Information processing apparatus, information processing method, computer program product, and storage medium

Abstract

The present application provides an information processing device, an information processing method, a computer program product and a storage medium, which can shorten the search time of the calibration data of the radiation detector. In the information processing device, a string related to the imaging condition of the radiation image is included in the key; the calibration data of the radiation detector provided by the radiation image capturing device for capturing the radiation image is included in the value; the key and the value are associated and saved in the storage device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses the following technology: when a retrieval request is received containing medical information items related to the patient, i.e., keys and values ​​of the content as keys, the medical information that meets the retrieval criteria is extracted.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-038635

[0004] In radiographic imaging devices such as CT scanners, calibration data using radiation detectors is processed for correction. Ideally, appropriate calibration data should be retrieved from multiple calibration datasets within a short timeframe during radiation image capture. For example, in photon-counting CT scanners, the types of calibrations increase, resulting in a large amount of calibration data. Therefore, it is preferable to shorten the retrieval time for radiation detector calibration data. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an information processing device, information processing method and information processing program that can shorten the retrieval time of calibration data for radiation detectors.

[0006] The information processing apparatus of the present invention includes a processor and performs processing to store data in key-value form. In this information processing apparatus, the processor performs the following processing: including a string related to the imaging conditions of a radiographic image in the key; including calibration data of the radiographic detector of the radiographic imaging apparatus used to capture the radiographic image in the value; and establishing an association between the key and the value and storing it in a storage device.

[0007] Radiographic images can be CT images, and the radiographic imaging device can be a CT device.

[0008] CT devices can be equipped with photon-counting radiation detectors.

[0009] The strings related to imaging conditions may include strings indicating whether processing has been performed to reduce the amount of projection data acquired by the CT device.

[0010] Strings related to photographic conditions may include strings representing the creation date and time of the calibration data.

[0011] The processor can perform the following processing: receive a string of the search object; retrieve calibration data from a storage device, which is saved as the value corresponding to the key that matches the received string portion.

[0012] The processor can perform the following processing: between the start of preparation for the radiographic image and the start of the radiographic image, retrieve calibration data corresponding to the photographic conditions of the radiographic image from the storage device.

[0013] The information processing method of the present invention, wherein the processor of the information processing device equipped with a processor and performing the processing of storing data in key-value form performs the following processing: including a string related to the imaging conditions of a radiographic image in the key; including calibration data of the radiographic detector of the radiographic imaging device for taking the radiographic image in the value; and establishing an association between the key and the value and storing it in a storage device.

[0014] The information processing program of the present invention is used to cause the processor of an information processing device equipped with a processor and performing data storage in key-value form to perform the following processing: including a string related to the imaging conditions of a radiographic image in the key; including calibration data of the radiographic detector of the radiographic imaging device for taking the radiographic image in the value; and associating the key and the value and storing them in a storage device.

[0015] -Invention Effects-

[0016] According to the present invention, the retrieval time for radiation detector calibration data can be shortened. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a tomographic imaging system.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of a console.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a block diagram representing an example of the functional structure of a console.

[0020] Figure 4 It is a diagram used to illustrate the strings contained in the key.

[0021] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the situation where downsampling is disabled.

[0022] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates when the downsampling function is enabled.

[0023] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the situation where the downsampling function is enabled in the modified example.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of calibration data saving and processing.

[0025] Figure 9This is a flowchart illustrating an example of CT image generation and processing.

[0026] Symbol Explanation

[0027] 10-Computed Tomography System, 11-CT Unit, 12-Control Console, 18-Gantry, 18A-Opening, 19-Bed Unit, 19A-Bed Board, 21-Radiation Source, 22-Radiation Detector, 23-Frame, 24-Irradiation Field Limiter, 25-DAS, 26-High Voltage Generator, 31-CPU, 32-Memory, 33-Storage Unit, 34-Display, 35-Input Device, 36-Network I / F, 37-Bus, 40-Information Processing Program, 50-Photography Control Unit, 52-Acquisition Unit, 54-Generation Unit, 56-Storage Unit, 58-Receiver Unit, 60-Retrieval Unit, 62-Correction Unit, 64-Reconstruction Unit, H-Subject. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments for implementing the technology of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0029] First, refer to Figure 1 The structure of the tomographic imaging system 10 will be described. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the tomographic imaging system 10 of this embodiment includes a CT device 11 and a control console 12.

[0030] The CT apparatus 11 obtains a tomographic image of the subject H by using X-rays, an example of radiation. The CT apparatus 11 is an example of a radiographic imaging apparatus that captures radiographic images. The CT image captured by the CT apparatus 11 is an example of a radiographic image. The CT apparatus 11 includes a gantry 18 and a bed assembly 19. Figure 1 This is a frontal view of the frame 18 and bed assembly 19. The bed assembly 19 includes a bed board 19A capable of supporting the subject H in a supine position. Hereinafter, the long side of the bed board 19A will be defined as the Z-axis, the short side as the X-axis, and the vertical direction as the Y-axis. The bed board 19A can move along the Z-axis while remaining horizontal. The frame 18 is generally annular in shape, with a circular opening 18A formed in the center. The diameter of this opening is larger than the width of the bed board 19A. During photography, the bed board 19A carrying the subject H moves relative to the frame 18 along the Z-axis, thereby entering the opening 18A. Photography is performed while the bed board 19A is moving relative to the frame 18.

[0031] A radiation source 21, a radiation detector 22, and a frame 23 are arranged inside the frame 18. The radiation source 21 irradiates the subject H with radiation. The radiation detector 22 detects the radiation that penetrates the subject H. The radiation that penetrates the subject H is attenuated due to its interaction with structures such as organs and bones within the subject H (e.g., absorption and scattering of radiation). Each structure has an inherent attenuation coefficient for radiation, and the radiation that penetrates the structure carries information reflecting the physical properties of the structure. The radiation detector 22 detects the radiation that reflects the physical properties of the structures within the subject H. The radiation detector 22 has a detection surface with detection elements arranged in a two-dimensional pattern, and outputs a detection signal for each detection element. Therefore, the radiation detector 22 can detect radiation at each transmission position of the structures penetrating the subject H. Furthermore, the radiation detector 22 is approximately arc-shaped according to the curvature of the frame 18, and the detection surface is also curved. The radiation detector 22 is an example of a photon-counting radiation detector, which is a radiation detector capable of counting the number of photons in incident X-rays. That is, the CT device 11 is a PCCT (Photon Counting Computed Tomography) device. Alternatively, the radiation detector 22 can be an energy-integrating radiation detector, for example, which generates a charge by converting X-rays into visible light and then converting the visible light into an electrical signal, and accumulating the generated charge over a certain period of time.

[0032] Within the frame 18, the radiation source 21 and the radiation detector 22 are positioned opposite each other and rotate about the Z-axis while maintaining their relative orientation. The frame 23 is annular and rotatably supports the radiation source 21 and the radiation detector 22. During imaging, the frame 18 causes the radiation source 21 and the radiation detector 22 to rotate around the subject H on the bed plate 19A, while the radiation detector 22 acquires detection signals at multiple positions around the Z-axis corresponding to the body axis of the subject H. During imaging, the bed plate 19A also moves synchronously along the Z-axis in sync with the rotation of the radiation source 21 and the radiation detector 22.

[0033] The DAS (Data Acquisition System) 25 acquires the detection signal output by the radiation detector 22, generates output data at various positions around the Z-axis based on the acquired detection signal, and outputs the generated output data to the control console 12. When a subject H exists between the radiation source 21 and the radiation detector 22, the output data is projection data obtained by projecting onto the subject H.

[0034] An irradiation field limiter 24 (also called a collimator) is disposed in front of the irradiation direction of the radiation source 21 to define the irradiation field of the radiation. The irradiation field limiter 24 has an irradiation opening whose outline is defined by multiple shielding plates for shielding radiation, and the size of the irradiation opening can be changed by moving the shielding plates. Voltage is supplied to the radiation source 21 from a high-voltage generator 26. As an example, the radiation source 21 and the radiation detector 22 are electrically connected to the frame 23 via a slip ring, and power supply and data transmission and reception are performed via the slip ring. Through the slip ring connection, helical scanning imaging can be realized, which can be performed while rotating in one direction without reversing the rotation direction of the radiation source 21 and the radiation detector 22.

[0035] The control console 12 controls the radiation source 21 and the radiation detector 22 via a control device (not shown) on the frame 18. The control console 12 is an example of an information processing device involved in the invention. The imaging conditions of the CT apparatus 11 are set through operations performed by the control console 12. These imaging conditions include the radiation exposure conditions of the radiation source 21 and the imaging range. The radiation exposure conditions include the tube voltage (kV), tube current (mA), and radiation exposure time (msec) applied to the radiation source 21. Regarding the imaging range, for example, it is adjusted in the XY plane by changing the size of the exposure opening of the field limiter 24, and in the Z-axis direction by changing the range of movement of the bed plate 19A.

[0036] refer to Figure 2 The hardware structure of the console 12 described in this embodiment will be explained. Examples of console 12 include personal computers and server computers. Figure 2 As shown, the console 12 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, memory 32 as a temporary storage area, and a non-volatile storage unit 33. Furthermore, the console 12 includes a display 34 such as an LCD, input devices 35 such as a keyboard and mouse, and a network I / F (Interface) 36 connected to the CT device 11. The CPU 31, memory 32, storage unit 33, display 34, input devices 35, and network I / F 36 are connected to a bus 37. The CPU 31 is an example of a processor according to the technology of this invention.

[0037] The storage unit 33 is implemented using HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory, etc. The information processing program 40 is stored in the storage unit 33, which serves as the storage medium. The CPU 31 reads the information processing program 40 from the storage unit 33, loads it into memory 32, and executes the loaded information processing program 40.

[0038] Furthermore, the calibration data of the radiation detector 22 is stored in the storage unit 33. Details regarding the calibration data will be described later.

[0039] In the CT apparatus 11, calibration data of the radiation detector 22 needs to be read within a relatively short time between multiple imaging sequences. Examples of multiple imaging sequences include pre-imaging to determine the imaging range and formal imaging performed according to the imaging range determined in the pre-imaging. Furthermore, examples of multiple imaging sequences include continuous imaging of different body parts. In PCCT apparatuses, the types of calibration data are relatively numerous, thus requiring the retrieval of appropriate calibration data from multiple calibration data sets within a short time. Therefore, the console 12 according to this embodiment has the function of processing and retrieving calibration data in key-value form.

[0040] Next, refer to Figure 3 The functional structure of console 12 will be explained. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the control console 12 includes a photography control unit 50, an acquisition unit 52, a generation unit 54, a storage unit 56, a receiving unit 58, a retrieval unit 60, a correction unit 62, and a reconstruction unit 64. The information processing program 40 is executed by the CPU 31, functioning as the photography control unit 50, acquisition unit 52, generation unit 54, storage unit 56, receiving unit 58, retrieval unit 60, correction unit 62, and reconstruction unit 64.

[0041] The imaging control unit 50 controls the acquisition of CT images according to the imaging conditions. In this embodiment, the imaging control unit 50 performs the following two imaging controls. The imaging control unit 50 performs control for creating calibration data as a first imaging control. For example, the imaging control unit 50 performs imaging when there is no subject H and bed device 19 between the radiation source 21 and the radiation detector 22, as the first imaging control. This control is sometimes also referred to as air calibration.

[0042] Furthermore, for example, the photography control unit 50 controls photography while a phantom exists between the radiation source 21 and the radiation detector 22, as a first photography control. This control is sometimes also called phantom calibration. The phantom is a model that simulates the subject H, and its dimensions, shape, and material, including thickness, length, and width, are known. The phantom is set up using fixtures or the like (not shown).

[0043] The photography control unit 50 controls the photography process when a subject H exists between the radiation source 21 and the radiation detector 22, as a second photography control.

[0044] The acquisition unit 52 acquires output data (hereinafter referred to as "first output data") obtained through the first photography control from the DAS 25. In the case of phantom calibration, the first output data is projection data obtained by projecting the phantom. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 52 acquires output data (hereinafter referred to as "second output data") obtained through the second photography control from the DAS 25. The second output data is projection data obtained by projecting the subject H.

[0045] The generation unit 54 generates calibration data to correct for errors contained in the output data of the radiation detector 22 based on the first output data acquired by the acquisition unit 52. For example, it is assumed that in air calibration, if no error is contained in the first output data, the projection value based on the first output data is zero. In this case, the generation unit 54 generates calibration data for each detection element of the radiation detector 22 such that the projection value obtained by subtracting the calibration data from the first output data is zero.

[0046] Furthermore, in phantom calibration, the size, shape, and material of the phantom are known, as are the incident angle and radiation dose relative to the phantom. Therefore, in phantom calibration, the theoretical value of the first output data, excluding errors, can be calculated in advance. In this case, the generation unit 54 generates correction coefficients as calibration data for each detection element of the radiation detector 22, which match the measured value of the first output data with the theoretical value of the first output data.

[0047] Furthermore, the generation unit 54 can also generate, for example, data for correcting errors caused by the offset of the detection element of the radiation detector 22, as calibration data.

[0048] The storage unit 56 contains a string related to the imaging conditions of the CT image in the first imaging control in the key, and contains calibration data of the radiation detector 22 generated based on the first output data obtained according to the imaging conditions in the value. Then, the storage unit 56 associates the key and the value and saves them in the storage unit 33, which is an example of a storage device.

[0049] As an example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the strings related to photographic conditions included in the keys involved in this embodiment include strings indicating the type of calibration data, the measurement mode, and whether the downsampling function is enabled or disabled. The type of calibration data indicates, for example, whether it was obtained through air calibration, phantom calibration, or data used to correct errors caused by detector element offset. The measurement mode indicates the number of energy band divisions and boundary values ​​when the radiation detector 22 counts photons.

[0050] The enabling or disabling of the downsampling function indicates whether the amount of projection data acquired by the CT device 11 has been reduced when generating CT images for user confirmation of whether the imaging process was conducted correctly. During the imaging of a CT image of the subject H, it is preferable that no delay occurs in the processing of saving the projection data to the storage unit 33 and in the processing of generating CT images for user confirmation of whether the imaging was conducted correctly. Therefore, in the tomographic imaging system 10 according to this embodiment, in order to prevent the console 12 from becoming overloaded, it is possible to set whether to reduce the amount of projection data used when generating CT images for confirmation of whether the imaging was conducted correctly. This is because the various correction processes performed on the projection data have a relatively high load. If the downsampling function is enabled, the amount of projection data used for correction processing will be reduced, thus preventing the console 12 from becoming overloaded.

[0051] As an example, such as Figure 5 As shown, with the downsampling function disabled, image reconstruction is performed based on all projection data acquired by the CT device 11 to generate a CT image. On the other hand, as an example, such as Figure 6 As shown, when the downsampling function is enabled, the amount of projection data acquired by the CT device 11 is reduced, and image reconstruction is performed based on the reduced amount of projection data to generate a CT image. Figure 6 The diagram shows how to use a pre-set quantity (in) Figure 6 In the example, three projection data points are averaged to generate one projection data point, thus reducing the number of projection data points.

[0052] In addition, as an example, such as Figure 7 As shown, with the downsampling function enabled, it can select from a preset number (in Figure 6In the example, one projection data point is extracted from three projection data points, thus reducing the number of projection data points. Figure 7 The image shows an example of projection data being extracted with diagonal lines filled in.

[0053] And, as Figure 4 As shown, the strings associated with the imaging conditions contained in the key include strings representing the tube voltage, tube current, scan time, and the creation date and time of the calibration data applied to the radiation source 21. The tube voltage and tube current are shown as their respective values. The scan time indicates the processing time required for the radiation source 21 and radiation detector 22 to rotate one revolution around the Z-axis. The creation date and time of the calibration data are shown as the creation date and time in a pre-defined format. Figure 4 The example shown is a date and time formatted as “YYYYMMDDhhmmss”. In this case, for example, “August 23, 2024, 15:30:45” is represented as “20240823153045”.

[0054] The storage unit 56 generates keys by concatenating strings representing various photographic conditions using delimiters. Figure 4 The image shows an example of using an underscore (_) as a separator.

[0055] The receiving unit 58 receives the string of the search object. For example, the receiving unit 58 can receive the string of the search object input by the user via the input device 35, based on the photography conditions in the second photography control. Furthermore, for example, the receiving unit 58 can receive the string of the search object extracted and generated from the photography conditions in the second photography control.

[0056] The retrieval unit 60 uses the string received by the receiving unit 58 to obtain calibration data corresponding to the imaging conditions of the second imaging control. Specifically, the retrieval unit 60 retrieves a key from the keys stored in the storage unit 33 that matches the string portion of the retrieval target. Then, the retrieval unit 60 retrieves the calibration data stored in the storage unit 33 as the value corresponding to the retrieved key. For example, if the string of the retrieval target is "AAA_bbb_ON_100_150_0.50_", the retrieval unit 60 retrieves the calibration data associated with the key containing "AAA_bbb_ON_100_150_0.50_".

[0057] Furthermore, the retrieval unit 60 can retrieve calibration data corresponding to the imaging conditions of the CT image from the storage unit 33 between the start time of imaging preparation and the start time of imaging. The period between the start time of imaging preparation and the start time of imaging refers, for example, between the start time of imaging the scout image and the start time of formal imaging based on the imaging range determined using the scout image. Also, the period between the start time of imaging preparation and the start time of imaging refers, for example, between the end time of imaging the first imaging target area (i.e., the start time of imaging preparation for the second imaging target area) and the start time of imaging the second imaging target area when the first and second imaging target areas are sequentially and continuously imaged.

[0058] The calibration unit 62 uses the calibration data acquired by the retrieval unit 60 to correct the second output data acquired by the acquisition unit 52. When the retrieval unit 60 acquires multiple calibration data of different types, the calibration unit 62 can use each of the multiple calibration data to correct the second output data. Furthermore, when the retrieval unit 60 acquires multiple calibration data of the same type, the calibration unit 62 can generate a single calibration data by averaging the multiple calibration data.

[0059] Furthermore, when the retrieval unit 60 acquires multiple calibration data of the same type, the calibration unit 62 can select the most recently created calibration data from among the multiple calibration data. In this case, the calibration unit 62 can determine the most recently created calibration data based on the string representing the imaging date and time contained in the key. Thus, even if the characteristics of the radiation detector 22 change over time, high-precision calibration data can be acquired. Moreover, even when generating CT images using previously acquired projection data, the calibration unit 62 can acquire calibration data created on the date and time closest to the acquisition date and time of that projection data by using the imaging date and time.

[0060] The reconstruction unit 64 performs image reconstruction based on the second output data corrected by the correction unit 62, thereby generating a CT image. As an example, image reconstruction based on the second output data is performed using filtered back projection. A CT image composed of multiple tomographic images is an example of a radiographic image.

[0061] Next, refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The function of console 12 will be explained. It executes information processing program 40 via CPU 31, thereby performing... Figure 8 The calibration data saving and processing shown Figure 9The CT image generation process is shown. Calibration data saving is performed, for example, at a time set as the creation time of the calibration data. CT image generation is performed, for example, when a start command is executed by user input.

[0062] exist Figure 8 In step S10, the photography control unit 50 performs first photography control according to the photography conditions. In step S12, the acquisition unit 52 acquires the first output data obtained by the DAS 25 through the processing in step S10. In step S14, the generation unit 54 generates calibration data for correcting errors contained in the output data of the radiation detector 22 based on the first output data acquired in step S12.

[0063] In step S16, the storage unit 56 includes a string in the key related to the imaging conditions of the CT image in the first imaging control performed in step S10, and includes calibration data of the radiation detector 22 generated based on the first output data obtained according to the imaging conditions in step S12. Then, the storage unit 56 associates the key and value and saves them in the storage unit 33. If the processing of step S16 is completed, the calibration data saving process is completed.

[0064] exist Figure 9 In step S20, the receiving unit 58 receives the string of the search target. In step S22, the retrieval unit 60 retrieves from the storage unit 33 the calibration data that is stored as the value corresponding to the key that matches the portion of the string received in step S20. In step S24, the photography control unit 50 performs second photography control according to the photography conditions.

[0065] In step S26, the acquisition unit 52 acquires the second output data obtained from the DAS 25 through the processing in step S24. In step S28, the correction unit 62 uses the calibration data acquired in step S22 to correct the second output data acquired in step S26. In step S30, the reconstruction unit 64 performs image reconstruction based on the corrected second output data through the processing in step S28, thereby generating a CT image. If the processing in step S30 ends, the CT image generation process ends.

[0066] As explained above, this embodiment can shorten the retrieval time for radiation detector calibration data.

[0067] Furthermore, while the above embodiments describe the application of a CT device as a radiographic imaging device, the invention is not limited to this approach. For example, other devices besides CT devices, such as DR (Digital Radiography) cassettes or other radiographic imaging devices that have a radiation detector built into a portable housing, can also be used as radiographic imaging devices.

[0068] Furthermore, the control device and other devices provided on the rack 18 may also include at least one of the functional units provided on the console 12 in the above embodiments.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, each process is executed by any computer. This computer can execute these processes via a processor as hardware, a program as software, or a combination thereof. In this case, the processor is configured to cooperate with the program to execute the various processes described above, and can function as a unit or means in the above embodiments. Moreover, the execution order of the processor-based processes is not limited to the order described and can be appropriately varied. The arbitrary computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a workstation, or other system capable of executing the processes.

[0070] A processor can be composed of one or more hardware components, and the type of hardware is not limited. For example, a processor can be composed of programmable logic devices such as CPUs (Central Processing Units), MPUs (Micro Processing Units), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), dedicated circuits for performing specific processes such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), or NPUs (Neural Processing Units). Furthermore, the type of hardware can be a combination of different types of hardware. When multiple hardware components are configured to execute one or more processes of a certain processor, these multiple hardware components can exist in physically separate devices or in the same device. Moreover, in any embodiment, the order of the processor's processes is not limited to the above order and can be appropriately varied. Additionally, the hardware can be composed of circuits composed of semiconductor elements and other circuit components.

[0071] Furthermore, the program can be software such as firmware or microcode. The program can also be, for example, a group of program modules, each of whose functions can be implemented by a processor configured to execute those functions. The program can be program code or multiple code segments stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable media (e.g., storage media or other storage devices). The program can be divided and stored on multiple non-transitory computer-readable media located in physically separate devices. Program code or code segments can represent any combination of steps, functions, subroutines, routines, subroutines, modules, software packages, classes, or instructions, data structures, or program statements. Program code or code segments can be connected to other code segments or hardware circuitry by sending and receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or the contents of memory.

[0072] Furthermore, while the above embodiment describes the information processing program 40 being pre-stored (installed) in the storage unit 33, it is not limited to this. The information processing program 40 may also be provided as a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Furthermore, the information processing program 40 may also be provided as a downloadable device via a network. Moreover, the information processing program 40 may be provided as a program product. Program products include products used in all ways of providing programs. For example, program products include programs provided via networks such as the Internet, and non-transitory computer-readable recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs containing programs.

[0073] The following notes further disclose the above implementation methods.

[0074] (Note 1)

[0075] An information processing apparatus includes a processor and performs processing of data stored in key-value format.

[0076] The processor performs the following processing:

[0077] The key contains a string related to the photographic conditions of the radiographic image;

[0078] The value includes calibration data of the radiation detector of the radiation imaging device that took the radiation image.

[0079] The key and the value are associated and stored in a storage device.

[0080] (Note 2)

[0081] According to the information processing apparatus described in Appendix 1, wherein,

[0082] The radiographic images are CT images.

[0083] The radiographic imaging device is a CT scanner.

[0084] (Note 3)

[0085] According to the information processing apparatus described in Appendix 2, wherein,

[0086] The CT device is equipped with a photon-counting radiation detector.

[0087] (Note 4)

[0088] According to the information processing apparatus described in Appendix 2 or Appendix 3, wherein...

[0089] The strings associated with the imaging conditions include strings indicating whether a process has been performed to reduce the amount of projection data acquired by the CT device.

[0090] (Note 5)

[0091] The information processing apparatus according to any one of Annexes 1 to 4, wherein,

[0092] The strings associated with the photographic conditions include strings representing the creation date and time of the calibration data.

[0093] (Note 6)

[0094] The information processing apparatus according to any one of Annexes 1 to 5, wherein,

[0095] The processor performs the following processing:

[0096] Receives the string of the retrieved object;

[0097] The calibration data is retrieved from the storage device and saved as the value corresponding to the key that matches the received string portion.

[0098] (Note 7)

[0099] The information processing apparatus according to any one of Annexes 1 to 6, wherein,

[0100] The processor performs the following processing:

[0101] Between the start time of preparation for the radiographic imaging of the radiographic image and the start time of the imaging, the calibration data corresponding to the imaging conditions of the imaging is obtained from the storage device.

[0102] (Postscript 8)

[0103] An information processing method, wherein,

[0104] The processor of the information processing apparatus, which is equipped with a processor and performs processing of data stored in key-value format, executes the following processing:

[0105] The key contains a string related to the photographic conditions of the radiographic image;

[0106] The value includes calibration data of the radiation detector of the radiation imaging device that took the radiation image.

[0107] The key and the value are associated and stored in a storage device.

[0108] (Note 9)

[0109] An information processing program is used to cause the processor of an information processing device equipped with a processor and capable of processing data stored in key-value form to perform the following processing:

[0110] The key contains a string related to the photographic conditions of the radiographic image;

[0111] The value includes calibration data of the radiation detector of the radiation imaging device that took the radiation image.

[0112] The key and the value are associated and stored in a storage device.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus comprising a processor, and performing processing of data stored in key-value form, wherein the information processing apparatus, The processor performs the following processing: The key contains a string related to the photographic conditions of the radiographic image; The value includes calibration data of the radiation detector of the radiation imaging device that took the radiation image. The key and the value are associated and stored in a storage device.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The radiographic images are CT images. The radiographic imaging device is a CT scanner.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The CT device is equipped with a photon-counting radiation detector.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The strings associated with the imaging conditions include strings indicating whether a process has been performed to reduce the amount of projection data acquired by the CT device.

5. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The strings associated with the photographic conditions include strings representing the creation date and time of the calibration data.

6. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The processor performs the following processing: Receives the string of the retrieved object; The calibration data is retrieved from the storage device and saved as the value corresponding to the key that matches the received string portion.

7. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The processor performs the following processing: Between the start time of preparation for the radiographic imaging of the radiographic image and the start time of the imaging, the calibration data corresponding to the imaging conditions of the imaging is obtained from the storage device.

8. An information processing method, wherein, The processor of the information processing apparatus, which is equipped with a processor and performs processing of data stored in key-value format, executes the following processing: The key contains a string related to the photographic conditions of the radiographic image; The value includes calibration data of the radiation detector of the radiation imaging device that took the radiation image. The key and the value are associated and stored in a storage device.

9. A computer program product comprising an information processing program for causing the processor of an information processing apparatus equipped with a processor and capable of processing data stored in key-value form to perform the following processing: The key contains a string related to the photographic conditions of the radiographic image; The value includes calibration data of the radiation detector of the radiation imaging device that took the radiation image. The key and the value are associated and stored in a storage device.

10. A computer-readable storage medium storing an information processing program for causing the processor of an information processing apparatus equipped with a processor and capable of processing data stored in key-value form to perform the following processing: The key contains a string related to the photographic conditions of the radiographic image; The value includes calibration data of the radiation detector of the radiation imaging device that took the radiation image. The key and the value are associated and stored in a storage device.

Images