Information processing apparatus, radiographic image capturing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus, a radiographic image capturing system, an information processing method, and a program capable of supporting posture determination of a subject during radiography targeting a lung field.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus includes at least one processor. The processor specifies respective positions of the subject's left and right elbows and a position of a reference point on a back surface of the subject by using an optical image obtained by imaging the subject from behind, derives respective distances to the specified positions of the left and right elbows and a distance to the position of the reference point by using a distance image obtained by imaging the subject from behind, and performs the first determination regarding the subject's posture on the basis of the derived distances to the positions of the left and right elbows and to the position of the reference point.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosed technology relates to an information processing device, a radiographic image capturing system, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] The following technologies are known regarding radiography. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a medical image diagnostic device that includes an image acquisition unit that acquires an optical image of a subject, a position calculation unit that acquires three-dimensional position information of a characteristic part of the subject based on the optical image, and a control unit that calculates the amount of movement of a tabletop on which the subject is placed based on the position information of the characteristic part so that the characteristic part of the subject moves to an imaging position of an imaging means, and moves the tabletop based on the calculated amount of movement.

[0003] Patent document 2 describes a positioning system that includes an actuable support for moving a patient's arms and legs, a sensor that provides a sensor signal indicative of the patient's body parameters, and a controller that determines the value of the body parameter based on the sensor signal and actuates the support in accordance with the determined value so that the patient is guided into a position for diagnostic imaging. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-038908 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2021-506414 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When performing radiography of the lung field, the patient is positioned so that both elbows are protruding forward relative to the back in order to exclude the scapula from the lung field. If the elbows are not protruding sufficiently relative to the back, the image of the scapula may be captured in the lung field. In this case, re-examination is required, which increases the burden on the radiologist and increases the patient's radiation exposure.

[0006] Currently, radiologists rely on their own experience to determine whether the subject's posture during imaging is appropriate, and there are a certain number of cases where imaging is performed with the subject in an inappropriate position, resulting in the image of the scapula appearing in the lung field area.

[0007] The disclosed technology has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to support the determination of the posture of a subject when radiography is performed on the lung field. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An information processing device according to the disclosed technology includes at least one processor that uses an optical image of the subject captured from behind to identify the positions of the subject's left and right elbows and the position of a reference point on the subject's back, derives distances to the identified positions of the left and right elbows and the reference point using a range image of the subject captured from behind, and makes a first determination of the subject's posture based on the derived distances to the positions of the left and right elbows and the reference point.

[0009] The processor may perform the first determination by deriving a difference between the distance to each position of the left and right elbows and the distance to the position of the reference point, and comparing the difference with a threshold. The processor may output determination information indicating that the subject's posture is appropriate if the difference is equal to or greater than the threshold. The processor may output determination information indicating that the subject's posture is inappropriate if the difference is less than the threshold.

[0010] The processor may set the threshold value based on physique information indicating the physique of the subject. The processor may generate the physique information based on at least one of the optical image and the distance image.

[0011] The processor may use the optical image to identify the positions of the subject's left and right shoulders, and identify the position of the center point of the line segment connecting the identified positions of the left and right shoulders as the position of the reference point.

[0012] The processor may use an optical image of the subject taken from behind to identify the positions of the subject's left and right shoulders, derive the distances to the identified positions of the left and right shoulders using a distance image of the subject taken from behind, and make a second judgment about the subject's posture based on the derived distances to the positions of the left and right shoulders.

[0013] A radiographic image capturing system according to the disclosed technique includes the information processing device described above, an optical camera that generates an optical image, a distance sensor that generates a distance image, and a radiation source unit that emits radiation.

[0014] The optical camera and the distance sensor may be attached to the radiation source unit. The optical camera and the distance sensor may be integrally configured. The distance sensor may be a ToF camera or a stereo camera.

[0015] The information processing method of the disclosed technology uses an optical image of the subject photographed from behind to identify the positions of the subject's left and right elbows and the position of a reference point on the subject's back, uses a distance image of the subject photographed from behind to derive the distances to the identified left and right elbow positions and the distance to the reference point position, and at least one processor provided in the information processing device executes a process to make a first judgment about the subject's posture based on the derived distances to the left and right elbow positions and the distance to the reference point position.

[0016] The program related to the disclosed technology is a program that causes at least one processor provided in an information processing device to execute the following process: using an optical image of the subject taken from behind, identify the positions of the subject's left and right elbows and the position of a reference point on the subject's back; using a distance image of the subject taken from behind, derive the distances to the identified left and right elbow positions and the distance to the reference point; and making a first judgment about the subject's posture based on the derived distances to the left and right elbow positions and the distance to the reference point. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the disclosed technology, it is possible to assist in determining the posture of a subject during radiography of the lung field. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a radiographic image capturing system according to an embodiment of the disclosed technique. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a radiographic image capturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosed technique. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. [Figure 5] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an example of a processing mode for identifying each position on the body of a subject by a position identifying unit according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing performed by a CPU of an information processing device executing a processing program according to an embodiment of the disclosed technique. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an information processing device according to another embodiment of the disclosed technology. [Figure 8]10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing performed by a CPU of an information processing device according to another embodiment of the disclosed technology executing a processing program. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the disclosed technology will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or equivalent components and parts are given the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0020] [First embodiment] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a radiographic image capturing system 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosed technique. The radiographic image capturing system 1 includes an information processing device 10, a radiographic image capturing device 20, an optical camera 30, and a distance sensor 40.

[0021] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a radiographic imaging device 20. The radiographic imaging device 20 is capable of performing radiographic imaging of a subject P using radiation R such as X-rays. The radiographic imaging device 20 is configured to include an imaging unit 21 and a radiation generation unit 22. The imaging unit 21 has a standing imaging table 211, a radiation detector 212, and a console 213. The radiation generation unit 22 has a radiation source suspension device 221, a radiation source unit 222, a radiation source control device 223, a tube voltage generator 224, and an exposure switch 225.

[0022] The standing position imaging table 211 is an imaging table for imaging the subject P in a standing position. The standing position imaging table 211 has a base 219 placed on the floor, a support 214 extending in the height direction from the base 219, and a holder 215 that holds the radiation detector 212 therein. The holder 215 is connected to the support 214 via a connection part 216. The connection part 216 and the holder 215 can be raised and lowered along the support 214. The holder 215 can be raised and lowered via a console 213.

[0023] The radiation detector 212 generates a radiological image according to the radiation R that has passed through the subject P. The radiation detector 212 is connected to the console 213 by wire or wirelessly so as to be able to communicate with the console 213. The radiation detector 212 is used while being housed in a holder 215.

[0024] The radiation detector 212 has a detection panel in which a plurality of pixels that accumulate charges according to radiation R are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix. The detection panel is also called an FPD (Flat Panel Detector). When irradiation of radiation R begins, the detection panel starts an accumulation operation to accumulate charges in the pixels. When irradiation of radiation R ends, the detection panel starts a readout operation to read out the charges accumulated in the pixels as electrical signals.

[0025] The console 213 is, for example, a desktop, notebook, or tablet computer. The console 213 has a display 217 that displays various screens, and an input device 218 that includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. The console 213 transmits various signals to the radiation detector 212. The console 213 also receives radiation images from the radiation detector 212. The console 213 displays the radiation images on the display 217.

[0026] The radiation source suspension device 221 has an arm 226 and a carriage 227. A radiation source unit 222 is attached to the tip of the arm 226, and a base end of the arm 226 is attached to the carriage 227. The arm 226 can be extended and retracted in the vertical direction by a motor or the like. By extending and retracting the arm 226 in the vertical direction, the height position of the radiation source unit 222 can be changed. The radiation source unit 222 can rotate around an axis perpendicular to the extension and retraction direction of the arm 226. Extension and retraction of the arm 226 and rotation of the radiation source unit 222 can be performed via the console 213.

[0027] The cart 227 is connected to rails 229 laid on the ceiling 228. In other words, the radiation source unit 222 is ceiling-suspended. The radiation source unit 222 can move parallel along the rails 229. When the radiation source unit 222 moves parallel along the rails 229, the SID (Source to Image Receptor Distance), which is the distance from the radiation source unit 222 to the detection surface of the radiation detector 212, changes. The radiation source unit 222 can be moved parallel via the console 213.

[0028] The radiation source unit 222 has a radiation tube 230 and a collimator 231. The radiation tube 230 is provided with a filament, a target, a grid electrode, and the like (all not shown). A voltage is applied between the filament, which is the cathode, and the target, which is the anode. The voltage applied between this filament and target is called the tube voltage. The filament emits thermoelectrons toward the target in accordance with the applied tube voltage. The target emits radiation R due to collision of the thermoelectrons from the filament. The grid electrode is disposed between the filament and the target. The grid electrode changes the flow rate of thermoelectrons from the filament toward the target in accordance with the applied voltage. The flow rate of thermoelectrons from the filament toward the target is called the tube current.

[0029] The collimator 231 limits the irradiation range of the radiation R emitted from the radiation tube 230. The collimator 231 is made of a radiation shielding material such as lead, and has four shielding plates arranged on each side of a rectangle. The radiation R emitted from the radiation tube 230 passes through openings formed in the centers of the four shielding plates and is irradiated onto the subject P. Changing the position of each shielding plate changes the size of the opening, which changes the irradiation range of the radiation R.

[0030] A tube voltage generator 224 and an exposure switch 225 are connected to the radiation source control device 223. The radiation source control device 223 controls the operation of the radiation source unit 222 in response to various instruction signals from the exposure switch 225. The exposure switch 225 is operated when starting irradiation of radiation R.

[0031] When radiography is performed on the lung field of a subject P, the subject P is positioned so that the chest of the subject P contacts the front surface of the holder 215, as shown in Fig. 2. The radiation R is irradiated from behind the subject P.

[0032] The optical camera 30 is an imaging device capable of generating an optical image (RGB image). An optical image of the subject P is captured by the optical camera 30. The optical camera 30 is attached to the radiation source unit 222. The entire irradiation range of the radiation R at the position of the subject P is included in the capturing range of the optical camera 30. When radiography is performed on the lung field of the subject P, an optical image is captured from behind the subject P.

[0033] The distance sensor 40 is a device capable of generating a distance image representing the distance to the surface of an object. The distance sensor 40 captures a distance image of the subject P. The distance sensor 40 may be, for example, a ToF (Time of Flight) camera that generates a distance image using infrared light. Alternatively, the distance sensor 40 may be a stereo camera that generates a distance image based on the principle of triangulation using two cameras. The distance sensor 40, like the optical camera 30, is attached to the radiation source unit 222. When radiography is performed on the lung field of the subject P, a distance image is captured from behind the subject P. Note that, although the present embodiment illustrates a case in which the optical camera 30 and the distance sensor 40 are configured as separate devices, they may also be configured as an integrated device. In other words, it is possible to use a single device that is capable of capturing both optical images and distance images.

[0034] The information processing device 10 has a function of determining the posture of the subject P when radiography of the lung field of the subject P is performed, based on the optical image of the subject P output from the optical camera 30 and the distance image of the subject P output from the distance sensor 40. The information processing device 10 may also serve as the console 213.

[0035] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a non-volatile memory 103, an input device 104 including a keyboard and a mouse, a display 105, and a communication interface 106. These pieces of hardware are connected to a bus 108.

[0036] The display 105 may be a touch panel display. The communication interface 106 is an interface through which the information processing device 10 communicates with the optical camera 30, the distance sensor 40, and the radiographic image capturing device 20. The communication method may be either wired or wireless. For wireless communication, a method conforming to existing wireless communication standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be applied.

[0037] The nonvolatile memory 103 is a nonvolatile storage medium such as a hard disk or flash memory. A processing program 110 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 103. The RAM 102 is a work memory for the CPU 101 to execute processing. The CPU 101 loads the processing program 110 stored in the nonvolatile memory 103 into the RAM 102 and executes processing in accordance with the processing program 110. The CPU 101 is an example of a "processor" in the disclosed technology.

[0038] 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of information processing device 10. Information processing device 10 has optical image acquisition unit 11, distance image acquisition unit 12, position identification unit 13, distance derivation unit 14, first determination unit 15, and second determination unit 16. When CPU 101 executes processing program 110, information processing device 10 functions as optical image acquisition unit 11, distance image acquisition unit 12, position identification unit 13, distance derivation unit 14, first determination unit 15, and second determination unit 16.

[0039] The optical image acquisition unit 11 acquires an optical image of the subject P photographed from behind, which is output from the optical camera 30. The distance image acquisition unit 12 acquires a distance image of the subject P photographed from behind, which is output from the distance sensor 40. When performing radiography on the lung field of the subject P, the subject P is positioned so that the chest is in contact with the front of the holder 215 that holds the radiation detector 212 therein, and both elbows are thrust forward relative to the back, in order to exclude the scapula from the lung field area. The optical image acquisition unit 11 and the distance image acquisition unit 12 acquire an optical image and a distance image, respectively, of the subject P in the above-described positioning state.

[0040] The position specifying unit 13 specifies the positions of the left and right elbows of the subject P, the positions of the left and right shoulders of the subject P, and the position of a reference point on the back surface of the subject P, from the optical image acquired by the optical image acquiring unit 11. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a processing mode in which the position specifying unit 13 specifies the positions Q1 of the left and right elbows of the subject P, the positions Q2 of the left and right shoulders of the subject P, and the position Q3 of the reference point on the back surface of the subject P.

[0041] The position identification unit 13 uses a known posture estimation technique to identify the positions Q1 of the left and right elbows of the subject P, the positions Q2 of the left and right shoulders of the subject P, and the position Q3 of the reference point. The posture estimation technique is a technique that uses a model learned by machine learning to estimate the posture of a person by extracting feature points such as the eyes, ears, nose, elbows, shoulders, wrists, and knees from an image of the human body.

[0042] The position specifying unit 13 specifies the positions Q1 of the left and right elbows of the subject P from the extraction results of both elbows, and specifies the positions Q2 of the left and right shoulders of the subject P from the extraction results of both shoulders. The position specifying unit 13 specifies the position of the center point C of the line segment connecting the identified positions Q2 of the left and right shoulders as the position Q3 of the reference point on the back surface of the subject P. Note that in this embodiment, the center point C of the line segment connecting the positions of the left and right shoulders is used as the reference point, but any point located in the center of the left and right direction on the back surface of the subject P can be used as the reference point.

[0043] The distance derivation unit 14 uses the distance image acquired by the distance image acquisition unit 12 to derive the distance L1 to the positions Q1 of the subject P's left and right elbows, the distance L2 to the positions Q2 of the subject P's left and right shoulders, and the distance L3 to the reference point position Q3 on the subject P's back. The distance derivation unit 14 converts the coordinate positions of the positions Q1, Q2, and Q3 identified by the position identification unit 13 on the optical image into coordinate positions on the distance image. This coordinate conversion can be performed by geometric calculation based on the installation positions of the optical camera 30 and the distance sensor 40. The distance derivation unit 14 derives the distance L1 to the positions Q1 of the subject P's left and right elbows, the distance L2 to the positions Q2 of the subject P's left and right shoulders, and the distance L3 to the reference point position Q3 on the subject P's back from pixel values ​​or three-dimensional coordinate values ​​corresponding to the pixel values ​​at the coordinate positions Q1, Q2, and Q3 on the distance image.

[0044] The first determination unit 15 performs the main determination of the posture of the subject P based on the distances L1 to the positions Q1 of the left and right elbows of the subject P and the distance L3 to the position Q3 of the reference point, which are derived by the distance derivation unit 14. Specifically, the first determination unit 15 calculates the difference ΔL between the distances L1 to the positions Q1 of the left and right elbows of the subject P and the distance L3 to the position Q3 of the reference point. A (=L1-L3) and calculate the difference ΔL A The posture of the subject P is determined by comparing the difference ΔL with a threshold T1. This determination is an example of a "first determination" in the disclosed technology. A The derivation of is performed for each of the left and right elbows, and the comparison with the threshold T1 is performed for each of the left and right elbows. A In this embodiment, the threshold value T1 is a predetermined value. The threshold value T1 is set in consideration of the amount of forward protrusion of both elbows relative to the back surface. For example, the threshold value T1 may be determined based on data obtained when radiography of the lung fields is performed on multiple subjects. As an example, the threshold value T1 can be set to 20 mm.

[0045] The first determination unit 15 determines the difference ΔL A is greater than or equal to the threshold T1 (ΔLA When the difference ΔL is greater than or equal to the threshold value T1), determination information indicating that the posture of the subject P is appropriate is output. When performing radiography on the lung field, in order to exclude the scapulae from the lung field region, it is necessary to perform the imaging with both elbows protruding forward with respect to the back surface. The difference ΔL A being greater than or equal to the threshold value T1 means that the posture of the subject P is an appropriate posture in which both elbows protrude forward with respect to the back surface. Therefore, when ΔL A ≧T1 is satisfied for each of the left and right elbows, the first determination unit 15 outputs determination information indicating that the posture of the subject P is appropriate.

[0046] On the other hand, when the difference ΔL A is less than the threshold value T1 (ΔL A <T1), the first determination unit 15 outputs determination information indicating that the posture of the subject P is inappropriate. The difference ΔL A being less than the threshold value T1 means that the posture of the subject P is an inappropriate posture in which both elbows do not protrude forward with respect to the back surface or the protrusion amount is insufficient. Therefore, when ΔL A <T1 is satisfied for at least one of the left and right elbows, the first determination unit 15 outputs determination information indicating that the posture of the subject P is inappropriate. In this case, the first determination unit 15 may include information indicating which of the left and right elbows is in the state of ΔL A <T1 in the determination information.

[0047] The output of the determination information related to this determination may be performed, for example, by display on the display 105, output of sound, emission of a lamp, etc. Also, when the radiation image capturing apparatus 20 includes a display panel, the output of the determination information related to this determination may be performed by display on this display panel. The first determination unit 15 may output only one of the determination information indicating that the posture of the subject P is appropriate and the determination information indicating that the posture of the subject P is inappropriate.

[0048] The second determination unit 16 makes a preliminary determination about the posture of the subject P based on the respective distances L2 from the distance derivation unit 14 to the respective positions Q2 of the left and right shoulders of the subject P. Specifically, the second determination unit 16 determines the distance L2 to the position of the right shoulder of the subject P R and the distance L2 to the position of the left shoulder of the subject P L and calculates the difference ΔL B (=|L2 R -L2 L |). Then, by comparing the difference ΔL B with the threshold value T2, a preliminary determination about the posture of the subject P is made. The preliminary determination by the second determination unit 16 is executed before the main determination by the first determination unit 15. The preliminary determination is a determination as to whether the subject P is facing the detection surface of the radiation detector 212 directly. The preliminary determination is an example of the "second determination" in the disclosed technology.

[0049] When the difference ΔL B is less than the threshold value T2 (ΔL B <T2), the second determination unit 16 outputs determination information indicating that the posture of the subject P is appropriate. That the difference ΔL B is less than the threshold value T2 means that the posture of the subject P is an appropriate posture facing the detection surface of the radiation detector 212. Therefore, in this case, the second determination unit 16 outputs determination information indicating that the posture of the subject P is appropriate.

[0050] On the other hand, when the difference ΔL B is greater than or equal to the threshold value T2 (ΔL B ≧T2), the second determination unit 16 outputs determination information indicating that the posture of the subject P is appropriate. That the difference ΔL B is greater than or equal to the threshold value T2 means that the posture of the subject P is an inappropriate posture not facing the detection surface of the radiation detector 212. Therefore, in this case, the second determination unit 16 outputs determination information indicating that the posture of the subject P is inappropriate.

[0051] The output of the determination information related to the preliminary determination may be performed, for example, by displaying on the display 105, outputting a sound, illuminating a lamp, etc. Furthermore, if the radiographic imaging device 20 is equipped with a display panel, the output of the determination information related to the preliminary determination may be performed by displaying on the display panel. Furthermore, the second determination unit 16 may output only one of the determination information indicating that the posture of the subject P is appropriate and the determination information indicating that the posture of the subject P is inappropriate.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing carried out by the CPU 101 executing the processing program 110.

[0053] In step S1, the optical image acquisition unit 11 acquires an optical image output from the optical camera 30, the optical image being obtained by photographing the subject P from behind.

[0054] In step S2, the distance image acquisition unit 12 acquires a distance image output from the distance sensor 40, the distance image being obtained by photographing the subject P from behind.

[0055] In step S3, the position specifying unit 13 specifies positions Q1 of the left and right elbows of the subject P and positions Q2 of the left and right shoulders of the subject P from the optical image acquired in step S1. Next, the position specifying unit 13 specifies the position of the center point C of the line segment connecting the specified positions Q2 of the left and right shoulders as the position Q3 of the reference point on the back surface of the subject P.

[0056] In step S4, the distance derivation unit 14 uses the distance image acquired in step S2 to derive distances L1 to positions Q1 of the left and right elbows of the subject P identified in step S3. The distance derivation unit 14 also uses the distance image acquired in step S2 to derive distances L2 to positions Q2 of the left and right shoulders of the subject P identified in step S3. The distance derivation unit 14 also uses the distance image acquired in step S2 to derive distance L3 to position Q3 of the reference point identified in step S3.

[0057] In step S5, the second determination unit 16 performs a preliminary determination of the posture of the subject P based on the distance L2 derived in step S4. Specifically, the second determination unit 16 determines the distance L2 to the position of the right shoulder of the subject P. R and the distance L2 to the position of the left shoulder of the subject P L Difference ΔL B (=|L2 R -L2 L |) and the difference ΔL B It is determined whether the difference ΔL is less than the threshold T2. B If it is determined that the difference ΔL is less than the threshold T2, the process proceeds to step S6. B If it is determined that is equal to or greater than the threshold value T2, the process proceeds to step S7.

[0058] In step S6, the second determination unit 16 outputs determination information indicating that the posture of the subject P is appropriate. B is less than the threshold value T2, this means that the posture of the subject P is appropriate and that the subject P is facing the detection surface of the radiation detector 212. Therefore, in this case, the second determination unit 16 outputs determination information indicating that the posture of the subject P is appropriate. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S8.

[0059] In step S7, the second determination unit 16 outputs determination information indicating that the posture of the subject P is inappropriate. B is equal to or greater than the threshold value T2, this means that the posture of the subject P is inappropriate, that is, the subject P is not facing the detection surface of the radiation detector 212. Therefore, in this case, the second determination unit 16 outputs determination information indicating that the posture of the subject P is inappropriate. Based on this determination information, the posture of the subject P is corrected. Thereafter, the process returns to step S1, and the second determination unit 16 performs determination processing again on the corrected posture of the subject P.

[0060] In step S8, the first determination unit 15 performs a final determination of the posture of the subject P based on the distances L1 and L3 derived in step S4. Specifically, the first determination unit 15 calculates the difference ΔL between the distances L1 to the positions Q1 of the left and right elbows and the distance L3 to the position of the reference point Q3. A (=L1-L3) and calculate the difference ΔL A It is determined whether the difference ΔL is equal to or greater than the threshold T1. A If it is determined that the difference ΔL is equal to or greater than the threshold value T1, the process proceeds to step S9. A If it is determined that the threshold value T1 is less than the threshold value T1, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0061] In step S9, the first determination unit 15 outputs determination information indicating that the posture of the subject P is appropriate. A is equal to or greater than the threshold T1, it means that the posture of the subject P is appropriate with both elbows protruding forward relative to the back surface. Therefore, in this case, the first determination unit 15 outputs determination information indicating that the posture of the subject P is appropriate.

[0062] In step S10, the first determination unit 15 outputs determination information indicating that the posture of the subject P is inappropriate. A is less than the threshold T1, this means that the posture of the subject P is inappropriate, with both elbows not protruding forward relative to the back surface or with an insufficient amount of protrusion. Therefore, in this case, the first determination unit 15 outputs determination information indicating that the posture of the subject P is inappropriate.

[0063] When performing radiography (chest X-ray) of the lung field, the patient must assume a position with both elbows protruding forward in relation to their back in order to exclude the shoulder blades from the lung field area. If the elbows are not protruding sufficiently in relation to the back, the image of the shoulder blades may appear in the lung field area of ​​the radiographic image. In this case, the image must be retaken, which increases the burden on the radiologist and increases the patient's radiation exposure.

[0064] Currently, radiologists rely on their own experience to determine whether the subject's posture during imaging is appropriate, and there are a certain number of cases where imaging is performed with the subject in an inappropriate position, resulting in the image of the scapula appearing in the lung field area.

[0065] According to the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment of the disclosed technology, it is possible to determine whether the subject is in an appropriate posture with the left and right elbows protruding forward relative to the back, thereby assisting in determining the subject's posture during radiography of the lung field.

[0066] [Second embodiment] 7 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an information processing device 10 according to a second embodiment of the disclosed technology. The information processing device 10 according to the second embodiment differs from the information processing device 10 according to the first embodiment in that it further includes a physique information generating unit 17 and a threshold setting unit 18.

[0067] The physique information generating unit 17 generates physique information indicating the physique of the subject P based on the optical image of the subject P captured from behind, which is acquired by the optical image acquiring unit 11. The physique information may be a numerical value indicating at least one of the height, weight, and chest circumference of the subject P estimated from the optical image of the subject P. The physique information may also be information indicating the physique classification of the subject P (normal, large, small, thin, obese).

[0068] The threshold setting unit 18 sets the threshold T1 used in the main determination by the first determination unit 15 based on the physique information generated by the physique information generation unit 17. For example, the threshold setting unit 18 may set a larger value as the threshold T1 as the physique indicated by the physique information increases.

[0069] 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the CPU 101 of the information processing device 10 according to the second embodiment by executing the processing program 110. The processing flow according to the second embodiment is obtained by adding the processing of steps S11 and S12 to the processing flow according to the first embodiment.

[0070] The process of step S11 is executed after the process of step S6 (output of determination information related to preliminary determination). In step S11, the physique information generating unit 17 generates physique information indicating the physique of the subject P based on the optical image acquired in step S1.

[0071] In step S12, the threshold setting unit 18 sets the threshold T1 to be used in the main determination by the first determination unit 15, based on the physique information generated in step S11. After the process of step S12, the process of step S8 is executed.

[0072] In step S8, the first determination unit 15 calculates the difference ΔL between the distance L1 to each position Q1 of the left and right elbows and the distance L3 to the position of the reference point Q3. A (=L1-L3) and calculate the difference ΔL A is equal to or greater than the threshold value T1 set in step S12.

[0073] As described above, according to the information processing device 10 of the second embodiment, the threshold value T1 used in the main judgment by the first judgment unit 15 (judging whether or not the subject P is in an appropriate posture with the left and right elbows protruding forward relative to the back surface) is set according to the physique of the subject P, making it possible to make a more appropriate judgment.

[0074] In the above description, an example has been given in which physique information is generated based on an optical image, but the disclosed technology is not limited to this example. The physique information generation unit 17 may generate physique information indicating the physique of the subject P based on a distance image captured from behind the subject P by the distance image acquisition unit 12. The physique information generation unit 17 may also generate physique information based on both the optical image and the distance image. Furthermore, if the physique information of the subject P is known, the threshold setting unit 18 may set the threshold T1 based on the known physique information. In this case, the physique information generation unit 17 is not necessary.

[0075] In each of the above embodiments, the following various processors can be used as the hardware structure of processing units that perform various processes, such as the optical image acquisition unit 11, distance image acquisition unit 12, position identification unit 13, distance derivation unit 14, first determination unit 15, second determination unit 16, physique information generation unit 17, and threshold setting unit 18. As described above, the various processors include CPUs and GPUs, which are general-purpose processors that execute software (programs) and function as various processing units, as well as dedicated electrical circuits, such as programmable logic devices (PLDs) whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, such as FPGAs, and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), which are processors with a circuit configuration designed specifically for performing specific processes.

[0076] A single processing unit may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Also, multiple processing units may be configured with a single processor.

[0077] Examples of configuring multiple processing units with a single processor include, first, a form in which one processor is configured with a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as multiple processing units, as typified by computers such as client and server. Second, a form in which a processor is used to realize the functions of the entire system including multiple processing units with a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as typified by systems on chips (SoCs). In this way, various processing units are configured using one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as a hardware structure.

[0078] Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors can be an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the processing program 110 is pre-stored (installed) in the non-volatile memory 103, but the present invention is not limited to this. The processing program 110 may be provided in a form recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. The processing program 110 may also be downloaded from an external device via a network.

[0080] The following additional notes are disclosed regarding the above first and second embodiments. (Appendix 1) An information processing device having at least one processor, The processor: Using an optical image of the subject taken from behind, the positions of the left and right elbows of the subject and the positions of reference points on the back surface of the subject are identified; deriving distances to the identified positions of the left and right elbows and the position of the reference point using a distance image captured from behind the subject; A first determination is made regarding the posture of the subject based on the derived distances to the positions of the left and right elbows and the distance to the position of the reference point. Information processing device.

[0081] (Appendix 2) The processor: deriving a difference between the distance to each position of the left and right elbows and the distance to the position of the reference point; The first determination is made by comparing the difference with a threshold value. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1.

[0082] (Appendix 3) The processor: When the difference is equal to or greater than the threshold, outputting determination information indicating that the posture of the subject is appropriate. 3. The information processing device according to claim 2.

[0083] (Appendix 4) The processor: When the difference is less than the threshold, determination information indicating that the posture of the subject is inappropriate is output. 4. The information processing device according to claim 2 or 3.

[0084] (Appendix 5) The processor: The threshold value is set based on physique information indicating the physique of the subject. 5. An information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Note 2 to Supplementary Note 4.

[0085] (Appendix 6) The processor generates the physique information based on at least one of the optical image and the distance image. 6. The information processing device according to claim 5.

[0086] (Appendix 7) The processor: Using the optical image, the positions of the subject's left and right shoulders are identified; The position of the center point of the line segment connecting the identified positions of the left and right shoulders is identified as the position of the reference point. 7. An information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 6.

[0087] (Appendix 8) The processor: Identifying the positions of the subject's left and right shoulders using an optical image of the subject taken from behind; deriving distances to the identified positions of the left and right shoulders using a distance image obtained by photographing the subject from behind; A second determination is made regarding the posture of the subject based on the derived distances to the respective positions of the left and right shoulders. 8. An information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 7.

[0088] (Appendix 9) An information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 8; an optical camera for generating the optical image; a distance sensor for generating the distance image; a radiation source unit that emits radiation; A radiation imaging system including:

[0089] (Appendix 10) The optical camera and the distance sensor are attached to the radiation source unit. 10. A radiation imaging system according to claim 9.

[0090] (Appendix 11) The optical camera and the distance sensor are integrally configured. 11. A radiation imaging system according to claim 9 or 10.

[0091] (Appendix 12) The distance sensor is a ToF camera or a stereo camera. 12. A radiation imaging system according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

[0092] (Appendix 13) Using an optical image of the subject taken from behind, the positions of the subject's left and right elbows and the positions of reference points on the subject's back are identified; deriving distances to the identified positions of the left and right elbows and a distance to the position of the reference point using a distance image obtained by photographing the subject from behind; A first determination is made regarding the posture of the subject based on the derived distances to the positions of the left and right elbows and the distance to the position of the reference point. An information processing method in which processing is executed by at least one processor included in an information processing device.

[0093] (Appendix 14) Using an optical image of the subject taken from behind, the positions of the subject's left and right elbows and the positions of reference points on the subject's back are identified; deriving distances to the identified positions of the left and right elbows and a distance to the position of the reference point using a distance image obtained by photographing the subject from behind; A first determination is made regarding the posture of the subject based on the derived distances to the positions of the left and right elbows and the distance to the position of the reference point. A program for causing at least one processor included in an information processing device to execute a process. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1. Radiography system 10. Information processing equipment 11 Optical image acquisition unit 12 Range image acquisition unit 13 Location identification part 14 Distance derivation part 15 First Judgment Section 16 Second Judgment Section 17 Physique information generation section 18 Threshold setting section 20 Radiation imaging device 21 Photography Department 22 Radiation Generation Unit 30 Optical Camera 40 Distance Sensor 101 CPU 102 RAM 103 Non-volatile memory 104 Input Device 105 Display 106 Communication Interface 108 Bus 110 Processing Program 211 Standing Photography Platform 212 Radiation detector 213 Console 214 Post 215 Holder 216 Connection 217 Display 218 Input Devices 219 Pedestal 221 Source suspension system 222 Source section 223 Radiation source control device 224 Tube Voltage Generator 225 Irradiation switch 226 Arm 227 Cart 228 Ceiling 229 Rail 230 Radiation Tube 231 Collimator

Claims

1. An information processing device including at least one processor, The processor: Using an optical image of the subject taken from behind, the positions of the left and right elbows of the subject and the positions of reference points on the back surface of the subject are identified; deriving distances to the identified positions of the left and right elbows and the position of the reference point using a distance image captured from behind the subject; A first determination is made regarding the posture of the subject based on the derived distances to the positions of the left and right elbows and the distance to the position of the reference point. Information processing device.

2. The processor: deriving a difference between the distance to each position of the left and right elbows and the distance to the position of the reference point; The first determination is made by comparing the difference with a threshold value. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The processor: When the difference is equal to or greater than the threshold, outputting determination information indicating that the posture of the subject is appropriate. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The processor: When the difference is less than the threshold, determination information indicating that the posture of the subject is inappropriate is output. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

5. The processor: The threshold value is set based on physique information indicating the physique of the subject. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

6. The processor generates the physique information based on at least one of the optical image and the distance image. The information processing device according to claim 5 .

7. The processor: Using the optical image, the positions of the subject's left and right shoulders are identified; The position of the center point of the line segment connecting the identified positions of the left and right shoulders is identified as the position of the reference point. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

8. The processor: Identifying the positions of the subject's left and right shoulders using an optical image of the subject taken from behind; deriving distances to the identified positions of the left and right shoulders using a distance image obtained by photographing the subject from behind; A second determination is made regarding the posture of the subject based on the derived distances to the respective positions of the left and right shoulders. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

9. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8; an optical camera for generating the optical image; a distance sensor for generating the distance image; a radiation source unit that emits radiation; A radiation imaging system including:

10. The optical camera and the distance sensor are attached to the radiation source unit. The radiation image capturing system according to claim 9 .

11. The optical camera and the distance sensor are integrally configured. The radiation image capturing system according to claim 9 .

12. The distance sensor is a ToF camera or a stereo camera. The radiation image capturing system according to claim 9 .

13. Using an optical image of the subject taken from behind, the positions of the subject's left and right elbows and the positions of reference points on the subject's back are identified; deriving distances to the identified positions of the left and right elbows and a distance to the position of the reference point using a distance image obtained by photographing the subject from behind; A first determination is made regarding the posture of the subject based on the derived distances to the positions of the left and right elbows and the distance to the position of the reference point. An information processing method in which processing is executed by at least one processor included in an information processing device.

14. Using an optical image of the subject taken from behind, the positions of the subject's left and right elbows and the positions of reference points on the subject's back are identified; deriving distances to the identified positions of the left and right elbows and a distance to the position of the reference point using a distance image obtained by photographing the subject from behind; A first determination is made regarding the posture of the subject based on the derived distances to the positions of the left and right elbows and the distance to the position of the reference point. A program for causing at least one processor included in an information processing device to execute a process.

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