WO2019123774A1

WO2019123774A1 - Radiography system, information processing device, method for controlling information processing device, and program

Info

Publication number: WO2019123774A1
Application number: PCT/JP2018/037238
Authority: WO
Inventors: 立川　博英
Original assignee: キヤノン株式会社
Priority date: 2017-12-20
Filing date: 2018-10-04
Publication date: 2019-06-27
Also published as: JP2019110955A

Abstract

This radiography system sequentially emits a first low-energy radiation and a first high-energy radiation for identifying a first substance and a second low-energy radiation and a second high-energy radiation for identifying a second substance, and generates a first image for identifying the first substance and a second image for identifying the second substance on the basis of at least any of the first low-energy radiation, the first high-energy radiation, the second low-energy radiation, and the second low-energy radiation.

Description

Radiation imaging system, information processing apparatus, control method of information processing apparatus, and program

The present invention relates to radiography technology.

An energy subtraction method is an application of a radiography method using a radiography apparatus. The energy subtraction method is a method of performing subtraction processing (energy subtraction processing) on a plurality of radiation images obtained by irradiating the subject with energy of different radiation and imaging. The image (subtraction image) obtained by the difference processing is an image (bone image or soft tissue image) in which the bone or soft tissue of the subject is clarified. In order to obtain one such subtraction image, at least two radiation images obtained by radiography of high and low energy are required. In addition, more subtraction images are required to display moving images of subtraction images. As described above, in the energy subtraction method, at least two sets of radiation images are required in order to obtain one subtraction image, so the problem is that the frame rate is lowered.

In order to solve such a problem, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for displaying a moving image of a subtraction image without reducing the frame rate. Specifically, subtraction is not performed from the two images obtained in the last two frames, such as the odd frame and the even frame, and the even frame and the odd frame instead of the two images obtained in the odd frame and the even frame. It is described to obtain an image.

It is also known that substances can be identified by performing imaging by energy subtraction. The concept of effective atomic number is used to identify substances. The effective atomic number is a quantitative index indicating an element, a compound, or a mixture.

Patent No. 05727653

As mentioned above, it is possible to identify a specific substance by the energy subtraction method, but if it is desired to identify the substance more clearly, the combination of radiation quality and dose (energy) suitable for the identification of the substance, high energy Radiation and low energy radiation. Here, if there is only one type of substance to be identified, high-energy radiation and low-energy radiation optimized for the target substance may be irradiated. On the other hand, when it is desired to generate an image in which a plurality of substances are clearly identified, such as a catheter and a blood vessel structure, it is possible to irradiate the same high energy radiation and low energy radiation depending on the combination of the materials to be identified. However, in general, it is necessary to irradiate two types of high energy radiation and two types of low energy radiation that are matched to the respective target substances.

Therefore, when generating an image for identifying a plurality of substances by the energy subtraction method, there is a problem that the frame rate is lowered.

In view of the above problems, the present disclosure provides a technique for improving a frame rate for generating an image by an energy subtraction method.

As one form for solving the said subject, the radiography system of this invention has the following structures. That is, a first low energy radiation and a first high energy radiation for identifying the first substance, and a second low energy radiation and a second high energy for identifying the second substance Radiation generating means for continuously irradiating the radiation, the first low energy radiation, the first high energy radiation, the second low energy radiation, and the second high energy radiation; At least one of the first image for identifying the first substance and the image processing means for generating a second image for identifying the second substance.

According to the present invention, the frame rate for generating an energy subtraction method image is improved.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the attached drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The accompanying drawings are included in the specification, constitute a part thereof, show embodiments of the present invention, and are used together with the description to explain the principle of the present invention.
It is a figure which shows the concept of the substance identification procedure by the energy subtraction method. The example of the timing chart at the time of producing | generating the subtraction image of each of substance X and substance Y by the energy subtraction method is shown. FIG. 1 shows an overall view of a radiation imaging system 10. 5 shows an example of a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus 103. 7 shows an exemplary hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 103. 6 is a configuration example of a radiation imaging apparatus 104. The timing chart of the processing for generating the synthetic picture (MixXY) based on the energy subtraction method in a 1st embodiment is shown. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the radiography system 10 in 1st Embodiment. The timing chart of the processing for generating the synthetic picture (MixXY) based on the energy subtraction method in a 2nd embodiment is shown. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the radiography system 10 in 2nd Embodiment. The timing chart of the processing for generating the synthetic picture (MixXY) based on the energy subtraction method in the modification of a 2nd embodiment is shown. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the radiography system 10 in the modification of 2nd Embodiment. The timing chart of the processing for generating the synthetic picture (MixXY) based on the energy subtraction method in a 3rd embodiment is shown. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the radiography system 10 in 3rd Embodiment. The timing chart of the processing for generating the synthetic picture (MixXY) based on the energy subtraction method in the modification of a 3rd embodiment is shown. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the radiography system 10 in the modification of 3rd Embodiment. It is an example of a screen display when a user selects two types of identification target substances. It is an example of a screen display when a user selects two types of identification target substances. It is an example of a screen display when a user selects two types of identification target substances. It is an example of a screen display when a user selects two types of identification target substances. It is an example of a screen display when a user selects two types of identification target substances.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on an example of the embodiment with reference to the attached drawings. In addition, the structure shown in the following embodiment is only an example, and this invention is not limited to the illustrated structure.

First, with reference to FIG. 1, the procedure of identifying a substance by performing imaging by energy subtraction will be described.

FIG. 1 is a view showing the concept of a substance identification procedure by the energy subtraction method. First, by performing imaging using the energy subtraction method, a radiation image (high energy radiation image (H)) obtained by radiation imaging of the higher energy and a radiation image obtained by radiation imaging of the lower energy (A low energy radiation image (L)) is acquired. Subsequently, two equations are drawn from the high energy radiation image (H) and the low energy radiation image (L), and the solution is obtained using the Newton-Raphson method and the dichotomy method to obtain the effective atomic number (Z) and the surface The density (D) can be determined. Furthermore, the substance can be identified by superimposing and mapping the information of the obtained effective atomic number (Z) as a hue distribution image and the information of cotton density (D) as a lightness distribution image. An image (hereinafter, a composite image) can be generated.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, a method of acquiring a subtraction image for specifying the substance X and the substance Y will be described. FIG. 2 is an example of a timing chart when generating a subtraction image of each of the substance X and the substance Y by the energy subtraction method. In FIG. 2, a pseudo waveform (radiation 201) of radiation to be irradiated, a timing (Reset 202) for resetting charges accumulated at the time of radiography, and an image having a pixel value proportional to the amount of accumulated charges are read out A period (readout 203) is shown along with the time axis.

Low-energy radiation X _L and high-energy radiation X _H are low-energy radiation and high-energy radiation set to identify substance X, respectively. Also, low energy radiation Y _L and high energy radiation Y _H are low energy radiation and high energy radiation set to identify substance Y, respectively.

After the timing of the first reset, a low energy radiation image 211 is read out within the imaging cycle time Tcyc1 by the radiation X _L irradiation. Then, after the next reset timing, the high energy radiation image 212 is read out within the imaging cycle time Tcyc 2 by the radiation X _H irradiation. By performing differential processing (energy subtraction processing) on the two images thus obtained, a subtraction image (SubX 221) is generated.

Subsequently, in order to identify the substance Y, the low energy radiation image 213 and the high energy radiation image 214 are obtained by irradiating the radiation Y _L and the radiation Y _H different from the radiation X _L and the radiation X _H. Then, a subtraction image (SubY 222) is generated by performing the same processing as when acquiring the subtraction image (SubX 221).

The two subtraction images (SubX 221 and Sub Y 222) thus obtained are images in which the substance X and the substance Y are clarified. Next, image processing for deleting the display other than the substance X is performed on the subtraction image (SubX 221). Similarly, image processing for erasing the display other than the substance Y is performed on the subtraction image (SubY 222). Then, different hues and lightnesses are given to each of the two subtraction images after the deletion processing, and then superimposed to generate a composite image (Mix XY 231). By displaying the composite image (Mix XY 231) on the display means, the display of the image in which the substance X and the substance Y are clearly identified is realized.

First Embodiment
(Configuration of radiography system 10)
FIG. 3 shows an overall view of a radiation imaging system 10 according to the first embodiment. The radiation imaging system 10 includes a radiation generation device 101, a radiation control device 102, an information processing device 103, and a radiation imaging device (sensor) 104. In the radiography system 10, the radiation generating apparatus 101 is configured to identify the first low energy radiation for identifying the first substance and the first high energy radiation, and the second for identifying the second substance. The low-energy radiation and the second high-energy radiation are continuously irradiated, and the information processing apparatus 103 is configured to identify the first substance with the first low-energy radiation and the first high-energy radiation And a first image and a second for identifying the first substance based on at least one of the second low energy radiation for identifying the second substance and the second high energy radiation. Generating a second image for identifying the substance of

The configuration of the radiation imaging system 10 will be described in more detail. The radiation generating apparatus 101 generates and irradiates radiation under the control of the radiation control apparatus 102. The radiation control device 102 controls the dose and quality (energy) of radiation emitted from the radiation generation device 101 and the irradiation timing. The information processing apparatus 103 controls various timings with respect to the radiation control apparatus 102. Further, the information processing apparatus 103 acquires a radiation image generated by the radiation imaging apparatus 104, and performs image processing on the acquired radiation image. The radiation imaging apparatus 104 receives radiation emitted from the radiation generation apparatus 101, generates a radiation image as radiation intensity distribution information, and outputs the radiation image to the information processing apparatus 103.

(Configuration of information processing apparatus 103)
FIG. 4A shows a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus 103, and FIG. 4B shows a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 103. First, the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus 103 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4A, the information processing apparatus 103 includes an image acquisition unit 401, an image processing unit 402, a display control unit 403, a timing setting unit 404, a radiation setting unit 405, and a substance setting unit 406 as functional components. . The image acquisition unit 401 acquires a radiation image generated by the radiation imaging apparatus 104. The image processing unit 402 performs various image processing to be described later on the radiation image acquired by the image acquisition unit 401. The display control unit 403 performs various displays on the display unit 415 (FIG. 4B). The timing setting unit 404 sets various timings on the radiation imaging apparatus 104. The radiation setting unit 405 sets, for example, the energy level of the radiation emitted by the radiation generation apparatus 101 to the radiation generation apparatus 101. The substance setting unit 406 sets a substance to be identified. Note that various settings of the timing setting unit 404, the radiation setting unit 405, and the substance setting unit 406 can be made according to an operation on the operation unit 414 (FIG. 4B) by the user.

Subsequently, the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 103 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the information processing apparatus 103 includes a control unit 411, a storage unit 412, a communication unit 413, an operation unit 414, and a display unit 415 as a hardware configuration. The control unit 411 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and controls the operation of each component. The storage unit 412 is configured of a read only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM). The storage unit 412 can store control instructions or programs. The storage unit 412 can also be used for temporary storage of a work memory or data when executing a program. The communication unit 413 performs control for communicating with an external device. The operation unit 414 receives an operation by the user. The display unit 415 performs various displays. The display unit 415 is, for example, a display panel that displays image data. The display panel may be configured by a method such as LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), plasma, or organic EL. Further, a GUI (Graphic User Interface) may be formed by the operation unit 414 and the display unit 415.

(Configuration of radiation imaging apparatus 104)
FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of the radiation imaging apparatus 104. The radiation imaging apparatus 104 functions as a radiation image generation unit that detects the emitted radiation and generates a radiation image, and includes a radiation signal acquisition unit 501, a reset unit 502, a sample hold unit 503, and a readout unit 504. . The radiation signal acquisition unit 501 converts the radiation emitted from the radiation generation device 101 into charges proportional to the amount and stores the charges. The reset unit 502 resets the charge accumulated in the radiation signal acquisition unit 501. The sample hold unit 503 acquires and stores the charge of the radiation signal acquisition unit 501. Note that the information processing apparatus 103 controls the timing at which the reset unit 502 resets the charge and the timing at which the sample and hold unit 503 acquires the charge. These timings may be configured to be directly controlled by the radiation generating apparatus 101 or the user. The reading unit 504 reads the charges accumulated in the sample and hold unit 503, and acquires the read radiation intensity distribution information as a radiation image. The radiation imaging apparatus 104 can store a plurality of radiation images acquired by the reading unit 504.

(Operation in the First Embodiment)
As described above with reference to FIG. 2, when energy subtraction imaging is performed to identify different substances X and Y, low-energy radiation X _L set to identify the respective substances It is general to perform imaging using high energy radiation X _H and Y _H and Y _L and Y _L. In the present embodiment, a method for efficiently performing imaging using four types of radiation X _L , X _H , Y _L , and Y _H when identifying two types of substances will be described.

The operation in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. FIG. 6A shows a timing chart of a process for generating a composite image (MixXY) based on the energy subtraction method in the first embodiment. FIG. 6B is a flowchart showing an operation of the radiation imaging system 10 corresponding to the timing chart shown in FIG. 6A.

In FIG. 6A, a pseudo waveform (radiation 601) of radiation irradiated by the radiation generation apparatus 101, an operation timing (Reset 602) of the reset unit 502, an acquisition timing (SHold 603) of the sample and hold unit 503, and an image by the reading unit 504 The readout period (readout 604) is shown along with the time axis.

In the present embodiment, the radiation generation apparatus 101 performs irradiation continuously by changing the dose and radiation quality (energy) of radiation in one imaging cycle time. Specifically, the radiation generating apparatus 101 generates a first low energy radiation (radiation X _L ) and a first high energy radiation for identifying a first substance (substance X) at a predetermined imaging cycle time. Second low energy radiation (radiation) for continuously irradiating radiation (radiation X _H ) and identifying a second substance (substance Y) in the next imaging cycle time of the predetermined imaging cycle time Irradiate Y _L ) and second high energy radiation (radiation Y _H ) sequentially. Subsequently, the radiation imaging apparatus 104 generates a first radiation image and a second radiation image based on the first low energy radiation and the first high energy radiation in the predetermined imaging cycle time. In the next imaging cycle time, a third radiation image and a fourth radiation image are generated based on the second low energy radiation and the second high energy radiation. Subsequently, the information processing apparatus 103 generates a first image (SubX) for identifying the first substance based on the first radiation image and the second radiation image, and the third information A second image (SubY) for identifying the second substance is generated based on the radiation image and the fourth radiation image. That is, the information processing apparatus 103 generates a first subtraction image (SubX) based on the first radiation image and the second radiation image, and based on the third radiation image and the fourth radiation image. A second subtraction image (SubY) is generated. The first image and the second image may be generated by the radiation imaging apparatus 104.

First, the reset unit 502 of the radiation imaging apparatus 104 resets and initializes the charges accumulated by the radiation signal acquisition unit 501 (S61). In the subsequent imaging cycle time Tcyc1, the radiation generating apparatus 101 continuously irradiates the radiation X _L and the radiation X _H (S62). The radiation signal acquisition unit 501 of the radiation imaging apparatus 104 converts the irradiated radiation into a charge proportional to the amount and stores it. The sample and hold unit 503 of the radiation imaging apparatus 104 acquires and accumulates the charges due to the radiation X _L and X _H accumulated by the radiation signal acquisition unit 501 at different timings. The reading unit 504 reads the charges accumulated in the sample and hold unit 503, and acquires and stores the read radiation intensity distribution information as a radiation image (S63).

The radiation images stored here are a radiation image 611 (Image (X _L )) and a radiation image 612 (Image (X _L + X _H )). A radiation image 611 (Image (X _L )) corresponds to the charge accumulated in the period from the reset timing by the reset unit 502 to the completion of irradiation of the radiation X _L (the timing of the first SHold 603 in the imaging cycle time Tcyc1). It is an image. A radiation image 612 (Image (X _L + X _H )) is an image corresponding to the charge accumulated in the period from the reset timing by the reset unit 502 to the completion of irradiation of the radiation X _H (the timing of the second SHold 603). .

The information processing apparatus 103 acquires a radiation image 611 (Image (X _L )) and a radiation image 612 (Image (X _L + X _H )) stored in the radiation imaging device 104, and performs energy subtraction processing, Generate a subtraction image. Specifically, the image processing unit 402 of the information processing apparatus 103 obtains the difference between the radiation image (Image (X _L )) and the radiation image 612 (Image (X _L + X _H )) by taking the difference. Generate (X _H )). Subsequently, the image processing unit 402 generates a subtraction image 621 (SubX) by taking the difference between the radiation image 611 (Image (X _L )) and the radiation image (Image (X _H )) (S64). The image processing unit 402 may perform filter processing as necessary to generate a subtraction image.

In the next photographing cycle time Tcyc2, radiation generator 101 continuously irradiated _{Y L} and radiation _{Y H.} Subsequently, the radiation imaging apparatus 104, the radiation image 613 _{(Image (Y} L)) and the radiation image _{_{614 (Image (Y L + Y}} H)) generates, the image processing unit 402 of the information processing apparatus 103, the photographing cycle time A process similar to the process in Tcyc1 is performed, and a subtraction image 622 (SubY) is generated by taking the difference between the radiation image (Image (Y _L )) and the radiation image (Image (Y _H )) (S65) .

The image processing unit 402 of the information processing apparatus 103 further combines the subtraction image 621 (SubX) and the subtraction image 622 (SubY) to generate a combined image (MixXY) (S66). Specifically, the image processing unit 402 changes the hue or the like of each of the subtraction image 621 (SubX) and the subtraction image 622 (SubY) after the image processing for erasing the display other than the substance X and the substance Y. The lightness is given and then superimposed to generate a composite image 631 (MixXY). The image processing unit 402 may combine the subtraction image 621 (SubX) and the subtraction image 622 (SubY) so as to be displayed in parallel. The display control unit 403 displays the composite image 631 (MixXY) generated by the image processing unit 402 on the display unit 415 (S67).

From the imaging cycle time Tcyc3 on, the same processing as that in the imaging cycle times Tcyc1 and Tcyc2 is repeated. Thereby, a subtraction image (SubX) for substance X is generated at odd-numbered imaging cycle times, and a subtraction image (SubY) for substance Y is generated at even-numbered imaging cycle times, and these images are merged (superimposed) The display control unit 403 displays the composite image (MixXY) on the display unit 415 while being updated.

Here, if each of the

readout times

605 and 606 is sufficiently short with respect to the period of the imaging cycle times Tcyc1 and Tcyc2, generation and display of subtraction images and composite images for the substance X and the substance Y at a higher frame rate. It becomes possible. That is, conventionally, one composite image (MixXY) is generated in a period of four imaging cycle times as shown in FIG. 2, while in the present embodiment, a period of two imaging cycle times is generated. One composite image 631 (Mix XY) can be generated. The user can easily carry out a procedure such as catheter insertion that requires display at a high frame rate while clearly distinguishing the desired substance from the composite image 631 (MixXY) displayed on the display unit 415. It becomes possible.

Second Embodiment
In the second embodiment, when two types of substances are identified, imaging using four types of radiation X _L , X _H , Y _L , and Y _H having different doses and qualities (energy) is efficiently performed. A method different from the first embodiment will be described. The configuration of the radiation imaging system 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

(Operation in Second Embodiment)
The operation in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. FIG. 7A shows a timing chart of a process for generating a composite image (MixXY) based on the energy subtraction method in the second embodiment. FIG. 7B is a flowchart showing an operation of the radiation imaging system 10 corresponding to the timing chart shown in FIG. 7A.

In FIG. 7A, a pseudo waveform (radiation 701) of radiation irradiated by the radiation generation apparatus 101, operation timing (Reset 702) of the reset unit 502, acquisition timing (SHold 703) of the sample and hold unit 503, and an image by the reading unit 504 The read out period (read out 704) is shown along with the time axis.

In the present embodiment, the radiation generating apparatus 101 performs irradiation continuously by changing the dose and radiation quality (energy) of radiation in multiple stages during one irradiation of radiation. Specifically, the radiation generating apparatus 101 is configured to: first low energy radiation (radiation X _L ) and first high energy radiation for identifying a first substance (substance X) at a predetermined imaging cycle time The radiation (radiation X _H ) and the second low energy radiation (radiation Y _L ) and the second high energy radiation (radiation Y _H ) for identifying the second substance (substance Y) are continuous. Irradiate. Subsequently, the radiation imaging apparatus 104 performs the first low energy radiation, the first high energy radiation, the second low energy radiation, and the second high energy in the predetermined imaging cycle time. The first radiation image, the second radiation image, the third radiation image, and the fourth radiation image are generated based on at least one of the radiations of Subsequently, the information processing apparatus 103 determines the first substance based on at least one of the first radiation image, the second radiation image, the third radiation image, and the fourth radiation image. A first image (SubX) to identify and a second image (SubY) to identify the second substance are generated. That is, the information processing apparatus 103 generates a first subtraction image (SubX) based on the first radiation image and the second radiation image, and based on the third radiation image and the fourth radiation image. A second subtraction image (SubY) is generated. The first image and the second image may be generated by the radiation imaging apparatus 104.

First, the reset unit 502 of the radiation imaging apparatus 104 resets and initializes the charges accumulated by the radiation signal acquisition unit 501 (S71). In the subsequent imaging cycle time Tcyc1, the radiation generating apparatus 101 continuously irradiates radiation X _L , X _H , Y _L and Y _H (S72). The radiation signal acquisition unit 501 of the radiation imaging apparatus 104 converts the irradiated radiation into a charge proportional to the amount and stores it. The sample-and-hold unit 503 of the radiation imaging apparatus 104 acquires and accumulates the charges due to the radiation X _L , X _H , Y _L , and Y _H accumulated by the radiation signal acquisition unit 501 at different timings. The reading unit 504 reads the charge accumulated in the sample and hold unit 503, and acquires and stores the read radiation intensity distribution information as a radiation image (S73).

The radiation images stored here are a radiation image 711 (Image (X _L )), a radiation image 712 (Image (X _L + X _H )), a radiation image 713 (Image (X _L + X _H + Y _L )), and a radiation It is an image 714 (Image (X _L + X _H + Y _L + Y _H )). A radiation image 711 (Image (X _L )) corresponds to the charge accumulated in the period from the reset timing by the reset unit 502 to the completion of irradiation of the radiation X _L (the timing of the first SHold 703 in the imaging cycle time Tcyc1). It is an image. A radiation image 712 (Image (X _L + X _H )) is an image corresponding to the charge accumulated in a period from the reset timing by the reset unit 502 to the completion of irradiation of the radiation X _H (the timing of the second SHold 703). . A radiation image 713 (Image (X _L + X _H + Y _L )) is an image corresponding to the charge accumulated in the period from the reset timing by the reset unit 502 to the completion of irradiation of the radiation Y _L (the timing of the third SHold 703). It is. The radiation image 714 (Image (X _L + X _H + Y _L + Y _H )) corresponds to the charge accumulated in the period from the reset timing by the reset unit 502 to the completion of the irradiation of the radiation Y _H (the timing of the fourth SHold 703). Image.

The information processing apparatus 103 acquires the radiation images 711 to 714 stored in the radiation imaging apparatus 104, performs energy subtraction processing, and generates a subtraction image. Specifically, the image processing unit 402 of the information processing apparatus 103 obtains the difference between the radiation image (Image (X _L )) and the radiation image 712 (Image (X _L + X _H )) by taking the difference. Generate Image (X _H )). Subsequently, the image processing unit 402 generates a subtraction image 721 (SubX) by taking the difference between the radiation image 711 (Image (X _L )) and the radiation image (Image (X _H )) (S74). Next, the image processing unit 402 takes a difference between the radiation image 713 (Image (X _L + X _H + Y _L )) and the radiation image 712 (Image (X _L + X _H )) to obtain a radiation image (Image (Y _L )). Generate). The image processing unit 402 also obtains a radiation image (Image (Image (X _L + X _H + Y _L ))) and a radiation image 714 (Image (X _L + X _H + Y _L + Y _H )) by taking the difference. Y _H )) is generated. Subsequently, the image processing unit 402 generates a subtraction image 722 (SubY) by taking the difference between the radiation image (Image (Y _L )) and the radiation image (Image (Y _H )) (S75). The image processing unit 402 may perform filter processing as necessary to generate the subtraction image 721 (SubX) and the subtraction image 722 (SubY).

The information processing apparatus 103 can also start the energy subtraction process before acquiring all of the radiation images 711 to 714 from the radiation imaging apparatus 104. For example, the image processing unit 402 of the information processing apparatus 103 acquires a radiation image 711 (Image (X _L )) and a radiation image 712 (Image (X _L + X _H )) in parallel with performing energy subtraction processing. A radiation image 713 (Image (X _L + X _H + Y _L )) and a radiation image 714 (Image (X _L + X _H + Y _L + Y _H )) may be acquired.

Subsequently, the image processing unit 402 of the information processing device 103 combines the subtraction image 721 (SubX) and the subtraction image 722 (SubY) to generate a combined image (MixXY) (S76). Specifically, the image processing unit 402 changes the hue or the like of each of the subtraction image 721 (SubX) and the subtraction image 722 (SubY) after the image processing for erasing the display other than the substance X and the substance Y. The lightness is given and then superimposed to generate a composite image 731 (MixXY) (S76). The image processing unit 402 may combine the subtraction image 621 (SubX) and the subtraction image 622 (SubY) so as to be displayed in parallel. The display control unit 403 displays the composite image 731 (MixXY) generated by the image processing unit 402 on the display unit 415 (S77).

After the shooting cycle time Tcyc2, the same process as the process in the shooting cycle time Tcyc1 is repeated. Here, if each of the readout times 705 to 708 is sufficiently short with respect to the imaging cycle time Tcyc1, generation and display of a subtraction image and a composite image for the substance X and the substance Y can be performed at a higher frame rate. That is, in the related art, one composite image (MixXY) is generated in a period of four imaging cycle times as shown in FIG. 2, whereas in the present embodiment, one composite image is generated in a period of one imaging cycle time. One composite image (MixXY) can be generated.

Modified Example of Second Embodiment
In the second embodiment, in order to distinguish the substance X and the substance Y, the radiation generating apparatus 101 generates four types of radiation X _L , X _H , Y _L and Y _H having different doses and qualities (energy). An example of continuous irradiation in this order has been described. However, in practice, since the vertical movement of the irradiation energy is severe, the control load in the radiation control apparatus 102 becomes heavy. Therefore, as a modified example of the second embodiment, an example in which the radiation generating apparatus 101 irradiates radiation having an energy distribution in which vertical motion is suppressed will be described using FIGS. 8A and 8B.

FIG. 8A shows a timing chart of processing for generating a composite image (MixXY) based on the energy subtraction method in the present modification. FIG. 8B is a flowchart showing an operation of the radiation imaging system 10 corresponding to the timing chart shown in FIG. 8A.

In FIG. 8A, a pseudo waveform (radiation 801) of radiation irradiated by the radiation generation apparatus 101, operation timing (Reset 802) of the reset unit 502, acquisition timing (SHold 803) of the sample and hold unit 503, and an image by the reading unit 504 The read out period (read out 804) is shown along with the time axis.

In this modification, the first low energy radiation and the first high energy radiation for identifying the first substance, and the second low energy radiation and the second for identifying the second substance. High-energy radiation, such that the energy levels are arranged in ascending order. That is, the radiation generating apparatus 101 continuously irradiates the radiation Y _L , X _L , X _H , and Y _H in this order so that the value [kV] of the tube voltage of the radiation becomes a value near the right shoulder. Thus, the radiation image read by the reading unit 504 is different from that of the second embodiment described above. In other words, after initialization by the reset unit 502 (S81), the read unit 504, the radiation image _{811 (Image (Y L))} , the radiation image _{_{812 (Image (Y L + X}} L)), the radiation image 813 (Image _{(Y L} The image data is read out and stored in the order of + X _L + X _H )) and radiation image 814 (Image (Y _L + X _L + X _H + Y _H )) (S82, S83).

The information processing apparatus 103 acquires the radiation images 811 to 814 stored in the radiation imaging apparatus 104, performs energy subtraction processing, and generates a subtraction image. Specifically, the image processing unit 402 of the information processing apparatus 103, by taking the difference between the radiation image _{_{812 (Image (Y L + X}} L)) and the radiation image _{811 (Image (Y L))} , a radiation image ( Generate Image (X _L )). The image processing unit 402, by taking the difference of the radiation image _{_{813 (Image (Y L + X}} L + X H)) with the radiation image _{_{812 (Image (Y L + X}} L)), image _{(Image (X} H)) Generate Subsequently, the image processing unit 402 generates a subtraction image 821 (SubX) by taking the difference between the radiation image (Image (X _L )) and the radiation image (Image (X _H )) (S84). Next, the image processing unit 402, by taking the difference between the radiation image _{_{_{814 (Image (Y L + X}}} L + X H + Y H)) with the radiation image _{_{813 (Image (Y L + X}} L + X H)), a radiation image Generate (Image (Y _H )). Subsequently, the image processing unit 402 generates a subtraction image 822 (SubY) by taking the difference between the radiation image (Image (Y _H )) and the radiation image 811 (Image (Y _L )) (S85). The subsequent processes (S86 and S87) are the same as the processes of S76 and S77 of FIG. 7B described in the second embodiment.

As described above, in this modification, in addition to the effects described in the second embodiment, the radiation generating apparatus 101 suppresses the vertical movement and continuously changes the dose and quality (energy) to irradiate radiation. Thus, the control load on the radiation control apparatus 102 can be reduced.

Third Embodiment
In the third embodiment, a method for efficiently performing imaging using three types of radiation having different doses and radiation qualities (energy) when identifying two types of substances will be described. The configuration of the radiation imaging system 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, a first low energy radiation (radiation X _L ) for identifying a first substance (substance X) and a second low energy radiation for identifying a second substance (substance Y) When the energy difference of the radiation (radiation Y _L ) is within the predetermined threshold, the radiation generating apparatus 101 emits a common low energy radiation (radiation XY _L ) in which the two radiations are made common. Similarly, the energy difference between the first high energy radiation (radiation X _H ) for identifying the first substance and the second high energy radiation (radiation Y _H ) for identifying the second substance Is within a predetermined threshold value, the radiation generating apparatus 101 emits a common high energy radiation (radiation XY _H ) in which the two radiations are made common.

(Operation in the Third Embodiment)
The operation in the present embodiment will be described using FIGS. 9A and 9B. FIG. 9A shows a timing chart of a process for generating a composite image (MixXY) based on the energy subtraction method in the third embodiment. FIG. 9B is a flowchart showing an operation of the radiation imaging system 10 corresponding to the timing chart shown in FIG. 9A.

In FIG. 9A, a pseudo waveform (radiation 901) of radiation irradiated by the radiation generation apparatus 101, an operation timing (Reset 902) of the reset unit 502, an acquisition timing (SHold 903) of the sample and hold unit 503, and an image by the reading unit 504 The read out period (read out 904) is shown along with the time axis.

In the present embodiment, as in the modification of the second embodiment, it is assumed that the energy increases in the order of the radiation Y _L , X _L , X _H , and Y _L , and the radiation generating apparatus 101 is in the middle of one radiation irradiation. The energy of radiation is changed stepwise. Here, when the difference between the levels of the respective high energy radiations set to identify the substance X and the substance Y is within a predetermined threshold, the two radiations are regarded as a common high energy radiation (radiation An example of common use as XY _H ) will be described. In addition, commonization includes adjusting to one of the energy of two radiation of the object to be common, and using averaged energy. In addition, the determination as to whether to make common or not may be performed based on the user's operation as described later in the fourth embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

First, the reset unit 502 of the radiation imaging apparatus 104 resets and initializes the charges accumulated by the radiation signal acquisition unit 501 (S91). In the subsequent imaging cycle time Tcyc, the radiation generating apparatus 101 continuously irradiates the radiation Y _L , X _L and XY _H (S92). The radiation signal acquisition unit 501 of the radiation imaging apparatus 104 converts the irradiated radiation into a charge proportional to the amount and stores it. The sample-and-hold unit 503 of the radiation imaging apparatus 104 acquires and accumulates the charges due to the radiation X _L , Y _L , and XY _H accumulated by the radiation signal acquisition unit 501 at different timings. The reading unit 504 reads the charges accumulated in the sample and hold unit 503, and acquires and stores the read radiation intensity distribution information as a radiation image (S93). Radiation image stored here, the radiation image _{911 (Image (Y L))} , the radiation image _{_{912 (Image (Y L + X}} L)), is a radiation image _{_{913 (Image (Y L + X}} L + XY H)).

A radiation image 911 (Image (Y _L )) corresponds to the charge accumulated in the period from the reset timing by the reset unit 502 to the completion of irradiation of the radiation Y _L (the timing of the first SHold 903 in the imaging cycle time Tcyc). It is an image. A radiation image 912 (Image (Y _L + X _L )) is an image corresponding to the charge accumulated in a period from the reset timing by the reset unit 502 to the completion of irradiation of the radiation X _L (the second timing of SHold 903). . Radiation image _{_{913 (Image (Y L + X}} L + XY H)) is an image corresponding to the charge accumulated in the period from the reset timing by the reset unit 502 to the irradiation completion of radiation XY _L (3-th timing SHold903) It is.

The information processing apparatus 103 acquires the radiation images 911 to 913 stored in the radiation imaging apparatus 104, performs energy subtraction processing, and generates a subtraction image. Specifically, the image processing unit 402 of the information processing apparatus 103, the radiation image 911 _{(Image (Y} L)) and the radiation image _{_{912 (Image (Y L + X}} L)) and a radiation image by taking the difference (Image Generate (X _L )). Further, the image processing unit 402 obtains a difference between the radiation image 912 (Image (Y _L + X _L )) and the radiation image 913 (Image (Y _L + X _L + XY _H )) to obtain a radiation image (Image (XY _H). ))). Subsequently, the image processing unit 402 generates a subtraction image 922 (SubX) by taking the difference between the radiation image (Image (X _L )) and the radiation image (Image (XY _H )) (S94). . Next, the image processing unit 402, the radiation image _{_{912 (Image (Y L + X}} L)) and the radiation image _{_{913 (Image (X L + Y}} L + XY H)) by taking the difference of the image (Image _(XY H) Generate). As the image (Image (XY _H )), the previously acquired image (Image (XY _H )) may be used. Subsequently, the image processing unit 402 generates a subtraction image 922 (SubY) by taking the difference between the radiation image (Image (XY _H )) and the radiation image 911 (Image (Y _L )) (S95). The subsequent processes (S96 and S97) are similar to the processes of S66 and S67 of FIG. 6B described in the first embodiment.

Thus, according to the present embodiment, by sharing low-energy or high-energy radiation for identifying different substances, the radiation imaging apparatus 104 can sample-hold and hold in addition to the effects of the embodiments described above. It is possible to reduce the number of readings. If the difference between the levels of the low energy radiations set to identify the substance X and the substance Y is within a predetermined threshold, the two radiations are used as the common low energy radiation (radiation XY The same process as that of the present embodiment can be applied to the case where _{L 1} ) is shared.

[Modification of Third Embodiment]
In the third embodiment, the radiation generating apparatus 101 irradiates radiation of three types of energy continuously changed at one imaging cycle time Tcyc. However, in practice, when the difference between the three types of energy is large, the radiation generation apparatus 101 continuously changes the radiation of the three types of energy in one imaging cycle time Tcyc1 because of the performance limitation. Irradiating can be difficult. Therefore, as a modification of the third embodiment, when the difference between the low energy radiation X _L and Y _L and the high energy radiation X _H is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the low energy radiation X _L and Y _L an example of separating the irradiation timing of the high-energy radiation XY _H, is described with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B.

FIG. 10A shows a timing chart of a process for generating a composite image (MixXY) based on the energy subtraction method in the present modification. FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing the operation of the radiation imaging system 10 corresponding to the timing chart shown in FIG. 10A. Figure 9 differs from that described in the second embodiment, the radiation generating apparatus 101, the radiation XY _H of high energy, is to irradiation with low-energy radiation X _L, imaging cycle time different from Y _L. That is, in FIG. 10A, the radiation generating apparatus 101 irradiates low energy radiation X _L and Y _L at the imaging cycle time Tcyc 1 and applies high energy radiation XY _H at the subsequent imaging cycle time Tcyc 2 (S101). In response to this, the reading unit 504 of the radiation imaging apparatus 104 has a radiation image 1011 (Image (Y _L )), a radiation image 1012 (Image (Y _L + X _L )), and a radiation image 1013 (Image (XY _H )). Read and save in order.

The information processing apparatus 103 acquires the radiation images 1001 to 1003 stored in the radiation imaging apparatus 104, performs energy subtraction processing, and generates a subtraction image. Specifically, the image processing unit 402 of the information processing apparatus 103, by taking the difference between the radiographic image _{_{1012 (Image (Y L + X}} L)) and the radiation image _{1011 (Image (Y L))} , a radiation image ( Generate Image (X _L )). Subsequently, the image processing unit 402 generates a subtraction image 1021 (SubX) by taking the difference between the radiation image (Image (X _L )) and the radiation image 1013 (Image (XY _H )) (S102). Next, the image processing unit 402, by taking the difference between the radiographic image 1011 _{(Image (Y} L)) and the radiation image _{1013 (Image (XY H))} , and generates the subtraction image 1022 (SubY) (S103) . The subsequent processes (S104 and 105) are the same as the processes of S66 and S67 of FIG. 6B described in the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the present modification, although the frame rate is lower than the method according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects described in the third embodiment, the load on the radiation generation of the radiation generation apparatus is suppressed. Is possible.

Fourth Embodiment
In the fourth embodiment, a user operation on the information processing apparatus 103 when performing the processing described in the first to third embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. 11A to 11E. FIGS. 11A to 11E are screen display examples of the display unit 415 of the information processing apparatus 103 when the user selects two types of identification target substances. In this embodiment, a graphic user interface (GUI) is formed by the display unit 415 and the operation unit 414, and the user operation is to perform the operation described below on the GUI.

FIG. 11A shows an initial screen 1101 displayed on the display unit 415 for an operation of selecting two types of substances to be identified. On the initial screen 1101, together with an identification item list 1102 (puncture, stent, fine blood vessel, bone, etc.) of distinguishable substances (items), a synthetic button 1103, a commonization completion button 1104, a commonization cancellation button 1105, a setting completion button 1106 is displayed. The identification item list 1102 may include metal, resin, and the like in addition to the components of the living body. Further, the combination button 1103, the commonization completion button 1104, the commonization cancellation button 1105, and the setting completion button 1106 will be described later. The initial screen 1101 further displays a radiation energy distribution table 1107 set to identify each substance included in the identification item list 1102 according to the user's operation. In FIG. 11A, the ordinate represents the irradiation time ([t]), and the abscissa represents the distribution chart showing the quality (tube voltage [kV]), but this is an example, and other displays It may be a distribution table of radiation energy in the form.

On the initial screen 1101, the user selects a substance to be identified from the identification item list 1102 via the operation unit 414. When the user selects one item from the identification item list 1102, the user operates the operation unit 414 to check the check box shown beside each item. An example screen after selecting “catheter” as a substance to be identified is shown in FIG. 11B. In response to the selection of “catheter” by the user, the “catheter” check box in the identification item list 1102 is checked on the screen 1111 of FIG. 11B. In addition, in response to the selection of the “catheter” by the user, the distribution table 1112 of radiation energy includes radiation energy at the time of low energy imaging used to identify the “catheter” and radiation energy at the time of high energy imaging Is displayed as a bar.

Subsequently, the user selects the substance "microvessel" to be identified simultaneously with the "catheter" from the identification item list 1102. An example of the screen after selecting “fine blood vessel” as a substance to be identified is shown in FIG. 11C. In response to the selection of “fine blood vessel” by the user, the “catheter” and the “fine blood vessel” check boxes in the identification item list 1102 are checked on the screen 1121 of FIG. 11C. In addition, in response to the selection of the “catheter” by the user, the radiation energy distribution table 1122 includes radiation energy at the time of low energy imaging used for identifying “fine blood vessels” and radiation at the time of high energy imaging Energy is also displayed in a bar. In this state, when the user decides to shift to radiation imaging, the user selects the setting completion button 1106. In response to this, the substance setting unit 406 sets the first substance and the second substance to be identified, and the information processing apparatus 103 performs various settings in accordance with the setting of the substance by the substance setting unit 406.

Specifically, for example, in the case of performing imaging and radiation image generation as in the above-described first embodiment, the radiation setting unit 405 causes the radiation generation apparatus 101 to execute the A first low energy radiation (radiation X _L ) and a first high energy radiation (radiation X _H ) are sequentially irradiated to identify the substance 1 (substance X), and the predetermined imaging cycle time The second low energy radiation (radiation Y _L ) and the second high energy radiation (radiation Y _H ) for identifying the second substance (substance Y) continuously in the next imaging cycle time of Set to irradiate. Further, the timing setting unit 404 causes the radiation imaging apparatus 104 to generate a first radiation image and a second radiation image based on the first low energy radiation and the first high energy radiation as the predetermined radiation image. A timing for generating a third radiation image and a fourth radiation image based on the two low energy radiations and the second high energy radiation at the next imaging cycle time is generated at the imaging cycle time. Set After the start of imaging, the image processing unit 402 performs a first image for identifying the first substance based on the first radiation image generated by the radiation imaging apparatus 104 and the second radiation image ( It operates to generate SubX) and generate a second image (SubY) for identifying the second substance based on the third radiation image and the fourth radiation image.

In addition, in the case of performing imaging and radiation image generation as in the second embodiment described above, the radiation setting unit 405 causes the radiation generation device 101 to generate the first substance (substance X) a first low energy radiation (radiation X _L ) and a first high energy radiation (radiation X _H ), and a second low energy radiation for identifying the second substance The radiation (Y _L ) and the second high energy radiation (Y _H ) are set to be irradiated continuously. Further, the timing setting unit 404 causes the radiation imaging apparatus 104 to receive the first low energy radiation, the first high energy radiation, the second low energy radiation, and the second high energy. The timing for generating the first radiation image, the second radiation image, the third radiation image, and the fourth radiation image at the predetermined imaging cycle time is set based on at least one of the radiations. After the start of imaging, the image processing unit 402 causes at least one of the first radiation image, the second radiation image, the third radiation image, and the fourth radiation image generated by the radiation imaging apparatus 104. , And generates a first image (SubX) for identifying the first substance and a second image (SubY) for identifying the second substance.

In addition, in the case of performing imaging and radiation image generation as in the modification of the second embodiment described above, the radiation setting unit 405 instructs the radiation generation device 101 to perform the first low energy radiation and the radiation. The first high energy radiation, the second low energy radiation, and the second high energy radiation are set to be irradiated in an ascending order of energy levels.

On the other hand, as shown in the radiation energy distribution table 1122 in FIG. 11C, when the radiation energy at the time of low energy imaging of each of the “catheter” and the “fine blood vessel” is similar, these radiation energy Can also be used in common (third embodiment). When the user decides to use a plurality of radiation energy in common, the user selects the combining button 1103. In response to the selection of the synthesis button 1103, a circle for selecting radiation energy to be shared is displayed in the radiation energy distribution table 1142 in the screen 1141 of FIG. 11D. The user can designate the radiation energy to be shared by arranging the circle so as to surround the radiation energy to be shared.

When the designation of commonization is completed, the user selects the commonization completion button 1104, and in response to the selection, the radiation energy distribution table 1152 in the screen 1151 of FIG. It will be displayed as On the other hand, in the case of releasing the common use radiation energy, the user selects the common use cancellation button 1105. Conversely, if it is desired to further commonize, the user selects the composite button 1103 again. When all the standardization is completed, the user selects the setting completion button 1106. In response to this, the substance setting unit 406 sets commonality to the first substance to be identified and the second substance, and according to the substance and the commonization setting by the substance setting unit 406, the information processing apparatus 103 performs various operations. Make settings.

Specifically, in the case of performing imaging and radiation image generation as in the third embodiment described above, the first low energy radiation (radiation X _L ) and the second low energy radiation (radiation Y _{When the} user performs an operation (an operation for performing sharing) indicating that the energy difference with _L ) is within the predetermined first threshold, the radiation setting unit 405 instructs the radiation generation device 101 to It is set to emit a common low energy radiation (radiation XY _L ) that is common to the first low energy radiation and the second low energy radiation. In addition, an operation indicating that the difference between the energy of the first high energy radiation (radiation X _H ) and the energy of the second high energy radiation (radiation Y _H ) is within a predetermined first threshold (commonization is performed If the radiation setting unit 405 performs the operation (1) for the user), the radiation setting unit 405 causes the radiation generation device 101 to share the first high energy radiation and the second high energy radiation in common. It is set to emit high energy radiation (radiation XY _H ).

In addition, in the case of performing imaging and radiation image generation as in the modification of the third embodiment described above, the radiation setting unit 405 sets the irradiation timing in consideration of the energy level as shown in FIG. 10A. The radiation generation apparatus 101 is set to be separated. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10A, the timing setting unit 404 sets, with respect to the radiation imaging apparatus 104, a timing for generating a radiation image corresponding to the radiation in the imaging cycle time when the radiation is irradiated. .

In the present embodiment, a GUI for specifying a substance to be identified is described. However, regarding the method of displaying the GUI, if the procedure described in the present embodiment is possible, the example of FIGS. It is not limited.

Thus, according to the embodiment described above, the energy which changed radiation energy during single radiation irradiation, acquired a plurality of radiation images different in radiation energy, and clearly identified two or more kinds of substances When creating a subtraction animation, a subtraction animation can be generated with a small number of irradiations. Such an animation can clearly display the catheter and blood vessel at the time of catheter insertion to clearly visualize the insertion operation situation. In addition, when imaging using the same radiation energy is required among substances to be identified, it is possible to reduce the irradiation time and reduce the exposure dose at the time of imaging by sharing a plurality of imagings.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention supplies a program that implements one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program. Can also be realized. It can also be implemented by a circuit (eg, an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the following claims are attached to disclose the scope of the present invention.

The present application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-244418 filed on Dec. 20, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

A first low energy radiation and a first high energy radiation for identifying a first substance, and a second low energy radiation and a second high energy radiation for identifying a second substance Radiation generating means for continuously irradiating
The first substance is identified based on at least one of the first low energy radiation, the first high energy radiation, the second low energy radiation, and the second high energy radiation Image processing means for generating a first image for imaging and a second image for identifying the second substance;
A radiation imaging system comprising:
A first radiation image and a first radiation image based on at least one of the first low energy radiation, the first high energy radiation, the second low energy radiation, and the second high energy radiation. The image generation means for generating the second radiation image, the third radiation image and the fourth radiation image;
The image processing means generates the first image based on the first radiation image and the second radiation image, and the second image based on the third radiation image and the fourth radiation image. The radiography system according to claim 1, which generates an image of
The radiation imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit generates a composite image by combining the first image and the second image.
It further comprises an image generation means for generating a radiation image,
The radiation generating means includes the first low energy radiation, the second high energy radiation, the second low energy radiation, and the second high energy radiation at a predetermined imaging cycle time. Irradiate continuously,
The image generation unit is configured to generate the first low energy radiation, the first high energy radiation, the second low energy radiation, and the second high energy radiation at the predetermined imaging cycle time. Generating a first radiation image, a second radiation image, a third radiation image, and a fourth radiation image based on at least one of
The image processing means may generate the first image and the second image based on at least one of the first radiation image, the second radiation image, the third radiation image, and the fourth radiation image. The radiography system according to claim 1, which generates an image of
It further comprises an image generation means for generating a radiation image,
The radiation generating means continuously irradiates the first low energy radiation and the first high energy radiation at a predetermined imaging cycle time, and the next imaging cycle time of the predetermined imaging cycle time Sequentially irradiating the second low energy radiation and the second high energy radiation,
The image generation means generates a first radiation image and a second radiation image based on the first low energy radiation and the first high energy radiation at the predetermined imaging cycle time. At a next imaging cycle time, a third radiation image and a fourth radiation image are generated based on the second low energy radiation and the second high energy radiation,
The image processing means generates the first image based on the first radiation image and the second radiation image, and the second image processing means generates the second image based on the third radiation image and the fourth radiation image. The radiation imaging system according to claim 1, which generates an image.
The radiation generating means arranges the first low energy radiation, the first high energy radiation, the second low energy radiation, and the second high energy radiation in ascending order of energy levels. The radiation imaging system according to claim 4, wherein the radiation is performed.
The radiation generating means may include the first low energy radiation and the first low energy radiation if the energy difference between the first low energy radiation and the second low energy radiation is within a predetermined first threshold. The radiography system according to claim 6, wherein a common low energy radiation which is common to the second low energy radiation is irradiated.
The radiation according to claim 7, wherein it is determined by the user whether the energy difference between the first low energy radiation and the second low energy radiation is within a predetermined first threshold. Shooting system.
When the energy difference between the common low energy radiation and the first high energy radiation or the second high energy radiation is greater than or equal to a predetermined second threshold, the radiation generating means may The common low energy radiation is irradiated at a predetermined imaging cycle time, and the first high energy radiation and the second high energy radiation are applied at an imaging cycle time following the predetermined imaging cycle time Irradiate continuously,
The image generation unit generates a common low energy radiation image as the first image and the second image based on the common low energy radiation at the predetermined imaging cycle time, and the next image 8. The imaging method according to claim 7, further comprising: generating the third radiation image and the fourth radiation image based on the first high energy radiation and the second high energy radiation at an imaging cycle time. The radiography system as described in 8.
If the energy difference between the first high energy radiation and the second high energy radiation is within a predetermined first threshold, the radiation generating means may comprise the first high energy radiation and the second high energy radiation. 7. The radiography system according to claim 6, wherein a common high energy radiation in which the two high energy radiations are made common is irradiated.
The radiation according to claim 10, wherein it is determined by the user whether the energy difference between the first high energy radiation and the second high energy radiation is within a predetermined first threshold. Shooting system.
When the energy difference between the common high energy radiation and the first low energy radiation or the second low energy radiation is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold, the radiation generating means may The first low energy radiation and the second low energy radiation are continuously irradiated at a predetermined imaging cycle time, and the common high energy is acquired at an imaging cycle time following the predetermined imaging cycle time. Irradiate the radiation of
The image generation unit generates the first radiation image and the second radiation image based on the first low energy radiation and the second low energy radiation at the predetermined imaging cycle time. 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein common high energy radiation is generated as the third radiation image and the fourth radiation image based on the common high energy radiation in the next imaging cycle time. Or the radiography system as described in 11.
The display control means for superimposing the said 1st image and said 2nd image which were produced | generated by the said image processing means, and displaying on a display means, It has further characterized by the above-mentioned. Radiographic system as described.
An information processing apparatus,
Substance setting means for setting the first substance and the second substance to be identified by the user's operation;
The first low-energy radiation and the first high-energy radiation for identifying the first substance are continuously applied to a radiation generating apparatus for emitting radiation at a predetermined imaging cycle time, A radiation set to continuously emit a second low energy radiation and a second high energy radiation for identifying the second substance at a next imaging cycle time subsequent to the predetermined imaging cycle time Setting means,
A first radiation image and a second radiation image based on the first low energy radiation and the first high energy radiation are provided to a radiation imaging apparatus that detects radiation emitted from the radiation generation apparatus. A third radiation image and a fourth radiation image based on the second low energy radiation and the second high energy radiation are generated at the next imaging cycle time, generated at the predetermined imaging cycle time Timing setting means for setting the timing for
A first image for identifying the first substance is generated based on the first radiation image and the second radiation image generated by the radiation imaging apparatus, and the third radiation image and the third radiation image are generated. An image processing unit configured to generate a second image for identifying the second substance based on a fourth radiation image.
An information processing apparatus,
Substance setting means for setting the first substance and the second substance to be identified by the user's operation;
The first low energy radiation and the first high energy radiation for identifying the first substance, and the second substance, for a radiation generating apparatus for irradiating radiation, in a predetermined imaging cycle time Radiation setting means configured to continuously emit a second low energy radiation and a second high energy radiation for identifying
The first low energy radiation, the first high energy radiation, the second low energy radiation, and the second radiation imaging apparatus for detecting the radiation emitted from the radiation generation apparatus The timing to generate the first radiation image, the second radiation image, the third radiation image, and the fourth radiation image at the predetermined imaging cycle time is set based on at least one of high energy radiation Timing setting means for
The first substance is identified based on at least one of the first radiation image, the second radiation image, the third radiation image, and the fourth radiation image generated by the radiation imaging apparatus. Image processing means for generating a first image for imaging and a second image for identifying the second substance;
An information processing apparatus comprising:
The radiation setting means transmits the first low energy radiation, the first high energy radiation, the second low energy radiation, and the second high energy radiation to the radiation generator. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the irradiation is performed so that the energy levels are arranged in ascending order.
If the user has performed an operation indicating that the energy difference between the first low energy radiation and the second low energy radiation is within a predetermined first threshold,
The radiation setting means is configured to irradiate the radiation generating apparatus with a common low energy radiation in which the first low energy radiation and the second low energy radiation are shared. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that:
When the energy difference between the common low energy radiation and the first high energy radiation or the second high energy radiation is greater than or equal to a predetermined second threshold, the radiation setting means may The radiation generator is irradiated with the common low energy radiation in the predetermined imaging cycle time, and the first high energy radiation and the first high energy radiation in the imaging cycle time following the predetermined imaging cycle time Set to continuously emit the second high energy radiation,
The timing setting unit is configured to, for the radiation imaging apparatus, share a low energy radiation image common to the first image and the second image based on the common low energy radiation at the predetermined imaging cycle time. Timing for generating the third radiation image and the fourth radiation image based on the first high energy radiation and the second high energy radiation in the next imaging cycle time. The information processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein
If the user has performed an operation indicating that the energy difference between the first high energy radiation and the second high energy radiation is within a predetermined first threshold,
The radiation setting means is configured to irradiate the radiation generating apparatus with a common high energy radiation in which the first high energy radiation and the second high energy radiation are shared. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that:
When the energy difference between the common high energy radiation and the first low energy radiation or the second low energy radiation is greater than or equal to a predetermined second threshold, the radiation setting means may The radiation generation apparatus is continuously irradiated with the first low energy radiation and the second low energy radiation at the predetermined imaging cycle time, and the next imaging cycle after the predetermined imaging cycle time Set to emit the common high energy radiation at time
The timing setting unit is configured to, based on the first low energy radiation and the second low energy radiation with respect to the radiation imaging apparatus, based on the first low energy radiation and the second low energy radiation. Generating a second radiation image and generating a common high energy radiation as the third radiation image and the fourth radiation image based on the common high energy radiation in the next imaging cycle time 20. The information processing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the timing of is set.
21. The display device according to claim 14, further comprising display control means for superimposing the first image and the second image generated by the image processing means and displaying the superimposed image on a display unit. Information processor as described.
A control method of the information processing apparatus,
A substance setting step of setting a first substance and a second substance to be identified by a user operation;
The first low-energy radiation and the first high-energy radiation for identifying the first substance are continuously applied to a radiation generating apparatus for emitting radiation at a predetermined imaging cycle time, A radiation set to continuously emit a second low energy radiation and a second high energy radiation for identifying the second substance at a next imaging cycle time subsequent to the predetermined imaging cycle time Setting process,
A first radiation image and a second radiation image based on the first low energy radiation and the first high energy radiation are provided to a radiation imaging apparatus that detects radiation emitted from the radiation generation apparatus. A third radiation image and a fourth radiation image based on the second low energy radiation and the second high energy radiation are generated at the next imaging cycle time, generated at the predetermined imaging cycle time Timing setting process for setting the timing for
A first image for identifying the first substance is generated based on the first radiation image and the second radiation image generated by the radiation imaging apparatus, and the third radiation image and the third radiation image are generated. And d. An image processing step of generating a second image for identifying the second substance based on a fourth radiation image.
A control method of the information processing apparatus,
A substance setting step of setting a first substance and a second substance to be identified by a user operation;
The first low energy radiation and the first high energy radiation for identifying the first substance, and the second substance, for a radiation generating apparatus for irradiating radiation, in a predetermined imaging cycle time Setting a second low energy radiation and a second high energy radiation to be continuously irradiated to identify the radiation;
The first low energy radiation, the first high energy radiation, the second low energy radiation, and the second radiation imaging apparatus for detecting the radiation emitted from the radiation generation apparatus The timing to generate the first radiation image, the second radiation image, the third radiation image, and the fourth radiation image at the predetermined imaging cycle time is set based on at least one of high energy radiation Timing setting process, and
The first substance is identified based on at least one of the first radiation image, the second radiation image, the third radiation image, and the fourth radiation image generated by the radiation imaging apparatus. Image processing to generate a first image for imaging and a second image for identifying the second material;
And controlling the information processing apparatus.
A program for causing a computer to function as the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 21.