JP2013228305A - Measurement program and measurement apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a measurement program and a measurement apparatus that can accurately calculate light or radiation information.
A contour-enhanced image is output by emphasizing the contour of a scanner image SC of a U-shaped flow path 26 of a disc containing blood, and the U-shaped flow path is output as the contour-enhanced image and disc design information D. The ratio regarding the distortion of the image is calculated based on the outer contour of 26. In this way, by referring to the contour-enhanced image and the known design information D, the degree of image distortion with respect to the design information D can be known, and the ratio can be calculated. Therefore, it becomes possible to correct the distortion of the image based on the ratio, and the blood radioactivity concentration of β ⁺ rays can be accurately calculated based on the image whose distortion is corrected.
[Selection] Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to a measurement program and a measurement apparatus for measuring light generated from luminescent or fluorescent substances contained in a liquid to be measured or radiation contained in the liquid to be measured.

  The measuring device is used for quantitative analysis in nuclear medicine diagnosis (for example, PET (Positron Emission Tomography), SPECT (Single Photon Emission CT), etc.), and particularly for the radioactivity concentration in arterial blood of small animals (eg, mice, rats, etc.). Used for measurement.

  Blood after administration of the radiopharmaceutical into the mouse body is separated in time series, and blood is dropped into a plurality of grooves of a disc (CD well) and collected. The collected blood is centrifuged, and the radiation (for example, β-rays, γ-rays, etc.) contained in the plasma-separated plasma and blood cells is measured (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Specifically, blood to be measured is collected in a flow path of a disc (CD well). After collection, the disc is rotated and centrifuged to separate the blood into plasma and blood cells. The disk is imaged with a flat head scanner, and image data (scanner image) is acquired.

  Each flow path of the disk is formed by grooving with a predetermined dimension with respect to the disk, so if the groove length or groove region of the blood fed into the flow path is known, the flow path has a predetermined dimension. The volume of blood fed into the flow path can be defined based on the cross-sectional area of the groove that has been grooved or the depth of the groove. The obtained disk image data (scanner image) is read by software, and the CPU (central processing unit) is used to determine the flow path region, the boundary between plasma and gas from which blood in the flow path has been separated, and the boundary between plasma and blood cells. Automatically detected by an algorithm by a processing device. The groove length is determined from the position of the boundary line, and the volume of plasma and blood cells is calculated from the groove length and the cross-sectional area of the flow path.

When calculating the radioactivity concentration in the blood, a disk image (scanner image) imaged by a flat head scanner and a β ⁺ ray distribution image that is count information obtained by an imaging plate (IP) (IP image) is superimposed and superimposed, and the β ⁺ ray distribution image (IP image) on the β ⁺ ray count information of the portion overlapping the plasma region and blood cell region separated inside the groove, Determine the blood radioactivity concentration per unit volume. Specifically, the plasma in the disc image (scanner image) is associated with the plasma in the β ⁺ ray distribution image (IP image), and the blood cells in the disc image (scanner image) By correlating blood cells in the ⁺ ray distribution image (IP image), the count of each part is divided by the volume of each part to determine the blood radioactivity concentration in each part.

International Publication No. WO2009-093306

  However, there is a gap between the blood radioactivity concentration determined by the above method and the actual blood radioactivity concentration, and the blood radioactivity concentration determined by the above method shows an accurate value. There is no problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a measurement program and a measurement apparatus that can accurately calculate light or radiation information.

  As a result of earnest research to solve the above problems, the inventors have obtained the following knowledge.

  That is, as a result of a deviation between the scanner image to be superimposed and the IP image, each part (plasma / blood cell) in the scanner image and each part (plasma / blood cell) in the IP image are not accurately associated with each other. Furthermore, the inventors have found that the blood radioactivity concentration in each part does not show an accurate value. When the entire scanner image and the entire IP image are compared, there is no significant deviation. However, it has been found that when the flow path region and the flow path length are enlarged, the image is distorted (for example, expanded or contracted in the lateral direction), and particularly, the scanner image is distorted.

  For example, when the flow path entrance is enlarged, the thickness of the disk is reflected in the scanner image, so it is considered that the flat head scanner images the disk from a minute oblique direction. If the disk and the flat head scanner are close to each other, even if the image is taken from a minute oblique direction, the distortion of the scanner image is not so great, but the disk is fixed and supported while positioning. Due to the thickness of the jig, the disk and the flat head scanner cannot be brought close to each other. As a result, it is considered that the scanner image is distorted due to the thickness of the fixing jig.

  On the other hand, since the design information of a container represented by a disk or the like is known, a distortion correction physical quantity (distortion correction parameter) related to image distortion can be calculated by referring to the known container design information. I got the knowledge of 筈. Moreover, since the reference image acquired in advance is also known, the knowledge that the distortion correction physical quantity (distortion correction parameter) related to the distortion of the image can be calculated by referring to the known reference image has been obtained. In the former container design information and the latter reference image, it was also found that the image distortion cannot be accurately obtained unless the contour of the image is enhanced and the contour-enhanced image is output.

The present invention based on such knowledge has the following configuration.
That is, the measurement program according to the present invention (the former invention) is a series of measuring light emitted from a luminescent or fluorescent substance contained in a liquid to be measured or radiation contained in the liquid to be measured. A contour enhancement step for emphasizing the contour of an image related to a flow path of a container provided to contain the liquid to be measured, and outputting a contour-enhanced image, which is a measurement program for causing a computer to execute processing; Based on the contour-enhanced image whose contour is enhanced in the contour-enhancement step and the design information of the container, a distortion calculation step of calculating a distortion correction physical quantity related to image distortion, and the distortion calculated in the distortion calculation step An image distortion correction process for correcting image distortion based on the corrected physical quantity, and the light intensity based on the image whose distortion has been corrected in the image distortion correction process. There are those characterized by comprising an information calculation step of calculating the information of the radiation.

  [Operation / Effect] According to the measurement program according to the present invention (the former invention), in the contour emphasizing step, the contour of the image relating to the flow path of the container provided for containing the liquid to be measured is emphasized and contoured. Output emphasized image. Based on the contour-enhanced image in which the contour is enhanced in the contour-enhancement step and the design information of the container, in the distortion calculation step, a distortion correction physical quantity relating to image distortion is calculated. As described above, referring to the contour-enhanced image and the known container design information, the degree of distortion of the image with respect to the container design information can be known, and the distortion correction physical quantity can be calculated. Therefore, based on the distortion correction physical quantity calculated in the distortion calculation step, it is possible to correct image distortion in the image distortion correction step, and information based on the image in which the distortion is corrected in the image distortion correction step. In the calculation step, light or radiation information can be accurately calculated. In the case of the former invention, a certain effect can be obtained in the correction of the image distortion based on the design information of the container without depending on the distortion of the image acquired by imaging.

  In addition, the measurement program according to the present invention (the latter invention) is a series of measuring light emitted from a luminescent or fluorescent substance contained in a liquid to be measured or radiation contained in the liquid to be measured. A contour enhancement step for emphasizing the contour of an image related to a flow path of a container provided to contain the liquid to be measured, and outputting a contour-enhanced image, which is a measurement program for causing a computer to execute processing; Based on the contour-enhanced image in which the contour is enhanced in the contour-enhancement step and a reference image acquired in advance, a distortion calculation step of calculating a distortion correction physical quantity related to the distortion of the image, and the calculation of the distortion calculation step Based on the distortion correction physical quantity, the image distortion correction process for correcting the distortion of the image, and the light intensity based on the image whose distortion has been corrected in the image distortion correction process. There are those characterized by comprising an information calculation step of calculating the information of the radiation.

  [Operation / Effect] According to the measurement program according to the present invention (the latter invention), as in the former invention, in the contour emphasizing step, the contour of the image relating to the flow path of the container is emphasized and the contour emphasized image is output. . Based on the contour-enhanced image in which the contour is enhanced in the contour-enhancement step and the reference image acquired in advance, the distortion correction physical quantity is calculated in the distortion calculation step. As described above, by referring to the contour-enhanced image and the known reference image, the degree of distortion of the image with respect to the object that is the basis of the reference image can be known, and the distortion-corrected physical quantity can be calculated. Therefore, based on the distortion correction physical quantity calculated in the distortion calculation step, it is possible to correct image distortion in the image distortion correction step, and information based on the image in which the distortion is corrected in the image distortion correction step. In the calculation step, light or radiation information can be accurately calculated. In the case of the latter invention, the image distortion is corrected according to the individual reference images. Therefore, the image distortion can be corrected more accurately according to the distortion of the individual reference images. Is obtained.

  In the former invention and the latter invention, in the image distortion correction step described above, distortion may be corrected for the entire image relating to the flow path. By correcting the distortion with respect to the whole, there is an effect that a series of processing is simplified.

  In the former invention and the latter invention, in the above-described image distortion correction step, distortion may be corrected for the flow channel region extracted by an algorithm from the image relating to the flow channel. By correcting the distortion with respect to the flow channel region, there is an effect that the distortion of the flow channel region can be corrected more accurately.

  In the former invention and the latter invention, in the above-described image distortion correction step, distortion may be corrected with respect to the channel length extracted by an algorithm from the image relating to the channel. By correcting the distortion with respect to the flow path length, there is an effect that the distortion of the flow path length can be corrected more accurately.

  The above-described image relating to the flow path may be a morphological information image (for example, a scanner image) having morphological information of a liquid to be measured, or a measurement information image (for example, an IP image) having light or radiation measurement information. It may be. In particular, it has been found that distortion is likely to occur in the case of a morphological information image, and it is useful in correcting distortion by applying the morphological information image as an image distortion target. In the case of a measurement information image, a distribution image of light or radiation can be obtained, but it is difficult to extract a flow path, and by outputting an edge-enhanced image from the distribution image, the flow path can be easily extracted, and the distortion of the image is reduced. By applying the measurement information image as a target, it is useful in the calculation of the distortion correction physical quantity.

  Moreover, the measuring apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that it includes a calculation means for executing the above-described measuring program according to the present invention.

  [Operation / Effect] According to the measuring apparatus according to the present invention, by providing the calculation means for executing the above-described measuring program according to these inventions, the information on light or radiation can be accurately calculated even in the measuring apparatus. Can do.

  According to the measurement program and the measurement apparatus according to the present invention, in the contour emphasis step, the contour emphasis image is output by emphasizing the contour of the image related to the flow path of the container, and the contour is emphasized in the contour emphasis step. Based on the design information / reference image of the container, the distortion correction physical quantity is calculated in the distortion calculation step. In this way, by referring to the contour emphasis image and the known container design information / reference image, the degree of distortion of the image with respect to the object that is the basis of the container design information / reference image is known, and the distortion correction physical quantity is calculated. It becomes possible. Therefore, based on the distortion correction physical quantity calculated in the distortion calculation step, it is possible to correct image distortion in the image distortion correction step, and information based on the image in which the distortion is corrected in the image distortion correction step. In the calculation step, light or radiation information can be accurately calculated.

It is a block diagram of the measuring device concerning each example. It is a schematic perspective view of the scanner in the imaging part of a measuring device. It is a schematic plan view of the disc which concerns on each Example. 1 is a block diagram of a display device according to Example 1. FIG. It is a schematic plan view of the fixing jig which concerns on each Example. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of a series of processes concerning each Example. It is a schematic plan view for demonstrating the relationship between a scanner image and design information when there is no distortion. FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view for explaining the relationship between a scanner image and design information when it is stretched in the horizontal direction and distorted. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view for explaining the relationship between a scanner image and design information when contracted in the horizontal direction. 6 is a block diagram of a display device according to Embodiment 2. FIG.

Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a measuring apparatus according to each embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a scanner in an imaging unit of the measuring apparatus. In Example 1, including Example 2 to be described later, blood will be described as an example of a liquid to be measured, and a measurement system including a measurement device will be described as an example.

  A blood collection device (not shown) of the measurement system collects blood to be measured by separating it in time series. As shown in FIG. 1, the measurement system according to each embodiment includes a measurement apparatus 10 that measures radiation (for example, β rays, γ rays, etc.) contained in collected blood.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the measurement system is provided with a disk (also called “CD well”) 24 that receives and stores the dropped blood. On the center side of the disk 24, flow path inlets 25 (see FIG. 3) each having a plurality of openings for receiving the dropped blood are arranged radially. Groove processing is performed on the circular plate 24, and a plurality of U-shaped flow paths 26 (see FIG. 3) formed of U-shaped grooves are radially formed by the grooves. Each U-shaped channel 26 is connected to the outer end of the above-described channel inlet 25 on a one-to-one basis, and each U-shaped channel 26 is formed to extend in the radial direction of the disk 24. . The disc 24 corresponds to the container in the present invention, and the U-shaped channel 26 corresponds to the channel in the present invention. A specific configuration of the disc 24 will be described later with reference to FIG.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, the measuring apparatus 10 includes a reading unit 11. The reading unit 11 is provided with a cover part for inserting an imaging plate (not shown) after exposure, and reading β ⁺ rays contained in blood by reading light excited from the imaging plate. To detect. Specifically, the reading unit 11 includes a laser light source 12 and a photomultiplier tube (photomultiplier tube) 13, and irradiates the imaging plate with laser from the laser light source 12 to irradiate the imaging plate with laser. The photomultiplier tube 13 converts the light excited by the light into electrons and multiplies it, thereby detecting β ⁺ rays.

  The measuring apparatus 10 includes an imaging unit 14 and a display device 15 in addition to the reading unit 11 described above. The display device 15 may be configured by a normal personal computer. A specific configuration of the display device 15 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the imaging unit 14 images the disc 24. In Example 1, including Example 2 described later, a flat head scanner is employed as the imaging unit 14. A flat head scanner is composed of a linear light source 14a having a length corresponding to the diameter of the disc 24 and a linear photodiode array (that is, a line sensor) 14b arranged opposite to the light source 14a with the disc 24 in between. Configure. The disk 24 is imaged by scanning the disk 24 with a flat head scanner, and an image of the disk 24 is acquired.

  Next, a specific configuration of the disc 24 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a disk according to each embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the U-shaped flow path 26 of the disk 24 is formed by connecting the flow path inlet 25 and the air hole 27 described above. When the flow channel inlet 26 that is a blood inlet is the upstream portion of the blood and the air hole 27 is the downstream portion, the U-shaped flow channel 26 extends inward in the radial direction of the disk 24 from the upstream portion to the downstream portion. The U-shape is formed by extending from the outside toward the outside, turning back and extending from the outside toward the inside in the radial direction of the disc 24. A plurality of such U-shaped flow paths 26 are provided.

  The disc 24 has two recesses 24A and 24B, which are fitted into a fixing jig 31 (see FIG. 5) described later. The fixing jig 31 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  A motor (not shown) for rotating the disc 24 is provided at the center of the disc 24. By connecting the rotating shaft (not shown) of the motor to the disc 24, the centrifugal force of the disc 24 by the motor is used to perform blood separation to separate blood into plasma and blood cells.

  In Example 1, including Example 2 described later, the disk 24 is formed of an acrylic plate. The material of the circular plate 24 is not limited to acrylic, and any resin optically transparent material such as the above-described PDMS, polycarbonate, COP may be used.

  Next, a specific configuration of the display device 15 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the display device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the display device 15 includes a first reading unit 16A, a second reading unit 16B, a memory unit 17, a controller 18, an input unit 19, and an output monitor 20. The controller 18 corresponds to the calculation means in this invention.

  The first reading unit 16A and the second reading unit 16B are configured by a reading device such as an I / O (Input / Output) device, for example. The first reading unit 16A reads an IP image acquired by an imaging plate (not shown) via the reading unit 11 (see FIG. 1). The second reading unit 16B reads the scanner image acquired by the imaging unit 14. The IP image corresponds to the measurement information image in the present invention, and the scanner image corresponds to the morphological information image in the present invention.

  The memory unit 17 is composed of a storage medium represented by ROM (Read-only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. In the first embodiment, a measurement program 17A for causing a computer (the controller 18 in the first embodiment) to execute a series of processes shown in FIG. 6 and a liquid to be measured (each implementation) as an extraction result extracted by an algorithm. The example relates to a flow path (a U-shaped flow path 26: see FIG. 3 in each embodiment) of a container (in each embodiment, a disk 24: see FIG. 2 or FIG. 3) provided to contain blood. An extraction result memory unit 17B for emphasizing the contour of an image (an IP image or a scanner image in each embodiment) and outputting and storing a contour-enhanced image, and a design information memory unit for storing design information of the container (disk 24) The memory unit 17 includes 17C. The measurement program 17A is composed of a ROM, and the extraction result memory unit 17B and the design information memory unit 17C are composed of a RAM. In the first embodiment, the outer contour of the U-shaped flow path 26 of the disc 24 (see the dotted lines in FIGS. 7 to 9) will be described as an example of the design information. The measurement program 17A corresponds to the measurement program in the present invention.

  The controller 18 includes a central processing unit (CPU). As a program for performing various image processing, the controller 18 executes the measurement program 17A and the like shown in FIG. 4 such as calculating distortion correction parameters, correcting image distortion, and calculating radioactivity concentration. A series of processing shown in FIG. 6 corresponding to the measurement program including image processing corresponding to the program is performed. In the first embodiment, the controller 18 executes an outline emphasis process, a distortion calculation process, an image distortion correction process, and an information calculation process.

  The input unit 19 includes a pointing device represented by a mouse, keyboard, joystick, trackball, touch panel, and the like. As shown in FIG. 6, the output monitor 20 displays the IP image read by the first reading unit 16A and the scanner image read by the second reading unit 16B, and is output as an extraction result extracted by the algorithm. An outline-enhanced image is displayed, an image with corrected distortion is displayed, and an image with corrected distortion (here, a scanner image) and an IP image are superimposed and displayed.

  Next, a specific configuration of the fixing jig 31 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a fixing jig according to each embodiment. A fixing jig 31 is provided as shown in FIG. 5 in order to support the circular plate 24 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) while fixing and positioning it. The fixing jig 31 is provided with an opening 32 into which the disk 24 is fitted, and the two protrusions 32 </ b> A and 32 </ b> B are provided in the opening 32. By fitting the recess 24A (see FIG. 3) of the disc 24 into the projection 32A and fitting the recess 24B (see FIG. 3) of the disc 24 into the projection 32B, the fixing jig 31 is circular. The plate 24 is fixed and supported while positioning.

  In Example 1, including Example 2 described later, one opening 32 is provided as shown in FIG. 5, and one disk 24 is fixed to one fixing jig 31. A plurality of (for example, two) openings 32 may be provided so that the plurality of disks 24 are fixed to one fixing jig 31. A cutout 31A is provided in the fixing jig 31 at the upper left of the drawing.

  In the case of the fixing jig 31 shown in FIG. 5, if it is rotated 180 °, there is a risk that the upper and lower sides and the right and left sides may be mistaken due to the symmetry of the flow path inlet 26 (see FIG. 3). By providing the scanner, the IP image acquired by the imaging plate (not shown) via the reading unit 11 (see FIG. 1) is also acquired by the imaging unit 14 (see FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 4). Images can also be oriented with reference to the notch 31A.

  The fixing jig 31 fixes and supports the disc 24 separated into plasma and blood cells by the centrifugal force of the disc 24 (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) by a motor (not shown). Thus, the direction and position of each flow path inlet 26 (see FIG. 3) of the disk 24 are also fixed. Then, with the orientation and position being fixed, the imaging plate 14 is imaged using an imaging plate (not shown) to obtain an IP image, and the imaging unit 14 (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 4). The circular plate 24 is imaged by the flat head scanner to obtain a scanner image. Note that the order of imaging is not particularly limited.

Specifically, the disc 24 (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) and the fixing jig 31 are used as samples, and a cassette (not shown) is opened and accommodated, and an imaging plate (not shown) is accommodated thereon. Then, the cassette is closed to perform exposure. By this exposure, electrons are captured by lattice defects of the phosphor (not shown) of the imaging plate due to the ionization ability of β ⁺ rays contained in the blood. After the exposure for a certain time, the imaging plate is taken out from the cassette, inserted into the cover portion of the reading unit 11 (see FIG. 1) of the measuring apparatus 10 (see FIG. 1), and exposed to light by irradiating the imaging plate with light. Do.

The imaging plate (not shown) is irradiated with laser from the laser light source 12 (see FIG. 1) of the reading unit 11 (see FIG. 1). The trapped electrons are excited to the conductor by this irradiation and recombine with holes, and are excited as light from the phosphor. The photomultiplier tube 13 (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 4) converts the light excited by the laser irradiation to the imaging plate into electrons and multiplies it to detect and count as an electric pulse. After irradiating the imaging plate from the laser light source 12, the captured plate is erased by irradiating the imaging plate with light from an erasing light source (not shown) for reuse. Based on the count information of the beta ⁺ line obtained by the imaging plate and the reading unit 11, obtains the radiation dose in the blood which is count information on beta ⁺ line. In this way, an IP image is acquired.

  On the other hand, the imaging unit 14 (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 4) images the plasma and blood cells separated from the plasma together with the disk 24 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) and the fixing jig 31 that supports the disk 24. To do. By irradiating light from the light source 14a (see FIG. 2) of the flat head scanner of the imaging unit 14, a difference in absorbance appears on the image where plasma and blood cells are imaged, so that it easily appears on the image. Be identifiable. In this way, a scanner image is acquired.

  Since the scanner image is a morphological information image including blood, a disk 24 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) and a fixing jig 31 provided with a notch 31A, information such as the notch 31A is also reflected. Since the IP image is a measurement information image having measurement information, information such as the cutout 31A is not reflected in the image. However, since the direction and position of each flow path inlet 26 (see FIG. 3) are fixed by the fixing jig 31, the U-shaped flow path 26 of the disk 24 (which is the fixed position of the disk 24) A relative position with respect to the fixing jig 31 is also determined.

  However, even when the fixing jig 31 is provided, when the disk 24 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) is imaged by the flat head scanner of the imaging unit 14 (see FIGS. 1, 2 and 4), As described above, when the flat head scanner images the disk 24 from a minute oblique direction, there is a possibility that a scanner image obtained thereby is distorted. In particular, in the case where the fixing jig 31 fixes and supports the disk 24 while positioning it and images the disk 24 together with the fixing jig 31 with a flat head scanner, depending on the thickness of the fixing jig 31, 24 and the flat head scanner cannot be close to each other. As a result, the scanner image may be distorted due to the thickness of the fixing jig 31. As a result, even if the individual images are superimposed and displayed in a superimposed manner, a deviation occurs between the scanner image to be superimposed and the IP image, and each part (plasma / blood cell) in the scanner image and each part in the IP image (Plasma / blood cells) may not be accurately associated with each other, and the blood radioactivity concentration in each part may not show an accurate value.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, as an extraction result extracted by the algorithm, the contour of the image related to the U-shaped flow path 26 (see FIG. 3) of the disk 24 (see FIG. 2 or FIG. 3) is emphasized. An enhanced image is output, and the image is distorted based on the contour-enhanced image in which the contour is enhanced and the design information of the disc 24 (in this embodiment, the outer contour of the U-shaped flow path 26 of the disc 24). A distortion correction physical quantity (distortion correction parameter) is calculated. Then, the distortion of the image is corrected based on the distortion correction physical quantity (distortion correction parameter), and the blood radioactivity concentration is calculated based on the image whose distortion is corrected.

  Next, a series of processing will be described with reference to FIG. 6 and will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of a series of processing according to each embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view for explaining the relationship between the scanner image and design information when there is no distortion. FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view for explaining the relationship between the scanner image and the design information when the image is stretched and distorted in the horizontal direction, and FIG. 9 is the relationship between the scanner image and the design information when distorted by being contracted in the horizontal direction. It is a schematic plan view with which it uses for description. 7 to 9 schematically show the contour-enhanced image obtained by enhancing the contour of the scanner image SC.

  First, an IP image is acquired from an imaging plate (not shown) via the reading unit 11 (see FIG. 1), and a scanner image is obtained from the flat head scanner of the imaging unit 14 (see FIGS. 1, 2 and 4). To get.

(Step S1) Image Reading The second reading unit 16B (see FIG. 4) reads the scanner image acquired by the imaging unit 14 (see FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 4).

(Step S11) Outline Enhancement Normally, in order to extract a region of interest, the controller 18 (see FIG. 4) emphasizes the outline of the scanner image read in step S1, and outputs an outline enhanced image. As the contour enhancement processing, for example, contour enhancement processing by first-order differentiation for obtaining the difference between the pixel of interest and its surrounding pixels, represented by the Sobel filter processing and Prewitt filter processing, Laplacian filter What is necessary is just to perform the contour emphasis process by the secondary differentiation etc. which calculates | requires the further difference of the difference of an attention pixel and its peripheral pixel represented by the (Laplacian filter) process. Since these contour enhancement processes are known techniques, their description is omitted. This step S11 corresponds to the contour emphasizing step in the present invention.

  This contour-enhanced image is used for the extraction result (flow channel region). That is, the controller 18 (see FIG. 4) applies an algorithm such as contour enhancement processing to the scanner image to emphasize the contour of the scanner image and output a contour enhanced image, thereby obtaining the disc 24 (FIG. 2 or FIG. 4). 3) (see FIG. 3), the contour of the U-shaped channel 26 (see FIG. 3) (that is, the channel region) and the boundary position of the gas / plasma or plasma / blood cell are detected. Channel region) is extracted, and the boundary position and the region surrounded by the channel region are extracted as component regions. Then, the flow path region obtained as an extraction result by the algorithm of the contour enhancement process is written and stored in the extraction result memory unit 17B (see FIG. 4). In addition, the component area may be written and stored in the extraction result memory unit 17B (see FIG. 4).

(Step T1) Image Reading On the other hand, the first reading unit 16A (see FIG. 4) reads an IP image acquired by an imaging plate (not shown) via the reading unit 11 (see FIG. 1). The order of step S1 and step T1 described above is not particularly limited, and step T1 may be performed first, step S1 may be performed first, or steps S1 and T1 may be performed concurrently. Good.

(Step S2) Image Display The scanner image read in step S1 is displayed on the screen of the output monitor 20 (see FIG. 4).

(Step S3) Extraction Result Display When the scanner image is displayed on the screen of the output monitor 20 (see FIG. 4) in step S2, the flow path region as the extraction result extracted by the algorithm for the scanner image is displayed in the scanner image. Is displayed on the screen of the output monitor 20. In order to add and display the extraction result (channel region, component region) on the screen of the output monitor 20, the channel region as the extraction result is read from the extraction result memory unit 17B (see FIG. 4), and the channel The area is added to the scanner image and displayed on the screen of the output monitor 20. In addition to the channel region, a component region can be added to the scanner image as an extraction result and displayed on the screen of the output monitor 20.

(Step S4) Adjustment Even if there is an erroneous detection in step S3, it is even more preferable to adjust as in step S4. Specifically, at least one of the scanner image and the flow path region as the extraction result is adjusted by moving on the display screen, or the size of the flow path area as the extraction result is adjusted on the display screen. It adjusts with the input part 19 (refer FIG. 4). From the output monitor 20 shown in FIG. 4, the flow channel regions (other component regions) as the respective extraction results are grouped, and the grouped extraction results are dragged to match the components and flow channels of the scanner image. Without moving them on the display screen, or grouping each extraction result (flow channel region, component region), and dragging the extraction results (flow channel region, component region) individually. The size of the extraction result (flow channel region, component region) is adjusted by moving the pointer on the display screen so as to match the component or the flow channel, or by aligning the pointer with the enclosed portion of the enclosed region. Of course, the scanner image may be moved and adjusted on the display screen, or both may be moved and adjusted on the display screen. Further, the input unit 19 is configured by a touch panel of the output monitor 20, and adjustment is performed by directly touching a scanner image or an extraction result (flow channel region, component region) to be adjusted on the touch panel of the output monitor 20 with a finger. May be.

(Step T2) Image Display On the other hand, the IP image read in step T1 is also displayed on the screen of the output monitor 20 (see FIG. 4). The order of steps S2 to S4 and T2 described above is not particularly limited, and step T2 may be performed first, steps S2 to S4 may be performed first, or steps S2 to S4 and T2 are performed in parallel. You may go to

(Step S5) Image Distortion Correction Even if adjustment is made between the flow path areas as the scanner image / extraction result in step S4, there is a possibility that the entire image, flow path area or flow path length is distorted. Therefore, image distortion is corrected in step S5. First, in step S11, the contour is emphasized in the extraction result memory unit 17B (see FIG. 4) and the contour emphasis image (channel region and component region) stored in the extraction result memory unit 17B (see FIG. 4) and the design information memory unit 17C (see FIG. 4). Based on the stored design information of the disc 24 (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) (here, the outer contour of the U-shaped flow path 26 of the disc 24 (see FIG. 3)), distortion related to image distortion The controller 18 (see FIG. 4) calculates a corrected physical quantity (distortion correction parameter).

  For this purpose, the design information of the disc 24 (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) is compared with the flow path region extracted from the scanner image to determine whether the scanner image is distorted. For example, in the horizontal direction of the image, the outer contour of the U-shaped flow path 26 extracted facing each other as shown in FIG. 7 is in contact with the circumference of a circle determined by the design information D indicated by the dotted line in FIG. Then, it can be determined that the image is not distorted. Further, if there is an outer contour of the U-shaped channel 26 outside the circle determined by the design information D indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 8, it is determined that the image is laterally distorted. Further, if there is an outer contour of the U-shaped channel 26 inside the circle determined by the design information D indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 9, it is determined that the image is distorted by shrinking in the horizontal direction.

  Thus, if the outer contour of the U-shaped channel 26 is not in contact with the circumference of the circle indicated by the dotted line in FIGS. 7 to 9, the outer contour of the U-shaped channel 26 on the scanner image SC. The controller 18 (see FIG. 4) calculates the ratio at which the image is shrunk or stretched based on the distance from to the circumference of the circle indicated by the dotted line. In the first embodiment, this ratio is obtained as a distortion correction parameter.

  When the image is distorted by shrinking in the horizontal direction, the distortion of the image is corrected by stretching the entire image in the horizontal direction using this ratio. On the contrary, when the image is distorted by extending in the horizontal direction, the distortion of the image is corrected by reducing the entire image in the horizontal direction using this ratio. After determining the horizontal direction, the vertical direction is also determined in the same procedure, and the vertical and horizontal distortion of the image is corrected. This step S5 corresponds to a distortion calculation step and an image distortion correction step in the present invention.

(Step S6) Image Display The image whose distortion has been corrected in step S5 is displayed on the screen of the output monitor 20 (see FIG. 4). If the distortion is not completely corrected, the process may return to step S5 to repeat the image distortion correction and the image display in step S6 until the distortion is completely corrected.

(Step U1) Superimposition Processing The controller 18 (see FIG. 4) superimposes the scanner image adjusted in step S4 and corrected for distortion in step S5 and the IP image displayed in step T2 by superimposing.

In this manner, the scanner image to be superimposed and the IP image are accurately associated, and the volume in plasma and the volume in blood cells in the scanner image are accurately obtained. Then, the controller 18 (see FIG. 4) divides the β ⁺ ray count in the IP image associated with the plasma in the scanner image by the volume in the plasma to obtain the plasma radioactivity concentration. calculate. Further, the controller 18 calculates the blood radioactivity concentration of the blood cell by dividing the count of β ⁺ rays in the IP image associated with the blood cell in the scanner image by the volume in the blood cell. This step U1 corresponds to the information calculation step in this invention.

(Step U2) Superimposition Display The image after superimposition processing (shown as “superimposed image” in FIG. 6) is displayed on the screen of the output monitor 20 (see FIG. 4). In the description here, the superposition display in step U2 is performed after the blood radioactivity concentration is calculated, but the blood radioactivity concentration may be calculated after the superposition display in step U2.

According to the measurement program 17A according to the first embodiment, in step S11, a flow path (in a disk 24 in each embodiment) of a container (a disk 24 in each embodiment) provided to store a liquid to be measured (blood in each embodiment). In each embodiment, the outline of the image (scanner image in the flowchart of FIG. 6) relating to the U-shaped flow path 26 is emphasized, and an outline enhanced image (flow path area or component area) is output. The contour emphasis image (flow channel region and component region) whose contour is emphasized in step S11 and the design information of the container (disk 24) (in this embodiment, the outer contour of the U-shaped channel 26 of the disk 24). In step S5, a distortion correction physical quantity (a ratio in the first embodiment) relating to image distortion is calculated. In this way, by referring to the contour emphasis image and the design information D of the known container (disk 24) (the outer contour of the U-shaped flow path 26 of the disk 24), the design information D of the container (disk 24). The degree of distortion of the image with respect to (the outer contour of the U-shaped flow path 26 of the disk 24) can be known, and the distortion correction physical quantity (ratio) can be calculated. Therefore, based on the distortion correction physical quantity (ratio) calculated in step S5, it is possible to correct image distortion in the same step S5, and based on the image in which distortion is corrected in step S5, step U1. Then, it is possible to accurately calculate information on radiation (β ⁺ rays in each example) (blood radioactivity concentration in each example).

  In the case of the first embodiment, a certain effect can be obtained in the correction of the image distortion based on the design information D of the container (disk 24) without depending on the distortion of the image acquired by the imaging. .

  In the first embodiment, distortion is corrected for the entire image relating to the flow path (scanner image in the flowchart of FIG. 6). By correcting the distortion with respect to the whole, there is an effect that a series of processing is simplified.

  In the first embodiment, the image relating to the flow path is a morphological information image (scanner image in the flowchart of FIG. 6) having morphological information of the liquid to be measured (blood in each embodiment). In particular, it has been found that distortion is likely to occur in the case of a morphological information image typified by a scanner image, and it is useful in correcting distortion by applying the morphological information image as an image distortion target.

In addition, the measurement apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment includes the controller 18 that executes the measurement program 17A, so that the measurement apparatus 10 also has information on radiation (β ⁺ rays in each embodiment) (blood in each embodiment). Medium radioactivity concentration) can be calculated accurately.

Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the display device according to the second embodiment. Constituent elements common to the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and illustration is omitted. The measuring apparatus according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 described in the first embodiment, and the disk and the fixing jig according to the second embodiment are also described in the first embodiment. 3 and 5, the description and illustration thereof will be omitted.

  The difference from the first embodiment is that, in the first embodiment, the reference source is the design information D of the container (disk 24) (the outer contour of the U-shaped flow path 26 of the disk 24). In the second embodiment, the reference source is a reference image. In other words, in the second embodiment, a distortion correction physical quantity (distortion correction parameter) related to image distortion is calculated based on the contour-enhanced image (flow channel region and component region) and the reference image acquired in advance. Therefore, instead of the design information memory unit 17C of FIG. 4 in the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, a reference image memory unit 17D that stores a reference image acquired in advance is used as a memory unit. 17 is provided. The other configuration in FIG. 10 is the same as the configuration in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  Also in the second embodiment, the controller 18 executes an outline emphasis process, a distortion calculation process, an image distortion correction process, and an information calculation process. However, in the distortion calculation step (step S5 in FIG. 6) according to the second embodiment, the reference source is the reference image, so that portion will be described in detail.

  The reference image is not particularly limited, but if the image distortion correction target is a scanner image as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, the target image is scanned (scanned) by the same flat head scanner that acquired the scanner image. Thus, the target object is imaged and a reference image is acquired. In this case, a graph paper with vertical and horizontal grids is used as a target, and the grid paper is scanned in advance with a flat head scanner, thereby obtaining a reference image of the grid paper with vertical and horizontal grids. The amount of deviation from the eye or the angle of deviation can be calculated.

  If the scanner image of the disk 24 is distorted by the flat head scanner, the distorted reference image obtained in advance by the same flat head scanner is also distorted, and the distorted reference is generated. The squares in the image also have a specific shift amount or a specific shift angle from the original vertical and horizontal directions. Therefore, the controller 18 calculates the amount of deviation or angle as a correction physical quantity (distortion correction parameter) by calculating the amount of deviation or angle for each square.

  Next, a series of processes will be described with reference to FIG. However, steps S1 to S4, S11 and S6, steps T1 and T2, and steps U1 and U2 in FIG. 6 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. Only the image distortion correction in step S5 will be described.

(Step S5) Image Distortion Correction First, a contour-enhanced image (flow channel region or component region) whose contour is enhanced and stored in the extraction result memory unit 17B (see FIG. 10) in step S11, and a reference image memory unit 17D. Based on (see FIG. 10), the controller 18 (see FIG. 10) calculates a distortion correction physical quantity (distortion correction parameter) related to image distortion.

  For this purpose, it is determined whether the scanner image is distorted by comparing the reference image (here, the reference image of the graph paper obtained in advance by the flat head scanner) with the flow channel region extracted from the scanner image. To do. As described above, if the reference image is distorted, it is determined that the scanner image is also distorted.

  As described above, the controller 18 (FIG. 10) calculates the original specific shift amount or shift angle from the vertical and horizontal directions based on the squares in the reference image. In the second embodiment, these shift amounts or shift angles are obtained as distortion correction parameters.

  When the image is distorted in an oblique direction, the image distortion is corrected by rotating the image in the reverse direction using the shift angle. When the image is distorted by shifting vertically or horizontally, the image distortion is corrected by moving the image in the reverse direction using the shift amount. In addition, you may correct | amend using both deviation | shift amount and deviation | shift angle.

  Further, when the vertical and horizontal squares are contracted or extended in the vertical or horizontal direction due to distortion, the ratio may be obtained as a distortion correction parameter as in the first embodiment. In this case, it is preferable to calculate the ratio for each square in terms of correcting distortion more accurately. This step S5 corresponds to a distortion calculation step and an image distortion correction step in the present invention.

According to the measurement program 17A according to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, in step S11, an image related to the flow path (U-shaped flow path 26 in each embodiment) of the container (the disk 24 in each embodiment). A contour-enhanced image (flow channel region or component region) is output by emphasizing the contour (scanner image in the flowchart of FIG. 6). Based on the contour-enhanced image (channel region or component region) in which the contour is enhanced in step S11 and a reference image (for example, a reference image of graph paper) acquired in advance, in step S5, distortion correction related to image distortion is performed. A physical quantity (a deviation amount or a deviation angle in the second embodiment) is calculated. As described above, referring to the contour emphasis image and the known reference image (graph paper reference image), the degree of distortion of the image with respect to the target object (graph paper) that is the basis of the reference image (graph paper reference image). Obviously, it becomes possible to calculate the distortion correction physical quantity (deviation amount or deviation angle). Therefore, based on the distortion correction physical quantity (shift amount or shift angle) calculated in step S5, it becomes possible to correct image distortion in the same step S5, and based on the image in which the distortion is corrected in step S5. In step U1, radiation (β ⁺ ray in each embodiment) information (blood radioactivity concentration in each embodiment) can be accurately calculated.

  Further, in the case of the second embodiment, the image distortion is corrected according to each reference image (reference image of graph paper), so that the distortion of each reference image (reference image of graph paper) is corrected. Thus, it is possible to correct the image distortion more accurately.

  In the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment described above, distortion is corrected for the entire image relating to the flow path (scanner image in the flowchart of FIG. 6). By correcting the distortion with respect to the whole, there is an effect that a series of processing is simplified.

  In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment described above, the image relating to the flow path is a morphological information image (scanner image in the flowchart of FIG. 6) having the morphological information of the liquid to be measured (blood in each embodiment). It is. In particular, it has been found that distortion is likely to occur in the case of a morphological information image typified by a scanner image, and it is useful in correcting distortion by applying the morphological information image as an image distortion target.

In addition, the measurement apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment includes a controller 18 that executes the measurement program 17A in the same manner as the first embodiment described above, so that the measurement apparatus 10 can also perform radiation (β ⁺ ray in each embodiment). ) Information (blood radioactivity concentration in each embodiment) can be accurately calculated.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as follows.

  (1) In each of the above-described embodiments, blood has been described as an example of the liquid to be measured. However, the liquid is not limited to blood and includes a radioactive substance, a luminescent substance, and a fluorescent agent. Or a liquid mixture used in an analyzer. Further, the liquid to be measured need not be the liquid to be centrifuged.

(2) In each of the above-described embodiments, the measurement information image is an IP image having measurement information of radiation (β ⁺ rays in each embodiment) acquired from the imaging plate. If it is a measurement information image having measurement information on the light emitted from the contained luminescent or fluorescent material or the radiation contained in the liquid to be measured, for example, light (photon: photon) or radiation directly It is not necessarily limited to an IP image, such as a measurement information image obtained by counting.

  (3) In each of the above-described embodiments, the shape information image is a scanner image acquired from the flat head scanner of the imaging unit 14, but if it is a shape information image having the shape information of the liquid to be measured, For example, the image is not necessarily limited to a scanner image, such as a morphological information image acquired by a radiation imaging unit including a radiation irradiation unit and a radiation detection unit. In addition, a contour emphasis image is output by emphasizing the image of a container (for example, a disk) captured by a digital camera or the like, and the contour emphasis image is matched with design information of the container (for example, a disk). May be enlarged or reduced and used as a morphological information image.

  (4) In each of the above-described embodiments, the container is a disk that performs centrifugation. However, when the liquid to be measured is not the liquid to be centrifuged, the container that stores the liquid is: It is not limited to a disc. It may be a square plate or a polygonal plate.

  (5) In each of the embodiments described above, a plurality of U-shaped flow paths 26 formed in the radial direction are provided by radially grooving along the radial direction of the disk 24. There is no need to install it. For example, you may arrange | position in parallel mutually.

(6) In each of the above-described embodiments, the object of image distortion correction is a morphological information image typified by a scanner image. However, as long as the image is related to a flow path, light or radiation (in each embodiment, β ^It may be a measurement information image (for example, an IP image) having measurement information of ( ⁺ line). In the case of a measurement information image, a distribution image of light or radiation is obtained, but it is difficult to extract the flow path, and it becomes easier to extract the flow path by outputting a contour-enhanced image from the distribution image, and as an object of image distortion By applying the measurement information image, it is useful in the calculation of the distortion correction physical quantity.

  (7) In each of the embodiments described above, the distortion is corrected for the entire image related to the flow path (scanner image in each embodiment), but is not necessarily limited to the entire image. Since what is necessary is the flow channel region or flow channel length extracted by the algorithm, the distortion may be corrected for the flow channel region or flow channel length. By correcting the distortion with respect to the flow channel region, there is an effect that the distortion of the flow channel region can be corrected more accurately. By correcting the distortion with respect to the flow path length, there is an effect that the distortion of the flow path length can be corrected more accurately.

  (8) In each of the above-described embodiments, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, distortion is determined for each image related to the flow path (scanner image in each embodiment) to correct the image distortion. It is not necessary to determine each time. The distortion of the image may be corrected once using the same distortion correction parameter obtained by the distortion determination.

  (9) In the first embodiment described above, the distortion is corrected in the vertical and horizontal directions with respect to the image, but the direction is not limited to the vertical and horizontal directions. The distortion may be corrected with respect to the oblique direction, the distortion may be corrected with respect to a specific angle, or a part or all of these directions may be corrected in combination. Further, as in the second embodiment, each specific square may be corrected in the first embodiment.

  (10) In the first embodiment described above, the design information of the container is the outline of the outer side of the U-shaped flow path 26 of the disk 24, but the design information is not limited to this. It may be the inside of the U-shaped flow path 26 or the outer peripheral circle of a disk.

  (11) In the above-described second embodiment, the reference image is an image obtained by imaging a graph paper with vertical and horizontal grids as an object, but the paper drawn according to the shape of the container is the target. It may be an image obtained by imaging as an object, or may be an image obtained by imaging a marker provided for distortion correction on a container (a disk in each embodiment) together with the container.

  (12) In each of the above-described embodiments, the fixing jig 31 that supports the container (the disk 24 in the embodiment) while fixing and positioning is provided. However, the fixing jig 31 is not necessarily provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, by providing a recess in the disk 24 itself, or by providing a notch or protrusion on the disk 24 itself, the object is to be superimposed on the basis of the recess, notch or protrusion. The image orientation may be aligned. Alternatively, a superimposing process may be performed by pasting a member having different light or radiation transmissivity as a marker on a predetermined portion of the disc 24 and aligning the direction of the captured image with the marker portion as a reference.

  (13) In each of the embodiments described above, the image distortion is automatically corrected. However, the controller 18 executes the measurement program 17A by programming such that the image distortion is manually corrected by an input operation to the input unit 19. Also good.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Measuring apparatus 17A ... Measurement program 18 ... Controller 24 ... Disk 26 ... U-shaped flow path SC ... Scanner image D ... Design information

Claims (8)

A measurement program for causing a computer to execute a series of processes for measuring light generated from a luminescent or fluorescent substance contained in a liquid to be measured or radiation contained in the liquid to be measured,
A contour emphasizing step of emphasizing the contour of an image related to the flow path of the container provided to contain the liquid to be measured and outputting a contour-enhanced image;
A distortion calculating step of calculating a distortion correction physical quantity relating to distortion of the image based on the outline-enhanced image in which the outline is emphasized in the outline-enhancing step and the design information of the container;
An image distortion correction step of correcting image distortion based on the distortion correction physical quantity calculated in the distortion calculation step;
A measurement program comprising: an information calculation step for calculating light or radiation information based on an image whose distortion has been corrected in the image distortion correction step. A measurement program for causing a computer to execute a series of processes for measuring light generated from a luminescent or fluorescent substance contained in a liquid to be measured or radiation contained in the liquid to be measured,
A contour emphasizing step of emphasizing the contour of an image related to the flow path of the container provided to contain the liquid to be measured and outputting a contour-enhanced image;
A distortion calculation step of calculating a distortion correction physical quantity related to distortion of the image based on the outline-enhanced image in which the outline is emphasized in the outline-enhancement step and a reference image acquired in advance;
An image distortion correction step of correcting image distortion based on the distortion correction physical quantity calculated in the distortion calculation step;
A measurement program comprising: an information calculation step for calculating light or radiation information based on an image whose distortion has been corrected in the image distortion correction step. In the measurement program according to claim 1 or 2,
In the image distortion correcting step, distortion is corrected for the entire image relating to the flow path. In the measurement program according to claim 1 or 2,
In the image distortion correction step, distortion is corrected for a flow channel region extracted by an algorithm from an image related to the flow channel. In the measurement program according to claim 1 or 2,
In the image distortion correction step, a distortion program is corrected for a channel length extracted by an algorithm from an image relating to the channel. In the measurement program according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The image relating to the flow path is a morphological information image having morphological information of the liquid to be measured. In the measurement program according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
An image relating to the flow path is a measurement information image having measurement information of the light or radiation.   A measuring apparatus comprising arithmetic means for executing the measurement program according to claim 1.

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