IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, DISPLAY METHOD, AND DISPLAY PROGRAM

Abstract

To provide an image processing device, a display method, and a display program capable of quickly checking presence or absence of a structure in the body of a subject, and, by extension, capable of improving immediacy of image confirmation in a radiation image photographing system.SOLUTION: An image processing device includes: an image data generation unit for generating image data for preview and image data for a main image on the basis of an image signal acquired by a radiation image photographing device; an image processing unit for subjecting a signal component of a predetermined structure other than a human body to emphasis processing for the image data for preview generated by the image data generation unit; and a display control unit for displaying, in a display unit, a preview image based on the image data for preview in which the signal component of the predetermined structure is subjected to emphasis processing by the image processing unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, in a radiation image capturing system, a system is known in which a radiation image capturing device captures a radiation image of a subject, the read image data is transferred to an image display device (display unit), a predetermined image processing is performed on the image data, and a radiation image of the subject is displayed. In such a system, a system is known in which a preview image that has been subjected to simpler image processing than the actual image is displayed on the display unit before the actual image, which is the result of capturing the radiation image, is displayed (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] Furthermore, in order to check whether or not there are structures other than the human body, such as a catheter or gauze, inside the subject's body, a configuration is known that can easily check whether or not there are structures by applying emphasis processing to the structures in image data relating to images captured by a radiation imaging system (see, for example, Patent Document 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-120724 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2018-157869 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2018-68863 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a radiographic imaging system, it is common that a non-enhanced image that has not been subjected to enhancement processing is displayed first, and when an operation is performed to switch the display to an image that has been subjected to enhancement processing, that image is displayed on the display unit.

[0006] In other words, in conventional radiographic imaging systems, the user is required to perform the operation after the non-enhanced image is displayed, making the system difficult to use. In cases where it is necessary to quickly check whether or not there are structures other than the human body (such as gauze) inside the subject's body, such as during surgery, there is a risk of delays in checking images related to the subject's body.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing device, a display method, and a display program that can quickly confirm the presence or absence of structures inside a subject's body, thereby improving the immediacy of image confirmation in a radiation image capturing system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The radiation image capturing apparatus according to the present invention comprises: an image data generating unit that generates preview image data and main image image data based on an image signal acquired by the radiation image capturing device; The preview image data generated by the image data generating unit. and image data for the main image an image processing unit that performs enhancement processing on signal components of a predetermined structure other than the human body; The signal components of the predetermined structure are emphasized by the image processing unit. , the above Preview image based on preview image data and a main image based on the main image image data. A display control unit that displays the above on a display unit; a setting unit that sets whether or not the preview image data is to be subjected to the enhancement processing; , Equipped with 、 The display control unit is When the setting unit has set the enhancement processing for the preview image data, the display unit displays a preview image in which the signal components of the predetermined structure have been enhanced and a main image, When the setting unit has not set the enhancement processing for the preview image data, a preview image in which the signal components of the predetermined structure have not been enhanced and a main image in which the signal components of the predetermined structure have been enhanced are displayed on the display unit. .

[0009] The display method according to the present invention comprises the steps of: A method for displaying an image on a display unit of a radiation image capturing device, comprising: generating preview image data and main image image data based on the image signal acquired by the radiation image capturing device; The generated preview image data and image data for the main image The signal components of specific structures other than the human body are emphasized. setting whether or not the enhancement process is performed on the preview image data; When the enhancement processing is set for the preview image data, a preview image in which the signal component of the predetermined structure has been enhanced and a main image are displayed on the display unit; When the enhancement processing is not set for the preview image data, a preview image in which the signal components of the predetermined structure are not enhanced and a main image in which the signal components of the predetermined structure are enhanced are displayed on the display unit. .

[0010] The display program according to the present invention comprises: A program for displaying an image on a display unit of a radiation image capturing device, On the computer, an image data generating process for generating preview image data and main image image data based on an image signal acquired by the radiation image capturing device; The generated preview image data and image data for the main image In contrast, image processing in which signal components of predetermined structures other than the human body are emphasized; The signal components of the predetermined structure are emphasized. , the above Preview image based on preview image data and a main image based on the main image image data. A display process for displaying the above on a display unit; a setting process for setting whether or not the enhancement process is performed on the preview image data; Run 、 The display process includes: a process of displaying a preview image in which the signal components of the predetermined structure have been enhanced and a main image on the display unit when the enhancement process has been set for the preview image data by the setting process; a process of displaying, on the display unit, a preview image in which the signal components of the predetermined structure have not been subjected to enhancement processing and a main image in which the signal components of the predetermined structure have been subjected to enhancement processing, when the enhancement processing has not been performed on the preview image data by the setting processing; Includes . Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, the presence or absence of structures other than the human body inside the body of a subject can be quickly confirmed, thereby improving the immediacy of image confirmation in a radiation image capturing system. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a radiation image capturing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a radiation image capturing apparatus; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a console. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an imaging control unit; [Figure 5A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an image that has been subjected to enhancement processing. [Figure 5B] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an image to which no enhancement processing is applied. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of highlighting process control of a preview image in a shooting control unit. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of image enhancement processing control in the imaging control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a radiation image capturing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] 1, a radiation image capturing system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a radiation irradiation device 1, a radiation image capturing device 2, and a console 3. The radiation image capturing system 100 is connectable to a Radiology Information System (RIS) and a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), which are not shown.

[0015] The radiation irradiation device 1 is connected to a console 3 so as to be able to communicate with the console 3 via wired or wireless communication. The radiation irradiation device 1 is also configured to include a generator 11, an exposure switch 12, and a radiation source 13.

[0016] The generator 11 is configured to be able to apply a voltage to the radiation source 13 according to preset radiation exposure conditions (tube voltage, tube current, irradiation time, tube current time product (mAs value), etc.) based on the operation of the exposure switch 12.

[0017] The radiation source 13 (bulb) has a rotating anode, a filament, etc. (not shown). When a voltage is applied from the generator 11, the filament irradiates the rotating anode with an electron beam according to the applied voltage, and the rotating anode generates radiation X (X-rays, etc.) with a dose according to the intensity of the electron beam.

[0018] 1 shows an example in which the generator 11, the exposure switch 12, and the radiation source 13 are separate, but they may be configured as an integrated unit. Also, in Fig. 1, an example in which the exposure switch 12 is connected to the generator 11 is shown, but the exposure switch 12 may be provided in another device. Also, the radiation irradiation device 1 may be installed in an imaging room, or may be configured to be mobile by being incorporated in a medical cart or the like.

[0019] The radiographic image capturing device 2 is connected to the console 3 so as to be able to communicate with the console 3 via a wired or wireless manner. The radiographic image capturing device 2 is configured to be able to generate image data of a radiographic image of a subject by receiving radiation X from the radiation irradiating device 1 through the subject.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the radiographic image capturing device 2 includes a control unit 21, a radiation detection unit 22, a readout unit 23, a communication unit 24, a storage unit 25, and a bus 26 connecting the respective units.

[0021] The control unit 21 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. Upon receiving a control signal or the like from an external device such as the console 3, the CPU of the control unit 21 reads out various programs stored in the storage unit 25 and loads them into the RAM, executes various processes according to the loaded programs, and centrally controls the operations of each unit in the radiographic image capturing device 2.

[0022] The radiation detection unit 22 is configured by a substrate on which pixels, each of which has a radiation detection element that receives radiation X and generates an electric charge according to the dose, and a switching element, are arranged two-dimensionally (in a matrix).

[0023] The readout section 23 is configured to be able to read out the amount of charge discharged from each pixel as a signal value and generate image data from a plurality of signal values.

[0024] The communication unit 24 is configured to be able to receive (acquire) various control signals, various data, etc. from external devices, and to transmit various control signals, generated image signals, etc. to external devices.

[0025] The storage unit 25 is configured with a non-volatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk, etc., and stores various programs executed by the control unit 21 and parameters required for executing processes by the programs. The storage unit 25 is also capable of storing image data generated by the reading unit 23 and various data processed by the control unit 21.

[0026] When the radiographic imaging device 2 configured in this manner is exposed to radiation with the control unit 21 turning off each switch element of the radiation detection unit 22, charge corresponding to the radiation dose is accumulated in each pixel. When the control unit 21 turns on each switch element to release charge from each pixel, the readout unit 23 converts each charge amount into a signal value and reads it out as image data.

[0027] The radiation image capturing device 2 may have a built-in scintillator or the like, converting the irradiated radiation X into light of another wavelength such as visible light using the scintillator, and generating charges according to the converted light, or may generate charges directly from the radiation X without using a scintillator or the like. The radiation image capturing device 2 may be a dedicated device integrated with an imaging stand, or may be a portable device such as a flat panel detector (FPD).

[0028] The console 3 is configured by a PC (Personal Computer), a mobile terminal, or a dedicated device, and is connected to the radiation irradiation device 1 and the radiation image capturing device 2, etc., so as to be able to communicate with each other via wired or wireless communication. The console 3 is capable of setting the imaging conditions and the imaging target area of ​​the radiation irradiation device 1 and the radiation image capturing device 2, etc., based on an imaging order from an external device (such as a RIS) or an operation by a user.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the console 3 includes an imaging control unit 31, a communication unit 32, a storage unit 33, a display unit 34, an operation unit 35, and a bus 36 that connects the various units.

[0030] The imaging control unit 31 is composed of a CPU, a RAM, etc. The CPU of the imaging control unit 31 reads out various programs stored in the storage unit 33 in response to the operation of the operation unit 35, expands the programs in the RAM, executes various processes according to the expanded programs, and centrally controls the operations of each unit of the console 3.

[0031] Furthermore, the imaging control unit 31 performs image processing for generating an image to be displayed on the display unit 34, based on the image signal acquired by the radiation image imaging device 2. Details of control relating to the image processing in the imaging control unit 31 will be described later.

[0032] The communication unit 32 includes a LAN (Local Area Network) adapter, a modem, a TA (Terminal Adapter), and the like, and controls data transmission and reception between each device connected to the communication network.

[0033] The storage unit 33 is composed of a non-volatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk, etc., and stores various programs executed by the imaging control unit 31 and parameters required for executing processes by the programs, etc. In addition, the storage unit 33 is capable of storing image data received from the radiation image capturing device 2 and image data processed by the imaging control unit 31 in association with supplementary information.

[0034] The display unit 34 is composed of a monitor such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), and displays input instructions and data from the operation unit 35 according to instructions of a display signal input from the imaging control unit 31.

[0035] The operation unit 35 is configured with a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, etc., and a pointing device such as a mouse, and outputs instruction signals input by key operations on the keyboard or mouse operations to the imaging control unit 31. The operation unit 35 may also have a touch panel on the display screen of the display unit 34, and in this case, outputs instruction signals input via the touch panel to the imaging control unit 31.

[0036] Next, a description will be given of details of control regarding image processing in the photographing control unit 31 according to this embodiment. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the photographing control unit 31. The photographing control unit 31 corresponds to the "image processing device" of the present invention.

[0037] In this embodiment, in one imaging operation in the radiation image capturing system 100, a main image and a preview image before the main image are displayed on the display unit 34. Specifically, the flow of image display in one imaging operation in the radiation image capturing system 100 is as follows: first, a preview image, for example a wipe image, is displayed on the display unit 34, and then the entire preview image is displayed, and then the main image is displayed.

[0038] This image is, for example, an output image that is the result of a single shooting operation in the radiation image capturing system 100, and is an output image that has been subjected to relatively high-precision image processing (e.g., increased resolution) on the image data acquired from the radiation image capturing device 2.

[0039] The preview image is, for example, an output image that is output before the main image described above, and is an output image that has been subjected to simpler image processing than the main image (for example, has a lower resolution than the main image).

[0040] A wipe image is, for example, an output image that is output before a preview image, has a lower resolution than the main image, and is an output image that has not been subjected to image processing or has been subjected to even simpler image processing than the preview image.

[0041] In this embodiment, a preview image is displayed before the actual image, so that a radiologist or other photographer (user) can refer to the preview image to check in real time whether the subject is being photographed properly, etc.

[0042] The imaging control unit 31 displays a preview image and a main image obtained by performing image processing on the image signal (image data) acquired from the radiation image imaging device 2 on the display unit 34. As shown in Fig. 4, the imaging control unit 31 has an image data generation unit 31A, an image processing unit 31B, and a display control unit 31C.

[0043] The image data generating unit 31A generates image data (display image data) to be displayed on the display unit 34, based on the image signal acquired by the radiation image capturing device 2. The display image data is, for example, image data for a preview image (hereinafter, preview image data) and image data for a main image (hereinafter, main image image data).

[0044] That is, the image data generating section 31A generates preview image data and main image image data based on the image signal acquired by the radiation image capturing device 2.

[0045] The image processing unit 31B applies emphasis processing to the signal components of a predetermined structure in the preview image data generated by the image data generating unit 31A. The predetermined structure is a medical product other than the human body that is inserted into the body of a patient (subject) for an examination, surgery, etc., and is at least one of a catheter, gauze, tweezers, and a tube.

[0046] The enhancement process is, for example, a frequency enhancement process that enhances signal components in a frequency band that is determined in advance based on a structure. In addition, the enhancement process can be performed using known techniques such as edge detection using a Laplacian filter or the like, or detection using machine learning based on a map that represents an image related to a specific structure and a correct answer region.

[0047] Generally, a user may take a radiological image of the inside of a patient's (subject's) body using the radiological image capturing system 100 in order to check whether the position of a medical instrument inserted into the patient's (subject's) body (e.g., the position of the tip of a catheter) is appropriate and whether any medical supplies (e.g., gauze, etc.) remain inside the patient's body.

[0048] In this embodiment, when a predetermined structure exists in the preview image data, the image processor 31B performs an enhancement process to enhance the portion related to the predetermined structure. As a result, the predetermined structure is enhanced in the image to which the enhancement process has been performed, making it possible for the user to easily visually recognize the structure in the image.

[0049] The display control unit 31C displays on the display unit a preview image based on the preview image data in which the image processing unit 31B has performed emphasis processing on the signal components of the predetermined structure.

[0050] By displaying the preview image that has been subjected to the above-mentioned emphasis processing on the display unit 34, it is possible to make it easier for the user to visually recognize a specific structure in the preview image, for example, as shown in Fig. 5A. Fig. 5A shows an example in which a structure (such as gauze) present in a portion surrounded by a dashed line in the preview image is highlighted by being displayed with a white line.

[0051] Note that Figure 5B is an image in which no enhancement processing has been applied to the image shown in Figure 5A. However, the portion of the image in Figure 5A in which the structure exists (the portion surrounded by the dashed line) is displayed generally in white, making it difficult for the user to visually determine whether or not the structure exists.

[0052] This makes it possible to check whether or not a structure exists inside the subject's body at the preview image stage.

[0053] Conventionally, for example, a configuration has been known in which, after an original image without enhancement processing has been displayed, the user operates a specified operation unit, for example by pressing an operation button for enhancement processing, and the display switches to an image with enhancement processing, thereby allowing the user to confirm the image.

[0054] In such a configuration, since the user needs to perform the above operation after the main image is displayed, this is troublesome for the user, which is inconvenient and may delay confirmation of the image related to the inside of the subject's body. In particular, in a situation where surgery needs to be performed immediately after confirming the presence or absence of a structure in the subject's body, the impact of the time loss caused by the above-mentioned trouble is significant. In other words, in a case where it is necessary to quickly confirm the presence or absence of a structure (particularly gauze, etc.) in the subject's body, such as during surgery, the impact of the delay in confirming the image related to the inside of the subject's body is significant.

[0055] In contrast, in the present embodiment, the presence or absence of structures inside the subject's body can be confirmed at the preview image stage before the actual image is displayed, so that when the actual image is displayed and the shooting operation is completed, doctors and others can quickly move on to the next action.

[0056] That is, in this embodiment, the presence or absence of a structure inside the body of the subject can be quickly confirmed, and therefore the immediacy of image confirmation in the radiation image capturing system 100 can be improved.

[0057] Furthermore, the image processing unit 31B applies emphasis processing to the signal components of the predetermined structures in the main image image data generated by the image data generating unit 31 A. Then, the display control unit 31C displays on the display unit 34 the main image based on the main image image data in which the image processing unit 31B applies emphasis processing to the signal components of the predetermined structures.

[0058] This makes it possible to omit the operation of an operation unit as in the conventional case when checking a structure in an actual image, thereby improving the immediacy of image checking in the radiation image capturing system 100.

[0059] Furthermore, the display control unit 31C may further display a non-enhancement processed image, which is an image in which signal components of a predetermined structure in the image data have not been subjected to enhancement processing, on the display unit 34. In this embodiment, after the wipe image is displayed, a preview image is displayed on the display unit 34, but for example, the wipe image may be displayed on the display unit 34 as a non-enhancement processed image.

[0060] This allows the user to easily check both the non-enhanced image and the enhanced image.

[0061] Furthermore, when radiographic image capturing apparatus 2 starts capturing an image, if a display setting for a preview image based on preview image data that has been subjected to enhancement processing has been made, display control section 31C displays the preview image on display section .

[0062] For example, if the operation unit 35 can set whether or not to perform emphasis processing on the display image data, before the user performs an imaging operation using the radiation image capturing system 100, the user sets the display of a preview image (main image) based on the emphasis processing.

[0063] The method of setting whether or not to perform enhancement processing includes a method of setting it all at once on the radiation image capturing system 100, a method of setting it for each imaging region, and a method of setting it separately for modalities such as CR (Computed Radiography) and DR (Digital Radiography). In the case of a method of setting it separately for modalities, in the case of DR, images can be displayed immediately, which is convenient for the user. In the case of CR, image data must be read using a reading device or the like, so the image must be confirmed in a location other than the imaging location.

[0064] Furthermore, the presence or absence of enhancement processing may be preset as a setting of the radiation image capturing system 100, or may be set by the user immediately before capturing. In addition, when the enhancement processing is set by the user immediately before capturing, the user can freely set the enhancement processing according to the situation at his / her discretion, which improves usability for the user.

[0065] Then, when the display setting for the preview image has been set, display control unit 31C displays a preview image based on the emphasis processing on display unit 34. On the other hand, when the display setting for the preview image has not been set, display control unit 31C displays a preview image that has not been subjected to the emphasis processing on display unit 34.

[0066] In this way, when it is necessary to confirm the presence of a structure inside the subject's body, a preview image based on the enhancement processing can be displayed, making it possible to display an appropriate image according to the application.

[0067] Furthermore, the display control unit 31C may be configured to display the preview image and the main image on the entire display unit 34. For example, if the monitor that is the display unit 34 is rectangular (a horizontally elongated shape with the longer side direction being horizontal, such as a wide monitor) and the captured image is vertically elongated with the longer side direction being vertical, the display control unit 31C rotates the image so that the longer side direction of the image becomes horizontal and displays it on the display unit 34. This allows a larger image to be displayed, making it easier for the user to check the image displayed on the display unit 34.

[0068] A description will be given of an operation example of preview image enhancement process control in the imaging control unit 31 configured as above. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation example of preview image enhancement process control in the imaging control unit 31. The process in Fig. 6 is appropriately executed when imaging operation by the radiation image imaging system 100 is started, for example.

[0069] 6, the photographing control unit 31 acquires information on image data (step S101). The photographing control unit 31 determines whether or not there is a display setting for highlighting processing of a preview image (step S102).

[0070] If the result of the determination is that there is no setting for displaying the emphasis processing (step S102, NO), the imaging control unit 31 executes normal image processing (step S103). The normal image processing refers to image processing that does not involve emphasis processing and is performed when an image is displayed on the display unit 34. Note that the normal image processing may be performed by the image processing unit 31B or by another processing unit.

[0071] After step S103, the photographing control unit 31 displays a normal preview image, that is, a preview image that has not been subjected to enhancement processing (step S104), and then displays a normal main image, that is, a main image that has not been subjected to enhancement processing (step S105).

[0072] In the determination of step S102, if there is a display setting for the enhancement processing (step S102, YES), the imaging control unit 31 executes image processing including the enhancement processing (step S106). The image processing including the enhancement processing refers to image processing that is performed when an image in which the signal components of a predetermined structure have been subjected to enhancement processing is displayed on the display unit 34.

[0073] After step S106, the photographing control unit 31 displays the preview image that has been subjected to the enhancement process (step S107). Then, the photographing control unit 31 displays the main image that has been subjected to the enhancement process (step S108). After step S105 or step S108, this control ends.

[0074] According to the present embodiment configured as described above, it is possible to quickly check whether or not there is a structure inside the subject's body, and thus to improve the immediacy of image confirmation in the radiation image capturing system 100.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the enhancement process is applied to the preview image and the main image, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the enhancement process may be applied only to the preview image.

[0076] Alternatively, the enhancement process may be applied only to the main image without applying the enhancement process to the preview image. In this case, from the viewpoint of immediate image confirmation, for example, the operation unit 35 needs to be configured to be able to set whether or not to apply the enhancement process to the main image. The operation unit 35 corresponds to the "setting unit" of the present invention.

[0077] In this configuration, when the operation unit 35 is set to apply emphasis processing to the display image data, the display control unit 31C displays on the display unit 34 an image based on the display image data (main image data) in which emphasis processing has been applied to the signal components of the catheter / gauze region by the image processing unit 31B, in priority to an image in which emphasis processing has not been applied to the signal components of the catheter / gauze region.

[0078] In other words, in this configuration, image processing unit 31B applies emphasis processing to the signal components of the catheter / gauze region related to the actual image data, out of the preview image data and the actual image data, and display control unit 31C displays the preview image that has not been subjected to emphasis processing on display unit 34, and then displays the actual image that has been subjected to emphasis processing on display unit 34.

[0079] The catheter / gauze region is a region showing at least one of a catheter and gauze inserted into the subject's body.

[0080] In an examination, it is undesirable for gauze to remain inside the body of the subject, and so it is necessary to quickly detect this by imaging using the radiation image imaging system 100. Also, from the viewpoint of performing an examination quickly, it is necessary to quickly detect whether the position of the tip of the catheter is appropriate. In this embodiment, when the main image is displayed on the display unit 34, the main image that has been subjected to enhancement processing is displayed preferentially. As a result, it is possible to improve the immediacy of image confirmation compared to a configuration in which a main image that has not been subjected to enhancement processing is displayed and then a predetermined operation is performed to display a main image that has been subjected to enhancement processing.

[0081] An operation example of image enhancement process control in the imaging control unit 31 according to this configuration will be described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation example of image enhancement process control in the imaging control unit 31. The process in Fig. 7 is appropriately executed when imaging operation by the radiation image imaging system 100 is started, for example.

[0082] 7, the photographing control unit 31 acquires information on image data (step S201). The photographing control unit 31 determines whether or not there is a display setting for image enhancement processing (step S202). If the result of the determination is that there is no display setting for enhancement processing (step S202, NO), the photographing control unit 31 executes normal image processing (step S203).

[0083] After step S203, the photographing control unit 31 displays a normal preview image, that is, a preview image that has not been subjected to enhancement processing (step S204), and then displays a normal main image, that is, a main image that has not been subjected to enhancement processing (step S205).

[0084] If it is determined in step S202 that there is a display setting for emphasis processing (YES in step S202), the shooting control unit 31 determines whether or not there is a setting for emphasis processing of the preview image (step S206).

[0085] If the result of the determination is that the preview image has been set for enhancement processing (step S206, YES), the imaging control unit 31 executes image processing including enhancement processing (step S207). Image processing including enhancement processing refers to image processing that is performed when displaying an image on the display unit 34 after enhancement processing has been applied to the signal components of the catheter / gauze region.

[0086] After step S207, the photographing control unit 31 displays the preview image on which the enhancement process has been performed (step S208), and then displays the main image on which the enhancement process has been performed (step S209).

[0087] If it is determined in step S206 that there is no setting for enhancement processing of the preview image, that is, if enhancement processing is set only for the main image (step S206, NO), the shooting control unit 31 executes normal image processing (step S210) and displays a normal preview image (step S211).

[0088] After step S211, the shooting control unit 31 executes image processing including enhancement processing (step S212), and displays the main image that has been subjected to enhancement processing (step S213). After step S205, step S209, or step S213, this control ends.

[0089] According to this configuration, the main image that has been subjected to the emphasis processing is displayed in accordance with the display setting of the emphasis processing, so that the immediacy of image confirmation can be improved.

[0090] In addition, this configuration makes it possible to eliminate the need to apply enhancement processing to the preview image, thereby shortening processing time, which is useful when it is desired to check the catheter / gauze area using an image that has been subjected to high-precision image processing such as this image.

[0091] In the above embodiment, whether or not to apply the emphasis process to the preview image, etc. is determined according to the display setting of the emphasis process, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the imaging operation of the radiation image capturing system, the emphasis process may be forcibly applied to the preview image, etc. In addition, in the radiation image capturing system according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, when the display setting of the emphasis process is set, the emphasis process may be applied only to the main image without determining the setting of the emphasis process of the preview image.

[0092] In the above embodiment, either the preview image or the main image is displayed on the entire display unit 34, so that either an image that has been subjected to enhancement processing or an image that has not been subjected to enhancement processing is displayed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an image that has been subjected to enhancement processing and an image that has not been subjected to enhancement processing may be displayed on the display unit 34 at the same time.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the imaging control unit 31 of the console 3 constitutes the image processing device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the image processing device may be constituted by a device other than the imaging control unit of the console, such as a control unit of a radiographic image capturing device or a device outside the radiographic image capturing system (e.g., a mobile terminal, a PC, etc.). Examples of mobile terminals include PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), mobile phones such as smartphones, tablet terminals, etc.

[0094] In addition, in the above embodiment, the image data generation unit, image processing unit, and display control unit are incorporated into the shooting control unit, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the image data generation unit, image processing unit, and display control unit may be provided separately.

[0095] In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments are merely examples of the embodiment of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by them. In other words, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the gist or main characteristics of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1 Radiation irradiation device 2. Radiography equipment 3 Console 11. Generator 12 Exposure switch 13 Radiation source 21 Control section 22 Radiation detection unit 23 Reading part 24 Communications Department 25 Memory section 26 Bus 31 Shooting control section 31A Image data generation unit 31B Image processing section 31C Display control unit 32 Communications Department 33 Storage section 34 Display section 35 Control section 36 Bus 100 Radiation imaging system

Claims

1. an image data generating unit that generates preview image data and main image image data based on an image signal acquired by the radiation image capturing device; an image processing unit that performs processing to enhance signal components of a predetermined structure other than a human body for the preview image data and the main image image data generated by the image data generating unit; a display control unit that displays on a display unit a preview image based on the preview image data and a main image based on the main image image data, the preview image and the main image in which the signal components of the predetermined structure have been emphasized by the image processing unit; a setting unit that sets whether or not the enhancement process is performed on the preview image data; Equipped with The display control unit is When the setting unit has set the enhancement processing for the preview image data, the display unit displays a preview image in which the signal components of the predetermined structure have been enhanced and a main image, When the setting unit has not set the enhancement processing for the preview image data, the display unit displays a preview image in which the signal components of the predetermined structure have not been enhanced, and a main image in which the signal components of the predetermined structure have been enhanced. Image processing device.

2. The predetermined structure is at least one of a catheter, gauze, tweezers, and a tube. The image processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the display control unit performs frequency processing on the image data to emphasize a signal component in a predetermined frequency band, thereby displaying the preview image on the display unit.

3. The image processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the display control unit further displays, on the display unit, a non-enhancement processed image, which is an image that is not subjected to the enhancement processing in the image data. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the display control unit displays the preview image on the display unit after displaying the non-enhanced image on the display unit. The image processing device according to claim 4.

6. When the setting unit sets an enhancement process for the preview image at the start of imaging by the radiation image capturing device, the display control unit displays a preview image based on the enhanced preview image data on the display unit. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A method for displaying an image on a display unit of a radiation image capturing device, comprising: generating preview image data and main image image data based on the image signal acquired by the radiation image capturing device; emphasizing signal components of a predetermined structure other than the human body for the generated preview image data and the main image image data; setting whether or not the enhancement process is performed on the preview image data; When the enhancement processing is set for the preview image data, a preview image in which the signal component of the predetermined structure has been enhanced and a main image are displayed on the display unit; When the enhancement processing has not been set for the preview image data, a preview image in which the signal components of the predetermined structure have not been enhanced and a main image in which the signal components of the predetermined structure have been enhanced are displayed on the display unit. Display method.

8. A program for displaying an image on a display unit of a radiation image capturing device, On the computer, an image data generating process for generating preview image data and main image image data based on an image signal acquired by the radiation image capturing device; image processing in which signal components of a predetermined structure other than a human body are emphasized for the generated preview image data and the main image image data; a display process for displaying, on a display unit, a preview image based on the preview image data and a main image based on the main image image data, in which the signal components of the predetermined structure have been emphasized; a setting process for setting whether or not the enhancement process is performed on the preview image data; Run the command, The display process includes: a process of displaying a preview image in which the signal components of the predetermined structure have been enhanced and a main image on the display unit when the enhancement process has been set for the preview image data by the setting process; a process of displaying, on the display unit, a preview image in which the signal components of the predetermined structure have not been subjected to enhancement processing and a main image in which the signal components of the predetermined structure have been subjected to enhancement processing, when the enhancement processing has not been performed on the preview image data by the setting processing; Including, Display program.

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