JPWO2018198206A1 - X-ray imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

The X-ray imaging apparatus (100) performs image processing for extracting each of the regions (R1 to R4) within a limited range (L1 to L4) of the length of the plurality of regions (R1 to R4) of the subject (T). When the boundary between the region (R3) and the regions (R1 to R4) extracted by the image processing unit (3) is corrected by the user, the result of the boundary correction by the user is set to the limited range (L1 to L4). And a control unit (4) for reflecting the information.

Description

  The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus, and more particularly, to an X-ray imaging apparatus that extracts a predetermined area in an image of a subject.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an X-ray imaging apparatus that extracts a predetermined area from an image of a subject is known. Such an X-ray imaging apparatus is disclosed, for example, in International Publication No. WO 2015/025387.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a bone density measurement device or the like, a vertebral body region of a subject is automatically extracted from a captured image of the subject. In this conventional bone density measurement device, for example, the regions of individual vertebral bodies are automatically extracted by detecting boundaries between vertebral bodies adjacent to each other. In addition, the boundary line between the vertebral bodies is detected based on a low pixel value between the vertebrae in the image of the subject. However, there is an inconvenience that the intervertebral space may not be detected, for example, when the intervertebral space is crushed.

  In order to solve this inconvenience, the above-mentioned WO 2015/025387 discloses an image processing device configured to detect a region of a pedicle having a higher pixel value than its surroundings in a captured image of a subject. A method is disclosed. Here, the pedicle is a part which is almost always seen above the vertebral body, and the pixel value tends to be higher than the peripheral pixel values. Therefore, in this image processing method, the pedicle region is detected, and a boundary line in contact with the cervical vertebrae side of the detected pedicle region is set as a boundary line between vertebral bodies.

  Conventionally, in order to properly detect a boundary line between vertebral bodies, a method of detecting a boundary line between vertebral bodies in a general range of a vertebral body length (restricted range) is used. May be In this case, some candidates considered as boundaries between vertebral bodies are detected from the captured image of the subject. Then, among some candidates, candidates that fall within the range of the above-described restriction range are set as boundaries between vertebral bodies. This suppresses deviation of the boundary between the detected vertebral bodies from the region where the vertebral bodies are considered to actually exist.

WO 2015/025387

  Here, depending on the subject, the length of the vertebral body may be different from the length of a general vertebral body. In this case, when the boundary between the vertebral bodies is detected based on the above-described limited range, the actual boundary between the vertebral bodies and the detected boundary between the vertebral bodies are greatly shifted. In this case, conventionally, the user manually corrects the boundary line (predetermined region) between the vertebral bodies while viewing the image of the vertebral body and the boundary line displayed on the display unit. For this reason, there is a problem that the work load of the user and the work time due to the manual work of the user increase. When the user's work time increases, for example, the time required for the examination in the bone density test (the time required for the predetermined work time) increases.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a user with a work load for correcting a predetermined region of an extracted subject and a user's manual correction. An object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus capable of suppressing an increase in the time of the entire predetermined work caused by the work.

  In order to achieve the above object, an X-ray imaging apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes an X-ray irradiator that irradiates an X-ray to a subject, and an X-ray detector that detects X-rays radiated from the X-ray irradiator to the subject. A line detection unit that acquires an image of the subject based on the X-rays detected by the X-ray detection unit, and, based on the acquired image, within a limited range of the length of a plurality of predetermined regions of the subject. An image processing unit that extracts each of the plurality of predetermined regions; and a case where the boundary between predetermined regions adjacent to the subject extracted by the image processing unit is corrected by the user. And a control unit that reflects the restriction range.

  In the X-ray imaging apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, as described above, when the boundary between predetermined regions adjacent to the subject extracted by the image processing unit is corrected by the user, the correction of the boundary by the user is performed. Since the result is reflected in the limited range, the size of the limited range can be adjusted to the subject every time the number of corrections by the user is repeated. This can reduce the need for correction by the user, so that the user's work load for correcting the predetermined region of the extracted subject and the time of the predetermined entire work due to the user's manual correction work Increase can be suppressed.

  In the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the one aspect, preferably, the control unit calculates the average value and the standard deviation of the lengths of the predetermined regions of the plurality of subjects after being corrected by the user, and calculates the calculated average value. It is configured to reflect the value and the standard deviation in the limit range. With this configuration, the calculated average value and standard deviation are automatically reflected in the limit range, so that the size of the limit range can be made appropriate for more subjects. As a result, it is possible to more effectively reduce the chances that the user needs to make corrections.

  In this case, preferably, the control unit is configured to calculate an average value and a standard deviation for each age group and gender of the subject. Here, the size of the body part may be different depending on the age group or age of the subject. Therefore, by calculating the average value and the standard deviation for each age group and gender of the subject, it is possible to extract a predetermined area based on an appropriate restriction range for each subject.

  Further, the age group and gender of the subject tend to be biased depending on the type of facility where the X-ray imaging apparatus is installed. Therefore, by calculating the average value and the standard deviation for each age group and gender of the subject, it is possible to extract a predetermined area based on a more appropriate restriction range for each subject (for each facility).

  In the X-ray imaging apparatus including the control unit for calculating the average value and the standard deviation, preferably, the control unit is configured to calculate the average value and the standard deviation for each of a plurality of predetermined regions of the subject. Here, the size may be different from each other depending on a predetermined region (part in the body) of the subject. Therefore, by calculating the average value and the standard deviation for each of the plurality of predetermined regions of the subject, the extraction of the predetermined region can be performed based on the appropriate limited range for each part of the body corresponding to the plurality of predetermined regions of the subject. It can be carried out.

  In this case, preferably, the storage device further includes a storage unit that stores data of a plurality of predetermined region lengths of the subject after being corrected by the user, and the control unit includes a storage unit that stores the plurality of predetermined regions stored in the storage unit. Based on the length data, a limited range table representing an average value and a standard deviation for each of a plurality of predetermined regions is created. With this configuration, the restriction range can be determined by referring to the restriction range table. As a result, every time the limit range is determined, the control load on the control unit can be reduced as compared with the case where the limit range is calculated from the data stored in the storage unit.

  In the X-ray imaging apparatus that creates the limited range table, preferably, the control unit is configured to update the limited range table based on data being added to the storage unit. With this configuration, the result of correction by the user can be automatically reflected on the average value and the standard deviation of the restriction range table. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the work load of the user for updating the restriction range table based on the data added to the storage unit and an increase in the time of the entire predetermined work due to the user's manual correction work.

  In the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the one aspect, preferably, the image processing unit is configured to determine, based on the acquired image, a limit range of a length of a plurality of predetermined regions corresponding to each of a plurality of vertebral bodies of the subject. Within, each of the plurality of vertebral bodies is extracted, and a boundary is obtained between adjacent predetermined regions of the extracted subject, and the control unit corrects the position of the boundary obtained by the image processing unit by the user. In such a case, the length between the adjacent boundary lines after the correction by the user is reflected in the limited range. Here, since the size of the vertebral body may vary depending on the age and gender, the length between adjacent border lines after being corrected by the user should be reflected in the limit range for the extraction of the vertebral body. Is particularly effective in suppressing an increase in the time required for the entire predetermined work due to the user's work load and the user's manual correction work.

  Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to suppress a user's work load for correcting a predetermined region of an extracted subject and an increase in the entire time of the predetermined work due to the user's manual correction work. it can.

It is a figure showing composition of an X-ray imaging device by one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an image acquired by an image processing unit of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing manual correction by a user on an image of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining data stored in a storage unit of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing a restricted range table of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a control flow of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to one embodiment.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments embodying the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  The configuration of the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Configuration of X-ray imaging apparatus)
As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 includes an X-ray irradiation unit 1, an X-ray detection unit 2, an image processing unit 3, a control unit 4, and a storage unit 5.

  The X-ray irradiator 1 irradiates the subject T with X-rays. The X-ray detector 2 detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray irradiator 1 to the subject T. The X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is used, for example, for measuring the bone density of the subject T. In the measurement of bone density, for example, a DEXA (Dual-Energy X) for distinguishing bone components from other tissues by irradiating X-rays of two types of energy from the X-ray irradiator 1 to a measurement site of the subject T. -Ray Absorptometry) method is used.

  The X-ray irradiator 1 includes an X-ray source 1a. The X-ray source 1a is an X-ray tube that is connected to a high voltage generator (not shown) and generates X-rays when a high voltage is applied. The X-ray source 1a is arranged with the X-ray emission direction facing the detection surface of the X-ray detection unit 2.

  The X-ray detector 2 detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray irradiator 1 and transmitted through the subject T, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the detected X-ray intensity. The X-ray detector 2 is configured by, for example, an FPD (Flat Panel Detector).

  The image processing unit 3 includes an image acquisition unit 30, an area extraction unit 31, a boundary line acquisition unit 32, a boundary line measurement unit 33, and a bone density measurement unit. In addition, each of the image acquisition unit 30, the region extraction unit 31, the boundary line acquisition unit 32, the boundary line measurement unit 33, and the bone density measurement unit 34 is a functional block as software in the image processing unit 3. . That is, each of the image acquisition unit 30, the region extraction unit 31, the boundary line acquisition unit 32, the boundary line measurement unit 33, and the bone density measurement unit 34 is configured to function based on a command signal from the control unit 4. ing.

  The image acquisition unit 30 of the image processing unit 3 acquires an image 3a (see FIG. 2) of the subject T based on the X-rays detected by the X-ray detection unit 2. Specifically, the image acquiring unit 30 acquires the image 3a based on an X-ray detection signal of a predetermined resolution output from the X-ray detecting unit 2.

  Further, the control unit 4 is configured to perform control for displaying the image 3a (see FIG. 2) generated by the image processing unit 3 on the display unit 6. The display unit 6 is, for example, a monitor such as a liquid crystal display.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the region extracting unit 31 (see FIG. 1) uses the image 3a acquired by the image acquiring unit 30 (see FIG. 1) to generate a plurality of objects T (see FIG. 1). Each of the plurality of regions R1 to R4 is extracted within the limited ranges L1 to L4 of the lengths of the regions R1 to R4 (four in the embodiment). Note that the plurality of regions R1 to R4 are regions corresponding to the plurality of vertebral bodies V1 to V4 of the subject T, respectively. The bone density of each of the plurality of vertebral bodies V1 to V4 of the subject T is measured in the plurality of regions R1 to R4 by the bone density measurement unit 34 (see FIG. 1). Each of the regions R1 to R4 is an example of a “predetermined region” in the claims.

  The boundary line acquisition unit 32 (see FIG. 1) acquires a boundary line B between the adjacent regions R1 to R4 of the extracted subject T. By operating the input unit 7 (see FIG. 1), the user can move the boundary line B acquired on the image 3a.

  Here, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 4 (see FIG. 1) controls the area adjacent to the subject T extracted by the image processing unit 3 (the area extraction unit 31) (see FIG. 1). When the position of the boundary line B between R1 and R4 is corrected by the user, the result of the correction of the boundary line B by the user is reflected in the limited ranges L1 to L4. Specifically, the control unit 4 reflects the lengths L5 to L8 between the adjacent boundary lines B after being corrected by the user in the limited ranges L1 to L4.

  In detail, the control unit 4 calculates and calculates the average value and the standard deviation of the lengths L5 to L8 of the regions R1 to R4 of the plurality of subjects T (see FIG. 1) after the correction by the user. The average value and the standard deviation are reflected in the restriction ranges L1 to L4. The reflection on the limited ranges L1 to L4 will be described in more detail below.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, it is assumed that at least one of the boundary lines B obtained by the boundary line obtaining unit 32 (see FIG. 1) is not obtained on the vertebrae (between adjacent vertebral bodies). . In this case, as shown in FIG. 3B, the user operates the input unit 7 (see FIG. 1) to manually move all the boundary lines B on the image 3a to the intervertebral space. Then, when the position of the boundary line B is corrected by the user, the lengths L5 to L8 between the boundary lines B are measured by the boundary line measurement unit 33 (see FIG. 1). If all of the boundary lines B acquired by the boundary line acquisition unit 32 are acquired on the vertebrae and there is no correction by the user, the length between the boundary lines B is not measured by the boundary line measurement unit 33. .

  As shown in FIG. 4, the storage unit 5 (see FIG. 1) stores the length L5 of the plurality of regions R1 to R4 (see FIG. 3) of the subject T (see FIG. 1) after being corrected by the user. To L8 (see FIG. 3). For example, when the user has corrected 100 subjects T, the storage unit 5 stores data of lengths L5 to L8 for 100 subjects. In this case, the lengths L5 to L8 are stored in the storage unit 5 in association with the age and gender of the subject T.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the control unit 4 (see FIG. 1) calculates an average value and a standard deviation for each of the plurality of regions R1 to R4. That is, the control unit 4 calculates an average value and a standard deviation for each of the lengths L5 to L8 based on the data of the lengths L5 to L8 stored in the storage unit 5.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 4 (see FIG. 1) controls the lengths L5 to L4 of the plurality of regions R1 to R4 (see FIG. 3) stored in the storage unit 5 (see FIG. 1). Based on the data of L8 (see FIG. 3), a restriction range table 5a is created that represents the average value and the standard deviation (SD) of each of the plurality of regions R1 to R4 (each of lengths L5 to L8). Note that the restriction range table 5a is stored in the storage unit 5.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 4 updates the limited range table 5a based on the addition of the data to the storage unit 5. That is, the control unit 4 updates the average value and the standard deviation of the restriction range table 5a each time one of the data is added to the storage unit 5.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 4 calculates an average value and a standard deviation for each age group and gender of the subject T (see FIG. 1). Specifically, the limit range table 5a shows the average value and the standard deviation for each of a predetermined age range (five years old in the present embodiment) and gender. For example, when data of the subject T who is male and is 22 years old is added to the storage unit 5, the average value of the males of the age groups 20 to 24 and the male lengths L5 to L8 and the standard The deviation is updated. In the restriction range table 5a, the age range of the age group may have a difference depending on the age. For example, the age range may be 10 years for a relatively young age group and 5 years for a relatively high age group.

  The area extracting unit 31 (see FIG. 1) is configured to determine the limited ranges L1 to L4 based on the limited range table 5a. For example, a detailed description will be given below of an example of measurement of a subject T that is male and is 28 years old.

  For example, it is assumed that a plurality of candidates of 20 mm, 30 mm, and 40 mm are obtained for the length of the region R1 of the subject T obtained by analyzing the image 3a (see FIG. 3) using a predetermined analysis program. In the restriction range table 5a, the average value and the standard deviation of the male length L5 in the age group 25 to 30 including 28 years old are 30 mm (average value) ± 5 mm (standard deviation). In this case, the length of the region R1 is determined to be most appropriate to be 30 mm included in 30 mm ± 5 mm, and the limit range L1 is determined to be 30 mm. When there are a plurality of candidates whose average value and standard deviation of the length L5 are included in 30 mm ± 5 mm, the most probable one of the plurality of candidates is selected. For example, when the predetermined analysis program is an analysis program using a differential function, a candidate having the largest differential value obtained by scanning by the analysis program is selected. Note that the analysis program is not limited to an analysis program using a differential function. Also, each of the restriction ranges L2 to L4 is determined based on the average value and the standard deviation of the lengths L6 to L8 of the restriction range table 5a, similarly to the restriction range L1. Regarding the positions of the regions R1 to R4, for example, the position of the region R3 is determined based on the limited range L3, and the positions of the other regions are determined based on the corresponding limited ranges based on the region R3.

(Control flow of control unit)
Next, a control flow of the control unit 4 (see FIG. 1) of the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 (see FIG. 1) of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S1, the image acquisition unit 30 (see FIG. 1) acquires an image 3a (see FIG. 3) of the subject T (see FIG. 1).

  Next, in step S2, the boundary line B (see FIG. 3) is obtained on the image 3a obtained in step S1 by the boundary line obtaining unit 32 (see FIG. 1).

  Next, in step S3, the control unit 4 determines whether or not the position of the boundary line B acquired in step S2 has been corrected by the user via the input unit 7 (see FIG. 1). If it is determined that the correction has been made, the process proceeds to step S4. If it is not determined that the correction has been made, the process returns to step S1.

  Next, in step S4, the lengths L5 to L8 (see FIG. 3) between the adjacent boundary lines B corrected in step S3 are measured by the boundary line measuring unit 33 (see FIG. 1).

  Next, in step S5, the control unit 4 accumulates (stores) the lengths L5 to L8 between the boundary lines B measured in step S4 in the storage unit 5 (see FIG. 1).

  Next, in step S6, the control unit 4 calculates the average value and standard deviation of each of the lengths L5 to L8 between the boundary lines B accumulated in the storage unit 5 in step S5, and calculates the calculated average value and standard deviation. The standard deviation is reflected in the limit range table 5a (see FIG. 5). Then, in the next measurement, the limit ranges L1 to L4 are determined based on the limit range table 5a updated in step S6.

(Effect of this embodiment)
In the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 acquires the image 3a of the subject T based on the X-rays detected by the X-ray detection unit 2, and based on the acquired image 3a. An image processing unit 3 is provided for extracting each of the plurality of regions R1 to R4 within a limited range L1 to L4 for the length of the plurality of regions R1 to R4 of the subject T. When the boundary between the adjacent regions R1 to R4 of the subject T extracted by the image processing unit 3 is corrected by the user, the control unit 4 reflects the result of the correction of the boundary by the user to the limited ranges L1 to L4. The X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is configured to include Accordingly, when the boundary between the adjacent regions R1 to R4 of the subject T extracted by the image processing unit 3 is corrected by the user, the result of the correction of the boundary by the user is reflected in the limited ranges L1 to L4. Each time the number of corrections by the user is repeated, the size of the limited range L1 to L4 can be made appropriate for the subject T. As a result, the case where correction by the user is necessary can be reduced, so that the user's work load for correcting the extracted regions R1 to R4 of the subject T and the entire predetermined work resulting from the user's manual correction work Can be suppressed from increasing.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 4 calculates and calculates the average value and the standard deviation of the lengths of the regions R1 to R4 of the plurality of subjects T after the correction by the user. The X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is configured to reflect the average value and the standard deviation in the limited ranges L1 to L4. As a result, the calculated average value and standard deviation are automatically reflected in the limit ranges L1 to L4, so that the size of the limit ranges L1 to L4 can be optimized for more subjects. As a result, it is possible to more effectively reduce the chances that the user needs to make corrections.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is configured so that the control unit 4 calculates the average value and the standard deviation for each age group and gender of the subject T. Here, the size of the body part (vertebral bodies V1 to V4) differs depending on the age group or age of the subject T. Therefore, by calculating the average value and the standard deviation for each age group and gender of the subject T, the regions R1 to R4 can be extracted based on the appropriate limited ranges L1 to L4 for each subject T.

  The age group and gender of the subject T tend to be biased depending on the type of facility where the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is installed. Therefore, by calculating the average value and the standard deviation for each age group and gender of the subject T, the regions R1 to R4 are extracted based on the more appropriate limited ranges L1 to L4 for each subject T (for each facility). Can be.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is configured so that the control unit 4 calculates the average value and the standard deviation for each of the plurality of regions R1 to R4 of the subject T. Here, the size differs depending on the regions R1 to R4 (vertebral bodies V1 to V4) of the subject T. Therefore, by calculating the average value and the standard deviation for each of the plurality of regions R1 to R4 of the subject T, an appropriate value is set for each body part (vertebral bodies V1 to V4) corresponding to the plurality of regions R1 to R4 of the subject T. Regions R1 to R4 can be extracted based on the limited ranges L1 to L4.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 4 calculates the average value for each of the plurality of regions R1 to R4 based on the data of the lengths of the plurality of regions R1 to R4 stored in the storage unit 5. The X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is configured to create the limited range table 5a representing the standard deviation. Thus, by referring to the restriction range table 5a, the restriction ranges L1 to L4 can be determined. As a result, every time the limit ranges L1 to L4 are determined, the load on the control unit 4 can be reduced as compared with the case where the limit ranges L1 to L4 are calculated from the data stored in the storage unit 5.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is configured so that the control unit 4 updates the limited range table 5a based on the addition of data to the storage unit 5. Thereby, the correction result by the user can be automatically reflected on the average value and the standard deviation of the restriction range table 5a. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the user's work load for updating the restriction range table 5a based on the data added to the storage unit 5 and an increase in the time of the entire predetermined work due to the user's manual correction work. .

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the image processing unit 3 determines the length of the plurality of regions R1 to R4 corresponding to each of the plurality of vertebral bodies V1 to V4 of the subject T based on the acquired image 3a. Each of the plurality of vertebral bodies V1 to V4 is extracted within the limited range L1 to L4, and a boundary line B is obtained between the adjacent regions R1 to R4 of the extracted subject T. Then, when the position of the boundary line B obtained by the image processing unit 3 is corrected by the user, the control unit 4 sets the length between the adjacent boundary lines B after the correction by the user to the restriction range L1. The X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is configured to reflect the result in L4. Here, since the vertebral bodies V1 to V4 may have different sizes depending on their age and gender, the length between the adjacent boundary lines B after being modified by the user to extract the vertebral bodies V1 to V4. Is particularly effective in suppressing the burden on the user and the increase in the time of the entire predetermined work due to the manual correction work by the user.

[Modification]
The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description of the embodiments, and includes all modifications (modifications) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the limit range (L1 to L4) for the length of the plurality of predetermined regions (R1 to R4) corresponding to each of the plurality of vertebral bodies (V1 to V4) is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a measurement site other than the vertebral bodies (V1 to V4) may be used as long as a plurality of measurement sites are continuously arranged.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the limit ranges (L1 to L4) corresponding to the four vertebral bodies (V1 to V4) are determined, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a limit range corresponding to a plurality of vertebral bodies other than four is determined.

  Further, in the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the restricted range table (5a) is divided according to the age group and the gender of the subject (T), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the restriction range table (5a) may be divided according to the height of the subject (T).

  In the above embodiment, the control unit (4) updates the average value and the standard deviation each time one data of the subject (T) after the correction by the user is added to the storage unit (5). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the average value and the standard deviation may be updated each time a plurality of data items are added.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the control unit (4) determines the limit ranges L1 to L4 based on the average value and the standard deviation of the lengths of the predetermined regions (R1 to R4). Is not limited to this. For example, the control unit (4) may determine the limit ranges L1 to L4 based on the maximum value and the minimum value of the lengths of the predetermined regions (R1 to R4).

  Further, in the above embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the processing of the control unit (4) of the present invention has been described using the flow-driven flowchart in which the processing is sequentially performed along the processing flow, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Not limited. In the present invention, the processing operation of the control unit (4) may be performed by an event-driven (event-driven) process of executing a process for each event. In this case, it may be performed in a completely event-driven manner, or may be performed in a combination of event-driven and flow-driven.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 X-ray irradiation part 2 X-ray detection part 3 Image processing part 4 Control part 5 Storage part 5a Limit range table B Boundary line L1-L4 Limit range L5-L8 Length R1-R4 area (predetermined area)
T subject V1-V4 vertebral body

Claims (7)

An X-ray irradiator that irradiates the subject with X-rays;
An X-ray detector that detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray irradiator to the subject;
While acquiring an image of the subject based on the X-rays detected by the X-ray detection unit, based on the acquired image, within a limited range of the length of a plurality of predetermined regions of the subject, An image processing unit that extracts each of the plurality of predetermined regions;
A control unit that, when a boundary between the predetermined regions adjacent to the subject extracted by the image processing unit is corrected by a user, reflects a correction result of the boundary by the user in the limited range; An X-ray imaging apparatus provided.   The control unit calculates an average value and a standard deviation of the lengths of the predetermined regions of the plurality of subjects after the correction by the user, and calculates the calculated average value and the standard deviation in the limited range. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray imaging apparatus is configured to reflect the result.   The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit is configured to calculate the average value and the standard deviation for each age group and gender of the subject.   The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit is configured to calculate the average value and the standard deviation for each of the plurality of predetermined regions of the subject. A storage unit that stores data of lengths of the plurality of predetermined regions of the subject after being corrected by the user,
The control unit creates a limited range table representing the average value and the standard deviation for each of the plurality of predetermined regions based on the data of the lengths of the plurality of predetermined regions stored in the storage unit. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the X-ray imaging apparatus is configured to perform the operation.   The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit is configured to update the limited range table based on the addition of the data to the storage unit. The image processing unit, based on the acquired image, within the limited range of the length of the plurality of predetermined regions corresponding to each of the plurality of vertebral bodies of the subject, the plurality of vertebral bodies Each is extracted, and a boundary line is obtained between the predetermined areas adjacent to the extracted subject,
The control unit, when the position of the boundary line obtained by the image processing unit is corrected by the user, the length between the adjacent boundary lines after the correction by the user to the limited range The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray imaging apparatus is configured to reflect the image.

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