Photography jig and information processing device

Abstract

Provided is a photography jig used when a radiographic image is captured by irradiating an imaging target with radioactive rays. The photography jig includes a moving mechanism which moves the position of the imaging target such as to change a relative positional relationship between a radiation source for emitting the radioactive rays and the imaging target and a display unit which displays movement amount information indicating a movement amount of the imaging target from an initial position. In the radiographic image, the movement amount information is drawn in an identifiable manner.

Description

Photography jig and information processing device

[0001] The disclosed technology relates to a photographing jig and an information processing device.

[0002] The following technologies are known as technologies related to radiographic imaging. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-179657 describes an X-ray inspection device including an X-ray irradiation source, a table on which an irradiated object is placed, and an X-ray detector that receives X-rays that have passed through the irradiated object and detects a transmission image. This X-ray inspection device includes a shift mechanism that moves the X-ray detector between a first position and a second position, a control unit that controls the movement of the X-ray detector by the shift mechanism, a matching processing unit that performs pattern matching between an image of a movement position detection jig placed on the table at the first shift position and a second image of the jig, a movement amount calculation unit that calculates the movement amount of the X-ray detector between the first and second shift positions based on the positions of the first and second images of the jig detected by the matching processing unit, and a storage unit that stores the movement amount calculated by the movement amount calculation unit.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2013-15426 describes a radiation CT device that performs a pre-photography of a subject placed on a table, and then moves the table and radiation detector in the same manner as the pre-photography to perform an actual photography of the sample, thereby reconstructing a tomographic image.

[0004] Tomosynthesis is known as an imaging technique that reconstructs a cross-section at any depth position with a single tomographic scan. A commonly known reconstruction processing method using tomosynthesis is the shift-and-add method. This method involves taking a series of radiographic images taken continuously while changing the relative positional relationship between the radiation source and the subject, shifting each image by an appropriate amount in the scanning direction, and then superimposing the results to obtain a cross-sectional image focused on a specific cross-section. By adjusting the shift amount for each image, it is possible to obtain a cross-sectional image of any cross-section.

[0005] In the reconstruction process of tomographic images, information indicating the relative positional relationship between the images of the subject depicted in the radiographic images (hereinafter referred to as relative position information) is required for each image in order to calculate the shift amount for each radiographic image. In an imaging device equipped with a tomosynthesis function, the imaging direction is changed by robotic control to acquire a series of radiographic images. The relative positional relationship between the subject depicted in the series of radiographic images can be easily calculated in cooperation with the robotic control of the imaging direction. While an imaging device equipped with a tomosynthesis function can easily obtain tomographic images, it is expensive and not easy to implement.

[0006] Therefore, we consider a method for acquiring tomographic images using an imaging device that does not have a tomosynthesis function (a function for robotic control of the imaging direction). It is possible to acquire multiple radiographic images with different imaging directions by manually moving the position of the imaging subject so that the relative positional relationship between the radiation source and the imaging subject changes. However, in this case, it is not easy to acquire accurate relative position information for each of the multiple radiographic images acquired with different imaging directions. Furthermore, it is necessary to manually associate the radiographic images with the relative position information.

[0007] The disclosed technology has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to assist in obtaining relative position information and associating a radiological image with the relative position information.

[0008] The imaging jig according to the disclosed technology is an imaging jig used when imaging a radiographic image by irradiating radiation onto an imaging target, and includes a movement mechanism that moves the position of the imaging target so as to change the relative positional relationship between the radiation source that emits radiation and the imaging target, and a display unit that displays movement amount information that indicates the amount of movement of the imaging target from its initial position. The movement amount information is depicted in a identifiable manner in the radiographic image.

[0009] The movement mechanism may translate or rotate the imaging target. The display of the movement amount information may change in conjunction with the operation of the movement mechanism. The movement amount information may be displayed by a mark made of a material with a different radiation transmittance than the movement mechanism.

[0010] The moving mechanism may include a fixed unit whose relative positional relationship with the radiation source is fixed, and a moving unit that is movable relative to the fixed unit. The imaging target may move in conjunction with the movement of the moving unit. The display unit may include a first mark provided on the fixed unit and a second mark provided on the moving unit. Information about the amount of movement may be displayed based on the relative positional relationship between the first mark and the second mark.

[0011] The information processing device according to the disclosed technique includes at least one processor, and processes a radiographic image captured using the imaging jig. The processor acquires the radiographic image and recognizes movement amount information depicted in the radiographic image.

[0012] The processor may recognize the movement amount information included in the radiation image by matching the movement amount information with a template pattern corresponding to the movement amount information.

[0013] A position detection mark for detecting a display position of the movement amount information may be identifiably depicted in the radiographic image. The processor may detect the position of the movement amount information included in the radiographic image based on the position detection mark included in the radiographic image.

[0014] The processor may record image data with movement amount information, in which the movement amount information and the radiation image are associated with each other, on the recording medium.

[0015] The processor may generate a tomographic image of the object using a plurality of pieces of data with movement amount information recorded on the recording medium for a plurality of radiation images having mutually different relative positional relationships between the radiation source and the object to be imaged.

[0016] According to the disclosed technology, it is possible to assist in obtaining relative position information and associating a radiological image with the relative position information.

[0017] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an imaging jig according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an exploded view of a fixed section and a moving section according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology; FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which a moving section according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology moves linearly on a fixed section; FIG. 4 is a plan view of a moving section according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology viewed from the side of a contact surface with the fixed section; FIG. 5 is a plan view of a fixed section according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology viewed from the side of a contact surface with the moving section; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a mark when an imaging jig according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology is viewed from the top surface side of the moving section; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a mark when an imaging jig according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology is viewed from the top surface side of the moving section; FIG. 8 is a side view showing an example of a method of using an imaging jig according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology; FIG. 9 is a side view showing an example of a method of using an imaging jig according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a radiographic image captured using an imaging jig according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a radiographic image captured using an imaging jig according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology; and FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. 14A is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of processing performed by a CPU according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology by executing an information processing program. FIG. 14B is a diagram showing an example of another display form of movement amount information according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. FIG. 14C is a diagram showing an example of a position detection mark arranged around a mark according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. FIG. 14D is a diagram showing an example of another display form of movement amount information according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. FIG. 14D is a plan view corresponding to FIG. 14A. FIG. 14B is a diagram showing an example of a radiographic image captured using a radiographic image captured using a radiographic image according to another embodiment of the disclosed technology. FIG. 14C is a side view showing an example of a configuration of a radiographic image captured using a radiographic image according to another embodiment of the disclosed technology. FIG. 14D ...E is a side view showing an example of a configuration of a radiographic image captured using a radiographic image according to another embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[0018] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the disclosed technology will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or equivalent components and parts are given the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an imaging jig 10 according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. The imaging jig 10 is a jig used when imaging a radiographic image by irradiating radiation onto an imaging target. The imaging jig 10 includes a fixed section 11 and a moving section 12. The fixed section 11 is fixed in position relative to a radiation source (not shown) that emits radiation. The moving section 12 is movable relative to the fixed section 11. The fixed section 11 and the moving section 12 are an example of a "moving mechanism" in the disclosed technology.

[0020] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the fixed unit 11 and the moving unit 12. A guide groove 13 extending linearly is provided on the contact surface of the moving unit 12 with the fixed unit 11. A convex guide rail 14 extending linearly is provided on the contact surface of the fixed unit 11 with the moving unit 12. As shown in FIG. 3, with the guide rail 14 fitted into the guide groove 13, the moving unit 12 can move linearly (translate) on the fixed unit 11 along the guide rail 14. In other words, the imaging jig 10 functions as a so-called linear stage. The moving unit 12 can be moved manually or automatically.

[0021] FIG. 4A is a plan view of the movable unit 12 viewed from the contact surface with the fixed unit 11. FIG. 4B is a plan view of the movable unit 11 viewed from the contact surface with the movable unit 12. The contact surfaces of the fixed unit 11 and the movable unit 12 are provided with marks 20A and 20B, respectively, for displaying movement amount information indicating the movement amount of the movable unit 12 from its initial position. The portions of the photographing jig 10 on which the marks 20A and 20B are formed are an example of a "display unit" in the disclosed technology. The mark 20A is a scale extending linearly along the extension direction of the guide rail 14, and the numerical values ​​assigned to the scale are drawn on the outside of the guide rail 14. The mark 20B is a pointer indicating a position on the mark 20A (scale) drawn on the outside of the guide groove 13. The initial position can be determined arbitrarily. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the initial position may be a position where the end faces of the fixed unit 11 and the movable unit 12 in the movement direction of the movable unit 12 are aligned.

[0022] 5A and 5B are perspective views of the marks 20A and 20B, respectively, when the photographing jig 10 is viewed from the top side of the moving unit 12. FIG. 5A shows the case where the moving unit 12 is located at the initial position, and FIG. 5B shows the case where the moving unit 12 is located at a moved position moved from the initial position. When the moving unit 12 is located at the initial position, a numerical value N1 indicating the position on the mark 20A (scale) pointed to by the mark 20B (pointer) is typically "0." As the moving unit 12 moves from the initial position, the position on the mark 20A (scale) pointed to by the mark 20B (pointer) moves. A numerical value N2 indicating the position on the mark 20A (scale) pointed to by the mark 20B (pointer) at the moved position indicates the amount of movement of the moving unit 12 from the initial position. In other words, the display of the movement amount information by the marks 20A and 20B changes in conjunction with the operation of the moving unit 12. When the moving part 12 is located at the initial position, the numerical value N1 indicating the position on the mark 20A (scale) pointed to by the mark 20B (pointer) does not have to be 0. In this case, the difference (N2-N1) between the numerical value N2 at the moved position and the numerical value N1 at the initial position is the movement amount of the moving part 12.

[0023] The fixed portion 11 and the moving portion 12 are made of a material having a relatively high transmittance to radiation (X-rays). Examples of materials that can be used for the fixed portion 11 and the moving portion 12 include plastics such as PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), and PS (polystyrene). On the other hand, the marks 20A and 20B are drawn on the moving portion 12 and the fixed portion 11, respectively, using a material having a relatively low transmittance to radiation (X-rays). Examples of materials that can be used for the marks 20A and 20B include metals such as aluminum, copper, and lead. By making the transmittance of the materials of the marks 20A and 20B lower than that of the materials of the fixed portion 11 and the moving portion 12, movement amount information can be depicted in a radiographic image captured using the imaging jig 10.

[0024] 6A and 6B are side views showing an example of how to use the imaging jig 10. FIG. 6A shows a case where the moving unit 12 is located at an initial position, and FIG. 6B shows a case where the moving unit 12 is located at a moved position moved from the initial position. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B , an imaging target 50 for a radiographic image is disposed on the moving unit 12, and the radiation detector 30 is disposed below the fixed unit 11. A radiation source 40 that emits radiation is disposed in a position where the imaging jig 10 and the imaging target 50 are sandwiched between the radiation source 40 and the radiation detector 30. The relative positions of the radiation source 40, imaging jig 10, and radiation detector 30 are determined so that the imaging target 50, mark 20A, and mark 20B are within the imaging field of view. The radiation detector 30 may be a known flat panel detector that generates a radiographic image.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 6A , a radiographic image of the object 50 is captured with the moving unit 12 positioned at the initial position. Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 6B , the moving unit 12 is translated leftward in the figure, thereby moving the object 50 together with the moving unit 12 to a moving position. That is, the imaging jig 10 moves the position of the object 50 so as to change the relative positional relationship between the radiation source 40 and the object 50. A radiographic image of the object 50 is captured at each of a plurality of moving positions that are different from one another. While radiographic images are being captured, the radiation source 40, the fixed unit 11, and the radiation detector 30 are maintained stationary.

[0026] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing examples of a radiographic image 60 captured using the imaging jig 10. FIG. 7A shows a case where the moving unit 12 is located at an initial position, and FIG. 7B shows a case where the moving unit 12 is located at a moved position moved from the initial position. In the radiographic image 60, an image 20AI of the mark 20A and an image 20BI of the mark 20B are depicted together with an image 50I of the imaging target 50. As shown in FIG. 7B , based on the image 20AI of the mark 20A and the image 20BI of the mark 20B when the moving unit 12 is located at the moved position, it is possible to determine the amount of movement of the imaging target 50 from its initial position at the moved position. In other words, the movement amount information displayed by the mark 20A and the mark 20B indicates the amount of movement of the imaging target 50 from its initial position. The radiographic images generated by the radiation detector 30 are stored in an image server (not shown).

[0027] 8 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device 100 that processes radiographic images captured using the imaging jig 10. The information processing device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a non-volatile memory 103, an input device 104, a display 105, and a network interface 106. These pieces of hardware are connected to a bus 107.

[0028] The display 105 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display. The input device 104 includes, for example, a keyboard and a mouse, and may also include a proximity input device such as a touch panel display, a voice input device such as a microphone, or a non-contact input device such as a camera or a sensor. The network interface 106 is an interface for connecting the information processing device 100 via a network to an image server (not shown) in which radiation images are stored.

[0029] The nonvolatile memory 103 is a nonvolatile storage medium such as a hard disk or flash memory. The nonvolatile memory 103 stores an information processing program 110 and a template pattern 120. Details of the template pattern 120 will be described later. The RAM 102 is a work memory for the CPU 101 to execute processing. The CPU 101 loads the information processing program 110 stored in the nonvolatile memory 103 into the RAM 102 and executes processing in accordance with the information processing program 110. The CPU 101 is an example of a "processor" in the disclosed technology.

[0030] 9 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 100. The information processing device 100 has an acquisition unit 131, a recognition unit 132, a recording processing unit 133, and a tomographic image generation unit 134. When the CPU 101 executes the information processing program 110, the CPU 101 functions as the acquisition unit 131, the recognition unit 132, the recording processing unit 133, and the tomographic image generation unit 134.

[0031] The acquisition unit 131 accesses an image server (not shown) and acquires a series of radiographic images captured while moving the moving unit 12 with respect to the same imaging target using the imaging jig 10. In other words, a plurality of radiographic images are acquired in which the relative positional relationships between the radiation source 40 and the imaging target are different from one another. Note that the acquisition unit 131 may acquire radiographic images directly from the radiation detector 30 without going through the image server.

[0032] The recognition unit 132 recognizes movement amount information depicted in each of the multiple radiographic images acquired by the acquisition unit 131. The recognition unit 132 recognizes the movement amount information using a template pattern 120 recorded in the non-volatile memory 103. The template pattern 120 has a pattern similar to the image 20AI of mark 20A and the image 20BI of mark 20B depicted in the radiographic image (see FIGS. 7A and 7B). The recognition unit 132 extracts an image portion similar to the template pattern 120 from the radiographic image. The recognition unit 132 identifies the scales included in the extracted area, the numerical values ​​assigned to the scales, and the pointer indicating the position on the scale, and recognizes the numerical value corresponding to the position on the scale indicated by the pointer as movement amount information.

[0033] The recording processing unit 133 associates the movement amount information recognized by the recognition unit 132 with the corresponding radiographic image and records the associated information in the non-volatile memory 103. The recording processing unit 133 associates the movement amount information with the radiographic image for each of the multiple radiographic images acquired by the acquisition unit 131, and records each of the image data of the radiographic image associated with the movement amount information (hereinafter referred to as image data with movement amount information) in the non-volatile memory 103.

[0034] The tomographic image generation unit 134 generates a tomographic image of the imaging target using multiple pieces of image data with movement amount information stored in the non-volatile memory 103. The tomographic image generation unit 134 generates the tomographic image using, for example, a shift-and-add method, which is one of the tomographic image reconstruction methods. The shift-and-add method is a method in which a series of radiographic images are continuously captured while changing the relative positional relationship between the radiation source and the imaging target, and each image is shifted by an appropriate amount in the scanning direction, and the results are superimposed to obtain a tomographic image focused on a specific cut plane. By adjusting the shift amount for each image, it is possible to obtain a tomographic image of any cut plane. When generating a tomographic image of a cut plane specified by the user using the shift-and-add method, the tomographic image generation unit 134 calculates the shift amount for each radiographic image using the movement amount information included in the image data with movement amount information.

[0035] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the CPU 101 executing the information processing program 110. The information processing program 110 is executed when, for example, a user operates the input device 104 to instruct the start of processing.

[0036] In step S1, the acquisition unit 131 accesses an image server (not shown) and acquires a series of radiographic images captured using the imaging jig 10 while moving the moving unit 12 relative to the same imaging target.

[0037] In step S2, the recognition unit 132 recognizes the movement amount information depicted in each of the multiple radiographic images acquired in step S1 using the template pattern 120 recorded in the non-volatile memory 103.

[0038] In step S3, the recording processing unit 133 records image data with movement amount information, in which the movement amount information recognized in step S2 is associated with the corresponding radiographic image, in the non-volatile memory 103. The recording processing unit 133 records image data with movement amount information for each of the multiple radiographic images acquired in step S1.

[0039] In step S4, the tomographic image generating unit 134 generates a tomographic image of the imaging target using the plurality of image data with movement amount information recorded in step S3 in the nonvolatile memory 103. When generating a tomographic image of the cut plane specified by the user by the shift and add method, the tomographic image generating unit 134 calculates the shift amount of each radiographic image using the movement amount information included in the image data with movement amount information.

[0040] As described above, the imaging jig 10 according to the embodiment of the disclosed technique includes a movement mechanism that moves the position of the imaging target so as to change the relative positional relationship between the radiation source that emits radiation and the imaging target, and a display unit that displays movement amount information that indicates the amount of movement of the imaging target from its initial position. The movement amount information is depicted in a recognizable manner in a radiological image captured using the imaging jig 10.

[0041] Furthermore, an information processing device 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology processes radiographic images captured using the imaging jig 10. The information processing device 100 acquires the radiographic images and recognizes movement amount information depicted in the radiographic images. The information processing device 100 records image data with movement amount information, in which the movement amount information and the radiographic images are associated, in a recording medium (non-volatile memory 103). The information processing device 100 generates a tomographic image of the imaging target using multiple pieces of image data with movement amount information.

[0042] In the reconstruction process of tomographic images, information indicating the relative positional relationship of the subject depicted in each radiographic image (relative position information) is required for each image. In an imaging device equipped with a tomosynthesis function, the imaging direction is changed by robotic control to acquire a series of radiographic images. The relative positional relationship of the subject depicted in the series of radiographic images can be easily calculated in cooperation with the robotic control of the imaging direction. While imaging devices equipped with a tomosynthesis function can easily obtain tomographic images, they are expensive and difficult to implement.

[0043] Therefore, we consider a method for acquiring tomographic images using an imaging device that does not have a tomosynthesis function (a function for robotic control of the imaging direction). For example, it is possible to acquire multiple radiographic images captured in different imaging directions by manually moving the position of the imaging subject so that the relative positional relationship between the radiation source and the imaging subject changes. However, in this case, it is not easy to acquire accurate relative position information indicating the relative positional relationship between the multiple radiographic images captured in different imaging directions. Furthermore, it is necessary to manually associate the radiographic images with the relative position information.

[0044] According to the imaging jig 10 of this embodiment, movement amount information is depicted in a distinguishable manner in the radiographic images acquired using the imaging jig 10. The movement amount information can be used as relative position information indicating the relative positional relationship between the images of the imaging target depicted in each of the series of radiographic images. In other words, the imaging jig 10 can assist in the acquisition of relative position information and in associating the radiographic images with the relative position information.

[0045] The display of the movement amount information is not limited to the above-described marks 20A and 20B. FIG. 11 shows an example of another display form of the movement amount information. As shown in FIG. 11, the movement amount information may be displayed by a mark 20C. The mark 20C is provided on either the fixed part 11 or the movable part 12. The mark 20C includes a scale provided along the circumference, numerical values ​​assigned to the scale, and a pointer indicating a position on the scale. The pointer rotates around the center of the circle as an axis of rotation in conjunction with the movement of the movable part 12. That is, the tip of the pointer moves along the scale. The rotation angle of the pointer is proportional to the amount of movement of the movable part 12 from its initial position. That is, the position on the scale indicated by the pointer indicates the amount of movement of the movable part 12 from its initial position. As a mechanism for linking the rotation of the pointer to the movement of the movable part 12, for example, a mechanism configured to transmit the parallel movement of the movable part 12 to the pointer via a rack gear and a pinion gear can be used. By forming the scale, numbers and pointer that make up the mark 20C from a material that has a relatively low transmittance to radiation, it becomes possible to depict the amount of movement information in a radiological image.

[0046] The imaging jig 10 may have a position detection mark for detecting the display position of the movement amount information. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a position detection mark 21 arranged around the mark 20C. The position detection mark 21 is depicted in the radiographic image together with the mark 20C. In the information processing device 100, the recognition unit 132 detects the position of the mark 20C based on the position detection mark 21 included in the radiographic image, and performs image recognition on the detected mark 20C.

[0047] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of another display format of the movement amount information. As shown in FIG. 13 , the movement amount information may be displayed using a mark 20D. The mark 20D is provided on either the fixed unit 11 or the moving unit 12. The mark 20D includes a four-digit number. Each digit includes a rotating drum 22 having a number from 0 to 9 written on its circumferential surface. As the rotating drum 22 rotates, the displayed number of that digit changes. The rotating drum 22 for each digit rotates in conjunction with the movement of the moving unit 12. In other words, the movement amount of the moving unit 12 from its initial position is indicated by the four-digit number that constitutes the mark 20D. Note that the number of digits of the mark 20D can be changed as appropriate. Note that a mechanism for linking the rotation of the rotating drum 22 to the movement of the moving unit 12 can be, for example, a mechanism configured to transmit the translational movement of the moving unit 12 to the rotating drum 22 via a rack gear and a pinion gear. By forming each digit of the mark 20D from a material with a relatively high transmittance to radiation, it becomes possible to visualize the movement amount information in a radiographic image.

[0048] Second Embodiment Figures 14A and 14B are side views showing an example of the configuration of an imaging jig 10A according to a second embodiment of the disclosed technology and an example of a method of using the same. Figures 15A and 15B are plan views corresponding to Figures 14A and 14B, respectively. Figures 14A and 15A show a case where the moving unit 12 is located at an initial position, and Figures 14B and 15B show a case where the moving unit 12 is located at a moved position moved from the initial position. A radiation detector 30 is disposed on the moving unit 12, and an imaging target 50 is disposed on the radiation detector 30. A radiation source 40 that emits radiation is disposed in a position where the imaging target 50 is sandwiched between the radiation detector 30 and the radiation detector 30.

[0049] The imaging jig 10A has a mark member 23 provided at an end of the fixed unit 11 and a mark member 24 provided at an end of the movable unit 12. One end of the mark member 23 is connected to the fixed unit 11, and has a first portion extending upward from the connection portion with the fixed unit 11 to a position higher than the height of the imaging surface of the radiation detector 30, and a second portion protruding from the upper end of the first portion so as to overlap the imaging surface of the radiation detector 30. Similarly, one end of the mark member 24 is connected to the movable unit 12, and has a first portion extending upward from the connection portion with the movable unit 12 to a position higher than the height of the imaging surface of the radiation detector 30, and a second portion protruding from the upper end of the first portion so as to overlap the imaging surface of the radiation detector 30. The relative positions of the radiation source 40, the imaging jig 10A, and the radiation detector 30 are determined so that the imaging target 50 and the mark members 23 and 24 are within the imaging field of view.

[0050] As shown in Figures 14A and 15A, a radiographic image of the object 50 is captured with the moving unit 12 positioned at the initial position. Thereafter, as shown in Figures 14B and 15B, the moving unit 12 is translated leftward in the figures, thereby moving the radiation detector 30 and the object 50 together with the moving unit 12 to a moving position. That is, the imaging jig 10A moves the position of the object 50 so as to change the relative positional relationship between the radiation source 40 and the object 50. A radiographic image of the object 50 is captured at each of a plurality of moving positions that are different from one another. While radiographic images are being captured, the radiation source 40 and the fixed unit 11 are maintained stationary.

[0051] 16A and 16B are diagrams showing examples of a radiographic image 61 captured using the imaging jig 10A. FIG. 16A shows a case where the moving unit 12 is located at the initial position, and FIG. 16B shows a case where the moving unit 12 is located at a moved position moved from the initial position. In the radiographic image 61, an image 50I of the imaging target 50 is depicted, along with an image 23I of the mark member 23 and an image 24I of the mark member 24. As shown in FIG. 16B , based on the image 23I of the mark member 23 and the image 24I of the mark member 24 when the moving unit 12 is located at the moved position, it is possible to determine the amount of movement of the imaging target 50 from the initial position at the moved position. In other words, the movement amount information displayed by the mark members 23 and 24 indicates the amount of movement of the imaging target 50 from the initial position.

[0052] In this embodiment, the recognition unit 132 of the information processing device 100 recognizes movement amount information using the template pattern 120 recorded in the non-volatile memory 103. The template pattern 120 has a pattern similar to the image 23I of the mark member 23 and the image 24I of the mark member 24 depicted in the radiographic image. The recognition unit 132 extracts an image portion similar to the template pattern 120 from the radiographic image. The recognition unit 132 recognizes a numerical value corresponding to the distance between the image of the mark member 23 and the image of the mark member 24 included in the extracted region as movement amount information.

[0053] The imaging jig 10A of this embodiment, like the imaging jig 10 of the first embodiment, makes it possible to assist in obtaining relative position information indicating the relative positional relationship between the images of the subject depicted in each of the multiple radiographic images and in associating the radiographic images with the relative position information.

[0054] 17A and 17B are side views showing an example of the configuration of an imaging jig 10B according to a third embodiment of the disclosed technology and a method of using the same. Fig. 17A shows a case where the moving unit 12 is located at an initial position, and Fig. 17B shows a case where the moving unit 12 is located at a moved position after being moved from the initial position. A radiation detector 30 is disposed on the moving unit 12, and an imaging target 50 is disposed on the radiation detector 30. A radiation source 40 that emits radiation is disposed in a position where the imaging target 50 is sandwiched between the radiation detector 30 and the radiation detector 30.

[0055] In this embodiment, the fixed unit 11 and the moving unit 12 are connected to each other at their ends via hinges 15. The moving unit 12 can rotate around the hinge 15 as a rotation axis. That is, in the photographing jig 10B according to this embodiment, the moving mechanism formed by the fixed unit 11 and the moving unit 12 can rotate the photographing target 50. The moving unit 12 can be moved manually or automatically.

[0056] The photographing jig 10B has a mark member 23 provided at an end of the fixed part 11 and a mark member 24 provided at an end of the moving part 12. The configurations of the mark member 23 and the mark member 24 are the same as those in the second embodiment described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 17A, a radiographic image of the object 50 is captured with the moving unit 12 positioned at the initial position. Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 17B, the moving unit 12 is rotated to move the radiation detector 30 and the object 50 together with the moving unit 12 to a moving position. That is, the imaging jig 10B moves the position of the object 50 so as to change the relative positional relationship between the radiation source 40 and the object 50. A radiographic image of the object 50 is captured at each of a plurality of moving positions that are different from one another. While the radiographic images are being captured, the radiation source 40 and the fixed unit 11 are maintained stationary.

[0058] In the radiographic image, an image of the imaging subject 50 is depicted together with an image of the mark member 23 and an image of the mark member 24. Based on the images of the mark member 23 and the mark member 24 when the moving unit 12 is located at a movement position, it is possible to identify the amount of movement of the imaging subject 50 from its initial position at that movement position. In other words, the movement amount information displayed by the mark member 23 and the mark member 24 indicates the amount of movement of the imaging subject 50 from its initial position.

[0059] The imaging jig 10B of this embodiment, like the imaging jig of the first embodiment, makes it possible to assist in obtaining relative position information indicating the relative positional relationship between the images of the subject depicted in each of the multiple radiographic images, and in associating the radiographic images with the relative position information.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the following various processors can be used as the hardware structure of processing units that perform various processes, such as the acquisition unit 131, the recognition unit 132, the recording processing unit 133, and the tomographic image generation unit 134. As described above, the various processors include a CPU and a GPU, which are general-purpose processors that execute software (programs) and function as various processing units, as well as dedicated electrical circuits, such as programmable logic devices (PLDs) that are processors whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, such as FPGAs, and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), which are processors with a circuit configuration designed specifically for performing specific processes.

[0061] A single processing unit may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Also, multiple processing units may be configured with a single processor.

[0062] Examples of configuring multiple processing units with a single processor include: first, a form in which one processor is configured with a combination of one or more CPUs and software, as typified by computers such as client and server computers, and this processor functions as multiple processing units; second, a form in which a processor is used to realize the functions of an entire system including multiple processing units with a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as typified by systems on chips (SoCs); in this way, various processing units are configured using one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as a hardware structure.

[0063] Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors can be an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0064] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the information processing program 110 is described as being pre-stored (installed) in the non-volatile memory 103, but this is not limiting. The information processing program 110 may be provided in a form recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. The information processing program 110 may also be downloaded from an external device via a network. In other words, the program described in this embodiment (i.e., the program product) may be provided on a recording medium or may be distributed from an external computer.

[0065] The following additional notes are provided regarding the first to third embodiments described above.

[0066] (Supplementary Note 1) An imaging jig used when capturing a radiographic image by irradiating radiation onto an imaging target, the imaging jig comprising: a movement mechanism that moves the position of the imaging target so as to change the relative positional relationship between a radiation source that emits radiation and the imaging target; and a display unit that displays movement amount information that indicates the amount of movement of the imaging target from an initial position, wherein the movement amount information is depicted in an identifiable manner in the radiographic image.

[0067] (Supplementary Note 2) The photographing jig according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the movement mechanism moves the photographing target in a parallel or rotational direction.

[0068] (Supplementary Note 3) The photographing jig according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, wherein the display of the movement amount information changes in conjunction with the operation of the movement mechanism.

[0069] (Supplementary Note 4) The imaging jig according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the movement amount information is displayed by a mark made of a material having a lower transmittance to radiation than the movement mechanism.

[0070] (Supplementary Note 5) The imaging jig according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, wherein the moving mechanism includes: a fixed part whose relative positional relationship with the radiation source is fixed; and a moving part that is movable relative to the fixed part; and the imaging target moves in conjunction with the movement of the moving part.

[0071] (Supplementary Note 6) The photographing jig according to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the display unit includes a first mark provided on the fixed unit and a second mark provided on the moving unit, and displays the movement amount information based on a relative positional relationship between the first mark and the second mark.

[0072] (Supplementary Note 7) An information processing device including at least one processor, which processes a radiographic image captured using the imaging jig according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the processor acquires the radiographic image and recognizes movement amount information depicted in the radiographic image.

[0073] (Supplementary Note 8) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 7, wherein the processor recognizes the movement amount information included in the radiation image by matching the movement amount information with a template pattern corresponding to the movement amount information.

[0074] (Supplementary Note 9) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 7 or Supplementary Note 8, wherein a position detection mark for detecting a display position of the movement amount information is identifiably depicted in the radiological image, and the processor detects a position of the movement amount information included in the radiological image based on the position detection mark included in the radiological image.

[0075] (Supplementary Note 10) The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Note 7 to Supplementary Note 9, wherein the processor records image data with movement amount information, in which the movement amount information and the radiographic image are associated with each other, on a recording medium.

[0076] (Supplementary Note 11) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 10, wherein the processor generates a tomographic image of the object to be imaged using a plurality of pieces of data with the movement amount information recorded on the recording medium for a plurality of radiographic images having mutually different relative positional relationships between the radiation source and the object to be imaged.

[0077] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-111363, filed on July 11, 2022, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In addition, all documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. An imaging tool used when imaging a radiographic image by irradiating a subject with radiation, a moving mechanism that moves a position of the subject to be imaged so as to change a relative positional relationship between a radiation source that emits radiation and the subject to be imaged; a display unit on which movement amount information indicating a movement amount from an initial position of the subject to be photographed is displayed; Including, The movement amount information is depicted in a identifiable manner in the radiation image. Photography fixture.

2. The moving mechanism moves the subject in a parallel or rotational manner. The photographing jig according to claim 1 .

3. The display of the movement amount information changes in conjunction with the operation of the movement mechanism. The photographing jig according to claim 1 .

4. The movement amount information is displayed by a mark made of a material having a lower radiation transmittance than the movement mechanism. The photographing jig according to claim 1 .

5. The moving mechanism includes: a fixed portion having a fixed positional relationship with the radiation source; A movable part provided so as to be movable relative to the fixed part; Including, The subject to be photographed moves in accordance with the movement of the moving part. The photographing jig according to claim 1 .

6. The display unit includes a first mark provided on the fixed portion and a second mark provided on the moving portion, and displays the movement amount information based on a relative positional relationship between the first mark and the second mark. The photographing jig according to claim 5 .

7. 7. An information processing device including at least one processor, the information processing device processing a radiographic image captured using the imaging tool according to claim 1, The processor, obtaining said radiographic image; Recognizing the amount of movement information depicted in the radiation image Information processing device.

8. The processor, The movement amount information included in the radiation image is recognized by matching the movement amount information with a template pattern corresponding to the movement amount information. The information processing device according to claim 7.

9. a position detection mark for detecting a display position of the movement amount information is identifiably depicted in the radiation image; The processor detects a position of movement amount information included in the radiation image based on the position detection mark included in the radiation image. The information processing device according to claim 7.

10. The processor records image data with the movement amount information, in which the movement amount information and the radiation image are associated with each other, on a recording medium. The information processing device according to claim 7.

11. The processor generates a tomographic image of the imaging target using a plurality of pieces of image data with the movement amount information recorded on the recording medium for a plurality of radiation images having mutually different relative positional relationships between the radiation source and the imaging target. The information processing device according to claim 10.

12. The value of the movement amount indicated by the movement amount information changes in conjunction with the operation of the movement mechanism. The photographing jig according to claim 1 .