JP2003058140A - Image processor and method for image processing, program implementing image processing method, storage medium stored with program implementing image processing method, and image display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor and a method for image processing which make it possible to read an image displayed on a monitor without any feeling of physical disorder, a program which implements the image processing method, a storage medium stored with the program implementing the image processing method, and an image display device. SOLUTION: A medical image processor 2 judges that the quality of light made incident on the display screen of a monitor 3 is relatively large when the quantity of light detected by a sensor part 7a is larger than the quantity of light detected by a sensor part 7b and changes image display gradations so as to make the contrast of an image G larger than a reference value, thus an image reading person D can read the image displayed on the monitor 3a without any feeling of physical disorder.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, a program for executing the image processing method, and a storage medium storing the program for executing the image processing method, and more particularly to a technology suitable for the medical field.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image of a patient obtained by, for example, X-ray photography is printed on a film and then observed by a doctor who is a radiogram interpreter and used for diagnosis. . On the other hand, in recent years, a technique has been developed in which a medical image such as an X-ray image is acquired as image data and is formed as an image as needed. According to such a technique, there is an advantage that it does not take up much space for storage such as a film and the image quality does not deteriorate with time.

[0003]

By the way, when a medical image is treated as image data, there are a method of once imprinting the image on a medium such as a film and reading the image, and a method of displaying the image on a monitor or the like and reading the image. . Here, when conventionally interpreting a film, a film on which an image is imprinted is placed on a light emitting device called a Schaukasten, and the image is interpreted by transmitting light from the back surface. There is. Even when the image is printed on the film based on the image data, the image can be read by the same method.

However, when the image is displayed directly on the monitor based on the image data, the image reader may feel uncomfortable. The reason for this is explained.
Since the film is usually placed on the Schaukasten,
The amount of light emitted from the back surface is constant, and the lighting in the room to be read is darkened to some extent to create an environment with a constant amount of light. On the other hand, unlike the Schaukasten, the monitor is movable to some extent, so the rooms in which the monitor is viewed are not necessarily the same, and different rooms may have different environmental conditions such as illumination light. It is considered that the main cause of discomfort is that the image reader is trapped in the illusion that the image is different, even if the image is read.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, a program for executing the image processing method, and an image processing method capable of interpreting an image displayed on a monitor without a sense of discomfort. An object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium storing an executed program and an image display device.

[0006]

(1) An image processing apparatus according to the present invention is a sensor for detecting environmental conditions around a monitor in an image processing apparatus for converting input image data into image data for monitor display. Received the signal from
The image display gradation is determined according to the environmental conditions, and the input image data is changed so that the determined image display gradation is obtained. Therefore, even if the surrounding environment of the monitor is different, the image display floor can be changed accordingly. By adjusting the tones, it is possible for the image reader to read the image without feeling discomfort.

(2) Furthermore, it is preferable that the environmental condition is the brightness around the monitor because it is possible to eliminate a sense of discomfort due to the change in brightness.

(3) Further, it is preferable that the environmental condition is a distribution of the light with which the monitor is irradiated, because it is possible to eliminate a feeling of strangeness when the distribution of the light is different.

(4) Further, when the amount of light incident on the display screen of the monitor is large, the amount of light incident on the display screen of the monitor is determined by determining the image display gradation so as to enhance the contrast. This is preferable because it can eliminate discomfort in different cases.

(5) According to the image processing method of the present invention, an image processing apparatus for converting input image data into image data for monitor display receives a signal from a sensor for detecting environmental conditions around the monitor. Then, the image display gradation corresponding to the environmental conditions is determined, and the input image data is changed so that the determined image display gradation is obtained. By adjusting the display gradation, it is possible for the image reader to read the image without feeling discomfort.

(6) Furthermore, it is preferable that the environmental condition is the brightness around the monitor, because it is possible to eliminate a sense of discomfort due to the change in brightness.

(7) Further, it is preferable that the environmental condition is a distribution of the light with which the monitor is irradiated, since it is possible to eliminate a feeling of strangeness when the distribution of the light is different.

(8) Further, when the amount of light incident on the display screen of the monitor is large, the amount of light incident on the display screen of the monitor is determined by determining the image display gradation so as to enhance the contrast. This is preferable because it can eliminate discomfort in different cases.

(9) Further, it is preferable that a program for executing the above image processing method is provided.

(10) Further, it is preferable that a storage medium storing the above program is provided.

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A medical network system including a medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of such a medical network system.

The medical network system of FIG. 1 scans a photostimulable phosphor panel on which radiation image information of a subject (patient) is recorded with excitation light to emit light, and photoelectrically converts the light to obtain image information. A medical image generating apparatus 1 for generating a medical image by a CR (computed radiography) imaging modality, and an image file are input from the medical image generating apparatus 1,
A medical image processing apparatus 2 for outputting image information after performing image processing, a personal computer (personal computer), a workstation, etc., and a radiologist having a monitor 3a for referring to an image and making a diagnosis. Terminal 3
With. An optical sensor 7 is attached to the monitor 3a, and its output signal is transmitted to the medical image processing apparatus 2 via the diagnostic terminal 3.

The medical network system of FIG. 1 further includes
A reference terminal 4 including a personal computer, a workstation and the like, which has a monitor that may refer to an image but does not make a diagnosis in principle, so that the image quality such as resolution may be lower than the diagnostic terminal 3, and a personal computer or a workstation. An image server that stores image files in an image database and can retrieve and read images from the diagnosis terminal 3 and the reference terminal 4, and image data from the medical image generation apparatus 1 or the medical image processing apparatus 2. And an imager (printer) 6 for outputting a visible image on a recording medium such as film or paper. The devices 1 to 6 are online connected via the network 10 so that information can be transmitted and received from each other.

Next, the following items A to I regarding the medical image generating apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 will be described in detail in order. A. Device configuration B. Information C. File D. Input and display of main information E. Booking Procedure F. Imaging procedure G. Transfer H. Formation of output image I. Utility functions

A. Device Configuration FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the medical image generating device 1, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the controller of FIG.

A. As shown in FIG. 2, the medical image generating apparatus 1 is a radiation image obtained by converting read information from a stimulable phosphor panel in which radiation image information of a subject (patient) is stored and recorded into digital image data. An input device (reader) 11, a controller 12 that controls the operation of the entire radiation image capturing system, and an image display device 13 that includes a CRT display, a liquid crystal panel, or the like and that displays digital image data obtained by the reader 11 are provided. Prepare The medical image generating apparatus 1 may further include the reader 11a, and may include a plurality of readers. Also,
Includes information input devices such as an input keyboard and mouse.

B. The controller 12 constitutes a man-machine interface operated by a user (radiologist), and controls the entire medical image generating apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the controller 12 includes a reader 1
1, 11a, a read control unit 36 that receives image data and performs correction processing in real time, a hard disk, a RAM
A storage unit 31 configured to store and store various information such as an image file from the read control unit 36, and an image processing unit 32 that performs image processing on the image information in the image file.
An output image forming unit 33 that forms an output image to be output to the outside; an image confirmation processing unit 35 that performs image processing for image confirmation and displays a reduced image on the display device 13; 35 and a main controller 34 that controls the operation of the entire apparatus including the display device and the like.

C. Specifically, the controller 12 is used to perform the following operations 1 to 4. A user operates a shooting reservation. The user operates shooting. The image data read by the readers 11 and 11a is received. The image data is temporarily stored in the storage unit 31. The image processing unit 32 performs image processing. The output image forming unit 33 forms an output image. Transfer to an external device such as the image server 5 via the network 10.

B. The information handled by the information medical image generating apparatus 1 can be classified into the following five types. [A. Imaging Information] This is information for performing X-ray imaging, obtaining image data, and outputting it as an image file to an external device such as the image server 5. The shooting information includes the following information. (a) Reader reading conditions Information regarding the reading method by the readers 11 and 11a, that is, the reading area, the reading pixel size, the reading sensitivity, and the like. (b) X-ray apparatus information Control information when the X-ray imaging apparatus is online connected to the network 10 and can be controlled from the system of FIG. 1,
That is, the X-ray tube voltage, the X-ray tube current, the X-ray irradiation time, the irradiation area, and the like. (c) Image processing information This is information regarding gradation processing and frequency processing in the image processing of image data by the image processing unit 32. (d) Output device information Information about output devices such as the external diagnostic terminal 3, reference terminal 4, image server 5, imager 6 etc. of FIG. 1 that reproduces and outputs image data, and is output for each output device. Information such as area, enlargement / reduction rate, output format (multi-format, divided shooting format), overlay, presence / absence of gradation processing and frequency processing is designated. (e) Overlay information This is information on the presence / absence and position of overlays such as AP / PA, R / L, and comments. (f) Information regarding special designation Protect information: After the image transfer, the image file is stored in the storage unit 31 until the protection is removed. Pending information: Holds the transfer. Specify when you want to review the images later and transfer them. Priority (emergency) information: Specify when you want to prioritize transfer such as in case of emergency shooting. Registered at the head of the queue. [B. Patient Information] This is information regarding the patient and includes the following information. (a) Patient ID information The patient ID number, name, sex, date of birth, etc. (b) Order information This is information that a doctor requests for X-ray imaging, such as information regarding the condition of the patient, and instructions regarding the date and time and method regarding the examination request. [C. Imaging Implementation Information] This is information regarding the result of X-ray imaging and includes the following information. (a) Photographing result Photographing date and time, photographing number, and the like. (b) Image processing result This is an image processing parameter calculation result, and the image data is processed by the image processing unit 32 based on this result at the time of output. (c) System information This includes a part of the system information such as the system configuration at the time when the X-ray imaging was performed. [D. System Information] This is information for managing and controlling the entire system of FIG. 1, and is a parameter for controlling the system configuration (external devices such as the image server 5 connected thereto, its name), and the devices configuring the system. ,table,
There are reader information, imager information, HOST information, and other setting information regarding the output device. [E. Image data] The following image data is included. (a) Image data input from the readers 11 and 11a. (b) Reduced image data for display to be displayed on the image display device 13 for image confirmation (c) Reduced image data for image processing for image processing of the reduced image for display in the image confirmation processing unit 35. (d) Output image data such as gradation processing and frequency processing.

C. File The files handled by the medical image generating apparatus 1 are the storage unit 3
It is stored in 1 and can be classified into the following 7 categories. [A. Condition File] The shooting condition key is a key for setting shooting conditions, image processing conditions, and output conditions in advance, and has a condition file corresponding to each shooting condition key.
The condition file is composed of the above photographing information. Imaging site (lung field, abdomen, head, etc.), imaging position (standing position, lying position, etc.),
Imaging direction (front, side, etc.), patient characteristics (gender, age,
Classify according to the physique, disease name, technician, etc., and set the name and imaging information corresponding to each. Then, the controller 12 sets a condition file group for each of the plurality of classifications, sets a plurality of condition files for each set condition file group, and stores the condition file in the storage unit 31. Select the most suitable condition for image generation. [B. Reservation file] This is a file in which information regarding the shooting reservation is stored. One reservation file is created for each shooting. The reservation file is composed of imaging information selected by the imaging condition key and patient information. [C. [Image header file] After image capturing, an image header file is created. The image header is composed of a reservation file for the radiographing (that is, radiographing information, patient information) and radiographing execution information. The user refers to the imaging information, the patient information, and the imaging execution information, and when changing, refers to the image header file. [D. Reduced image file] This is image data obtained by reducing the image data to a certain fraction by the image confirmation processing unit 35 for image confirmation and the like, and includes the following. Note that the image reduction methods include simple thinning-out, arithmetic mean, and spline. (a) Reduced image data for display This reduced image for display is used as the image data displayed on the image display unit 13 of FIGS. 2 and 4 for reference for image confirmation. (b) Reduced image data for image processing. It is the reduced image data for calculating the parameter for performing the image processing in the image confirmation processing unit 35. The reduction ratio is determined so that one pixel after reduction has the same length designated in advance. As a result, the difference in read pixel size can be corrected in the reduced image. The image processing parameters are calculated using the reduced image for image processing, and the image data is not used. [E. Image data file] Readers 11 and 11a in FIG.
The corrected image data received from is stored in the storage unit 31. [F. Output image data file] This is a file of output image data that has been subjected to the designated processing of frequency processing, gradation processing, overlay, rotation, and scaling. [G. System File] The above system information is filed.

D. Input and display of main information [a. Reading Area] The reading area is an area for converting the X-ray image accumulated in the stimulable phosphor into image data. An appropriate area is designated according to the part to be imaged. Specify the reading size, orientation, position, etc. Register in the condition file in advance. When the condition file is selected, the reading area is displayed on the screen of the image display device 13 in FIG. 2 under the condition designated in advance. The size of the reading area display area on the screen of the image display device 13 is defined as the maximum reading area in reading (usually half-cut size). The reading area is determined from the designated reading size, orientation and position, and is graphically displayed in the reading area display area. This will ensure that the proper reading size, orientation, and
The position can be selected and confirmed. The irradiation area is received from the X-ray device and is simultaneously displayed in the reading area display area. [B. Output Area] The output area is an area for outputting to an external device such as the image server 5. Specify the output size, orientation, trimming position, output position, scaling method, etc. Register in the condition file in advance. When the shooting condition key is selected, the output area and the output image area are determined under the conditions specified in advance and displayed on the screen of the image display device 13. The size of the output area display area on the screen of the image display device 13 is set as the maximum output area for output. The output area and the output image area are graphically displayed in the output area display area. As a result, an appropriate output area and output image area can be selected and confirmed for each device. [C. Overlay information] “AP”, “PA”, “R”, “L”, comment,
Specify whether or not to overlay the scales and at which position. Register in the condition file in advance. An output image is displayed in the output area display area on the screen of the image display device 13, and overlay information is displayed graphically there. Touch the area you want to overlay in the output area display area and the overlay graphic will move to it. You can select an appropriate overlay and specify the position. You can see that there are no hidden parts in the overlay. If the overlay causes a problem in diagnosis, it can be moved. [D. Online information input / output from RIS] Input an order from a doctor. The entered order is converted to the format of this system and saved in the reservation file. The imaging part and the imaging method are converted into corresponding imaging condition keys. The image header file is converted to the RIS format and output. [E. Reservation list] The image display device 13 is a list of shooting reservations in order of reservation.
Can be displayed on the screen. After the shooting ends, the shooting reservation registered at the top of the reservation list is automatically set as the shooting target by the controller 12. Pre-recorded reservations will not be deleted, but will be saved up to the specified number. With this, re-shooting after confirming the hard copy,
Re-imaging can be easily performed on the same patient and under the same conditions.

E. Booking Procedure There are three input methods depending on the environment of the facility where the system of FIG. 1 is installed. [A. Online] Most of the information necessary for imaging such as patient information and imaging information is input to the image generation apparatus 1 online from the RIS via the network 10. Usually no keyboard is needed. When it is desired to input information that is not included in the information from the RIS, an information input device such as a keyboard is used. For patient information, orders from doctors and others are input online, and reservations are made by multitasking while taking pictures. Usually, each facility is set up to capture all the necessary information about the patient. As the imaging information, an order from a doctor or the like is input online together with the patient information, and the doctor selects the most suitable imaging method from the imaging condition keys when placing an order. Alternatively, the controller 12 automatically selects the imaging condition key most suitable for the order designated by the doctor. [B. Magnetic card, bar code, etc.] Only the minimum necessary information such as ID number and patient name is input online. If you want to enter information that is not included in the card, enter it using the keyboard. As the patient information, the minimum necessary information regarding radiography is read from a magnetic card or the like. If necessary, enter additional information from the keyboard. For the shooting information, the controller 12 automatically selects the shooting condition key used for the previous shooting. If you want to change it, select from the shooting condition keys. [C. Keyboard input] Enter all necessary information on the keyboard. Patient information is entered from the keyboard. Patient ID
It takes time to manually enter all numbers and patient names, so
By using a mode in which a patient ID number is automatically created based on the number of images to be taken (how many images have been taken), the time at which the image was taken, etc., it is possible to correspond to the order written on the paper. The shooting information is selected from the shooting condition keys.

F. Imaging procedure [a. Procedure for user to shoot] When the previous shooting is completed or the shooting mode is entered,
The screen becomes the screen for the next shooting, and the shooting information of the first reserved shooting is displayed on the screen of the image display device 13. If there is no reservation, you must select the shooting condition key here and make a reservation. The default is the shooting condition key used for the previous shooting. If there is insufficient information for shooting, it is necessary to enter the necessary information here. The patient information and the imaging information displayed on the screen of the image display device 13 in FIGS. 2 and 4 are checked to see if the settings are correct. The user (radiographer) takes an image in the same manner as an X-ray image with a film. The captured images are sequentially displayed on the screen of the image display device 13 in parallel with the reading. The gradation process is performed and the image is displayed again. A message is displayed indicating whether or not the shooting was successful and the processing was successful. Confirm that the picture was taken normally from the image and message, and press the key to end shooting. If shooting fails, press the key for reshooting. [B. System operation during shooting] (1) Enter shooting mode (press the shooting mode key). When it is detected that the shooting mode key is pressed, the controller 12 shifts the control mode to the shooting mode. (2) When the reservation is made in advance (there is a reservation file), the reservation content registered at the head of the queue for managing the reservation file is displayed on the screen of the image display device 13. (3) If there is no reservation, the controller 12 automatically selects the shooting condition key of the previous shooting. If necessary, reselect / modify the imaging condition key and input patient information. (4) Start shooting by pressing the shooting switch of the X-ray irradiation device. (5) The subject is irradiated with X-rays from the X-ray irradiator, and the radiation image accumulated on the photostimulable luminescent panel is read by the readers 11 and 11a as digital image information by scanning the excitation light. (6) The reading control unit 36 receives the image data from the reader and stores the image data in the image memory while performing the correction process in real time. (7) The image data stored in the frame memory is reduced by the image confirmation processing unit 35 at a reduction ratio designated in advance. (8) The reduced images processed by the image confirmation processing unit 35 are sequentially displayed on the screen of the image display device 13. (9) After reading and displaying, the digital image information is image-processed and re-displayed by the method specified in advance by the shooting condition key. A reduced image is used for image processing. (10) At the same time, it is temporarily stored in the storage unit 31. (11) Redisplay the images sequentially displayed on the image display device 13 and subjected to gradation processing after the display is completed. (12) When the reading is completed, the reservation file / imaging execution information is stored in the storage unit 31 as an image header file. (13) The reduced image data is saved in the saving unit 31 as a reduced image file. (14) The image header file / reduced image data file and the image data are managed by associating them with a common unique number. (15) The storage of these files in the storage unit 31 is automatically performed by the main controller 34 of the controller 12 after the completion of reading by the readers 11 and 11a and before the confirmation operation of the operator. This is because immediately after the end of reading, even if the power is turned off or the system is broken due to an accident, an operator's operation error, or the like, the captured image is not lost. (16) The operator can operate after reading. (17) When the operator judges that the radiographic image displayed on the image display device 13 is normal radiography, the operator inputs a key (next radiography key) for confirming the end of radiography from the character information input device to perform radiography. finish. (18) When it is desired to change patient information, image processing method, output method, etc., new information can be input from the character information input device. (19) When the next shooting key is pressed, the shooting ends and the next reservation is automatically displayed on the image display device 13. (20) If it is determined that the shooting has failed, the re-shooting key can be pressed to cancel the image and re-shoot. (21) When the next shooting key is pressed, the shooting ends and the following processing is performed. (22) The reservation file is stored in the storage unit 31 as a shooting completed reservation file. If the information is changed before the next shooting key is pressed, the image header file saved at the end of reading is updated. Images that have been shot are registered in a queue for transfer to an external device. Next, the reserved file that has been reserved is read and displayed, and shooting is possible. (23) When the re-shooting key is pressed, shooting ends and the following processing is performed. The image header file, reduced image file, and image data saved at the end of reading are discarded. It is possible to shoot with the same reservation.

G. Transfer (1) Transfer is performed asynchronously with shooting. (2) Queues are created and managed for each external device, and each queue operates independently of each other and does not affect each other. Therefore, the transfer is performed asynchronously for each device. (3) The number assigned to each image is stored in the queue in the order of transfer. (4) The queue of which external device the image is registered is stored in the storage unit 31 as a queue registration table, and is updated and managed for each registration and deletion in the queue. (5) The images registered in the queue are transferred to an external device such as the image server 5 in the order in which they are registered, and the transferred images are deleted from the queue. (6) When the transfer is executed, the image header file and the image data file stored in the storage unit 31 are specified from the numbers registered in the queue. (7) An output image is formed under the conditions saved in the image header file. The image header is converted into a format determined for each output device and transferred together with the image data file.

H. Formation of Output Image [Image Forming Process in Output Image Generation Unit 33] Image data is read from the storage unit 31 to the image memory. Perform frequency processing. Perform equalization processing. Perform gradation processing. Rotate the image. Perform mirror inversion. Enlarge / reduce. Do an overlay.

Whether or not the processes 1 to 3 are executed can be designated for each output device such as the image server 5 by the photographing information.
Further, it is possible to specify that the image data that has been subjected to the specified processing of to be saved as a processed image data file. Eliminate reprocessing of the common processing part of the output image to each output device. For example, if the scale of the output image to each output device is different, save the processed image until,
In the case of transferring to another device, by reading out the processed image, performing only the process, and transferring, it is possible to shorten the time in the processes of to. The process of is executed at the same time as any of the processes of. Memory access is reduced and processing time can be shortened.

I. Utility functions It has several functions as a utility for users. [A. Utility Function] The utility function is restricted by a password for each general user, manager, and manufacturer. In particular, changing information about images
Requires manager password for security. [B. Image File Operation] An image file list is displayed, and information about the images stored in the storage unit 31 is displayed in the order of shooting in the image display device 1.
It is displayed in 3. If you select the desired image from the list, patient information,
The shooting information and the thinned-out image are displayed in the same form as the screen at the time of shooting. Patient information, image processing method, output method, etc. can be changed. An image for which "hold" has been designated at the time of shooting can be released from the "hold" by reconfirming here. The image file list can be rearranged in the order of output to each external device. You can change the output order, whether to output to each external device. [C. Imaging record, irradiation record] The imaging information and patient information are statistically processed and provided to the user as an imaging record and irradiation record. It is possible to output the number of images of each imaged part in a designated period, a list of imaging conditions taken in one day, and the like.

Next, the following items A to H regarding the medical image processing apparatus 2 of FIG. 1 will be described in detail in order. A. Device configuration B. Information C. File D. Input and display of main information E. Image confirmation procedure F. Output G. Formation of output image Utility function

A. Apparatus Configuration FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the medical image processing apparatus 2. The medical image processing apparatus 2 illustrated in FIG. 3 includes a main controller 21 that controls the operation of the entire radiation image capturing system, and a C controller.
An image display device 22 including an RT display, a liquid crystal panel and the like for displaying digital image data obtained by the medical image generation device 1 and the like, and can be constituted by a personal computer, and an information input device such as an input keyboard or a mouse is provided. Including.

As shown in FIG. 3, the image processing apparatus 2 further comprises a receiving unit 40 for receiving the image file from the image forming apparatus 1 and the like, and a hard disk, a RAM and the like, and stores information such as the received image file and the like. A storage unit 41 for
An image processing unit 42 that performs image processing on the image information in the image file, an output image forming unit 43 that forms an output image to be output to an external device, and a reduced image to confirm the image of the received image. An image confirmation processing unit 45 displayed on the display device 22 is included. The main controller 21 controls the respective parts 40 to 43, 44, the display device 22 and the like.

The functions of the medical image processing apparatus 2 are as follows, and each function is controlled by the main controller 21. The image file receiving unit 4 receives the image file from the medical image generating apparatus 1 or the like.
Receive with 0. The image file is temporarily stored in the storage unit 41. The image quality is confirmed by the reduced image created by the image confirmation processing unit 45. The image processing unit 42 performs image processing. The output image forming unit 43 forms an output image. The output image is sent to the image server 5 via the network 10.
Etc. to an external device.

B. The information handled by the information medical image processing apparatus 2 can be classified into the following five types. [A. Condition information] Condition information for receiving an image file and outputting it as an image file that has been processed to an external device such as the image server 5 and includes the following. (a) Image processing information This is information regarding gradation processing and frequency processing in the image processing unit 42. (b) Output device information This is information about an external device such as the image server 5 that reproduces and outputs image data, and the output area, the enlargement / reduction ratio, and the output format (multi-format, divided shooting format) for each output device such as the image server 5. ), Overlay, gradation processing, frequency processing, etc. are specified. (c) Overlay information There is information such as the presence / absence and position of overlay such as AP / PA, R / L, and comments. (d) Special protection information: Even after outputting the image, the image file is saved until the protection is removed. Pending information: Holds the transfer. Specify when you want to review the images later and transfer them. Priority (emergency) information: Specify when preferential output is required, such as in case of emergency shooting. Registered at the head of the queue. [B. Patient Information] Information about a patient. (a) Patient ID information Patient ID number, name, sex, date of birth, etc. are included. (b) Order information This is information for which a doctor requests a photographing. It includes information about the patient's condition, date and time instructions regarding the test request, and so on. [C. Implementation information] Information regarding the result of reception and image processing. (a) Reception result: The date and time of shooting and the like are included. (b) Image processing result: This is the result of image processing parameter calculation, and the image data is subjected to image processing based on this result at the time of output. (c) System information: Part of the system information such as the system configuration at the time of shooting was included. [D. System Information] (a) Information for managing and controlling the system in FIG. (b) Configuration of the system of FIG. 1 (external device such as the connected image server 5 and its name). (c) Parameters and tables for controlling the devices that make up the system of FIG. (d) Setting information about the medical image generating apparatus 1 that is an input device (e) Setting information about the output device, such as information about the imager 6 and HOST information. [E. Image data] (a) Image data received from the medical image generation apparatus 1. (b) Reduced image data for display created from image data for image confirmation (c) Reduced image data for image processing for image processing of the reduced image for display in the image confirmation processing unit 45. (d) Output image data that has been subjected to gradation processing, frequency processing, etc.

C. Files Handled by the medical image processing apparatus 2 are stored in the storage unit 41 and can be classified into the following seven types. [A. Condition File] The condition key is a key for presetting image processing conditions and output conditions for the image file. There is a condition file corresponding to each condition key.
The condition file is composed of the above condition information. Imaging site (lung field, abdomen, head, etc.), imaging position (standing position, lying position, etc.),
Imaging direction (front, side, etc.), patient characteristics (gender, age,
Classify according to the physique, disease name, technician, etc., and set the name and imaging information corresponding to each. Then, main controller 21 sets a condition file group for each of the plurality of classifications, sets a plurality of condition files for each set condition file group, and saves the condition file in storage unit 41. Select the most suitable condition for receiving the image. [B. Image header file] After receiving the image header file. The image header is composed of a reservation file for the radiographing (that is, radiographing information, patient information) and radiographing execution information. When the user refers to or changes the imaging information, the patient information, or the imaging execution information, the user refers to the image header file. [C. Reduced image file] This is image data obtained by reducing the image data by a fraction. (a) Reduced image data for display This reduced image for display is used as the data displayed on the image display device 22 of FIG. (b) Reduced image data for image processing This is reduced image data for calculating parameters for performing image processing. The reduction ratio is determined so that one pixel after reduction has the same length designated in advance. As a result, the difference in read pixel size can be corrected in the reduced image. The image processing parameters are calculated using the reduced image for image processing, and the image data is not used. [D. Image File] (a) An image file is composed of image supplementary information (image header) and image data. (b) The image header consists of condition information, patient information, and implementation information. The user refers to the condition information, patient information, and implementation information, and when changing, refers to the image header. [E. Output image file] This is a file of output image data that has been subjected to the specified processing of frequency processing, gradation processing, overlay, rotation, and scaling. [F. System File] The above system information is filed.

D. Input and display of main information [a. Received image information display] Displays received images as thumbnails. [B. Output information display] Specify the output size, orientation, trimming position, output position, enlargement / reduction method, etc. Register in the condition file in advance. When the condition key is selected, the output area and the output image area are determined according to the conditions specified in advance and displayed on the screen of the image display device 22. The size of the output area display area on the screen of the image display device 22 is set as the maximum output area for output. The output area and the output image area are graphically displayed in the output area display area. As a result, an appropriate output area and output image area can be selected and confirmed for each device. [C. Overlay information] “AP”, “PA”, “R”, “L”, comment,
Specify whether or not to overlay the scales and at which position. Register in the condition file in advance. In the output area display area of the screen of the image display device 22,
The output image is displayed and the overlay information is displayed graphically. You can select an appropriate overlay and specify the position. You can see that there are no hidden parts in the overlay. If the overlay causes a problem in diagnosis, it can be moved. [D. Online information input / output from RIS] Input an order from a doctor. The entered order is converted to the format of this system and saved in the reservation file. The part to be imaged and the method to be imaged are converted using the corresponding imaging condition keys. The image header file is converted to the RIS format and output. [E. Image list] Image files can be displayed as a list.

E. Image confirmation procedure [a. Operation of system when confirming image] (1) Receive an image file from the medical image generating apparatus 1,
It is stored in the storage unit 41. (2) The image file stored in the storage medium of the storage unit 41 is reduced by the image reduction processing unit 45 at a reduction ratio designated in advance. (3) Reduced images are sequentially displayed on the screen of the image display device 22. (4) After receiving and displaying, the digital image information is image-processed by the method designated in advance by the photographing condition key and re-displayed on the image display device 22. A reduced image is used to determine the image processing parameters. (5) The images that are sequentially displayed on the image display device 22 and are subjected to gradation processing after the display is completed are displayed again. (6) When the operator sees the received image displayed on the image display device 22 and determines that it is a normal image, he / she inputs a key for confirming the reception end from the character information input device, and the image confirmation ends. (7) When it is desired to change the patient information, the image processing method, the output method, etc., new information can be input from the character information input device. (8) When the image confirmation key is pressed, the image confirmation of that image ends and the next image is automatically displayed. (9) If there is a problem with the image, the image processing can be changed. As a hold, detailed image processing changes can be made later. (10) Image confirmation ends when the image confirmation key is pressed,
The following processing is performed. The image file is stored in the storage unit 41 as a confirmed image file. The image for which image confirmation has been completed is registered in a queue for output to an external device. Next, the received image file is displayed and the image can be confirmed. (11) Image confirmation ends when the hold key is pressed.

F. Output Output is performed asynchronously with reception and image confirmation. Queues are created and managed for each external device, and each queue operates independently of each other and does not affect each other. Therefore, the output is performed asynchronously for each device. The queue of which external device the image is registered is stored in the storage unit 31 as a queue registration table, and is updated and managed for each registration and deletion in the queue. The images registered in the queue are output to the external device in the order in which they are registered, and the images that have been output are deleted from the queue. When executing the output, the image file stored in the storage unit 31 is specified from the numbers registered in the queue. An output image is formed under the conditions stored in the image file. The image header is converted into a format determined for each output device and transferred together with the image data.

G. Formation of Output Image [Image Forming Process in Output Image Forming Unit 43] Image data is read from the storage unit 31 to the image memory. Perform frequency processing. Equalization processing Gradation processing Rotating images Rotating images Mirror flipping Performing scaling Overlaying

Whether or not the processes (1) to (5) are executed can be specified for each output device by the condition information. It is possible to specify that the image data that has been subjected to the specified processing of to be saved as a processed image data file. Eliminate reprocessing of the common processing part of the output image to each output device. For example, when the scaling ratio of the output image to each output device is different, if you save the processed image up to and transfer it to another device,
By reading the image processed up to, processing only and transferring, the processing time in can be shortened.
The process of is executed at the same time as any of the processes of. Memory access is reduced and processing time can be shortened.

H. Utility function [a. Utility function for user] The utility function is restricted by a password for each general user, manager, and manufacturer. In particular, changing information about an image requires a manager password for security. [B. Image File Operation] An image file list is displayed, and information regarding stored images is displayed on the image display device 22 in the order of reception. If you select the desired image from the list, patient information,
The condition information and the image are displayed in the same form as the screen for confirming the image. Patient information, image processing method, output method, etc. can be changed. An image for which "hold" has been designated at the time of shooting can be released from the "hold" by reconfirming here. You can change the output order, whether to output to each external device. [C. Imaging record, irradiation record] The imaging information and patient information are statistically processed and provided to the user as an imaging record and irradiation record. It is possible to output the number of images of each imaged part in a designated period, a list of imaging conditions taken in one day, and the like. [D. Customize] screen, operability can be customized for each user.

Next, image processing of the medical image processing apparatus 2 in this embodiment will be described. The medical image processing apparatus 2 displays an image according to the output of the optical sensor 7 in the state where the image is displayed on the monitor 3a with respect to the image data for monitor display of the diagnostic terminal 3 obtained as described above. Change the data.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the image reader D is looking at the display screen of the monitor 3a of the diagnostic terminal 3. The optical sensor 7 arranged on the monitor 3a is configured to detect the light amount on the display screen side of the monitor 3a.
And a sensor section 7b adapted to detect the amount of light on the opposite side of the display screen of the monitor 3a. Outputs from the sensor units 7a and 7b are transmitted to the medical image processing apparatus 2.

For example, the medical image processing apparatus 2 judges that the light quantity incident on the display screen of the monitor 3a is relatively large when the light quantity detected by the sensor section 7a is larger than the light quantity detected by the sensor section 7b. The image display gradation is changed so as to increase the contrast of the image with respect to the reference value. On the other hand, when the light amount detected by the sensor unit 7a is smaller than the light amount detected by the sensor unit 7b, it is determined that the light amount incident on the display screen of the monitor 3a is relatively small, and the contrast of the image is lowered with respect to the reference value. The image display gradation is changed as follows.
The process of changing the image display gradation can be performed by changing the signal value or the like assigned in the image data for monitor display, but is not limited thereto.

In addition, when the total amount of light detected by the sensor unit 7a and the amount of light detected by the sensor unit 7b is less than a predetermined value, the medical image processing apparatus 2 darkens the image entirely with respect to the reference value. Change the image display gradation to set to.
On the other hand, when the total amount of light detected by the sensor unit 7a and the amount of light detected by the sensor unit 7b exceeds a predetermined value, the medical image processing apparatus 2 sets the image to be brighter than the reference value. Change the image display gradation. Alternatively,
When the image is subjected to the edging image processing in which a black frame is attached to the periphery of the image, the image display gradation may be changed so that the image is set to be slightly brighter than the reference value.

According to this embodiment, an image interpreter D such as a doctor can interpret an image displayed on the display screen M of the monitor without any discomfort, regardless of the environmental conditions around the monitor.
The diagnostic efficiency can be improved. The medical image processing apparatus 2 uses a CD-ROM, which is a storage medium storing a program for executing the above-described image processing method,
By calling such a program, necessary processing is performed.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the exemplary embodiments, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments, but it goes without saying that appropriate modifications and improvements can be made. is there. The environmental condition is not limited to the light quantity and the light distribution. Further, the image processing device and the image processing method of the present invention are
It can be used in fields other than the medical field regardless of the above-described embodiment.

[0051]

According to the present invention, an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, a program for executing the image processing method, and a storage medium storing a program for executing the image processing method, which can interpret an image displayed on a monitor without a feeling of strangeness. And an image display device can be provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a medical network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a medical image generating apparatus 1 of FIG.

3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a medical image processing apparatus 2 of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a controller of the medical image generation apparatus 1 of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which an image reader D is looking at a display screen of a monitor 3a of a diagnostic terminal 3.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Medical image generator 2 Medical image processing device 3 diagnostic terminal 3a monitor 7 Optical sensor 10 network 31,41 Storage 35,45 image confirmation processing unit

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus for converting input image data into image data for display on a monitor, receiving a signal from a sensor for detecting an environmental condition around the monitor, and displaying an image according to the environmental condition. Determine the display gradation,
An image processing apparatus, characterized in that input image data is changed so as to have a determined image display gradation. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the environmental condition is brightness around a monitor. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the environmental condition is a distribution of light with which a monitor is irradiated. 4. The image display gradation is determined so as to enhance the contrast when the amount of light incident on the display screen of the monitor is large. Image processing device. 5. An image processing apparatus for converting input image data into image data for display on a monitor, receiving a signal from a sensor for detecting an environmental condition around the monitor, and displaying an image according to the environmental condition. Determine the display gradation,
An image processing method, characterized in that input image data is changed so as to have a determined image display gradation. 6. The image processing method according to claim 5, wherein the environmental condition is brightness around a monitor. 7. The image processing method according to claim 5, wherein the environmental condition is a distribution of light with which the monitor is irradiated. 8. The image display gradation is determined so as to enhance the contrast when the amount of light incident on the display screen of the monitor is large. Image processing method. 9. A program for executing the image processing method according to claim 5. 10. A storage medium storing the program according to claim 9.