JP2010187917A - Radiation image capturing apparatus and radiation image display device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radiation image capturing apparatus and a radiation image display device which are capable of improving working efficiency of image capturing. <P>SOLUTION: Two radiation images are captured by individually radiating a radiation from the radiation source 30 of an irradiation part 24 at a prescribed angle θ, whether or not abnormality has occurred in the capturing of the two radiation images is determined, and an alarm is issued when the abnormality has occurred. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiographic image capturing apparatus and a radiographic image display apparatus, and more particularly to a radiographic image capturing apparatus that captures a radiographic image by individually irradiating radiation at different angles, and a radiographic image display that displays the captured radiographic image Relates to the device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, radiation imaging apparatuses that perform radiation imaging for the purpose of medical diagnosis are known. An example of this type of radiographic apparatus is a mammography that images a subject's breast for the purpose of early detection of breast cancer.

  By the way, since the radiographic image obtained by imaging | photography with a radiography apparatus is a two-dimensional image, it is difficult to judge three-dimensional distribution, such as a lesion.

  Therefore, a stereo imaging method has been proposed as a technique for improving diagnosis accuracy.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, a subject is exposed to X-rays from two different directions to acquire a stereo image, and information on the depth direction is obtained from the acquired stereo image to obtain three-dimensional information. A technique for performing pseudo three-dimensional display on a display unit by performing coordinate rotation processing on three orthogonal axes is described.

JP-A 64-2628

  By the way, in the radiographic apparatus, radiographic imaging may fail due to various factors such as movement of the subject during imaging.

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, if the radiographic image is not displayed, the imaging failure is not known, and if the imaging has failed, it is necessary to perform the imaging again, so the imaging work efficiency is poor. There was a problem that. In particular, in stereo imaging, at least two radiographic images are captured, but if any imaging fails, stereoscopic viewing may not be possible, so the effect of imaging failure is significant.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a radiographic image capturing apparatus and a radiographic image display apparatus that can improve the imaging work efficiency.

  In order to achieve the above object, a radiographic image capturing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a radiation irradiating unit that individually irradiates radiation at different angles with respect to an imaging target region of a subject, and transmits the imaging target region Then, a plurality of radiation images represented by radiation individually irradiated on the imaging surface are respectively captured, and generation means for generating image information indicating the captured radiation images, respectively, and abnormalities are detected in capturing the plurality of radiation images. Determining means for determining whether or not it has occurred.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the radiation irradiating means individually irradiates radiation at a different angle with respect to the imaging target region of the subject, and the generating means transmits the imaging target region individually to the imaging surface. A plurality of radiographic images represented by the radiation irradiated on each of the radiographic images are captured, and image information indicating the captured radiographic images is generated, and the determination unit determines whether an abnormality has occurred in capturing the radiographic images. Judging.

  As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to determine whether or not re-imaging is necessary by determining whether or not an abnormality has occurred in capturing a plurality of radiographic images. The work efficiency of shooting can be improved.

  It is preferable that the present invention further includes warning means for giving a warning when the determination means determines that an abnormality has occurred, as in the second aspect of the invention.

  Further, according to the present invention, as in the invention described in claim 3, the determination unit detects a corresponding point between a plurality of radiographic images indicated by each piece of image information generated by the generation unit, and the predetermined number If no more than or a corresponding point is detected, or if it is detected that blur is occurring on any one edge of the plurality of radiographic images, the data amount of any one of the image information is determined. If the number of pixels is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the pixel value of any one of the plurality of radiation images is equal to or higher than a predetermined upper limit value or equal to or lower than a predetermined lower limit value, and is at least one condition. If the above is true, it may be determined that an abnormality has occurred. The upper limit value may be, for example, the maximum pixel value. Further, the lower limit value may be a minimum pixel value.

  Further, in the invention according to claim 3, as in the invention according to claim 4, it is determined that no abnormality has occurred by the display means capable of displaying images for the right eye and the left eye, respectively, and the determination means. A plurality of images indicated by the image information when the determination unit determines that an abnormality has occurred and displays a stereoscopically viewable image on the display unit based on the image information generated by the generation unit. Control means for controlling the display means to display a radiological image with less abnormality among the radiographic images.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, as in the fifth aspect of the present invention, the display means has two display units capable of displaying right-eye and left-eye images, and the control means When the determination means determines that no abnormality has occurred, a stereoscopically viewable image is displayed on each of the two display units, and when the determination means determines that an abnormality has occurred, a radiographic image with less abnormality is displayed. May be controlled to be displayed on the two display units, respectively.

  Further, according to the present invention, as in the invention described in claim 6, when the imaging condition when the radiographic image is captured is different from the imaging condition predetermined according to the imaging target region, It may be determined that an abnormality has occurred in at least one of the cases where the imaging conditions at the time of capturing an image are different from the imaging conditions at the time of capturing the imaging target region of the subject in the past stored in the storage unit. .

  Further, according to the present invention, as in the invention described in claim 7, the radiation irradiating means irradiates radiation at different angles by moving the radiation source, and the judging means individually emits radiation from the radiation source. It may be determined that an abnormality has occurred when the angle formed when irradiating is larger than a predetermined angle.

Further, according to the present invention, as in the invention described in claim 8, the imaging target part is a breast,
The image forming apparatus may further include a pressing plate that presses the breast against the imaging surface, and the determination unit may determine that an abnormality has occurred when a pressure applied by the pressing plate is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

  On the other hand, the radiological image display apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is an acquisition unit that acquires image information indicating a plurality of radiographic images captured by individually irradiating radiation at different angles with respect to an imaging target region of a subject. Display means capable of displaying right-eye and left-eye images respectively, determination means for determining whether or not an abnormality has occurred in imaging of the plurality of radiation images, and no abnormality has occurred by the determination means Based on the image information acquired by the acquisition unit when determined, the display unit displays a stereoscopically viewable image. When the determination unit determines that an abnormality has occurred, the image information Control means for controlling the display means to display a radiation image with few abnormalities among the plurality of radiation images shown.

  Therefore, the invention according to claim 9 can improve the work efficiency of the photographing because the diagnosis can be continued without performing the photographing again even if the photographing fails.

  In the ninth aspect of the invention, as in the tenth aspect of the invention, the determining means detects corresponding points between a plurality of radiographic images indicated by the image information acquired by the acquiring means. If a corresponding point is not detected, if it is detected that blur is occurring at any one edge of the plurality of radiation images, if any one data amount of each image information is equal to or less than a predetermined amount In addition, it may be determined that an abnormality has occurred in at least one of the cases in which the pixel value of any one of the plurality of radiation images is a maximum value or a minimum value greater than or equal to a predetermined ratio.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the shooting work efficiency.

It is a top view which shows the structure of the imaging device which concerns on embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the structure at the time of CC imaging | photography of the imaging device which concerns on embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the structure at the time of the MLO imaging | photography of the imaging device which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the radiation source which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the radiographic imaging system which concerns on embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the stereo display apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the case where the image of the stereo display apparatus which concerns on embodiment is viewed stereoscopically. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of the radiation irradiation part at the time of imaging | photography which concerns on embodiment, and an imaging stand. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the apparatus abnormality detection process program which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the imaging | photography abnormality detection processing program which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the imaging | photography abnormality detection processing program which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the display control processing program which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a case where the present invention is applied to a radiographic image capturing system that captures a radiographic image, reconstructs the captured radiographic image, and performs stereo display will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
First, the radiation imaging apparatus 10 that captures a radiation image will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The radiation imaging apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is an apparatus that photographs a breast N of a subject W with radiation (for example, X-rays) in a standing state where the subject W stands, and is referred to as mammography, for example. . In the following, when the subject W faces the radiation imaging apparatus 10 at the time of imaging, the near side near the subject W is the front side of the radiation imaging apparatus 10, and the subject W faces the radiation imaging apparatus 10. The far side away from the subject W will be described as the rear side of the radiation imaging apparatus 10, and the left and right direction of the subject W when the subject W faces the radiation imaging apparatus 10 will be described as the apparatus left and right direction of the radiation imaging apparatus 10 (FIG. 1). See arrow).

  Further, the imaging target of the radiation imaging apparatus 10 is not limited to the breast N, and may be, for example, another part of the body or an object. Further, the radiation imaging apparatus 10 may be an apparatus that captures the breast N of the subject W in a sitting position where the subject W is sitting on a chair or the like, and at least the subject W is standing upright. Any device capable of photographing the breast N of W may be used.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the radiation imaging apparatus 10 includes a measurement unit 12 having a substantially C-shape (U-shape) in a side view provided on the front side of the apparatus and a base unit that supports the measurement unit 12 from the rear side of the apparatus. 14.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the measurement unit 12 includes an imaging table 22 on which a planar imaging surface 20 that contacts the breast N of the subject W in a standing position is formed, and the breast N on the imaging surface 20. A pressing plate 26 to be pressed, and a holding unit 28 that holds the imaging table 22 and the pressing plate 26 are provided.

  The measurement unit 12 is provided with a radiation source 30 (see FIG. 6) such as a tube, and a radiation irradiation unit 24 that irradiates the imaging surface 20 with radiation for inspection from the radiation source 30 and a holding unit 28. And a support portion 29 that supports the radiation irradiation portion 24.

  The measuring unit 12 is provided with a rotating shaft 16 that is rotatably supported by the base unit 14. The rotation shaft 16 is fixed with respect to the support portion 29, and the rotation shaft 16 and the support portion 29 rotate together.

  The holding portion 28 can be switched between a state in which the rotation shaft 16 is connected and rotates integrally, and a state in which the rotation shaft 16 is separated and idles. Specifically, gears are provided on the rotating shaft 16 and the holding portion 28, respectively, and the meshing state and the non-meshing state of the gears are switched.

  Note that various mechanical elements can be used for switching between transmission and non-transmission of the rotational force of the rotating shaft 16.

  The holding unit 28 holds the imaging table 22 and the radiation irradiation unit 24 so that the imaging surface 20 and the radiation irradiation unit 24 are separated from each other by a predetermined distance, and the interval between the compression plate 26 and the imaging surface 20 is variable. The compression plate 26 is slidably held.

  The imaging surface 20 with which the breast N abuts is made of carbon, for example, from the viewpoint of radiolucency and strength. A radiation detector 42 for detecting radiation that is irradiated with radiation that has passed through the breast N and the imaging surface 20 is disposed inside the imaging table 22. The radiation detected by the radiation detector 42 is visualized and a radiation image is generated.

  The radiation imaging apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is an apparatus that can perform at least both CC imaging (imaging in the head-to-tail direction) and MLO imaging (imaging in the internal and external oblique directions) of the breast N. 1 and 2 show the attitude of the radiation imaging apparatus 10 during CC imaging, and FIG. 3 shows the attitude of the radiation imaging apparatus 10 during MLO imaging of the imaging apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 1, during CC imaging, the posture of the holding unit 28 is adjusted so that the imaging surface 20 faces upward, and the radiation irradiation unit 24 is positioned above the imaging surface 20. Thus, the posture of the support portion 29 is adjusted. Thereby, radiation is irradiated from the radiation irradiation unit 24 to the breast N from the head side to the foot side of the subject W in the standing position, and CC imaging (imaging in the head-tail direction) is performed.

  In addition, a chest wall surface 25 is formed on the surface of the imaging stand 22 on the front side of the apparatus so that the chest portion below the breast N of the subject W abuts during CC imaging. The chest wall surface 25 is flat.

  At the time of MLO shooting, as shown in FIG. 3, generally, the posture of the holding unit 28 is adjusted in a state where the shooting table 22 is rotated 45 ° or more and less than 90 ° compared to CC shooting, and the shooting table 22 is adjusted. The subject W is positioned so that the axilla of the subject W is applied to the side wall corner 22A on the front side of the apparatus. Thereby, the radiation is irradiated from the radiation irradiation unit 24 toward the breast N from the axial center side of the body of the subject W to the outside, and MLO imaging (imaging in the internal and external oblique directions) is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the radiographic apparatus 10, when performing stereo imaging, the rotation shaft 16 idles with respect to the holding unit 28, the imaging table 22 and the compression plate 26 do not move, and the support unit 29 rotates. As a result, only the radiation irradiation unit 24 moves in an arc shape.

  Thus, by rotating only the radiation irradiation unit 24, the radiation irradiation unit 24 can be positioned at a plurality of positions where there is parallax.

  Thereby, one of a plurality of images taken at a plurality of positions with parallax is visually recognized by the right eye, and the other is visually recognized by the left eye, thereby enabling stereoscopic viewing of the image.

  The radiation irradiation unit 24 according to the present embodiment incorporates a plurality of radiation sources 30, and the radiation source 30 to be selectively used can be switched by a switching mechanism.

  FIG. 4 shows a detailed configuration of the radiation source 30 according to the present embodiment.

  The radiation source 30 includes a cathode 30B including a filament and a target (anode) 30C in a housing 30A, and the thermoelectrons emitted from the cathode 30B are accelerated by a potential difference between the cathode and the anode. -It is focused and collides with the target 30C to generate radiation.

  In the plurality of radiation sources 30, the metal used as the target 30C is different from, for example, tungsten, molybdenum, rhodium, or the like.

  Radiation from the radiation source 30 is irradiated to the outside from a window 30D provided in the housing 30A.

  The radiation irradiating unit 24 is provided with a filter 24A formed of a film of molybdenum, rhodium, aluminum, or silver at the window 30D.

  In the radiation irradiation unit 24 according to the present embodiment, the radiation source 30 and the filter 24A can be replaced by a mechanical mechanism. When the radiation source 30 and the filter 24A are replaced, the characteristics of the radiation irradiated from the radiation irradiation unit 24 change. In addition, you may make it replace the target 30C instead of the radiation source 30 whole.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the radiation image capturing system 5 according to the present embodiment.

  The radiographic image capturing system 5 includes the imaging device 10 described above, an image processing device 50 that reconstructs a captured radiographic image, and a stereo display device 80 that performs stereo display of the reconstructed image.

  The imaging apparatus 10 includes a radiation detector 42, an operation panel 44 to which various operation information such as imaging conditions and posture information and various operation instructions are input, an imaging apparatus control unit 46 that controls the operation of the entire apparatus, A display 47 that displays an operation menu, various information, and the like; a communication I / F unit 48 that is connected to a network 56 such as a LAN and transmits / receives various information to / from other devices connected to the network 56; It has.

  The imaging device control unit 46 includes a CPU 46A, ROM 46B, RAM 46C, a nonvolatile storage unit 46D including an HDD, a flash memory, and the like, and includes a radiation irradiation unit 24, a radiation detector 42, an operation panel 44, a display 47, and a communication. It is connected to the I / F unit 48.

  The storage unit 46D stores, for each thickness D of the breast N pressed by the pressing plate 26 at the time of photographing, photographing conditions such as a combination of the target 30C and the filter 24A that can be used for photographing and a range of tube voltage. Has been.

  The imaging conditions specified on the operation panel 44 include information such as the target 30C to be used, the filter 24A, the tube voltage, the tube current, and the irradiation time. The orientation information includes CC imaging or MLO imaging. The information that represents is included. It should be noted that various operation information such as the photographing conditions and posture information and various operation instructions may be obtained from other control devices.

  If the imaging orientation specified by the orientation information is CC imaging, the imaging device control unit 46 adjusts the orientation of the holding unit 28 so that the imaging surface 20 faces upward, and the radiation irradiation unit 24 moves to the imaging surface 20. On the other hand, when the posture of the support unit 29 is adjusted to be in an upper position and the photographing posture specified by the posture information is MLO photographing, the holding unit 28 is rotated in a state where the photographing stand 22 is rotated by 45 ° or more and less than 90 °. And the posture of the support unit 29 is adjusted so that the radiation irradiation unit 24 is positioned above the imaging surface 20. Then, the imaging device control unit 46 rotates the support unit 29 to move the radiation irradiating unit 24 in an arc shape, and from the radiation source 30 provided in the radiation irradiating unit 24 to the imaging surface 20 based on the imaging conditions. The radiation X is individually irradiated at different angles.

  The radiation detector 42 receives the irradiation of the radiation carrying the image information, records the image information, and outputs the recorded image information. For example, a radiation sensitive layer is disposed, and the radiation is converted into digital data. And output as an FPD (Flat Panel Detector). When the radiation is irradiated, the radiation detector 42 outputs image information indicating the irradiated radiation image to the imaging device control unit 46.

  The imaging device control unit 46 can communicate with the image processing device 50 via the communication I / F unit 48 and the network 56, and transmits / receives various information to / from the image processing device 50.

  A management server 57 is further connected to the network 56. The management server 57 includes a database 57A. The database 57A stores attribute information (for example, name, ID number, etc.) of each subject W, radiation images taken in the past of each subject W, imaging regions and imaging conditions at the time of past imaging of each subject W, and the like. Has been.

  The imaging device control unit 46 can communicate with the management server 57 via the communication I / F unit 48 and the network 56, and can access the database 57A of the management server 57.

  On the other hand, the image processing apparatus 50 is configured as a server computer, and includes a display 52 that displays an operation menu, various information, and the like, and a plurality of keys, and an operation input for inputting various information and operation instructions. Part 54.

  The image processing apparatus 50 also stores and holds a CPU 60 that controls the operation of the entire apparatus, a ROM 62 that stores various programs including a control program in advance, a RAM 64 that temporarily stores various data, and various data. Connected to the imaging device 10 via the network 56, an HDD 66 that performs control, a display driver 68 that controls display of various types of information on the display 52, an operation input detection unit 70 that detects an operation state of the operation input unit 54, and the imaging device 10. A communication I / F unit 72 that transmits and receives various kinds of information to and from the device 10 and an image signal output unit 74 that outputs an image signal to the stereo display device 80 via the display cable 58 are provided.

  The CPU 60, ROM 62, RAM 64, HDD 66, display driver 68, operation input detection unit 70, communication I / F unit 72, and image signal output unit 74 are connected to each other via a system bus BUS. Therefore, the CPU 60 can access the ROM 62, RAM 64, and HDD 66. The CPU 60 controls the display of various information on the display 52 via the display driver 68, controls the transmission / reception of various information with the imaging device 10 via the communication I / F unit 72, and the image signal output unit 74. The image displayed on the stereo display device 80 can be controlled. Furthermore, the CPU 60 can grasp the user's operation state with respect to the operation input unit 54 via the operation input detection unit 70.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the configuration of the stereo display device 80 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the stereo display device 80 has two display units 82 arranged one above the other, and the display unit 82 is fixed to the upper side by being inclined forward. The two display units 82 have display light polarization directions orthogonal to each other, the upper display unit 82 is a display unit 82R that displays an image for the right eye, and the lower display unit 82 displays an image for the left eye. The display unit 82L is used. A beam splitter mirror 84 that transmits display light from the display unit 82L and reflects display light from the display unit 82R is provided between the display units 82L and 82R. The beam splitter mirror 84 is adjusted and fixed so that the image displayed on the display unit 82L and the image displayed on the display unit 82R overlap when the observer views the stereo display device 80 from the front. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the observer views the stereo display device 80 with polarized glasses 85 whose polarization directions are orthogonalized by the right lens and the left lens, so that the right eye and the left eye are displayed on the display unit 82L. And the image displayed on the display unit 82R can be viewed separately.

  Next, the operation of the radiographic image capturing system 5 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  When imaging a radiographic image, the imaging apparatus 10 receives the attribute information (for example, ID number) of the subject W, imaging conditions, and posture information on the operation panel 44.

  When the imaging posture specified by the posture information is CC imaging, the radiation imaging apparatus 10 adjusts the orientation of the holding unit 28 so that the imaging surface 20 faces upward as shown in FIG. When the posture of the support unit 29 is adjusted so that is positioned above the photographing surface 20, and the photographing posture specified by the posture information is MLO photographing, as shown in FIG. The posture of the holding unit 28 is adjusted to be rotated by less than 90 °, and the posture of the support unit 29 is adjusted so that the radiation irradiation unit 24 is positioned above the imaging surface 20. In addition, the radiation imaging apparatus 10 switches the radiation source 30 and the filter 24A of the radiation irradiation unit 24 to those specified by the imaging conditions.

  The subject W brings the breast N into contact with the imaging surface 20 of the imaging device 10. In this state, when an instruction to start pressing is given to the operation panel 44 in this state, the pressing plate 26 moves toward the imaging surface 20. When the pressing plate 26 abuts against the breast N and further presses and the pressing force of the pressing plate 26 reaches the set pressing force, the movement of the pressing plate 26 is stopped by the control of the imaging device control unit 46.

  The radiation imaging apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment rotates only the support portion 29 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 when an operation start instruction is given to the operation panel 44 in this state. As shown in FIG. 8, the radiation irradiation unit 24 is moved in an arc shape, and radiation is individually emitted from the radiation source 30 of the radiation irradiation unit 24 at a predetermined angle θ (for example, 10 °) with respect to the imaging surface 20. Irradiate. The angle θ formed may be a fixed value, or may be changed according to, for example, an imaging target site, a lesion to be observed, a thickness of the imaging target site, or the like. The radiation individually irradiated from the radiation irradiation unit 24 reaches the radiation detector 42 after passing through the breast N.

  When radiation is irradiated, the radiation detector 42 outputs image information indicating the irradiated radiation image to the imaging device controller 46, respectively.

  The imaging apparatus control unit 46 detects whether an apparatus abnormality has occurred when two radiographic images are captured.

  FIG. 9 shows a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the apparatus abnormality detection processing program executed by the CPU 46A when shooting is started. The program is stored in advance in a predetermined area of the ROM 46B.

  In step 100 in the figure, it is determined whether or not the pressing force of the pressing plate 26 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 102. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 110. To do.

  Here, when the operation of the pressing plate 26 is normal, the imaging apparatus 10 performs the pressing force with the set pressing force. For example, an abnormality may occur in the moving mechanism that moves the pressing plate 26. Therefore, it can be determined from the pressing force of the pressing plate 26 whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the apparatus.

  The predetermined value is set in advance as a pressure at which it can be determined that an abnormality has occurred in the apparatus.

  In step 102, it is determined whether or not two radiographic images have been captured. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 104. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 100.

  In step 104, it is determined whether or not the angle θ formed by the radiation source 30 when the radiation source 30 individually irradiates the radiation in capturing two radiation images is greater than a predetermined angle. If the process ends and a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 110.

  Here, when the imaging operation is normally performed, the imaging device 10 captures two radiographic images at the predetermined angle θ centered on the center of the imaging surface 20. For example, the imaging device 10 rotates the support unit 29. An abnormality may occur in the moving mechanism. Therefore, it can be determined whether an abnormality has occurred in the apparatus from the angle θ formed.

  The predetermined angle is determined in advance as an angle at which it is possible to determine that an abnormality has occurred in the apparatus.

  In step 110, a message indicating that a device abnormality has occurred is displayed on the display 47 in accordance with the cause of the device abnormality, a warning is given, and the process ends.

  When the imaging of the two radiographic images is completed, the imaging device control unit 46 detects whether an imaging abnormality has occurred in the imaging of the two radiographic images based on the image information input from the radiation detector 42.

  FIG. 10 shows a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the imaging abnormality detection processing program executed by the CPU 46A when image information indicating two captured radiographic images is input. The program is stored in advance in a predetermined area of the ROM 46B.

  In step 150 of the figure, it is determined whether or not any one data amount of each piece of image information indicating two radiographic images taken is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 152.

  Here, the image information indicating the radiographic image has a data amount corresponding to the size of the radiographic image when the radiographing is performed normally. For example, an abnormality occurs in the radiation detector 42 and the image information is divided. In such a case, the data amount is smaller than that in the case of normal shooting. Therefore, it can be determined from the data amount of the image information whether or not an abnormality has occurred.

  The predetermined amount is determined in advance as an amount of data from which it can be determined that an abnormality has occurred by experiments with actual machines, computer simulations based on design specifications, or the like.

  In step 152, it is determined whether or not the pixel value of each pixel is the maximum value or the minimum value of a predetermined ratio or more in any one of the two taken radiographic images. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 180. If the result of determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 154.

  Here, the radiographic image includes pixels having various pixel values when the radiograph is normally performed and includes an image of a breast. For example, the radiographic image is captured without any contact with the imaging surface 20. Since the image is not included in the radiation image, the ratio of the pixel value of each pixel to the maximum value or the minimum value increases. In addition, an abnormality may occur in the radiation detector 42 or the like, and the pixel values of each pixel of the radiation image may all become the maximum value or the minimum value. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred from the ratio when the pixel value of each pixel of the radiation image becomes the maximum value or the minimum value. When this pixel value is an 8-bit value (0 to 255), the maximum value is 255 and the minimum value is 0. In this embodiment, the ratio at which the pixel value of each pixel becomes the maximum value or the minimum value is obtained. For example, an upper limit value (for example, 250) and a lower limit value (for example, 5) of the pixel value are determined, When the ratio of the number of pixels equal to or higher than the upper limit value or lower than the lower limit value exceeds a predetermined value, it may be determined that an abnormality has occurred when at least one of the conditions is met.

  The predetermined ratio is determined in advance as a ratio at which it can be determined that an image is not included in a radiographic image by experiments using an actual machine, computer simulation based on design specifications, or the like. In the present embodiment, the predetermined ratio is, for example, 90%.

  In step 154, a corresponding point is detected between the two captured radiographic images. If a predetermined number of corresponding points are not detected, the process proceeds to step 180. If a corresponding point is detected, the process proceeds to step 156.

  Here, since the two radiographic images are obtained by imaging the breast N from different angles, corresponding images are included. Therefore, for example, a position where one of the two radiographic images is present is set as a reference position, and is determined according to the thickness D of the pressing plate 26 and the imaging surface 20 from the reference position of the other radiographic image. The corresponding points can be detected by searching the matching range by matching. In order to obtain the correspondence accurately, for example, the image of one radiographic image is searched in the other radiographic image, and the image of the other radiographic image is searched in the one radiographic image. You may make it find a point. Note that, for example, two radiographic images of a specific part (for example, a microcalcification cluster) in the breast N may be specified by CAD (computer aided detection), and a correspondence relationship may be obtained for the specified image. .

  The predetermined number is determined in advance by an experiment using an actual machine, a computer simulation based on a design specification, or the like as the number of corresponding points at which it can be determined that an abnormality has occurred. In step 154, a corresponding point may be detected between the two radiographic images taken, and it may be determined whether or not a corresponding point of a predetermined ratio or more has been detected. In this case, the predetermined ratio is set to a ratio at which it can be determined that an abnormality has occurred.

  In step 156, it is determined whether or not the edge is blurred in any one of the two radiographic images taken. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 180, and the determination is negative. Proceeds to step 158.

  Here, in the radiographic image, when the subject W moves at the time of photographing, the edge of the image is blurred. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the subject W has moved at the time of imaging from the state of blurring at the edge of the radiographic image. The blur of the edge is, for example, when the gradient of density change of the edge portion of the other image is smaller than a predetermined value with respect to the gradient of density change of the edge portion of one of the corresponding images of the two radiographic images. It can be detected that the edge blur has occurred.

  In step 158, it is determined whether or not the imaging conditions at the time of capturing two radiographic images satisfy the imaging conditions according to the thickness D of the breast N stored in the storage unit 46D. The process proceeds to step 180, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 160.

  Since appropriate imaging conditions are determined according to the thickness D of the breast N at the time of imaging, it can be determined whether or not the actual imaging conditions are appropriate imaging conditions.

  In step 160, the database 57A of the management server 57 is accessed, and it is determined whether or not the past imaging conditions of the imaging site of the subject W taken this time are stored in the database 57A based on the attribute information of the subject W. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 162. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 170.

  In step 162, it is determined whether or not the current shooting condition is the same as the past shooting condition stored in the database 57A. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 170, and if the determination is negative. The process proceeds to step 180.

  Thereby, when performing follow-up observation of the same imaging region, it can be determined whether or not the imaging was performed under the same imaging conditions.

  In step 170, it is determined that no abnormality has occurred, and image information indicating two captured radiographic images, attribute information of the subject W, and imaging conditions for capturing radiographic images are associated with each other and communicated with the image processing apparatus. 50, and the process ends.

  On the other hand, in step 180, a message indicating that a photographing abnormality has occurred is displayed on the display 47 according to the cause of the photographing abnormality, a warning is given, and the process ends.

  The image processing apparatus 50 receives the image information, the attribute information, and the imaging conditions by the communication I / F unit 72, thereby acquiring the image information indicating the two radiographic images captured. The image processing apparatus 50 performs various types of image correction processing such as shading correction on each received image information, and obtains the two radiographic images after correction in association with attribute information, imaging conditions, and the like in one imaging. And stored in the HDD 66 as shooting information.

  Thereafter, when a predetermined operation instruction to start image display is given to the operation input unit 54, the image processing device 50 generates three-dimensional information based on two radiation images stored as one piece of imaging information in the HDD 66. Then, a right-eye image and a left-eye image are created based on the three-dimensional information, the created right-eye image is displayed on the display unit 82R, and the created left-eye image is displayed on the display unit 82L. .

  Thereby, an observer such as a doctor can perform radiogram image interpretation and diagnosis. An observer can view a lesion or the like in a three-dimensional manner by viewing the stereo display device 80 while wearing polarized glasses 85.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, two radiation images are captured by individually irradiating radiation from the radiation source 30 of the radiation irradiation unit 24 at a predetermined angle θ, and two radiation images can be captured. It is possible to improve the shooting work efficiency by determining whether or not an abnormality has occurred and giving a warning when the abnormality has occurred.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described.

  The configurations of the radiographic imaging system 5, the imaging device 10, the radiation source 30, and the stereo display device 80 according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 7). Explanation here is omitted.

  FIG. 11 shows a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the imaging abnormality detection processing program according to the present embodiment. The same parts as those in the first embodiment (see FIG. 10) are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted here.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the imaging abnormality detection processing program according to the present embodiment, only abnormality relating to steps 158 to 160 is detected.

  As described above, when it is determined that no abnormality has occurred, image information, attribute information, and shooting conditions are associated with each other, transmitted to the image processing apparatus 50, and stored in the HDD 66 of the image processing apparatus 50.

  In the image processing apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment, when a predetermined operation instruction to start image display is given to the operation input unit 54, there is an abnormality in the two radiation images stored as one piece of imaging information in the HDD 66. Is detected, and an image is displayed according to the detection result.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of a display control processing program executed by the CPU 60 when a predetermined operation instruction for starting image display is given to the operation input unit 54. The program is stored in advance in a predetermined area of the ROM 62. The same parts as those in the imaging abnormality detection processing program (see FIG. 10) of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  In step 172 of FIG. 12, three-dimensional information is generated based on the two radiation images, an image for the right eye and an image for the left eye are created based on the three-dimensional information, and the created image for the right eye is displayed on the display unit. While displaying on 82R, the created image for the left eye is displayed on the display unit 82L.

  On the other hand, in step 182, a radiological image with less abnormality of the two radiographic images is displayed on the display unit 82 </ b> R and the display unit 82 </ b> L.

  As a result, when there is no abnormality in the two radiographic images, a three-dimensional view of a lesion or the like can be seen. In addition, when there is an abnormality in one of the two radiographic images, a radiographic image with few abnormalities is displayed on the display unit 82R and the display unit 82L. Diagnosis can be made.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when one of the two radiographic images has an abnormality, the radiographic image with few abnormalities is displayed on the display unit 82R and the display unit 82L, so that the imaging has failed. However, since the diagnosis can be continued without performing re-imaging, the work efficiency of the imaging can be improved.

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where the present invention is applied to a radiographic image captured by mammography has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this and may be applied to other radiographic image capturing apparatuses.

  In the first embodiment, the imaging abnormality detection processing program is executed when image information indicating two radiographic images is input, and the data amount of the image information (step 150) and the pixel value of each pixel are determined. Although the case where the imaging abnormality is detected from the ratio of the maximum value or the minimum value (step 152) and the occurrence of blurring at the edge of the radiation image (step 156) has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. An imaging abnormality may be detected when one radiographic image is captured and image information indicating the radiographic image is input, and a warning may be issued when an abnormality is detected.

  In each of the above embodiments, a case where a warning is displayed by displaying a message on the display 47 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a sound is output from a speaker or a lamp is connected. You may make it perform a warning by making it light.

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where the imaging device 10 and the image processing device 50 are provided and the stereo display device 80 is connected to the image processing device 50 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, For example, the imaging device 10 and the image processing device 50 may be configured as a single device, and the stereo display device 80 may be connected to the devices.

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where the stereo display device 80 in which the two display units 82 are arranged vertically is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, an odd number. The right-eye image and the left-eye image may be displayed separately on the odd-numbered line and the even-numbered line of one display unit in which the polarization direction of the display light is orthogonal between the line and the even-numbered line. Alternatively, the colors displayed for the right-eye image and the left-eye image may be changed, and stereoscopic viewing may be performed using glasses that transmit different colors with the right lens and the left lens.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where two radiographic images are taken at a predetermined angle θ has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and two or more radiographic images can be changed by changing the two angles. And three-dimensional information may be generated from two or more radiation images.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, a case has been described in which it is determined whether or not the shooting conditions shot this time are the same as the past shooting conditions. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, shooting At this time, the past shooting conditions may be displayed on the display 47 by accessing the database 57A of the management server 57, or the shooting may be automatically performed under the same shooting conditions as the past shooting conditions.

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where digital image information indicating a radiation image is directly obtained by the radiation detector 42 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, an imaging plate or an X-ray Digital image information may be obtained by irradiating a cassette or the like containing a film or the like with radiation and reading an imaging plate or an X-ray film incorporated in the cassette.

  In addition, the configurations (see FIGS. 1 to 7) of the radiographic imaging system 5, the imaging device 10, the radiation source 30, the image processing device 50, and the stereo display device 80 described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and this book Needless to say, changes can be made according to the situation without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The processing flow (see FIGS. 9 to 12) of the apparatus abnormality detection processing program, imaging abnormality detection processing program, and display control processing program described in the above embodiment is also an example, and the gist of the present invention is as follows. It goes without saying that it can be changed according to the situation within a range not deviating.

5 Radiation imaging system 10 Imaging device (Radiation imaging device)
20 Imaging surface 24 Radiation irradiation part (radiation irradiation means)
26 Pressing plate 30 Radiation source 42 Radiation detector (generation means)
46D storage unit 46A CPU (determination means)
46B ROM
47 Display (Warning means)
50 Image Processing Device 52 Display 54 Operation Input Unit 57A Database (Storage Unit)
60 CPU (determination means, control means)
72 Communication I / F part (Acquisition means)
80 Stereo display device (display means)
82 Display W Subject

Claims (10)

Radiation irradiating means for individually irradiating radiation at different angles with respect to the subject's imaging target site;
A plurality of radiographic images represented by the radiation individually transmitted to the imaging surface through the imaging target site, and generating means for generating image information indicating the captured radiographic images, respectively;
A judging means for judging whether or not an abnormality has occurred in photographing the plurality of radiation images;
A radiographic imaging apparatus comprising:   The radiographic image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a warning unit that issues a warning when the determination unit determines that an abnormality has occurred. The determination unit detects corresponding points between a plurality of radiographic images indicated by the image information generated by the generating unit, and when a predetermined number or more or a predetermined ratio or more corresponding points are not detected, the plurality of radiations If it is detected that any one edge of the image is blurred, and if any one data amount of each of the image information is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the pixel in any one of the plurality of radiation images The case where the number of pixels whose value is equal to or greater than a predetermined upper limit value or less than a predetermined lower limit value is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio is determined to be abnormal when at least one of the conditions is met. 2. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to 2. Display means capable of displaying right-eye and left-eye images respectively;
When the determination means determines that no abnormality has occurred, an image that can be viewed stereoscopically is displayed on the display means based on the image information generated by the generation means, and the determination means indicates that an abnormality has occurred. Control means for controlling the display means to display a radiological image with less abnormality among the plurality of radiographic images indicated by the respective image information when judged;
The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: The display means includes two display units capable of displaying right-eye and left-eye images,
The control means displays a stereoscopically visible image on each of the two display units when it is determined that no abnormality has occurred by the determination means, and an abnormality occurs when the determination means determines that an abnormality has occurred. The radiographic image capturing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the radiographic image is controlled so as to be displayed on each of the two display units. In the past, when the radiographing condition when the radiographic image is captured is different from the radiographing condition determined in advance according to the radiographic target region, the determining unit is configured to store the radiographing condition when the radiographic image is captured in the past. The radiographic image capturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in at least one of the imaging conditions of the subject when the imaging target region is imaged. The radiation irradiating means irradiates radiation at different angles by moving a radiation source,
The radiation image according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the determination unit determines that an abnormality has occurred when an angle formed by individually irradiating radiation from the radiation source is larger than a predetermined angle. Shooting device. The imaging target site is a breast,
A pressing plate that presses the breast against the imaging surface;
The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines that an abnormality has occurred when the pressure applied by the pressing plate is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Acquisition means for acquiring image information indicating a plurality of radiographic images captured by individually irradiating radiation at different angles with respect to the imaging target region of the subject;
Display means capable of displaying right-eye and left-eye images respectively;
A judging means for judging whether or not an abnormality has occurred in photographing the plurality of radiation images;
When the determination means determines that no abnormality has occurred, an image that can be viewed stereoscopically is displayed on the display means based on each image information acquired by the acquisition means, and an abnormality has occurred by the determination means Control means for controlling the display means to display a radiological image with less abnormality among the plurality of radiographic images indicated by the respective image information when judged;
A radiographic image display device comprising: The determination unit detects a corresponding point between a plurality of radiographic images indicated by each piece of image information acquired by the acquiring unit, and if a corresponding point is not detected, the determination unit detects a corresponding point on any one of the plurality of radiographic images. When it is detected that blur has occurred, if any one data amount of each of the image information is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the pixel value of each pixel of any one of the plurality of radiographic images is greater than or equal to a predetermined ratio. The radiological image display device according to claim 9, wherein it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in at least one of a value or a minimum value.