Abstract: A method and apparatus for carrying out tomographic image processing that enables lung areas and a mediastinum in a chest tomographic image to be reproduced in one image with appropriate contrast is provided. Image data representing a chest tomographic image are obtained by using a tomography apparatus. Normalization means in a tomographic image processing apparatus normalizes the image data and obtains normalized image data. Compression processing means carries out dynamic range compression processing on the normalized image data to compress a high density range thereof. The image data after the compression processing are subjected to frequency enhancing processing, and the image data after the frequency enhancing processing are then subjected to tone conversion processing. The processed image data obtained in the above manner are reproduced by a reproduction apparatus.

Abstract: In a measurement processing apparatus for measuring a geometric feature of an object image: a measurement-reference-element setting unit automatically sets at least one first measurement reference element for use in measurement of the geometric feature of the object image, at at least one first position on the object image based on first image data representing the object image and position information indicating at least one second position of at least one second measurement reference element which is set on a measurement reference image corresponding to the object image; and a geometric-feature measurement unit measures the geometric feature of the object image based on the at least one first position of the at least one first measurement reference element.

Abstract: A portable radiation imaging system is provided which is capable of always performing imaging in a state where the tilt of the radiation emitted from a radiation source in relation to the detection surface of an image detection device is substantially perpendicular. The system is equipped with a tilt adjustment means that makes the tilt of the radiation in relation to the detection surface of a radiation image detection device substantially perpendicular by changing the tilt angle of a radiation source based on an angular signal representing the degree of tilt of the radiation in relation to said detection surface output by an angular signal output means, and a command means that generates an exposure command to the radiation source when the tilt of the radiation to be emitted from said radiation source in relation to the detection surface of said radiation image detection device is substantially perpendicular.

Abstract: Storage space for medical image data in medical facilities can be reduced substantially at low cost, and the medical image data can be stored and managed by an easy operation. Medical image data converted from medical images photographed in medical facilities into digital signals are stored in hard discs of client terminals, in addition to accompanying information regarding the image data. Each of the client terminals is connected to an image database server installed in an Internet provider via a telephone line. The image data and the accompanying information stored in the image database server are transmitted, received, and searched for by checking a password.

Abstract: An artificial bone template selection system includes a template data storage system in which template data representing a plurality of templates representing a plurality of artificial bones of different shapes is stored. A bone shape measuring system measures the shape of bone to be replaced by artificial bone on the basis of bone image data representing an image including the bone to be replaced by artificial bone. A prospective template selection system selects at least one template the shape of which substantially conforms to the shape of the bone to be replaced by artificial bone as measured by the bone shape measuring system out of the plurality of templates represented by the template data.

Abstract: In a method of detecting a prospective abnormal shadow in an image at a predetermined detecting level, the detecting level is changed according to prior information on the object.

Abstract: In a control center, provided are: an order information receiving unit that receives order information; an acceptance area range information receiving unit that receives acceptance area range information of a physician; a deadline information receiving unit that receives deadline information of same; an acceptance point determining unit that determines an acceptance point for each physician based on said acceptance area range and deadline information, so that delivery efficiency is enhanced as a whole; an acceptance point informing unit that informs the physician of the determined acceptance point; and a physical distribution cost determination unit that determines a physical distribution cost for each physician, said cost being that for delivery of IP's desired by same, to the determined acceptance point within the acceptance area range allowable for the physician, so that the physical distribution cost becomes lower as the acceptance area and deadline ranges allowable for the physician become wider.

Abstract: An measurement processing apparatus for efficiently measuring geometric data of an image is provided. A reference-image outputting means forms a reference-image based on an image that has been previously measured as well as a setting order data which indicates a suggestion as to the order in which the measuring points should be set and which shows the same setting order in which the measuring points were set for a previously performed measurement of a past-measurement image, and outputs the reference-image and the setting order data to an image display means. While consulting the reference-image and the setting order data displayed on the image display means, an operator can set, by use of a measuring point setting means, the measuring points at the correct positions and in the correct order in the subject image displayed on a display screen, and the geometrical data can be measured automatically and efficiently.

Abstract: In a small-scale medical facility, appropriate storage and management of medical images whose storage is mandatory for a predetermined period becomes easier. A storage terminal installed in a medical facility is connected to a mobile storage system, and image data stored in the storage terminal are transferred to the mobile storage system. The mobile storage system storing the image data is connected to an image data storage apparatus installed in an image storage center, and transmits the image data to the image data storage apparatus. The image data storage apparatus stores the image data and calculates the date of storage expiration of the image data. The image data storage apparatus stores the image data until the expiration date.

Abstract: A primary prospective abnormal shadow is detected in each of at least two radiation images of an object taken in different directions. Only primary prospective abnormal shadows which are detected in the respective radiation images and are in substantially the same position on the object is taken as a final prospective abnormal shadow.

Abstract: A review service system capable of supplying a review service desired by a general practitioner such that the service fits desired conditions. Supplier information such as a location and an amount of spare time concerning each of a plurality of medical specialists is stored in a database in advance. The medical specialists are suppliers capable of supplying review services. A management center comprises: a supplier information acquire unit for acquiring supplier information; a customer information acquire unit for acquiring customer information concerning the review service desired by the general practitioner as the customer; and a matching unit for listing the medical specialists capable of supplying the review service that fits the conditions desired by the general practitioner from the database, deciding a medical specialist who best fits desired conditions, and allowing the customer and the supplier to correspond with each other, based on the supplier information and the customer information.

Abstract: Two radiation images of a single object, which comprises a soft tissue and a bone tissue, are formed respectively with two kinds of radiation having different energy distributions, the two radiation images being to be subjected to energy subtraction processing. The energy subtraction processing is carried out on the two radiation images, and a bone image, in which the pattern of the bone tissue in the object has been extracted or emphasized, is thereby formed. Numerical information concerning the density of the bone constituent is obtained in accordance with the bone image. A bone trabecula pattern emphasizing process is carried out on the bone image, and information representing the form of bone trabeculae is thereby obtained.

Abstract: A variable wave forming circuit is provided which produces signals of various waveforms (e.g., sine, triangular or trapezoidal waves) and various frequencies. A random access memory (memory means) 121 to store wave formation information on waveform is provided. According to the wave formation information stored in the memory means, the updating or keeping of a digital value in an increment/decrement circuit 123 is controlled and the digital value is digital/analog-converted by a digital/analog (D/A) conversion circuit 124, which is controlled by a digital value control means that includes the increment/decrement circuit 123. By writing appropriate wave formation information into the memory means, it is possible to produce signals of desired waveforms.

Abstract: A variable wave forming circuit is provided which produces signals of various waveforms (e.g., sine, triangular or trapezoidal waves) and various frequencies. A random access memory (memory means) 121 to store wave formation information on waveform is provided. According to the wave formation information stored in the memory means, the updating or keeping of a digital value in an increment/decrement circuit 123 is controlled and the digital value is digital/analog-converted by a digital/analog (D/A) conversion circuit 124, which is controlled by a digital value control means that includes the increment/decrement circuit 123. By writing appropriate wave formation information into the memory means, it is possible to produce signals of desired waveforms.

Abstract: A turret machine tool includes a support base, a slide base slidably mounted on the support base and having a slant surface, a turret head indexably disposed on the slant surface of the slide base for indexing movement about an axis, and a plurality of machining spindle modules mounted on the turret head at equal angular intervals about the axis and projecting radially outwardly from the turret head. The turret head has a plurality of attachments each including an outwardly open cavity and an attachment frame defining the outwardly open cavity and having an outer attachment surface. Each of the machining spindle modules has a front module portion, a rear module portion extending rearwardly from the front module portion, and a front plate integral with the front module portion and disposed between and coupled to the front module portion and the rear module portion, the front plate having a attachment edge extending radially outwardly beyond the rear module portion.