Imaging jig and information processing device

Abstract

An imaging jig is used when a radiographic image is captured by irradiating a subject with radiation. The imaging jig includes: a moving mechanism that moves a position of an imaging subject so that a relative positional relationship between a radiation source that emits radiation and the imaging subject changes; and a display unit that displays movement amount information indicating the amount of movement of the subject from the initial position. On a radiation image, movement amount information is recognizable and depicted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology of the present invention relates to a photographing fixture and an information processing device. Background Art

[0002] As a technology related to radiographic imaging, the following technology is known. For example, in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-179657, there is described an X-ray inspection device, which includes an X-ray irradiation source, a table for carrying an object to be irradiated, and an X-ray detector for receiving X-rays that pass through the object to be irradiated and detecting its perspective image. The X-ray inspection device includes: a shift mechanism that moves the X-ray detector between a first position and a second position; a control unit that controls the movement of the X-ray detector performed by the shift mechanism; a matching processing unit that performs pattern matching between an image of a moving position detection fixture carried on the table at a first shift position and a second image of the fixture; a movement amount calculation unit that calculates the movement amount between the first and second shift positions of the X-ray detector based on the position of the fixture in the first and second images detected in the matching processing unit; and a storage unit that stores the movement amount calculated by the movement amount calculation unit.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-15426 describes a radiation CT apparatus that, after performing a preliminary imaging of a subject placed on a table, performs actual imaging of the sample by moving the table and the radiation detector in the same manner as the preliminary imaging to reconstruct a tomographic image. Summary of the invention

[0004] Technical issues to be solved by the invention

[0005] As a photography technique for reconstructing a truncated surface at an arbitrary depth position through a single tomographic imaging, there is a known method of tomosynthesis. Among the reconstruction processing methods of tomosynthesis, a method called shift-addition method is widely known. The shift-addition method is a method in which, for a series of radiological images obtained by continuously shooting while changing the relative position relationship between the radiation source and the imaging object, each image is shifted by an appropriate amount along the scanning direction and the results are overlapped, thereby obtaining a tomographic image focused on a specific truncated surface. By adjusting the shift amount of each image, a tomographic image of an arbitrary truncated surface can be obtained.

[0006] In the reconstruction process of tomographic images, in order to calculate the displacement amount of each radiographic image, information indicating the relative positional relationship between the radiographic objects depicted on the radiographic images (hereinafter referred to as relative positional information) is required for each image. In an imaging device with a tomosynthesis function, a series of radiographic images are acquired by changing the imaging direction through robot control. The relative positional relationship of the radiographic objects depicted on a series of radiographic images can be easily calculated by combining with the robot control of the imaging direction. According to an imaging device with a tomosynthesis function, tomographic images can be easily obtained, but the price is high and it is not easy to introduce.

[0007] Therefore, a method of obtaining a tomographic image using an imaging device that does not have a tomographic fusion function (a robot control function of the imaging direction) is considered. By manually moving the position of the imaging object to change the relative position relationship between the radiation source and the imaging object, multiple radiographic images with different imaging directions can be obtained. However, in this case, it is not easy to obtain the correct relative position information for each of the multiple radiographic images with different imaging directions. In addition, it is necessary to manually operate to associate the radiographic image with the relative position information.

[0008] The technology of the present invention has been created in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to support the acquisition of relative position information and the association of a radiographic image and the relative position information.

[0009] Means for solving technical problems

[0010] The imaging fixture of the present invention is used when capturing a radiographic image by irradiating a radiographic object with radiation, and includes: a moving mechanism that moves the position of the imaging object so that the relative positional relationship between a radiation source emitting radiation and the imaging object changes; and a display unit that displays movement information indicating the movement amount of the imaging object from an initial position. The movement information is depicted identifiably on the radiographic image.

[0011] The moving mechanism may also be a mechanism that moves the photographed object in parallel or in rotation. The display of the movement amount information may also change in conjunction with the movement of the moving mechanism. The movement amount information may also be displayed by a mark made of a material having a different transmittance to radiation than the moving mechanism.

[0012] The moving mechanism may include: a fixed part, the relative position relationship between the fixed part and the radiation source is fixed; and a moving part, the moving part is arranged to be movable relative to the fixed part. The photographed object may also move with the movement of the moving part. The display part may include a first mark arranged on the fixed part and a second mark arranged on the moving part. The movement amount information may also be displayed according to the relative position relationship between the first mark and the second mark.

[0013] An information processing device according to the technology of the present invention includes at least one processor, and processes a radiographic image captured by using the above-mentioned imaging jig. The processor acquires the radiographic image and recognizes movement amount information drawn on the radiographic image.

[0014] The processor may also recognize the movement amount information included in the radiation image by comparing it with a template pattern corresponding to the movement amount information.

[0015] On the radiographic image, a position detection mark for detecting the display position of the movement amount information can be identifiably drawn. The processor can also detect the position of the movement amount information included in the radiographic image based on the position detection mark included in the radiographic image.

[0016] The processor may record image data with movement amount information obtained by associating the movement amount information with the radiographic image in a recording medium.

[0017] The processor may generate a tomographic image of the imaging target using a plurality of data with movement amount information recorded on the recording medium for a plurality of radiological images having different relative positional relationships between the radiation source and the imaging target.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the technique of the present invention, it is possible to support the acquisition of relative position information and the association between a radiographic image and the relative position information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of the photographing jig according to the embodiment of the technology of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing an exploded view of a fixed portion and a movable portion according to an embodiment of the technology of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing a state in which a moving part according to an embodiment of the technology of the present invention moves linearly on a fixed part.

[0023] Figure 4A This is a plan view of the moving part according to the embodiment of the technology of the present invention as viewed from the contact surface side with the fixed part.

[0024] Figure 4B This is a plan view of the fixed part according to the embodiment of the technology of the present invention as viewed from the contact surface side with the moving part.

[0025] Figure 5AThis is a perspective view of the marks when the photographing jig according to the embodiment of the technology of the present invention is viewed from the upper surface side of the moving part.

[0026] Figure 5B This is a perspective view of the marks when the photographing jig according to the embodiment of the technology of the present invention is viewed from the upper surface side of the moving part.

[0027] Fig. 6A This is a side view showing an example of a method of using the photographing clamp according to the embodiment of the technology of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 6B This is a side view showing an example of a method of using the photographing clamp according to the embodiment of the technology of the present invention.

[0029] Fig. 7A This is a diagram showing an example of a radiographic image captured using the imaging jig according to the embodiment of the technology of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 7B This is a diagram showing an example of a radiographic image captured using the imaging jig according to the embodiment of the technology of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the technology of the present invention.

[0032] Fig. 9 This is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the technology of the present invention.

[0033] Fig.10 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the CPU according to the embodiment of the technology of the present invention executing the information processing program.

[0034] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing an example of another display method of movement amount information according to an embodiment of the technology of the present invention.

[0035] Fig.12 This is a diagram showing an example of position detection marks arranged around a mark according to an embodiment of the technology of the present invention.

[0036] Fig.13 This is a diagram showing an example of another display form of movement amount information according to an embodiment of the technology of the present invention.

[0037] Fig.14A This is a side view showing an example of the structure of a photographing clamp and a method of using the same according to another embodiment of the technology of the present invention.

[0038] Fig. 14BThis is a side view showing an example of the structure of a photographing clamp and a method of using the same according to another embodiment of the technology of the present invention.

[0039] Fig.15A is with Fig.14A The corresponding top view.

[0040] Fig. 15B is with Fig. 14B The corresponding top view.

[0041] Fig.16A This is a diagram showing an example of a radiographic image captured using a radiographic jig according to another embodiment of the technology of the present invention.

[0042] Fig. 16B This is a diagram showing an example of a radiographic image captured using a radiographic jig according to another embodiment of the technology of the present invention.

[0043] Fig.17A This is a side view showing an example of the structure of a photographing clamp and a method of using the same according to another embodiment of the technology of the present invention.

[0044] Fig. 17B This is a side view showing an example of the structure of a photographing clamp and a method of using the same according to another embodiment of the technology of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the technology of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each of the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same or equivalent components and parts, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0046] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of a photographing fixture 10 according to an embodiment of the technology of the present invention. The photographing fixture 10 is a fixture used when a radiographic image is captured by irradiating a photographic object with radiation. The photographing fixture 10 includes a fixed portion 11 and a movable portion 12. The relative position of the fixed portion 11 and a radiation source (not shown) that emits radiation is fixed. The movable portion 12 is provided to be movable relative to the fixed portion 11. The fixed portion 11 and the movable portion 12 are an example of a "moving mechanism" in the technology of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 2 1 is a perspective view showing the fixed part 11 and the movable part 12 in an exploded manner. A linearly extending guide groove 13 is provided on the contact surface of the movable part 12 with the fixed part 11. A linearly extending convex guide rail 14 is provided on the contact surface of the fixed part 11 with the movable part 12. Figure 3As shown, when the guide rail 14 is inserted into the guide groove 13, the movable part 12 can move linearly (parallel) along the guide rail 14 on the fixed part 11. That is, the photographing fixture 10 functions as a so-called linear motion stage. The movement of the movable part 12 can be performed manually or automatically.

[0048] Figure 4A It is a plan view of the moving portion 12 as viewed from the contact surface side with the fixed portion 11 . Figure 4B This is a top view of the fixed portion 11 as viewed from the contact surface side with the movable portion 12. A mark 20A and a mark 20B for displaying movement amount information indicating the movement amount of the movable portion 12 from the initial position are provided on the contact surfaces of the fixed portion 11 and the movable portion 12, respectively. The portion of the photographic clamp 10 on which the mark 20A and the mark 20B are formed is an example of a "display portion" in the technology of the present invention. The mark 20A is a mark formed by drawing a scale extending linearly along the extension direction of the guide rail 14 and a numerical value marked on the scale on the outer side of the guide rail 14. The mark 20B is a mark formed by drawing a pointer indicating the position on the mark 20A (scale) on the outer side of the guide groove 13. In addition, the initial position can be determined arbitrarily, but for example, as Figure 1 As shown, the position where the end surfaces of the fixed portion 11 and the movable portion 12 in the moving direction of the movable portion 12 are aligned may be set as the initial position.

[0049] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The mark 20A and the mark 20B are perspective views of the photographing jig 10 when viewed from the upper surface side of the moving portion 12 . Figure 5A Indicates the case where the moving part 12 is located at the initial position, Figure 5B Indicates the case where the moving unit 12 is located at the moving position after moving from the initial position. When the moving unit 12 is located at the initial position, the numerical value N1 indicating the position on the mark 20A (scale) indicated by the mark 20B (pointer) is typically "0". As the moving unit 12 moves from the initial position, the position on the mark 20A (scale) indicated by the mark 20B (pointer) moves. The numerical value N2 indicating the position on the mark 20A (scale) indicated by the mark 20B (pointer) at the moving position indicates the movement amount of the moving unit 12 from the initial position. That is, the display of the movement amount information of the mark 20A and the mark 20B changes in conjunction with the action of the moving unit 12. In addition, the numerical value N1 indicating the position on the mark 20A (scale) indicated by the mark 20B (pointer) when the moving unit 12 is located at the initial position may not be "0". In this case, the difference (N2-N1) between the numerical value N2 at the moving position and the numerical value N1 at the initial position is the movement amount of the moving unit 12.

[0050] The fixed part 11 and the movable part 12 are made of a material with a high transmittance to radiation (X-rays). As the material of the fixed part 11 and the movable part 12, for example, plastics such as PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and PS (polystyrene) can be used. On the other hand, the mark 20A and the mark 20B are drawn on the movable part 12 and the fixed part 11 respectively using a material with a low transmittance to radiation (X-rays). As the material of the mark 20A and the mark 20B, for example, metals such as aluminum, copper and lead can be used. In this way, by making the transmittance of the material of the mark 20A and the mark 20B to radiation (X-rays) lower than that of the fixed part 11 and the movable part 12, the movement amount information can be drawn on the radiological image taken using the photographic clamp 10.

[0051] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B Each of them is a side view showing an example of how to use the photographing clamp 10. Fig. 6A Indicates the case where the moving part 12 is located at the initial position, Figure 6B It indicates that the moving part 12 is at the moving position after moving from the initial position. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the radiographic object 50 of the radiographic image is arranged on the movable part 12, and the radiation detector 30 is arranged under the fixed part 11. The radiation source 40 emitting radiation is arranged at a position where the imaging jig 10 and the radiographic object 50 are sandwiched between the radiation source 40 and the radiation detector 30. The relative positions of the radiation source 40, the imaging jig 10 and the radiation detector 30 are determined in such a way that the imaging object 50, the mark 20A and the mark 20B are contained in the imaging field of view. In addition, the radiation detector 30 may also be a known flat panel detector that generates radiographic images.

[0052] like Fig. 6A As shown in FIG. 1 , a radiographic image is captured of the imaging object 50 with the moving portion 12 located at the initial position. Figure 6B As shown in the figure, by moving the moving part 12 in parallel to the left direction in the figure, the imaging object 50 is moved to the moving position together with the moving part 12. That is, the imaging fixture 10 moves the position of the imaging object 50 to change the relative positional relationship between the radiation source 40 and the imaging object 50. At each of the multiple different moving positions, a radiation image is captured of the imaging object 50. During the imaging of the radiation image, the radiation source 40, the fixed part 11 and the radiation detector 30 remain stationary.

[0053] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The figures each show an example of a radiographic image 60 captured using the imaging jig 10 . Fig. 7AIndicates the case where the moving part 12 is at the initial position, Figure 7B 2 shows a case where the moving unit 12 is at a moved position after being moved from the initial position. On the radiographic image 60, the image 20AI of the marker 20A and the image 20BI of the marker 20B are depicted together with the image 50I of the imaging object 50. Figure 7B As shown, based on the image 20AI of the mark 20A and the image 20BI of the mark 20B when the moving unit 12 is located at the moving position, the movement amount of the imaging object 50 at the moving position from the initial position can be specified. That is, the movement amount information displayed by the mark 20A and the mark 20B indicates the movement amount of the imaging object 50 from the initial position. The radiographic image generated by the radiation detector 30 is stored in an image server (not shown).

[0054] Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device 100 that processes a radiographic image captured using a radiographic fixture 10. The information processing device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a nonvolatile memory 103, an input device 104, a display 105, and a network interface 106. These hardware components are connected to a bus 107.

[0055] The display 105 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display. The input device 104 includes, for example, a keyboard and a mouse, and may also include a proximity input device such as a touch panel display, a sound input device such as a microphone, a non-contact input device such as a camera or a sensor. The network interface 106 is an interface for the information processing device 100 to connect to an image server (not shown) storing radiological images via a network.

[0056] The nonvolatile memory 103 is a nonvolatile storage medium such as a hard disk and a flash memory. In the nonvolatile memory 103, an information processing program 110 and a template pattern 120 are stored. The details of the template pattern 120 will be described later. RAM 102 is a working memory used by CPU 101 to execute processing. CPU 101 loads the information processing program 110 stored in the nonvolatile memory 103 into RAM 102 and executes processing according to the information processing program 110. CPU 101 is an example of a "processor" in the technology of the present invention.

[0057] Fig. 91 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional structure of the information processing device 100. The information processing device 100 includes an acquisition unit 131, an identification unit 132, a recording processing unit 133, and a tomographic image generation unit 134. The CPU 101 executes the information processing program 110, whereby the CPU 101 functions as the acquisition unit 131, the identification unit 132, the recording processing unit 133, and the tomographic image generation unit 134.

[0058] The acquisition unit 131 accesses an image server (not shown) to acquire a series of radiographic images captured by moving the moving unit 12 relative to the same radiographic object using the radiographic fixture 10. That is, a plurality of radiographic images with different relative positional relationships between the radiation source 40 and the radiographic object are acquired. In addition, the acquisition unit 131 may directly acquire radiographic images from the radiation detector 30 without going through the image server.

[0059] The recognition unit 132 recognizes the movement amount information drawn on each of the plurality of radiographic images acquired by the acquisition unit 131. The recognition unit 132 recognizes the movement amount information using the template pattern 120 recorded in the nonvolatile memory 103. The template pattern 120 has an image 20AI of the marker 20A and an image 20BI of the marker 20B drawn on the radiographic image (see Fig. 7A and Figure 7B ) The recognition unit 132 extracts an image portion similar to the template pattern 120 from the radiographic image. The recognition unit 132 identifies the scales included in the extracted area, the numerical values ​​marked on the scales, and the pointer indicating the position on the scales, and recognizes the numerical value corresponding to the position on the scale indicated by the pointer as the movement amount information.

[0060] The recording processing unit 133 associates the movement amount information identified by the identification unit 132 with the corresponding radiographic image and records them in the nonvolatile memory 103. The recording processing unit 133 associates the movement amount information with the radiographic image for each of the plurality of radiographic images acquired by the acquisition unit 131, and records each of the image data of the radiographic image associated with the movement amount information (hereinafter referred to as image data with movement amount information) in the nonvolatile memory 103.

[0061] The tomographic image generation unit 134 generates a tomographic image of the imaging object using a plurality of image data with movement amount information recorded in the nonvolatile memory 103. The tomographic image generation unit 134 generates the tomographic image using, for example, a shift-addition method which is one of the reconstruction methods of the tomographic image. The shift-addition method is a method in which, for a series of radiological images obtained by continuously shooting while changing the relative positional relationship between the radiation source and the imaging object, each image is shifted by an appropriate amount in the scanning direction and the results are overlapped, thereby obtaining a tomographic image focused on a specific cross-section. By adjusting the shift amount of each image, a tomographic image of an arbitrary cross-section can be obtained. When the tomographic image generation unit 134 generates a tomographic image of a cross-section specified by the user by the shift-addition method, the shift amount of each radiological image is calculated using the movement amount information contained in the image data with movement amount information.

[0062] Fig.10 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the CPU 101 when the information processing program 110 is executed. The information processing program 110 is executed when the user instructs to start processing by operating the input device 104, for example.

[0063] In step S1 , the acquisition unit 131 accesses an image server (not shown) and acquires a series of radiological images acquired by using the imaging jig 10 while moving the moving unit 12 relative to the same imaging subject.

[0064] In step S2 , the recognition section 132 recognizes the movement amount information drawn on each of the plurality of radiographic images acquired in step S1 using the template pattern 120 recorded in the nonvolatile memory 103 .

[0065] In step S3, the recording processing unit 133 records the image data with the movement amount information obtained by associating the movement amount information identified in step S2 with the corresponding radiographic image in the nonvolatile memory 103. The recording processing unit 133 records the image data with the movement amount information for each of the plurality of radiographic images acquired in step S1.

[0066] In step S4, the tomographic image generator 134 generates a tomographic image of the imaging object using the plurality of image data with movement amount information recorded in the nonvolatile memory 103 in step S3. When generating a tomographic image of a section specified by the user by the shift-add method, the tomographic image generator 134 calculates the shift amount of each radiographic image using the movement amount information included in the image data with movement amount information.

[0067] As described above, the imaging jig 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes: a moving mechanism that moves the position of the imaging object so as to change the relative positional relationship between the radiation source emitting radiation and the imaging object; and a display unit that displays movement amount information indicating the movement amount of the imaging object from the initial position. The movement amount information is depicted in a identifiable manner on the radiographic image captured using the imaging jig 10.

[0068] In addition, the information processing device 100 of the embodiment of the technology of the present invention processes the radiographic image captured by using the imaging jig 10. The information processing device 100 acquires the radiographic image and recognizes the movement amount information depicted on the radiographic image. The information processing device 100 records the image data with the movement amount information obtained by associating the movement amount information with the radiographic image in a recording medium (non-volatile memory 103). The information processing device 100 generates a tomographic image of the imaging object using a plurality of image data with the movement amount information.

[0069] In the reconstruction process of tomographic images, information (relative position information) indicating the relative position relationship of the imaging object depicted on each radiographic image is required for each image. In an imaging device with a tomosynthesis function, a series of radiographic images are acquired by changing the imaging direction through robot control. The relative position relationship of the imaging object depicted on a series of radiographic images can be easily calculated by combining with the robot control of the imaging direction. According to an imaging device with a tomosynthesis function, a tomographic image can be easily obtained, but it is expensive and difficult to introduce.

[0070] Therefore, a method of acquiring a tomographic image using an imaging device that does not have a tomographic fusion function (a robotic control function of the imaging direction) is considered. For example, by manually moving the position of the imaging object so that the relative position relationship between the radiation source and the imaging object changes, multiple radiographic images with different imaging directions can be acquired. However, in this case, it is not easy to acquire the correct relative position information representing the relative position relationship between the images for each of the multiple radiographic images with different imaging directions. In addition, it is necessary to associate the radiographic image with the relative position information through manual operation.

[0071] According to the imaging jig 10 of this embodiment, the movement amount information is depicted in a recognizable manner on the radiographic image acquired using the imaging jig 10. The movement amount information can be used as relative position information indicating the relative positional relationship between images of the imaging object depicted on each of a series of radiographic images. That is, according to the imaging jig 10, the acquisition of relative position information and the association between the radiographic image and the relative position information can be supported.

[0072] In addition, the display of the movement amount information is not limited to the display using the above-mentioned mark 20A and the mark 20B. Fig.11 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of another display method of movement amount information. Fig.11 As shown, the movement amount information can also be displayed by the mark 20C. The mark 20C is set on either the fixed part 11 or the moving part 12. The mark 20C includes a scale set along the circumference, a numerical value marked on the scale, and a pointer indicating the position on the scale. The pointer rotates with the center of the circle as the rotation axis in conjunction with the movement of the moving part 12. That is, the front end of the pointer moves along the scale. The rotation angle of the pointer is proportional to the movement amount of the moving part 12 from the initial position. That is, the position on the scale indicated by the pointer represents the movement amount of the moving part 12 from the initial position. As a mechanism for linking the rotation of the pointer with the movement of the moving part 12, for example, a mechanism that is configured to transmit the parallel movement of the moving part 12 to the pointer via a rack and a pinion can be used. The scale, numerical value and pointer constituting the mark 20C are made of a material with a relatively low transmittance to radiation, thereby being able to depict the movement amount information on the radiographic image.

[0073] The photographing jig 10 may include a position detection mark for detecting a display position of the movement amount information. Fig.12 2 is a diagram showing an example of a position detection mark 21 arranged around a mark 20C. The position detection mark 21 is depicted on a radiographic image together with the mark 20C. In the information processing device 100, the recognition unit 132 detects the position of the mark 20C based on the position detection mark 21 included in the radiographic image, and performs image recognition on the detected mark 20C.

[0074] Fig.13 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of another display method of movement amount information. Fig.13 As shown, the movement amount information can also be displayed by a mark 20D. The mark 20D is set on either the fixed part 11 or the moving part 12. The mark 20D includes a 4-digit numerical value. Each digit includes a rotating drum 22 with a numerical value from 0 to 9 written on the circumference. As the rotating drum 22 rotates, the display of the numerical value of the digit changes. Each rotating drum 22 rotates in conjunction with the movement of the moving part 12. That is, the movement amount of the moving part 12 from the initial position is represented by the 4-digit numerical value constituting the mark 20D. In addition, the number of digits of the mark 20D can be appropriately changed. In addition, as a mechanism for interlocking the rotation of the rotating drum 22 with the movement of the moving part 12, for example, a mechanism can be used that is configured to transmit the parallel movement of the moving part 12 to the rotating drum 22 via a rack and a pinion. Each numerical value constituting the mark 20D is composed of a material with a relatively high transmittance to radiation, thereby enabling the movement amount information to be depicted on a radiographic image.

[0075] [Second embodiment]

[0076] Fig.14A and Fig. 14B 10A is a side view showing an example of the structure of the photographing clamp 10A and the method of using the same according to the second embodiment of the technology of the present invention. Fig.15A and Fig. 15B They are respectively Fig.14A and Fig. 14B The corresponding top view. Fig.14A and Fig.15A Indicates the case where the moving part 12 is at the initial position, Fig. 14B and Fig. 15B The moving unit 12 is shown in a moved position after being moved from the initial position. The radiation detector 30 is arranged on the moving unit 12, and the imaging object 50 is arranged on the radiation detector 30. The radiation source 40 emitting radiation is arranged at a position sandwiching the imaging object 50 between the radiation source 40 and the radiation detector 30.

[0077] The imaging jig 10A includes a marking member 23 provided at the end of the fixed portion 11 and a marking member 24 provided at the end of the movable portion 12. The marking member 23 includes a first portion, one end of which is connected to the fixed portion 11 and extends upward from the connection portion with the fixed portion 11 to a position higher than the imaging surface of the radiation detector 30; and a second portion protruding from the upper end of the first portion so as to overlap with the imaging surface of the radiation detector 30. Similarly, the marking member 24 includes a first portion, one end of which is connected to the movable portion 12 and extends upward from the connection portion with the movable portion 12 to a position higher than the imaging surface of the radiation detector 30; and a second portion protruding from the upper end of the first portion so as to overlap with the imaging surface of the radiation detector 30. The relative positions of the radiation source 40, the imaging jig 10A, and the radiation detector 30 are determined so that the imaging object 50, the marking members 23 and 24 are within the imaging field of view.

[0078] like Fig.14A and Fig.15A As shown in FIG. 1 , when the moving unit 12 is located at the initial position, a radiographic image is taken of the imaging object 50. Fig. 14B and Fig. 15B As shown in the figure, by moving the moving part 12 in parallel in the left direction in the figure, the radiation detector 30 and the imaging object 50 are moved to the moving position together with the moving part 12. That is, the imaging jig 10A moves the position of the imaging object 50 to change the relative positional relationship between the radiation source 40 and the imaging object 50. At each of the multiple different moving positions, a radiation image is captured of the imaging object 50. During the imaging of the radiation image, the radiation source 40 and the fixed part 11 remain stationary.

[0079] Fig.16A and Fig. 16B Each of the diagrams shows an example of a radiographic image 61 captured using the imaging jig 10A. Fig.16A Indicates the case where the moving part 12 is located at the initial position, Fig. 16B 2 shows a case where the moving unit 12 is at a moved position after being moved from the initial position. On the radiographic image 61, the image 23I of the marker member 23 and the image 24I of the marker member 24 are depicted together with the image 50I of the imaging object 50. Fig. 16B As shown, the movement amount of the photographic object 50 at the moving position from the initial position can be specified based on the image 23I of the marker member 23 and the image 24I of the marker member 24 when the moving unit 12 is at the moving position. That is, the movement amount information displayed by the marker member 23 and the marker member 24 indicates the movement amount of the photographic object 50 from the initial position.

[0080] In the present embodiment, the recognition unit 132 of the information processing device 100 recognizes the movement amount information using the template pattern 120 recorded in the nonvolatile memory 103. The template pattern 120 has the same pattern as the image 23I of the marker member 23 and the image 24I of the marker member 24 drawn on the radiographic image. The recognition unit 132 extracts an image portion similar to the template pattern 120 from the radiographic image. The recognition unit 132 recognizes a numerical value corresponding to the distance between the image of the marker member 23 and the image of the marker member 24 included in the extracted area as the movement amount information.

[0081] According to the imaging clamp 10A of this embodiment, like the imaging clamp 10 of the first embodiment, it is possible to support the acquisition of relative position information representing the relative position relationship between images of the imaging object depicted on each of a plurality of radiographic images and the association of the radiographic images with the relative position information.

[0082] [Third Embodiment]

[0083] Fig.17A and Fig. 17B This is a side view showing an example of the structure and the method of using the photographing tool 10B according to the third embodiment of the technology of the present invention. Fig.17A Indicates the case where the moving part 12 is located at the initial position, Fig. 17B The moving unit 12 is shown at a moved position after moving from an initial position. The radiation detector 30 is disposed on the moving unit 12, and the imaging object 50 is disposed on the radiation detector 30. The radiation source 40 emitting radiation is disposed at a position sandwiching the imaging object 50 between the radiation source 40 and the radiation detector 30.

[0084] In this embodiment, the fixed portion 11 and the movable portion 12 are connected to each other at their ends via a hinge 15. The movable portion 12 can be rotated and moved with the hinge 15 as a rotation axis. That is, in the photographic clamp 10B of this embodiment, the moving mechanism composed of the fixed portion 11 and the movable portion 12 can rotate and move the photographic object 50. The movement of the movable portion 12 can be performed manually or automatically.

[0085] The photographing jig 10B includes a marking member 23 provided at the end of the fixed portion 11 and a marking member 24 provided at the end of the movable portion 12. Since the structures of the marking members 23 and 24 are the same as those of the second embodiment, their description is omitted.

[0086] like Fig.17A As shown in FIG. 1 , a radiographic image is captured of the imaging object 50 with the moving portion 12 located at the initial position. Fig. 17B As shown in the figure, by rotating the moving part 12, the radiation detector 30 and the imaging object 50 are moved to the moving position together with the moving part 12. That is, the imaging jig 10B moves the position of the imaging object 50 to change the relative positional relationship between the radiation source 40 and the imaging object 50. At each of the multiple different moving positions, a radiation image is captured of the imaging object 50. During the imaging of the radiation image, the radiation source 40 and the fixed part 11 are kept stationary.

[0087] On the radiographic image, the image of the marker member 23 and the image of the marker member 24 are depicted together with the image of the imaging object 50. Based on the image of the marker member 23 and the image of the marker member 24 when the moving unit 12 is located at the moving position, the movement amount of the imaging object 50 from the initial position at the moving position can be specified. That is, the movement amount information displayed by the marker member 23 and the marker member 24 indicates the movement amount of the imaging object 50 from the initial position.

[0088] According to the imaging clamp 10B of this embodiment, similarly to the imaging clamp of the first embodiment, it is possible to support the acquisition of relative position information representing the relative position relationship between images of the imaging object depicted on each of a plurality of radiographic images and the association of the radiographic images with the relative position information.

[0089] In the above-mentioned embodiment, for example, as the hardware structure of the processing unit (processing unit) that performs various processes such as the acquisition unit 131, the identification unit 132, the recording processing unit 133, and the tomographic image generation unit 134, various processors (processors) shown below can be used. Among the above-mentioned various processors, in addition to the general-purpose processors that execute software (programs) and function as various processing units as described above, CPUs and GPUs, processors whose circuit structures can be changed after manufacturing, such as FPGAs, programmable logic devices (PLDs), and ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) are included, which are processors with circuit structures specially designed to perform specific processes, such as dedicated circuits.

[0090] A processing unit may be composed of one of these various processors, or a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (e.g., a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). In addition, multiple processing units may be composed of one processor.

[0091] As an example of using one processor to form multiple processing units, first, there is a method in which, represented by computers such as clients and servers, one processor is formed by a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and the processor functions as multiple processing units. Second, there is a method in which, represented by a system on chip (SoC), a processor is used that implements the functions of the entire system including multiple processing units by using one IC (Integrated Circuit) chip. In this way, various processing units are formed using one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as a hardware structure.

[0092] Furthermore, as the hardware configuration of these various processors, more specifically, an electric circuit (circuitry) formed by combining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements can be used.

[0093] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the information processing program 110 is described as being pre-stored (installed) in the non-volatile memory 103, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The information processing program 110 may also be provided in a manner recorded in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. In addition, the information processing program 110 may also be downloaded from an external device via a network. That is, the program (i.e., program product) described in this embodiment may be provided in addition to being provided using a recording medium, or may be distributed from an external computer.

[0094] Regarding the above first to third embodiments, the following additional notes are further disclosed.

[0095] (Note 1)

[0096] A radiographic clamp is used when taking a radiographic image by irradiating a radiographic object with radiation, wherein:

[0097] include:

[0098] a moving mechanism that moves the position of the imaging object so that the relative positional relationship between a radiation source emitting radiation and the imaging object changes; and

[0099] a display unit for displaying movement amount information indicating a movement amount of the photographic object from an initial position,

[0100] The movement amount information is depicted in a identifiable manner on the radiographic image.

[0101] (Note 2)

[0102] The photographic clamp according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein:

[0103] The moving mechanism moves the photographic object in parallel or in rotation.

[0104] (Note 3)

[0105] The photographic clamp according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein:

[0106] The display of the movement amount information changes in conjunction with the operation of the moving mechanism.

[0107] (Note 4)

[0108] The photographic clamp according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein:

[0109] The movement amount information is displayed by a mark made of a material having a lower transmittance to radiation than the movement mechanism.

[0110] (Note 5)

[0111] The photographing clamp according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, wherein:

[0112] The moving mechanism

[0113] include:

[0114] a fixing portion, wherein the relative positional relationship between the fixing portion and the radiation source is fixed; and

[0115] a moving part, the moving part being arranged to be movable relative to the fixed part,

[0116] The photographic object moves along with the movement of the moving unit.

[0117] (Note 6)

[0118] The photographic clamp according to Supplementary Note 5, wherein:

[0119] The display unit includes a first mark provided on the fixed unit and a second mark provided on the movable unit, and displays the movement amount information according to a relative positional relationship between the first mark and the second mark.

[0120] (Note 7)

[0121] An information processing device comprising at least one processor for processing a radiographic image captured using the imaging fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein:

[0122] The processor

[0123] acquiring the radiographic image,

[0124] The movement amount information depicted on the radiographic image is identified.

[0125] (Note 8)

[0126] The information processing device according to Supplement 7, wherein:

[0127] The processor

[0128] The movement amount information included in the radiation image is identified by comparing with a template pattern corresponding to the movement amount information.

[0129] (Note 9)

[0130] The information processing device according to Supplement 7 or 8, wherein:

[0131] On the radiographic image, a position detection mark for detecting a display position of the movement amount information is identifiably drawn,

[0132] The processor detects a position of movement amount information included in the radiographic image based on the position detection mark included in the radiographic image.

[0133] (Note 10)

[0134] An information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 7 to 9, wherein:

[0135] The processor records image data with movement amount information obtained by associating the movement amount information with the radiation image in a recording medium.

[0136] (Note 11)

[0137] The information processing device according to Supplement 10, wherein:

[0138] The processor generates a tomographic image of the imaging target using the plurality of data with movement amount information recorded on the recording medium for a plurality of radiological images having different relative positional relationships between the radiation source and the imaging target.

[0139] In addition, the invention of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-111363 filed on July 11, 2022 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In addition, all documents, patent applications, and technical specifications described in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each document, patent application, and technical specification were specifically and separately described as being incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A radiographic fixture used when taking a radiographic image by irradiating a radiographic object with radiation, in, include: a moving mechanism that moves the position of the photographed object so that the relative positional relationship between the radiation source emitting radiation and the photographed object changes; as well as a display unit for displaying movement amount information indicating a movement amount of the photographic object from an initial position, The movement amount information is depicted in a identifiable manner on the radiographic image.

2. The photographic clamp according to claim 1, wherein: The moving mechanism moves the photographic object in parallel or in rotation.

3. The photographic clamp according to claim 1, wherein: The display of the movement amount information changes in conjunction with the operation of the moving mechanism.

4. The photographic clamp according to claim 1, wherein: The movement amount information is displayed by a mark made of a material having a lower transmittance to radiation than the movement mechanism.

5. The photographic clamp according to claim 1, wherein: The moving mechanism comprises: a fixing portion, wherein the relative positional relationship between the fixing portion and the radiation source is fixed; and a moving part, the moving part being arranged to be movable relative to the fixed part, The photographic object moves along with the movement of the moving unit.

6. The photographic clamp according to claim 5, wherein: The display unit includes a first mark provided on the fixed unit and a second mark provided on the movable unit, and displays the movement amount information according to a relative positional relationship between the first mark and the second mark.

7. An information processing device comprising at least one processor for processing a radiographic image captured using the imaging fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The processor acquires the radiographic image, The processor identifies movement amount information depicted on the radiographic image.

8. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein: The processor recognizes the movement amount information included in the radiation image by comparing with a template pattern corresponding to the movement amount information.

9. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein: On the radiographic image, a position detection mark for detecting a display position of the movement amount information is identifiably drawn, The processor detects a position of movement amount information included in the radiographic image based on the position detection mark included in the radiographic image.

10. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein: The processor records image data with movement amount information obtained by associating the movement amount information with the radiation image in a recording medium.

11. The information processing device according to claim 10, wherein: The processor generates a tomographic image of the imaging target using the plurality of data with movement amount information recorded on the recording medium for a plurality of radiological images having different relative positional relationships between the radiation source and the imaging target.

Images