JP5317453B2 - Medical image processing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a medical image processing equipment, in particular, by dividing a plurality of slice images captured in a plurality of regions, when displaying in isolation each medical image processing instrumentation which facilitates the setting of the separating position about the location.

  In general, in a medical system used in an organization such as a hospital, medical image information obtained by imaging with an image diagnostic apparatus (modality) such as an X-ray CT apparatus (computer tomography apparatus) or an MRI apparatus (magnetic resonance imaging apparatus). Can be stored and managed in a medical image server connected to the network, and a doctor or the like can access the medical image server through an image observation terminal (viewer) or the like as needed, and display the image on the image observation terminal for diagnosis. I have to.

  Further, medical image information is subjected to an image inspection process by an image inspection device (Quality Assurance Station) before interpretation, and image brightness and density adjustment, a plurality of image rearrangement processes, and the like are performed. The medical image information prepared by the image inspection process is stored in the medical image server and can be read by the image observation terminal.

  By the way, in a conventional medical system, a plurality of slice images acquired by a modality may be divided into a plurality of areas and displayed separately. For example, when a plurality of orders are captured at a time in a modality, image information divided by order is required in an image observation terminal, an image inspection device, a medical image server, and the like. Similarly, when a subject is imaged in one series within one examination, it is necessary to display one series separately for each examination site at the stage of interpretation.

  As described above, when a slice image is divided into a plurality of regions and displayed separately, generally, a user (an image technician, etc.) displays a list of slice images and looks at the list to determine the separation position. It was set. Alternatively, the separation position is determined based on special incidental information (for example, series number, shooting time information, coordinate information at the time of shooting) included in the image information.

  However, when the user sets the separation position, a wealth of knowledge and skill is required. When separation is performed using special supplementary information, the supplementary information necessary for separation may be included in the image information. There is a problem that it cannot be separated if the necessary supplementary information is not included.

  Patent Document 1 describes an example in which group boundary information is created based on incidental information when medical images are displayed in a group. Further, Patent Document 2 describes an image processing apparatus that distributes and registers image data in a preset range into a designated series using position information along the body axis direction of a subject.

However, in the example of Patent Document 1, since it cannot be separated when the necessary incidental information is not included, further improvement is necessary. Further, in the example of Patent Document 2, a specific example of a separation method when image data is divided into a plurality of images and displayed is not described.
JP 2006-15125 A JP 2006-68444 A

  Conventionally, when a plurality of slice images are divided into specific areas and displayed separately, when a user sets a separation position, knowledge and skill are required, and when using ancillary information to separate Therefore, it is assumed that supplementary information necessary for separation is included, and the slice image cannot be easily divided into a plurality of pieces.

In view of the above circumstances, when the partition to separate displays a plurality of slice images into a plurality of regions, and an object thereof is to provide a medical image processing equipment that can be set easily separated position .

The medical image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention captures a display unit capable of displaying medical image information, a plurality of slice images obtained by imaging the subject, and a scano image indicating the imaging region of the subject. An index image is formed by a frame image signal indicating the existence range of the slice image and a line cursor signal in order to separate and separate the image data group composed of the plurality of slice images into predetermined areas. and the scanogram display the guide image by superimposing the index image on the image on the display unit, and the movable position of the splitter to be displayed on the display unit by the line cursor signal by a user operation, the separation by the splitter a guide image forming unit that specifies the location of the scout collates image and the index image, prior to the extent that the frame image signal is shown Dividing the image data group into a plurality of areas the position of the splitter as a boundary, and characterized in that the slice image is separated for each of the plurality regions anda separation processing unit for displaying on the display unit To do.

  In the present invention, the scan image is used to display the range of the slice image on the image, and the template image representing the splitter or the part is displayed to assist the user in the separation position. It can be done easily.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

 FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a medical system to which the medical image processing apparatus of the present invention is applied.

 In the medical system of FIG. 1, modalities such as an X-ray CT apparatus 100 and an MRI apparatus 200 are connected to a network NW as medical apparatuses, and medical image information (including image data and incidental information) is stored in the network NW. A medical image server 300 is connected. Further, an image inspection device 400, an image observation terminal (viewer) 500, an input / output terminal 600, and the like are connected to the network NW.

  The X-ray CT apparatus 100 and the MRI apparatus 200 capture an object and generate image data. The image inspection apparatus 400 performs image processing on the image data, adjusts the brightness and density of the image, adjusts the orientation of the image, rearranges a plurality of images, prepares patient information, and the like, and sends it to the medical image server 300. store. The image observation terminal 500 captures and processes image data and patient information stored in the medical image server 300 and displays various types of information. The input / output terminal 600 is a PC (Personal Computer) that logs in to each device on the network NW and inputs / outputs information.

  In the system of FIG. 1, a doctor uses the input / output terminal 600 to give an order for, for example, a radiological examination, and a technician operates the X-ray CT apparatus 100 based on the order to perform an examination. Medical image data captured by a modality such as the X-ray CT apparatus 100 is subjected to an image inspection process by the image inspection apparatus 400 and stored in the medical image server 300.

  The medical image data is attached to the medical image server 300 with additional information such as a patient ID, patient name, age, sex, and examination site, and various searches can be performed based on the additional information. Furthermore, the image observation terminal 500 displays various types of information such as image data on the display unit according to, for example, a medical image list and patient list creation process or a request from a user (doctor, engineer, etc.).

  FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of the X-ray CT apparatus 100. In FIG. 2, an X-ray CT apparatus 100 has a gantry 11 and a rotating ring 12 is provided in the gantry 11 and is rotated by a rotating mechanism (not shown). An X-ray tube 13 that generates X-rays with respect to the subject P placed in the effective visual field region is attached in the rotating ring 12.

 In addition, a radiation detector 14 is disposed so as to face the X-ray tube 13, the central portion of the rotating ring 12 is opened, and the subject P placed on the couch top 15 is inserted therein. . X-rays transmitted through the subject P are detected by the radiation detector 14 and converted into an electrical signal, amplified by a data collection unit (hereinafter referred to as DAS) 16 and converted into digital data.

 The radiation detector 14 is composed of a plurality of detector modules. The detector module includes a plurality of detector element arrays each including a scintillator array and a photodiode array, and the plurality of detector modules are arranged along an arc centered on the focal point of the X-ray tube 13.

 Digital data (projection data) from the DAS 16 is transmitted to the computer system 20 via the data transmission device 17. Further, the gantry 11 is provided with a gantry driving unit 18 and a slip ring 19.

 The computer system 20 is provided in the console, and projection data from the data transmission device 17 is supplied to the preprocessing unit 21. The pre-processing unit 21 performs pre-processing such as data correction on the projection data and outputs it to the bus line 201.

 A system control unit 22, an input unit 23, a data storage unit 24, a reconstruction processing unit 25, an image data processing unit 26, a display unit 27, and the like are connected to the bus line 201.

 The system control unit 22 functions as a host controller, and controls the operation of each unit of the computer system 20 and the gantry driving unit 18 and the high voltage generation unit 28. The data storage unit 24 stores data such as tomographic images, and the reconstruction processing unit 25 reconstructs 3D image data from projection data. The image data processing unit 26 processes the data stored in the data storage unit 24 or the reconstructed image data. The display unit 27 displays an image or the like obtained by image data processing.

 The input unit 23 includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. The input unit 23 is operated by a user (doctor, operator, etc.) and performs various settings for data processing. In addition, various information such as a patient's condition and examination method is input.

 The high voltage generator 28 supplies power to the X-ray tube 13 via the slip ring 19 and supplies power (tube voltage, tube current) necessary for X-ray exposure. The X-ray tube 13 generates beam X-rays that spread in two directions: a slice direction parallel to the body axis direction of the subject P and a channel direction perpendicular thereto.

  The bus line 201 is provided with a network interface 29, and the X-ray CT apparatus 100 can be connected to the network NW (FIG. 1). The image is processed at.

  In the X-ray CT apparatus 100, a scan range is set, volume scan (3D scan) is performed, and the reconstruction processing unit 25 reconstructs the volume data within the range.

  In addition, the X-ray tube 13 is fixed at a certain rotation angle, the top plate 15 is moved, and a wide range is scanned to obtain a plane transmission image such as an X-ray image when the subject P is viewed from one direction. Can do. This plane transmission image is an image showing the imaging region of the subject and is generally called a scano image or a scout image (hereinafter referred to as a scano image).

  The acquired scano image data and volume data are stored in the data storage unit 24. A plurality of tomographic image data (slice image data) can be generated by cutting out data on each cross section from the volume data.

  In addition, an image corresponding to a scanogram can be generated using a plurality of slice images. In the following description, an image corresponding to a scano image generated using a slice image is also called a scano image.

  Scano image data, slice image data, and the like are transmitted to the image inspection apparatus 400 via the network interface 29.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the image inspection device 400. The image inspection apparatus 400 constitutes the medical image processing apparatus of the present invention.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 31 denotes a network interface for connecting the imaging device 400 to the network NW. Reference numeral 32 denotes an image data capturing unit that captures scan image and slice image data from the X-ray CT apparatus 100, for example.

  The image data capturing unit 32 is connected to a bus line 33, and a control unit 34, a data storage unit 35, an input unit 36, a separation processing unit 37, a template image storage unit 38, and a display unit 39 are connected to the bus line 33. Has been.

  The control unit 34 controls the entire operation of the image inspection device 400 and includes a CPU and the like. The data storage unit 35 temporarily stores the image data captured by the image data capturing unit 32. The input unit 36 includes a mouse, a keyboard, and the like, can be operated by a user, and can input various instructions.

  The separation processing unit 37 separates a plurality of slice images stored in the data storage unit 35, for example, for each examination region. The separation processing unit 37 separates a splitter (line cursor) and a scan input by the user via the input unit. Matching processing (collation) with the image is performed to determine the separation positions of the plurality of slice images.

  Or the template image memorize | stored in the template image memory | storage part 38 is read, a template image and a scano image are matched (collation), and the separation position of a some slice image is determined.

  The template image storage unit 38 stores a plurality of template images representing the region of the subject, for example, symbolic images indicating the region of the head, chest, legs, waist, and the like. An arbitrary template image can be selected by operation.

  The display unit 39 displays a slice image before separation processing, a guide image at the time of separation processing, a slice image after separation processing, and the like, and is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display.

  Next, the operation of the medical image processing apparatus (image inspection apparatus 400) of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 shows an example of a guide image 40 displayed on the display unit 39 when an image data group composed of a plurality of slice images is divided and separated for each examination region.

  In FIG. 4, reference numeral 41 denotes a scanogram. For example, in the X-ray CT apparatus 100, the scan image is obtained by scanning the wide range by moving the top plate 15 while fixing the X-ray tube 13 at a certain rotation angle. It is an image. Actually, it is an image like an X-ray image, but it is simply shown in the figure.

  Further, a frame-like image 42 is formed by the frame image signal from the control unit 34. The frame-shaped image 42 indicates a slice image range (a range where the slice image exists), and indicates that an image within the slice image range is captured in the data storage unit 35.

  Further, a splitter 43 is displayed in the slice image range indicated by the frame-like image 42. The splitter 43 is formed by a line cursor signal from the control unit 34. The splitter 43 can be moved up and down in the slice image range by the user operating the input unit 36, and by moving the splitter 43, a plurality of slice images can be classified for each examination site or the like. When separating, the separation position can be indicated.

  The frame-shaped image 42 and the splitter 43 constitute an index image used when dividing the image data group into a plurality of regions. The control unit 34 has a function as a guide image forming unit that reads the scano image 41 from the data storage unit 35 and superimposes the index images 42 and 43 on the scano image 41 to form the guide image 40.

  The separation processing unit 37 performs matching processing (collation) on the splitter 43 and the scano image 41 to determine where the splitter 43 is located on the scano image 41, and converts the slice image into a plurality of regions at the position of the splitter 43. The data is divided (for example, divided into two), separated, and displayed on the display unit 39.

  In the matching process, for example, the position of the splitter 43 at the scano image 41 is collated, and the slice image at the position pointed to by the splitter 43 is designated. Since the plurality of slice images include position information (coordinate information) of the imaging region, it is easy to specify the slice image corresponding to the position of the splitter 43.

  FIG. 5A shows an example in which slice images within the slice image range (within the frame 42) are read from the data storage unit 35 and displayed as a list on the display unit 39. FIG. 5A shows a state before separation by the splitter 43. For example, a plurality of slice images 44 are arranged at equal intervals and displayed in a line. The arrow A represents the position of the splitter 43.

  FIG. 5B shows an example in which the slice image is displayed by being divided for each examination region. In this case, the guide image 40 is displayed on the display unit 39, for example, in a small screen, and the separation position of the slice image can be instructed by moving the splitter 43.

  As a result, the plurality of slice images are divided at the positions indicated by the splitter 43, and for example, the intervals are widened at the positions separated as indicated by the arrow A, and the plurality of slice images are displayed separately on the left and right. Of course, if the position of the splitter 43 changes, the separation position (the wide spacing portion indicated by the arrow A) also changes in response thereto. Or you may make it display separately on an upper-lower stage.

  When the slice image is classified for each examination region, if a transparency or the like is set to a predetermined value, only a specific portion of the scanogram 41, for example, a lung portion can be clearly displayed. The position can be indicated relatively accurately. Note that the display unit 39 may simultaneously display the image group before the separation process and the image group after the separation process.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of a guide image 40 when a plurality of slide images are separated using a template image. In FIG. 6A, reference numeral 41 denotes a scanogram. Reference numeral 45 denotes a template image.

  The template image 45 is an image selected by the user from a plurality of template images stored in the template image storage unit 38, and is an image showing parts such as the head, chest, legs, and waist.

  FIG. 6B illustrates a chest template image 45, which is selected by the user by operating the input unit 36. The template image 45 is displayed so as to be superimposed on the scanogram 41 of FIG. The template image 45 can be moved or changed in size by using the mouse of the input unit 36 or the like, and by superimposing it on the scanano image 41, a part to be separated from the plurality of slice images. Can be instructed.

  The template image 45 constitutes an index image used when dividing the image data group into a plurality of regions. The control unit 34 has a function as a guide image forming unit that reads the template image 45 specified by the user from the template image storage unit 38 and superimposes the template image 45 on the scano image 41 to form the guide image 40.

  The separation processing unit 37 performs matching processing (collation) between the template image 45 and the scano image 41 to determine where the template image 45 is located in the scano image 41, and a slice image of a part included in the template image 45 And other slice images are separated, separated and displayed on the display unit 29.

  FIG. 7 shows a display example when a list of a plurality of slice images is displayed on the display unit 39. FIG. 7A shows a display example before separation. For example, a plurality of slice images 44 are arranged at equal intervals and displayed in a line. Note that arrows A and A ′ represent separation positions designated by the template image 45.

  FIG. 7B shows an example in which slice images are displayed by being divided using a template 45. In this case, for example, a guide image 40 is displayed on the display unit 39 in a small screen, and an example in which the separation position of the slice image is instructed using the template image 45 of the chest is shown.

  As a result, the plurality of slice images are divided into a slice image region in the template 45 and a slice image region other than the slice image region, and the intervals are widened at positions separated as indicated by arrows A and A ′, for example. Are displayed separately. In this example, the image within the range of the arrow AA ′ is an image located in the template 45, and other images (images up to the first row arrow A and images after the second row arrow A ′). ) Shows an image out of the template 45.

  The template image storage unit 38 stores template images representing other parts of the subject (eg, head, legs, waist, etc.), and the user operates the input unit 36 to select any template. An image can be selected. For the abdomen, a template image representing an organ such as the stomach may be prepared, slice images including those organs may be specified and displayed on the display unit 39.

  8 and 9 are diagrams for explaining another embodiment of the medical image processing apparatus of the present invention.

  For example, the X-ray CT apparatus 100 may take tomographic images before and after injecting a contrast medium into a subject. At this time, in order to shorten the imaging time, scanning is performed from the head to the leg side (in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 8A) before injecting the contrast agent, and conversely after the contrast agent is injected. Scanning may be performed from the side toward the head (in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 8A). Such a scanning method is called a “Go and Reverse” type.

  In such a case, it is desirable to display the tomographic image before contrast agent injection and the tomographic image after contrast agent injection separately grouped. In addition, it is easier to compare the tomographic images scanned in the reverse direction with the tomographic images before the contrast agent injection when the order is changed.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 8A, when it is assumed that there are tomographic images 1 to 100 before injection of contrast medium and tomographic images 101 to 200 after injection of contrast medium, In the arrangement of tomographic images, No. 1 corresponds to the head side and No. 100 corresponds to the leg side. In the arrangement of the tomographic images after the injection of the contrast medium, No. 101 corresponds to the leg side and No. 200 corresponds to the head side.

  For this reason, when comparing the tomographic images 1 to 100 before the injection of the contrast agent and the tomographic images 101 to 200 after the injection of the contrast agent, the tomographic images after the injection of the contrast agent are switched so that the number 200 is the head position. Are more convenient for comparison (or, conversely, the order of tomographic images before contrast agent injection may be changed).

  FIG. 8B is an operation explanatory diagram when the slice image scanned by the go-and-reverse type is segmented by using the splitter 43.

  FIG. 8B shows an example of a guide image 40 displayed on the display unit 39, 41 indicates a scano image, and a frame-shaped image 42 indicates a slice image range (a range where a slice image exists). ing. Further, a splitter 43 is displayed in the slice image range indicated by the frame-like image 42.

  The splitter 43 can be moved up and down in the slice image range by the user operating the input unit 36, and by moving the splitter 43, the separation position of a plurality of slice images can be indicated. .

  The separation processing unit 37 performs matching processing (collation) between the splitter 43 and the scano image, determines where the splitter 43 is located in the scano image, and scans in the arrow B direction according to the position of the splitter 43. And the slice image (rearranged image) scanned in the direction of arrow C are separated and displayed on the display unit 39.

  FIG. 9A shows a display example when the splitter 43 is at an intermediate position within the slice image range (frame 42), for example. In this case, a plurality of slice images above the splitter 43 are separated, and slice images 44 (first image data group) from No. 1 to No. 50 before contrast agent injection are displayed on the upper stage of the display unit 39. Is displayed, and slice images 44 (second image data group) from No. 200 to No. 151 after the contrast agent injection are displayed in the lower row.

  FIG. 9B shows a display example when the splitter 43 is further moved downward. In this case, for example, slice images 44 (first image data group) up to No. 70 before the contrast agent injection are displayed on the upper part of the display unit 39, and Nos. 200 to 131 after the contrast agent injection are shown on the lower stage. A slice image 44 (second image data group) is displayed.

  Further, when the splitter 43 is moved to the bottom of the slice image range, for example, slice images 44 (first image data group) up to the number 100 before contrast agent injection are displayed on the upper part of the display unit 39, and the lower part The slice images 44 (second image data group) from No. 200 to No. 101 after the contrast agent injection are displayed. Although the guide image 40 is displayed in a small screen on the screen of FIG. 9B, the illustration is omitted for convenience.

  In this way, the slice images divided at the position specified by the splitter 43 are displayed separately on the upper and lower stages of the display unit 39, and the images of the same part are displayed on the upper and lower stages, respectively, before the contrast agent injection. It becomes easy to compare images after contrast medium injection.

  When the number of images displayed on the display unit 39 increases, the display form can be arbitrarily set, such as scrolling display or displaying in multiple stages.

  In addition, when displaying the slice image scanned by the go-and-reverse type, the control unit 34 is provided with an algorithm for performing the display illustrated in FIG. 9 in advance, and the separation processing unit 37 is injected with a contrast medium. It suffices to provide means for changing the display order of subsequent slice images and outputting them. In addition, when displaying a slice image of the go-and-reverse type, it is necessary to make settings so that the display can be switched by an instruction from the input unit 36.

  As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, a scanogram is used, the range of the slice image is displayed on the scanogram, and an index image composed of a splitter or a template image is displayed, and the index image is shifted (moved, moved). Change), it is possible to divide a plurality of slice images at arbitrary positions and to display them separately.

  In addition, since the user can separate without requiring special knowledge or skill, the operability can be improved. Further, since the divided positions are also clarified, it can be easily performed when correcting the separation position.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. For example, although the example in which the medical image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 3 is configured in the imaging apparatus 400 has been described, the medical image server 300 or the image observation terminal 500 may include a circuit function similar to that in FIG.

  In the present invention, when an image data group is divided into a plurality of areas and separated, the same group ID may be assigned to slice images in each area and registered in the database. Thereby, grouping can be grasped by referring to the database, and when displaying images of each area on the display unit, slice images of an arbitrary group can be displayed on the display unit based on the group ID.

  Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

1 is a system configuration diagram showing a medical system to which a medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. The block diagram which shows one Example of the X-ray CT apparatus used for the medical system. 1 is a block diagram showing a medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Explanatory drawing which shows the guide image in the medical image processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing explaining operation | movement of the medical image processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the guide image in the medical image processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing explaining operation | movement of the medical image processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows the guide image in the medical image processing apparatus which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing explaining operation | movement of the medical image processing apparatus which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... X-ray CT apparatus 200 ... MRI apparatus 300 ... Medical image server 400 ... Imaging apparatus 500 ... Image observation terminal apparatus 31 ... Network interface 32 ... Image capture part 33 ... Bus line 34 ... Control part 35 ... Data storage part 36 ... Input unit 37 ... separation processing unit 38 ... template image storage unit 39 ... display unit 40 ... guide image 41 ... scano image 42 ... frame image 43 ... splitter 44 ... slice image 45 ... template image

Claims (2)

A display unit capable of displaying medical image information;
An image capturing unit that captures a plurality of slice images obtained by imaging the subject and a scanogram indicating the imaging region of the subject;
In order to divide and separate the image data group composed of the plurality of slice images for each predetermined region, an index image is formed by a frame image signal and a line cursor signal indicating the existence range of the slice image, and the scanogram image A guide image on which the index image is superimposed is displayed on the display unit, the position of the splitter displayed on the display unit can be moved by a user operation by the line cursor signal, and the separation position is designated by the splitter A guide image forming unit;
The scan image and the index image are collated, the image data group within the range indicated by the frame image signal is divided into a plurality of regions with the position of the splitter as a boundary, and the slice image is separated for each of the plurality of regions. And a separation processing unit for displaying the image on the display unit. When the separation processing unit separates and displays the slice image of the area divided by the splitter,
A first image data group obtained by scanning an image data group composed of the plurality of slice images from a first direction along a body axis direction before injecting the contrast agent into the subject; When the second image data group obtained by scanning from the opposite direction to the first direction after injection is included, either one of the first image data group or the second image data group is rearranged 2. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rearranged one of the image data group and the slice image of the other image data group are displayed separately.