Radiographic image analysis apparatus and radiographic image analysis program

Abstract

To avoid an analysis result being determined to be inappropriate on a medical image management system side.SOLUTION: A radiographic image analysis apparatus comprises: a communicator configured to acquire, from an image-capturing apparatus, a radiographic image captured by irradiating a subject with radiation, and to transmit the acquired radiographic image to a medical image management system; an analyzer configured to analyze the radiographic image before transmission to the medical image management system by the communicator; a determinator configured to determine whether an analysis result by the analyzer is appropriate, and a presenter configured to, when it is determined by the determinator that the analysis result is inappropriate, present information about the radiographic image that is a reason for the determination to be inappropriate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a radiological image analyzing apparatus and a radiological image analyzing program. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a known analytical device that irradiates a subject with radiation and analyzes the captured dynamic images to obtain analysis results of the subject's disease, etc. Dynamic images require a longer time to capture than still images, so if the subject moves during imaging, the images in the frames that make up the dynamic images may become blurred, making it impossible to obtain analysis results.

[0003] Therefore, the analysis device disclosed in Patent Document 1 performs a pre-analysis on the dynamic image, immediately determining whether sufficient analysis results can be obtained from the dynamic image, and if it determines that the amount of information is insufficient, prompts the user to take a new photograph. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-175321 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] By the way, the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 determines whether dynamic images can be analyzed, but does not determine whether the analysis results are appropriate. Therefore, even if the analysis results are inappropriate, since the analysis is possible, it is determined that the shooting process is completed, and the next process, for example, automatic transmission to a medical image management system (Picture Archiving and Communication System: PACS), etc., is performed. In this case, for example, if the PACS side determines that the analysis results are inappropriate, the dynamic image may need to be re-shot, and since it takes time until a response comes from the PACS side, the patient (subject) often goes home, and there are also troubles (burdens) such as the patient coming to the hospital again and re-scheduling the re-examination.

[0006] Here, determining that the analysis results are inappropriate does not mean that the disease state of the subject is diagnosed as abnormal, but means that it is determined that the analysis results do not have sufficient quality to enable a reliable diagnosis of the disease state of the subject.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a radiation image analysis device and a radiation image analysis program capable of avoiding the determination that the analysis results are inappropriate on the medical image management system side.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The radiation image analysis device according to the present invention acquires a radiation image obtained by irradiating a subject with radiation and imaging from an imaging device, and a communication unit capable of transmitting the acquired radiation image to a medical image management system; an analysis unit that analyzes the radiation image before transmission to the medical image management system by the communication unit; a determination unit that determines whether the analysis results by the analysis unit are appropriate; a presentation unit that presents information regarding the radiation image, which is the cause of the determination of being inappropriate, when the determination unit determines that the analysis results are inappropriate; and includes.

[0009] The radiation image analysis program according to the present invention is a radiation image analysis program performed in a radiation image analysis apparatus capable of acquiring a radiation image obtained by irradiating a subject with radiation from an imaging device and transmitting it to a medical image management system, causes a computer included in the radiation image analysis apparatus to perform a process of analyzing the radiation image before transmitting it to the medical image management system, perform a process of determining whether the analysis result of the radiation image is appropriate, and when it is determined that the analysis result is inappropriate, perform a process of presenting information regarding the radiation image, which is the cause of the determination of inappropriateness. be executed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to avoid a situation where it is determined on the medical image management system side that the analysis result is inappropriate.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0013] <Configuration of Radiation Image Processing System> FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a radiation image processing system 1 according to the present embodiment. The radiation image processing system 1 includes a radiation image capturing apparatus 10, a radiation imaging control apparatus (console apparatus) 20, a radiation image analysis apparatus 30, an image management apparatus 40, and a client terminal 50.

[0014] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the radiation image capturing apparatus 10 is arranged in a shooting room, and the radiation imaging control apparatus 20 is arranged in an operation room. The radiation image capturing apparatus 10, the radiation imaging control apparatus 20, the radiation image analysis apparatus 30, the image management apparatus 40, and the client terminal 50 are connected to each other via a communication network. As the communication network, for example, a communication network conforming to the DICOM (Digital Image and Communications in Medicine) standard or the like is used.

[0015] The radiographic imaging device 10 captures dynamic images, which are radiographic images, under the control of the radiography control device 20. The dynamic images generated by the radiographic imaging device 10 are transmitted to the radiographic image analysis device 30 via the radiography control device 20. The radiographic image analysis device 30 performs dynamic analysis on the dynamic images. The dynamic images and the results of the dynamic analysis are transmitted to and managed by an image management device 40 (e.g., PACS, etc.) which serves as a medical image management system. The dynamic images and the results of the dynamic analysis are transmitted to a client terminal 50 and viewed by medical professionals such as doctors.

[0016] The radiographic imaging device 10, the radiographic imaging control device 20, and the radiographic image analysis device 30 each have a processor and memory, and are a type of computer that realizes specified functions by reading, expanding, and executing programs stored in the memory.

[0017] [Radiation imaging device 10] As shown in FIG. 1, the radiographic imaging device 10 includes an imaging control unit 11, a radiation irradiation unit 12, an imaging table 13, a radiation detection unit 14, a display unit 15, and an audio output unit 16.

[0018] The imaging control unit 11 acquires setting information related to the settings of dynamic radiography from the radiography control device 20. Based on the setting information, the imaging control unit 11 sets imaging conditions for performing dynamic radiography, and controls the radiation irradiator 12 based on the imaging conditions to irradiate radiation onto the subject M (e.g., a patient) and perform imaging. The imaging control unit 11 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc.

[0019] The setting information is information regarding settings for performing dynamic imaging of the subject M. The setting information includes, for example, at least one of a plurality of types of dynamic analyses that can be executed by the radiation image analysis device 30 on the dynamic image. When combining a plurality of types of dynamic analyses, the setting information may include information regarding the combination. The setting information is set by an operator of the radiation imaging system 1, such as a radiographer, etc., in the radiation imaging control device 20 described later.

[0020] The imaging conditions include, for example, various conditions such as pulse rate, pulse width, pulse interval, number of imaging frames per imaging, dose per unit time of radiation irradiation, physical state (breathing state, etc.) of the subject M, etc. The pulse rate is the number of radiation irradiations per second and coincides with the frame rate of the image data. The pulse width is the radiation irradiation time per radiation irradiation. The pulse interval is the time from the start of one radiation irradiation to the start of the next radiation irradiation and coincides with the time interval (frame interval) between a plurality of pieces of image data. The imaging conditions may be automatically determined by the imaging control unit 11 of the radiation image imaging device 10 based on the setting information.

[0021] The radiation irradiation unit 12 is disposed at a position facing the radiation detection unit 14 fixed to the imaging table 13. The radiation irradiation unit 12 irradiates radiation (X-rays) according to the control of the imaging control unit 11.

[0022] The radiation detection unit 14 is composed of a semiconductor image sensor such as an FPD (Flat Panel Detector). The radiation detection unit 14 has a substrate on which a plurality of detection elements (pixels) that detect the radiation irradiated from the radiation irradiation unit 12 according to its intensity, convert the detected radiation into an electrical signal, and accumulate it are arranged in a matrix. Each pixel of the substrate is configured to include a switching unit such as a TFT (Thin Film Transistor), for example.

[0023] The radiation detection unit 14 controls the switching unit of each pixel based on the image reading conditions input from the radiation imaging control device 20 to read the electrical signals accumulated in each pixel and output intensity information for each pixel to the image generation unit 113. The image reading conditions include, for example, the frame rate, frame interval, pixel size, image size (matrix size), etc. The frame rate is the number of frame images acquired per second and coincides with the pulse rate. The frame interval is the time from the start of one image data acquisition operation to the start of the next frame image acquisition operation and coincides with the pulse interval.

[0024] The imaging control unit 11 and the radiation detection unit 14 are connected to each other and exchange synchronization signals with each other to synchronize the radiation irradiation operation and the image reading operation.

[0025] In this way, the radiographic imaging device 10 performs dynamic radiographic imaging by controlling the imaging control unit 11 so that the radiation irradiation unit 12 irradiates radiation and the radiation detection unit 14 generates image data based on the intensity of the irradiated radiation.

[0026] The display unit 15 and the audio output unit 16 give instructions to the subject M regarding the posture to be taken and the physical condition (such as respiratory state) when performing dynamic imaging of the subject M. The display unit 15 is a display device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a liquid crystal display (Liquid Crystal Display), or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The audio output unit 16 is a sound output device such as a speaker. The display unit 15 and the audio output unit 16 may each give the same instructions to the subject M, or only one of them may give instructions.

[0027] 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the imaging control unit 11 in the radiographic image capturing device 10 that constitutes the radiographic image processing system 1. The imaging control unit 11 has a setting information acquisition unit 111, an imaging condition determination unit 112, an image generation unit 113, and a storage unit 114.

[0028] The setting information acquisition unit 111 acquires setting information from the radiation imaging control device 20.

[0029] The imaging condition determination unit 112 determines the imaging conditions for performing dynamic imaging of the subject M based on the setting information. Information indicating the correspondence between multiple types of dynamic analysis and the imaging conditions suitable for each dynamic analysis is stored in the storage unit 114 in advance. Also, information indicating the correspondence between combinations of multiple types of dynamic analysis and the imaging conditions suitable for each combination is stored in the storage unit 114 in advance. The imaging condition determination unit 112 may determine the imaging conditions by reading out the information indicating the correspondence from the storage unit 114 for the dynamic analysis or the combination of multiple types of dynamic analysis indicated by the setting information and collating it with the setting information.

[0030] Note that, for example, in the case of screening, emergency, etc., it may not be possible to set the dynamic analysis that serves as the setting information. In such a case, the imaging condition determination unit 112 determines the imaging conditions by having the user select at least one imaging condition from among a plurality of predefined imaging conditions. Also, the imaging condition determination unit 112 has the user select an inspection order and determines the imaging conditions based on the selected inspection order. In this way, when the dynamic analysis cannot be set before dynamic imaging, the dynamic analysis is set after dynamic imaging under the imaging conditions selected by the user, and dynamic analysis, etc. (for example, analysis by the analysis unit 312 and determination by the determination unit 313 described later) in the radiation image analysis device 30 described later is executed.

[0031] The image generation unit 113 executes dynamic imaging of the subject M based on the determined imaging conditions and generates a plurality of frames of radiation images. Specifically, the image generation unit 113 controls the operations of the radiation irradiation unit 12 and the radiation detection unit 14 based on the imaging conditions, and generates image data by acquiring intensity information regarding the radiation intensity transmitted through the subject from the radiation detection unit 14 for each pixel.

[0032] As described above, the memory unit 114 pre-stores information indicating the correspondence between multiple types of dynamic analysis and the imaging conditions suitable for each dynamic analysis, information indicating the correspondence between combinations of multiple types of dynamic analysis and the imaging conditions suitable for that combination, etc.

[0033] [Radiation imaging control device 20] The radiation imaging control device 20 is, for example, a computer such as a PC (Personal Computer), a workstation, etc. The radiation imaging control device 20 may be a desktop computer as shown in the example of Fig. 1, or may be a portable computer such as a notebook computer or a tablet computer.

[0034] The radiography control device 20 receives examination order information from a RIS (Radiology Information System; not shown) or the like, and transmits it to the radiography device 10, thereby controlling dynamic radiography by the radiography device 10. The examination order information includes various information related to the next dynamic radiography to be performed, such as patient information, examination information, and data attributes. The examination information includes information such as an examination ID, an examination target area (e.g., chest, particularly lungs or heart, etc.), and a type of analysis (e.g., ventilation analysis, pulmonary blood flow analysis, maximum ventilation measurement, etc.). The examination order information is generated, for example, when a doctor or the like requests the radiography image processing system 1 to perform dynamic radiography of a subject M.

[0035] Furthermore, based on input from the operator, the radiography control device 20 generates setting information indicating at least one of the multiple types of kinetic analyses that can be performed by the radiographic image analyzer 30. When multiple types of kinetic analyses are to be combined, the radiography control device 20 generates setting information indicating a combination of the multiple types of kinetic analyses. The operator, for example, refers to the contents of the examination order information to determine which of the multiple types of kinetic analyses to combine, and performs input operations to generate setting information based on this. Alternatively, the operator may determine which kinetic analyses to combine based on information provided by a doctor or the like in another manner.

[0036] Figure 3 is a block diagram for explaining an example of the functional configuration of the radiation imaging control device 20 that constitutes the radiation image processing system 1. The radiation imaging control device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, an operation unit 23, a display unit 24, and a communication unit 25. Each component included in the radiation imaging control device 20 is connected to each other by a bus 26.

[0037] The radiation imaging control device 20 outputs the set conditions set by an operator or the like and the examination order information acquired in advance from an RIS or the like to the radiation image capturing device 10, and controls the imaging process by the radiation image capturing device 10. The radiation imaging control device 20 may display, for example, the dynamic image generated by the radiation image capturing device 10 for an operator to confirm.

[0038] The control unit 21 is composed of a CPU, a RAM, and the like. In the control unit 21, the CPU reads out the system program and various processing programs stored in the storage unit 22 in response to the operation of the operation unit 23 and expands them in the RAM, and based on the expanded programs, controls the operations of each part of the radiation imaging control device 20.

[0039] The storage unit 22 is composed of a non-volatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk, or the like. The storage unit 22 stores various programs executed by the control unit 21, parameters necessary for executing the processing by the programs, or data such as processing results. The various programs are stored in the form of readable program codes, and the control unit 21 sequentially executes operations according to the program codes.

[0040] Also, the storage unit 22 stores the image reading conditions for performing dynamic imaging. Further, the storage unit 22 stores the examination order information transmitted from an RIS or the like. When the radiation imaging control device 20 controls the dynamic imaging of the radiation image capturing device 10, the storage unit 22 reads out and transmits the image reading conditions and the examination order information corresponding to the subject M.

[0041] The operation unit 23 is an operation device such as a keyboard equipped with cursor keys, numeric input keys, and various function keys, a pointing device such as a mouse or trackball, and a touch panel. The operation unit 23 generates an instruction signal based on the input of the operator and outputs it to the control unit 21.

[0042] The display unit 24 is composed of a display device such as a CRT, a liquid crystal display, or an organic EL display. The display unit 24 displays an input instruction from the operation unit 23, image data generated by the radiation image capturing apparatus 10, etc. according to the instruction of the display signal input from the control unit 21.

[0043] The communication unit 25 performs data transmission and reception with the radiation image capturing apparatus 10, the radiation image analysis apparatus 30, the RIS, etc.

[0044] [Radiation Image Analysis Apparatus 30] The radiation image analysis apparatus 30 is, for example, a computer such as a PC or a workstation. The radiation image analysis apparatus 30 may be a desktop computer, or may be a portable computer, for example, a notebook computer or a tablet computer.

[0045] The radiation image analysis apparatus 30 performs dynamic analysis on the dynamic image captured by the radiation image capturing apparatus 10 based on the setting information set in the radiation imaging control apparatus 20. The radiation image analysis apparatus 30 may execute a combination of multiple types of dynamic analysis, but hereinafter, for simplicity of explanation, the case of executing one dynamic analysis will be described.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining an example of the functional configuration of the radiation image analysis apparatus 30 that constitutes the radiation image processing system 1. The radiation image analysis apparatus 30 has a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, an operation unit 33, a display unit 34, and a communication unit 35. Each configuration of the radiation image analysis apparatus 30 is connected by a bus 36.

[0047] The control unit 31 is composed of a CPU, a RAM, and the like. In the control unit 31, the CPU reads out the system program and various processing programs stored in the storage unit 32 according to the operation of the operation unit 33, expands them in the RAM, and based on the expanded programs, executes operation control, dynamic analysis, etc. of each part of the radiation image analysis device 30.

[0048] The control unit 31 includes an image acquisition unit 311, an analysis unit 312, a determination unit 313, and a presentation unit 314.

[0049] The image acquisition unit 311 acquires a dynamic image, which is a plurality of frames of radiation images generated by the radiation image imaging device 10.

[0050] The analysis unit 312 performs the dynamic analysis set by the setting information on the dynamic image acquired from the radiation image imaging device 10, and obtains the analysis result. At this time, when the analysis unit 312 cannot analyze the dynamic image (cannot obtain the analysis result), it determines that the analysis is impossible.

[0051] As the types of dynamic analysis (analysis modes in the present invention), the analysis unit 312 has, for example, a blood flow analysis mode, a ventilation analysis mode, an adhesion analysis mode, a diaphragm movement amount analysis mode, a plastic surgery-related measurement mode, and the like. Each mode will be briefly described below.

[0052] The blood flow analysis mode is a mode for visualizing signal changes in the lung field synchronized with the heartbeat.

[0053] The ventilation analysis mode is a mode for extracting signal changes in the time direction in a specific time frequency band and visualizing the behavior of lung tissue during breathing.

[0054] The adhesion analysis mode is a mode for visualizing the degree of tissue adhesion.

[0055] The diaphragm movement amount analysis mode is a mode for tracking the up and down movement of the diaphragm accompanying breathing.

[0056] The orthopedic measurement mode is a mode in which, for example, the positional change of a designated bone in a limb or the like is measured and the trajectory of the movement is displayed.

[0057] The determination unit 313 determines whether the analysis result is appropriate or not when the analysis unit 312 has acquired the analysis result. The determination of whether the analysis result is appropriate or not will be specifically described later with reference to FIG. 6.

[0058] When the analysis unit 312 is able to analyze the dynamic image and the determination unit 313 determines that the analysis result is appropriate, the presentation unit 314 displays the analysis result together with the dynamic image on the display unit 34 to present it to the operator. Furthermore, when the analysis unit 312 is unable to analyze the dynamic image, the presentation unit 314 displays an error on the display unit 34 to present it to the operator. Furthermore, when the determination unit 313 determines that the analysis result is inappropriate, the presentation unit 314 displays information about the dynamic image that is the cause of the determination that the result is inappropriate on the display unit 34 to present it to the operator. The information about the dynamic image that is the cause of the determination that the result is inappropriate will also be specifically described with reference to FIG. 6 described below.

[0059] The operator manually edits the dynamic image based on the information presented by the presentation unit 314 (information about the dynamic image that caused the image to be determined to be inappropriate). The control unit 31 may also include an editing unit 315 that edits the dynamic image. In this case, the editing unit 315 automatically or semi-automatically edits the dynamic image based on the information presented by the presentation unit 314.

[0060] The storage unit 32 is configured with a non-volatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 32 stores various programs executed by the control unit 31, parameters required for executing processes by the programs, data such as processing results, etc. The various programs are stored in the form of readable program code, and the control unit 31 sequentially executes operations in accordance with the program code.

[0061] In addition, the storage unit 32 stores list information indicating patient information, examination information, and status (for example, progress status such as in reception, in dynamic analysis, analysis completed, etc.) related to each dynamic image generated by the radiation imaging apparatus 10. Further, the analysis results are stored in the storage unit 32 in association with the dynamic images.

[0062] The operation unit 33 is an operation device such as a keyboard equipped with cursor keys, numeric input keys, and various function keys, a pointing device such as a mouse or trackball, and a touch panel. The operation unit 33 generates an instruction signal based on an operator's input and outputs it to the control unit 31. Further, the operation unit 33 may include a touch panel on the display screen of the display unit 34. In this case, the instruction signal input via the touch panel is output to the control unit 31.

[0063] The display unit 34 is composed of a display device such as a CRT, a liquid crystal display, or an organic EL display. The display unit 34 displays an input instruction from the operation unit 33, image data generated by the radiation imaging apparatus 10, etc. according to an instruction of a display signal input from the control unit 31.

[0064] The communication unit 35 performs data transmission and reception with the radiation imaging control device 20, the image management device 40, etc.

[0065] Regarding the analysis process of the dynamic image and the presentation process of information related to the dynamic image determined to be inappropriate in the radiation image analysis apparatus 30 having the above-described configuration, the following will be described.

[0066] [Dynamic Analysis] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the dynamic analysis performed by the radiation image analysis apparatus 30. The dynamic analysis will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 together with FIG. 5.

[0067] (Step S11) When the radiation imaging apparatus 10 and the radiation imaging control apparatus 20 irradiate a subject M with radiation to capture a dynamic image, a dynamic image is input from the radiation imaging apparatus 10 and the radiation imaging control apparatus 20 to the radiation image analysis apparatus 30.

[0068] (Step S12) In the radiation image analysis apparatus 30, the analysis unit 312 executes the set dynamic analysis on the dynamic image. As the dynamic analysis, for example, the above-described blood flow analysis mode, ventilation analysis mode, adhesion analysis mode, diaphragm movement amount analysis mode, plastic surgery-related measurement mode, etc. are set and executed.

[0069] (Step S13) When the analysis unit 312 executes the set dynamic analysis on the dynamic image and the analysis process of the dynamic image is successful (YES), it proceeds to step S15. When the analysis process of the dynamic image fails (NO), it proceeds to step S14.

[0070] (Step S14) When the analysis unit 312 fails to analyze the dynamic image (NO in step S13), the presentation unit 314 displays an error on the display unit 34, presents it to the operator, and ends the series of processes.

[0071] (Step S15) When the analysis unit 312 successfully analyzes the dynamic image (YES in step S13), that is, when the analysis result can be obtained by the analysis unit 312, the determination unit 313 determines whether the analysis result is appropriate. When the analysis result is appropriate (YES), it proceeds to step S16. When the analysis result is inappropriate (NO), it proceeds to step S17. The determination of whether the analysis result is appropriate will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 6 described later.

[0072] (Step S16) When the determination unit 313 determines that the analysis result is appropriate (YES in step S15), the presentation unit 314 displays the analysis result together with the dynamic image on the display unit 34, presents it to the operator, and ends the series of processes.

[0073] (Step S17) When the analysis result is determined to be inappropriate by the determination unit 313 (NO in step S15), the presentation unit 314 displays information about the moving image, which is the cause of the determination of inappropriateness, on the display unit 34 and presents it to the operator. The information about the moving image, which is the cause of the determination of inappropriateness, will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 6 described later. Then, the operator manually edits the moving image based on the presented information. Alternatively, the editing unit 315 automatically or semi-automatically edits the moving image based on the presented information.

[0074] After editing the moving image in step S17, the process returns to step S12, and the edited moving image is re-analyzed. If the editing of the moving image is appropriate, the result of the re-analysis is determined to be appropriate, and through steps S13 to S16, a series of processes will end. Even if, hypothetically, the editing of the moving image is not appropriate, in that case, through steps S13 to S15, the result of the re-analysis is determined to be inappropriate, and the process in step S17 will be performed again, so the moving image will be re-edited, and more appropriate editing is possible.

[0075] Here, in each mode of dynamic analysis, cases where the analysis result is determined to be inappropriate, the determination process, and the editing process will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0076] <Blood flow analysis mode> When the dynamic analysis is in the blood flow analysis mode, cases where the analysis result is determined to be inappropriate, the determination process, and the editing process include, for example, the cases, determination items, and editing items shown in FIG. 6.

[0077] In the blood flow analysis mode, for example, when there are frames during body movement in a part of all the frames of the moving image, the analysis result is determined to be inappropriate. As a specific example, when the subject M is asked to hold their breath and a moving image is being captured, if the subject is not able to hold their breath and there is body movement, even if the analysis can be performed, the analysis result is determined to be inappropriate.

[0078] In this case, as a determination process, the determination unit 313 compares, for each frame, a threshold value for determining body movement with the movement amount of a predetermined structure. If there is a frame in which the movement amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it is determined that the analysis result is inappropriate. As a presentation process, the presentation unit 314 presents, for example, a frame in which the movement amount of a predetermined structure captured in the moving image is equal to or greater than the threshold value, that is, a frame in which there is body movement, to the operator.

[0079] Then, the operator or the editing unit 315, as an editing process, identifies a frame in which the movement amount of a predetermined structure captured in the moving image is equal to or greater than the threshold value, that is, a frame in which there is body movement, and deletes the frame from all the frames of the moving image.

[0080] In this way, since the frames with body movement are deleted from all the frames of the moving image, an appropriate analysis result can be obtained.

[0081] For example, when the editing unit 315 has a body movement correction function or the like for correcting body movement, the operator or the editing unit 315, as an editing process, corrects the body movement in the frames with body movement by using the body movement correction function.

[0082] In this way, since the body movement is corrected in the frames with body movement, an appropriate analysis result can be obtained.

[0083] Regarding the appropriateness of the above-described analysis result, the appropriateness of the analysis result may be determined based on whether the body movement can be corrected in the frames with body movement, taking into account the presence or absence and combination of the above-described body movement correction function and other image processing functions (for example, a distortion correction function by warping processing).

[0084] In addition, the appropriateness of the above-described analysis result may be determined not only by the threshold value for determining body movement for each frame, but also by using, as a threshold value, the number of frames or the occurrence rate in which body movement occurs in all frames of the moving image. In the case of the number of frames, for example, in a moving image of 100 frames, if the number of frames in which body movement occurs is 11 to 30, it is determined that the analysis result is inappropriate. Also in this case, by deleting the frames with body movement from all the frames of the moving image, an appropriate analysis result can be obtained. Note that if the number of frames in which body movement occurs is 31 or more, it may be determined that the analysis is impossible.

[0085] The appropriateness of the above-described analysis result may be determined not only by the threshold value, but also by using the presence or absence of body movement within the respiratory cycle in the moving image. In this case, for example, in a moving image with two respiratory cycles, if body movement occurs in one respiratory cycle, it is determined that the analysis result is inappropriate. Also in this case, by deleting the frames of one respiratory cycle with body movement from the frames of the two respiratory cycles, an appropriate analysis result can be obtained. Note that if body movement occurs in both of the two respiratory cycles, it may be determined that the analysis is impossible.

[0086] Also, in the blood flow analysis mode, if the recognition of the ROI (Region of Interest) of the heart fails, it is determined that the analysis result is inappropriate. As a specific example, in the case of a patient with obesity or a patient with a thick body, etc., the recognition of the ROI of the heart may fail. In this case, even if the analysis can be performed, it is determined that the analysis result is inappropriate.

[0087] In this case, as a determination process, the determination unit 313 checks the periodic signal change of the recognized ROI, and if there is no periodic signal change, it determines that the analysis result is inappropriate. As a presentation process, the presentation unit 314 presents to the operator, for example, that there is no periodic signal change in the recognized ROI.

[0088] Then, the operator or the editing unit 315, as an editing process, changes the ROI in the moving image to a region where a periodic signal change can be confirmed, that is, a region including the heart.

[0089] In this way, since the ROI in the moving image is changed to the region including the heart, an appropriate analysis result can be obtained.

[0090] Also, in the blood flow analysis mode, when there is no missing ROI (air region) in the corner of the image, for example, in the upper left region of the image, there is no region for analysis reference, and even if the analysis can be performed, the analysis result is determined to be inappropriate.

[0091] In this case, as a determination process, when the determination unit 313 determines that there is a frame without a missing ROI in the corner of the image (for example, in the upper left region of the image), the analysis result is determined to be inappropriate. As a presentation process, the presentation unit 314 presents, for example, a frame without a missing ROI in the corner of the image to the operator.

[0092] Then, the operator or the editing unit 315 changes, as an editing process, the missing ROI in the moving image to an appropriate region (air region). Not limited to changing the region of the missing ROI, the gradation of the missing ROI may be corrected, or a frame without a missing ROI may be deleted.

[0093] In this way, since the missing ROI in the moving image is changed to an appropriate region, an appropriate analysis result can be obtained.

[0094] Also, in the blood flow analysis mode, when the recognition of the lung field fails, the mask image of the lung field is not set appropriately, and the analysis result is determined to be inappropriate. As a specific example, in the case of a patient in a poor condition such as in the ICU, etc., the recognition of the lung field may fail, and in this case, even if the analysis can be performed, the analysis result is determined to be inappropriate.

[0095] In this case, as a determination process, the determination unit 313 checks the variation in the recognition results of the lung fields between frames. If the variation is large, it determines that the analysis result is inappropriate. Also, since the position of the diaphragm does not vary significantly between the left and right, as a determination process, the determination unit 313 may determine that the analysis result is inappropriate if there is a significant difference in the position of the lung bases in the recognition results of the left and right lung fields. Further, as a determination process, the determination unit 313 may determine that the analysis result is inappropriate if there is a large step (when the mask image extends beyond the area of the lung field) in the vertical profile of the mask image. The presentation unit 314, as a presentation process, presents, for example, the recognition results of the lung fields between frames, the recognition results of the left and right lung fields, and the vertical profile of the mask image to the operator.

[0096] Then, the operator or the editing unit 315, as an editing process, changes the lung field in the dynamic image to an appropriate area. For example, it changes the lung field to an appropriate area by referring to the recognition results of the lung fields between frames, the recognition results of the left and right lung fields, and the vertical profile of the mask image.

[0097] In this way, since the lung field in the dynamic image is changed to an appropriate area, an appropriate analysis result can be obtained.

[0098] Also, in the blood flow analysis mode, if there is an arrhythmia frame in a part of all the frames of the dynamic image, the analysis result is determined to be inappropriate.

[0099] In this case, as a determination process, the determination unit 313 determines whether there is an arrhythmia frame based on the learning result learned by AI (Artificial Intelligence) for the arrhythmia frame. Then, if there is an arrhythmia frame, the determination unit 313 determines that the analysis result is inappropriate. The presentation unit 314, as a presentation process, presents, for example, the arrhythmia frame to the operator.

[0100] Then, the operator or the editing unit 315, as an editing process, identifies the frame with arrhythmia and deletes the frame from all the frames of the dynamic image.

[0101] In this way, since frames with arrhythmia are deleted from all frames of the moving image, an appropriate analysis result can be obtained.

[0102] <Ventilation analysis mode> When the dynamic analysis is in the ventilation analysis mode, cases where the analysis result is determined to be inappropriate, the determination process and the editing process thereof include, for example, the cases, determination items, and editing items shown in FIG. 6.

[0103] Even in the ventilation analysis mode, similar to the above-described blood flow analysis mode, when the recognition of the lung field fails, the mask image of the lung field is not appropriately set, and the analysis result is determined to be inappropriate. In this case, if the same processes as the determination process, presentation process, and editing process in the above-described blood flow analysis mode are performed, an appropriate analysis result can be obtained.

[0104] Also, in the ventilation analysis mode, when the reference frame is incorrect, that is, when the reference frame is not the frame at maximum exhalation, the analysis result is determined to be inappropriate. As a specific example, in the case of a patient with pneumothorax or the like, there is a possibility of misrecognizing the lung field, and in that case, the reference frame may be incorrect.

[0105] In this case, as a determination process, the determination unit 313 determines whether the area of the lung field at the reference frame (the frame with the minimum signal value in the lung field) is close to the area of the lung field at the frame with the minimum area of the lung field. Then, when the areas of the lung fields are greatly separated from each other, the determination unit 313 determines that the analysis result is inappropriate because the reference frame is not the frame at maximum exhalation. As a presentation process, the presentation unit 314 presents, for example, the area of the lung field at the reference frame and the area of the lung field at the frame with the minimum area of the lung field to the operator.

[0106] Then, the operator or the editing unit 315, as an editing process, refers to the area of the lung field of each frame and changes the reference frame to the frame at maximum exhalation.

[0107] In this way, since the reference frame is changed to the frame at maximum exhalation, an appropriate analysis result can be obtained.

[0108] <Adhesion analysis mode> When the dynamic analysis is in the adhesion analysis mode, cases where the analysis result is determined to be inappropriate, the determination process and the editing process thereof include, for example, the cases, determination items, and editing items shown in FIG. 6.

[0109] Even in the adhesion analysis mode, similar to the blood flow analysis mode described above, if the recognition of the lung field fails, the mask image of the lung field is not set appropriately, and the analysis result is determined to be inappropriate. In this case, if the same processes as the determination process, presentation process, and editing process in the blood flow analysis mode described above are performed, an appropriate analysis result can be obtained.

[0110] Also, in the ventilation analysis mode, if the reference frame is incorrect, that is, if the reference frame is not the frame at the end of inspiration, the analysis result is determined to be inappropriate.

[0111] In this case, as a determination process, the determination unit 313 determines whether the area of the lung field in the reference frame (the frame with the maximum signal value in the lung field) is close to the area of the lung field in the frame where the lung field has the maximum area. Then, when the areas of the lung fields are significantly different from each other, since the reference frame is not the frame at the end of inspiration, the determination unit 313 determines that the analysis result is inappropriate. As a presentation process, the presentation unit 314 presents, for example, the area of the lung field in the reference frame and the area of the lung field in the frame where the lung field has the maximum area to the operator.

[0112] Then, the operator or the editing unit 315, as an editing process, refers to the area of the lung field in each frame and changes the reference frame to the frame at the end of inspiration.

[0113] In this way, since the reference frame is changed to the frame at the end of inspiration, an appropriate analysis result can be obtained.

[0114] <Diaphragm movement amount analysis mode> When the dynamic analysis is in the diaphragm movement amount analysis mode, cases where the analysis result is determined to be inappropriate, the determination process and the editing process thereof include, for example, the cases, determination items, and editing items shown in FIG. 6.

[0115] In the diaphragm movement amount analysis mode, for example, when the tracking position is not the diaphragm, the analysis result is determined to be inappropriate. As a specific example, in the case of a patient with a poor lung condition, there is a possibility that the diaphragm cannot be correctly recognized. If the tracking position is not the diaphragm, even if the analysis can be performed, the analysis result is determined to be inappropriate.

[0116] Since the position of the diaphragm does not vary significantly between the left and right, the determination unit 313 checks as a determination process whether the tracking positions on the left and right are significantly different. If they are significantly different, the analysis result is determined to be inappropriate. The presentation unit 314 presents, as a presentation process, for example, the tracking positions on the left and right to the operator.

[0117] Then, the operator or the editing unit 315 changes the tracking position with reference to the tracking positions on the left and right as an editing process.

[0118] By changing the tracking position in this way, an appropriate analysis result can be obtained.

[0119] <Plastic surgery related measurement mode> When the dynamic analysis is in the plastic surgery related measurement mode, cases where the analysis result is determined to be inappropriate, the determination process and the editing process thereof include, for example, the cases, determination items, and editing items shown in FIG. 6.

[0120] In the orthopedic-related measurement mode, for example, if the initial position of tracking is incorrect, the analysis result is determined to be inappropriate. As a specific example, for the cervical vertebra, the four corners of the bone are set as the initial position of tracking. However, depending on the imaging orientation and the patient's condition, if the C7 bone of the cervical vertebra overlaps with the shoulder in the image, the initial position of tracking (for example, the initial position of C7 of the cervical vertebra) may be incorrect. Also, even in a patient with a poor condition due to a compression fracture or the like, the bones on the screen may overlap, resulting in an incorrect initial position of tracking. In such a case, even if the analysis can be performed, the analysis result is determined to be inappropriate.

[0121] In this case, as a determination process, the determination unit 313 determines whether the bones of interest overlap based on the learning result obtained by having the AI learn the images of the bones of interest. If the bones overlap, the analysis result is determined to be inappropriate. As a presentation process, the presentation unit 314 presents, for example, the positions of the overlapping bones to the operator.

[0122] Then, the operator or the editing unit 315, as an editing process, changes the initial position of tracking to an appropriate position as the initial position of tracking, or changes the frame for setting the initial position of tracking to set the initial position of tracking. For example, in the case of the cervical vertebra, the frame is changed to a frame in which the four corners of the bone can be seen, and the initial position of tracking is set.

[0123] In this way, by changing the initial position of tracking or setting the initial position of tracking with an appropriate frame, an appropriate analysis result can be obtained.

[0124] Note that the appropriateness of the analysis result described in each mode of the dynamic analysis is not limited to the above-described determination, and may be determined by an index such as accuracy, for example.

[0125] Here, FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically comparing the present invention with the conventional art regarding the information displayed on the radiographic image analysis apparatus 30.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 7, a conventional radiation image analysis apparatus displayed an error when the analysis process was not possible, and displayed the image and the analysis result when the analysis process was possible and the analysis result was appropriate. Also, when the analysis process was possible and the analysis result was inappropriate, the image and the analysis result were displayed as well.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 7, the radiation image analysis apparatus 30 according to the present embodiment is the same as the conventional one when the analysis process is not possible, and when the analysis process is possible and the analysis result is appropriate. On the other hand, when the analysis process is possible and the analysis result is inappropriate, the radiation image analysis apparatus 30 is configured to display information regarding the dynamic image, which is the cause of whether the analysis result is appropriate or inappropriate. Further, the radiation image analysis apparatus 30 may be configured to display the dynamic image so that the above-described editing is possible.

[0128] As described above, when analyzing a dynamic image, the radiation image analysis apparatus 30 determines whether the analysis process is possible. Further, even when the analysis process is possible, as described above, it determines whether the analysis result is appropriate according to each mode of the dynamic analysis. Therefore, before transmitting the analysis result to the image management apparatus 40 (for example, PACS, etc.), the radiation image analysis apparatus 30 can determine the appropriateness and accuracy of the analysis result earlier.

[0129] And when the analysis result is inappropriate, it may be possible to obtain an appropriate analysis result by editing the moving image. Therefore, as described above, according to each mode of dynamic analysis, information regarding the moving image, which is the cause determined to be inappropriate, is presented. For this reason, the operator or the editing unit 315 can appropriately edit the moving image based on the information presented according to each mode of dynamic analysis, and an appropriate analysis result can be obtained. That is, by effectively using the captured moving image and appropriately editing the moving image, an appropriate analysis result can be obtained without reimaging. As a result, it is possible to avoid the need for reimaging of the moving image due to the determination that the analysis result is inappropriate on the medical image management system (PACS) side, suppress the time and cost related to imaging and analysis, and also suppress the re-exposure of the subject M.

[0130] <Modification example> The example shown in FIG. 6 is for a simple determination of a case where analysis is possible but the analysis result is inappropriate. Not limited to this, immediately after dynamic imaging, instead of performing analysis, the appropriateness of the analysis result may be simply determined by the determination process shown in FIG. 6. In this case, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, after step S11, steps S12 to S14, S16, and S17 are not performed, and the appropriateness of the analysis result may be determined in step S15.

[0131] As described above, when the appropriateness of the analysis result is determined by the determination process shown in FIG. 6 without performing analysis immediately after dynamic imaging, if the analysis result is appropriate, user operation is unnecessary, and if the analysis result is inappropriate, it is possible to determine the appropriateness of the analysis result earlier than in the case of performing analysis. Therefore, depending on the determination content of the appropriateness of the analysis result, it is possible to make an early determination as to whether to perform reimaging before sending the patient back, or to wait for the patient until it is determined whether the moving image can be optimized by the response or fine adjustment in the radiation image analyzer 30.

[0132] When a simple judgment is made immediately after dynamic radiography, the function of the radiographic image analyzer 30 may be extracted as a program and installed in the radiography control device 20, so that the judgment can be performed within the radiography control device 20. The judgment results of the radiographic image analyzer 30 may also be output to an external terminal such as the radiography control device 20 that has a display function that allows a radiologist to check the results.

[0133] The above-described embodiments are merely examples of specific embodiments for carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present invention can be carried out in various forms without departing from the gist or main features thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1. Radiation image processing system 10 Radiation imaging device 11. Imaging control unit 12 Radiation irradiation unit 13 Photo stand 14 Radiation detection unit 15 Display 16 Audio output section 20 Radiography control device 21 Control section 22 Memory section 23 Control section 24 Display 25 Communications Department 26 Bus 30 Radiation image analysis device 31 Control Unit 32 Storage section 33 Operation section 34 Display section 35 Communications Department 36 Bus 40 Image management device 50 client terminals 111 Setting information acquisition unit 112 Shooting condition determination unit 113 Image Generation Unit 114 Storage section 311 Image Acquisition Unit 312 Analysis Unit 313 Determination Unit 314 Presentation Unit 315 Editing Unit

Claims

1. A communication unit that acquires a radiation image captured by irradiating a subject with radiation from an imaging device and can transmit the acquired radiation image to a medical image management system, An analysis unit that analyzes the radiation image before transmission to the medical image management system by the communication unit, A determination unit that determines whether the analysis result by the analysis unit is appropriate, A presentation unit that presents information regarding the radiation image, which is the cause of the determination of being inappropriate, when the determination unit determines that the analysis result is inappropriate, A radiation image analysis device comprising the above.

2. Comprising an editing unit that edits the radiation image based on the information, The analysis unit re-analyzes the radiation image after editing, The determination unit determines whether the re-analysis result by the analysis unit is appropriate, The radiation image analysis device according to Claim 1.

3. The radiation image is a dynamic image, The information is at least one of a specific frame constituting the radiation image, a specific region in the radiation image, and a specific position in the radiation image, The radiation image analysis device according to Claim 1.

4. Comprising an editing unit that edits the radiation image by performing at least one of deletion of the specific frame, change of the specific region, and change of the specific position in the radiation image based on the information, The analysis unit re-analyzes the radiation image after editing, The determination unit determines whether the re-analysis result by the analysis unit is appropriate, The radiation image analysis device according to Claim 3.

5. The analysis unit has a plurality of analysis modes, The determination unit has at least one determination item according to the analysis mode, and detects a cause to be determined as inappropriate based on the determination item, The radiation image analysis device according to Claim 1.

6. A radiation image analysis program executed in a radiation image analysis device that can acquire a radiation image captured by irradiating a subject with radiation from an imaging device and transmit it to a medical image management system, On a computer included in the radiation image analysis device, A process of analyzing the radiation image before transmission to the medical image management system, A process of determining whether the analysis result of the radiation image is appropriate, A process of presenting information regarding the radiation image, which is the cause of the determination of being inappropriate, when the analysis result is determined to be inappropriate, A radiation image analysis program that causes the above to be executed.

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