JP2608128B2 - Bone measurement device and bone evaluation system - Google Patents

Description

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an automated bone measurement device and a bone evaluation system. More specifically, the present invention provides a bone measuring apparatus for automatically measuring a bone using an image on a radiographic film of a bone to be inspected, and also efficiently evaluates a bone history and the like using a communication system. It is intended to provide a bone evaluation system that can perform the evaluation.

[Prior Art] Confirmation of human bone growth state, aging degree, or osteoporosis,
Judgment of the type of bone lesions such as osteomalacia,
Various bone measurements such as confirmation of the effect during treatment may be performed.

As a method of such bone measurement, an MD method of measuring the density of a shadow image on a test bone using an X-ray photographic film obtained by irradiating the bone with a microdensitometer and performing bone measurement (" Bone Metabolism, Vol. 13, pp. 187-195 (19
1980), "Bone Metabolism", Vol. 14, pp. 91-104 (1981), etc.), irradiating the test bone with gamma rays, and measuring the amount of transmitted gamma rays with a detector to perform bone measurement Photon Absorpsiometry, etc.

The MD method is easy to adopt in that it uses an X-ray photographic film that can be easily obtained using an X-ray image photographing device that is widely used as a device for diagnosing a fracture or the like, and is becoming increasingly widespread. It should be noted that it is difficult to say that devices for generating gamma rays to be used are generally more widely used in photon absorpsiometry than X-ray imaging devices.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] In the past, bone measurement by the MD method had many manual parts as follows. That is, using a radiographic film obtained by irradiating the test bone with X-rays, first, for a bone image on the film, manually determine a reference point required for bone measurement by the MD method, and further determine the reference point. A part (for example, a part on a transverse line at an intermediate point of the long axis of the second metacarpal bone) where bone measurement is to be performed in detail by a method determined using points is selected. Then, while scanning the microdensitometer on the selected site, the intensity of the transmitted light obtained by irradiating the site with light is measured, and the intensity or absorbance of the transmitted light corresponding to the operated site is measured. Is drawn on a predetermined chart paper. Further, the microdensitometer was scanned on the vertical line of the image of the film of the aluminum stepped standard material (hereinafter referred to as the aluminum step) which was radiographed together with the bone to be examined, and the intensity or absorbance of the obtained transmitted light was measured. The diagram is also described on the chart paper. Using the digitizer, the respective diagrams of the absorbance of the test bone and the absorbance of the aluminum step on the chart paper obtained as described above are input to a computer, and the absorbance of the test bone at each point is converted into the number of steps of the aluminum step. . Using the figures obtained by the conversion in this way, various indices representing the bone morphology at the target site are calculated in the computer, and the calculation results are output.

Thus, in the conventional bone measurement by the MD method, it is necessary to manually select a measurement target site in the bone image of the X-ray film. In addition, the absorbance diagram obtained by the microdensitometer had to be manually input to a computer by scanning the digitizer.

In particular, when the number of subjects to be examined is large and the number of X-ray film to be measured is large, a lot of manpower and time are required, so that quick bone measurement cannot be performed, which may cause trouble.

In addition, the degree of shading of the image of the subject bone in the obtained X-ray film tends to change greatly due to fluctuations in X-ray imaging conditions and film development processing conditions, and when the X-ray film is extremely dark or bright. However, there is also a disadvantage that the measurement cannot be performed, or even if the measurement can be performed, the measurement error becomes extremely large.

In addition, since the place where the X-ray photography is performed and the case where the bone measurement is performed using the obtained X-ray film are geographically far apart, rapid bone transfer is required for transporting the X-ray photograph. Measurement was difficult.

[Means for Solving the Problems] As a result of earnest studies to solve these problems in the prior art, the present inventor has disclosed means for automatically reading an image of a bone to be inspected on an X-ray film. Using a bone measuring device having a means for storing the image and a means for enlarging the image and displaying the image as an image, the image display means employs a point input means for inputting a reference point required for bone measurement. Calculating means for performing a calculation for bone measurement on the stored image of the subject bone using the input reference point, and bone measurement for outputting a bone measurement result obtained by the calculation. It has been found that a bone measuring device provided with an output means is effective.

The present inventors have reached the following invention based on such knowledge.

That is, first, the present invention applies X
Automatic reading means for automatically reading an image of a test bone in the film by using transmitted light obtained by irradiating the X-ray film obtained by irradiating the X-ray film, Image storage means for storing the image of the test bone; image display means for displaying the stored image of the test bone as an image; and a reference required for bone measurement in the displayed image of the test bone. Point input means for inputting points, operation means for performing an operation for bone measurement on the stored image of the test bone using the input reference point, and bone measurement obtained by the operation A bone measurement output unit for outputting a result, wherein the automatic reading unit scans the subject image so that a video signal intensity for a predetermined portion in the read subject image falls within a predetermined range. A bone measuring device provided with the light adjusting means for automatically adjusting the light intensity based.

That is, the present invention uses an X-ray film of a subject bone obtained by X-ray photography together with a standard substance. The image of the bone to be examined on the X-ray film in the present invention mainly refers to the degree of blackening and the shape of the bone to be examined on the film. An aluminum step is usually used as the standard material, but a sloped aluminum member may be used. The bone to be inspected may be any as long as it can provide an X-ray photographic film having a certain degree of clear shading, but a portion where the soft tissue layer is thin and averaged is usually desirable. More specifically, there are long bones such as a hand bone and a humerus, a radius bone, an ulna, a femur, a tibia, and a fibula. Among them, the second metacarpal is practically suitable. Other examples of cancellous bone include the calcaneus, spine, and epiphysis of long bones. Among them, calcaneus is practically suitable.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an arrangement for performing X-ray imaging of a hand bone together with an aluminum staircase. In the figure, 10
Is a dry plate for an X-ray film, 11 is an aluminum stair, 12 and 13 are right and left hands, respectively, and 14 is a second metacarpal bone.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the external appearance of a specific example of the bone morphology measuring device of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is an outer shell of the apparatus, 2 is an X-ray photographic film, 3 is display means for displaying stored images, and 4 is image display means 3.
Is a point input unit for performing positioning by moving a cursor on the screen in order to input a reference point 7, and 5 is an output unit for outputting a bone measurement result.
Reference numeral 6 denotes an input means (keyboard) for performing input for starting operation and controlling various operations. The first
In the figure, the automatic reading means, the storage means of the read image, and the calculating means for performing the calculation for the bone measurement are not shown.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bone measuring device preferably includes a light generating means (light source) for irradiating the X-ray film with the automatic reading means, and a light transmitted from the light source through the X-ray film. The measuring device includes a detecting means for detecting the intensity and a film automatic running means for automatically running the X-ray film.

Such a light source may generate a spot-like light, but usually requires scanning means,
A band-shaped light source for generating band-shaped light is practically suitable for providing a device having a small size and a simple structure. As a detecting means, any means can be used as long as it can detect transmitted light and can be automatically read. However, when a band light source is used, a band sensor, that is, a line sensor is preferable, and a band-shaped contact image sensor is particularly practical. Above. Rollers are usually used as the film traveling means. Among them, a pair of rollers that rotate in opposite directions with the film interposed therebetween is suitably used, but other rollers may be used.

FIG. 3 schematically shows an example of such an automatic reading means, wherein reference numeral 20 denotes an X-ray film,
Shows the image of the bone of the right hand, 22 is a band-like light source,
Reference numeral 23 denotes a contact image sensor, and reference numeral 24 denotes a film traveling roller.

As a specific example of such a band light source, a band LED (light e
a fluorescent lamp, a high-frequency lighting rod-shaped fluorescent tube, a DC lighting rod-like lamp, and a strip light source that irradiates the lamp from the opposite end face by arranging the end faces of the optical fiber in a band. The band-shaped lens means is positioned between the band-shaped light source and the band-shaped detection means, preferably, when the film is detected, so that the light from the band-shaped light source passes through the X-ray film and is focused on the detection section of the band-shaped detection means. Those arranged between the parts are preferred. As a specific example of the belt-shaped lens means, there is a rod lens in which a number of short optical fibers are bundled, bonded and fixed with a resin or the like, and a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axial direction of the fiber is formed in a belt shape.

A specific example of a contact image sensor that is a means for detecting transmitted light is a CCD (change couple) that is a line sensor.
d device).

As the automatic running means of the film, any means capable of running the X-ray film at a predetermined speed at a speed suitable for the speed detected by the detecting means may be used. May also be intermittent. still,
In the case of a belt-shaped detecting means, it is desirable to run in a direction perpendicular to the detecting means. For example, if a band-shaped CCD is used as the detection means, in order to enable more accurate detection,
There is a method of intermittently moving a film at a fine pitch of about 100 μ in a direction perpendicular to a belt-shaped CCD. For such intermittent running, a pulse motor is preferably used. Also, when running intermittently, the light source is not turned on while the film is moving, and the flashing of the light source and the running method are controlled in conjunction with each other so that the light source is turned on only when the film is stationary. , Detection accuracy and traveling speed can be increased.

The characteristics between the elements of the strip-shaped light source, the rod lens, and the line sensor in the automatic reading means may vary depending on the location, and the variation may change with time. It is effective for stable and accurate measurement.

The following is an example of such correction means. That is, every time the reading of the X-ray film is started, light is supplied from the light source directly to the line sensor via the rod lens in the absence of the X-ray film, and the light is supplied to each location within a range where the analog output of the line sensor is not saturated. The light intensity of the light source is adjusted so that the maximum value at is close to the maximum value of the full scale, and the detection pattern of the light intensity detected by the line sensor in that state is converted by the AD conversion means to the value of the line sensor. The data is stored in the REF storage unit as reference signal REF data for each part. Next, a detection pattern in which light is transmitted through the X-ray film and the intensity of the transmitted light is detected by the line sensor (the value of each part of the line sensor is referred to as MES data) is calculated for each part by the following equation (I). The corrected value is used as read data of the X-ray film. It should be noted that it is more efficient to perform such correction each time the transmitted light is detected by intermittently running the X-ray film for a very small distance because no special time is required for the correction.

Further, it is preferable that the automatic reading unit includes a unit for performing such correction, and specific examples thereof include:
An example is a combination of A / D (analog / digital) conversion means, REF data storage means, and a DSP (digatal signal processor). FIG. 6 schematically shows an example of the bone measuring apparatus according to the present invention, which comprises an automatic reading section 61 and a bone measurement data processing section 62. Such an automatic reading unit
At 61, a correction means combining an A / D conversion means (AD), a REF data storage means (REF) and a DSP is shown.

In addition, according to the present invention, as a preferable bone measurement device,
An apparatus in which a light intensity adjusting means of the light source for adjusting the intensity of the light generated from the light source in accordance with the variation in the light and shade level of the whole X-ray film is included in the automatic reading means.

One example of such light intensity adjusting means is a light source of a light source such that the intensity of transmitted light at a site of an image related to a predetermined step is within a predetermined range with respect to an image on an X-ray film of an aluminum step as a standard substance. Means for adjusting the strength can be given. More specifically, an automatic running means for automatically running the film to a position where the image of the aluminum step on the X-ray film can be irradiated with light and automatically recognizing the image, The intensity of the transmitted light is detected and the position of the predetermined number of steps of the aluminum stairs is recognized, and the output of the transmitted light intensity there is about half of the full case of the output of the A / D converter. One in which means for automatically adjusting the light intensity of the light source are combined.

Further, in the automatic reading means of the bone measuring apparatus of the present invention, a narrow area including a measurement target portion of the shadow image of the test bone of the X-ray film is automatically specified, and only the shadow image in the area is read. It is desirable to provide the automatic film traveling means with automatic positioning control means for performing the above.

Thus, the data regarding the intensity of the transmitted light for the image of the test bone read by the automatic reading means is a digital signal converted into the number of steps of the aluminum step, that is, the thickness of the aluminum, and a data group corresponding to the position of the image. Become. Alternatively, the data group may be related to each of the image of the subject bone and the image of the aluminum step before conversion.

As the image storage means in the bone measurement device of the present invention,
Any type of digital signal relating to the intensity of transmitted light in the shadow image on the X-ray film of the subject bone obtained by the automatic reading means can be used as long as it can store a data group corresponding to the position of the film. The storage memory size may be selected according to the purpose of bone measurement. As a specific example, in the bone measurement of the second metacarpal bone, there is a computer means such as an image memory of about 2 Mbytes.

The image display means in the bone measuring apparatus of the present invention may be any as long as it can display, as an image, a data group consisting of a relationship between a digital signal and a position stored in the image storage means or obtained by the automatic reading means. The CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or the like can be given as a preferable example from the viewpoint of resolution and cost. It is practically preferable to use the data stored in the image storage means. Further, it is preferable that the displayed image is larger than the size of the shadow image in the X-ray film because the input of the reference point becomes easier.

FIG. 4 is an example of the second metacarpal bone displayed in an enlarged manner on an image display means called a CRT. Reference numeral 30 denotes a display screen, 31 denotes an image of the second metacarpal bone, and 32, 33, and 34 indicate the positions of reference points required for bone measurement.

Further, as the point input means in the bone measuring apparatus of the present invention, any one can be used as long as it can specify and input a position as a reference point in the image display means as exemplified in FIG. As a specific example, a cursor position display as shown in FIG.
There are a method of externally inputting with an instruction control means, a light pen type input means, a touch panel, and a method of automatically inputting from a stored image of the bone to be examined. It is preferable that the cursor position display / instruction control means can input the reference point accurately and easily.

Further, the calculating means in the bone measuring apparatus of the present invention determines a predetermined position to be measured in the image of the test bone stored in the image storing means with reference to the reference point input by the point input means. Any device may be used as long as a calculation for bone measurement can be performed using the stored data group relating to the image of the bone to be examined at a predetermined position. As an example, there is a microcomputer means comprising a ROM to which a calculation program for bone measurement is inputted and a RAM for calculation and primary storage.

Specific examples of the calculation for bone measurement include the calculation as shown in FIG. 5. In addition, various methods for bone measurement using the MD method (for example, JP-A-59-8935,
JP-A-59-49743, JP-A-60-83646,
The same calculation as described in JP-A-61-109557 and JP-A-62-183748 can be applied. When the image of the test bone before conversion and the image of the standard material are stored in the image storage means, the image of the test bone may be converted into the thickness of the standard material by this calculating means. .

FIG. 5 shows, as a pattern, stored data on the transverse line of the midpoint of the long axis of the second metacarpal bone as illustrated in FIG. 4, in order to show a specific example of the contents of the calculation. .
That is, D indicates the bone width, and the bone density distribution is represented by the shaded portion. d ₁ and d ₂ indicate the width of the bone cortex, and d indicates the width of the bone marrow. GSmin peak 40, peak
Corresponds to the minimum value of valley 42 between 41, (bone cortex + bone marrow)
GSmax1 and GSmax2 correspond to the maximum values of the peaks, respectively. ΣGS is equivalent to the total area of the hatched portion with respect to the width D (“Bone metabolism” No. 4)
Vol., Pp. 319-325 (1981)).

In the calculating means, based on various data obtained by the calculation illustrated in FIG. 5, as a bone morphology measurement result, for example, a bone cortex width index (MCI = (d ₁ + d ₂ ) / 2), a bone marrow width (d) , (Bone cortex + bone marrow) index (GS)
min), an index indicating the amount of bone mineral only in the cortical part (GSmax =
(GSmax1 + GSmax2) / 2), an index (ΣDS / D) representing the average amount of bone mineral per bone width, and the like are calculated. In addition, it is desirable that a means for storing the bone measurement result obtained by such calculation be provided as necessary. Such measurement may be performed only from the stored data on the traversing line at the midpoint,
In addition, it is also possible to measure from stored data on a transverse line around a transverse line including an intermediate point and a peripheral line parallel to the center, and take an average value thereof.

Another example of the calculation in the calculation means is disclosed in
As shown in JP-A-09557, the bone density distribution of the long bone may be obtained from the measurement result obtained by performing the bone measurement on each part of the long bone.

The bone measurement output means in the bone measurement apparatus of the present invention may be any means capable of outputting a measurement result obtained by calculation, and specific examples include a dot-type ink printer and a thermal ink for hard copy. Printers, laser printers, video printers, and other CRT screens. For example, JP-A-61-109557
A means capable of displaying the bone density distribution in a color-coded manner as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. HEI 7-28411 is practically preferable.

The present invention further includes a bone evaluation system using the above-described bone measuring device.

That is, (a) an image of the bone to be examined in the film is automatically formed by using the transmitted light obtained by irradiating the X-ray film obtained by irradiating the X-ray film with the standard substance with the X-ray film. Automatic reading means for reading, image storage means for storing the read image of the test bone, and image display means for displaying the read or stored image of the test bone as an image A point input means for inputting a reference point required for bone measurement in the displayed image of the test bone, and a bone measurement for the stored bone image of the test bone using the input reference point. A calculation means for performing the calculation, and a bone measurement output means for outputting a bone measurement result obtained by the calculation, wherein the automatic reading means determines whether a video signal intensity for a predetermined portion in the read subject image is reduced. A bone measuring device provided with a light adjusting means capable of automatically adjusting the light intensity based on a scanning signal when scanning the subject image so as to be within a fixed range; and (b) transmitting a bone measuring result obtained by the bone measuring device. (C)
A bone evaluation device for storing and storing the bone measurement result sent from the transmission unit and comparing the bone measurement result with a past bone measurement result to evaluate the bone of the test bone; and (d) the bone evaluation device A response means for returning the obtained evaluation result to the bone measurement device, wherein the bone measurement output means in the bone measurement device can also output the evaluation result. is there.

Such a bone evaluation system is a system having a bone measurement device, a bone evaluation device, and communication means for connecting the bone measurement device, that is, the device.

As the bone evaluation device here, a storage unit for storing and storing the measurement result of the bone measurement device transmitted by the communication unit, and a measurement result transmitted most recently are stored. It is preferable that the apparatus is provided with an evaluation means based on a combination of various measurement results for evaluating the bone mineral content and the like of the subject bone in comparison with the measurement results obtained.

The evaluation can include obtaining various information on bone measurement, if possible. Specifically, for example, there are a temporal evaluation including the past bone measurement result of the test bone, a difference from the previous measurement result, and the like. In addition, an index relating to healthy persons of the same age and the same age may be stored, and a function of evaluating a difference between them may be provided.
Alternatively, information on the medication history at the time of treatment may be input and stored, and these may be included in some evaluation results as evaluation materials.

The transmission means and reply means in the present invention, that is, the communication means, may be any as long as they have the required functions, and specific examples thereof include modem communication using a public telephone line, A dedicated line is suitable for practical use.

FIG. 7 shows a preferred embodiment of the bone evaluation system of the present invention. 70 is a bone measuring device as described above, 71 is a telephone line including transmitting means and replying means, and 72 is a bone evaluating device. The bone evaluation device 72 includes storage units 74 and 75 and an evaluation unit 73.

The bone evaluation system of the present invention can be efficiently evaluated when one bone evaluation device is used as a center and is connected to a large number of bone measurement devices by communication means, and is particularly excellent in practical use.

[Example] In order to show the bone measuring apparatus of the bone measuring apparatus more specifically, an apparatus schematically illustrated in Fig. 6 will be described. Such a device is shown separately for convenience in an automatic reading unit 61 and a bone measurement data processing unit 62.

(1) Automatic reading unit 61 Spatial resolution (1.7 to 1.9 lines / mm) equivalent to or better than X-ray density measurement using a microdensitometer in the MD method
In order to achieve this, a licensor (CCD) consisting of 65μ pitch × 4096 elements is arranged at right angles to the film moving direction, and a film is emitted from the upper or lower surface of the X-ray film by a band light source (LED: light emitting diode). The transmitted light is condensed by a rod lens arranged so as to focus on the line sensor on the film reflection surface, and a signal such as the intensity of the transmitted light corresponding to the X-ray film density is obtained. At the same time, a micro-film running means using a pulse motor capable of micro-moving at a pitch of 65 μ in a direction perpendicular to the licensor and the belt-like light source is provided.

The sensitivity of each element of the line sensor is at least 8 bits (= 256 gradations) so that the accuracy is equal to or higher than that of the microdensitometer, and the amount of light incident on the line sensor (= density of the film) (The amount of transmitted light according to the above) is output. In addition, if necessary, the accuracy can be easily made higher than that of the microdensitometer.

Since line sensors, strip light sources, and rod lenses have variations in the characteristics between elements in the width direction, DSP (Digital Signal Processor), REF (REF data storage unit) and A / D (analog / digital conversion) are used as correction means. Part). With this function, it is possible to automatically correct a change over time (deterioration of the band-shaped light source, contamination of the rod lens, change in the sensitivity of the line sensor).

As the correction, before starting the reading of the X-ray film, the band-shaped light source is controlled so that the maximum value in the width direction becomes about the maximum value of the full scale without the X-ray film being used and the analog output of the line sensor not being saturated. The light amount is adjusted, and a blank pattern in the width direction is stored as REF data.
Here, the light amount is automatically changed so that the maximum value becomes the maximum value of the full scale, and the correction is performed accurately.
Each time the X-ray film moves on the line sensor at a pitch of 65 μm on the REF data and the amount of incident light corresponding to the shading density is input to the line sensor, the REF data is calculated according to the formula (I)
Correct by DSP.

In addition, the part of the X-ray photograph to be measured is set in advance, and the film is rapidly advanced to the part other than the part, and the concentration of the part of the X-ray photograph to be measured (the second metacarpal bone and the aluminum step of the MD method) is measured. By digitizing and storing only the data, the overall processing time is reduced.

For example, if the image size for inputting the reference point required for the bone morphology measurement of the second metacarpal is statistically examined for the variation of the place to be measured, the size is 142 mm × 57 mm on the X-ray photograph. And the image storage memory for that
It is 1.9 MB, the image storage memory required for the aluminum staircase is 0.1 MB, and the total required image storage memory is 2 MB, so that it can be directly addressed by a general 16-bit microcomputer.

The control means for detecting transmitted light by squeezing a specific portion of the X-ray film or controlling the film to run intermittently at a predetermined speed comprises a sixth means.
It is illustrated in the figure as a film feed controller.

The CCD driver in FIG. 6 has a function of controlling data stored in the CCD so as to be extracted at a predetermined timing.

When measuring a film in which the contrast between the light and dark of the film is poor and the difference between the light and dark results in a signal having a low rate of change, sufficient measurement sensitivity cannot be obtained as it is. Here, pay attention to the aluminum step (generally the 7th step) from which the transmitted light amount is obtained, which is the maximum value of the concentration corresponding to the amount of bone mineral to be measured by the MD method, and the output of this part is A / D (Ana
(Log Digital) The light emission of the band light source is automatically adjusted so as to be almost the maximum value of the full scale of the output of the converter, and the shading density of the X-ray film is read with the intensity of the band light source maintained.

The light intensity adjusting means of the light source for adjusting the intensity of the light source in accordance with the density level of the X-ray film is shown as an LED controller in FIG.

(2) About the bone measurement data processing unit 62 The data group read by the automatic reading unit 61 is:
The image data is stored by an image storage unit mainly including an image input / output unit and an image memory in the data processing unit 62. The data group for the stored images is CRTC and CR
The image is displayed as an enlarged image of the subject bone as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, three reference points (32, 33, 34) necessary for bone morphology measurement are a 7-inch CRT (640 dots × 40) having image display means and point input means therefor.
(0 line), an image of the metacarpal is displayed, and the cursor is moved to specify the measurement site, and the head and epiphysis are indicated. The point input means is KBI / F in FIG.
And a keyboard.

In the case of performing the calculation as described above with reference to FIG. 5, an equidistant line between the head and the epiphysis is calculated, an intersection is detected, and various calculations are performed using the same. Such calculation is performed by a calculation means mainly including a ROM (program storage unit for calculation) and a RAM (portion for performing calculation and storing a result) in FIG.

The obtained calculation result, that is, the bone measurement result is output by the output means mainly including the PRI / F and the printer in FIG.

Note that RS-232C and MODEM use the bone measurement device shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, it is connected to communication means for use in a bone evaluation system to provide a communication function.

The MPU in FIG. 6 takes in data into the image memory, starts and stops programs,
PIO, a 16-bit microprocessor that controls T etc.
Functions as an interface for inputting and outputting digital control input and output to and from the computer system.

[Effects of the Invention] The bone measurement device of the present invention has an excellent effect of enabling efficient bone measurement using an X-ray film in an automated state with almost no manual operation. In particular, an apparatus having an automatic reading means provided with a belt-like light source, an X-ray film automatic running means and a detecting means is effective for efficient bone measurement. Further, in the case of an apparatus having an automatic reading means having a light generating means for adjusting the light source intensity to the density of the X-ray film, the influence of the unevenness of the density level of the X-ray film can be reduced to reduce the influence of any film. An excellent effect that can be measured with high accuracy can be obtained.

In addition, the bone evaluation system of the present invention enables various evaluations to be performed at a place remote from the automated bone measurement device. Particularly, in the case of a system using a telephone line, practical application is easy. In addition, a system in which one bone evaluation device is used as a center and communicates with a large number of bone measurement devices enables practically particularly efficient bone evaluation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a bone measuring apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an apparatus) of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows an X-ray film for obtaining a radiographic film used in the apparatus of the present invention.
3 illustrates an example of an arrangement of a subject during line imaging. Third
FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an automatic reading unit in the apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 4 illustrates an image of an image display unit in the apparatus. FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a calculation for bone measurement that can be performed in the apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 6 schematically illustrates the apparatus of the present invention as a block diagram.
FIG. 7 schematically shows an embodiment of the bone morphology evaluation system of the present invention.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-62-112538 (JP, A) JP-A-60-253855 (JP, A) JP-A-59-135453 (JP, A) JP-A 63-112453 280382 (JP, A) JP-B 63-9461 (JP, B2)

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image of a test bone is automatically formed in a test bone using a transmitted light obtained by irradiating the X-ray photographic film obtained by irradiating the test bone with X-rays together with a standard substance. Automatic reading means for sequentially reading, image storage means for storing the read image of the test bone, image display means for displaying the stored image of the test bone as an image, and Point input means for inputting reference points required for bone measurement in the image of the bone to be examined, and performing an operation for bone measurement on the stored image of the bone to be examined using the inputted reference points. And a bone measurement output unit for outputting a bone measurement result obtained by the calculation, wherein the automatic reading unit sets the read image signal intensity for a predetermined portion in the subject image to a predetermined range. What As such, those provided with the light adjusting means for automatically adjusting the light intensity based on the scanning signal during the scanning of the object imaging, bone measuring device. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said automatic reading means includes a standard substance and X
Automatic running means for an X-ray film containing a radiographic image of the subject bone, a band-shaped light generating means for generating light for irradiating the X-ray film, and light transmitted through the X-ray film The bone measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising a band-shaped detecting means for detecting a bone. 3. The bone measuring apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said light generating means is a light emitting diode, and said light detecting means is a line sensor. 4. A bone measuring device according to claim 1, transmitting means for transmitting a bone measuring result obtained by said bone measuring device, and storing and storing the bone measuring result transmitted from said transmitting means. A bone evaluation device for evaluating the bone of the test bone in comparison with the past bone measurement result; and a reply unit for returning the evaluation result obtained by the bone evaluation device to the bone measurement device. A bone measurement output means in the bone measurement device, wherein the bone measurement output means can also output the evaluation result. 5. The bone evaluation system according to claim 4, wherein said transmitting means and said reply means use a telephone line. 6. The bone morphology evaluation system according to claim 4, wherein said plurality of bone measurement devices are connected to one bone evaluation device by said transmission means and return means.