JPH07194583A - X-ray diagnostic system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To facilitate image reading or diagnosis by obtaining a digital still image of a chest part, setting an optional part, quantitatively determining a concentration difference or the concentration distribution or the like in the chest part when the analytic content is determined, and displaying these analytic results. CONSTITUTION:In an X-ray diagnostic device, image data obtained from a converting part 7 containing an X-ray tube 6 is gathered by an image gathering part 8 of an image processing device 2, and after it is converted into a digital image, various analytic processings are performed in an image processing part 10 under control of a CPU 9, and an analytic processing result and obtained diagnostic information are displayed on a monitor 11. In this case, when a frame of a part desirous to be processed by an input means such as a mouse on an operation desk 4 is designated on a digital still image of a chest part, the lung edge in the designated frame is detected, and the edge is treated as a designation area. A concentration difference or the concentration distribution or the like in the analytic processing desirous part are quantitatively determined, and various analytic data are obtained, and are displayed on the monitor 11 as an analytic result.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly, to an X-ray diagnostic apparatus that can receive image interpretation assistance by image analysis processing when interpreting a fluoroscopic image or a photographed image of a chest.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus has an X-ray fluoroscopic imaging table and an image processing apparatus, uses X-rays as irradiation rays, and obtains a distribution of film images according to the X-ray absorptivity of each part of a subject. The image is captured and processed to obtain an image. Usually X
The subject is placed on the top of the bed of the fluoroscopic imaging table, and the bed can be tilted. An X-ray tube and an image intensifier (below I.
(Denoted as I) are always arranged to face each other, and the X-ray tube irradiates the imaging region of the subject with X-rays. The X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube are partially absorbed by the subject, and the rest are transmitted X-rays.
I is reached and imaged via the optics and camera. The I / I, the optical system, the camera, and the like constitute a converter for detecting X-rays and converting the X-rays into video signals. Further, the X-ray fluoroscopic imaging stand is provided with a spot shot mechanism section for taking a film image by X-rays, and when taking a film image, it is a close contact containing a film arranged under the top plate. The plate is moved to a position facing the X-ray tube, and X-ray photography is performed. A film image is obtained from such a spot shot mechanism unit, and the image data obtained from the conversion unit is processed by an image processing device to obtain a digital image.

In the chest diagnosis, conventionally, film interpretation is mainly performed by simple photographing, and even if there is a digital image, the image interpretation can be performed by visual observation as it is without performing any application processing such as analysis processing. It was done. Computer-aided diagnosis-CAD (Computer Aided Diagnos
is) is known, but this is to point out an abnormal part on a digital image using a computer, and it is not useful for interpretation or diagnosis by analyzing and displaying based on image data. It was Moreover, the analysis process of the moving image diagnosis of the chest has not been performed.

[0004]

Therefore, in the conventional X-ray diagnostic apparatus of this kind, the chest has a complicated structure, and it is considerably difficult to recognize and discriminate a fine density difference or the entire density distribution. Needed experience and knowledge. Therefore,
There was a problem that the diagnostic results were highly likely to vary depending on the doctor. In addition, since only the still image was diagnosed, it was necessary to read two or more films side by side for the temporal change of the disease. Furthermore, it has been difficult to obtain information on the temporal change between points on two or more films. In other words, the reality is that there is no medium or information that represents the correlation between two or more images. Moreover, there is a problem that there is a limit to the interpretation of images by human eyes.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to perform analysis processing based on digital image data and display information necessary for image interpretation and diagnosis without relying only on human visual inspection. An object is to provide an X-ray diagnostic apparatus capable of performing

Another object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray diagnostic apparatus which can detect the contour of the lung, correct the lung field to the same shape, analyze the moving image data, and display information necessary for image interpretation and diagnosis. To do.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention has a structure of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus as described below to simplify its use. That is, means for obtaining a digital still image by radiographing the chest, means for setting an arbitrary part of the obtained digital image, and analyzing the set part for density based on digital data, And a display unit for displaying the processed result.

[0008] Further, means for obtaining a plurality of consecutive digital images by fluoroscopically or photographing the chest and arbitrary parts of each frame obtained are set, and the density is analyzed based on the digital data of the set parts. It is characterized by comprising processing means and display means for displaying a result of analysis processing.

[0009]

According to the above construction, a digital still image of the chest is obtained, an arbitrary region is set to analyze this image, and the analysis contents are determined, and the density difference and the concentration distribution in that region are quantified. Various analysis results can be displayed.

Further, by obtaining a plurality of digital images of the chest continuously, setting an arbitrary part of the frame of each image, and defining the analysis contents, the density difference at that part, the transition of the density distribution, the progress status, etc. It is possible to quantify and display various analysis results. In this case, even if there is a shift in the contour of the lung portion due to the movement of the chest between each frame, the image analysis processing is performed while detecting and correcting the shift.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus has an X-ray fluoroscopic imaging table 1 and an image processing apparatus 2. And X
The fluoroscopic imaging stand 1 has an operation desk 3 for the X-ray fluoroscopic imaging stand and the X-ray controller, and the image processing apparatus 2 has an operation desk 4 for the image processing apparatus having a collection processing console and a PC (Personal Computer). It is provided and various information can be input from each. A bed 5 for placing an examinee is installed on the X-ray fluoroscopic imaging table 1, and an X-ray tube 6 and an image intensity are sandwiched between the examinee lying on the top plate of the bed 5. A conversion unit 7 including a fire (hereinafter referred to as I / I), an optical system, and a camera is provided, and the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 6 are partially absorbed by the human body on the top plate, and the rest is left. Arrives at I · I as a transmitted X-ray and is imaged through an optical system and a camera. Further, below the top plate of the bed 5, a spot shot mechanism section for shooting a film image by X-rays is provided in the bed 5, and a contact plate containing a film is movably arranged.
Then, the image data obtained from the conversion unit 7 is collected by the image collection unit 8 of the image processing apparatus 2 and converted into a digital image, and is image-processed by the image processing unit 10 under the control of the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 9. It is displayed on the monitor 11 or transmitted to the laser imager 13 via the network I / F 12. The digitized image is stored in the image file 14 and stored as necessary. Further, the bed 5 is moved up and down by the bed drive control unit 15 under the control of the CPU 9, and the high voltage control for the X-ray tube 6 is inputted from the operation desk 3, and the X-ray controller is under the control of the CPU 9. It is performed by the control unit 16. The image processing apparatus 2 has an external storage device connected to the CPU 9, and a MOD (Magnetic Magnetic) via an external device I / F 17.
An optical disk) unit 18 and a VTR (Video Tape Recorder) 20 or a VDR (Video) via an external device I / F 19.
Disk Recorder) 21 is connected. These VTR2
0 and VDR 21 are also connected to the image processing unit 10, and the analog data after image processing by the image processing unit 10 can be stored in the former and the digital data can be stored in the latter.

Then, according to the present invention, the conversion unit 7 including I · I
After that, an image of the chest digitized by the image processing apparatus 2 is obtained, various kinds of analysis processing is performed in the image processing unit 10 by this digital image data, and the obtained diagnostic information is obtained as a result of the analysis processing. It is displayed on the monitor 11 and, if necessary, an external storage device such as a VTR 20 or VDR 2
Keep it in 1.

Embodiments of the present invention include analysis processing for digital still images of the chest and analysis processing for these moving images by continuously obtaining a plurality of digital images of the chest. The former will be described below in the first embodiment and the latter in the second embodiment.

(Embodiment 1) In order to execute an analysis process for a digital still image of a chest, the following three items must be mainly performed. That is, (1) the setting of the part to be analyzed in the image, (2) the setting of the calculation method of the density which is the analysis content, and (3) the setting of the display method of the analysis result.
If (1) and (3) are set, (2) may be automatically determined. The contents of each are as follows.

(1) Setting (designation) of a part to be analyzed in the image α) A part of the digital still image of the chest to be processed by an input means such as a mouse on the operation desk 4 (right lung, left) Specify the frame of lungs, parts, etc.). The frame may have a rectangular shape, a triangular shape, a round shape, or a lung shape.
A state in which the right lung is designated as a frame is shown in FIG. β) A lung edge in the designated frame designated by the method α) is detected, and the edge is set as the designated area. As a method of detecting this edge, the method announced by Professor Doi at the 1993 Radiological Society of America (RSNA) can be used. γ) Multiple frames can be specified in the same way. An example of this is shown in FIG. In FIG. 2B, the right lung and a part of the left lung are designated as a frame. δ) If no frame is specified, the entire screen is used as the processing frame.

(2) Concentration value calculation method (setting of average unit) The concentration value is calculated by dividing the specified frame set by the method (1) or the whole into the set average unit, and averaging. This is done by obtaining the average of the density values for each unit. There are the following methods for setting the average unit. a) Pixel: The minimum unit that constitutes an image, that is, a pixel is an average unit. The image is composed of a plurality of pixels, and each pixel has a density value (pixel value). Note that FIG. 3A shows an example of a pixel. That is, in the method a), each pixel in the designated frame is set as the average unit a, and the density value of each average unit is obtained. b) Pixel unit in the horizontal direction: One row of pixels in the horizontal direction is used as an average unit b, and the pixel value of each pixel in the horizontal direction is added and averaged to obtain the density value. Note that FIG. 3B shows an example of horizontal pixel units. That is, in the method b), each line in the designated frame is set as the average unit b, and the density value of each average unit b is obtained. c) Pixel unit in the vertical direction: One column of pixels in the vertical direction is set as the average unit c, and the pixel value of each pixel in the vertical direction is added and averaged to be the density value. Note that FIG. 3C shows an example of a vertical pixel unit. That is, in the method c), each column in the designated frame is set as an average unit c, and the density value of each average unit c is obtained. d) Grid unit: A preset shape (grid) composed of a plurality of pixels is set as an average unit d, and the pixel value of each pixel in this grid is added and averaged to be a density value. In FIG. 3D, as an example of the grid, x pixels are arranged in the horizontal direction and y pixels are arranged in the vertical direction.
Shows a rectangular grid of pixels. In this embodiment, the grid is set as follows. A minimum rectangular frame circumscribing the specified frame is obtained, and the rectangular frame is equally divided into Nx and Ny in the specified direction in the x direction and the y direction, respectively, which are grids (Nx and Ny are, for example, The value set by the image processing operation desk 4 is used). Of these grids, those whose part or all is included in the designated frame are the average units. e) Specified frame unit: The average unit e is the inside or the whole of the specified frame set by the method of (1), and the average value of the pixel values of the pixels in the specified frame or the whole is the density value. It should be noted that FIG. 3E shows an example in which the designated unit is the average unit e. f) Horizontal direction grid unit: Among the average units d obtained by the method of d), the horizontal average unit d1 row is defined as the average unit f, and the average value of the horizontal average units d is added and averaged. Density value of average unit f (equal to the arithmetic mean of pixel values of pixels in average unit f)
And In addition, FIG.3 (f) has shown an example of a horizontal direction grid unit. g) Vertical direction grid unit: The average unit d1 in the vertical direction among the average units d obtained by the method of d) is defined as an average unit g, and the average value of the vertical average units d is added and averaged. Density value of the average unit g (equal to the arithmetic mean of the pixel values of the pixels in the average unit g)
And Note that FIG. 3G shows an example of a vertical grid unit. h) Total average unit: average unit d obtained by the method of d)
Let the whole be the average unit h. In other words, the method of h) is d)
The density values of the respective average units d obtained by the above method are averaged to obtain one density value (equal to the average of pixel values of the pixels in the average unit h). In addition,
FIG. 3H shows an example of the total average unit with the right lung as the designated frame.

(3) There are the following methods of displaying the results of the analysis processing. i) Display the density value histogram of the average unit. ... This displays the density value in the average unit obtained by any of the methods in (2) above for the specified frame set in (1) above in a histogram. ii) Display as a line graph (or bar graph) of average unit position-density value. ... This displays a graph showing the relationship between the position of each average unit and the density value obtained by any of the methods in (2) above for the specified frame set in (1) above. iii) Graphically display the density value of each average unit. … This is for the specified frame set by (1) above, (2) above
The position of the average unit obtained by any of the above methods is displayed in the shade of brightness corresponding to the density value.

By selecting from among these (1) to (3) and setting (designating) each, it is possible to obtain various analysis data by quantifying the concentration difference or concentration distribution in the portion to be analyzed. it can.

The operation / procedure for executing this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The steps enclosed in double in FIG. 4 are operated by the operator. In FIG. 4 and FIG. 1, first, when the operator pushes a button for analysis processing from the operation desk 4 or the like, analysis processing is started (Start) (step 400). When the analysis process is started, the image stored in the image file 14 is displayed on the monitor 11 and the image to be processed is selected from these (step 401). In this case, it is possible to specify a plurality of images on the operation desk 4. One of the selected images to be processed is displayed on the monitor 11 (step 402). Then, by the above (1), the part to be analyzed is designated (step 403). The part to be analyzed is designated, and the concentration calculation method is designated by the above (2) (step 404). Further, the operator determines whether or not to remove the scattered radiation data when performing the analysis processing (step 405).
As a result of judgment, it is not necessary to remove scattered ray data (NO)
If it is determined that the scattered radiation data need to be removed (YES), the scattered radiation data removal processing described later is executed (step 406).
) And proceed to the next step. Next, when the operator designates a method of displaying the analysis processing result from the operation desk 4 or the like (step 407), the image processing unit 1 of the image processing apparatus 2 is executed.
At 0, concentration calculation is executed and processed (step 408) for each part by the method specified in step 404 above. In the image processing unit 10, a display diagram or display image is created according to the display method of the designated analysis processing result (step 409), and the designated display diagram or display image is displayed on the monitor 11 (step 410). To be done. In this manner, the display diagram or display image displayed on the monitor 11 is referred to, which is useful for diagnosing the image to be interpreted. When this diagnosis is completed, if a plurality of images are selected, the image processing unit 1
At 0, determine if it is all over (step 41
1) If there is another image to be processed (YES), the process returns to step 402 to display another image to be processed on the monitor 11, and the same operation is repeated according to the above flow. If there is no other image to be processed (NO), the process proceeds to the next step, and the operator determines whether to end the process (step 412). As a result of the judgment, if the process is not ended (NO), the process returns to the first step 401 and the same operation is performed according to the above flow, and if the process is ended (YES), the series of operations is ended (End) (step 413).
Becomes

(Specific Example of First Embodiment) Hereinafter, a specific embodiment performed according to the operation / procedure shown in the flowchart of the first embodiment will be described. In each of the following specific examples, a graphic display indicates a negative image.

(Specific example (a)) 1) The analysis process is started, the image stored in the image file 14 is displayed on the monitor 11, the image to be processed is selected from this, and it is displayed in FIG. ) Is displayed on the monitor 11. 2) Instruct edge detection. 3) Arbitrary multiple points are set to specify the part to be analyzed, and the frame is specified as shown in FIG. 5B. Figure 5
In (b), a rectangular frame including the right lung is designated. 4) Decide what kind of function analysis in the specified frame,
As shown in (c), it is equally divided into grids of arbitrary size. 5) The image processing unit 10 detects the contour of the lung and discriminates the edge of which is included in the grid. 6) Specify the display method of the analysis processing result. 7) Then, the image processing unit 10 calculates the average value of pixel values in each grid in the lung as shown in FIG. At this time, in 4), when the edge of the lung is included in the grid, the average value of the pixel values of the grid is calculated. 8) A display chart or display image is created according to the designated display method of the analysis processing result, and the designated display chart or display image is displayed on the monitor 11. FIG. 5E shows the average unit position-density value in a line graph. This is an example in which two line graphs are obtained based on the average value of the vertical density of the right lung, which is the part to be analyzed by designating the horizontal grid unit as the density calculation method. FIG. 5 (f) is a graphic display corresponding to the density,
A smoke image is displayed with the density displayed for each grid in the specified frame. As a result, the density distribution and the density difference, which are difficult to discriminate only by visual observation, are quantified and displayed, so that it can be useful for diagnosis by referring to the image during interpretation. From the two line graph displays in FIG. 5 (e), it is shown that a hematogenous disease or a persistent disease is suspected.
From the smoke image in which the density is displayed for each grid in (f), an abnormal portion can be found particularly from an image showing a density different from the surrounding grid.

Another specific example of the result of the analysis processing as described above will be shown. (b) The designated part to be analyzed is the lung unit (in this case,
The calculation is performed by designating the frame for each of the right and left lungs), and the concentration calculation method is (2) h).
Fig. 6 (b) is a graphical representation of the concentration value of the average unit designated by the method of (2) h) in Fig. 6 (b), with the lungs as the designated frame of (2) e). FIG. 6C is a graphic display of the density value in the average unit designated by the method. 6A to 6A.
From (c), it is shown that the right lung has a higher density than the left in this image to be processed.

(C) The analysis target is both the left and right lungs, and the density calculation method is (2) a line graph showing the density value of the average unit designated by the method of b) is shown in FIG.
FIG. 7B is a diagram in which the density value in the average unit designated by the method (2) f) is graphically displayed. It can be seen from FIG. 7 that the concentration in the upper part of the lung is high.

(D) The analysis target is both the left and right lungs, and the concentration calculation method is (2) A line graph showing the average unit position-concentration value designated by the method of c) is shown in FIG. FIG. 8B is a diagram in which the density value in the average unit designated by the method (2) g) is graphically displayed. It can be seen from FIG. 8 that the concentrations in the central part and both ends of the lung are low.

(E) The analysis target is both the left and right lungs, and the concentration is calculated in the horizontal direction grid unit of (2) f) and the vertical direction grid unit of (2) g). FIG. 9 is a graphic representation corresponding to the density by combining these. In this case as well, a frame is designated for each of the right lung and the left lung, and calculation is performed for composite display. Also, in this case, it is shown that the size of the divided grid can be changed. The size of the grid in FIG. 9 corresponds to that in FIG.
This means that it is smaller than that in (b).

In the specific example of the first embodiment, the analysis processing target is only the lung, but it is of course possible to process a part of the lung or a plurality of these.

(Embodiment 2) In order to continuously obtain a plurality of frames of a digital image of a chest and execute an analysis process for these moving images, the following four items must be mainly performed. That is, (1) setting of the part to be analyzed in the image, (2) setting of the calculation method of the density, which is the analysis content, and (3) the display method, but which frame is to be analyzed Setting of (4) Setting of display method of analysis result. The contents of each are as follows.

(1) Setting (designation) of the part to be analyzed in the image α) The part of the digital image of the chest to be processed by the input means such as a mouse on the operation desk 4 (right lung,
The left lung, a part, etc.) is designated. The frame is a rectangle,
It may have a triangular shape or a round shape, or a lung shape. β) A lung edge in the designated frame designated by the method α) is detected, and the edge is set as the designated area. As a method of detecting this edge, the method announced by Professor Doi at the 1993 Radiological Society of America (RSNA) can be used. γ) Multiple frames can be specified in the same way. δ) If no frame is specified, the entire screen is used as the processing frame.
This is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 2 in the first embodiment. The designated frame is different from that of the first exemplary embodiment in that the same frame for a plurality of frames is processed as the designated frame.

(2) Calculation method of density value (setting of average unit) a) Pixel: b) Horizontal pixel unit: c) Vertical pixel unit: d) Grid unit: e) Designated frame unit: f) Horizontal direction Grid unit: g) Vertical direction grid unit: h) Total average unit: This is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and therefore the description is omitted.

(3) Setting (designation) which frame is to be analyzed A) Difference processing is performed on any two frames of a plurality of frames. B) Process each frame.

(4) Setting (designation) of display method of analysis result i) Time-concentration value (or difference concentration) is displayed as a line graph. … This is for the part set in (1) above, find the concentration value in the average unit by one of the methods in (2) above, plot the concentration of each frame over time for each average unit, and draw a line. It is shown together.
When the difference processing is performed for two frames in (3) above, the difference density is displayed instead of the density value. ii) Display the graph of average unit position-time-density value (or difference density). … This is a three-dimensional representation of the concentration of each frame measured by the method of either of (2) above for the part set in (1) above of each frame over time. Is. When the difference processing is performed for two frames in (3) above, the difference density is displayed instead of the density value. iii) Display a graphic corresponding to the difference density. … This is the density for each average unit when the density value is calculated by one of the methods in (2) for the specified frame set in (1) above when performing the difference processing for two frames in (3) above. This is a graphic representation of the difference density of the values. iv) Display an animation corresponding to the density (or difference density). … This is to calculate the density value by the method of (2) above for the part set in (1) of each frame as time goes by, and monitor the density value for each average unit for each frame over time. 11 is displayed on the screen of FIG. When the difference processing is performed for two frames in (3) above, the difference density is displayed instead of the density value.

When these (1) to (4) are selected and each is set (designated), the set items are executed for each frame. As a result, it is possible to obtain various kinds of analysis data by quantifying the change in concentration, the change in concentration distribution, the progress of concentration, etc. at the portion to be analyzed. In this case, since a plurality of frames are continuously obtained over time and analyzed, a contour of the lung portion may be displaced due to, for example, a breathing cycle or movement inside the trachea. Also in this case, the image analysis process can be performed while detecting and correcting it by the method described later.

An operation / procedure for executing this embodiment is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in. The steps enclosed in double in FIG. 10 are performed by the operator. In FIG. 10 and FIG. 1, first, when the operator pushes a button for analysis processing from the operation desk 4 or the like, analysis processing is started (Start) (step 100). When the analysis process is started, the image stored in the image file 14 is displayed on the monitor 11 and the image to be processed is selected from these (step 101). In this case, it is possible to specify a plurality of moving images on the operation desk 4. For example, a moving image obtained by continuously obtaining a plurality of frames over one cycle of breathing can be designated for a plurality of breaths. Display one of the selected images to be processed on the monitor 11 (step 102)
To do. Then, according to the above (1), the part to be analyzed is designated (step 103). The part to be analyzed is designated, and the concentration calculation method is designated by the above (2) (step 104). In addition, the operator determines whether to remove scattered ray data when performing analysis processing (step 10
5) Do. As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the scattered ray data need not be removed (NO), the process proceeds to the next step, and if it is determined that the scattered ray data needs to be removed (YES), the scattered ray data removal described below is performed. The process is executed (step 106) and the process proceeds to the next step. Next, with respect to the frame, whether the difference processing is performed between any two frames or each frame is processed is designated in consideration of the display method of the analysis processing result (step 107).
Then, when the operator designates the display method of the analysis processing result from the operation desk 4 or the like (step 108), the image processing unit 10 of the image processing apparatus 2 extracts the contour of the lung and matches the frames to be compared. While performing the correction (step 109) as described above, the density calculation is executed and processed (step 110). Each frame is processed according to the region and concentration calculation method designated in step 110. Further, in the image processing unit 10, a display chart or display image is created according to the display method of the designated analysis processing result (step 111), and the designated display chart or display image is displayed on the monitor 11 (step 111). 112) will be done. In this manner, the display diagram or display image displayed on the monitor 11 is referred to, which is useful for diagnosing the image to be interpreted. After this diagnosis, when a plurality of moving images are selected, the image processing unit 10
Then determine if it is all over (Step 113
If there is another moving image to be processed (YES), the process returns to step 102, another image to be processed is displayed on the monitor 11, and the same operation is repeated according to the above flow. If there is no other moving image to be processed (NO), the process proceeds to the next step, and the operator determines whether to end the process (step 114). As a result of the judgment, when the process is not ended (NO), the process returns to the first step 101, the same operation is performed according to the above flow, and the process is ended (YES).
In this case, end the series of operations (End) (step 115).
).

According to this embodiment, for example, the following analysis processing can be performed. A) The density value for each average unit in the designated frame set between any two frames in each frame is calculated, the difference between the density values in each average unit is calculated, and the difference density corresponding to this is calculated. Make a graphic display.

B) The density value for each average unit in the designated frame set between any two frames in each frame is calculated, the difference between the density values of the respective average units is calculated, and within the designated frame set Display the average unit that shows the change above a certain threshold in the graphic. In this case, the threshold value is set based on the clinical data. Let S be the set threshold value and σ be the density difference with the surroundings of a certain average unit. The average of σ is taken in the horizontal and vertical directions, and this is taken as σA. The average unit in which (σ−σ A) is larger than the absolute value of S is highlighted with a white box or the like.

C) The density value for each average unit in the designated frame set in the frame is calculated, and the difference between the density values for each average unit is sequentially calculated between each frame, and the time and difference density displacement line is plotted. Display a graph, a graph of a part or area, time, and displacement of the difference concentration, or an animation corresponding to the difference concentration.

D) A density value for each average unit in a set designated frame in the frame is calculated, and a line graph of displacement of time and concentration, a part or area, time and concentration are calculated for each set designated frame. Display a displacement graph or an animation corresponding to the concentration.

(Specific Example of Second Embodiment) Hereinafter, a specific embodiment performed according to the operation and procedure shown in the flowchart of the second embodiment will be described. In each of the following specific examples, a graphic image or an animation display indicates a negative image.

(Specific example (a)) 1) The analysis process is started, the moving image stored in the image file 14 is displayed on the monitor 11, and the moving image to be processed is selected from this, and one of them is selected. The image is displayed on the monitor 11. As shown in FIG. 11A, the second embodiment has a plurality of frames as a moving image. 2) Arbitrary plural points are set in order to specify the part to be analyzed, and the frame is specified as shown in FIG. 11 (b).
In FIG. 11B, a rectangular frame including the right lung is designated. 3) Decide what kind of function to analyze in the frame and
As shown in (c), it is equally divided into grids of arbitrary size. 4) The image processing unit 10 detects the contour of the lung and discriminates the edge of which is included in the grid. 5) Specify which frame to process and how to display the analysis processing result. 6) Then, the image processing unit 10 extracts the contours of the lungs, corrects them so that the frames for comparison are matched, and performs density calculation for each of the divided grids as shown in FIG. 11C. It 7) This concentration calculation is performed for each frame to be compared,
Calculate the average density for each divided grid. At this time, in 4) in which the lung edge is included in the grid, the average value of the pixel values of the grid is obtained as the density value in the average unit. 8) In accordance with the designated display method of the analysis processing result, FIG.
As shown in (d), the density difference between the density values of the set average units of any two frames is calculated, and the smoke image corresponding to the density difference is displayed. In addition, as shown in FIG. 11 (e), the density difference between any two frames is calculated, and the density differences are compared, and in particular, the area with a large density difference or the area with a small density difference is compared with the surrounding area. Mark it on the original image to point out. That is, the average unit with a large density difference or the average unit with a small density difference is pointed out in the original image as needed. Thus, it is possible to find an abnormal average unit from the smoke image shown in FIG. 11D, especially from an image showing a density different from the surrounding average unit, and as shown in FIG.
Since an area that seems to be abnormal is displayed as a mark on the original image,
It can be useful for diagnosis during image interpretation.

Another specific example of the result of the analysis processing as described above will be shown. (b) For any two frames out of multiple frames, the set part to be analyzed is the lung, and the density value in the average unit is calculated by the method of (2) e) as the density calculation method, and the lung of each frame is calculated. FIG. 12 shows a graphical display corresponding to the difference density obtained by calculating the density difference.

(C) For any two frames out of a plurality of frames, the analysis target is the right lung, and the density value in the average unit is obtained by the method of (2) d) as the density calculation method, and the average of each frame is calculated. FIG. 13 shows an average unit showing a change protruding from the surroundings by a certain threshold value or more based on the density corresponding to the density difference of the unit, in which a white mark is displayed on the graphic.

(D) The analysis target is the right lung, and the density calculation method is (2) The density value is obtained as a unit of horizontal grid in f), and A) the horizontal grids for each two frames are sequentially added between each frame. Figure 14 (a) shows the time-difference concentration line graph, and Figure 14 (b) shows the site-time-difference concentration graph. FIG. 14C shows an animation display corresponding to. From these, it can be seen that there is a large concentration difference in the upper part of the right lung between frames.
In addition, B) the density value for each horizontal grid of each frame is displayed as a time-density value line graph in Fig. 1.
4 (d), and FIG. 14 (e) shows a part-time-density value graph, and FIG. 14 (f) shows an animation display corresponding to the density value. In these, the average density for each horizontal grid of each frame is plotted in the time direction. From these figures, it can be seen that the concentration in the upper part of the right lung is high.

(E) The analysis target is the right lung, and the density calculation method is (2) The density value is obtained as a unit of the vertical grid of (g), and A) the vertical grids for each two frames are sequentially added between each frame. FIG. 15 (a) shows the concentration difference for each time and is displayed as a time-difference concentration line graph, and FIG. 15 (b) shows the region-time-difference concentration graph as the difference concentration. FIG. 15C shows an animation display corresponding to. From these, it can be seen that there is a large difference in concentration between the frames on the right side of the right lung. B) The density value for each vertical grid of each frame is displayed as a time-density value line graph in FIG. 15D, and the part-time-density value graph is displayed in the figure. 15 (e), and FIG. 15 (f) shows an animation display corresponding to the density value. In these, density values for each vertical grid of each frame are plotted in the time direction. From these figures, it can be seen that the concentration is higher on the right side of the right lung.

(F) The analysis processing target is a lung unit (the frame is specified and processed for each of the right lung and the left lung), and the concentration calculation method calculates the concentration value by the method of (2) e). ) The density difference for each of the right lung and the left lung is sequentially calculated for each of the two frames between each frame, and the time-difference concentration line graph is shown in FIG. 16A. FIG. 16 (b) shows a graph, and FIG. 16 (c) shows an animation corresponding to the difference density. It can be seen from these figures that the right lung has a larger concentration difference than the left lung between frames and the change is larger. Also, FIG. 16 (d) is a graph showing the concentration values for each of the right and left lungs of each frame in a time-concentration value line graph, and is shown as a site-time-concentration value graph. 16 (e), and FIG. 16 (f) shows an animation display corresponding to the density value. In these figures, the concentration values of the right lung and the left lung of each frame are plotted in the time direction. From these figures, it can be seen that the concentration change in the right lung is larger than that in the left lung.

In the specific example of the second embodiment, the analysis processing target is only the whole lung, but it is naturally possible to make a part of the lung or a plurality of these processing targets as in the first embodiment.

The removal of scattered radiation in the above description will be described. The image data collected from the image collection unit 8 contains a component due to scattered rays, and by removing this, highly reliable data can be obtained. The removal method is described in the following documents. Michitaka Honda, Katsuya Kikuchi, and Ken-ichi K
omatsu: Method forestimating the intensity of scat
tered radiation using a scatter generation model Medical Physics 18 (2) Mar / Apr PP.219-226 (1991) The removal method described in this document calculates the scattered radiation component from an algorithm and subtracts it from the collected data. Done by. By removing the scattered ray component, the original lesion can be easily seen, and an image that is easily misdiagnosed (an image that looks like a blood node due to scattered rays) can be removed. Further, the thickness of the permeate can be calculated based on the data of only the X-rays traveling straight. Therefore, for example, the thickness of a portion (such as a blood node) where the difference is large can be known by subtracting two images, which gives important data for preoperative diagnosis. In each of the above-described embodiments, an example is shown in which the operator determines the scattered radiation removal and performs it manually. However, the image processing apparatus 2 may determine the removal of the scattered radiation automatically.

Further, regarding the correction method in the case where the contour of the lung is displaced due to the movement of the chest in the above description,
Warp at the 1992 Radiological Society of America (RSNA)
ing) method has been announced by Professor Doi. By using this correction method, it is also appropriate when there is a shift in the contour of the lung due to the cycle of breathing or movement inside the trachea, or when there is a shift in the fluoroscopic position due to different days or times when fluoroscopy was performed. Can be corrected to. Therefore, according to this correction method, subtraction between two different chest images can be performed, and the contour of the lung can be detected and set as the processing frame.

According to the present invention as described above, clinically the following effects can be expected from the obtained diagnostic information. The following inference can be made as an example. The obtained image data is judged as a negative image. For diffuse shadows: a. When it is whitish regardless of the upper, middle and lower lobes, water etc. exists outside the lungs. b. If the upper lung field is darker, there is a possibility of a disease associated with inhalation (pneumoconiosis, pneumoconiosis). c. If the middle lung field is whitish, the circulatory system (especially the heart)
Possible origin disease. d. If the lower lung field is whitish, it may be a hematogenous disease such as metastatic cancer. e. With a uniform concentration distribution, there may be diseases of the lung itself, such as diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) emphysema, interstitial pneumonia, alveolar proteinosis, pulmonary tuberculosis, or pulmonary fibrosis. f. If the entire lobe of one lung is dark, there is a possibility of alveolar disease. g. If the lobules do not move well, there may be abnormalities in the bronchioles responsible for their regular use.

Besides, the normal value can be quantitatively known not only by the inference of the abnormality but also by the analysis processing according to the present invention. Especially in the case of people coming to a group medical examination,
By storing the data in the normal state, it is possible to easily compare with the normal value even if an abnormality occurs.

In each of the above embodiments, I · I-DR (D
(igital Radiography), but it is not limited to this, but digitized film images using a digitizer or CR (Computed Radiography)
But it is applicable.

[0051]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to greatly reduce variations in individual differences in diagnosis by humans by quantitatively graphing and graphicizing based on digital image data. That is, it is possible to provide information that enables any radiologist to recognize and diagnose the tendency of minute changes and overall density changes, and easily recognize and diagnose the tendency and relation of disease. In addition, by quantifying, it is possible to superimpose graphs and the like, and it is possible to provide information that allows an image interpretation doctor or a doctor in charge to easily know the progress and transition after the examination. Furthermore, graphs and graphics based on quantitative data can be used for recognizing and diagnosing temporal changes in illness, which are closely related to temporal changes in illness,
Information can be provided to facilitate diagnosis of disease. When viewed in a moving image, a part having a poor movement (a small amount of air coming in and out) is displayed as a part having a small change in density. Significant diagnostic information can be provided by indicating what range it covers. As a result, the speed of image interpretation / diagnosis becomes faster and shorter, and the accuracy of image interpretation / diagnosis and the reliability of the apparatus are also improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining setting (designation) of a part to be analyzed.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a method of calculating a concentration which is an analysis content.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flowchart when executing the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another specific example of the result of the analysis processing.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another specific example of the result of the analysis processing.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another specific example of the result of the analysis processing.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another specific example of the result of the analysis processing.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart when executing the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another specific example of the result of the analysis processing.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another specific example of the result of the analysis processing.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another specific example of the result of the analysis processing.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing another specific example of the result of the analysis processing.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another specific example of the result of the analysis processing.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 X-ray fluoroscopic imaging table 2 Image processing device 3 Operation desk for X-ray fluoroscopic imaging table and X-ray control 4 Operation desk for image processing device 5 Bed 6 X-ray tube 7 Conversion part 8 Image acquisition part 9 CPU 10 Image processing Part 11 Monitor 12 Network I / F 13 Laser imager 14 Image file 15 Bed drive control unit 16 X-ray control control unit 17 External device I / F 18 MOD unit 19 External device I / F 20 VTR 21 VDR

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A means for obtaining a digital still image by radiography of a chest, and a means for setting an arbitrary portion in the obtained digital image and analyzing the set portion for density based on digital data. And display means for displaying the result of the analysis processing.
Line diagnostic device. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein means for setting an arbitrary portion to be subjected to analysis processing, means for setting a processing unit for the set portion, means for obtaining an average density for each set processing unit, and obtaining An X-ray diagnostic apparatus comprising: a display unit configured to analyze and display a region set based on the average concentration. 3. The display according to claim 1, wherein the result of the analysis processing is displayed by the display unit on a histogram for each set site, and a line graph is displayed on each set site.
An X-ray diagnostic apparatus characterized in that a graphic display corresponding to a density or a density distribution is compared and a portion having a large difference is highlighted. 4. A means for fluoroscopically or radiographing a chest to obtain a plurality of digital image frames continuously, and an arbitrary region is set in each obtained frame, and density is analyzed based on digital data of the set region. Means to process,
An X-ray diagnostic apparatus comprising: a display unit that displays a result of analysis processing. 5. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when a plurality of digital image frames are continuously obtained, a plurality of frames are obtained over one respiratory cycle. 6. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the analysis processing means performs image analysis processing while detecting and correcting the contour of the lung portion of the frame of each image. . 7. At least one of claims 4 to 6, the analysis processing means calculates an average density for each area of an arbitrary size in a portion set between arbitrary two frames in each frame. The difference between the densities of the respective areas is obtained, and the display means displays a graphic corresponding to the difference density corresponding to the area X.
Line diagnostic device. 8. At least one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the analysis processing means calculates an average density for each area of an arbitrary size in a portion set between arbitrary two frames in each frame. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus is characterized in that the density difference between the respective areas is obtained, and an area showing a change protruding above a certain threshold value from the surroundings within the set site is graphically displayed by the display means. . 9. At least one of claims 4 to 6, the analysis processing means calculates an average density for each set site in each frame, and sequentially calculates each site between each frame. An X-ray diagnostic apparatus characterized in that a difference between densities is obtained, and a line graph of a displacement between time and a difference concentration, a graph of a displacement between a region and a time and a difference concentration, or an animation corresponding to the difference concentration is displayed on the display means. . 10. At least one of claims 4 to 6.
In the section, the analysis processing means calculates the concentration average for each set site in each frame, and the display means
An X-ray diagnostic apparatus displaying a line graph of displacement of time and concentration, a graph of displacement of region and time and concentration, or an animation corresponding to concentration for each set region. 11. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the analysis processing means performs analysis processing using image data from which scattered radiation has been removed.