JP2011255055A - Radiation image processor, radiographic image processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily confirm a body motion between shots when performing long-length photographing.SOLUTION: In a radiation image processor, two or more divided pictures obtained by split-photographing the same subject are input, a pseudo marker is given to each divided picture, the adjoining divided pictures are coupled to create a coupling image, the coupling image and the given pseudo marker of each divided picture are displayed, and a relative positional relationship between the coupling image and the given pseudo marker of each divided picture is confirmed.

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiation image processing apparatus, a radiation image processing method, and a program.

  In radiographic imaging when grasping an entire long subject such as a lower limb, an arm, and a spine, long imaging is performed. In this long photographing, one using CR (Computed Radiography) using a stimulable phosphor detector is known. In long imaging using CR, a technique is disclosed in which a plurality of cassettes storing stimulable phosphor detectors are arranged so as to partially overlap each other and stored in a dedicated cassette holder for imaging. (See Patent Document 1).

  Further, in recent years, an FPD (Flat Panel Detector) is used to divide the imaging range into a plurality of areas, and an overlapping area is provided between the divided divided imaging areas, and the FPD is moved for each of the divided imaging areas. Long shooting is also performed in which images are sequentially taken (see Patent Documents 2 and 3).

  A long image can be obtained by combining images of a plurality of divided shooting regions (divided images) obtained by long shooting using images of overlapping regions that overlap with each other of adjacent divided shooting regions. It is done. However, if the subject moves between the shootings (occurrence of body movement), the coupling accuracy decreases.

Therefore, a technique is used in which a partition is installed between the FPD and the subject (see Patent Document 4), or a marker that serves as a mark of the coupling position is disposed on the partition (see Patent Documents 5 and 6).
In addition, there is a technique that makes it easy to obtain a combined image by giving a combined mark indicating the combined position to a combined position of the divided images (see Patent Document 7).

JP 11-244269 A JP 2004-358254 A JP-T-2006-500126 JP 2009-240681 A JP 2009-225945 A JP 2009-240656 A JP 2002-94772 A

  However, in long shooting using the FPD, the relationship between the position of the FPD and the position of the marker is not constant. For this reason, in order to detect body movement, it is necessary to set the position of the marker every time shooting is performed, which is troublesome and the shooting itself may be complicated. Moreover, even if a mechanism in which a plurality of markers are installed in advance and the position or interval of the markers can be adjusted, the cost of the mechanism is high. Furthermore, since a plurality of markers are projected onto the radiographic image, there arises a problem that the images of the plurality of markers hinder interpretation diagnosis.

  Further, as in Patent Document 7, there is a technique for providing a mark indicating a combined position for each divided image, but this uses the provided mark as a mark for combining the divided images, and the body of the subject. It does not help make a determination about the presence or absence of movement.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to facilitate the confirmation of body movement between photographing when performing long photographing.

  The invention according to claim 1 is adjacent to an image input means for inputting a plurality of divided images obtained by dividing and photographing the same subject, and a pseudo marker providing means for providing a pseudo marker for each of the divided images. Image combining means for generating a combined image by combining the divided images, and image display means for displaying the combined image combined by the image combining means and the pseudo marker assigned to each of the divided images by the pseudo marker applying means. And a positional relationship confirmation unit for confirming a relative positional relationship between the combined image combined by the image combining unit and the pseudo marker provided for each of the divided images by the pseudo marker applying unit. The radiographic image processing apparatus.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the radiological image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the radiographic image processing apparatus further includes a pseudo marker position determining unit that determines a position to which the pseudo marker is to be applied. The pseudo marker is added to the position determined by the position determining means.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the radiological image processing apparatus according to the second aspect, the pseudo marker position determining unit determines a position to which the pseudo marker is to be applied based on a preset design value. It is characterized by.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the radiological image processing apparatus according to the second or third aspect, the pseudo marker position determining unit calculates a position to which the pseudo marker is added based on a preset design value. It has a pseudo marker position calculation means.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the radiographic image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the positional relationship confirmation unit is a division that constitutes the combined image displayed on the image display unit. A determination unit that includes a combination position determination unit that receives a determination instruction indicating whether or not the combination position of images is appropriate, and that the combination position determination unit indicates that the combination position of the divided images constituting the combined image is appropriate; An image output means for outputting the combined image when an instruction is input is provided.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the radiological image processing apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the positional relationship confirmation means is a pseudo marker assigned by the pseudo marker giving means at a position determined by the pseudo marker position determining means. Including a pseudo marker display determination unit to which a determination instruction indicating whether or not to display the image on the partial image constituting the combined image displayed on the image display unit is input, and the image display unit includes the pseudo marker When a determination instruction indicating that the pseudo marker is displayed is input by the display determining unit, the pseudo marker is displayed on a partial image constituting the combined image.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the radiological image processing apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the image display means displays a pseudo marker assigned to each of the divided images constituting the combined image on the combined image. The positional relationship confirmation unit receives a determination instruction indicating whether or not the combined position of the pseudo markers assigned to each of the adjacent divided images displayed on the combined image by the image display unit is appropriate. When the determination instruction indicating that the combined position of the pseudo markers displayed on the combined image is not appropriate is input by the pseudo marker combined position determining unit. The display means displays a combined image obtained by combining the adjacent divided images with reference to the position where the pseudo marker is assigned, and based on the position where the pseudo marker is assigned. When a determination instruction indicating that the combination position of the pseudo markers displayed on the combined image obtained by combining the adjacent divided images is appropriate is input, it is determined that there is a body movement of the subject and re-photographed. Re-photographing selection means for inputting a selection instruction as to whether or not to execute is performed.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the radiological image processing apparatus according to the seventh aspect, when a determination instruction indicating that the pseudo marker is not displayed is input by the pseudo marker display determination unit, the pseudo marker combination position When a determination instruction indicating that the coupling position of the pseudo markers is not appropriate is input by the determination unit, or when a selection instruction indicating that re-imaging is not performed is input by the re-imaging selection unit, the adjacent And an adjustment unit that receives an adjustment instruction for a combination position of divided images to be combined and combines the adjacent divided images according to the adjustment instruction.

  The invention according to claim 9 is adjacent to an image input step in which a plurality of divided images obtained by dividing and photographing the same subject are input, and a pseudo marker applying step in which a pseudo marker is added to each of the divided images. An image combining step of combining the divided images to generate a combined image, and an image display step of displaying the combined image combined by the image combining step and the pseudo marker assigned to each of the divided images by the pseudo marker applying step. And a positional relationship confirmation step of confirming a relative positional relationship between the combined image combined by the image combining step and the pseudo marker provided for each of the divided images by the pseudo marker applying step. This is a featured radiation image processing method.

  The invention according to claim 10 is an image input means for inputting a plurality of divided images obtained by dividing and photographing the same subject, a pseudo marker giving means for giving a pseudo marker for each of the divided images, and an adjacent computer. An image combining unit that combines the divided images to generate a combined image, a combined image combined by the image combining unit, and an image display unit that displays a pseudo marker assigned to each divided image by the pseudo marker applying unit A program for functioning as a positional relationship confirmation unit for confirming a relative positional relationship between the combined image combined by the image combining unit and the pseudo marker provided for each of the divided images by the pseudo marker providing unit. is there.

  According to the first, ninth, and tenth aspects of the present invention, it is not necessary to place a marker together with a subject at the time of shooting, a pseudo marker is assigned to each divided image obtained after shooting, and the pseudo marker is divided into a plurality of divided images. By displaying together with the combined image generated by combining the images, the positional relationship between the divided images constituting the combined image can be confirmed. Accordingly, it is possible to easily confirm body movement between photographings when performing long photographing in which the same subject is dividedly photographed.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the same effect as in the first aspect can be obtained, and a pseudo marker can be given to a predetermined position.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the same effect as that of the second aspect can be obtained, and the position to which the pseudo marker is applied can be determined based on a preset design value.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the same effect as in the second or third aspect can be obtained, and the position to which the pseudo marker is added can be calculated based on a preset design value. .

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the same effect as in any one of the first to fourth aspects can be obtained. Can be output.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the same effect as in the fifth aspect can be obtained, and when a determination instruction indicating that the pseudo marker is displayed is input, the pseudo marker is displayed as a combined image. It can be displayed on the partial image to be configured.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the same effect as in the sixth aspect can be obtained, and the combined position of the pseudo markers displayed on the combined image is not appropriate, and the pseudo marker is not If the combined position of the pseudo markers displayed on the combined image obtained by combining adjacent divided images based on the given position is appropriate, it can be determined that there is a body movement of the subject, and re-photographing is executed. Re-photographing can be performed in response to an input of an instruction to select whether or not.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the same effect as in the seventh aspect can be obtained, and the adjacent divided images can be combined in accordance with an instruction to adjust the combination position of the adjacent divided images. it can.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a radiographic image system. It is a schematic diagram of an FPD imaging device. It is a functional block diagram of a radiographic image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart of a combined image confirmation process. It is a figure which shows the example of an adjacent division image. It is a figure which shows the example of a pseudo marker. It is a figure which shows the example of a combined image with a pseudo marker. It is a figure which shows the example of the combined image with a pseudo marker of a pseudo marker position reference | standard.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
First, the configuration will be described.
FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of the radiographic image system 1.
As shown in FIG. 1, the radiographic image system 1 includes a modality 10, an FPD (Flat Panel Detector) imaging device 20, a measuring device 30, a radiographic image processing device 40, and the like. The modality 10, the FPD imaging device 20, and the measurement device 30 are connected to the radiation image processing device 40 via the communication network N so as to be able to transmit and receive data.
The number of each device is not particularly limited.

The communication network N is a LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network).
) Various line forms such as the Internet can be applied. Note that wireless communication or infrared communication may be used as long as it is permitted within a medical institution such as a hospital. However, since important patient information is included, it is preferable to encrypt information to be transmitted and received. In general, DICOM (Digital Image and Communications in Medicine) standard is used as an in-hospital communication method, and DICOM MWM (Modality Worklist Management) is used for communication between devices on the communication network N described above. ) Or DICOM MPPS (Modality Performed Procedure Step).

  The modality 10 is an image generation device that performs imaging using a patient's diagnosis target region as a subject and generates digital image data of the captured image. As the modality 10, a CR (Computed Radiography) apparatus, a CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus, or the like is used.

The FPD imaging apparatus 20 is an image generation apparatus that performs imaging using a patient's diagnosis target region using an FPD and generates digital image data of a captured image.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the standing-type FPD photographing apparatus 20.
As shown in FIG. 2, the FPD imaging apparatus 20 includes a radiation irradiation unit 21, a support 22, an FPD 23, a control unit (not shown), an operation display unit, a communication unit, and the like. Long shooting can be performed by shooting in multiple times while moving.
2 shows a stationary type FPD photographing apparatus of a standing type, but it may be a standing type or a sitting type, or may be a portable FPD photographing apparatus.

  The radiation irradiation unit 21 includes a radiation source, a collimator, and the like, and irradiates the subject M with radiation. The radiation irradiation unit 21 can move in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction with respect to the floor surface, and is configured to be rotationally driven, so that the radiation irradiation direction can be changed. The radiation irradiation unit 21 controls the horizontal position, the vertical position, the rotation angle, or controls the collimator, and adjusts the irradiation range according to the position of the FPD 23 so that radiation unnecessary for imaging is not irradiated on the subject M. It has become.

The support 22 supports the FPD 23 so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the floor surface.
The FPD 23 includes a sensor panel in which a plurality of radiation detection elements are arranged in a two-dimensional manner. The radiation that has been irradiated from the radiation irradiation unit 21 and transmitted through at least the subject M is received by each radiation detection element according to its intensity. It is detected, converted into an electrical signal, and stored. The FPD 23 is a recording medium that can acquire digital image data by reading electrical signals accumulated in each radiation detection element.

The control unit of the FPD photographing apparatus 20 comprehensively controls the entire FPD photographing apparatus 20 in accordance with an operation instruction input from the operation display unit.
For example, when performing long shooting, when a shooting range including a subject is set, the shooting range is divided into a plurality of divided shooting regions. Then, the number of times of shooting according to the number of divisions of the shooting range, and various control amounts such as the movement amount and irradiation angle of the FPD 23 for each shooting time, that is, for each divided shooting region, are calculated. Multiple shootings are performed. The electrical signal accumulated in the FPD 23 for each photographing time is read every time the photographing time is finished, stored in the memory in the control unit as data of the divided photographing region image (divided image), and erased from the FPD 23. After completion of the long imaging, the divided image data in each memory in the memory is transmitted to the radiation image processing apparatus 40 via the communication unit.

  When a long image is acquired by shooting multiple times, a part of each adjacent divided shooting region overlaps so that there is no image loss at the joint between adjacent divided images obtained by each shooting time. Shooting is performed as follows. An overlap amount (overlap region) between adjacent divided shooting regions is set in advance.

  The measuring device 30 measures an imaging region based on an image photographed by the modality 10 or the FPD photographing device 20 and subjected to image processing by the radiation image processing device 40. For example, the angle of the bump is measured for the diagnosis of scoliosis and the femoral tibia is measured for the diagnosis of the entire lower limb. The measuring device 30 may be a device or system such as a console, a workstation, or a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) provided with these measuring functions.

FIG. 3 shows a functional configuration diagram of the radiation image processing apparatus 40.
As shown in FIG. 3, the radiographic image processing apparatus 40 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 44, a display unit 45, an operation unit 46, a communication unit 47, and the like. Each part is electrically connected by a bus or the like.

  The control unit 41 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, reads various programs stored in the storage unit 42, develops them in a work area formed in the RAM 43, and performs processing according to the programs. By executing, the operation of each part is centrally controlled.

In addition, the control unit 41 according to the present embodiment executes a combined image confirmation process.
In the combined image confirmation process, when data of a plurality of divided images obtained by dividing and shooting the same subject is input from the modality 10 or the FPD imaging device 20, adjacent divided images are combined to generate a combined image. A combining process and a pseudo marker adding process in which a position where an electronic marker image (pseudo marker) is added to each divided image are determined and a pseudo marker is added to the position are executed. Then, in accordance with the instruction signal input from the operation unit 46, the combined image and the pseudo marker added to the divided images constituting the combined image are displayed on the display unit 45, and are assigned to each combined image and divided image. The relative positional relationship with the pseudo marker is confirmed by the user.

  The storage unit 42 is configured by a nonvolatile semiconductor memory or the like, and various programs executed by the control unit 41 and a combined image confirmation processing program, various parameters necessary for execution of processing by these programs, data of various processing results, and the like Remember. These various programs are stored in the form of readable program codes, and the control unit 41 sequentially executes operations according to the program codes.

  The RAM 43 forms a work area for temporarily storing various programs, input or output data, parameters, and the like read from the storage unit 42 in various processes executed and controlled by the control unit 41.

  The HDD 44 stores and saves the image data transmitted from the modality 10 or the FPD photographing apparatus 20 with identification information or the like.

  The display unit 45 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and the like, and various screens for inputting various setting conditions and various processing results according to a display signal input from the control unit 41. Is displayed on the LCD or EL display.

  The display unit 45 functions as an image display unit that displays on the LCD or EL display a screen that displays a combined image generated by executing the combined image confirmation process and a pseudo marker assigned to each divided image.

  The operation unit 46 includes a keyboard having a cursor key, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like, and a pointing device such as a mouse. The control unit 41 receives an instruction signal input by key operation or mouse operation on the keyboard. Output to. Further, the operation unit 46 may include a touch panel provided on the display screen of the display unit 45, and in this case, an instruction signal input via the touch panel is output to the control unit 41.

The operation unit 46 also determines whether or not the combined position of the divided images constituting the combined image displayed on the display unit 45 is appropriate, and the partial image forming the combined image with the pseudo marker displayed on the display unit 45. An instruction for determining whether or not to display the image, and an instruction for determining whether or not the combined position of the pseudo markers assigned to each of the adjacent divided images displayed on the combined image are appropriate, are input to the display unit 45. The relative positional relationship between the displayed combined image and the pseudo marker assigned to each divided image is confirmed.
Therefore, the operation unit 46 functions as a positional relationship confirmation unit having a combined position determining unit, a pseudo marker display determining unit, and a pseudo marker combined position determining unit.

  Further, the operation unit 46 functions as a re-photographing selection unit to which an instruction to select whether or not to perform re-photographing is input when it is determined that the subject is moving.

  In addition, the operation unit 46 receives an input of an adjustment instruction for the combined position of the divided images constituting the combined image displayed on the display unit 45, and outputs the adjustment instruction to the control unit 41.

  The communication unit 47 includes a LAN adapter, a router, a TA (Terminal Adapter), and the like, and controls communication with each device connected to the communication network N. That is, the communication unit 47 is an image input unit that receives data of a plurality of divided images obtained by dividing and shooting the same subject by the FPD imaging device 20 via the communication network N, and the measurement device 30 receives combined image data. Function as image output means for outputting to

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of the combined image confirmation process in the present embodiment.
The processing shown in FIG. 4 is executed by the control unit 41 in cooperation with each unit in the radiation image processing apparatus 40 in accordance with the combined image confirmation processing program developed in the RAM 43.

  When the long photographing information and the data of a plurality of divided images are acquired by being input via the communication unit 47 (step S1), a combining process is executed (step S2). By executing step S2, an image combining unit is realized.

In addition, in parallel with the combining process, a position for giving a pseudo marker to each of the plurality of divided images is determined (step S3), and a pseudo marker is given to each of the plurality of divided images at the position determined in step S3. (Step S4). By executing steps S3 and S4, a pseudo marker adding process is executed.
By executing step S3, pseudo marker position determining means having pseudo marker position calculating means is realized, and by executing step S4, pseudo marker giving means is realized.

  The long shooting information includes information on a plurality of image data obtained by long shooting, information on the number of divided images, information on each divided image (shooting conditions, data size, number of bits, identification information, etc.) And subject information (patient name, patient ID, age, gender, etc.) and imaging information (imaging site, imaging date, imaging type, etc.).

FIG. 5 shows an example of adjacent divided images (first divided image and second divided image).
With reference to FIG. 5, description of the combining process executed in step S <b> 2 and description of the pseudo marker application position executed in step S <b> 3 will be given.

  In the combining process executed in step S2, the divided images are combined for each adjacent divided image based on the overlap region set in advance for each divided image, and a combined image is generated. The generated combined image is temporarily stored in the RAM 43 or the HDD 44.

  As shown in FIG. 5, adjacent divided images are included in the overlapping areas (first overlapping area 110 and second overlapping area 210) of the adjacent divided images (first divided image 100 and second divided image 200). And a common image is included.

  In the combination processing, for example, a combination line (a first combination line L1 and a second combination line L2) indicating the boundary of the divided images when the adjacent divided images are combined is set in the overlapping area of each adjacent divided image. The profile based on the image signal values of the pixels arranged along the first coupling line L1, and the profile based on the image signal values of the pixels arranged along the second coupling line L2. Is calculated. Then, by combining the first combined line L1 and the second combined line L2 so that the patterns of the image signal values match each other by analyzing the two profiles, the first divided image 100 and the second divided image are combined. 200 is combined to generate a combined image.

As another combining process, even if the first divided image 100 and the second divided image 200 are combined using a template matching process using normalized cross correlation (NCC), a combined image is generated. Good.
For example, first, an attention area of a preset size is set from the first overlapping area 110, and an image signal value of the attention area is calculated. Further, an area larger than the attention area from the second overlapping area 210 is set as a search area. While the attention area is translated, rotated, and enlarged / reduced within the search area, the normalized cross-correlation value between the image signal value of the attention area and the image signal value of the search area is calculated, and the normalized cross-correlation value is the largest. The parallel movement amount, the rotation angle, and the enlargement / reduction ratio are calculated as the coupling conditions. Then, the first divided image 100 and the second divided image 200 are combined according to the combination condition, and a combined image is generated.

In step S3, the position where the pseudo marker is added to each of the plurality of divided images is determined. The position where the pseudo marker is added is a coordinate on each divided image calculated based on a design value set in advance for the overlapping region. Since the overlapping area and the design value are set in advance, the position of the pseudo marker of each divided image is the same in the coordinates on the overlapping area, and if only the overlapping area of each divided image is overlapped, the position of the pseudo marker Match.
Note that the preset design value is stored in the storage unit 42 in advance, but may be appropriately changed to a value input via the operation unit 46 or the communication unit 47.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the positions P11 and P12 at both ends in the first overlapping area 110 of the first divided image 100 are positions to which the pseudo marker is added, the positions P11 and P12 are used as a reference. The pseudo markers 311 and 312 are assigned respectively.
Similarly, when the positions P21 and P22 at both ends in the second overlapping area 210 of the second divided image 200 are positions to which a pseudo marker is added, the pseudo markers 321 and 322 are based on the positions P21 and P22. Each will be given.

  Note that the shape of the pseudo marker may be other shapes, regardless of the shape of the rectangle and the diagonal line of the rectangle, such as the pseudo markers 311, 312, 321, and 322 shown in FIG. 5. For example, a shape in which two straight lines intersect (for example, a cross shape) as shown in FIG. 6A, or a shape in which straight lines in which a plurality of lines are provided at a predetermined interval intersect as shown in FIG. 6B. It may be.

In step S4, the pseudo marker is overwritten on each divided image, or the pseudo marker is formed on a layer different from the divided image and the layer on which the pseudo marker is formed is overlaid on the divided image, A pseudo marker may be added.
Each divided image to which the pseudo marker is assigned is temporarily stored in the RAM 43 or the HDD 44.

  When the combination process (step S2) and the provision of the pseudo marker (step S4) are completed, the combined image generated in step S2 is displayed on the display unit 45 (step S5).

  After step S5, the combined image displayed on the display unit 45 is confirmed by the user, and an instruction to determine whether or not the combined position of the divided images constituting the combined image is appropriate (good or bad) is displayed on the operation unit 46. Is input through. Then, it is determined whether or not the determination instruction input by the operation unit 46 is a determination instruction indicating that the combined position of the divided images is appropriate (good) (step S6).

  When the determination instruction input by the operation unit 46 is a determination instruction indicating that the combined position of the divided images is appropriate (good) (step S6; YES), the combined image data is transmitted to the external device (by the communication unit 47). For example, it is output to the measuring device 30) (step S7), and the combined image confirmation process is terminated.

  When the determination instruction input by the operation unit 46 is a determination instruction indicating that the combined position of the divided images is inappropriate (bad) (step S6; NO), the combination displayed on the display unit 45 by the user A determination instruction as to whether or not to display the pseudo marker assigned to the position determined in step S3 is input via the operation unit 46 for each divided image on the image. And it is discriminate | determined whether the determination instruction | indication input by the operation part 46 is a determination instruction | indication which shows displaying a pseudo marker (step S8).

  When the determination instruction input by the operation unit 46 is a determination instruction indicating that a pseudo marker is displayed (step S8; YES), a combined image with a pseudo marker is generated, and the combined image with a pseudo marker is displayed on the display unit 45. (Step S9).

In step S9, for each divided image, the pseudo marker given in step S4 at the position determined in step S3 is displayed on each divided image constituting the combined image generated in step S2. Then, a combined image with a pseudo marker is generated.
If the pseudo marker is overwritten on the divided image in step S4, the overwritten portion is displayed by being replaced with the corresponding divided image portion on the combined image. When the pseudo marker is formed in a layer different from the divided image, the pseudo marker is displayed by overlapping the layer in which the pseudo marker is formed on the corresponding divided image.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of a combined image with a pseudo marker displayed on the display unit 45 in step S9. A combined image 410 with a pseudo marker shown in FIG. 7 is an example in which a combined image is generated by combining the first divided image 100 and the second divided image 200 shown in FIG. It is. As shown in FIG. 7, the pseudo markers 311, 312, 321, and 322 assigned to each divided image display a portion in a direction opposite to the direction from the combined line toward the adjacent divided image with the combined line as a boundary. The

  In the combined image 410 with the pseudo marker shown in FIG. 7, the combined positions of the subject images of the first divided image 100 and the second divided image 200 are substantially the same, but the combined position of the pseudo markers (the pseudo image with respect to the pseudo marker 311). It can be seen that the position of the marker 321 and the position of the pseudo marker 322 with respect to the pseudo marker 312 do not match.

After step S9, the user confirms the combined image with the pseudo marker displayed on the display unit 45 and determines whether or not the combined position of the pseudo markers displayed on the combined image with the pseudo marker is appropriate. Is input via the operation unit 46.
If the combined positions of the pseudo markers are not appropriate, in the subsequent step, the divided images are combined again based on the positions of the pseudo markers. Therefore, whether the divided images are recombined based on the positions of the pseudo markers. It is replaced with an instruction to determine whether or not.

  The determination instruction input by the operation unit 46 indicates that the combined position of the pseudo markers displayed on the combined image with the pseudo marker is not appropriate, that is, indicates that the divided images are combined again with reference to the position of the pseudo marker. It is determined whether or not it is an instruction (step S10).

  When the determination instruction input by the operation unit 46 is a determination instruction indicating that the divided images are to be combined again based on the position of the pseudo marker (step S10; YES), the determination instruction is adjacent to the position where the pseudo marker is added. The divided images to be combined are combined again. Then, a combined image with a pseudo marker (hereinafter referred to as a combined image with a pseudo marker based on a pseudo marker position) generated by recombination with the position where the pseudo marker is added as a reference is displayed on the display unit 45 (step S11). ).

FIG. 8 shows an example of a combined image with a pseudo marker based on the pseudo marker position displayed on the display unit 45 in step S11. The combined image 420 with the pseudo marker shown in FIG. 8 based on the pseudo marker position is obtained by converting the first divided image 100 and the second divided image 200 shown in FIG. 7 into positions Q11 and Q12 of the pseudo markers 311, 312, 321 and 322, respectively. , Q21 and Q22 are examples in which a combined image is generated by performing a combining process.
As shown in FIG. 8, as in FIG. 7, the pseudo markers 311, 312, 321, and 322 given to each divided image are opposite to the direction from the combined line toward the adjacent divided image with the combined line as a boundary. The direction part is displayed.

  In the combined image 420 with the pseudo marker shown in FIG. 8 with reference to the pseudo marker, the combined positions of the pseudo markers are the same (the position of the pseudo marker 321 with respect to the pseudo marker 311 and the position of the pseudo marker 322 with respect to the pseudo marker 312). It can be seen that the subject image combining positions of the first divided image 100 and the second divided image 200 do not match.

  After step S11, the user confirms the combined image with the pseudo marker based on the pseudo marker position displayed on the display unit 45, and the combined position of the pseudo markers displayed on the combined image with the pseudo marker based on the pseudo marker position. Is determined to be appropriate (good or bad) is input via the operation unit 46.

  Whether or not the determination instruction input by the operation unit 46 is a determination instruction indicating that the combined position of the pseudo markers displayed on the combined image with the pseudo marker based on the pseudo marker position is appropriate (good). A determination is made (step S12).

  When the determination instruction input by the operation unit 46 is a determination instruction indicating that the coupling position between the pseudo markers is appropriate (good) (step S12; YES), the subject between the adjacent divided images is captured. It is determined that there is a body movement, and the amount of body movement between photographing of adjacent divided images is calculated. Then, a message indicating that there is body motion and information indicating the amount of body motion are displayed on the display unit 45 (step S13).

  The amount of body movement is calculated by obtaining the relative distance (number of pixels) of the position of a predetermined pseudo marker given to each adjacent divided image of the combined image with pseudo marker displayed on the display unit 45 in step S9. For example, on the combined image with a pseudo marker shown in FIG. 7, the position Q11 where the pseudo marker 311 of the first divided image 100 is given and the pseudo marker 321 of the second divided image 200 corresponding to the pseudo marker 311 are given. The relative distance (number of pixels) between the position Q21 and the position Q21 is calculated as the amount of body movement.

After step S <b> 13, the user confirms the message and the amount of body movement displayed on the display unit 45, and inputs an instruction to select whether or not to perform re-shooting via the operation unit 46.
And it is discriminate | determined whether the selection instruction | indication input by the operation part 46 is a selection instruction | indication which shows performing a re-photographing (step S14).

When the selection instruction input by the operation unit 46 is a selection instruction indicating that re-shooting is to be performed (step S14; YES), a message prompting execution of re-shooting is displayed on the display unit 45, and execution of re-shooting is performed. Is notified to the user (step S15). After step S15, the combined image confirmation process is terminated.
When the combined image confirmation processing is completed after step S15, the subject is re-photographed by the FPD photographing apparatus 20 again.

  When the determination instruction input by the operation unit 46 is a determination instruction indicating that the pseudo marker is not displayed (step S8; NO), it is not a determination instruction indicating that the divided images are to be combined again based on the position of the pseudo marker. In the case (step S10; NO), when the determination instruction indicates that the coupling position of the pseudo markers is not appropriate (good) (step S12; NO), or the selection instruction input by the operation unit 46 re-photographs. If it is a selection instruction indicating that it is not to be executed (step S14; NO), a screen for accepting an instruction to adjust the combination position of each divided image constituting the combined image is displayed on the display unit 45, and the combination position of the adjacent divided images is displayed. When the input of the adjustment instruction is accepted by the operation unit 46, the adjustment amount corresponding to the adjustment instruction is acquired (step S16).

  As the adjustment amount, for example, one of the adjacent divided images is a relative movement amount with respect to the other divided image, a rotation angle, an enlargement / reduction ratio, and the like. Further, an individual movement amount, rotation angle, and enlargement / reduction ratio for each divided image may be set as the adjustment amount.

In accordance with the adjustment amount acquired in step S16, the positions of the divided images constituting the combined image displayed on the display unit 45, the combined image with a pseudo marker, or the combined image with a pseudo marker based on the pseudo marker position are adjusted. Again, a joint adjustment process for joining adjacent divided images is executed (step S17), and the process proceeds to step S7.
Therefore, adjustment means is realized by executing steps S16 and S17.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to arrange a marker together with a subject during long shooting, a pseudo marker is assigned to each divided image obtained after shooting, and the pseudo marker is divided into a plurality of divided images. By displaying together with the combined image generated by combining the images, the positional relationship between the divided images constituting the combined image becomes easy for the user to understand, and the positional relationship between the divided images forming the combined image is confirmed. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate confirmation of body movement between the shootings when performing long shooting for dividing and shooting the same subject.

  Further, the position to which the pseudo marker is added can be calculated based on a preset design value, and the pseudo marker can be added to the position determined by the calculation.

  Further, when it is confirmed that the combined position of the divided images constituting the combined image generated by the combined processing of the adjacent divided images is appropriate (step S6; YES), it is not necessary to confirm the presence or absence of body movement. Therefore, the combined image can be output without displaying the pseudo marker.

  When a determination instruction indicating that a pseudo marker is to be displayed is input (step S8; YES), the pseudo marker can be displayed on a partial image constituting the combined image, and the pseudo marker is displayed to move the body. The user can select whether or not to confirm.

  The combined positions of the pseudo-markers displayed on the combined image are not appropriate (step S10; YES), and displayed on the combined image obtained by combining the adjacent divided images based on the position to which the pseudo-marker is added. When the coupling position between the pseudo markers is appropriate (step S12; YES), it is determined that there is a body movement of the subject, the fact that there is a body movement and the amount of body movement is displayed, and whether or not re-shooting is executed. An input of a selection instruction can be accepted. Therefore, it is easy to confirm whether or not there is a body movement for the user, and it is possible to accept a re-shooting determination by the user. In addition, when re-photographing is necessary, re-photographing can be performed quickly.

  Further, when a determination instruction indicating that the pseudo marker is not displayed is input (S8; NO), the pseudo marker displayed on the combined image is appropriately connected (step S10; NO), and the pseudo marker is displayed. When the combined position of the pseudo-markers displayed on the combined image obtained by combining the adjacent divided images based on the position to which the mark is added is not appropriate (step S12; NO), or a selection instruction indicating that re-photographing is not performed Is input (S14; NO), it is possible to accept an instruction to adjust the combined position of adjacent divided images. Therefore, since the adjacent divided images can be combined in accordance with the adjustment instruction input by the user, it is possible to adjust the coupling position in accordance with the user's intention (correct the coupling position shift due to body movement). .

In the above description, an example in which the storage unit 42 is used as a computer-readable medium of the program according to the present invention has been disclosed, but the present invention is not limited to this example.
As other computer-readable media, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory and a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM can be applied.
Further, a carrier wave (carrier wave) is also applied to the present invention as a medium for providing program data according to the present invention via a communication line.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the contents of the above embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Radiation imaging system 10 Modality 20 FPD imaging device 21 Radiation irradiation part 22 Support body 23 FPD
30 Measurement Device 40 Radiation Image Processing Device 41 Control Unit 42 Storage Unit 43 RAM
44 HDD
45 display unit 46 operation unit 47 communication unit 100 first divided image 110 first overlapping region 200 second divided image 210 second overlapping region 311 pseudo marker 312 pseudo marker 321 pseudo marker 322 pseudo marker 410 combined image with pseudo marker 420 pseudo marker Attached image L1 first coupled line L2 second coupled line M subject N communication network

Claims (10)

Image input means for inputting a plurality of divided images obtained by dividing and photographing the same subject;
A pseudo marker giving means for giving a pseudo marker for each of the divided images;
Image combining means for combining adjacent divided images to generate a combined image;
Image display means for displaying a combined image combined by the image combining means and a pseudo marker assigned to each of the divided images by the pseudo marker giving means;
A positional relationship confirmation unit that confirms a relative positional relationship between the combined image combined by the image combining unit and the pseudo marker provided for each of the divided images by the pseudo marker applying unit;
Providing
A radiographic image processing apparatus. A pseudo marker position determining means for determining a position to which the pseudo marker is applied;
The pseudo marker providing means includes
Providing the pseudo marker at a position determined by the pseudo marker position determining means;
The radiation image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The pseudo marker position determining means includes
Determining a position to give the pseudo marker based on a preset design value;
The radiographic image processing apparatus according to claim 2. The pseudo marker position determining means includes a pseudo marker position calculating means for calculating a position to which the pseudo marker is applied based on a preset design value;
The radiographic image processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3. The positional relationship confirmation unit includes a combination position determination unit to which a determination instruction indicating whether or not a combination position of divided images constituting the combined image displayed on the image display unit is appropriate is input,
Image output means for outputting the combined image when a determination instruction indicating that the combined position of the divided images constituting the combined image is appropriate is input by the combined position determining means;
Providing
The radiographic image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The positional relationship confirmation unit displays the pseudo marker added by the pseudo marker adding unit at the position determined by the pseudo marker position determining unit on the partial image constituting the combined image displayed on the image display unit. A pseudo marker display determination means for inputting a determination instruction indicating whether or not,
The image display means includes
When a determination instruction indicating that the pseudo marker is displayed is input by the pseudo marker display determination unit, the pseudo marker is displayed on a partial image constituting the combined image;
The radiographic image processing apparatus according to claim 5. The image display means includes
Displaying the pseudo marker given to each of the divided images constituting the combined image on the combined image;
The positional relationship confirmation unit is configured to input a determination instruction indicating whether or not the combined position of the pseudo markers assigned to each of the adjacent divided images displayed on the combined image by the image display unit is appropriate. A marker coupling position determination means;
When the determination instruction indicating that the combination position of the pseudo markers displayed on the combined image is not appropriate is input by the pseudo marker combination position determination unit, the pseudo marker is given by the image display unit A combined image obtained by combining the adjacent divided images based on the position is displayed, and a combined position of the pseudo markers displayed on the combined image obtained by combining the adjacent divided images based on the position to which the pseudo marker is added. When a determination instruction indicating that the subject is appropriate is provided, a re-shooting selection unit is provided for determining that there is body movement of the subject and selecting whether to perform re-shooting;
The radiation image processing apparatus according to claim 6. When a determination instruction indicating that the pseudo marker is not displayed is input by the pseudo marker display determination unit, a determination instruction indicating that the combination position of the pseudo markers is not appropriate is input by the pseudo marker combination position determination unit. Or when a selection instruction indicating that re-photographing is not to be executed is input by the re-photographing selection unit, an adjustment instruction for the combination position of the adjacent divided images is received, and the adjacent image is received according to the adjustment instruction. Comprising adjusting means for combining the divided images;
The radiographic image processing apparatus according to claim 7. An image input step in which a plurality of divided images obtained by dividing and shooting the same subject are input;
A pseudo marker giving step for giving a pseudo marker for each of the divided images;
An image combining step of combining adjacent divided images to generate a combined image;
An image display step of displaying a combined image combined by the image combining step and a pseudo marker assigned to each of the divided images by the pseudo marker applying step;
A positional relationship confirmation step of confirming a relative positional relationship between the combined image combined by the image combining step and the pseudo marker provided for each of the divided images by the pseudo marker applying step;
Including,
A radiation image processing method. Computer
Image input means for inputting a plurality of divided images obtained by dividing and shooting the same subject;
A pseudo marker giving means for giving a pseudo marker for each of the divided images;
Image combining means for combining adjacent divided images to generate a combined image;
Image display means for displaying the combined image combined by the image combining means and the pseudo marker assigned to each of the divided images by the pseudo marker giving means;
A positional relationship confirmation unit for confirming a relative positional relationship between the combined image combined by the image combining unit and the pseudo marker provided for each of the divided images by the pseudo marker applying unit;
Program to function as.