JP2002085392A - Radiographic image processing method and apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radiographic image processing method and apparatus capable of accurately recognizing the interconnected condition of a plurality of partial radiographic images and automatically obtaining coupled radiographic images when digital long-size photography is carried out using a plurality of stimulable phosphor detectors. SOLUTION: The apparatus includes an image information input means 10 for inputting a plurality of partial radiographic images produced by radiation transmitted through the same subject of imaging, and also inputting image attribute information corresponding to the plurality of partial radiographic images; a recognition means 30 for recognizing the interconnected condition of the plurality of partial radiographic images during image formation by analyzing the image signal value of each partial radiographic image; and a coupling means 70 for producing the coupled radiographic images which express the entire subject, by coupling the plurality of partial radiographic images together according to the recognized interconnected condition of the partial radiographic images.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a radiation image processing method and a radiation image processing apparatus for processing a radiation image, and more particularly to a radiation image processing method suitable for handling a plurality of partial radiation images generated from a common subject. The present invention relates to a processing method and a radiation image processing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, devices capable of directly taking a radiation image as a digital image have been developed. For example, as a device for detecting the amount of radiation applied to a subject and obtaining a radiation image formed corresponding to the detected amount as an electric signal, a method using a stimulable phosphor detector is disclosed in
Many are disclosed, such as Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-1429 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-189853.

In such an apparatus, a stimulable phosphor is applied to a sheet-like substrate, or is fixed by vapor deposition or the like. To absorb.

Thereafter, the stimulable phosphor is excited by light or heat energy to emit the radiation energy accumulated by the stimulable phosphor as a result of the above-mentioned absorption, and the fluorescence is converted to a photoelectric energy. Conversion is performed to obtain an image signal.

[0005] Meanwhile, in medical radiographic images, in full-length imaging of the lower limbs or whole spine imaging mainly for bone measurement, so-called "long-length imaging" is performed for the purpose of grasping the entire subject.

Conventionally, in this long shooting, a long film has been housed in a long cassette together with an intensifying screen (screen) for shooting. In addition, a digital radiation image input method (digital long shooting) using a stimulable phosphor detector without using a long film has been proposed. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
In the device proposed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 244269, a plurality of cassettes each storing a stimulable phosphor detector are arranged so as to partially overlap each other, and stored in a dedicated cassette holder. On the other hand, JP-A-3-2
In the device disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 87249, a plurality of stimulable phosphor detectors are arranged and locked so as to partially overlap each other.

[0007]

Problems to be Solved by the Invention JP-A-11-2
In the method described in Japanese Patent No. 44269, after irradiation, a plurality of used cassettes are loaded one by one into a reading device to acquire a radiation image. Therefore, the arrangement order of the plurality of cassettes at the time of radiation irradiation may not match the reading order of the cassettes. Further, depending on the arrangement direction of the cassette at the time of irradiation, the digital image acquired by the reading device may be an inverted image with respect to the image at the time of image generation. From the above, in order to automatically generate a combined radiation image, a means for accurately recognizing the connection state of a plurality of partial radiation images is desired.

However, JP-A-11-244269 does not describe a means for automatically recognizing a connection state of a plurality of partial radiation images. Therefore, it is necessary for the operator to always appropriately control the image reading order and the cassette arrangement direction, and thus the operation becomes complicated.

In the method described in JP-A-3-287249, since a plurality of stimulable phosphor detectors are circulated and conveyed through a radiation image reading apparatus through a fixed path, a plurality of partial radiation image detectors are used. Is always constant and does not need to be recognized. Therefore, it has not been possible to apply a so-called cassette type radiation image reading method in which a plurality of stimulable phosphor detectors are stored in a cassette.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has been made in view of the fact that a plurality of stimulable phosphor detectors (such as a stimulable phosphor plate) are used to perform digital long-time photographing. To realize a radiation image processing method and a radiation image processing apparatus capable of accurately recognizing a connection state of a plurality of partial radiation images and automatically obtaining a combined radiation image when the partial radiation images are generated. With the goal.

[0011]

That is, the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is as follows. (1) According to the first aspect of the invention, a plurality of partial radiation images generated by radiation transmitted through the same subject and image attribute information corresponding to each of the plurality of partial radiation images are input, and each partial radiation image is input. By analyzing an image signal value of an image, the connection state of the plurality of partial radiation images at the time of image generation is recognized, and the image attribute information is changed according to the connection state of the recognized partial radiation image. Is a radiation image processing method.

In the present invention, the connection state at the time of image generation is recognized by analyzing the image signal values of a plurality of partial radiation images, and the image attribute information is changed based on the recognition result. It is easy to automatically recognize the connection state of a plurality of partial radiation images and automatically obtain a combined radiation image.

Further, it becomes possible to obtain the image attribute information of the combined radiation image in accordance with the image attribute information of the partial radiation image and the connection state, thereby improving the convenience relating to image output and image storage of the combined radiation image. I do.

(2) The radiation image processing method according to claim 1, wherein the connection state is an arrangement of partial radiation images adjacent to each other.

According to the present invention, the arrangement of the partial radiation images adjacent to each other is recognized as the connection state (1). (3) The radiation image processing method according to claim 1, wherein the connection state is an arrangement order or an arrangement direction of a plurality of partial radiation images.

In the present invention, the arrangement order or the arrangement direction of the partial radiation images adjacent to each other is recognized as the connection state (1). (4) The invention according to claim 4 displays the connection state of the recognized partial radiation image, inputs correction information of the displayed connection state of the partial radiation image, and is recognized based on the correction information. The connection status of the partial radiation image
4. The radiation image processing method according to claim 1, wherein the image attribute information is changed according to a connection state of the corrected partial radiation image.

According to the present invention, in the above (1) to (3), a recognition result of the connection state is displayed, an input of correction information from the user regarding the recognized connection state is received, and the input correction information is added to the input correction information. The connection state is corrected based on the connection state, and the image attribute information is changed according to the corrected connection state.

As a result, it becomes easy to more accurately recognize the connection state of a plurality of partial radiation images obtained by digital long radiography and automatically obtain a combined radiation image. (5) The invention according to claim 5, wherein a plurality of partial radiation images generated by radiation transmitted through the same subject and image attribute information corresponding to each of the plurality of partial radiation images are input, and each partial radiation image is input. By analyzing the image signal value of the image, the connection state of the plurality of partial radiation images at the time of image generation is recognized, and the plurality of partial radiation images are combined according to the connection state of the recognized partial radiation images to obtain a subject. A radiation image processing method characterized by generating a combined radiation image representing the whole.

According to the present invention, the connection state at the time of image generation is recognized by analyzing image signal values of a plurality of partial radiation images, and the partial radiation images are combined based on the recognition result to generate a combined radiation image. Therefore, it is possible to accurately recognize the connection status of multiple partial radiographic images obtained by digital long radiography and obtain an automatically created combined radiographic image, which is convenient for image output and storage of digital long radiographed images. improves.

(6) The radiation image processing method according to the fifth aspect, wherein the connection state is an arrangement of partial radiation images adjacent to each other.

According to the present invention, the arrangement of the partial radiation images adjacent to each other is recognized as the connection state (5). (7) The radiation image processing method according to claim 5, wherein the connection state is an arrangement order or an arrangement direction of the plurality of partial radiation images.

In the present invention, the arrangement order or the arrangement direction of the partial radiation images adjacent to each other is recognized as the connection state (5). (8) The invention according to claim 8 displays the connection state of the recognized partial radiation image, inputs correction information of the displayed connection state of the partial radiation image, and is recognized based on the correction information. The connection status of the partial radiation image
6. The partial radiation image is recombined according to the connection state of the corrected partial radiation image.
A radiation image processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

According to the present invention, in the above (5) to (7), the recognition result of the connection state is displayed, the input of correction information from the user regarding the recognized connection state is received, and the input correction information is added to the input correction information. The connection state is corrected based on the corrected connection state, and a combined radiation image is generated based on the corrected connection state.

As a result, a connected radiographic image which is automatically created by more accurately recognizing the connection state of a plurality of partial radiographic images obtained by digital long radiography is obtained, and image output and image storage of the digital long radiographed image are obtained. Related convenience is improved.

(9) According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the combined radiographic image is displayed, correction information of a connection state of the recognized partial radiation image is input, and the information is recognized based on the correction information. The radiation according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the connection state of the corrected partial radiation images is corrected, and the partial radiation images are recombined based on the corrected connection state of the partial radiation images. This is an image processing method.

According to the present invention, in the above (5) to (7), the combined radiographic image obtained by the combination is displayed, and correction information input from the user is accepted for the combined radiographic image, and the inputted correction information is input. The connection state is corrected based on the connection state, and a combined radiation image is generated based on the corrected connection state.

As a result, a connection radiographic image created by automatically recognizing the connection state of a plurality of partial radiographic images obtained by digital long radiography is obtained, and outputting and storing the digital long radiographed image. Related convenience is improved.

(10) The connection state of the plurality of partial radiation images at the time of image generation is recognized by comparing profile information of image signal values of the plurality of partial radiation images with each other. The radiation image processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein

According to the present invention, in the above (1) to (9), the connection state of a plurality of partial radiation images at the time of image generation is recognized by comparing the profile information of the image signal values of the partial radiation images with each other. With this configuration, it is easy to accurately and quickly recognize the connection state of a plurality of partial radiation images obtained by digital long-time imaging and automatically obtain a combined radiation image.

(11) The invention according to claim 11, wherein an attention area is set near an image edge of the plurality of partial radiation images, and an image signal value in the attention area is analyzed, so that an image at the time of image generation is generated. The radiation image processing method according to claim 1, wherein a connection state of the plurality of partial radiation images is recognized.

According to the present invention, in the above (1) to (9), a region of interest is set near the image periphery of a plurality of partial radiation images, and an image signal value in the region of interest is analyzed to generate an image. It recognizes the connection state of multiple partial radiation images at the time, so it is possible to accurately and quickly recognize the connection state of multiple partial radiation images by digital long-time imaging and automatically obtain a combined radiation image. It will be easier.

(12) The twelfth aspect of the present invention is to detect a subject portion or a direct radiation-irradiated portion included in the plurality of partial radiation images and analyze the shape of the subject portion or the direct radiation-irradiated portion. 10. The radiation image processing method according to claim 1, wherein a connection state of the plurality of partial radiation images at the time of image generation is recognized.

According to the present invention, in the above (1) to (9), the object portion or the direct radiation irradiated portion included in the partial radiation image is detected, and the shape of the subject portion or the direct radiation irradiated portion is analyzed to thereby obtain the image. Since the connection state of multiple partial radiation images at the time of generation is recognized, the connection state of multiple partial radiation images by digital long-distance imaging can be accurately recognized by focusing on the subject part or the direct irradiation part It is easier to automatically obtain a combined radiation image.

(13) The invention according to claim 13, wherein the identification marks inserted in the plurality of partial radiation images at the time of image generation are recognized, and the plurality of partial radiation images at the time of image generation are recognized based on the recognition result of the identification marks. The radiation image processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a connection state of the partial radiation image is recognized.

According to the present invention, in the above (1) to (9), the identification marks inserted into the plurality of partial radiation images at the time of image generation are recognized, and a plurality of identification marks at the time of image generation are recognized based on the recognition results of these identification marks. Since the connection state of the partial radiation images is recognized, it is easy to accurately and quickly recognize the connection state of a plurality of partial radiation images by digital long-time imaging and automatically obtain a combined radiation image. .

(14) The invention according to claim 14, wherein a plurality of partial radiation images generated by radiation transmitted through the same subject, and image information for inputting image attribute information corresponding to each of the plurality of partial radiation images By analyzing the image signal value of the input means and each partial radiation image,
A recognition unit for recognizing a connection state of the plurality of partial radiation images at the time of image generation, and an image attribute information changing unit for changing the image attribute information according to the recognized connection state of the partial radiation images. Is a radiation image processing apparatus.

According to the present invention, the connection state at the time of image generation is recognized by analyzing the image signal values of a plurality of partial radiation images, and the image attribute information is changed based on the recognition result. It is easy to automatically recognize the connection state of a plurality of partial radiation images and automatically obtain a combined radiation image.

Further, it is possible to obtain image attribute information of a combined radiographic image according to the image attribute information of the partial radiographic image and the connection state, thereby improving the convenience related to image output and image storage of the combined radiographic image. I do.

(15) The invention according to claim 15, wherein the connection state recognized by the recognition means is an arrangement of partial radiation images adjacent to each other.
It is a radiation image processing apparatus described in the above.

In the present invention, the arrangement of the adjacent partial radiation images is recognized as the connection state (14). (16) The invention according to claim 16, wherein the connection state recognized by the recognition means is an arrangement order or an arrangement direction of the plurality of partial radiation images.
It is a radiation image processing apparatus described in the above.

In the present invention, the arrangement order or the arrangement direction of the adjacent partial radiation images is recognized as the connection state of (14). (17) The invention according to claim 17, wherein a display means for displaying the connection state of the recognized partial radiation image, a correction information input means for inputting correction information of the connection state of the displayed partial radiation image, Correction means for correcting the connection state of the partial radiation image recognized based on the correction information, wherein the image attribute information changing means changes the image attribute information by the connection state of the corrected partial radiation image. 17. The radiation image processing method according to claim 14, wherein the method is changed.

According to the present invention, in the above (14) to (16), the recognition result of the connection state is displayed, the input of correction information from the user regarding the recognized connection state is received, and the input correction information is added to the input correction information. Modify the connection status based on
The image attribute information is changed according to the corrected connection state.

As a result, it becomes easy to more accurately recognize the connection state of a plurality of partial radiation images obtained by digital long radiography and automatically obtain a combined radiation image. (18) An image information input means for inputting a plurality of partial radiation images generated by radiation transmitted through the same subject, and image attribute information corresponding to each of the plurality of partial radiation images. By recognizing an image signal value of each partial radiation image, a recognition unit for recognizing a connection state of the plurality of partial radiation images at the time of image generation, and a connection state of the recognized partial radiation images, Combining means for combining partial radiation images to generate a combined radiation image representing the entire subject.

According to the present invention, the connection state at the time of image generation is recognized by analyzing the image signal values of a plurality of partial radiation images, and the partial radiation images are combined based on the recognition result to generate a combined radiation image. Therefore, it is possible to accurately recognize the connection status of multiple partial radiographic images obtained by digital long radiography and obtain an automatically created combined radiographic image, which is convenient for image output and storage of digital long radiographed images. improves.

(19) The invention according to claim 19, wherein the connection state recognized by the recognition means is an arrangement of partial radiation images adjacent to each other.
It is a radiation image processing apparatus described in the above.

In the present invention, the arrangement of the partial radiation images adjacent to each other is recognized as the connection state (18). (20) The invention according to claim 20, wherein the connection state recognized by the recognition means is an arrangement order or an arrangement direction of the plurality of partial radiation images.
It is a radiation image processing apparatus described in the above.

In the present invention, the arrangement order or the arrangement direction of the adjacent partial radiation images is recognized as the connection state of (18). (21) The invention according to claim 21, wherein a display means for displaying the connection state of the recognized partial radiation image, a correction information input means for inputting correction information of the connection state of the displayed partial radiation image, Correction means for correcting the connection state of the partial radiation images recognized based on the correction information, wherein the combining means recombines the partial radiation images based on the corrected connection state of the partial radiation images. The radiation image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein:

In the present invention, in the above (18) to (20), the recognition result of the connection state is displayed, input of correction information from the user regarding the recognized connection state is received, and the input correction information is Modify the connection status based on
A combined radiation image is generated based on the corrected connection state.

As a result, a connected radiographic image created automatically by more accurately recognizing the connection state of a plurality of partial radiographic images obtained by digital long radiography is obtained, and image output and image storage of the digital long radiographed image are obtained. Related convenience is improved.

(22) The invention according to claim 22, wherein display means for displaying the combined radiographic image, correction information input means for inputting correction information of the connection state of the recognized partial radiographic image, Correction means for correcting the connection state of the partial radiation image recognized based on the correction information,
Having the combination unit, re-combining the partial radiation image according to the connection state of the corrected partial radiation image,
The radiation image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein:

According to the present invention, in the above (18) to (20), a combined radiation image obtained by combining is displayed,
An input of correction information from the user is received for the combined radiation image, the connection state is corrected based on the input correction information, and a combined radiation image is generated based on the corrected connection state.

As a result, a connected radiographic image that is automatically created by more accurately recognizing the connection state of a plurality of partial radiographic images obtained by digital long radiography is obtained, and the digital long radiographed image is output and stored. Related convenience is improved.

(23) The invention according to claim 23, wherein the recognizing means compares the profile information of the image signal values of the plurality of partial radiation images with each other to thereby obtain the plurality of partial radiation images at the time of image generation. 23. The radiation image processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the radiation image processing apparatus recognizes a connection state of the radiation image processing apparatus.

In the present invention, in (14) to (22), the connection state of the plurality of partial radiation images at the time of image generation is recognized by comparing the profile information of the image signal values of the partial radiation images with each other. With this configuration, it is easy to accurately and quickly recognize the connection state of a plurality of partial radiation images obtained by digital long-time imaging and automatically obtain a combined radiation image.

(24) The invention according to claim 24, wherein the recognizing means sets an attention area near an image edge of the plurality of partial radiation images, and analyzes an image signal value in the attention area. 23. The radiation image processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein a connection state of the plurality of partial radiation images at the time of image generation is recognized.

According to the present invention, in the above (14) to (22), an attention area is set near the image periphery of a plurality of partial radiation images, and an image signal value in the attention area is analyzed to generate an image. It recognizes the connection state of multiple partial radiation images at the time, so it is possible to accurately and quickly recognize the connection state of multiple partial radiation images by digital long-time imaging and automatically obtain a combined radiation image. It will be easier.

(25) The invention according to claim 25, wherein the recognizing means detects a subject portion or a direct radiation irradiation portion included in the plurality of partial radiation images, and determines a shape of the subject portion or the direct radiation irradiation portion. The radiation image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein a connection state of the plurality of partial radiation images at the time of image generation is recognized by performing analysis.

According to the present invention, in the above (14) to (22), the object portion or the direct radiation irradiation portion included in the partial radiation image is detected, and the shape of the object portion or the direct radiation irradiation portion is analyzed to thereby obtain the image. Since the connection state of multiple partial radiation images at the time of generation is recognized, the connection state of multiple partial radiation images by digital long-distance imaging can be accurately recognized by focusing on the subject part or the direct irradiation part It is easier to automatically obtain a combined radiation image.

(26) The invention according to claim 26, wherein the recognizing means recognizes an identification mark inserted in the plurality of partial radiation images at the time of image generation, and generates an image based on the recognition result of the identification mark. 23. The radiation image processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein a connection state of the plurality of partial radiation images at a time is recognized.

According to the present invention, in the above (14) to (22), the identification marks inserted into the plurality of partial radiation images at the time of image generation are recognized, and based on the recognition result of these identification marks, the plurality of partial radiation images at the time of image generation are recognized. Since the connection state of the partial radiation images is recognized, it is easy to accurately and quickly recognize the connection state of a plurality of partial radiation images by digital long-time imaging and automatically obtain a combined radiation image. .

[0061]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, the configuration of the radiation image processing apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. Note that each unit of the radiation image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment can be configured by hardware, firmware, or software. For this reason, a functional block diagram according to the processing procedure of each means is shown.

[A] Image information input: As shown in FIG.
Radiation image information about a partial radiation image having a signal value proportional to the logarithm of the irradiated radiation amount and image attribute information corresponding to the radiation image information are input to the image information input unit 10.

For this reason, the image information input means 10 includes a digital image input system or laser digitizer using a stimulable phosphor to which a partial radiation image is input, and an information input device to which image attribute information is input. Be composed.

In this embodiment, a partial radiation image obtained by digital long-time radiography using a plurality of stimulable phosphor detectors (such as a stimulable phosphor plate) without using a long film is used. It is characterized by being input.
That is, a system using a stimulable phosphor plate can be used as a method for acquiring a partial radiation image. Further, a system for digitizing a partial radiograph taken by a screen / film system using a laser digitizer may be used.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show photographing methods.
As shown in (1), it is preferable to execute digital long-time imaging by partially overlapping a plurality of stimulable phosphor plates 201 to 203 inside the long cassette 200.

As a method alternative to FIG. 2, there are a method of partially overlapping cassettes storing the stimulable phosphor plate and a method of partially overlapping cassettes storing the screen / film. Conceivable.

In addition to partially overlapping the stimulable phosphor plate or cassette, for example, a method of performing long-time photographing in a state where a plurality of cassettes are arranged without overlapping can be used. With such an imaging method, even a cassette having a large thickness or a material having a large radiation absorption can be used for long-length imaging. Further, according to this imaging method, a radiation image detecting apparatus called a flat panel detector (FPD) described in JP-A-6-342098 or JP-A-9-90048 can be used for long-length imaging. it can. This FPD accumulates charges corresponding to the intensity of the irradiated radiation in the photoconductive layer,
A radiation image detection device that captures the stored charges as an electric signal using a thin film transistor or the like,
In addition, a detection method in which fluorescence is detected by a photodiode or a CCD or C-MOS sensor is also included.

The image attribute information of the partial radiation image in this embodiment includes: information on the patient: patient name, patient ID, age, gender, etc. information on imaging: examination date, examination ID, examination type Information on image data: number of pixels, sampling pitch, number of bits, etc. Information on partial radiographic images obtained by long radiography is long radiography Or, for example, information on the number of sets for long shooting, etc., corresponds to the image attribute information.

[B] Attention area setting: Attention area setting means 2
In the case of 0, the partial radiation image transmitted from the image information input means 10 is analyzed.

Although not shown, in order to reduce the time required for processing, the reduced image generating means creates a thinned radiation image in which the number of pixels is reduced by sampling from the original partial radiation image. Attention area setting may be performed.

(B-1) Setting of attention area: First, a plurality of attention areas are set near the image edges of the plurality of partial radiation images.

(B-1-) When long radiography is performed in the vertical direction, a horizontal attention area is provided above and below each partial radiation image. FIGS. 4 and 5 show a state in which horizontal line-shaped regions of interest are provided above and below the partial radiation image, respectively (FIG. 4 (a) y1, y2, FIG. 5 (a) y).
3, y4).

(B-1-) When long radiography is performed in the vertical direction, a horizontal region of interest having a certain width is provided above and below each partial radiation image. 6 and 7 show a state in which a band-shaped attention area having a constant width in the horizontal direction is provided above and below the partial radiation image, respectively (FIG. 6).
(A) L1, L2, FIG. 7 (a) L3, L4).

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, it is preferable to arrange a plurality of stimulable phosphor plates or cassettes so as to partially overlap each other in the case of long-time photographing. in this case,
The signal value decreases on the side where the plurality of stimulable phosphor plates overlap with each other and away from the radiation source. Such an area is called an “overlap area”. Then, it is not desirable to determine a region of interest in the overlapping region where the signal value has decreased in terms of accurate processing.

Therefore, a signal value is obtained for a vertical line (FIG. 8A) orthogonal to the region of interest (FIG. 8A).
(B)). Then, the position where the signal value sharply decreases is detected as the end of the overlapping area (FIG. 8B). Then, it is desirable that the above-mentioned attention area does not enter the overlap area. In FIG. 9, the signal value was similarly obtained in the vertical line (FIG. 9A).
(B)) shows that the overlapping area is not detected.

(B-1-) It is also possible to detect a subject portion or a directly irradiated portion included in each partial radiation image and use the shape as a region of interest. The subject portion in the case of the partial radiation image of FIG. 10A is detected as FIG. 10B. Similarly, the subject portion in the case of the partial radiation image of FIG. 11A is detected as FIG. 11B.

The following method can be used as means for recognizing the shape of the object portion or the direct radiation portion. The direct radiation portion has the largest signal value in the image, and the subject portion has a smaller signal value. By utilizing this property and binarizing the image using an appropriate threshold value, it is possible to directly separate the radiation portion and the subject portion. Further, the signal value changes abruptly at the edge of the direct radiation portion or the subject portion. By utilizing this property, it is also possible to directly determine the edges of the edges of the radiation portion and the subject portion based on the first derivative or second derivative of the image signal. Further, by directly dividing the image into a plurality of small regions, selecting a small region having a relatively large signal distribution, and connecting the selected small regions, directly determining an edge of a peripheral portion of the radiation portion and the subject portion. Is also possible.

(B-1-) As shown in FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (b) and FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b), a region near the identification mark inserted into a plurality of partial radiation images at the time of image generation. Is set as the attention area. In this case, recognition can be easily performed by image processing by previously obtaining the shape and pixel value of the identification mark as information. Further, if the insertion position of the identification mark is specified in advance, the attention area can be a fixed predetermined area.

[C] Connection state recognition: connection state recognition means 3
In the case of 0, the connection state is recognized by analyzing the signal value of the attention area in the partial radiation image set by the attention area setting means 20.

(C-1) Analysis of Signal Value in Region of Interest (Connection State Recognition): First, profile information and frequency information of the signal value of the region of interest defined near each image edge of a plurality of partial radiation images Is analyzed, and a pattern whose pattern matches each other is recognized as a connection point of the partial radiation image at the time of image generation.

(C-1-) A case where a horizontal line-shaped region of interest is provided above and below each partial radiation image (FIG. 4A)
The profile information of the signal values of y1, y2, and y (y3, y4) in FIG. 5 (a) is prf1 (x) (FIG. 4 (b)),
prf2 (x) (FIG. 4C), prf3 (x) (FIG.
(B)) and prf4 (x) (FIG. 5 (c)). In this case, the connection state recognizing means 30 compares the respective pieces of profile information and finds the most matching combination. In the case of FIGS. 4 and 5, prf2 of FIG.
When (x) matches prf3 (x) in FIG. 5B, the connection state recognizing unit 30 recognizes it and recognizes it as a connection point of a partial radiation image at the time of image generation.

The following method can be used as an index for evaluating the degree of coincidence between two pieces of profile information. For example, by calculating the absolute value of the difference between the two profile values for all the x-coordinates and calculating the sum, it is possible to determine that the smaller the sum is, the higher the matching degree is. In the above, the square value of the difference value may be used instead of the absolute value of the difference value. Also, a cross-correlation value may be used instead of the sum of the absolute values of the difference values.

In addition to the method using profile information in the line direction as described above, a method using profile information in the column direction can also be used. 8 and 9, profile information prf′1 in the column direction is used.
(Y) and prf′2 (y) are obtained, and the connection state recognizing means 30 compares the respective profile information to determine the combination that best connects. In the case of FIGS. 8 and 9, since the profile value p2 at the end of the region excluding the overlapping region in FIG. 8B is close to the profile value p3 at the upper end of the image in FIG. 9B, When p2 and p3 are connected, the connection state recognizing unit 30 recognizes the connection, and recognizes that it is a connection point of the partial radiation image at the time of image generation.

In the above description, an example is shown in which profile information is calculated for one line or one column, but an average profile may be calculated for a plurality of lines or columns. Further, in order to simplify the shape of the obtained profile, the value of the x coordinate or the y coordinate may be thinned out and reduced, or a smoothing process may be performed.

(C-1-) In a case where a horizontal band-shaped region of interest having a fixed width is provided above and below each partial radiation image (L1 and L2 in FIG. 6A, L3 and L4 in FIG. 7A). The frequency information of the signal value is represented by hst1 (FIG. 6B) and hst, respectively.
2 (FIG. 6C), hst3 (FIG. 7B), hst4
(FIG. 7C). In this case, the connection state recognizing unit 30 compares the pieces of frequency information and obtains the combination with the best frequency pattern. In the case of FIGS. 6 and 7, hst2 (FIG. 6 (c)) and hst3 (FIG. 5)
If (b)) matches, the connection state recognizing means 30 recognizes it and recognizes it as a connection point of the partial radiation image at the time of image generation.

The following method can be used as an index for evaluating the degree to which two frequency patterns match. For example, by calculating the absolute value of the difference between the two frequency values for all the signal values and calculating the sum thereof,
It can be determined that the smaller the sum is, the higher the matching degree is. In the above, the square value of the difference value may be used instead of the absolute value of the difference value. Also, a cross-correlation value may be used instead of the sum of the absolute values of the difference values.

Instead of obtaining a frequency pattern, a statistic such as an average value, a median value, a variance value, or a standard deviation value of signal values is calculated for each region of interest, and one or more statistic values are set to the closest value. It is also possible to use a method of finding a combination of

(C-1-) A subject portion or a directly irradiated portion included in each partial radiation image is detected, and its shape is set as a region of interest (FIG. 10B, FIG. 11).
FIGS. 10 (b) and 11 (b) show the shapes of (b)), respectively.
Shown in

In this case, the connection state recognizing means 30 compares the edges of the shapes to determine the combination in which the shape, inclination, and position of the outline of the shape are the best. This FIG.
11 and FIG. 11, the lower part of FIG.
When the upper part of (b) coincides, the connection state recognizing means 30 recognizes it and recognizes it as a connection part of the partial radiation image at the time of image generation.

The following method can be used as an index for evaluating the degree to which the contours of the above shapes match.
In the case of FIGS. 10 and 11, the x-coordinate x1 of the point P11 where the contour of the subject portion intersects the image end in FIG.
Point P31 where the contour of the subject portion intersects the image edge at 1
Is close to the value of the x coordinate x3 and the x coordinate x of the point P21
Since the value of x coordinate x4 of point P41 is close to that of point P41, connection state recognizing means 30 recognizes that P11 and P31, and P21 and P41 are connected, respectively, and recognizes that it is a connection point of the partial radiation image at the time of image generation. I do.

As another method, a line segment L1 corresponding to the contour of the subject portion near the image end in FIG. 10 and a line segment L1 corresponding to the contour of the subject portion near the image end in FIG.
3 has a small distance in the x direction and a small angle between the line segments, and also has a short distance in the x direction and a small angle between the line segments L2 and L4, so that P11 and P3
1, when the connection between P21 and P41 is made, the connection state recognizing means 30 recognizes the connection and recognizes it as a connection point of the partial radiation image at the time of image generation. Although the object portion is shown here, a similar result can be obtained by comparing the shape of the directly irradiated portion.

(C-1-) In addition, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 13B and FIGS. 13A and 13B, the connection state recognizing unit 30 that has recognized a region near the identification mark inserted at the time of image generation in a plurality of partial radiation images as a region of interest, The connection state of the partial radiation image is recognized based on the position, shape, and pixel value of the mark.

In the case of FIGS. 12 and 13, FIG.
The lower part of (a) coincides with the upper part of FIG.
When the lower part of (a) and the upper part of FIG. 13 (b) match, the connection state recognizing means 30 recognizes it and recognizes it as a connection part of the partial radiation image at the time of image generation.

In the case of FIG. 13, the identification marks are arranged on the upper side of the image when the image is generated, and the n identification marks are arranged on the nth image from the top when the image is generated. Are determined in advance, and by recognizing the identification marks M′1 and M′2, the lower part of FIG.
When the upper part of 3 (b) matches, the connection state recognizing means 30 recognizes it and recognizes it as a connection part of the partial radiation image at the time of image generation.

As a method of recognizing the identification mark, a known method of pattern matching or a method of character recognition can be used. As described above, the recognition method of the connection state including the arrangement order and the arrangement direction of the plurality of partial radiation images has been described. However, in some embodiments, either the arrangement order or the arrangement direction is known, and the image attribute information of the partial radiation image is Can also be assumed. In that case, known information on the arrangement order or the arrangement direction is used as it is, and only unknown parts are recognized by the above-described recognition method. The connection state recognizing means 30 may execute a plurality of methods among the connection state recognizing methods described above, and make a final decision by integrating the results.

(C-2) Display / correction of connection status:
Connection state display means 40 for displaying the connection state recognized by the connection state recognition means 30, and correction information input means 5 for allowing the operator to correct the connection state and input correction information
0, and the connection state correcting means 60 preferably corrects the connection state based on the correction information. In this case, the connection state includes a state of how a partial radiation image is adjacent to another partial radiation image, a state of an arrangement order of a plurality of partial radiation images, a state of an arrangement direction of the partial radiation images, and the like. . That is, the state of these connection states is displayed,
Accept modifications.

That is, by combining the connection state display means 40 and the correction information input means 50 as described above, it is possible to interactively correct the image connection state. Specifically, display means such as a CRT monitor or a liquid crystal monitor, a touch screen, a track pad,
Correction information input means using a pointing device such as a mouse is provided.

Instead of the connection state, the schematic shape of the combined radiation image indicating how the partial radiation images are connected according to the connection state is displayed on the connection state display means 40, and correction of the connection state is accepted. It is also possible to

[D] Image Combining The image combining means 70 executes a process of combining a plurality of partial radiation images based on the connection state determined as described above. When the connection state is corrected, the image combining unit 70 combines a plurality of partial radiation images based on the connection state corrected by the connection state correcting unit 60 to generate a combined radiation image.

An image display means 80 for displaying the combined radiation image generated by the image combining means 70 is provided, and the connection state determined by the connection state recognition means 30 is determined based on the correction information from the correction information input means 50. Then, the connection state may be corrected by the connection state correcting unit 60, and the partial radiation images may be recombined by the image combining unit 70 based on the corrected connection state.

That is, the image display means 80 as described above
And the correction information input means 50 by combining
It is possible for the operator to interactively correct the image connection state while observing the combined radiation image or the combined coordinates. Specifically, it has an image display means such as a CRT monitor or a liquid crystal monitor, and correction information input means using a pointing device such as a touch screen, a track pad, and a mouse. And displaying the combined radiation image based on the corrected image processing condition on the image display means.

[E] Image Processing of Combined Image: Here, the image processing condition determining means 90 determines image processing conditions for performing gradation processing or frequency processing in the image processing means 110 for the combined radiation image. In addition, in the frequency processing,
It includes frequency emphasis processing and dynamic range compression processing.

In the gradation processing, a gradation conversion curve indicating the correspondence between the original image data (input) and the gradation processed image data (output) is determined based on the analysis result of the image data. Perform gradation processing using the curve. As a method of creating a gradation conversion curve, for example, based on a histogram analysis of image data, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 55-116340,
JP-A-2-272529, JP-A-63-3164
1 and JP-A-63-262141 may be used. Further, JP-A-3-218578
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. H10-260, a method of setting an image region corresponding to a desired portion of a subject and determining the image region based on image data in the region may be used. As a shape of the gradation conversion curve, for example, a shape shown in Japanese Patent Publication No. Sho 63-20535 is used. The gradation conversion curve may be created each time for each image. However, as shown in JP-A-59-83149, a reference curve selected from several kinds of reference curves created in advance is modified. Thus, a desired gradation conversion curve may be obtained.

If the irradiation field recognition processing for detecting the irradiation field area of the radiation is performed prior to the gradation processing, various image processing conditions are set using the image data in the recognized irradiation field area. This is preferable because the image processing of the image portion required for the image processing can be appropriately performed. As a method of this irradiation field recognition processing, for example, JP-A-63-25
9538, JP-A-5-7579, JP-A-7
Means shown in JP-A-181609 can be used.

The frequency emphasis processing is described in JP-B-62-2237.
No. 3, JP-B-62-62376. For dynamic range compression processing,
It is described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 266318.

In the above-described processing, the parameters given in advance may be determined based on imaging information such as an imaging part, a designated body position, imaging conditions, and an imaging method. When these pieces of information are input as image attribute information attached to the partial radiation image in the image information input unit 10, it is possible to use the image attribute information of one image selected from the partial radiation images. it can.

In the above, the method of determining the image processing condition of the combined radiation image based on the analysis result of the image data of the combined radiation image has been described. It is good also as a structure inherited as conditions for a combined radiographic image. In this case, the image processing conditions for each partial radiation image are read from the image attribute information attached to the partial radiation image, and one of the image processing conditions is used as the image processing condition for the combined radiation image. By determining the image processing conditions for performing the gradation processing or the frequency processing on the combined radiation image as described above, it is possible to render the entire subject in an easy-to-view expression suitable for diagnosis. Also, unlike the case where each radiographic image is image-processed and then combined, one image processing condition is applied to the entire combined radiographic image, so that a density or luminance step at the combined position and discontinuity in frequency characteristics are reduced. A smooth joint can be obtained without any occurrence.

[F] Generation of Image Attribute Information of Combined Radiation Image: In this embodiment, since a plurality of partial radiation images are combined to generate a combined radiation image, an image corresponding to the combined radiation image is generated. The attribute information is generated by the image attribute information generating means 100 based on the image attribute information of the partial radiation image.

Here, as the image attribute information of the combined radiographic image, information on the patient: patient name, patient ID, age, gender, etc. Information on imaging: examination date, examination ID, examination type, photographing date, photographing Information related to image data, such as parts and imaging conditions: number of pixels, sampling pitch, number of bits, etc. Information related to image processing: connection status, gradation processing conditions, frequency processing conditions, etc. Information such as a radiation image, the number of partial radiation images used for combination, information for specifying the partial radiation image used for combination, and the like are included.

Here, and are inherited from the image attribute information of the input partial radiation image. Regarding the number of pixels, the number of pixels of the combined radiographic image is calculated based on the connection state, and the calculation result is written. The sampling pitch and the number of bits are inherited from the image attribute information of the input partial radiation image. With respect to (1) and (2), data of each process of the embodiment is used.

[G] Output of combined radiographic image and image attribute information: Image information output means 120 generates a combined radiographic image generated by combining partial radiographic images, and an image generated so as to correspond to the combined radiographic image. The attribute information is output together with the external device. As an output destination, a hard copy device such as a laser film printer, an image reading device, an image filing device, or the like can be used.

After the image processing condition determining means 90 determines image processing conditions for performing gradation processing or frequency processing on the combined radiographic image, the image information output means 120 performs image processing together with the combined radiographic image and image attribute information. Outputs conditions.

Note that a configuration is also conceivable in which the radiation image processing apparatus of the present invention does not generate a combined radiation image, outputs a partial radiation image to an external device, and the external device combines the images. In this case, by writing the determined connection information of the partial radiation image to the image attribute information, the image attribute information of the partial radiation image is changed and output together with the partial radiation image. The information to be written here is information related to the arrangement order of how many pieces of the long shooting
Alternatively, the information is information on how to rotate the image in order to correct the image in the same image direction as when the image was generated.

[H] Other Embodiments: The input of the partial radiation image and the image attribute information and the output of the combined radiation image, the image attribute information and the image processing conditions in the above description are performed between various input / output devices. May be used for direct input / output, or data may be exchanged with devices on a network.

[0115]

As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) In the image processing method according to the first aspect, the connection state at the time of image generation is recognized by analyzing image signal values of a plurality of partial radiation images, and image attribute information is determined based on the recognition result. Because of the change, it becomes easy to accurately recognize the connection state of a plurality of partial radiation images obtained by digital long radiography and automatically obtain a combined radiation image.
In addition, it becomes possible to obtain image attribute information of a combined radiation image according to the image attribute information of the partial radiation image and the connection state, thereby improving the convenience related to image output and image storage of the combined radiation image.

(2) In the image processing method according to the fifth aspect, the connection state at the time of image generation is recognized by analyzing the image signal values of a plurality of partial radiation images, and the partial radiation image is recognized based on the recognition result. Since the combined radiation image is generated by combining, the connection state of a plurality of partial radiation images obtained by digital long radiography is accurately recognized, and a combined radiographic image created automatically is obtained. The convenience related to image output and image storage is improved.

(3) In the image processing apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect, the connection state at the time of image generation is recognized by analyzing image signal values of a plurality of partial radiation images, and image attribute information is determined based on the recognition result. Because of the change, it becomes easy to accurately recognize the connection state of a plurality of partial radiation images obtained by digital long radiography and automatically obtain a combined radiation image. In addition, it becomes possible to obtain image attribute information of a combined radiation image according to the image attribute information of the partial radiation image and the connection state, thereby improving the convenience related to image output and image storage of the combined radiation image.

(4) In the image processing apparatus according to the eighteenth aspect, the connection state at the time of image generation is recognized by analyzing the image signal values of the plurality of partial radiation images, and the partial radiation image is converted based on the recognition result. Since the combined radiation image is generated by combining, the connection state of a plurality of partial radiation images obtained by digital long radiography is accurately recognized, and a combined radiographic image created automatically is obtained. The convenience related to image output and image storage is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a radiation image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing how to obtain a plurality of partial radiation images used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing how to obtain a plurality of partial radiation images used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a state of setting a plurality of partial radiation images and an attention area used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a state of setting a plurality of partial radiation images and a region of interest used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a state of setting a plurality of partial radiation images and a region of interest used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a state of setting a plurality of partial radiation images and an attention area used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a state of setting a plurality of partial radiation images and a region of interest used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a state of setting a plurality of partial radiation images and an attention area used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a state of setting a plurality of partial radiation images and an attention area used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a state of setting a plurality of partial radiation images and an attention area used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a state of a plurality of partial radiation images and identification marks used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a state of a plurality of partial radiation images and identification marks used in the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image information input means 20 Attention area setting means 30 Connection state recognition output 40 Connection state display means 50 Correction information input means 60 Connection state correction means 70 Image combination means 80 Image display means 90 Image processing condition determination means 100 Image attribute information generation means 110 image processing means 120 image information output means

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 1/04 A61B 6/00 303J // G21K 4/00 H04N 1/04 E

Claims (26)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of partial radiation images generated by radiation transmitted through the same subject and image attribute information corresponding to each of the plurality of partial radiation images are input, and an image signal value of each of the partial radiation images is input. Analyzing the connection state of the plurality of partial radiation images at the time of image generation, and changing the image attribute information according to the connection state of the recognized partial radiation images. . 2. The connection state according to claim 1, wherein the partial radiation images are adjacent to each other.
The radiographic image processing method described in the above. 3. The radiation image processing method according to claim 1, wherein the connection state is an arrangement order or an arrangement direction of the plurality of partial radiation images. 4. A connection state of the recognized partial radiation image is displayed, correction information of a connection state of the displayed partial radiation image is input, and a connection of the partial radiation image recognized based on the correction information is provided. 4. The radiation image processing method according to claim 1, wherein a state is corrected, and the image attribute information is changed according to a connection state of the corrected partial radiation image. 5. A plurality of partial radiation images generated by radiation transmitted through the same subject and image attribute information corresponding to each of the plurality of partial radiation images, and an image signal value of each partial radiation image is input. By analyzing, the connection state of the plurality of partial radiation images at the time of image generation is recognized, and the connection radiation of the plurality of partial radiation images is combined to represent the entire subject based on the connection state of the recognized partial radiation images. A radiation image processing method for generating an image. 6. The connection state is an arrangement of partial radiation images adjacent to each other.
The radiographic image processing method described in the above. 7. The radiation image processing method according to claim 5, wherein the connection state is an arrangement order or an arrangement direction of the plurality of partial radiation images. 8. A connection state of the recognized partial radiation image is displayed, correction information of the connection state of the displayed partial radiation image is input, and a connection of the partial radiation image recognized based on the correction information is displayed. 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein a state is corrected, and the partial radiation images are recombined according to the connection state of the corrected partial radiation images.
The radiation image processing method according to claim 7. 9. Displaying the combined combined radiation image, inputting correction information of the connection state of the recognized partial radiation image, and correcting the connection state of the recognized partial radiation image based on the correction information. And recombining the partial radiation images according to the connection state of the corrected partial radiation images.
A radiation image processing method according to claim 7. 10. The connection state of the plurality of partial radiation images at the time of image generation is recognized by comparing profile information of image signal values of the plurality of partial radiation images with each other. The radiation image processing method according to claim 1. 11. A connection state of the plurality of partial radiation images at the time of image generation by setting a region of interest near an image edge of the plurality of partial radiation images and analyzing an image signal value in the region of interest. The radiation image processing method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises: 12. A method for detecting a subject portion or a direct radiation irradiation portion included in the plurality of partial radiation images, and analyzing a shape of the subject portion or the direct radiation irradiation portion to thereby obtain the plurality of partial radiation images during image generation. The radiation image processing method according to claim 1, wherein a connection state of the image is recognized. 13. Recognizing an identification mark inserted into the plurality of partial radiation images at the time of image generation, and recognizing a connection state of the plurality of partial radiation images at the time of image generation based on a recognition result of the identification mark. ,
The radiation image processing method according to claim 1, wherein: 14. An image information input means for inputting a plurality of partial radiation images generated by radiation transmitted through the same subject, and image attribute information corresponding to each of the plurality of partial radiation images, and each of the partial radiation images Recognizing means for recognizing a connection state of the plurality of partial radiation images at the time of image generation by analyzing the image signal value of the image data. A radiation image processing apparatus comprising: an information changing unit. 15. The connection state recognized by the recognition unit is:
15. The radiation image processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein partial radiation images adjacent to each other are arranged. 16. The connection state recognized by the recognition means is:
15. The radiation image processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein an arrangement order or an arrangement direction of the plurality of partial radiation images is used. 17. A display unit for displaying a connection state of the recognized partial radiation image, a correction information input unit for inputting correction information of a connection state of the displayed partial radiation image, and a correction information input unit based on the correction information. Correction means for correcting the connection state of the recognized partial radiation image, wherein the image attribute information changing means changes the image attribute information according to the corrected connection state of the partial radiation image,
17. The radiation image processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein: 18. An image information input means for inputting a plurality of partial radiation images generated by radiation transmitted through the same subject and image attribute information corresponding to each of the plurality of partial radiation images, and each of the partial radiation images By recognizing the image signal values of the above, a recognition unit that recognizes a connection state of the plurality of partial radiation images at the time of image generation; A combination means for generating a combined radiation image representing the entire subject by using the radiation image processing apparatus. 19. The connection state recognized by the recognition unit is:
19. The radiation image processing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the partial radiation images adjacent to each other are arranged. 20. The connection state recognized by the recognition means,
19. The radiation image processing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein an arrangement order or an arrangement direction of the plurality of partial radiation images is used. 21. A display unit for displaying a connection state of the recognized partial radiation image, a correction information input unit for inputting correction information of a connection state of the displayed partial radiation image, and a correction information input unit based on the correction information. Correction means for correcting the connection state of the recognized partial radiation images, wherein the combining means recombines the partial radiation images according to the corrected connection state of the partial radiation images. The radiation image processing apparatus according to claim 18. 22. Display means for displaying the combined radiographic image combined, correction information input means for inputting correction information of the connection state of the recognized partial radiation image, and recognition based on the correction information. 19. Modification means for modifying the connection state of the partial radiation images, wherein the combining means recombines the partial radiation images based on the modified connection state of the partial radiation images. The radiation image processing apparatus according to claim 20. 23. The recognizing means recognizes a connection state of the plurality of partial radiation images at the time of image generation by comparing profile information of image signal values of the plurality of partial radiation images with each other. The radiation image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein: 24. The recognizing means sets a region of interest near an image edge of the plurality of partial radiation images, and analyzes an image signal value in the region of interest, thereby obtaining the plurality of partial radiation images at the time of image generation. The radiation image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein a connection state of the radiation image is recognized. 25. The recognizing unit detects a subject portion or a direct radiation irradiated portion included in the plurality of partial radiation images, and analyzes a shape of the subject portion or the direct radiation irradiated portion, so that the image forming device can generate an image at the time of image generation. 23. The radiation image processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the connection state of the plurality of partial radiation images is recognized. 26. The recognition means for recognizing an identification mark inserted at the time of image generation in the plurality of partial radiation images,
Based on the recognition result of the identification mark, recognize the connection state of the plurality of partial radiation images at the time of image generation,
The radiation image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein: