JP2011217264A - X-ray plane detector, image data transfer system, and method of transferring image data - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image data transfer system capable of avoiding the elongation of an on-duty time of a medical doctor while shortening a constrained time of a patient.SOLUTION: The X-ray plane detector 4 includes an X-ray photographing unit 4a that photographs an X-ray irradiated on an object to be measured and converts the photographed image into image data, an image segmenting unit 4c that segments the image data, and an image transfer unit 4d that transfers the segmented image data to the outside in which the image segmenting unit 4c segments the image data formed of pluralities of pixels in height and width into thinned image data formed of at least (1/2) pixels in height and (1/2) pixels in width (m, n denote natural numbers), and the image transfer unit 4d transfers at least the thinned image data and difference data not overlapping with the thinned image data from the photographed image data.

Description

  The present invention relates to an X-ray flat panel detector that transfers image data to and from an external device, an image data transfer system using the X-ray flat panel detector, and an image data transfer method.

  An X-ray flat panel detector (hereinafter referred to as “FPD”) that can instantly view high-resolution X-ray images without the need for development, instead of the X-ray film that has been used for X-ray diagnosis. Have been developed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Since the image of the X-ray flat panel detector is digital data, data storage and data transmission in an electronic file by a computer or a communication network can be performed. For this reason, it is thought that IT (information technology) conversion of a new medical system useful for doctors and patients will be promoted.

  FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of a conventional image data transfer system.

  This image data transfer system 50 includes an X-ray generator 3 for generating X-rays in the patient examination room 1, an X-ray flat panel detector 8 for detecting X-rays passing through the patient and using them as image data, An X-ray controller 5 for controlling the X-rays generated by the X-ray generator 3, and transferred from the X-ray flat detector 8 into a doctor diagnosis room 2 provided in a separate room from the patient examination room 1. An external device 6 that receives and displays image data and the like, and a control device 7 that is connected to the external device 6 and controls the X-ray controller 5 are provided. The image data output from the X-ray flat panel detector 8 is configured to be transferred to an external device 6 provided in the doctor diagnosis room 2 by a wired connection such as a LAN cable or an optical fiber, or wirelessly such as a wireless LAN. Has been.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the X-ray flat panel detector 8 includes therein an X-ray imaging unit 8a that converts captured X-rays into image data, and an image storage unit 8b that stores the image data. And an image transfer unit 8 c that transfers the stored image data to the external device 6.

  FIG. 7 shows a processing procedure of the conventional image data transfer system 50.

  First, the X-ray generator 3 generates X-rays toward the patient, and the X-ray imaging unit 8a of the X-ray flat panel detector 8 images X-rays incident through the patient and converts them into image data (step) S51).

  Next, the image storage unit 8b stores the image data (step S52).

  Further, the image transfer unit 8c transfers all (full) image data to the external device 6 (step S53), and the external device 6 reconstructs the image data and displays an image (step S54).

  Next, the doctor examines whether or not there is a problem with the captured image (step S55). If there is no problem with the captured image, the patient is released in step S56. The controller 5 is controlled to generate X-rays again from the X-ray generator 3, and steps S51 to S55 are repeated.

  Finally, the detailed part of the photographed image is verified in step S57 and the process ends.

  In such a processing procedure, the image data is temporarily stored in the image storage unit 8b inside the X-ray flat panel detector 8. This image data has a huge amount of information per sheet of several gigabytes to several tens of gigabytes. It becomes size. For this reason, when image data is transferred to the external device 6, there is a possibility that a so-called “bottleneck” occurs in which the flow of data transfer is delayed. If a bottleneck occurs, a time lag occurs between the X-ray imaging and the browsing of the captured image with the external device 6.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the patient to be X-rayed is restrained from Step S51 to Step S55, so that taking into account the burden on the patient, whether the imaging was successful in Step S55 or needs to be re-taken. It is necessary to determine whether there is any early.

  From this point of view, in FIG. 7, it can be considered that if the whole image of the captured image can be seen roughly at the time of step S55, it is sufficient to determine whether or not the imaging is successful, and details of the image are not necessarily required. In that case, the image transferred at the time of step S53 may be a reduced image. If only a reduced image with a small amount of data is transferred, the influence of the bottleneck is reduced, so that the time for restraining the patient can be shortened.

  On the other hand, when the detailed portion of the captured image is verified in step S57, the detailed portion of the image is required, and thus a full image that has not been reduced is separately required.

  For this reason, as shown in FIG. 8, an image reduction unit 8d having a function of creating reduced image data is newly provided between the image storage unit 8b and the image transfer unit 8c of the X-ray flat panel detector 8 of FIG. Using the added X-ray flat panel detector 8 ′, it is conceivable to transfer image data in the processing procedure as shown in FIG.

  That is, in the processing procedure shown in FIG. 9, instead of step S53 in FIG. 7, the reduced image data is transferred as step S53 ′, and further, between step S56 and step S57 in FIG. Data is transferred.

JP 2009-128023 A

  However, in the image transfer method of FIG. 9, compared with the image transfer method of FIG. 7, the time for restraining the patient is shortened, but in step S56 ′ after releasing the patient, the process is performed in step S53 of FIG. In addition, since the full image data is transferred, the time for transferring the reduced image data in step S53 ′ is additionally added as a whole. For this reason, a doctor's restraint time and the work time per time of a medical device system will be extended rather.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an X-ray flat panel detector that shortens a patient's restraint time and does not extend a doctor's restraint time, and an image using the X-ray flat panel detector An object is to provide a data transfer system and an image data transfer method.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, an X-ray flat panel detector according to the present invention includes an X-ray imaging unit that images X-rays irradiated on an object to be measured and converts them into image data, and an image for dividing the image data An X-ray flat panel detector having a dividing unit and an image transfer unit that transfers the divided image data to the outside, wherein the image dividing unit is configured for the image data including a plurality of vertical and horizontal pixels. The image transfer unit is divided into thinned image data including at least vertical (1 / m) pixels and horizontal (1 / n) pixels (m and n are arbitrary natural numbers), and the image transfer unit includes at least the thinned image data, And differential data not overlapping with the thinned-out image data is separately transferred to the outside from the photographed image data.

In addition, the X-ray flat panel detector of the present invention includes an X-ray imaging unit that images X-rays irradiated on an object to be measured and converts the image data into image data, an image dividing unit that divides the image data, and the division An X-ray flat panel detector having an image transfer unit for transferring the image data to the outside, wherein the image dividing unit is configured to at least vertically (1/1) the image data including a plurality of vertical and horizontal pixels. 2 ^m ) pixels and horizontal (1/2 ⁿ ) pixels (m and n are arbitrary natural numbers), and the image transfer unit at least captures the thinned image data and the captured image data. The difference data that does not overlap with the thinned image data is separately transferred from the image data to the outside.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image data transfer system according to the present invention divides the image data and an X-ray imaging unit that images X-rays irradiated on an object to be measured and converts them into image data. Image data transfer system comprising an X-ray flat panel detector having an image dividing unit and an image transfer unit for transferring the divided image data to the outside, and an external device for receiving image data from the line flat detector The image division unit of the X-ray flat panel detector may include at least vertical (1 / m) pixels and horizontal (1 / n) pixels (m) with respect to the image data including a plurality of vertical and horizontal pixels. , N is an arbitrary natural number), and the external device at least extracts the thinned image data and the difference data that does not overlap the thinned image data from the captured image data. Characterized by trust.

The image data transfer system of the present invention includes an X-ray imaging unit that captures X-rays irradiated to an object to be measured and converts the X-rays into image data, an image dividing unit that divides the image data, and the division. An image data transfer system comprising: an X-ray flat panel detector having an image transfer unit that transfers image data to the outside; and an external device that receives image data from the line flat detector, The image dividing unit of the detector has at least vertical (1/2 ^m ) pixels and horizontal (1/2 ⁿ ) pixels (m and n are arbitrary natural numbers) for the image data including a plurality of vertical and horizontal pixels. ), And the external device receives at least the thinned image data and difference data that does not overlap with the thinned image data from the photographed image data. To do.

  Furthermore, in order to achieve the above-described object, the image data transfer method of the present invention divides the X-ray imaging step of imaging X-rays irradiated to the object to be measured and converting it into image data, and the image data. An image data transfer method comprising: an image data division step; and an image data transfer step for transferring the divided image data to the outside, wherein the image data division step is performed on the image data including a plurality of vertical and horizontal pixels. On the other hand, thinned image data consisting of vertical 1/2, 1/3, ... 1 / m pixels and horizontal 1/2, 1/3, ... 1 / n pixels (m and n are arbitrary natural numbers) is created. In the image data transfer step, first, image data consisting of (1 / m) × (1 / n), which is the minimum image, is transferred to the outside, and then (1 / (m−1)) × (1 / (N-1)) (1 / m) × (1 / n) image already transferred from the image The difference data that does not overlap is transferred, and further, difference data that does not overlap with the already transferred image is transferred from the (1 / (m−2)) × (1 / (n−2)) image, and these are sequentially transferred. Repeatedly, the difference data of (1/1) × (1/1) image is finally transferred.

The image data transfer method of the present invention includes an X-ray imaging step of imaging X-rays irradiated to an object to be measured and converting it into image data, an image data division step of dividing the image data, and the division An image data transfer method including an image data transfer step of transferring the image data to the outside, wherein the image data division step is performed with respect to the image data composed of a plurality of vertical and horizontal pixels, ... 1/2 ^m pixels and horizontal 1/2, 1/4,... 1/2 ⁿ pixels (m and n are arbitrary natural numbers) are created, and the image data transfer is performed. The process first transfers image data consisting of (1/2 ^m ) × (1/2 ⁿ ), which is the minimum image, to the outside, and then (1/2 ^m−1 ) × (1/2 ^n−1). ) already transferred from the image ^{(1/2 m) × (1/2 n} ) overlaps the image Transfers differential data not further ^{(1/2 m-2) × (} 1/2 n-2) to transfer the difference data that is not already a duplicate of the transferred image from the image, sequentially repeating these, the last The difference data of (1/1) × (1/1) image is transferred.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an X-ray flat panel detector, an image data transfer system, and an image data transfer method that can shorten the patient's restraint time and not extend the doctor's restraint time.

1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an image data transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the X-ray flat panel detector of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the image data transfer method which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic of the image of 12 pixels x 12 pixels used typically in order to explain the image data transfer method concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the conventional image data transfer system. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the X-ray flat panel detector of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the conventional image data transfer method. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the other conventional X-ray flat panel detector. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the image data transmission method using the other conventional X-ray flat panel detector.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of an image data transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  This image data transfer system 10 includes an X-ray generator 3 for generating X-rays, an X-ray flat panel detector 4 for detecting X-rays passing through a patient and generating image data in the patient examination room 1, An X-ray controller 5 for controlling X-rays generated by the X-ray generator 3, and transferred from the X-ray flat panel detector 4 to a doctor diagnosis room 2 provided in a separate room from the patient examination room 1. An external device 6 that receives and displays image data, and a control device 7 that is connected to the external device 6 and controls the X-ray controller 5 are provided. The image data output from the X-ray flat panel detector 4 is configured to be transferred to an external device 6 provided in the doctor diagnosis room 2 by a wired connection such as a LAN cable or an optical fiber, or wirelessly such as a wireless LAN. Has been.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the X-ray flat panel detector 4 includes an X-ray imaging unit 4a that converts captured X-rays into image data, and an image storage unit 4b that stores the image data. The image dividing unit 4c that divides the image data and the image transfer unit 4d that transfers the divided image data to the external device 6 are provided.

Here, the image dividing unit 4c applies to 1 / 2.1 / 4,... 1/2 ^m pixels, 1/2, 1/4,. / 2 After or while generating the thinned-out image data composed of ⁿ pixels, the image data composed of (1/2 ^m ) × (1/2 ⁿ ) that is the minimum image is first transferred from the image transfer unit 4d to the external device 6. Next, the data (difference data) that does not overlap with the (1/2 ^m ) × (1/2 ⁿ ) image already transferred from the (1/2 ^m−1 ) × (1/2 ⁿ⁻¹ ) image. ). This is sequentially repeated, and finally (1/1) × (1/1) image (full image) difference data is transferred.

  Here, m and n are arbitrary natural numbers, and m and n may be either the same value or different values. M and n can be appropriately selected from the transfer rate with the external device 6 and the aspect ratio of the original image.

  FIG. 3 shows a processing procedure of the image data transfer system 10.

  First, the X-ray generator 3 generates X-rays toward the patient, and the X-ray imaging unit 4a of the X-ray flat panel detector 4 images X-rays incident through the patient and converts them into image data (step) S11).

  Next, the image storage unit 4b stores the image data (step S12).

Next, the image dividing unit 4c divides the image data into (1/2 ^m ) × (1/2 ⁿ ) to form a thinned image and transfers it to the image transfer unit 4d.

  The image transfer unit 4d transfers the thinned image data to the external device 6 (step S13), and the external device 6 displays the thinned image (step S14).

  Next, the doctor examines whether or not there is a problem with this image (step S15). If there is no problem with the image, the patient is released in step S16, and if there is a problem with the captured image, the controller 7 causes the X-ray controller 5 to release the patient. To generate X-rays again from the X-ray generator 3, and repeat steps S11 to S15.

On the other hand, the image dividing unit 4c creates a thinned image obtained by dividing the image data into (1/2 ^m ) × (1/2 ⁿ ), and then generates (1/2 ^m−1 ) × (1/2 ^{n -1} ) It overlaps with the (1/2 ^m ) × (1/2 ⁿ ) image sent earlier from the (1/2 ^m-1 ) × (1/2 ^n-1 ) image to create a thinned image. Data (difference data) that has not been transferred is transferred to the image transfer unit 4d, and the image transfer unit 4d receives this and transfers this difference data to the external device 6 (step S17).

  This is sequentially repeated, and finally, in order to create a (1/1) × (1/1) image (full image), data (difference data) that does not overlap with the images sent so far is transferred to the image transfer unit. In response to this, the image transfer unit 4d transfers this difference data to the external device 6 (step S18).

  Finally, in step S19, the detailed part of the photographed image is verified and the process ends.

  Next, steps S13, S17, and S18 relating to image data transfer will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

Here, an image of 12 pixels × 12 pixels as schematically shown in FIG. 4 is set to m = 2, n = 2, and (1/2 ^m ) × (1/2 ⁿ ) = (1/4) × A method of thinning out to (1/4) = (1/16) will be described.

  In FIG. 4, the pixel A is arranged every four pixels in the vertical and horizontal directions, and the pixel B is arranged every two pixels in the vertical and horizontal directions except for the overlapping portion of the pixel A. Pixel C fills in the rest.

As a result, the pixel A corresponds to a (1/2 ^m ) × (1/2 ⁿ ) = (1/4) × (1/4) = (1/16) image of the entire image. Pixel A + pixel B corresponds to an image of (1/2 ^m ) × (1/2 ⁿ ) = (1/2) × (1/2) = (1/4), and pixel A + pixel B + pixel C is The entire image (1/1) itself becomes.

  The image dividing unit 4 c performs image transfer to the image transfer unit 4 d according to the following procedure, and the image transfer unit 4 d further performs image transfer to the external device 6.

(1) First, the first pixel A on the first line is transferred.

(2) Next, the fifth pixel A and the ninth pixel A on the first line are transferred.

(3) Subsequently, the first, fifth and ninth pixels A in the fifth line are transferred.

(4) Similarly, the first, fifth, and ninth pixels A on the ninth line are transferred. At this point, all the pixels A in FIG. 4 have been transferred. The transfer amount is 1/16 image.

(5) At this time, on the external device 6 side, a 1/16 image is assembled from the received nine pixels A and displayed on a display device or the like.

  Thereby, the thinned image display in step S14 in FIG. 3 is performed.

(6) Subsequently, the third, seventh and eleventh pixels B in the first line are transferred.

(7) The first, third, fifth, seventh, ninth, and eleventh pixels B in the third line are transferred.

(8) Similarly, the pixels B of the 5, 7, 9, and 11 lines are also transferred. At this point, all the pixels B in FIG. 4 have been transferred. The transfer amount corresponds to 3/16 images.

(9) At this time, the external device 6 side assembles a 4/16 image, that is, a 1/4 image, from the received 27 pixels B and the first 9 received pixels A, and displays the display device of the external device 6 Etc. can be displayed.

(10) Transfer the remaining 108 pixels C. The transfer amount corresponds to 3/4 images.

(11) On the external device 6 side, a 4/4 image, that is, a full image (1/1 image) is assembled from the received 108 pixels C and the already received 36 pixels A + pixels B, and the external device 6 Display on a display device or the like.

  As a result, it is possible to verify the detailed portion in step S19 in FIG.

  To summarize the procedure of (1) to (11), 1/16 image is transferred first, then the remaining 3/16 image obtained by subtracting 1/16 image from 1/4 image is transferred, and finally the remaining The 3/4 image is transferred.

  With this method, only the transfer time required for the full image allows the external device 6 to display the reduced image and finally receive the full image.

  In this transfer method, the total image data transfer size of step S13 + step S17 + step S18 matches the transfer size in the full image transfer of step S53 in FIG.

  Therefore, it is possible to maintain the level before improvement of the doctor's restraint time and the work time per medical device system while shortening the patient's restraint time.

  In the above description, the patient is described as an example of the X-ray imaging target, but the present invention can be similarly applied to other living things such as animals and non-living objects.

Further, in the above description, for image data composed of a plurality of vertical and horizontal pixels, at least from vertical (1/2 ^m ) pixels and horizontal (1/2 ⁿ ) pixels (m and n are arbitrary natural numbers). In this example, the thinned image data is generated. However, the pixels selected in the vertical and horizontal directions do not have to be a multiple of 2. For example, the vertical (1 / m) pixel and the horizontal (1 / Thinned image data consisting of n) pixels (m and n are arbitrary natural numbers) may be created.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Patient examination room 2 ... Doctor diagnostic room 3 ... X-ray generator 4 ... X-ray plane detector 4a ... X-ray imaging part 4b ... Image storage part 4c ... Image dividing unit 4d ... Image transfer unit 5 ... X-ray controller 6 ... External device 7 ... Control device 8 ... X-ray flat panel detector 8a ... X-ray imaging unit 8b ... Image storage unit 8c... Image transfer unit 8d.

Claims (6)

An X-ray imaging unit for imaging X-rays irradiated to the object to be measured and converting the image data into image data;
An image dividing unit for dividing the image data;
An X-ray flat panel detector having an image transfer unit for transferring the divided image data to the outside,
The image dividing unit has at least vertical (1 / m) pixels and horizontal (1 / n) pixels (m and n are arbitrary natural numbers of 2 or more) with respect to the image data including a plurality of vertical and horizontal pixels. Divided into thinned image data consisting of
The X-ray flat panel detector, wherein the image transfer unit separately transfers at least the thinned image data and difference data that does not overlap the thinned image data from the captured image data. An X-ray imaging unit for imaging X-rays irradiated to the object to be measured and converting the image data into image data;
An image dividing unit for dividing the image data;
An X-ray flat panel detector having an image transfer unit for transferring the divided image data to the outside,
The image dividing unit is configured to extract at least vertical (1/2 ^m ) pixels and horizontal (1/2 ⁿ ) pixels (m and n are arbitrary natural numbers) with respect to the image data including a plurality of vertical and horizontal pixels. Divided into thinned image data,
The X-ray flat panel detector, wherein the image transfer unit separately transfers at least the thinned image data and difference data that does not overlap the thinned image data from the captured image data. An X-ray imaging unit for imaging X-rays irradiated to the object to be measured and converting the image data into image data;
An image dividing unit for dividing the image data;
An X-ray flat panel detector having an image transfer unit that transfers the divided image data to the outside, and an image data transfer system including an external device that receives image data from the line flat detector,
The image division unit of the X-ray flat panel detector has at least vertical (1 / m) pixels and horizontal (1 / n) pixels (m and n are 2) with respect to the image data including a plurality of vertical and horizontal pixels. Divided into thinned-out image data consisting of the above arbitrary natural numbers)
The image data transfer system, wherein the external device receives difference data that does not overlap with the thinned image data from at least the thinned image data and the captured image data. An X-ray imaging unit for imaging X-rays irradiated to the object to be measured and converting the image data into image data;
An image dividing unit for dividing the image data;
An X-ray flat panel detector having an image transfer unit that transfers the divided image data to the outside, and an image data transfer system including an external device that receives image data from the line flat detector,
The image dividing unit of the X-ray flat panel detector has at least a vertical (1/2 ^m ) pixel and a horizontal (1/2 ⁿ ) pixel (m, n) with respect to the image data including a plurality of vertical and horizontal pixels. Is divided into thinned image data consisting of any natural number)
The image data transfer system, wherein the external device receives difference data that does not overlap with the thinned image data from at least the thinned image data and the captured image data. An X-ray imaging process in which X-rays irradiated to an object to be measured are imaged and converted into image data;
An image data dividing step of dividing the image data;
An image data transfer method comprising an image data transfer step of transferring the divided image data to the outside,
In the image data dividing step, for the image data composed of a plurality of vertical and horizontal pixels, vertical 1/2, 1/3,... / M pixels, horizontal 1/2, 1/3,. Create thinned image data consisting of pixels (m and n are arbitrary natural numbers)
In the image data transfer step, image data consisting of (1 / m) × (1 / n), which is the minimum image, is first transferred to the outside, and then (1 / (m−1)) × (1 / ( n-1)) Transfer the difference data not overlapping with the (1 / m) × (1 / n) image already transferred from the image, and further transfer (1 / (m−2)) × (1 / (n− 2)) It is characterized in that difference data not overlapping with an already transferred image is transferred from the image, and these are sequentially repeated, and finally (1/1) × (1/1) image difference data is transferred. Image data transfer method. An X-ray imaging process in which X-rays irradiated to an object to be measured are imaged and converted into image data;
An image data dividing step of dividing the image data;
An image data transfer method comprising an image data transfer step of transferring the divided image data to the outside,
In the image data dividing step, the image data composed of a plurality of vertical and horizontal pixels is applied to 1/2, 1/4,... 1/2 ^m pixels, 1/2, 1/4,. ⁿ pixels (m, n is an arbitrary natural number) to create the thinned-out image data composed of,
In the image data transfer step, image data consisting of (1/2 ^m ) × (1/2 ⁿ ), which is the minimum image, is first transferred to the outside, and then (1/2 ^m−1 ) × (1 / 2 ^n-1 ) The difference data not overlapping with the (1/2 ^m ) × (1/2 ⁿ ) image already transferred from the image is transferred, and (1/2 ^m−2 ) × (1/2 ^{n -2} ) It is characterized in that difference data not overlapping with an already transferred image is transferred from an image, and these are sequentially repeated, and finally (1/1) × (1/1) image difference data is transferred. Image data transfer method.

Images