JP2005278786A - Medical image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve efficiency in diagnosis and to prevent the occurrence of erroneous operation and erroneous input by omitting labor of an operator for combining prescribed character information and arithmetic processing result information about a medical image with the medical image and displaying it on a display means. <P>SOLUTION: When a key in a key board 9 is depressed, an A/P part 11 reads various kinds of processing conditions for carrying out statistic calculation processing about the medical image correlated with the key in advance from its own storage part, carries out a statistic calculation processing program correlated with the key based on the processing conditions, and outputs the result of the statistic calculation processing. An overlay image data generation part 13 having received the the result of the statistic calculation processing generates an image showing the result of the statistic calculation processing, reads an image template for arranging the generated image from an overlay image data storage part 12, generates an overlay image data where the image showing the result of the statistic calculation processing is arranged at the prescribed position of the image template, and displays the generated overlay image data on a display part 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a medical image processing apparatus that displays character information and calculation processing result information regarding a medical image together with a medical image acquired from an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) apparatus, or the like.

  Conventionally, a medical image processing apparatus performs profile processing, histogram processing, statistical calculation processing, etc., mask processing of incidental information, input processing of image comments, etc. regarding a medical image obtained from an X-ray CT apparatus, an MRI apparatus, or the like. These processing results are superimposed on a medical image (hereinafter, such display is referred to as overlay display) or displayed in parallel (for example, Patent Document 1). reference).

  Incidentally, the above-described profile processing, histogram processing, statistical calculation processing, and the like are display processing that is mainly performed to determine differences between various organs and tissues when performing diagnosis, and the above-described profile processing is performed on a medical image. A graph showing the distribution of pixel values (values indicating the amount of X-ray transmission in each pixel) within a predetermined interval is displayed. Further, the above-described histogram processing displays a graph indicating the frequency distribution of pixel values in a predetermined area on a medical image. In addition, the statistical calculation process described above displays a list indicating the number of pixels in the predetermined area on the medical image, the average value of pixel values, the maximum value, the minimum value, and the like.

  At this time, the operator clicks a desired icon or button by operating the mouse on the main screen displayed on the display unit, starts an application associated with the icon or button, and is newly displayed. On the menu screen, the above-described profile processing instruction, histogram processing instruction, statistical calculation processing instruction, auxiliary information mask processing instruction, image comment input operation, and the like are performed by operating the mouse and keyboard.

  Here, in the conventional medical image processing apparatus, an example in which the input of the profile processing result and the image comment is displayed on the CT image obtained from the X-ray CT apparatus as an example is shown. An example of the flow of operations to be performed will be described.

  FIG. 14A shows an image 100A displayed on the display unit. As shown in FIG. 14A, the image 100A is an overlay image 100C shown in FIG. 14C overlaid on the CT image 100B shown in FIG. 14B. The overlay image 100C shown in FIG. 14 (c) is a so-called window display in which the graph indicating the profile processing result is overwritten on the image supplementary information indicating the shooting date and time, shooting conditions, and the like. When this is overlaid on the CT image 100B shown in FIG. 14B, a part of the CT image 100B is hidden by this graph as shown in FIG. 14A. It becomes.

  Hereinafter, the flow of operations performed by the operator until the image image 100A as illustrated in FIG. 14A is displayed on the display unit of the image processing apparatus will be described along the flow of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. .

  First, the operator clicks, for example, a “statistic calculation icon” by a mouse operation on the command screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing apparatus (S100) to start the statistical calculation application (S101). A “main menu screen” is newly displayed (S102).

  Next, on the “main menu screen”, the operator clicks, for example, the “Line button” by operating the mouse (S103), and further moves the cursor to a desired position on the CT image 100B and clicks. Then, a measurement start point is set (S104), and the measurement end point is set by moving the cursor to a desired position by a drag operation and clicking (S105).

  Thereby, the distance between the two points set by the operator is expressed as a numerical value at a predetermined position (center of the screen) of the overlay image 100C shown in FIG.

  Further, the operator clicks, for example, the “Other tab” on the “main menu screen” by operating the mouse (S106), newly displays the “submenu screen” (S107), and then displays the “submenu”. On the “screen”, for example, by clicking a “curve button” by operating the mouse (S108), the profile processing program is executed (S109).

  As a result, the profile processing result between the two points set by the operator is displayed as a graph at a predetermined position (lower center of the screen) of the overlay image 100C shown in FIG. 14C (S110).

  Further, the operator clicks, for example, the “Annotation button” by operating the mouse on the “main menu screen” described above (S111), thereby starting the annotation application (S112).

  Thus, an input cursor for inputting an image comment is displayed on the CT image 100B shown in FIG. 14B (S113).

  Next, the operator moves the input cursor to a desired position on the CT image by a mouse operation and clicks it (S114) to set the comment input position. Further, an image comment is input by a keyboard operation (S115). Further, the input image comment content is confirmed by pressing the “ENTER key” or the like (S116).

  As a result, an image comment determined by the operator is displayed at a predetermined position (for example, the center of the screen) of the overlay image 100C shown in FIG. 14C (S117).

  Next, the operator clicks, for example, the “Utility button” on the above-mentioned “main menu screen” by operating the mouse (S118), starts the utility application (S119), and newly opens the “setup screen”. It is displayed (S120).

  Next, the operator clicks check boxes such as “shooting date / time item”, “shooting direction item”, and “high voltage application condition item” by operating the mouse on the “setup screen” (S121). ), Setting for switching on / off the display of the accompanying information.

  As a result, information on items set to display ON by the operator is displayed as supplementary information at predetermined positions (four corners of the screen) of the overlay image 100C shown in FIG. 14C (S122).

  The overlay image 100C generated in this way is displayed as an overlay on the CT image 100B shown in FIG. 14B, which is an image image 100A shown in FIG.

  By the way, in the medical image processing apparatus, it is usual to display a plurality of medical images with different imaging conditions, presence / absence of contrast medium, display scale, etc. side by side on the display unit. It is necessary to perform the operation of displaying the images superimposed on each of the medical images one by one.

  At this time, the operator needs to repeatedly perform an operation for starting the above-described application, an operation for executing a processing program, an operation for inputting an image comment, and the like.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-129751 (paragraphs [0007]-[0020], FIGS. 1 to 5)

  In this way, even when the operator starts the same application as the previous time and executes the same processing program as the previous time, or when inputting an image comment having the same content as the previous time, the operator Such a display screen switching operation, a setting operation on the CT image, an input operation, and the like need to be repeated, which is troublesome and reduces the efficiency of diagnosis. Further, when performing such an operation, an operation error or an input error may occur.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to associate an image template in which predetermined character information related to a medical image is arranged in advance with an operation unit of an operation unit, and perform an operation. When an operator performs an operation on the operation unit, an image template associated with the operation unit is immediately read out, and an image of the image template is displayed in combination with a medical image. The present invention provides a medical image processing apparatus that improves the efficiency of diagnosis by eliminating the trouble of an operation when the operator displays the predetermined character information described above, and can prevent an operation error or an input error from occurring. There is.

  In addition, when a predetermined arithmetic processing related to a medical image is associated in advance with an image template for arranging the arithmetic processing result information and the operation unit of the operation means, and the operator operates the operation unit Immediately, the calculation process associated with the operation unit is executed, the image template associated with the calculation process is read, and the above-described calculation process result information is arranged in the read image template. Thus, by configuring the image template image in which the calculation processing result information is arranged to be displayed in combination with the medical image, it is conventionally required when the operator displays the calculation processing result information described above. The present invention provides a medical image processing apparatus capable of improving the efficiency of diagnosis by omitting troublesome operation and preventing occurrence of operation errors and input errors. Located in.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 1 is characterized in that display means for displaying a medical image based on medical image information acquired from an external device, and a plurality of types of character information related to the medical image are arranged at predetermined positions. When image template storage means for storing an image template, operation means having a plurality of operation parts associated in advance with each image template, and operation of some of the plurality of operation parts are performed Display control means for sequentially reading out the image templates previously associated with the operation units from the image template storage means and displaying the images of the image templates in combination with the medical images on the display means. It is characterized by that.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that display means for displaying a medical image based on medical image information acquired from an external device, and arithmetic processing related to the medical image based on the medical image information. A plurality of types of arithmetic processing means to be performed; an operation means having a plurality of operation units associated in advance with each of the arithmetic processing means; Image template storage means for storing a plurality of types of image templates to be arranged at positions, and the operations associated with the operation units in advance by operating some of the operation units. When the processing means performs the arithmetic processing, the image templates previously associated with the arithmetic processing means are sequentially stored in the image template storage means. Read and place the result information of the calculation process at a predetermined position of the read image template, and combine the image of the image template with the result information of the calculation process placed at a predetermined position on the display means with the medical image Display control means for displaying.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 3 is the medical image processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising processing condition storage means for preliminarily storing processing conditions for performing the arithmetic processing. The arithmetic processing means performs the arithmetic processing based on processing conditions preset in the processing condition storage means when the operation unit is operated.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 4 is the medical image processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising processing condition input means for inputting a processing condition when performing the arithmetic processing. The arithmetic processing means performs the arithmetic processing based on the processing condition input by the processing condition input means when the operation unit is operated.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a fifth aspect of the present invention is the medical image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the operation means is a key that is the operation unit. It is a keyboard which has two or more.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a sixth aspect of the invention is the medical image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the operation unit is displayed on the display unit. The operation means is means for designating the icon or button using a cursor displayed on the display unit.

  In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 7 is the medical image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the display combined with the medical image is the image. The template image is superimposed on the medical image.

  In order to solve the above problem, an invention according to claim 8 is the medical image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the display combined with the medical image is the image. The template image is displayed along with the medical image.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the plurality of operation units of the operation means are associated in advance with a plurality of types of image templates in which character information relating to medical images is arranged at predetermined positions, and among the plurality of operation units, When several operation units are operated, the display control unit sequentially reads out the image templates associated with these operation units from the image template storage unit, and uses the image of the image template as a display unit for medical use. Since the image is displayed in combination with the image, the operator can immediately display the image template image associated with the operation unit in advance on the display unit in combination with the medical image by operating the operation unit of the operation unit. Can do. Therefore, it is possible to save the trouble of operation, improve the efficiency of diagnosis, and prevent operation errors and input errors.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of types of arithmetic processing means for performing arithmetic processing related to the medical image based on medical image information in advance, a plurality of operation units of the operating means, and the arithmetic processing means Are associated with an image template for placing the result information of the arithmetic processing at a predetermined position, and some of the operation units are operated and associated with these operation units in advance. When the arithmetic processing means performs arithmetic processing, the display control means sequentially reads out image templates previously associated with the arithmetic processing means from the image template storage means, and information on the result of arithmetic processing by the arithmetic processing means Is placed in a predetermined position of the read image template, and the image of the image template in which the result information of the calculation process is arranged in the predetermined position is displayed on the display means Since they are displayed in combination, the operator immediately operates the operation unit of the operation means to immediately perform the arithmetic process associated with the operation unit, and the result information of the arithmetic process is arranged at a predetermined position. The image of the image template thus made can be displayed on the display means in combination with the medical image. Therefore, it is possible to save the trouble of operation, improve the efficiency of diagnosis, and prevent operation errors and input errors.

  According to the invention described in claim 3, the processing condition storage means stores in advance processing conditions for performing arithmetic processing, and when the arithmetic processing means is operated on the operation unit, Since the arithmetic processing is performed based on the processing condition set in advance in the processing condition storage means, the operator is automatically associated with the operation section in advance only by operating the operation section of the operation means. By performing the arithmetic processing, the image of the image template in which the result information of the arithmetic processing is arranged at a predetermined position can be displayed in combination with the medical image on the display means.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, the processing condition input means for inputting the processing conditions for performing the arithmetic processing is provided, and the arithmetic processing means is provided when the operation unit is operated. Since the arithmetic processing is performed based on the processing conditions input by the processing condition input means, the operator operates the operation unit of the operating means and then inputs the processing conditions by the processing condition input means. In particular, it is possible to perform a calculation process associated with the operation unit in advance, and display an image of an image template in which the result information of the calculation process is arranged at a predetermined position on the display unit in combination with the medical image.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the operator can immediately display the image template image associated with the key in combination with the medical image on the display unit by performing a key operation on the keyboard. be able to. Alternatively, it is possible to immediately perform a calculation process associated with the key in advance and display an image of the image template in which the result information of the calculation process is arranged at a predetermined position on the display unit in combination with the medical image.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, the operator designates an icon or button using the cursor displayed on the display unit by the operating means, and immediately associates with the icon or button in advance. The image of the image template can be displayed in combination with the medical image on the display means. Alternatively, it is possible to immediately perform a calculation process associated with the icon or button in advance and display an image of the image template in which the result information of the calculation process is arranged at a predetermined position on the display unit in combination with the medical image. it can.

  According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the operator can immediately display the image of the image template superimposed on the medical image by operating the operation unit of the operation means.

  According to the invention described in claim 8, the operator can immediately display the image of the image template along with the medical image by operating the operation unit of the operation means.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a medical image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be specifically described with various examples.

[Configuration of medical image processing apparatus]
<Detailed explanation>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the medical image processing apparatus according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the medical image processing apparatus is displayed on a medical image data storage unit 1 that stores medical image data acquired from an external device such as an X-ray CT apparatus or an MRI apparatus, and a display unit 4 described later. A display image data storage unit 2 for storing image data of various display screens (hereinafter referred to as display image data).

  Further, the medical image processing apparatus reads medical image data from the medical image data storage unit 1, reads out image data of various display screens from the display image data storage unit 2, and performs various processes based on the image data. A display screen data generation unit 3 that generates display screen data and an image based on the generated various display screen data, that is, a display unit 4 that displays various display screens are included.

  Further, the medical image processing apparatus is configured so that the operator can switch various display screens using a cursor on various display screens displayed on the display unit 4, and can perform various setting operations using the cursor on the medical images. And a keyboard 9 for performing an operation for inputting an image comment on the medical image displayed on the display unit 4 by the operator.

  The keyboard 9 further includes a plurality of function keys for executing a predetermined arithmetic processing program and displaying various overlay images in which information indicating the arithmetic processing result is arranged on various display screens.

  The cursor position determining unit 6 determines the position of the cursor that is moved by the operation of the mouse 5 on various display screens based on the operation signal from the mouse 5. As a result, it is determined which icon or button the cursor is positioned on on various screens. Similarly, the click determination unit 7 determines a click operation on the mouse 5 based on an operation signal from the mouse 5. Thus, it is determined which icon or button is clicked on various screens. Similarly, the drag determination unit 8 determines a drag operation on the mouse 5 based on an operation signal from the mouse 5. Similarly, the image comment input by operating the keyboard 9 is converted into a character signal, a symbol signal, or the like by the input conversion unit 10 based on a key input signal from the keyboard 9.

  Furthermore, when the operator clicks on an icon or button (to be described later) by operating the mouse 5 on various display screens displayed on the display unit 4, the medical image processing apparatus performs the cursor position determination unit 6 at that time, In response to the determination results from the determination unit 7 and the drag determination unit 8, that is, the determination signal output from them, and when the operator presses the function key of the keyboard 9, the input conversion unit 10 at that time In response to the conversion signal, an application activation / arithmetic processing program execution unit 11 (hereinafter referred to as an A / P unit 11) that activates an application corresponding to the icon, button, or key and executes the arithmetic processing program. It is configured to include. Here, the A / P unit 11 corresponds to the “arithmetic processing means” of the present invention.

  The A / P unit 11 includes a storage unit (not shown) that stores the above-described various applications, arithmetic processing programs, and various processing conditions to be described later. These are read from the storage unit and activated / executed. Here, the storage unit corresponds to the “processing condition storage unit” of the present invention.

  Further, the medical image processing apparatus receives an instruction signal from the overlay image data storage unit 12 that stores image templates for generating various overlay images and the A / P unit 11, and the A / P unit 11 An overlay image that reads out an image template corresponding to the activated application from the overlay image data storage unit 12 and generates various overlay image data in which the execution result of the arithmetic processing program from the A / P unit 11 is arranged at a predetermined position of the image template. A data generation unit 13. Here, the overlay image data storage unit 12 corresponds to the “image template storage unit” of the present invention.

  Further, the medical image processing apparatus synthesizes various overlay image data from the overlay image data generation unit 13 with the various display screen data from the display screen data generation unit 3, and based on the synthesized image data. The display screen data composition unit 14 is configured to display on the display unit 4 an image, that is, an image in which various overlay images are displayed on various display screens. Here, the overlay image data generation unit 13 and the display screen data synthesis unit 14 described above constitute the “display control unit” of the present invention.

[Flow of display processing]
Hereinafter, the flow of display processing performed in the medical image processing apparatus configured as described above will be described along the flow of the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 with reference to FIGS. 3 to 13. In the present embodiment, a CT image obtained from an X-ray CT apparatus is used as the medical image.

<Overview>
First, an overview of the flow of display processing performed in the medical image processing apparatus will be described along the flow of the flowchart shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3A, the operator uses an application or computation for displaying an image of an image template in which the computation processing results such as the distance measurement processing results between two points and the profile processing results are arranged at predetermined positions. A processing program and a display program are set in advance in association with icons and buttons displayed in a “command box” of a “main screen” to be described later, and function keys of the keyboard 9 (hereinafter referred to as various operation units as described above). A setting for associating an application for displaying images of various image templates, an arithmetic processing program, and a display program is referred to as a function overlay setting) (S01).

  Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3B, a display program for displaying an image of an image template in which predetermined auxiliary information and image comments are arranged at predetermined positions is preliminarily stored in a “main screen” described later. Set in association with icons and buttons displayed in the “command box” and the function keys of the keyboard 9 (hereinafter referred to as settings for associating display programs for displaying images of various image templates on various operation units in this way. (Referred to as label overlay setting) (S02). Details of these settings will be described later in [Example 1] to [Example 4].

  Then, the operator displays an image template image corresponding to the above-described function overlay or an image template corresponding to the above-described label overlay on a CT image displayed in an “image display window” of a “main screen” described later. It is determined whether or not to display the image of the overlay (S02). Here, in order to display an image of an image template corresponding to the above-described function overlay (S02, Yes (function overlay)), the operator uses a function in a “command box” displayed on the “main screen” described later, for example. When an icon or button group set with an overlay is clicked by operating the mouse 5, or when a function key on the keyboard 9 is pressed (S04), the A / P unit 11 activates an application associated therewith. Further, the arithmetic processing program is executed, and the arithmetic processing result is output to the overlay image data generation unit 13. Further, the overlay image data generation unit 13 executes the display program, reads an image template for placing the calculation processing result at a predetermined position from the overlay image data storage unit 12, and at the predetermined position of the image template, reads the image template. Various overlay image data in which the calculation processing result is arranged is generated, and an image of the overlay image data is displayed on the display unit 4 (via the display screen data synthesis unit 14). As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, an overlay image showing the calculation processing result is immediately overlaid on the CT image displayed in the “image display window” of the “main screen” to be described later. (S05). However, this overlay image may be displayed in a separate “image display window” along with the CT image. At this time, the operator performs various processing conditions, that is, parameter adjustment operations (for example, position adjustment of the start point and end point in the distance measurement between two points) on the overlay image by operating the mouse 5. (S06) The image after the adjustment operation is executed by clicking the icon or button group by operating the mouse 5 again or by pressing the function key of the keyboard 9 to execute the arithmetic processing program or the display program. A template image can be displayed (S07). Here, the mouse 5 corresponds to “processing condition input means” of the present invention.

  Similarly, in order to display the image of the image template corresponding to the above-described label overlay (S02, Yes (label overlay)), for example, the “command box” displayed on the “main screen” described later, for example, When the icon or button group set with the label overlay is clicked by operating the mouse 5 or the function key of the keyboard 9 is pressed (S08), the overlay image data generation unit 13 is associated with them. The display program for displaying the image of the image template is executed, the image template associated therewith is read out from the overlay image data storage unit 12, and the image template is used as the overlay image data (display screen data synthesis unit). Through 14 And displays the image of the overlay image data on the display unit 4. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, on the CT image displayed in the “image display window” of the “main screen” to be described later, an overlay image showing the accompanying information and image comment associated therewith is immediately overlaid. It will be displayed (S09). However, this overlay image may be displayed in a separate “image display window” along with the CT image. At this time, the operator performs the display switching operation of the auxiliary information displayed on the overlay image and the display position adjustment operation of the image comment by operating the mouse 5 (S10), and again by the operation of the mouse 5. The display program can be executed by clicking an icon or a button group or by pressing a function key of the keyboard 9, and the image of the image template after the adjustment operation can be displayed (S11). Here, the mouse 5 corresponds to “processing condition input means” of the present invention.

<Detailed explanation>
Next, details of the flow of display processing performed in the medical image processing apparatus will be described with various examples.

(When measuring the distance between two points and displaying the profile)
First, in the image processing apparatus, the display screen data generation unit 3 reads out image data of a “main screen” to be described later from the display image data storage unit 2 and also displays “image display” to be described later of the “main screen”. The image data of the CT image to be displayed on the window "is read from the medical image data storage unit 1, and an image based on the image data is displayed on the display unit 4 (via the display screen data synthesis unit 14). At this time, the image data of the CT image is arranged at a position corresponding to the “image display window” of the image data of the “main screen”.

  As a result, the display unit 4 displays a “main screen” 10A as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the “main screen” 10A displays an “image display window” 10B for displaying a CT image and displays various overlay images on the CT image, that is, overlaps the CT image. It includes an icon for performing an operation for directly calling an overlay image to be combined, and a “command box” 10C that displays a button group 10D.

  The icon and button group 10D displayed in the “command box” 10C are associated with the corresponding application and arithmetic processing program in advance, and the operator clicks one of them by operating the mouse 5. In this case, based on the determination signals from the cursor position determination unit 6 and the click determination unit 7, the A / P unit 11 activates the application corresponding to the icon, button, etc. Is supposed to be executed.

  Here, when the operator moves the cursor by operating the mouse 5 and clicks the “Measure (statistical calculation) icon” 10Da of the “command box” 10C, the cursor position determination unit 6 and the click determination unit 7 The A / P unit 11 activates the statistical calculation application corresponding to the “Measure icon”. In response to this, the display screen data generation unit 3 reads new image data from the display image data storage unit 2 and causes the display unit 4 to display a “statistical calculation Main menu screen” 20A as shown in FIG. .

  Here, the operator moves the cursor by operating the mouse 5 and clicks the “segment ROI trace button” 20B. Then, the operator moves the cursor by operating the mouse 5, and the “image display window” 10B “ When the CT image in the window “A” is clicked, this is determined by the cursor position determination unit 6 and the click determination unit 7, and the A / P unit 11 determines the CT image as a target for performing the statistical calculation process. .

  Next, when the operator moves the cursor to a desired position by the operation of the mouse 5 and clicks, the cursor position determination unit 6 and the click determination unit 7 determine this, and the A / P unit 11 The position information is stored in its own storage unit as a starting point for performing the statistical calculation process.

  Further, when the operator moves the cursor to a desired position by a drag operation of the mouse 5 and clicks again, this is determined by the cursor position determination unit 6 and the click determination unit 7, and the A / P unit is determined. 11 stores the information of the position in its own storage unit as an end point for performing the statistical calculation process. Further, the A / P unit 11 executes the point-to-point distance program corresponding to the “line segment ROI trace button” 20B, from the medical image data storage unit 1 (via the display screen data generation unit 3). The image data of the CT image displayed in the “window” A of the “image display window” 10B is acquired, and the actual distance between the two points is determined based on the size information included in the image data of the CT image. measure.

  At this time, the display screen data generation unit 3 reads the image data of the line segment ROI from the display image data storage unit 2 and displays it on the display unit 4 (via the display screen data synthesis unit 14). I will do it. As a result, a line segment ROI as shown in FIG. 7 is represented at a predetermined position on the CT image of “window” A of “image display window” 10B.

  Furthermore, when the distance between the start point and the end point is measured by the A / P unit 11, the display screen data generation unit 3 generates numerical data representing the distance between the two points, Displayed on the display unit 4 (via the display screen data synthesis unit 14). Thus, a numerical value indicating the actual distance between the start point and the end point as shown in FIG. 7 is represented at a predetermined position on the CT image of “window” A of “image display window” 10B. .

  Incidentally, in order to set this line segment ROI also for the CT image of “window” B of “image display window” 10B, the operator operates the mouse 5 to operate the “image display window” 10B. Just click on the CT image in “Window” B. In response to this, in the medical image processing apparatus, the above-described display processing is repeatedly performed.

  Furthermore, when the operator moves the cursor on the “Other tab” 20D of the “statistical calculation Main menu screen” 20A shown in FIG. When this is determined by the click determination unit 7, the display screen data generation unit 3 reads new image data from the display image data storage unit 2, and displays the “Other menu screen” 30A as shown in FIG. Is displayed.

  Here, when the operator moves the cursor on the “Curve icon” 30B of the “Other menu screen” 30A by clicking the mouse 5 and clicks, the cursor position determining unit 6 and the click determining unit 7 are clicked. The A / P unit 11 executes the profile processing program corresponding to the “Curve icon” 30B and executes the profile processing program from the medical image data storage unit 1 (via the display screen data generation unit 3). The image data of the CT image displayed in the “window” A of the image display window “10B” is acquired, and the profile processing result data is generated based on the pixel value information included in the image data of the CT image. Is output to the overlay image data generation unit 13.

  The overlay image data generation unit 13 generates an image (a graph Da to be described later) indicating the profile processing result, reads out an image template for placing the image at a predetermined position from the overlay image data storage unit 12, and outputs the image. Overlay image data is generated by arranging an image (a graph Da, which will be described later) indicating the profile processing result at a predetermined position of the template and displayed on the display unit 4 (via the display screen data synthesis unit 14). Let As a result, a graph Da that is an overlay image showing the profile processing result as shown in FIG. 9 is represented in the “window” D of the “image display window” 10B. Incidentally, in the “window” D of the “image display window” 10B shown in FIG. 9, two graphs corresponding to each of the “windows” A and B are displayed.

  Here, by operating the mouse 5, the operator moves the cursor over any of the “Auto load icon group” 10E in the “command box” 10C shown in FIG. The setting for associating with the process of displaying the graph Da indicating the profile processing result shown in FIG. Specifically, at this time, this is determined by the cursor position determination unit 6 and the click determination unit 7, and the A / P unit 11 associates the icon with the profile processing program corresponding to the “Curve icon” 30B, After associating the icon with various processing conditions for generating the graph Da showing the profile processing result shown in FIG. Store in the storage unit.

  As a result, when the operator moves the cursor over the icon described above by operating the mouse 5 and clicks on it, this is determined by the cursor position determination unit 6 and the click determination unit 7, and A / The P unit 11 reads various processing conditions for generating the graph Da indicating the profile processing result associated with the icon from its own storage unit, and further displays the “Curve icon” 30B associated with the icon. The corresponding profile processing program is executed based on the processing conditions. Further, the A / P unit 11 outputs the profile processing result data to the overlay image data generation unit 13. The overlay image data generation unit 13 generates a graph Da indicating the profile processing result, reads out an image template for placing the graph Da at a predetermined position from the overlay image data storage unit 12, and converts the image of the graph Da into the image The overlay image data is generated by being arranged at a predetermined position of the template, and is displayed on the display unit 4 (via the display screen data synthesis unit 14). As a result, the graph Da indicating the profile processing result shown in FIG. 9 is automatically displayed in the “window” D of the “image display window” 10B.

  At this time, similarly to the case shown in FIG. 4, the overlay image data generation unit 13 displays the graph Da indicating the profile processing result on the display unit 4 as “windows” A and B of the “image display window” 10B. On the CT image displayed on the screen, it may be displayed in an overlay manner in a form that does not cover it, that is, with the background transparent.

  Returning to the description from the paragraph [0070] or, here, the operator presses any key in the function key group of the keyboard 9 to display the function key and the profile processing result shown in FIG. The setting which associates with the process which displays the graph Da which shows is performed. Specifically, at this time, this is determined by the input conversion unit 10, and the A / P unit 11 associates the function key with the profile processing program corresponding to the “Curve icon” 30B, After associating various processing conditions for generating the graph Da indicating the profile processing result shown in FIG. 9 (for example, position information of the start point and the end point), the various processing conditions are stored in its own storage unit. .

  As a result, when the operator subsequently presses the above-described function key by operating the keyboard 9, this is determined by the input conversion unit 10, and the A / P unit 11 determines the profile associated with the icon. Various processing conditions for generating the graph Da indicating the processing result are read from its own storage unit, and the profile processing program corresponding to the “Curve icon” 30B associated with the icon is executed based on the processing information To do. Further, the A / P unit 11 outputs the profile processing result data to the overlay image data generation unit 13. The overlay image data generation unit 13 generates a graph Da indicating the profile processing result, reads out an image template for placing the graph Da at a predetermined position from the overlay image data storage unit 12, and converts the image of the graph Da into the image The overlay image data is generated by being arranged at a predetermined position of the template, and is displayed on the display unit 4 (via the display screen data synthesis unit 14). As a result, the graph Da indicating the profile processing result shown in FIG. 9 is automatically displayed in the “window” D of the “image display window” 10B.

  At this time, similarly to the case shown in FIG. 4, the overlay image data generation unit 13 displays the graph Da indicating the profile processing result on the display unit 4 as “windows” A and B of the “image display window” 10B. It is also possible to display an overlay on the CT image displayed on the screen with the background transparent.

  As described above, in the medical image processing apparatus, after the operator performs the setting operation described above, the cursor is placed on a predetermined icon of the “Auto load icon group” 10E of the “command box” 10C by the operation of the mouse 5. Is moved or clicked, or when a predetermined function key is pressed by operating the keyboard 9, the A / P unit 11 receives the profile processing result previously associated with the icon. Various processing conditions for generating the indicated graph Da are read from its own storage unit, a profile processing program corresponding to the icon is executed based on the processing conditions, and the profile processing result data is generated as overlay image data Output to the unit 13, and the overlay image data generation unit 13 A graph Da indicating the file processing result is generated, and an image template for arranging the graph Da at a predetermined position is read from the overlay image data storage unit 12 and an image of the graph Da is arranged at a predetermined position of the image template. Since the overlay image data is generated and displayed on the display unit 4 (via the display screen data synthesis unit 14), the operator can select a predetermined icon of the “Auto load icon group” 10E in the “command box” 10C. By simply moving the cursor up and clicking, or simply pressing a predetermined function key on the keyboard 9, the display unit 4 is directly and automatically displayed with the CT image. Shows the profile processing results corresponding to those icons and function keys It can be displayed rough Da. Therefore, the operator can save the time and effort of displaying the graph Da indicating the profile processing result, and can improve the efficiency of diagnosis performed while referring to the graph Da. Occurrence of operation mistakes and input mistakes when displaying Da can be prevented.

(When performing histogram display and statistical calculation in ROI)
Further, after the operator moves and clicks the icon on the “circle ROI drawing button” 20C by operating the mouse 5 on the “statistical calculation main menu screen” 20A shown in FIG. 6, the image display window 10B is clicked. When the cursor is moved and clicked on the CT image of the window A, the cursor position determination unit 6 and the click determination unit 7 determine this, and the display screen data generation unit 3 displays the display image data storage unit 2. Then, new image data is read out, and a circle ROI is displayed on the display unit 4 in, for example, the “window” A of the “image display window” 10B shown in FIG.

  Here, the operator moves the cursor on a circle ROI displayed in “window” A of “image display window” 10B by dragging and moving the cursor by operating the mouse 5, for example. Then, an operation for adjusting the position and size of the circle ROI is performed.

  At this time, this is determined by the cursor position determination unit 6 and the click determination unit 7, and the display screen data generation unit 3 reads new image data from the display image data storage unit 2 each time and displays it on the display unit 4. The position and size of the circle ROI are changed in the “window” A of the “image display window” 10B shown in FIG.

  At this time, the A / P unit 11 receives the determination signals output from the cursor position determination unit 6 and the click determination unit 7, acquires information on the position and size of the circle ROI, and uses this information as its own. Store in the storage unit.

  Incidentally, in order to set this circle ROI also for the CT image of “window” B of “image display window” 10 B, the operator operates “5” of “image display window” 10 B by operating mouse 5. Just click on the CT image in window “B”. In response to this, in the medical image processing apparatus, the above-described display processing is repeatedly performed.

  Here, when the operator moves the cursor on the “Other tab” 20C of the “statistical calculation main menu screen” 20A by the operation of the mouse 5 and clicks, the cursor position determination unit 6 and the click determination unit 7 When this is determined, the display screen data generation unit 3 reads new image data from the display image data storage unit 2 and causes the display unit 4 to display the “Other menu screen” 30A shown in FIG.

  Here, when the operator moves the cursor onto the “Curve icon” 30B by the operation of the mouse 5 and clicks the mouse, this is determined by the cursor position determination unit 6 and the click determination unit 7, and A The / P unit 11 activates a histogram display application corresponding to the “Curve icon” 30B, and further reads out information on the position and size of the circle ROI from its own storage unit. Further, the A / P unit 11 executes the histogram processing program and is displayed on the “window” A of the “image display window” 10B from the medical image data storage unit 1 (via the display screen data generation unit 3). And the histogram processing result based on the information such as the number of pixels and the pixel value included in the image data of the CT image and the position and size information of the circle ROI described above. Data is generated and output to the overlay image data generation unit 13. The overlay image data generation unit 13 generates an image (a graph Db to be described later) indicating the histogram processing result, reads out an image template for placing the image at a predetermined position from the overlay image data storage unit 12, and outputs the histogram An overlay image data is generated by placing an image indicating a processing result (a graph Db described later) at a predetermined position of the image template, and this is displayed on the display unit 4 (via the display screen data synthesis unit 14). .

  In response to this, the display unit 4 displays the graph Db indicating the histogram processing result on the “window” D of the “image display window” 10B shown in FIG.

  Here, by operating the mouse 5, the operator moves the cursor over any of the “Auto load icon group” 10E of the “command box” 10C shown in FIG. And a process for displaying the graph Da indicating the histogram processing result shown in FIG. Specifically, at this time, the cursor position determination unit 6 and the click determination unit 7 determine this, and the A / P unit 11 determines that the icon, the histogram display application corresponding to the “Curve icon” 30B, and the histogram processing program. , And the various processing conditions (such as the position and size information of the circle ROI) for generating the graph Db indicating the histogram processing result shown in FIG. The condition is stored in its own storage unit.

  As a result, when the operator moves the cursor over the icon described above by operating the mouse 5 and clicks on it, this is determined by the cursor position determination unit 6 and the click determination unit 7, and A / The P unit 11 reads various processing conditions for generating the graph Db indicating the histogram processing result associated with the icon from its own storage unit, and corresponds to the “Curve icon” 30B associated with the icon. The histogram processing program is executed based on the processing conditions. Further, the A / P unit 11 outputs the histogram processing result data to the overlay image data generation unit 13. Furthermore, the overlay image data generation unit 13 generates a graph Db indicating the histogram processing result, reads out an image template for placing the histogram Db at a predetermined position from the overlay image data storage unit 12, and converts the image of the graph Db into an image. By arranging the image template at a predetermined position, overlay image data is generated and displayed on the display unit 4 (via the display screen data synthesis unit 14). As a result, the graph Db indicating the histogram processing result shown in FIG. 9 is automatically displayed in the “window” D of the “image display window” 10B.

  At this time, the overlay image data generation unit 13 displays a graph Db indicating the histogram processing result on the display unit 4 as in the case of FIG. An overlay display may be performed on the CT images displayed on A and B without covering them.

  Thus, in the medical image processing apparatus, after performing the setting operation described above, the operator moves the cursor over a predetermined icon of the “Auto load icon group” 10E of the “command box” 10C by operating the mouse 5. When it is moved and clicked, or when a predetermined function key is pressed by operating the keyboard 9, the A / P unit 11 receives this and shows the histogram processing result associated with the icon. Various processing conditions for generating the graph Db are read from its own storage unit, a histogram processing program corresponding to the “Curve icon” 30B associated with the icon is executed based on the processing conditions, and the histogram The processing result data is output to the overlay image data generation unit 13, and the auto image data is output. The ray image data generation unit 13 generates an image of the graph Db indicating the histogram processing result, reads out an image template for arranging the image at a predetermined position from the overlay image data storage unit 12, and converts the image of the graph Db. By placing the image template at a predetermined position in the image template, overlay image data is generated and displayed on the display unit 4 (via the display screen data synthesizing unit 14), so that the operator can select the “command box” 10C. By simply moving the cursor on a predetermined icon of the “Auto load icon group” 10E and clicking it, the histogram processing result is displayed on the display unit 4 together with the CT image directly and automatically. The graph Db can be displayed. Therefore, the operator can save the trouble of operation when displaying the graph Db indicating the histogram processing result, and can improve the efficiency of diagnosis performed while referring to the graph Db. Occurrence of operation mistakes and input mistakes when displaying Db can be prevented.

  Furthermore, when the operator moves the cursor on the “Calculate button” 20D of the statistical calculation Main menu screen shown in FIG. When the click determination unit 7 determines this, the A / P unit 11 activates the statistical calculation application corresponding to the “Calculate button” 20D, and further executes the statistical calculation program (display screen data generation). The image data of the CT image displayed in the “window” A of the “image display window” 10B is acquired from the medical image data storage unit 1 (via the unit 3), and the number of pixels included in the image data of the CT image Statistical calculation processing result based on the information on the position and size of the circle ROI and the information such as the pixel value Chromatography data generated, and outputs it to the overlay image data generating unit 13. Furthermore, the overlay image data generation unit 13 generates an image (list Ca, which will be described later) indicating the statistical calculation processing result data, and an image template for placing the image template at a predetermined position from the overlay image data storage unit 12. Read and generate overlay image data in which an image (list Ca described later) indicating the statistical calculation processing result data is arranged at a predetermined position of the image template, and this is generated (via the display screen data synthesis unit 14). It is displayed on the display unit 4.

  In response to this, the display unit 4 displays the list Ca indicating the statistical calculation processing result in the “window” C of the “image display window” 10B shown in FIG.

  Incidentally, in this list 10Ca, information such as the area in the circle ROI, the average value of the pixel values in the circle ROI, the standard deviation, the maximum value, the minimum value, and the number of pixels is represented.

  Here, by operating the mouse 5, the operator moves the cursor over any of the “Auto load icon group” 10E of the “command box” 10C shown in FIG. And a process for displaying the list Ca indicating the statistical calculation processing result shown in FIG. Specifically, at this time, the cursor position determination unit 6 and the click determination unit 7 determine this, and the A / P unit 11 associates the icon with the statistical calculation processing program corresponding to the “Calculate button” 20D. In addition, the various processing conditions for associating the icon with various processing conditions (such as the position and size information of the circle ROI) for generating the list Ca showing the statistical calculation processing results shown in FIG. Is stored in its own storage unit.

  As a result, when the operator moves the cursor over the icon described above by operating the mouse 5 and clicks on it, this is determined by the cursor position determination unit 6 and the click determination unit 7, and A / The P unit 11 reads out various processing conditions associated with the icon for generating the list Ca indicating the statistical calculation processing result from its storage unit, and displays the “Calculate button” 20D associated with the icon. A corresponding statistical calculation processing program is executed based on the processing conditions. Further, the A / P unit 11 outputs the statistical calculation processing result data to the overlay image data generation unit 13. Further, the overlay image data generation unit 13 generates an image of the list Ca indicating the statistical calculation processing result, reads out an image template for arranging the image at a predetermined position from the overlay image data storage unit 12, and Overlay image data is generated by placing an image of the list Ca indicating the histogram processing result at a predetermined position of the image template, and this is displayed on the display unit 4 (via the display screen data synthesis unit 14). As a result, the list Ca indicating the statistical calculation processing result shown in FIG. 10 is automatically displayed in the “window” D of the “image display window” 10B.

  Thus, in the medical image processing apparatus, after performing the setting operation described above, the operator moves the cursor over a predetermined icon of the “Auto load icon group” 10E of the “command box” 10C by operating the mouse 5. When it is moved and clicked, or when a predetermined function key is pressed by operating the keyboard 9, the A / P unit 11 receives this, and the statistical calculation processing result associated with the icon is displayed. Various processing conditions for generating the list Ca shown are read from its own storage unit, and a statistical calculation processing program corresponding to the “Calculate button” 20D associated with the icon is executed based on the processing conditions. The statistical calculation processing result data is output to the overlay image data generation unit 13, and the overlay The image data generation unit 13 generates an image of the list Ca indicating the statistical calculation processing result, and reads out an image template for arranging the image at a predetermined position from the overlay image data storage unit 12. The overlay image data is generated by arranging the image of the list Ca indicating the histogram processing result at a predetermined position and is displayed on the display unit 4 (via the display screen data synthesis unit 14). Can be directly and automatically performed on the display unit 4 simply by moving the cursor over a predetermined icon of the “Auto load icon group” 10E of the “command box” 10C and clicking. A list Ca showing the statistical calculation processing result can be displayed together with the image. Therefore, the operator can save the trouble of operation when displaying the list Ca indicating the statistical calculation processing result, and can improve the efficiency of diagnosis performed while referring to the list Ca. In addition, it is possible to prevent an operation error or an input error when displaying the list Ca.

(When inputting image comments)
In the “command box” 10C of the “main screen” 10A shown in FIG. 5, when the cursor is moved on the “Annotation icon” 10Db by the operation of the mouse 5, the cursor position is determined. This is determined by the unit 6 and the click determination unit 7, and the A / P unit 11 activates the annotation application corresponding to the “Annotation icon” 10Db. In response to this, the display screen data generation unit 3 reads new image data from the display image data storage unit 2 and causes the display unit 4 to display an “annotation menu screen” 40A as shown in FIG.

  Here, after the operator moves the cursor by operating the mouse 5 and clicks the “Annotation button” 40B, the operator moves the cursor by operating the mouse 5, and the “window” A of the “image display window” 10B. When the CT image is clicked, the cursor position determination unit 6 and the click determination unit 7 determine this, and the A / P unit 11 executes the annotation processing program and performs the annotation processing on the CT image. Confirm as the target.

  Further, when the operator moves the cursor by operating the mouse 5 and clicks at a desired position, the cursor position determining unit 6 and the click determining unit 7 determine this, and the display screen data generating unit 3 On the display unit 4, a window ■ for inputting a character string at the position is displayed.

  The operator further operates a key on the keyboard 9 to input a character symbol string indicating an image comment. In response, the input conversion unit 10 converts the key input signal from the keyboard 9 into a character signal, a symbol signal, or the like. Here, when the operator clicks the mouse 5, the contents of the input character / symbol string are confirmed. Specifically, this is determined by the click determination unit 7, and the overlay image data generation unit 13 generates the input character / symbol string data based on the conversion signal from the input conversion unit 10 and displays the display program. The image template for placing the character / symbol string data at a predetermined position is read from the overlay image data storage unit 12, and the character / symbol string data is placed at a predetermined position of the image template to obtain the overlay image data. It is generated and displayed on the display unit 4 (via the display screen data synthesis unit 14). In addition, the A / P unit 11 stores the input character / symbol string information and its input position information in its own storage unit.

  In response to this, the display unit 4 displays “ABCD”, which is a character string indicating the input image comment, on the CT image of “window” A shown in FIG.

  Further, when the operator draws an arrow, after the cursor 5 is moved over the “arrow button” 40C by clicking the “annotation menu screen” 40A shown in FIG. Then, the cursor is moved onto the CT image of “window” A of “image display window” 10B and clicked. Then, this is determined by the cursor position determination unit 6 and the click determination unit 7, and the A / P unit 11 activates the arrow display application corresponding to the “arrow button” 40C, and displays the CT image in the arrow display process. Confirm the target to perform.

  Next, when the operator moves the cursor to a desired position by the operation of the mouse 5 and clicks, the cursor position determination unit 6 and the click determination unit 7 determine this, and the A / P unit 11 Then, the arrow display processing program is executed to store the information on the position in its own storage unit as a starting point for drawing the arrow, and output the information on the starting point to the overlay image data generation unit 13.

  Further, when the operator moves the cursor to a desired position by a drag operation of the mouse 5 and clicks again, this is determined by the cursor position determination unit 6 and the click determination unit 7, and the A / P unit is determined. 11 stores the position information in its own storage unit as the end point for drawing the arrow, and outputs the end point information to the overlay image data generation unit 13.

  At this time, the overlay image data generation unit 13 reads the image data of the arrow from the overlay image data storage unit 12, generates image data representing the arrow from the start point to the end point, and displays a display program. Execute the image template for placing the image data of the arrow at a predetermined position from the overlay image data storage unit 12, and arrange the image data of the arrow at the predetermined position of the image template to overlay image data Is generated and displayed on the display unit 4 (via the display screen data synthesis unit 14). Thus, an arrow as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the CT image of “window” A of “image display window” 10B.

  Incidentally, in order to draw this arrow also on the CT image of “window” B of “image display window” 10 B, the operator operates the “window of image display window” 10 B by operating the mouse 5. Click on the CT image of “B”. In response to this, in the medical image processing apparatus, the above-described display processing is repeatedly performed.

  Here, by operating the mouse 5, the operator moves the cursor over any of the “Auto load icon group” 10E of the “command box” 10C shown in FIG. And a process for displaying an image comment indicating an annotation processing result and an arrow shown in FIG. Specifically, at this time, this is determined by the cursor position determination unit 6 and the click determination unit 7, and the A / P unit 11 determines that the icon, an annotation processing program corresponding to the “Annotation button” 40 B, “arrow” The arrow display processing program corresponding to the button “40C and the display program are associated with each other, and various processing conditions for generating an image comment and an arrow indicating the annotation processing result shown in FIG. Column information, its input position information, arrow display position information, etc.), and the various processing conditions are stored in its own storage unit.

  As a result, when the operator moves the cursor over the icon described above by operating the mouse 5 and clicks on it, this is determined by the cursor position determination unit 6 and the click determination unit 7, and A / The P unit 11 reads various processing conditions for generating an image comment and an arrow indicating the annotation processing result associated with the icon from its own storage unit, and displays the “Annotation button” 40B associated with the icon. The corresponding notification processing program, the arrow display processing program corresponding to the “arrow button” 40C, is executed based on these processing conditions. Further, the A / P unit 11 outputs the annotation processing result data and the arrow display processing result data to the overlay image data generation unit 13. Further, the overlay image data generation unit 13 generates image comment data and arrow image data indicating the annotation processing result, and executes a display program to place the image comment and arrow image data at predetermined positions. The image template for reading is read from the overlay image data storage unit 12, and the image comment or the arrow image data is arranged at a predetermined position of the image template to generate overlay image data. Displayed on the display unit 4 (via the synthesis unit 14). As a result, an image comment and an arrow indicating the annotation processing result shown in FIG. 12 are displayed directly and automatically on the CT image of “window” A of “image display window” 10B.

  Thus, in the medical image processing apparatus, after performing the setting operation described above, the operator moves the cursor over a predetermined icon of the “Auto load icon group” 10E of the “command box” 10C by operating the mouse 5. When it is moved and clicked, or when a predetermined function key is pressed by operating the keyboard 9, the A / P unit 11 receives this, and shows the annotation processing result associated with the icon. Various processing conditions for generating an image comment and an arrow are read from its own storage unit, and correspond to the “annotation button” 40B associated with the icon and the “arrow button” 40C. When the arrow display processing program is executed based on these processing conditions In addition, the annotation processing result data and the arrow display processing result data are output to the overlay image data generation unit 13, and the overlay image data generation unit 13 generates image comment data and arrow image data indicating the annotation processing result. At the same time, the display program is executed to read out the image template for placing the image comment and the image data of the arrow at a predetermined position from the overlay image data storage unit 12, and the image comment and the arrow are placed at the predetermined position of the image template. Since the overlay image data is generated and displayed on the display unit 4 (via the display screen data synthesis unit 14), the operator can select “Auto load” in the “command box” 10C. The cursor on the predetermined icon of the icon group “10E” The move, only by performing a simple operation such as clicking, directly and automatically, it is possible to display an image comment and arrows indicating the annotation processing results with CT image on the display unit 4. Therefore, the operator can save the trouble of displaying the image comment or arrow indicating the annotation processing result, and can improve the efficiency of diagnosis performed while referring to the image comment or arrow. In addition, it is possible to prevent an operation error or an input error when displaying the image comment or the arrow.

(When displaying incidental information)
When the operator moves the cursor on the “Utility button” 10F located in the middle of the “command box” 10C of the “main screen” 10A shown in FIG. The cursor position determination unit 6 and the click determination unit 7 determine this, and the A / P unit 11 activates the utility application corresponding to the “Utility button” 10F. In response to this, the display screen data generation unit 3 reads new image data from the display image data storage unit 2 and causes the display unit 4 to display a “setup screen” 50A as shown in FIG.

  Here, the operator moves the cursor over the check boxes corresponding to the various incidental information by operating the mouse 5 and clicks to switch the presence / absence of the check, so that the auxiliary information corresponding to the check box is changed. Display ON / OFF is set (by the way, when there is a check, the display of the incidental information corresponding to the check box is turned ON). The setting information is stored in the storage unit of the A / P unit 11.

  Further, the A / P unit 11 executes the utility processing program and outputs the setting information to the overlay image data generation unit 13. Receiving this, the overlay image data generation unit 13 reads the overlay image data in which the auxiliary information set to display ON is arranged at a predetermined position from the overlay image data storage unit 12 based on the setting information on the “setup screen” 50A. This is displayed on the display unit 4 (via the display screen data synthesis unit 14). As a result, the incidental information A to D indicating various information shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the CT image of “window” A of “image display window” 10B.

  Here, by operating the mouse 5, the operator moves the cursor over any of the “Auto load icon group” 10E of the “command box” 10C shown in FIG. And a process for displaying the accompanying information A to D indicating various information shown in FIG. Specifically, at this time, the cursor position determination unit 6 and the click determination unit 7 determine this, and the A / P unit 11 associates the icon with the utility processing program corresponding to the “Utility button” 10F, After associating the icon with the setting information on the above-described “setup screen” 50A stored in its own storage unit, the setting information is stored in its own storage unit.

  As a result, when the operator moves the cursor over the icon described above by operating the mouse 5 and clicks on it, this is determined by the cursor position determination unit 6 and the click determination unit 7, and A / The P unit 11 reads the setting information in the above-described “setup screen” 50A associated with the icon from its own storage unit, and executes the utility processing program corresponding to the “Utility button” 10F associated with the icon. Then, the setting information is output to the overlay image data generation unit 13. Further, the overlay image data generation unit 13 reads out the overlay image data in which the auxiliary information whose display is turned ON in the setting information on the “setup screen” 50A is arranged at a predetermined position from the overlay image data storage unit 12, and the overlay image data The image data is displayed on the display unit 4 (via the display screen data synthesis unit 14). As a result, incidental information A to D indicating various information shown in FIG. 12 is automatically displayed on the CT image of “window” A of “image display window” 10B.

  Thus, in the medical image processing apparatus, after performing the setting operation described above, the operator moves the cursor over a predetermined icon of the “Auto load icon group” 10E of the “command box” 10C by operating the mouse 5. When it is moved and clicked, or when a predetermined function key is pressed by operating the keyboard 9, the A / P unit 11 receives this and executes the utility processing program associated with the icon. Then, the setting information on the “setup screen” 50A is output to the overlay image data generation unit 13, and the overlay image data generation unit 13 predetermines the incidental information whose display is ON in the setting information on the “setup screen” 50A. Overlay image data placed at the position Since the data is read from the storage unit 12 and the overlay image data is displayed on the display unit 4 (via the display screen data synthesis unit 14), the operator can select the “Auto load icon group” 10E of the “command box” 10C. By simply moving the cursor over a predetermined icon and performing a simple operation such as clicking, it is possible to display the incidental information indicating various information together with the CT image directly and automatically. Therefore, the operator can save the trouble of operation when displaying the incidental information indicating the various information, and can improve the efficiency of diagnosis performed while referring to the incidental information. Occurrence of operation mistakes and input mistakes when displaying the can be prevented.

  The medical image processing apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

  For example, the above-described profile display process in [Example 1], the above-described histogram display process and statistical calculation process in [Example 2], the above-described image comment input process in [Example 3], and the above-described [ In the supplementary information display process of the fourth embodiment, any one of a plurality of processes may be sequentially performed. In such a case, the A / P unit 11 sequentially activates these applications, executes the arithmetic processing program based on the pre-stored processing conditions, and the overlay image data generation unit 13 Then, an image of the image template showing the calculation processing result is displayed on the display unit 4 together with the CT image. Alternatively, the overlay image data generation unit 13 sequentially executes the display programs and causes the display unit 4 to display the images of the corresponding image templates together with the CT images.

  Further, for example, in the above-described profile display process of [Example 1] and the above-described histogram display process and statistical calculation process of [Example 2], the operator operates the mouse 5 to perform these calculation processes. When the icon of “command box” 10C is clicked by the above, or when a predetermined function key is pressed by operating the keyboard 9, the A / P unit 11 automatically starts the application and stores it in advance. Based on the processed processing conditions, the arithmetic processing program is executed, and the overlay image data generation unit 13 causes the display unit 4 to display the image template image indicating the arithmetic processing result together with the CT image. In addition to this, for example, when the operator clicks the icon of the “command box” 10C by operating the mouse 5 Alternatively, when a predetermined function key is pressed by operating the keyboard 9, the A / P unit 11 automatically starts the application. Here, when the operator operates the mouse 5, When the processing conditions are input (set), the A / P unit 11 executes the calculation processing program based on the input (set) processing conditions, and the overlay image data generation unit 13 performs the calculation. An image template image indicating the processing result may be displayed on the display unit 4 together with the CT image.

  Further, for example, in the medical image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, two-point distance measurement processing, profile processing, histogram processing, statistical processing are performed as various display processing for medical images (however, corresponding to the above-described function overlay setting). Although calculation processing and the like have been described as examples, the present invention may be applied to scan / CT image display switching processing, inset display processing, grid / scale display processing, CT value display processing, and the like.

  Similarly, for example, in the medical image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, incidental information display processing, image comment display processing, and the like are exemplified as various display processing for medical images (however, corresponding to the above-described label overlay setting). However, the present invention may be applied to patient comment display processing, examination comment display processing, and the like.

  Further, for example, the contents of various display screens (main screen 10A, statistical calculation Main menu screen 20A, Other menu screen 30A, etc.) displayed on the display unit 4 of the medical image processing apparatus in the present embodiment are not limited thereto. Other display screens may be displayed. In addition, each configuration content (icons, buttons, etc.) is not limited to this, and other configurations may be adopted.

  For example, in the medical image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, a CT image obtained from an X-ray CT apparatus is used as a medical image. In addition to this, an MRI image obtained from an MRI apparatus, an ultrasonic wave, and the like. It is good also as applying to the ultrasonic image obtained from the diagnostic apparatus.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration in an embodiment of a medical image processing apparatus according to the present invention. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of display processing performed in the medical image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the flow of the display process performed in the medical image processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram showing the state by which the overlay image was overlay-displayed on CT image displayed on the display part of the medical image processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a “main screen” displayed on a display unit of the medical image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a “statistical calculation Main menu screen” displayed on a display unit of the medical image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating a state in which numerical data indicating a line segment ROI and a distance between two points is displayed as an overlay image on the CT image displayed on the display unit of the medical image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an “Other menu screen” displayed on a display unit of the medical image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram showing the state by which the graph which shows the profile process result of CT image was displayed on the display part of the medical image processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram showing the state where the graph which shows the histogram processing result of CT image, and the list which shows a statistical result were displayed on the display part of the medical image processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an “annotation menu screen” displayed on a display unit of the medical image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram showing the state by which the image comment, the arrow, and various incidental information were overlay-displayed as an overlay image on the CT image displayed on the display part of the medical image processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a “setup screen” displayed on a display unit of the medical image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the aspect by which the graph which shows a profile process result is overlay-displayed on CT image in the conventional medical image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the flow of operation at the time of carrying out the overlay display of the graph which shows a statistical calculation process result, an image comment, incidental information, etc. on the CT image in the conventional medical image processing apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Medical image data memory | storage part 2 Display image data memory | storage part 3 Display screen data generation part 4 Display part 5 Mouse 6 Cursor position judgment part 7 Click position judgment part 8 Drag position judgment part 9 Keyboard 10 Input conversion part 11 Application starting / arithmetic processing Program execution unit 12 Overlay image data storage unit 13 Overlay image data generation unit 14 Display screen data synthesis unit

Claims (8)

Display means for displaying a medical image based on medical image information acquired from an external device;
Image template storage means for storing a plurality of types of image templates in which character information relating to the medical image is arranged at a predetermined position;
An operation unit having a plurality of operation units associated in advance with each of the image templates;
When some of the plurality of operation units are operated, the image templates previously associated with the operation units are sequentially read from the image template storage unit, and the image templates are stored. A medical image processing apparatus comprising: display control means for displaying an image in combination with the medical image on the display means. Display means for displaying a medical image based on medical image information acquired from an external device;
Based on the medical image information, a plurality of types of arithmetic processing means for performing arithmetic processing on the medical image;
An operation unit having a plurality of operation units associated in advance with each of the arithmetic processing units;
Image template storage means that is associated in advance with each of the arithmetic processing means and stores a plurality of types of image templates for placing the result information of the arithmetic processing by the arithmetic processing means at a predetermined position;
Among the plurality of operation units, when some of the operation units are operated and the calculation processing unit previously associated with the operation units performs the calculation processing, the calculation processing units are sequentially The image template previously associated with the image template is read from the image template storage means, the result information of the calculation process is arranged at a predetermined position of the read image template, and the result information of the calculation process is arranged at a predetermined position. A medical image processing apparatus comprising: display control means for displaying an image of an image template in combination with the medical image on the display means. A processing condition storage means for storing in advance processing conditions for performing the arithmetic processing;
The medical processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the arithmetic processing unit performs the arithmetic processing based on processing conditions preset in the processing condition storage unit when the operation unit is operated. Image processing device. A processing condition input means for inputting a processing condition when performing the arithmetic processing;
The medical image according to claim 2, wherein the arithmetic processing unit performs the arithmetic processing based on a processing condition input by the processing condition input unit when the operation unit is operated. Processing equipment.   The medical image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the operation unit is a keyboard having a plurality of keys as the operation unit.   The operation unit is an icon or button displayed on the display unit, and the operation unit is a unit for designating the icon or button using a cursor displayed on the display unit. The medical image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.   The medical image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the display combined with the medical image is a display in which an image of the image template is superimposed on the medical image. . The medical image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the display combined with the medical image is a display in which the image of the image template is aligned with the medical image.

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