JP6422435B2 - X-ray equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus that performs X-ray imaging for diagnosing a subject and a control method thereof.

  X-ray images taken by an X-ray imaging apparatus are widely used for diagnosis of a subject. When taking an X-ray image with an X-ray imaging apparatus, not only a still image but also a continuous image may be taken and used. For this reason, a continuous image of the subject is captured by the X-ray imaging apparatus as necessary, and the captured continuous images are stored and stored in the storage device. There are various cases where continuous images are taken, but as an example, the state of the flow of contrast medium in the lower part of the subject may be taken as a continuous image and used for diagnosis.

  When imaging the flow of the contrast medium in the lower part of the subject, it is very difficult to perform X-ray imaging at the timing when the contrast medium is flowing through the lower part because the time for the contrast medium to flow through the lower part is short. It is the subject who drinks the contrast agent, and the timing of drinking the contrast agent is not accurately determined. For this reason, it is difficult to match the timing at which the subject drinks the contrast agent and the timing at which imaging is performed. If the relationship between the timing at which the subject drinks the contrast agent and the imaging timing are deviated, imaging is performed before the contrast agent flows, or imaging is performed after the contrast agent has flowed. In order to solve such problems, the X-ray imaging apparatus performs continuous imaging and widens the interval between the imaging start timing and imaging end timing of the X-ray imaging apparatus so that the contrast agent flows through the lower part of the subject. An X-ray imaging apparatus can reliably capture an image.

In X-ray fluoroscopy, the problem of exposure dose is solved by keeping the X-ray dose low in continuous imaging, and it is also possible to acquire about 30 images per second. It is as possible out to obtain a smooth continuous image in the case of such a shooting. Therefore, continuous image capturing using an X-ray imaging apparatus is very suitable for confirming the flow state of the contrast medium in the lower part of the subject. The above explanation is an example, but it is possible to widely use X-ray continuous images for diagnosis by continuously capturing X-ray fluoroscopic images with an X-ray imaging device and recording the images in a storage device. Become.

  Such X-ray continuous image data requires a large-capacity recording medium compared to still image data obtained by X-ray imaging. On the other hand, since recording media have a limited recording capacity, it is required to efficiently use the storage capacity.

  For example, Patent Document 1 describes an example relating to a reduction in storage capacity for storing X-ray continuous image data. Patent Document 1 describes a technology that has a switch for recording a continuous image of a subject and selects a recording target and reduces a storage target by recording a video signal by a switch operation.

JP 2011-78691 A

With the technique described in Patent Document 1, the storage capacity can be reduced by selecting continuous images to be stored, but this is not sufficient. A technique that can further reduce the capacity for storing continuous images is desired. Continuous images taken by an X-ray apparatus are used for diagnosis. For this reason, a technology for reducing the storage capacity in consideration of use for diagnosis of continuous images of X-rays is desired.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus and a control method thereof that can further reduce the storage capacity for storing a continuous image of X-rays taken.

  An X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates a subject with X-rays, an X-ray detection unit that detects X-rays irradiated by the X-ray irradiation unit, and the X-ray detection unit An image generation unit that generates an image based on the X-rays, an operation unit for moving the imaging position of the subject imaged by the X-ray irradiation unit or the X-ray detection unit, and a movement state of the imaging position A compression control unit that generates a compression control signal, an image compression unit that performs compression processing of the image according to the compression control signal, and a storage unit that stores the compressed image.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus capable of reducing the storage capacity of an X-rayed image.

1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an X-ray imaging apparatus to which the present invention is applied. The block diagram which shows the structure of one Example to which this invention was applied. Explanatory drawing explaining the structure of the image data which an image generation part produces | generates. Explanatory drawing explaining the structure of the continuous image which an image process part produces | generates. Explanatory drawing explaining the relationship between the imaging | photography operation | movement of a continuous image, and an image compression process. 6 is a flowchart for performing the image compression processing described in FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another embodiment with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 8 is a flowchart for performing the operation described in FIG. FIG. 9A shows an image taken in X-ray in the continuous shooting mode, FIG. 9A shows an image taken now, and FIG. 9B shows an image taken a predetermined time ago. FIG. 10A shows a histogram of the image shown in FIG. 9A, and FIG. 10B shows a histogram of the image shown in FIG. 9B. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another embodiment of the embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing still another embodiment of FIG. 8 and FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the input screen of image compression conditions. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the relationship between the change of the moving speed of an imaging position, and an image compression rate. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the relationship between the output change of an X-ray tube, and an image compression rate. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image compression condition input method. Operation screen for changing the compression rate of continuous images. The flowchart which shows the process which sets the compression rate of a continuous image. The flowchart which shows the process which changes the compression rate of a continuous image.

The present invention relates to an X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates a subject with X-rays, an X-ray detection unit that detects X-rays irradiated by the X-ray irradiation unit, and an image based on the X-rays detected by the X-ray detection unit. an image generating unit that generates, the operation section for moving the imaging position of the object, and a compression control section for generating a compression control signal based on the moving state of the photographing position, the image according to the compression control signal An image compression unit that performs compression processing and a storage unit that stores the compressed image are provided.

In addition, a continuous image is generated from images continuously generated at predetermined time intervals by the image generation unit, and the compression control unit generates the compression control signal for controlling the compression rate according to the moving speed of the photographing position. and, wherein the image compression unit, in accordance with the compression control signal generated in the previous SL compression controller, compresses the image in which the continuous image has a continuous image composed of compression processed the image, the Stored in the storage unit.

Further, the compression control unit generates a first compression control signal for instructing a first compression rate for the first image generated when the moving speed of the shooting position is in the first state, and the moving speed of the shooting position Generating a second compression control signal for instructing a second compression rate greater than the first compression rate for the second image generated in the second state that is faster than the first state, and the image compression unit Is characterized in that the first image is compressed according to the first compression control signal and the second image is compressed according to the second compression control signal .

The first state is a movement stop state of movement of the imaging position is stopped, that the compression control unit does not perform compression processing on the first image generated by the movement stop state generating a compression control signal which instructs the first compression control signal, or prior Symbol second state is a moving state where the imaging position is moving, the compression controller is generated by the moving state A compression control signal instructing to perform compression processing on the second image is generated as the second compression control signal, and the image compression unit performs compression processing on the first image included in the continuous image. A non-performed image is output, and a compressed image is output for the second image included in the continuous image.

Further, a system control unit that performs control for moving the X-ray irradiation unit and the X-ray detection unit based on an operation from the operation unit, and a movement detection unit that detects a moving state of the imaging position are further provided. The movement detection unit detects the movement state of the imaging position in accordance with the movement control of the X-ray irradiation unit and the X-ray detection unit of the system control unit, and the compression control unit includes the movement detection unit. A compression control signal is generated according to the detected movement state of the photographing position.

Further, an arm including an X-ray irradiation unit and an X-ray detection unit, and a rotation mechanism unit for moving or rotating the arm are further provided, and the system control unit is based on an operation from the operation unit. A control command for moving or rotating the arm is output, and the movement detection unit detects a moving state of the photographing position in accordance with the control of the system control unit with respect to the arm.

In addition, a continuous image is generated by images continuously generated at predetermined time intervals by the image generation unit, and the movement of the entire image is detected from at least two of the images generated at different times. A movement state of the position is detected, and the compression control unit generates the compression control signal based on a detection result of the movement state of the photographing position.

Further, a first histogram and a second histogram are respectively generated from at least two images generated at different times, and the first histogram and the second histogram are compared with each other, so that the movement state of the shooting position is determined. It is detected.

Further, the compression control unit further generates the compression control signal for instructing different compression ratios for images generated at different points in time since the X-ray irradiation unit started X-ray irradiation. The compression control unit generates a compression control signal A for instructing the compression ratio A for the image A generated when the time elapsed since the start of the X-ray irradiation is the time elapsed A. A compression control signal B for instructing a compression rate B that is smaller than the compression rate A with respect to the image B generated when the time lapse from the start of irradiation is a time lapse B longer than the time lapse A The compression control unit is generated, and the image compression unit compresses the image A with the compression control signal A , and compresses the image B with the compression control signal B. To do.

Also, with compression condition setting unit further sets a compression condition, as the compressed condition based on the moving state of the photographing position with respect to the compression condition setting unit, storing the relationship between the moving speed and the compression ratio of the imaging position Thus, the compression control unit generates the compression control signal according to the relationship between the stored moving speed and the compression rate.

Further, a display for displaying the image is further provided, and an indication indicating whether or not to perform compression processing is displayed on the display, and an input indicating that compression processing is not performed on the display The compression control unit generates the compression control signal instructing not to perform compression regardless of the movement state of the photographing position.

  Further, a display for displaying the image is further provided, and an input screen for inputting the relationship between the moving speed of the shooting position and the compression rate is displayed on the display, and the input screen includes: When the relationship between the moving speed of the shooting position and the compression rate is input, the compression control unit generates the compression control signal according to the relationship between the input moving speed and the compression rate. Features.

  In addition, when the relationship between the time elapsed from the start of X-ray irradiation and the compression rate is input to the input screen, the compression control unit is related to the time elapsed from the start of the input X-ray irradiation and the compression rate. The compression control signal is generated according to the above.

Further, in the input screen, a compression mode for reading and compressing a continuous image composed of a large number of continuous images that have been captured and stored in the past and generated at regular intervals is input. When a continuous image captured and stored in the past is specified, the image compression unit performs compression processing on the specified continuous image according to the input compression mode. And

Also, an X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates the subject with X-rays, an X-ray detection unit that detects X-rays irradiated by the X-ray irradiation unit, and an image based on the X-rays detected by the X-ray detection unit are generated. An X-ray imaging apparatus control method comprising: an image generation unit that performs an image processing unit that generates a continuous image composed of the images; and an operation unit for moving an imaging position of a subject, A first step of maintaining a relationship between a moving speed of a photographing position and a compression ratio; a second step of obtaining a moving speed of the photographing position when generating the images constituting a continuous image; and the obtained photographing. A third step of generating a compression control signal from the relationship held in the first step according to a moving speed of a position, and a fourth step of compressing the image according to the compression control signal. Features.

  Next, an embodiment of an X-ray imaging apparatus to which the present invention is applied (hereinafter referred to as an example) will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, steps having substantially the same configuration or substantially the same processing are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description thereof is omitted. Generation of X-ray image data based on X-rays detected in this specification may be referred to as imaging. In this specification, calculation means not only calculation of mathematical formulas, but also processing for selecting and reading appropriate data from pre-stored data such as search, or comparing more than one to select a more appropriate target This is used in concepts that include processing.

  Further, in this specification, the movement stop of the photographing position or the movement speed of zero represents not only the state where the photographing object is fixed and not moving at all, but also that the movement speed is in the range determined to be zero or the movement stopped state. . Even if the object to be photographed is moving slightly, if the moving speed is within the range where the moving speed is determined to be zero or stopped, it is assumed that the moving speed is zero or the movement is stopped.

The following embodiment proposes an X-ray image compression method that fully considers the medical diagnosis situation. When an X-ray image is used for diagnosis, a still image is widely used when a lesion or the like is found from the X-ray image. Meanwhile continuous image capturing position or the irradiation position for irradiating X-rays of the test body is photographed in a state of moving, compared to the X-ray image irradiation position for irradiating the photographing position, that X-rays are fixed, Low resolution is unlikely to negatively impact medical diagnosis. Thus, by performing the X-ray image compression method that fully considers the medical diagnosis situation, it is possible to reduce the storage capacity and achieve an effect that does not affect the diagnosis. Furthermore, since the volume of data to be used in retrieval and image data reading / writing can be reduced, the working time can be shortened.

  In addition, in the following embodiments, X-ray images are compressed in the direction of increasing compression so that the storage capacity can be reduced and the X-ray image writing and reading time can be reduced. Can be easily restored to a low-compression image or an image before compression. For example, since an image that has become important for diagnosis later can be restored by an instruction, even if the compression instruction condition is set and the image is automatically compressed once, no serious failure occurs. For this reason, drastic compression processing is possible as a whole, and effects such as reduction in storage capacity and reduction in X-ray image writing and reading time can be expected.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 1 and 2, the X-ray imaging apparatus 5 includes an X-ray irradiation unit 110 that irradiates the subject 1 with X-rays and an X-ray detection unit 122 that detects the X-rays transmitted through the subject 1. A mechanism unit 130, an input unit 240 that performs various instructions and controls including an X-ray image capturing instruction, an image generation unit 124 that generates an X-ray image from detected X-rays, and X-ray image compression processing An image compression unit 222 to perform, a storage unit 230 that stores an X-ray image, and a control unit 340 that controls operations related to the entire X-ray imaging apparatus 5 are provided. The input unit 240 includes an operation unit 246 including an operation console 245 for controlling an imaging location, that is, an X-ray irradiation position, an X-ray irradiation switch 248, a keyboard 242 for inputting data and operating instructions using a dedicated key, It has a pointing device 244 such as a trackball and other operation means.

Figure 1 will be specifically described with the X-ray imaging device 5 shown in FIG. The X-ray imaging device 5 controls the body unit 50 that performs imaging by irradiating the imaging position of the subject 1 with X-rays, performs overall control of the X-ray imaging device 5, performs operations for imaging, and performs imaging. A control processing unit 60 for storing various information including the recorded image, the main unit 50 and the control processing unit 60 are connected to each other by the communication means 180, and can transmit and receive information to and from each other. Power can also be supplied.

  The main unit 50 includes a bed 10 on which the subject 1 is placed, and an X-ray imaging unit 100 that performs imaging by irradiating the imaging position of the subject 1 with X-rays. The bed 10 has a table 12 on which the subject 1 is placed, and the height of the table 12 can be adjusted by simply applying a small force in the vertical direction to the table 12 by hand. Further, the height of the table 12 and the movement of the table 12 in the longitudinal direction may be controlled by operating means (not shown) provided on the bed 10. Furthermore, the height of the table 12 and the movement in the longitudinal direction of the table 12 may be operated from the input unit 240 described below.

  The X-ray imaging unit 100 includes an arm 170 that is rotatably held by a rotation mechanism unit 150. The X-ray imaging unit 100 includes an X-ray irradiation unit 110 that irradiates the arm 170 with X-rays and an X-ray detection unit 122 that detects X-rays. doing. An X-ray irradiation unit 110 and an X-ray detection unit 122 provided on the arm 170 are arranged to face each other with the subject 1 placed on the table 12 in between. The X-ray irradiation unit 110 includes an X-ray tube 112 that irradiates X-rays and an X-ray generation unit 114 that generates a high voltage for irradiating X-rays. The X-ray control unit included in the control processing unit 60 320 sends an X-ray irradiation command for controlling X-ray irradiation to the X-ray generation unit 114, and the X-ray generation unit 114 applies a high voltage to the X-ray tube 112 based on the X-ray irradiation command. The X-ray tube 112 emits X-rays based on the applied high voltage.

The X-ray detector 122 includes an X-ray flat detector such as an FPD (Flat Panel Detector). This X-ray detection unit 122 may use a combination of an image intensifier and a television camera, or any other configuration as long as it can detect X-rays from the subject 1 and convert them into electrical signals. But you can. The image generation unit 124 generates image data constituting an X-ray image based on the detection result of the X-ray detection unit 122. In this embodiment, as an example, the X-ray detection unit 122 includes a speed sensor (not shown) that detects the moving speed of the X-ray detection unit 122, and the operator changes the imaging position while performing X-ray imaging, that is, the imaging position. May be sent to the control processing unit 60 for use in image compression processing described below. For example, the speed sensor provided in the X-ray detector 122, and generates a speed signal or position adjustment signal based on the detected value of the speed sensor transmits a control speed signal or position adjustment signal said generated in control unit 340. The compression control unit 330 included in the control unit 340 can control the compression rate of the image compression unit 222 described below based on the moving state such as the moving speed of the photographing position.

In capturing an X-ray image by the X-ray imaging apparatus 5, the positional relationship between the bed 10 and the X-ray imaging unit 100 is first adjusted. The bed 10 can adjust the imaging position of the subject 1 by moving the table 12 on which the subject 1 is placed in the longitudinal direction. Further, by adjusting the height of the table 12, the position of the subject 1 with respect to the X-ray irradiation unit 110 and the X-ray detection unit 122 can be adjusted.

Arm 170 having an X-ray irradiation unit 110 and the X-ray detection unit 122 is supported by the X-ray imaging unit 100 via a rotation mechanism portion 150, by controlling the rotation mechanism portion 150, X to the subject 1 The irradiation angle of the line, that is, the photographing angle can be adjusted. The X-ray imaging unit 100 includes a moving mechanism 160 and is movable, and the positional relationship between the X-ray imaging unit 100 and the bed 10 is first set, and adjustment of the details of the imaging position of the subject 1 This is performed by adjusting the movement in the longitudinal direction by the table 12. Adjustment of course imaging angle is performed by adjusting the angle with respect to the subject 1 of the X-ray tube 112 and X-ray detection unit 122 by the rotary mechanism 150 as described above. The rotation mechanism unit 150 can rotate the arm 170 around the support point that supports the arm 170, but can further move the arm 170 in the direction of the arrow 172 by moving the support position of the arm. It is also possible to adjust the X-ray irradiation angle with respect to the subject 1 by moving the support position of the arm.

  The adjustment state of the photographing position, that is, the movement state of the photographing position is detected by the movement detecting unit 310 illustrated in FIG. The movement detection unit 310 detects the movement and movement speed of the photographing position based on operation information for the rotation mechanism unit 150 or control information such as a control command. Alternatively, as described above, when the X-ray irradiation unit 110 or the X-ray detection unit 122 has a sensor for detecting the movement of the X-ray irradiation unit 110 or the X-ray detection unit 122, the imaging position is based on the detection value of the sensor. It is possible to detect the movement and moving speed of the. As will be described below, it is also possible to detect a shift state of a photographed image with respect to a unit time by using a photographed image to detect the movement of the photographing position and the moving speed of the photographing position. The compression control unit 330 performs compression processing according to the detected movement of the photographing position and the detection result of the movement speed. In some cases, the image once compressed can be restored to a low-compression state or an uncompressed state by the image expansion unit 224 in accordance with the detection result of the movement of the photographing position and the movement speed. The compression control unit 330 controls these compression processing and decompression processing.

  The control processing unit 60 includes an input unit 240 for controlling the X-ray imaging unit 100 and the table 12 of the bed 10, and an output including a display 252 for displaying the acquired X-ray image and information necessary for control and operation. Part 250 is provided. In addition, in order to control the entire operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 5 and further process various information, the image processing unit 210, the control unit 340, the storage unit 230, and other processing means shown in FIG. 2 are provided. ing. The control processing unit 60 may be integrated with the X-ray imaging unit 100, but the X-ray imaging unit 100 that detects X-rays by irradiating X-rays as shown in FIG. 1 and the control processing unit 60 are different units. By doing so, the control processing unit 60 can be placed at a location away from the X-ray imaging unit 100, and the possibility that an operator operating the control processing unit 60 will be exposed can be further reduced.

  X-ray imaging will be described with reference to FIGS. The position of the table 12 is adjusted so that X-ray 2 is irradiated from the X-ray tube 112 to the planned X-ray imaging site, and the angle of the arm 170 having the X-ray tube 112 and the X-ray detection unit 122 is adjusted. When the X-ray irradiation switch 248 included in the input unit 240 is operated by an operator, a control command including information on an imaging mode and an imaging command is sent from the system control unit 300 to the X-ray control unit 320, and X-ray control is performed. Unit 320 transmits a voltage generation signal to X-ray generation unit 114. The X-ray generation unit 114 supplies a high voltage for generating X-rays to the X-ray tube 112 of the X-ray irradiation unit 110, and the X-ray 2 from the X-ray tube 112 of the X-ray irradiation unit 110 toward the subject 1 Is irradiated.

  The above-described shooting mode and shooting command can be input by operating the keyboard 242 included in the input unit 240, the pointing device 244 such as a mouse, or the console 245. The control commands sent from the system control unit 300 to the X-ray control unit 320 include, for example, an X-ray irradiation start command and an X-ray irradiation end command, and the control commands sent from the system control unit 300 to the image generation unit 124. Includes, for example, a start command for generating X-ray fluoroscopic image data (hereinafter referred to as continuous image data) and an end command for generating continuous image data. The generation of these commands is performed by X-ray irradiation provided in the console 245. This is performed by generating a trigger signal by operating the switch 248. In the image generation unit 124, image data constituting an image frame is generated based on the output of the X-ray detection unit 122.

  The imaging mode input from the input unit 240 includes an X-ray irradiation mode. This X-ray irradiation mode repeats imaging at a specific timing while continuously irradiating the subject 1 with X-rays. There are a fluoroscopic mode (hereinafter referred to as a continuous imaging mode) and an X-ray imaging mode (hereinafter referred to as a still image imaging mode) in which the subject 1 is irradiated with X-rays in a short period of time. In the continuous imaging mode, the X-ray dose irradiated to the subject 1 is lower than that in the still image shooting mode, and the exposure dose does not exceed the reference value even if X-ray irradiation is performed on the subject 1 for a long time. Is controlling. In the shooting in the continuous shooting mode, for example, 30 images (30 frames / s) per second can be acquired and connected to obtain smooth continuous image data. The generation condition of the continuous image frame can be set by the input of the input unit 240.

  When performing X-ray imaging of the subject 1 using a contrast agent, if you try to perform X-ray imaging in the still image imaging mode, images are taken many times at very short intervals according to the flow of the contrast agent There is a problem that the burden on photography is very large. In addition, X-ray photography of still images in the still image photography mode must be performed in accordance with the timing of the contrast agent flow, but it is very difficult to synchronize the timing of the X-ray photography with the timing of the contrast agent flow. There are many cases where the photographing timing is mistaken with respect to the drinking timing and the acquisition of the image necessary for the flow confirmation fails. Such a problem can be easily solved by shooting in the continuous shooting mode.

  In this embodiment, the X-ray irradiation in the still image shooting mode or the continuous shooting mode is performed based on the X-ray control unit 320, and the image generation unit 124 outputs based on the X-ray 2 detected by the X-ray detection unit 122. , And based on a control signal from the system control unit 300, the image data 410 in the still image shooting mode or the image data 410 in the continuous shooting mode is generated and output. The image data 410 in the still image shooting mode and the image data 410 in the continuous shooting mode have basically the same data configuration, and are composed of image portion data 412 representing the image contents and a header 414 as shown in FIG.

However, the operation of the image generation unit 124 is greatly different between the still image shooting mode and the continuous shooting mode. When a shooting command in the still image shooting mode is sent from the system control unit 300 to the image generation unit 124, the image generation unit 124 generates the image data 410 only once based on the shooting command. The generated image data 410 is sent to the image processing unit 210, noise and the like are removed and processed, stored in the storage unit 230, and displayed on the display 252 of the output unit 250. The header 414 of the image data 410 stores the shooting time and name. This information is stored in the storage unit 230 is used as retrieval information when reading from serial憶部230.

  When a shooting command in the continuous shooting mode is sent from the system control unit 300 to the image generation unit 124, the image generation unit 124 continuously creates the image data 410 shown in FIG. 3 at predetermined time intervals.

  The image part data 412 of the image data 410 is data representing the contents of the image, and the header 414 stores the shooting time and the automatically assigned name.

The image processing unit 210 performs image correction processing including processing such as noise removal on these image data generated by the image generation unit 124. The product receives a command for continuous shooting mode from the system controller 300, the image generation unit 124 based on a command of the continuous shooting mode, a continuous image 450 is a continuous image data of the image data 410 that is generated by continuously Perform the process. Continuous image 450 is composed of large number of image Sunawa Chi large number of image data 410, which are successively produced in a given time.

The image data 410 generated by the image generation unit 124 is sent to the display 252 of the output unit 250 via the image processing unit 210, and the state detected by the X-ray detection unit 122 is displayed on the display 252. The image data 410 generated in the still image shooting mode by the image generation unit 124 is sent without being compressed from the image processing unit 210 to the storage unit 230 in response to the still image shooting mode command from the system control unit 300. It is stored in the storage unit 230 as it is. On the other hand, the image data 410 generated by the continuous shooting mode command is generated as the continuous image 450 by the image processing unit 210 as described above, and is then compressed by the image compression unit 222 according to the shooting state. The continuous image 450 is not uniformly compressed, and as described below, the image is compressed and stored in accordance with the shooting state, particularly the movement of the shooting position, that is, the movement state, for each frame constituting the continuous image 450. 230 or stored in the storage unit 230 with high resolution without image compression.

  The continuous image 450 has a problem that the amount of data is very large and the storage capacity necessary for storage is very large. In addition, when the continuous image 450 is used for medical diagnosis, the purpose of use differs when the shooting position is moving and when the shooting position is stationary. Of the images that make up the continuous image 450, the image of the portion that was shot with the shooting position still is an image that is used for diagnosis, and must be drawn with high resolution up to the details of the image. Is desirable.

  On the other hand, high resolution is not required for shooting in a state where the shooting position is moving. In this embodiment, based on such a situation in the medical field, whether or not image compression is performed is controlled according to the shooting state, particularly whether the shooting position that is the shooting target is moving or stationary. Actually, the continuous image 450 is image-compressed and stored in the storage unit 230 (image compression mode 1), or the image data is temporarily stored without being compressed in the storage unit 230 and then read out and image-compressed. 230 (image compression mode 2) or in any mode, the movement detection unit 310 detects whether the shooting position is moving or stationary, and the detection result of the movement detection unit 310 Accordingly, the compression control unit 330 determines whether or not to perform compression, and controls the compression rate of the image compression of the image compression unit 222.

By performing such processing, the present embodiment has an effect of reducing the amount of data to be stored without adversely affecting the medical diagnosis . Accordingly, there is an effect that the storage capacity of the storage device provided inside the X-ray imaging apparatus 5 or outside the X-ray imaging apparatus 5 can be reduced. Furthermore, it is possible to greatly reduce the processing time required for reading and writing image data used for medical examinations and the transmission and reception of image data, thereby improving the efficiency of medical work.

In the present embodiment, it is controlled whether or not the continuous image 450 is compressed in each part, for example, in units of frames constituting the continuous image 450. In addition, in this embodiment, the compression rate is changed depending on the moving state of the photographing position, for example, whether the moving speed is fast or slow. A frame shot with a fast movement of the shooting position is subjected to image compression processing at a compression rate higher than that of a frame shot with a slow movement of the shooting position.

In this embodiment, a great effect can be obtained by simply compressing an image of a portion of the continuous image 450 that has been shot while the shooting position is moving. In addition, in this embodiment, the compression rate is changed based on the moving speed of the photographing position, and the image compression rate in the state where the moving speed is fast is set to be higher than the image compression rate in the state where the moving speed is slow. A greater effect can be obtained.

  The shooting mode information input from the input unit 240 includes information related to the image compression mode. This image compression mode information designates at which stage compression is performed on the continuous image 450 generated based on the photographing command. In this embodiment, image data is generated, image compression processing is sequentially performed on the generated image data, and the image compression mode 1 stored in the storage unit 230 and the continuous image 450 are compressed while shooting. Instead, the captured continuous image 450 is temporarily stored in the storage unit 230 in an uncompressed state, and after the shooting is completed, the captured continuous image 450 is read from the storage unit 230 and subjected to compression processing, and the compressed continuous image 450 is compressed. The image compression mode 2 in which the image 450 is stored in the storage unit 230 again can be selected.

If there is a function that can execute either the image compression mode 1 or the image compression mode 2, a great effect can be obtained even when both modes cannot be executed. In this embodiment, the image compression mode 1 or the image compression mode 2 can be further selected according to the shooting state. This example further is a similar function as the image compression mode 2, the storage unit 230 or et successive images 450 stored in the past, or is read from the external storage device, according to a state of being photographed image It is possible to perform the compression processing and perform the processing in the image compression mode 3 stored again in the storage unit 230 or in the external storage device. The processing in the image compression mode 3 will also be described below.

  In this embodiment, the image compression rate of each part constituting the continuous image 450 is not constant, and the movement detection of whether the irradiation position of the X-ray 2 by the X-ray irradiation unit 110, that is, the imaging position is moving or stationary. The compression control unit 330 determines whether or not to perform image compression in accordance with the detection result of the movement detection unit 310, and controls the compression rate of the image compression of the image compression unit 222. In the embodiment described below, as an example, compression processing is not performed on an image shot in a state where the shooting position is stationary.

  In this embodiment, the movement detection unit 310 detects the movement of the photographing position and the moving speed of the photographing position by the following two methods. Of course, you don't need both ways, either one is fine. One method for the movement detection unit 310 to detect the movement of the imaging position is to move and move the imaging position based on the mechanical movement information of the X-ray tube 112 and the X-ray detection unit 122 input from the input unit 240. This is a method of detecting speed. The movement and moving speed of the shooting position are detected from the operation information for adjusting the shooting position, such as the control command for the rotation mechanism 150 input from the input unit 240 and the control command for moving the indicated position by the rotation mechanism 150 of the arm 170. be able to.

  Further, a movement detection sensor may be provided in the X-ray tube 112 or the X-ray detection unit 122, and the movement and movement speed of the imaging position can be detected by this sensor. Further, the movement of the photographing position and the movement speed may be detected from the movement information of the table 12. In this way, the movement detection unit 310 can detect the movement and movement speed of the photographing position.

Another method of detecting the movement and moving speed of the shooting position is a method of comparing the images shot at different times and detecting the movement and moving speed of the shooting position from the difference in the images. For example, it is possible to detect the movement of the shooting position and the moving speed by detecting whether or not the entire image is moving between the shot frames. To detect whether the whole image is moving, not the frame of interest to be compared are limited to the frame of next to each other, may be set frame to compare, for example, every 10 frames. Further, the frame interval to be compared may be widened or narrowed. Since each frame constituting the continuous image 450 is taken at a preset time interval, only the number of frames between the frames to be compared and the amount of shift of the compared images can be used to determine whether the shooting position has moved. Instead, it is possible to calculate the moving speed of the photographing position by calculation. The movement detection unit 310 can detect the movement of the photographing position and the movement speed by such a method.

  An example of the configuration of the continuous image 450 generated by the image processing unit 210 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the continuous shooting mode command is sent from the system control unit 300 to the image generation unit 124 and the image processing unit 210, and further, the continuous image shooting start command 516 (FIG. 6) is sent to the image generation unit 124 and the image processing unit 210. The image generation unit 124 continuously generates image data 410 at regular intervals, and the image processing unit 210 starts generating a continuous image 450 based on the image data 410 generated by the image generation unit 124. The continuous image 450 includes a header 416 and a number of frames 410. The header 416 stores information such as names that are automatically assigned and information indicating the shooting start time. The image data 410 that is a frame is generated by the image generation unit 124.

  Image data 410, which is a frame generated by the image generation unit 124, has the structure shown in FIG. 3 and includes image part data 412 and a header 414. The image part data 412 is composed of image data photographed by the X-ray detection part 122, and the header 414 has information on a name and photographing time that are automatically given. Further, the moving speed of the photographing position detected by the movement detecting unit 310 is additionally stored in the header 414 of each image data 410 constituting the continuous image 450 by the image processing unit 210 and held. The method of additionally storing the moving speed of the photographing position detected by the movement detection unit 310 in the header 414 of each image data 410 is an example, and other methods may be used as described below.

When the system control unit 300 sends a continuous shooting mode command to the image generation unit 124 and sends a continuous image shooting start command 516 to the image generation unit 124 and the image processing unit 210, each image data 410 generated by the image generation unit 124 The header 414 is assigned the same name, and the header 414 stores time data of the imaging time that the system control unit 300 has. The image processing unit 210 generates a continuous image 450 by arranging headers 414 having the same name in order of photographing time. The header 416 of the continuous image 450 is given a common name to the image data 410, and further stores the shooting date and time and start time of the continuous image 450.

  As described above, the image processing unit 210 generates a continuous image 450 based on a command from the system control unit 300. In addition, the image processing unit 210 performs processing for improving image quality such as image correction processing such as noise removal processing and edge extraction processing. Furthermore, in this embodiment, each image data 410 constituting the continuous image 450 is detected from the photographed image whether it was photographed while the photographing position was moved or when the photographing position was stopped. The image processing unit 210 performs processing for this purpose. The movement detection unit 310, not the image processing unit 210, performs processing for detecting whether the image was shot with the moving position of the shooting position or when the shooting position was stopped. However, since the image processing unit 210 performs various processing of the captured image, the image processing unit 210 performs the processing in the embodiment. A method for detecting the moving state of the shooting position when the image is taken from the taken image will be described later.

According to the above-described processing for image feature extraction, the generated continuous image data 410 and the time during which the subject 1 is moving from the entire continuous image 450 and the moving speed of the entire image, that is, the X-ray tube 112 or X The moving time and moving speed of the line detection unit 122 can be obtained. In addition, the image processing unit 210 generates an overall blur signal based on the value obtained as described above, and transmits it to the system control unit 300.

  As described above, the movement detection unit 310 determines the shooting position based on the control amount for controlling the rotation of the arm 170 by the rotation mechanism unit 150, the control amount for controlling the movement of the arm 170, the control amount for controlling the movement of the table 12, and the like. Detects whether it is moving and moving speed. Further, as described above, when the X-ray irradiation unit 110 or the X-ray detection unit 122 has a sensor for detecting the movement of the X-ray irradiation unit 110 or the X-ray detection unit 122, the imaging position is based on the detection value of the sensor. Detecting movement and moving speed. Further, as will be described below, the image processing unit 210 performs image processing on the captured image, detects an image shift per unit time of the captured image, and the shooting position is determined from the image shift per unit time. Whether it is in a moving state and the moving speed of the shooting position are detected.

  The image compression unit 222 includes hardware for image compression, and a continuous image 450 sent from the image processing unit 210 based on a compression control signal 332 that instructs a compression rate sent from the compression control unit 330. Is compressed at the specified compression ratio. Alternatively, the uncompressed continuous image 450 stored in the storage unit 230 is read from the storage unit 230 to the image processing unit 210, and each image data 410 constituting the read continuous image 450 is captured at the shooting position. The image processing unit 210 and the movement detection unit 310 detect whether the image is captured while the camera is moving or whether the image is captured while the movement of the shooting position is stopped. Each image data 410 is detected based on the detection result. The compression control unit 330 determines the compression rate. In accordance with the compression control signal 332 from the compression control unit 330, the image compression unit 222 compresses the continuous image 450 sent from the image processing unit 210 and stores it in the storage unit 230.

  5 and 6 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the relationship between the imaging timing of the continuous image 450 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 5 and the compression processing of the continuous image 450 and the compression processing of the captured image data 410. FIG.

When a continuous image capturing start command 516 is input from the input unit 240 by the operator's operation, a control signal is sent from the system control unit 300 to the X-ray control unit 320, and X-rays are generated by the operation of the X-ray control unit 320. Irradiated. The X-ray irradiation period T112 indicates a period during which X-rays are irradiated from the X-ray tube 112. The start and end of irradiation of X-rays from the X-ray tube 112 are controlled based on a control signal from the X-ray control unit 320. In this embodiment, the period from time t0 to time t3 is a period during which X-rays are irradiated.

  t124 represents the shooting timing sent from the system control unit 300 to the image generation unit 124. For example, in the continuous shooting mode, a signal representing 30 shooting timings t124 per second is sent from the system control unit 300 to the image generation unit 124. . The image generation unit 124 generates 30 pieces of image data 410 per second based on the shooting timing t124. For example, the image processing unit 210 stores information on the moving speed of the photographing position sent from the movement detecting unit 310 in the header 414 of each image data 410. It is not essential to store the information on the moving speed, but if the moving state of the shooting position, for example, the moving speed is stored in the header 414 of the image data 410 as in the present embodiment, the information is stored in the header 414. The compression rate can be set based on the information on the moving speed, and the image can be compressed with the compression rate set by the image compression unit 222.

  In the following description, the image compression rate is determined based on the moving speed of the shooting position and the image is compressed at the compression rate determined by the image compression unit 222 even if the header 414 does not store the movement state of the shooting position. Although the compression method is described, if the moving speed of the photographing position when the image data 410 is generated is written in the header 414 of the image data 410, the image is used by using the written information. There is an effect that the compression rate is determined, and the image can be compressed at the compression rate determined by the image compression unit 222. In addition, from among a large number of image data 410 shot in the continuous shooting mode, only those shot with the shooting position fixed, i.e., the shooting position moving speed within the range from the predetermined speed to zero is searched and displayed on the display 252. It can be displayed and is very convenient.

In the example of FIG. 5, the period T542 from time t0 to time t1 represents a state in which the imaging position where the operation of moving the X-ray irradiation unit 110 or the X-ray detection unit 122 is not performed is fixed, and the movement The detection unit 310 detects that the shooting position has not been moved, and the signal indicating that the shooting position is stationary or the moving speed of the shooting position is zero from the movement detection unit 310 to the image processing unit 210 and further to the compression control unit 330. Will be sent. Based on this signal, the compression control unit 330 transmits a compression control signal 332 for specifying a compression rate to the image compression unit 222. As an example, in this embodiment, when the photographing position is not moved, that is, in a fixed state, the compression control unit 330 sends an instruction of zero compression, that is, no compression, to the image compression unit 222 as the compression control signal 332. The output image data 410 is output without being compressed.

In this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the arm 170 is rotated by controlling the rotation mechanism unit 150 during the period T512, and the holding position of the arm 170 is moved during the period T514. The operator controls the rotation angle of the arm 170 via the input unit 240 during the period T512, and further controls the position indicated by the rotation mechanism unit 150 of the arm 170 during the period T514. The photographing position is not fixed and moves between time t1 and time t2, which are the control period T550 . The movement detection unit 310 receives the operation information of the operator or the control of the rotation and holding position of the arm 170 of the rotation mechanism unit 150 from the system control unit 300, and whether or not the X-ray irradiation unit 110 and the X-ray detection unit 122 move. And calculate the speed of movement. This calculation result represents the presence / absence and movement speed of the photographing position described above. Information on the presence or absence of movement of the photographing position and the movement speed is transmitted from the movement detection unit 310 to the movement detection unit 310 and the image processing unit 210.

The compression control unit 330 sends the compressed control signal 332 of the order to compress the image data 410 captured in a state in which moving the photographing position to the image compression unit 222, the image compression unit 222 compresses the control of the compression controller 330 The image data 410 received based on the signal 332 is subjected to image compression processing. In particular, in this embodiment, the image data 410 is not simply subjected to image compression processing, but is compressed at a higher compression rate as the moving speed of the shooting position increases.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, during the period T544 from time t2 to time t3, the movement of the photographing position stops and the photographing position is fixed. For this reason, in this embodiment, the image data 410 taken during the period T544 from the time t2 to the time t3 is not compressed. Whether the image is not compressed when there is no motion is an example, and is determined by the content of the compression condition input and set to the compression condition setting unit 302.

  The example being described is an example in which the compression condition setting unit 302 is set with a condition that the image is not compressed under the fixed condition of the shooting position where the shooting position is not moved.

When a continuous image capturing end command 518 is issued from the system control unit 300 based on the operation of the operator at time t3, the X-ray control unit 320 sends a control signal for stopping X-ray irradiation to the X-ray generation unit 114. X-ray irradiation ends. The image generation unit 124 ends the generation of the image data 410, and the image processing unit 210 ends the generation of the continuous image 450. In the operation shown in FIG. 5, the compression control unit 330 stops the control of the compression process for the image data 410. The movement detection unit 310 stops processing, but the processing result of the movement detection unit 310 is not used even if the processing is continued .

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of the image compression operation described in FIG. When step S200 is executed, in step S202, it is determined whether continuous image shooting is in progress. That is, it is determined whether or not it is a period from the time t0 when the continuous image capturing start command 516 is issued to the time t3 when the continuous image capturing end command 518 is issued in the embodiment of FIG. In the period from time t0 to time t3, the movement detection unit 310 displays operation information for adjusting the shooting position or rotation information of the arm 170 for adjusting the shooting position and control information for moving the indicated position of the arm 170. Then, based on the received information received from the system control unit 300 in step S204, calculation for detecting the presence / absence of the photographing position and the moving speed is performed in step S206.

  As another method of step S204, there is a method of step S205 indicated by a broken line. The method of step S205 is a method in which, for example, the arm 170, the X-ray irradiation unit 110, or the X-ray detection unit 122 includes a sensor that detects the movement of the X-ray irradiation unit 110, the X-ray detection unit 122, or the arm 170. In this case, in step S205, the output of the sensor is taken in, and based on the output of the sensor, in step S206, the presence / absence of movement of the photographing position and the movement speed are detected.

Based-out of the presence or movement speed of movement of the calculated photographing position in step S210, the compression controller 330 determines the image compression rate. The relationship between the image compression rate and the presence / absence of movement of the shooting position and the moving speed is determined based on the conditions set and registered in advance in the compression condition setting unit 302. For example, the shooting position is not moved and the shooting position is fixed. If it is, the image is not compressed. Also, the higher the moving speed of the shooting position, the higher the image compression rate. In step S210, information on the presence / absence of movement of the photographing position and movement speed is written in the header 414 of the image data 410. This makes it possible to search for image data 410 taken with the moving speed being zero from the continuous image 450 after the shooting.

  In step S212, the image compression rate determined by the compression control unit 330 is transmitted to the image compression unit 222 as the compression control signal 332, and the image compression unit 222 receives the image data sent from the image processing unit 210, for example, the continuous image 450. The constituent image data 410 is compressed at the image compression rate determined by the compression control unit 330. The image compression unit 222 can use an image compression LSI that is generally sold. The image compression LSI can compress the data sent at the specified compression ratio. The compressed image data 410 is subjected to compression processing by the image compression unit 222 in the portion of the image data 412 shown in FIG.

7 and 8 show another embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. Configurations denoted by the same reference numerals perform the same functions and operations. FIG. 7 and FIG. 5 have the same basic operation, but the presence / absence of movement of the photographing position and the detection method of the movement speed are different. In this embodiment, the captured image data 410 is used for detecting whether or not the shooting position is moving, and for calculating the moving speed of the shooting position when the shooting position is moving. Calculation method will be described using FIGS. 9 and 10 below how to use the histogram as a variety is but one example.

In FIG. 7, as in FIG. 5, the X-ray irradiation period T112 is a period during which X-rays are irradiated from the X-ray tube 112, and the image generation unit 124 starts capturing continuous images based on the continuous image capturing start command 516. Then, based on the continuous image shooting end command 518, the continuous image shooting is ended. The image processing unit 210 receives the image data 410 generated by the image generation unit 124, and the image processing unit 210 generates a continuous image 450 based on the image data 410. Also, the image data 410 generated by the image generation unit 124 is traced back for a predetermined time, the image data 410 generated earlier or the data generated 410 earlier by a predetermined number of image data 410, and the image data 410 just received are In comparison, the deviation of the entire captured image, that is, the movement of the entire image is detected, and when there is movement of the entire image, the speed of the movement is calculated by calculation.

  A period T522 in FIG. 7 is a period in which the photographing position obtained by calculation using the photographed image data 410 is moving, that is, there is a movement in the entire image with respect to the previously photographed image. A period T542 from time t0 to time t1 is a period in which the movement of the photographing position is not detected. In this embodiment, it is determined that the photographing position is fixed, and the image compression process is not performed. A period T550 from time t1 to time t2 is a period in which movement of the shooting position is detected as described above, and image compression processing is performed at a compression rate determined according to the moving speed of the shooting position. A period T544 from the time t2 to the time t3 is a period in which the movement of the photographing position is not detected and the image compression process is not performed.

For example, by imaging the state of the contrast agent flow in a period T544 from time t2 to time t3 with the position to be imaged fixed, the state of the contrast agent flow can be observed with a high-resolution image. This result can be used for diagnosis. The shooting timing t124 actually occurs at a timing finer than that shown in the figure, and based on this, more image data 410 is shot in the period T544 from time t2 to time t3, but the figure is complicated. made for, it is described only a few in FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for performing the operation of FIG. 7 in the image compression mode 1 described above. The same steps and the same configurations as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid duplication of description. When the process is started from step S200, in the X-ray irradiation period T112, which is the period of the continuous imaging mode between the continuous image capturing start command 516 and the continuous image capturing end command 518, the imaging engine of the continuous image 450 is selected in step S202. Judging, step S234 is executed.

  In step S234, the image processing unit 210 compares the current image data 410 with the previously captured image data 410, and determines whether or not the entire captured image is moving.

  In step S236, the presence or absence of movement of the photographing position and the movement speed are calculated. This calculation may be performed by the image processing unit 210 or the movement detection unit 310. In this embodiment, the movement detection unit 310 is used. The presence / absence and movement speed of the photographing position calculated in step S236 are sent from the movement detection unit 310 to the image processing unit 210 and described in the header 414 of the target image data 410, and the movement detection unit 310 performs compression control. The compression rate is determined by the compression control unit 330, the determined compression rate is sent to the image compression unit 222 as the compression control signal 332 (step S212), and the image compression unit 222 is the target image data. 410 is compressed at the predetermined compression rate. In step S214, the compressed image data 410 is stored in the storage unit 230. In step S214, when each image data 410 is compressed and written to the storage unit 230, the compression rate of the compression processing may be stored in the header 414 of the image data 410. By writing the compression rate in the header 414 of each image data 410, the state of the compression process can be displayed together with the image of the image data 410 as necessary. Further, by selectively reading out the compression rate as a search parameter, it is possible to display an image of a predetermined compression condition on the display 252 of the output unit 250. For example, only an uncompressed image can be displayed.

FIG. 9 shows the content of the image represented by the portion of the image data 412 in the image data 410 generated by the image generator 124. The image portion data 412 shown in FIG. 9 (a) is, for example, data generated at a predetermined time , and the image portion data 412 shown in FIG. 9 (b) is image portion data 412 generated before the predetermined time. . The image shown in FIG. 9 (b) and the image shown in FIG. 9 (a) indicate that the entire image is moving and the shooting position is moving. Various processes can be applied to the process of calculating the movement of the shooting position from the image shown in FIG. 9 (b) and the image shown in FIG. 9 (a). In the present invention, various processes can be applied, and the present invention is not limited to the histogram method described below.

  FIG. 10 (a) is a histogram in which the pixels constituting FIG. 9 (a) are rearranged using the luminance as a parameter. The horizontal axis is the luminance, and the number of pixels classified into the same luminance is the vertical axis. FIG. 10 (b) is a histogram in which the pixels constituting FIG. 9 (b) are rearranged using the luminance as a parameter. In the X-ray image of the subject 1, when the entire image shown in FIG. 9 (b) moves as shown in FIG. 9 (a), the histogram pattern changes greatly, and the peak value of the histogram pattern changes. The inventor has discovered that it will change significantly. For example, the peak value of the histogram of the image shown in FIG. 9 (b) is H2, whereas the peak value of the histogram of the image shown in FIG. 9 (a) is H1. The peak value has changed greatly.

  The movement of the shooting position can be detected by comparing the image data 410 captured at a point in time that is a predetermined time backward with respect to the target image data 410 by converting them into histograms, and shooting from the degree of change. The speed of position movement can be detected. In this embodiment, it is important to detect whether or not the photographing position is moving, and even if there is an error in the moving speed, this embodiment does not constitute a major obstacle. For these reasons, it is very effective to detect the presence or absence of movement of the shooting position and to detect the speed of movement of the shooting position using the histogram.

  By comparing the image data 410 in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 with the image data 410 generated in the past, the presence / absence of movement of the shooting position and the speed of movement of the shooting position are detected. However, this is merely an example, and even if the target image data 410 is compared with the future image data 410, the presence or absence of movement of the shooting position and the detection of the movement speed of the shooting position are detected. It can be carried out. For example, the head image data 410 may be compared with image data 410 captured thereafter. Alternatively, it may be compared with both past and future image data 410 on the time axis. When the continuous image 450 stored in the storage device is read to detect the presence / absence of movement of the shooting position and the speed of movement of the shooting position, both the time axis of the target image data 410 are displayed. Since the image data 410 can be read out, it is sufficient to use the one that is easy to use.

  The flowchart shown in FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of the embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 8 shows processing for setting the image compression mode 1 described above. On the other hand, the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processing based on the setting of the image compression mode 2. Steps with the same reference numerals as the reference numerals of the steps shown in FIG. 8 perform substantially the same processing. In the image compression mode 1, the continuous image 450 generated by the image processing unit 210 is stored in the storage unit 230 while performing image compression processing based on an instruction from the compression control unit 330. On the other hand, when the image compression mode 2 is set, the continuous image 450 generated by the image processing unit 210 is temporarily stored in the storage unit 230 without image compression processing, and after the storage of the continuous image 450 is completed, the storage unit 230 The continuous image 450 is read out from the image and the image compression processing is performed.

When step S250 is started based on, for example, the continuous image capturing start command 516 shown in FIG. 7 or the like, in step S252, the period from time t0 to time t3 during continuous capturing is generated by the image processing unit 210. The image 450 is stored in the storage unit 230 without being subjected to image compression processing (step S253). When the storage of the continuous image 450 generated in the period from time t0 to time t3 is completed in step S252, it is determined whether the image compression processing of the continuous image 450 generated in step S254 is completed, and the image In a state where the compression process has not been completed, the execution moves from step S254 to step S256.

  Note that image compression processing may be performed as soon as storage of the continuous image 450 in the storage unit 230 is completed, but it is possible that X-ray imaging is continuing, and instead of automatically proceeding to image compression processing. The image compression process may be started upon an instruction from the operator. In this case, in step S255 indicated by a broken line, step S256 is executed after waiting for an instruction from the operator. In the description method of FIG. 11, until the operator gives an instruction, the execution of the system control unit 300 loops around the loop of steps S255 and S254. Only the idea that step S256 is executed after waiting is shown. The actual system control unit 300 takes a method such that the OS starts a program that executes step S256 in response to an operator's instruction, and it does not occur in actual operation to continue executing step S254 or step S255. .

Based on the determination in step S254 or in accordance with an instruction from the operator in step S255 indicated by a broken line, step S256 is executed , and the continuous image 450 is read from the storage unit 230 and the image data 410 constituting the continuous image 450 is used. In step S234 and step S236, whether or not the shooting position has been moved when each image data 410 is generated, and the speed of movement of the shooting position are obtained. Steps S234 and S236 are as described in FIG. Further, step S212 and step S214 are executed based on the obtained presence / absence of movement of the photographing position and the speed of movement of the photographing position. The operations in step S212 and step S214 are also as described above.

  Image compression processing of each image data 410 constituting the continuous image 450 is sequentially performed. When all the image compression processing for each image data 410 constituting the target continuous image 450 is completed in step S254, step S254 determines that all the image compression processing is completed. In step S220, the image compression mode 2 is determined. The process for ending this process is performed, and a series of processes is completed. Note that, as described above, by writing the compression rate, the presence / absence of movement of the photographing position obtained in step S236 and the speed of movement of the photographing position in the header 414 of each image data 410 in step S214, these pieces of information are obtained. Various types are available.

  FIG. 12 shows still another example of the example described with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process which reads the continuous image 450 image | photographed with the apparatus which does not have the function of this invention from the memory | storage part 230 or another system, and performs image compression. The same reference numerals as those shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 11 perform almost the same processing. Detailed description thereof will be omitted. An operation of selecting a continuous image to be subjected to image compression from a plurality of continuous images already stored in the storage unit 230 or other storage device will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 13 is an input screen for setting the image compression rate of the compression control unit 330. Further, the image compression mode 1 and the image compression mode 2 described in FIG. 8 and FIG. 11, and the image compression mode 3 described in FIG. Input can be made. When the displayed image compression mode 3 is selected as an operation for inputting the image compression mode 3 from the compression mode input area 730, the display color of the image compression mode 3 changes, and the display content selected by the image compression mode 3 is changed. Become. Furthermore, a target image continuous list area 736 appears, and it is possible to search for continuous images stored in the system or storage device, and the search results are displayed as a list in the target image list display area 736. It is possible to select an image compression target from the displayed list, and when this selection is made, execution of step S270 shown in FIG. 12 starts.

When step S270 is executed, execution proceeds from step S272 to step S276, and the image data 410 constituting the continuous image selected in the target image list display area 736 in FIG. 12 is sequentially read. The read image data 410 is subjected to the above-described processing of step S234, step S236, step S212, and step S214, and image compression based on the presence / absence of the measurement position and the movement speed becomes possible. As described above, there is no problem in detecting the presence / absence of the measurement position and the movement speed, regardless of which image data 410 on the time axis is compared with the target image data 410. Since the first image data 410 has no past image data 410, the image data 410 in the future direction on the time axis may be read and compared. When the processing of all the image data 410 constituting the continuous image 450 is completed, it is determined in step S272 that the processing of the continuous image 450 is complete, the execution proceeds to step S220 , and the series of processing ends.

  FIG. 13 shows an input screen 700 for setting image compression rate conditions determined by the compression control unit 330. The input screen 700 has a compression instruction area 720 for instructing whether to perform image compression, a compression mode input area 730 for inputting a compression mode, and a compression rate input area 750. Further, as described above, when the image compression mode 2 or the image compression mode 3 is selected in the compression mode input area 730, the input screen 700 has a target image list display area 736 for displaying a list of target continuous images. ing.

Compression rate input area 750, and a pressure shrinkage ratio input region 770 against the irradiation time and the pressure shrinkage ratio input region 760 against the moving velocity. In the compression rate input area 760, the moving speed of the shooting position is shown, and an input field 762 for inputting the compression rate is provided corresponding to the moving speed of the shooting position. For example, when the moving speed is zero The compression rate N1 is input as the compression rate, and the compression rate N2, the compression rate N3, and the compression rate N4 are input as the moving speed increases. In the above-described embodiment, the compression rate N1 is set to zero. This is an example, and the compression rate N1 may not be zero. However, in order to obtain high image quality, it is desirable not to compress, that is, a compression rate of zero. It is desirable to increase the compression ratio N1 to the compression ratio N4 and the compression ratio as the speed increases.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the relationship between the change in the moving speed of the photographing position and the image compression rate. As shown in FIG. 13, when the compression rate is input to the compression rate input area 760 for the moving speed , compression processing is performed at the compression rate N2 between time t10 and time t11 in FIG. Further, the compression processing is performed at the compression rate N3 between the time t11 and the time t12. Further, the compression processing is performed at the compression ratio N4 between the time t12 and the time t13. Between time t13 and time t14, compression processing is performed at the compression rate N3. Between time t14 and time t15, compression processing is performed at the compression rate N4. Between time t15 and time t16, compression processing is performed at the compression rate N3. Between time t16 and time t17, compression processing is performed at the compression rate N2. Between time t17 and time t18, compression processing is performed at the compression rate N1. As described above, if zero is input as the compression ratio N1, image compression is not performed between time t17 and time t18. As described above, the data capacity of the continuous image 450 can be greatly reduced by increasing the compression rate as the moving speed of the measurement position increases. Furthermore, these reductions are unlikely to adversely affect medical diagnosis.

The compression rate input area 770 with respect to the irradiation time passage is an area for inputting the relationship of the image compression ratio with respect to the output change of the X-ray tube 112. FIG. 15 shows changes in the output of the X-ray tube 112. For example, even if a control signal for X-ray irradiation is sent from the X-ray control unit 320 to the X-ray generation unit 114 at time t0, X-rays are not irradiated immediately . For example, irradiation starts from time t1, and the irradiation intensity of X-rays reaches the target value at time t3. During this time, the irradiation intensity of X-rays gradually increases from time t1 to time t2 and then to time t3. For this reason, near the time t1, the intensity of the X-ray is weak and sufficient image quality cannot be obtained.

In the compression rate input area 770 for the irradiation time lapse in FIG. 13, even if the compression rate is increased between time t1 and time t2, there is no harmful effect. Thus, even if the image compression rate is set to decrease with the passage of time from the start of X-ray irradiation and the image compression rate near the start of X-ray irradiation is increased, there is no adverse effect on medical diagnosis. Note that the image generation unit 124 captures the image data 410 at the shooting timing t124 shown in FIG. Actually, the photographing timing t124 occurs at fine intervals, but is shown very coarsely in FIG. It is desirable to have a higher image compression rate near time t1 than at time t3.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for input processing to the input screen 700 shown in FIG. 13, and shows the processing procedure of the compression condition setting unit 302 in FIG. By executing step S312 , the input screen 700 is displayed. In this case, in addition to the compression instruction area 720, the compression rate input area 750 and the compression mode input area 730 may be displayed from the beginning, but in the example of FIG. 16, the compression instruction area 720 is first displayed in step S312. . When something is input execution from step S314 to step S316 is Ru move. When the display 724 is not compressed to the display of the compressed instruction area 720 is selected, the need for input of the compression rate input region 750 and compression mode input area 730 is not free.

This selection result is held in the compression condition setting unit 302, regardless of the detection result of the movement detection unit 310, that is, regardless of whether or not the photographing position is moved and the movement speed, from the compression control unit 330 to the image compression unit 222. Then, a compression control signal 332 having an instruction content for performing no compression processing is sent. When the image compression unit 222 receives the compression control signal 332 of the instruction content not performing the compression process, the image compression unit 222 outputs the image data 410 constituting the received continuous image 450 without performing the compression process. The continuous image 450 that has not been subjected to the compression process output from the image compression unit 222 is stored and held in the storage unit 230, the execution proceeds from step S316 to step S220, and the process ends.

On the other hand, when the display 722 to be compressed is selected with respect to the display of the compression instruction area 720, the compression rate input area 750 and the compression mode input area 730 can be input in step S322. Further, in step S332, step S352, or step S362, the input of the compression mode input region 730, the compression rate input region 760 for the moving speed, or the compression rate input region 770 for the irradiation time passage is checked. If the compression mode input area 730 is input, execution proceeds from step S332 to step S334, and whether the image compression mode 1 or the image compression mode 2 or the image compression mode 3 is selected is determined in step S334. To be judged.

When the image compression mode 3 is selected, a continuous image to be subjected to the image compression mode 3 is read out in step S336 and displayed in the target image list 736. Note that the reading of the targets of the continuous image to be executed, such as a search of the memory device which the operator is stored, it is necessary to perform a process of reading the successive images of the subject is omitted here. The read continuous images are displayed in the target image list 736. In step S338 and step S340 by selecting the successive images of the target from the target image list 736 is displayed, the target sequential images to perform image compression mode 3 is set. The subsequent processing is executed according to the flowchart described in FIG. 12, and the processing in FIG. 16 ends.

On the other hand, when the image compression mode 1 or the image compression mode 2 is selected, the process waits for input in the compression rate column 750 , and the execution returns from step S366 to step S332. After this, the image compression conditions in the compression rate input area 760 for the moving speed and the compression rate input area 770 for the elapsed time are input. Note that the input to the compression rate input area 760 for the moving speed and the compression rate input area 770 for the shooting time may be performed every time, but this is an example, and if the conditions input in the past are used. Good. When the past condition is used in step S366, the input operation can be ended by selecting the input completion display 780 in FIG. 13, the execution shifts to step S220, and the input process is ended.

When setting a new condition, the image compression condition is input to the compression rate input area 760 for the moving speed and the compression rate input area 770 for the irradiation time . The input to the compression rate input area 760 for the moving speed is determined in step S352, and the input content is displayed and set in step S354. Also, the input of the image compression condition to the compression rate input area 770 with the passage of irradiation time is determined in step S362, and the input content is displayed and set in step S364. As described above, by selecting the input completion display 780, the input operation is completed in step S366, and the process ends in step S220. However, if the input complete display 780 is selected in the absence of past input conditions, the operation is not determined to be completed in step S366, execution returns to step S332, and when necessary input is completed, step S366 It is determined that the input has been completed, execution proceeds to step S220, and the processing from step S300 ends.

  Various processes for compressing the image constituting the continuous image 450, that is, the image data 410 using the image compression unit 222 shown in FIG. However, there are cases where it is desired to restore all or part of the continuous image 450 once compressed in the diagnosis and restore the compression ratio, or to change to a new compression ratio. Here, the term “restoration” includes not only returning to the original image state where the image is not compressed at all, but also including changing the compression rate to a compression state with a smaller compression rate in this specification.

  The image expansion unit 224 illustrated in FIG. 2 is configured by a restoration circuit that returns an image that has been compressed once to an original state that is not compressed. Note that the decompression circuit itself can use a commercially available compressed image decompression LSI. Dedicated hardware having both functions of a compression circuit and a decompression circuit is also commercially available, and these can also be used as the image compression unit 222 and the image expansion unit 224.

  Next, a description will be given of a restoration operation or an operation for performing both compression and decompression as required, and a process for changing to the instructed compression rate. FIG. 17 shows an operation screen 600 for performing a compression process or a process for changing the compression rate of a continuous image 450 that has been shot and has not been compressed, or a continuous image 450 that has already been compressed. Note that the change of the compression rate includes a process of returning to a completely uncompressed image.

  The operation screen 600 displayed on the display 252 includes an operation display unit 640 having displays for performing various operations, and the entire data of the continuous image 450 to be reproduced, that is, the entire image data 410 constituting the continuous image 450. Corresponding bar (bar) display 630, a playback cursor 632 indicating a playback position with respect to the bar display 630, an image display unit 602 that displays the played back image, and a current compression rate display that indicates the compression state of the continuous image 450 to be played back A unit 610, and a changed compression rate display unit 620 indicating a compression rate for instructing the change.

  Many continuous images 450 are stored in the storage unit 230 or other external storage device (not shown), and it is necessary to select the continuous image 450 whose compression rate is to be edited. The continuous image 450 to be edited can be selected in the same manner as when a normal file is selected by selecting the read / write display 641 which is the display of the operation display unit 640. When the read / write display 641 is selected, a hardware configuration and a system configuration are displayed on the image display unit 602, and a storage device can be selected. When a storage device is selected, a list of stored files is displayed, and a target continuous image 450 can be selected. In addition, the location where the continuous image 450 after editing the compression rate is stored and the name to be stored can also be stored by using the display contents of the image display unit 602 in the same manner as the normal file storage.

  In order to change, that is, edit the compression rate of the selected continuous image 450, it is desirable to reproduce the image data 410 of the continuous image 450 and determine the compression rate according to the image content. In this embodiment, the continuous image 450 can be reproduced by two methods, and the two methods can be used properly.

  The first method is to move the cursor 660 along the bar display 630 with a pointing device such as a mouse. The cursor 660 can be moved along the bar display 630 by operating a pointing device such as a mouse of the operation unit 246, and the cursor position on the bar display 630 can be moved by moving the cursor 660 over the bar display 630. Is displayed on the image display unit 602.

  When the cursor 660 is moved along the bar display 630, the corresponding image data 410 of the image data 410 constituting the continuous image 450 is selected one after another according to the cursor position, and displayed one after another on the image display unit 602. The When the display content is confirmed and the classification 634, the classification 635, and the classification 636 are input in accordance with the display contents, the range divided by each classification is specified according to the classification 634, the classification 635, and the classification 636. When a new compression rate is input for the above range, a new compression rate can be set for the entire image data 410 corresponding to the selected section.

  The input of the classification 634, the classification 635, and the classification 636 is determined by inputting the classification by, for example, double-clicking at a position where the cursor 660 is moved and the continuous image 450 is reproduced while being reproduced. As described above, when a section that has been divided is selected and a compression ratio is input, a new compression ratio can be set for the entire image data 410 corresponding to the selected section. The compression ratio of the entire image data 410 corresponding to the selected range can be changed by the compression section 222 and the image expansion section 224.

  The good point of the first method is that the image data 410 corresponding to the position of the bar display 630 designated by the cursor 660 is displayed on the image display unit 602, and a simple division can be set by moving the cursor 660. When the cursor 660 is moved quickly, playback is performed according to the moving speed, and when the cursor 660 is returned, the playback position is returned. For this reason, the efficiency of the division setting is improved, and the compression rate can be edited efficiently.

  A second method of reproducing the continuous image 450 is a method of reproducing using the display of the operation display unit 640. When the reproduction display 642 is selected, the image data 410 constituting the designated continuous image 450 is displayed in accordance with the movement of the reproduction cursor 632 in order. The playback cursor 632 moves at a constant speed, and the image data 410 constituting the continuous image 450 is sequentially selected and displayed at a constant speed. Note that the position of the playback cursor 632 can be changed by the cursor 660. When the position of the playback cursor 632 is changed, the image data 410 corresponding to the position of the new playback cursor 632 is selected according to the change, and is selected. Image data 410 is reproduced and displayed in order from the position. When the stop display 643 is selected, the movement of the reproduction cursor 632 is stopped, and when the return display 644 is selected, the movement direction of the reproduction cursor 632 is reversed. When the classification setting display 645 is selected during the display by the second method, the classification can be set.

  Select the segment 634, segment 635, or segment 636 set in the first or second playback method, and double-click or select the segment setting display 645 again to reset the segment 634, segment 635, or segment 636 that was set be able to. As a result, it is possible to cancel the division that has been set once, and similarly, once a section is selected, the selection can be confirmed.

  Also, if you select the range divided by division 634 or division 635 or division 636 and select compression setting display 646, multiple values of the compression rate in the direction to increase the current compression rate are displayed side by side, and conversely set to restore When the display 747 is selected, a plurality of numerical values of compression ratios in the direction of decreasing the current compression ratio are displayed side by side. When the displayed numerical value of the compression rate is selected, the compression rate is set. If a desired compression ratio is directly input as a numerical value, a new compression ratio can be input and set regardless of the display of the compression ratio. When the compression rate is set for all desired ranges and the end display 650 is selected, the operation for changing the compression rate to the next set compression rate is started, and the change of the compression rate is executed.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart for changing the compression rate, that is, editing the compression rate, and FIG. 19 is a flowchart for executing the compression rate change process for the target continuous image 450 according to the edited compression rate. FIG. 18 shows an operation screen display process S410 for selecting a stored target image and displaying the operation screen 600 in order to edit the classification and a new compression ratio, and the continuous image 450 is reproduced by the first reproduction method. A segmentation process S450 for setting the segmentation, a segmentation process S500 for reproducing the continuous image 450 by the second reproduction method to perform the segmentation setting process, and a compression rate setting process S470 for inputting and setting a new compression ratio, A reset process S440 for canceling the set segmentation and compression rate is provided.

  When step S400 is executed in FIG. 18, the continuous image 450 whose compression rate is to be edited is specified from among the plurality of continuous images 450 stored in step S412 of the operation screen display process S410. With this specification, the operation screen 600 shown in FIG. 17 is displayed on the display 252 in step S414. By displaying the operation screen 600, it is possible to determine a section based on the classification input and to input the compression rate in the determined section.

  Step S420 is a step for detecting the presence or absence of an input operation, and steps S432 and 434 are steps for determining whether or not an operation for selecting a division or a section has been performed, which will be described later. When an input operation for reproducing the continuous image 450 on the operation screen 600 and confirming the content of the continuous image 450 is performed, it is determined that there is an input in step S420, the process passes through step S432 and step S434, and step S452 is executed. The In step S452, the above-described segment setting operation based on the first reproduction method using the cursor 660 or the segment setting operation based on the above-described second reproduction method by selecting the display on the operation display unit 640 is performed. Determine if it is an operation.

  The first reproduction method described above is a method in which the image data 410 constituting the continuous image 450 is sequentially reproduced in accordance with the movement of the cursor 660 by an operation of moving the cursor 660 along the bar display 630. Is present at the position of the bar display 630, the current compression rate display unit 610, or the changed compression rate display unit 620, it is determined that the operation is a segment setting operation based on the first reproduction method, and execution proceeds from step S452 to step S454. .

  In step S454, it is determined whether or not the cursor 660 is moving along the bar display 630. If the cursor 660 is moving along the bar display 630, in step S456, the bar display 630 The image data 410 corresponding to the position of the cursor 660 is selected from the image data 410 constituting the continuous image 450 being played according to the position of the cursor 660, and is displayed on the image display unit 602 in order based on the movement of the cursor 660. Is done.

  If the cursor 660 is stopped in step S454, the image data 410 corresponding to the position of the stopped cursor 660 is displayed. In step S458, double-clicking or selection operation of the segment setting display 645 is performed. It is judged whether etc. were performed. If the above-described double-click or selection operation of the segment setting display 645 is performed, it is determined that the segment setting operation is performed in step S458, and the cursor 660 is stopped at the segment 634, segment 635, or segment 636. Classification as shown is set.

  Further, in the case of the operation for setting the classification based on the second reproduction method described above, the execution moves to the classification process S500. The sorting process S500 includes a process based on an operation on the playback display 642, a process based on a stop display 643, and a return display 644, and sequentially determines whether these operations have been performed. Although the order of determination is not particularly limited, as an example, in step 514, it is determined whether or not the playback display 642 has been operated. When the playback display 642 is operated, the image data 410 corresponding to the playback cursor 632 is sequentially selected from the image data 410 constituting the continuous image 450 while moving the playback cursor 632 at a constant speed in step S516. Continue to display. Note that the playback cursor 632 basically starts moving from the leftmost end of the bar display 630 at the start of playback, but when the playback cursor 632 is moved by the cursor 660, the playback cursor 632 starts from the moved position. In the case of a stopped state after the movement, the movement is started from the stopped position, and the images are reproduced in order from the starting position.

  Next, when the stop display 643 for stopping the reproduction position is operated, the condition is not satisfied in step S514 and “NO” is determined, and the operation of the stop display 643 is detected in step S522. In step S524, the movement of the playback cursor 632 is stopped. Further, in step S526, the presence / absence of an operation for setting the classification, such as the presence / absence of the operation of the classification setting display 645 or the presence / absence of double-clicking, is determined. .

  If the return display 644 is selected instead of the playback display 642 or the stop display 643, the selection operation of the return display 644 is detected in step S532, and the playback cursor 632 is moved in the reverse direction in step S534. Along with the movement of the playback cursor 632, image data 410 corresponding to the position of the playback cursor 632 in the image data 410 constituting the continuous image 450 is displayed on the image display unit 602. In the case of step S534, the reproduction image is displayed in order in the direction of going back in time, which is the opposite direction to step S516. The processing in step S516 and the processing in step S534 are continued until the next operation such as stop is performed or the position of the playback cursor 632 that is the playback position reaches the end of the bar display 630.

  In step S432, it is detected that the already set division is selected again. For example, when the already set division 634 is selected again, it is detected in step S432 that the division 634 has been selected, and the setting of the division 634 is canceled in step S442. The display is deleted in the next step S444. By selecting the classification once input in this way, the setting can be canceled and the display can be deleted. In this way, it is possible to delete the past setting and reset the classification to a new position.

  Next, step S434 is a step of detecting selection of the segmented section. For example, when a section sandwiched between section 635 and section 636 is selected, it is detected in step S434, and in step S446, it is determined whether the section is first selected or whether it has already been selected, that is, has already been identified. In the case of reselecting the already specified section, the operation specified earlier in step S448 is canceled, and the display indicating that the section is specified is cancelled. The display meaning the specified section is, for example, a display of a section in a color different from that of the other sections, and is selected by performing a display in a different format such as a display color or a broken line display from the other sections. It is possible to visually indicate that it is a section.

  In the case of selection for a new section, “NO” is determined in the step S446, and the step S472 is executed. In step S472, the display format is changed so that it can be seen that the section is particularly selected. For example, they are displayed in different colors. In step S474, the compression rate is input. In step S474, a numerical value of the compression ratio may be directly input. For example, when the compression setting display 646 is selected, a list of numerical values in the direction in which the compression ratio is higher than the present is displayed, while the restoration setting display 647 is selected. Then, a list of numerical values of compression ratios in the direction of reducing the compression ratio including zero compression ratio is displayed. In step S476, when a selection is made from a list of compression rate values, or when a compression rate value is directly input, a new compression rate is input and set.

  In the operation screen 600 shown in FIG. 17, the division is first set in order to edit the compression rate of the continuous image 450. For example, by setting the partition 634, the partition 635, and the partition 636, it is possible to specify a section such as a section between the start position and the partition 634 and a section A between the partition 634 and the partition 635.

  By designating the section, it is possible to set the compression rate for the section by the compression ratio setting process S470. When the compression ratios of all the sections necessary in step S477 are set, execution is shifted from step S477 to step S480 by selecting the end display 650 shown in FIG. On the other hand, when an operation such as a segment input operation or a section designation is performed without operating the end display 650, the execution returns to step S420 and the above-described operation is repeated.

  The operation of step S480 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an operation of changing the current compression rate of a predetermined section of the continuous image 450 to a newly designated compression rate by the configuration of the block diagram shown in FIG. When step S600 is executed following step S477 in FIG. 18, the image data 410 constituting the instructed section is sequentially read from the storage unit 230 and changed to the designated compression rate, and stored in the storage unit 230 again. Is done.

  The operation will be described below based on a specific example. In FIG. 17, an instruction is made to correct the current compression ratio of section A determined by section 634 and section 635 from 20% to 60%, and the current compression ratio of section B determined by section 635 and section 636 is An example will be described in which an instruction is given to set 20% to zero% (a state in which compression is not performed at all).

  In step S612, first, section A determined by section 634 and section 635 is selected. Next, in step S614, the image data 410 constituting the section A is read in order from the beginning of the section A. In step S616, the compression rate of the read image data 410 is temporarily restored to the state before compression by the image expansion unit 224. In this control, the compression control unit 330 sends a restoration command to the image expansion unit 224 to restore the compression ratio to zero in response to a control command from the system control unit 300, and the image data 410 captured by the image expansion unit 224 is compressed before being compressed. This is done by restoring the rate to zero.

  In step S618, the image compression unit 222 performs a process of compressing the image data 410 restored to zero compression rate to a newly designated compression rate of 60%. In this compression processing, a control command is sent from the system control unit 300 to the compression control unit 330, and a compression command with a compression rate of 60% is sent from the compression control unit 330 to the image compression unit 222. The image compression unit 222 is This is done by compressing the restored image data 410 at a compression rate of 60%. The compressed image data 410 is written in the storage unit 230.

  In step S630, it is determined whether or not the compression processing of all image data 410 constituting section A has been completed. If the processing in section A has not ended, step S614 is executed again, the next image data 410 in the image data 410 constituting section A is selected, and the above-described processing is performed in steps S616 to S620. Done. In this way, the processing from step S614 to step S630 is repeated.

  When the compression processing of all the image data 410 constituting the section A is completed, step S635 is executed after step S630, and it is determined whether or not all the sections specified in step S635 have been processed. Since the processing of section B remains even after the processing of section A is finished, step S612 is executed after execution of step S635, section B is newly selected, and processing of section B is started.

  In the process of section B, as in the process of section A, the image data 410 constituting section B is read in order, and the compression rate of the image data 410 is changed in order according to the instructed new compression rate. In the case of section B, the compression rate instruction is zero%, and the image data 410 constituting section B is only restored to the original image before compression. Only the processing of the image compression unit 222 is unnecessary. When the processing of all the image data 410 constituting the section B is completed, step S635 is executed after step S630, and it is determined in step S635 that the processing of all the target sections is completed. The change process is terminated.

  In the present embodiment, the image compression unit 222 that compresses the continuous image and the image development unit 224 that restores the compressed continuous image to the state before compression are provided, so that the continuous image required for diagnosis is temporarily If the images are compressed, the continuous image can be restored.

  It is possible to compress an image determined to have a low necessity for diagnosis at a compression rate higher than the current compression rate. If the image development unit 224 does not exist, the compressed image is further compressed, and the compression process cannot be performed with an accurate magnification. In this embodiment, when the compression rate is changed, the data is once restored and then compressed at a desired compression rate, so that the compression process can be performed at a more accurate compression rate. For example, if the current compression ratio of 20% is increased to 60% without restoring, it is very complicated how to convert an image with a current compression ratio of 20% to a compression ratio of 60%. Can not. However, in this embodiment, processing can be performed easily and accurately. In general ornamental moving images, even if the compression rate is processed moderately, it is a problem only for the appearance and does not cause a major obstacle. However, accurate processing is desirable for continuous images for medical diagnosis, and it is desirable that the original images can be restored.

  There are cases where X-ray images using a contrast agent are taken not only once but continuously. The most preferable one of the repeated images is selected and used for diagnosis. In this case, even if a countermeasure is taken such as compressing another continuous image, the compressed continuous image can be restored if necessary in this embodiment. Therefore, the compressed continuous image is restored for confirmation in diagnosis. To check the image. Even if it compresses accidentally, it does not have a big influence on a diagnosis. Until now, even those that could not be compressed due to the impact on medical care can be drastically compressed.

  2 X-ray, 5 X-ray imaging device, 10 bed, 12 table, 50 main unit, 60 control processing unit, 100 X-ray imaging unit, 110 X-ray irradiation unit, 112 X-ray tube, 114 X-ray generation unit, 124 images Generation unit, 130 X-ray mechanism unit, 150 Rotation mechanism unit, 170 arm, 210 Image processing unit, 222 Image compression unit, 224 Image development unit, 230 Storage unit, 242 Keyboard, 244 Pointing device, 246 Operation unit, 248 X-ray Irradiation switch, 250 output section, 252 display, 302 compression condition setting section, 320 X-ray control section, 310 movement detection section, 340 control section, 410 image data, 412 image section data, 414 header, 416 header, 450 continuous image, 516 Shooting start command, 518 Shooting end command 518, 600 Operation screen, 602 Image display, 630 bar display, 632 Playback cursor, 634 segmentation, 635 segmentation, 636 segmentation, 660 cursor

Claims (13)

An X-ray irradiation unit for irradiating the subject with X-rays;
An X-ray detection unit for detecting X-rays irradiated by the X-ray irradiation unit;
An image generator that generates an image based on the X-rays detected by the X-ray detector;
An operation unit for moving the imaging position of the subject;
A compression control section for generating a compressed control signal,
An image compression unit that performs compression processing of the image according to the compression control signal;
A storage unit for storing the compressed image ,
The compression control unit generates the compression signal instructing different compression ratios for images generated at different points in time since the X-ray irradiation unit started X-ray irradiation. Yes, the compression control signal A that indicates the compression ratio A is generated for the image A generated when the time elapsed since the start of the X-ray irradiation is the time elapsed A, and the X-ray irradiation is started. A time lapse since the time lapse A is generated a compression control signal B indicating a compression ratio B smaller than the compression ratio A for the image B generated at a time lapse B longer than the time lapse A,
The X-ray imaging apparatus , wherein the image compression unit compresses the image A with the compression control signal A and compresses the image B with the compression control signal B. In the X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, a continuous image is generated by the images generated continuously at a predetermined time interval by the image generation unit,
The compression control unit further generates the compression control signal for controlling a compression rate according to a moving speed of the photographing position;
The image compression unit compresses the image included in the continuous image according to the compression control signal generated by the compression control unit, and a continuous image composed of the compressed image is stored in the storage unit. An X-ray imaging apparatus characterized by being memorized. In the X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 2,
The compression control unit generates a first compression control signal for instructing a first compression rate for the first image generated when the moving speed of the shooting position is in the first state, and the moving speed of the shooting position is Generating a second compression control signal for instructing a second compression rate greater than the first compression rate for the second image generated in the second state faster than the first state;
The image compression unit performs compression processing on the first image according to the first compression control signal, and performs compression processing on the second image according to the second compression control signal. X-ray equipment. In the X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 3,
The first state is a movement stop state in which the movement of the photographing position is stopped, and the compression control unit instructs not to perform compression processing on the first image generated in the movement stop state. Generating a compression control signal as the first compression control signal;
Further, the second state is a moving state in which the photographing position is moving, and the compression control unit outputs a compression control signal instructing to perform compression processing on the second image generated in the moving state. Generated as the second compression control signal,
The image compression unit outputs an image that is not subjected to compression processing for the first image included in the continuous image, and outputs a compressed image for the second image included in the continuous image. X-ray imaging device characterized by that. In the X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1,
A system control unit that performs control for moving the X-ray irradiation unit and the X-ray detection unit based on an operation from the operation unit, and a movement detection unit that detects a moving state of the imaging position are further provided. And
The movement detection unit detects the movement state of the imaging position according to the movement control of the X-ray irradiation unit or the X-ray detection unit of the system control unit,
The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the compression control unit further generates a compression control signal according to a movement state of the imaging position detected by the movement detection unit. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising an arm including the X-ray irradiation unit and the X-ray detection unit, and a rotation mechanism unit for moving or rotating the arm,
The system control unit outputs a control command for moving or rotating the arm based on an operation from the operation unit, and the movement detection unit is configured to output the imaging position according to the control of the system control unit with respect to the arm. An X-ray imaging apparatus characterized by detecting a moving state of the camera. In the X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1,
A continuous image is generated by the images generated continuously at a predetermined time interval by the image generation unit,
By detecting the movement of the entire image from at least two images generated at different times, the movement state of the shooting position is detected, and based on the detection result of the movement state of the shooting position, the compression control unit An X-ray imaging apparatus characterized by further generating a compression control signal. In the X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 7,
A first histogram and a second histogram are respectively generated from at least two images generated at different times, and the first histogram and the second histogram are compared with each other to detect the moving state of the photographing position. X-ray imaging apparatus characterized by that. In the X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 2 ,
A compression condition setting unit for setting the compression condition;
The compression condition setting unit stores the relationship between the moving speed and the compression ratio of the photographing position,
The compression control unit in accordance with the relationship between the stored moving speed and compression ratio, generates the compression control signal, that X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim. In the X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 9 ,
A display for displaying the image is further provided;
On the display, the display for indicating whether or not to perform the compression processing is displayed, to the display, the input indicating not to perform compression processing is performed, the compression control unit, An X-ray imaging apparatus that generates the compression control signal instructing not to perform compression regardless of the moving speed of the imaging position. In the X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 9 ,
A display for displaying the image is further provided;
An input screen for inputting the relationship between the moving speed of the shooting position and the compression rate is displayed on the display,
When the relationship between the moving speed of the shooting position and the compression rate is input to the input screen, the compression control unit performs the compression control according to the relationship between the input moving speed and the compression rate. An X-ray imaging apparatus characterized by generating a signal. An X-ray irradiation unit for irradiating the subject with X-rays;
An X-ray detection unit for detecting X-rays irradiated by the X-ray irradiation unit;
An image generator that generates an image based on the X-rays detected by the X-ray detector;
An operation unit for moving the imaging position of the subject;
A compression control unit for generating a compression control signal;
An image compression unit that performs compression processing of the image according to the compression control signal;
A storage unit for storing the compressed image;
A display for displaying the image,
An input screen is displayed on the display,
When the relationship between the time elapsed from the start of X-ray irradiation and the compression rate is input to the input screen , the compression control unit calculates the time elapsed from the input of the X-ray irradiation started and the compression rate. An X-ray imaging apparatus characterized by generating the compression control signal according to a relationship. An X-ray irradiation unit for irradiating the subject with X-rays;
An X-ray detection unit for detecting X-rays irradiated by the X-ray irradiation unit;
An image generator that generates an image based on the X-rays detected by the X-ray detector;
An operation unit for moving the imaging position of the subject;
A compression control unit that generates a compression control signal based on the movement state of the photographing position;
An image compression unit that performs compression processing of the image according to the compression control signal;
A storage unit for storing the compressed image;
A compression condition setting section for setting compression conditions;
A display for displaying the image,
On the display, an input screen for inputting the relation between the moving speed and the compression ratio of the shooting position is displayed,
When the relationship between the moving speed of the photographing position and the compression rate is input to the input screen, the compression control unit compresses the compression according to the relationship between the input moving speed and the compression rate. Generate control signals,
The image compression unit, in the input screen, has been stored and held is captured in the past, the compression mode compresses reads continuous image composed of a number of successive images which are generated for each input for a period is, when a continuous image which has been stored and held is captured in the past, further interest are identified, the relative identified successive images, performs compression processing in accordance with the input compressed mode, and characterized in that X-ray equipment.

Images