within the display surface of the image display unit 70 when the X-ray image RI is rotated by the image rotation processing unit 53. , The display magnification of the X-ray image RI is calculated, and the X-ray image RI is displayed on the image display unit 70 at the calculated display magnification.

FIG. 2C shows a display example in which the CPU 100 performs a process of reducing the display magnification of the X-ray image RI when the X-ray image RI shown in FIG. 2B is rotated by a predetermined angle by rotating clockwise. That is, in the display example shown in FIG. 2B, the vertical width of the X-ray image RI substantially coincides with the vertical width of the image display unit 70. If the X-ray image RI is rotated as it is from this state, the corner portion of the X-ray image RI is not displayed on the image display unit 70, so that the affected portion of the photographed subject S is partially displayed on the image display unit 70. Will not be done. Therefore, when the user performs the operation of rotating the X-ray image RI on the display screen of the image display unit 70, it is necessary to also perform the operation of the zoom display for reducing the display magnification.

On the other hand, as described above, when the X-ray image RI is rotated, the display magnification of the X-ray image RI is changed (reduced) by the CPU 100 so that the X-ray image RI does not protrude from the display screen of the image display unit 70. By doing so, it is not necessary to perform the complicated zoom display operation described above.

In the example shown in FIG. 2C, the CPU 100 reduces only the display magnification of the X-ray image RI, does not reduce the overlay of the gravity display icon 110 (the layer image including the gravity display icon 110), and displays the gravity display icon 110 as the icon. The process of rotating the icon with respect to the center point of is performed. In this case, the relative position between the gravity display icon 110 and the X-ray image RI changes due to the rotation of the gravity display icon 110. For example, when the X-ray image RI is rotated by approximately 90 degrees, the X-ray image The reduction rate of RI can be suppressed. Further, since the size of the gravity display icon 110 is maintained even if the X-ray image RI is reduced and displayed, there is an advantage that the gravity direction can be easily recognized regardless of the reduction ratio of the X-ray image RI.

On the other hand, although not shown, when the CPU 100 reduces the display magnification of the X-ray image RI and displays it, the layer image including the gravity display icon 110 is also reduced so as not to protrude from the display screen of the image display unit 70. May be displayed. In this case, it becomes easy to display while maintaining the positional relationship between the gravity display icon 110 and the X-ray image RI, and there is an advantage that the entire image displayed on the image display unit 70 is easy to see.

In addition, the CPU 100 performs various processes regarding the display of the X-ray image RI. Hereinafter, more specific contents regarding the processing related to the display of the X-ray image RI, the display information, and the like will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and below.

More specific examples of the screen displayed on the image display unit 70 of the radiation image display device 50 are shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Note that FIG. 3A shows the display state before the image rotation processing, FIG. 3B shows the display state after the image rotation processing, and the same applies to FIGS. 4A and 4B, FIGS. 5A and 5B, and FIGS. 6A and 6B described later. ..

In the present embodiment, the CPU 100 of the radiation image display device 50 acquires information on the subject S from the above-mentioned patient database when displaying the X-ray image RI, and uses the acquired information as display information for the X-ray image. It is displayed on the image display unit 70 together with RI. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 100 displays not only the gravity display icon 110 but also the icons 120 and 130 on the image display unit 70 together with the X-ray image RI as display information.

Specifically, the CPU 100 displays an icon 120 indicating a direction parallel to the arrow of the gravity display icon 110 in the blank area on the left side of the image display unit 70. Here, the icon 120 is a sign with an elongated arrow as compared with the gravity display icon 110, and is a sign extending in the width direction of the X-ray image RI. In other words, the icon 110 is the first gravity display icon, and the icon 120 is the second gravity display icon.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 100 displays the icon 130 in the blank area above the gravity display icon 110. The icon 130 is a sign indicating the type of the subject S, and in this example, it indicates that the subject S is a human being. When the subject S is an animal other than a human, the CPU 100 displays a sign having another shape as an icon 130 on the image display unit 70.

In one example, the CPU 100 generates icons 110, 120, and 130 as three different layer images, and overlays the generated three layer images on the X-ray image RI so as to display the generated three layer images at their respective positions. Perform the process of making (overlay).

Further, the CPU 100 displays information about the affected part of the subject S photographed by X-ray (“front of the chest” in this example) in the blank area to the left of the icon 120. Further, the CPU 100 displays the patient ID, name, date of birth, and gender of the subject S in the blank area on the upper end side of the image display unit 70. These display information are information acquired from the above-mentioned patient database.

Further, in the present embodiment, the CPU 100 is an angle operation unit including rotation operation buttons 210 to 240 for performing a rotation operation of the X-ray image RI as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) in the blank area on the right side of the icon 130. Display 200. Here, the rotation operation button 210 is selected when the X-ray image RI is rotated to the left, that is, once counterclockwise. Similarly, the rotation operation button 220 is selected when the X-ray image RI is rotated to the right, that is, once clockwise. Further, the rotation operation button 230 is selected when the X-ray image RI is rotated 15 degrees to the left (counterclockwise). Similarly, the rotation operation button 240 is selected when the X-ray image RI is rotated 15 degrees to the right (clockwise). The value of the above angle operated by the rotation operation unit 200 is an example, and may be another angle. Further, the rotation angle when each rotation operation button 210 to 240 is selected may be set (customized) to an angle desired by the user through a user setting screen (not shown).

In the example shown in FIG. 3, when any of the rotation operation buttons 210, 220, 230, and 240 described above is selected (clicked with a mouse or the like), the CPU 100 (image rotation processing unit 53) displays the X-ray image RI and the icon 110. , 120, and 130 are rotated in the same direction and angle. That is, the CPU 100 rotates the X-ray image RI and the images of the icons 110, 120, and 130 with the center of each image as the rotation axis at an angle according to the instruction of the angle operation unit 200, and rotates each image after rotation. It is displayed on the image display unit 70. By such processing, the above-mentioned icons 110, 120, and 130 are rotated in the same direction and angle as the X-ray image RI and displayed on the image display unit 70 together with the X-ray image RI (see FIGS. 3A and 3B).

According to the present embodiment in which the above-mentioned processing is performed, the doctor can always be aware of the direction of gravity for the X-ray image RI and perform image interpretation and diagnosis. Therefore, even if the image cannot be acquired in the expected direction due to the posture of the subject S, the inclination of the FPD 30, etc. And it is possible to secure or improve the accuracy.

In the above example, as a user operation for rotating the X-ray image RI, the rotation operation buttons 210, 220, 230, 240 are selected by the operation input unit 60 (mouse or the like). The user operation for rotating the X-ray image RI may have various other forms. For example, when the image display unit 70 is a display with a touch panel, the rotation operation buttons 210, 220, 230, 240 may be touched with a user's finger, a stylus, or the like. As another example, a gesture detection device such as a CCD camera may be provided to detect the gesture movement of the user's hand or the like. In this case, the CPU 100 (image rotation processing unit 53) performs rotation processing of the X-ray image RI according to the detection result by the gesture detection device.

Further, the upper side or the lower side of the gravity display icon (110 or 120) described above may be selected with a mouse or the like, and the X-ray image RI and the gravity display icon may be rotated by an operation method such as drag and drop. In addition, after the rotation operation of the X-ray image RI or the like, by dragging the gravity display icon (110, 120) downward with a mouse or the like, the X-ray image RI and the gravity display icon are moved in the direction of gravity (directly downward). You may reset the display state so that it becomes. Further, in order to be able to specify the rotation direction and angle of the X-ray image RI by key input of the keyboard, the input fields of "rotation direction" and "rotation angle" and the "decision button" (not shown) are, for example, an angle operation unit. It may be configured to be displayed in the vicinity of the lower side of the 200. In this case, a finer rotation angle can be specified, for example, in units of 0.1 °.

In addition, various icons, selection buttons, and the like can be displayed in the blank area described above. For example, after performing the rotation operation and display of the X-ray image RI, a button for canceling the operation (processing and returning the screen) may be displayed.

Other specific examples of the screen displayed on the image display unit 70 of the radiation image display device 50 are shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The following mainly describes the differences from FIG.

The examples shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B are views corresponding to FIGS. 2B and 2C described above, and the display position of the gravity display icon 110 and the direction in which the X-ray image RI is rotated are mainly shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C. It's different from the example. Further, in the examples shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the display magnification of the X-ray image RI is changed when the image is rotated, which is different from the example of FIG. In addition, in the examples shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the above-mentioned icons 120 and 130 are not displayed on the image display unit 70, but the icons 120 and 130 may be displayed as in FIGS. 3A and 3B. This point is the same as in the examples of FIGS. 5 and 6 described later.

In the display example of FIG. 3B described above, since the display magnification of the X-ray image RI is not changed (reduced) during the image rotation processing, the lower left side (a part of the organ) of the X-ray image RI protrudes from the display screen. (Leakage), and a part of such an organ is not projected on the image display unit 70. On the other hand, during the image rotation process, the CPU 100 (display information generation unit 54) performs a process of changing (reducing) the display magnification of the X-ray image RI so as not to protrude from the display screen, whereby FIG. 4B As shown in the above, the entire X-ray image RI can be displayed on the display screen of the image display unit 70 without omission.

Still other specific examples of the screen displayed on the image display unit 70 of the radiation image display device 50 are shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

In the example shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the CPU 100 (display information generation unit 54) generates and generates (two) auxiliary lines AL that intersect the horizontal direction and the vertical direction of the display surface of the image display unit 70. A process of superimposing (overlaying) the auxiliary line AL on the X-ray image RI is performed. Note that FIG. 5B shows a case where the X-ray image RI display magnification change process is not performed during image rotation, but the display magnification change process may be performed in the same manner as in FIG. 4B. The same applies to the example of FIG. 6B described later.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the auxiliary lines AL intersect at a position substantially center of the display surface of the image display unit 70 or the displayed X-ray image RI, and are horizontal and vertical to the display surface of the image display unit 70. It extends along the direction. The auxiliary line AL is displayed substantially at the same time as the X-ray image RI and the gravity display icon 110. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, unlike the above-mentioned icons 110 to 130, this auxiliary line AL does not rotate during the above-mentioned rotation processing, and is fixedly displayed on the display surface of the image display unit 70. ..

With such a configuration, the image rotation operation can be performed while comparing the gravity direction indicated by the gravity display icon 110 with the auxiliary line AL indicating the vertical and horizontal directions of the display surface, so that the X-ray image can be operated. It is possible to easily confirm how much the RI has been rotated. Furthermore, the X-ray image RI is rotated so that the photographed part (spine in this example) of the subject S is aligned with the displayed auxiliary line AL (see FIG. 5B), and the original correct posture of the subject S (see FIG. 5B). In this example, the captured image in the upright posture) can be displayed on the image display unit 70.

In the example shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the auxiliary lines AL are two orthogonal lines. As another example of the auxiliary line AL, a configuration in which more lines intersect in a grid pattern may be used.

6A and 6B illustrate a case where the CPU 100 (display information generation unit 54) performs a process of displaying a numerical value of the rotation angle of the gravity display icon 110 related to the image rotation process together with the gravity display icon 110.

Here, FIG. 6A is a state before the rotation operation of the X-ray image RI (image rotation processing by the CPU 100) is performed, and the rotation angle “0 °” of the X-ray image RI is superimposed and displayed on the gravity display icon 110. ing. By such a display, the inclination of the two-dimensional plane (n-direction and m-direction) formed by the sensor panel of the FPD 30 at the time of X-ray photography is 0 (the angles of the photographing table 40 and the FPD 30 are normal, etc.). You can check at a glance.

On the other hand, FIG. 6B shows the X-ray image RI in the left (counterclockwise) direction so that the spine of the subject S is perpendicular to the display surface of the image display unit 70 based on the user's operation from the state of FIG. 6A. It shows the case where the operation (image rotation processing) is performed to rotate the image. FIG. 6B shows an example in which the rotation direction and angle of the X-ray image RI are specified by the key input of the keyboard described above, and the rotation angle “3.5 °” of the X-ray image RI is the gravity display icon 110. It is displayed superimposed on. After that, for example, when the X-ray image RI is rotated 0.5 degrees to the right (clockwise), the gravity display icon 110 is rotated 0.5 degrees to the right from the state shown in FIG. 6B, and gravity "3.0 °" is superimposed on the display icon 110.

In FIGS. 6A and 6B, a numerical value indicating the rotation angle of the X-ray image RI is displayed so as to be superimposed on the gravity display icon 110, and the numerical value and the gravity display icon 110 can be visually recognized at a glance by such a configuration. , Display space can be saved. As another example, a numerical value indicating the rotation angle of the X-ray image RI may be displayed at a position different from the gravity display icon 110.

Further, in the examples shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the auxiliary line AL described above in FIGS. 5A and 5B may also be displayed.

In each of the above-mentioned examples, for the sake of simplicity, a case where one FPD 30 is attached to the imaging table 40 to perform X-ray imaging has been described. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, in the X-ray imaging system 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of FPDs 30 (30A to C) can be mounted on the imaging table 40 to perform X-ray imaging. Specifically, the photographing table 40 includes a frame 41 extending in the vertical direction and a support table 42 movable along the frame 41 so that a plurality of FPDs 30 (30A to C) can be attached to and detached from the support table 42. It has become.

When a plurality of FPDs 30A to 30C are mounted on the photographing table 40 and X-ray photography is performed, the image data acquisition unit 51 obtains 1 X-ray image RI generated by each of the FPDs 30A, B, and C under the control of the CPU 100. It is processed into two images (a vertically long image in the example of FIG. 7). Then, the CPU 100 (display information generation unit 54) displays the above-mentioned icon 110 or the like so as to be added (overlaid) to one processed image (long image).

Further, when a plurality of FPDs 30A to 30C are mounted on the photographing table 40 to perform X-ray photography, the gravity information acquisition unit 52 may acquire gravity information from any one of the FPDs 30A, 30B, and 30C. .. In this case, the user may set which of the FPDs 30A, 30B, and 30C to acquire the gravity information prior to the X-ray imaging.

As another example of the case where a plurality of FPDs 30A to 30C are mounted on the shooting table 40 to perform X-ray photography, the gravity information acquisition unit 52 receives gravity from all the mounted FPDs (30A to 30C) during X-ray photography. Information may be obtained. In this case, the CPU 100 generates three gravity display icons 110 from each (three in this example) gravity information acquired through the gravity information acquisition unit 52, and processes the three gravity display icons 110. It is displayed in the blank area of the image display unit 70 so as to overlay on one image (long image). Alternatively, the user may set which of the FPDs 30A, 30B, and 30C to acquire the gravity information after the X-ray photography.

Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8, the flow of processing performed by the CPU 100 of the radiation image display device 50 after shooting the subject will be described. The following operation is premised on the display examples described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, and it is assumed that the information of the subject S registered in the patient database has been acquired in advance by the radiographic image display device 50.

When the subject S is irradiated with X-rays from the X-ray irradiation unit 20 and the X-ray image RI is generated by the FPD 30 by the shooting procedure described above, the CPU 100 passes the X-ray image of the subject S from the FPD 30 through the image data acquisition unit 51. Acquire RI (image data) (step S10).

Along with the acquisition of the image data, the CPU 100 acquires the gravity information at the time of X-ray irradiation from the gravity sensor 35 through the gravity information acquisition unit 52 (step S20).

In step S30, the CPU 100 generates the above-mentioned icons 110, 120, and 130 as respective (that is, three) gravity overlays, and displays the generated three gravity overlays on the image display unit 70 together with the X-ray image RI. do. At the same time, the CPU 100 displays various information of the subject S acquired from the patient database and the angle operation unit 200 at the corresponding position of the image display unit 70 (see FIG. 3A).

In step S40, the CPU 100 monitors the input signal from the operation input unit 60 or the like (in this example, the rotation operation buttons 210, 220, 230, 240 of the angle operation unit 200 are turned on and off) to rotate the X-ray image RI. Determine if an operation has been performed. Here, the CPU 100 repeats the determination in step S40 until it is determined that the operation for rotating the X-ray image RI has been performed (step S40, YES). Then, when the CPU 100 determines that the operation of rotating the X-ray image RI has been performed (step S40, YES), the CPU 100 proceeds to step S50.

In step S50, the CPU 100 operates the image rotation processing unit 53 to execute a process of rotating the X-ray image RI (image rotation process). During this image rotation process, the CPU 100 determines the direction and angle of rotation of the X-ray image RI according to the user's operation content (in this example, the button selected from the rotation operation buttons 210, 220, 230, 240). Identify and rotate the X-ray image RI in the specified direction and angle. Further, the CPU 100 stores the values of the direction and the angle in which the X-ray image RI is rotated in the rotation information holding unit 57. By temporarily storing the values of the rotation direction and the angle in this way, the operation history related to the rotation of the X-ray image RI is retained. Therefore, for example, after performing the rotation operation of the X-ray image RI a plurality of times, the operation content is canceled (the screen is returned), so that the previous display state (rotation state of the X-ray image RI) is stepwise. It can be returned for convenience of interpretation and diagnosis.

In step S60, the CPU 100 regenerates each gravity overlay so as to rotate the icons 110, 120, 130, respectively, in the same rotation direction and angle as the X-ray image RI rotated in step S50.

In step S70, the CPU 100 displays the display image on the display surface of the image display unit 70 so that each regenerated gravity overlay is added to the rotated X-ray image RI (overlaid on the blank area). Generate (reconstruct) the whole (see FIG. 3B). After that, the CPU 100 can return to the determination in step S40 described above, or after outputting the reconstructed display image data to an external device (patient database described above) or the like, the series of processes is completed. do.

According to the present embodiment in which the above processing is performed, the rotation direction of the X-ray image RI (radiation image) of the captured subject S is adjusted, and the gravity direction of the image is set before and after the image rotation operation. It is possible to perform image interpretation and diagnosis while recognizing it. Therefore, even if the shooting direction of the subject S is deviated, the image interpretation and interpretation and interpretation are performed while recognizing the gravity direction of the rotated X-ray image RI while adjusting the rotation direction of the X-ray image RI at an arbitrary angle. You can make a diagnosis. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to secure or improve the speed and accuracy of the image interpretation and the diagnosis.

In each of the above-mentioned examples, the gravity sensor 35 is provided in the FPD 30. As another example, the gravity sensor 35 may be provided on the photographing table 40, and the inclination information indicating the inclination of the photographing table 40 may be output from the gravity sensor 35. In this case, the gravity information acquisition unit 52 acquires gravity information by specifying the gravity direction corresponding to the inclination of the photographing table 40 from the inclination information output from the gravity sensor 35.

In each of the above-mentioned examples, the gravity information acquisition unit 52 is configured to acquire gravity information (direction of gravity) from the detection result of the gravity sensor 35. As another example, the gravity information acquisition unit 52 may be configured to acquire information in the gravity direction input by a user operation.

The above-described embodiments are merely examples of embodiment of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed in a limited manner by these. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its gist or its main features.

1 X-ray imaging system 10 X-ray generator 20 X-ray irradiation unit 30 (30A to C) FPD (image detection device)
35 Gravity sensor (gravity detector)
40 Shooting table 41 Frame 42 Support table 50 Console (radiation image display device)
51 Image data acquisition unit 52 Gravity information acquisition unit 53 Image rotation processing unit 54 Display information generation unit 57 Rotation information holding unit 60 Operation input unit 70 Image display unit 100 CPU
110,120 Gravity display icon (sign)
130 Icon 200 Angle operation unit 210, 220, 230, 240 Rotation operation button AL Auxiliary line RI X-ray image (photographed image)
S subject

Claims (16)

It is a radiation image display device that displays the photographed image output from the image detection device that detects the radiation radiated to the subject and generates the photographed image of the detected radiation on the display screen.
Gravity information acquisition unit that acquires information in the direction of gravity,
A rotation processing unit that performs rotation processing of the captured image, and
A display information generation unit that generates display information related to the captured image,
Equipped with
The display information generation unit generates a sign indicating the direction of gravity as the display information, displays the photographed image and the sign on the display screen, and makes the sign the same as the photographed image by the rotation process. Rotate in the direction,
Radiation image display device. The display information generation unit rotates the sign at the same angle as the captured image in accordance with the rotation process.
The radiographic image display device according to claim 1. The gravity information acquisition unit acquires information on the gravity direction from the gravity detection unit that detects the gravity direction related to the inclination of the image detection device.
The radiographic image display device according to claim 1 or 2. The gravity detection unit is provided in the image detection device.
The radiographic image display device according to claim 3. A shooting table to which the image detection device is attached / detached is provided.
The gravity detection unit is provided on the shooting table.
The gravity information acquisition unit acquires information in the direction of gravity as tilt information of the photographing table.
The radiographic image display device according to claim 3. It is equipped with a shooting table in which the plurality of image detection devices are detachably configured.
When a plurality of the image detection devices are mounted on the shooting table, the gravity information acquisition unit acquires information on the gravity direction from any one of the image detection devices.
The radiographic image display device according to claim 4. The gravity information acquisition unit acquires information in the gravity direction input by a user operation.
The radiographic image display device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The rotation processing unit performs the rotation processing based on an input signal operated by the user.
The radiographic image display device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. When the rotation processing is performed, the rotation processing unit holds information on the rotation angle due to the processing.
The radiographic image display device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The display information generation unit generates an arrow-shaped icon indicating the gravity direction acquired by the gravity information acquisition unit as the sign, and displays the icon so as to overlay it on the captured image.
The radiographic image display device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The display information generation unit changes the display magnification of the photographed image so that the photographed image does not protrude from the display screen during the rotation process, and displays the photographed image with the changed display magnification together with the sign. do,
The radiographic image display device according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The display information generation unit displays the sign so as to overlay the area outside the captured image.
The radiographic image display device according to any one of claims 1 to 11. The display information generation unit generates an auxiliary line that intersects the captured image and the display unit on which the sign is displayed in the horizontal and vertical directions so as to overlay the captured image on the captured image.
The radiographic image display device according to any one of claims 1 to 12. The display information generation unit displays the sign and the value of the rotation angle of the sign.
The radiographic image display device according to any one of claims 1 to 13. An image pickup table in which a plurality of the image detection devices are detachably configured, and
When a plurality of the image detection devices are mounted on the image detection table, the image data acquisition unit for processing the image captured by the radiation detected by each of the image detection devices into one long image is provided.
The display information generation unit displays the long image and the sign.
The radiographic image display device according to any one of claims 1 to 14. It is an image display method that displays the captured image of the radiation radiated to the subject.
Obtaining information on the direction of gravity when the radiation is applied,
From the information on the direction of gravity, a sign indicating the direction of gravity of the photographed image is generated.
The photographed image and the sign are displayed on the display screen, and the photographed image and the sign are displayed.
During the rotation process of the captured image, the sign is displayed on the display screen so as to be rotated in the same direction as the captured image.
Image display method.

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