JP2013078697A - Image diagnosis system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique for improving diagnosing capability in image diagnosis.SOLUTION: An image diagnosis system includes an X-ray source, X-ray image detection means, and gravity-direction indication means. In the image diagnosis system, the X-ray source emits X rays. Further, the X-ray image detection means is provided opposite to the X-ray source. The gravity-direction indication means includes an indication body formed using an X-ray impermeable material, and is provided on a photographic plane side of the X-ray image detection means to indicate a gravity direction with its posture.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for improving the analysis of an image relating to a specimen.

  In the medical field, various examinations and diagnoses are performed by photographing an affected part included in a built-in structure or a skeleton using X-rays or the like. In recent years, various image processing has been used clinically by the application of digital technology. For the evaluation of respiratory diseases, not only morphological images but also functional images that visualize physiological / biochemical information are often used (for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

  On the other hand, in imaging of the human body, the imaging position and posture of the specimen and the orientation of the image may change depending on the orientation of the specimen at the time of imaging or the arrangement of detectors. In such a case, accurate information is obtained from the captured image. It becomes difficult to obtain. In particular, in the case of a portable detector, it is not easy to always make the imaging position, body position, etc. of the specimen constant.

  Therefore, it is possible to automatically adjust the display direction of the captured image by detecting the technique (for example, Patent Document 1) that obtains the posture information of the specimen at the time of imaging and the tilt of the X-ray image detector at the time of imaging. Techniques have been proposed (for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2000-271108 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-14848

“Development of an image diagnosis system for thoracic respiratory dynamics diagnosis using a flat panel X-ray detector”, Tanaka, Sanada, Kobayashi, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research, “Intelligent diagnosis support for multidimensional medical images” Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium, 53-58, 2006.

  By the way, in the evaluation of respiratory diseases, the function (efficiency) of gas exchange, which is a respiratory function in the lung field, is often analyzed. As an index of the function of gas exchange, there is a ventilation blood flow ratio (V / Q). Here, the ventilation blood flow ratio means the ratio of the alveolar ventilation (V) to the pulmonary blood flow (Q) per certain time, and the alveolar ventilation is actually between the lung and blood. It refers to the respiratory volume involved in gas exchange.

  It is known that the ratio of ventilation to blood flow increases from the bottom of the lung to the apex of the lung due to the influence of gravity. Therefore, it is important to evaluate lung function in a region that receives an equivalent gravity (ie, a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity of the lung field).

  However, in the techniques of Non-Patent Document 1 and Patent Documents 1 and 2, gravity is not particularly taken into consideration, and a function analysis in the lung field in consideration of the influence of gravity cannot be performed. In addition, it may be necessary to consider the influence of gravity on the functions of other parts other than the lungs. Furthermore, there is a problem that diagnosis using such functional information requires a lot of experience and skill of a doctor.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of improving diagnostic ability in image diagnosis.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an image diagnostic system according to a first aspect includes an X-ray source that emits X-rays, an X-ray image detection unit that is provided to face the X-ray source, and an X-ray non-transparent device. And a gravity direction indicating means which is provided on the imaging surface side of the X-ray image detecting means and indicates the gravity direction according to its posture.

  The diagnostic imaging system according to the second aspect is the diagnostic imaging system according to the first aspect, in which the gravity direction instruction means is attached to a corner of the imaging surface.

  The diagnostic imaging system according to a third aspect is the diagnostic imaging system according to the second aspect, wherein the gravity direction indicating means pivotally supports the indicator in a plane parallel to the imaging surface. The indicator includes a pendulum-like member having a center of gravity at a position deviated from the support shaft.

  The diagnostic imaging system according to a fourth aspect is the diagnostic imaging system according to the first aspect, in which the gravity direction indicating means includes a support shaft for pivotally supporting the indicator, and the support shaft It has a self-supporting support that is attached, and is movably disposed between the X-ray source and the imaging surface.

  The diagnostic imaging system according to the fifth aspect is the diagnostic imaging system according to the fourth aspect, and overlaps at least an X-ray irradiation area from the X-ray source to the X-ray image detection means of the support. The portion is made of a material having an X-ray absorption rate lower than that of the indicator.

  The diagnostic imaging system according to a sixth aspect is the diagnostic imaging system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein a two-dimensional intensity distribution of X-rays detected by the X-ray image detection means is obtained. The image processing apparatus further includes acquisition means for acquiring image data and display means for visually outputting the image data acquired by the acquisition means.

  Since the image diagnostic system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects can obtain an image in which the direction of gravity can be easily recognized, it is easy to perform appropriate diagnosis in consideration of the influence of gravity in image diagnostics of a specimen. It becomes possible.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image diagnostic system 100A according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the installation state of a gravity sensor. It is a figure which shows the example of the coordinate system on an imaging | photography function image in the case of expressing relative gravity direction information. It is a figure which shows correlation with image data and gravity direction information. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a relative gravity direction. It is a figure for demonstrating notionally the correspondence of a diagnostic object image and a contrast image. It is a figure explaining the example of the parallel display of a diagnostic object image and a past image. It is a figure explaining the example of the parallel display of a diagnostic object image and a past image. It is a figure explaining the example which selects the past image as a contrast image. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the diagnostic imaging system 100B in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows schematic structure of the gravity direction indicator 33A installed in the X-ray image detector 32. FIG. It is a front view which shows schematic structure of the gravity direction indicator 33B provided between the X-ray source 31 and the X-ray image detector 32. FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the physiological function related to the body of the subject (specimen), for example, an image obtained by imaging the lung function and the information on the gravity direction at the time of the acquisition are acquired, and the information on the gravity direction is captured. Store in association with the functional image. And the display element containing the figure and symbol which show the relative gravitational direction with respect to an image is displayed with this functional image.

<Overall Configuration of Diagnostic Imaging System in First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image diagnostic system 100A including an information processing apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 1A that manages the information processing function of the diagnostic imaging system 100A includes an image acquisition unit 2, a gravity information acquisition unit 3, a storage unit 4, a control unit 5, and an operation unit 6 on a bus line. 10 is a configuration of a general computer connected to the computer 10.

  The image acquisition unit 2 receives from the X-ray imaging apparatus 20 image data of structure and function obtained from the subject, specifically, image data corresponding to at least one of morphological image data and functional image data. get. In this embodiment, functional image data is acquired.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image acquisition unit 2 is configured to receive image data online from the X-ray imaging apparatus 20 connected to the information processing apparatus 1A. Further, the image data may be acquired by reading data from a portable storage medium such as a DVD or reading an image by a scanner. Further, the image acquisition unit 2 stores image data obtained by photographing the person to be inspected in a storage device provided outside the diagnostic imaging system 100A, for example, a file server connected by a network line. The image data of a desired subject may be searched and acquired from the image data.

  The image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 2 is stored in the storage unit 4 described later. Such image data storage and storage of gravity direction information, which will be described later, may also be performed via a network to a storage device provided outside the image diagnostic system 100A.

  The gravity information acquisition unit 3 acquires information on the direction of gravity when performing X-ray imaging of the subject from a gravity sensor 25 described later.

  The storage unit 4 is constituted by a storage device such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk, for example. A program executed by the control unit 5 to be described later, information necessary for executing the program, an image acquisition unit 2 and gravity information acquisition Various information acquired from the unit 3 is stored.

  The control unit 5 includes a CPU, for example, and determines the operation of the entire information processing apparatus 1A by executing a control program stored in the storage unit 4, and gives a command to the entire information processing apparatus 1A. Further, a display instruction is issued to each element in the image diagnostic system 100A, for example, the display device 26 described later. Furthermore, the control unit 5 also realizes functions of a storage control unit 11, a search unit 12, and a display control unit 13 described later. With these functions, the control unit 5 acquires the information on the gravity direction at the time of imaging of the subject, stores the information on the gravity direction in association with the coordinate system of the image related to the acquired image data, and An image to which information on the direction of gravity relative to the image coordinate system is added is displayed. This will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  The operation unit 6 includes a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse, or the like, and transmits various command signals to the control unit 5 in accordance with various user operations.

  The information processing apparatus 1A is a component of the diagnostic imaging system 100A but is an external device for the information processing apparatus 1A. The medical image photographing apparatus such as the X-ray photographing apparatus 20 and the gravitational sensor. 25.

  The display device 26 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display or the like, and visually outputs moving image data or the like generated by the control unit 5. Instead of connecting the display device 26 to the information processing device 1A as an external device, the information processing device 1A may have the function of the display device 26 by configuring the display device 26 as a display unit inside the information processing device 1A. .

  The X-ray imaging apparatus 20 images a predetermined part included in the internal organs of the subject. In the X-ray imaging apparatus 20, imaging of the chest is performed by emitting X-rays from the X-ray generation source to the specimen.

  Specifically, in the X-ray imaging apparatus 20, the X-ray emitted to the subject passes through the chest of the subject, for example, and the two-dimensional X-ray of the X-ray is detected by the X-ray image detector. An intensity distribution is detected. At this time, the X-ray intensity distribution obtained by the X-ray image detector is stored in a storage unit (not shown) in the X-ray imaging apparatus 20 as image data related to the X-ray intensity distribution transmitted through the subject. The stored image data is transferred to the image acquisition unit 2 in response to a control signal from the control unit 5. Alternatively, the image data may be transferred directly from the X-ray imaging apparatus 20 through the image acquisition unit 2 to the storage unit 4 of the information processing apparatus 1A.

  For the X-ray image detector of the X-ray imaging apparatus 20, an X-ray detection sensor (flat panel detector, hereinafter referred to as FPD) having a large-area detection surface in which a large number of photoelectric conversion elements are two-dimensionally arranged is used. In this embodiment, a lung ventilation function image obtained based on an X-ray moving image acquired by a portable FPD is used. Note that various other known X-ray image detectors such as a computed radiography (CR) imaging plate can be used.

  As the gravity sensor 25, for example, a known acceleration sensor can be used. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an installed state of the gravity sensor. Depending on whether the gravity sensor 25 is attached to the X-ray image detector 22 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 20 as shown in FIG. 2 (a) or attached to the subject as shown in FIG. 2 (b). The gravity direction is measured when the inspector takes a picture. In the latter case, the gravity sensor 25 is attached at a position outside the X-ray irradiation area from the X-ray source 21 to the X-ray image detector 22.

  In the latter case, the gravity sensor 25 is attached to the subject to be inspected in a posture in which the posture of the gravity sensor 25 itself matches the posture of the X-ray image detector 22. For example, in an environment where the X-ray image detector 22 must be used in a posture in which the vertical center axis of the X-ray image detector 22 is inclined about 30 degrees to the right with respect to the vertical axis, the vertical center axis of the gravity sensor 25 is used. Also, the gravity sensor 25 is attached to the subject to be inspected in a posture inclined about 30 degrees to the right with respect to the vertical axis. This can be substantially achieved by attaching the gravity sensor 25 to the subject to be inspected so that the longitudinal center axis of the gravity sensor 25 is substantially parallel to the midline of the subject to be examined. Further, the output signal of the gravity sensor 25 is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 1A by a freely wired cable or wirelessly.

<Processing content of information processing apparatus 1A>
First, the information processing apparatus 1A acquires information on the direction of gravity at the time of imaging of the subject, and stores the information in association with the coordinate system of the image related to the acquired image data. The manner of association and storage will be described later (FIG. 4). And based on the memorize | stored information, the information of a gravity direction is added and displayed on the image | photographed diagnostic object image. Further, in parallel with the diagnosis target image, other functional images whose relative gravity direction with respect to the coordinate system of the image is similar to the diagnosis target image can be displayed together. Hereinafter, these processing contents will be described sequentially.

<Association and storage of gravity direction information to image data>
First, the control unit 5 causes the image acquisition unit 2 to acquire, from the X-ray imaging apparatus 20, image data obtained by imaging a physiological function related to an examination site of the subject's body, for example, a lung ventilation function. Hereinafter, the lung ventilation function image obtained by imaging is referred to as an imaging function image. Moreover, in order to distinguish from the image etc. image | photographed in the past, it is also called a diagnostic object image. In order to acquire the lung ventilation function image from the chest X-ray moving image data imaged by the X-ray imaging apparatus 20, a known method such as “Tanaka, Sanada, Kobayashi,“ Flat panel X-ray detector was used. Chest respiratory dynamics diagnosis support image diagnosis system development "Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's scientific research subsidy specific area research" Intelligent diagnosis support for multidimensional medical images "third symposium, 53-58, (2006). Can be used.

  Further, the control unit 5 causes the gravity information acquisition unit 3 to acquire information on the gravity direction at the time of photographing obtained by the gravity sensor 25.

  Next, the storage control unit 11 causes the storage unit 4 to store the gravity direction information obtained from the gravity sensor 25 at the time of imaging of the subject as relative gravity direction information indicating the relative direction with respect to the coordinate system of the image. .

  The relative gravity direction information is expressed by, for example, a three-dimensional direction vector in a preset coordinate system of the shooting function image and stored in the storage unit 4. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a coordinate system on the photographing function image when the relative gravity direction information is expressed. As shown in FIG. 3, for example, a three-dimensional direction vector has a horizontal axis direction and a vertical axis direction of a photographing function image as an x direction and a y direction, respectively, and a direction perpendicular to the image plane toward the front is a z direction. Expressed in a coordinate system. In many cases, since the gradient of the gravity direction in the (x, y) plane is important among the three-dimensional direction vectors, the two-dimensional direction obtained by projecting the above three-dimensional direction vector onto the (x, y) plane. Vectors can be used.

In general, in order to convert the direction of gravity in the space toward the ground into a coordinate system fixed to the X-ray image detector 22 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 20,
(1) A method of knowing the direction of gravity by means other than the X-ray imaging apparatus 20,
(2) A method of providing an index whose directional relationship with the direction of gravity is known and imprinting the index on an image captured by the X-ray imaging apparatus 20;
There are two possible methods. The first embodiment described here belongs to the former, and the second embodiment described later belongs to the latter.

  Information on the gravity direction in the diagnosis target image, more specifically, relative gravity direction information on the relative direction between the reference direction and the gravity direction in the image coordinate system is associated with the image data of the diagnosis target image.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the association between image data and gravity direction information. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 4A, this association is performed by including the relative gravity direction information DR in the header portion HD of the image data file F including the image data body FI of the diagnosis target image. It may be written. Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the relative gravity direction information DR is not written in the image data file F itself of the diagnosis target image, and the file name FN of the image data file F is changed to another file such as a predetermined file. The relative gravity direction information DR is written in the table file TB, and the relative gravity direction information DR is written in the record including the file name FN in the table. You may associate. In the case of FIG. 4B, not only the information of the diagnosis target image obtained at the time but also the image file of each diagnosis target image obtained and stored in the past, and the relative in those images It is stored and stored in association with gravity direction information.

<Image display processing with relative gravity direction information added>
When displaying the shooting function image on the display device 26, the information processing apparatus 1A adds the relative gravity direction information stored in the storage unit 4 when the synthesis mode is designated by the operation of the operation unit 6. The diagnosis target image is displayed as the synthesized image.

  First, the display control unit 13 acquires the image data of the diagnosis target image to be displayed and the relative gravity direction information associated therewith from the storage unit 4. Next, the display control unit 13 generates a composite image in which display elements based on relative gravity direction information are added to the diagnosis target image, and causes the display device 26 to display the combined diagnosis target image.

  As the display element, for example, the deviation between the median line and the gravity direction when the median line of the image of the subject is the reference line (the relative angular relationship between the median line of the subject's image and the gravity direction, here Is referred to as a reference angle), and numerical display or arrow display (the direction of gravity is displayed with a start point and an end point) are used. However, the median line means a center line that penetrates the center of the body up and down.

  In general, the reference angle is obtained by calculating a reference line (reference line) from the diagnosis target image and calculating an angle formed by the reference line and the direction of gravity based on the relative gravity direction information. For example, when the midline in the diagnosis target image of the examinee is used as the reference line, such a midline is calculated in advance by image processing. Since the relative gravity direction information is stored in the storage unit 4 as a three-dimensional direction vector, here, projection information of the three-dimensional direction vector onto a two-dimensional plane (in the coordinate system in this embodiment, x , Y information), and the angle formed between the median line and the relative gravity direction obtained from the relative gravity direction information is calculated on the (x, y) plane to obtain the reference angle.

  Any display element may be used as long as it can be determined by the diagnostician, but it is preferable to display it visually in a form including figures and symbols, so that it can be intuitively displayed in the image coordinate system. It becomes particularly easy to grasp the deviation between the reference direction (coordinate axis direction or midline direction) and the gravity direction.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the relative gravity direction. In the example of FIG. 5A, a gravity direction arrow to which a symbol “G” indicating gravity is attached is displayed as a gravity direction display element, superimposed on the captured image, along with a midline.

  Further, in the example of FIG. 5B, only the arrow AR in the direction of gravity relative to the coordinate system of the image is displayed in that area, with a portion that is assumed not to overlap the diagnostic region being outlined. .

<Displaying multiple images with similar relative gravity directions>
The information processing apparatus 1 </ b> A can cause the display device 26 to display a contrast image having relative gravity direction information similar to the diagnosis target image in parallel with the diagnosis target image.

  The term “similar” as used herein refers to, for example, a relationship in which the difference in reference angles is less than or equal to a predetermined level, and the difference in reference angles is zero (that is, the reference angles are completely the same). ) Including cases.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for conceptually explaining the correspondence between the diagnosis target image and the contrast image. In this embodiment, since the image obtained by photographing the subject is a moving image, FIG. 6 shows a series of frame images constituting each moving image along the time axis.

  In the example of determining whether or not the reference angle is similar, the control unit 5 calculates the value of the reference angle θ for the diagnosis target image. As will be described later, the reference angle θi (i = 1) calculated and stored from the gravity information (x, y, z) in the same manner for each of a large number of comparison candidate images stored in advance in the storage unit 4. , 2, 3...) Is compared with the value of the reference angle θ of the diagnosis target image. And the control part 5 selects the specific contrast candidate image whose absolute value of angle difference ((theta)-(theta) i) is below predetermined threshold (DELTA) (theta) th as a contrast image.

  Note that although gravity information (x, y, z) is also conceptually illustrated in FIG. 6, specifically, a contrast image is selected using the reference angle θ as a selection index.

  7 and 8 are diagrams illustrating an example of parallel display of a diagnosis target image and a past image. When the comparison image is selected, the display control unit 13 causes the display device 26 to display the diagnosis target image and the comparison image simultaneously and in parallel as shown in FIG. Here, each of the diagnosis target image and the contrast image is displayed on the display device 26 in a state where the display elements based on the respective relative gravity direction information are added to the respective images and synthesized. Examples thereof are shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in which arrows G and AR, which are display elements indicating relative gravity directions, are combined in a display form corresponding to FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b). The diagnosis object image and the contrast image thus displayed are displayed.

  Examples of a population from which a contrast image is extracted include the following.

(1) Select a comparison image from past actual captured images For a group of functional images (past images) captured in the past for the same subject, relative gravity direction information is associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 4 in advance. Then, an image having a similar relative gravity direction of the diagnosis target image is selected from the past image group and displayed. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of selecting a past image as a contrast image. The comparison image is selected based on the similarity between the reference angle θi, which is information on the relative gravity direction in each of the past image groups, and the reference angle θ of the diagnosis target image. When there are a plurality of similar past images, one of them is selected as a contrast image. Even if the one with the highest similarity (for example, the one with the smallest difference (θ−θi) is selected) is selected. It is also possible to select one image whose photographing time is closest to the photographing time of the diagnosis target image by comparing information on the photographing time given to each image data. Such a narrowing-down criterion in the case where there are a plurality of images having similar relative gravity directions can also be applied in the following other modes.

  In addition, past image groups obtained not for the same subject but for other subjects may be included in the comparison image selection population. This aspect is particularly effective when the subject is first examined.

(2) Selection of contrast image from standard image A plurality of ideal functional images (hereinafter referred to as standard images) obtained when photographing in various gravity directions are stored in advance in association with relative gravity direction information. Store in part 4. This standard image may be created by manual digital drawing, or a functional image obtained by photographing a normal person with normal lung function may be used. When displaying the diagnosis target image on the display device 26, one standard image having a value of relative gravity direction information similar to the diagnosis target image is selected and displayed as a contrast image.

(3) Select a contrast image from the 3D standard function model. The storage unit 4 stores a 3D standard function model, which is a 3D function image of the lung field, which is a basis for creating a 2D function image of the lung field. Keep it. This standard function model is a functional model that represents an ideal function of the lung field in which the deviation between the midline of the human body and the gravity direction based on the relative gravity direction information is 0 degrees, and is represented by a three-dimensional CG. Is done. The standard function model may be created by manual digital drawing as with the standard function image, and it is processed based on the functional image obtained by photographing a normal person with normal lung function. May be created.

  In this case, the lung field standard function model is deformed or corrected so as to coincide with the relative gravity direction of the diagnosis target image to be displayed on the display device 26. This can be done automatically by preparing mathematical formulas that approximately represent changes in blood flow and ventilation function due to the direction of gravity. By comparing and displaying the contrast images obtained in this manner in a state in which the direction of the midline of the specimen serving as the reference line is aligned with the diagnosis target image, it becomes easier to visually compare the differences.

  When the contrast image is selected by each of the above methods, the difference between the subject and the contrast image may be taken and only the abnormal part included in the diagnosis target image may be displayed. Further, the standard function image and the past function image may be displayed in contrast.

  Through the processing as described above, in the first embodiment, it is possible to consider the influence of gravity in the image diagnosis of the examinee, and the diagnostic ability can be improved. In addition, since diagnosis can be performed while comparing with a comparative image having a similar relative gravity direction with respect to the image, it is possible to easily perform appropriate image diagnosis in consideration of the influence of gravity. Furthermore, by displaying the direction of gravity on the image, it becomes possible to easily determine the influence of the direction of gravity.

Second Embodiment
In the second embodiment, on the imaging surface side of the X-ray imaging apparatus, a gravity direction indicator having a gravity direction indicating member that indicates the gravity direction in its posture is provided, and when imaging a diagnosis target image, Imaging is performed by superimposing the X-ray image of the gravity direction indicating member on a part of the image of the examination site of the subject.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image diagnostic system 100B including the information processing apparatus 1B according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Since the functional configuration of the second embodiment is similar to that of the above-described first embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, the duplicate description thereof is omitted, and different configurations will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the second embodiment, the information processing apparatus 1B includes an X-ray imaging apparatus 30. Then, under the control of the control unit 5, the X-ray imaging apparatus 30 images a predetermined part included in the internal organs of the specimen.

  The X-ray imaging apparatus 30 includes an X-ray source 31, an X-ray image detector 32, a gravity direction indicator 33A (33B), and an X-ray imaging control unit 34.

  The X-ray source 31 emits X-rays toward the X-ray image detector 32.

  The X-ray image detector 32 converts the intensity distribution of the X-rays that pass through the examination site of the examinee among the X-rays emitted from the X-ray source 31 into electric signals. The X-ray image detector 32 is configured using a so-called X-ray scintillator and an imaging device, and samples the intensity of X-rays on a two-dimensional plane by a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix on a plane. Then, the X-ray image detector 32 converts the charge value proportional to the X-ray dose for each pixel into an electrical signal, and outputs it as image information to the storage unit 4.

  The gravity direction indicator 33A (33B) includes a gravity direction indicator 41 (FIGS. 11 and 12) for instructing the direction of gravity at the time of photographing of the subject, and is photographed simultaneously with the subject to be diagnosed. Displayed on the image.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of a gravity direction indicator 33A attached to the corner of the imaging surface 32D itself of the X-ray image detector 32. The gravity direction indicator 33A is pivotally supported by a support shaft 42, can swing in a plane parallel to the imaging surface 32D, and has a pendulum-like gravity direction indicator 41 having a center of gravity at a position off the support shaft 42. Have The gravity direction indicator 41 has a shape such as an arrow shape that allows the gravity direction to be specified by its posture. The gravity direction indicator 41 and the support shaft 42 are made of an X-ray non-transparent material, for example, a heavy metal having a high X-ray absorption rate such as gold, platinum, lead, gallium, titanium, tungsten, or the like. Heavy metal plating is applied.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a movable gravity direction indicator 33B disposed between the X-ray source 31 and the imaging surface of the X-ray image detector 32. Similar to the gravity direction indicator 33A, the gravity direction indicator 33B includes a gravity direction indicator 41 that is pivotally supported by the support shaft 42 and can swing, and the support shaft 42 is self-supporting. It is attached to a possible support 43. The portion of the column portion that overlaps at least the X-ray irradiation area in the support tool 43 is made of a material having a low X-ray absorption rate (for example, silicon, glass, resin, or the like).

  The shape of the gravity direction indicator is not limited to the shape disclosed in FIGS.

  The X-ray imaging control unit 34 is configured by a microcomputer, for example, and controls the operation of the entire X-ray imaging apparatus 30.

  In the diagnostic imaging system 100B controlled by the information processing apparatus 1B, the X-ray imaging control unit 34 first emits X-rays from the X-ray source 31 toward the subject and the gravity direction indicator 33A (33B). . Then, the X-ray image detector 32 converts the intensity distribution of the X-ray transmitted through the subject and the gravity direction indicator 33A (33B) out of the X-rays emitted from the X-ray source 31 into an electric signal. . As a result, the X-ray image captured by the X-ray image detector 32 is a composite image in which the direction image of the gravity direction expressed as the X-ray shadow posture of the gravity direction indicator 41 is imprinted on the diagnosis target image. Thereby, the relative gravity direction information is displayed on the diagnosis target image.

  With the above-described processing, in the second embodiment, an image in which the direction of gravity can be easily recognized can be obtained, so that appropriate diagnosis that takes into account the influence of gravity can be easily performed in the image diagnosis of the subject. It becomes.

<Modification>
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the thing of the content demonstrated above.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the function of capturing a functional image of the chest by FPD is targeted. However, an image of a chest image, for example, an X-ray transmission image that simply captures the shape of the chest (chest simple X-rays). Image).

  In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which a contrast image whose relative gravity direction is similar to the diagnosis target image is selected from the past image group and displayed. However, the relative gravity direction with respect to the image is the diagnosis target. An image similar to the image may be obtained by performing correction processing such as interpolation of a plurality of past images.

  It is also possible to store images to be diagnosed and past images in a database outside the diagnostic imaging system, but also store information on the relative gravity direction corresponding to them in an external database for online information processing. Storage control and read control from the devices 1A and 1B may be performed.

  Moreover, in 1st Embodiment, although modality was FPD, it is not restricted to this. In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, for example, various images that capture the internal structure of the specimen using CT (Computed Tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), PET (Positron Emission Tomography), and the like may be used.

  Note that the configurations described in the above embodiments and modifications may be replaced as appropriate as long as no contradiction arises. These modifications can also achieve the same effects as in the above embodiment.

100A, 100B diagnostic imaging system 1A, 1B information processing apparatus 2 image acquisition unit 3 gravity information acquisition unit 4 storage unit 5 control unit 11 storage control unit 12 search unit 13 display control unit 31 X-ray source 32 X-ray image detector 33A, 33B Gravity direction indicator

Claims (6)

An X-ray source emitting X-rays;
X-ray image detection means provided opposite to the X-ray source;
A gravity direction indicating means which has an indicator formed using an X-ray non-transparent material, is provided on the imaging surface side of the X-ray image detection means, and indicates the gravity direction according to the posture;
An image diagnostic system comprising: The diagnostic imaging system according to claim 1,
The gravity direction indicating means is
The diagnostic imaging system is attached to a corner of the imaging surface. The diagnostic imaging system according to claim 2,
The gravity direction indicating means is
Having a support shaft for pivotally supporting the indicator in a plane parallel to the imaging surface;
The indicator is
A diagnostic imaging system comprising a pendulum-like member having a center of gravity at a position deviated from the support shaft. The diagnostic imaging system according to claim 1,
The gravity direction indicating means is
A support shaft for pivotally supporting the indicator and a self-supporting support to which the support shaft is attached, and movable between the X-ray source and the imaging surface An image diagnostic system characterized by being arranged in The diagnostic imaging system according to claim 4,
A portion of the support that overlaps at least an X-ray irradiation region from the X-ray source to the X-ray image detection unit is made of a material having an X-ray absorption rate lower than that of the indicator. Diagnostic imaging system. The diagnostic imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Obtaining means for obtaining, as image data, a two-dimensional intensity distribution of X-rays detected by the X-ray image detecting means;
Display means for visually outputting the image data acquired by the acquisition means;
An image diagnostic system further comprising:

Images