Image generating device and information processing method

Abstract

To detect a defect in an imaging plate by a method other than visual inspection.SOLUTION: An image generation device includes: an acquisition part for acquiring a plurality of X-ray images on the basis of X-ray information from each imaging plate irradiated with an X-ray after an X-ray is radiated to an imaging plate unit configured so that at least two imaging plates used in an intraoral method are stacked with each other; a detection part for detecting a defect on an image on the basis of the plurality of X-ray images; and an output part for outputting a result of the detection by the detection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image generating device and an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] Intraoral X-ray photography using an imaging plate is known as dental X-ray photography (see Patent Document 1). The imaging plate is a photosensitive body that can store X-ray information and is reusable. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-61723 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In intraoral imaging, an imaging plate is placed inside the patient's mouth during X-ray imaging, which can result in dents or scratches on the fluorescent surface of the imaging plate due to contact with teeth or being bitten.

[0005] If an imaging plate has defects such as dents or scratches, X-ray imaging can be performed, resulting in noise in the X-ray image, which can interfere with diagnosis. Therefore, measures must be taken to reduce the noise caused by defects or to avoid using imaging plates with unacceptable defects. However, these defects must first be detected. However, visual detection of defects can be difficult.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image generating apparatus and an information processing method for detecting defects in an imaging plate by a method other than visual inspection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) One aspect of the present invention is an imaging plate unit configured by stacking at least two imaging plates used in intraoral imaging, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of X-ray images based on X-ray information from each imaging plate irradiated with X-rays after the imaging plate unit is configured by stacking at least two imaging plates used in intraoral imaging; an adjustment unit that aligns the plurality of X-ray images with each other; a processing unit that calculates a difference between the plurality of X-ray images for each pixel; and a determination unit that determines a portion where the difference calculated by the processing unit is outside a predetermined range as a defect and determines which of the two imaging plates the detected defect is on; Based on the plurality of X-ray images, defects on the images are detected. For each pixel a detection unit for detecting the a complementing unit that complements pixels of the X-ray image of the imaging plate having the detected defect with pixels of the X-ray image of the imaging plate having no defect, and complements pixels having defects in the X-ray image having fewer defects out of the first X-ray image and the second X-ray image of the plurality of X-ray images with corresponding pixels of the X-ray image having more defects; and an output unit that outputs the detection result of the detection unit.

[0011] (2) the above (1) In the image generating device, when the number of defects detected by the detection unit is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, the output unit may output information indicating that fact.

[0012] (3) the above (1) In the image generating device, the imaging plate unit may be configured such that the fluorescent surfaces of the two imaging plates are stacked facing each other.

[0013] (4) the above (1) The image generating device according to the present invention, wherein the complementing unit is configured to complement the plurality of X-ray images at the same position. Noise contained in the X-ray image may be removed by performing an operation on pixels at different positions.

[0014] (5) One aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition step in which an imaging plate unit, which is configured by stacking at least two imaging plates used in intraoral imaging, is irradiated with X-rays, and then the imaging plate unit is inserted into a reading device, and multiple X-ray images are acquired based on X-ray information from each imaging plate obtained from the reading device; an adjustment step of aligning the plurality of X-ray images with each other; a processing step of calculating a difference between the plurality of X-ray images for each pixel; and a determination step of determining a portion where the calculated difference is outside a predetermined range as a defect and determining which of the two imaging plates the detected defect is on. a detection step of detecting defects on the images based on the plurality of X-ray images; an interpolation step of interpolating pixels of the X-ray image of the imaging plate having the detected defect with pixels of the X-ray image of the imaging plate having no defect, wherein pixels having defects in the X-ray image having fewer defects out of a first X-ray image and a second X-ray image of the plurality of X-ray images are interpolated with corresponding pixels of the X-ray image having more defects; and an output step of outputting the detection result of the detection step to a display device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] As described above, according to the present invention, defects in an imaging plate can be detected by a method other than visual inspection. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an X-ray imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an IP unit according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of a processor according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first X-ray image according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second X-ray image according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first difference image according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second difference image according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third X-ray image according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the flow of operations of the X-ray imaging system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11A] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first state of the IP unit according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second state of the IP unit according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The X-ray imaging system according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0018] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of an X-ray imaging system 1 according to this embodiment. The X-ray imaging system 1 is an intraoral X-ray imaging system that uses multiple imaging plates. As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray imaging system 1 includes an imaging plate unit (hereinafter referred to as "IP unit") 10, a reading device 20, and an image generating device 30.

[0019] The IP unit 10 is configured by stacking at least two imaging plates 11 used in intraoral imaging.

[0020] The imaging plate 11 is used in intraoral imaging and is a plastic plate coated with a phosphor that stores X-ray information. When X-rays are irradiated onto the imaging plate 11, the phosphor stores the energy of the X-rays. When a laser beam is irradiated onto the imaging plate 11 after the X-rays, the stored X-ray energy is output as fluorescent light.

[0021] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of an IP unit 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the imaging plate 11 has a support 12 (e.g., a plastic plate), and a phosphor (e.g., photo-stimulate storage phosphor) 13 that functions to store X-ray information is applied to the support 12. Note that the imaging plate 11 may be provided with a layer (hereinafter referred to as a "protective layer") for protecting the phosphor screen 13a, which is the surface of the phosphor 13.

[0022] 2, the IP unit 10 has two imaging plates 11 with their fluorescent surfaces 13a stacked facing each other. As a result, the IP unit 10 has a structure in which the fluorescent surfaces 13a are located inside and cannot be touched from the outside. In other words, when the IP unit 10 is placed in a patient's mouth, teeth will not come into contact with the fluorescent surface side of the imaging plate 11, reducing the occurrence of defects 100 such as dents, scratches, or dust.

[0023] Of the two imaging plates 11 that make up the IP unit 10, one imaging plate 11 may be referred to as the "first imaging plate 11-1" and the other imaging plate 11 may be referred to as the "second imaging plate 11-2." The IP unit 10 has the first imaging plate 11-1 and the second imaging plate 11-2. Therefore, when X-rays are irradiated, each of the first imaging plate 11-1 and the second imaging plate 11-2 accumulates information about the X-rays that have passed through the subject.

[0024] After irradiating the IP unit 10 with X-rays, the reader 20 reads X-ray information from each of the first imaging plate 11-1 and the second imaging plate 11-2.

[0025] For example, when the IP unit 10 is inserted, the reader 20 irradiates the inserted IP unit 10 with laser light. When the IP unit 10 is inserted, the reader 20 irradiates the first imaging plate 11-1 and the second imaging plate 11-2 with laser light.

[0026] As a specific example, the reader 20 irradiates the first imaging plate 11-1 with laser light, extracts fluorescence emitted from the first imaging plate 11-1, and converts the fluorescence into an electrical signal to read the X-ray information accumulated on the first imaging plate 11-1 (hereinafter referred to as "first X-ray information"). The reader 20 irradiates the second imaging plate 11-2 with laser light, extracts fluorescence emitted from the second imaging plate 11-2, and converts the fluorescence into an electrical signal to read the X-ray information accumulated on the second imaging plate 11-2 (hereinafter referred to as "second X-ray information").

[0027] The reading device 20 is connected to the image generating device 30 and transmits the first X-ray information and the second X-ray information to the image generating device 30.

[0028] 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of an image generating device 30 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the image generating device 30 includes a display device 31, a memory 32, a processor 33, a storage device 34, an input device 35, and a communication IF (Interface) 36.

[0029] The display device 31 is a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. For example, the display device 31 may include a touch panel display screen.

[0030] The memory 32 is a volatile memory such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM).

[0031] The processor 33 is operable to execute a program stored in the memory 32 and perform operations described by the program. As an example, the processor 33 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit).

[0032] The storage device 34 is a device for storing data, such as a hard drive or a solid state drive.

[0033] The input device 35 accepts an input operation from a user. When the input device 35 accepts an input operation from a user, it outputs an operation signal corresponding to the accepted input operation to the processor 33. The input device 35 is a pointing device such as a touch panel, a touch pad, or a mouse, a button, a switch, a motion-sensitive controller, a keyboard, a mouse, a gesture input device, or an audio input device (for example, a microphone).

[0034] The communication IF 36 is an interface for the image generation device 30 to communicate with an external device, such as the reader 20.

[0035] The program may be provided by a computer-readable storage medium. The program is read from the computer-readable storage medium, installed in memory 32, which is also an example of a computer-readable storage medium, and executed by processor 33. The program may be downloaded from an external device via a communication network NW.

[0036] Examples of computer-readable media may include electronic storage media, magnetic storage media, optical storage media, electromagnetic storage media, semiconductor storage media, etc. More specific examples of computer-readable media may include floppy disks, diskettes, hard disks, random access memories (RAM), read-only memories (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs or flash memories), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), static random access memories (SRAMs), compact disc read-only memories (CD-ROMs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), Blu-ray (RTM) discs, memory sticks, integrated circuit cards, etc.

[0037] Next, the functional units of the processor 33 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a functional configuration diagram of the processor 33 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the processor 33 includes an acquisition unit 40, a detection unit 41, a completion unit 42, and an output unit 43. The acquisition unit 40, the detection unit 41, the completion unit 42, and the output unit 43 may be realized by the processor 33 executing a program (software) stored in the memory 32.

[0038] The acquisition unit 40 acquires a first X-ray image based on the first X-ray information transmitted from the reading device 20. The acquisition unit 40 acquires a second X-ray image based on the second X-ray information transmitted from the reading device 20. The first X-ray image and the second X-ray image are X-ray images of the same subject.

[0039] The detector 41 detects defects on at least one of the first and second X-ray images based on the first and second X-ray images. For example, the detector 41 includes an adjuster 50, a processor 51, and a determiner 52.

[0040] The adjustment unit 50 aligns the positions of the multiple X-ray images. That is, the adjustment unit 50 aligns the positions of the first X-ray image and the second X-ray image so that they can be superimposed on each other. For example, the alignment process may involve adjusting the X-ray image horizontally and vertically, rotating, enlarging, reducing, or correcting a distorted image shape such as a trapezoid or a parallelogram. However, the alignment process is not limited to this, and any process may be used as long as it can align the first X-ray image and the second X-ray image so that they can be superimposed on each other, and known techniques may be employed. Alternatively, the alignment process may involve dividing the X-ray image into multiple parts and performing alignment on each of the divided X-ray images.

[0041] The processing unit 51 calculates the difference between the plurality of X-ray images for each pixel. For example, the processing unit 51 calculates the difference between the pixel values ​​of pixels at the same position between the first X-ray image and the second X-ray image after alignment (hereinafter referred to as "difference value") for each pixel.

[0042] The determination unit 52 determines whether or not there is a defect based on the difference value calculated by the processing unit 51. For example, if the difference value calculated by the processing unit 51 is outside a predetermined range, the determination unit 52 determines that there is a defect. If the determination unit 52 determines that there is a defect, it determines which of the first imaging plate 11-1 and the second imaging plate 11-2 has the detected defect. In other words, if the determination unit 52 determines that there is a defect, it determines which of the first X-ray image and the second X-ray image has the defect.

[0043] The complementing unit 42 complements the X-ray image of the imaging plate having the detected defect, either the first imaging plate 11-1 or the second imaging plate 11-2, with the X-ray image of the imaging plate without the defect to generate a third X-ray image. The third X-ray image is an X-ray image generated based on the first X-ray image and the second X-ray image.

[0044] For example, when a pixel position in the first X-ray image is determined to be defective, the complementing unit 42 extracts a pixel value at the same pixel position as the pixel position (hereinafter referred to as the "defect position") from the second X-ray image and sets the extracted pixel value as the pixel value at the defect position to generate an X-ray image (third X-ray image) without a defect. Here, for example, the third X-ray image may be an image in which the defect in the first X-ray image is complemented by the second X-ray image, or an image in which the defect in the second X-ray image is complemented by the first X-ray image. The third X-ray image may be an image in which the defect is complemented based on the first and second X-ray images. For example, the third X-ray image may be an image in which the defect in the X-ray image with fewer defects is complemented by the other X-ray image.

[0045] In this way, when there is a defect position in one X-ray image, the complementing unit 42 complements the pixel value of the defect position using the pixel value (normal pixel value) of the same pixel position as the defect position in the other X-ray image. Note that complementing may mean replacing pixel values, overwriting pixel values, or correcting pixel values.

[0046] Fig. 5 shows a first X-ray image of this embodiment. Fig. 6 shows a second X-ray image of this embodiment. Fig. 7 shows a difference image of this embodiment. Note that although there are defects other than defects 100-1 to 100-3 described below in Figs. 5 and 6, they are omitted for convenience of explanation.

[0047] As illustrated in Fig. 5, at least two defects 100-1 and 100-2 are displayed as noise in the first X-ray image. As illustrated in Fig. 6, at least one defect 100-3 is displayed as noise in the third X-ray image. However, the first X-ray image does not have the defect 100-3, and the second X-ray image does not have the defect 100-1 or 100-2.

[0048] For example, the processing unit 51 generates a difference image between the first X-ray image and the second X-ray image as shown in FIG. 7. In the difference image, areas where there is no difference between the first X-ray image and the second X-ray image are gray, and areas where there is a difference are white or black. For clarity, if all areas in the difference image shown in FIG. 7 where the difference value is within the predetermined range for determining the presence or absence of a defect are gray, an image such as that shown in FIG. 8 is obtained. Here, the predetermined range is, for example, a range three times the standard deviation (3σ). The determination unit 52 can detect defects 100-1 to 100-3 based on the difference values ​​(difference image) calculated by the processing unit 51.

[0049] The complementing unit 42 may generate a third X-ray image without defects, for example, by complementing the portions of the defects 100-1 and 100-2 using the first X-ray image and complementing the portion of the defect 100-3 using the second X-ray image. The complementing unit 42 may generate a third X-ray image without defects, for example, by complementing the portion of the defect 100-3 in the second X-ray image using the first X-ray image.

[0050] FIG. 9 shows a third X-ray image after the defect shown in FIG. 8 has been complemented. Note that, when generating the third X-ray image, the complementing unit 42 may remove noise contained in the X-ray image by calculating (e.g., averaging) pixels at the same positions in the first X-ray image and the second X-ray image after alignment. For example, the complementing unit 42 may average pixels at the same positions in the first X-ray image and the second X-ray image and then complement the defect. In this case, the complementing unit 42 may generate an averaged X-ray image and then complement the defect in the averaged X-ray image using at least one of the first X-ray image and the second X-ray image to generate the third X-ray image.

[0051] When the detection unit 41 detects a defect, the output unit 43 outputs the detection result to the display device 31 or the like. For example, the output unit 43 outputs the determination result of the determination unit 52 to the display device 31 or the like. As an example, when the number of defects determined by the determination unit is greater than a predetermined number, the output unit 43 may output a message to that effect to the display device 31 or the like. When the detection unit 41 detects a defect, the output unit 43 may output, together with the detection result, information indicating which of the first imaging plate 11-1 and the second imaging plate 11-2 has the defect to the display device 31 or the like.

[0052] When the third X-ray image is generated by the complementing unit 42, the output unit 43 may output the third X-ray image to the display device 31 or the like. The output unit 43 may display the first X-ray image and the second X-ray image acquired by the acquiring unit 40 on the display device 31 or the like. The output unit 43 may display the first X-ray image and the second X-ray image after alignment by the adjusting unit 50 on the display device 31 or the like. The output unit 43 may display the first X-ray image and the second X-ray image after alignment by the adjusting unit 50 and the third X-ray image side by side on the display screen of the display device 31. When displaying the first X-ray image and the second X-ray image on the display device 31, the output unit 43 may simultaneously display the locations of defects detected by the detecting unit 41.

[0053] The flow of operations of the X-ray imaging system 1 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 10. When X-ray imaging of a patient's teeth (subject), the IP unit 10 is placed in the patient's mouth and X-rays are irradiated from outside. The patient, the photographer, or an assistant may hold the IP unit 10 against the location to be imaged in the mouth by pressing it with their fingers, or a dedicated jig may be used to press it against the location.

[0054] After the X-ray irradiation is completed, the IP unit 10 is inserted into the reading device 20. When the IP unit 10 is inserted into the reading device 20, the reading device 20 irradiates the IP unit 10 with laser light (step S101). The reading device 20 reads the first X-ray information from the first imaging plate 11-1 and the second X-ray information from the second imaging plate 11-2 by irradiating the laser light (step S102). The reading device 20 transmits the read first X-ray information and second X-ray information to the image generating device 30.

[0055] The image generating device 30 acquires a first X-ray image based on the first X-ray information and a second X-ray image based on the second X-ray information (step S103). The image generating device 30 aligns the first X-ray image with the second X-ray information (step S104), and calculates the difference between pixel values ​​of pixels at the same position between the first X-ray image and the second X-ray image for each pixel (step S105).

[0056] The image generating device 30 determines for each pixel whether the difference value is outside a predetermined range (step S106). If there is a pixel whose difference value exceeds the predetermined range, the image generating device 30 detects the position of that pixel as a defect. If the image generating device 30 detects a defect, it outputs the detection result to the display device 31 (step S107). If all the difference values ​​do not exceed the predetermined value, the image generating device 30 determines that there is no defect on the X-ray image, and outputs either the first X-ray image or the second X-ray image to the display device 31 as a third X-ray image (step S108).

[0057] After step S107, image generating device 30 determines whether the number of detected defects is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (step S109). If the number of detected defects is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, image generating device 30 outputs notification information, such as information indicating that it is time to replace IP unit 10 (step S110).

[0058] If the number of detected defects is less than a predetermined number in step S109, image generating device 30 generates a third X-ray image in which the defects are complemented based on the first X-ray image and the second X-ray image (step S111). For example, if there is a defect on the first X-ray image, image generating device 30 complements the defect with the second X-ray image to generate a third X-ray image, which is an X-ray image without the defect. After generating the third X-ray image, image generating device 30 outputs the third X-ray image to display device 31 (step S112).

[0059] As described above, the image generating device 30 of this embodiment is provided with an IP unit 10 configured by stacking at least two imaging plates 11 used in intraoral imaging, and is equipped with an acquisition unit 40 that acquires multiple X-ray images based on X-ray information from each imaging plate irradiated with X-rays after the X-rays are irradiated, a detection unit 41 that detects defects in the image based on the multiple X-ray images, and an output unit 43 that outputs the detection results of the detection unit 41.

[0060] With this configuration, defects on the imaging plate 11 can be detected by a method other than visual inspection.

[0061] The detection unit 41 may include an adjustment unit 50 that aligns multiple X-ray images with each other, a processing unit 51 that calculates the difference between the multiple X-ray images for each pixel, and a determination unit 52 that determines that a portion where the difference calculated by the processing unit 51 is outside a predetermined range is a defect. With this configuration, defects in the imaging plate 11 can be detected with higher accuracy.

[0062] Here, the imaging plate 11 may have small dents on its phosphor screen due to the patient biting it during X-ray imaging, or may be scratched when it is put into or taken out of a case. Furthermore, because the imaging plate 11 is expensive, it is often reused, and in clinical settings, it tends to be used to its limit. If X-ray imaging is performed with defects such as dents or scratches remaining on the imaging plate 11, the defects may appear as noise in the X-ray image, which may interfere with diagnosis.

[0063] Therefore, the image generating device 30 of this embodiment may acquire two X-ray images using the IP unit 10, and of the two X-ray images, the X-ray image of the imaging plate 11 that has a defect may be complemented with the X-ray image of the imaging plate 11 that does not have a defect.

[0064] With this configuration, even if the imaging plate 11 has a defect, it is possible to obtain an X-ray image (third X-ray image) in which noise caused by the defect is reduced.

[0065] Furthermore, the image generating device 30 of this embodiment performs image processing on two X-ray images (a first X-ray image and a second X-ray image) to obtain a third X-ray image, so that a high-resolution X-ray image can be obtained even if the radiation dose during X-ray imaging is not high.

[0066] Furthermore, since the image generating device 30 of this embodiment obtains two X-ray images (a first X-ray image and a second X-ray image), the other X-ray image can be used as a backup in case one of the X-ray images cannot be obtained due to some malfunction.

[0067] Furthermore, the IP unit 10 may have two imaging plates 11 stacked with their fluorescent screens 13a facing each other. This configuration can prevent defects from occurring on the fluorescent screens 13a and reduce wear on the imaging plates 11. However, the IP unit 10 does not necessarily have to have two imaging plates 11 stacked with their fluorescent screens 13a facing each other. For example, the IP unit 10 may have two imaging plates 11 stacked with their fluorescent screens 13a facing each other, with the surface of the support 12 of the first imaging plate 11-1 and the fluorescent screen 13a of the second imaging plate 11-2 facing each other.

[0068] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes designs within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0069] The image generating device 30 only needs to detect defects based on the first X-ray image and the second X-ray image, and the alignment method, averaging process, etc. may be omitted as appropriate, and the detection of defects is not limited to using difference values. For example, the image generating device 30 may use AI technology to detect defects based on the first X-ray image and the second X-ray image.

[0070] The image generating device 30 of this embodiment is only required to be able to complement defects based on the first X-ray image and the second X-ray image, and is not particularly limited to the complementing method described above.

[0071] When inserting the IP unit 10 into the reader 20, the IP unit 10 may be unfolded so that the first imaging plate 11-1 and the second imaging plate 11-2 are arranged side by side before being inserted into the reader 20. That is, the IP unit 10 is switchable between a first state and a second state. The first state is a state in which the first imaging plate 11-1 and the second imaging plate 11-2 overlap, as shown in FIG. 11A, and is a state for X-ray imaging. The second state is a state in which the first imaging plate 11-1 and the second imaging plate 11-2 are arranged side by side, as shown in FIG. 11B.

[0072] As an example of the IP unit 10, in FIG. 2, two imaging plates 11 are independent and configured to be stacked one on the other. In FIG. 11, for example, the two imaging plates 11 are connected at one edge. For example, in FIG. 11, the IP unit 10 may be configured by using two conventional imaging plates and connecting them at one edge. Note that there is no particular limitation on the method for connecting the two imaging plates. For example, the two conventional imaging plates may be connected by placing them in a holder. This connection may be direct or indirect. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 10... IP unit, 11... imaging plate, 30... image generating device, 40... acquisition section, 40, 41... detection section, 42... complementation section, 43... output section, 50... adjustment section, 51... processing section, 52... determination section

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of X-ray images based on X-ray information from each imaging plate irradiated with X-rays after irradiating an imaging plate unit configured by stacking at least two imaging plates used in the intraoral method; an adjustment unit that aligns the positions of the plurality of X-ray images; a processing unit that calculates a difference between the plurality of X-ray images for each pixel; a determination unit that determines a portion where the difference calculated by the processing unit is outside a predetermined range as a defect and determines which of the two imaging plates the detected defect is on; and a detection unit that detects defects on the images for each pixel based on the plurality of X-ray images; a complementing unit that complements pixels of the X-ray image of the imaging plate having the detected defect with pixels of the X-ray image of the imaging plate having no defect, and complements pixels having defects in the X-ray image having fewer defects, of the first X-ray image and the second X-ray image of the plurality of X-ray images, with corresponding pixels of the X-ray image having more defects; an output unit that outputs the detection result of the detection unit; An image generating device comprising:

2. the output unit outputs information indicating that the number of defects detected by the detection unit is greater than or equal to a predetermined number. The image generating device of claim 1 .

3. The imaging plate unit is configured such that the fluorescent surfaces of the two imaging plates are stacked facing each other. The image generating device of claim 1 .

4. the interpolation unit removes noise contained in the X-ray images by performing an operation on pixels at the same position in the plurality of X-ray images. The image generating device of claim 1 .

5. an acquisition step in which an imaging plate unit, which is configured by stacking at least two imaging plates used in intraoral imaging, is irradiated with X-rays, and then the imaging plate unit is inserted into a reading device, and a plurality of X-ray images are acquired based on X-ray information from each imaging plate obtained from the reading device; an adjustment step of aligning the plurality of X-ray images with each other; a processing step of calculating a difference between the plurality of X-ray images for each pixel; a determining step of determining a portion where the calculated difference is outside a predetermined range as a defect and determining which of the two imaging plates the detected defect is on; a detection step of detecting defects on the images based on the plurality of X-ray images; a complementation step of complementing pixels of the X-ray image of the imaging plate having the detected defect with pixels of the X-ray image of the imaging plate having no defect, wherein defective pixels in the X-ray image having fewer defects out of a first X-ray image and a second X-ray image of the plurality of X-ray images are complemented with corresponding pixels in the X-ray image having more defects; an output step of outputting the detection result of the detection step to a display device; An information processing method including:

Images