JP2001017415A - Image processing device, image processing system, image processing method and memory medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To apply an optimum image process automatically and efficiently to an image obtained by radiographing without bothering the hands of an operator. SOLUTION: This setting means 401 sets an information on the type of the occurrence source of the image information obtained by radiographing an object, the attribute of the object, and the radiographed portion of the object. A feature quantity region specifying means 402 specifies the feature quantity region for the image information based on the information set by the setting means 401. A feature quantity acquiring means 404 acquires the feature quantity in the feature quantity region specified by the feature quantity specifying means 402. An image processing means 405 can apply a prescribed image process to the image information based on the feature quantity acquired by the feature quantity acquiring means 404.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing system, an image processing method, and an image processing method for processing digital images obtained by, for example, radiography of X-rays or the like. The present invention relates to a storage medium in which processing steps are readable by a computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, a subject is irradiated with radiation such as X-rays, and a radiation image, which is a transmitted light image, is directly captured using an individual image sensor, and the radiation image corresponding to the captured image is obtained. The image signal is converted to a CRT (Cathode Ray)
The image is displayed on a screen as a visible image on a display device such as Tube) or a predetermined image processing is performed in a state where the image signal is digitized, and then printed out. In the radiographic imaging system that performs this, the part to be imaged differs depending on the imaging purpose,
In the image processing performed when visualizing a radiation image,
Since the optimum density and gradation are different for each image of a part to be processed, it is necessary to perform different image processing for each image of each part.

[0003]

However, in recent years,
In medical facilities, computer networks are gradually being developed, and accordingly, in addition to the above-described radiation image capturing system, a radiation image capturing apparatus (CR) using a stimulable phosphor sheet, an image in Radiation image information obtained by imaging with different radiation image capturing apparatuses such as a radiation image capturing apparatus (DR) using a tensifier is processed by the same image processing apparatus, and the processed radiation image information is processed by a CRT display apparatus or the like. A system designed to output with a different output device such as a film imager device or a dry printer device has been used.

However, in the above-described system, the operator who operates the image processing apparatus is required to operate the image processing apparatus in order to make the image processing performed by the image processing apparatus correspond to each radiation image capturing apparatus or output apparatus. Procedure setting operation must be performed, which is a very complicated operation for the operator.

For example, when a chest is photographed, the region of interest is different, such as a lung field or a bone. Therefore, depending on whether the actual region of interest is a lung field or a bone.
An image processing device is generally configured so that the operator's eyes operate input devices such as a mouse and touch panel to perform image processing with different densities and gradations, and perform image processing corresponding to the region of interest in the radiation image. This operation is also very time-consuming for the operator.

[0006] Further, in order to adjust the image area of a certain photographing region to an optimum density, photographing is performed using a photo timer. This photo timer is hardware provided between a grid and a scintillator. Since the installation position of the solid-state imaging device with respect to the imaging surface is fixed, the photo timer is necessarily installed at an appropriate position for all persons of various physiques, such as a person with a large physique or a person with a small physique. I can't say that. Specifically, for example, in radiographing the front of the chest, it is optimal that the phototimer is arranged right on the left and right of the lung field, but depending on the body shape, the phototimer may not be at the position where it is originally desired to perform sensing. In this case, in the film obtained by imaging, the lung field area is overexposed or underexposed.

Therefore, the present invention has been made to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks, and has been made without inconvenience of an operator.
An image processing apparatus, an image processing system, an image processing method, and a processing step for performing the same, capable of automatically and efficiently performing optimal image processing on an image obtained by radiography. It is an object of the present invention to provide a storage medium in which the storage medium is readable and stored.

[0008]

For such a purpose,
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input unit for inputting image information obtained by imaging a subject, a type of a source of the image information input by the input unit, an attribute of the subject, and a photographing part of the subject. Setting means for setting at least one piece of information; a feature quantity obtaining means for obtaining a feature quantity of a designated area based on the information set by the setting means; and a feature quantity obtained by the feature quantity obtaining means. On the basis of,
Image processing means for performing predetermined image processing on the image information input by the input means.

[0009] The second invention is the above-mentioned first invention, wherein:
The input means inputs digitized image information obtained by imaging a subject with radiation.

In a third aspect, in the first aspect,
The attribute of the subject includes at least one of height and weight of the subject.

In a fourth aspect based on the first aspect,
The predetermined image processing includes at least one of density conversion processing and gradation conversion processing.

According to a fifth aspect, in the first aspect,
The image processing means selects a corresponding one of a plurality of types of density conversion curves based on the information set by the setting means, and performs the image processing using the selected curve.

[0013] In a sixth aspect based on the first aspect,
The feature value is characterized by including any one of a maximum value, a minimum value, an average value, a median value, and a mode value in the feature value area.

[0014] In a seventh aspect based on the first aspect,
The input means inputs a digitized image information obtained by imaging a subject with radiation, and a region in which the feature quantity is obtained by the feature quantity obtaining means is a digital area input by the input means. It is characterized by including an area different from the image area corresponding to the arrangement position of the photosensor for detecting the intensity of radiation at the time of radiation imaging on the image indicated by the image information.

According to an eighth aspect based on the first aspect,
Storage means for storing attribute information of a subject to be photographed in advance; and identification information input means for inputting information for identifying the subject to be photographed, wherein the setting means is inputted by the identification information input means. On the basis of the information, the attribute of the subject is obtained and set from the storage means.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographing apparatus for photographing a subject and generating image information of the subject, an image processing apparatus for performing predetermined image processing on the image information generated by the photographing apparatus, An image processing system connected to an output device that visually outputs image information subjected to image processing by the device, wherein the image processing device includes:
8. It has the function of the image processing device according to any one of 8.

[0017] A tenth invention is an image processing system comprising a plurality of devices connected via a network,
The plurality of devices include the image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

An eleventh invention is an image processing method for applying predetermined image information to image information obtained by imaging a subject and outputting the image information. The type of the source of the image information, A setting step of setting an attribute and at least one piece of information of the imaging region of the subject; a feature amount calculating step of calculating a feature amount of a designated area based on the information set in the setting step; An image processing step of performing predetermined image processing on the image information input in the input step based on the feature amount calculated in the calculation step.

In a twelfth aspect based on the eleventh aspect, the image information includes digitized image information obtained by imaging a subject with radiation.

In a thirteenth aspect based on the eleventh aspect, the attribute of the subject includes at least one of a height and a weight of the subject.

In a fourteenth aspect based on the eleventh aspect, the predetermined image processing includes at least one of a density conversion process and a gradation conversion process.

In a fifteenth aspect based on the eleventh aspect, the image processing step is a step of converting a look-up table having a plurality of types of density conversion curves into a corresponding density conversion curve based on the information set in the setting step. A step of reading the curve and performing the predetermined image processing using data indicated by the density conversion curve.

In a sixteenth aspect based on the eleventh aspect, the feature quantity includes any one of a maximum value, a minimum value, an average value, a median value, and a mode value in the feature quantity area. Features.

In a seventeenth aspect based on the eleventh aspect, a storage step of storing attribute information of a subject to be photographed in a database in advance, and an identification information inputting step of inputting information for identifying the subject to be photographed. And wherein the setting step acquires and sets the attribute of the subject from the database based on the information input in the identification information input step.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium in which the processing steps of the image processing method according to any one of claims 11 to 17 are readable by a computer.

[0026]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The present invention is applied to, for example, an X-ray image photographing apparatus 100 as shown in FIG. The X-ray imaging apparatus 100 includes an X-ray tube 101 that generates X-rays, an X-ray aperture 102 of the X-ray tube 101, and an X-ray tube 102 from the X-ray tube 101.
A solid-state imaging device 107 on which a line is incident; a grid 104 and a scintillator 107 provided between the X-ray tube 101 and the solid-state imaging device 107; a photo timer 105 provided between the grid 104 and the scintillator 107; An A / D converter 108 that outputs an output of the image sensor 107 as a digital image signal, and an image reading unit 109 that performs predetermined processing on the digital image signal from the A / D converter 108 and outputs a screen display. And an X-ray generation control unit 126 for controlling the generation of X-rays in the X-ray tube 101. The image reading unit 109 includes the solid-state imaging device 107 and the X
Image reading control unit 110 for controlling line generation control unit 126 and the like
And a RAM 111 for storing various data and also used for work, a ROM 112 for storing various processing programs and the like to be executed by the apparatus, and an interface with an external network (herein, referred to as “LAN”). A LAN / IF 113 as a unit, a DISK / IF 114 as an interface unit with an external portable medium recording device,
The NVRAM 115, which is a nonvolatile RAM, a nonvolatile storage unit 116 such as a hard disk, a user interface (IF) unit 117, and a CPU 1 which executes operation programs of the ROM 112 and controls the operation of the entire apparatus.
18 are connected via a bus 119 to exchange data with each other. The image reading unit 109 is provided with an exposure button 125, and the output of the exposure button 125 is controlled by the image reading control unit 110 by switching the exposure permission switch 124. 126. The user IF unit 117 is connected to a display 120 such as a CRT, an operation unit 121 such as a keyboard and a mouse, a magnetic card reading unit 122, and a barcode reading unit 123.

[A series of operations of the X-ray image photographing apparatus 100] First, the operator places the subject 103 to be photographed between the solid-state imaging device 107 and the X-ray tube 101. Next, the operator prepares for photographing using the user interface 117. When the above-mentioned preparation by the operator is completed, the image reading control unit 110 applies a voltage to the solid-state imaging device 107 using the solid-state imaging device drive control signal, so that the image of the subject 103 is input to the solid-state imaging device 107. Any time (X from the X-ray tube 102)
(A line can be imaged).

Next, the image reading control unit 110 operates the operation unit 1.
An aperture signal 2 is supplied to the X-ray generation control unit 126 based on an instruction for adjusting the aperture amount from the operator (an instruction from the aperture instruction unit) by the operator 21. The X-ray generation control unit 126 supplies the aperture signal 3 based on the aperture signal 2 from the image reading control unit 110 to the X-ray aperture 102, so that the subject 1 to be imaged is
According to the attribute 03, the aperture amount of the X-ray aperture 102 is automatically set to an appropriate value. At this time, if the operator is dissatisfied with the automatic setting of the aperture amount, the operator further instructs the adjustment of the aperture amount by the above-described aperture instruction unit, and the user wants to photograph the subject 103. It is also possible to make adjustments so that the part shown in FIG. Such an instruction to adjust the aperture amount from the operator, that is, from the user IF unit 117 to the image reading control unit 1
The instruction signal (aperture signal 1) for the image signal 10 is transmitted from the image reading control unit 110 to the aperture signal 2 for the X-ray generation control unit 126, and from the X-ray generation control unit 126 to the aperture signal 3 for the X-ray aperture 102. X-ray aperture 102
Opens and closes according to the aperture signal 3. Note that X
The line stop 102 is rectangular, and the opening and closing amount can be adjusted in both the vertical and horizontal directions. Whether or not the X-ray stop 102 appropriately irradiates a predetermined part can be adjusted using lamp light.

Next, the operator operates the exposure button 125. The exposure button 125 is a trigger for generating X-rays with the X-ray tube 101, and generates an exposure signal 1 when operated (pressed down) by an operator. The exposure signal 1 generated from the exposure button 125 is temporarily supplied to the image reading control unit 110 in the image reading unit 109. Upon receiving this, the image reading control unit 110 operates the solid-state imaging device 10.
After confirming from the state of the drive notification signal generated from the solid-state imaging device 107 whether or not the device 7 is ready for imaging when receiving X-rays from the X-ray tube 101, an exposure permission signal is emitted. Occurs for the permission switch 124. The irradiation permission signal turns on the irradiation permission switch 124 and makes the irradiation signal 1 generated from the irradiation button 125 conductive to the irradiation signal 2 to the X-ray generation control unit 126. Note that a switch called a second switch of the exposure button 125 is used for the exposure signal.

The X-ray generation controller 126 controls the X-ray tube 101 in accordance with the radiation signal 2 generated as described above.
As soon as the preparation for generating the X-ray is completed, the exposure signal 3 is transmitted to the X-ray tube 101.
Occurs for As a result, X-ray
Lines occur. At this time, the amount of X-rays
05, the X-ray generation control unit 126
Passed to The X-ray generation control unit 126, when the X-ray dose due to X-ray generation reaches a predetermined constant amount based on the X-ray dose signal from the phototimer 105,
X-ray generation at the site is cut off.

On the other hand, after receiving the above-mentioned exposure, the X-ray of the X-ray tube 101 is
And the scintillator 106 sequentially pass through the subject 103
Is formed on the solid-state imaging device 107 as a transmitted light image of Then, the image is output as an image signal by photoelectric conversion in the solid-state imaging device 107. This image signal is supplied to the A / D converter 1
The image is digitized at 08 and supplied to the image reading unit 109 as a digital image signal. The image reading unit 109
The digital image signal from the A / D converter 108 is
It is developed on the AM 111, subjected to various processes by the CPU 118, and displayed on the screen of the display 120. Alternatively, output on a film.

[About the case where the X-ray image photographing apparatus 100 is mounted on the examination bus and used] For example, the examination bus equipped with the above-mentioned X-ray image photographing apparatus 100 has three companies 1
To 3 (hereinafter also referred to as “groups 1 to 3”), and X-rays of the examinees (employees) of the respective companies are taken.

First, as shown in FIG. 2, a database is stored in advance in the non-volatile storage unit 116 (see FIG. 1) for each group for performing X-ray imaging. That is, the employee data of the companies 1 to 3 for which the examination is scheduled to be performed is stored in advance as a database. At this time, the records included in each data include: the examinee 1D, the examinee name, the date of birth of the examinee, the sex of the examinee, the height (cm), and the weight (kg). In addition, this database has an interpretation method for reading the employee ID (magnetic card) of the company or the employee ID recorded in the barcode on the examination sheet, that is, the magnetic card reader 122 or the barcode reader 123. Information on the method of reading the employee ID (see FIG. 1 above) is also stored. The information includes, for example, the number of bytes of the start of the company code, the number of bytes of the end of the company code, the company code, the number of start bytes of the employee ID, and the number of end bytes of the employee ID.

When reading the employee ID, a bar code or a magnetic card can be used by a company that performs a medical examination. However, in this case, the magnetic card reading unit 122 and the bar code reading unit 123 are used. Since both input devices are connected, any of them can be used. For a company using a magnetic card that does not include a company code, it is assumed that the company code start byte number and the company code end byte number are set to “0”.

Accordingly, a CPU for controlling the operation of the entire apparatus
Reference numeral 118 denotes a media reading / interpreting unit 201, a database selecting unit 202, a database searching and extracting unit 203, a photographing unit 204, and an image recording unit 205, as shown in FIG.
By reading a processing program according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 from the ROM 112 and executing it, the following operation control is performed.

Step S301: First, when the examination bus arrives at the company performing the examination, the operator needs to specify the relevant database from the database stored in the nonvolatile storage unit 116 as described above. Therefore, for example, “3” in FIG.
A screen for prompting the user to input data for database selection as shown in 10 "is displayed. Then, the operator selects a barcode 311 for company selection created in advance at the medical examination center.
Into the barcode reading unit 123. The barcode reading unit 123 reads data recorded in the inserted barcode 311 and supplies the data to the media reading / interpreting unit 201. The media reading / interpreting unit 201 determines whether or not the data from the barcode reading unit 123 is data for selecting a database. As a method for this determination, data that starts with a special character string (such as four characters “C? #!”) At the beginning of the data is determined in advance as data for database selection, and the special character string Use a method to detect presence. Therefore, the media reading / interpreting unit 201 detects a special character string for selecting a database, and if it determines that the data is data for selecting a database, the data of a company name code (examination location code) following the character string is determined. Is supplied to the database selection unit 202. As a method for obtaining data for database selection, for example, a list of companies registered on the display 120 may be displayed, and the operator may select a corresponding company from the list of companies. . In this case, when the operator selects the corresponding company from the above-mentioned company list using the operation unit 121 (mouse or the like), the selection result is transmitted to the database via the user IF unit (U / I) 117. The information is transmitted to the selection unit 202.

Step S302: database selector 2
In step 02, a database corresponding to the company name code (diagnosis place data) from the media reading / interpreting unit 201 is read from the non-volatile storage unit 116 and read into the main storage unit. For example, the RAM 111 is used as a work memory and read here. Once you have selected the appropriate database,
As shown by “312” in FIG. 3, a screen including the “checkup location” and the “code” is displayed on the display 120.

Step S303: The CPU 118 generates an examination ID. Here, the “examination ID” is for uniquely identifying a medical examination, and this numerical value is also stored as supplementary information of the image at the same time as the image storage described later.
When the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 starts imaging, the value starts to be increased from “1” and increases sequentially for each imaging, so that the same number is not assigned to different imaging. It has been made like that.

Step S304: Next, display 1
20 displays a screen for prompting the insertion of the employee card, as indicated by "313" in FIG. Therefore, when a certain employee comes to the examination bus to perform a medical examination, the operator receives the employee card 314 of the employee and inserts it into the magnetic card reading unit 122. The magnetic card reading unit 122 stores the employee ID recorded on the inserted employee card 314.
(Medical examinee ID) and supplies the data to the media reading / interpreting unit 201. Media interpretation / reading unit 20
1 is to detect that the data from the magnetic card reading unit 122 does not have a special character string (such as four characters of “C? #!” Indicating data for database selection) at the beginning. Recognize that it is employee card data. Then, according to the start byte number and the end byte number of the employee ID described above, the character string between them is extracted and supplied to the database search and extraction unit 203. In most cases, information in an employee card generally includes an identifier (company code) indicating that the card is an employee card of the company. In this case, the values of the start byte number of the company code and the end byte number of the company code are different. Then, whether or not the read information is the code of the company is determined based on whether the code in the meantime matches the company code. If a card other than an employee card is read, the operator is notified via the display unit,
The information read is discarded.

Step S305: The database search / extraction section 203 stores the record corresponding to the character string (employee ID) from the media interpretation / read section 201 in step S302.
And retrieves it from the database read and supplies it to the imaging unit 204. As a result, as shown by “315” in FIG. 3, the contents of the record obtained by the above search and extraction, that is, the examinee ID, code (examinee name), date of birth (examine A screen including the date of birth), gender (sex of the examinee), height, and weight is displayed.

Steps S306 and S307: The photographing section 204 executes processing for performing the above-described X-ray photographing operation. The image storage unit 205 includes a photographing unit 204
X-ray image information obtained by the
To save. At this time, the above-described examination ID is also stored as supplementary information of the X-ray image information.

Step S308: When the X-ray photography of a certain employee in steps S303 to S307 is completed, the CPU 118 increases the value of the examination ID by "1". After that, the process returns to step S303, and X to the next employee is returned.
Processing for line imaging will be executed.

[Regarding Image Processing in X-Ray Imaging Apparatus 100] Whether or not the above-described X-ray imaging is properly performed is determined by the amount of X-rays generated from the X-ray tube 101.
Generally, the X-ray generator is provided with a photo timer, but in the X-ray imaging apparatus 100, a photo timer 105 is provided.
Are configured as shown in FIG. That is, three photo timers 1 to 3 are provided as the photo timer 105. And for each part to be imaged,
On / off of reception of the X-ray dose by the photo timers 1 to 3 can be designated. For example, chest PA
, Only the photo timers 1 and 3 are turned on, and the photo timer 2 is turned off. This is because a phototimer is generally used to adjust a region of interest of a doctor to an optimum density. Therefore, in imaging of a chest PA, phototimers 1 and 3 corresponding to left and right lung fields are used.
This is because by enabling only X, it is possible to perform imaging with an appropriate X-ray dose.

In the conventional phototimer, when the chest PA is photographed, the position of the phototimer is fixed depending on the physical size of the examinee because the position of the phototimer is fixed by hardware. May deviate from the appropriate position. For example, for a person with a thick body, the position inside the photo timer is preferably measured relative to the original position. On the contrary, for a person with a small body, the position of the photo timer is relatively original. The outside of the preferred position will be measured. For this reason, if only uniform density conversion is performed on digital image information collected after X radiography, the output image will be slightly overexposed or underexposed in the lung field depending on the physique of the subject. I do.

Therefore, in the X-ray image radiographing apparatus 100, in addition to the above-described configuration in which the three phototimers 1 to 3 are provided, the apparatus used for X radiography, the radiographed site, and the height and weight of the examinee are used. An area different from the position of the photo timer is provided as a feature amount area, and image processing such as density conversion is performed based on pixel values of the feature amount area in image processing performed on digital image information obtained by X photographing. Is to be performed.

FIG. 5 shows the X-ray imaging apparatus 100
cm × 43 cm sensor area (individual image sensor 10
7 is an apparatus using a standing sensor having an imaging surface (7 imaging planes), and shows a position of a feature amount area depending on the height and weight of the examinee in a table when X-ray imaging is performed using the imaging part as a chest PA. is there. The height and weight of the examinee are shown in FIG.
As described in the above description, since the data can be collected from the database, the feature amount positions corresponding to the height and weight obtained thereby are obtained from the table and used for image processing. Note that, for example, the position of the feature amount region is one at the center in X-ray imaging of the chest LAT, and is used because the table differs depending on the sensor used and the method of arranging the physique of the examinee. It is assumed that a table corresponding to the sensor and the imaging region is prepared. FIG. 5 shows a table used in X-ray imaging of the chest PA by the stereoscopic sensor among the tables.

FIGS. 6A to 6C show an example of a state in which the feature amount region changes depending on the various physical sizes of the examinee. As shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the feature amount area used in the image processing (density conversion) is slightly changed according to the size of the subject according to the table shown in FIG. On the other hand, by setting an optimal feature amount area, digital image information can be output at a more optimal density and in a stable state.

In order to perform the image processing as described above,
As shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 118 that controls the operation of the entire apparatus includes processing functions of a setting unit 401, a feature amount area designating unit 402, an irradiation field aperture value determining unit 403, a feature amount calculating unit 404, and an image processing unit 405. The following operation control is performed by such a configuration. The details of the irradiation field aperture value determination unit 403 in FIG. 7 will be described later.

First, an operator instructs the setting unit 401 in advance with respect to the sensor and the imaging part used in the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 by the operation unit 121. On the other hand, for the height and weight of the examinee, the setting unit 401
Is obtained from the database as described above. Then, the setting unit 401 supplies the instruction information on the sensor and the imaging region instructed by the operator and the information on the height and weight of the examinee obtained from the database to the feature amount region specifying unit 402, and The information of the sensor and the imaged part in the information of (1) is also supplied to the image processing unit 405. At this time, the setting unit 401 also supplies the above information to the irradiation field aperture value determination unit 403 described later.

The feature amount area specifying unit 402 includes a setting unit 401
The table corresponding to the information from is selected from the tables prepared for each sensor and imaging region. here,
Since the chest PA is X-ray photographed by the standing sensor, the table as shown in FIG. 5 is selected. Then, the characteristic amount area specifying unit 402 determines a characteristic amount area corresponding to the height and weight from the setting unit 401 from the table selected above.

The feature value calculation unit 404 is determined by the feature value area designation unit 402 from digital image information obtained by X-ray photography by the imaging unit (the image reading control unit 110 and the X-ray generation control unit 126). The feature amount (the maximum value, the minimum value, the average value, the median value, the mode value, etc.) of the feature amount area is calculated.

The image processing unit 405 includes a feature amount calculation unit 404
Using the feature amounts calculated in step (1), digital image information obtained by X-ray imaging by the imaging unit (image reading control unit 110 and X-ray generation control unit 126) is subjected to density conversion, gradation conversion, and the like. Image processing is performed to generate post-processing image information. For example, the image processing unit 405 includes the feature amount calculation unit 404
(In this case, the average value of the pixel values in the feature amount area) is output from the display 120.
Alternatively, a density conversion process based on a density conversion curve having a density conversion characteristic such that an optimum density value is obtained on a film (not shown) is performed on the digital image information from the imaging unit. Specifically, first, the image processing unit 405 includes a look-up table (hereinafter, simply referred to as “LUT”) in which a plurality of types of data indicating a density conversion curve as a reference of the density conversion process is stored for each imaging region. And this LUT
Then, the density conversion curve corresponding to the information of the imaging region from the setting unit 401 is read from the LUT. Next, the image processing unit 405 performs the density conversion read from the LUT so that the feature amount (the average value of the pixel values in the feature amount region) from the feature amount calculation unit 404 becomes the optimum density value as described above. The curve is translated to generate a density conversion curve actually used in the density conversion processing. Then, the image processing unit 405 performs a density conversion process on the digital image information from the photographing unit according to the generated density conversion curve, and uses it as processed image information.

The processed image information obtained by the above-described image processing is temporarily stored in the nonvolatile storage unit 116,
It is output on the display 120 or film, or sent to an external network or an external portable medium recording device.

[Regarding aperture control in X-ray imaging apparatus 100] As described above, the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 controls the aperture of the X-ray aperture 102 by the aperture instruction unit in accordance with the attribute of the subject to be imaged. The amount can be automatically set to an appropriate value. The aperture setting at this time is
This is performed by the irradiation field aperture value determination unit 403 shown in FIG. 7 as follows.

FIG. 8 shows the X-ray imaging apparatus 100
cm × 43 cm sensor area (individual image sensor 10
7 is a device using an upright sensor having an imaging surface (7 imaging planes), and shows a table of irradiation field aperture values (sizes) depending on the height and weight of the examinee when X-ray imaging is performed with the imaging region as the chest PA. It is. Such a table is prepared in advance for each sensor and imaging region, and the irradiation field aperture value determination unit 403 selects a setting unit 40 from among these tables.
1 and a table corresponding to the information of the sensor and the imaging region from the selected table.
The irradiation field aperture value corresponding to the information on the height and weight of the examinee from 1 is acquired and supplied to the irradiation field aperture control unit (X-ray generation control unit 126). Therefore, the irradiation field aperture control unit (X-ray generation control unit 126)
The aperture amount of the X-ray aperture 102 is adjusted based on the irradiation field aperture value from 03. With such a configuration, the irradiation field can be automatically determined, so that the operator can more quickly and accurately adjust the irradiation field. In addition, it is possible to obtain a minimum and sufficient irradiation field, and
It can reduce the health damage caused by radiation.

[Regarding Storage of Digital Image Information Collected by X-Ray Imaging Apparatus 100] Digital image information obtained by X-ray imaging includes the above-described examination ID (FIG. 3).
The information is referred to as a reference and stored. That is, the examination ID is internally generated by the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 in order to uniquely identify the examination, and is saved as additional information of digital image information at the same time as the image is saved. Therefore, even when the power supply to the apparatus is cut off, the test ID needs to be incremented by one for each test without the same number being issued. Become. At this time, for example, if the nonvolatile storage unit 116 is replaced due to a failure for some reason, the inspection ID must be reset.

Therefore, in the X-ray imaging apparatus 100, the nonvolatile storage unit 116 (here, a hard disk) and the NVRAM 115 are used, and the nonvolatile storage unit 116 is used as a first storage medium. NVRAM11
5 is used as a second storage medium for backup to store the current value of the examination ID.

The nonvolatile storage unit 116 and the NVRAM
If any one of the 115 is broken, the device is replaced. At that time, the value of the backed-up examination ID is automatically used.

Further, if the user does not want to use the value of the currently backed-up examination ID, for example, if the non-volatile storage unit 116 (hard disk: HD) is newly diverted from another device and installed, it is stored in the NVRAM 115. In this case, the operator is inquired of this fact via the user I / F 117 because the value of the previous examination ID cannot be automatically used. The value of the currently backed-up examination ID is automatically used or not used according to the operator's instruction. At this time, if the instruction from the operator is an instruction not to automatically use the value of the backed-up examination ID, the instruction is followed, but in case the operator's instruction is incorrect, The value of the backup examination ID is separately stored. Here, the storage destination at this time is the NVRAM 115. That is, NVR
The AM 115 has two storage areas (hereinafter, referred to as “NVRAM 115a” and “NVRAM 115”) as shown in FIG.
b ”). These storage areas (115a, 115b) have an independent configuration capable of individually storing information. The NVRAM 115a corresponds to the above-mentioned second storage medium, and the NVRAM 115b is the above-mentioned third storage medium for separately storing. Corresponding to With such a configuration, when the operator subsequently notices an operation error, the operator can immediately recover from the information in the NVRAM 115b as the third storage medium. Here, the same NVRAM1 is used.
15 NVRAMs 115a and 115b separated from each other
Are used as the second and third storage media, but NVRAM
The entire 115 may be used as the second storage medium, and another nonvolatile storage medium (such as a nonvolatile RAM or HD) may be used as the third storage medium. HD is used as the first storage medium, and NV is used as the second storage medium.
Although a RAM is used, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, on the contrary, NVRAM is used as the first storage medium.
And the HD may be used as the second storage medium. Alternatively, HD is stored in both the first and second storage media.
Alternatively, an NVRAM may be used.

When the present apparatus is operating, the value of the examination ID at that time is held in the main memory (RAM 111), and the value of the examination ID on the RAM 111 is updated each time an image is taken. . At the end of one shooting, RA
The current value of the examination ID on M111 is HD 116 and N
The data is stored in the VRAM 115a. As a result, the current value of the examination ID is maintained even when the apparatus is powered off.

FIG. 9 shows a file in which the value of the examination ID is stored as a backup for the NVRAMs 115a and 115a.
5b shows a format when writing to 5b. For example, when writing a file named “System.ini” to the NVRAM 115a, first,
The file name “System.ini” is written to the first address 0x00 to 0x40 (64 bytes), and “0x00” is written to the margin. Following this, address 0
From x40 to 0x44, the length of the file (LE
N) is written, and thereafter, data corresponding to the length of the file is written. Similarly, for the NVRAM 115b, for example, when writing a file named “System.in1” to the NVRAM 115b, first,
The file name “System.in1” is written in the first address 0x2000 to 0x2040 (64 bytes), and “0x00” is written in the margin. Following this,
From the addresses 0x2040 to 0x2044, the length (LEN) of the file is written, and thereafter, data corresponding to the length of the file is written. Note that “0x00” is written in a blank portion of the memory, and this is performed in an initialization process described later. In the "checksum area" from address 0x1FF8 to address 0x1FFF in FIG. 9, a value obtained by a checksum calculation in a checksum process described later is written.

In order to perform the above-described processing (information recovery processing), the CPU 11 which controls the operation of the entire apparatus.
8 performs the following operation control, for example, by reading a processing program according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 from the ROM 112 and executing the processing program. Here, it is assumed that the file in which the values of the examination ID are stored is “System.ini” as shown in FIG.

(1) HD 116 (first storage medium) and N
When information is stored in both the VRAM 115a (second storage medium). Step S501: First, a checksum of the NVRAM 115a is calculated. Step S502: Next, it is determined whether or not the checksum obtained in step S501 is the same as the checksum on the NVRAM 115a. At this time, NVRAM
Since the backup information is correctly stored in the NVRAM 115a, it is determined here that the checksum is equal to the checksum in the NVRAM 115a, and the next step S
Proceed to 503. Step S503: In this step, the file “System.in” in which the value of the examination ID is stored in the HD 116
It is determined whether or not “i” exists.
6, since the file “System.ini” exists, the process proceeds to the next step S510. Step S510: Therefore, in this step, the HD
116 (“System.in”).
i ”) is transferred to the main storage (RAM 111), and a photographing operation is performed based on the information (including the inspection ID) in the main storage.

(2) A case where information is stored in the HD 116 (first storage medium) and no information is stored in the NVRAM 115a (second storage medium). Step S501: First, a checksum of the NVRAM 115a is calculated. Step S502: Next, it is determined whether or not the checksum obtained in step S501 is the same as the checksum on the NVRAM 115a. Here, NVRAM
115a has been replaced with a new one, or NVRAM 115
a is a case where information cannot be stored (battery error or the like), the checksum is NVRAM1
It is determined that it is not equal to the checksum on 15a, and the process proceeds to the next step S511. Step S511: In this step, a file “System.in” in which the value of the examination ID is stored in the HD 116
It is determined whether or not “i” exists.
6, since the file “System.ini” exists, the process proceeds to the next step S512. Steps S512 to S516: Therefore, in this step, the contents stored in the HD 116 (""
System. ini ") in the main memory (RAM 11).
1) (step S512), and the NVRAM 115
a is cleared with "0x00" (step S51).
3) The information in the main memory (RAM 111) is stored in NVRAM1.
15a (step S514). And NV
Calculate the checksum of the RAM 115a and write it to NVR
The data is stored in the AM 115a (step S515). This N
The work of saving the information in the VRAM 115a is performed in the NVRAM 1
15a is executed except when the information cannot be stored. For example, in the case of the NVRAM 115a that has been replaced with a new one, it means that the information in the HD 116 has been copied, which is an important operation. Thereafter, the user I / F unit 11
7, a message such as "NVRAM battery error or new NVRAM. If this message appears every time you start up, call for service." Etc. is displayed on the screen of the display 120 (step S516). Then, the present process is terminated. As a result, if the NVRAM 115a cannot store information (eg, a battery error in the NVRAM 115a) or the like, step S516 is executed each time the computer is started, and the information in the HD 116 is not correctly copied to the NVRAM 115a. Can be notified to the operator. In this case, the system is restarted without performing a system termination process described later. For this reason, it does not occur that the ID changes due to the photographing process.

(3) A case where information is not stored in the HD 116 (first storage medium) and information is stored in the NVRAM 115a (second storage medium). Step S501: First, a checksum of the NVRAM 115a is calculated. Step S502: Next, it is determined whether or not the checksum obtained in step S501 is the same as the checksum on the NVRAM 115a. Here, HD116
Is replaced with a new one, or the HD 116 information can no longer be stored (for example, when it is damaged due to damage to the disk surface, etc.). However, since the backup information is correctly stored in the NVRAM 115a, the checksum Is NV
It is determined that the checksum is equal to the checksum on the RAM 115a, and the process proceeds to the next step S503. Step S503: In this step, the file “System.in” in which the value of the examination ID is stored in the HD 116
It is determined whether or not “i” exists.
6, since the file "System.ini" does not exist, the process proceeds to the next step S504. Step S504: In this step, the user I / F unit 1
17 via the message “HD battery error or new H
D. If this message appears every time you start up, call for service. Is displayed on the display 120. With this, HD
If the information cannot be stored in the memory 116 or the like, step S516 is executed each time the computer is activated, and the operator can be notified of that. Step S505: Via the user I / F unit 117,
"Can I retrieve backup information on HD?"
Is displayed on the display 120. Then, the operator's instruction for this message is determined. As a result of this determination, “OK” (HD116
To retrieve the backup information in the NVRAM 115a), the process proceeds to step S506; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S507. Step S506: "OK" (NVRAM in HD116)
When the operator issues an instruction to retrieve the backup information of the RAM 115a), the information of “System.ini” in the NVRAM 115a is stored in the main storage (RAM).
111) (information return), a system termination process described later is executed, and this process ends. Although details will be described later, a process of writing the information of the RAM 111 to the HD 116 is performed inside the system termination process. This allows
The backup information of the NVRAM 115a is stored in the HD. Step S507 to Step S509: “NO” (HD
116 does not retrieve the backup information of the NVRAM 115a) from the operator.
The information in the NVRAM 115a is discarded and the HD11
6, there is no information, so that both the NVRAM 115a and the HD 116 hold information in the system default initialization data. However, if the operator selects "NO" incorrectly, the value of the important examination ID will be lost. Therefore, when "NO" is selected, the information in the NVRAM 115a is temporarily transferred to the main storage (RAM 111) (step S5).
07), this data is stored in another file name (here, “S
system. in1 ") and the NVRAM 115b
(Third storage medium) (step S508), and initializes the information of the “System.ini” file in the main storage (RAM 111) by default (step S508).
509). Then, a system termination process described later is executed, and the present process is terminated. If the operator notices a selection error at the next system startup, the NVRAM 115b
(Third storage medium) stored in “System.
in1 "information. For example, the user I / F
If the operator selects “restore previous backup information” via the unit 117, the NVR
AM115b (third storage medium) “System.i”
n1 ”, the data information of the file“ System. i
ni "file so that the main storage (RAM 11
1), and executes a system termination process described later. As a result, “System.ini” becomes NVRA
The information is stored in the M 115a and the HD 116, so that the information can be restored.

(4) A case where no information is stored in the HD 116 (first storage medium) and no information is stored in the NVRAM 115a (second storage medium). Step S501: First, a checksum of the NVRAM 115a is calculated. Step S502: Next, it is determined whether or not the checksum obtained in step S501 is the same as the checksum on the NVRAM 115a. Here, NVRAM
115a has been replaced with a new one, or NVRAM 115
a is a case where information cannot be stored (battery error or the like), the checksum is NVRAM1
It is determined that it is not equal to the checksum on 15a, and the process proceeds to the next step S511. Step S511: In this step, a file “System.in” in which the value of the examination ID is stored in the HD 116
It is determined whether or not i ″ is present.
6 is replaced with a new one, or the HD 116 information cannot be stored (battery error or the like). Therefore, the file “System.in” is stored in the HD 116.
It is determined that i ″ does not exist, and the process proceeds from the next step S517. Steps S517 to S521: First, NVRA
Clear M115a with “0x00” (step S5
17), the information in the main memory (RAM 111) is initialized by default (step S518). Then, the main memory (R
AM111) (initialized “System.i”).
ni ”) is stored in the NVRAM 115a (step S519), and the contents of the main memory (RAM 111) (the contents of the initialized“ System.ini ”) are stored.
Is also stored in the HD 116 (step S520). Then, via the user I / F unit 117, a message such as "NVRAM and HD are new or error at the same time. If this message appears every time you start, please call for service." 12
0 is displayed on the screen, and the process ends. still,
In this case, the system termination processing described later is not performed.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a system termination process in the information recovery process described above. Step S601: At the time of termination of the device system, the file “System.ini” in the main storage unit (RAM 111).
Is stored in the HD 116 (first storage medium). Step S602: The file “System.ini” in the main storage unit (RAM 111) is stored in the NVRAM 11
5a (the second storage medium). Step S603: Then, the checksum of the NVRAM 115a is calculated, and the value is stored in the NVRAM 115a. However, if the checksum calculation result is written in the area from which the checksum calculation is performed, the value will not match at the time of the checksum verification later. Therefore, the checksum holding area of the NVRAM 115a is It is not subject to checksum calculation.

Although the present embodiment has been described as being implemented by software for easier implementation and easier description, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be implemented by hardware. It is possible. In this case, the processing can be executed at higher speed.

In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to X-ray imaging. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to other imaging, for example, imaging using visible light.

An object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing program codes of software for realizing the functions of the host and the terminal of the above-described embodiment to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (a computer) of the system or the apparatus. It is needless to say that the present invention can also be achieved by a CPU or an MPU) reading and executing a program code stored in a storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for supplying the program code, a ROM, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, or the like can be used. Also,
By executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the embodiments are realized, but also an OS or the like running on the computer performs part of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that a case is also included in which the functions of the embodiments are implemented by performing all the processes and implementing the functions. Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in an extension function board inserted into the computer or a function extension unit connected to the computer, the function extension is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the embodiments.

[0072]

As described above, according to the present invention, when predetermined image processing (density conversion processing, gradation conversion processing, etc.) is performed on image information obtained by X-ray photography or the like, the source of the image information is determined. A feature amount in a feature amount area designated based on information on a type (a type of a sensor used for imaging, etc.), an attribute of the subject (height, weight, etc.), and an imaging region of the subject (chest PA, chest LAT, etc.) To perform the above-described image processing. This makes it possible to automatically perform optimal image processing for output using the feature amount in the feature amount region depending on the type of sensor used for the imaging, the imaging region, and the body type of the examinee. For example, even when the photo timer is not arranged at an optimum position depending on the physique (large or small body, etc.) of the examinee, an image using the feature amount in the feature amount region corresponding to the imaging situation at that time. Since the processing is performed automatically, depending on the body shape of the examinee, there is no overexposed or underexposed part on the image after image processing, and a stable and good image after image processing can be easily obtained. Can be obtained. Therefore, according to the present invention, optimal image processing can be performed automatically and efficiently on an image obtained by radiography without bothering the operator.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 shows the X-ray imaging apparatus mounted on a medical examination bus,
FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing a database of each group when performing shooting of a plurality of groups.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining photographing using the database.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a photo timer of the X-ray imaging apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining image processing using a value of a feature amount area in the X-ray imaging apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining that the position of the feature amount region varies depending on a plurality of physiques.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration for performing the image processing.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining automatic setting of an aperture amount in the X-ray imaging apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a format of information storage in a recovery process in the X-ray imaging apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the recovery process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a system termination process of the recovery process.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 X image photographing device 118 CPU 110 Image reading control unit 126 X-ray generation control unit 401 Setting unit 402 Feature amount area designation unit 403 Irradiation field aperture value determination unit 404 Feature amount calculation unit 405 Image processing unit

Claims (18)

[Claims] An input unit for inputting image information obtained by imaging a subject, at least a type of a source of the image information input by the input unit, an attribute of the subject, and a photographed part of the subject Setting means for setting one piece of information; feature quantity obtaining means for obtaining a feature quantity of a designated area based on the information set by the setting means; and a feature quantity obtained by the feature quantity obtaining means An image processing unit for performing predetermined image processing on the image information input by the input unit. 2. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said input means inputs digitized image information obtained by imaging a subject with radiation. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attribute of the subject includes at least one of a height and a weight of the subject. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined image processing includes at least one of density conversion processing and gradation conversion processing. 5. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the image processing device selects a corresponding one of a plurality of types of density conversion curves based on the information set by the setting device, and performs the image processing using the selected curve. The image processing device according to claim 1. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the feature amount includes one of a maximum value, a minimum value, an average value, a median value, and a mode value in the feature amount area. . 7. The input means inputs digitized image information obtained by imaging a subject with radiation, and a region for acquiring a feature value by the feature value acquiring means is determined by the input means. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an area different from an image area corresponding to an arrangement position of a photosensor for detecting a radiation intensity at the time of radiation imaging on an image represented by the input digital image information. Image processing device. 8. A storage device for storing attribute information of a subject to be photographed in advance, and an identification information input unit for inputting information for identifying a subject to be photographed, wherein the setting unit includes the identification information input unit. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attribute of the subject is acquired and set from the storage unit based on the information input by the unit. 9. An image capturing apparatus for capturing an image of an object to generate image information of the object; an image processing apparatus for performing predetermined image processing on the image information generated by the image capturing apparatus; An image processing system connected to an output device that visually outputs the output image information, wherein the image processing device has a function of the image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. An image processing system characterized by the following. 10. An image processing system in which a plurality of devices are connected via a network, wherein the plurality of devices include the image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. Image processing system. 11. An image processing method for applying predetermined image information to image information obtained by imaging a subject and outputting the image information, wherein a type of a source of the image information, an attribute of the subject, and A setting step of setting at least one piece of information on the imaging region of the subject; a feature quantity calculating step of calculating a feature quantity of a designated area based on the information set in the setting step; An image processing step of performing predetermined image processing on the image information input in the input step based on the obtained feature amount. 12. The image processing method according to claim 11, wherein said image information includes digitized image information obtained by imaging a subject with radiation. 13. The image processing method according to claim 11, wherein the attribute of the subject includes at least one of a height and a weight of the subject. 14. The image processing method according to claim 11, wherein the predetermined image processing includes at least one of density conversion processing and gradation conversion processing. 15. In the image processing step, a corresponding density conversion curve is read from a look-up table having a plurality of types of density conversion curves based on the information set in the setting step, and is indicated by the density conversion curve. The image processing method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of performing the predetermined image processing using data. 16. The image processing method according to claim 11, wherein the feature amount includes any of a maximum value, a minimum value, an average value, a median value, and a mode value in the feature amount area. . 17. A storage step of storing attribute information of a subject to be photographed in a database in advance, and an identification information inputting step of inputting information for identifying a subject to be photographed, wherein the setting step includes: 12. The image processing method according to claim 11, wherein the attribute of the subject is obtained from the database and set based on the information input in the information input step. 18. A storage medium, wherein the processing steps of the image processing method according to claim 11 are stored so as to be readable by a computer.