Medical image processing device, X-ray diagnostic device, device control method, and medical image processing system control method

Abstract

To properly perform emphasis processing of a confirmation object in an X-ray image.SOLUTION: A medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment comprises an acquisition unit, an extraction unit, and an emphasis-processed image generation unit. The acquisition unit acquires a plurality of time-series X-ray images related to a subject. The extraction unit extracts components related to movement in each of the plurality of X-ray images. The emphasis-processed image generation unit generates an emphasis-processed image in which a moving object is emphasized in each of the plurality of X-ray images on the basis of the extracted components related to the movement.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in the present specification and drawings are directed to a medical image processing apparatus, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, , device control method and method for controlling a medical image processing system Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, X-ray diagnostic devices such as X-ray fluoroscopy devices and X-ray angiography devices have been provided that can observe the inside of a subject in real time by irradiating the subject with X-rays and displaying the acquired images in chronological order in real time as a moving image. Furthermore, it is also possible to observe the multiple time-series X-ray images acquired by the X-ray diagnostic device as a moving image afterwards by post-processing in the X-ray diagnostic device or another device.

[0003] Such X-ray diagnostic devices are sometimes used for angiography using catheters and interventional radiology (IVR). For example, when performing catheter treatment, a user may perform the procedure while displaying X-ray fluoroscopic images based on X-ray imaging by the X-ray diagnostic device in real time and checking the positions of the catheter and treatment instruments (including their placement positions) such as balloons that are depicted in the X-ray images. After the procedure, the user may also use the X-ray images to check whether instruments such as balloons have been placed in the desired positions.

[0004] Generally, to improve the visibility of instruments such as contrast agents and catheters in X-ray images, image processing such as background compression, signal enhancement, and tone conversion is performed on X-ray images. By performing image processing such as tone conversion, the shadows of instruments such as contrast agents and catheters, which are the objects the user is trying to confirm, can be emphasized in the X-ray image.

[0005] However, if there are unidentified objects such as bones or the diaphragm depicted in the same X-ray image, the shadows of these unidentified objects will also be emphasized when image processing such as tone conversion is performed. In this case, the effect of the unidentified objects may actually worsen the visibility of the identified objects as a result of image processing such as tone conversion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-119852 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to appropriately perform enhancement processing of a confirmation object in an X-ray image. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes an acquisition unit, an extraction unit, and an enhancement-processed image generation unit. The acquisition unit acquires a plurality of time-series X-ray images of a subject. The extraction unit extracts a component related to movement from each of the plurality of X-ray images. The enhancement-processed image generation unit generates an enhancement-processed image in which a moving object is enhanced in each of the plurality of X-ray images based on the extracted component related to movement. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medical image processing system 1 including a medical image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2]1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining conventional image processing for emphasizing a target object to be confirmed, such as a contrast agent or a catheter. [Figure 3] 10A to 10C are diagrams for explaining an example of a generation method in post-processing of an enhancement-processed image according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an unprocessed X-ray image In and an enhancement-processed image ESIn. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the highlighting process of the confirmation object when the X-ray irradiation field is widened and then the position of the irradiation field is changed. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a process for enhancing a contrast agent depicted in an X-ray image of the head. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for appropriately performing an emphasis process on a confirmation object of an X-ray image. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data flow when emphasis processing of a confirmation object on an X-ray image and multi-frequency processing are combined. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medical image processing system including a medical image processing apparatus according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of a medical image processing apparatus, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, and a medical image processing method will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medical image processing system 1 including a medical image processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0012] The medical image processing system 1 includes a medical image processing device 10 and an X-ray diagnostic device 101. The medical image processing device 10 has an input interface 11, a display 12, a memory circuitry 13, a network connection circuitry 14, and a processing circuitry 15. The medical image processing device 10 is an example of a server.

[0013] The input interface 11 is configured with general input devices such as a trackball, switch buttons, a mouse, a keyboard, and a numeric keypad, and outputs operation input signals corresponding to user operations to the processing circuit 15. The display 12 is configured with general display output devices such as a liquid crystal display and an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display.

[0014] The storage circuitry 13 has a configuration including a processor-readable storage medium, such as a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, etc., and stores programs, parameter data, and other data used by the processing circuitry 15. Note that some or all of the programs and data in the storage medium of the storage circuitry 13 may be downloaded by communication via the network 100, or may be provided to the storage circuitry 13 via a portable storage medium such as an optical disk.

[0015] The network connection circuit 14 implements various information communication protocols according to the configuration of the network 100. The network connection circuit 14 connects to other electrical devices via the network 100 in accordance with these various protocols. The network 100 refers to a general information communication network that uses electrical communication technology, and includes wireless / wired LANs such as a hospital backbone LAN (Local Area Network) and the Internet network, as well as telephone communication line networks, optical fiber communication networks, cable communication networks, and satellite communication networks.

[0016] The medical image processing device 10 is connected to an X-ray diagnostic device 101 and an image server 102 via a network 100 so that they can transmit and receive data to and from each other. The X-ray diagnostic device 101 includes an X-ray angiography device, a breast X-ray imaging device (mammography device), an X-ray TV device, etc. The X-ray diagnostic device 101 is an example of a client.

[0017] The processing circuitry 15 realizes the function of overall control of the medical image processing device 10. The processing circuitry 15 is also a processor that reads and executes a program stored in the memory circuitry 13 to execute processing for appropriately highlighting a confirmation object depicted in an X-ray image.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining conventional image processing for highlighting a target object to be confirmed, such as a contrast agent or a catheter.

[0019] Consider a case where an X-ray diagnostic device 101 captures a time series of N frames of X-ray images In (n=1, 2, . . . , N) of a subject into which a catheter 31 has been inserted. Conventionally, each X-ray image In has been subjected to image processing such as background compression, signal enhancement, and gradation conversion to generate a processed image PIn, which makes it possible to emphasize the shadow of the catheter 31, which is an object to be identified by the user, in the X-ray image. However, if the X-ray image In depicts unidentified objects other than the catheter 31, such as a bone 32 or a diaphragm 33, the shadows of these unidentified objects are also emphasized by image processing such as gradation conversion. In this case, the processed image PIn is obscured by the unidentified objects such as the bone 32 and the diaphragm 33, making it difficult to identify the catheter 31.

[0020] Therefore, the processor of the processing circuit 15 extracts the object to be confirmed from the X-ray image In, and generates an image (hereinafter referred to as an enhanced image) in which the object to be confirmed depicted in the X-ray image In is enhanced by combining an intermediate enhanced image in which the extracted object to be confirmed is enhanced with the X-ray image In.

[0021] 1, the processor of the processing circuitry 15 realizes an acquisition function 21, a motion-suppressed image generation function 22, an extraction function 23, and an enhancement-processed image generation function 24. Each of these functions is stored in the memory circuitry 13 in the form of a program.

[0022] In the following description, the X-ray image to be processed in the enhancement processing of the object to be confirmed in this embodiment may be an X-ray fluoroscopic image, or an X-ray image captured at a higher radiation dose than an X-ray fluoroscopic image.

[0023] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the functions 21-24 are realized by the processing circuitry 15 of the medical image processing device 10, but some or all of these functions 21-24 of the medical image processing device 10 may be realized by an external device having at least a processor and a memory circuit, independent of the medical image processing device 10, such as an in-hospital server, a cloud console, a workstation, or an X-ray diagnostic device 101 connected to the network 100. Also, the medical image processing device 10 may be configured by a plurality of information processing devices connected to each other via the network 100, and the functions 21-24 may be realized in an appropriately distributed manner by the plurality of information processing devices.

[0024] These functions 21-24 will now be described with reference to FIG.

[0025] (Post-processing) First, a case will be described in which a plurality of time-series X-ray images I1, I2, . . . , IN are all acquired in post-processing, and an enhanced image of the X-ray image In is generated.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for generating an enhancement-processed image in post-processing according to this embodiment.

[0027] In the post-processing, the acquisition function 21 acquires a plurality of time-series X-ray images I1, I2, ..., IN of the subject, which are obtained based on X-ray imaging of the subject performed by the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 101 (see the leftmost column in Figure 3). The acquisition function 21 is an example of an acquisition unit. These X-ray images In are acquired directly from the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 101 where the X-ray imaging was performed, or indirectly via the image server 102.

[0028] In the post-processing, the motion suppressed image generation function 22 generates a motion suppressed image in which the motion-related components are suppressed more than those of the plurality of X-ray images based on two or more of the plurality of time-series X-ray images I1, I2, ..., IN. The motion suppressed image generation function 22 is an example of a motion suppressed image generation unit and a representative value image generation unit.

[0029] In post-processing, the motion-suppressed image A is an image (representative image) based on two or more of a plurality of X-ray images I1, I2, ..., IN in a time series, in which each pixel has a representative value of the pixel values ​​in the two or more X-ray images.

[0030] For example, if X-ray images I1, I2, ..., IN are images of a subject's heart and the object to be confirmed by the user is a catheter 31, the catheter 31 will move significantly within the image due to at least one of the subject's pulsation and respiratory movement. Furthermore, if the subject moves, a shift will occur across the entire image between frames. In this regard, by using each pixel of the motion-suppressed image A as a representative value, moving objects can be suppressed during the capture of multiple time-series X-ray images I1, I2, ..., IN. The representative value can be, for example, the average or median.

[0031] 3 shows an example in which the motion-suppressed image generation function 22 generates an average value image A of all X-ray images I1, I2, ..., IN as the motion-suppressed image A (see the top row, second column from the left in FIG. 3). In this case, the relationship between the pixel value A(i, j) of each pixel in the motion-suppressed image A (where i represents the x-coordinate of the pixel and j represents the y-coordinate) and the pixel value In(i, j) of each X-ray image In can be written as the following equation (1).

number

[0032] Furthermore, the motion-suppressed image A may be a moving average image with a fixed frame range and total number of frames, such as a range of 20 frames before the frame to be processed or a range of 10 frames before and after the frame. In this case, the influence of a specific frame in which a large state change occurred during imaging on the motion-suppressed image A can be reduced. In this case, the frame range and total number of frames used to generate the motion-suppressed image A may be set using preset values ​​stored in the memory circuitry 13, or may be set and changeable by the user via the input interface 11, or may be set to correspond to one heartbeat of the subject, a number of heartbeats input by the user via the input interface 11, or a period of a predetermined number of heartbeats recorded in the memory circuitry 13. In this case, in the real-time processing described below, it is preferable that the settings be changeable by the user at any time regardless of whether X-ray irradiation is on or off.

[0033] In post-processing, the extraction function 23 extracts the user's confirmation object from the X-ray image In. The extraction function 23 is an example of an extraction unit and a difference image generation unit. FIG. 3 shows an example in which the confirmation object is a catheter 31 inserted into the heart and moves with the heartbeat. In this case, the extraction function 23 generates a difference image between the X-ray image In and the motion-suppressed image A to generate a confirmation object image Mn (see the bottom row, second column from the left in FIG. 3). In this case, the pixel value Mn(i,j) of each pixel of the confirmation object image Mn can be expressed as the following equation (2).

number

[0034] Although equation (2) shows an example of taking a simple difference between the X-ray image In and the motion-suppressed image A, the difference may be taken after logarithmically transforming the X-ray image In and the motion-suppressed image A, or other subtraction methods may be used.

[0035] Furthermore, if the object to be confirmed is a moving object that moves within the subject, such as a catheter 31 inserted into the heart or a contrast agent injected into the subject, the extraction function 23 may extract and compare linear shadows between a past frame (for example, the immediately previous frame) and the frame to be processed, thereby extracting information related to movement of the object to be confirmed, such as the amount and direction of movement between frames, as components related to movement. In this case, there is no need to use the motion-suppressed image A when extracting the components related to movement and generating the confirmation object image Mn, and the motion-suppressed image generation function 22 is not required.

[0036] In the post-processing, the enhancement processed image generating function 24 generates an enhancement processed image in which the confirmation object is enhanced in the X-ray image In based on the confirmation object image Mn, and causes the display 12 to display the enhancement processed image.

[0037] Specifically, first, the enhancement-processed image generating function 24 generates a middle-enhanced image EMn by multiplying each pixel of the confirmation object image Mn by a predetermined enhancement coefficient Ecoef. that is greater than 0 (more preferably, greater than or equal to 1), as shown in the following equation (3). When the enhancement coefficient Ecoef. is greater than 1, the confirmation object is enhanced in the middle-enhanced image EMn. When the enhancement coefficient Ecoef. is less than 1, the confirmation object is not enhanced in the middle-enhanced image EMn, but the confirmation object can be enhanced in an enhancement-processed image SIn, which will be described later.

number

[0038] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the catheter 31 extracted from the X-ray image In is highlighted (see the third column from the left in FIG. 3).

[0039] The emphasis coefficient Ecoef. may be a set value stored in advance in the memory circuitry 13, or may be set and changed by the user via the input interface 11. In this case, in the real-time processing described later, it is preferable that the setting be changeable by the user at any time regardless of whether X-ray irradiation is on or off.

[0040] The enhancement coefficient Ecoef. may also be set automatically in accordance with the SN ratio (signal-to-noise ratio) of the X-ray image In to be processed, the CN ratio (contrast-to-noise ratio) of the object to be confirmed, X-ray conditions such as tube voltage, tube current, and pulse width, dose settings, image processing settings, etc. Even when set automatically in this way, the user may be able to further change the settings.

[0041] Furthermore, the process of generating this intermediate-level emphasized image EMn is not essential, and the process of generating the emphasized image SIn described below may be performed using the verification object image Mn instead of the intermediate-level emphasized image EMn. Using the verification object image Mn instead of the intermediate-level emphasized image EMn will produce the same results as performing emphasis with the emphasis coefficient Ecoef. set to 1.

[0042] Next, the enhancement-processed image generating function 24 generates an enhancement-processed image SIn by combining the intermediate-enhanced image EMn or the verification object image Mn with the X-ray image In, which is the original image corresponding to the intermediate-enhanced image EMn or the verification object image Mn. The combination may be a simple addition or averaging, or a weighted addition or weighted averaging. FIG. 3 shows an example in which the enhancement-processed image SIn is generated by adding the intermediate-enhanced image EMn and the X-ray image In (see the bottom row in the far right column of FIG. 3). In this case, the pixel value SIn(i,j) of each pixel of the enhancement-processed image SIn can be expressed by the following equation (4):

number

[0043] The enhancement-processed image SIn is an image obtained by combining an intermediate-enhanced image EMn in which the object to be identified is enhanced with the X-ray image In. Therefore, compared to the unprocessed X-ray image In and an image obtained by applying conventional image processing to the X-ray image In, the enhancement-processed image SIn is an image in which the object to be identified is enhanced and non-objects to be identified are suppressed.

[0044] In generating the intermediate-weighted image EMn, the pixel values ​​of the object to be confirmed are multiplied by the emphasis coefficient Ecoef. Therefore, if the contrast and noise of the object to be confirmed are to be the same as those of the original image, in the window processing (gradation processing) of the emphasis-processed image SIn, the relationship between the window width WWpost and the window width WWpre of the original image satisfies the condition of the following equation (5).

number

[0045] Even if the contrast and noise are the same as the original image, the image level difference of the non-identified object in the enhanced image SIn is relatively small compared to the identified object. Therefore, the enhanced image SIn is an image in which the identified object is easy to identify.

[0046] In addition, the enhancement-processed image generation function 24 may generate an image ESIn from the enhancement-processed image SIn in which the contrast of the object to be confirmed is further improved by narrowing WWpost shown in equation (5) (see the top row of the rightmost column in Figure 3).

number

[0047] In equation (6), Contup has a value greater than or equal to 1. By narrowing the WWpost shown in equation (5) as a base, it is possible to improve the contrast of only the object to be confirmed without significantly changing the non-confirmed object.

[0048] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an unprocessed X-ray image In and an enhanced image ESIn. As shown in FIG. 4, in the enhanced image ESIn, the catheter 31 in the X-ray image In is enhanced, while the bone 32 and the diaphragm 33, which are unidentified objects, are suppressed.

[0049] Note that the narrower the WWpost, the higher the contrast of the object to be confirmed, but the higher the noise. For this reason, the value of Contup may be a set value stored in advance in the memory circuitry 13, or may be set by the user via the input interface 11, and the setting may be changed by the user taking into account the contrast and noise.

[0050] Since there is no significant change in the image level of unconfirmed objects, if unconfirmed objects occupy most of the image, the window center (window level) WC does not need to be changed. Also, if an offset is added to the entire pixel value in a system that does not allow negative values ​​to be used as the final pixel value, a similar offset can be added to the window center.

[0051] (real-time processing) Next, we will explain real-time processing, which is a case where a new X-ray image In is acquired following a plurality of time-series X-ray images I1, I2, ..., In-1, and an enhanced image of this newly acquired X-ray image In is generated.

[0052] In real-time processing, the acquisition function 21 acquires from the X-ray diagnostic device 101 a plurality of time-series X-ray images I1, I2, ..., In of the subject, which are obtained based on X-ray imaging of the subject being performed by the X-ray diagnostic device 101.

[0053] In real-time processing, the motion-suppressed image generation function 22 generates a motion-suppressed image An in which components related to motion are suppressed based on two or more of a plurality of time-series X-ray images I1, I2, ..., In. When the motion-suppressed image generation function 22 generates an average value image An of all X-ray images I1, I2, ..., In acquired up to the current time point in real-time processing as the motion-suppressed image An, the relationship between the pixel value An(i, j) of each pixel in the motion-suppressed image An and the pixel value In(i, j) of each X-ray image In can be written as the following equation (7).

number

[0054] In this case, the motion suppressed image An is recalculated and updated every time a new frame of X-ray image is acquired.

[0055] In this case, the extraction function 23 generates a difference image between the X-ray image In and the motion-suppressed image An according to the following equation (8), for example, to generate a verification object image Mn.

number

[0056] The method by which the enhancement-processed image generating function 24 generates the intermediate enhancement image EMn and enhancement-processed images SIn and ESIn is the same for post-processing and real-time processing, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0057] The enhanced images SIn, ESIn generated by real-time processing also have the same effect as the enhanced images SIn, ESIn generated by post-processing.

[0058] However, in real-time processing, immediately after the start of processing, the number of frames of the X-ray image used to generate the motion-suppressed image An is small, and the representative image may not be a motion-suppressed image (an image with motion suppressed), for example, afterimages of multiple catheters 31 may be depicted in the representative image.

[0059] For this reason, in real-time processing, the enhancement-processed image SIn or ESIn and the original image In may be displayed simultaneously. Also, after the start of processing, only the original image In may be displayed up to a predetermined number of frames, and after the predetermined number of frames, the enhancement-processed image SIn or ESIn and the original image In may be displayed simultaneously, or the display may be switched to display only the enhancement-processed image SIn or ESIn. Also, in real-time processing, only the enhancement-processed image SIn or ESIn may be displayed immediately after the start of processing. These display methods should be selectable by the user.

[0060] Furthermore, as mentioned above, immediately after the start of real-time processing, moving components may remain in the representative image. For this reason, in generating the intermediate-weighted image EMn, the emphasis coefficient Ecoef. may be gradually increased according to the number of frames after the start of real-time processing.

[0061] If there is no change in the irradiation field, the motion-suppressed image A may be handed over and processing may continue regardless of whether the X-ray irradiation is on or off. For example, in X-ray fluoroscopic imaging, the X-ray irradiation is repeatedly turned on and off. In the case of real-time processing, by continuing processing by handing over the motion-suppressed image An regardless of whether the X-ray irradiation is on or off, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience of a lack of frames immediately after the X-ray irradiation is turned on again. Furthermore, the motion-suppressed image A created in post-processing may be handed over to the next real-time processing for processing.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the process of highlighting the object to be confirmed when the X-ray irradiation field is widened to a wider field of view and then the position of the irradiation field is changed.

[0063] Even when the irradiation field is changed, it is possible to use the motion suppressed image A generated before the change of the irradiation field by acquiring information on the irradiation field before and after the change from the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 101. When the irradiation field for X-ray imaging of a subject is changed, for the portion of the irradiation field after the change that overlaps with the irradiation field before the change, the motion suppressed image of the irradiation field before the change can be enlarged / reduced (resized) or coordinate converted and used to generate the motion suppressed image of the irradiation field after the change.

[0064] Furthermore, the confirmation object enhancement process according to this embodiment can also be applied to X-ray images of areas that are not affected by pulsation or respiratory movement.

[0065] 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a process for highlighting a contrast agent depicted in an X-ray image of the head, in which the object to be checked by the user is a contrast agent.

[0066] For example, consider a case where, in post-processing, the motion-suppressed image generation function 22 generates an average image A of all X-ray images I1, I2, ..., IN as a motion-suppressed image A according to equation (1). In this case, too, the motion-suppressed image A is a representative image, and therefore is an image in which the influence of body motion is suppressed. Therefore, even when the extraction function 23 generates a confirmation object image Mn by, for example, the difference processing of equation (2), no artifacts due to misregistration occur.

[0067] In this case, the motion-suppressed image A is generated using X-ray images In+1 and onward, in which the contrast agent has already reached blood vessels that have not yet reached the blood vessels in the X-ray image In to be processed. On the other hand, since no significant movement occurs in the head except for body movement, the influence of body movement is suppressed and the contrast agent is not suppressed in the motion-suppressed image A either. Therefore, the route of the contrast agent (the route of the blood vessels) is depicted over a wide area in the motion-suppressed image A. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the route 41 of the blood vessels that is not stained in the X-ray image In is also depicted over a wide area in the enhancement-processed image ESIn, in which the flow of the contrast agent is emphasized as movement. Therefore, by checking the enhancement-processed image ESIn, the user can visually confirm the route of the blood vessels in advance and can easily grasp the flow of the contrast agent.

[0068] Next, an example of the operation of the medical image processing apparatus, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus, and the medical image processing system according to this embodiment will be described.

[0069] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for appropriately performing enhancement processing of a confirmation object on an X-ray image. In Fig. 7, the reference numerals S followed by numbers indicate each step in the flowchart. Fig. 7 shows an example of processing in post-processing.

[0070] First, in step S1, the acquisition function 21 acquires a plurality of time-series X-ray images I1, I2, . . . , IN of the subject, which are obtained based on X-ray imaging of the subject performed by the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 101.

[0071] Next, in step S2, the motion-suppressed image generation function 22 generates a motion-suppressed image A in which motion-related components are suppressed based on two or more of the multiple time-series X-ray images I1, I2, ..., IN.

[0072] Next, in step S3, the extraction function 23 extracts the user's confirmation object from the X-ray image In to generate a confirmation object image Mn.

[0073] Next, in step S4, the enhancement processed image generating function 24 generates an intermediate enhancement image EMn in which the confirmation object is enhanced by multiplying each pixel of the confirmation object image Mn by a predetermined enhancement coefficient Ecoef. that is equal to or greater than 0.

[0074] Next, in step S5, the enhancement-processed image generating function 24 generates an enhancement-processed image SIn by combining the intermediate enhancement image EMn with the X-ray image In, which is the corresponding original image.

[0075] Next, in step S6, the enhancement-processed image generation function 24 narrows the window width WW of the enhancement-processed image SIn based on WWpost shown in equation (5), thereby generating an enhancement-processed image ESIn from the enhancement-processed image SIn, which further improves the contrast of the object to be confirmed.

[0076] By the above procedure, the object to be confirmed in the X-ray image can be appropriately emphasized.

[0077] According to the medical image processing system 1 including the medical image processing device 10 of this embodiment, an object to be confirmed is extracted from the X-ray image In, and an intermediate-enhanced image EMn in which the extracted object to be confirmed is enhanced is synthesized with the X-ray image In, thereby generating an enhanced processed image SIn in which the object to be confirmed depicted in the X-ray image In is enhanced.

[0078] In the enhanced image SIn and the enhanced image ESIn obtained by further gradation conversion of the enhanced image SIn, the object to be identified is emphasized while the non-identified object is suppressed (see FIG. 4). This allows the user to accurately and quickly identify the object to be identified, even if it is a catheter 31 inserted into the heart and constantly moving with the heartbeat, or a contrast agent. For example, because the contrast agent can be emphasized in the enhanced image, even a small amount of contrast agent can be clearly identified in the enhanced image. This allows the amount of contrast agent administered to the subject to be reduced. Furthermore, real-time processing makes it possible to shorten the X-ray imaging time, thereby reducing the subject's exposure dose.

[0079] The enhancement processing image generating function 24 may also combine the enhancement processing of the object to be confirmed in the X-ray image with processing using spatial frequencies, such as multi-objective frequency processing and wavelet transform.

[0080] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data flow when the enhancement processing of the confirmation object of the X-ray image and the multi-frequency processing are combined.

[0081] When combining enhancement processing of the X-ray image of the confirmation object with multi-frequency processing, the processor of the processing circuit 15 further includes a frequency band data generation function 25, an enhancement processing function 26, and a frequency band data synthesis function 27. These components 25-27 may be realized by software, hardware only, or a combination of hardware and software. Note that the frequency band data synthesis function 27 may be included in the enhancement processing image generation function 24.

[0082] The frequency band data generation function 25 converts the X-ray image In into a plurality of frequency band data. Specifically, the frequency band data generation function 25 generates a plurality of frequency band data each including a predetermined frequency band and background data (for example, one piece of background data) from the X-ray image In. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, the frequency band data generation function 25 performs LPF (Low Pass Filter) processing in stages and subtracts the resulting image from the LPF-processed image one stage before, thereby generating a plurality of frequency band data each including different frequency bands.

[0083] For example, the frequency band data generation function 25 first extracts low-frequency data by applying LPF processing to the X-ray image In in the first stage LP↓. Here, the frequency band data generation function 25 may perform downsampling processing in LP↓ to speed up subsequent processing. In this case, the frequency band data generation function 25 first thins out every other pixel horizontally and then every other pixel vertically from the low-frequency data after the LPF processing, thereby generating low-resolution image data g1 in which the image size is reduced to 1 / 4.

[0084] The frequency band data generation function 25 then sends the low-resolution image data g1 to the second stage, and performs upsampling and LPF processing in LP↑ to generate low-frequency data after LPF processing with the same size as the X-ray image In. For example, the frequency band data generation function 25 first interpolates every other pixel horizontally with "0", then interpolates every other pixel vertically with "0", and performs LPF processing by multiplying each element of the first LPF by four. The frequency band data generation function 25 then generates frequency band data b0 by subtracting the X-ray image In and the low-frequency data for each pixel using an adder. Note that the LPF processing by the frequency band data generation function 25 can use a Gaussian filter of about 5 x 5.

[0085] The frequency band data generation function 25 executes the processes from the second stage onwards in the same manner as the process of the first stage described above. Here, the image data to be processed in each stage is the low-resolution image data generated in the previous stage. That is, the image data to be processed in the second stage is the low-resolution image data g1, and thereafter, the low-resolution image data g2 to g5 generated in each stage become the image data to be processed in the subsequent stage. Then, in each stage, the frequency band data generation function 25 uses the low-resolution image data g2 to g5 to generate frequency band data b1 to b5 in the same manner as in the first stage. In this way, the frequency band data generation function 25 generates stepwise frequency band data of the X-ray image In and background data g6 containing only background information.

[0086] Furthermore, the frequency band data generating function 25 also performs the same processing on the motion-suppressed image A as on the X-ray image In, thereby generating stepwise frequency band data of the motion-suppressed image A. Note that the background data g6 does not need to be generated for either the X-ray image In or the motion-suppressed image A.

[0087] Although FIG. 8 shows a case where the frequency band data generation function 25 executes six stages of processing, the embodiment is not limited to this, and processing can be performed in any number of stages.

[0088] The enhancement processing function 26 controls the extraction function 23 to take the difference between the frequency band data of the X-ray image In and the frequency band data of the motion-suppressed image A for corresponding frequency bands, thereby generating differential image data for each frequency band (hereinafter referred to as band differential image data).

[0089] It is considered that the proportion of signals of interest (proportion of signals of moving components that are the object to be confirmed) differs for each spatial frequency band. Therefore, the enhancement processing function 26 calculates the proportion of the object to be confirmed contained in each of the multiple band difference image data, and assigns an enhancement coefficient Ecoef. to each of the multiple band difference image data independently based on the proportion of the object to be confirmed.

[0090] The enhancement processing function 26 also controls the enhancement-processed image generation function 24 to generate intermediate-emphasized image data for each of a plurality of frequency bands (hereinafter referred to as band intermediate-emphasized image data) using the enhancement coefficients Ecoef. assigned to each of the plurality of band difference image data. The enhancement processing function 26 also generates enhancement-processed image data for each frequency band (hereinafter referred to as band enhancement-processed image data) by adding the band intermediate-emphasized image data and the frequency band data of the X-ray image In for corresponding frequency bands. Each of the band enhancement-processed image data may also be subjected to further image processing such as background compression, signal enhancement, and gradation conversion.

[0091] The frequency band data synthesis function 27 synthesizes multiple band-enhancement-processed image data to generate an enhancement-processed image SIn. Specifically, the frequency band data synthesis function 27 sequentially synthesizes background data g6 and band-enhancement-processed image data b0' to b5' to generate an enhancement-processed image SIn of the same size as the X-ray image In. For example, in the first stage (bottom stage in the figure), the frequency band data synthesis function 27 performs upsampling processing on the background data g6 (first interpolating every other pixel horizontally with "0" and then interpolating every other pixel vertically with "0"), and performs the same LPF processing as the upsampling processing of the frequency band data generation function 25 to make the background data g6 the same size as the band-enhancement-processed image data b5'. Then, the frequency band data synthesis function 27 generates added data g5' by adding the band-enhancement-processed image data b5' and the background data g6, which have been made the same size, pixel by pixel using an adder.

[0092] The frequency band data synthesis function 27 performs the above-mentioned upsampling process and LPF process on the generated sum data g5' to make the sum data g5' the same size as the band emphasis processed image data b4', and adds it to the band emphasis processed image data b4' to generate sum data g4'. Similarly, the frequency band data synthesis function 27 sequentially increases the size of the sum data and adds it to the band emphasis processed image data, thereby generating an emphasis processed image SIn in which the confirmation object is emphasized, the same size as the X-ray image In. The frequency band data synthesis function 27 may be one function of the emphasis processed image generation function 24.

[0093] In this way, by combining the enhancement processing and multi-frequency processing shown in FIG. 7, it is possible to apply an appropriate enhancement coefficient Ecoef. to each frequency band data. The appropriate value of the enhancement coefficient Ecoef. differs for each frequency band. Therefore, by combining the enhancement processing and multi-frequency processing, it is possible to more selectively enhance signals of interest in the enhancement-processed image SIn and the enhancement-processed image ESIn obtained by further gradation-converting the enhancement-processed image SIn. Therefore, compared to enhancement processing alone, it is possible to further enhance objects to be identified while suppressing objects that are not to be identified.

[0094] (Second embodiment) FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medical image processing system 1 including a medical image processing apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment.

[0095] The X-ray diagnostic apparatus 80 includes an imaging device 81 that captures N frames of time-series X-ray images I1, I2, ..., IN of a subject, and a console device 82 as an example of the medical image processing device 10. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus 80 shown in this second embodiment differs from the medical image processing device 10 shown in the first embodiment in that it can use a plurality of time-series X-ray images I1, I2, ..., IN that it has generated by X-ray imaging of the subject itself. Other configurations and operations are not substantially different from those of the medical image processing device 10 shown in Fig. 1, and therefore the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0096] The imaging device 81 is composed of, for example, the imaging system of an X-ray angiography device, and has an imaging system such as an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector for X-ray imaging of a subject placed on a tabletop, and provides multiple time-series projection data regarding the subject obtained by imaging to the console device 82.

[0097] The acquisition function 21x of the processing circuit 15x acquires a plurality of time-series X-ray images I1, I2, ..., IN of the subject from the reconstruction function 20. The motion-suppressed image generation function 22x generates a motion-suppressed image A in which motion-related components are suppressed based on two or more of the time-series X-ray images I1, I2, ..., IN. The extraction function 23x extracts the user's confirmation object from the X-ray image In to generate a confirmation object image Mn. The enhancement-processed image generation function 24x generates an enhancement-processed image SIn or ESIn in which the confirmation object is enhanced in the X-ray image In based on the confirmation object image Mn, and displays the enhancement-processed image SIn or ESIn on the display of the console device 82.

[0098] The medical image processing system 1 including the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 80 according to the second embodiment can also extract a confirmation object from the X-ray image In, and synthesize an intermediate-enhanced image EMn in which the extracted confirmation object is enhanced with the X-ray image In, in the same manner as the medical image processing system 1 according to the first embodiment, thereby generating an enhanced image SIn in which the confirmation object depicted in the X-ray image In is enhanced.

[0099] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to appropriately perform the enhancement process for the confirmation object of the X-ray image.

[0100] In the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a circuit such as a dedicated or general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and an FPGA). The processor realizes various functions by reading and executing programs stored in a storage medium.

[0101] In addition, although the above embodiment shows an example in which a single processor of a processing circuit realizes each function, a processing circuit may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may realize each function. Furthermore, when multiple processors are provided, a storage medium for storing the program may be provided separately for each processor, or a single storage medium may store all of the programs corresponding to the functions of all processors.

[0102] Although several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0103] (Appendix 1) For example, a medical image processing apparatus according to one embodiment includes an acquisition unit, an extraction unit, and an enhancement-processed image generation unit. The acquisition unit acquires a plurality of time-series X-ray images of a subject. The extraction unit extracts a component related to movement from each of the plurality of X-ray images. The enhancement-processed image generation unit generates an enhancement-processed image in which a moving object is enhanced in each of the plurality of X-ray images based on the extracted component related to movement.

[0104] (Appendix 2) The enhancement-processed image generating unit may generate an enhancement-processed image by combining the X-ray image with the extracted component related to the movement.

[0105] (Appendix 3) Furthermore, the medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment may further include a motion-suppressed image generating unit that generates, based on two or more of the plurality of X-ray images, a motion-suppressed image in which motion-related components are suppressed more than those of the plurality of X-ray images. In this case, the extracting unit may extract the motion-related components in each of the plurality of X-ray images by subtracting the motion-suppressed image from each of the plurality of X-ray images.

[0106] (Appendix 4) The motion suppressed image generating section may generate, as the motion suppressed image, two or more average value images or median images of the plurality of X-ray images.

[0107] (Appendix 5) When X-ray irradiation is switched from on to off and then back on, the motion suppression image generation unit may update the motion suppression image based on the motion suppression image generated before the X-ray irradiation was switched off and the X-ray image captured after the X-ray irradiation was switched back on.

[0108] (Appendix 6) When the irradiation field for X-ray imaging of a subject is changed, the motion suppression image generation unit may generate a motion suppression image of the changed irradiation field for a portion of the changed irradiation field that overlaps with the previous irradiation field by using a motion suppression image based on two or more of the multiple X-ray images taken with X-rays in the previous irradiation field.

[0109] (Appendix 7) The enhancement-processed image generating unit may generate an intermediate-level enhancement image by multiplying the extracted component related to the movement by a coefficient, and generate an enhancement-processed image by combining the intermediate-level enhancement image with the X-ray image.

[0110] (Appendix 8) The medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment may further include an enhancement processing unit that converts an X-ray image into a plurality of frequency band data. The enhancement processing unit may cooperate with the extraction unit and the enhancement-processed image generation unit to assign an enhancement coefficient to each of the plurality of frequency band data in accordance with the proportion of the extracted motion-related component. The enhancement processing unit may also generate image data of intermediate-enhanced images for each of the plurality of frequency bands based on the assigned enhancement coefficients. In this case, the enhancement-processed image generation unit may generate the enhancement-processed images based on the image data of intermediate-enhanced images for each of the plurality of frequency bands.

[0111] (Appendix 9) The enhancement-processed image generating unit may also narrow the window width of the enhancement-processed image so that the object is enhanced.

[0112] (Appendix 10) The movement includes, for example, at least one of movement resulting from at least one of the pulse and respiratory movement of the subject, and, if an object moves within the subject, movement resulting from the movement of the object.

[0113] (Appendix 11) A medical image processing apparatus according to one embodiment includes an acquisition unit, a motion suppressed image generation unit, a difference image generation unit, and an enhancement-processed image generation unit. The acquisition unit acquires a plurality of time-series X-ray images of a subject. The motion suppressed image generation unit generates a motion suppressed image in which components related to motion are suppressed based on two or more of the time-series X-ray images. The difference image generation unit generates a difference image by performing difference processing between at least one of the time-series X-ray images and the motion suppressed image. The enhancement-processed image generation unit generates an enhancement-processed image of the object depicted in the difference image by adding the generated difference image and an X-ray image corresponding to the difference image.

[0114] (Appendix 12) A medical image processing apparatus according to one embodiment includes an acquisition unit, a representative image generation unit, a difference image generation unit, and an enhancement-processed image generation unit. The acquisition unit acquires a plurality of time-series X-ray images of a subject. The representative image generation unit generates a representative image, each pixel of which is a representative value of pixel values ​​in two or more of the time-series X-ray images, based on the two or more X-ray images. The difference image generation unit generates a difference image by performing difference processing between at least one of the time-series X-ray images and the representative image. The enhancement-processed image generation unit generates an enhancement-processed image of the object depicted in the difference image by adding the generated difference image and an X-ray image corresponding to the difference image.

[0115] (Appendix 13) At this time, the enhancement-processed image generating unit may generate the enhancement-processed image by adding the difference image multiplied by the coefficient and the X-ray image corresponding to the difference image.

[0116] (Appendix 14) The enhancement-processed image generating unit may also narrow the window width of the enhancement-processed image so that the object is enhanced.

[0117] (Appendix 15) An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to one embodiment includes an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of time-series X-ray images of a subject, an extraction unit that extracts components related to movement in each of the plurality of X-ray images, and an enhancement-processed image generation unit that generates an enhancement-processed image in which moving objects are enhanced in each of the plurality of X-ray images based on the extracted components related to movement.

[0118] (Appendix 16) A medical image processing method according to one embodiment includes the steps of acquiring a plurality of time-series X-ray images of a subject, extracting components related to movement in each of the plurality of X-ray images, and generating an enhanced image in which moving objects are enhanced in each of the plurality of X-ray images based on the extracted components related to movement.

[0119] (Appendix 17) This method can be applied to a medical image processing system including a client and a server, in which case each step of the medical image processing method is executed by either the client or the server.

[0120] (Appendix 18) A medical image processing apparatus according to one embodiment includes an acquisition unit, a representative image generation unit, a difference image generation unit, and an enhanced image generation unit. The acquisition unit acquires a plurality of time-series X-ray images of a subject. The representative image generation unit generates a representative image in which each pixel has a representative value of pixel values ​​of corresponding pixels in the plurality of X-ray images. The difference image generation unit generates a plurality of time-series difference images by subtracting a representative image from each of the plurality of X-ray images. The enhanced image generation unit generates a plurality of time-series enhanced images in which an object depicted in each of the plurality of difference images is enhanced by adding a corresponding image from the plurality of difference images to each of the plurality of X-ray images.

[0121] (Appendix 19) A medical image processing apparatus according to one embodiment includes a representative image generating unit, an acquisition unit, a difference image generating unit, and an enhanced image generating unit. The representative image generating unit generates a representative image in which each pixel has a representative value of pixel values ​​at corresponding pixels in a plurality of acquired time-series X-ray images. The acquisition unit sequentially acquires X-ray images of a subject. The difference image generating unit sequentially generates difference images by subtracting a representative image from a newly acquired X-ray image. The enhanced image generating unit sequentially generates enhanced images in which objects depicted in the corresponding difference images are enhanced by adding the newly generated difference images to the corresponding X-ray images. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 1 Medical image processing system 10 Medical image processing device 15, 15x processing circuit 21, 21x acquisition function 22, 22x motion suppression image generation function 23, 23x extraction function 24, 24x enhanced image generation function 25 Frequency band data generation function 26 Enhancement processing function 27 Frequency band data synthesis function 31 Catheter 32 bones 33 Diaphragm 41 routes 80 X-ray diagnostic equipment 101 X-ray diagnostic equipment A. Motion suppressed image EMn Medium-weighted image In X-ray images Mn Confirmation object image PIN processed image SIn, ESIn enhanced images

Claims

1. A medical image processing device for generating an enhanced image during catheter treatment, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of time-series X-ray images including components related to movement obtained by imaging the heart of a subject; a motion-suppressed image generating unit that generates a motion-suppressed image in which the motion-related components are suppressed more than those of the plurality of X-ray images in the time series, based on two or more of the plurality of X-ray images in the time series; an extracting unit that extracts the motion-related component from each of the plurality of X-ray images in the time series by subtracting the motion-suppressed image from each of the plurality of X-ray images in the time series; an enhancement-processed image generating unit that generates a plurality of enhancement-processed images in time series by enhancing the components related to the movement for each of the plurality of time-series X-ray images; Equipped with The motion-suppressed image generation unit When X-ray irradiation is switched from on to off and then back on, the motion suppression image is updated based on the motion suppression image generated before the X-ray irradiation was switched off and the X-ray image captured after the X-ray irradiation was switched back on. Medical imaging equipment.

2. The motion-suppressed image generation unit When the irradiation field in X-ray imaging of the subject is changed, for a portion of the changed irradiation field that overlaps with the irradiation field before the change, a motion suppressed image of the changed irradiation field is generated by using the motion suppressed images based on two or more of the plurality of X-ray images X-ray-imaged in the irradiation field before the change. The medical image processing device according to claim 1 .

3. A medical image processing device for generating an enhanced image during catheter treatment, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of time-series X-ray images including components related to movement obtained by imaging the heart of a subject; a motion-suppressed image generating unit that generates a motion-suppressed image in which the motion-related components are suppressed more than those of the plurality of X-ray images in the time series, based on two or more of the plurality of X-ray images in the time series; an extracting unit that extracts the motion-related component from each of the plurality of X-ray images in the time series by subtracting the motion-suppressed image from each of the plurality of X-ray images in the time series; an enhancement-processed image generating unit that generates a plurality of enhancement-processed images in time series by enhancing the components related to the movement for each of the plurality of time-series X-ray images; Equipped with The motion-suppressed image generation unit When the irradiation field in X-ray imaging of the subject is changed, for a portion of the changed irradiation field that overlaps with the irradiation field before the change, a motion suppressed image of the changed irradiation field is generated by using the motion suppressed images based on two or more of the plurality of X-ray images X-ray-imaged in the irradiation field before the change. Medical imaging equipment.

4. the extraction unit extracts at least one of a device inserted into the subject and a contrast agent as a component related to the movement included in each of the plurality of time-series X-ray images; 4. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The enhancement processed image generating unit generating the enhanced image by combining the X-ray image and the motion-related component; 5. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The motion-suppressed image generation unit generating an average value image or a median image of two or more of the plurality of X-ray images as the motion-suppressed image; 6. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The enhancement processed image generating unit generating a middle-weighted image by multiplying the component related to the motion by a coefficient, and generating the enhanced image by combining the middle-weighted image with the X-ray image; The medical image processing device according to claim 5 .

8. converting the X-ray image into a plurality of frequency band data; by cooperating with the extraction unit and the enhancement-processed image generation unit, the coefficient is assigned to each of the plurality of frequency band data in accordance with a proportion of the component related to the movement; generating image data of the intermediate-weighted image for each of a plurality of frequency bands based on the assigned coefficients; an emphasis processing unit; Furthermore, The enhancement processed image generating unit generating the enhancement-processed image based on the image data of the intermediate-level enhancement image for each of the plurality of frequency bands; The medical image processing device according to claim 7 .

9. The enhancement processed image generating unit narrowing a window width of the enhancement-processed image so that a moving object corresponding to the component related to the movement is enhanced; 9. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

10. The motion includes at least one of a motion resulting from at least one of a pulse and a respiratory motion of the subject, and a motion resulting from the movement of a moving object when the moving object moves within the subject, which corresponds to a component related to the motion. The medical image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A medical image processing device for generating an enhanced image during catheter treatment, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of time-series X-ray images including components related to movement obtained by imaging the heart of a subject; a motion-suppressed image generating unit that generates a motion-suppressed image in which components related to the motion are suppressed based on two or more of the plurality of time-series X-ray images; a difference image generating unit that generates a plurality of difference images in which components related to the movement are extracted by performing difference processing between each of the plurality of time-series X-ray images and the movement-suppressed image; an enhancement-processed image generating unit that generates a plurality of time-series enhancement-processed images in which components related to the movement are enhanced by adding each of the generated plurality of difference images and the X-ray image corresponding to each of the plurality of difference images; Equipped with The motion-suppressed image generation unit When X-ray irradiation is switched from on to off and then back on, the motion suppression image is updated based on the motion suppression image generated before the X-ray irradiation was switched off and the X-ray image captured after the X-ray irradiation was switched back on. Medical imaging equipment.

12. A medical image processing device for generating an enhanced image during catheter treatment, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of time-series X-ray images including components related to movement obtained by imaging the heart of a subject; a motion-suppressed image generating unit that generates a motion-suppressed image in which components related to the motion are suppressed based on two or more of the plurality of time-series X-ray images; a difference image generating unit that generates a plurality of difference images in which components related to the movement are extracted by performing difference processing between each of the plurality of time-series X-ray images and the movement-suppressed image; an enhancement-processed image generating unit that generates a plurality of time-series enhancement-processed images in which components related to the movement are enhanced by adding each of the generated plurality of difference images and the X-ray image corresponding to each of the plurality of difference images; Equipped with The motion-suppressed image generation unit When the irradiation field in X-ray imaging of the subject is changed, for a portion of the changed irradiation field that overlaps with the irradiation field before the change, a motion suppressed image of the changed irradiation field is generated by using the motion suppressed images based on two or more of the plurality of X-ray images X-ray-imaged in the irradiation field before the change. Medical imaging equipment.

13. The enhancement processed image generating unit generating the enhanced image by adding the difference image multiplied by the coefficient and the X-ray image corresponding to the difference image; The medical image processing device according to claim 11 or 12.

14. The enhancement processed image generating unit narrowing a window width of the enhancement-processed image based on the motion-related component so that a moving object is enhanced; 14. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 11.

15. a display unit that displays the plurality of time-series enhancement-processed images as a moving image; The medical image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A medical image processing device for generating an enhanced image during catheter treatment, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of time-series X-ray images including components related to movement obtained by imaging the heart of a subject; a motion-suppressed image generating unit that generates a motion-suppressed image in which the motion-related components are suppressed more than those of the plurality of X-ray images in the time series, based on two or more of the plurality of X-ray images in the time series; an extracting unit that extracts the motion-related component from each of the plurality of X-ray images in the time series by subtracting the motion-suppressed image from each of the plurality of X-ray images in the time series; an enhancement-processed image generating unit that generates a plurality of enhancement-processed images in time series by enhancing the components related to the movement for each of the plurality of time-series X-ray images; Equipped with The motion-suppressed image generation unit When X-ray irradiation is switched from on to off and then back on, the motion suppression image is updated based on the motion suppression image generated before the X-ray irradiation was switched off and the X-ray image captured after the X-ray irradiation was switched back on. X-ray diagnostic equipment.

17. A method for controlling an apparatus for generating an enhanced image during catheter treatment, comprising: acquiring a plurality of time-series X-ray images including a motion component obtained by imaging the heart of a subject; generating a motion-suppressed image in which the motion-related components are suppressed more than those of the plurality of X-ray images in the time series based on two or more of the plurality of X-ray images in the time series; an extraction step of subtracting the motion-suppressed image from each of the plurality of X-ray images in the time series to extract the motion-related component in each of the plurality of X-ray images in the time series; generating a plurality of time-series enhanced images in which the components related to the movement are enhanced for each of the plurality of time-series X-ray images; and The step of generating a motion-suppressed image includes: When X-ray irradiation is switched from on to off and then back on, the motion suppression image is updated based on the motion suppression image generated before the X-ray irradiation was switched off and the X-ray image captured after the X-ray irradiation was switched back on. How to control the device.

18. A method for controlling a medical image processing system for generating an enhanced image during catheter treatment, comprising: acquiring a plurality of time-series X-ray images including a motion component obtained by imaging the heart of a subject; generating a motion-suppressed image in which the motion-related components are suppressed more than those of the plurality of X-ray images in the time series based on two or more of the plurality of X-ray images in the time series; an extraction step of subtracting the motion-suppressed image from each of the plurality of X-ray images in the time series to extract the motion-related component in each of the plurality of X-ray images in the time series; generating a plurality of time-series enhanced images in which the components related to the movement are enhanced for each of the plurality of time-series X-ray images; and The step of acquiring a plurality of time-series X-ray images includes: A medical image processing system including a client and a server, the system being executed by either the client or the server, The step of generating a motion-suppressed image includes: the program is executed by either the client or the server, and when X-ray irradiation is switched from on to off and then back on, the program updates the motion suppressed image based on the motion suppressed image generated before the X-ray irradiation was switched off and the X-ray image captured after the X-ray irradiation is switched back on; The step of extracting a component related to movement includes: Executed by either the client or the server, The step of generating the enhancement processed image includes: Executed by either the client or the server, A method for controlling a medical image processing system.

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