JP2011212224A - Radiation image system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radiation image system preventing re-radiographing from being carried out when an image region required for a diagnosis is not included in a diagnostic image due to a failure of trimming processing.SOLUTION: The radiation image system includes an imaging apparatus for radiographing a radiation image of a subject and outputting image data of the radiation image; an image processor for giving trimming processing to the image data of the radiation image and outputting the image data of the diagnostic image; and an image diagnostic apparatus for displaying a diagnostic image corresponding to the image data of the diagnostic image. When the image diagnostic apparatus outputs a resending request of the diagnostic image and re-trimming information that indicates the image region required for the diagnosis, the image processor gives re-trimming processing to the image data of the radiation image based on the re-trimming information, and outputs the image data of a re-diagnostic image corresponding to the resending request of the diagnostic image, and the image diagnostic apparatus displays the re-diagnostic image corresponding to the image data of the re-diagnostic image.

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiographic image system that generates image data of a diagnostic image by performing trimming processing on image data of a radiographic image obtained by photographing a subject, and displays the image data.

  2. Description of the Related Art Radiation images taken by irradiating a subject (patient) with radiation (X-rays, α-rays, β-rays, γ-rays, electron beams, ultraviolet rays, etc.) are widely used as diagnostic images for doctors. At present, with the spread of CR (Computed Radiography) and DR (Digital Radiography) radiographic imaging devices, medical radiation that digitally processes radiographic imaging, image processing, display, etc. An image system has been put into practical use.

  The radiographic image system is, for example, an image capturing device that captures a radiographic image of a subject and outputs digital image data thereof, an image processing device that performs image processing on the captured radiographic image, and a radiographic image after image processing. An image diagnostic device for displaying is provided. These image capturing apparatus, image processing apparatus, image diagnostic apparatus, and the like are installed, for example, in different places in a hospital and connected to each other via a network.

  Image data of a radiographic image of a subject captured by the image capturing device is output from the image capturing device, input to the image processing device via the network, and image processing is performed by the image processing device. Thereafter, at the time of diagnosis by a doctor, the image data after image processing is output from the image processing apparatus, input to the image diagnosis apparatus via the network, and displayed on the image diagnosis apparatus. The diagnosis of the doctor is performed by looking at the diagnostic image displayed on the image diagnostic apparatus.

  As described above, in a radiographic image system, image data of a radiographic image is transmitted and received between an image capturing device, an image processing device, an image diagnostic device, and the like via a network. Accordingly, when the amount of image data increases due to the high resolution of the radiation image, the load on the network and the transfer time increase, and the image data is held in, for example, an image storage device connected to the network. The storage capacity also increases.

  Therefore, the present applicant has already proposed in Patent Document 1 that the image data of the radiation image is reduced.

  In Patent Document 1, an irradiation field recognition process is performed on image data of a captured radiation image, and an image (irradiation field) corresponding to a region (radiation irradiation field region) irradiated with radiation from the image data of the radiation image. After extracting the image data of the field recognition image, the image data of the irradiation field recognition image is subjected to trimming processing, and the image data of the desired region of interest (trimming image) is extracted from the image data of the irradiation field recognition image. Extracting is described.

  In Patent Documents 2 and 3, if there is no problem after transferring the image data of the reduced image to confirm whether the positioning of the captured radiographic image is appropriate or not, the radiographic image (original image) It is proposed to transfer image data.

JP 2004-187980 A JP 2009-226110 A JP 2006-87510 A

  However, Patent Document 1 does not take into account a response when the trimming process fails. Therefore, when the trimming process fails and the image area necessary for diagnosis is not included, re-imaging is performed even when the re-trimming process can cope with it, and the burden on the patient and the exposure dose increase. There is. Further, although Patent Documents 2 and 3 do not describe the trimming process, since the image data of the original image is transferred as it is, there are problems such as an increase in network load, transfer time, and storage capacity as described above.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a radiographic image system capable of preventing re-imaging from being performed when an image area necessary for diagnosis is not included in a diagnostic image due to a failure of trimming processing. is there.

To achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image capturing apparatus that captures a radiographic image of a subject and outputs image data of the radiographic image;
An image processing device for performing image trimming processing on image data of a radiation image input from the image capturing device and outputting image data of a diagnostic image;
An image diagnostic device that displays the diagnostic image corresponding to the image data of the diagnostic image input from the image processing device;
When it is determined that an image area necessary for diagnosis is not included in the diagnostic image, the image diagnostic apparatus performs a re-transmission including a request for retransmission of the diagnostic image and position information of the image area necessary for diagnosis. Output trimming information
When the image processing apparatus determines that an image region indicated by the re-trimming information is included in the radiographic image when a diagnostic image retransmission request is input from the image diagnostic apparatus, Based on the re-trimming information, re-trimming processing is performed on the image data of the radiation image, and the image data of the re-diagnosis image corresponding to the retransmission request of the diagnostic image is output,
The image diagnostic apparatus provides a radiographic image system that displays the rediagnosis image corresponding to the image data of the rediagnosis image input from the image processing apparatus.

  Here, the re-trimming information includes at least one of character information designating an image area necessary for diagnosis, coordinate information representing the position of the image area necessary for diagnosis, and a frame line representing the image area necessary for diagnosis. Preferably one is included.

  Further, the image processing apparatus displays a re-trimming execution screen when a diagnostic image retransmission request is input from the image diagnostic apparatus, and then an image region indicated by the re-trimming information is displayed in the radiation region. When it is determined that it is not included in the image, it is preferable to output a re-imaging request instructing re-imaging of the radiation image.

  The image processing apparatus displays a selection screen for the re-trimming process or the re-imaging of the radiation image when a request for retransmission of the diagnostic image is input from the image diagnostic apparatus, and then the re-trimming process selects In such a case, it is preferable to display a re-trimming processing execution screen and output a re-imaging request instructing re-imaging of the radiation image when the re-imaging is selected.

  In addition, when a request for retransmission of a diagnostic image is input from the image diagnostic apparatus, the image processing apparatus includes an image region indicated by the re-trimming information in the radiation image based on the re-trimming information. It is preferable to determine whether or not.

Further, the image processing device outputs trimming information including position information representing an image region trimmed by the trimming process,
It is preferable that the diagnostic imaging apparatus further displays trimming information input from the image processing apparatus.

Further, the diagnostic imaging apparatus outputs a re-trimming flag indicating whether or not the re-trimming process can be performed together with the retransmission request for the diagnostic image,
When the image processing apparatus receives a diagnostic image retransmission request from the diagnostic imaging apparatus, the radiographic image includes an image area indicated by the re-trimming information based on the re-trimming availability flag. It is preferable to determine whether or not.

The radiation imaging system includes a plurality of sets of image capturing devices and image processing devices, the image capturing device and the image processing device as a set,
And an image confirmation device that displays the diagnostic image corresponding to the image data of the diagnostic image input from each set of the image processing devices,
The image confirmation device outputs a request for retransmission of the diagnostic image when the diagnostic image is determined to be inappropriate,
When a request for retransmission of a diagnostic image is input from the image confirmation device, the image processing device performs a trimming process on image data of a radiographic image re-imaged by the image imaging device, and retransmits the diagnostic image. Output the image data of the rediagnosis image corresponding to the request,
It is preferable that the image confirmation apparatus displays the rediagnosis image corresponding to the image data of the rediagnosis image input from the image processing apparatus.

  Further, the image processing apparatus performs the trimming process after performing the irradiation field recognition process on the image data of the radiographic image, and the image region indicated by the re-trimming information is included in the image after the irradiation field recognition process When it is determined that the image has been processed, the re-trimming process is preferably performed on the image data of the image after the irradiation field recognition process based on the re-trimming information.

  In the radiographic image system of the present invention, when an image area necessary for diagnosis is not included in the diagnostic image, if the trimming process is unsuccessful based on the determination of whether the trimming process is unsuccessful or the imaging is unsuccessful. A re-trimming process is performed to create a rediagnosis image. Therefore, re-imaging is not performed due to the failure of the trimming process, and an increase in the burden on the patient and the exposure dose can be prevented.

It is a block diagram of one embodiment showing composition of a radiographic image system of the present invention. It is a flowchart of one Embodiment showing operation | movement of the radiographic imaging system shown in FIG. (A)-(C) are the conceptual diagrams of one Embodiment showing the radiographic image by which the palm of the patient was image | photographed. It is a block diagram of another embodiment showing the structure of the radiographic image system of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram of one Embodiment showing the selection screen of the designation mode of a re-trimming area | region. (A) And (B) is a conceptual diagram of one Embodiment showing the input screen of outer frame designation | designated mode. It is a conceptual diagram of one Embodiment showing the display screen of outline designation | designated mode.

  The radiation image system of the present invention will be described in detail below based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment showing a configuration of a radiographic image system of the present invention. The radiographic image system 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes an image capturing device 12, an image processing device (console) 14, an image storage device (PACS) 16, an image diagnostic device (viewer) 18, and a diagnostic report device 20. Has been. For example, each device is installed in a different place in a hospital and connected to each other via a network. Although not mentioned in the following description, various image data, various requests (request signals), and the like are transmitted / received via a network.

  In response to a radiographic image capturing request input from the image processing device 14, the image capturing device 12 irradiates the subject with radiation such as X-rays to capture a radiographic image of the subject, and digital image data of the captured radiographic image Is output. The image data of the radiographic image output from the image capturing device 12 is input to the image processing device 14. For example, various types of image capturing devices 12 including CR and DR image capturing devices can be used.

  Here, the CR type image capturing apparatus stores the radiation transmitted through the subject in the imaging plate (IP), scans the IP with a laser beam, and reads the photostimulated light emitted from the IP at that time. Image data is obtained by processing.

  The DR image capturing apparatus detects radiation transmitted through a subject using a radiation detector such as a flat panel detector (FPD), and acquires digital image data of the radiation image. For example, a DR-type image photographing device is a fixed type in which an FPD is incorporated in a standing or stand-up photographing stand, or an FPD is accommodated in a cassette and is attached to the image photographing device at the time of photographing. There is a portable type.

  Subsequently, as described above, the image processing apparatus (console) 14 outputs a radiographic image capturing request to the image capturing apparatus 12, and the image capturing apparatus 12 receives image data of the radiographic image (original image) of the subject requested to be captured. Receive from. Further, the image processing device 14 performs image processing such as irradiation field recognition processing and trimming processing on the original image, and image data of a diagnostic image from which a region of interest (image region necessary for a doctor's diagnosis) is extracted. And output trimming information. Image data of the diagnostic image is input to the image storage device 16, and trimming information is input to the image diagnostic device 18.

  Here, the irradiation field recognition process is a process of automatically extracting image data (irradiation field recognition image) of an area (radiation irradiation field area) irradiated with radiation from the image data of the original image. Regarding the irradiation field recognition processing, the present applicant has disclosed Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 10-071138, 10-143634, 10-162156, 10-275213, and 10-248830. Various processing methods have already been proposed. In the present invention, since various irradiation field recognition processes including the irradiation field recognition process disclosed in these publications can be used, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The trimming process is a process of trimming the image data of the irradiation field recognition image and automatically extracting the image data of the region of interest (trimming area) (trimming image) from the image data of the irradiation field recognition image. is there. In the present embodiment, a case where the trimming process is performed after performing the irradiation field recognition process on the image data of the radiographic image will be described as an example. For example, without performing the irradiation field recognition process, Image data of a diagnostic image may be created by performing trimming processing on image data.

  The trimming information includes, for example, a trimming flag indicating whether or not trimming processing is performed, position information indicating an image region (trimming region) trimmed by the trimming processing (for example, trimming coordinates, size, frame line information, etc.) ), A pre-trimmed image sample (for example, an image in which the image size is reduced by performing reduction processing, high compression processing, contour processing for extracting the contour of the subject, binarization processing, etc. on the irradiation field recognition image, and And the like such as an image obtained by adding a trimming region frame line to these reduced images.

  Subsequently, the image storage device (PACS) 16 is an image database that stores image data of diagnostic images input from the image processing device 14. Further, the image storage device 16 uses the image diagnostic device 18 to select from all stored diagnostic image data in response to a diagnostic image delivery request (image request) input from the image diagnostic device 18. The image data of the diagnostic image of the designated subject is delivered (output) to the image diagnostic apparatus 18.

  As described above, the image diagnostic device (viewer) 18 outputs a diagnostic image delivery request to the image storage device 16 and receives image data of the diagnostic image of the subject requested for delivery from the image storage device 16. Is received from the image processing apparatus 14. In addition, the image diagnostic apparatus 18 displays a diagnostic image corresponding to the received image data, or displays information on whether or not trimming processing has been performed, position information of a trimming region, and a pre-trimmed image sample based on the trimming information. Etc. Furthermore, when it is determined that the diagnostic image does not include an image area necessary for diagnosis, the image diagnostic apparatus 18 includes a request for retransmission of the diagnostic image and position information of the image area necessary for diagnosis. The re-trimming information is output and input to the image processing apparatus 14.

  Here, the re-trimming information includes, for example, at least one of an instruction comment, image coordinates, and an instruction sample image. The instruction comment is, for example, comment information indicating that an image region from the left side of the current diagnostic image to the left side of another 3 cm is necessary. The instruction comment may be text data or, for example, character information may be embedded in a diagnostic image. The image coordinates are coordinate information representing the position of the image area necessary for diagnosis. The instruction sample image is, for example, a frame line that represents an image area necessary for diagnosis.

  Finally, the diagnostic report device 20 is used to fill in (create) a diagnostic report that is a diagnostic result obtained by a doctor looking at a diagnostic image. The diagnostic report device 20 stores a diagnostic report entered by a doctor. In addition, the diagnostic report device 20 provides the image processing device 14 with a series of images relating to a subject for which diagnosis has been completed, including image data of captured radiographic images (original images), image data of diagnostic images, trimming information, and the like. Output a delete request to delete data.

  Note that the above-described deletion request is output from the image diagnostic apparatus 18 and input to the image processing apparatus 14, or the above-described diagnosis image retransmission request and re-trimming information is output from the diagnostic report apparatus 20 to the image processing apparatus 14. You can also enter it. Further, the diagnostic imaging apparatus 18 and the diagnostic report apparatus 20 may be configured separately as in the present embodiment, but may be realized by a single apparatus (for example, a personal computer, a workstation, or the like).

  Next, the operation of the radiation imaging system 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  At the time of capturing a radiographic image, a radiographing instruction (for example, pressing of an imaging button) is input to the image processing apparatus 14 by an imaging engineer via an input unit (not shown). Accordingly, a radiographic image capturing request is output from the image processing device 14.

  In the image capturing device 12, when a radiographic image capturing request is input from the image processing device 14, a radiographic image of the subject is captured (step S1). When the imaging is completed, image data of the captured radiographic image is output from the image capturing device 12.

  When the image processing apparatus 14 receives image data of a captured radiographic image from the image capturing apparatus 12, in this embodiment, first, irradiation field recognition processing is performed on the image data (original image) of the radiographic image. Subsequently, an instruction for a trimming area (for example, designation of trimming coordinates, size, frame line, etc.) is input to the image processing apparatus 14 by an imaging engineer via an input unit. Based on this, the image processing device 14 performs trimming processing on the image data of the irradiation field recognition image to create image data and trimming information of the diagnostic image (step S2).

  Here, as shown in FIG. 3, a radiographic image obtained by photographing the patient's palm will be described as an example.

  FIG. 1A is a conceptual diagram showing a radiographic image (original image) in which the palm of a patient is photographed. As shown in this figure, in the image capturing apparatus 12, a region irradiated with radiation (irradiation field region), for example, a collimator that limits the range of radiation irradiated from a radiation source toward a subject when capturing a radiation image. Limited by changing the aperture. Therefore, in the original image, for example, a region in the irradiation field region where no subject exists is black (solid black), and a region other than the irradiation field region in the imaging range is transparent (unfinished).

  When irradiation field recognition processing is performed on the original image by the image processing device 14, only an image in the irradiation field region (irradiation field recognition image) is extracted from the original image as shown in FIG. . Further, when the trimming process is performed on the irradiation field recognition image, only the image (trimming image) in the region of interest is extracted from the irradiation field recognition image as shown in FIG. It is said.

  When the image processing in the image processing device 14 is completed, image data and trimming information of the diagnostic image are output from the image processing device 14. Image data of the diagnostic image is input and stored in the image storage device 16 (step S3), and trimming information is input to the image diagnostic device 18.

  After the image data of the diagnostic image is stored in the image storage device 16, a doctor inputs a diagnostic image delivery instruction to the image diagnostic device 18 via input means (not shown). As a result, a diagnostic image delivery request (image request) is output from the diagnostic imaging apparatus 18.

  In the image storage device 16, when a diagnostic image delivery request is input from the image diagnostic device 18, it is used for diagnosing a subject specified by the image diagnostic device 18 among the image data of all stored diagnostic images. Image data of the image is retrieved and output.

  Further, the image processing device 14 outputs trimming information corresponding to the image data of the diagnostic image of the subject specified by the image diagnostic device 18.

  When the image diagnostic device 18 receives the image data and trimming information of the diagnostic image of the subject requested to be delivered, the diagnostic image corresponding to the received image data is displayed (step S4). Further, when a trimming information display instruction is input by the doctor via the input unit as necessary, the diagnostic imaging apparatus 18 determines whether trimming processing has been performed based on the trimming information, the trimming area, or not. Position information, pre-trimmed image sample, etc. are displayed.

  At the time of diagnosis, diagnosis is performed by a doctor (reader of a diagnostic image) by looking at the diagnostic image displayed on the diagnostic imaging apparatus 18 (step S5). At this time, when the doctor determines that the diagnostic image is acceptable and determines that the image area necessary for diagnosis is not included in the diagnostic image (“No” in step S5), the input means is used. Through this, a diagnostic image retransmission instruction and a re-trimming area instruction (for example, designation of coordinates, size, frame line, etc. of the re-trimming area) are input to the image diagnostic apparatus 18. As a result, the diagnostic image retransmission request and re-trimming information are output from the diagnostic imaging apparatus 18 (step S6). On the other hand, when the doctor determines that the image area necessary for diagnosis is included in the diagnostic image (“good” in step S5), the process proceeds to step S12, which will be described later, after the diagnosis is completed. An entry is made.

  Here, the re-trimming area designation method in the image diagnostic apparatus 18 will be described by taking two examples of the outer frame designation mode and the outline designation mode.

  When the image diagnostic apparatus 18 designates a re-trimming area, first, as shown in FIG. 5, a re-trimming area designation mode selection screen is displayed. A diagnostic image is displayed on the left side of the selection screen of the designation mode shown in the figure (in the figure, a diagnostic image in which the abdomen is taken is displayed as an example), and an outer frame designation is shown on the right side An outer frame designation mode selection button for selecting a mode and an outline designation mode selection button for selecting an outline designation mode are displayed.

  In the designation mode selection screen, the outline designation mode is selected when the outline designation mode selection button is clicked by the mouse or the like on the designation mode selection screen, and the outer frame designation mode is selected when the outline frame designation mode selection button is clicked.

  When the outer frame designation mode is selected, an input screen for the outer frame designation mode is displayed as shown in FIG. A diagnostic image is displayed on the left side of the input screen in the outer frame designation mode (in the figure, a diagnostic image obtained by photographing the chest is displayed as an example), and a diagnostic image is displayed on the right side. An upper, lower, left, and right side designation button for designating the upper, lower, left, and right sides, and an input field for inputting an area extending in a rectangular shape outward from the side designated by the side designation button are displayed.

  For example, when designating an area extending from the lower side of the diagnostic image to the lower side, as shown in FIG. 6B, the doctor first clicks the “lower” side designation button, and then enters the input field. 10 (%) is input via a keyboard or the like. As a result, a rectangular frame line corresponding to the doctor's input is displayed on the lower side of the diagnostic image with a dotted line, and the height of the diagnostic image from the lower side to the lower side of the current diagnostic image and diagnostic image An area corresponding to 10% of the direction is designated as a re-trimming area.

  Note that it is not essential to designate the re-trimming area in% display, and cm display or the like may be used. Further, as shown in FIG. 6A, an input field for each of% display and cm display may be provided, and the input may be detected when a numerical value is input to either.

  On the other hand, when the contour designation mode is selected, an input screen for the contour designation mode is displayed as shown in FIG. A diagnostic image is displayed on the left side of the input screen in the contour designation mode (in the figure, a diagnostic image in which the same abdomen as that in FIG. 5 is taken is displayed as an example). In this example, nothing is displayed on the right side of the input screen.

  In the example of FIG. 7, only a part of the liver is displayed in the diagnostic image, but the region necessary for the diagnosis of the doctor is the region of the entire liver. In this case, the doctor instructs an arbitrary region (organ outline) where the liver is present by dragging while clicking the mouse. As a result, an elliptical frame line corresponding to the doctor's input is displayed over the diagnostic image as a dotted line. Further, the minimum rectangular area including the current diagnostic image and the entire liver is displayed with a dotted line, and is designated as a re-trimming area.

  For example, the re-trimming area is designated by the doctor as described above. However, the re-trimming area designation method is not limited to the above.

  Subsequently, in the image processing apparatus 14, when a diagnostic image retransmission request and re-trimming information are input from the image diagnostic apparatus 18, whether to perform re-trimming processing or re-photographing based on the re-trimming information. When it is determined that the image data of the rediagnosis image including the image area necessary for the diagnosis can be created by performing the re-trimming process on the image data of the irradiation field recognition image according to the determination result (step S7). If re-trimming processing is performed and it is determined that re-trimming processing cannot be performed, a re-shooting request for re-shooting is output.

  Specifically, in the image processing apparatus 14, for example, a re-trimming execution screen is first displayed. An irradiation field recognition image, re-trimming information, and the like are displayed on the re-trimming execution screen.

  At this time, for example, when the imaging engineer determines that the trimming process has failed and the re-trimming process can be performed (the image area indicated by the re-trimming information is included in the irradiation field recognition image) If it is determined (step S7), an instruction to execute the re-trimming process is input to the image processing apparatus 14 via the input unit. As a result, the image processing apparatus 14 performs the re-trimming process (step S8) on the image data of the irradiation field recognition image based on the re-trimming information, and outputs the image data of the re-diagnosis image and the re-trimming information. (Step S9).

  On the other hand, when it is determined by the photographic engineer that the shooting has failed and it is necessary to perform re-shooting (when it is determined that re-trimming cannot be performed) (step S7), via the input means. A re-shooting execution instruction is input to the image processing apparatus 14. As a result, the re-imaging execution request is output from the image processing apparatus 14 and input to the HIS (hospital information system) or RIS (radiation information system) (step S10).

  Note that the image processing device 14 can also automatically determine whether or not the re-trimming process can be performed based on the image data of the irradiation field recognition image and the re-trimming information. In this case, based on the re-trimming information, the image processing apparatus 14 may perform the re-trimming process when an image after the re-trimming process (re-diagnosis image) is included in the irradiation field recognition image. Judge that you can.

  Further, the image processing apparatus 14 may display a selection screen for performing the re-trimming process or the re-photographing when the diagnostic image retransmission request and the re-trimming information are input from the image diagnostic apparatus 18. Good. In this case, an instruction as to which processing is to be performed is input by the imaging engineer via the input means. Accordingly, when the re-trimming process is selected, the re-trimming process execution screen is displayed. When re-photographing is selected, a re-shooting execution request is output from the image processing apparatus 14. The

  In HIS or RIS, when a re-photographing request is input from the image processing device 14, a re-photographing order is added manually or automatically (step S11). In this case, an order other than the re-shooting order is displayed so that the re-shooting message is displayed in a modal dialog so that the shooter does not miss it, or the re-shooting order is executed upon interruption when the current shooting is finished. It is preferable to take countermeasures such as temporarily not executing (so that another imaging order cannot be added until a re-imaging order is added).

  After completion of the diagnosis, the doctor fills in a diagnosis report that is a diagnosis result obtained by looking at the diagnostic image using the diagnosis report device 20 (step S12). The entered diagnostic report is stored in the diagnostic report device 20.

  After completing the diagnosis report, the diagnosis is completed by the doctor, including the image data of the original image, the image data of the diagnostic image, and the trimming information through the input means (not shown) as necessary. An instruction to delete a series of data relating to the subject is input to the diagnostic report apparatus 20. Thereby, a deletion request is output from the diagnostic report apparatus 20 (step S13). The doctor can also input a deletion instruction from the image diagnostic apparatus 18.

  In the image processing apparatus 14, when a deletion request is input from the diagnostic report apparatus 20, the image data of the corresponding original image, the image data of the diagnostic image, and the trimming information are deleted (step S14). In this way, by sequentially deleting a series of data relating to a subject for which diagnosis has been completed from the image processing device 14, an increase in storage capacity in the image processing device 14 can be prevented.

  Note that the timing at which the image processing device 14 deletes a series of data relating to a subject for which diagnosis has been completed is not limited to a deletion request from the diagnostic report device 20 or the image diagnostic device 18, and for example, deletes data after a certain period has elapsed. Delete after a certain amount of time, delete old ones, delete ones before a certain date, delete ones that have passed a certain period since the last reference, delete when a diagnostic report is issued, etc. The timing of

  In addition, it is not essential to delete a series of data related to the subject for which diagnosis has been completed from the image processing apparatus 14. For example, the image processing device 14 may be provided with a large-capacity storage device, and image data of all original images, image data of diagnostic images, trimming information, and the like may be stored.

  As described above, in the radiographic image system 10, when the image area necessary for diagnosis is not included in the diagnostic image, the failure of the trimming is determined based on the determination as to whether the trimming process is unsuccessful or the imaging is unsuccessful. In some cases, re-trimming processing is performed to generate image data of a rediagnosis image. Therefore, re-imaging is not performed due to the failure of the trimming process, and an increase in the burden on the patient and the exposure dose can be prevented.

  The original image output from the image processing device 14 is input to the image storage device 16, and the image storage device 16 performs irradiation field recognition processing, trimming processing, and the like to create image data of the diagnostic image. The image data may be output from the image storage device 16 and input to the diagnostic imaging device 18. In this case, for example, the original image is stored in the image processing device 14 for a certain period, and the identification information of the image processing device 14 is input to the image data of the diagnostic image input from the image storage device 16 to the image diagnosis device 18. When resending is necessary, a request for resending may be input from the diagnostic imaging apparatus 18 to the image processing apparatus 14.

  In addition, in the image diagnostic apparatus 18, if the doctor determines that the image area necessary for diagnosis is not included in the diagnostic image, can the re-trimming process be performed together with the request for retransmission of the diagnostic image? A re-trimming flag indicating whether or not may be output. In this case, based on the trimming information displayed on the image diagnostic apparatus 18, the doctor determines whether the trimming process has failed or the imaging has failed, and an instruction to determine whether or not re-trimming is possible is made via the input unit. 18 is input. As a result, a re-trimming availability flag is output from the image diagnostic device 18, and the image processing device 14 determines whether or not the image field indicated by the re-trimming information is included in the irradiation field recognition image in accordance with the re-trimming availability flag. Judging.

  Moreover, the image photographing device 12 and the image processing device 14 may be set as one set, and a plurality of sets of the image photographing device 12 and the image processing device 14 may be provided. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the image confirmation device 22 is disposed between the plurality of image processing devices 14 and the image storage device 16.

  The image confirmation apparatus 22 outputs a radiographic image capturing request to any of the plurality of sets of image processing apparatuses 14, and requests imaging of the image data and trimming information of the radiographic image (original image) of the subject whose imaging is requested. Received from the image capturing device 12. The image checking device 22 plays a role similar to that of the image diagnostic device 18, displays a diagnostic image corresponding to the image data, and based on the trimming information, information on the presence or absence of trimming, position information on the trimming region And display a pre-trimmed image sample. Further, the image confirmation device 22 outputs a request for retransmission of the diagnostic image based on the determination of the quality of the diagnostic image, and inputs this request to the image processing device 14 that requested the imaging. Image data of a diagnostic image that has been confirmed by the image confirmation device 22 is input to the image storage device 16, and trimming information is input to the image diagnosis device 18.

  When confirming the diagnostic image, the confirmation engineer looks at the diagnostic image displayed on the image confirmation device 22 to determine whether the diagnostic image includes the appropriateness of the imaging itself and the trimming process. Is done. At this time, when the confirmation engineer determines that the diagnostic image is inappropriate, an instruction for a re-trimming area or an instruction for re-imaging is sent to the image confirmation apparatus 22 via an input unit (not shown). Entered. As a result, the request for retransmission of the diagnostic image and the re-trimming information are output from the image confirmation device 22 and input to the image processing device 14 that requested the imaging.

  The subsequent operation of the image processing device 14 is the same as the operation when the diagnostic image retransmission request, the re-trimming flag or the like is output from the image diagnostic device 18 and input to the image processing device 14.

  An image confirmation device 22 is provided, and by checking the quality of the diagnostic image in advance by the judgment engineer, it is possible to reduce the imaging failure and the trimming processing failure in the diagnostic image as much as possible. Reliability can be greatly improved.

  The image diagnostic apparatus 18 and the diagnostic report apparatus 20 may be provided as a set, and a plurality of sets of the image diagnostic apparatus 18 and the diagnostic report apparatus 20 may be provided.

The present invention is basically as described above.
Although the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various improvements and modifications may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Radiation imaging system 12 Image capturing device 14 Image processing device (console)
16 Image storage device (PACS)
18 diagnostic imaging equipment (viewer)
20 Diagnostic report device 22 Image confirmation device

Claims (9)

An image capturing device that captures a radiographic image of a subject and outputs image data of the radiographic image;
An image processing device for performing image trimming processing on image data of a radiation image input from the image capturing device and outputting image data of a diagnostic image;
An image diagnostic device that displays the diagnostic image corresponding to the image data of the diagnostic image input from the image processing device;
When it is determined that an image area necessary for diagnosis is not included in the diagnostic image, the image diagnostic apparatus performs a re-transmission including a request for retransmission of the diagnostic image and position information of the image area necessary for diagnosis. Output trimming information
When the image processing apparatus determines that an image region indicated by the re-trimming information is included in the radiographic image when a diagnostic image retransmission request is input from the image diagnostic apparatus, Based on the re-trimming information, re-trimming processing is performed on the image data of the radiation image, and the image data of the re-diagnosis image corresponding to the retransmission request of the diagnostic image is output,
The radiological image system, wherein the diagnostic imaging apparatus displays the rediagnosis image corresponding to the image data of the rediagnosis image input from the image processing apparatus.   The re-trimming information includes at least one of character information designating an image area necessary for diagnosis, coordinate information representing the position of the image area necessary for diagnosis, and a frame line representing the image area necessary for diagnosis. The radiographic imaging system according to claim 1, comprising:   When a request for retransmission of a diagnostic image is input from the image diagnostic apparatus, the image processing apparatus displays a re-trimming execution screen, and then an image region indicated by the re-trimming information is displayed on the radiation image. 3. The radiographic image system according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the radiographic image is not included, a re-imaging request for instructing re-imaging of the radiographic image is output.   The image processing apparatus displays the selection screen for the re-trimming process or the re-imaging of the radiographic image when a request for retransmission of the diagnostic image is input from the image diagnostic apparatus, and then the re-trimming process is selected. In this case, a re-trimming processing execution screen is displayed, and when the re-imaging is selected, a re-imaging request for instructing re-imaging of the radiographic image is output. Radiation imaging system.   When the image processing apparatus receives a request for retransmission of a diagnostic image from the image diagnostic apparatus, based on the re-trimming information, whether the image region indicated by the re-trimming information is included in the radiation image The radiological imaging system according to claim 1, wherein whether or not is determined. The image processing device outputs trimming information including position information representing an image area trimmed by the trimming process;
The radiographic image system according to claim 1, wherein the diagnostic imaging apparatus further displays trimming information input from the image processing apparatus. The diagnostic imaging apparatus outputs a re-trimming flag indicating whether or not the re-trimming process can be performed together with the retransmission request of the diagnostic image,
When the image processing apparatus receives a diagnostic image retransmission request from the diagnostic imaging apparatus, the radiographic image includes an image area indicated by the re-trimming information based on the re-trimming availability flag. It is judged whether it exists, The radiographic imaging system of Claim 6 characterized by the above-mentioned. The radiation imaging system includes a plurality of sets of image capturing devices and image processing devices, the image capturing device and the image processing device as a set,
And an image confirmation device that displays the diagnostic image corresponding to the image data of the diagnostic image input from each set of the image processing devices,
The image confirmation device outputs a request for retransmission of the diagnostic image when the diagnostic image is determined to be inappropriate,
When a request for retransmission of a diagnostic image is input from the image confirmation device, the image processing device performs a trimming process on image data of a radiographic image re-imaged by the image imaging device, and retransmits the diagnostic image. Output the image data of the rediagnosis image corresponding to the request,
The radiographic image according to claim 1, wherein the image confirmation apparatus displays the rediagnosis image corresponding to the image data of the rediagnosis image input from the image processing apparatus. system.   The image processing apparatus performs the trimming process after performing an irradiation field recognition process on the image data of the radiographic image, and an image region indicated by the re-trimming information is included in the image after the irradiation field recognition process 9. The re-trimming process is performed on the image data of the image after the irradiation field recognition process based on the re-trimming information when it is determined that the re-trimming information is present. Radiation imaging system.

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