JP2008278950A - Mammography apparatus, image processor and image processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect wrinkles generated on the breast which is an object due to positioning during imaging. <P>SOLUTION: In a mammography apparatus, an imaging table system controls a flash so as to illuminate the surface of the breast in a prescribed order from a plurality of different directions and controls a digital camera so as to pick up the optical image of the surface of the breast every time the surface of the breast is illuminated by the flash. Then, a digital gathering apparatus composites the plurality of picked-up optical images and detects the part of a shadow from the composite image. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a mammography apparatus, an image processing apparatus, and an image processing program, and more particularly to a technique for efficiently positioning a breast during imaging.

  In recent years, as a method for diagnosing breast cancer, X-ray imaging dedicated to breast called mammography is generally performed. In mammography, a mammography apparatus is used as a dedicated apparatus for performing mammograms (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In this mammography apparatus, in order to reduce the overlap of scattered X-rays from the breast that is the subject and the line tissue inside the breast, the breast that is the subject is compressed using a breast compressor, Shooting is performed in a state where the film is stretched thinly and uniformly. Such subject positioning is performed manually by an engineer during shooting.

JP 2005-13344 A

  However, the shape and size of the breasts are very different, and the wrinkle state can only be confirmed by visual observation. Therefore, the positioning described above is technically very difficult. . In addition, the inspection time per person is usually limited at the site of the inspection, and if the skill of the engineer is immature, the state of wrinkles occurring in the site cannot be fully confirmed. There was a problem of taking pictures.

  Images taken with wrinkles remaining may have dark wrinkles or appear as spicules (tissue pulling), which may not only interfere with diagnosis but also lead to misreading during interpretation. There is also. Although it is possible to perform imaging again, since the above-described compression of the site by the breast compressor is very painful, it places a heavy burden on the examinee.

  Therefore, how to efficiently position the breast that is the subject without leaving wrinkles is a very important issue.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art, and a mammography apparatus and an image processing apparatus capable of detecting wrinkles generated in a breast as a subject by positioning during imaging. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing program.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention according to claim 1 is a mammography apparatus for imaging an X-ray image of a breast of a subject, in a predetermined order from a plurality of different directions. Illumination control means for controlling the illumination means to illuminate the surface of the breast, and imaging control means for controlling the imaging means to take an image of the breast surface each time the surface of the breast is illuminated by the illumination means And image combining means for combining a plurality of images picked up by the image pickup means, and shadow portion detecting means for detecting a shadow portion from the images combined by the image combining means.

  The present invention according to claim 5 is an image processing apparatus for processing an X-ray image of a subject's breast imaged by a mammography apparatus, wherein the surface of the breast is in a predetermined order from a plurality of different directions. Illumination control means for controlling the illumination means of the mammography apparatus so as to illuminate the breast, and the breast X-ray so as to capture an image of the breast surface each time the surface of the breast is illuminated by the illumination means An imaging control unit that controls an imaging unit included in the imaging apparatus, an image synthesis unit that synthesizes a plurality of images captured by the imaging unit, and a shadow part detection that detects a shadow part from the image synthesized by the image synthesis unit Means.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing program for processing an X-ray image of a subject's breast imaged by a mammography apparatus, wherein the surface of the breast is in a predetermined order from a plurality of different directions. An illumination control procedure for controlling the illumination means of the mammography apparatus so as to illuminate the breast, and the breast X-ray so as to capture an image of the breast surface each time the surface of the breast is illuminated by the illumination means An imaging control procedure for controlling an imaging unit included in the imaging apparatus, an image synthesis procedure for synthesizing a plurality of images captured by the imaging unit, and a shadow part detection for detecting a shadow part from an image synthesized by the image synthesis procedure And having the computer execute the procedure.

  According to the first, fifth, or sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to detect wrinkles generated in a breast that is a subject by positioning at the time of photographing.

  Exemplary embodiments of a mammography apparatus, an image processing apparatus, and an image processing program according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  First, the concept of the mammography apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of the mammography apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1A, this mammography apparatus uses a plurality of flashes to illuminate a subject's breast as a subject in order from a plurality of different directions, and each time it is illuminated, An optical image of the breast surface is taken using a digital camera. For example, the mammography apparatus captures an optical image of the breast each time while illuminating the breast in the order of (1), (2), (3), and (4).

  When imaging is performed while illuminating with a flash in this manner, if wrinkles occur in the breast, a shadow is formed at the wrinkled portion in the captured optical image. By detecting this shadow, the position of wrinkles occurring in the breast can be specified. Furthermore, by taking images while illuminating from a plurality of different directions, the position of wrinkles occurring in the breast can be specified comprehensively.

  When a plurality of optical images are captured using a digital camera, the mammography apparatus synthesizes the captured optical images into a single image. Then, the mammography apparatus detects a shadow portion from the synthesized image, generates an image represented by binary values as shown in FIG. 5B, and captures the generated image after imaging. The X-ray image is displayed so as to be superimposed, or the contour of the detected shadow portion is extracted, and the extracted contour is superimposed and displayed on the X-ray image after photographing as shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the mammography apparatus according to the present embodiment, wrinkles generated in the breast, which is the subject, due to positioning before imaging by detecting a shadow portion from the optical image of the breast illuminated from a plurality of directions. To be able to detect.

  Next, the configuration of the mammography apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the mammography apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, this mammography apparatus is configured by connecting an imaging table system 10 and a digital acquisition device 20.

  The imaging table system 10 includes an X-ray exposure apparatus 1, a pressing plate 3, and an imaging table 4. The X-ray exposure apparatus 1 includes an X-ray tube that generates X-rays, and emits X-rays toward the breast P placed on the pressing plate 3. The presser plate 3 is a breast compressor for pressing the breast P of the subject at the time of imaging, and is configured by a transparent plate-like member. The imaging table 4 is a table for mounting a breast at the time of imaging, and includes an image detector for obtaining an X-ray transmission image of the breast P inside.

  The imaging table system 10 includes an optical digital camera 2 for capturing an optical image of a subject's breast and flashes 5a to 5c for illuminating the breast. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the installation positions of the digital camera 2 and the flashes 5a to 5c. As shown in the figure, the digital camera 2 is attached to the X-ray exposure apparatus so as to take an image of the breast P sandwiched between the pressing plate 3 and the imaging stand from above.

  The flashes 5a to 5c are respectively disposed on the upper surface of the pressing plate 3 so as to illuminate the breast P placed on the imaging table 4 through the pressing plate 3. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing illumination by the flashes 5a to 5c. FIG. 4A is a top view of the presser plate 3 as viewed from above, and FIG. 4B is a front view of the presser plate 3 and the photographing stand 4 as viewed from the front. As shown in the figure, the flashes 5a to 5c are arranged on the upper surface of the pressing plate 3 so as to illuminate the breast P from different directions.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the flash 5a is installed so as to illuminate the breast P obliquely downward from the back side to the front side of the pressing plate 3 when viewed from the front. The flash 5b is installed so as to illuminate the breast P obliquely downward from the left side to the right side of the pressing plate 3 when viewed from the front, and the flash 5c is directed from the right side to the left side of the pressing plate 3 when viewed from the front. It is installed so as to illuminate the breast P obliquely downward.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the digital acquisition device 20 is a computer system including a display device, an input device, and the like, and controls the operation of the imaging platform system 10 and processes an X-ray image captured by the imaging platform system 10. To do. The configuration of the digital collection device 20 will be described in detail later.

  Next, configurations of the imaging stand system 10 and the digital collection device 20 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating configurations of the imaging platform system 10 and the digital collection device 20.

  First, the configuration of the imaging stand system 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the imaging platform system 10 includes an operation unit 11, a warning device 12, an optical imaging device 13, a flash device 14, an optical imaging management device 15, an X-ray tube 16, An X-ray control device 17, an image detector 18, and a control device 19 are included.

  The operation unit 11 is an input / output device realized by an operation panel having buttons and a monitor. The operation unit 11 receives various instructions related to X-ray imaging from the operator, and delivers the received various instructions to the control device 19.

  The warning device 12 is a device that notifies a warning to an operator by emitting a warning sound such as a buzzer sound. The warning device 12 operates in response to an instruction from the digital collection device 20.

  The optical system photographing device 13 is a device corresponding to the digital camera 2 shown in FIG. The optical system imaging device 13 is controlled by an optical system imaging management device 15 described later, captures an optical image of the surface of the breast P of the subject, and transmits the captured optical image to the digital collection device 20.

  The flash device 14 is a device corresponding to the flashes 5a to 5c shown in FIGS. The flash device 14 is controlled by an optical system imaging management device 15 to be described later, and illuminates the surface of the subject's breast P from a plurality of different directions. The flashes 5a to 5c are controlled to operate exclusively by the optical system photographing management device 15, respectively.

  Note that the flash device 14 may be provided with a lattice-shaped hood for preventing the divergence of light. As a result, the directivity of the light emitted from the flash device 14 is enhanced, and it becomes possible to more efficiently project a shadow due to wrinkles generated on the breast P on the optical image captured by the optical system imaging device 13.

  The optical system photographing management device 15 is a device that controls the optical system photographing device 13 and the flash device 14. Specifically, when instructed to take an optical image from the control device 19 described later, the optical imaging management device 15 illuminates the surface of the breast P in a predetermined order so as to illuminate the surface of the breast P (flash 5a). ˜5c), and each time the surface of the breast P is illuminated by each flash unit 14, the optical system imaging device 13 is controlled so as to capture an optical image of the illuminated breast P.

  The X-ray tube 16 is a device that generates X-rays that are exposed to the breast P. The X-ray control device 17 is controlled by the control device 19 to drive the X-ray tube 16, thereby causing the breast P to X-ray. It is a device that emits radiation.

  The image detector 18 is an apparatus that detects X-rays transmitted through the breast P and generates an X-ray image. When the X image of the breast P is generated, the image detector 18 transmits the generated X-ray image to the digital acquisition device 20.

  The control device 19 is a device that receives various instructions regarding X-ray imaging from an operator via the operation unit 11 and performs overall control of the imaging platform system 10 based on the received various instructions. For example, when receiving an X-ray imaging instruction from the operator, the control device 19 instructs the optical imaging management device 15 to capture an optical image. Thereby, the optical system imaging management device 15 controls the flash device 14 and the optical system imaging device 13 to capture optical images of a plurality of breasts P that are illuminated from different directions.

  The plurality of optical images picked up here are transmitted to the digital collection device 20 and synthesized into one image by the digital collection device 20. When the ratio of the shadowed area to the area where the breast P appears in the synthesized image exceeds a predetermined threshold, a notification indicating an error is transmitted from the digital collection device 20. On the other hand, when the ratio of the shadowed area to the area where the breast P is reflected does not exceed a predetermined threshold, a notification indicating that there is no error is transmitted from the digital collection device 20.

  Here, when a notification indicating that there is no error is transmitted, the control device 19 controls the X-ray control device 17 to perform X-ray imaging of the breast P. On the other hand, when a notification indicating an error is transmitted, the control device 19 displays a confirmation message asking whether to perform X-ray imaging on the monitor of the operation unit 11. When the operator gives an instruction to perform X-ray imaging in response to the confirmation message, the control device 19 controls the X-ray control device 17 to perform X-ray imaging of the breast P.

  When the confirmation message is instructed not to perform X-ray imaging, the control device 19 returns to the initial state, and when the X-ray imaging is instructed thereafter, the optical system imaging management device. 15 is controlled and the optical image of the breast P is imaged again.

  Thereby, when a shadow exceeding a predetermined amount is reflected in the image synthesized from the optical image, that is, when a wrinkle exceeding a predetermined amount is generated on the breast P, the operator positions the breast P again. The mammography apparatus can be controlled to do so.

  Next, the configuration of the digital collection device 20 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the digital collection device 20 includes a monitor 21, a monitor controller 22, a warning device 23, an image memory 24, an image collection device 25, and a binarization processing unit 26. A processing unit 27, a contour extraction processing unit 28, and a shadow range processing / determination unit 29 are included.

  The monitor 21 is a device that displays an X-ray image or an optical image of the breast P transmitted from the imaging table system 10. The monitor controller 22 reads an X-ray image or an optical image of the breast P from the image memory 24 based on an instruction from an overlay processing unit 27 or a contour extraction processing unit 28 described later, and displays the read image. 21 is a device for controlling 21. The warning device 23 is a device that notifies the operator of a warning by generating a warning sound such as a buzzer sound. The warning device 23 operates in accordance with an instruction from a shadow range processing / determination unit 29 described later.

  The image memory 24 is a storage unit that stores various images such as an X-ray image and an optical image. The image collection device 25 is a processing unit that collects an X-ray image and an optical image of the breast P transmitted from the imaging table system 10. When the X-ray image of the breast P is collected, the image collection device 25 stores the X-ray image in the image memory 24, and when the optical image of the breast P is collected, the binarization processing unit 26 described later stores the optical image. To hand over.

  The binarization processing unit 26 is a processing unit that performs binarization processing on the optical image of the breast P collected by the image collection device 25. When the optical images of a plurality of breasts P illuminated from different directions are delivered from the image acquisition device 25, the binarization processing unit 26 converts each optical image into an image represented by a binary value of white and black. Then, the converted image is delivered to the overlay processing unit 27. A known general image processing method is used for the binarization processing performed here.

  The superposition processing unit 27 is a processing unit that combines the images binarized by the binarization processing unit 26 into one image. When the binarized images of the plurality of breasts P are delivered from the binarization processing unit 26, the superimposition processing unit 27 adds the respective images to generate a single composite image. The overlay processing unit 27 stores the generated composite image in the image memory 24 as a “shadow mask image” and delivers the composite image to a contour extraction processing unit 28 and a shadow range processing / determination unit 29 described later. .

  The overlay processing unit 27 also has a function of superimposing the above-described shadow mask image on the captured X-ray image and displaying the image on the monitor 21 in accordance with an instruction from the operator after X-ray imaging of the breast P. Have. Specifically, the superimposition processing unit 27 superimposes the instructed X-ray image and the shadow mask image on the monitor 21 in accordance with an instruction from an operator received by an operating unit (not shown). The monitor controller 22 is instructed to do so.

  The contour extraction processing unit 28 is a processing unit that extracts the contour of the shadow portion shown in the image synthesized by the overlay processing unit 27. When the composite image is delivered from the overlay processing unit 27, the contour extraction processing unit 28 extracts the contour of the shadow portion included in the composite image. Then, the contour extraction processing unit 28 generates an image showing the contour of the extracted shadow portion, and stores the generated image in the image memory 24 as a “shadow contour mask image”. A known general image processing method is used for the contour extraction process performed here.

  Further, the contour extraction processing unit 28 has a function of superimposing the above-described shadow contour mask image on the captured X-ray image and displaying the image on the monitor 21 in accordance with an instruction from the operator after X-ray imaging of the breast P. Also have. Specifically, the contour extraction processing unit 28 superimposes and displays the X-ray image and the shadow contour mask image on the monitor 21 in accordance with an instruction from the operator received by an operating means (not shown). The monitor controller 22 is instructed.

  The shadow range processing / determination unit 29 is a processing unit that detects a shadow portion from the image synthesized by the overlay processing unit 27. When the composite image is delivered from the overlay processing unit 27, the shadow range processing / determination unit 29 detects a shadow portion from the composite image, and detects the area where the breast P appears in the composite image. It is determined whether or not the ratio of the range where the shadow portion is reflected exceeds a predetermined threshold.

  If the ratio of the shadowed area exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the shadow area processing / determination unit 29 issues a warning sound to the warning device 12 and the warning device 23 of the photographic stand system 10. In addition, a notification indicating an error is transmitted to the photographic stand system 10. Thereby, in the imaging stand system 10, the confirmation message which inquires whether X-ray imaging is performed is displayed as mentioned above.

  On the other hand, when the ratio of the shadowed area does not exceed the predetermined threshold, the shadow area processing / determination unit 29 transmits a notification indicating that there is no error to the imaging platform system 10. Thereby, in the imaging stand system 10, X-ray imaging of the breast P is performed as described above.

  In this way, in the image synthesized by the overlay processing unit 27, the shadow range processing / determination unit 29 has a ratio in which the shadowed portion occupies a predetermined threshold with respect to the range in which the breast P is reflected. When it is determined whether or not the predetermined threshold value is exceeded, the warning devices 12 and 23 issue a warning, so that if a wrinkle exceeding a predetermined amount is detected before X-ray imaging, an engineer Therefore, repositioning can be promoted, and shooting failures due to positioning errors can be prevented in advance.

  Further, by preventing imaging failure, unnecessary exposure to the subject due to re-imaging can be avoided.

  Here, various images displayed on the monitor 21 of the digital collection device 20 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of various images displayed on the monitor 21. FIG. 6A shows a composite image (binary image) of the optical image of the breast P generated by the overlay processing unit 27, and FIG. 6B shows the X of the same breast P as FIG. A line image is shown.

  In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 5C, the composite image of (a) is superimposed on the X-ray image of (b) and displayed on the monitor 21 by the overlay processing unit 27. As a result, the shadow S shown in the composite image (a) is displayed on the X-ray image (normal mask).

  Alternatively, for example, as shown in FIG. 4D, the contour of the shadow shown in the composite image of (a) is superimposed on the X-ray image of (b) by the contour extraction processing unit 28 on the monitor 21. Displayed. As a result, the contour O of the shadow S shown in the composite image (a) is displayed on the X-ray image (mask by contour extraction).

  As described above, in the digital acquisition device 20, the overlay processing unit 27 or the contour extraction processing unit 28 displays an X-ray image in which a shadow portion or a shadow contour is superimposed on the monitor 21 after X-ray imaging is performed. By doing so, the radiogram interpreter can determine the possibility of misreading due to wrinkles occurring in the breast P during imaging.

  In addition, by looking at the X-ray image in which the shadow portion or the outline of the shadow is superimposed, it becomes possible to estimate the skill of the engineer who performs the positioning. You can guess the sweetness). Thereby, the improvement of the reliability with respect to the X-ray image at the time of interpretation can be expected.

  Next, a processing procedure of the mammography apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the mammography apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, in this mammography apparatus, when the imaging table system 10 receives an X-ray imaging instruction from the operator (step S01, Yes), first, the first sheet is linked with the flash 5a. An optical image is taken (step S02), and the taken optical image is transmitted to the digital collection device 20 (step S03).

  Subsequently, the imaging platform system 10 captures the second optical image in conjunction with the flash 5b (step S04), transmits the captured optical image to the digital collection device 20 (step S05), and A third optical image is taken in conjunction with the flash 5c (step S06), and the taken optical image is transmitted to the digital collection device 20 (step S07).

  When receiving an optical image from the imaging platform system 10, the digital collection device 20 binarizes each image (step S08), combines the binarized images, and stores them in the image memory 24 (step S09). Further, the digital collection device 20 extracts a shadow area from the composite image (step S10), and the ratio of the shadow area to the area where the breast is reflected exceeds a predetermined threshold. It is determined whether or not (step S11).

  If the ratio does not exceed the predetermined threshold (No at Step S12), the digital collection device 20 transmits a notification indicating that there is no error to the imaging platform system 10 (Step S12). S13).

  On the other hand, when the ratio exceeds the predetermined threshold (step S12, Yes), the digital collection device 20 transmits a notification indicating an error to the imaging platform system 10 (step S14) and a warning. A sound is emitted (step S15).

  Upon receiving any notification from the digital collection device 20, the imaging platform system 10 determines whether or not the received notification is an error notification. If the notification is an error notification (Yes in step S16). A warning sound is emitted (step S17), and a confirmation message for inquiring whether to perform X-ray imaging is displayed.

  When the imaging table system 10 receives an imaging instruction again in response to the confirmation message (step S18, Yes), the imaging platform system 10 executes X-ray imaging (step S19) and does not receive the imaging instruction again. (Step S18, No), the process ends.

  On the other hand, when the notification received from the digital collection device 20 is not an error notification (No in step S16), the imaging platform system 10 continues to perform X-ray imaging (step S19).

  As described above, when the imaging table system 10 receives an X-ray imaging instruction and captures an optical image, it is possible to automatically detect wrinkles without making the operator aware of it.

  Further, when the digital collection device 20 detects a predetermined amount of shadow on the breast P, it displays a confirmation message inquiring whether to perform X-ray imaging, and does not accept an imaging instruction in response to the confirmation message. By performing control so as to return to the initial state before imaging an optical image, repositioning can be repeatedly performed before X-ray imaging is performed until there is no problem in X-ray imaging.

  As described above, in this embodiment, in the imaging platform system 10, the optical imaging management device 15 controls the flash device 14 so as to illuminate the surface of the breast P in a predetermined order from a plurality of different directions, and the flash. Each time the surface of the breast P is illuminated by the device 14, the optical system photographing device 13 is controlled so as to capture an optical image of the surface of the breast P. In the digital collection device 20, the overlay processing unit 27 combines the plurality of captured optical images, and the shadow range processing / determination unit 29 detects a shadow portion from the combined image. It is possible to detect wrinkles generated in the breast, which is the subject, by the positioning.

  In the present embodiment, the warning device 12 of the photographic stand system 10 and the warning device 23 of the digital collection device 20 are configured to urge the technician to reposition by emitting a warning sound. A warning message for prompting repositioning may be displayed on the operation unit 11 of the system 10 or the monitor 21 of the digital collection device 20.

  In the present embodiment, the case where three flash devices are used has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be similarly applied even when a number of flash devices other than three are used. Can do.

  As described above, the mammography apparatus, the image processing apparatus, and the image processing program according to the present invention are useful when the imaging time is limited or when the technician's positioning skill is immature, This method is suitable when it is desired to efficiently detect wrinkles generated in the breast, which is the subject, by positioning during imaging.

It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the concept of the mammography apparatus which concerns on a present Example. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the mammography apparatus which concerns on a present Example. It is a figure which shows the installation position of a digital camera and a flash. It is a figure which shows the illumination by a flash. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of an imaging stand system and a digital collection device. It is a figure which shows an example of the various images displayed on a monitor. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the mammography apparatus which concerns on a present Example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 X-ray exposure apparatus 2 Digital camera 3 Holding plate 4 Imaging stand 5a, 5b, 5c Flash 10 Imaging stand system 11 Operation part 12 Warning device 13 Optical system imaging device 14 Flash apparatus 15 Optical system imaging management device 16 X-ray tube 17 X-ray controller 18 Image detector 19 Controller 20 Digital acquisition device 21 Monitor 22 Monitor controller 23 Warning device 24 Image memory 25 Image acquisition device 26 Binarization processing unit 27 Superimposition processing unit 28 Contour extraction processing unit 29 Shadow range Processing / determination section

Claims (6)

A mammography apparatus that captures an X-ray image of a breast of a subject,
An illumination control means for controlling the illumination means to illuminate the surface of the breast in a predetermined order from a plurality of different directions;
An imaging control unit that controls the imaging unit to capture an image of the surface of the breast each time the surface of the breast is illuminated by the illumination unit;
Image combining means for combining a plurality of images picked up by the image pickup means;
A shadow part detecting means for detecting a shadow part from the image synthesized by the image synthesizing means;
A mammography apparatus characterized by comprising: In the image synthesized by the image synthesizing means, the shadow for determining whether the ratio of the area where the shadow part detected by the shadow part detecting means occupies the predetermined area exceeds the range where the breast appears. A range determination means;
Warning means for informing a warning when the shadow range determining means determines that the ratio exceeds the predetermined threshold;
The mammography apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   The shadow part display means which superimposes the image of the shadow part detected by the said shadow part detection means on the X-ray image of the said breast, and displays it on a display apparatus is characterized by the above-mentioned. Mammography equipment.   The shadow part outline display means which superimposes on the display apparatus the image of the outline of the shadow part detected by the said shadow part detection means on the X-ray image of the breast is further provided. The mammography apparatus described in 1. An image processing apparatus for processing an X-ray image of a subject's breast imaged by a mammography apparatus,
Illumination control means for controlling the illumination means of the mammography apparatus to illuminate the surface of the breast in a predetermined order from a plurality of different directions;
Imaging control means for controlling imaging means included in the mammography apparatus so as to capture an image of the breast surface each time the surface of the breast is illuminated by the illumination means;
Image combining means for combining a plurality of images picked up by the image pickup means;
A shadow part detecting means for detecting a shadow part from the image synthesized by the image synthesizing means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: An image processing program for processing an X-ray image of a subject's breast imaged by a mammography apparatus,
An illumination control procedure for controlling the illumination means of the mammography apparatus to illuminate the surface of the breast in a predetermined order from a plurality of different directions;
An imaging control procedure for controlling imaging means included in the mammography apparatus so as to capture an image of the breast surface each time the surface of the breast is illuminated by the illumination procedure;
An image synthesis procedure for synthesizing a plurality of images captured by the imaging means;
A shadow detection procedure for detecting a shadow from an image synthesized by the image synthesis procedure;
An image processing program for causing a computer to execute.

Images