JP2002301065A - Medical tomographic image display - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a tomographic image display capable of easily roll-up displaying a tomographic image with good operability. SOLUTION: This tomographic image display comprises (a) an image display means for displaying at least a series of tomographic images, (b) a memory means for storing the tomographic image data for at least a series of tomographic images, (c) a display speed setting means for setting a display speed for at least a series of tomographic images, and (d) a control means for reading the data every series from the memory means, and roll-displaying the tomographic images every series on the image display means on the basis of the speed set by the display speed setting means. The display speed setting means is formed of a joystick type regulator 316 set separately from the control means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an image display device and a display method for displaying a tomographic image used for diagnosis.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art X-ray computed tomography (CT)
(Graphy) image, MRI, angiography image, angiography image, etc.
Conventionally, a film reading device with a back light, called a Schaukasten, is used after printing on a film.

In recent years, in the field of X-ray CT, a helical scan CT apparatus for continuously rotating a X-ray tube and simultaneously moving a patient table at a constant speed to collect data while spirally scanning a patient. Is widely used. More recently, even in the helical scan method, a multi-slice CT apparatus in which a plurality of detectors are arranged and data of a plurality of slices are simultaneously acquired during one rotation is being used.

[0004] With the advance of such technology, the scan range has been expanded, the inspection time has been reduced, and the resolution in the body axis direction has been improved. For example, in multi-slice CT, 0.5
mm-pitch CT images have also been obtained, and when a 45 cm length of the body is scanned, 900
As many CT images can be obtained in a short time. However, at the same time, the amount of data becomes enormous, and it takes a very long time to interpret each image using Schaukasten.
The number of films will be huge. In order to reduce the number of films, the number of cuts to be printed on one film (size 35 × 43 cm) is increased, and the number of images to be printed on one film is increased to about 20 images. However, there is a limit in reducing the number of films because the image size becomes so small that image reading becomes difficult.

Further, as a display device for a CT image, a large number of CT images are displayed on a display such as a CRT using a computer.
There are also known devices that display images not only in 2D (two-dimensional images) but also in 3D (three-dimensional images). In this display device, a plurality of CT images (in the present application, “CT image” means 2D display unless otherwise specified) is switched manually or automatically one by one. Some of them have a pager function of displaying images on the screen, and do not need to have a large amount of film.

Devices for displaying 2D images and 3D images are manufactured and sold by a plurality of device manufacturers. As for the operation of any device, a method of inputting from a keyboard, selecting and operating on a screen with a mouse is the mainstream. This method is because the hardware is fixed (family such as MAC, DOS / V, etc.) and the versatility of software is aimed at. At the moment, by preparing various software,
2D image display, 3D image display, display of a plurality of images by dividing the screen, and the like can be performed.

[0007] However, when such a general-purpose system is actually used, a key input from a keyboard or an icon displayed on the screen using a mouse is performed while the user is concentrating on the screen and performing image reading. Selecting an event, such as by clicking, is very stressful because the gaze is scattered in more than one place. Also, if the display device is simply used as a viewer having a pager function for continuously displaying CT images (2D images), 3D
Computers that support the image display function and the like are overspec in terms of hardware, resulting in high costs.

As described above, in a situation where a very specialized operation such as interpretation of a CT image is required, that is, in a situation where the obtained result is important and the result is to be obtained as simply as possible, A general-purpose system that supports software has a problem that the operability is rather poor and the user cannot concentrate on image interpretation.

[0009] In addition, in view of the software aspect of a conventional CT image display device, there have been ones that display a series of CT images by flipping or displaying two or more still images.
Conventionally, turning over and displaying two series of CT images has not been performed at all, and there is no corresponding software.

[0010]

In order to solve such a problem, the applicant disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-038522 (unpublished at the time of filing this application) a simple and easy-to-operate method for turning over a tomographic image for display. A good tomographic image display device and a tomographic image display device capable of turning over and displaying at least two series of tomographic images and thereby performing highly reliable diagnosis are proposed.

The present invention provides a tomographic image display device in which the ease of use of the device proposed in Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-038522 is further improved.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides (a) image display means for displaying at least one series of tomographic images;
(B) storage means for storing at least one series of tomographic image data; (c) display speed setting means for setting a display speed for at least one series of tomographic images;
(D) control means for fetching data for each series from the storage means, and turning over and displaying a tomographic image for each series on the image display means based on the speed set by the display speed setting means, The display speed setting means is a joystick-type variable adjuster installed in a separate housing from the control means, and relates to a tomographic image display device.

The present invention also provides (a) image display means for displaying at least two series of tomographic images, (b) storage means for storing at least two series of tomographic image data, and (c) at least two series of tomographic images. About the image,
Display speed setting means for setting the display speed of each series;
(D) fetching data for each series from the storage means, and simultaneously displaying a plurality of series of tomographic images on the image display means based on the speed set by the display speed setting means, for each series; The display speed setting means is a joystick type variable adjuster installed in a separate housing from the control means, and relates to a tomographic image display device.

At this time, there is further provided a synchronization command means for issuing a command for matching display speeds of at least two series of tomographic images, and based on a synchronization command from the synchronization command means,
It is preferable that the control unit can turn over the tomographic images and display the tomographic images by synchronizing the display speeds of the plurality of series of tomographic images.

The joystick type variable adjuster used in the present invention is preferably capable of switching at least by tilting in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction and variably adjusting by rotation about the Z-axis. It is preferable to set the display speed by rotating.

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the present application, one series of tomographic images is a group consisting of a large number of tomographic images obtained by capturing one patient under specific conditions. As shown in FIG. 1, this includes n images PN-1 to PN-n, and has a predetermined pitch (distance) between any images PN-k and PN- (k + 1). The pitch is determined by the inspection length / the number of images when the interval between all images is constant. The display speed of the image is a sending (or returning) speed of the tomographic image, and can be represented by, for example, the number of images turned in one second. In addition, data of one series of tomographic images can include data such as pitch, image position, and imaging conditions.

The tomographic image display device of the present application is a device capable of sequentially turning over and displaying such series of tomographic images one by one. To set the display speed, a joystick-type variable adjuster (hereinafter referred to as a joystick-type key) installed in a housing (hereinafter, referred to as an operation unit) separate from the display (display means) and the computer main body (control means). ) Is used.

In the present invention, a joystick type variable adjuster means that at least one key tilts in the X-axis ± direction, tilts in the Y-axis ± direction, and preferably tilts around the Z-axis.
Each operation of rotation in the direction (clockwise, counterclockwise) is possible, and at least one of the operations is one that can be variably adjusted (equivalent to a so-called volume function). In the present invention,
The display speed setting is assigned to the operation that can be variably adjusted, and the speed adjustment can be performed in multiple steps or infinite steps in the ± direction.
Further, it is possible to further push in the Z-axis direction, or a push button can be added above the key.

As the joystick type variable adjuster, for example, a joystick described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-214128, which can variably adjust each of tilting in the X-axis and Y-axis directions and rotation around the Z-axis. Can be used, but they tend to be relatively large. Therefore, in order to reduce the size of the apparatus, only the rotation about the Z-axis is variably adjusted, and the X-axis and the Y-axis are
It is preferable to perform three-point switching in the negative direction and zero point. Then, the display speed is set by a rotation operation around the Z axis. At this time, another function can be assigned to the switching of the X axis and the Y axis. For example, functions such as feeding one sheet by tilting the Y axis in the + direction, returning one sheet by tilting in the − direction, selecting the right screen by tilting the X axis in the + direction, and selecting left screen by tilting the − direction can be assigned.

When a joystick-type variable adjuster capable of variably adjusting the Y-axis direction is used, the display speed can be set by tilting in the Y-axis direction. At that time, the function may be changed depending on the tilt angle. For example, when the tilt angle in the + direction is small, one page is fed, when the tilt angle is large, the speed of turning up is set, when the tilt angle in the negative direction is small, one page is returned, and when the tilt angle is large, the return speed of the flip display can be set. It may be. In this case, the function as the variable adjuster is when the tilt angle becomes equal to or larger than the set fixed angle.

The shape of the joystick type variable adjuster is not particularly limited as long as it operates as described above, and is not limited to a general rod-shaped joystick.

As described above, when the joystick type variable adjuster is used, multiple functions can be assigned to one key. Various operations can be performed easily and intuitively at hand without removing the line of sight from the display.

The tomographic image display apparatus of the present invention using the joystick type variable controller simultaneously displays at least two series of tomographic images on a display (image display means) and displays the tomographic images at a display speed set for each series. It is more preferable to use when moving forward and backward.

FIG. 2 schematically shows two series of tomographic images, which are different series related to each other to be compared. For example, a first series of tomographic images (PN-1 to PN-n) are converted to X-ray C
T images and a second series of tomographic images (CN-1 to CN-1)
If Nm) is an X-ray contrast CT image of the same patient photographed after the injection of the contrast agent, the image can be displayed while turning over the image while comparing the simple CT and the contrast CT.

At this time, if the first series and the second series are synchronized, that is, if a tomographic image is displayed at the same display speed, different information can be obtained for the same part of the body, so that more accurate information can be obtained. Diagnosis is possible. Conventionally,
A tomographic image display device for displaying such two or more series of tomographic images while turning over on the same display has not been known at all, and in particular, it is possible to easily display the same part by synchronizing a plurality of series. The effect that can be achieved is extremely large.

As examples of different series to be compared, examples of X-ray CT include: (a) use of contrast agent: simple X-ray CT (imaging without using contrast agent) and contrast CT; b) Photographing time: latest CT image and past image (a plurality of past images are also possible);
In this example, the latest series of X-ray CT and contrast CT
Although the latest series of X-ray CT has been shown, it is also possible to compare the series of latest X-ray CT with the series of past X-ray CT. It is also possible to compare not only two series but also more series.
For example, in comparison of four series of tomographic images, a combination of simple CT—latest, contrast CT—latest, simple CT—past, contrast CT—past, or comparison of images at different times (for example, simple CT—latest, past 1, past 2) , Comparison of the past 3) and the like.

When synchronizing series in the example of FIG.
When the series has the same pitch and the same number of screens (m = n), the image numbers match, so the image number at the start position is determined, and each image is determined at a predetermined speed by a computer (control means). It can be easily displayed by switching. The image of the start position of each series may be manually set while viewing the displayed image. At this time,
It is very convenient to confirm the start position if a means for adding a marker to the display image is provided.

Further, for example, when the pitch and the number of screens are different between the series, the synchronous display in which the positions of all the images are completely the same cannot be performed. The control means may be configured to execute an arithmetic program so as to display the image of the sub-series closest to the display of the main series, or to interpolate and display the image in some cases.

In the present invention, the format of the tomographic image data stored in the storage means is not particularly limited, and the storage format for each tomographic image, or for each tomographic image as in the case of helical scan raw data. May be data before reconstructing the tomographic image. As an example of a storage format for each tomographic image, a data format format according to the DICOM specification, which is being standardized as a CT image format format, can be cited, but other formats such as JPEG, bitmap, etc. Such a format may be used. In order to construct a series of tomographic images in any format, data of the interrelationship of image data for each image, for example, data of measurement conditions (or image storage conditions) such as image pitch, measurement length, etc. It is necessary to store the tomographic images of two or more series based on the measurement conditions for each series when displaying two or more series of tomographic images in synchronization in the present invention. Can be easily synchronized. Also,
Even in the case of a data format that is not stored as image data for each image, two or more series of tomographic images are reconstructed while referring to the measurement conditions (or image storage conditions) and reconstructing a tomographic image of a necessary portion. Can be synchronized.

When two or more series are displayed, each display speed is set by selecting a series using a joystick type key, for example, switching in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and rotating the Z-axis. Can set the display speed. In the case of a two-series display, a series can be selected by switching the X-axis, and other functions can be assigned to the Y-axis, for example, a function of moving forward by one page and a function of returning one page.

The rotation of the Z axis is always 0 by default.
Preferably, it is configured to return to a point. The display speed can be determined, for example, by pressing the Z-axis or by using a button switch provided on the other side.

As described above, when two or more series are displayed, the display speed is set using the joystick-type variable adjuster. Since the operation can be performed without releasing, the stress can be minimized.

In the present invention, it is preferable that a key for issuing a synchronization command is also provided on the operation unit. When a marker function is provided, a key for giving a marker is preferably provided. In addition, it is preferable for the operation that the operation unit is provided with a start key and / or a stop key.

It is preferable that the tomographic image display device of the present invention further has a matrix display function capable of simultaneously displaying a plurality of selected images on a display. With this display function, for example, images of different parts in the same series can be arranged on the same screen. The images to be arranged may be selected by a marker function, or a plurality of continuous images may be automatically arranged.
The number of images to be displayed in a matrix can be changed depending on the size and resolution of the display used. For example, it is preferable to be able to display 2 × 2 (4 sheets), 4 × 4 (16 sheets) and the like. And in the present invention,
It is preferable that a plurality of series display screens and a matrix display screen of the same series can be switched and displayed. In the first invention or the third invention, a switch for switching between the page display and the matrix display can be provided in a separate housing together with the mechanical variable adjustment knob.

In the present invention, the storage means may be a unit such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a RAM, or the like, which is integrated with a computer or a device which is installed adjacent to the computer, and which is connected to a network. Is a concept that also includes communication means that can receive
Not all the necessary data need be stored in the storage means at the same time.

[0036]

Next, the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to examples.

<Embodiment 1> FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the system configuration of the first embodiment. The control unit 1
A CPU 11, a main memory 12, etc.
Executes a program together with the main memory, and controls the storage unit 2, the display unit 4, the input unit 3, the output unit 5, and the network 6 connected to the system bus 7. System bus 7
Is a bus for transferring image data and the like. The storage unit 2 stores a plurality of series of tomographic images,
The series selected by the input unit 3 is displayed on the display unit 4. Note that the network 7 may be a storage unit as described above.

The display unit 4 can display a tomographic image, a display image selection screen, patient data, and the like. As a device to be used, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a CRT compatible with high image quality are preferable.

The input unit 3 includes an operation unit 31 and a mouse 3
2 and a keyboard 33. It is preferable that the operation of image interpretation be performed exclusively by the operation unit 31. However, the provision of the mouse 32 and the keyboard 33 may be convenient for inputting additional information and performing operations before and after image interpretation.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the operation unit 31, which is a separate housing from the control unit. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation panel of the operation unit 31. Above the operation panel, a vertical / horizontal 4 key 311 for selecting various items such as selection of a display screen, selection of necessary information (patient name, etc.), and an enter key 3 for deciding the selected content
12, a selection key 313 for selecting a selection item, a call key 314 for constructing and displaying a tomographic image based on the recorded conditions, and a recording key 315 for giving an instruction to record the current conditions. An operation unit is provided, and a joystick type key 316 is provided below the operation panel.
And a synchronization key 318 for synchronizing and displaying the display speeds of the two comparison screens, a start key 319 for starting tomographic image turning (forward and backward), and a tomographic image turning (forward and backward). ) Is provided with a stop key 320 for stopping the operation.

As shown in FIG. 6, the joystick type key 316 operates in the X-axis direction (three steps of-, 0, +), the Y-axis direction (three steps of-, 0, +), and rotates around the Z axis ( It is configured so that operation in the Z-axis direction (two stages of + and 0) is possible. In addition, when no force is applied, it is preferable to provide a biasing means such as a spring so as to always return to the center position in each direction or rotation.

The operation unit is connected to the system bus 7 by wire or infrared communication, and the image is turned over based on a signal from the operation unit.

The output unit 5 can be configured to output to a laser imager so that the image can be read by Schaucusten as an option, in addition to a normal printer (monochrome, color).

Next, an example of an operation procedure will be described with reference to an example in which a comparison two-screen display is performed.

(1) Selection of single screen and two comparison screens: In this example, when the tomographic image display device is started up, a screen for selecting single screen display or comparison two screen display is displayed. Therefore, when selecting the comparison 2 screen, the vertical and horizontal 4 keys 311
The user selects the second comparison screen using the enter key 312 or the like.

(2) Selection of series image: left divided screen,
A series to be displayed on each of the right divided screens is selected using the vertical and horizontal four keys 311, the enter key 312, and the like.

For example, an image series to be displayed on the right and left of the screen is selected from a list displayed on the screen. An image series to be displayed on the right side of the screen is selected using the up, down, left, and right keys of the vertical and horizontal four keys 311. After selection, press the enter key to confirm. Use the up / down / left / right keys to select the image series to be displayed on the left side of the screen. After selection, press the enter key to confirm.

(3) Image Turnover Display: At this stage, a screen as shown in FIG. 7 appears on the display. Therefore, the user operates the image display speed setting joystick type key. First, the key is tilted in the X-direction, the left image series is selected, and the key is rotated around the Z axis to set the display speed.
For example, the clockwise rotation of the Z-axis is assigned to image advance, and the counterclockwise to the image return, the speed at which the image series is displayed can be arbitrarily set. FIG. 8 schematically shows how the tomographic image on the left side of the screen is sent. The determination of the set value can be performed, for example, by pushing in the Z-axis direction.

The display speed can be set by tilting the key in the X + direction, selecting the right image series, and rotating the key about the Z axis in the same manner.

It is not necessary to set the rotation amount around the Z axis and the turning speed particularly linearly. The turning speed can be set in detail closer to the center, and the turning speed is increased when the rotation amount is large. Is also good. When the turning speed is high, the display becomes quite rough, so that a display may be made by thinning out one out of three or two out of five. The rotation angle may be stepless, or may be a multi-step with a click feeling at a specific step.

The operation of frame advance and stop at an arbitrary speed of the image can be performed more easily by combining the start key 319 and the stop key 320, for example. Start key 31
For example, a restart function or the like after stopping the image with the stop key can be assigned to 9. By pressing the stop key, the image is stopped at the required image (arbitrary necessary image is displayed), and the tomographic image can be examined in detail in that state.

(4) Synchronous flip display of two images for comparison: When the right and left images displayed on the screen are displayed in synchronization, the synchronization key 318 is operated. When this key is operated, the left and right images are turned simultaneously (forward, return), so that the turning speed can be set by the rotation angle around the Z axis.

In one example of the actual operation, the start position is determined by separately operating the left and right images, and a synchronization key is pressed at that position to enter a synchronization state. At this time, it is convenient to determine the start position if it has a marker function.

(5) One-image forward, one-image return function: This function allows the display image to be transmitted or returned one screen at a time. In the case of the two-screen comparison display described above, the function of the joystick-type key in the Y-axis direction is assigned,
It is possible to display one sheet forward when tilted in the + direction and one sheet return when tilted in the Y- direction. The screen can be selected by operating in the X-axis direction. In the case of the comparison two-screen synchronous display, it is possible to simultaneously feed one sheet and return one sheet.

(6) Other functions: The above are the basic functions that the tomographic image display device of the present invention preferably has, but can further have the following functions.

(6-1) Multiple-screen display function: Further, this function is for displaying many series of tomographic images. FIG.
FIG. 1 shows an example in which four images are displayed on a display. Various combinations of the four images are possible, such as four screens / 4 series, four screens / 1 series, four screens / 2 series, and the like. 4 screens / 4
The series display includes, for example, A: a contrast CT image (latest), B: a simple CT image (latest), C: a contrast CT image (past), and D: a simple CT image (past). A different series is assigned and used for turning over display. In the 4-screen / 1-series display, for example, a tomographic image of a series of contrast CT images (latest) is displayed using four divided screens. The D screen can be used as a still screen. 4 screen / 2 series display, for example,
A: Contrast CT image (latest), B: Simple CT image (latest)
And screens C and D are used as screens for displaying those still images. Alternatively, it is also possible to compare by turning over the A: contrast CT image (latest) and B: by simply CT image (latest), and to compare the C and D screens by turning over their enlarged or reduced image.

In order to enable such display, it is necessary to make settings such as selection of the number of screens and allocation of divided screens.

When a series exceeding two screens is displayed, the switching operation of the X-axis and the Y-axis can be assigned when the turning-over display of the image is set. At this time, the function of feeding and returning one image can be realized by another key or by switching the function of the Y axis.

(6-2) Measurement function: C within set range
This is a function for measuring a T value (corresponding to brightness). For example, a measurement range is designated by the vertical and horizontal keys 311 and a CT key is displayed on a display when a measurement key (not shown) is pressed. The measurement range can be configured to be specified by a circle or a polygon. In the example of FIG. 9, the designated range 330 is designated by a polygon, and an average CT value within the designated range is displayed below each image.

(6-3) Enlargement function: An arbitrary part on the image can be enlarged. In addition, the page can be turned even in an enlarged state.

Matrix display function: By default,
Several images before and after the image of interest, for example, 2 × 2 (or 4 × 4) are displayed. Alternatively, the images marked by the marker function can be displayed in a matrix.
Using this function, a display instead of the conventional Schaukasten can be performed.

Recording / call function: Calls a required image and displays it on a display, or records a required image in a storage unit of a computer. If the condition is recorded when it is displayed under a specific condition, the condition can be displayed in the same environment easily without re-setting the condition by calling the condition next time.

(6-4) DICOM communication function: X-ray C
The image from the T, MRI is transferred to the control unit via a network, a DVD or the like.

(6-5) MPR (Multi Planar Reconstruction) Creation Function: This is a function for displaying multiple cross sections on one screen. For example, a cross section (Axial),
The sagittal section (Suggital) and coronal section (Coronal) are displayed.

(6-6) MIP (Maximum Intensity Pr
ojection) image: Data obtained by multi-slice and helical scan is projected in one direction, and an image of each pixel having the highest CT value is formed.

(6-7) Averaged image display: This is a function of displaying an image obtained by averaging scan data of every several sheets.
When photographing is performed at a fine pitch, the amount of scan data may become enormous and it may take a long time for image interpretation. For example, by displaying an average image for every five images, the number of image interpretations can be reduced. At this time, since information on an abnormal site such as a tumor is always included even if it is averaged, it is only necessary to look at the averaged image and display the vicinity where there is a possibility of abnormality in detail.

(6-8) CT value display of display image: X-ray C
In the T image, each dot has a unique CT value (bone: 1000, water: 0, air: -1000) based on the tissue of the portion. Therefore, the designation of the CT value to be displayed is centered on C
By specifying the T value (WL) and the CT value width (WW), a specific tissue to be displayed can be displayed.

In the above description, the joystick-type key is a key having a shape generally known as a "joystick". However, the joystick-type key of the present invention is not limited to this example. Including.

FIG. 10 shows an example in which a switch is further provided above the joystick. In FIG. 10A, a button switch 10 is provided on the upper surface of a stick 101 having a spherical head.
FIG. 10B shows an example in which a switch 104 is provided so as to cover the head of the cylindrical stick 103. The switch added in this way can be used in place of the switch by pushing in the Z-axis direction or together with the pushing switch, and necessary functions can be assigned as appropriate.

FIG. 11 shows an example of an operation unit 107 having a flat key 106 as a joystick-type key. FIG. 12A is a plan view and a side view of the flat key 106.
(B). It can be rotated around the Z axis together with the switching of the X axis and the Y axis. In the case of a flat key, operability is improved when the center of the key is slightly recessed. Unlike the case where a bar-shaped key is used, when such a flat key is used, it is often difficult to perform variable adjustment (multi-stage switching, infinite-stage switching) in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. Normally, it is preferable to perform three-point switching of the X axis and the Y axis in the positive direction, the negative direction, and zero point.

FIGS. 13A to 13D show examples of other flat keys. The planar shape is not limited to a circle, but may be a cross shape of (a), an elliptical shape of (d), a shape like (c), or a book shape such as a broad bean shape (not shown) in which the center of the ellipse is narrowed. Any shape suitable for the purpose of the invention may be used. Also, as shown in FIG. 13B, a button switch 109 may be added to the key head.

<Embodiment 2> Next, an example using only tilting in the Y-axis direction will be described with reference to FIG. In this example, the stick 110 which is the same as that shown in the first embodiment and FIG.
Is used, but only tilting in the Y-axis direction is possible. Then, there is a click feeling at a small tilt angle ± θ1, one sheet is fed in the + direction, and one sheet is returned in the − direction. Further, if the tilt angle is increased by applying a small amount of force, the speed of the turning display can be set according to the angle. When no force is applied, it is preferable to always return to the center position by a biasing means such as a spring.

The selection of the right screen or the left screen is performed by, for example, using the switches 111 and 1 provided on both sides of the stick 110.
12 can be performed.

In the above description, an X-ray CT image has been mainly described as an example. However, the present invention can be used as a display device for displaying a two-dimensional tomographic image such as an MRI, an angiographic image, and an angiographic image.

[0075]

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a tomographic image display device which is simple and has good operability for turning over and displaying a tomographic image.

Further, the present invention can provide a tomographic image display apparatus capable of turning over and displaying at least two series of tomographic images, thereby enabling highly reliable diagnosis.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing one series of tomographic images.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing two series of tomographic images.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a system configuration according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation unit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation panel of an operation unit.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a joystick-type key.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state where a second comparison screen for performing flip display is displayed.

FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state where an image of a series on the left side of the screen is turned.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state where four screens are displayed.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a joystick-type key.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation unit.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a joystick-type key.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a joystick-type key.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a joystick-type key.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 control unit 2 storage unit 3 input unit 4 display unit 5 output unit 6 network 7 system bus 31 operation unit 316 joystick type key

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 4C093 AA22 AA26 CA16 CA18 EE02 EE04 FG05 FG07 4C096 AB36 AD15 AD22 DD03 DD09

Claims (5)

[Claims] (A) image display means for displaying at least one series of tomographic images; (b) storage means for storing at least one series of tomographic image data; and (c) at least one series of tomographic images. Display speed setting means for setting a display speed; and (d) extracting data for each series from the storage means, and displaying a tomographic image for each series on the image display means based on the speed set by the display speed setting means. Control means for turning over and displaying, and the display speed setting means is a joystick-type variable adjuster installed in a separate housing from the control means. (A) image display means for displaying at least two series of tomographic images; (b) storage means for storing at least two series of tomographic image data; and (c) at least two series of tomographic images. Display speed setting means for setting a display speed of each series; and (d) extracting data for each series from the storage means, and displaying a plurality of data on the image display means based on the speed set by the display speed setting means. Control means for displaying the tomographic images of the series at the same time and displaying the tomographic images for each series, wherein the display speed setting means is a joystick type variable adjuster installed in a separate housing from the control means. A tomographic image display device characterized by the above-mentioned. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a synchronization command unit configured to issue a command for matching display speeds of at least two series of tomographic images, wherein the control unit controls the plurality of series of tomographic images based on a synchronization command from the synchronization command unit. 3. The tomographic image display device according to claim 2, wherein the tomographic image is turned over and displayed in synchronization with the display speed. 4. The joystick type variable adjuster,
4. Switching at least by tilting in the X-axis direction and Y-axis direction, and variable adjustment by rotation around the Z-axis are possible, and display speed is set by rotation around the Z-axis. A tomographic image display device according to any one of the above. 5. The joystick-type variable adjuster,
The tomographic image display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least variable adjustment by tilting in the Y-axis direction is possible, and the display speed is set by tilting in the Y-axis direction.