JP2018000943A - Medical image diagnostic apparatus and medical image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display an image in which a desired section is easily visualized with an easy operation.SOLUTION: A medical image diagnostic apparatus has a storage part, an input/output control part, a detection part, a generation part, and a display control part. The storage part stores a display setting for each section of a subject. The input/output control part receives a setting of a section to be displayed on the basis of an input operation. The detection part detects the section of the subject received by the input/output control part on the basis of a structure of volume data of the subject. The generation part generates display image data of the section to be displayed by reading a display setting corresponding to the section detected by the detection part from the storage part and applying it to the volume data. The display control part causes a display part to display the display image data generated by the generation part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a medical image diagnostic apparatus and a medical image processing apparatus.

  Conventionally, in a medical image diagnostic apparatus, in order to display a diagnostic image from volume data photographed three-dimensionally, several manual operations are performed. For example, when displaying an SVR (Shaded Volume Rendering) image of a target region (organ etc.) to be diagnosed from whole body volume data imaged by an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus, The operation is performed.

  First, the image interpretation doctor finds out the slice position where the target part is drawn by quickly switching and confirming a plurality of slice images constituting the volume data. Then, after setting rendering conditions such as opacity and hue according to the target site, a rendering process of the three-dimensional region including the slice position is executed, so that the SVR image of the target site is displayed. . When there is a particularly notable part in the target part, the image interpretation doctor further performs operations such as zooming, panning, and rotating the SVR image so as to make the attention part easy to see.

  In addition, for example, when selecting a desired test result from a list of test results, a thumbnail image showing the part imaged in each test on a schematic diagram of the human body is displayed to support the selection work from the list Techniques to do this have been proposed. In addition, a technique has been proposed that supports interpretation by mapping and displaying anatomical position information detected from a medical image on a human schematic diagram.

JP 2008-264167 A JP-A-2015-186567

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a medical image diagnostic apparatus and a medical image processing apparatus capable of displaying an image in which a desired part is easily drawn and displayed with a simple operation.

  The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes a storage unit, an input / output control unit, a detection unit, a generation unit, and a display control unit. The storage unit stores display settings for each part of the subject. The input / output control unit receives the setting of the display target part based on the input operation. The detection unit detects the part of the subject received by the input / output control unit based on the structure of the volume data of the subject. The generation unit reads display settings corresponding to the part detected by the detection unit from the storage unit and applies the display settings to the volume data, thereby generating display image data of the display target part. The display control unit causes the display unit to display the display image data generated by the generation unit.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a medical information processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a view for explaining three-dimensional scano image capturing by the scan control circuit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4A is a diagram for explaining an example of a part detection process by the detection function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4B is a diagram for explaining an example of a part detection process by the detection function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of a part detection process by the detection function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a part detection process by the detection function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual patient image stored by the storage circuit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of collation processing by the position collation function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a scan range conversion example by coordinate conversion according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display setting list according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining processing of the input / output control function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining processing of the input / output control function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13A is a diagram for explaining processing of the display control function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13B is a diagram for explaining processing of the display control function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16A is a diagram for explaining the effect of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16B is a diagram for explaining the effect of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16C is a diagram for explaining the effect of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining processing of the input / output control function according to the first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining processing of the input / output control function according to the second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining processing of the input / output control function and the generation function according to the second embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a processing circuit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining an example of post-processing for each part stored in the storage circuit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining an example of the display control function according to the third embodiment. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation according to the third embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a medical image diagnostic apparatus and a medical image processing apparatus will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, a medical information processing system including an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus which is an example of a medical image diagnostic apparatus will be described as an example. Other examples of the medical image diagnostic apparatus include an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus, a SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) apparatus, a PET (Positron Emission computed Tomography) apparatus, a SPECT apparatus and an X-ray. A SPECT-CT apparatus in which a CT apparatus is integrated, a PET-CT apparatus in which a PET apparatus and an X-ray CT apparatus are integrated, or a group of these apparatuses can be applied. Further, in the medical information processing system 100 shown in FIG. 1, only one server device and one terminal device are shown, but actually, a plurality of server devices and terminal devices can be further included.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a medical information processing system 100 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the medical information processing system 100 according to the first embodiment includes an X-ray CT apparatus 1, a server apparatus 2, and a terminal apparatus 3. The X-ray CT apparatus 1, the server apparatus 2, and the terminal apparatus 3 are in a state in which they can communicate with each other directly or indirectly via, for example, a hospital network 4 installed in a hospital. For example, when a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) is introduced in the medical information processing system 100, each device transmits and receives medical images and the like according to the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standard.

  Further, in the medical information processing system 100, for example, HIS (Hospital Information System), RIS (Radiology Information System), etc. are introduced to manage various information. For example, the terminal device 3 transmits an inspection order created along the above-described system to the X-ray CT apparatus 1 or the server apparatus 2. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 acquires patient information from an examination order received directly from the terminal apparatus 3 or a patient list (modality work list) for each modality created by the server apparatus 2 that has received the examination order. X-ray CT image data is collected every time. Then, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 transmits the collected X-ray CT image data and image data generated by performing various image processing on the X-ray CT image data to the server apparatus 2. The server apparatus 2 stores the X-ray CT image data and image data received from the X-ray CT apparatus 1, generates image data from the X-ray CT image data, and responds to an acquisition request from the terminal apparatus 3. Data is transmitted to the terminal device 3. The terminal device 3 displays the image data received from the server device 2 on a monitor or the like. Hereinafter, each device will be described.

  The terminal device 3 is a device that is arranged in each department in the hospital and is operated by a doctor who works in each department, such as a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet PC, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile phone, etc. It is. For example, in the terminal device 3, medical record information such as a patient's symptom and a doctor's findings is input by a doctor. Further, the terminal device 3 receives an inspection order for ordering an inspection by the X-ray CT apparatus 1, and transmits the input inspection order to the X-ray CT apparatus 1 and the server apparatus 2. That is, the doctor in the medical department operates the terminal device 3 to read the reception information of the patient who has visited the hospital and information on the electronic medical record, examines the corresponding patient, and inputs the medical record information to the read electronic medical record. Then, a doctor in the medical department operates the terminal device 3 to transmit an examination order according to whether or not the examination by the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is necessary.

  The server apparatus 2 stores medical images (for example, X-ray CT image data and image data collected by the X-ray CT apparatus 1) collected by the medical image diagnostic apparatus, and performs various image processing on the medical images. For example, a PACS server or the like. For example, the server device 2 receives a plurality of examination orders from the terminal device 3 arranged in each medical department, creates a patient list for each medical image diagnostic device, and uses the created patient list as each medical image diagnostic device. Send to. For example, the server apparatus 2 receives an examination order for performing an examination by the X-ray CT apparatus 1 from the terminal apparatus 3 of each clinical department, creates a patient list, and creates the created patient list as an X-ray. Transmit to the CT apparatus 1. And the server apparatus 2 memorize | stores the X-ray CT image data and image data which were collected by the X-ray CT apparatus 1, and according to the acquisition request from the terminal device 3, X-ray CT image data and image data are stored in the terminal apparatus. 3 to send.

  The X-ray CT apparatus 1 collects X-ray CT image data for each patient and uses the collected X-ray CT image data and image data generated by performing various image processing on the X-ray CT image data as a server. Transmit to device 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes a gantry 10, a bed apparatus 20, and a console 30. In FIG. 2, the X-ray generator 12, the detector 13, the data acquisition circuit 14, the scan control circuit 33, the preprocessing circuit 34, and the image reconstruction circuit 36 are included in an imaging unit that images the volume data of the subject. It is an example.

  The gantry 10 is a device that irradiates the subject P (patient) with X-rays, detects the X-rays transmitted through the subject P, and outputs them to the console 30. The gantry 10 and the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 generate X-rays. The apparatus 12 includes a detector 13, a data acquisition circuit (DAS) 14, a rotating frame 15, and a gantry drive circuit 16.

  The rotating frame 15 supports the X-ray generator 12 and the detector 13 so as to face each other with the subject P interposed therebetween, and is rotated at a high speed in a circular orbit around the subject P by a gantry driving circuit 16 described later. An annular frame.

  The X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 is a device that supplies a high voltage to the X-ray tube 12 a as a high voltage generator, and the X-ray tube 12 a uses the high voltage supplied from the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 to Generate a line. The X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 adjusts the X-ray dose irradiated to the subject P by adjusting the tube voltage and tube current supplied to the X-ray tube 12a under the control of the scan control circuit 33 described later. .

  The X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 switches the wedge 12b. The X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 adjusts the X-ray irradiation range (fan angle and cone angle) by adjusting the aperture of the collimator 12c. In addition, this embodiment may be a case where an operator manually switches a plurality of types of wedges.

  The X-ray generator 12 is an apparatus that generates X-rays and irradiates the subject P with the generated X-rays, and includes an X-ray tube 12a, a wedge 12b, and a collimator 12c.

  The X-ray tube 12 a is a vacuum tube that irradiates the subject P with an X-ray beam with a high voltage supplied by a high voltage generator (not shown). The X-ray beam is applied to the subject P as the rotating frame 15 rotates. Irradiate. The X-ray tube 12a generates an X-ray beam that spreads with a fan angle and a cone angle. For example, under the control of the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11, the X-ray tube 12 a continuously exposes X-rays around the subject P for full reconstruction or exposure that can be reconfigured for half reconstruction. It is possible to continuously expose X-rays in the irradiation range (180 degrees + fan angle). Further, the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 can control the X-ray tube 12a to intermittently emit X-rays (pulse X-rays) at a preset position (tube position). The X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 can also modulate the intensity of the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 12a. For example, the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 increases the intensity of X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 12a at a specific tube position, and exposes from the X-ray tube 12a at a range other than the specific tube position. Reduce the intensity of the emitted X-rays.

  The wedge 12b is an X-ray filter for adjusting the X-ray dose of X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 12a. Specifically, the wedge 12b transmits the X-rays exposed from the X-ray tube 12a so that the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 12a to the subject P have a predetermined distribution. Attenuating filter. For example, the wedge 12b is a filter obtained by processing aluminum so as to have a predetermined target angle or a predetermined thickness. The wedge 12b is also called a wedge filter or a bow-tie filter.

  The collimator 12 c is a slit for narrowing the X-ray irradiation range in which the X-ray dose is adjusted by the wedge 12 b under the control of the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11.

  The gantry driving circuit 16 rotates the rotary frame 15 to rotate the X-ray generator 12 and the detector 13 on a circular orbit around the subject P.

  The detector 13 is a two-dimensional array type detector (surface detector) that detects X-rays that have passed through the subject P, and a detection element array in which X-ray detection elements for a plurality of channels are arranged has a Z-axis direction. Are arranged in multiple rows. Specifically, the detector 13 in the first embodiment includes X-ray detection elements arranged in multiple rows such as 320 rows along the Z-axis direction, and includes, for example, the lungs and heart of the subject P. It is possible to detect X-rays transmitted through the subject P over a wide range, such as a range. The Z-axis direction corresponds to the rotation center axis direction of the rotating frame 15 when the gantry 10 is not tilted.

  The data collection circuit 14 is a DAS, and collects projection data from the X-ray detection data detected by the detector 13. For example, the data collection circuit 14 generates projection data by performing amplification processing, A / D conversion processing, inter-channel sensitivity correction processing, and the like on the X-ray intensity distribution data detected by the detector 13. The projected data is transmitted to the console 30 described later. For example, when X-rays are continuously emitted from the X-ray tube 12a while the rotary frame 15 is rotating, the data acquisition circuit 14 collects projection data groups for the entire circumference (for 360 degrees). Further, the data collection circuit 14 associates the tube position with each collected projection data and transmits it to the console 30 described later. The tube position is information indicating the projection direction of the projection data. Note that the sensitivity correction processing between channels may be performed by the preprocessing circuit 34 described later.

  The couch device 20 is a device on which the subject P is placed, and includes a couch driving device 21 and a top plate 22 as shown in FIG. The couch driving device 21 moves the subject P into the rotary frame 15 by moving the couchtop 22 in the Z-axis direction. The top plate 22 is a plate on which the subject P is placed.

  For example, the gantry 10 executes a helical scan that rotates the rotating frame 15 while moving the top plate 22 to scan the subject P in a spiral shape. Alternatively, the gantry 10 performs a conventional scan in which the subject P is scanned in a circular orbit by rotating the rotating frame 15 while the position of the subject P is fixed after the top plate 22 is moved. Alternatively, the gantry 10 performs a step-and-shoot method in which the position of the top plate 22 is moved at regular intervals and a conventional scan is performed in a plurality of scan areas.

  The console 30 is a device that accepts an operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 by an operator and reconstructs X-ray CT image data using projection data collected by the gantry 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the console 30 includes an input circuit 31, a display 32, a scan control circuit 33, a preprocessing circuit 34, a storage circuit 35, an image reconstruction circuit 36, and a processing circuit 37. .

  The input circuit 31 includes a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, a switch, a button, a joystick, and the like that are used by the operator of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 to input various instructions and settings, and instructions and settings information received from the operator. Is transferred to the processing circuit 37. For example, the input circuit 31 receives imaging conditions for X-ray CT image data, reconstruction conditions for reconstructing X-ray CT image data, image processing conditions for X-ray CT image data, and the like from the operator. Further, the input circuit 31 receives an operation for selecting an examination for the subject P. Further, the input circuit 31 accepts a designation operation for designating a part on the image.

  The display 32 is a monitor that is referred to by the operator, and displays image data generated from the X-ray CT image data to the operator under the control of the processing circuit 37, or the operator via the input circuit 31. A GUI (Graphical User Interface) for accepting various instructions, various settings, and the like is displayed. The display 32 displays a plan screen for a scan plan, a screen being scanned, and the like. Further, the display 32 displays a virtual patient image, image data, and the like including exposure information. The virtual patient image displayed on the display 32 will be described in detail later.

  The scan control circuit 33 controls the operations of the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11, the gantry driving circuit 16, the data acquisition circuit 14, and the bed driving device 21 under the control of the processing circuit 37, thereby Control the collection process. Specifically, the scan control circuit 33 controls projection data collection processing in positioning imaging for collecting positioning images (scano images) and main imaging (main scanning) for collecting images used for diagnosis. Here, in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, a two-dimensional scanogram and a three-dimensional scanogram can be taken.

  For example, the scan control circuit 33 fixes the X-ray tube 12a at a position of 0 degree (a position in the front direction with respect to the subject) and continuously performs imaging while moving the top plate 22 at a constant speed. Take a two-dimensional scano image. Alternatively, the scan control circuit 33 fixes the X-ray tube 12a at a position of 0 degree and moves the top plate 22 intermittently, while repeating the imaging intermittently in synchronization with the top plate movement. Take a scano image. Here, the scan control circuit 33 can capture a positioning image not only from the front direction but also from an arbitrary direction (for example, a side surface direction) with respect to the subject.

  The scan control circuit 33 captures a three-dimensional scanogram by collecting projection data for the entire circumference of the subject in the scanogram image capture. FIG. 3 is a view for explaining three-dimensional scano image shooting by the scan control circuit 33 according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the scan control circuit 33 collects projection data for the entire circumference of the subject by a helical scan or a non-helical scan. Here, the scan control circuit 33 executes a helical scan or a non-helical scan with a lower dose than the main imaging over a wide range such as the entire chest, abdomen, the entire upper body, and the whole body of the subject. As the non-helical scan, for example, the above-described step-and-shoot scan is executed.

  As described above, the scan control circuit 33 collects projection data for the entire circumference of the subject, so that an image reconstruction circuit 36 described later reconstructs three-dimensional X-ray CT image data (volume data). As shown in FIG. 3, a positioning image can be generated from an arbitrary direction using the reconstructed volume data. Here, whether the positioning image is photographed two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally may be set arbitrarily by the operator, or may be preset according to the examination contents.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the preprocessing circuit 34 performs logarithmic conversion processing and correction processing such as offset correction, sensitivity correction, and beam hardening correction on the projection data generated by the data acquisition circuit 14. Generate corrected projection data. Specifically, the preprocessing circuit 34 generates corrected projection data for each of the projection data of the positioning image generated by the data acquisition circuit 14 and the projection data acquired by the main photographing, and the storage circuit 35. To store.

  The storage circuit 35 stores the projection data generated by the preprocessing circuit 34. Specifically, the storage circuit 35 stores the projection data of the positioning image generated by the preprocessing circuit 34 and the diagnostic projection data collected by the main imaging. The storage circuit 35 stores image data and a virtual patient image generated by an image reconstruction circuit 36 described later. Further, the storage circuit 35 appropriately stores a processing result by a processing circuit 37 described later. The virtual patient image and the processing result by the processing circuit 37 will be described later.

  For example, the storage circuit 35 stores three-dimensional image data (volume data) in which the positions of the plurality of parts of the subject are detected by the detection function 37a. For example, the storage circuit 35 stores information including volume data obtained by imaging the body of the subject and detection results obtained by detecting positions of a plurality of parts (organs) from the volume data as the examination result of the subject. To do. The processing by the detection function 37a will be described later.

  The image reconstruction circuit 36 reconstructs X-ray CT image data using the projection data stored in the storage circuit 35. Specifically, the image reconstruction circuit 36 reconstructs X-ray CT image data from the projection data of the positioning image and the projection data of the image used for diagnosis. Here, as the reconstruction method, there are various methods, for example, back projection processing. Further, as the back projection process, for example, a back projection process by an FBP (Filtered Back Projection) method can be cited. Alternatively, the image reconstruction circuit 36 can reconstruct the X-ray CT image data using a successive approximation method. The image reconstruction circuit 36 is an example of an image reconstruction unit.

  Further, the image reconstruction circuit 36 generates image data by performing various image processing on the X-ray CT image data. Then, the image reconstruction circuit 36 stores the reconstructed X-ray CT image data and image data generated by various image processes in the storage circuit 35.

  The processing circuit 37 performs overall control of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 by controlling operations of the gantry 10, the couch device 20, and the console 30. Specifically, the processing circuit 37 controls the CT scan performed on the gantry 10 by controlling the scan control circuit 33. The processing circuit 37 controls the image reconstruction circuit 36 and the image generation process in the console 30 by controlling the image reconstruction circuit 36. In addition, the processing circuit 37 controls the display 32 to display various image data stored in the storage circuit 35.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the processing circuit 37 executes a detection function 37a, a position matching function 37b, an input / output control function 37c, a generation function 37d, and a display control function 37e. Here, for example, the detection function 37a, the position matching function 37b, the input / output control function 37c, the generation function 37d, and the display control function 37e, which are components of the processing circuit 37 shown in FIG. Is stored in the storage circuit 35 in the form of a program that can be executed. The processing circuit 37 is a processor that implements a function corresponding to each program by reading each program from the storage circuit 35 and executing the program. In other words, the processing circuit 37 in a state where each program is read has each function shown in the processing circuit 37 of FIG. The detection function 37a is an example of a detection unit.

  The detection function 37a detects the positions of a plurality of parts of the subject in the three-dimensional image data (volume data) of the subject. Specifically, the detection function 37 a detects a part such as an organ included in the three-dimensional X-ray CT image data reconstructed by the image reconstruction circuit 36. For example, the detection function 37a detects a site such as an organ based on anatomical landmarks in at least one of the volume data of the positioning image and the volume data of the image used for diagnosis. Here, the anatomical feature point is a point indicating a feature of a part such as a specific bone, organ, blood vessel, nerve, or lumen. That is, the detection function 37a detects bones, organs, blood vessels, nerves, lumens, and the like included in the volume data by detecting anatomical feature points such as specific organs and bones. The detection function 37a can also detect positions of the head, neck, chest, abdomen, feet, etc. included in the volume data by detecting characteristic feature points of the human body. In addition, the site | part demonstrated by this embodiment means what included these positions in bones, organs, blood vessels, nerves, lumens, and the like. Hereinafter, an example of detection of a part by the detection function 37a will be described.

  For example, the detection function 37a extracts anatomical feature points from the voxel values included in the volume data in the volume data of the positioning image or the volume data of the image used for diagnosis. Then, the detection function 37a compares the three-dimensional position of the anatomical feature point in the information such as the textbook with the position of the feature point extracted from the volume data, thereby detecting the feature point extracted from the volume data. The inaccurate feature points are removed from the inside, and the positions of the feature points extracted from the volume data are optimized. Thereby, the detection function 37a detects each part of the subject included in the volume data. For example, the detection function 37a first extracts anatomical feature points included in the volume data using a supervised machine learning algorithm. Here, the above-described supervised machine learning algorithm is constructed using a plurality of supervised images in which correct anatomical feature points are manually arranged. For example, a decision forest is used. Is done.

  Then, the detection function 37a optimizes the extracted feature points by comparing a model indicating the three-dimensional positional relationship of anatomical feature points in the body with the extracted feature points. Here, the above-described model is constructed using the above-described teacher image, and for example, a point distribution model is used. That is, the detection function 37a includes a model in which the shape and positional relationship of the part, points unique to the part, etc. are defined based on a plurality of teacher images in which correct anatomical feature points are manually arranged, and the extracted features. By comparing the points, the inaccurate feature points are removed and the feature points are optimized.

  Hereinafter, an example of the part detection process by the detection function 37a will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5 and 6. FIG. 4A, 4B, 5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining an example of a part detection process by the detection function 37a according to the first embodiment. 4A and 4B, feature points are arranged two-dimensionally. Actually, feature points are arranged three-dimensionally. For example, the detection function 37a extracts voxels regarded as anatomical feature points (black dots in the figure) by applying a supervised machine learning algorithm to the volume data as shown in FIG. 4A. Then, the detection function 37a fits the position of the extracted voxel to a model in which the shape and positional relationship of the part, a point unique to the part, etc. are defined, as shown in FIG. Incorrect feature points are removed, and only voxels corresponding to more accurate feature points are extracted.

  Here, the detection function 37a gives an identification code for identifying the feature point indicating the feature of each part to the extracted feature point (voxel), and the identification code and position (coordinate) information of each feature point Is associated with the image data and stored in the storage circuit 35. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, the detection function 37a gives identification codes such as C1, C2, and C3 to the extracted feature points (voxels). Here, the detection function 37 a attaches an identification code to each data subjected to the detection process, and stores the identification code in the storage circuit 35. Specifically, the detection function 37a is obtained from at least one projection data among the projection data of the positioning image, the projection data collected under non-contrast, and the projection data collected in a state of being imaged by the contrast agent. A part of the subject included in the reconstructed volume data is detected.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the detection function 37a attaches information in which the identification code is associated with the coordinates of each voxel detected from the volume data (positioning in the figure) of the positioning image to the volume data to store the storage circuit 35. To store. For example, the detection function 37a extracts the coordinates of the marker point from the volume data of the positioning image, and, as shown in FIG. 5, “identification code: C1, coordinates (x ₁ , y ₁ , z ₁ )”. , “Identification code: C2, coordinates (x ₂ , y ₂ , z ₂ )” and the like are stored in association with the volume data. Thereby, the detection function 37a can identify what kind of feature point is in which position in the volume data of the positioning image, and can detect each part such as an organ based on such information.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the detection function 37a attaches to the volume data information in which the identification code is associated with the coordinates of each voxel detected from the volume data (scan in the figure) of the diagnostic image. And stored in the memory circuit 35. Here, in the scan, the detection function 37a performs labeling from volume data contrasted with the contrast medium (contrast phase in the figure) and volume data not contrasted with the contrast medium (non-contrast phase in the figure), respectively. The coordinates of the point can be extracted, and an identification code can be associated with the extracted coordinates.

For example, the detection function 37a extracts the coordinates of the marker point from the volume data of the non-contrast phase out of the volume data of the diagnostic image, and as shown in FIG. (X ′ ₁ , y ′ ₁ , z ′ ₁ ) ”,“ identification code: C2, coordinates (x ′ ₂ , y ′ ₂ , z ′ ₂ ) ”and the like are stored in association with the volume data. Further, the detection function 37a extracts the coordinates of the marker point from the volume data of the contrast phase from the volume data of the diagnostic image, and, as shown in FIG. 5, “identification code: C1, coordinates (x ′ ₁ , y ′ ₁ , z ′ ₁ ) ”,“ identification code: C2, coordinates (x ′ ₂ , y ′ ₂ , z ′ ₂ ) ”and the like are stored in association with the volume data. Here, in the case where the marker points are extracted from the volume data of the contrast phase, the marker points that can be extracted by being contrasted are included. For example, the detection function 37a can extract a blood vessel or the like contrasted with a contrast agent when extracting a marker point from the volume data of the contrast phase. Therefore, in the case of contrast phase volume data, as shown in FIG. 6, the detection function 37a has coordinates (x ′ ₃₁ , y ′ ₃₁ , z ′ ₃₁ ) to the coordinates of labeled points such as blood vessels extracted by contrast imaging. Identification codes C31, C32, C33 and C34 for identifying each blood vessel are associated with the coordinates (x ′ ₃₄ , y ′ ₃₄ , z ′ ₃₄ ) and the like.

  As described above, the detection function 37a can identify which mark point is in which position in the volume data of the positioning image or the diagnostic image, and based on such information, the organ or the like Each part of can be detected. For example, the detection function 37a detects the position of the target part using information on the anatomical positional relationship between the target part to be detected and parts around the target part. For example, when the target region is “lung”, the detection function 37a acquires coordinate information associated with an identification code indicating the characteristics of the lung, and “rib”, “clavicle”, “heart” , Coordinate information associated with an identification code indicating a region around the “lung”, such as “diaphragm”. Then, the detection function 37a uses the information on the anatomical positional relationship between the “lung” and the surrounding site and the acquired coordinate information to extract the “lung” region in the volume data.

  For example, the detection function 37a uses the positional information such as “pulmonary apex: 2 to 3 cm above the clavicle”, “lower end of the lung: height of the seventh rib”, and the coordinate information of each part in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, a region R1 corresponding to “lung” is extracted from the volume data. That is, the detection function 37a extracts the coordinate information of the voxel of the region R1 in the volume data. The detection function 37a associates the extracted coordinate information with the part information, attaches it to the volume data, and stores it in the storage circuit 35. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 6, the detection function 37a can extract a region R2 corresponding to “heart” or the like in the volume data.

  The detection function 37a detects a position included in the volume data based on a feature point that defines the position of the head, chest, etc. in the human body. Here, the positions of the head and chest in the human body can be arbitrarily defined. For example, if the chest is defined from the seventh cervical vertebra to the lower end of the lung, the detection function 37a detects from the feature point corresponding to the seventh cervical vertebra to the feature point corresponding to the lower end of the lung as the chest. In addition, the detection function 37a can detect a site | part by various methods besides the method using the anatomical feature point mentioned above. For example, the detection function 37a can detect a part included in the volume data by a region expansion method based on a voxel value. Note that the detection function 37a may detect a part of the subject received by the input / output control function 37c described later based on the volume data structure of the subject.

  The position collation function 37b collates the positions of a plurality of parts in the subject included in the three-dimensional image data and the positions of the plurality of parts in the human body included in the virtual patient data. Here, virtual patient data is information representing the standard position of each of a plurality of parts in the human body. In other words, the position matching function 37b matches the position of the subject with the position of the standard part and stores the matching result in the storage circuit 35. For example, the position matching function 37b matches a virtual patient image in which a human body part is arranged at a standard position with volume data of the subject.

  Here, first, a virtual patient image will be described. The virtual patient image is an actual X-ray image of a human body having a standard physique corresponding to multiple combinations of parameters related to physique such as age, adult / child, male / female, weight, height, etc. It is generated in advance and stored in the storage circuit 35. That is, the storage circuit 35 stores data of a plurality of virtual patient images corresponding to the combination of parameters described above. Here, anatomical feature points (feature points) are stored in association with the virtual patient image stored by the storage circuit 35. For example, the human body has many anatomical feature points that can be extracted from an image based on morphological features and the like relatively easily by image processing such as pattern recognition. The positions and arrangements of these many anatomical feature points in the body are roughly determined according to age, adult / child, male / female, physique such as weight and height.

  In the virtual patient image stored by the storage circuit 35, these many anatomical feature points are detected in advance, and the position data of the detected feature points are attached to the virtual patient image data together with the identification codes of the respective feature points. Or it is stored in association. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual patient image stored by the storage circuit 35 according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the storage circuit 35 has an identification code “V1”, “V2”, and identification codes for identifying anatomical feature points and feature points on a three-dimensional human body including a part such as an organ. A virtual patient image associated with “V3” or the like is stored.

  That is, the storage circuit 35 stores the coordinates of the feature points in the coordinate space in the three-dimensional human body image and the corresponding identification codes in association with each other. For example, the storage circuit 35 stores the coordinates of the corresponding feature points in association with the identification code “V1” shown in FIG. Similarly, the storage circuit 35 stores the identification code and the feature point coordinates in association with each other. In FIG. 7, lungs, heart, liver, stomach, kidneys, and the like are shown as organs. However, in reality, a virtual patient image includes a larger number of organs, bones, blood vessels, nerves, and the like. In FIG. 7, only the feature points corresponding to the identification codes “V1”, “V2”, and “V3” are shown, but actually more feature points are included.

  The position matching function 37b matches the feature points in the volume data of the subject detected by the detection function 37a with the feature points in the virtual patient image described above using an identification code, and the coordinate space of the volume data Associate with the coordinate space of the virtual patient image. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of collation processing by the position collation function 37b according to the first embodiment. Here, in FIG. 8, matching is performed using three sets of feature points assigned with identification codes indicating the same feature points between the feature points detected from the scanogram and the feature points detected from the virtual patient image. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and matching can be performed using an arbitrary set of feature points.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the position matching function 37b includes feature points indicated by identification codes “V1”, “V2”, and “V3” in the virtual patient image, and identification codes “C1”, “C2” in the scanogram. When matching the feature points indicated by “C3” and “C3”, the coordinate space between the images is associated by performing coordinate conversion so that the positional deviation between the same feature points is minimized. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the position matching function 37b has the same anatomically characteristic points “V1 (x1, y1, z1), C1 (X1, Y1, Z1)”, “V2 (x2, y2, z2). ), C2 (X2, Y2, Z2) "," V3 (x3, y3, z3), C3 (X3, Y3, Z3) ", so as to minimize the total" LS " A coordinate transformation matrix “H” is obtained.

LS = ((X1, Y1, Z1) -H (x1, y1, z1))
+ ((X2, Y2, Z2) -H (x2, y2, z2))
+ ((X3, Y3, Z3) -H (x3, y3, z3))

  The position matching function 37b can convert the scan range specified on the virtual patient image into the scan range on the positioning image by the obtained coordinate conversion matrix “H”. For example, the position matching function 37b uses the coordinate transformation matrix “H” to change the scan range “SRV” designated on the virtual patient image to the scan range “SRC” on the positioning image, as shown in FIG. Can be converted. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a scan range conversion example by coordinate conversion according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown on the virtual patient image in FIG. 9, when the operator sets the scan range “SRV” on the virtual patient image, the position matching function 37b uses the above-described coordinate transformation matrix to set the scan The range “SRV” is converted into a scan range “SRC” on the scanogram.

  Thereby, for example, the scan range “SRV” set so as to include the feature point corresponding to the identification code “Vn” on the virtual patient image has the identification code “Cn” corresponding to the same feature point on the scanogram. Is converted and set to a scan range “SRC”. Note that the above-described coordinate transformation matrix “H” may be stored in the storage circuit 35 for each subject and read and used as appropriate, or calculated every time a scanogram is collected. It may be the case. As described above, according to the first embodiment, the virtual patient image is displayed for the range designation at the time of presetting, and the position / range is planned on the virtual patient image, so that the positioning image (scano image) is captured. It is possible to automatically set numerical values for the position / range on the positioning image corresponding to the planned position / range.

  The position matching function 37b may output the above-described matching results as a human body schematic image that schematically represents the positions of a plurality of parts in the human body. That is, the position collation function 37b performs the same process as the collation process described above, and the position of each of the plurality of parts in the subject included in the three-dimensional image data and the plurality of parts schematically represented in the human body schematic image. The position may be collated, and the collation result may be stored in the storage circuit 35.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 2, the processing circuit 37 has an input / output control function 37c, a generation function 37d, and a display control function 37e, and it is easy to see a desired part by using information stored in the storage circuit 35. Control is performed to display the rendered image with a simple operation. Hereinafter, such control will be described.

  The storage circuit 35 stores, for example, a display setting list 35a in which display settings for each part are registered. The display setting list 35a is information (preset) in which display settings including at least one of opacity (Opacity), luminance, display position, display direction, and display magnification of display image data are registered for each part. is there. For example, the display setting list 35a is registered in advance by the operator. In other words, the storage circuit 35 stores display settings for each part of the subject. As an example, the storage circuit 35 stores, for each part, display settings including at least one of luminance, opacity, display position, display direction, and display magnification of the volume data.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display setting list 35a according to the first embodiment. The display setting list 35a illustrated in FIG. 10 is information in which display settings for displaying an SVR (Shaded Volume Rendering) image are registered for each part. As shown in FIG. 10, in the display setting list 35 a, “part” and “display setting” are associated with each other.

  In the following embodiment, a case where a wide area including a plurality of parts is imaged will be described. Specifically, a case will be described in which the body part including the heart, lungs, stomach, liver, small intestine, and large intestine of the subject is imaged by whole body imaging. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and can be applied to a case where a region where a single part is to be imaged is imaged.

  “Part” is information indicating a target part (target part) to be displayed among parts included in the volume data. For example, the name of an organ (organ) such as the heart or liver is registered as the site. Note that the part is not limited to the name of the organ, for example, information indicating a region including a plurality of organs such as the head and abdomen may be registered as the part, or the right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, Information representing a region (detailed part) constituting the heart such as the left ventricle may be registered as a part.

  The “display setting” is information for displaying an image in which a corresponding target portion is easily drawn. For example, the display setting illustrated in FIG. 10 is associated with “opacity”, “luminance”, “display position”, “display direction”, and “display magnification”.

  “Opacity” is information representing how much the region behind each voxel (the back side as viewed from the screen) of the target site is depicted in the SVR image. For example, the area behind the area where the opacity is set to “100%” is not drawn on the screen. Also, the area where the opacity is “0%” is not drawn on the screen.

  “Luminance” is information representing the brightness with which the target portion is easily depicted. For example, appropriate brightness can be assigned to each voxel of the target part by setting appropriate brightness according to the standard CT value of each part of the human body.

  The “display position” is information representing a position (coordinates) where the target part is drawn in an easy-to-see manner. For example, the center position (center of gravity) of each part is set as the display position. Thereby, the center of the target part can be displayed at the center of the screen (or display area). The display position is not limited to the center of the part, and an arbitrary position can be set. For example, the center of the boundary position between the aortic arch and the heart may be set as the display position.

  “Display direction” is information representing the direction in which the target portion is drawn in an easy-to-see manner. For example, as the display direction, the front-rear direction of the human body (the direction from the front side to the rear side) is set. As a result, the target site can be displayed in the direction facing the subject. The display direction is not limited to the front-rear direction of the human body, and an arbitrary direction can be set. For example, the tangential direction of the aortic arch at the boundary position with the heart may be set as the display direction.

  “Display magnification” is information indicating the magnification at which the target portion is drawn in an easy-to-see manner. For example, the display magnification is set such that each part fits on the screen (or display area). Thereby, the whole target part can be displayed. The display magnification is not limited to the size that can be displayed on the screen, and an arbitrary size (magnification) can be set. For example, an enlarged image near the boundary position between the heart and the aortic arch may be set to be displayed.

  Note that FIG. 10 is only an example and is not limited to the example of FIG. For example, FIG. 10 illustrates display settings for displaying an SVR image, but the storage circuit 35 may store display settings for displaying an MPR image. Further, for example, the display setting item is not limited to opacity, luminance, display position, display direction, and display magnification, and any item may be set. For example, items different from the above items may be further set, or some of the above items may be set. For example, the display setting list 35a does not necessarily have to be stored in the storage circuit 35. For example, the display setting list 35 a may be stored in an arbitrary device connected to the network 4. That is, the display setting list 35a may be stored in a storage location where the processing circuit 37 is connected so as to be readable.

  The input / output control function 37c receives, from the operator, a selection operation (selection operation) of a desired part among a plurality of parts detected by the detection function 37a. For example, the input / output control function 37c displays an image in which a plurality of parts detected by the detection function 37a are displayed in a selectable manner in the human body schematic image. Then, the input / output control function 37c accepts a selection operation for selecting a desired part from the parts displayed on the human body schematic image so as to be selectable. The input / output control function 37c is an example of an input / output control unit.

  11 and 12 are diagrams for explaining processing of the input / output control function 37c according to the first embodiment. 11 and 12 exemplify screens displayed on the display 32 when a target site is selected by the operator.

  As shown in FIG. 11, for example, when receiving an instruction to start diagnosis, the input / output control function 37c displays a test result list (File Utility) 40 on the display 32. In this test result list, for example, information such as test ID, patient name, sex, age, and test site is associated. Here, when the operator performs an operation of selecting a desired patient test result, the input / output control function 37 c reads out the volume data and the site detection result included in the selected test result from the storage circuit 35. Then, the input / output control function 37c displays the part selection screen 50 on the display 32 based on the read detection result of the part (see FIG. 12).

  As shown in FIG. 12, a human body schematic image (human body schematic diagram) 51 is displayed on the part selection screen 50. In this human body schematic image 51, schematic diagrams of each organ are depicted. In addition, the schematic diagram of each organ is associated with the detection result of each part detected by the detection function 37a. Note that the correspondence (position matching) between the detection result of each part and the schematic diagram of each organ is executed by the position matching function 37b described above.

  Here, the human body schematic image 51 is displayed so that a plurality of parts detected by the detection function 37a can be selected. In the example of FIG. 12, the images of the heart, lungs, stomach, liver, small intestine, and large intestine included in the human schematic image 51 are displayed in a colored state (on click). This indicates that the heart, lungs, stomach, liver, small intestine, and large intestine are detected by the detection function 37a, and the operator can select the target site to be displayed. For example, when the operator moves the mouse cursor over the “heart” image and performs a click operation, the input / output control function 37c accepts that “heart” is selected as the target site.

  Further, the input / output control function 37c accepts an operation for selecting whether to display the target part in a three-dimensional display (SVR image display) or a two-dimensional display (MPR image display). This operation may be performed by any conventional operation such as a keyboard operation or a mouse operation.

  As described above, the input / output control function 37 c accepts an operation for selecting a target part on the human body schematic image 51. Then, the input / output control function 37c outputs the received information to the generation function 37d. For example, when the input / output control function 37c receives an operation for displaying the target part “heart” in a three-dimensional manner, the input / output control function 37c outputs information indicating that the target part “heart” is displayed in a three-dimensional manner to the generation function 37d. In other words, the input / output control function 37c receives the setting of the display target part based on the input operation.

  11 and 12 are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the examples in FIGS. For example, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 illustrate the case where the human body schematic image 51 is displayed two-dimensionally, but it may be displayed three-dimensionally. Further, the operation for selecting a part is not limited to the human body schematic image 51, and may be accepted on, for example, a rendering image of an actually captured subject, a list of parts (list), or the above-described virtual patient image. . Other embodiments will be described later.

  The generation function 37d generates display image data from the volume data based on the display setting corresponding to the part selected by the selection operation. For example, the generation function 37d reads the display setting corresponding to the part selected by the operation received by the input / output control function 37c from the storage circuit 35. Then, the generation function 37d performs a rendering process on the volume data using the read display setting, and generates display image data. The generation function 37d is an example of a generation unit.

  For example, the generation function 37d refers to the display setting list 35a stored in the storage circuit 35 when the information indicating that the target site “heart” is displayed in three dimensions is received from the input / output control function 37c. The corresponding display setting is read (see FIG. 10). Then, the generation function 37d performs a rendering process on the volume data of the heart using the read heart display setting. Specifically, the generation function 37d extracts a part of volume data (slice image) including the heart region from the whole body volume data of the subject. Here, for example, the generation function 37d takes a margin with respect to the position (coordinates) of the heart detected by the detection function 37a, and extracts volume data including the heart region. The generation function 37d performs segmentation on the extracted volume data, and performs SVR processing by assigning heart opacity to each voxel constituting the segmented heart region. Then, the generation function 37d processes the SVR image data obtained by the SVR processing using the heart brightness, the display position, the display direction, and the display magnification. As a result, the generation function 37d generates SVR image data of the subject's heart as display image data based on the display setting of the heart.

  Thus, the generation function 37d generates display image data from the volume data of the subject based on the display setting corresponding to the target region. In other words, the generation function 37d reads display settings corresponding to the part detected by the detection function 37a from the storage circuit 35 and applies them to the volume data, thereby generating display image data of the display target part. Then, the generation function 37d outputs the generated display image data to the display control function 37e.

  The description of the generation function 37d described above is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above example. For example, in the above example, the case where the SVR image data of the heart is generated as the display image data has been described. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, when the generation function 37d receives information indicating that the heart is two-dimensionally displayed, the generation function 37d refers to the display setting list 35a and MPRs of the axial image, the sagittal image, and the coronal image orthogonal to each other at the center position of the heart. Image data (three orthogonal cross sections) is generated as display image data. That is, the generation function 37d changes the processing contents as appropriate according to the contents of the operation accepted by the input / output control function 37c and the contents of the display settings registered in the display setting list 35a, so that the target part can be easily drawn. Display image data is generated.

  The display control function 37e displays the display image data generated by the generation function 37d on the display unit. For example, when receiving the SVR image data of the heart from the generation function 37d, the display control function 37e displays the received SVR image data on the display 32. The display control function 37e is an example of a display control unit.

  13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining processing of the display control function 37e according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13A illustrates a display image 60 displayed on the display 32 when an operation for displaying the target site “heart” three-dimensionally (SVR image display) is performed. FIG. 13B illustrates a display image 61 displayed on the display 32 when an operation for two-dimensionally displaying the target site “heart” (MPR image display) is performed.

  As illustrated in FIG. 13A, for example, when an operation for displaying the target portion “heart” in three dimensions is performed, the display control function 37e generates an SVR generated based on the display setting corresponding to the target portion “heart”. Image data is received from the generation function 37d. Then, the display control function 37e displays the display image 60 on the display 32 based on the received SVR image data of the heart. The display image 60 illustrated in FIG. 13A is an SVR image in which an enlarged image near the boundary position between the heart and the aortic arch is depicted.

  As shown in FIG. 13B, for example, the display control function 37e is generated based on the display setting corresponding to the target site “heart” when an operation for displaying the target site “heart” in two dimensions is performed. Each MPR image data of three orthogonal cross sections is received from the generation function 37d. Then, the display control function 37e displays the display image 61 on the display 32 based on the received MPR image data of three orthogonal cross sections. The display image 61 illustrated in FIG. 13B is an image including an axial image, a sagittal image, and a coronal image that are orthogonal to each other at the center position of the heart.

  Thus, the display control function 37e displays the display image data generated by the generation function 37d.

  14 and 15 are flowcharts showing a processing procedure by the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 illustrates a processing procedure in the case where volume data is generated by imaging a subject. FIG. 15 illustrates a processing procedure when diagnosis is performed using volume data of a subject.

  As shown in FIG. 14, in step S101, the processing circuit 37 determines whether or not shooting has started. For example, when an instruction to start shooting is input by the operator, the processing circuit 37 starts shooting and executes the processing from step S102 onward. If step S101 is negative, the processing circuit 37 does not start shooting and is in a standby state.

  If step S101 is positive, in step S102, the scan control circuit 33 captures a positioning image (scano image). The positioning image may be a two-dimensional image projected by X-ray from the 0 degree direction or the 90 degree direction, or a three-dimensional image projected over the entire circumference of the subject by a helical scan or a non-helical scan. There may be.

  In step S103, the scan control circuit 33 sets shooting conditions. For example, the scan control circuit 33 accepts various photographing conditions such as tube voltage, tube current, scan range, slice thickness, and photographing time from the operator on the positioning image, and sets the accepted photographing conditions.

  In step S104, the scan control circuit 33 performs main imaging (main scanning). For example, the scan control circuit 33 collects projection data for the entire circumference of the subject P by helical scanning or non-helical scanning.

  In step S105, the image reconstruction circuit 36 reconstructs the volume data. For example, the image reconstruction circuit 36 reconstructs the volume data of the subject from the projection data for the entire circumference collected by the main imaging.

  In step S106, the detection function 37a detects a plurality of parts of the subject from the volume data after reconstruction. For example, the detection function 37a detects parts such as the heart, lungs, stomach, liver, small intestine, and large intestine from the volume data captured for the whole body (body) of the subject.

  In step S107, the detection function 37a stores the part detection result and the volume data in the storage circuit 35 as the examination result of the subject. For example, when the volume data of the subject is managed in accordance with the DICOM standard, the detection function 37a adds information (detection result) indicating the position (coordinates) of the detected part to the private tag (or detection result management). Stored in the dedicated tag set to. Then, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 ends the processing procedure of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 15, in step S201, the processing circuit 37 determines whether diagnosis has started. For example, when an instruction to start diagnosis is input by the operator, the processing circuit 37 executes the processes after step S202. If step S201 is negative, the processing circuit 37 does not start processing and is in a standby state.

  If step S201 is affirmed, in step S202, the input / output control function 37c accepts an operation of selecting a desired test result from the test result list 40. For example, the input / output control function 37c displays the inspection result list 40 on the display 32, and accepts an operation in which the operator selects a desired inspection result on the inspection result list 40.

  In step S <b> 203, the input / output control function 37 c reads volume data and a part detection result included in the selected examination result from the storage circuit 35. For example, the input / output control function 37c includes volume data included in the examination result of the selected patient (subject) and information (detection results) indicating the positions (coordinates) of a plurality of parts detected from the volume data. Read from the memory circuit 35.

  In step S204, the input / output control function 37c causes the display 32 to display the part selection screen 50 based on the read part detection result. For example, the input / output control function 37c causes the display 32 to display the human body schematic image 51 in which each part detected by the detection function 37a is colored.

  In step S205, the input / output control function 37c accepts selection of a part. For example, when the operator performs a click operation at the position of “heart” displayed in the human body schematic image 51, the input / output control function 37c accepts that “heart” is selected as the target site.

  In step S206, the generation function 37d reads the display setting corresponding to the selected part. For example, the generation function 37d refers to the display setting list 35a stored in the storage circuit 35 when the information indicating that the target site “heart” is displayed in three dimensions is received from the input / output control function 37c. The corresponding display setting is read (see FIG. 10).

  In step S207, the generation function 37d generates display image data from the volume data based on the read display setting of the part. For example, the generation function 37d performs rendering processing on heart volume data using the read heart display settings. As a result, the generation function 37d generates SVR image data of the subject's heart as display image data based on the display setting of the heart.

  In step S208, the display control function 37e displays the display image data. For example, the display control function 37e receives the SVR image data of the heart from the generation function 37d and causes the display 32 to display the received SVR image data.

  Note that the processing procedures in FIGS. 14 and 15 are merely examples, and are not limited to the examples in FIGS. 14 and 15. For example, the above processing procedures do not necessarily have to be executed in the order described above. For example, the process of detecting a plurality of parts from the volume data (step S106) does not necessarily have to be executed in the above order. The process of step S106 can be executed at any timing, for example, before the process of step S204 is started.

  In addition, a process of generating display image data (step S207) using the display settings of each part for all parts included in the volume data is executed in advance, and the display image data of all parts is stored in the storage circuit 35. It may be stored. In this case, when the selection of the part is received (step S205), the process of displaying the display image data (step S208) can be executed without executing the processes of step S206 and step S207.

  For example, the detection function 37a may detect the position of the part of the subject from the volume data after accepting the selection of the part (step S205) (step S106). In this case, the detection function 37a can detect the part of the subject accepted by the input / output control function 37c based on the structure of the volume data of the subject. Note that the processing procedures shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 are not limited to these examples, and can be executed by appropriately changing the order as long as the processing contents do not contradict each other.

  As described above, in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the detection function 37a detects the positions of a plurality of parts of the subject from the volume data of the subject. Then, the input / output control function 37c receives an operation of selecting a desired part among the plurality of detected parts. Then, the generation function 37d generates display image data from the volume data of the subject based on the display setting corresponding to the selected part. The display control function 37e displays the generated display image data. According to this, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 can display an image in which a desired part is drawn in an easy-to-see manner with a simple operation.

  16A to 16C are diagrams for explaining the effect of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16A illustrates a display procedure of a conventional display image (SVR image). FIG. 16B illustrates a display procedure of a conventional display image (MRP image). FIG. 16C illustrates a display image display procedure in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 16A, the operator (physician or radiographer) selects a test result of a desired patient (subject) (procedure S10) and displays slice images constituting volume data (procedure S11). Then, the operator searches the slice position where the target site is drawn by checking the slice images while quickly switching them (step S12). Then, the operator reads the volume data (slice image) including the target region (step S13), and manually selects the opacity (Opacity) corresponding to the target region (step S14). Display. Note that the SVR image displayed here is merely displayed according to a certain condition (default setting or the like) regardless of the target portion, and the target portion is not always displayed in an easy-to-see manner. For this reason, in order to make it easy to see the target portion, the operator needs to further perform operations such as zooming, panning, and rotating the target portion on the SVR image (step S15).

  Also in FIG. 16B, the operator displays the MPR image of, for example, three orthogonal cross sections by performing steps S20 to S23 as in steps S10 to S13 of FIG. 16A. However, the MPR image displayed here is merely displayed according to certain conditions regardless of the target part, and the target part is not always displayed in an easy-to-see manner. For this reason, in order to make the target part easy to see, the operator needs to further perform operations such as zooming, panning, and rotating the target part on the MPR image (step S24). Thus, in the conventional display procedure, the operator needs to perform many manual operations.

  In recent years, the amount of image data (volume data) to be processed tends to increase as the image becomes higher in definition, so that it takes time to read the image data in each procedure shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B. Tend to require. For this reason, it may take a long time to display the target site in an easy-to-see manner by the series of display procedures shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B.

  On the other hand, in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16C, the operator selects a desired patient test result (step S30), and from the selected test result. By simply selecting the target part (procedure S31), a display image (SVR image or MPR image) in which the target part is drawn in an easily viewable manner based on the display settings can be obtained (procedure S32). According to this, for example, even when a torso including the heart, lungs, stomach, liver, small intestine, and large intestine of a subject is imaged by whole body imaging, a doctor performs an operation of selecting a desired part each time. With this, it is possible to display an image in which a desired part is easily drawn. In addition, when handling high-definition image data, the display procedure is simplified. As a result, the number of times of reading can be reduced, so that the target site can be displayed easily in a short time.

  In the above description, the case of accepting an operation for selecting one part as a desired part has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The input / output control function 37c may accept an operation of selecting two or more parts as desired parts. That is, the input / output control function 37c accepts an operation for selecting at least one part among the plurality of parts detected by the detection function 37a. In addition, the process of the production | generation function 37d in the case of accepting operation which selects a some site | part is mentioned later.

(Modification 1 of the first embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the case where the selection of the target part is received on the human body schematic image 51 has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, instead of the human body schematic image 51, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 may display a list that is a list of part names and accept selection of a target part on the displayed list.

  For example, the input / output control function 37c displays a list that is a list of names of a plurality of parts detected by the detection function 37a. Then, the input / output control function 37c accepts an operation for selecting a desired part among the parts included in the displayed list.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining processing of the input / output control function 37c according to the first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 17 illustrates a list 52 displayed on the display 32 when a target site is selected by the operator. The list 52 illustrated in FIG. 17 is an example of a screen displayed when a desired patient test result is selected in the test result list 40 illustrated in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 17, in the list 52, names of the respective organs detected by the detection function 37a are described in a selectable manner. In the example of FIG. 17, the heart, liver, lungs, small intestine,... Are displayed so that the selection operation by the operator can be accepted. For example, when the operator moves the mouse cursor to the “heart” column and performs a click operation, the input / output control function 37c accepts that “heart” is selected as the target site.

  As described above, the input / output control function 37c accepts an operation of selecting a target part on the list 52. Then, the input / output control function 37c outputs the received information to the generation function 37d. Note that processes other than the process of accepting an operation of selecting a target part on the list 52 are the same as the contents described in the first embodiment.

(Modification 2 of the first embodiment)
In addition to the human body schematic image 51 and the list 52, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 may accept selection of a target region on, for example, an actually captured image (actual image).

  For example, the input / output control function 37c displays an image in which a plurality of parts detected by the detection function 37a are displayed in a selectable manner in at least one of a scanogram (positioning image) of a subject and a rendering image of volume data. indicate. Then, the input / output control function 37c accepts an operation for selecting a desired part among the parts displayed so as to be selectable in the displayed image.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining processing of the input / output control function 37c according to the second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 18 illustrates an MPR image (coronal image) 53 displayed on the display 32 when the operator selects a target site. The MPR image 53 illustrated in FIG. 18 is an example of a screen displayed when a desired patient test result is selected in the test result list 40 illustrated in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 18, a cross-sectional image of each organ is depicted in an MPR image 53 that is a coronal image of the trunk of the subject. Here, the MPR image 53 is displayed so that a plurality of parts detected by the detection function 37a can be selected. In the example of FIG. 18, the cross-sectional images of the heart, lungs, stomach, liver, and small intestine included in the MPR image 53 are displayed in a colored state (or highlighted display). This means that the heart, lungs, stomach, liver, and small intestine are detected by the detection function 37a, and the operator can select the target site to be displayed. For example, when the operator moves the mouse cursor over the cross-sectional image of “heart” and performs a click operation, the input / output control function 37c accepts that “heart” is selected as the target site.

  As described above, the input / output control function 37 c accepts an operation for selecting a target part on the MPR image 53. Then, the input / output control function 37c outputs the received information to the generation function 37d. Note that processes other than the process of accepting an operation for selecting a target region on the MPR image 53 are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 18, the case where the MPR image 53 is applied as a captured image that has been actually captured has been described, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The actually captured image may be, for example, an image based on another rendering process such as an SVR image, or may be a scanogram (positioning image) captured prior to the actual capture.

  In the first embodiment and the first and second modifications 1 and 2, the case where the human body schematic image 51, the list 52, and the captured image (MPR image 53) are used to accept selection of the target part. Although each explained, these may be used together. For example, the input / output control function 37c displays the human body schematic image 51 and the list 52 in parallel on the display 32. In this case, the operator can select the target part by any selection method from the human body schematic image 51 and the list 52. That is, the operator may select an image of a desired part on the human body schematic image 51 or may select a column of a desired part on the list 52.

(Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, after receiving the selection of the part, the selection of the detailed part constituting the selected part is accepted, or the display position, the display direction, and the display magnification of the selected part are specified. The case where it does is demonstrated.

  Note that the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 2, and part of the processing of the input / output control function 37c and the generation function 37d is different. . Therefore, in the second embodiment, the description will focus on the points different from the first embodiment, and the description of the points having the same functions as the functions described in the first embodiment will be omitted.

  The input / output control function 37c is a detailed list that is a list of names of detailed parts included in the selected part when an operation for selecting a desired part among the plurality of parts detected by the detection function 37a is received. A list display button for displaying the image and an image display button for displaying an image representing a schematic diagram of the selected part are displayed. When the list display button is selected, the input / output control function 37c displays a detailed list, and accepts an operation of selecting a desired detailed part from the detailed parts included in the detailed list. On the other hand, when the image display button is selected, the input / output control function 37c displays an image of a schematic diagram of the part, and accepts changes in the display position, display direction, and display magnification with respect to this image.

  When the list display button is selected, the generation function 37d generates display image data from the volume data based on the display setting corresponding to the detailed part selected in the detailed list. In addition, when the image display button is selected, the generation function 37d generates display image data from the volume data using the changed display position, display direction, and display magnification.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining processing of the input / output control function 37c and the generation function 37d according to the second embodiment. FIG. 19 exemplifies a display screen (User Interface) that transitions with a target site selection operation. The human body schematic image 51 displayed in step S40 of FIG. 19 is the same as the human body schematic image 51 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 19, when the operator moves the mouse cursor over the “heart” image and performs a click operation (step S40), the input / output control function 37c displays the mini window 70 on the display 32 (see FIG. 19). Procedure S41). The mini window 70 includes a list display button 71 and an image display button 72. Among these, the list display button 71 is a button for displaying a detailed list that is a list of names of detailed parts included in the “heart”. The image display button 72 is a button for displaying an image representing a schematic diagram of “heart”.

  Here, when the operator moves the mouse cursor onto the list display button 71 and performs a click operation, the input / output control function 37 c switches the mini window 70 to the mini window 73. This mini window 73 is a list of names of detailed parts included in the heart, such as “left atrium”, “right ventricle”, “near the aorta”, and so on. A list of detailed part names displayed in the mini window 73 is set for each part and is stored in the storage circuit 35 in advance. In the mini window 73, for example, when the operator moves the mouse cursor to the “near the aorta” field and performs a click operation, the input / output control function 37c has selected “near the aorta of the heart” as the target site. (Step S42). Then, the input / output control function 37c outputs information indicating that the target portion “near the aorta of the heart” is displayed to the generation function 37d.

  When the generation function 37d receives information from the input / output control function 37c to display the target site “near the aorta of the heart” from the input / output control function 37c, the generation function 37d reads the display setting corresponding to the vicinity of the aorta of the heart. Then, the generation function 37d performs rendering processing (SVR processing) on the volume data in the vicinity of the heart aorta using the read display setting in the vicinity of the heart aorta. As a result, the generation function 37d generates SVR image data in which the vicinity of the aorta of the heart is depicted in an easily viewable manner. Then, the display control function 37e displays the display image 60 on the display 32 based on the SVR image data generated by the generation function 37d (step S43).

  On the other hand, when the operator moves the mouse cursor onto the image display button 72 and performs a click operation, the input / output control function 37c switches the mini window 70 to the mini window 74 (step S44). In this mini window 74, a schematic diagram 75 of the heart is displayed. A schematic diagram 75 of the part displayed in the mini window 74 is set for each part and is stored in the storage circuit 35 in advance. In the mini window 74, for example, when the movement, rotation, enlargement / reduction, or the like of the schematic diagram 75 is performed by an operator's mouse operation, the input / output control function 37c moves the schematic diagram 75 according to the performed operation. Rotation, enlargement / reduction, and the like are executed (step S45). When the operator determines that the schematic diagram 75 has reached the desired display position, display direction, and display magnification, the operator performs an operation of determining the display position, display direction, and display magnification of the schematic diagram 75. When an operation for determining the display position, display direction, and display magnification of the schematic diagram 75 is performed, the input / output control function 37c displays the target site “heart” at the display position, display direction, and display magnification of the schematic diagram 75. It is accepted as an instruction to do so. Then, the input / output control function 37c outputs an instruction to display the target site “heart” with the display position, display direction, and display magnification of the schematic diagram 75 to the generation function 37d.

  When the generation function 37d receives an instruction from the input / output control function 37c to display the target site “heart” at the display position, display direction, and display magnification in the schematic diagram 75, the display function list 37a refers to the display setting list 35a. Read the corresponding display settings. Then, the generation function 37d generates heart display image data using the read heart display settings. At this time, when the display setting read from the display setting list 35a includes the display position, the display direction, and the display magnification, the generation function 37d displays the display position, the display direction, and the display magnification of the schematic diagram 75. Display image data is generated with priority. For example, the generation function 37d generates display image data using the opacity and luminance read from the display setting list 35a, and the display position, display direction, and display magnification specified by the schematic diagram 75. Then, the display control function 37e displays the display image 60 on the display 32 based on the display image data generated by the generation function 37d (step S46).

  As described above, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment accepts selection of a detailed part constituting the selected part after accepting selection of the part, or displays a position of the selected part, The display direction and display magnification can be designated.

  Note that FIG. 19 is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the example of FIG. For example, in FIG. 19, by displaying the mini window 70, when selecting a detailed part (when the list display button 71 is pressed), specifying the display position, display direction, and display magnification of the part. The case where it is possible to select (when the image display button 72 is pressed) has been described. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, a “list display mode” for selecting a detailed part and an “image display mode” for specifying a display position, a display direction, and a display magnification of the part may be set in advance.

  For example, in the “list display mode”, when the operator moves the mouse cursor over the “heart” image and performs a click operation (step S40), the input / output control function 37c displays the mini window 73 on the display 32. Display (step S42). In the mini window 73, for example, when the operator moves the mouse cursor to the “near the aorta” column and performs a click operation, the input / output control function 37c selects “near the aorta of the heart” as the target site. Accept as As described above, the input / output control function 37c may accept selection of a detailed part constituting the part by using the “list display mode”.

  For example, in the “image display mode”, when the operator moves the mouse cursor over the “heart” image and performs a click operation (step S40), the input / output control function 37c displays the mini window 74. 32 (step S44). Then, in the mini window 74, for example, when the movement, rotation, enlargement / reduction, and the like of the schematic diagram 75 are performed by the operator's mouse operation, the input / output control function 37c is changed to the schematic diagram 75 according to the performed operation. Movement, rotation, enlargement / reduction, and the like are executed (step S45). When an operation for determining the display position, display direction, and display magnification of the schematic diagram 75 is performed, the input / output control function 37c displays the target site “heart” at the display position, display direction, and display magnification of the schematic diagram 75. It is accepted as an instruction to do so. As described above, the input / output control function 37c may receive the display position, the display direction, and the display magnification of the target site “heart” using the “image display mode”.

  Moreover, although FIG. 19 demonstrated the case where a site | part was selected on the human body schematic image 51, embodiment is not limited to this. For example, as described in the first and second modifications of the first embodiment, an operation for selecting a part on the list 52 or the MPR image 53 may be accepted.

(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, after receiving selection of a part, display image data is displayed based on display settings corresponding to the selected part, and further post-processing corresponding to the selected part is automatically designated Will be described.

  Note that the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the X-ray CT apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 2, and only the configuration of the processing circuit 37 is different. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the description will focus on the points that differ from the first embodiment, and the description of the points having the same functions as the functions described in the first embodiment will be omitted.

  In addition to the configuration described in the first embodiment, the storage circuit 35 according to the third embodiment includes a list of post-processing candidates (post-processing) corresponding to a plurality of parts detected by the detection function 37a. (List) is further memorized. The post-processing list stored in the storage circuit 35 will be described later.

  FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the processing circuit 37 according to the third embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the processing circuit 37B according to the third embodiment has a post-processing function 37f in addition to the processing circuit 37 described in the first embodiment.

  The post-processing function 37f performs post-processing on the display image data or the volume data, and outputs information about the part as a post-processing result. The post-processing function 37f is an example of a post-processing unit.

  For example, when the post-processing function 37f receives selection of a desired part from the operator among a plurality of parts detected by the detection function 37a, the post-processing function 37f detects the selected part from the volume data and detects the detected part. The post-process corresponding to the part is read from the storage circuit 35, and the post-process is executed on the volume data after the reconfiguration of the part. Note that the detection method from the volume data of the part by the detection function 37a is as described in the first embodiment.

  The post-processing function 37f refers to the post-processing list stored in the storage circuit 35, and automatically executes post-processing corresponding to the heart on the volume data of the part detected by the detection function 37a. Further, the post-processing function 37f displays the post-processing result on the display 32 via the display control function 37e after the post-processing is executed.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a post-processing list according to the third embodiment. The post-processing list is stored in the storage circuit 35 as described above. As shown in FIG. 21, post-processing corresponding to a plurality of parts is stored. As shown in FIG. 21, there are cases where there are a plurality of types of post-processing corresponding to the parts. For example, if the part is “liver”, the corresponding post-processing is only “analysis C”, but if the part is “heart”, the corresponding post-processing is “analysis A”, “analysis B”, etc. There may be more than one.

  Note that examples of post-processing corresponding to “heart” shown in FIG. 21 include cardiac function analysis, coronary artery analysis, and calcification score analysis. An example of post-processing corresponding to “liver” is perfusion analysis. An example of post-processing corresponding to “lung” corresponds to lung function analysis and lung nodule analysis.

  The post-processing function 37f may automatically execute the post-processing when there is one post-processing corresponding to the selected part. On the other hand, when there are a plurality of post-processing corresponding to the selected part, the post-processing function 37f provides the operator with a display for accepting a selection operation related to the plurality of post-processing via the display control function 37e. To do. In this case, the post-processing function 37f executes only the post-processing accepted from the operator.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a post-processing selection display when there are a plurality of post-processing corresponding to the selected part. For example, when the selected part is “heart” and there are a plurality of corresponding post-processing, a plurality of possible post-processing candidates (for example, analysis A and analysis B) are presented and selected by the operator. Accept. In other words, the post-processing function 37f corresponds to a selected part when a plurality of parts are detected by the detection function 37a and an operation for selecting at least one part among the detected parts is accepted. When there are a plurality of post-processing, a display for accepting a selection operation related to the plurality of post-processing is provided via the display control function 37e.

  If the data necessary for executing the post-processing corresponding to the selected part is not available, the post-processing function 37f is necessary for executing the post-processing via the display control function 37e. The fact that the data is insufficient may be displayed on the display 32 or the like. For example, in order to perform cerebral blood flow analysis, which is a post-processing corresponding to “brain”, it is necessary to perform imaging at a plurality of time phases using a contrast agent, but volume data at a plurality of time phases has not been acquired. In some cases, cerebral blood flow analysis cannot be performed. At this time, the post-processing function 37f displays that it is necessary to acquire volume data of a plurality of time phases in order to execute post-processing via the display control function 37e.

  Further, when there are a plurality of post-processes corresponding to the selected part and there is a lack of data necessary for executing the post-process, the post-process function 37f is sent via the display control function 37e. On the post-processing selection reception screen displayed on the display 32, executable post-processing and non-executable post-processing may be displayed separately. For example, for a plurality of post-processing candidates that cannot be executed because of insufficient data, it is appropriate to reduce the display.

  In addition, the post-processing function 37f outputs the result of the post-processing executed through the display control function 37e to the display 32.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 23, steps S301 to S306 are the same as steps S201 to S206 in the flowchart of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.

  In step S307, the generation function 37d generates display image data corresponding to the part extracted via the detection function 37a based on the read display setting of the part.

  In step S308, the display control function 37e displays the display image data.

  In step S309, the post-processing function 37f reads the post-processing corresponding to the part selected in step S305 from the storage circuit 35. If there are a plurality of post-processing corresponding to the selected part, the process proceeds to the next step S310. If there is only one post-process corresponding to the selected part, the process proceeds to step S311.

  In step S310, the post-processing function 37f causes the display 32 to display a plurality of post-processing candidate selection screens corresponding to the part selected via the display control function 37e. The input / output control function 37c receives a selection of a desired post-process from a plurality of post-process candidates from the operator.

  In step S311, the post-processing function 37f executes the post-processing accepted by the input / output control function 37c for the part selected in step S305, and the result of the post-processing is displayed on the display 32 via the display control function 37e. Is output.

  In the third embodiment described above, the post-processing is described as being executed as one function of the processing circuit 37 of the console 30. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this configuration, and the X-ray CT apparatus 1 And post-processing may be executed at a workstation connected via the network 4. That is, after receiving volume data from the X-ray CT apparatus 1, the workstation may perform the processing after step S305.

  In the third embodiment, after the selection of the part is received, the display image data of the part for which the display setting has been performed is displayed, and then the post-processing is performed. Display of display image data may be omitted, and only post-processing corresponding to the selected part may be executed. In the third embodiment, the case where post-processing is performed on volume data has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the post-processing function 37f may perform post-processing on display image data. .

  According to the third embodiment described above, after accepting selection of a part, it is possible to automatically execute post-processing corresponding to the part. Further, when there are a plurality of post-processing corresponding to the part, it is possible to present a selectable post-processing candidate to the operator. In addition, when the post-processing corresponding to the selected part cannot be executed, it is possible to notify the operator to that effect. As a result, the burden on the operator related to post-processing can be reduced, which can contribute to the improvement of the workflow.

(Other embodiments)
In addition to the above-described embodiment, various other forms may be implemented.

(Individual display of multiple parts)
In the above embodiment, the case where the operation of selecting one desired part is received and the display image data is generated has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 may receive an operation of selecting two or more parts as desired parts and individually display a display image of each part.

  The input / output control function 37c accepts an operation of selecting two or more parts among a plurality of parts. For example, the input / output control function 37c individually accepts operations for selecting “liver” and “pancreas” as target portions.

  The generation function 37d generates display image data for each of the two or more parts based on the display settings corresponding to each of the two or more parts. For example, the generation function 37d reads the display setting corresponding to the target site “liver” from the storage circuit 35, and generates the display image data of the liver based on the read display setting of the liver. Further, for example, the generation function 37d reads the display setting corresponding to the target site “pancreas” from the storage circuit 35, and generates display image data of the pancreas based on the read display setting of the pancreas.

  The display control function 37e displays the generated display image data of each of the two or more parts in different display areas. For example, the display control function 37e displays the liver display image data generated by the generation function 37d and the pancreas display image data in different windows. Thereby, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 can receive an operation of selecting two or more parts as desired parts, and can individually display a display image of each part.

(Combination display of multiple parts)
For example, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 may receive an operation of selecting two or more parts as desired parts and display one display image in which two or more parts are combined.

  The input / output control function 37c accepts an operation of selecting two or more parts among a plurality of parts. For example, the input / output control function 37c individually accepts operations for selecting “liver” and “pancreas” as target portions.

  The generation function 37d generates display image data including two or more parts based on display settings corresponding to a combination of two or more parts. For example, the generation function 37d reads the display setting corresponding to the combination of “liver” and “pancreas” from the storage circuit 35, and selects the liver and pancreas based on the read display setting of the combination of “liver” and “pancreas”. One display image data including is generated. In this case, the storage circuit 35 stores in advance display settings corresponding to combinations of “liver” and “pancreas”. In this display setting, conditions such as opacity, luminance, display position, display direction, and display magnification are set so that both the liver and the pancreas are easy to see.

  The display control function 37e displays display image data including two or more generated parts. For example, the display control function 37e causes the display 32 to display one display image data including the liver and pancreas generated by the generation function 37d. Thereby, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 can display the display image drawn so that both the liver and the pancreas can be easily seen.

(Display of undetectable parts)
In the above embodiment, the case where the part detected by the detection function 37a is displayed in a selectable manner on the human body schematic image 51 and the display image of the selected part is generated / displayed has been described. It is not limited to. For example, even if there is a part not detected by the detection function 37a, it can be generated / displayed as a display image.

  For example, in the volume data obtained by imaging the body part of the subject, the heart may not be detected even though the lung, stomach, liver, small intestine, and large intestine are detected. In such a case, the human body schematic image 51 is displayed in a state where the lungs, stomach, liver, small intestine, and large intestine are colored and the heart is not colored. In such a case, if the operator moves the mouse cursor over the “heart” image and performs a click operation, the input / output control function 37c will “display the part where the heart was not detected?” A confirmation message such as When the operator approves the confirmation message, the input / output control function 37c accepts that “heart” is selected as the target part.

  Then, the generation function 37d generates display image data from the volume data based on the heart display setting. In this case, for example, the generation function 37d estimates the position of the heart in the volume data based on the positional relationship between the organ such as the lung and stomach detected by the detection function 37a and the heart. Then, the generation function 37d extracts volume data (slice image) including the estimated heart region, and generates display image data.

  Thus, even if there is a part that has not been detected by the detection function 37a, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 can generate / display the part as a display image.

(Medical image processing device)
Each function described in the embodiment and the modification may be executed in the medical image processing apparatus. In this case, the processing circuit of the medical image processing apparatus is connected to the storage circuit that stores the volume data in which the positions of the plurality of parts of the subject are detected, and the input / output control function 37c shown in FIG. A function 37d and a display control function 37e are provided.

  For example, the processing circuit of the medical image processing apparatus acquires volume data in which positions of a plurality of parts of the subject are detected. Then, the processing circuit accepts an operation for selecting at least one part among the plurality of parts. Then, the processing circuit generates display image data from the volume data based on the display setting corresponding to the part selected by the operation. Then, the processing circuit displays the generated display image data.

  According to this, the medical image processing apparatus can display an image in which a desired part is drawn in an easy-to-see manner with a simple operation. Although the case where the processing circuit of the medical image processing apparatus has at least the input / output control function 37c, the generation function 37d, and the display control function 37e has been described here, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the processing circuit of the medical image processing apparatus may have a detection function 37a and a position matching function 37b. In this case, the storage circuit connected to the processing circuit of the medical image processing apparatus may store volume data in which the positions of the plurality of parts of the subject are not detected. That is, the processing circuit of the medical image processing apparatus may acquire the volume data from the storage circuit, and detect the position of each of a plurality of parts of the subject from the acquired volume data. In this case, the detection function 37a provided in the medical image processing apparatus can detect the part of the subject accepted by the input / output control function 37c based on the volume data structure of the subject. As an example, the detection function 37a may detect only the part selected by the operator from the volume data.

  In the above-described embodiment and modification, the change in the relative position between the gantry 10 and the top plate 22 has been described as being realized by controlling the top plate 22, but the embodiment is limited to this. is not. For example, when the gantry 10 is self-propelled, a change in the relative position between the gantry 10 and the top plate 22 may be realized by controlling the traveling of the gantry 10.

  Further, each component of each illustrated apparatus is functionally conceptual, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of distribution / integration of each device is not limited to the one shown in the figure, and all or a part of the distribution / integration is functionally or physically distributed in arbitrary units according to various loads or usage conditions. Can be integrated and configured. For example, the above-described display setting list 35 a is not limited to the storage circuit 35, and may be stored in, for example, an arbitrary storage device (external storage device) connected to the network 4. Further, all or a part of each processing function performed in each device may be realized by a CPU and a program analyzed and executed by the CPU, or may be realized as hardware by wired logic.

  In addition, among the processes described in the above embodiments and modifications, all or a part of the processes described as being automatically performed can be manually performed, or can be manually performed. All or part of the described processing can be automatically performed by a known method. In addition, the processing procedure, control procedure, specific name, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above-described document and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified.

  In addition, the image processing methods described in the above-described embodiments and modifications can be realized by executing an image processing program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This image processing method can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. The image processing method can also be executed by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and being read from the recording medium by the computer. .

  According to at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to display an image in which a desired part is drawn in an easy-to-see manner with a simple operation.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

1 X-ray CT apparatus 37 processing circuit 37a detection function 37c input / output control function 37d generation function 37e display control function

Claims (14)

A storage unit for storing display settings for each part of the subject;
An input / output control unit that accepts setting of a display target part based on an input operation;
Based on the volume data structure of the subject, a detection unit that detects the portion of the subject received by the input / output control unit;
A generation unit that generates display image data of the display target part by reading out the display setting corresponding to the part detected by the detection unit from the storage unit and applying the display setting to the volume data;
A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising: a display control unit that causes the display unit to display the display image data generated by the generation unit. The storage unit stores, for each part, the display setting including at least one of brightness, opacity, display position, display direction, and display magnification of the volume data.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. When the detection unit detects a plurality of the parts, the input / output control unit causes the display unit to display a human body schematic image in which the detected plurality of parts are selectably displayed on the human body schematic image. Accepting an operation to select at least one of the parts displayed to be selectable;
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. When the detection unit detects a plurality of the parts, the input / output control unit displays a list that is a list of names of the plurality of detected parts on the display unit, and includes a list of the parts included in the list. Accept an operation to select at least one of the parts,
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The input / output control unit can select a plurality of detected parts in at least one of the scan image of the subject and the rendered image of the volume data when the detection part detects a plurality of the parts. The image displayed on the display unit is displayed on the display unit, and an operation of selecting at least one part among the parts displayed to be selectable in the image is received.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The input / output control unit
When a plurality of the parts are detected by the detection unit and an operation of selecting at least one part among the plurality of detected parts is received, a list of detailed part names included in the selected part is displayed. A list display button for displaying a detailed list and an image display button for displaying an image representing a schematic diagram of the selected part are displayed on the display unit,
When the list display button is selected, the detailed list is displayed on the display unit, and an operation for selecting at least one detailed part among the detailed parts included in the detailed list is received.
When the image display button is selected, the display unit displays the image and accepts a change in display position, display direction, and display magnification with respect to the displayed image,
The generator is
When the list display button is selected, the display image data is generated from the volume data based on the display setting corresponding to the detailed part selected in the detailed list,
When the image display button is selected, display image data is generated from the volume data using the changed display position, the display direction, and the display magnification.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The input / output control unit includes details included in the selected part when the plurality of parts are detected by the detection unit and an operation of selecting at least one part among the plurality of detected parts is received. A detailed list that is a list of names of various parts is displayed on the display unit, and an operation of selecting at least one detailed part among the detailed parts included in the detailed list is received,
The generation unit generates display image data from the volume data based on a display setting corresponding to the selected detailed part.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. When the input / output control unit detects a plurality of the parts by the detecting unit and receives an operation of selecting at least one part among the detected parts, a schematic diagram of the selected part is displayed. An image to be displayed is displayed on the display unit, and a change in a display position, a display direction, and a display magnification with respect to the displayed image is received,
The generation unit generates display image data from the volume data using the changed display position, display direction, and display magnification.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The generation unit extracts volume data including a region of a part selected by the operation from the volume data, and generates the display image data using the extracted volume data.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The input / output control unit receives an operation of selecting two or more parts among the plurality of detected parts when the plurality of parts are detected by the detection unit;
The generation unit generates display image data of each of the two or more parts based on display settings corresponding to the two or more parts,
The display control unit displays the generated display image data of each of the two or more parts in different display areas of the display unit;
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The input / output control unit receives an operation of selecting two or more parts among the plurality of detected parts when the plurality of parts are detected by the detection unit;
The generation unit generates display image data including the two or more parts based on a display setting corresponding to a combination of the two or more parts.
The display control unit causes the display unit to display display image data including the generated two or more parts.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9. A post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the display image data or the volume data and outputs information on the part as a post-processing result;
The storage unit further stores post-processing corresponding to each part of the subject,
The post-processing unit reads post-processing corresponding to the part received by the input / output control unit from the storage unit, and executes post-processing on the display image data or the volume data,
The display control unit displays a post-processing result by the post-processing unit.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11. When the detection unit detects a plurality of the parts and receives an operation of selecting at least one part from the detected parts, a plurality of post-processing corresponding to the part are performed. Providing a display for accepting a selection operation related to a plurality of post-processing through the display control unit when present;
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 12. A storage unit for storing display settings for each part of the subject;
An input / output control unit that accepts setting of a display target part based on an input operation;
Based on the volume data structure of the subject, a detection unit that detects the portion of the subject received by the input / output control unit;
A generation unit that generates display image data of the display target part by reading out the display setting corresponding to the part detected by the detection unit from the storage unit and applying the display setting to the volume data;
A medical image processing apparatus comprising: a display control unit that causes the display unit to display the display image data generated by the generation unit.

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