JP2021097731A - Medical image processing device and medical image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

To execute positioning that is hardly affected by a body motion, respiration, etc.SOLUTION: A medical image processing device includes an acquisition unit, an extraction unit, an image processing unit, a designation unit, and a positioning unit. The acquisition unit acquires first three-dimensional image data on a subject and second three-dimensional image data on the subject. The extraction unit extracts a feature point of the subject contained in the first three-dimensional image data and a feature point of the subject contained in the second three-dimensional image data. The image processing unit executes image processing for a first cross-sectional image of the subject contained in the first three-dimensional image data and a second cross-sectional image of the subject contained in the second three-dimensional image data. The designation unit designates a site corresponding to the image processing. The positioning unit adjusts the position for acquiring the first cross-sectional image from the subject contained in the first three-dimensional image data and the position for acquiring the second cross-sectional image from the subject contained in the second three-dimensional image data to the same position on the basis of the feature point contained in the designated site.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a medical image processing apparatus and a medical image processing system.

Conventionally, in follow-up observation or the like, a cross-sectional image of a subject included in the current 3D information acquired by CT, MRI, etc. and a subject included in the past 3D information may be displayed side by side at the same position. .. When aligning the position of the subject between the three-dimensional information, the medical image processing device performs the alignment between the three-dimensional information based on the feature points extracted from the rigid body part such as the pelvis. Then, the doctor or the like moves the cross-sectional position to the part to be diagnosed, so that the cross-sectional images of the part to be diagnosed are displayed side by side.

However, the position of the part changes due to the influence of body movement and breathing. Therefore, the medical image processing apparatus may display different parts between the cross-sectional images even if the positions of the subjects between the three-dimensional information are aligned with the rigid body parts. Therefore, doctors and the like had to make fine adjustments in order to display the cross-sectional images of the same part side by side.

JP-A-2017-063936

An object to be solved by the present invention is to perform alignment that is not easily affected by body movement, respiration, or the like.

The medical image processing apparatus of the embodiment includes an acquisition unit, an extraction unit, an image processing unit, a designated unit, and an alignment unit. The acquisition unit has a first three-dimensional image data which is the three-dimensional image data of the subject and a second three-dimensional image data which is the three-dimensional image data of the subject and is different from the first three-dimensional image data. Get image data. The extraction unit extracts the feature points of the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data and the feature points of the subject included in the second three-dimensional image data. The image processing unit is a first cross-sectional image which is a cross-sectional image of the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data, and a cross-sectional image of the subject included in the second three-dimensional image data. Image processing is performed on at least one of the second cross-sectional image. The designation unit designates a portion corresponding to the image processing executed by the image processing unit. The alignment portion includes a position at which the first cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data based on the feature points included in the portion designated by the designated portion. The position where the second cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject included in the second three-dimensional image data is aligned with the same position.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a medical image processing system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the medical image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a comparison screen. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a comparison screen having a site selection image. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a deviation in the cross-sectional position. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of correction of the cross-sectional position. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of display processing executed by the medical image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the medical image processing apparatus and the medical image processing system will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The medical image processing apparatus and the medical image processing system according to the present application are not limited to the embodiments shown below.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the medical image processing system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the medical image processing system 1 includes a modality 10, a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) 20, and a medical image processing device 30. Further, each system and each device are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network. The configuration shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and the number of each system and each device may be arbitrarily changed. Further, a device not shown in FIG. 1 may be connected to the network.

Modality 10 generates three-dimensional image data which is three-dimensional information of the subject. For example, the modality 10 is an image diagnostic device such as an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) device or an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) device. Modality 10 generates three-dimensional image data of a subject such as a designated patient. The three-dimensional image data includes X-ray CT image data as three-dimensional image data, MRI image data as three-dimensional image data, and the like. Then, the modality 10 transmits the generated three-dimensional image data to the PACS 20.

The PACS 20 is a server device that stores the three-dimensional image data generated by the modality 10. For example, the PACS 20 is realized by a computer device such as a server or a workstation. More specifically, the PACS 20 receives 3D image data from modality 10. Then, the PACS 20 stores the three-dimensional image data in a storage circuit or the like of its own device.

The medical image processing device 30 extracts anatomical landmarks from three-dimensional image data. Here, the anatomical landmark is an anatomical feature of the subject. Then, the medical image processing device 30 aligns the three-dimensional image data based on the anatomical landmark. As a result, the medical image processing device 30 displays a cross-sectional image at the same position among the plurality of three-dimensional image data. For example, the medical image processing device 30 is realized by a computer device such as a server or a workstation.

Next, the configuration of the medical image processing device 30 according to the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the medical image processing device 30 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the medical image processing apparatus 30 according to the present embodiment includes a network interface 310, a storage circuit 320, an input interface 330, a display 340, and a processing circuit 350.

The network interface 310 is connected to the processing circuit 350 and controls the transmission and communication of various data between the modality 10 and the PACS 20 via the network. More specifically, the network interface 310 receives various information from each system and outputs the received information to the processing circuit 350. For example, the network interface 310 is realized by a network card, a network adapter, a NIC (Network Interface Controller), or the like.

The storage circuit 320 is connected to the processing circuit 350 and stores various data. For example, the storage circuit 320 is realized by a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like.

The input interface 330 converts the input operation received from the operator into an electric signal and outputs it to the processing circuit 350. For example, the input interface 330 includes a trackball, a switch button, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch pad for performing input operations by touching an operation surface, a touch screen in which a display screen and a touch pad are integrated, and a non-optical sensor. It is realized by an input device such as a contact input interface and a voice input interface. The input interface 330 may be a control circuit such as a connection interface that receives an electronic signal corresponding to the operation from an operation device provided separately from the medical image processing device 30.

The display 340 displays various information and various images output from the processing circuit 350. For example, the display 340 is realized by a display device such as an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) monitor, a liquid crystal monitor, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor, and a touch panel. For example, the display 340 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving an operator's instruction, various display image data, and various processing results by the processing circuit 350.

The processing circuit 350 controls each component of the medical image processing apparatus 30. For example, the processing circuit 350 is realized by a processor. More specifically, the processing circuit 350 according to the present embodiment has an acquisition function 351 and an extraction function 352, an alignment function 353, a display function 354, an operation function 355, an image processing function 356, and a designation function 357.

Here, for example, the acquisition function 351 and the extraction function 352, the alignment function 353, the display function 354, the operation function 355, the image processing function 356, and the designation function 357, which are the components of the processing circuit 350 shown in FIG. 2, are executed. Each processing function is stored in the storage circuit 320 in the form of a program that can be executed by a computer. The processing circuit 350 is a processor that realizes a function corresponding to each program by reading each program from the storage circuit 320 and executing the program. In other words, the processing circuit 350 in the state where each program is read has each function shown in the processing circuit 350 of FIG.

It should be noted that all the processing functions of the acquisition function 351 and the extraction function 352, the alignment function 353, the display function 354, the operation function 355, the image processing function 356, and the designated function 357 can be executed by a computer in the form of one program. It may be recorded in the storage circuit 320. For example, such a program is also referred to as a medical image processing program. In this case, the processing circuit 350 reads the medical image processing program from the storage circuit 320 and executes the read medical image processing program to correspond to the medical image processing program in the acquisition function 351 and the extraction function 352, and the alignment function 353. The display function 354, the operation function 355, the image processing function 356, and the designated function 357 are realized.

The acquisition function 351 is an example of an acquisition unit. The acquisition function 351 acquires a plurality of three-dimensional image data from the PACS 20. That is, the acquisition function 351 is different from the first three-dimensional image data, which is the three-dimensional image data of the subject, and the third-dimensional image data of the same subject, which is different from the first three-dimensional image data. And the three-dimensional image data of. More specifically, the first three-dimensional image data is the three-dimensional image data of the subject. The second three-dimensional image data is a comparison target of the first three-dimensional image data, and is three-dimensional image data of the same subject as the subject of the first three-dimensional image data. For example, the first three-dimensional image data is the most recently acquired three-dimensional image data. The second three-dimensional image data is three-dimensional image data acquired in the past from the same subject as the first three-dimensional image data.

The extraction function 352 is an example of an extraction unit. The extraction function 352 extracts the feature points of the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data and the feature points of the subject included in the second three-dimensional image data. That is, the extraction function 352 extracts anatomical landmarks from each of the three-dimensional image data acquired by the acquisition function 351.

The alignment function 353 is an example of the alignment unit. The alignment function 353 includes a position for acquiring a cross-sectional image from a subject included in the first three-dimensional image data and a second three-dimensional image data based on the anatomical landmark extracted by the extraction function 352. Align the position where the cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject with the same position. That is, the alignment function 353 executes registration for aligning the position of the subject between the plurality of three-dimensional image data. More specifically, the alignment function 353 is included in the anatomical landmark in the rigid body part which is the rigid body part such as the pelvis of the subject included in the first 3D image data, and in the second 3D image data. Align with the anatomical landmark on the rigid body part, which is the rigid body part such as the pelvis of the subject. As a result, the alignment function 353 obtains a cross-sectional image from the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data based on the anatomical landmark in the rigid body portion such as the pelvis, and the first position. The position where the cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject included in the 3D image data of 2 is adjusted to the same position. Further, the alignment function 353 is a part designated by the designated function 357 when the designated function 357 specifies a part corresponding to the image processing executed by the image processing function 356 described later, and is a first three-dimensional image. Align the anatomical landmark in the part of the subject included in the data with the anatomical landmark in the part of the subject included in the second 3D image data that is the part designated by the designated function 357. .. As a result, when the designation function 357 specifies the part corresponding to the image processing executed by the image processing function 356, the alignment function 353 is the first based on the anatomical landmark included in the part designated by the designation function 357. The position where the cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject included in the three-dimensional image data of 1 and the position where the cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject included in the second three-dimensional image data are aligned at the same position.

The display function 354 is an example of a display unit. The display function 354 includes a first cross-sectional image which is a cross-sectional image of the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data and a second cross-sectional image which is a cross-sectional image of the subject included in the second three-dimensional image data. Is displayed.

Here, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the comparison screen G1. The comparison screen G1 shown in FIG. 3 has a cross-sectional image of the first three-dimensional image data and a cross-sectional image of the second three-dimensional image data. A medical worker such as a doctor performs follow-up observation or the like by comparing the cross-sectional image of the first three-dimensional image data with the cross-sectional image of the second three-dimensional image data.

Further, the alignment function 353 has a position of acquiring a cross-sectional image from a subject included in the first three-dimensional image data based on an anatomical landmark included in the site designated by the designated function 357, and a second 3 The position where the cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject included in the 3D image data is aligned with the same position. Then, the display function 354 compares the first cross-sectional image and the second cross-sectional image, which have the same cross-sectional position by aligning the positions of the subjects among the plurality of three-dimensional image data by the alignment function 353, with the comparison screen G1. Display in.

In addition, the display function 354 displays a cross-sectional image of the corresponding cross-sectional position when the cross-sectional position of the subject in the three-dimensional image data is moved. For example, when the display function 354 moves the cross-sectional position of the first three-dimensional image data, the cross-sectional position of the second three-dimensional image data also moves in the same manner. As a result, the display function 354 displays the cross-sectional image at the same cross-sectional position as the first three-dimensional image data and the second three-dimensional image data. The display function 354 is not limited to displaying a plurality of three-dimensional image data side by side, and may display a plurality of three-dimensional image data in an overlapping manner.

The operation function 355 is an example of an operation unit. The operation function 355 controls the input interface 330 and accepts an operation for designating image processing. For example, the operation function 355 accepts an operation of selecting a part from a list showing a plurality of parts. Here, the site is a part of the human body such as an organ, a bone, a blood vessel, and a muscle. As a result, the operation function 355 accepts an operation for designating the image processing according to the preset portion.

Here, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the comparison screen G1 having the site selection image G11. The comparison screen G1 has a part selection image G11 that accepts an operation of selecting a part from a list showing a plurality of parts. More specifically, the display function 354 displays the menu image G12 when the right mouse button is pressed on the comparison screen G1. Then, the display function 354 displays the part selection image G11 when the mouse cursor is placed on the "gradation preset" which means the change of contrast in the menu image G12. A window setting is associated with each part included in the part selection image G11. Window settings include window level and window width. The window width is a setting indicating the width of the contrast resolution. The window level is a setting that indicates the median window width. The operation function 355 accepts an operation of selecting a part from the part selection image G11. As a result, the display function 354 displays the cross-sectional image with a contrast corresponding to the portion to be read by the doctor or the like.

Further, the operation function 355 accepts an operation for instructing image processing. For example, the operation function 355 accepts an operation of designating a window setting by an operation of dragging a mouse or the like on the comparison screen G1 or the like. The operation function 355 is not limited to the operation of dragging the mouse, and may accept an operation of specifying the window setting by another method such as inputting a numerical value.

Further, the operation function 355 accepts an operation for displaying the first cross-sectional image and the second cross-sectional image at the same cross-sectional position. For example, a position for acquiring a cross-sectional image from a subject included in the first 3D image data and a position included in the second 3D image data based on the anatomical landmark included in the designated portion of the designated function 357. When the position for acquiring the cross-sectional image from the subject is adjusted to the same position, the display function 354 displays a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not to display the same cross-sectional position. The operation function 355 accepts a display operation instructing whether or not to display the same cross-sectional position on the confirmation screen. The display function 354 displays the first cross-sectional image and the second cross-sectional image of the same cross-sectional position on condition that the operation function 355 accepts the operation of displaying the same cross-sectional position. As a result, the doctor or the like can arbitrarily select whether to display the same cross-sectional position or to maintain the current display.

The image processing function 356 is an example of an image processing unit. The image processing function 356 includes a first cross-sectional image which is a cross-sectional image of a subject included in the first three-dimensional image data and a second cross-sectional image which is a cross-sectional image of the subject included in the second three-dimensional image data. Image processing is performed on at least one of the above. For example, the image processing function 356 executes image processing for changing the contrast indicated by the window setting associated with the selected part when the operation function 355 accepts the operation of selecting the part from the part selection image G11. .. That is, the image processing function 356 changes the contrast between the first cross-sectional image and the second cross-sectional image as image processing. The image processing function 356 is not limited to both the first cross-sectional image and the second cross-sectional image, and may execute image processing on either one of them.

In addition, the image processing function 356 executes image processing for changing the display mode to the setting instructed by the operation. Specifically, the operation function 355 accepts an operation of designating a specific numerical value of the window level or the window width by an operation such as dragging. Therefore, when the operation function 355 accepts an operation such as dragging, the image processing function 356 executes image processing for changing the contrast to the contrast indicated by the window setting instructed by the operation.

In addition, the image processing function 356 executes image processing instructed by the operation accepted on the comparison screen G1 on which the first cross-sectional image and the second cross-sectional image are displayed. Specifically, the image processing function 356 changes the contrast to the contrast indicated by the changed window setting when the window setting such as the window level or the window width is changed by an operation such as dragging on the comparison screen G1. To execute. When the desired portion is not clearly displayed on the comparison screen G1, the doctor or the like changes the contrast of the cross-sectional image by changing the window level or the window width by an operation such as dragging. As a result, the doctor or the like displays a cross-sectional image of a desired portion.

The image processing function 356 is not limited to contrast, and other image processing may be executed. For example, the image processing function 356 may be edge enhancement processing, smoothing processing, pseudo-color processing, or other image processing. The edge enhancement process is a process for emphasizing the boundary of each part. The smoothing process is a process of smoothing the boundary by using the surrounding information. The pseudo color process is a process of displaying a pseudo color image by displaying in a color assigned to each value such as a CT value.

The designation function 357 is an example of a designation unit. The designation function 357 designates a portion corresponding to the image processing executed by the image processing function 356. That is, the designation function 357 includes an anatomical landmark used by the alignment function 353 to align the position of the subject between the plurality of three-dimensional image data with the portion corresponding to the image processing executed by the image processing function 356. Specify the part to be used. Further, the site designated by the designated function 357 may be a non-rigid body site such as a lung. Then, the alignment function 353 uses the anatomical landmark of the designated part of the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data and the anatomical of the designated part of the subject included in the second three-dimensional image data. The position of the landmark is aligned with the anatomical landmark included in the site designated by the subject designation function 357 included in the first three-dimensional image data. As a result, the alignment function 353 has a position of acquiring a cross-sectional image from the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data and a second position based on the anatomical landmark included in the site designated by the designated function 357. The position where the cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject included in the 3D image data is aligned with the same position.

Here, the alignment function 353 is based on a plurality of three-dimensional images based on anatomical landmarks in a rigid body portion such as the pelvis where the shape of the pelvis is difficult to change when the position of the subject is aligned between the plurality of three-dimensional image data. Align the position to acquire the cross-sectional image from the subject between the data. Then, the display function 354 displays a cross-sectional image of the same cross-sectional position. However, when the subject is aligned using the anatomical landmark on the rigid body part, the display function 354 may not be able to display the same part in the case of the cross-sectional position.

Here, FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a deviation in the cross-sectional position. Further, in FIG. 5, the anatomical landmarks on the pelvis are used to align the subject of the three-dimensional image data A and the subject of the three-dimensional image data B. When the cross-sectional position is substantially in the center of the pelvis as shown in FIG. 5, the display function 354 displays the cross-sectional image of the substantially center of the pelvis of the subject for the three-dimensional image data A, and for the three-dimensional image data B. A cross-sectional image of the center of the pelvis of the subject is displayed. In this way, the display function 354 displays the cross section of the subject at the same position.

However, as shown in FIG. 5, when breathing, the position of the lung changes with the movement of the diaphragm. In addition, the position of the lungs changes due to various factors such as body movement as well as breathing. Therefore, when the cross-sectional position is substantially in the center of the lung as shown in FIG. 5, the display function 354 displays the cross-sectional image of the substantially center of the lung of the subject for the three-dimensional image data A, but the three-dimensional image data. For B, a cross-sectional image below the center of the subject's lung is displayed. As described above, when the display function 354 aligns the subject using the anatomical landmark on the pelvis, the display function 354 may not be able to display the same part of the subject.

Here, FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of correction of the cross-sectional position. As shown in FIG. 6, when the subject is aligned using the anatomical landmark on the pelvis, the position of the lung is different due to breathing or the like. Therefore, the display function 354 is a cross-sectional image of the same position of the lung. Cannot be displayed.

Therefore, the designation function 357 uses the anatomical landmark in the portion corresponding to the image processing executed by the image processing function 356 to align the subject so as to align the position of the subject between the plurality of three-dimensional image data. To request. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the lung is identified by the image processing performed by the image processing function 356, the designated function 357 uses the anatomical landmark in the lung to be used between a plurality of three-dimensional image data. The alignment function 353 is requested to align the subject.

The alignment function 353 aligns a position for acquiring a cross-sectional image from a subject between a plurality of three-dimensional image data by using an anatomical landmark at a designated site. As a result, the display function 354 can display a cross-sectional image of the subject at the same position. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the designation function 357 uses anatomical landmarks in the lungs to align the subject between a plurality of 3D image data. As a result, the display function 354 can display a cross-sectional image of the three-dimensional image data A and the three-dimensional image data B at substantially the same position of the lung. The designated function 357 will be described below.

For example, the designation function 357 specifies a part corresponding to the image processing executed by the image processing function 356 when the image processing function 356 executes the image processing corresponding to the part selected from the part selection image G11. That is, when the image processing function 356 executes the image processing for changing the contrast to the contrast indicated by the window setting corresponding to the part selected from the part selection image G11, the designation function 357 selects the part selected from the part selection image G11. specify. Here, the doctor or the like selects a site to be interpreted from the site selection image G11. Therefore, the alignment function 353 can align the position of the subject between the plurality of three-dimensional image data with the anatomical landmark included in the part to be read.

Further, the designation function 357 specifies a portion corresponding to the image processing executed by the image processing function 356 when the image processing function 356 executes the image processing instructed by the operation. That is, the designation function 357 specifies a portion corresponding to the window setting when the image processing function 356 executes the image processing for changing the contrast to the contrast indicated by the window setting instructed by an operation such as dragging. For example, the storage circuit 320 stores an information table in which the window setting and the part are associated with each other. The designation function 357 identifies the part corresponding to the window setting by extracting the part associated with the instructed window setting from the information table. Then, the designation function 357 designates the specified site as a site including an anatomical landmark used by the alignment function 353 to align the position of the subject between the plurality of three-dimensional image data.

Further, the designated function 357 is a portion included in the first cross-sectional image or the second cross-sectional image when the image processing function 356 executes the image processing instructed by the operation received on the comparison screen G1. Specify the part corresponding to image processing. That is, the designation function 357 is the first cross-sectional image or the first cross-sectional image or the first when the image processing function 356 executes the image processing for changing to the contrast indicated by the window setting instructed by the operation such as drag received on the comparison screen G1. 2 Specify the part included in the cross-sectional image and corresponding to the window setting. When the part to be read is not clearly displayed, the doctor or the like can clearly display the part to be read by changing the window setting instructed by an operation such as dragging to obtain an appropriate contrast. That is, it can be estimated that the portion included in the first cross-sectional image or the second cross-sectional image is the portion to be read. Therefore, the designation function 357 can improve the accuracy of being a part to be read by adding that it is a part included in the first cross-sectional image or the second cross-sectional image as a condition of the part to be designated. it can.

Next, the display process executed by the medical image processing device 30 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of display processing executed by the medical image processing apparatus 30 according to the present embodiment.

The acquisition function 351 acquires the three-dimensional image data to be read and the three-dimensional image data to be compared with the three-dimensional image data from the PACS 20 (step S1).

The extraction function 352 extracts the anatomical landmark of the subject from each of the three-dimensional image data acquired by the acquisition function 351 (step S2).

The alignment function 353 aligns the position of the subject among the plurality of three-dimensional image data by using the anatomical landmark of the subject included in the three-dimensional image data extracted by the extraction function 352 (step S3).

The display function 354 displays a cross-sectional image of the same position of the subject aligned by the alignment function 353 on the comparison screen G1 (step S4).

The operation function 355 determines whether or not an operation for executing image processing has been accepted for the cross-sectional image displayed on the comparison screen G1 (step S5). For example, the operation function 355 determines whether or not an operation for changing the contrast of the three-dimensional image data has been accepted. When the operation for executing the image processing is not accepted (step S5; No), the display function 354 continues the display of the comparison screen G1 in step S5.

When the operation for executing the image processing is accepted (step S5; Yes), the image processing function 356 executes the image processing corresponding to the operation (step S6). For example, the image processing function 356 executes image processing for changing to the contrast indicated by the window setting indicated by the received operation.

The designation function 357 is a part including an anatomical landmark used by the alignment function 353 to align a subject between a plurality of three-dimensional image data with a part corresponding to the image processing executed by the image processing function 356. (Step S7).

The alignment function 353 aligns the subject between a plurality of three-dimensional image data by using an anatomical landmark having a designated site (step S8).

The display function 354 displays a confirmation screen for confirming whether to display a cross-sectional image of the subject at the same position on the comparison screen G1 (step S9).

The operation function 355 determines on the confirmation screen whether or not the operation of displaying the cross-sectional image of the subject at the same position on the comparison screen G1 has been accepted (step S10). When the operation of displaying the cross-sectional image of the same position of the subject on the comparison screen G1 is not accepted (step S10; No), the display function 354 shifts to step S4. That is, the display function 354 displays the comparison screen G1 having the cross-sectional image whose contrast has been changed and whose cross-sectional position has not been changed.

When the operation of displaying the cross-sectional image of the subject at the same position on the comparison screen G1 is accepted (step S10; No), the display function 354 displays the cross-sectional image of the subject at the same position on the comparison screen G1 (step S11). ). Then, the medical image processing device 30 shifts to step S4 and continues the display of the comparison screen G1.

The medical image processing device 30 ends the display process when it receives an operation to end the display of the comparison screen G1.

As described above, the medical image processing apparatus 30 according to the present embodiment displays the first cross-sectional image and the second cross-sectional image in which the positions of the subjects are aligned using the anatomical landmarks. Further, when the medical image processing device 30 executes image processing such as changing the contrast, the medical image processing device 30 identifies a portion corresponding to the executed image processing. Then, the medical image processing device 30 aligns the subject using the anatomical landmark at the specified site. Since doctors and the like perform image interpretation with a contrast corresponding to the part to be read, the medical image processing device 30 can specify the part to be read by specifying the part corresponding to the contrast. As a result, the medical image processing apparatus 30 according to the present embodiment aligns the subject with the anatomical landmark at the site to be read, so that the alignment can be performed so as not to be affected by body movement, respiration, or the like.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the medical image processing device 30 has a characteristic function has been described as an example. However, all or one of these functions such as the acquisition function 351, the extraction function 352, the alignment function 353, the display function 354, the operation function 355, the image processing function 356, and the designated function 357 provided in the medical image processing device 30. The unit may be provided by the modality 10, the PACS 20, or other devices or systems.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which each processing function is realized by a single processing circuit 350 has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the processing circuit 350 may be configured by combining a plurality of independent processors, and each processor may execute each program to realize each processing function. Further, each processing function of the processing circuit 350 may be appropriately distributed or integrated into a single or a plurality of processing circuits 350.

The word "processor" used in the description of each of the above-described embodiments is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an integrated circuit for a specific application (Application Specific Integrated Circuit: ASIC), or a programmable device. It means a circuit such as a logical device (for example, a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). To do. Here, instead of storing the program in the memory, the program may be configured to be directly embedded in the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor realizes the function by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit. Further, each processor of the present embodiment is not limited to the case where each processor is configured as a single circuit, and a plurality of independent circuits may be combined to be configured as one processor to realize its function. Good.

Here, the program executed by the processor is provided in advance in a ROM (Read Only Memory), a storage unit, or the like. This program is a file in a format that can be installed or executed on these devices, such as CD (Compact Disk) -ROM, FD (Flexible Disk), CD-R (Recordable), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), etc. It may be recorded and provided on a computer-readable storage medium. Further, this program may be provided or distributed by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. For example, this program is composed of modules including each functional part. In actual hardware, the CPU reads a program from a storage medium such as a ROM and executes it, so that each module is loaded on the main storage device and generated on the main storage device.

According to at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to perform alignment that is not easily affected by body movement, respiration, or the like.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples 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 gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, as well as in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

1 Medical image processing system 10 Modality 20 PACS
30 Medical image processing device 310 Network interface 320 Storage circuit 330 Input interface 340 Display 350 Processing circuit 351 Acquisition function 352 Extraction function 353 Alignment function 354 Display function 355 Operation function 356 Image processing function 357 Designation function G1 Comparison screen G11 Site selection image G12 Menu image

Claims (9)

Acquire the first 3D image data which is the 3D image data of the subject and the 2nd 3D image data which is the 3D image data of the subject and is different from the 1st 3D image data. Acquisition department and
An extraction unit that extracts the feature points of the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data and the feature points of the subject included in the second three-dimensional image data.
A first cross-sectional image which is a cross-sectional image of the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data and a second cross-sectional image which is a cross-sectional image of the subject included in the second three-dimensional image data. An image processing unit that executes image processing on at least one of them,
A designated unit that specifies a part corresponding to the image processing executed by the image processing unit, and a designated unit.
A position for acquiring the first cross-sectional image from the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data and the second three-dimensional image based on the feature points included in the site designated by the designated portion. An alignment unit that aligns the position for acquiring the second cross-sectional image from the subject included in the image data to the same position.
A medical image processing device comprising. The alignment portion includes a position for acquiring the first cross-sectional image from the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data based on the feature point included in the rigid body portion which is a rigid body portion, and the positioning portion. The position for acquiring the second cross-sectional image from the subject included in the second three-dimensional image data is aligned with the same position.
The designated unit designates a portion corresponding to the image processing executed by the image processing unit.
The alignment unit is the first three-dimensional image data based on the feature points included in the part designated by the designated part when the designated part designates the part corresponding to the image processing. The position for acquiring the first cross-sectional image from the subject included in the subject and the position for acquiring the second cross-sectional image from the subject included in the second three-dimensional image data are aligned with each other.
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1. A display unit for displaying the first cross-sectional image and the second cross-sectional image is further provided.
The alignment portion includes a position at which the first cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data based on the feature points included in the portion designated by the designated portion. The position for acquiring the second cross-sectional image from the subject included in the second three-dimensional image data is aligned with the same position.
The display unit displays the first cross-sectional image and the second cross-sectional image in which the alignment unit has the same cross-sectional position by aligning the positions of the subject.
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. When the part is selected from the list showing the plurality of the parts, the image processing unit executes the image processing corresponding to the part.
The designation unit designates the portion corresponding to the image processing executed by the image processing unit.
The medical image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The image processing unit executes the image processing instructed by the operation,
The designation unit designates the portion corresponding to the image processing executed by the image processing unit.
The medical image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The image processing unit executes the image processing instructed by the operation accepted on the screen on which the first cross-sectional image and the second cross-sectional image are displayed.
The designated portion is the portion included in the first cross-sectional image or the second cross-sectional image, and designates the portion corresponding to the image processing.
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 3. An operation unit that accepts an operation for displaying the first cross-sectional image and the second cross-sectional image at the same cross-sectional position is further provided.
The display unit displays the first cross-sectional image and the second cross-sectional image at the same cross-sectional position, provided that the operation unit accepts an operation for displaying the same cross-sectional position.
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 3. The image processing unit changes the contrast between the first cross-sectional image and the second cross-sectional image as the image processing.
The medical image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7. Acquire the first 3D image data which is the 3D image data of the subject and the 2nd 3D image data which is the 3D image data of the subject and is different from the 1st 3D image data. Acquisition department and
An extraction unit that extracts the feature points of the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data and the feature points of the subject included in the second three-dimensional image data.
A first cross-sectional image which is a cross-sectional image of the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data and a second cross-sectional image which is a cross-sectional image of the subject included in the second three-dimensional image data. An image processing unit that executes image processing on at least one of them,
A designated unit that specifies a part corresponding to the image processing executed by the image processing unit, and a designated unit.
A position for acquiring the first cross-sectional image from the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data and the second three-dimensional image based on the feature points included in the site designated by the designated portion. An alignment unit that aligns the position for acquiring the second cross-sectional image from the subject included in the image data to the same position.
Medical image processing system equipped with.

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