Image defect judgment support device and program

Abstract

To allow a user to easily recognize whether or not a saturation region exists in a photographed radiation image.SOLUTION: A control unit of a console of a photographing error determination support device determines whether or not a saturation region exists in a radiation image obtained by imaging a subject, and notifies that the saturation region exists in the radiation image by the display of a display unit and the sound output of a sound output unit when it is determined that the saturation region exists.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a failure determination support device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In the medical field, radiation images obtained by irradiating a subject with radiation and detecting the radiation that has passed through the subject with a radiation detector (sensor) are used for diagnosis. As shown in Figure 1, the relationship between the dose that reaches the radiation detector and the signal value of the radiation detector maintains linearity until the dose exceeds a certain threshold (saturation dose), but once the threshold is exceeded, the linearity deteriorates and the signal value gradually approaches a constant value. A pixel that has received a dose that exceeds the saturation dose is called a saturated pixel, and a high-density region (high signal value region) in a radiation image that corresponds to a region where saturated pixels are densely packed at a predetermined number of pixels or more is called a signal saturated region (hereinafter abbreviated as a saturated region). In a saturated region, accurate information about the subject cannot be obtained, which has a problem of affecting diagnosis.

[0003] Therefore, for example, Patent Document 1 describes an X-ray image measurement device that includes a means for separating a subject image including a blank region into a non-saturated blank region and a saturated blank region, a means for taking the difference between the logarithmically transformed subject image and a logarithmically transformed shading image, a means for setting pixel values ​​of the non-saturated blank region from this difference value, and a means for converting pixel values ​​of the saturated blank region to the set pixel value.

[0004] Furthermore, for example, Patent Document 2 describes that in a radiographic imaging device, when the sensor output corresponding to each pixel is not saturated or overflowing, the output of the steady region is used, and when the sensor output is saturated or overflowing, an estimated output in the saturated or overflow region is calculated from the signal in the rising or decaying region of the sensor output before and after the saturation or overflow occurs, and image data is created by combining the steady output and the estimated output.

[0005] Furthermore, for example, Patent Document 3 describes an image processing device that performs image processing on an image captured using a plurality of image sensors, and includes a decomposition means for decomposing the captured image into a plurality of band-limited images each limited to a different frequency band, a detection means for detecting, as saturated pixels, pixels in the captured image in which an incident dose to the image sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, an adjustment means for adjusting the contrast of a partial image consisting of saturated pixels of the band-limited image, and a reconstruction means for reconstructing an image using the plurality of band-limited images with adjusted contrast. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3349004 [Patent Document 2] JP 2003-209746 A [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 6429548 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In Patent Documents 1 to 3, the signal values ​​of the saturated regions are corrected. However, if the correction is performed, the photographer (user) cannot know whether or not there was a saturated region in the captured radiographic image, and therefore cannot recognize whether or not the image was captured with an appropriate dose, which does not lead to improvement of the imaging conditions for the next and subsequent imaging.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to enable a user to easily recognize whether or not a saturated area exists in a captured radiation image. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, The image failure judgment support device according to the present invention comprises: a determining means for determining whether or not a signal saturation region exists in a radiographic image obtained by capturing an object; a notification means for notifying the user that a signal saturation region exists in the radiation image when the determination means determines that the signal saturation region exists in the radiation image; Equipped with 、 the determination means determines whether or not a signal saturation region exists in a diagnostic target region of the radiation image, and is capable of switching an algorithm to be applied when determining whether or not a signal saturation region exists in the diagnostic target region of the radiation image based on a part of the subject; The notification means notifies the presence of a signal saturation region in the diagnostic target region when the determination means determines that a signal saturation region exists in the diagnostic target region, and further notifies information of the algorithm applied by the determination means and / or the region recognized as the diagnostic target region by the algorithm.

[0010] Further, the image failure judgment support device according to the present invention comprises: a determining means for determining whether or not a signal saturation region exists in a radiographic image obtained by capturing an object; a notification means for notifying the user that a signal saturation region exists in the radiation image when the determination means determines that the signal saturation region exists in the radiation image; a control means for acquiring at least one piece of information regarding a part of the subject, an imaging direction, and a thickness of the subject, and for controlling whether or not the judgment is made by the judgment means based on the acquired information; Equipped with.

[0011] Further, the image failure judgment support device according to the present invention comprises: a determining means for determining whether or not a signal saturation region exists in a radiographic image obtained by capturing an object; a notification means for notifying the user that a signal saturation region exists in the radiation image when the determination means determines that the signal saturation region exists in the radiation image; a control means for acquiring information regarding an exposure dose at the time of capturing the radiographic image and information regarding an upper limit of a dose of a radiation detector used to capture the radiographic image, and for controlling whether or not the determination means performs the determination based on the acquired information regarding the exposure dose and information regarding the upper limit of the dose of the radiation detector; Equipped with.

[0012] In addition, the program according to the present invention is Computer, A determination means for determining whether or not a signal saturation region exists in a radiographic image obtained by capturing an object; a notification means for notifying a user that a signal saturation region exists in the radiation image when the determination means determines that a signal saturation region exists in the radiation image; Functioning as a the determination means determines whether or not a signal saturation region exists in a diagnostic target region of the radiation image, and is capable of switching an algorithm to be applied when determining whether or not a signal saturation region exists in the diagnostic target region of the radiation image based on a part of the subject; The notification means notifies the presence of a signal saturation region in the diagnostic target region when the determination means determines that a signal saturation region exists in the diagnostic target region, and further notifies information of the algorithm applied by the determination means and / or the region recognized as the diagnostic target region by the algorithm.

[0013] In addition, the program according to the present invention is Computer, A determination means for determining whether or not a signal saturation region exists in a radiographic image obtained by capturing an object; a notification means for notifying a user that a signal saturation region exists in the radiation image when the determination means determines that a signal saturation region exists in the radiation image; a control means for acquiring at least one piece of information regarding a part of the subject, an imaging direction, and a thickness of the subject, and controlling whether or not the judgment is made by the judgment means based on the acquired information; Function as.

[0014] In addition, the program according to the present invention is Computer, A determination means for determining whether or not a signal saturation region exists in a radiographic image obtained by capturing an object; a notification means for notifying a user that a signal saturation region exists in the radiation image when the determination means determines that a signal saturation region exists in the radiation image; a control means for acquiring information regarding an exposure dose at the time of capturing the radiographic image and information regarding an upper limit of a dose of a radiation detector used to capture the radiographic image, and for controlling whether or not the determination means performs the determination based on the acquired information regarding the exposure dose and information regarding the upper limit of the dose of the radiation detector; Function as. Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, it becomes possible for a user to easily recognize whether or not a saturated area exists in a captured radiation image. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a graph for explaining a saturation region. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a medical image system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the console of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing an imaging control process A executed by the control unit in FIG. 3 in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 5 is a flowchart showing a saturated region determination and notification process executed in step S5 of FIG. [Figure 6A] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an alert notified on the examination screen in step S504 of FIG. 5 when the area of ​​the saturated region is small. [Figure 6B] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an alert notified on the examination screen in step S504 of FIG. 5 when the area of ​​the saturated region is medium. [Figure 6C] 7 is a diagram showing an example of an alert notified on the examination screen in step S504 of FIG. 5 when the area of ​​a saturated region is large. FIG. [Figure 7A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of notification of an algorithm applied when recognizing a diagnosis target region. [Figure 7B] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of notification of an algorithm applied when recognizing a diagnosis target region. [Figure 8]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a dose reduction guideline. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a method for calculating a dose reduction guideline. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a shooting control process B executed by the control unit in FIG. 3 in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] [First embodiment] (Configuration of medical image system 100) First, a schematic configuration of a medical image system 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0024] 2, the medical image system 100 of this embodiment includes a radiation generator 1, a radiation detector 2, a console 3, a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) 4, and an imaging information management system 5. The console 3 is communicatively connected to the radiation generator 1 and the radiation detector 2. The console 3 can also communicate with the PACS 4 and the imaging information management system 5 via a communication network N installed within the hospital. The console 3 may also be connectable to a Hospital Information System (HIS), a Radiology Information System (RIS), or the like (not shown) via the communication network N.

[0025] Although not shown, the radiation generating device 1 includes a generator that applies a voltage according to preset radiation irradiation conditions based on the operation of an irradiation instruction switch, a radiation source that generates radiation (e.g., X-rays) with a dose according to the applied voltage when a voltage is applied from the generator, etc. The radiation generating device 1 is configured to generate radiation in a manner according to the radiation image to be captured.

[0026] The radiation generating device 1 may be installed in an imaging room, or may be configured as a mobile cart together with the console 3 and the like.

[0027] Although not shown, the radiation detector 2 includes a substrate on which pixels are arranged two-dimensionally (in a matrix), the pixels having radiation detection elements that generate an electric charge according to the radiation dose when exposed to radiation and switching elements that store and release the electric charge, a scanning circuit that switches each switching element on / off, a readout circuit that reads out the amount of electric charge released from each pixel as a signal value, a control unit that generates a radiographic image from the multiple signal values ​​read out by the readout circuit, and an output unit that outputs data of the generated radiographic image to the outside, etc. The radiation detector 2 generates a radiation image according to the irradiated radiation in synchronization with the timing of irradiation of radiation from the radiation generating device 1, and transmits the generated radiation image to the console 3. That is, the radiation source of the radiation generating device 1 and the radiation detector 2 are disposed facing each other with a gap therebetween, and a subject disposed between them is irradiated with radiation from the radiation source, thereby making it possible to perform radiography of the subject and obtain a radiographic image. The radiography may be a still image capture, or a dynamic image capture in which the movement of the subject is captured.

[0028] The radiation detector 2 may have a built-in scintillator or the like, which converts the irradiated radiation into light of another wavelength, such as visible light, and generates an electric charge according to the converted light (a so-called indirect type), or it may generate an electric charge directly from the radiation without going through a scintillator or the like (a so-called direct type). Moreover, the radiation detector 2 may be a dedicated type integrated with an imaging stand, or may be a portable type (cassette type).

[0029] The console 3 is composed of a PC, a dedicated device, etc. The console 3 is a radiography control device that controls radiography. The console 3 also has a function as an imaging failure judgment support device, and has a function of determining whether or not a saturated area exists in the radiographic image transmitted from the radiation detector 2, and notifying when it is determined that a saturated area exists. The console 3 will be described in detail later.

[0030] PACS4 is composed of PCs, dedicated devices, a virtual server on the cloud, and client terminals for interpretation. The PACS4 server stores and manages medical images, including radiological images, by associating them with patient information (patient ID, patient name, age, sex, etc.) and examination information (examination ID, examination date, body part, imaging direction, etc.), and displays medical images requested by client terminals.

[0031] The imaging information management system 5 stores radiographic images that are determined to be defective (imaging failed). Specifically, the imaging information management system 5 has a storage means such as a hard disk, and stores radiographic images that are determined to be defective in the storage means in association with information indicating the position of a saturated area (e.g., coordinate information, etc.) and imaging conditions (dose information (e.g., tube voltage, tube current, irradiation time, etc.), part, imaging direction, technician in charge (photographer), etc.). In addition, the imaging information management system 5 displays the stored radiographic images together with information indicating the position of a saturated area and imaging conditions, and analyzes parts where saturated areas are likely to occur and target irradiation doses for each part and imaging direction.

[0032] (Console 3 configuration) Next, a specific configuration of the console 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, the console 3 of this embodiment includes a control unit 31, a communication unit 32, a memory unit 33, a display unit 34, an operation unit 35, and a sound output unit 36, and each unit is connected by a bus 37. Note that the console 3 may not be provided with the display unit 34 or the operation unit 35, and a display device (such as a tablet terminal) equipped with a display unit and an operation unit may be connected to the console 3.

[0034] The control unit 31 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The CPU of the control unit 31 reads out various programs stored in the storage unit 33, expands them in the RAM, executes various processes according to the expanded programs, and centrally controls the operation of each unit of the console 3. For example, when the control unit 31 receives examination order information from a RIS or the like (not shown) via the communication unit 32, the control unit 31 stores the received examination order information in the storage unit 33 and displays it on an examination list screen (not shown) of the display unit 34. The examination order information includes an examination ID, an examination date, patient information, and information on the imaging included in the examination (such as a body part and an imaging direction). When examination order information of an examination to be performed is selected from the examination list screen, the control unit 31 executes an imaging control process A, etc., which will be described later. The control unit 31 executes an imaging control process A, which will be described later, in cooperation with a program stored in the storage unit 33, thereby functioning as a determination means, a derivation means, and a storage control means of the present invention.

[0035] The communication unit 32 is composed of a communication module and the like. The communication unit 32 transmits and receives various signals and data between the radiation generating device 1, the radiation detector 2, and other devices and systems (PACS 4, shooting information management system 5, etc.) connected via a communication network N (LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), Internet, etc.).

[0036] The storage unit 33 is composed of a non-volatile semi-dynamic memory, a hard disk, or the like. Furthermore, the storage unit 33 stores various programs executed by the control unit 31, parameters required for executing the programs, and the like. Furthermore, the storage unit 33 stores examination order information transmitted from the RIS or the like. The storage unit 33 may be capable of storing radiation images.

[0037] The display unit 34 is composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), or the like. The display unit 34 displays an examination list screen, an examination screen 341 (see, for example, FIGS. 6A to 6C), notification information, etc., based on a control signal input from the control unit 31. The display unit 34 functions as a notification means in cooperation with the control unit 31.

[0038] The operation unit 35 is configured to be operable by a user using a keyboard equipped with cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, etc., a pointing device such as a mouse, a touch panel laminated on the surface of the display device, etc. The operation unit 35 outputs a control signal to the control unit 31 in response to an operation performed by the user.

[0039] The sound output unit 36 ​​includes a speaker and the like, and outputs sound (audio) according to control from the control unit 31. The sound output unit 36 ​​cooperates with the control unit 31 to function as a notification unit.

[0040] (operation) Next, the operation of the medical image system 100 will be described. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the imaging control process A executed in the console 3. The imaging control process A shown in Fig. 4 is executed by the control unit 31 of the console 3 in cooperation with a program stored in the storage unit 33 when examination order information is selected by the operation unit 35 from the examination list screen displayed on the display unit 34.

[0041] First, the control unit 31 causes the display unit 34 to display an examination screen 341 for the selected examination order information (step S1). The examination screen 341 (see, for example, FIGS. 6A to 6C) is provided with an imaging selection button 341a displaying the details of each imaging included in the examination order information, as well as a setting area 341b for setting image reading conditions and image processing conditions for the selected imaging, an image display area 341c for previewing the captured radiographic image, a rejected image button 341d, an output button 341e, etc. At the stage of step S1, no radiographic image is yet displayed in the image display area 341c.

[0042] Next, the control unit 31 sets the imaging conditions (image reading conditions) of the imaging to be performed in the radiation detector 2 in response to the operation on the examination screen 341. The image reading conditions include, for example, pixel size, image size, etc. Furthermore, the control unit 31 acquires the imaging conditions (radiation irradiation conditions) set by the user from the operation panel of the radiation generating device 1 from the radiation generating device 1 (step S2). The radiation irradiation conditions include, for example, the tube voltage (kV), tube current (mA), irradiation time (ms), and SID (cm) of the radiation source.

[0043] Next, the control unit 31 controls the radiation generator 1 and the radiation detector 2 in response to the operation of the irradiation instruction switch of the operation unit 35 to perform radiation imaging (step S3). A radiation image acquired by the radiation detector 2 through radiation photography is transmitted to the console 3 .

[0044] When the radiological image is received from the radiation detector 2, the control unit 31 causes the display unit 34 to display the radiological image (step S4). That is, the control unit 31 causes the received radiographic image to be displayed in the image display area 341c of the examination screen 341.

[0045] Next, the control unit 31 performs a saturated region determination and notification process on the received radiographic image (step S5). 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the saturated region determination and notification process executed in step S5. The saturated region determination and notification process is executed by the control unit 31 and a program stored in the storage unit 33 in cooperation with each other.

[0046] In the saturated region determination and notification process, first, the control unit 31 executes a saturated region extraction process (step S501). In the saturated region extraction process, for example, a pixel region in which pixels having a signal value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value TH are connected by a predetermined number of pixels (for example, 2 pixels x 2 pixels or more) in a radiation image is extracted as a saturated region. The threshold value TH is a value obtained experimentally or empirically. Here, all areas where the signal value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value TH may be considered saturated areas; however, if the area (number of pixels) of the saturated area is small (the area (number of pixels) is less than a predetermined threshold value, for example, less than 2 pixels x 2 pixels), it is highly likely to be noise such as defective pixels. Therefore, in this embodiment, the saturated area is excluded from the saturated area to improve extraction accuracy. Furthermore, the control unit 31 may acquire position information of defective pixels from the radiation detector 2, and exclude positions corresponding to the defective pixels from the determination of the saturated region by referring to the acquired position information of the defective pixels. This is because defective pixels may not have correct signal values ​​due to an abnormality in the radiation detector 2. Note that the position information of the defective pixels of the radiation detector 2 may be stored in advance in the storage unit 33, and the control unit 31 may acquire the position information of the defective pixels from the storage unit 33.

[0047] Next, the control unit 31 determines whether or not a saturated region exists in the received radiographic image based on the processing result of the saturated region extraction processing (step S502). When it is determined that no saturated region exists in the received radiation image (step S502; NO), the control unit 31 proceeds to step S6 in FIG.

[0048] When it is determined that a saturated region exists in the received radiographic image (step S502; YES), the control unit 31 determines whether or not a saturated region exists in the diagnostic target region of the radiographic image (step S503). In step S503, the control unit 31 can switch the algorithm to be applied when determining whether or not a saturated region exists in the diagnostic target region, based on the part information of the subject of the radiographic image. The part information of the subject of the radiographic image may be obtained based on the examination order information, or may be obtained from the radiographic image by image recognition processing. For example, when the subject's part is the chest, abdomen, or long-length photography including the chest, an algorithm is applied that extracts the lung field region and the skin line from the radiographic image, recognizes the region separated from the blank region by the skin line as the diagnostic target region, and determines that a saturated region exists within the diagnostic target region if a saturated region exists within the lung field region or on the skin line.For other parts, an algorithm is applied that extracts the skin line from the radiographic image, recognizes the region separated from the blank region by the skin line as the diagnostic target region, and determines that a saturated region exists within the diagnostic target region if a saturated region exists on the skin line.

[0049] When it is determined that no saturated region exists within the diagnostic target region of the radiation image (step S503; NO), the control unit 31 proceeds to step S6 in FIG.

[0050] When it is determined that a saturated region exists within the diagnostic target region of the radiological image (step S503; YES), the control unit 31 issues an alert indicating that a saturated region exists in the radiological image (step S504), and proceeds to step S6 in FIG. 4. A saturated area in the diagnostic target area is likely to affect the diagnosis, and therefore is likely to result in a shooting error (failure in shooting). Therefore, in step S504, an alert is issued indicating that a saturated area exists (i.e., there is a possibility that a shooting error has occurred).

[0051] The method of notifying the alert is not particularly limited. For example, a predetermined icon (e.g., 341f in FIG. 6A) indicating that a saturated region exists in the radiographic image may be displayed on the display unit 34, an alert sound may be output from the sound output unit 36, or a confirmation button (e.g., 341g in FIG. 6C) for prompting the user to confirm may be displayed on the display unit 34. By notifying the alert indicating that a saturated region exists in the radiographic image, the user can easily recognize that a saturated region is included in the diagnostic target region of the radiographic image that has been captured (i.e., there is a possibility that an imaging error has occurred), and the user can be prompted to confirm whether an imaging error has occurred (whether re-imaging is necessary).

[0052] Furthermore, the control unit 31 may change the notification method depending on the area of ​​the saturated region. For example, when the area of ​​the saturated region is equal to or smaller than the first threshold, the degree of abnormality is determined to be low, and only the icon 341f is displayed as shown in FIG. 6A. When the area of ​​the saturated region is greater than the first threshold and equal to or smaller than the second threshold, the degree of abnormality is determined to be medium, and an alert sound is output in addition to the display of the icon 341f as shown in FIG. 6B. When the area of ​​the saturated region exceeds the second threshold, the degree of abnormality is determined to be high, and a confirmation button 341g is displayed in addition to the icon 341f and the alert sound as shown in FIG. 6C (first threshold<second threshold).

[0053] In addition, the control unit 31 preferably notifies the position of the saturated region (saturated region in the diagnostic target region) together with the above-mentioned alert, as shown in Figs. 6A to 6C. For example, as shown by reference numeral 341h in Figs. 6A to 6C, the saturated region (saturated region in the diagnostic target region) of the radiographic image displayed in the image display region 341c is colored or the outline of the saturated region is colored and displayed so that the user can identify it. This allows the user to confirm which signal value in the radiographic image is saturated. The control unit 31 may also enlarge and display the saturated region in response to a user operation. For example, when the user clicks on the saturated region using the operation unit 35, the control unit 31 enlarges and displays the clicked saturated region. This allows the user to easily confirm the saturated region.

[0054] In step S504, together with the alert, the algorithm applied in step S503 to determine whether or not a saturated region exists in the diagnostic target region may be notified so that the user can recognize it. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the name of the applied algorithm ("Chest Saturation Detection" in FIG. 7A) may be displayed on the display unit 34, or as shown in FIG. 7B, the region recognized as the diagnostic target region by the applied algorithm may be displayed in an identifiable manner, or both may be displayed. This allows the user to confirm whether or not the console 3 has erroneously recognized the diagnostic target region. The applied algorithm may be displayed in step S503.

[0055] Furthermore, the control unit 31 may analyze the radiographic image to derive an improvement value of the imaging conditions when re-imaging, and display the improvement value of the imaging conditions on the display unit 34. The imaging conditions when the radiographic image was captured may also be displayed. For example, based on the number of pixels (area) of the saturated region in the radiographic image or the area ratio of the saturated region in the radiographic image or the diagnostic region, for example, a guideline reduction amount of the radiation dose (how much the radiation dose should be reduced to avoid the occurrence of a saturated region) may be derived as an improvement value of the imaging condition, and the guideline reduction amount of the radiation dose may be displayed together with an alert, as shown in Fig. 8. Since the larger the area of ​​the saturated region, the higher the radiation dose irradiated during imaging is considered to be, the larger the number of pixels of the saturated region or the area ratio of the saturated region in the radiographic image or the diagnostic region becomes, the larger the guideline reduction amount of the radiation dose during reimaging becomes. Also, for example, as shown in Fig. 9, profile information in a radiation image may be created, a maximum signal value corresponding to the maximum irradiated dose may be predicted (predicted maximum signal value) based on profile information around the saturated region, and a guideline reduction amount of the irradiation dose at the time of re-imaging may be derived as an improvement value of the imaging condition based on the predicted maximum signal value and displayed together with an alert. The guideline reduction amount may be calculated by the following (Equation 1), for example, assuming that the upper limit of the non-saturated signal value is A1 and the predicted maximum signal value of the saturated region is A2 (see Fig. 9). Estimated reduction amount = (A2-A1) ÷ A1 ... (Formula 1) By displaying a guideline for reducing the radiation dose when re-examining, the user can set an appropriate radiation dose when re-examining.

[0056] The user checks the radiation image and notification information displayed on the examination screen 341 and judges whether or not an imaging error that will affect the diagnosis has occurred. If it is judged that an imaging error that will affect the diagnosis has occurred, the user presses the imaging error button 341d via the operation unit 35. If it is judged that an imaging error that will affect the diagnosis has not occurred, the user presses the output button 341e via the operation unit 35.

[0057] In step S6 of FIG. 4, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the rejected image button 341d has been pressed by the operation unit 35 (step S6). When it is determined that the defective image button 341d has been pressed by the operation unit 35 (step S6; YES), the control unit 31 associates the radiographic image in which the defective image has occurred, the positional information of the saturated region, and the shooting conditions (dose information (tube voltage (kV), tube current (mA), irradiation time (ms), SID (cm)), body part information, information of the technician in charge, etc.), and transmits them to the shooting information management system 5 via the communication unit 32, and stores them in the storage means (step S7). By correlating the radiographic image in which the imaging error occurred, the positional information of the saturated area, and the imaging conditions and storing them in the imaging information management system 5, it is possible to display under what imaging conditions the saturated area will occur, to analyze the areas where the saturated area is likely to occur, and the approximate exposure dose at which the saturated area will not occur, etc., which can be useful for educating future radiographers. Note that the user may press the failure button 341d for reasons other than the occurrence of a saturated region, such as the diagnostic target region being outside the radiographic image, etc. If no saturated region has occurred, the transmission of the position information of the saturated region is omitted. Then, the control unit 31 returns to step S2 and repeats steps S2 to S6.

[0058] In step S6, if it is determined that the rejected image button 341d has not been pressed by the operation unit 35 and that the output button 341e has been pressed (step S6; NO), the control unit 31 associates the received radiological image with the patient information and examination information (examination ID, examination date, body part, shooting direction, etc.) and transmits the image to the PACS 4 via the communication unit 32 (step S8), and terminates the shooting control process A.

[0059] In this manner, in the present embodiment, when a saturated region exists in the diagnostic target region of a radiographic image, an alert indicating the presence of the saturated region is issued, so that the user can easily recognize whether or not a saturated region exists in the diagnostic target region of the radiographic image captured. As a result, the user can recognize whether or not the radiographic image was captured with an appropriate dose, which can lead to improvements in the imaging conditions for the next imaging and thereafter. In addition, it is possible to prevent a radiographic image that is unsuitable for diagnosis due to a saturated region from being provided for diagnosis.

[0060] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which an alert is issued when a saturated region exists in the diagnostic target region, but the control unit 31 may issue an alert when a saturated region exists on a radiographic image, not limited to the diagnostic target region. If a saturated region exists outside the diagnostic target region (for example, a direct-through region where radiation reaches without passing through the subject), it does not affect the diagnosis, but by allowing the user to easily recognize whether or not a saturated region exists, it is possible to allow the user to improve the imaging conditions for the next imaging and thereafter when a saturated region exists, and to prevent the patient from continuing to be overexposed to radiation.

[0061] In addition, in the above embodiment, first, a process of extracting a saturated region from a radiological image is performed, and then it is determined whether or not the extracted saturated region is present within a diagnostic target region. However, it is also possible to first extract a diagnostic target region from a radiological image, extract a saturated region from the extracted diagnostic target region, and then determine whether or not a saturated region is present within the diagnostic target region.

[0062] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, an example of controlling whether or not to execute the saturated region determination and notification process will be described. The configuration of the medical image system 100 in the second embodiment is similar to that described in the first embodiment, so the description will be used here and the operation of the second embodiment will be described below.

[0063] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the imaging control process B executed by the console 3 in the second embodiment. The imaging control process B shown in Fig. 10 is executed by the control unit 31 of the console 3 in cooperation with a program stored in the storage unit 33 when examination order information is selected by the operation unit 35 from the examination list screen displayed on the display unit 34. The control unit 31 executes the imaging control process B, thereby functioning as a determination means, a derivation means, a control means, and a storage control means of the present invention.

[0064] First, the control unit 31 causes the display unit 34 to display the examination screen 341 for the selected examination order information (step S21).

[0065] Next, the control unit 31 sets the imaging conditions (image reading conditions) of the imaging to be performed in the radiation detector 2 in response to the operation on the examination screen 341. Also, the control unit 31 acquires from the radiation generating device 1 the imaging conditions (radiation irradiation conditions) set by the user via the operation panel of the radiation generating device 1 (step S22).

[0066] Next, the control unit 31 controls the radiation generator 1 and the radiation detector 2 in response to the operation of the irradiation instruction switch of the operation unit 35 to perform radiation imaging (step S23).

[0067] When the radiological image is received from the radiation detector 2, the control unit 31 causes the display unit 34 to display the radiological image (step S24). The processing in steps S21 to S24 is similar to that in steps S1 to S4 in FIG. 4, and therefore the description thereof will be cited.

[0068] Next, the control unit 31 determines whether or not to execute the saturated region determination and notification process (see FIG. 5) (step S25).

[0069] In step S25, for example, the control unit 31 acquires part information of the subject, and judges whether or not to perform the saturated region determination and notification process based on the acquired part information. For example, when the part of the subject is the trunk such as the chest, abdomen, or waist, the subject is thick, and therefore a high dose of radiation is irradiated so that the radiation penetrates even a thick subject. Therefore, a saturated region is likely to occur in the radiographic image. On the other hand, when the subject is not thick, a high dose of radiation is not irradiated, and a saturated region is unlikely to occur in the radiographic image. Therefore, the control unit 31 acquires part information of the subject by performing part recognition from the received radiographic image, or acquires part information of the subject from the examination order information, and judges to perform the saturated region determination and notification process when the subject part is the trunk such as the chest, abdomen, or waist, and judges not to perform the saturated region determination and notification process when the subject part is other parts such as the hands, feet, or head. This makes it possible to exclude parts where a saturated region is unlikely to occur from the saturated region determination and notification process, thereby preventing an increase in processing time.

[0070] Alternatively, the execution / non-execution of the saturated region determination notification process may be determined based on the part information and the imaging direction of the subject. In the case of the trunk, particularly when the imaging direction is the side, the subject thickness is large, and therefore a higher dose of radiation is irradiated. Therefore, the control unit 31 acquires the part information and imaging direction information of the subject, and determines to execute the saturated region determination notification process when the subject part is the trunk such as the chest, abdomen, or waist, and the imaging direction is the side, and determines not to execute the saturated region determination notification process when the subject part is the other part or imaging direction. This makes it possible to further prevent an increase in processing time. The imaging direction may be acquired from the examination order information, as with the part information, or may be acquired from the radiation image by image recognition.

[0071] Alternatively, the subject thickness may be estimated from the imaging conditions (e.g., tube voltage, imaging site) and the image histogram of the radiation image, and when the subject thickness is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, it may be determined that the saturated region determination notification process is to be performed, and when the subject thickness is less than the predetermined threshold, it may be determined that the saturated region determination notification process is not to be performed. In this way, when the subject thickness is small (no thickness) and the possibility of a saturated region occurring is low, it is possible to exclude the subject from the saturated region determination notification process, and it is possible to prevent an increase in processing time. Here, the subject thickness threshold may be set in advance, or may be set by the user through the operation unit 35. As described in JP 2016-202219 A, for example, the subject thickness can be estimated from a relationship (relational formula, table, etc.) between the body thickness for each tube voltage and ΔVc experimentally obtained in advance.

[0072] Furthermore, when a radiographic image that is not related to diagnosis, such as a test chart, is captured, it may be determined that the saturated region determination and notification process is not to be performed, thereby reducing unnecessary processing time.

[0073] Further, it may be possible to determine whether or not to perform the saturated region determination and notification process based on information on the radiation detector 2 used for imaging and information on the exposure dose at the time of imaging. For example, when the exposure dose at the time of imaging is equal to or lower than the upper dose limit of the radiation detector 2 (the upper limit of the radiation dose at which the signal value does not saturate), no saturated region occurs in the radiation image. Therefore, the control unit 31 acquires information on the radiation detector 2 used for imaging the radiation image (information on the upper dose limit) from the radiation detector 2, and acquires the exposure dose at the time of imaging based on the imaging conditions of the radiation image. Then, when the exposure dose at the time of imaging exceeds the upper dose limit of the radiation detector 2, it determines to perform the saturated region determination and notification process, and when the exposure dose at the time of imaging is equal to or lower than the upper dose limit of the radiation detector 2, it determines not to perform the saturated region determination and notification process. In this way, when the exposure dose is lower than the upper dose limit of the radiation detector 2, it is possible to exclude the saturated region determination and notification process from the target, thereby preventing an increase in processing time.

[0074] In step S25, when it is determined that the saturated region determination and notification process is to be performed (step S25; performed), the control unit 31 proceeds to step S26, performs the saturated region determination and notification process, and proceeds to step S27. When it is determined that the saturated region determination and notification process is not to be performed (step S25; not performed), the control unit 31 proceeds to step S27. The saturated region determination and notification process in step S26 is similar to that described in the first embodiment with reference to Fig. 5, and therefore the same description is used. The processes in step S27 and thereafter are similar to steps S6 to S8 in Fig. 3, and therefore the same description is used.

[0075] In this way, in the second embodiment, when the possibility that a saturated region has occurred is low, the saturated region determination and notification process is not performed, so that an increase in the processing time can be prevented.

[0076] As described above, the control unit 31 of the console 3 determines whether or not a saturated area exists in a radiographic image of a subject, and if it determines that a saturated area exists, notifies the user of the presence of a saturated area in the radiographic image by displaying on the display unit 34 or outputting sound from the sound output unit 36. Therefore, the user can easily recognize whether or not a saturated area exists in a radiographic image of a subject. As a result, if a saturated area exists, the user can improve the imaging conditions for the next imaging and thereafter, thereby preventing the patient from being continuously exposed to excessive radiation.

[0077] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 31 may notify the user of the position of a saturated area present in the radiation image, for example by displaying on the display unit 34, thereby enabling the user to recognize where the saturated area is and how large it is. This enables the user to confirm whether or not re-imaging is necessary, and allows the user to easily improve the imaging conditions for the next imaging or subsequent imaging.

[0078] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 31 determines whether or not a saturated region exists in the diagnostic target region of the radiological image, and when it is determined that a signal saturated region exists in the diagnostic target region, it notifies the user of the presence of a saturated region in the diagnostic target region by displaying on the display unit 34 or outputting sound from the sound output unit 36, thereby allowing the user to easily recognize whether or not the diagnostic target region of the radiological image includes a saturated region. As a result, it is possible to prevent a radiological image that is unsuitable for diagnosis due to the occurrence of a saturated region from being provided for diagnosis.

[0079] Furthermore, for example, when the control unit 31 determines that a saturated area exists in the area to be diagnosed, it notifies the user of an alert regarding an imaging error by displaying an image on the display unit 34 or outputting an audio signal from the audio output unit 36. This enables the user to immediately recognize that an imaging error may occur if a saturated area exists, and can prompt the user to check whether or not re-imaging is necessary.

[0080] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 31 can change the method of notifying an alert based on the size of a saturated region in a diagnostic target region of a radiological image, thereby enabling a user to immediately recognize the degree of abnormality in the radiological image.

[0081] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 31 derives an improvement value for the shooting conditions when re-photographing the subject based on the saturated area present in the diagnostic target area and image information about the surrounding area, and notifies the user of the derived improvement value for the shooting conditions, or both the shooting conditions of the radiographic image and the improvement value for the shooting conditions, for example, by displaying on the display unit 34, so that the user can easily understand how to improve the shooting conditions for the next shooting and thereafter.

[0082] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 31 can switch the algorithm to be applied when determining whether or not a saturated region exists in the diagnostic target region of the radiation image based on the part of the subject, and can notify the user of the applied algorithm by, for example, displaying information on the applied algorithm and / or the region recognized as the diagnostic target region by the algorithm on the display unit 34. In addition, the user can check whether or not there has been an erroneous recognition.

[0083] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 31 can obtain positional information of defective pixels in the radiation detector that captured the radiological image, and determine whether or not a saturated region exists by excluding the region in the radiological image that corresponds to the position of the defective pixels, thereby preventing the defective pixels from being mistakenly recognized as a saturated region.

[0084] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 31 can acquire at least one piece of information regarding the subject's part, the shooting direction, and the subject's thickness, and based on the acquired information, control whether or not to judge the saturated area, thereby preventing an unnecessary increase in processing time.

[0085] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 31 acquires information regarding the exposure dose when the radiation image is captured and information regarding the upper dose limit of the radiation detector used to capture the radiation image, and controls whether or not to determine the saturated region based on the acquired information regarding the exposure dose and the information regarding the upper dose limit of the radiation detector, thereby preventing an unnecessary increase in processing time.

[0086] Furthermore, for example, when the control unit 31 determines that a saturated area is present in the radiographic image, the control unit 31 stores the radiographic image, information indicating the position of the saturated area, and the shooting conditions of the radiographic image in association with each other in a storage means, so that the radiographic image containing the saturated area can be used to educate the photographer in the future.

[0087] The description of the above embodiment is merely a preferred example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the above embodiment, the console 3 is provided with a function as an imaging failure determination support device, but the imaging failure determination support device may be a device separate from the console 3. In addition, the storage means for storing radiographic images in which imaging failure has occurred may be configured to be provided in the console 3.

[0088] In the above description, a hard disk, a non-volatile semiconductor memory, or the like is used as a computer-readable medium for the program according to the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this example. As other computer-readable media, a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM can be used. Furthermore, a carrier wave can be used as a medium for providing data for the program according to the present invention via a communication line.

[0089] In addition, the detailed configuration and operation of each device constituting the medical image system may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 100 Medical Imaging Systems 1. Radiation Generator 2. Radiation detector 3 Console 4. PACS 5. Shooting information management system 31 Control Unit 32 Communications Department 33 Storage section 34 Display section 35 Control section 36 Sound output section 37 Bus

Claims

1. a determining means for determining whether or not a signal saturation region exists in a radiographic image obtained by capturing an object; a notification means for notifying the user that a signal saturation region exists in the radiation image when the determination means determines that the signal saturation region exists in the radiation image; Equipped with the determination means determines whether or not a signal saturation region exists in a diagnostic target region of the radiation image, and is capable of switching an algorithm to be applied when determining whether or not a signal saturation region exists in the diagnostic target region of the radiation image based on a part of the subject; the notifying means, when the determining means determines that a signal saturation region exists in the diagnostic target region, notifies that a signal saturation region exists in the diagnostic target region, and further notifies information of an algorithm applied by the determining means and / or a region recognized as the diagnostic target region by the algorithm.

2. a determining means for determining whether or not a signal saturation region exists in a radiographic image obtained by capturing an object; a notification means for notifying the user that a signal saturation region exists in the radiation image when the determination means determines that the signal saturation region exists in the radiation image; a control means for acquiring at least one piece of information regarding a part of the subject, an imaging direction, and a thickness of the subject, and for controlling whether or not the judgment is made by the judgment means based on the acquired information; A defect judgment support device comprising:

3. a determining means for determining whether or not a signal saturation region exists in a radiographic image obtained by capturing an object; a notification means for notifying the user that a signal saturation region exists in the radiation image when the determination means determines that the signal saturation region exists in the radiation image; a control means for acquiring information regarding an exposure dose at the time of capturing the radiographic image and information regarding an upper limit of a dose of a radiation detector used to capture the radiographic image, and for controlling whether or not the determination means performs the determination based on the acquired information regarding the exposure dose and information regarding the upper limit of the dose of the radiation detector; A defect judgment support device comprising:

4. the determining means determines whether or not a signal saturation region exists in a diagnostic target region of the radiation image; 4. The image failure judgment support device according to claim 2, wherein the notifying means notifies the user that a signal saturation region exists in the diagnosis target region when the determining means determines that a signal saturation region exists in the diagnosis target region.

5. The image failure judgment support device according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the notification means issues an alert regarding an image failure when the determination means determines that a signal saturation region exists in the diagnosis target region.

6. The failure judgment support device according to claim 5 , wherein the notification means changes a method of notifying the alert based on an area of ​​a signal saturation region in the diagnostic target region of the radiological image.

7. a derivation means for deriving an improvement value of an imaging condition when re-imaging the subject based on image information of a signal saturation region existing in the diagnostic target region and its surroundings, The failure determination support device according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 6, wherein the notification means further notifies an improvement value of the imaging condition derived, or both the imaging condition of the radiographic image and the improvement value of the imaging condition.

8. 8. The failure determination support device according to claim 1, wherein the notification means notifies a position of a signal saturation region present in the radiation image.

9. The damage determination support device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the determination means acquires position information of defective pixels of a radiation detector that captured the radiological image, and performs the determination by excluding an area in the radiological image that corresponds to the position of the defective pixel.

10. 10. The failure judgment support device according to claim 1, further comprising: a storage control means for causing, when the determination means determines that a signal saturation region exists in the radiographic image, the radiographic image, information indicating a position of the signal saturation region, and imaging conditions of the radiographic image to be stored in a storage means in association with each other.

11. Computer, A determination means for determining whether or not a signal saturation region exists in a radiographic image obtained by capturing an object; a notification means for notifying a user that a signal saturation region exists in the radiation image when the determination means determines that a signal saturation region exists in the radiation image; Function as a the determination means determines whether or not a signal saturation region exists in a diagnostic target region of the radiation image, and is capable of switching an algorithm to be applied when determining whether or not a signal saturation region exists in the diagnostic target region of the radiation image based on a part of the subject; the notification means, when the determination means determines that a signal saturation region exists in the diagnostic target region, notifies the user that a signal saturation region exists in the diagnostic target region, and further notifies the user of information on an algorithm applied by the determination means and / or a region recognized as the diagnostic target region by the algorithm. program.

12. Computer, A determination means for determining whether or not a signal saturation region exists in a radiographic image obtained by capturing an object; a notification means for notifying a user that a signal saturation region exists in the radiation image when the determination means determines that a signal saturation region exists in the radiation image; a control means for acquiring at least one piece of information regarding a part of the subject, an imaging direction, and a thickness of the subject, and controlling whether or not the judgment is made by the judgment means based on the acquired information; A program to function as a

13. Computer, A determination means for determining whether or not a signal saturation region exists in a radiographic image obtained by capturing an object; a notification means for notifying a user that a signal saturation region exists in the radiation image when the determination means determines that a signal saturation region exists in the radiation image; a control means for acquiring information regarding an exposure dose at the time of capturing the radiographic image and information regarding an upper limit of a dose of a radiation detector used to capture the radiographic image, and for controlling whether or not the determination means performs the determination based on the acquired information regarding the exposure dose and information regarding the upper limit of the dose of the radiation detector; A program to function as a

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