JP2005296064A - Control unit and display controlling program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a control unit and a display controlling program of a radiation image-based diagnosis system which can execute a diagnosis using a radiation image without the complicate transition of a screen. <P>SOLUTION: The display controlling means which displays at least a photographing region selecting field 22 for selecting the photographing region, an image display field 23 to display a radiation image acquired by photographing, and an image processing condition adjusting field 24 to adjust when necessary the image processing condition for the radiation image on the one screen (the image confirming/outputting screen 21) is disposed in a controller 3 which controls a reader to read the radiation image recorded in a cassette. Additionally, a human body model 22a which is selectively divided for each of prescribed regions is displayed in the photographing region selecting field 22, and a button 23a to switch a display format of the image and buttons 24a and 24b to register/initialize the image processing condition are disposed so that the transition of the image is reduced to improve maneuverability. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a control device and a display control program for controlling a display screen in a radiographic image diagnosis system that performs diagnosis using a radiographic image obtained by imaging a patient.

  Radiation images acquired using radiation such as X-rays are widely used as medical images for diagnosing diseases. For example, a phosphor layer (phosphor screen) is irradiated with X-rays transmitted through a subject, and the phosphor layer In the past, so-called radiographs have been used, in which visible light generated in step 1 is irradiated onto a film using a silver salt in the same manner as in ordinary photographs.

  However, in recent years, a radiation image generation method has been used in which a radiation image is directly extracted as a digital signal from a radiation detector such as a stimulable phosphor or an FPD (Flat Panel Detector) without using a film coated with silver salt. It is becoming. Further, various types of image processing have been performed for the purpose of making the radiation image obtained by the radiation image generation method more suitable for diagnosis.

  Specifically, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,859,527 and JP-A-55-12144 disclose a radiation image conversion method using a photostimulable phosphor and using visible light or infrared light as stimulated excitation light. Has been. This method uses a radiation image conversion plate in which a photostimulable phosphor layer is formed on a support, and the radiation transmitted through the subject is applied to the photostimulable phosphor layer to transmit the radiation through each part of the subject. After forming a latent image by accumulating radiation energy corresponding to the amount, the stored radiation energy is used as stimulating light by scanning the stimulable phosphor layer with stimulating excitation light such as laser light of a predetermined wavelength. The light is emitted, and the stimulated light is photoelectrically converted using a photoelectric conversion element such as a photomultiplier to be taken out as an electric signal.

  Radiation imaging diagnostic systems using stimulable phosphors are commonly referred to as computed radiography (CR), and can be broadly divided into standing / recumbent position types that contain stimulable phosphors in readers. System, and a cassette type system that combines a portable cassette containing a stimulable phosphor and a reader (reader) that reads out the phosphor from the cassette and reads it. About a system, it describes in Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2002-159476, Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2002-158820, etc., for example.

  This cassette type radiation image diagnostic system will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, a conventional cassette-type radiographic image diagnosis system 1 includes a plurality of imaging rooms each provided with a radiographic apparatus 4 for imaging a subject M, and a stimulable phosphor that accumulates radiation energy. A work space in which an image reading device (reader 2) for reading a radiographic image from a portable cassette 17 having a built-in radiographic image conversion plate including a sheet 18 is intensively installed. And a control device (controller 3) for displaying radiation images, inputting patient information and imaging region information, and the like, and the reader 2, the controller 3, the job manager 19, the study manager 20, and the like are connected via the switching HUB 5. LAN connection.

  When the subject M is positioned between the radiation source 16 and the cassette 17 and irradiated with radiation from the radiation source 16 in the imaging room, the photostimulable phosphor sheet 18 in the cassette 17 has one of the irradiated radiation energy. Accumulate parts. After photographing, when the cassette 17 is brought into the work space and set in the reader 2, the reader 2 irradiates the photostimulable phosphor sheet 18 in the cassette 17 with excitation light, and the radiation image accumulated by the irradiated excitation light. The stimulated light emitted according to the information is photoelectrically converted, and after A / D conversion, output as digital image data.

  Further, the controller 3 controls the reading of the reader 2 and has a display means for inputting information such as patient information and an imaging region and confirming the read image. In this display means, for example, , A reception list screen displaying a list of registered patient information, a registration / search screen for registering a new patient or inputting predetermined search conditions to search for patient information, imaging part information for the selected patient, etc. An imaging part selection screen for setting the image, an image display screen for displaying a captured image or an image obtained by performing image processing on the captured image, and the like are sequentially displayed, thereby realizing a workflow from reading to image confirmation. In addition, when a desired image suitable for diagnosis cannot be obtained, the screen can be changed to an image processing adjustment screen for changing the image processing condition used for image processing, and the image processing condition can be adjusted until a desired image is obtained. It is configured as follows.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-159476 (page 5-16, FIG. 3) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-158820 (page 3-5, FIG. 5)

  Here, in the case of a large hospital equipped with a large number of imaging devices 4, readers 2, and controllers 3, a number of radiographers operate the imaging devices 4 and a large number of doctors capture radiographic images obtained by imaging with the imaging devices 4. Since the imaging device 4 captures various parts of a large number of patients, the display means of the controller 3 has a reception list screen and a registration / registration screen so that the diagnosis is not mistaken. A search screen, an imaging region selection screen, an image display screen, an image processing adjustment screen, and the like are sequentially displayed according to the workflow.

  On the other hand, according to the investigation by the inventors of the present application, in the case of a medical practitioner, there are usually one or two persons who operate the imaging apparatus 4, and the imaging operator has a plurality of parts and directions as in a large hospital. It is rare to take an image, and in most cases, only a fixed pattern is taken, and there are usually one or two doctors who diagnose using a radiographic image. Furthermore, the photographing device 4 and the reader 2, The number of installed controllers 3 is also small. Accordingly, it is difficult for the medical practitioner to confuse the image, and as described above, the configuration in which other types of screens are shifted and displayed may be inconvenient.

  Specifically, in the conventional controller 3, an imaging region selection screen for selecting an imaging region and an image display screen for displaying a radiographic image read from the cassette are configured as separate screens. If you want to add a new image while confirming the scanned image or adjusting the image on the image processing adjustment screen, you will have to transition to the imaged region selection screen once. Even when the imaging part information for the image is changed and the image processing is performed again based on the changed imaging part information, the image display screen and the imaging part selection screen must be repeatedly displayed. there were.

  Moreover, in a system for large hospitals, a variety of parts are displayed in a complicated configuration on the imaging part selection screen so that various doctors and radiographers can use them. It is not possible to easily select a desired part, and when only one image can be displayed on the image processing adjustment screen, there is a problem that the image processing conditions cannot be adjusted while comparing a plurality of images. It was.

  Furthermore, in the conventional controller 3, since the screen for changing the image processing parameter is also a separate screen, when the controller 3 is used by a plurality of people, the operator performs image processing to obtain his / her favorite image. When adjusting the parameters, there is also a problem that annoying screen transition is forced.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and a main object of the present invention is to provide a control apparatus and a display control for a radiographic image diagnostic system capable of performing a diagnosis using a radiographic image without complicated screen transitions. To provide a program.

  In order to achieve the above object, the control device of the present invention is a control device that is used together with a medical image generation device that images a subject and generates a medical image, and at least a region to be imaged is displayed in a selectable manner. Display control means for displaying an imaging region selection column and an image display column in which the medical image obtained by imaging is displayed on one screen is provided.

  The display control program of the present invention is a display control program that operates on a control device used together with a medical image generation device that generates a medical image by photographing a subject, and at least a region to be imaged is selected. An imaging region selection field that can be displayed and an image display field that displays the medical image obtained by imaging function as display control means for displaying on one screen.

  In the present invention, the display control unit is configured to display an image processing condition adjustment field in which an image processing condition to be performed on the medical image obtained by imaging is displayed in an adjustable manner. be able to.

  In the present invention, the display control means may also be configured to display an output field for outputting the medical image on one screen.

  In the present invention, the display control means stores a registration button for registering the parameter adjusted in the image processing condition adjustment field for the next processing, and the registered parameter stored in the storage means in advance. An initialization button for returning to a predetermined parameter may be displayed.

  Further, in the present invention, the display control means includes a first selection field in which a schematic diagram of a human body divided so as to be selectable for each predetermined region is displayed as the imaging region selection field, It can also be set as the structure which displays the 2nd selection column in which each site | part included in an area | region is displayed so that selection is possible.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the medical image generation device includes a recording medium that captures a subject and records a radiation image, and a reading device that reads the medical image from the recording medium.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the display unit of the control device includes an imaging region selection field for selecting an imaging region, an image display field for displaying a radiographic image obtained by imaging, and, if necessary. Since the image processing condition adjustment field for adjusting the image processing conditions for the radiation image and the output field for outputting the radiation image are displayed on one screen, the number of input operations for screen transition can be reduced quickly. Diagnosis can be made. In particular, when shooting is added during image display or image adjustment, or when the shooting site information for the read image is changed, it is not necessary to change the screen, so that operability can be greatly improved. In addition, the imaging region selection column displays a first selection column in which a schematic diagram of the human body divided so as to be selectable for each predetermined region and a region included in each region are selectable. Since the second selection field is provided, the selection operation of the imaging region can be performed easily and reliably. In addition, since it is possible to perform image processing on a predetermined image in a state where a plurality of images are displayed in the image display field, it is possible to adjust image processing conditions while comparing a plurality of images, By providing a button for registering the image processing parameter in the screen, the image processing parameter can be easily set without complicated transition of the screen.

  According to the control device and the display control program of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

  The first effect of the present invention is that operability can be remarkably improved by reducing input operations for screen transition.

  The reason is that, by the display control unit or the display control program of the control device, on the display means, an imaging region selection column for selecting an imaging region, an image display column for displaying a radiographic image obtained by imaging, This is because the image processing condition adjustment field for adjusting the image processing condition for the radiation image and the output field for outputting the radiation image are controlled to be displayed on one screen as necessary.

  The second effect of the present invention is that selection of an imaging region can be performed easily and reliably.

  The reason is that in the imaging part selection field, a first selection field in which a schematic diagram of a human body divided so as to be selectable for each predetermined area is displayed, and a part included in each area can be selected. This is because a second selection field is provided.

  The third effect of the present invention is that image processing conditions can be easily adjusted and image processing parameters can be set easily.

  The reason is that the image processing condition adjustment field for adjusting the image processing condition is also displayed on the screen where the image display field is displayed, so that the image processing condition can be adjusted while comparing a plurality of images. In addition, an image processing parameter setting button or an initialization button is provided in the screen, and by pressing the button, the image processing parameter can be set or returned to the initial state without causing complicated transition of the screen. It is.

  As shown in the prior art, the conventional radiological image diagnosis system includes a large number of imaging devices 4, a reader 2, and a controller 3, a large number of radiographers operate the imaging devices, and a large number of doctors photograph with the imaging devices 4. Because it is configured for large hospitals that make diagnosis using the radiographic images obtained in this way, the reception list screen, registration / search screen, imaging part selection screen, image so as not to misdiagnose images A variety of screens such as display screens and image processing adjustment screens have been displayed according to the workflow. However, the number of radiographers and doctors is limited, and the number of radiographers and doctors is limited. Since it is difficult for practitioners who often take pictures of images with a standard pattern to mistake the images, it is possible to make a diagnosis using radiographic images with the simplest possible operation. It is desirable to configure the system to.

  Therefore, in the present invention, after comparing the characteristics of the large hospital and the practitioner, an imaging part selection screen, an image display screen, and an image processing condition adjustment screen, which frequently change among the above-mentioned various types of screens, are provided. The operability is improved by displaying them collectively on a single screen, and optimizing and setting the configuration of each screen and its relation to a small user such as a practitioner.

  In order to describe the above-described embodiment of the present invention in more detail, a control device and a display screen generation program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a radiological image diagnosis system including a control device (controller) according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of an image reading device (reader) and a controller. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of the cassette. 4 and 5 are diagrams for explaining a registration method of photographing conditions in image reading, and FIGS. 6 to 9 are diagrams illustrating configuration examples of screens displayed on the controller. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure using the controller of this embodiment.

  In the following description, an example in which the present invention is applied to the cassette-type radiological image diagnostic system 1 will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and other radiographic image conversion media are used. For any device that displays a medical image, such as a system that uses it, a stand-up / stand-only system that does not use a radiographic image conversion medium, or a system that directly extracts a radiographic image as a digital signal using a radiation detector such as an FPD Can be applied. Further, in the present embodiment, the reader 2 and the controller 3 are separated from each other. However, they can be integrated to form a control device.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the radiological image diagnosis system 1 of this embodiment reads a radiographic image from a cassette 17 in which a latent image is formed by an imaging device 4 in an imaging room in which an imaging device 4 that images a patient is installed. A reader 2 and a control device (controller 3) for controlling the reading of the reader 2 and displaying the read image and inputting patient information, imaging region information and the like are installed. The reader 2 and the controller 3 are switched. Via the HUB 5, a LAN connection is established with a printer 6c, a viewer 6b, a patient reception terminal 6a, and the like installed as necessary. Although not shown, these devices are connected to other medical devices via a network such as DICOM. FIG. 1 is an example of the radiographic image diagnosis system 1, and the number of installed readers 2, the controllers 3, and the imaging devices 4, the arrangement, and the like are not particularly limited.

  The reader 2 that reads image data obtained by photographing with the photographing device 4 includes, for example, a cassette stacker unit 8 that controls the insertion of the cassette 17 and a brightness extracted from the cassette 17, as shown in FIG. A plate control unit 7 that controls the conveyance of a radiation image conversion plate including the exhaust phosphor sheet 18 (see FIG. 3 for the structure of the cassette 17), and an image reading unit 9 that reads a latent image while scanning the radiation image conversion plate. It is composed of

  The cassette stacker unit 8 is provided with a cassette stacker unit mechanism / drive unit 8a and a cassette stacker unit control unit 8b, and a plurality of types of cassettes 17 can be set. The plate control unit 7 is provided with a plate transport unit mechanism / drive unit 7a and a plate transport unit control unit 7b. The plate transport unit control unit 7b is controlled based on a command from the cassette stacker unit control unit 8b. . The plate transport unit mechanism / drive unit 7 a pulls out the radiation image conversion plate from the cassette 17 and transports it in the direction of the image reading unit 9. The image reading unit 9 includes a sub-scanning unit mechanism / drive unit 9a, a main scanning unit 9b, and an identification label detection unit 9c. The main scanning unit 9b is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction by the sub-scanning unit mechanism / drive unit 9a. The image reading is performed by laser scanning of the main scanning unit 9b, and the information (plate ID) of the identification label attached to the cassette 17 is read by the identification label detection unit 9c.

  In addition, the controller 3 that performs reading control of the reader 2, input of patient information, imaging region information, and the like and display of a radiographic image based on image data includes a control unit 10 that controls the reader 2 based on the set reading conditions, and the reader 2, an arithmetic processing unit 11 that performs various image processing (gradation conversion processing, frequency processing, trimming, inversion / rotation, masking, etc.), a display / operation unit 12, and a small scale such as a practitioner A display control unit 13 that performs control to display a screen suitable for a user, display image data, imaging condition parameters for each imaging region, image processing parameters for optimal image processing of each specific region, and Reads the plate ID of the storage unit 14 and the cassette 17 for storing each output format when outputting to a printer such as a laser imager. That includes the identification label detector 15. Each of the above units may be configured as hardware in the controller 3, but is configured as a display control program that causes the computer to function as at least the display control unit 13, and the display control program is installed and executed in the controller 3. It is good also as a structure.

  In the display control unit 13, as will be described later, an imaging region selection field for selecting an imaging region in one screen, an image display field for displaying a captured image, and an image to be displayed on the displayed image Control is performed so that an image processing condition adjustment field for adjusting processing conditions is displayed, and the imaging region selection field is a first selection showing a schematic diagram of a human body divided so as to be selectable for each predetermined region Control is performed so that a column and a second selection column that displays selectable parts included in the predetermined region are displayed.

  The imaging condition parameters stored in the storage unit 14 are parameter sets corresponding to each imaging region, and reading conditions (sampling pitch, reading sensitivity, etc.) when reading an image with the reader 2 and the image after reading. An identification number of an image processing parameter referred to during the image processing is held for each imaging region.

  This image processing parameter is a parameter set for optimal image processing of a specific part. Each image processing parameter such as a look-up table that defines a gradation curve for gradation conversion processing and frequency processing enhancement degree is used. A value is held for each specific part. The output format is a format that defines how many image data are arranged on one film and in what direction each image data is arranged when outputting to a printer 6c such as a laser imager. One or a plurality of image data is inserted into the output format selected by the operator using the display / operation unit 12, and the image data and additional information such as format information are output to the DICOM compatible printer 6c.

  In the cassette type radiological image diagnosis system 1, in order to clarify the correspondence between the imaging region information and the cassette 17, a method of performing imaging after previously registering the association between the imaging region information and the cassette 17 as imaging reservation information. (Pre-registration) or a method (post-registration) of registering the association between the imaging region information and the cassette insertion order as imaging reservation information without registering the cassette 17 before radiography, Reading of image data is executed.

  In addition, there are two types of modes, ie, a normal mode and a repeat mode, for inputting the imaging part information, and any one of these modes is adopted. The normal mode is a mode in which imaging at the imaging region is sequentially reserved every time imaging region information is input on the display / operation unit 12 of the controller 3. On the other hand, the repeat mode is a mode in which the imaging part information once selected by the display / operation unit 12 of the controller 3 is held as a setting value of the imaging part information in the subsequent reading operation. When reading is continuously performed, it is possible to save the trouble of inputting imaging region information.

  First, operations of the normal mode pre-registration method and post-registration method will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the case of the pre-registration method, as shown in FIG. 4, first, the operator inputs imaging part information through the display / operation unit 12 of the controller 3 ((1) in the figure). At that time, the information (hereinafter referred to as plate ID) of the identification label 17e (see FIG. 3) affixed to the cassette 17 is read by the identification label detector 15 of the controller 3 ((2) in the figure). And the imaging | photography site | part information input and plate ID are matched and memorize | stored. Thereafter, X-ray imaging is performed using the registered cassette 17 ((3) in the figure), and the cassette 17 on which the latent image is formed is inserted into the reader 2 ((4) in the figure). In the reader 2, the plate ID of the cassette 17 is read by the built-in identification label detection unit 9c, and the imaging part information corresponding to the plate ID is searched and acquired. Further, a set of imaging condition parameters corresponding to the imaging region information is read, and reading conditions for reading an image with the reader 2 are acquired from the parameter set. Then, image reading is executed under the acquired reading conditions. The read image data is transmitted to the controller, and the controller acquires the identification number of the image processing parameter from the set of imaging condition parameters, and performs image processing on the read image according to the image processing condition based on the image processing parameter. Applied.

  On the other hand, in the case of the post-registration method, as shown in FIG. 5, an operator such as a radiographer first performs X-ray imaging ((1) in the figure), and then the imaging region is displayed by the display / operation unit 12 of the controller 3. Information is input ((2) in the figure). Here, in the case of the post-registration method, the plate ID and the imaging region information are not associated with each other, so that it is not necessary to read the plate ID. Instead, the operator uses the display / operation unit 12 of the controller 3 to associate each inputted imaging region information with the loading order of the cassette 17 in the reader 2, and to input the inputted imaging region information and the loading order. Store them in association with each other. When the cassette 17 in which the latent image is formed is inserted into the reader 2 ((3) in the figure), the reader 2 searches for and acquires the imaging part information corresponding to the insertion order, and the imaging condition parameters corresponding to the imaging part information. A set is read out, a reading condition is acquired from the parameter set, and an image is read under the reading condition. Thereafter, as in the case of pre-registration, the read image data is transmitted to the controller, and the controller acquires the identification number of the image processing parameter from the set of shooting condition parameters, and follows the image processing conditions based on the image processing parameters. Then, image processing is performed on the read image.

  Next, operations of the pre-registration method and the post-registration method in the repetition mode will be described.

  In the case of the pre-registration method, first, the operator selects certain imaging region information on the display / operation unit 12 of the controller 3. Thereafter, each time the plate ID is read, the selected imaging region information and the plate ID are associated with each other and stored as imaging reservation information. The subsequent operation is the same as the operation of the pre-registration method in the normal mode.

  In the case of the post-registration method, first, the operator selects certain imaging region information on the display / operation unit 12 of the controller 3. Thereafter, each time the cassette 17 is inserted into the reader 2, the imaging condition parameter of the selected imaging region information is read out, and the reading condition is acquired from the parameter set to read the image. Thereafter, as described above, the read image data is transmitted to the controller, and the controller acquires the identification number of the image processing parameter from the set of shooting condition parameters, and reads the read image according to the image processing condition based on the image processing parameter. Is subjected to image processing.

  Each of the pre-registration method and the post-registration method has its own characteristics. For example, in a hospital where a number of readers 2 and controllers 3 are installed at different locations, and a large number of radiographers take images, radiation images of a large number of patients are obtained by pre-registration Diagnosis can be performed accurately. On the other hand, for a medical practitioner with a small number of readers 2 and controllers 3 and a small number of radiographers performing radiography, post-registration can perform X-ray imaging quickly and efficiently. . Note that the image processing method that is a feature of the present embodiment can be applied to any of the registration methods. In addition, normal mode, repeat mode setting, pre-registration, and post-registration settings can be changed on a screen (not shown). Settings are retained.

  Next, a procedure from taking an X-ray image of a patient using the radiation image diagnostic system 1 having the above-described configuration to outputting the image to a printer such as a laser imager or a host terminal that accepts a patient is illustrated in FIG. Description will be made with reference to screen configuration examples in FIGS. 6 to 9 and a flowchart in FIG. In the following description, the procedure for reading image data in the pre-registration method in the normal mode is described. However, the operation after reading the image data is the same in the post-registration method and the repeat mode. It is the same.

  First, a patient information input screen (not shown) is displayed on the display / operation unit 12 of the controller 3 as an initial screen. In step S101, information on a patient as a subject is input. Then, in step S102, the display / operation unit 12 of the controller 3 displays an image confirmation / output screen including, for example, an imaging region selection field 22, an image display field 23, and an image processing condition adjustment field 24 as shown in FIG. 21 is displayed. Here, when patient information is received from a patient database or examination database connected to the network, the patient information input screen is not displayed, and the image confirmation / output screen 21 can be used as the initial screen. Is set on a setting screen (not shown).

  Next, in step S103, the imaging part information is input by the operator using the image confirmation / output screen 21. Here, in the conventional controller 3, after inputting patient information, a dedicated screen for selecting an imaging region is displayed, and a number of regions are displayed in a list on the screen, and a desired imaging region is selected from the list. It was the composition to do. This configuration is premised on use in large hospitals, and in large hospitals such a display method is convenient for photographing a wide variety of parts, but for small users such as practitioners Since the part to be imaged and the imaging direction are limited, it is not necessary to display all parts of the human body. Conversely, if all parts are displayed, there is a problem that it takes time to select a desired part. It was.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the imaging region selection field 22 displayed on the image confirmation / output screen 21 can be selected for each predetermined region (for example, the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, limbs, special region). A first selection field including a schematic diagram of the human body (human body model 22a) divided into two parts, and a part included in a region selected from the human body model 22a (for example, in the case of the head, the head overview, cheekbones) , Jaw bone, nasal bone, stethoscope, temporomandibular joint, cervical vertebra for cervical, pharynx / larynx, thoracic for thoracic, thoracic vertebra, sternum, abdominal for abdomen, thoracolumbar vertebrae, lumbar vertebrae, ribs, pelvis / hip joint for pelvis Limb bones in general, Achilles tendon, heel axis, seed bone, abdominal KUB / DIP, DIC / cystography, neonatal thoracoabdominal, newborn bone, cephalo, pantomography, parotid submandibular gland, long All spines and long legs are selectable A second selection field containing the site selection button 22b is provided to, and to easily select a desired site.

  More specifically, when the operator selects a specific part (for example, the chest) of the human body model 22a, detailed imaging parts (for example, the chest, thoracic vertebra, and sternum) around the selected part are selectable imaging parts. The list is displayed on the part selection button 22b. And an operator inputs imaging | photography site | part information by selecting a detailed imaging | photography site | part from this.

  Next, in step S104, the operator uses the identification label detection unit 15 of the controller 3 to read information on the identification label 17e attached to the cassette 17, and obtains identification label information (plate ID) and imaging part information. Store them in association with each other.

  Next, in step S105, the selected patient is imaged by a known method using the imaging apparatus 4 such as an X-ray imaging apparatus, and the X-ray transmission image of the patient is formed as a latent image on the radiation image conversion plate inside the cassette 17. Let me record. Note that the imaging apparatus 4 is not limited to an X-ray imaging apparatus, but includes any imaging apparatus used in a medical field such as an apparatus for imaging a patient using magnetism or ultrasound.

  Next, an operator such as a radiologist takes out the cassette 17 from the imaging device 4 and inserts the taken-out cassette 17 into an arbitrary slot of the reader 2. Then, in the case of pre-registration, the reader 2 reads the plate ID by the identification label detection unit 9c, searches the database in which the imaging reservation information is stored using the plate ID as a search key, and obtains imaging part information corresponding to the plate ID. Extract. In the case of post-registration, the imaging part information corresponding to the insertion order is extracted from the association between the cassette insertion order queue and the reserved imaging part queue. Thereafter, in step S106, the reader 2 reads out the imaging condition parameters associated with the imaging region information, further extracts the reading conditions from them, and reads the latent image on the radiation image conversion plate according to the reading conditions.

  As the image data reading procedure, first, the sensitivity of the image reading unit 9 is set according to the value of the reading sensitivity, and the conveying speed of the plate conveying unit mechanism driving unit 7a and the image reading unit 9 are provided according to the value of the reading resolution. The sampling pitch of the A / D converter is set. Then, the radiation image conversion plate is pulled out from the cassette 17, and the image data stored and held in the radiation image conversion plate is read while the radiation image conversion plate is transported in the X direction by the sub-scanning unit mechanism driving unit 9a. .

  Then, when excitation light acts on the radiation image conversion plate, the energy accumulated in the phosphor is generated as stimulating light, and the stimulating light is collected and converted into an electrical signal by the image reading unit 9, This electric signal is logarithmically converted by a logarithmic converter (the electric signal is changed from an electric signal linear to the light intensity of the stimulating light to a logarithmic linear electric signal of the light intensity of the stimulating light, that is, linear to the concentration. It is converted into an electrical signal.) Further, it is digitized by an A / D converter.

  The digitized image data output from the image reading unit 9 is displayed in the image display field 23 of the image confirmation / output screen 21 as needed during the reading process.

  Thereafter, the imaging condition parameter corresponding to the imaging region information is read, and the image processing parameter identification number held therein is acquired. Next, a set of image processing parameters specified by the identification number is read, and image processing conditions are determined based on the image processing parameters. At this time, the identification number of the image processing parameter corresponding to each image is stored in the storage unit for each image. In accordance with the determined image processing conditions, the read image data is subjected to image processing such as gradation conversion processing and frequency processing (step S107). After the image processing is completed, the image data before the image processing displayed in the image display field 23 of the image confirmation / output screen 21 in the above-described reading process is replaced with the image data after the image processing and displayed ( Step S108).

  Here, in the conventional controller 3, since the image read from the plate was displayed on a screen separate from the screen for selecting the site, it is difficult to compare the selected site with the image. Since the image display screen must be changed each time, the operation is complicated. Therefore, in this embodiment, the image confirmation / output screen 21 is provided with an image display field 23 in which an image obtained by photographing is displayed in addition to the photographing part selection field 22, thereby facilitating comparison between the part and the image. .

  Further, a schematic diagram and characters constituting the part selection button 22b are displayed in the vicinity of each image in the image display field 23, so that each image can be easily compared with the selected imaging part. Further, after selecting the imaging part information displayed around the image, the imaging part parameter is input by the human body model 22a and the part selection button 22b, so that the imaging condition parameters can be read out in the same manner as the image processing at the time of reading. The image processing can be performed again based on the inputted imaging region information.

  The image display field 23 is switched by a display format switching button 23a between one image display for displaying only one image in a large size or four image display for displaying an image in parallel by dividing the area of the one image display into four. Can be done. In addition, when a plurality of read image data is stored in the storage unit 14, the image displayed in the image display field 23 can be switched by the page switching button 23b, and the page switching button 23b is pressed. Then, the front and back images stored in the storage unit 14 are switched and displayed one image at a time for one image display, and four images at a time for four image display. In addition, each image can be switched to a selected / non-selected state by an input operation, and a frame that surrounds the image is displayed in the image display column for the image set to the selected state. The selected / unselected state is stored for each image. Note that the selection / non-selection state of each image may be switched by instructing selection of each image area displayed in the image display field 23, or a multiple image selection state switching button on the screen. Each time the button is pressed, one image selection state and a plurality of image selection states can be switched and stored. In the case of a plurality of image selection states, each image displayed in the image display field 23 as described above. The selection / non-selection state of each image can be switched by instructing the selection of the area. In the case of one image selection state, the selection instruction is given by instructing the selection of each image area displayed in the image display field 23. Only the selected image may be selected.

  If the image displayed in the image display field 23 is not a desired image for the operator, the operator finely adjusts the image processing condition in the image processing condition adjustment field 24 (step S109). Again, in the conventional controller 3, when adjusting the image processing conditions for the displayed image, it is necessary to transition to the image processing condition adjustment screen once and adjust the image processing conditions on the image processing condition adjustment screen. Therefore, the operation is complicated, and it is inconvenient because the image processing conditions cannot be adjusted while comparing a plurality of images. Therefore, in this embodiment, an image processing condition adjustment field 23 is further provided on the image confirmation / output screen 21 so that the density and contrast of the image can be adjusted by buttons, slide bars, etc., and the operability is remarkably improved. Yes. Here, gradation processing is taken up, and examples of changing the density (maximum density) and contrast (γ curve) parameters are shown as examples of image processing that can be adjusted. It may be possible to adjust the parameter adjustment related to the above, for example, the enhancement degree in frequency processing. In the figure, an image processing condition adjustment field 24 is provided in the upper right of the image confirmation / output screen 21. However, the configuration and arrangement of the image processing condition adjustment field 24 are arbitrary. For example, an image is displayed in the image display field 23. Thereafter, the layout of each field may be changed according to the use situation, such as changing the positions of the image processing condition adjustment field 24 and the imaging region selection field 22.

  Since the image data processed in accordance with the image processing conditions after adjustment is immediately displayed in the image display field 23, the operator confirms the image by repeating the adjustment operation in the image processing condition adjustment field 24. A desired image can be obtained (step S110).

  The image processing condition can be adjusted simultaneously for a plurality of images. In this case, by setting a plurality of images in the selected state and performing an adjustment operation in the image processing condition adjusting unit, the same variation amount is added to all the image processing conditions of the image set in the selected state, and the changed An image subjected to image processing under the image processing conditions is displayed in the image display field 23. In addition, when a processing parameter setting button is pressed while a certain image is selected, the image processing parameter used for image processing of the selected image is updated (overwritten).

  More specifically, the image processing conditions used in the most recent image processing for each image are held in the storage unit. When the processing parameter setting button 24a is pressed, the image processing held in the storage unit 14 is first performed. The condition is read, and the value of the image processing parameter that determines the image processing condition is calculated backward based on the image processing condition. Next, the identification number of the image processing parameter referred to during image processing of the image is acquired from the storage unit. Then, the image processing parameter having the identification number stored in the storage unit is overwritten with the image processing parameter value calculated backward from the image processing condition, and stored.

  In addition, when the processing parameter initialization button 24b is pressed in a state where a certain image is selected, the image processing parameter referred to when the selected image is processed is changed to the initial setting at the time of shipment from the manufacturer. To do. Specifically, for each image processing parameter set corresponding to each imaging region, a parameter value of a manufacturer initial setting and a parameter value referred to during image processing are stored in the storage unit 14. At the time of shipment from a manufacturer, a parameter value set as a default for the manufacturer is set as a parameter value referred to during image processing. When the processing parameter initialization button 24b is pressed, the identification number of the image processing parameter referred to when the image is processed is acquired from the storage unit. The parameter value of the manufacturer initial setting for the image processing parameter set having the identification number is read from the storage means, and the parameter value referred to during image processing stored in the storage unit 14 is overwritten with the parameter value of the manufacturer initial setting. Remember.

  In addition, a processing parameter undo button is provided, and the latest image processing parameter value before update is stored in the storage unit 14 for each image processing parameter set corresponding to each imaging region. When the button is pressed, the image processing parameter value before update is stored, and when the processing parameter undo button is pressed, the image processing parameter referred to during image processing is overwritten on the image processing parameter value before update. May be stored.

  A default output format button 25a in the output column 25 is a button for selecting an output format when outputting to a printer such as a laser imager by default. Each time the default output format button 25a is pressed, the setting of the format to be output as a default is sequentially switched while circulating among several predetermined formats, and any one format is always selected. The selected format name is held on the button.

  Specifically, in this embodiment, “A”, “AA”, “A / A”, “AB”, “A /” are used as a pattern of a format in which a plurality of images are arranged and output on one film. B ”and“ AB / CD ”have a total of six formats.“ A ”is output as one image,“ AA ”is two images obtained by performing different image processing on one image in the horizontal direction. “A / A” outputs two images obtained by performing different image processing on one image, arranged in parallel in the vertical direction, and “AB” arranges two different images in parallel in the horizontal direction. Output, “A / B” is a format in which two different images are arranged in parallel in the vertical direction for output, and “AB / CD” is a format in which four different images are arranged in two columns in vertical rows and in two rows for output. Therefore, the formats “A”, “AA”, and “A / A” require one image data, the formats “AB” and “A / B” require two images, and the format “S” has four Requires image data.

  The size and orientation of the output film can be set on the output property screen described later. If not all of the image data in the format specified by the default output format button 25a is contained in one film of the size set here, the film is determined according to the number of image data to be output in the format. The area size divided into the same size is calculated, and this is set as the image size to be cut out per image data. At this time, on each image data displayed in the image display field 23, an image size cut out in each image when output in this default output format is displayed with a frame line. In the default output format, the image data is cut out so that the distance between the upper and lower ends of the image data and the distance between the left and right ends are equal from the cut-out position. The cutout position can be changed on the output property screen described later.

  In the image display column 23, an OK button and an NG button are arranged around each image. In step S111, the operator confirms the image displayed in the image display column 23, and a desired image is obtained. Then, the OK button is selected, and if the read image is not intended, the NG button is pressed. When the NG button is pressed, the display of the image data is erased from the image display field 23 and the image data is deleted from the storage unit 14.

  When the OK button is pressed, it is assumed that the image has been confirmed, and an OK mark is attached to the periphery of the image data, and the OK button and the NG button around the previously displayed image data are not displayed. And Further, the image data whose OK button has been pressed is placed in the default output format queue. At this time, if the number of image data held in the default output format queue matches the number of image data required by the format specified by the default output format button, the film output image of the format shown in FIG. A print preview screen 26 is displayed.

  In the print preview screen 26, when the OK button is pressed, the image data of the output image displayed in step S113 is output to a printer such as a laser imager, and the print preview screen 26 shown in FIG. 7 is closed. At this time, the image data output to the printer or the like is extracted from the default output format queue. If the cancel button is pressed on the print preview screen 26, output to the printer is not performed, and only the print preview screen 26 is closed. At this time, the image data for which the OK button was last pressed in the image display field 23 of the image confirmation / output screen 21 is taken out from the default output format queue.

  When the property button in the output field 25 is pressed on the image confirmation / output screen 21, the output property screen is displayed. On this screen, the operator first selects an output destination using an output destination selection button.

  FIG. 8 shows a configuration example of the output property screen 27 when a printer is selected as the output destination. The operator selects a film size from the size selection button, and then designates whether the film is to be placed vertically or horizontally using the film direction selection button. Next, the format to be output is selected by the format selection button (step S111). Then, the arrangement of the image data in one film is displayed on the preview display unit 27b. This display is divided into sections having an area size corresponding to one image data.

  At the top of the screen, there is an image list display section 27a on which image data read so far is displayed. When one image is selected from the image list display section 27a and then a section of one image data in the preview display section 27b is selected, the image data is arranged at the selected section position of the format.

  In addition, the cutout size when the image data is arranged in the format can be changed by a cutout size selection button. When the entire button is pressed, each image data arranged in the output format is reduced and displayed in a region size corresponding to one image in the output format so that the entire image is displayed. When the same size button is selected, the scale of the image data is not changed, and the data of the corresponding area size in the output format is cut out from the image data.

  In the image list display unit 27a, the cutout size / position for each image when output in the selected output format is displayed by frame lines, and these frame lines are adjusted by operating the cutout position adjustment buttons. Then, the cutout position of each image is adjusted. At this time, if the image on which the cutout position is adjusted is already arranged in a certain section in the output format displayed on the preview display unit 27b, it is linked to the adjustment of the cutout position on the image list display unit 27a. The preview display unit 27b displays the image data cut out at the cut-out position. When the output button is pressed, the image data is output to a printer such as a laser imager in accordance with the format and image layout displayed on the preview display unit 27b (step S112).

  FIG. 9 is a configuration example of the output property screen 28 when the host is selected as the output destination. As in FIG. 8, when the operator selects an image on the image list display unit 28a at the top of the screen and presses the output device selection button, the operator outputs the image to the designated output device (step S112).

  The images output to the printer and the host have already been output around the images displayed in the image display field 23 of the image confirmation / output screen 21 and the image list display portions 27a and 28a of the output property screens 27 and 28. Is displayed (output mark 29).

  When the examination end button is pressed, the screen transitions to the initial screen. At this time, for an image that has not yet been output, according to the format specified by the default output format button of the image confirmation / output screen 21, Image data is sequentially arranged and output.

  As described above, according to the control device and the display control program of the present embodiment, the part selection field 22 for selecting the part to be imaged, the image display field 23 for displaying the photographed image, and the image as necessary. Since the image processing condition adjustment field 24 for adjusting the image processing conditions for the image is displayed on one screen (image confirmation / output screen 21), the operator can configure the screen for performing each processing separately. Thus, since it is not necessary to change between screens, operativity can be improved significantly. Further, the operability can be further improved by displaying the human body model 22a in the part selection column 22 or providing the processing parameter setting button 24a and the processing parameter initialization button 24b in the image processing condition adjustment column 24.

It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the radiographic image diagnosis system containing the controller which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the reader and controller which concern on one Example of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the cassette used with the radiographic image diagnosis system which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the procedure (pre-registration system) of the process in the radiographic image diagnosis system which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the procedure (post registration method) of the process in the radiographic image diagnosis system which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the screen (image confirmation / output screen) displayed on the display part of the controller which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the screen (print preview screen) displayed on the display part of the controller which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the screen (output property screen) displayed on the display part of the controller which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the screen (output property screen) displayed on the display part of the controller which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows a series of processes using the controller which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the conventional radiographic image diagnostic system.

Explanation of symbols

1 Radiological image diagnosis system 2 Image reader (reader)
3 Controller (Controller)
4 Shooting device 5 Switching HUB
6a Patient reception terminal 6b Viewer 6c Printer 7 Plate control unit 7a Plate transport unit mechanism drive unit 7b Plate transport unit control unit 8 Cassette stacker unit 8a Cassette stacker unit drive unit 8b Cassette stacker unit control unit 9 Image reading unit 9a Sub-scanning unit Mechanism drive unit 9b Main scanning unit 9c Identification label detection unit 10 Control unit 11 Arithmetic processing unit 12 Display / operation unit 13 Display control unit 14 Storage unit 15 Identification label detection unit 16 Radiation source 17 Cassette 17a Radiation image conversion plate 17b Cap 17c Tray 17d lever 17e identification label 18 photostimulable phosphor sheet 19 job manager 20 study manager 21 image confirmation / output screen 22 imaging region selection field 22a human body model 22b region selection button 23 image display field 23a output format Button 23b page switching button 24 image processing condition adjustment column 24a processing parameter setting button 24b processing parameter initialization button 25 output column 25a default output format button 26 print preview screen 27 output property screen 27a image list display portion 27b preview display portion 28 Output property screen 28a Image list display part 28b Preview display part 29 Output completed mark

Claims (12)

A control device used together with a medical image generation device that captures a subject and generates a medical image,
A display control means for displaying at least an imaging region selection field in which a region to be imaged can be selected and an image display field in which the medical image obtained by imaging is displayed on one screen is provided. Control device. The display control means includes
2. The control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an image processing condition adjustment field in which an image processing condition to be performed on the medical image obtained by photographing is displayed so as to be adjustable is displayed on one screen. The display control means includes
The control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an output field for outputting the medical image is also displayed on one screen. The display control means includes
Displaying a registration button for registering the parameter adjusted in the image processing condition adjustment field for the next processing, and an initialization button for returning the registered parameter to a predetermined parameter stored in the storage unit in advance The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The display control means includes
As the imaging region selection field, a first selection field in which a schematic diagram of a human body divided so as to be selectable for each predetermined region is displayed, and each part included in the selected region is displayed in a selectable manner. The control device according to claim 1, wherein a second selection field is displayed. The medical image generating apparatus is
A recording medium for photographing a subject and recording a radiation image;
The control device according to claim 1, further comprising a reading device that reads a medical image from the recording medium. A display control program that operates on a control device used with a medical image generation device that captures a subject and generates a medical image,
Computer
And at least functioning as a display control means for displaying an imaging region selection field in which a region to be imaged can be selected and an image display field in which the medical image obtained by imaging is displayed in one screen. Characteristic display control program. The display control means includes
8. The display control program according to claim 7, wherein an image processing condition adjustment field in which an image processing condition to be performed on the medical image obtained by photographing is displayed so as to be adjustable is displayed on one screen. The display control means includes
The display control program according to claim 7 or 8, wherein an output field for outputting the medical image is also displayed on one screen. The display control means includes
Displaying a registration button for registering the parameter adjusted in the image processing condition adjustment field for the next processing, and an initialization button for returning the registered parameter to a predetermined parameter stored in the storage unit in advance The display control program according to claim 7, wherein: The display control means includes
As the imaging region selection field, a first selection field in which a schematic diagram of a human body divided so as to be selectable for each predetermined region is displayed, and each part included in the selected region is displayed in a selectable manner. The display control program according to claim 7, wherein a second selection field is displayed. The medical image generating apparatus is
A recording medium for photographing a subject and recording a radiation image;
The display control program according to claim 7, comprising a reading device that reads a medical image from the recording medium.

Images