Moving Image Analysis Device and Program

Abstract

To acquire information on pleural adhesion simply and accurately with little dosimetry.SOLUTION: According to a control part of a diagnostic console, a dynamic image of a chest acquired by kymography by a radiation is acquired, and information on pleural adhesion is generated based on a movement amount of an area containing at least an area adjacent to rib cage in a lung area in the acquired dynamic image, and the generated information on pleural adhesion is displayed and outputted by a display part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a moving image analysis apparatus and a program.

Background Art

[0002] As a technique for evaluating the presence or absence of adhesions between living tissues and the adhesion sites before surgery or the like, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique of collecting static images of two phases, inspiration and expiration, by a CT apparatus and evaluating pleural adhesions using the collected static images of the two phases. Further, for example, Patent Document 2 describes calculating a sliding degree by obtaining a three-dimensional motion vector for each pair of voxels on the inner and outer sides of the physically close lung surfaces in three-dimensional CT image data (4D data) collected over time, and extracting moving and non-moving portions in a region on the contour line of the lung region based on the sliding degree. Further, for example, Patent Document 3 describes obtaining a motion vector of two structures that are physically and image-positionally close in an ultrasonic image and calculating the degree of adhesion between the two structures.

[0003] However, CT apparatuses and 4D-CTs are difficult to introduce into general medical facilities from the viewpoint of the cost of the apparatuses, and are also difficult to apply to general pre-operative patients from the viewpoints of the complexity of the imaging procedure and the radiation dose. Further, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cannot provide an overview of the entire subject for local imaging, and the imaging time becomes extremely long when attempting to image the entire subject. Also, the imaging technique is difficult. Therefore, similarly, there is a problem that it is difficult to apply to general pre-operative patients.

[0004] As means for solving these problems, for example, as described in Patent Document 4, a technique of detecting adhesions based on a change in the shape of the diaphragm in a moving image, and as described in Patent Document 5, a technique of detecting adhesions from a discrepancy between the phase related to diaphragm displacement and the respiratory phase are known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-67832 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-180899 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-88565 [Patent Document 4] International Publication No. 2014 / 185197 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-136566 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0006] However, in the case of the technologies described in Patent Documents 4 and 5, adhesions that do not appear as shape changes or displacements of the diaphragm could not be detected.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to be able to simply and accurately acquire information regarding pleural adhesion with a small exposure dose. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0009] Also, the dynamic image analysis apparatus according to the 1 aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires a dynamic image of the chest obtained by dynamic imaging using radiation, a generation unit that generates information regarding pleural adhesion based on the amount of movement of a region including at least a region adjacent to the rib cage within the lung region in the dynamic image, an output unit that outputs the generated information regarding pleural adhesion, and is provided with The generation unit divides the lung region in the dynamic image into small regions each consisting of one or more pixels, determines whether the difference or ratio between the amount of movement of the small region located on the contour on the thoracic cage side of the lung region and the amount of movement of another small region on the shadow continuous with the small region is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, and based on the determination result, generates information indicating whether the difference or ratio is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value, or information indicating whether the amount of movement of the small region is decreasing, as information regarding pleural adhesion.

[0010] Also, the dynamic image analysis apparatus according to the 2 aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires a dynamic image of the chest obtained by dynamic imaging using radiation, a generation unit that generates information regarding pleural adhesion based on the amount of movement of a region including at least a region adjacent to the thoracic cage within the lung region in the dynamic image, an output unit that outputs the generated information regarding pleural adhesion, and is provided with The generation unit divides the lung region in the dynamic image into small regions each consisting of one or more pixels, determines whether the variation in the amount of movement within a region composed of the small region located on the contour on the thoracic cage side of the lung region and another small region on the shadow continuous with the small region is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, and based on the determination result, generates information indicating whether the variation is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value, or information indicating whether the amount of movement of the small region is decreasing, as information regarding pleural adhesion.

[0012] Also, the program according to the 3 aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as an acquisition unit that acquires a dynamic image of the chest obtained by dynamic imaging using radiation, a generation unit that generates information regarding pleural adhesion based on the amount of movement of a region including at least a region adjacent to the thoracic cage within the lung region in the dynamic image, an output unit that outputs the generated information regarding pleural adhesion, and The generation unit divides the lung region in the dynamic image into small regions each composed of one or more pixels, determines whether the difference or ratio between the amount of movement of a small region located on the contour on the rib cage side of the lung region and the amount of movement of another small region on the shadow continuous with the small region is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and based on the determination result, generates information indicating whether the difference or ratio is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, or information indicating whether the amount of movement of the small region is decreasing, as information regarding pleural adhesion.

[0013] Also, the program according to the 4 aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as an acquisition unit that acquires a dynamic image of the chest obtained by dynamic imaging using radiation, a generation unit that generates information regarding pleural adhesion based on the amount of movement of a region including at least a region adjacent to the rib cage within the lung region in the dynamic image, an output unit that outputs the generated information regarding pleural adhesion, and based on the determination result, generates information indicating whether the variation is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, or information indicating whether the amount of movement of the small region is decreasing, as information regarding pleural adhesion. The generation unit divides the lung region in the dynamic image into small regions each composed of one or more pixels, determines whether the variation in the amount of movement within a region composed of a small region located on the contour on the rib cage side of the lung region and another small region on the shadow continuous with the small region is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold,

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to simply and accurately acquire information regarding pleural adhesion with a small radiation dose.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Figure 22

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0017] <First Embodiment> 〔Configuration of the Dynamic Analysis System 100〕 First, the configuration of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of the dynamic analysis system 100 in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the dynamic analysis system 100 is configured such that the imaging device 1 and the imaging console 2 are connected by a communication cable or the like, and the imaging console 2 and the diagnostic console 3 are connected via a communication network NT such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Each device constituting the dynamic analysis system 100 conforms to the DICOM (Digital Image and Communications in Medicine) standard, and communication between the devices is performed in accordance with DICOM.

[0018] 〔Configuration of the Imaging Device 1〕 The imaging device 1 is an imaging means for imaging the dynamic state of the chest having periodicity (cycle), such as the morphological changes of the lungs due to respiratory movement, the pulsation of the heart, etc. Dynamic imaging means irradiating a subject with radiation such as X-rays in a pulsed manner at predetermined time intervals (pulse irradiation), or irradiating continuously without interruption at a low dose rate (continuous irradiation) to obtain a plurality of images showing the dynamic state of the subject. A series of images obtained by dynamic imaging is called a dynamic image. A dynamic image is, in other words, a three-dimensional image including a time axis. A dynamic image includes a moving image, but does not include an image obtained by taking a still image while displaying a moving image. Each of the plurality of images constituting the dynamic image is called a frame image. In the following embodiments, a case of performing dynamic imaging of the front chest by pulse irradiation will be described.

[0019] The radiation source 11 is disposed at a position facing the radiation detection unit 13 with the subject M interposed therebetween, and irradiates the subject M with radiation (X-rays) according to the control of the radiation irradiation control device 12. The radiation irradiation control device 12 is connected to the imaging console 2, and controls the radiation source 11 based on the radiation irradiation conditions input from the imaging console 2 to perform radiation imaging. The radiation irradiation conditions input from the imaging console 2 are, for example, pulse rate, pulse width, pulse interval, number of imaging frames per imaging, value of X-ray tube current, value of X-ray tube voltage, additional filter type, etc. The pulse rate is the number of radiation irradiations per second and coincides with the frame rate described later. The pulse width is the radiation irradiation time per radiation irradiation. The pulse interval is the time from the start of one radiation irradiation to the start of the next radiation irradiation and coincides with the frame interval described later.

[0020] The radiation detection unit 13 is composed of a semiconductor image sensor such as an FPD (Flat Panel Detector). The FPD has, for example, a glass substrate or the like, and at a predetermined position on the substrate, a plurality of detection elements (pixels) that detect the radiation irradiated from the radiation source 11 and transmitted through at least the subject M according to its intensity, convert the detected radiation into an electrical signal, and accumulate it are arranged in a matrix. Each pixel is configured to include a switching unit such as a TFT (Thin Film Transistor). The FPD has an indirect conversion type that converts X-rays into an electrical signal by a photoelectric conversion element via a scintillator, and a direct conversion type that directly converts X-rays into an electrical signal, and either type may be used. The radiation detection unit 13 is provided so as to face the radiation source 11 with the subject M therebetween.

[0021] The reading control device 14 is connected to the imaging console 2. The reading control device 14 controls the switching unit of each pixel of the radiation detection unit 13 based on the image reading conditions input from the imaging console 2, switches the reading of the electrical signal accumulated in each pixel, and reads the electrical signal accumulated in the radiation detection unit 13 to acquire image data. This image data is a frame image. Then, the reading control device 14 outputs the acquired frame image to the imaging console 2. The image reading conditions are, for example, frame rate, frame interval, pixel size, image size (matrix size), etc. The frame rate is the number of frame images acquired per second and coincides with the pulse rate. The frame interval is the time from the start of the acquisition operation of one frame image to the start of the acquisition operation of the next frame image and coincides with the pulse interval.

[0022] Here, the radiation irradiation control device 12 and the reading control device 14 are connected to each other and exchange synchronization signals to synchronize the radiation irradiation operation and the image reading operation.

[0023] 〔Configuration of the imaging console 2〕 The imaging console 2 outputs radiation irradiation conditions and image reading conditions to the imaging device 1 to control the radiation imaging and radiation image reading operations by the imaging device 1, and displays the dynamic image acquired by the imaging device 1 for confirmation of positioning by an imaging operator such as a radiographer or for confirmation of whether the image is suitable for diagnosis. As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging console 2 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, an operation unit 23, a display unit 24, and a communication unit 25, and each unit is connected by a bus 26.

[0024] The control unit 21 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The CPU of the control unit 21 reads out the system program and various processing programs stored in the storage unit 22 according to the operation of the operation unit 23, expands them in the RAM, and executes various processes including the imaging control process described later according to the expanded programs, and centrally controls the operations of each part of the imaging console 2 and the radiation irradiation operation and reading operation of the imaging device 1.

[0025] The storage unit 22 is composed of a non-volatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 22 stores various programs executed by the control unit 21, parameters necessary for executing the processes by the programs, or data such as processing results. For example, the storage unit 22 stores a program for executing the imaging control process shown in FIG. 2. In addition, the storage unit 22 stores radiation irradiation conditions and image reading conditions in association with the inspection target site and the imaging direction. The various programs are stored in the form of readable program codes, and the control unit 21 sequentially executes operations according to the program codes.

[0026] The operation unit 23 includes a keyboard equipped with cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, etc., and a pointing device such as a mouse. It outputs the instruction signals input by key operations or mouse operations on the keyboard to the control unit 21. Further, the operation unit 23 may be provided with a touch panel on the display screen of the display unit 24. In this case, the instruction signals input via the touch panel are output to the control unit 21.

[0027] The display unit 24 is composed of a monitor such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), and displays input instructions, data, etc. from the operation unit 23 according to the instructions of the display signals input from the control unit 21.

[0028] The communication unit 25 includes a LAN adapter, a modem, a TA (Terminal Adapter), etc., and controls data transmission and reception with each device connected to the communication network NT.

[0029] 〔Configuration of the Diagnostic Console 3〕 The diagnostic console 3 is a dynamic image analysis device that acquires dynamic images of the chest from the imaging console 2 and generates and outputs information regarding pleural adhesions based on the acquired dynamic images. As shown in FIG. 1, the diagnostic console 3 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, an operation unit 33, a display unit 34, and a communication unit 35, and each unit is connected by a bus 36.

[0030] The control unit 31 is composed of a CPU, a RAM, etc. The CPU of the control unit 31 reads out the system program and various processing programs stored in the storage unit 32 according to the operations of the operation unit 33, expands them in the RAM, and executes various processes including the dynamic analysis process A described later according to the expanded programs, and centrally controls the operations of each unit of the diagnostic console 3. By executing the dynamic analysis process A, the control unit 31 functions as an acquisition unit and a generation unit.

[0031] The storage unit 32 is composed of a non-volatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk, or the like. The storage unit 32 stores various programs such as a program for executing the dynamic analysis process A in the control unit 31, parameters necessary for executing the processes by the programs, or data such as processing results. These various programs are stored in the form of readable program codes, and the control unit 31 sequentially executes operations according to the program codes.

[0032] The operation unit 33 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, etc., and a pointing device such as a mouse, and outputs an instruction signal input by a user's key operation on the keyboard or mouse operation to the control unit 31. Further, the operation unit 33 may include a touch panel on the display screen of the display unit 34. In this case, the instruction signal input via the touch panel is output to the control unit 31.

[0033] The display unit 34 is composed of a monitor such as an LCD or a CRT, and performs various displays according to an instruction of a display signal input from the control unit 31. The display unit 34 functions as an output unit.

[0034] The communication unit 35 includes a LAN adapter, a modem, a TA, etc., and controls data transmission and reception with devices connected to the communication network NT.

[0035] 〔Operation of the dynamic analysis system 100〕 Next, the operation of the dynamic analysis system 100 in the present embodiment will be described.

[0036] (Operations of the imaging device 1 and the imaging console 2) First, the imaging operations by the imaging device 1 and the imaging console 2 will be described. Fig. 2 shows the imaging control process executed in the control unit 21 of the imaging console 2. The imaging control process is executed in cooperation with the control unit 21 and the program stored in the storage unit 22.

[0037] First, the control unit 21 receives the input of patient information and examination information of the subject (subject M) through the operation of the operation unit 23 by the imaging operator (step S1).

[0038] Next, the control unit 21 reads out the radiation irradiation conditions from the storage unit 22 and sets them in the radiation irradiation control device 12, and reads out the image reading conditions from the storage unit 22 and sets them in the reading control device 14 (step S2).

[0039] Next, the control unit 21 waits for an instruction to irradiate radiation by the operation of the operation unit 23 (step S3). Here, the imaging operator positions the subject M between the radiation source 11 and the radiation detection unit 13. When the imaging preparation is complete, the operation unit 23 is operated to input a radiation irradiation instruction.

[0040] When a radiation irradiation instruction is input by the operation unit 23 (step S3; YES), the control unit 21 outputs a shooting start instruction to the radiation irradiation control device 12 and the reading control device 14 to start dynamic imaging (step S4). That is, the radiation source 11 irradiates radiation at the pulse interval set in the radiation irradiation control device 12, and the radiation detection unit 13 acquires a frame image. During dynamic imaging, the imaging operator performs respiration guidance such as "inhale" and "exhale" to perform imaging of the chest in a respiratory state. Note that the imaging device 1 may be provided with an audio output unit and a display unit, and when a shooting start instruction is output, audio and display of respiration guidance such as "inhale" and "exhale" may be performed.

[0041] When a radiation irradiation end instruction is input by the operation unit 23, the control unit 21 outputs an instruction to end shooting to the radiation irradiation control device 12 and the reading control device 14 to stop the shooting operation.

[0042] The frame images acquired by imaging are sequentially input to the imaging console 2. The control unit 21 associates a number (frame number) indicating the imaging order with the input frame images and stores them in the storage unit 22 (step S5), and also causes them to be displayed on the display unit 24 (step S6). The imaging operator checks positioning and the like based on the displayed moving image, and determines whether an image suitable for diagnosis has been acquired by imaging (imaging OK) or whether re-imaging is necessary (imaging NG). Then, the operation unit 23 is operated to input the determination result.

[0043] When a determination result indicating imaging OK is input by a predetermined operation of the operation unit 23 (step S7; YES), the control unit 21 attaches information such as an identification ID for identifying the moving image, patient information, examination information, radiation irradiation conditions, image reading conditions, and a number (frame number) indicating the imaging order to each of the series of frame images acquired by dynamic imaging (for example, writes to the header area of the image data in DICOM format), and transmits them to the diagnostic console 3 via the communication unit 25 (step S8). Then, the imaging control process ends. On the other hand, when a determination result indicating imaging NG is input by a predetermined operation of the operation unit 23 (step S7; NO), the control unit 21 deletes the series of frame images stored in the storage unit 22 (step S9), and ends the imaging control process. In this case, re-imaging is required.

[0044] (Operation of Diagnostic Console 3) Next, the operation in the diagnostic console 3 will be described. In the diagnostic console 3, when a series of frame images of the chest moving image are received from the imaging console 2 via the communication unit 35, the dynamic analysis process A shown in FIG. 3 is executed in cooperation with the program stored in the control unit 31 and the storage unit 32.

[0045] Here, the rib cage and the diaphragm are soft containers for the lungs. When one wants to breathe, by moving the rib cage and the diaphragm, the lungs expand and contract due to the change in internal pressure, and air enters and exits. In the breathing movement, the lungs expand and contract due to the up and down movement of the diaphragm and the expansion and contraction of the rib cage. Normally, the rib cage and the lungs are separated. However, due to inflammation or the like, when adhesion of the parietal pleura, which is the membrane inside the rib cage, and the visceral pleura that wraps the lungs (pleural adhesion) occurs, the rib cage and the lungs are strongly attached to each other at that location. Therefore, the amount of movement of the visceral pleura at the adhered part is reduced compared to the amount of movement in the surrounding area. Therefore, in the dynamic analysis process A, a dynamic image of the chest is analyzed, and information regarding pleural adhesion is generated and output based on the amount of movement of an area including at least an area adjacent to the rib cage (the rib cage on the side of the body) within the lung region in the dynamic image.

[0046] Hereinafter, the dynamic analysis process A will be described with reference to FIG. 3. First, the control unit 31 acquires the dynamic image received by the communication unit 35 (step S11).

[0047] Next, the control unit 31 performs preprocessing on the acquired dynamic image (step S12). In the preprocessing, the control unit 31 acquires a frame image of an interval to be analyzed (used for generating information regarding pleural adhesion) from the acquired dynamic image.

[0048] For example, the control unit 31 acquires a frame image of the expiration period (for example, from the maximum inspiration position to the maximum expiration position) of the dynamic image as the frame image of the interval to be analyzed. The frame image of the expiration period can be acquired, for example, by recognizing the lung region from each frame image of the dynamic image and extracting the frame image from when the area of the recognized lung region is maximum (maximum) to minimum (minimum). Alternatively, the distance between the apex of the lung and the diaphragm is measured from each frame image of the dynamic image, and the frame image of the interval from when the distance between the apex of the lung and the diaphragm is maximum (maximum) to minimum (minimum) may be acquired as the frame image of the expiration period. Alternatively, the frame image of the interval from when the density (average density) of the lung region of the dynamic image is maximum (maximum) to minimum (minimum) may be acquired as the frame image of the inspiration period. It is also possible to have the user specify the interval to be analyzed.

[0049] Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 31 performs a bone attenuation process (Bone Suppression process (BS process)) that recognizes the bone region and attenuates the signal components of the bone on each of the acquired frame images (original images), generates a bone attenuation image (BS image), and performs a frequency enhancement process on the generated BS image to obtain a frequency enhanced image. Here, in each frame image of the dynamic chest image, various structures such as not only the lungs but also the ribs are represented on a single image. Therefore, in order to extract the motion vector of the lungs, if the corresponding points of the patterns on the image are simply calculated, they will be mixed with the corresponding points of the bones that move differently from the lungs. Therefore, by performing the bone attenuation process on the original image, it is possible to accurately calculate the corresponding points in the lung region in the subsequent process. Furthermore, since the patterns in the lung region visible in the dynamic image are mainly the pulmonary blood vessels and are composed of high-frequency components, and the organs outside the lungs, fat, muscles, etc. are characterized by low-frequency components, it is desirable to perform a frequency enhancement process in advance to enhance specific high-frequency components corresponding to the pulmonary blood vessels.

[0050] Next, the control unit 31 executes an optical flow between the frame images adjacent in the time direction (hereinafter, between adjacent frame images) for the frame images in the section to be analyzed that have been pre-processed, and obtains corresponding points between the adjacent frame images for each small region to calculate the motion vector (step S13). For example, the first frame of the analysis interval (for example, the maximum intake position frame, referred to as frame 1) is divided into a plurality of small regions, and for each small region, corresponding points are obtained between sequentially adjacent frame images by dense optical flow to calculate the motion vector. The small region may be a pixel or a pixel block (for example, 5 mm × 5 mm) composed of a plurality of pixels. In the case of a pixel block, for example, the motion vector of the center of the small region is calculated. In this embodiment, the case where the small region is a 5 mm × 5 mm pixel block will be described. Here, although the motion vector between adjacent frame images is calculated, it may be calculated as the motion vector with the frame image n frames ahead (n is a positive integer). Also, in order to reduce the measurement error of the motion caused by the heartbeat, n may be the number of frames in one heartbeat cycle. Note that the calculation of the motion vector may be performed at least for each small region in the lung region. The amount of motion in each small region of the lung region in the dynamic image is based on the respiration volume.

[0051] Next, the control unit 31 merges (integrates) the plurality of motion vectors obtained in step S13 for each small region (step S14).

[0052] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the merge process of step S14. Here, the motion vectors from the start frame to the end frame are calculated. As shown in FIG. 5, in step S14, first, the sum of the motion vectors obtained from the start frame image (frame 1) and the start frame adjacent frame image (frame 1 + n) adjacent to the start frame image and the motion vectors obtained from the start frame adjacent frame image (frame 1 + n) and the start frame next adjacent frame image (frame 2 + n) (indicated by the thick arrow in FIG. 5) is calculated. Next, the sum of the calculated motion vectors and the sum of the next motion vectors are calculated. This is performed until all of the calculated motion vectors are added. As a result, a motion vector representing the motion from the start frame image to the end frame image of the analysis target can be calculated. This motion vector is stored at the vector start point coordinates or the vector end point coordinates. For example, if the reference frame image described later is a frame image at the maximum inspiration position, the motion vector may be stored at the vector start point coordinates.

[0053] Note that the above-described motion vector calculation method is an example, and as long as the motion vector for each small region from the start frame image to the end frame image during the expiration period can be finally calculated, the method is not particularly limited. However, during the deep breathing period (about 5 seconds), since the positional movement and deformation of the lungs associated with breathing are large, the change in the appearance of the image is drastic, and it is very difficult to calculate the corresponding points on the image. Therefore, as described above, for example, by calculating the corresponding points in a short time unit such as between adjacent frame images in the time direction, calculating the motion vector, and merging them, the motion vector during the expiration period can be accurately calculated. Also, as post-processing of the motion vector calculation result, various filter processes such as a Gaussian filter may be performed for noise removal.

[0054] Next, the control unit 31 calculates the amount of motion (length of the motion vector) for each small region based on the calculated motion vector, and creates a motion amount MAP indicating the amount of motion for each small region (step S15). When creating the motion amount MAP, the outside of the lung region may be removed from the motion vectors for each small region as an object to be excluded. For the extraction of the lung region (lung field region), for example, a known method such as a method using edge detection described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-148964 can be used.

[0055] Next, the control unit 31 executes the adhesion information generation process A, refers to the motion amount MAP created in step S15, and generates information (adhesion information) regarding the adhesion of the pleura based on the motion amount of the region including at least the region adjacent to the rib cage within the lung region (step S16). Here, in the present application, the thoracic cage refers to the thoracic cage on the side of the body. Further, the region adjacent to the thoracic cage within the lung region is the region representing the visceral pleura, and refers to a small region located on the contour (located at the boundary with the thoracic cage) on the thoracic cage side of the lung region in the dynamic image.

[0056] In the adhesion information generation process A of step S13, the control unit 31 generates information regarding the adhesion of the pleura by combining any one or a plurality of the following first to fourth methods.

[0057] (First method) When there is adhesion of the pleura, the movement of the adhered part (small region) on the visceral pleura becomes small. Therefore, in the first method, the control unit 31 determines whether the amount of movement of each small region located on the contour on the thoracic cage side of the lung region in the dynamic image is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. When it is determined that the amount of movement is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold, information indicating that the amount of movement of the small region is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold, or information indicating that the amount of movement of the small region is decreasing, is associated with the small region as information regarding the adhesion of the pleura of the small region and stored in a RAM or the like. When it is determined that the amount of movement exceeds the predetermined threshold, information indicating that the amount of movement of the small region is not less than (exceeds) the predetermined threshold, or information indicating that the amount of movement of the small region is not decreasing, is associated with the small region as information regarding the adhesion of the pleura of the small region and stored in a RAM or the like. Note that as the predetermined threshold for comparison with the amount of movement of the small region, a value verified by clinical experiments is used.

[0058] (Second method) When there is adhesion of the pleura, the movement of the adhered part (small region) on the visceral pleura becomes small, and the difference in the amount of movement from the surrounding region becomes larger compared to the non-adhered part. Therefore, in the second and third methods, the control unit 31 compares the amount of movement of the region representing the visceral pleura in the dynamic image with the amount of movement of a region different from the visceral pleura within the lung region to determine whether the amount of movement of the region representing the visceral pleura is decreasing, and generates the determination result as information regarding the adhesion of the pleura.

[0059] In the second method, for each small region representing the visceral pleura in the dynamic image, that is, each small region located on the contour on the thoracic cavity side of the lung region in the dynamic image, the control unit 31 calculates the amount of movement of the small region and the difference (or ratio; the same applies hereinafter in this embodiment) from the amount of movement of the surrounding small regions within the lung region (for example, small regions within a predetermined threshold distance from the small region within the lung region (for example, small regions within a radius of 10 mm from the center of the small region)), and determines whether the calculated difference (the absolute value of the difference; the same applies hereinafter) is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. When it is determined that the calculated difference is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold, the control unit 31 associates information indicating that the calculated difference is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold or information indicating that the amount of movement of the small region has decreased with the small region and stores it in a RAM or the like as information regarding the adhesion of the pleura of the small region. When it is determined that the calculated difference is less than the predetermined threshold, the control unit 31 associates information indicating that the calculated difference is not greater than the predetermined threshold or information indicating that the amount of movement of the small region has not decreased with the small region and stores it in a RAM or the like as information regarding the adhesion of the pleura of the small region. Note that a value verified in a clinical experiment is used as the predetermined threshold for comparison with the above difference. Also, the amount of movement of the surrounding small regions is, for example, a representative value (average value, median value, maximum value, etc.; the same applies hereinafter) of the amount of movement of the surrounding small regions.

[0060] (Third method) In the third method, the control unit 31 first performs a process of detecting a shadow continuous with the small area within the lung area for each small area located on the contour on the thoracic cage side of the lung area in the moving image. Here, the shadow continuous with the small area located on the contour on the thoracic cage side of the lung area refers to, for example, a cord-shaped shadow as indicated by an arrow in the enlarged view of the lung area in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 shows a shadow continuous with the small area R on the lung contour. The shadow continuous with the small area can be detected, for example, by taking as a base point a small area located on the contour on the thoracic cage side of the lung area, obtaining, by means of an area expansion method or the like, an area where the difference from the signal value of the small area is within a predetermined threshold value, and extracting, from the obtained area, an area that is continuous with the small area and has a thickness of 2 mm to 3 mm. When a shadow continuous with the small area within the lung area is detected, the control unit 31 calculates the difference between the amount of movement of the small area and the amount of movement of another small area on the shadow continuous with the small area within the lung area, and determines whether the calculated difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. Then, when it is determined that the calculated difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value, the control unit 31 associates information indicating that the calculated difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value or information indicating that the amount of movement of the small area has decreased with the small area as information regarding the adhesion of the pleura of the small area, and stores it in a RAM or the like in association with the small area. When it is determined that the calculated difference is less than the predetermined threshold value, the control unit 31 associates information indicating that the calculated difference is not equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value or information indicating that the amount of movement of the small area has not decreased with the small area as information regarding the adhesion of the pleura of the small area, and stores it in a RAM or the like in association with the small area. Note that a value verified in a clinical experiment is used as the predetermined threshold value for comparison with the above difference. Also, the amount of movement of another small area on the shadow continuous with the small area is, for example, a representative value of the amount of movement of another small area on the shadow continuous with the small area.

[0061] (Fourth method) When there is pleural adhesion, the movement of a small area of the adherent part in the visceral pleura becomes small, and a difference in the amount of movement appears between this small area and another small area on the shadow continuous with this small area. Therefore, the variation in the amount of movement within the area composed of this small area and another small area on the shadow continuous with this small area becomes large. Thus, in the fourth method, information regarding pleural adhesion is generated based on this variation. For example, for each small area located on the contour on the thoracic wall side of the lung region in the dynamic image, the control unit 31 performs a process of detecting a shadow continuous with this small area within the lung region. When detected, as the variation in the amount of movement within the area composed of this small area and another small area on the shadow continuous with this small area, for example, the standard deviation or variance is calculated. Then, it is determined whether the calculated variation is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. When it is determined that the calculated variation is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the control unit 31 associates information indicating that the calculated variation is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold or information indicating that the amount of movement of this small area has decreased with this small area as information regarding the pleural adhesion of this small area and stores it in a RAM or the like. When it is determined that the calculated variation is less than the predetermined threshold, the control unit 31 associates information indicating that the calculated variation is not equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold or information indicating that the amount of movement of this small area has not decreased with this small area as information regarding the pleural adhesion of this small area and stores it in a RAM or the like. Note that as the predetermined threshold for comparison with the above variation, a value verified through clinical experiments is used. Also, as the method for detecting the shadow continuous with the small area, for example, the method described in the third method can be used.

[0062] (Any combination of two or more of the first method to the fourth method) As described above, information regarding pleural adhesion may be generated by any one of the first to fourth methods, or a plurality of methods may be combined to generate information regarding pleural adhesion. Whether to generate information regarding pleural adhesion by any method or any combination of methods may be predetermined or may be set by the user via the operation unit 33. Alternatively, information regarding pleural adhesion may be generated by a method according to the needs set by the user via the operation unit 33, such as desiring to increase the detection sensitivity (not wanting to miss a person with adhesion) or desiring to increase the specificity (carefully detecting a person with adhesion). Hereinafter, an example of generating information regarding pleural adhesion by combining a plurality of methods according to the needs set by the user will be described.

[0063] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of adhesion information generation process A (high sensitivity) that is executed when it is set that the user's need is "desiring to increase the detection sensitivity". The adhesion information generation process A (high sensitivity) is executed in cooperation with the program stored in the control unit 31 and the storage unit 32.

[0064] First, the control unit 31 selects one small area from the dynamic image (step S161). Next, the control unit 31 determines whether the selected small area is located on the contour on the thoracic cage side of the lung area (step S162). If it is determined that the selected small area is not located on the contour on the thoracic cage side of the lung area (step S162; NO), the control unit 31 proceeds to step S170.

[0065] If it is determined that the selected small area is located on the contour on the thoracic cage side of the lung area (step S162; YES), the control unit 31 determines whether the amount of movement of the small area is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (step S163). When it is determined that the amount of movement of the selected small area is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (step S163; YES), the control unit 31 determines that the movement of the selected small area has decreased, and associates information indicating that the movement of the small area has decreased with the information regarding the pleural adhesion of the small area and stores it in a RAM or the like (step S168), and proceeds to step S170.

[0066] When it is determined that the amount of movement of the selected small area exceeds a predetermined threshold value (step S163; NO), the control unit 31 performs a process of detecting a shadow continuous with the selected small area within the lung area of the dynamic image (step S164). Next, the control unit 31 determines whether or not a shadow continuous with the selected small area has been detected within the lung area of the dynamic image (step S165). When it is determined that no shadow continuous with the selected small area has been detected within the lung area of the dynamic image (step S165; NO), the control unit 31 determines that the amount of movement of the selected small area has not decreased, and associates information indicating that the amount of movement of the small area has not decreased with the information regarding the pleural adhesion of the small area and stores it in a RAM or the like (step S169), and proceeds to step S170.

[0067] When it is determined that a shadow continuous with the selected small area has been detected within the lung area of the dynamic image (step S165; YES), the control unit 31 calculates the difference between the amount of movement of the selected small area and the amount of movement (representative value) of another small area on the shadow continuous with the selected small area (step S166). Then, it is determined whether or not the calculated difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. When it is determined that the calculated difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value (step S167; YES), the control unit 31 determines that the amount of movement of the selected small area has decreased, and associates information indicating that the amount of movement of the small area has decreased with the information regarding the pleural adhesion of the small area and stores it in a RAM or the like (step S168), and proceeds to step S170. When it is determined that the calculated difference is less than a predetermined threshold value (step S167; NO), the control unit 31 determines that the movement amount of the selected small region has not decreased, and stores information indicating that the movement amount of the small region has not decreased in the RAM or the like in association with the small region as information regarding the pleural adhesion of the small region (step S169), and proceeds to step S170.

[0068] In step S170, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the processing of steps S161 to S169 for all small regions has been completed (step S170). When it is determined that the processing of steps S161 to S169 for all small regions has not been completed (step S170; NO), the control unit 31 returns to step S161, selects a small region for which the processing has not yet been performed, and executes the processing of S161 to S169. When it is determined that the processing of steps S161 to S169 for all small regions has been completed (step S170; YES), the control unit 31 ends the adhesion information generation process A (high sensitivity).

[0069] In the adhesion information generation process A (high sensitivity) shown in FIG. 7, in step S163, the determination using the above-described first method is performed. When the determination result is YES, it is determined that the movement amount of the small region has decreased, and information regarding pleural adhesion indicating that is generated. When the determination result is NO, the determination using the above-described third method is performed. When the determination result is YES, it is determined that the movement amount of the selected small region has decreased, and information regarding pleural adhesion indicating that is generated. When the determination result is NO, it is determined that the movement amount of the selected small region has not decreased, and information regarding pleural adhesion indicating that is generated. Therefore, the sensitivity of adhesion can be increased compared to generating information regarding pleural adhesion using only the first method or only the third method.

[0070] In the process of FIG. 7, the second method may be used instead of the first method. Also, the fourth method may be used instead of the third method. Further, all the determinations of the first to fourth methods are performed, and when the determination results in all the methods are NO, it is determined that the movement amount of the selected small region has not decreased. When there is at least one YES determination result, it is determined that the movement amount of the selected small region has decreased, and the determination result may be generated as information regarding pleural adhesion.

[0071] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of adhesion information generation process A (high specificity) that is executed when it is set that the user's need is "to increase the specificity". The adhesion information generation process A (high specificity) is executed in cooperation with the program stored in the control unit 31 and the storage unit 32.

[0072] First, the control unit 31 selects one small region from the dynamic image (step S181). Next, the control unit 31 determines whether the selected small region is located on the contour on the thoracic cage side of the lung region (step S182). When it is determined that the selected small region is not located on the contour on the thoracic cage side of the lung region (step S182; NO), the control unit 31 proceeds to step S190.

[0073] When it is determined that the selected small region is located on the contour on the thoracic cage side of the lung region (step S182; YES), the control unit 31 determines whether the movement amount of that small region is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (step S183). When it is determined that the movement amount of the selected small region exceeds the predetermined threshold (step S183; NO), the control unit 31 determines that the movement of the selected small region has not decreased, and associates the information indicating that the movement of that small region has not decreased with the small region as information regarding the pleural adhesion of that small region and stores it in a RAM or the like (step S189), and proceeds to step S190.

[0074] When it is determined that the amount of movement of the selected small region is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (step S183; YES), the control unit 31 detects a shadow continuous with the selected small region within the lung region of the moving image (step S184). As the detection method in step S184, the method described in the above-described third method can be used. Next, the control unit 31 determines whether or not a shadow continuous with the selected small region has been detected within the lung region of the moving image (step S185). When it is determined that no shadow continuous with the selected small region has been detected within the lung region of the moving image (step S185; NO), the control unit 31 determines that the amount of movement of the selected small region has not decreased, and stores information indicating that the amount of movement of the small region has not decreased in association with the small region as information regarding pleural adhesion of the small region in a RAM or the like (step S189), and proceeds to step S190.

[0075] When it is determined that a shadow continuous with the selected small region has been detected within the lung region of the moving image (step S185; YES), the control unit 31 calculates the difference between the selected small region and the amount of movement (representative value) of another small region on the shadow continuous with the selected small region (step S186). Then, it is determined whether or not the calculated difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. When it is determined that the calculated difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value (step S187; YES), the control unit 31 determines that the amount of movement of the selected small region has decreased, and stores information indicating that the amount of movement of the small region has decreased in association with the small region as information regarding pleural adhesion of the small region in a RAM or the like (step S188), and proceeds to step S190. When it is determined that the calculated difference is less than the predetermined threshold value (step S187; NO), the control unit 31 determines that the amount of movement of the selected small region has not decreased, and stores information indicating that the amount of movement of the small region has not decreased in association with the small region as information regarding pleural adhesion of the small region in a RAM or the like (step S189), and proceeds to step S190.

[0076] In step S190, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the processes of steps S181 to S189 for all small regions have been completed (step S190). If it is determined that the processes of steps S181 to S189 for all small regions have not been completed (step S190; NO), the control unit 31 returns to step S181, selects a small region for which the process has not yet been performed, and executes the processes of S181 to S189. If it is determined that the processes of steps S181 to S189 for all small regions have been completed (step S190; YES), the control unit 31 ends the adhesion information generation process A (high specificity) shown in FIG. 8.

[0077] In the adhesion information generation process A (high specificity) shown in FIG. 8, in step S183, the determination using the above-described first method is performed. When the determination result is YES, the determination using the above-described third method is performed. When the determination result using the third method is YES, it is determined that the movement amount of the selected small region has decreased, and information regarding pleural adhesion indicating that fact is generated. When the determination result using the first method is NO, or when the determination result using the first method is YES but the determination result using the third method is NO, it is determined that the movement amount of the selected small region has not decreased, and information regarding pleural adhesion indicating that fact is generated. Therefore, compared to generating information regarding pleural adhesion using only the first method or only the third method, it is possible to carefully determine whether or not the movement amount has decreased, and the specificity of adhesion can be increased. In the process of FIG. 8, the second method may be used instead of the first method. Also, the fourth method may be used instead of the third method. Further, the determinations of the first method to the fourth method may all be performed. When the determination results in all methods are YES, it is determined that the movement amount of the selected small region has decreased. When there is even one NO determination result, it is determined that the movement amount of the selected small region has not decreased, and the determination result may be generated as information regarding pleural adhesion.

[0078] Returning to FIG. 3, when the adhesion information generation process A in step S16 ends, the control unit 31 outputs the generated information regarding the adhesion of the pleura (step S17). The generated information regarding the adhesion of the pleura may be output as characters or numerical values, or may be output by attaching colors corresponding to the characters or numerical values on the image.

[0079] For example, when the information regarding the adhesion of the pleura is generated by the first method in step S16, as shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 31 maps the motion vectors to each small region on the reference frame image (for example, the frame image at the maximum inspiration position), and displays the motion vectors of the small regions (motion reduction regions) determined to have a motion amount equal to or less than a predetermined threshold in a different color from the motion vectors of other small regions on the display unit 34. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the small region or the motion vector may be highlighted by an annotation or the like. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10, colors corresponding to the motion amounts may be assigned to each small region on the reference frame image and displayed on the display unit 34. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the small regions (motion reduction regions) determined to have a motion amount equal to or less than a predetermined threshold may be highlighted by an annotation or the like. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11, predetermined colors or markers may be attached to the small regions (motion reduction regions) on the reference frame image determined to have a motion amount equal to or less than a predetermined threshold and displayed on the display unit 34. Thereby, the region where the motion amount of the visceral pleura is reduced can be emphasized and easily shown to the user.

[0080] Also, for example, when the information regarding the adhesion of the pleura is generated by the second method in step S16, as shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 31 attaches predetermined colors or markers to the small regions (regions with reduced motion amount) on the reference frame image determined to have a difference in motion amount from the surrounding small regions equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold and displays them on the display unit 34. Thereby, the region where the motion amount of the visceral pleura is reduced can be emphasized and easily shown to the user.

[0081] Also, for example, when information regarding pleural adhesion is generated by the third method in step S16, as shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 31 determines a small area located on the contour on the rib cage side of the lung area in the reference frame image, where the difference between the amount of movement of the small area and the amount of movement of a small shaded area continuous with the small area is determined to be equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (referred to as the target area), and maps movement vectors to other small areas on the shadow continuous with the target area and displays them on the display unit 34. The movement vectors of the target area are displayed on the display unit 34 in a color different from the movement vectors of other small areas on the shadow. Thereby, the area where the amount of movement of the visceral pleura has decreased can be emphasized and easily shown to the user. Also, the movement vectors of the target area and other small areas on the shadow continuous with this can be compared. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11, a predetermined color or marker may be attached to the position of the target area on the reference frame image and displayed on the display unit 34. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the target area and other small shaded areas on the shadow continuous with the target area may be displayed with a marker or the like.

[0082] Also, for example, when information regarding pleural adhesion is generated by the fourth method in step S16, as shown in FIG. 14, the control unit 31 determines a small area located on the contour on the rib cage side of the lung area in the reference frame image, where the variation in the amount of movement within an area composed of the small area and other small areas on the shadow continuous with the small area is determined to be equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (referred to as the target area), and maps movement vectors to other small areas on the shadow continuous with the target area and displays them on the display unit 34. Also, as shown in FIG. 14, lines connecting the starting points and the ending points of the movement vectors of the small areas (including the small areas on the contour) on the above-mentioned continuous shadow are displayed. Thereby, the area where the amount of movement of the visceral pleura has decreased can be emphasized and easily shown to the user. Also, the user can confirm the degree of variation in the amount of movement on the shadow.

[0083] Also, for example, in step S16, when information regarding pleural adhesion is generated using a plurality of methods of the first method to the fourth method, as shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 31 attaches a predetermined color or marker to the small region determined to have a decreased movement amount and displays it on the display unit 34. Thereby, the region where the movement amount of the visceral pleura is decreased can be emphasized and easily shown to the user. When the process of step S17 ends, the control unit 31 ends the dynamic analysis process A.

[0084] In the above description, the movement amount of the small region within the lung region has been described as the amount of change (absolute amount) in the position of the small region from the reference frame image (for example, the maximum inspiration position frame image), but it may also be the distance (relative amount) from the small region on the rib cage in the reference frame image. When the movement amount is a relative amount, for example, after the preprocessing in step S12 of FIG. 3, optical flow is executed to obtain corresponding points between adjacent frame images for each small region within the lung region, and the distance between the position of the small region in each frame image and the position of the small region located on the rib cage in the reference frame image (for example, a small region outside the lung region adjacent to a small region located on the contour of the rib cage side of the lung region) is used as the movement amount.

[0085] As described above, the control unit 31 of the diagnostic console 3 in the first embodiment acquires a dynamic image of the chest obtained by dynamic imaging using radiation, and generates information regarding pleural adhesion based on the movement amount of a region including at least a region adjacent to the rib cage within the lung region in the acquired dynamic image, and causes the display unit 34 to display and output the generated information regarding pleural adhesion. Therefore, since information regarding pleural adhesions can be generated using dynamic images of the chest obtained by dynamic imaging with radiation, it is difficult to introduce it into general medical facilities from the perspective of the cost of the device as in the past. Also, problems such as the complexity of the imaging procedure and the large amount of radiation exposure exist with 4D-CT. Moreover, with ultrasonic diagnostic devices used for local imaging, the entire subject cannot be overviewed, and if the whole is to be imaged, the imaging time becomes extremely long and the imaging technique is difficult. Without using such devices, it is possible to easily obtain information regarding pleural adhesions with a small amount of radiation exposure. As a result, in general medical facilities, it becomes possible to easily obtain information regarding pleural adhesions with a small amount of radiation exposure without introducing high-cost and large-scale devices. Also, by focusing on the region adjacent to the rib cage (the region representing the visceral pleura), which is the region where pleural adhesions occur within the lung field in the dynamic image, and generating information regarding pleural adhesions based on the amount of movement of the region including the region adjacent to the rib cage, it becomes possible to accurately obtain information regarding pleural adhesions compared to the conventional technique of detecting adhesions from the inconsistency between the phase related to the shape change and displacement of the diaphragm and the respiratory phase. Also, by generating and outputting information regarding pleural adhesions for each small region, it becomes possible for the user to easily grasp the position and degree where adhesions may occur. Also, since the periphery of the rib cage is located at the periphery of the lung and has fewer blood vessel shadows compared to the center of the lung region, but the linear shadows are easy to recognize, the amount of movement can be calculated accurately, and the omission of adhesions can be reduced.

[0086] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, an example of generating information regarding pleural adhesions based on the difference (or ratio; the same applies in this embodiment hereinafter) between the amount of movement of a first region within the lung region and the amount of movement of a second region different from the first region will be described.

[0087] The configurations of the dynamic analysis system 100, the imaging device 1, the imaging console 2, and the diagnostic console 3 in the second embodiment are the same as those described in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is incorporated herein by reference. Also, the operations of the imaging device 1 and the imaging console 2 are the same as those described in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is incorporated herein by reference. Hereinafter, the operation of the diagnostic console 3 in the second embodiment will be described.

[0088] In the second embodiment, when a series of frame images of the dynamic image of the chest is received from the imaging console 2 via the communication unit 35, the diagnostic console 3 executes the dynamic analysis process B shown in FIG. 15 in cooperation with the program stored in the control unit 31 and the storage unit 32. By executing the dynamic analysis process B, the control unit 31 functions as an acquisition unit and a generation unit.

[0089] In the dynamic analysis process B, the control unit 31 first executes the processes of steps S21 to S25. The processes of steps S21 to S25 are the same as those of steps S11 to S15 in FIG. 3, and thus the description thereof is incorporated herein by reference.

[0090] Next, the control unit 31 executes an adhesion information generation process B (step S26). In the adhesion information generation process B in step S26, the control unit 31 refers to the motion amount MAP created in step S25 and generates information regarding pleural adhesion based on the difference between the motion amount of the first region within the lung region and the motion amount of the second region around it. Specifically, information regarding pleural adhesion is generated by any one of the following first method to fourth method.

[0091] (First method) In the first method, the control unit 31 calculates the difference in the amount of movement of each small area (first area) within the lung area in the moving image and the amount of movement of the small areas (second areas) around the small area (here, the small areas within a predetermined range from the center of the small area of the first area, for example, within a radius of 30 mm from the center of the small area of the first area), and determines whether the calculated difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. When it is determined that the calculated difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the control unit 31 associates information indicating that the calculated difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold or information indicating that the amount of movement of the small area has decreased with the information regarding the pleural adhesion of the small area and stores it in a RAM or the like in association with the small area. When it is determined that the calculated difference is less than the predetermined threshold, the control unit 31 associates information indicating that the calculated difference is not equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold or information indicating that the amount of movement of the small area has not decreased with the information regarding the pleural adhesion of the small area and stores it in a RAM or the like in association with the small area. Here, the peripheral small areas for which the difference is obtained may be only the small areas adjacent in the vertical direction (the up and down direction of the lung area), only the small areas adjacent in the horizontal direction (the left and right direction of the lung area), or the small areas adjacent in both directions. When there are a plurality of peripheral small areas, the amount of movement of the peripheral small areas is taken as the representative value of the amounts of movement of the plurality of peripheral small areas. Also, a predetermined threshold value to be compared with the calculated difference is a value verified by clinical experiments.

[0092] (Second method) In the second method, the control unit 31 divides the lung area in the moving image into a plurality of blocks in a predetermined direction (for example, the up and down direction, the left and right direction, the up and down and left and right directions of the lung area), and generates information regarding pleural adhesion based on the difference in the amount of movement between each block (first area) and the block (second area) adjacent to the block or whether the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. For example, the control unit 31 divides the lung region in the moving image into a plurality of blocks in a predetermined direction, calculates the representative value of the amount of movement of the small regions included in each block as the amount of movement of each block, and calculates the representative value of the amount of movement of the small regions included in the blocks adjacent to that block as the amount of movement of the adjacent blocks. Then, the difference between the representative value of the amount of movement of the small regions included in each block and the representative value of the amount of movement of the small regions included in the blocks adjacent to that block is calculated. When it is determined that the calculated difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 31 associates information indicating that the calculated difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold or information indicating that the amount of movement of that block (the first region) has decreased with the information regarding the adhesion of the pleura of that block and stores it in a RAM or the like in association with that block. When it is determined that the calculated difference is less than the predetermined threshold, the control unit 31 associates information indicating that the calculated difference is not equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold or information indicating that the amount of movement of that block (the first region) has not decreased with the information regarding the adhesion of the pleura of that block and stores it in a RAM or the like in association with that block. Note that the above-mentioned predetermined threshold uses a value obtained through clinical experiments.

[0093] The adjacent blocks for which the difference is to be obtained may be blocks adjacent in the vertical direction, blocks adjacent in the horizontal direction, or blocks adjacent in both the vertical and horizontal directions. Also, the difference in the amount of movement from the adjacent blocks is the representative value of the differences in the amount of movement obtained for each of the plurality of adjacent blocks for which the difference is to be obtained. When obtaining the difference in the amount of movement from the blocks adjacent in both the vertical and horizontal directions, the vertical difference and the horizontal difference may be calculated separately or integrated.

[0094] FIG. 16(a) is an example of a graph in which the amount of movement of each block obtained by dividing, at regular intervals in the vertical direction, a lung region without a movement reduction region due to adhesion is plotted on a space where the horizontal axis represents the amount of movement and the vertical axis represents the vertical position in the lung region (the representative value of the amount of movement within each block). FIG. 16(b) is an example of a graph in which the amount of movement of each block obtained by dividing, in the vertical direction, a lung region with adhesion is plotted on a space where the horizontal axis represents the amount of movement and the vertical axis represents the vertical position in the lung region (the representative value of the amount of movement within each block). As shown in FIG. 16(a), it can be seen that when there is no adhesion, the amount of movement gradually increases as the position of the block goes down. On the other hand, when there is adhesion, as shown in FIG. 16(b), the difference in the amount of movement between adjacent blocks at the location of adhesion (the location indicated by the arrow) becomes large. In this way, the presence or absence of a movement reduction region due to adhesion can be determined based on the magnitude of the difference in the amount of movement between adjacent blocks.

[0095] In the second method, it is preferable to divide the lung region in a certain direction, specifically, in the vertical direction of the lung region. This is because the movement of the lung is mainly due to the movement of the diaphragm, and thus it is easier to represent the movement of the lung when divided in the vertical direction of the lung region. Also, the predetermined threshold value for comparing the amount of movement of each block with the difference in the amount of movement of the block adjacent to it is preferably changed according to the position in the lung region. For example, since the amount of movement is small in the upper lung field and large in the lower lung field, it is preferable to set a small threshold value for the upper lung field and a large threshold value for the lower lung field.

[0096] (The third method) In the third method, the control unit 31 calculates the variation (standard deviation or variance) of the difference between the movement amount of each block (the representative value of the movement amount of the small regions included in each block) described in the second method and the movement amount of the adjacent block (the representative value of the movement amount of the small regions included in the adjacent block) that is the target for obtaining the above-mentioned difference, and stores the calculated variation in a RAM or the like as information regarding pleural adhesion. Alternatively, the calculated variation is compared with a predetermined threshold value. When it is determined that the calculated variation is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value, the control unit 31 stores, in a RAM or the like as information regarding pleural adhesion, information indicating that the calculated variation is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value or information indicating that there is a region in the lung region where the movement amount has decreased. When it is determined that the calculated variation is less than the predetermined threshold value, the control unit 31 stores, in a RAM or the like as information regarding pleural adhesion, information indicating that the calculated variation is not equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value or information indicating that the movement amount in the lung region has not decreased. Note that the above-mentioned predetermined threshold value uses a value obtained through clinical experiments.

[0097] (Fourth method) In the fourth method, the control unit 31 calculates the difference between the movement amount of each small region (first region) within the lung region in the dynamic image and the movement amount of the small region (second region) at the same position as the small region in the lung on the left or right different from the lung in which the small region exists, and generates the calculation result as information regarding pleural adhesion. Alternatively, the calculated difference is compared with a predetermined threshold value. When it is determined that the calculated difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value, the control unit 31 stores, in association with the small region in a RAM or the like as information regarding pleural adhesion of the small region, information indicating that the calculated difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value or information indicating that the movement amount of the small region (first region) has decreased. When it is determined that the calculated difference is less than the predetermined threshold value, the control unit 31 stores, in association with the small region in a RAM or the like as information regarding pleural adhesion of the small region, information indicating that the calculated difference is not equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value or information indicating that the movement amount of the small region (first region) has not decreased. Note that the predetermined threshold value for comparison with the calculated difference uses a value verified through clinical experiments.

[0098] In the adhesion information generation process B, even in cases where the movement of the lungs and body is large and it is difficult to determine a decrease in the amount of movement in each small region, by obtaining the difference in the amount of movement between multiple small regions or between blocks composed of multiple small regions, it is possible to accurately detect the region where the amount of movement has decreased due to adhesion. Also, since the magnitude and direction of movement differ depending on the location of the lung region (for example, the apex and base of the lung), by obtaining the difference from the surrounding regions or regions at the same position in the left and right lungs, it is possible to more accurately detect a decrease in the amount of movement.

[0099] When the adhesion information generation process B in step S26 of FIG. 9 ends, the control unit 31 outputs the generated information regarding the adhesion of the pleura (step S27). The generated information regarding the adhesion of the pleura may be output as characters or numerical values, or may be output by attaching a color corresponding to the characters or numerical values on the image.

[0100] For example, when information regarding the adhesion of the pleura is generated by the first method in step S26, the control unit 31, as shown in FIG. 17, attaches a color corresponding to the difference between the amount of movement of each small region on the reference frame image and the amount of movement of the surrounding small regions, and displays it on the display unit 34. Also, together with this, as shown in FIG. 18, a color corresponding to the amount of movement of each small region on the reference frame image may be attached and displayed on the display unit 34. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 19, only the small regions on the reference frame image whose difference from the amount of movement of the surrounding small regions is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold may be colored and highlighted. Thereby, it is possible to emphasize the movement decrease region that may have adhesion and show it to the user in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0101] Also, for example, when information regarding pleural adhesion is generated by the second method in step S26, the control unit 31 assigns a color corresponding to the difference between the amount of movement of each block on the reference frame image and the amount of movement of an adjacent block to each block on the reference frame image and displays it on the display unit 34. Also, together with this, as shown in FIG. 20, it may be possible to assign a color corresponding to the amount of movement of each block on the reference frame image to each block and display it on the display unit 34. Alternatively, it may be possible to perform highlighting by assigning a predetermined color to a block on the reference frame image where the difference from the amount of movement of an adjacent block is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. Thereby, it is possible to emphasize the movement reduction region where adhesion is likely and show it to the user in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0102] Also, for example, when information regarding pleural adhesion is generated by the third method in step S26, the control unit 31 displays the information regarding pleural adhesion on the display unit 34, for example, numerically. Also, it may be possible to assign a color corresponding to the calculated difference for each block to each block on the reference frame image and display it on the display unit 34. Thereby, it is possible to show the user in an easy-to-understand manner that there is a movement reduction region where adhesion is likely within the lung region.

[0103] Also, for example, when information regarding pleural adhesion is generated by the fourth method in step S26, the control unit 31 assigns a color corresponding to the difference between the amount of movement of each small region on the reference frame image and the amount of movement of a small region at an equivalent position in a lung region that is different from the left and right of the small region to each small region on the reference frame image and displays it on the display unit 34. Alternatively, it may be possible to perform highlighting by assigning a predetermined color to a small region on the reference frame image where the difference between the amounts of movement of small regions at equivalent positions in lung regions that are different from the left and right is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. Thereby, it is possible to emphasize the region where adhesion is likely and show it to the user in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0104] As described above, the control unit 31 of the diagnostic console 3 in the second embodiment acquires a dynamic image of the chest obtained by dynamic imaging using radiation, and generates information regarding pleural adhesion based on the difference or ratio between the amount of movement of a first region within the lung region in the acquired dynamic image and the amount of movement of a second region different from the first region, and causes the display unit 34 to display and output the generated information regarding pleural adhesion.

[0105] Therefore, since information regarding pleural adhesion can be generated using a dynamic image of the chest obtained by dynamic imaging using radiation, unlike the conventional case, it is difficult to introduce it into general medical facilities from the perspective of the cost of the device, and problems such as the complexity of the imaging procedure and the large amount of radiation exposure arise in 4D-CT, and in ultrasonic diagnostic devices, the whole subject cannot be overviewed for local imaging, and if the whole is to be imaged, the imaging time becomes extremely long and the imaging technique is difficult. Without using such devices, it is possible to easily acquire information regarding pleural adhesion with a small amount of radiation exposure. As a result, in general medical facilities, it is possible to easily acquire information regarding pleural adhesion with a small amount of radiation exposure without introducing expensive and large-scale devices. In addition, since information regarding pleural adhesion is generated based on the difference or ratio between the amounts of movement between a plurality of regions within the lung region in the dynamic image (for example, between small regions or between blocks composed of a plurality of small regions), even in cases where the movement of the lungs and body movement are large and it is difficult to determine a decrease in the amount of movement of each region, it is possible to simply and accurately acquire information regarding pleural adhesion with a small amount of radiation exposure. Also, compared to the conventional technique of detecting adhesion from the inconsistency between the phase related to the shape change and displacement of the diaphragm and the respiratory phase, it is possible to accurately acquire information regarding pleural adhesion. Further, by generating and outputting information regarding pleural adhesion for each small region or block, it becomes possible for the user to easily grasp the position and degree where adhesion may occur.

[0106] <The Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, an example of generating information regarding pleural adhesion will be described based on the amount of movement of a region excluding the region adjacent to the rib cage within the lung region and a threshold value.

[0107] The configurations of the dynamic analysis system 100, the imaging device 1, the imaging console 2, and the diagnostic console 3 in the third embodiment are the same as those described in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is incorporated herein by reference. Also, the operations of the imaging device 1 and the imaging console 2 are the same as those described in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is incorporated herein by reference. Hereinafter, the operation of the diagnostic console 3 in the third embodiment will be described.

[0108] In the third embodiment, when the diagnostic console 3 receives a series of frame images of the dynamic image of the chest from the imaging console 2 via the communication unit 35, the diagnostic console 3 executes the dynamic analysis process C shown in FIG. 21 in cooperation with the program stored in the control unit 31 and the storage unit 32. By executing the dynamic analysis process C, the control unit 31 functions as an acquisition unit and a generation unit.

[0109] In the dynamic analysis process C, the control unit 31 first executes the processes of steps S31 to S35. The processes of steps S31 to S35 are the same as those of steps S11 to S15 in FIG. 3, and thus the description thereof is incorporated herein by reference.

[0110] Next, the control unit 31 executes an adhesion information generation process C (step S36). In the adhesion information generation process C of step S36, the control unit 31 refers to the movement amount MAP created in step S35, and generates information regarding pleural adhesion based on the movement amount of a region excluding the region adjacent to the rib cage within the lung region.

[0111] In the adhesion information generation process C, for example, the control unit 31 determines whether the amount of movement of each small area within the lung area excluding the small areas located on the rib cage side contour of the lung area in the dynamic image is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. When it is determined that the amount of movement is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold, information indicating that the amount of movement of the small area is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold, or information indicating that the amount of movement of the small area is decreasing, is associated with the small area and stored in a RAM or the like as information regarding the adhesion of the pleura of the small area. When it is determined that the amount of movement exceeds the predetermined threshold, the control unit 31 associates with the small area information indicating that the amount of movement of the small area is not equal to or less than (exceeds) the predetermined threshold, or information indicating that the amount of movement of the small area is not decreasing, as information regarding the adhesion of the pleura of the small area and stores it in a RAM or the like. Note that as the predetermined threshold for comparison with the amount of movement of the small area, a value verified in a clinical experiment is used.

[0112] In an area with pleural adhesion, the amount of movement is smaller than in other areas. In the adhesion information generation process C, for each small area within the lung area excluding the small areas located on the rib cage side contour of the lung area in the dynamic image, it is determined whether the amount of movement is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. When it is determined that the amount of movement is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold, it is determined that the small area may have adhesion, and based on the determination result, information regarding pleural adhesion is generated. Therefore, it is possible to easily and accurately generate information regarding pleural adhesion on the ventral or dorsal side of the body in the lung area with a small exposure dose.

[0113] When the adhesion information generation process C in step S36 of FIG. 21 ends, the control unit 31 outputs the generated information regarding pleural adhesion (step S37). The generated information regarding pleural adhesion may be output as characters or numerical values, or may be output by attaching a color corresponding to the characters or numerical values on the image.

[0114] For example, each small region on the reference frame image is assigned a color according to the amount of movement based on the motion vector and displayed on the display unit 34. Or, the motion vectors are mapped to each small region on the reference frame image, and the motion vectors of the small regions where the amount of movement is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value are displayed on the display unit 34 in a color different from the motion vectors of other small regions. Or, the small regions where the amount of movement is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value may be highlighted by annotation or the like. Alternatively, a predetermined color or marker may be attached to the small regions on the reference frame image where the amount of movement is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value and displayed on the display unit 34. Thereby, it is possible to emphasize the region where there is a possibility of adhesion and the amount of movement has decreased, and clearly show it to the user.

[0115] As described above, the control unit 31 of the diagnostic console 3 in the third embodiment acquires a dynamic image of the chest obtained by dynamic imaging using radiation, and based on the amount of movement of the region that does not include the region adjacent to the rib cage within the lung region in the acquired dynamic image, generates information regarding pleural adhesion, and the generated information regarding pleural adhesion is displayed and output by the display unit 34.

[0116] Therefore, since it is possible to generate information regarding pleural adhesion using a dynamic image of the chest obtained by dynamic imaging using radiation, unlike the conventional situation, it is difficult to introduce it into general medical facilities from the perspective of the cost of the device, and also, 4D-CT, which has problems such as the complexity of the imaging procedure and the large amount of radiation exposure, or an ultrasonic diagnostic device that cannot provide an overview of the entire subject for local imaging and requires an enormous imaging time and difficult imaging techniques when attempting to image the entire subject, it is possible to easily acquire information regarding pleural adhesion with a small amount of radiation exposure. As a result, in general medical facilities, it is possible to easily acquire information regarding pleural adhesion with a small amount of radiation exposure without introducing a costly and large-scale device. In addition, since information regarding pleural adhesion is generated based on the amount of movement of the area that does not include the area adjacent to the rib cage within the lung region in the dynamic image, compared with the conventional technique for detecting adhesion from the inconsistency between the phase related to the shape change and displacement of the diaphragm and the respiratory phase, it is possible to easily and accurately generate information regarding pleural adhesion on the ventral or dorsal side of the body in the lung region with a small exposure dose. Further, in the third embodiment, when there is adhesion, a decrease in the amount of movement can be seen in a wide range of the lung, so it is easy for the user to intuitively determine the presence or absence of adhesion, and the reading efficiency is good. Further, by generating and outputting information regarding pleural adhesion for each small area, it becomes possible for the user to easily grasp the position and degree where there may be adhesion.

[0117] <Fourth Embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fourth embodiment, an example will be described in which the above-described adhesion information generation process A, adhesion information generation process B, and adhesion information generation process C are sequentially performed, and the presence or absence of adhesion is comprehensively determined based on the information regarding pleural adhesion generated in the adhesion information generation processes A to C.

[0118] The configurations of the dynamic analysis system 100, the imaging device 1, the imaging console 2, and the diagnostic console 3 in the fourth embodiment are the same as those described in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof will be incorporated by reference. Also, the operations of the imaging device 1 and the imaging console 2 are the same as those described in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof will be incorporated by reference. Hereinafter, the operation of the diagnostic console 3 in the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0119] In the fourth embodiment, when the diagnostic console 3 receives a series of frame images of the chest dynamic image from the imaging console 2 via the communication unit 35, it executes the dynamic analysis process D shown in FIG. 22 in cooperation with the program stored in the control unit 31 and the storage unit 32. By executing the dynamic analysis process D, the control unit 31 functions as an acquisition unit, a generation unit, a second generation unit, a third generation unit, a determination unit, and a calculation unit.

[0120] In the dynamic analysis process D, the control unit 31 first executes the processes of steps S41 to S45. Since the processes of steps S41 to S45 are the same as those of steps S11 to S15 in FIG. 3, the description thereof is incorporated by reference.

[0121] Next, the control unit 31 executes the adhesion information generation process A (step S46). Next, the control unit 31 executes the adhesion information generation process B (step S47). Next, the control unit 31 executes the adhesion information generation process C (step S48).

[0122] Next, the control unit 31 determines whether there is a possibility of adhesion in the lung region of the dynamic image based on the information on the pleural adhesion generated in the adhesion information generation processes A to C (step S49). For example, when the information indicating a decrease in the amount of movement is included in the information on the pleural adhesion generated in at least one or more of the adhesion information generation processes A to C, the control unit 31 determines that there is a possibility of adhesion in the lung region of the dynamic image. Note that when it is desired to increase the detection sensitivity of adhesion, when the information indicating a decrease in the amount of movement is included in the information on the pleural adhesion generated in at least one or more of the adhesion information generation processes A to C, it is determined that there is a possibility of adhesion in the lung region. When it is desired to increase the specificity, when the information indicating a decrease in the amount of movement is included in the information on the pleural adhesion generated in at least two or more of the adhesion information generation processes A to C, it may be determined that there is adhesion in the lung region.

[0123] Next, the control unit 31 calculates the accuracy (reliability) of the determination in step S49 based on the number of pieces of information indicating a decrease in the amount of movement within the lung region (within the small region) included in the information on the pleural adhesion generated in the adhesion information generation processes A to C (step S50). For example, in the information regarding the adhesion of the pleura generated in each of the adhesion information generation processes A to C, if information indicating that the amount of movement has decreased in the information regarding the adhesion of the pleura in at least one small area is included, 1 is counted, and the total count of the adhesion information generation processes A to C is calculated. Since the adhesion information generation processes A and C are processes for different regions, there is no small area determined to have a decreased amount of movement in both processes, and the maximum count number is 2. Then, the calculated total count number / maximum count number (here, 2) is calculated as the accuracy of the determination. That is, the accuracy of the determination is 0, 1 / 2 = 50%, 2 / 2 = 100%. Weights may be assigned to the count numbers of the adhesion information generation processes A to C. For example, since it is highly likely that the adhesion information generation process C has a decreased amount of movement in a wide range, the weight is doubled compared to the adhesion information generation processes A and B. Also, for each small area, count the number of information indicating that the amount of movement has decreased in the information regarding the adhesion of the pleura generated in the adhesion information generation processes A to C (maximum 2), and calculate the total count number / maximum count number (here, 2) as the accuracy of the determination (0, 1 / 2 = 50%, 2 / 2 = 100%) for that small area. Also, as described above, weights may be assigned to the count numbers of the adhesion information generation processes A to C.

[0124] Then, the control unit 31 outputs the determination result and accuracy of the presence or absence of adhesion possibility (step S51). For example, display the determination result determined in step S49 and the accuracy of the determination calculated in step S50 on the display unit 34. The information regarding the adhesion of the pleura generated in the adhesion information generation processes A to C may also be displayed together.

[0125] As described above, the control unit 31 of the diagnostic console 3 in the fourth embodiment determines and outputs the possibility of pleural adhesion based on the information regarding the pleural adhesion generated by the adhesion information generation processes A to C. Therefore, it becomes possible for the user to easily determine whether there is adhesion in the lung region.

[0126] Note that the descriptions in the above first to fourth embodiments are a preferred example of the present invention and are not limited thereto.

[0127] For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the display unit 34 is used as the output unit and information regarding pleural adhesion is displayed on the display unit 34 has been described as an example. However, for example, the output unit may be the communication unit 35, and information regarding pleural adhesion may be output to an external device by the communication unit 35, and the information regarding pleural adhesion may be displayed, output, or printed by the external device.

[0128] Also, in the above description, an example in which a hard disk, a semiconductor non-volatile memory, or the like is used as a computer-readable medium for the program according to the present invention has been disclosed, but the present invention is not limited to this example. As other computer-readable media, portable recording media such as CD-ROMs can be applied. Also, a carrier wave is applied as a medium for providing the data of the program according to the present invention via a communication line.

[0129] In addition, regarding the detailed configurations and detailed operations of the respective devices constituting the dynamic analysis system, they can be appropriately changed within a range not departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0130] 100 Dynamic analysis system 1 Imaging device 11 Radiation source 12 Radiation irradiation control device 13 Radiation detection unit 14 Reading control device 2 Imaging console 21 Control unit 22 Storage unit 23 Operation unit 24 Display unit 25 Communication unit 26 Bus 3 Diagnostic console 31 Control unit 32 Storage unit 33 Operation unit 34 display unit 35 communication unit 36 bus

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires a dynamic image of the chest obtained by dynamic imaging using radiation; A generation unit that generates information regarding pleural adhesion based on the amount of movement of a region including at least a region adjacent to the rib cage within the lung region in the dynamic image; An output unit that outputs the generated information regarding pleural adhesion; Comprising: The generation unit divides the lung region in the dynamic image into small regions each consisting of one or more pixels, and determines whether the difference or ratio between the amount of movement of a small region located on the rib cage side contour of the lung region and the amount of movement of another small region on the shadow continuous with the small region is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. Based on the determination result, information indicating whether the difference or ratio is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, or information indicating whether the amount of movement of the small region is decreasing is generated as the information regarding pleural adhesion. A dynamic image analysis device.

2. An acquisition unit that acquires a dynamic image of the chest obtained by dynamic imaging using radiation; A generation unit that generates information regarding pleural adhesion based on the amount of movement of a region including at least a region adjacent to the rib cage within the lung region in the dynamic image; An output unit that outputs the generated information regarding pleural adhesion; Comprising: The generation unit divides the lung region in the dynamic image into small regions each consisting of one or more pixels, and determines whether the variation in the amount of movement within a region consisting of a small region located on the rib cage side contour of the lung region and another small region on the shadow continuous with the small region is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. Based on the determination result, information indicating whether the variation is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, or information indicating whether the amount of movement of the small region is decreasing is generated as the information regarding pleural adhesion. A dynamic image analysis device.

3. The dynamic image analysis device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the region adjacent to the rib cage is a region representing the visceral pleura.

4. The dynamic image analysis device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the amount of movement is the amount of change in position from a reference frame image in the dynamic image.

5. The dynamic image analysis device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the amount of movement is the distance from a small region on the rib cage in a reference frame image in the dynamic image.

6. A second generation unit that generates information regarding pleural adhesion based on the difference or ratio between the amount of movement of a first region within the lung region in the dynamic image and the amount of movement of a second region different from the first region; A third generation unit that generates information regarding pleural adhesion based on the amount of movement of a region that does not include a region adjacent to the rib cage within the lung region in the dynamic image; A determination unit that determines whether there is a possibility of adhesion in the lung region in the dynamic image based on the information regarding pleural adhesion generated by the generation unit, the information regarding pleural adhesion generated by the second generation unit, and the information regarding pleural adhesion generated by the third generation unit; and The output unit outputs the determination result by the determination unit. The dynamic image analysis apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. **Claim 7** The determination unit determines that there is a possibility of adhesion in the lung region in the dynamic image when information indicating that the amount of movement within the lung region has decreased is included in the information regarding pleural adhesion generated by at least one or two or more of the generation unit, the second generation unit, or the third generation unit. The dynamic image analysis apparatus according to claim 6. **Claim 8** A calculation unit that calculates the accuracy of the determination result by the determination unit based on the number of pieces of information indicating that the amount of movement within the lung region has decreased, which is included in the information regarding pleural adhesion generated by the generation unit, the second generation unit, and the third generation unit; The output unit further outputs the accuracy of the determination result. The dynamic image analysis apparatus according to claim 6 or 7. **Claim 9** The dynamic image is a dynamic image taken in a respiratory state. The dynamic image analysis apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8. **Claim 10** A computer, An acquisition unit that acquires a dynamic image of the chest obtained by dynamic imaging using radiation, A generation unit that generates information regarding pleural adhesion based on the amount of movement of a region that includes at least a region adjacent to the rib cage within the lung region in the dynamic image, An output unit that outputs the generated information regarding pleural adhesion, Function as, The generation unit divides the lung region in the dynamic image into small regions each consisting of one or more pixels, and determines whether the difference or ratio between the amount of movement of a small region located on the contour on the rib cage side of the lung region and the amount of movement of another small region on the shadow continuous with the small region is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. Based on the determination result, information indicating whether the difference or ratio is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value, or information indicating whether the amount of movement of the small region has decreased is generated as the information regarding pleural adhesion. Program. **Claim 11** A computer, An acquisition unit that acquires a dynamic image of the chest obtained by dynamic imaging using radiation, A generation unit that generates information regarding pleural adhesion based on the amount of movement of a region including at least a region adjacent to the rib cage within the lung region in the dynamic image, An output unit that outputs the generated information regarding pleural adhesion, Functioning as, The generation unit divides the lung region in the dynamic image into small regions each consisting of one or more pixels, determines whether the variation in the amount of movement within a region consisting of small regions located on the contour on the rib cage side of the lung region and other small regions on the shadow continuous with the small regions is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and based on the determination result, generates, as information regarding pleural adhesion, information indicating whether the variation is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold or information indicating whether the amount of movement of the small region has decreased, Program.

Images