JP2019118462A - Radiographic image display apparatus and image display method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a radiographic image display apparatus and an image display method capable of ensuring the speed and accuracy of image reading and also diagnosis.SOLUTION: One aspect of the invention is a radiographic image display apparatus for displaying, on a display screen, a captured image output from an image detection device which detects radiation projected onto a subject and generates a captured image of the detected radiation, the radiographic image display apparatus comprising: a gravity information acquisition unit for acquiring information about the gravity direction; a rotation processing unit for performing a rotation process on the captured image; and a display information generation unit for generating display information about the captured image. The display information generation unit generates an indicator indicative of the gravity direction as display information, displays the captured image and the indicator on the display screen, and rotates the indicator in the same direction as for the captured image during the rotation process.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiation image display apparatus and an image display method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a radiation imaging system for imaging a body (such as an organ) by irradiating a patient as an object with X-rays has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in a radiation imaging system, an image detection apparatus called an FPD (flat panel detector) has become widespread as an apparatus for X-ray imaging that is attached to and detached from an imaging table. Unlike the conventional method in which the X-ray irradiated to the affected area is directly imaged with a silver salt film, the FPD converts the X-ray irradiated to the affected area into an electric signal, digitizes the converted electric signal, and produces an electronic image. It is a device that transfers data to a display computer. According to the radiation imaging system using the FPD, there are advantages that the image can be displayed in a short time after imaging and that the FPD can be easily carried.

Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2007-37837

  By the way, when X-ray imaging is performed by the radiation imaging system, for example, due to an inconvenience in the physical function of the patient, the positional relationship between the image detector and the subject may not be able to be imaged at the original correct angle. In this case, an image can not be obtained in the direction assumed by the diagnostician (doctor), and it is conceivable that the organ or the like of the photographed patient becomes an image having a sense of discomfort for the diagnostician.

  Specifically, when X-rays of the patient's internal organs are taken, the posture, position, and the like of each organ are determined according to gravity, and the pleural fluid is inclined according to the direction of gravity. Therefore, for example, when it is difficult to perform X-ray imaging in a posture in which the patient is upright, or when performing X-ray imaging by tilting the image detector, the posture or overlapping condition of each organ, the surface of pleural fluid, etc. , It will be reflected as an image with a somewhat different sense of discomfort. When such an image with such a sense of incongruity is shown, there is a possibility that the speed and accuracy of the diagnosis by the diagnostician (doctor), and hence the diagnosis, may deteriorate.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a radiation image display apparatus and an image display method capable of securing the speed and accuracy of image interpretation and hence diagnosis.

The radiation image display apparatus according to the present invention is
A radiation image display apparatus for displaying on a display screen the captured image output from an image detection apparatus that detects a radiation irradiated to a subject and generates a captured image of the detected radiation,
Gravity information acquisition unit that acquires information on gravity direction,
A rotation processing unit that performs rotation processing of the captured image;
A display information generation unit that generates display information on the captured image;
Equipped with
The display information generation unit generates a sign indicating the direction of gravity as the display information, displays the photographed image and the sign on the display screen, and causes the sign to be the same as the photographed image according to the rotation process. Rotate in the direction.

The image display method according to the present invention is
An image display method for displaying a captured image of radiation irradiated to a subject, comprising:
Acquiring information on the direction of gravity when the radiation is irradiated;
Generating a sign indicating the gravity direction of the photographed image from the information of the gravity direction;
Displaying the photographed image and the sign on a display screen;
During rotation processing of the photographed image, the sign is displayed on the display screen so as to be rotated in the same direction as the photographed image.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to secure the interpretation and thus the promptness and accuracy of diagnosis.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a radiation imaging system according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are diagrams schematically showing an example of a screen displayed by the radiation image display apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 3A and 3B are examples showing more specifically the screen displayed on the radiation image display apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 4A and 4B are other examples specifically showing the screen displayed on the radiation image display apparatus according to the present embodiment. 5A and 5B are still another example specifically showing the screen displayed on the radiation image display apparatus according to the present embodiment. 6A and 6B are still another example specifically showing the screen displayed on the radiation image display apparatus according to the present embodiment. It is a figure explaining the case where a plurality of image detection devices are attached to a photography stand. It is a flowchart regarding the image display process in this Embodiment.

  An embodiment of an X-ray imaging system to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows the main configuration of the X-ray imaging system of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray imaging system 1 detects an X-ray emitted to the subject by detecting an X-ray generator 10 provided with an X-ray irradiator 20 for irradiating the subject with X-rays. And a console 50 having a function as a radiation image display apparatus for processing and displaying a radiation image output from the FPD 30.

  The X-ray generator 10 includes a known X-ray tube (vacuum tube) (not shown) as the X-ray irradiation unit 20, and a power supply unit that applies a voltage to the X-ray tube and a control unit that controls the power supply unit. Here, the power supply unit includes a filament power supply for heating a filament provided to the cathode of the X-ray tube, and a high voltage power supply for accelerating electrons to be collided with a target on the anode surface of the X-ray tube. The X-ray generator 10 controls the X-ray output from the X-ray tube by controlling the power supply of the filament power supply and the high voltage power supply.

  The FPD 30 detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray irradiation unit 20 of the X-ray generator 10 to the affected area of the subject S, and the detected radiation is referred to as an electronic image (X-ray image, hereinafter simply referred to as a photographed image). Output as Although not shown, the FPD 30 includes a sensor panel in which a plurality of radiation detection elements are arranged in a two-dimensional array of n × m, and the sensor panel detects X-rays irradiated to the affected area of the subject S. Also, the FPD 30 is a converter that converts the detected X-rays into an electrical signal, an A / D converter that digitizes the converted electrical signal, and the console 50 (a computer for display as a captured image) And the like. In this example, the sensor panel of the FPD 30 is disposed in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the X-ray irradiation unit 20 emits X-rays.

  In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the FPD 30 includes a gravity sensor 35. The gravity sensor 35 includes, for example, an acceleration sensor, and functions as a gravity detection unit that detects the direction of gravity related to the inclination (inclination direction) of the FPD 30. Information on the direction of gravity detected by the gravity sensor 35 is output to the radiation image display device 50. In the present embodiment, the gravity sensor 35 is, for example, a two-dimensional sensor, and an inclination of a two-dimensional plane (n direction and m direction) formed by the sensor panel (n × m radiation detection elements) of the FPD 30 Can be detected.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the FPD 30 is attachable to and detachable from the long imaging table 40. The imaging stand 40 extends, for example, along the vertical direction of the floor surface, and can mount a plurality of FPDs 30 along this direction (see FIG. 7). In the following, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that one FPD 30 is attached to the imaging stand 40, and the processing when a plurality of FPDs 30 (30A to 30C) are attached to the support stand 42 will be described later.

  In the present embodiment, the console 50 is installed in a room separate from the X-ray generator 10, the FPD 30, and the imaging stand 40, and performs control of radiation imaging and image processing etc. on the obtained radiation image data. . The console 50 has a function as a radiation image display apparatus of the present invention, and is hereinafter referred to as a radiation image display apparatus 50. The radiation image display apparatus 50 includes an image data acquisition unit 51 connected to the image output terminal of the FPD 30 by wire or wirelessly, a gravity information acquisition unit 52 connected to the gravity sensor 35 by wire or radio, a rotation information storage unit 57, and an operation. It has an input unit 60, an image display unit 70, a CPU 100 and the like.

  The image data acquisition unit 51 includes an input interface circuit (not shown) and the like, acquires image data of a captured image from the FPD 30, and outputs the acquired image data to the CPU 100.

  The gravity information acquisition unit 52 includes an input interface circuit (not shown), an A / D conversion circuit, and the like. The gravity information acquisition unit 52 acquires information indicating the direction of gravity with respect to the FPD 30 (hereinafter referred to as gravity information) from the detection signal of the gravity sensor 35, digitizes the acquired gravity information, and outputs the digitized information to the CPU 100.

  The rotation information holding unit 57 is, for example, a data storage medium such as a hard disk drive or a semiconductor memory, and has a function of storing and holding various data related to the rotation of a captured image.

  The operation input unit 60 includes a mouse, a keyboard, and the like, and supplies the operation content by a user (a doctor such as an image reading doctor or a clinician, the same applies hereinafter) that interprets a captured image or diagnoses to the CPU 100 as an operation input signal.

  The image display unit 70 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), and displays various images including a photographed image under the control of the CPU 100. The image display unit 70 can also be configured by a liquid crystal display with a touch panel. In this case, the image display unit 70 also functions as an operation unit input unit.

  The CPU 100 controls the operation of each part of the radiation image display apparatus 50. The CPU 100 also functions as an image rotation processor 53 and a display information generator 54, as shown in FIG. Here, the image rotation processing unit 53 mainly has a function of performing rotation processing of a captured image (an X-ray image RI described later) output from the FPD 30. On the other hand, the display information generation unit 54 mainly has a function of generating display information to be displayed together with an X-ray image RI described later. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the image rotation processing unit 53 and the display information generation unit 54 have a software configuration, that is, software functional blocks of a program executed by the CPU 100. On the other hand, the image rotation processing unit 53 and the display information generation unit 54 can also be configured by a dedicated processor.

  In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray generator 10 and the radiation image display 50 are connected, and the X-ray generator 10 is operated by the operation of the operation input unit 60 of the radiation image display 50. ing. In addition, the radiation image display apparatus 50 has a communication unit (not shown), and can access a patient database (not shown) held by the hospital where the X-ray generator 10 is installed through the communication unit. There is.

  Hereinafter, a schematic operation of the X-ray imaging system 1 will be described by taking a case where X-ray imaging of the front of the chest of the subject S is performed as an example.

  Prior to the X-ray imaging, a menu screen (not shown) is displayed on the image display unit 70 of the radiation image display apparatus 50. In the present embodiment, the patient database is accessed from the menu screen by the operation of the operation input unit 60, and various information (patient ID, name, date of birth) on the patient (hereinafter simply referred to as the object S) to be the object S. The gender, the name of the affected part to be photographed (in this example, the front of the chest), etc. are input in advance, and the patient database is registered or updated.

  Also, prior to X-ray imaging, the height position of the FPD 30 attached to the imaging table 40 is adjusted to be the position of the chest of the subject S. Subsequently, the back of the subject S is brought close to or in contact with the FPD 30 in advance, and the X-ray irradiator 20 is brought close to the chest front of the patient.

  Furthermore, an operation screen (not shown) for performing X-ray imaging is displayed on the image display unit 70 through the menu screen, and parameters such as the intensity of X-rays output from the X-ray irradiation unit 20 are displayed through the operation screen. , And are input by the input operation of the operation input unit 60 by the user. Subsequently, when an imaging instruction is output through the operation screen, the X-ray generator 10 that has received the imaging instruction operates, and is set through processing for radiation irradiation preparation (initialization of the FPD 30, etc.) X-rays are output from the X-ray irradiator 20 according to the above parameters.

  The X-ray thus output is transmitted through the affected area of the subject S and irradiated to the sensor panel of the FPD 30. The FPD 30 detects the intensity (intensity distribution) of the X-rays transmitted through the affected area of the subject S by the sensor panel, converts the detected X-rays into an electric signal, and digitizes the converted electric signal for imaging Generate an image. Thereafter, the data of the generated photographed image is transferred from the FPD 30 to the radiation image display apparatus 50, and displayed as an X-ray image RI (see FIG. 2A) on the image display unit 70 under the control of the CPU 100. Thereafter, the user operates the operation input unit 60 to input an instruction such as zoom (enlargement or reduction) or rotation, and the processing of the CPU 100 causes the image processing according to the content of the instruction to be an X-ray image RI. The applied and processed X-ray image RI is displayed on the image display unit 70.

  Incidentally, when X-ray imaging is performed by such an X-ray imaging system 1, a shift occurs in the imaging direction of the subject S, and the positional relationship between the FPD 30 and the subject S can not be imaged at the proper correct angle. is there. As such a case, there may be mentioned, for example, the case where the posture of the subject S (such as an upright state) can not be maintained properly due to injury or physical function insufficiency. There are various other cases, for example, the photographing table 40 is not upright or the attachment angle of the FPD 30 with respect to the photographing table 40 is deviated due to, for example, durability or mechanical error. In this case, since the X-ray image in the direction assumed by the diagnostician (doctor) can not be obtained, the organ or the like of the patient who has been photographed may become an image having a sense of discomfort for the diagnostician.

  Specifically, when the internal organs of the subject S are radiographed, the posture, the position, and the like of each organ are determined according to the gravity, and the pleural fluid is inclined according to the direction of the gravity. Therefore, for example, when it is difficult to perform X-ray imaging in a posture in which the subject S is upright, or when performing X-ray imaging by tilting the FPD 30 from the floor surface, the posture of each organ shown in the X-ray image RI The degree of overlap, the surface of the pleural fluid, etc. may appear as an image with a somewhat different sense of discomfort than usual.

  Here, the degree of overlap of organs appearing in the X-ray image RI, the inclination of the pleural fluid, and the like become one of important information when a radiologist and a clinician perform radiography and diagnosis. In addition, even when the positional relationship between the FPD 30 and the subject S can not be captured at a correct angle, the X-ray image RI can be displayed on the image display unit 70 with the correct angle by performing the above-described rotation processing.

  However, even if the captured image is displayed on the image display unit 70 at the correct angle by image rotation, the X-ray image RI in the case where the positional relationship between the FPD 30 and the subject S is captured at an incorrect angle is the above. It can be an image with a sense of incongruity, in which the posture or the like of the organ that was used is different from normal. For example, even when the X-ray image RI is rotated and displayed on the image display unit 70 so that the body of the subject S stands upright, when the overlapping degree of organs is different from usual, an image that causes discomfort for the doctor It becomes. When such an image with such a sense of incongruity is shown, there is a possibility that the speed and accuracy of the interpretation by the doctor and hence the diagnosis may be reduced.

  In order to solve the problems as described above, in the X-ray imaging system 1 of the present embodiment, the CPU 100 performs the following processing regarding the display of the X-ray image RI.

  Hereinafter, an outline of processing executed by the CPU 100 of the radiation image display apparatus 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 (2A to 2C). The CPU 100 acquires information in the direction of gravity from the gravity sensor 35 (gravity detection unit) through the gravity information acquisition unit 52 when the object S is irradiated with X-rays from the X-ray irradiation unit 20, and information from the gravity direction A sign indicating the gravity direction of the X-ray image RI (photographed image) is generated. This sign is, for example, an arrow-shaped icon 110 as shown in FIG. 2B, and the direction indicated by the arrow (in the example of FIG. 2B, the direction immediately below) is the direction of gravity. Hereinafter, this icon 110 is referred to as a "gravity display icon 110".

  Subsequently, the CPU 100 performs processing for displaying the generated gravity display icon 110 on the image display unit 70 so as to be integrally added to the X-ray image RI (see FIGS. 2A and 2B). Here, as shown in FIG. 2B, the CPU 100 displays the gravity display icon 110 on the image display unit 70 so as to overlay the region outside the X-ray image RI (hereinafter also referred to as the outside of the effective region).

  FIG. 2A schematically shows a state in which the X-ray image RI generated by the FPD 30 is displayed on the image display unit 70 without processing. In the present embodiment, the display surface of the image display unit 70 has a horizontally long shape, while the above-described sensor panel of the FPD 30 has a rectangular shape whose vertical width is slightly longer than the horizontal width (see FIG. 7). Therefore, when displaying the X-ray image RI generated by the FPD 30 on the image display unit 70, a blank (blank) area outside the effective area of the X-ray image RI in the horizontal (left and right) direction on the display surface. Occurs. In the present embodiment, various information related to the X-ray image RI is displayed in a vacant display area (hereinafter referred to as a “blank area”) of the image display unit 70 outside the effective area of the X-ray image RI. It is displayed together with the X-ray image RI as information. Here, the display information displayed on the image display unit 70 includes various information such as various signs including the gravity display icon 110, information of the subject S of the X-ray image RI, and the like. Display information other than the gravity display icon 110 will be described later.

  FIG. 2B shows an example in which a gravity display icon 110 (a marker indicating the direction of gravity) is displayed as gravity information in a blank area together with the X-ray image RI generated by the FPD 30. Thus, by displaying the gravity display icon 110 outside the effective area of the X-ray image RI, it is possible to prevent the affected area of the photographed subject S from being hidden by the gravity display icon 110. In one example, the CPU 100 (display information generation unit 54) generates a layer image including the gravity display icon 110, and causes the generated layer image to be overlaid on the position outside the effective area of the X-ray image RI. , And in the blank area of the image display unit 70.

  Furthermore, the CPU 100 causes the X-ray image RI and the gravity display icon 110 to be displayed on the image display unit 70 so that the gravity display icon 110 rotates at the same angle as the X-ray image RI when rotating the X-ray image RI. Perform processing to display (see FIG. 2C). FIG. 2C shows a case where the X-ray image RI shown in FIG. 2B is rotated to the right based on the rotation operation by the user's operation input. At this time, the CPU 100 controls the display of the image display unit 70 so as to rotate the X-ray image RI and the gravity display icon 110 to the right at the same angle by the function of the image rotation processing unit 53.

  In this embodiment, when operating or adjusting the rotational direction on the image display unit 70 of the X-ray image RI of the photographed subject S, reference is made to the gravity display icon 110 which is rotationally displayed in the same direction and angle. By doing this, the gravity direction of the X-ray image RI after rotation can be visually recognized and taken into consideration. For this reason, even when a shift occurs in the imaging direction of the subject S, the gravity direction indicated by the gravity display icon 110 displayed together with the X-ray image RI after rotation while adjusting the rotation direction of the X-ray image RI Reading and diagnosis can be performed while constantly confirming Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to secure or improve the speed and accuracy of the interpretation, and hence the diagnosis.

  In addition, the CPU 100 changes the display magnification of the X-ray image RI so that the X-ray image RI does not protrude from the display screen of the image display unit 70 during rotation processing of the X-ray image RI. The X-ray image RI according to is preferably displayed together with the gravity display icon 110 (see FIGS. 2B and 2C). That is, the CPU 100 (display information generation unit 54) causes the X-ray image RI after the rotation to fall within the display surface of the image display unit 70 when the image rotation processing unit 53 rotates the X-ray image RI. The display magnification of the X-ray image RI is calculated, and the X-ray image RI is displayed on the image display unit 70 at the calculated display magnification.

  FIG. 2C shows a display example when the CPU 100 performs processing to reduce the display magnification of the X-ray image RI when rotating the X-ray image RI shown in FIG. 2B by a predetermined angle by right rotation. That is, in the display example shown in FIG. 2B, the vertical width of the X-ray image RI is substantially the same as the vertical width of the image display unit 70. If the X-ray image RI is rotated as it is from this state, the corners of the X-ray image RI are not displayed on the image display unit 70, and thus the affected area of the photographed subject S is partially displayed on the image display unit 70. It will not be done. Therefore, when the user performs an operation of rotating the X-ray image RI on the display screen of the image display unit 70, the user needs to perform an operation of the zoom display to reduce the display magnification.

  On the other hand, as described above, when rotating the X-ray image RI, the display magnification of the X-ray image RI is changed (reduced) by the CPU 100 so that the X-ray image RI does not protrude from the display screen of the image display unit 70. By doing this, it is not necessary to perform the complicated zoom display operation described above.

  In the example shown in FIG. 2C, the CPU 100 reduces only the display magnification of the X-ray image RI, and does not reduce the overlay of the gravity display icon 110 (layer image including the gravity display icon 110). A process is performed to rotate around the center point of. In this case, the relative position between the gravity display icon 110 and the X-ray image RI changes due to the rotation of the gravity display icon 110. For example, when rotating the X-ray image RI by approximately 90 degrees, the X-ray image The reduction rate of RI can be suppressed. In addition, since the size of the gravity display icon 110 is maintained even when the X-ray image RI is displayed in a reduced size, there is an advantage that the gravity direction can be easily recognized regardless of the reduction rate of the X-ray image RI.

  On the other hand, although not shown, when the display magnification of the X-ray image RI is reduced and displayed, the CPU 100 also reduces the layer image including the gravity display icon 110 so as not to protrude from the display screen of the image display unit 70. You may display it. In this case, it is easy to display while maintaining the positional relationship between the gravity display icon 110 and the X-ray image RI, and there is an advantage that the entire image displayed on the image display unit 70 is easy to view.

  In addition, the CPU 100 performs various processes on the display of the X-ray image RI. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3 and the subsequent drawings, more specific contents regarding processing and display information and the like regarding display of the X-ray image RI will be described.

  More specific examples of the screen displayed on the image display unit 70 of the radiation image display apparatus 50 are shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. 3A shows the display state before the image rotation process, and FIG. 3B shows the display state after the image rotation process. The same applies to FIGS. 4A and 4B, FIGS. 5A and 5B, and FIGS. 6A and 6B described later. .

  In the present embodiment, when displaying the X-ray image RI, the CPU 100 of the radiation image display apparatus 50 acquires the information of the subject S from the patient database described above, and uses the acquired information as the display information. It is displayed on the image display unit 70 together with the RI. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 100 displays not only the gravity display icon 110 but also the icons 120 and 130 as display information on the image display unit 70 together with the X-ray image RI.

  Specifically, the CPU 100 displays an icon 120 indicating a direction parallel to the arrow of the gravity display icon 110 in the blank area on the left side of the image display unit 70. Here, the icon 120 is a sign of an elongated arrow compared to the gravity display icon 110, and is a sign extending in the width direction of the X-ray image RI. In other words, the icon 110 is a first gravity display icon, and the icon 120 is a second gravity display icon.

  Further, in the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the CPU 100 displays the icon 130 in the blank area above the gravity display icon 110. The icon 130 is a sign for displaying the type of the subject S, and in this example, indicates that the subject S is a human. When the subject S is an animal other than human, the CPU 100 displays a sign of another shape on the image display unit 70 as the icon 130.

  In one example, CPU 100 generates icons 110, 120, and 130 as three different layer images different from each other, and overlays the generated three layer images on X-ray image RI so as to display them at corresponding positions. Perform the process of

  Furthermore, the CPU 100 displays information (in this example, “front of chest”) on the affected area of the subject S radiographed in the left blank area of the icon 120. In addition, the CPU 100 displays the patient ID of the subject S, the name, the date of birth, and the gender in the blank area on the upper end side of the image display unit 70. These display information is information acquired from the patient database described above.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the CPU 100 includes, in the blank area on the right side of the icon 130, an angle operation unit including rotation operation buttons 210 to 240 for performing rotation operation of the X-ray image RI as a GUI (Graphical User Interface). Display 200. Here, the rotation operation button 210 is selected in the case where the X-ray image RI is rotated by one degree in the left direction, that is, in the counterclockwise direction. Similarly, the rotation operation button 220 is selected when the X-ray image RI is rotated clockwise or clockwise by 1 degree. Further, the rotation operation button 230 is selected when the X-ray image RI is rotated 15 degrees to the left (counterclockwise). Similarly, the rotation operation button 240 is selected when the X-ray image RI is rotated 15 degrees to the right (clockwise direction). In addition, the value of the said angle operated by the rotation operation part 200 is an example, and may be another angle. Further, the rotation angle when each of the rotation operation buttons 210 to 240 is selected may be set (customized) to an angle desired by the user through a user setting screen (not shown).

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, when one of the rotation operation buttons 210, 220, 230, and 240 described above is selected (clicked with a mouse or the like), the CPU 100 (image rotation processing unit 53) displays the X-ray image RI and the icon 110. , 120, and 130 are rotated in the same direction and angle. That is, CPU 100 rotates X-ray image RI and the images of icons 110, 120 and 130 at the angle according to the instruction of angle operation unit 200, with the center of each image as the rotation axis, and rotates each image. The image is displayed on the image display unit 70. By this processing, the X-ray image RI and the above-described respective icons 110, 120, 130 are rotated in the same direction and angle as the X-ray image RI and displayed on the image display unit 70 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B).

  According to the present embodiment that performs the above-described processing, the doctor can always perform the interpretation and diagnosis on the X-ray image RI with the direction of gravity being conscious. Therefore, the image acquisition in the expected direction can not be performed due to the posture of the subject S, the inclination of the FPD 30, etc., and even if the taken patient's organs etc. become an image with discomfort, rapidity of interpretation and consequently diagnosis And, it is possible to secure or improve the accuracy.

  In the example described above, as the user operation for rotating the X-ray image RI, the rotation operation button 210, 220, 230, 240 is selected by the operation input unit 60 (mouse or the like). Other user operations for rotating the X-ray image RI may take various forms. For example, when the image display unit 70 is a display with a touch panel, the rotation operation buttons 210, 220, 230, and 240 may be touched by the user's finger, a touch pen, or the like. As another example, a gesture detection device such as a CCD camera may be provided to detect a gesture motion of the user's hand or the like. In this case, the CPU 100 (image rotation processing unit 53) performs rotation processing of the X-ray image RI according to the detection result by the gesture detection device.

  The X-ray image RI and the gravity display icon may be rotated by an operation method such as drag and drop by selecting the upper side or the lower side of the gravity display icon (110 or 120) described above with a mouse or the like. In addition, after rotating the X-ray image RI, etc., drag the gravity display icon (110, 120) downward with the mouse etc. to move the X-ray image RI and the gravity display icon in the gravity direction (directly below). The display state may be reset so that In addition, in order to be able to specify the rotation direction and angle of the X-ray image RI by key input of the keyboard, for example, the angle operation unit does not include “rotation direction” and “rotation angle” input fields and “decision button”. It may be configured to be displayed near the lower side of 200. In this case, it is also possible to specify a finer rotation angle, for example, in the unit of 0.1 °.

  Various other icons, selection buttons, and the like can be displayed in the above-described blank area. For example, after the operation and display of the rotation of the X-ray image RI, a button for canceling the operation (returning the process and the screen) may be displayed.

  Another specific example of the screen displayed on the image display unit 70 of the radiation image display apparatus 50 is shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The following mainly describes differences from FIG.

  The example shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B is a view corresponding to FIGS. 2B and 2C described above, and the display position of the gravity display icon 110 and the direction of rotating the X-ray image RI are mainly shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C. It is different from the example. Moreover, in the example shown to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the point which is changing the display magnification of X-ray image RI at the time of image rotation differs from the example of FIG. In addition, although the icons 120 and 130 described above are not displayed on the image display unit 70 in the example shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the icons 120 and 130 may be displayed as in FIGS. 3A and 3B. This point is the same as in the examples of FIGS. 5 and 6 described later.

  In the display example of FIG. 3B described above, since the display magnification change (reduction) of the X-ray image RI is not performed during the image rotation process, the lower left side (a part of the organ) of the X-ray image RI protrudes from the display screen. As a result, a part of the organ is not displayed on the image display unit 70. On the other hand, in the image rotation process, the CPU 100 (display information generation unit 54) performs the process of changing the display magnification (reduction) of the X-ray image RI so as not to protrude from the display screen, as shown in FIG. 4B. As a result, the entire X-ray image RI can be displayed on the display screen of the image display unit 70 without omission.

  Still another specific example of the screen displayed on the image display unit 70 of the radiation image display apparatus 50 is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the CPU 100 (display information generation unit 54) generates and generates (two) auxiliary lines AL intersecting the horizontal direction and the vertical direction of the display surface of the image display unit 70. The auxiliary line AL is superimposed on the X-ray image RI and displayed (overlaid). Although FIG. 5B shows the case where the process of changing the display magnification of the X-ray image RI is not performed at the time of image rotation, the process of changing the display magnification may be performed as in FIG. 4B. The same applies to the example of FIG. 6B described later.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the auxiliary line AL intersects the display surface of the image display unit 70 or the substantially central position of the displayed X-ray image RI, and the horizontal and vertical of the display surface of the image display unit 70. It extends along the direction. The auxiliary line AL is displayed substantially simultaneously with the X-ray image RI and the gravity display icon 110. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, unlike the above-described icons 110 to 130, the auxiliary line AL is not displayed in rotation during the above-described rotation processing, and is displayed fixedly on the display surface of the image display unit 70. .

  With such a configuration, the image rotation operation can be performed while comparing the gravity direction indicated by the gravity display icon 110 with the auxiliary line AL indicating the vertical and horizontal directions of the display surface. It is possible to easily confirm how much the RI has been rotated. Furthermore, the X-ray image RI is rotated so that the photographed part of the subject S (in this example, the spine) follows the displayed auxiliary line AL (see FIG. 5B), and the original correct posture of the subject S (see In this example, the photographed image in the upright posture can be displayed on the image display unit 70.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the auxiliary line AL is two orthogonal lines. As another example of the auxiliary line AL, more lines may cross in a lattice shape.

  6A and 6B illustrate a case where the CPU 100 (display information generation unit 54) performs processing of displaying the numerical value of the rotation angle of the gravity display icon 110 regarding the image rotation processing together with the gravity display icon 110.

  Here, FIG. 6A shows a state before performing the rotation operation (image rotation processing by the CPU 100) of the X-ray image RI, and the rotation angle “0 °” of the X-ray image RI is superimposed on the gravity display icon 110 and displayed. ing. By this display, the inclination of the two-dimensional plane (n direction and m direction) formed by the above sensor panel of the FPD 30 at the time of X-ray imaging is 0 (eg, the angles of the imaging table 40 and the FPD 30 are normal) You can check at a glance.

  On the other hand, FIG. 6B shows the X-ray image RI in the left (counterclockwise) direction so that the spine of the subject S is perpendicular to the display surface of the image display unit 70 based on the user's operation from the state of FIG. 6A. The case where the operation (image rotation processing) to rotate is performed is shown. FIG. 6B shows an example in which the rotation direction and angle of the X-ray image RI are specified by the key input of the keyboard described above, and the rotation angle “3.5 °” of the X-ray image RI is a gravity display icon 110 It is displayed superimposed on. Thereafter, for example, when the X-ray image RI is rotated by 0.5 degrees in the right (clockwise) direction, the gravity display icon 110 is rotated by 0.5 degrees in the right direction from the state shown in FIG. “3.0 °” is superimposed on the display icon 110 and displayed.

  In FIGS. 6A and 6B, the numerical value indicating the rotation angle of the X-ray image RI is displayed so as to be superimposed on the gravity display icon 110. With this configuration, the numerical value and the gravity display icon 110 can be visually recognized at a glance. The display space can be saved. As another example, a numerical value indicating the rotation angle of the X-ray image RI may be displayed at a position different from the gravity display icon 110.

  Further, in the example shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the auxiliary line AL described above with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B may be displayed together.

  In the above-described examples, for the sake of simplicity, the case where X-ray imaging is performed by mounting one FPD 30 on the imaging table 40 has been described. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, in the X-ray imaging system 1 of the present embodiment, X-ray imaging can be performed by mounting a plurality of FPDs 30 (30A to 30C) on the imaging table 40. Specifically, the imaging stand 40 includes a vertically extending frame 41 and a support 42 movable along the frame 41 so that the plurality of FPDs 30 (30A to 30C) can be attached to and detached from the support 42. It has become.

  When a plurality of FPDs 30A to 30C are mounted on the imaging table 40 and X-ray imaging is performed, the image data acquisition unit 51 generates X-ray images RI generated by the respective FPDs 30A, B, and C under control of the CPU 100. It is processed into one image (in the example of FIG. 7, a vertically long image). Then, the CPU 100 (display information generation unit 54) causes the above-described icon 110 and the like to be displayed so as to be added (overlaid) to the processed one image (long image).

  In addition, when a plurality of FPDs 30A to 30C are attached to the imaging table 40 and X-ray imaging is performed, the gravity information acquiring unit 52 may acquire gravity information from any one of the FPDs 30A, 30B, and 30C. . In this case, the user may set which of the FPDs 30A, 30B, and 30C the gravity information is to be acquired from prior to X-ray imaging.

  As another example of mounting a plurality of FPDs 30A to 30C on the imaging table 40 and performing X-ray imaging, at the time of X-ray imaging, the gravity information acquiring unit 52 generates gravity from all the attached FPDs (30A to 30C) Information may be acquired. In this case, the CPU 100 generates three gravity display icons 110 from each (three in this example) gravity information acquired through the gravity information acquiring unit 52, and processes the three gravity display icons 110. It is displayed on the blank area of the image display unit 70 so as to be overlaid on one image (long image). Alternatively, the user may set which of the FPDs 30A, 30B, and 30C the gravity information is to be acquired from after the X-ray imaging.

  Next, the flow of processing performed by the CPU 100 of the radiation image display apparatus 50 after imaging of a subject will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 8. The following operation is premised on the display examples described in FIGS. 3A and 3B, and it is assumed that the information of the subject S registered in the patient database is acquired in advance by the radiation image display apparatus 50.

  When the X-ray irradiation unit 20 irradiates the subject S with X-rays and the X-ray image RI is generated by the FPD 30 according to the imaging procedure described above, the CPU 100 causes the image data acquisition unit 51 to RI (image data) is acquired (step S10).

  With the acquisition of the image data, the CPU 100 acquires gravity information at the time of X-ray irradiation from the gravity sensor 35 through the gravity information acquiring unit 52 (step S20).

  In step S30, the CPU 100 generates the above-described icons 110, 120, and 130 as each (that is, three) gravity overlays, and displays the generated three gravity overlays on the image display unit 70 together with the X-ray image RI. Do. At the same time, the CPU 100 displays various information of the subject S acquired from the patient database and the angle operation unit 200 at the corresponding position of the image display unit 70 (see FIG. 3A).

  In step S40, the CPU 100 monitors an input signal from the operation input unit 60 or the like (in this example, on / off of the rotation operation buttons 210, 220, 230, 240 of the angle operation unit 200) to rotate the X-ray image RI. It is determined whether an operation has been performed. Here, the CPU 100 repeats the determination of step S40 until it is determined that the operation of rotating the X-ray image RI is performed (step S40, YES). When the CPU 100 determines that the operation to rotate the X-ray image RI has been performed (YES in step S40), the process proceeds to step S50.

  In step S50, the CPU 100 causes the image rotation processing unit 53 to function, and executes a process (image rotation process) of rotating the X-ray image RI. During this image rotation process, the CPU 100 determines the direction and angle of rotation of the X-ray image RI in accordance with the operation content of the user (in this example, the selected button among the rotation operation buttons 210, 220, 230, 240). Identify and rotate the x-ray image RI in the identified direction and angle. Further, the CPU 100 stores, in the rotation information holding unit 57, values of the direction and the angle in which the X-ray image RI is rotated. Thus, by temporarily storing the values of the rotational direction and the angle, the operation history regarding the rotation of the X-ray image RI is maintained. Therefore, for example, after performing the rotation operation of the X-ray image RI a plurality of times, the operation content is canceled (returning the screen) to gradually display the previous display state (rotation state of the X-ray image RI). It can be returned, which facilitates the interpretation and diagnosis.

  In step S60, the CPU 100 regenerates each gravity overlay so as to rotate the icons 110, 120, and 130 in the same rotation direction and angle as the X-ray image RI subjected to the rotation process in step S50.

  In step S <b> 70, the CPU 100 adds each of the regenerated gravity overlays to the rotated X-ray image RI (superimposes on the blank area), the display image displayed on the display surface of the image display unit 70. Generate (reconfigure) the whole (see FIG. 3B). Thereafter, the CPU 100 can return to the determination in step S40 described above, or output the data of the reconstructed display image to an external device (the patient database described above) or the like, and then end the series of processes. Do.

  According to the present embodiment which performs the above-described processing, the rotational direction of the X-ray image RI (radiographic image) of the photographed subject S is adjusted, and the gravity direction of the image is set before and after the image rotation operation. Reading and diagnosis can be performed while recognizing. Therefore, even if a shift occurs in the imaging direction of the subject S, while adjusting the rotational direction of the X-ray image RI at an arbitrary angle, while interpreting the gravity direction of the X-ray image RI after rotation, You can make a diagnosis. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to secure or improve the speed and accuracy of the interpretation, and hence the diagnosis.

  In each of the examples described above, the gravity sensor 35 is provided in the FPD 30. As another example, the gravity sensor 35 may be provided on the imaging stand 40, and inclination information indicating the inclination of the imaging stand 40 may be output from the gravity sensor 35. In this case, the gravity information acquisition unit 52 acquires gravity information by specifying the gravity direction corresponding to the inclination of the imaging table 40 from the inclination information output from the gravity sensor 35.

  In each example described above, the gravity information acquisition unit 52 is configured to acquire gravity information (direction of gravity) from the detection result of the gravity sensor 35. As another example, the gravity information acquisition unit 52 may be configured to acquire information on the direction of gravity input by a user operation.

  The embodiments described above are merely examples of implementation for practicing the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted in a limited manner by these. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the scope or main features of the present invention.

1 X-ray imaging system 10 X-ray generator 20 X-ray irradiator 30 (30A to 30C) FPD (image detection device)
35 Gravity sensor (gravity detection unit)
40 imaging stand 41 frame 42 support stand 50 console (radiographic image display apparatus)
51 image data acquisition unit 52 gravity information acquisition unit 53 image rotation processing unit 54 display information generation unit 57 rotation information holding unit 60 operation input unit 70 image display unit 100 CPU
110, 120 gravity display icon (sign)
130 Icon 200 Angle operation unit 210, 220, 230, 240 Rotation operation button AL Auxiliary line RI X-ray image (photographed image)
S subject

Claims (16)

A radiation image display apparatus for displaying on a display screen the captured image output from an image detection apparatus that detects a radiation irradiated to a subject and generates a captured image of the detected radiation,
Gravity information acquisition unit that acquires information on gravity direction,
A rotation processing unit that performs rotation processing of the captured image;
A display information generation unit that generates display information on the captured image;
Equipped with
The display information generation unit generates a sign indicating the direction of gravity as the display information, displays the photographed image and the sign on the display screen, and causes the sign to be the same as the photographed image according to the rotation process. Rotate in the direction,
Radiation image display device. The display information generation unit rotates the marker at the same angle as the photographed image in accordance with the rotation process.
A radiation image display apparatus according to claim 1. The gravity information acquisition unit acquires information on the gravity direction from a gravity detection unit that detects the gravity direction regarding the inclination of the image detection device.
The radiographic image display apparatus of Claim 1 or 2. The gravity detection unit is included in the image detection device.
The radiographic image display apparatus of Claim 3. And a photographing table on which the image detection device is attached and detached.
The gravity detection unit is provided on the imaging table.
The gravity information acquisition unit acquires information on the direction of gravity as tilt information on the imaging table.
The radiographic image display apparatus of Claim 3. A photographing table on which a plurality of the image detection devices are configured to be detachable;
The gravity information acquisition unit acquires information on the direction of gravity from any one of the image detection devices when a plurality of the image detection devices are mounted on the imaging table.
The radiographic image display apparatus of Claim 4. The gravity information acquisition unit acquires information on the direction of gravity input by a user operation.
The radiographic image display apparatus in any one of Claims 1-6. The rotation processing unit performs the rotation processing based on an input signal by a user operation.
The radiographic image display apparatus in any one of Claims 1-7. When the rotation processing unit performs the rotation processing, the rotation processing unit holds information on a rotation angle by the processing.
The radiographic image display apparatus in any one of Claims 1-8. The display information generation unit generates, as the sign, an arrow-shaped icon indicating a gravity direction acquired by the gravity information acquisition unit, and displays the icon so as to be overlaid on the photographed image.
The radiographic image display apparatus in any one of Claims 1-9. The display information generation unit changes the display magnification of the photographed image so that the photographed image does not protrude from the display screen at the time of the rotation processing, and displays the photographed image according to the display magnification after the change together with the sign Do,
The radiographic image display apparatus in any one of Claims 1-10. The display information generation unit displays the sign so as to overlay an area outside the photographed image.
The radiographic image display apparatus in any one of Claims 1-11. The display information generation unit generates an auxiliary line intersecting the horizontal direction and the vertical direction with respect to the photographed image and the display unit on which the sign is displayed so as to be overlaid on the photographed image.
The radiographic image display apparatus in any one of Claims 1-12. The display information generation unit displays the sign and the value of the rotation angle of the sign.
The radiographic image display apparatus in any one of Claims 1-13. An imaging table in which a plurality of the image detection devices are configured to be detachable;
An image data acquisition unit configured to process a plurality of image detection devices detected by each of the image detection devices into one long image when the plurality of image detection devices are mounted on the imaging table;
The display information generation unit displays the long image and the sign.
The radiographic image display apparatus in any one of Claims 1-14. An image display method for displaying a captured image of radiation irradiated to a subject, comprising:
Acquiring information on the direction of gravity when the radiation is irradiated;
Generating a sign indicating the gravity direction of the photographed image from the information of the gravity direction;
Displaying the photographed image and the sign on a display screen;
During rotation processing of the photographed image, the sign is displayed on the display screen so as to be rotated in the same direction as the photographed image.
Image display method.

Images