JP2009273886A - System for adaptively processing medical image data - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problems that reduction of image spatial pixel resolution to provide a reduced quantity of data for processing and communication involves loss of information or image spatial resolution, using a smart matrix system avoiding a general loss in image spatial resolution across an image. <P>SOLUTION: A system processes image data by adaptively varying pixel resolution within a 2D (two Dimensional) X-ray medical image. The system includes an imaging detector comprising a matrix array of detection picture elements having a detector pixel resolution. An image data processor determines a first area within a 2D image to be allocated a first pixel resolution and a second area within the 2D image to be allocated a second pixel resolution lower than the first resolution. A combinational processor combines multiple adjacent detection picture elements to provide an individual pixel of the second pixel resolution. A user interface generates a 2D medical image including the first area and the second area. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention adaptively adapts pixel resolution in a two-dimensional (2D) x-ray medical image in response to adaptively determined image (and other) features or in response to predetermined configuration data. The present invention relates to a system for processing image data by changing.

  Known x-ray systems, including real-time x-ray systems, use x-ray detectors to provide medical image sequences or individual medical images for vascular intervention or diagnostic work. The detection device uses an internal physical pixel matrix to acquire data, which can be read out at full pixel resolution or reduced pixel resolution. In general, a 2 × 2 binning step is used to reduce matrix resolution and data size. Data size is reduced to enable advanced real-time image processing algorithms and to allow data communication over different interfaces with bandwidth limitations. The bandwidth limit of the interface is different at different interfaces: the interface in the X-ray detector, the interface between the detector and the image data processing system, the interface in the image data processing system, the image data processing system and the display monitor Can occur at different interfaces, including the interface between

  Even if the zoom function is used to acquire and process only the areas of interest to the user, generally the reduction of spatial resolution is performed on image pixel data including the fully acquired image. However, reducing the image space pixel resolution to reduce the amount of data for processing and communication involves loss of information and image space resolution. The system of the present invention addresses these shortcomings and related challenges and uses a smart matrix system to prevent the overall loss of image spatial resolution across the image.

  The system locally changes the spatial resolution of the medical X-ray diagnostic system or medical X-ray intervention system image according to the image spatial resolution requirements of each section of the segmented image. This image spatial resolution requirement is determined by the executing application or locally by the image data processor based on the local image content of the image data being processed.

  The system processes image data by adaptively changing the pixel resolution within a two-dimensional (2D) x-ray medical image. The system includes an imaging detection device, which includes a detection pixel matrix array having detection device pixel resolution for detecting X-rays passing through a patient's anatomy. The image data processing apparatus determines a first area to which a first pixel resolution is assigned in a two-dimensional image, and a second area to which a second pixel resolution lower than the first pixel resolution is assigned in the two-dimensional image. To decide. The combination processing unit combines the image data of a plurality of adjacent detection pixels and provides each pixel with a second pixel resolution. The user interface forms data representing a two-dimensional X-ray medical image including a first area having the first pixel resolution and a second area having a second pixel resolution lower than the first pixel resolution.

FIG. 1 illustrates an x-ray imaging arrangement according to the principles of the present invention, including a system for processing image data by adaptively changing the pixel resolution in a two-dimensional x-ray medical image. FIG. 2 shows an indirect conversion planar detector based on CsI (cesium iodide) and a read active matrix made of amorphous silicon used in a system according to the principles of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows different readout areas of a detection device according to the principles of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a small section of the active pixel matrix of a flat panel X-ray detector according to the principles of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows that the central portion of the X-ray detector array is read out at full image pixel resolution, while the outer ring-shaped area is read out hierarchically with continuously decreasing image pixel resolution. An arrangement based on the principle of FIG. 6 shows an arrangement according to the principles of the present invention in which the local spatial resolution adaptively determines the combination of locally detected pixel data. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process for reading and processing data from a physical X-ray detector matrix in accordance with the principles of the present invention. FIG. 8 illustrates smart matrix image data detection of a chest X-ray image in accordance with the principles of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process for processing image data by adaptively changing the pixel resolution in a two-dimensional X-ray medical image in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention Smart matrix systems process image data by adaptively changing the pixel resolution within a two-dimensional (2D) anatomical X-ray medical image. The system advantageously forms a composite image that includes one or more image areas, the image areas having a relatively high pixel resolution compared to the pixel resolution of another one or more areas of the image. Have. This allows bones, wires, and stents to be depicted with relatively high resolution, while low-contrast image content that typically does not require high spatial image pixel resolution, such as cells or irradiated areas outside the patient. Is depicted with low pixel resolution. The smart matrix system uses a higher resolution readout process (eg, full detector pixel resolution) in the high resolution image area and a lower resolution readout process in the low resolution image area.

  The smart matrix system adaptively changes the pixel resolution in a two-dimensional (2D) anatomical medical image according to configuration data predetermined by the user or the running application or according to the characteristics of the image content Let The configuration data assigns a higher resolution to the central part of the image for use in cardiac surgery imaging. Cardiac surgery generally requires the highest resolution in the center of the image, where it is necessary to observe the organ or to intervene with high spatial resolution (eg, wire, stent, balloon) It is necessary to observe. The area outside this image is less important and does not require high pixel resolution as well. This system adaptively changes the pixel resolution in a two-dimensional image according to the characteristics of the image content using a pixel resolution detection process. The pixel resolution detection process determines the optimal pixel resolution to use for the local area of the image. Smart matrix systems advantageously reduce the amount of image data to be processed and stored, enable more complex and more computationally intensive image processing functions on specific hardware platforms, and for specific image processing functions The hardware cost can be reduced.

  As used herein, a processing device is a device that executes stored machine-readable instructions for performing a task and includes any of hardware and firmware, or a combination thereof. The processing device may also include a memory that stores machine-readable execution instructions for executing tasks. The processing device acts on this information by manipulating, analyzing, modifying, transforming or transmitting the information, causing this information to be used by an execution procedure or information device, and / or routing the information to an output device So that this is used. The processing device may use or include the functionality of a controller or microprocessor, for example. A processing device can be electrically coupled to all other processing devices, allowing interaction and / or communication between them. A processing device that includes an execution instruction can be electrically coupled by being in a stored execution instruction, allowing interaction and / or communication with an execution instruction that includes another processing device. The user interface processor or generator includes known elements consisting of electronic circuitry or software or a combination thereof to form a display image or a part thereof. The user interface includes one or more display images that allow the user to interact with the processing device or another device.

  The execution application includes code for adjusting the processing device or machine readable instructions, and in response to a user command or user input, a predetermined function, such as a system operation, a context data acquisition system, or another information processing Perform system functions. An execution procedure is a segment of code or machine-readable instructions, a subroutine, or another section of code or an execution application for performing one or more specific processes. These processes include receiving input data and / or parameters, performing operations based on received input data and / or performing functions based on received input parameters, and providing resulting output data and / or parameters ,including. A user interface (UI), as used herein, includes one or more display images and is formed by a user interface processing device for user interaction with a processing device or another device and related data acquisition and functional processing. enable.

  The user interface (UI) includes an execution procedure or an execution application. This execution procedure or application requires a user interface processing device to form a signal representing the UI display image. These signals are supplied to a display device that displays the image, which is viewed by the user. Further, the execution procedure or execution application receives signals from a user input device, such as a keyboard, mouse, light pen, touch screen, or other means that allows the user to supply data to the processing device. The processing device processes the UI display image according to the signal received from the input device under the control of the execution procedure or the execution application. In this way, the user can interact with the display image using the input device, and the user can interact with the processing device and another device. The functions and processing steps here can be executed automatically, completely or partly in response to user commands. The automatically executed operations (including steps) are performed in response to execution instructions or device operations without direct operation instructions by the user. An object or data object includes a group of data, execution instructions, or a combination thereof, or an execution procedure.

  FIG. 1 shows an x-ray imaging system 10 that includes a system for processing image data by adaptively changing the pixel resolution in a two-dimensional x-ray medical image. The system 10 includes one or more processing devices 12 (e.g., notebooks, personal digital assistants PDAs, telephones or other workstations or portable devices), each of which includes a memory 28, a user interface 26, and a pre- And set user (eg, physician) specific preferences. The user interface 26 supports image display in response to a user command input through the touch panel 39. System 10 includes at least one repository 17, an x-ray imaging modality system 25 (in alternative embodiments, including, for example, an MR (magnetic resonance), CT scan, or ultrasound system), and a network 21. And the server 20 that communicate with each other. The user interface 26 provides data for displaying a display image, which includes a graphical user interface (GUI) for display on the processing device 12. At least one repository 17 stores medical image studies for a large number of patients in a DICOM-compliant data format (or another data format). Medical imaging studies each include a series of multiple images of the patient's anatomy, and these images themselves each include multiple images. The server 20 includes an image data processing device 15 and a system / imaging control device 34.

  System 10 uses X-ray modality system 25 to acquire data representing individual images of a patient's organs that are continuous in time. The X-ray modality system 25 includes a C-arm 19 that supports an X-ray radiation source 31 and an imaging detection device 23 that rotates around a patient table. The x-ray modality system 25 includes an attached generator for supplying power for the x-ray emission system. The imaging detection device 23 includes a detection pixel matrix array, which has a detection device pixel resolution for detecting X-rays passing through the patient's body. The x-rays are supplied by a source 31. The image data processing device 15 determines a first area to which the first pixel resolution is assigned in the two-dimensional image, and the second area to which the second pixel resolution lower than the first pixel resolution is assigned in the two-dimensional image. Determine the area. A combined processor within imaging detector 23 (or image data processor 15 in another embodiment) adaptively combines a plurality of adjacent detected pixels to provide each pixel with a second pixel resolution. To do. The user interface 26 forms data representing a two-dimensional X-ray medical image including a first area having the first pixel resolution and a second area having a second pixel resolution lower than the first pixel resolution.

  FIG. 2 shows an indirect conversion type planar detector based on CsI (cesium iodide) and a read active matrix made of amorphous silicon. X-ray radiation is converted by the cesium iodide layer into radiation that can be detected by the detection pixel matrix array. The detection pixel matrix array includes photodiodes that are actively controlled by drive electronics. The electrical signal formed by each detection pixel photodiode is read out by detection electronics, which are used in adaptively changing the pixel resolution in the two-dimensional X-ray medical image. The detection electronics of the imaging detector 23 (FIG. 1) adaptively change the pixel resolution in different readout areas of the detector. FIG. 3 illustrates different readout areas with different pixel resolution provided by the detection electronics. Specifically, these different readout areas include a full area 303 (including a complete matrix array of detection pixels), a first zoom area 305, and a second zoom area 307. The zoom area 305 includes a reduced pixel readout area with a smaller effective matrix array, and the second zoom area 307 includes a further reduced pixel readout area with a smaller effective matrix array. Yes.

  The imaging detection device 23 (FIG. 1) includes an amorphous silicon-based planar detection device, an X-ray indirect converter (cesium iodide) or an X-ray indirect converter (selenium, CdTe, CdZTe, PbO, HgI, etc.) Can be included. The imaging detection device 23 may alternatively include an integrated planar detection device based on a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) structure with direct X-ray conversion or indirect conversion. It is also possible to include a counting detector based on a CMOS structure comprising In addition, some image processing (such as offset, gain, pixel defect correction) associated with the detection device can be applied before applying the smart matrix.

  In one embodiment, the detection electronics of the imaging detection device 23 (FIG. 1) are located close to the detection pixel source inside the imaging detection device and adaptively change a plurality of adjacent detection pixels, These detection pixels are combined at this location. This may be in analog circuitry, or alternatively in digital circuitry, or both (eg, data for one detection pixel is partially combined in analog form and data for the remaining detection pixels is combined in digital form. Etc.) to provide each pixel of the second pixel resolution. In another embodiment, the detection electronics in the imaging detector 23 (FIG. 1) are placed in an image data processing pipeline, for example on an image receiving board (an electronic circuit board or a computer circuit that receives detection pixels). The In another embodiment, the detection electronic circuit may be arranged in the image data processing device 15 away from the imaging detection device 23, for example. The detection electronics combine the data of adjacent detection pixels in the selectable array. The selectable array can be 1 × 1 (original, full resolution), 2 × 2 (4 pixels combined into one pixel), 3 × 3 (9 pixels combined into one pixel), nxn or, for example, generally 1 × 2 Nxm including 2x1 and 2x3.

  FIG. 4 shows a small section of the active pixel matrix of the X-ray flat panel detector and illustrates how the detection pixels are combined (a process called binning). The combination processing device of the imaging detection device 23 (FIG. 1) combines the image data of a plurality of adjacent detection pixels and averages the data representing the luminance of the adjacent pixels (using 2 × 2, 3 × 3 binning). Combined to provide each pixel with a second pixel resolution. The detection pixel array 310 exhibits a full resolution consisting of 36 detection pixels providing 36 pixels. The array 312 shows a reduced resolution consisting of 36 detection pixels providing 9 pixels, each containing 2 × 2 elements averaged. Array 314 shows a reduced resolution consisting of 36 detection pixels providing 4 pixels, each of which contains 3 × 3 elements averaged.

  FIG. 5 shows that the central portion of the X-ray detector array is read out at full image pixel resolution, while the outer ring-shaped area is read out hierarchically at continuously decreasing image pixel resolution. Sequence. Specifically, image areas 330, 333, and 336 are assigned a predetermined image pixel resolution that is continuously reduced from the center of the image toward the periphery, with area 330 having the highest image pixel resolution. Have The image data processing device 15 (FIG. 1) determines the first image area 330, the second image area 333, and the third image area 336 according to predetermined configuration data. The predetermined configuration data identifies the first area 330 as an area concentrated in the center in the two-dimensional image 329, and the second area 333 is located outside the first area 330. Identify and identify that the third area 336 is located outside the first area 330 and the second area 333.

  FIG. 6 shows an arrangement in which the local spatial resolution adaptively determines the local detection pixel data combination (eg, detection pixel combination using an array combining 1 × 1, 2 × 2, 3 × 3 elements). . The pixel resolution of the area in the image is determined for each image by the processing device 15 (FIG. 1) that detects changes in local luminance (eg, gray scale). A randomly appearing area 340 corresponding to the anatomical feature X-rays is assigned a first resolution, and areas 343 and 346 have a predetermined continuously reduced image pixel resolution. Assigned. The image data processing device 15 (FIG. 1) adaptively determines the image areas 340, 343, and 346 according to changes in pixel luminance in the two-dimensional image. The image data processing device 15 adaptively determines the image area 340 in response to detection that the accumulated pixel luminance change in one or more image areas including the image area 340 exceeds a predetermined threshold. The image area 343 is determined based at least partially on the outside of the image area 340. Similarly, the image data processing device 15 adaptively changes the image area 343 in response to detecting that the accumulated pixel luminance change in one or more image areas including the image area 343 exceeds a predetermined threshold. decide. The image area 346 is determined based at least partially on the outside of the image area 343.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process of reading data from the physical X-ray detector matrix 603 and processing the data. The physical X-ray detector matrix 603 includes a detection pixel matrix 605 having a first pixel resolution, which is the original full resolution. The X-ray detection device matrix 603 is a physical device that includes detection pixels that are regularly arranged. In step 607, the joint processing device in the imaging detection device 23 (FIG. 1) (or the image data processing device 15 in another embodiment) images the first portion of the plurality of adjacent detection pixels in the matrix 605. The data is adaptively combined to provide each pixel with a second pixel resolution (in image 609). The combining processor combines the image data of the second portion of the plurality of adjacent detection pixels of the matrix 605 and provides each pixel with a third pixel resolution (in the image 609). In step 611, the image data processing device 15 (FIG. 1) processes the data representing the image 609 (eg, adjusting the contrast and brightness of the image), and in step 617, provides the data representing the image 613 to the storage device. To do. In step 623, the image data processing device 15 remaps the data representing the image 613 or the stored image 619 retrieved from the storage device to match the pixel resolution of the display monitor 627. A portion of the plurality of detected pixels in matrix 605 is processed by a combined processing device to form image 613 or image 619 and rearranged for the physical pixel structure of display monitor 627. This is achieved, for example, by bilinear interpolation or cubic interpolation or similar known methods. If the resolution of the detection pixel matrix 605 (and intermediate resolution images 613 and 619) does not match the resolution of the display monitor 627, the image 613 or image 619 may need to be resized. For example, the detection pixel matrix 605 (and the intermediate resolution matrix of images 613 and 619) can be a 1500 × 1800 matrix at full resolution, while the resolution of the display monitor 627 can include 1000 × 1200 pixels.

  FIG. 8 shows smart matrix image data detection of an X-ray image of the chest 603. The image data processing device 15 adaptively selects the first area 805 in response to the user previously selecting the anatomical feature as the chest (illustrated by the chest 803). More specifically, the image data processing device 15 adaptively selects the shape of the first area 805 in accordance with the selection of an anatomical feature (chest) determined in advance by the user. The image data processing device 15 adaptively changes the shape of the first area 805 (for example, the shape of the chest) according to at least one of (a) a user command and (b) a predetermined user preference. select. The shape is selected from a number of shapes or patterns previously stored in the repository 17. The selectable shape or pattern exhibits one or more areas or associated pixel resolution and includes the shape of the intended anatomical feature, eg, chest 803. Image areas 807 and 811 have successively reduced resolution and lower resolution than area 805, respectively. Furthermore, the shape can be selected from a plurality of shapes or patterns including, for example, a square, a rectangle, an ellipse, an annulus, or another intended regular or irregular shape.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process for processing image data by adaptively changing the pixel resolution in a two-dimensional X-ray medical image. After the start in step 911, in step 912, the imaging detector 23 (FIG. 1) detects X-rays that pass through the patient's anatomy. The imaging detection device includes a detection pixel matrix array having detection device pixel resolution. In step 915, the data processor 15 assigns the first area to which the first pixel resolution is assigned in the two-dimensional image in response to a user selection for an anatomical feature or to a change in pixel brightness in the two-dimensional image. And adaptively selecting, and determining the shape of the first area in response to a user selection for the anatomical feature. In step 919, the image data processing device 15 determines a second area to which a second pixel resolution lower than the first pixel resolution is assigned in the two-dimensional image. In step 923, the combination processing device in the imaging detection device 23 is at least one of (a) a user command, (b) a predetermined user preference, and (c) a user selection for anatomical features. In accordance with one, a plurality of providing each pixel of the second pixel resolution by adaptively changing the number of adjacent detection pixels coupled to provide each pixel of the second pixel resolution. Image data of adjacent detection pixels are combined. The combined processing device also combines the image data of a plurality of adjacent detection pixels and provides each pixel with a first pixel resolution. In another embodiment, the combined processor is combined to provide each pixel with a second pixel resolution in response to pixel brightness changes in the two-dimensional image or in response to user selection for anatomical features. Adaptively changing the number of adjacent detection pixels.

  In step 925, the user interface 26 forms data representing a two-dimensional X-ray medical image that includes a first area having the first pixel resolution and a second area having a second pixel resolution lower than the first pixel resolution. To do. In step 927, the image data processor 15 determines a third area in the two-dimensional image to which a third pixel resolution lower than the second pixel resolution is assigned, and the combined processor determines each pixel with the third pixel resolution. The image data of a plurality of adjacent detection pixels that provide The user interface 26 forms data representing a two-dimensional X-ray medical image including the third area. The process illustrated in FIG. 9 ends at step 931.

  The systems and processes of FIGS. 1-9 are not limited to this. Other systems and menus can be derived according to the basic design of the present invention to achieve the same purpose. Although the invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, it is to be understood that these and alternative embodiments shown and described herein are for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art can implement changes to the current design without departing from the scope of the invention. This smart matrix system is a two-dimensional (2D) anatomical medical image (for example, X-ray, MR, MR, etc.) according to configuration data predetermined by the user or the execution application, or according to the characteristics of the image content. The pixel resolution within the CT scan, ultrasound or another medical image) is adaptively changed. Processes and applications may be provided in one or more (eg, distributed) processing devices that access a network linked to the components of FIG. 1 in alternative embodiments. In addition, all the functions and steps shown in FIGS. 1-9 can be performed in hardware, software, or a combination thereof, linked to the components of FIG. It may be provided in one or more processing units located everywhere in another network.

Claims (19)

In a system for processing image data by adaptively changing the pixel resolution in a two-dimensional X-ray medical image,
An imaging detection device, an image data processing device, a combination processing device, and a user interface;
The imaging detection device includes a detection pixel matrix array for detecting X-rays passing through a patient's anatomy,
The detection pixel has a detector pixel resolution;
The image data processing device determines a first area to which a first pixel resolution is assigned in a two-dimensional image, and a second pixel resolution is assigned a second pixel resolution lower than the first pixel resolution in the two-dimensional image. Determine the area;
The combining processor combines a plurality of adjacent detection pixels to provide each pixel of the second pixel resolution;
The user interface forms data representing a two-dimensional medical image including the first area having the first pixel resolution and the second area having a second pixel resolution lower than the first pixel resolution;
A system characterized by that. The image data processing device determines the first area and the second area according to predetermined configuration data,
The configuration data identifies that the first area is an area concentrated in the center of the two-dimensional image, and identifies that the second area is located outside the first area.
The system according to claim 1. The image data processing device adaptively selects the first area in response to a user selection for an anatomical feature;
The system according to claim 1. The image data processing device adaptively selects a shape of the first area according to a user selection of an anatomical feature;
The system according to claim 3. The image data processing apparatus adaptively selects the shape of the first area according to at least one of (a) a user command and (b) a predetermined user preference.
The system according to claim 3. The image data processing apparatus adaptively selects the first area according to a change in pixel luminance in the two-dimensional image;
The system according to claim 1. The image data processing apparatus adaptively determines the first area in response to detection that a cumulative pixel luminance change in one or more image areas including the first area exceeds a predetermined threshold,
The second area is determined based at least in part on being located outside the first area;
The system according to claim 6. The image data processing apparatus adaptively determines the first area in response to detection that a cumulative pixel luminance change in one or more image areas including the first area exceeds a predetermined threshold;
The system according to claim 7. The combination processing unit combines image data of a plurality of adjacent detection pixels to provide each pixel of the second pixel resolution;
The system according to claim 1. The combination processing apparatus adaptively changes the number of the plurality of adjacent detection pixels combined to provide each pixel of the second pixel resolution in response to a change in pixel luminance in the two-dimensional image. ,
The system according to claim 1. The combination processing device is responsive to at least one of (a) a user command, (b) a predetermined user preference, and (c) a user selection for an anatomical feature, the second pixel resolution. Adaptively changing the number of the plurality of adjacent detection pixels combined to provide each pixel of
The system according to claim 1. The combination processing device combines image data of a plurality of adjacent detection pixels to provide each pixel of the first pixel resolution;
The system according to claim 1. The image data processing device determines a third area to which a third pixel resolution lower than the second pixel resolution is assigned in the two-dimensional image;
The combination processing device combines image data of a plurality of adjacent detection pixels to provide each pixel of the third pixel resolution;
The user interface forms data representing a two-dimensional medical image including the third area;
The system according to claim 1. In a method of processing image data by adaptively changing pixel resolution in a two-dimensional X-ray medical image, the method includes the following operations;
Detecting X-rays passing through the patient's anatomy using an imaging detector;
The imaging detection device includes a detection pixel matrix array having detection device pixel resolution;
Adaptively selecting a first area in the two-dimensional image to which a first pixel resolution is assigned according to a user selection for anatomical features;
Determining a second area in the two-dimensional image to which a second pixel resolution lower than the first pixel resolution is assigned;
Combining the image data of the plurality of adjacent detection pixels by adaptively changing the number of the plurality of adjacent detection pixels combined to provide each pixel of the second pixel resolution; Provide each pixel of
Forming data representing a two-dimensional X-ray medical image including the first area having the first pixel resolution and the second area having the second pixel resolution lower than the first pixel resolution;
A method characterized by that. Adaptively selecting the shape of the first area in response to a user selection for the anatomical feature;
15. The method of claim 14, wherein: Combining image data of a plurality of adjacent detection pixels in response to a user selection for the anatomical feature;
The method according to claim 15. The user selection for the anatomical feature is a predetermined user preference,
The method according to claim 16. In a method of processing image data by adaptively changing pixel resolution in a two-dimensional X-ray medical image, the method includes the following operations;
Detecting X-rays passing through the patient's anatomy using an imaging detector;
The imaging detection device includes a detection pixel matrix array having detection device pixel resolution;
Adaptively selecting a first area in the two-dimensional image to which a first pixel resolution is assigned according to a change in pixel brightness in the two-dimensional image;
Determining a second area in the two-dimensional image to which a second pixel resolution lower than the first pixel resolution is assigned;
Combining the image data of the plurality of adjacent detection pixels by adaptively changing the number of the plurality of adjacent detection pixels combined to provide each pixel of the second pixel resolution; Provide each pixel of
Forming data representing a two-dimensional X-ray medical image including the first area having the first pixel resolution and the second area having the second pixel resolution lower than the first pixel resolution;
A method characterized by that. Adaptively changing the number of the plurality of adjacent detection pixels according to a change in pixel luminance in the two-dimensional image;
The method of claim 18 wherein: