Radiation image processing apparatus, image processing method, and image processing program

Abstract

To provide a radiation image processing device, an image processing method, and an image processing program capable of improving visibility of a measurement point to be corrected.SOLUTION: The radiation image processing device comprises a display processing unit that displays first measurement information relating to first measurement of a measurement target in a radiation image and second measurement information relating to second measurement after the first measurement and based on the first measurement information on a display medium in the second measurement, and a change unit that changes a display parameter such that the second measurement information and the first measurement information are displayed in different display modes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a radiation image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and an image processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Measurement operations may be performed on a radiographic image to measure the size, distance, angle, etc. of a target area on a subject. Such measurement operations are performed by setting measurement points on the measurement target within the radiographic image and adjusting measurement parameters.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a region of interest is set on at least one bone in a reference frame image among multiple frame images, and a measurement site within the region of interest is tracked in the time direction to measure changes over time in the measurement site. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-58569 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, there are cases where it is necessary to correct the set measurement points. In such cases, if the measurement points before correction are displayed when correcting the measurement points on the radiation image displayed on the display screen, there is a risk that the measurement points to be corrected may be difficult to view due to the measurement points before correction.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a radiographic image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and an image processing program that can improve the visibility of measurement points to be corrected. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The radiation image processing device according to the present invention comprises: a display processing unit that displays, on a display medium, first measurement information relating to a first measurement of a measurement object in a radiation image and second measurement information relating to a second measurement subsequent to the first measurement and based on the first measurement information during the second measurement; a change unit that changes a display parameter so that the second measurement information and the first measurement information are displayed in different modes; Equipped with.

[0008] The image processing method according to the present invention comprises: An image processing method for a radiation image processing apparatus, comprising: displaying, on a display medium, first measurement information relating to a first measurement of a measurement object in a radiation image and second measurement information relating to a second measurement subsequent to the first measurement and based on the first measurement information in the second measurement; changing display parameters so that the second measurement information and the first measurement information are displayed in different modes; It has.

[0009] The image processing program according to the present invention comprises: An image processing program for a radiation image processing apparatus, On the computer, a process of displaying, on a display medium, first measurement information relating to a first measurement of a measurement object in a radiation image and second measurement information relating to a second measurement subsequent to the first measurement and based on the first measurement information in the second measurement; a process of changing display parameters so that the second measurement information and the first measurement information are displayed in different modes; Execute the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the visibility of measurement points to be corrected. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1]1 is a block diagram showing a radiographic imaging system including a radiographic image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the radiation image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting measurement points on a radiation image. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting measurement points on a radiation image. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a measurement result of a radiographic image using measurement points before correction. [Figure 6] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit of the radiation image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of modifications to the display mode of measurement information. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a measurement result of a radiographic image using measurement points after correction. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a process performed by a control unit of a radiation imaging control device. [Figure 10] 8A and 8B are diagrams showing an example of a change in the display mode of measurement information in a frame different from that shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example in which the display mode of the playback bar of the correction frame is changed. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which plots indicating corrected frames are added to the measurement results for each frame. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which information indicating a correction portion is added to a correction frame. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display example when the correction portion in FIG. 13 is enlarged. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of changes in the display mode of measurement information in a still image. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which the display mode of measurement points that have not been corrected in the first measurement has been changed. [Figure 17A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a radiographic image in which a plurality of measurement points are densely arranged. [Figure 17B]FIG. 17B is an enlarged view of one of the measurement points in FIG. 17A. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the cursor is not displayed; [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which the measurement results of the first measurement and the measurement results of the second measurement are displayed. [Figure 20A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a radiographic image on which measurement points according to a modified example are displayed. [Figure 20B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a measurement portion surrounding a part configured in a predetermined region. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a radiographic imaging system including a radiographic image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] A radiation imaging system is made up of a radiation imaging device 20 installed in an imaging room and a radiation imaging control device (console) 10 installed in an operation room. The radiation imaging system is installed in a predetermined facility (for example, a medical facility such as a hospital). The radiation imaging control device 10 corresponds to the "radiation image processing device" of the present invention.

[0014] External systems are also connected to the radiation imaging control device 10 via a communication network. The external systems include a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) 31, a hospital information system (HIS) 32, and a radiology information system (RIS) 33. An external image analysis device 34 is also connected to the radiation imaging control device 10 via the communication network. The image analysis device 34 performs measurements of the radiation image, for example, based on the measurement settings in the radiation imaging control device 10.

[0015] In the communication network including the radiography system, PACS 31, HIS 32, RIS 33, and image analyzer 34, information is transmitted and received according to, for example, the DICOM (Digital Image and Communications in Medicine) standard.

[0016] The radiation imaging device 20 includes a generator 21, an exposure switch 22, a radiation source 23, and an imaging unit 24. Based on the operation of the exposure switch 22, the generator 21 applies a voltage according to preset imaging conditions to the radiation source 23, which includes, for example, a tube. When a voltage is applied from the generator 21, the radiation source 23 generates radiation (for example, X-rays) at a dose according to the applied voltage.

[0017] The generator 21 and the radiation source 23 generate radiation in a manner corresponding to the type of radiographic image (for example, a still image or a dynamic image). Specifically, in the case of a still image, the generator 21 and the radiation source 23 irradiate radiation once per pressing of the exposure switch 22. In the case of a dynamic image, for example, the generator 21 and the radiation source 23 irradiate pulsed radiation multiple times per predetermined time per pressing of the exposure switch 22.

[0018] The imaging unit 24 generates digital image data showing the imaging region of the subject. The imaging unit 24 may be, for example, a portable FPD.

[0019] In addition to this configuration, the radiation imaging apparatus 20 has a display device 25. The display device 25 serves as an output device for outputting guidance for guiding the movement of the subject when capturing a radiation image.

[0020] The radiation imaging device 20 is connected to the radiation imaging control device 10 via a communication cable. The radiation imaging control device 10 controls the imaging operation of the radiation imaging device 20 by controlling the generator 21. The radiation imaging control device 10 also performs image analysis of the radiation image obtained by the imaging unit 24. The radiation imaging device 20 may be installed in an imaging room, or may be configured to be mobile by being incorporated into a medical cart or the like.

[0021] The radiography control device 10 is also called a console and is configured, for example, by a personal computer. The radiography control device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. In the radiography control device 10, the CPU reads out a program corresponding to the processing content from the ROM and loads it into the RAM. The radiography control device 10 then cooperates with the loaded program to centrally control the operation of each unit.

[0022] The radiation imaging control device 10 inputs examination order information from the HIS 32 or RIS 33 and displays this order information on the screen. The user controls the radiation imaging device 20 based on the displayed examination order. In response to this, the radiation imaging control device 10 controls radiation image capture in the radiation imaging device 20 and displays radiation images acquired from the radiation imaging device 20 on the screen.

[0023] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the radiation imaging control device 10 according to this embodiment. Of course, the radiation imaging control device 10 also has configurations related to its original basic operations (such as control of the radiation imaging device 20 described above) in addition to the configuration shown in Fig. 2.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the radiation imaging control device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a display unit 12, an operation unit 13, a control unit 14, a storage unit 15, and the like.

[0025] The communication unit 11 acquires order information input to external systems such as the HIS 32 and the RIS 33, and information on radiographic images from the radiography device 20. The communication unit 11 also transmits information on the radiographic images to the image analysis device 34, and acquires information on the analysis results (measurement results) of the radiographic images from the image analysis device 34.

[0026] The display unit 12 is, for example, a display device of the radiography control device 10, and displays order information, radiographic images, etc. on the screen.

[0027] The operation unit 13 is a user interface in the radiation imaging control apparatus 10. The user controls the radiation imaging apparatus 20 via the operation unit 13 based on the displayed order information.

[0028] The user also operates the operation unit 13 to set measurements on the radiographic image by the image analyzer 34. Measurements on the radiographic image are measurements for measuring the size (area), distance, angle, signal value of a specific region, etc. of the measurement target part of the subject on the radiographic image.

[0029] The measurement target areas are, for example, the chest, shoulders in orthopedic cases, elbows, knees, cervical vertebrae, and the like.

[0030] For example, examples of measurements in the chest include, for dynamic images, measurement of the position of a tumor during breathing, measurement of the angle between the diaphragm and ribs, measurement of the position of the diaphragm, etc., and for still images, measurement of the cardiothoracic ratio, etc. Furthermore, examples of measurements of each part related to orthopedic surgery include, for dynamic images, measurement of the angle of shoulder joint elevation, measurement of elbow joint flexion, measurement of knee joint flexion and extension, etc., and for still images, measurement of the Cobb angle of the spinal cord, etc.

[0031] Measurement settings in a radiation image are performed, for example, by setting a plurality of measurement points in a measurement target region.

[0032] For example, when measuring the distance of a part of the upper arm in a still image showing a bent elbow joint, the user specifies the part of the radiographic image where the distance is to be measured by using two measurement points via the operation unit 13. Figure 3 shows an example in which measurement points S1 and S2 are specified. In this case, the distance of the line segment connecting measurement points S1 and S2 is measured.

[0033] Furthermore, when measuring the angle between the upper arm and forearm in a still image showing a bent elbow joint, the user specifies three measurement points on the radiographic image: the upper arm, elbow, and forearm, via the operation unit 13. Figure 4 shows an example in which measurement points S3, S4, and S5 are specified. In this case, the angle formed by the line segment connecting measurement point S3 and measurement point S4 and the line segment connecting measurement point S4 and measurement point S5 is measured.

[0034] It is also possible to measure the area of ​​a region surrounded by three or more measurement points set within a measurement target region in a still image.

[0035] Furthermore, in dynamic images, when multiple measurement points are set, it is possible to measure not only the distance between the line segments of the two measurement points and the angle between the two line segments as described above, but also the time change in the coordinates of each measurement point, the time change in the length of the line segment, the time change in the angle between the line segment and a horizontal line / vertical line, etc. Furthermore, when three or more measurement points are set in dynamic images, it is also possible to measure the time change in the area of ​​the region surrounded by three or more measurement points.

[0036] The storage unit 15 also stores radiation images acquired from the radiation imaging device 20, radiation images based on the measurement results of the image analysis device , and the like.

[0037] The control unit 14 sets the measurement points specified by the user on the radiographic image via the operation unit 13. The control unit 14 also transmits the radiographic image on which the measurement points have been set to the image analysis device 34 via the communication unit 11. The control unit 14 then acquires a radiographic image based on the measurement results from the image analysis device 34 via the communication unit 11, and displays the radiographic image on the display unit 12.

[0038] Incidentally, when a radiological image based on the measurement results is displayed on the display unit 12, it may be necessary to correct the setting of the measurement points. For example, in the case of a still image, a correction may be necessary when re-measurement is required due to an incorrect setting of the measurement point position. In addition, for example, in the case of a dynamic image, a correction may be necessary when the measurement point position is incorrectly set or when the set measurement point cannot follow the movement of the set part in the series of movements in the dynamic image.

[0039] For example, suppose dynamic images are taken of a subject moving their arm up and down between a horizontal position and a vertical position to observe shoulder joint movement. In each image in Figure 5, A is a measurement point set on the subject's shoulder. In each image in Figure 5, B is a measurement point set on the subject's upper arm. Measurement points A and B are composed of points indicating the measurement points and rectangular regions of interest surrounding the points.

[0040] C in each image in Figure 5 is the line segment connecting A and B. D in each image in Figure 5 is a crosshair used to measure the angle between line segment C and the horizontal or vertical direction. Crosshair D is located at the position of measurement point A. The vertical line of crosshair D indicates the vertical direction, and the horizontal line of crosshair D indicates the horizontal direction. Using this crosshair D makes it possible to measure the change over time in the angle between line segment C and the horizontal or vertical direction.

[0041] 5 is a tracking line showing the change over time of measurement point B. Note that the position of measurement point A also changes over time, and a tracking line is displayed on display unit 12, but the display of the tracking line is omitted for convenience in FIG. 5 and other figures.

[0042] 5, X, Y, or Z located in the upper left corner of the image is the frame number of the dynamic image. That is, the top image is the Xth frame in the dynamic image, the middle image is the Yth frame in the dynamic image, and the bottom image is the Zth frame in the dynamic image.

[0043] In such dynamic images, for example, a measurement point set in a part of the body that moves a lot may not be able to track the movement of that part. Figure 5 shows an example in which measurement point B cannot track the movement of the part in the Yth frame and is located outside the part. Note that measurement point A shown in Figure 5 tracks the movement of the part corresponding to measurement point A, and is therefore located within the part.

[0044] In such cases, even if measurement points are set on the measurement target area, the positions of the measurement points may shift depending on the movement of the area, making it impossible to perform accurate measurements overall, and as a result, remeasurement is required.

[0045] For example, when re-measuring by redoing the measurement itself, there is a possibility that a new incorrect setting will occur by resetting the measurement point that was measured correctly (measurement point A in Figure 5).In contrast, when re-measuring by correcting the settings of the measurement results, it is only necessary to correct the measurement point that you want to reset, so it is more efficient than re-measuring by redoing the measurement itself.

[0046] However, when correcting a measurement point, if the measurement point to be corrected is displayed on the display unit 12, the measurement point being corrected and the measurement point to be corrected will be displayed superimposed on each other on the display unit 12, which will make the measurement point being corrected difficult to see due to the measurement point to be corrected.

[0047] Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 14 controls to improve the visibility of the measurement point being corrected by changing the display mode of the measurement point. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 6, the control unit 14 has a display processing unit 141 and a change unit 142.

[0048] The display processing unit 141 displays the first measurement information and the second measurement information on the display unit 12 (display medium) during the second measurement.

[0049] The first measurement information is measurement information related to the measurement of the measurement target in the radiation image. The first measurement information includes, for example, measurement points, regions of interest, crosshairs, etc. set in the measurement target region in the first measurement, first setting information that can be set by the user in the measurement target region (measurement location) in the first measurement, and information related to the measurement result of the first measurement (tracking lines, etc.).

[0050] The second measurement information is measurement information based on the first measurement information. The second measurement information includes second setting information, etc. The second setting information includes information that can be set by the user in the second measurement, such as measurement points and regions of interest that are modified from the first setting information.

[0051] The first measurement is a measurement in the measurement results and is a measurement that has already been completed. The second measurement is a measurement that follows the first measurement and is a measurement that adds corrections to the settings of the first measurement or a measurement for making corrections to the settings of the first measurement.

[0052] The display processing unit 141 displays the second measurement information on the display unit 12, for example, in response to an operation by the user to correct the first measurement information. The operation by the user to correct the first measurement information is, for example, an operation by the user to set a correction operation for a measurement point related to the first measurement information via the operation unit 13. Specifically, the operation by the user to correct the first measurement information may be, for example, an operation by the user to set a correction operation via the operation unit 13 and move a cursor on the display screen to select the measurement point to be corrected.

[0053] The change unit 142 changes the display parameters of the display unit 12 so that the second measurement information and the first measurement information have different display modes. Specifically, while setting the second setting information in the second measurement, the change unit 142 changes the display parameters of the display unit 12 so that the second measurement information and the information to be corrected out of the first measurement information have different display modes. More specifically, when the user performs an operation to correct the first measurement information, the change unit 142 sets the display parameters of the first measurement information and the second measurement information on the display unit 12 so that the display mode of the second measurement information is emphasized more than the display mode of the first measurement information. In other words, the change unit 142 makes the setting values ​​related to the display on the display unit 12 different between the first measurement information and the second measurement information. The setting values ​​are setting values ​​of display parameters such as size, color, transparency, etc.

[0054] For example, when correcting measurement point B in Fig. 5, an example is shown in which measurement point B1 (measurement point B in Fig. 5) which is the first setting information is displayed with a dashed line, and measurement point B2 which is the second setting information is displayed with a solid line, as shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 7 shows an example in which measurement point B2 has been corrected so that the region of interest of measurement point B2 is larger than the region of interest of measurement point B1.

[0055] In this way, by setting the area of ​​interest of measurement point B2 to be larger than that of measurement point B1 (measurement point B), measurement point B2 can more easily track the measurement target area. Figure 8 shows an example in which measurement point B2 accurately tracks the measurement target area during a series of movements in the X, Y, and Z directions in a dynamic image.

[0056] In this way, in this embodiment, the measurement point B2 being corrected is displayed in a different display mode from the measurement point B1 before correction, making it easier to distinguish the measurement point B2 being corrected from the measurement point B1 before correction. As a result, it is possible to prevent the measurement point being corrected from becoming difficult to view due to the measurement point before correction.

[0057] 7 and other figures, the second measurement information is displayed with a solid line and the first measurement information with a dashed line, so that the second measurement information is more emphasized than the first measurement information. However, this is not limiting. For example, the display color of the second measurement information may be set to a color different from that of the first measurement information (e.g., a color darker than that of the first measurement information). Furthermore, the display line of the second measurement information may be set to a thicker line than that of the first measurement information.

[0058] Furthermore, as long as the second measurement information and the information to be corrected among the first measurement information are displayed in different formats, the display parameters of one of the second measurement information and the information to be corrected may be the same as or different from the display parameters in the first measurement.

[0059] Next, a description will be given of the flow of processing by the control unit 14 of the radiation imaging control device 10. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of processing by the control unit 14 of the radiation imaging control device 10. This processing is executed as appropriate, for example, after the first measurement has been performed, when the user performs an operation to correct the measurement point.

[0060] 9, the control unit 14 selects a measurement point designated by the user (step S101). After step S101, the control unit 14 changes the display parameters so that the second measurement point (measurement point to be corrected) and the first measurement point (measurement point before correction) are displayed in different ways (step S102).

[0061] After step S102, the control unit 14 displays the first measurement point and the second measurement point on the display unit (step S103). After step S103, this control ends. When re-measurement is performed after this control ends, the measurement result of the second measurement is measured, and the information of the measurement result stored in the memory unit 15, for example, is updated.

[0062] According to the present embodiment configured as described above, the display parameters are changed so that the second measurement information and the first measurement information are displayed in different modes, making it easier to distinguish between the second measurement information and the first measurement information when correcting a measurement point. As a result, the measurement point to be corrected is easier to visually recognize, and the visibility of the measurement point to be corrected can be improved.

[0063] Furthermore, since the display mode of the second measurement information is more emphasized than the display mode of the first measurement information, the visibility of the measurement point to be corrected (second measurement information) can be further improved.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the measurement points are corrected in the frame with frame number X among the frames in the dynamic image, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be possible to select the frame to be corrected among the frames in the dynamic image.

[0065] For example, in Fig. 5, the frame in which the measurement point is misaligned is the frame with frame number Y. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 10, the frame with frame number Y may be selected as the frame in which the measurement point is to be corrected.

[0066] FIG. 10 shows an example in which the measurement point B1 before correction and the tracking line E of the measurement point B1 are displayed as dashed lines, and the measurement point B2 is displayed as a solid line.

[0067] This allows correction of the second measurement information (second setting information) in a frame where the measurement point is likely to deviate from the measurement target part. As a result, accurate correction can be easily performed, and the frequency of resetting the second measurement information after correction can be reduced.

[0068] Furthermore, the change unit 142 may change the display mode of information other than the measurement points so that the user can understand the corrected frame number.

[0069] For example, FIG. 10 shows an example in which the frame number display portion is displayed in bold. Also, in Fig. 11, the display mode of the playback bar R in the dynamic image playback bar for the portion of the frame that has been corrected may be changed. In Fig. 11, the playback bar R is displayed in black when the frame number is Y, and is displayed in white when the frame number is X or Z other than Y.

[0070] By doing so, it is possible to easily grasp which frame of the dynamic image has been modified.

[0071] Furthermore, the information indicating the measurement result may include information indicating in which frame the correction was made.

[0072] For example, as shown in Fig. 12, a graph showing the change in angle over time in the angle measurement of the shoulder joint lifting movement is displayed on the display unit 12. In this case, a plot may be added to the angle corresponding to the frame in which correction was made. In Fig. 12, the vertical axis represents the angle and the horizontal axis represents the frame. Part G represents the angle corresponding to the frame in which correction was made.

[0073] Even in this way, it is possible to easily grasp which frames of the dynamic image have been modified.

[0074] Furthermore, information indicating that the corrected measurement points (second measurement information, second setting information) have been corrected may be added.

[0075] For example, in Fig. 13, text information indicating that a correction has been made is shown at measurement point B2 (the letter F for "correction" in Fig. 13). Note that the display color of measurement point B2 may be set to a color different from the display colors of the other measurement points.

[0076] This allows the user to quickly grasp the corrected measurement points.

[0077] The text information may also include information indicating the reason for the correction and information indicating the content of the correction. The information indicating the reason for the correction and the information indicating the content of the correction may be, for example, information input by the user via the operation unit 13.

[0078] Furthermore, when the radiographic image is enlarged and displayed, such text information and the like is enlarged together with the radiographic image, making it difficult for the user to view.

[0079] Therefore, for example, when the measurement point on the radiographic image is enlarged, the size of the additional information such as text information may be changed to make it easier for the user to view, as shown in Fig. 14. In other words, the display processing unit 141 may change at least a part of the display manner of each of the first measurement information and the second measurement information in accordance with the magnification of the display image on the display unit 12.

[0080] The additional information may include information relating to measurement (distance information, angle information, position information, etc.) in addition to the above character information.

[0081] For example, when a radiological image is enlarged and displayed, the display size of the additional information on the display unit 12 is changed in accordance with the magnification of the displayed image so that the display size remains the same as before the enlarged display.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the display mode of only one measurement point (second setting information) is changed before and after correction, but the present invention is not limited to this. The display mode of multiple types of setting information may be changed before and after correction.

[0083] For example, a radiographic image (still image) of a subject bending their elbow joint is shown in Figure 15. If a user wishes to measure the angle of the bent elbow joint using this radiographic image, the user sets measurement points on the upper arm, elbow, and forearm.

[0084] In this case, an example is shown in which a line segment connecting the measurement points before correction corresponding to the measurement result is shown as J1, and a line segment connecting the measurement points after correction is shown as J2 on the radiographic image. In other words, the change unit 142 changes the display mode of the multiple measurement points and the line segments based on the measurement points before and after correction.

[0085] 15, the measurement points are omitted from the line segment J1 connecting the measurement points before correction. In other words, when the first setting information related to the first measurement information (measurement before correction) includes multiple types of setting information, the change unit 142 may set the display mode of the first measurement information so as to hide some of the multiple types of setting information.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the corrected measurement points and the uncorrected measurement points in the second measurement are displayed in the same display mode on the display unit 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, after the second setting information in the second measurement is set, the change unit 142 may change the display parameters of the display unit 12 so that the second measurement information and the information of the first measurement information that has not been corrected since the first measurement are displayed in different display modes.

[0087] Of the first measurement information, the information that has not been corrected since the first measurement is information included in the first measurement information that has not been corrected during the setting of the second setting information.

[0088] For example, Fig. 16 shows measurement point A, which was set in the first measurement, and measurement point B2, which was corrected from the first measurement in the second measurement. Since measurement point A is an uncorrected measurement point in the first measurement information, measurement point A is displayed with a dashed line, which is different from measurement point B2, which is displayed with a solid line.

[0089] In this way, the user can easily grasp the locations in the dynamic image where the measurement points have been corrected. Note that in Fig. 16, measurement point B is set as a solid line and measurement point A as a dashed line, but this is not limiting. For example, measurement point B and measurement point A may be displayed in different colors, or measurement point B may be displayed as a solid line and measurement point A may be displayed in a relatively light color such as a transparent color. Furthermore, measurement point A may be hidden.

[0090] Incidentally, there are cases where the movement of multiple vertebral bodies is measured, for example, in the cervical spine. In this case, measurement points can be set at the four corners of each vertebra, and the movement can be observed in dynamic images. Fig. 17A shows an example in which measurement points I1 to I8 are set on two vertebral bodies.

[0091] In this case, since multiple measurement points are densely packed, it may be difficult to visually recognize each measurement point if the radiation image is at the default size. Therefore, the display processing unit 141 reduces the area in the radiation image where multiple measurement points are densely packed so that the user can easily visually recognize it.

[0092] This makes it easier for the user to visually recognize each measurement point, making it easier to observe the movement of each measurement point in the dynamic image.

[0093] Furthermore, when the user performs an operation to select a measurement point on the display unit 12, the display processing unit 141 may enlarge and display the selected measurement point. For example, assume that the user selects part I3 in Fig. 17A. In this case, as shown in Fig. 17B, the display processing unit 141 enlarges and displays the part of measurement point I3.

[0094] This allows the user to more easily visually recognize the selected measurement point.

[0095] Incidentally, when a user modifies a measurement point, a cursor is displayed to select the measurement point before modification, but because this cursor is displayed, it may be difficult to see the modified measurement point.

[0096] For example, FIG. 18 shows an example in which the user places cursor H on measurement point B in order to correct measurement point B.

[0097] Here, when the user moves cursor H to measurement point B and performs an operation to select measurement point B, display processing unit 141 hides cursor H and displays measurement point B1 before correction and measurement point B2 being corrected.

[0098] In this way, it is possible to prevent deterioration in visibility of the measurement point during correction, which is caused by the cursor display overlapping the measurement point.

[0099] In the above embodiment, when the second measurement is started, the measurement result of the first measurement is not displayed on the display unit 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 19, the display processing unit 141 may display the measurement result of the first measurement and the measurement result of the second measurement.

[0100] This makes it easier to compare the measurement results of the first measurement with the measurement results of the second measurement, making it easier for the user to determine whether or not appropriate corrections have been made.

[0101] Furthermore, the above embodiment does not mention the relationship between the color of the background image of a radiographic image and the measurement information. The background image of a radiographic image is displayed in a relatively dark color, such as black, and the subject (measurement target region) of the radiographic image is displayed in a relatively light color, such as white. For example, if the rectangular portion of the region of interest is made relatively large, the measurement information may include a portion that extends beyond the measurement target region and overlaps with the background image. In particular, when the region of interest is made larger than before modification during measurement point modification, a portion that extends beyond the measurement target region and overlaps with the background image is likely to occur. Furthermore, when the measurement information includes the above-mentioned additional information, for example, the additional information may be located outside the region of interest, in which case the additional information may overlap with the background image. Furthermore, in the case of a dynamic image, the additional information may overlap with the background image depending on the subject's movement.

[0102] In radiological images, the background image is displayed in a color relatively opposite to that of the measurement target area, so if the measurement information is set outside the measurement target area, the outside area may be difficult to see in relation to the background image.

[0103] Therefore, the display processing unit 141 may change the display colors of the first measurement information and the second measurement information from the set values ​​in accordance with the background image of the radiation image.

[0104] By doing this, the display color of the measurement information is set so that the part that overlaps with the measurement target area is black and the part that overlaps with the background image is white, thereby improving the visibility of the measurement information.

[0105] In the above embodiment, all measurement information (measurement points, regions of interest, crosshairs, tracking lines, etc.) is displayed when a dynamic image is played back in Fig. 8, etc. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the display processing unit 141 may hide part of the measurement information when a dynamic image is played back.

[0106] For example, the region of interest and crosshairs among the measurement information are considered to be relatively less important for the user to see when playing back dynamic images, so for example, the region of interest and crosshairs may be hidden when playing back dynamic images.

[0107] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the measurement points are displayed as dots (e.g., FIG. 8) or dots and circles surrounding the dots (FIG. 17A), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 20A, the measurement points may be displayed as +. Furthermore, the measurement points may be displayed as other marks such as x, triangle, square, etc., in addition to +.

[0108] Furthermore, for example, as shown in FIG. 20B, measurement portions K1 and K2 surrounding the edge of a part configured in a predetermined area, such as a vertebral body V, may be displayed.

[0109] Furthermore, 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]

[0110] 10 Radiography control device 11 Communications Department 12 Display section 13 Control section 14 Control Unit 15 Storage section 20 Radiography equipment 21 Generator 22 Exposure switch 23 Radiation Source 24 Filming Department 25 Display device 31 PACS 32 HIS 33RIS 34 Image analysis equipment 141 Display processing unit 142 Changes

Claims

1. a display processing unit that displays, on a display medium, first measurement information relating to a first measurement of a measurement object in a radiation image and second measurement information relating to a second measurement subsequent to the first measurement and based on the first measurement information during the second measurement; a change unit that changes a display parameter so that the second measurement information and the first measurement information are displayed in different modes; A radiation image processing device comprising:

2. the first measurement information includes first setting information set in the measurement target in the first measurement, the second measurement information is set in the second measurement and includes second setting information related to a correction of the first setting information; The radiation image processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the change unit changes the display parameters in response to a user's operation to modify the first measurement information. The radiation image processing device according to claim 1 .

4. the change unit changes the display parameters during setting of the second setting information in the second measurement so that the second measurement information and the information to be corrected among the first measurement information are displayed in different display modes. The radiation image processing device according to claim 2 .

5. the change unit changes the display parameters after the second setting information in the second measurement is set so that the second measurement information and information of the first measurement information that has not been corrected since the first measurement are displayed in different display modes. The radiation image processing device according to claim 2 .

6. The display manner of the second measurement information is a display manner that is more emphasized than the display manner of the first measurement information. The radiation image processing device according to claim 1 .

7. the change unit changes the display colors of the first measurement information and the second measurement information from set values ​​in accordance with a background image of the radiation image. The radiation image processing device according to claim 1 .

8. the change unit changes at least a part of the display manner of the first measurement information and the second measurement information in accordance with a magnification of the display image on the display medium. The radiation image processing device according to claim 1 .

9. An image processing method for a radiation image processing apparatus, comprising: displaying, on a display medium, first measurement information relating to a first measurement of a measurement object in a radiation image and second measurement information relating to a second measurement subsequent to the first measurement and based on the first measurement information during the second measurement; changing a display parameter so that the second measurement information and the first measurement information are displayed in different modes; having Image processing methods.

10. An image processing program for a radiation image processing apparatus, On the computer, a process of displaying, on a display medium, first measurement information relating to a first measurement of a measurement object in a radiation image and second measurement information relating to a second measurement subsequent to the first measurement and based on the first measurement information in the second measurement; a process of changing display parameters so that the second measurement information and the first measurement information are displayed in different modes; Execute Image processing program.

Images