JP2022162852A - Medical image display device, medical image display method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To enable a user to suitably refer to a high resolution medical image even in a case where the number of pixels in a display area is smaller than the number of pixels in the whole of the high resolution medical image.SOLUTION: A medical image display device comprises an acquisition part, a specification part, and a display control part. The acquisition part acquires a first medical image. On the basis of the matrix size of a display area capable of displaying the first medical image in a display part, the specification part specifies the sizes of a target range displayable in the display area. The display control part causes a portion corresponding to the target range set in the first medical image to be displayed in the display area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings relate to a medical image display device, a medical image display method, and a program.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in medical image diagnostic apparatuses such as X-ray computed tomography (CT) apparatuses, the resolution of medical images has been increasing. However, depending on the performance of the display device or the size of the display area, it may be difficult to display high-resolution medical images as they are. For example, the number of pixels on the screen of a display device that displays a high-resolution medical image may be smaller than the number of pixels on the screen of the high-resolution medical image. Also, when displaying various medical information on the same screen, for example, in an integrated viewer, even if the number of pixels on the entire screen of the display device is large, the area that can be secured for displaying each piece of information is limited. As a result, there are cases where only normal resolution images can be displayed.

JP 2018-114070 A

One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings is to obtain a high-resolution medical image even when the number of pixels in the display area is less than the number of pixels in the entire high-resolution medical image. is appropriately queryable by the user. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings are not limited to the above problems. A problem corresponding to each effect of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can be positioned as another problem.

A medical image display apparatus according to an embodiment includes an acquisition unit, an identification unit, and a display control unit. The acquisition unit acquires a first medical image. The specifying unit specifies the size of the target range that can be displayed in the display area based on the matrix size of the display area in which the first medical image can be displayed. The display control unit causes the display area to display a portion corresponding to the set target range in the first medical image.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medical information system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a first display area and a second display area according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display target range of a high-resolution image according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of conversion processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a high resolution image and a normal resolution image are displayed according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of changing the display target range of the high-resolution image according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of medical image display processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a medical information system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display target range on a high-definition image according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a portion of a high-resolution image is displayed according to the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of notification according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of medical image display processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a medical information system according to the third embodiment; FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example configuration of an X-ray CT apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a high-resolution image according to modification 1 is displayed. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an integrated viewer according to Modification 2. As illustrated in FIG. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a high-resolution image according to Modification 3 is displayed. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a warning according to modification 4 is displayed. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a high resolution image and a normal resolution image are displayed according to Modification 6. In FIG. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a high-resolution image and a normal-resolution image are displayed according to Modification 7. FIG. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a high-resolution image and a normal-resolution image are displayed according to Modification 8. FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of a medical image display apparatus, a medical image display method, and a program will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medical information system S100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the medical information system S100 includes a medical image display device 100, a medical image storage device 200, and a medical image diagnostic device such as an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) device 1.

The medical image display apparatus 100 is communicably connected to the medical image storage apparatus 200 and the X-ray CT apparatus 1 via a network 300 such as an in-hospital LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.

The medical information system S100 may further include other server devices and the like. Although only one medical image display device 100 is shown in FIG. 1, the medical information system S100 may include a plurality of medical image display devices 100. FIG. Further, each device included in the medical information system S100 may be installed in one medical institution, or part of it may be installed in a doctor's home or another medical institution.

An X-ray CT apparatus 1 captures an X-ray CT image of a subject. An X-ray CT image is an example of a medical image in this embodiment. It is also assumed that the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of this embodiment is capable of acquiring a high-resolution X-ray CT image. A high-resolution X-ray CT image is, for example, about four times the resolution of a normal-resolution X-ray CT image. For example, a normal resolution X-ray CT image has 512×512 pixels, and a high resolution X-ray CT image has 1024×1024 pixels. In this embodiment, the number of pixels in the image or the display area on the screen is referred to as the matrix size. The difference between the normal-resolution X-ray CT image and the high-resolution X-ray CT image is an example, and is not limited to four times.

The medical image storage device 200 is, for example, a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) server device, and stores medical images in a format conforming to DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine). The medical image storage device 200 of this embodiment stores high-resolution X-ray CT images captured by the X-ray CT apparatus 1 .

The medical image display device 100 is, for example, a terminal device such as a portable tablet terminal, but is not limited to this. For example, the medical image display apparatus 100 may be a laptop PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, or the like. In this embodiment, the user of the medical image display apparatus 100 is assumed to be a doctor such as a diagnostician or radiologist, or an engineer.

The medical image display apparatus 100 includes a NW (network) interface 110 , a memory circuit 120 , an input interface 130 , a display 140 and a processing circuit 150 .

The NW interface 110 is connected to the processing circuit 150 and controls transmission and communication of various data between the medical image display apparatus 100 , the medical image storage apparatus 200 and the X-ray CT apparatus 1 . The NW interface 110 is implemented by a network card, network adapter, NIC (Network Interface Controller), or the like.

The storage circuit 120 stores in advance various information used by the processing circuit 150 . The storage circuit 120 also stores various programs. The storage circuit 120 is implemented by, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a semiconductor memory device such as a flash memory, an optical disc, a HDD (Hard disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). Note that the storage circuit 120 may be in the medical image display apparatus 100, or may be in an external storage device connected via a network. The storage circuit 120 is an example of a storage unit in this embodiment.

The input interface 130 includes a trackball, a switch button, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch pad that performs input operations by touching the operation surface, a touch screen that integrates the display screen and the touch pad, and non-contact input using an optical sensor. circuit, audio input circuit, and the like. The input interface 130 is connected to the processing circuit 150 , converts an input operation received from an operator into an electrical signal, and outputs the electrical signal to the processing circuit 150 . It should be noted that the input interface 130 in this specification is not limited to having physical operation components such as a mouse and keyboard. For example, the input interface 130 also includes an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs the electrical signal to the processing circuit 150. .

The display 140 is a dot-matrix electronic display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Organic Electro-Luminescence: OEL) display. Note that the input interface 130 and the display 140 may be integrated. For example, the input interface 130 and the display 140 may be realized by a touch panel. The display 140 is an example of a display section in this embodiment. Note that the display 140 may be provided separately from the medical image display apparatus 100 and connected to the network 300, for example.

The processing circuit 150 is a processor that reads a program from the storage circuit 120 and executes it to realize a function corresponding to each program. The processing circuit 150 of this embodiment includes an acquisition function 151 , a specification function 152 , a conversion function 153 , a display control function 154 and a reception function 155 . Acquisition function 151 is an example of an acquisition unit. The specific function 152 is an example of a specific part. Conversion function 153 is an example of a conversion unit. The display control function 154 is an example of a display control unit. The reception function 155 is an example of a reception unit.

Here, for example, each processing function of the acquisition function 151, the specific function 152, the conversion function 153, the display control function 154, and the reception function 155, which are the components of the processing circuit 150, is stored in the form of a computer-executable program. stored in circuit 120; Processing circuitry 150 is a processor. For example, the processing circuit 150 reads a program from the storage circuit 120 and executes it to realize a function corresponding to each program. In other words, the processing circuit 150 with each program read has each function shown in the processing circuit 150 of FIG. In FIG. 1, it is assumed that the processing functions performed by the acquisition function 151, the specification function 152, the conversion function 153, the display control function 154, and the reception function 155 are realized by a single processor. independent processors may be combined to configure the processing circuit 150, and each processor may implement a function by executing a program. 1, the single memory circuit 120 stores the programs corresponding to the respective processing functions, but a plurality of memory circuits are arranged in a distributed manner so that the processing circuit 150 can be stored from individual memory circuits. A configuration in which the corresponding program is read may also be used.

In the above description, an example has been described in which the "processor" reads and executes a program corresponding to each function from the storage circuit, but embodiments are not limited to this. The term "processor" includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (for example, a simple programmable logic device (Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). When the processor is, for example, a CPU, the processor reads out and executes programs stored in the storage circuit 120 to achieve its functions. On the other hand, if the processor is an ASIC, instead of storing the program in the memory circuit 120, the relevant functions are directly embedded as logic circuits within the processor's circuitry. Note that each processor of the present embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, and may be configured as one processor by combining a plurality of independent circuits to realize its function. good. Furthermore, a plurality of components in FIG. 1 may be integrated into one processor to realize its functions.

The acquisition function 151 acquires high-resolution X-ray CT image data from the medical image storage device 200 . High-resolution X-ray CT image data is an example of the first medical image in this embodiment. The acquisition function 151 stores the acquired high-resolution X-ray CT image in the storage circuit 120 . Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, X-ray CT image data will simply be referred to as an X-ray CT image unless otherwise specified.

Note that the acquisition source of the X-ray CT image is not limited to the medical image storage apparatus 200 . For example, the acquisition function 151 may acquire high-resolution X-ray CT images from the X-ray CT apparatus 1 . Further, when the reconstruction processing of the X-ray CT image is executed by a reconstruction processing server device other than the X-ray CT apparatus 1, the acquisition function 151 obtains a high-resolution X-ray CT image from the reconstruction processing server device. may be obtained.

The specifying function 152 specifies the size of the target range that can be displayed in the display area on the display 140 based on the matrix size of the display area in which the high-resolution X-ray CT image can be displayed. The target range is the range displayed in the display area in the high-resolution X-ray CT image. Specifically, it is assumed that the matrix size of the display target range on the high-resolution X-ray CT image matches the matrix size of the display area.

Also, in this embodiment, the matrix size of the display area is assumed to be smaller than the matrix size of the entire high-resolution X-ray CT image. It is assumed that the matrix size of the display area is stored in the storage circuit 120, for example. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, of the high-resolution X-ray CT image, a target range that can be displayed in the display area is referred to as a display target range.

Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, a high-resolution X-ray CT image may be simply referred to as a "high-resolution image", and a normal-resolution X-ray CT image, which is an image converted by the conversion function 153 described later, may simply be referred to as a "normal-resolution image". be.

More specifically, in this embodiment display 140 includes a first display area and a second display area. The first display area is an area for displaying a normal resolution image, which will be described later. Also, the second display area is an area for displaying a high-resolution image. Also, the first display area and the second display area may be collectively referred to simply as display areas.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the first display area 141 and the second display area 142 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 2, for the sake of explanation, the matrix size of each of the first display area 141 and the second display area 142 is schematically shown as 4×4. The actual matrix size of the first display area 141 and the second display area 142 may be larger.

It is assumed that the matrix size of the second display area 142 is smaller than the matrix size of the high-resolution image. For this reason, the second display area 142 can display only a part of the high-resolution image, not the entire high-resolution image, when the high-resolution image is not reduced. The specifying function 152 specifies the size of the display target range that can be displayed in the second display area 142 without being reduced in the high-resolution image.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the display target range 60a of the high-resolution image 71 according to the first embodiment. For example, when the matrix size of the second display area 142 is 4×4 as shown in FIG. The size of the range 60a is specified as a size corresponding to a matrix size of 4×4, as shown in FIG. As a result, the pixels included in the second display area 142 and the pixels in the portion of the high-resolution image 71 corresponding to the display target range 60a correspond one-to-one. Part of the resolution image 71 can be displayed in the second display area 142 .

Returning to FIG. 1 , the conversion function 153 converts the high-resolution image 71 into a converted image having a resolution lower than that of the high-resolution image 71 . The resolution of the transformed image is, for example, a resolution equivalent to that of an X-ray CT image with normal resolution. Hereinafter, the converted image is also referred to as a normal resolution image. A normal resolution image is an example of a second medical image in this embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of conversion processing according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 4, the matrix size of the high-resolution image 71 is 8×8, and the matrix size of the normal resolution image 72 is 4×4.

The conversion function 153 converts a plurality of pixels included in the high resolution image 71 into a normal resolution image 72 by thinning or bundling. 4, the conversion function 153 converts four pixels 81a to 81d included in the high resolution image 71 into one pixel 82 of the normal resolution image 72. In FIG. The transformation reduces the number of pixels by a factor of four. Although four pixels 81a to 81d are illustrated in FIG. 4, all pixels included in the high-resolution image 71 are converted into one pixel 82 for each unit number. In FIG. 4, the number of units of pixels in the conversion process is 4, but the number is not limited to this.

Among the conversion methods, thinning processing is to delete pixel data at a constant rate for each unit number. For example, if three pixels 81b to 81d are deleted from four pixels 81a to 81d, the number of pixels is reduced to one fourth.

Among the conversion methods, bundling processing is to integrate pixel data for each unit number into one. For example, the conversion function 153 may use the average value of the pixel values of the four pixels 81 a to 81 d as the pixel value of one pixel 82 .

Returning to FIG. 1, the display control function 154 causes the portion of the high-resolution image 71 corresponding to the display target range 60a to be displayed in the display area. More specifically, in this embodiment, the display control function 154 causes the normal resolution image 72 to be displayed in the first display area 141, and the portion of the high resolution image 71 corresponding to the display target range 60a to be displayed in the second display area. It is displayed on the display area 142 .

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a high resolution image 71 and a normal resolution image 72 are displayed according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 5 , the normal resolution image 72 is displayed in the first display area 141 and part of the high resolution image 71 is displayed in the second display area 142 .

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the matrix size of the normal resolution image 72 and the matrix size of the first display area 141 are the same. In this case, the display control function 154 can display the entire normal resolution image 72 in the first display area 141 without reducing the normal resolution image 72 . Note that the matrix size of the normal resolution image 72 and the matrix size of the first display area 141 do not necessarily have to be equal.

In this embodiment, the first display area 141 and the second display area 142 have the same matrix size, and the normal resolution image 72 and the part of the high resolution image 71 correspond to the first display area 141 and the second display area 142, respectively. is displayed in the display area 142 without being reduced. For this reason, when the resolution of the normal resolution image 72 is a quarter of the resolution of the high resolution image 71, when displayed on the display 140, the high resolution image 71 is the normal resolution image 72 enlarged four times. image.

The display control function 154 also causes the display 140 to display an indicator 90a indicating the position and size of the display target range 60a. In this embodiment, the display control function 154 displays an indicator 90a indicating the position and size of the display target range 60a on the normal resolution image 72 displayed in the first display area 141. FIG. The indicator 90a is an example of a first index image in this embodiment.

The indicator 90 a is, for example, a frame surrounding part of the normal resolution image 72 displayed in the first display area 141 . Note that the display mode and shape of the indicator 90a are not limited to the example shown in FIG.

The indicator 90 a indicates which part of the normal resolution image 72 displayed in the first display area 141 corresponds to the part of the high resolution image 71 displayed in the second display area 142 . In other words, the display control function 154 indicates the range of the normal resolution image 72 corresponding to the display target range 60a of the high resolution image 71 by the indicator 90a. In this embodiment, the size of the frame that is the indicator 90a corresponds to the size of the display target range 60a determined by the specific function 152 described above.

The correspondence relationship between each pixel included in the high resolution image 71 displayed in the second display area 142 and each pixel in the normal resolution image 72 displayed in the first display area 141 is obtained by thinning processing or This is the same as the correspondence relationship between each pixel included in the high resolution image 71 and each pixel in the normal resolution image 72 in the bundling process.

In FIG. 5 , the upper left portion of the normal resolution image 72 displayed in the first display area 141 of the high resolution image 71 is displayed in the second display area 142 .

In the initial display, the display target range 60 a may be provided at a predetermined position on the high-resolution image 71 . The position of the display target range 60a in the initial display may be determined by the specific function 152 described above, or may be determined by the display control function 154. FIG.

Further, the high resolution image 71 may not be displayed in the initial display, and only the normal resolution image 72 may be displayed. In this case, when the indicator 90 a is arranged by the user's operation, a portion of the high resolution image 71 corresponding to the indicator 90 a is displayed in the second display area 142 .

Also, the position of the indicator 90a can be changed by the user's mouse operation or the like. When the user moves the indicator 90a on the normal resolution image 72 displayed in the first display area 141, the position of the display target range 60a of the high resolution image 71 changes. When the position of the display target range 60a is changed by the user, the display control function 154 displays, in the second display area 142, a portion of the high-resolution image 71 corresponding to the display target range 60a after the position change. Let

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the display target range 60a of the high-resolution image 71 according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the indicator 90a has moved to the upper right portion of the normal resolution image 72 from the position shown in FIG.

The display control function 154 causes the second display area 142 to display a portion of the high-resolution image 71 corresponding to the display target range 60a provided at the position specified by the user. Therefore, the upper right portion of the high-resolution image 71 is displayed in the second display area 142 in FIG. In this embodiment, since the position of the indicator 90a on the normal resolution image 72 corresponds to the display target range 60a of the high resolution image 71 displayed in the second display area 142, the user can It is possible to easily grasp the position and size of the part of the high-resolution image 71 displayed in 142 in the entire high-resolution image 71 .

Returning to FIG. 1 , the reception function 155 receives various user operations via the input interface 130 . For example, the reception function 155 receives a user's operation to change the position of the indicator 90a. Since the position of the indicator 90a corresponds to the position of the display target range 60a of the high-resolution image 71, in other words, the reception function 155 allows the user to Designation of the position of the display target range 60a is accepted. The reception function 155 sends the received operation to change the position of the indicator 90 a to the display control function 154 .

Next, the flow of medical image display processing executed by the medical image display apparatus 100 of this embodiment configured as described above will be described.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of medical image display processing according to the first embodiment. The processing of this flowchart is started, for example, when the user performs an operation to instruct a medical image inquiry.

First, the acquisition function 151 acquires the high-resolution image 71 from the medical image storage device 200 (S1).

Then, the specifying function 152 specifies the size of the display target range 60a in the high resolution image 71 based on the matrix size of the second display area 142 of the display 140 (S2). Further, the specifying function 152 may determine the initial position of the display target range 60 a on the high resolution image 71 .

Next, the conversion function 153 converts the high resolution image 71 into the normal resolution image 72 (S3). It should be noted that the acquisition of the high-resolution image 71 by the acquisition function 151 and the conversion by the conversion function 153 may be performed in advance before the user performs an operation for instructing medical image inquiry.

Next, the display control function 154 displays the normal resolution image 72 in the first display area 141 and part of the high resolution image 71 in the second display area 142 (S4). At this stage, the display control function 154 causes the second display area 142 to display, for example, a portion of the high-resolution image 71 corresponding to the initial position of the display target range 60a determined by the specifying function 152 . The display control function 154 also displays an indicator 90 a corresponding to the position and size of the display target range 60 a of the high resolution image 71 on the normal resolution image 72 displayed in the first display area 141 .

Next, the reception function 155 determines whether or not a change in the position of the display target range 60a of the high-resolution image 71 by the user has been received (S5).

For example, if the reception function 155 has not received the user's operation to move the position of the indicator 90a on the first display area 141, it has not received the user's change of the position of the display target range 60a of the high-resolution image 71. (S5 "No"). In this case, the reception function 155 returns to S5 and waits for the user's operation.

Further, when receiving a user operation to move the position of the indicator 90a on the first display area 141, the receiving function 155 determines that the change of the position of the display target range 60a of the high-resolution image 71 by the user has been received. (S5 "Yes").

The specifying function 152 also specifies the position of the display target range 60a on the high-resolution image 71 corresponding to the position of the indicator 90a changed by the user (S6). Note that the specific process may be executed by the display control function 154 .

Then, the display control function 154 displays a portion of the high-resolution image 71 corresponding to the specified display target range 60a in the second display area 142 (S7). As a result, a portion of the high-resolution image 71 desired by the user is displayed in the second display area 142 .

The display control function 154 then determines whether or not to end the display of the medical image (S8). For example, when the reception function 155 receives an operation by the user to close the medical image inquiry screen or an operation to save or send an interpretation report, the display control function 154 determines to end the display of medical images (S8 "Yes"). In this case, the processing of this flowchart ends.

If the display of the medical image is not finished ("No" in S8), the process returns to S5, and the reception function 155 waits for the user's operation.

As described above, the medical image display apparatus 100 of the present embodiment specifies the size of the display target range 60a based on the matrix size of the display area in which the high-resolution image 71 can be displayed on the display 140, and the high-resolution image 71 is displayed. Among them, the portion corresponding to the display target range 60a is displayed in the display area. Therefore, according to the medical image display apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, even if the number of pixels in the display area is smaller than the number of pixels in the entire high-resolution image 71, the user can appropriately query the high-resolution image 71. becomes.

For example, a clinician may examine a patient while viewing medical images using a portable tablet device. In general, the display 140 of a tablet terminal often has a smaller number of pixels than a desktop PC or the like. Even with the display 140 of a desktop PC, the number of pixels of the display 140 may be smaller than the number of pixels of the high-resolution image 71 depending on the specifications. For example, when an interpreting doctor works at home to interpret an image, it may be difficult to display the entire high-resolution image 71 without changing the resolution with the specifications of the display 140 of the PC at home. In addition, even if the number of pixels of the entire display 140 is large, when the screen area for displaying information other than medical images is large, or when displaying a plurality of medical images at the same time, the display area for displaying each individual medical image is large. It may be difficult to display the entire small, high-resolution image 71 . Even in such a case, the medical image display apparatus 100 of the present embodiment can display the high-resolution image 71 at the high resolution regardless of the number of pixels in the display area of the display 140 where the high-resolution image 71 can be displayed. can be displayed.

Further, when the position of the display target range 60a is changed by the user, the medical image display apparatus 100 of the present embodiment displays a portion of the high-resolution image 71 corresponding to the display target range 60a after the position change. display in the area. Therefore, according to the medical image display apparatus 100 of this embodiment, the user can inquire about a desired portion of the high-resolution image 71 .

Further, the medical image display apparatus 100 of the present embodiment specifies the display target range 60a in the high-resolution image 71 so that the matrix size of the display target range 60a matches the matrix size of the display area. Therefore, according to the medical image display apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, it is possible to display part of the high resolution image 71 in the display area while maintaining the high resolution.

Further, the medical image display apparatus 100 of the present embodiment causes the display 140 to display an indicator 90a indicating the position and size of the display target range 60a. Therefore, according to the medical image display apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the user can easily grasp the size and position of the part of the high-resolution image 71 displayed in the display area in the entire high-resolution image 71. can do.

Further, the medical image display apparatus 100 of this embodiment converts the high resolution image 71 into a normal resolution image 72 having a resolution lower than that of the high resolution image 71, and displays the normal resolution image 72 in the first display area 141. , a portion of the high-resolution image 71 corresponding to the display target range 60 a is displayed in the second display area 142 . Therefore, according to the medical image display apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the user can grasp the entire image of the medical image at normal resolution and at the same time can inquire about a part of the medical image at high resolution.

Further, the medical image display apparatus 100 of the present embodiment accepts the user's specification of the position of the display target range 60 a on the normal resolution image 72 displayed in the first display area 141 , and the high resolution image 71 by the user. A portion corresponding to the display target range 60 a provided at the designated position is displayed in the second display area 142 . Therefore, according to the medical image display apparatus 100 of this embodiment, the user can inquire about a desired position selected on the normal resolution image 72 in high resolution.

Further, the medical image display apparatus 100 of the present embodiment displays an indicator 90a indicating the position and size of the display target range 60a on the normal resolution image 72 displayed in the first display area 141. FIG. Therefore, according to the medical image display apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the user can determine the position and range of the part of the high-resolution image 71 displayed in the second display area 142 on the normal-resolution image 72. You can easily find out if they are compatible.

(Second embodiment)
In the first embodiment described above, medical images with two types of resolutions, the high resolution image 71 and the normal resolution image 72, are displayed. In this second embodiment, a high-resolution medical image is displayed in a state that can be enlarged or reduced by user's operation.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a medical information system S200 according to the second embodiment. The medical information system S200 of this embodiment includes a medical image display device 100, a medical image storage device 200, and a medical image diagnostic device such as the X-ray CT device 1, as in the first embodiment.

Further, the medical image display apparatus 100 of this embodiment includes a NW interface 110, a memory circuit 120, an input interface 130, a display 140, and a processing circuit 150, as in the first embodiment.

The processing circuit 150 of the medical image display apparatus 100 of this embodiment has an acquisition function 151 , a specification function 1152 , a display control function 1154 and a reception function 1155 .

For example, as in the first embodiment, the processing circuit 150 of the present embodiment reads programs from the storage circuit 120 and executes them to implement functions corresponding to each program. In this embodiment, the processing circuit 150 in a state where each program is read has each function shown in the processing circuit 150 of FIG.

The acquisition function 151 has functions similar to those of the first embodiment.

The specifying function 1152 of this embodiment specifies the display target range 60 b on the high-resolution image 71 without depending on the matrix size of the display area on the display 140 . The position and size of the display target range 60b may be determined in advance and registered in the storage circuit 120, for example. Also, the setting of the position and size of the display target range 60b may be changeable by the user.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display target range 60b on a high resolution image 71 according to the second embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 9, a range of a predetermined size around the center of the high-resolution image 71 is set as the display target range 60b. Note that the position and size of the display target range 60b are not limited to the example shown in FIG. For example, the specifying function 1152 may set the entire high-resolution image 71 as the display target range 60b.

Returning to FIG. 8 , the display control function 1154 of this embodiment displays at least part of the high-resolution image 71 in the display area of the display 140 .

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a portion of the high resolution image 71 is displayed according to the second embodiment. The display control function 1154 causes the display area 143 of the display 140 to display a portion of the high-resolution image 71 corresponding to the display target range 60b. A portion of the high-resolution image 71 corresponding to the display target range 60b may be referred to as a display image.

In the present embodiment, the matrix size of the display area 143 and the matrix size of the display target range 60b do not always match. , may be reduced or enlarged to match the display area 143 and displayed.

The display area 143 of this embodiment is a screen area surrounded by a frame 143a.

In addition, the display control function 1154 causes the display 140 including the display area 143 to display an indicator 90b indicating an enlargement ratio or reduction ratio of the high-resolution image 71 displayed in the display area 143 or a portion of the high-resolution image 71 . The indicator 90b is an example of a second index image in this embodiment.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, the indicator 90b includes a scale indicating the numerical value of the enlargement rate or reduction rate, a slider 901b, and a mark 902b. The slider 901b indicates the magnification or reduction rate of the high-resolution image 71 currently displayed in the display area 143 or a portion of the high-resolution image 71 . A mark 902b indicates an enlargement ratio or reduction ratio at which the matrix size of the display area 143 and the matrix size of the high-resolution image 71 match.

When the high-resolution image 71 is enlarged by the user, the ratio of the display target range 60b on the high-resolution image 71 becomes smaller. Note that when the high-resolution image 71 on the display area 143 is enlarged, the matrix size of the display target range 60b of the high-resolution image 71 becomes smaller than the matrix size of the display area 143, and the image displayed on the display area 143 may become rough. Further, when the high-resolution image 71 is reduced by the user, the proportion of the display target range 60b on the high-resolution image 71 increases. For example, when part of the high-resolution image 71 is initially displayed as the display target range 60b, the user can view the entire image by reducing the high-resolution image 71 on the display area 143. FIG.

Note that the indicator 90b may not include the mark 902b.

The display control function 1154 also enlarges or reduces the high-resolution image 71 or a part of the high-resolution image 71 displayed in the display area 143 based on the user's operation received by the reception function 1155 described later. Also, the display control function 1154 notifies when the matrix size of the display area 143 and the matrix size of the high-resolution image 71 or part of the high-resolution image 71 displayed on the display area 143 match.

When the matrix size of the display area 143 and the matrix size of the display target range 60b of the high-resolution image 71 match, each pixel of the high-resolution image 71 and each pixel of the display area 143 correspond one-to-one. The high resolution image 71 can be displayed while maintaining the high resolution.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of notification according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the display control function 1154 changes the display mode of the frame 143a of the display area 143 when the matrix size of the display area 143 and the matrix size of the display target range 60b of the high-resolution image 71 match. You can For example, the display control function 1154 may change the color, thickness, or line type of the frame 143 a of the display area 143 . Moreover, the mode of notification is not limited to this. For example, the mark 902b of the indicator 90b may be used as an example of notification. Further, the display control function 1154 may cause the display 140 to display a message indicating that the matrix size of the display area 143 and the matrix size of the display target range 60b of the high-resolution image 71 match.

Note that in the present embodiment, the notification function is part of the display control function 1154 , but the processing circuit 150 may have a notification function separate from the display control function 1154 . The notification function is an example of a notification unit.

Returning to FIG. 8, the reception function 1155 of this embodiment receives a user's operation to enlarge or reduce the high-resolution image 71 displayed in the display area 143 or a part of the high-resolution image 71 . The enlargement or reduction operation may be, for example, a mouse scroll operation or an operation of dragging the slider 901b of the indicator 90b. The reception function 1155 sends the received user's operation to the display control function 1154 .

Next, the flow of medical image display processing executed by the medical image display apparatus 100 of this embodiment configured as described above will be described.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of medical image display processing according to the second embodiment.

First, the acquisition function 151 acquires the high-resolution image 71 from the medical image storage device 200 (S1).

Then, the specifying function 1152 specifies the display target range 60b of a predetermined size on the high resolution image 71 (S101).

Next, the display control function 1154 causes the display area 143 to display a portion of the high-resolution image 71 corresponding to the display target range 60b as a display image (S102).

Then, the reception function 1155 determines whether or not the user's operation for enlarging or reducing the displayed image has been received (S103). When the reception function 1155 determines that the user's operation to enlarge or reduce the display image is not received (S103 "No"), the process returns to S103 and waits for the user's operation.

If the reception function 1155 determines that the user's operation for enlarging or reducing the display image has been accepted (S103 "Yes"), the display control function 1154 enlarges or reduces the display image according to the accepted user operation ( S104).

Then, the display control function 1154 determines whether or not the matrix size of the display image matches the matrix size of the display area 143 (S105). When the display control function 1154 determines that the matrix size of the display image and the matrix size of the display area 143 do not match (S105 "No"), the process returns to S103.

When the display control function 1154 determines that the matrix size of the display image and the matrix size of the display area 143 match (S105 “Yes”), the display control function 1154 confirms that the matrix size of the display image and the matrix size of the display area 143 match. Notify (S106).

The display control function 154 then determines whether or not to end the display of the medical image (S8). For example, when the reception function 155 receives an operation by the user to close the medical image inquiry screen or an operation to save or send an interpretation report, the display control function 154 determines to end the display of medical images (S8 "Yes"). In this case, the processing of this flowchart ends.

If the display of the medical image is not finished ("No" in S8), the processing returns to S103, and the reception function 155 waits for user's operation.

As described above, the medical image display apparatus 100 of the present embodiment enlarges or reduces the high-resolution image 71 displayed in the display area 143 or a part of the high-resolution image 71 based on the user's operation. and the matrix size of the high-resolution image 71 or part of the high-resolution image 71 displayed in the display area 143 match. Therefore, according to the medical image display apparatus 100 of this embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, the user can query the high-resolution image 71 at a desired enlargement ratio or reduction ratio, and , it is possible to easily grasp the enlargement ratio or reduction ratio at which the high-resolution image 71 can be referred to with high image quality.

In addition, the medical image display apparatus 100 of the present embodiment includes a display 140 including the display area 143 and an indicator 90b that is displayed in the display area 143 and indicates an enlargement ratio or reduction ratio of the high-resolution image 71 or a portion of the high-resolution image 71. to display. Therefore, according to the medical image display apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the user can easily grasp the enlargement ratio or reduction ratio of the high-resolution image 71 displayed in the display area 143 or a part of the high-resolution image 71. be able to.

(Third Embodiment)
In the above-described first and second embodiments, a technique has been described in which the user uses the medical image display apparatus 100 to query a desired portion of the high-resolution image 71 in a high-resolution state. In the third embodiment, the display conditions based on the user's operation are stored in association with the high-resolution image 71 .

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the medical information system S300 according to the third embodiment. A medical information system S300 of this embodiment includes a medical image display device 100, a medical image storage device 200, and a medical image diagnostic device such as the X-ray CT device 1, as in the first embodiment.

Further, the medical image display apparatus 100 of this embodiment includes a NW interface 110, a memory circuit 120, an input interface 130, a display 140, and a processing circuit 150, as in the first embodiment.

The processing circuit 150 of the medical image display apparatus 100 of this embodiment has an acquisition function 151 , a specification function 152 , a conversion function 153 , a display control function 154 and an image processing function 156 . The image processing function 156 is an example of an image processing section.

An acquisition function 151, a specific function 152, a conversion function 153, a display control function 154, and a reception function 155 have functions similar to those of the first embodiment.

The image processing function 156 associates the display conditions for the high-resolution image 71 with the high-resolution image 71 and stores them in the storage circuit 120 . For example, the image processing function 156 may associate the display condition with the high-resolution image 71 as additional information conforming to the DICOM standard. Note that the method of association is not limited to this. For example, the image processing function 156 saves the display conditions as a data file separate from the high-resolution image 71, and identifies the high-resolution image 71 and the display conditions of the high-resolution image 71 by identification information or the like that can specify the high-resolution image 71. may be associated with . Note that the image processing function 156 may be one function included in the interpretation viewer.

The display conditions include the position and size of the display target range 60 a on the high resolution image 71 . For example, the image processing function 156 associates the position of the display target range 60a set by the user with the high-resolution image 71 when the reception function 155 receives the user's operation of setting the position of the display target range 60a. to save.

Also, when the high-resolution image 71 is an X-ray CT image, the display conditions may include a window width (WW) and a window level (Window Level: WL). The window width and window level define the range of CT values of the X-ray CT image displayed on display 140 . Specifically, the window width represents the display contrast of the X-ray CT image. Also, the window level represents the central value of the display brightness. Note that the window width and window level are associated with the position and size of the display target range 60a of the high-resolution image 71 displayed in the second display area 142 at the time when the window width and window level were set. .

Note that the display conditions are not limited to the above example, and when the high-resolution image 71 is an X-ray CT image, the slice pitch, slice position, or slice inclination of the line CT image may be included. Also, the display conditions may differ according to the type of medical image that is the high-resolution image 71 .

Also, a plurality of display conditions may be associated with one high-resolution image 71 . For example, if the high-resolution image 71 has been displayed in the second display area 142 continuously for a length of time equal to or greater than the threshold under the same display conditions, the image processing function 156 changes the display conditions to the high-resolution image 71 . , and stored in the storage circuit 120 . The display time threshold is not particularly limited, but may be set to, for example, one minute.

For example, when the display control function 154 displays the interpretation viewer including the second display area 142, the window width and window level finally saved by the save function of the interpretation viewer may be selected by the user during interpretation. The window width and window level may be saved.

In addition, the user may be able to specify the display conditions associated with the high-resolution image 71 . Also, the user may be able to select not to associate the display condition with the high-resolution image 71 .

Incidentally, in general, in the incidental information conforming to the DICOM standard, only one set of window width and window level can be saved. Therefore, the image processing function 156 associates one set of window width and window level as additional information of the high-resolution image 71, and sets the second and subsequent sets of window widths and window levels in a high-resolution data mode different from the additional information. It may be associated with the resolution image 71 .

The timing at which the image processing function 156 associates the display conditions with the high-resolution image 71 and saves them is, for example, the timing at which the reception function 155 receives the user's operation to terminate the display of medical images. Alternatively, the image processing function 156 may store the high-resolution image 71 in association with the display conditions when an arbitrary storage operation is performed by the user.

Further, the image processing function 156 may associate the high-resolution image 71 with display conditions and transmit it to the medical image storage apparatus 200 or other information processing apparatus. For example, when the high-resolution image 71 is included in the interpretation report, the image processing function 156 associates the display conditions of the high-resolution image 71 with the interpretation report and transmits the result to the medical image storage apparatus 200 or other information processing apparatus. You can

The display control function 154 of the present embodiment has the same functions as those of the first embodiment, and when display conditions are associated with the high-resolution image 71, the high-resolution image is displayed according to the display conditions. 71 is displayed in the second display area 142 . Further, when a plurality of display conditions are associated with the high-resolution image 71, the display control function 154 may cause the display 140 to display a selection screen from which the user can select one of the display conditions.

The reception function 155 of the present embodiment has the same functions as those of the first embodiment, and receives user's setting operation of the display condition of the high-resolution image 71 . For example, the reception function 155 in this embodiment receives an operation for setting the window width and window level by the user.

In addition, the reception function 155 receives selection of display conditions by the user when a plurality of display conditions are associated with the high-resolution image 71 by the user. The receiving function 155 sends the content of the received operation to the display control function 154 and the image processing function 156 .

In this manner, the medical image display apparatus 100 of this embodiment associates the display conditions for the high-resolution image 71 with the high-resolution image 71 and stores them in the storage circuit 120 . Therefore, according to the medical image display apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, for example, when the user inquires again about the high-resolution image 71 stored in the storage circuit 120, it can be displayed under the same display conditions as the previous time. . Further, according to the medical image display apparatus 100 of this embodiment, when a plurality of users inquire about the high-resolution image 71, any of the users can inquire about the high-resolution image 71 under the display conditions specified by the user. . For example, if the user who specified the display conditions is an interpreter, when a clinician queries the high resolution image 71, the high resolution image 71 can be queried under the display conditions specified by the interpreter.

Further, the display conditions of the present embodiment include the position and size of the display target range 60a of the high-resolution image 71. FIG. Therefore, according to the medical image display apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, for example, the clinician can use the high-resolution Image 71 can be queried.

Also, the display conditions of this embodiment include window width and window level. Therefore, according to the medical image display apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, when the high-resolution image 71 is an X-ray CT image, the clinician can use the window designated by the interpreting doctor when interpreting the X-ray CT image. The X-ray CT image can be queried at width and window level.

In this embodiment, the case where the image processing function 156 is combined with the medical image display apparatus 100 of the first embodiment has been described. You can combine them. In this case, the display conditions may include the magnification or reduction of the high-resolution image 71 displayed on the display area 143 .

(Fourth embodiment)
In the first to third embodiments described above, cases where the medical image display apparatus 100 is an apparatus different from the medical image diagnostic apparatus have been described. On the other hand, in this fourth embodiment, a case where a medical image diagnostic apparatus has the function of a medical image display apparatus will be described.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, an X-ray CT apparatus 1 will be described as an example of a medical image diagnostic apparatus and a medical image display apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 14, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 has a gantry device 10 also called a gantry, a bed device 30 and a console device 40 .

In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the rotation axis of the rotation frame 13 in the non-tilt state is the Z-axis direction, the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and from the center of rotation toward the support supporting the rotation frame 13 is the X-axis, and the Z-axis is the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. A direction orthogonal to the axis and the X-axis is defined as the Y-axis, respectively. In FIG. 14, a plurality of gantry devices 10 are depicted for convenience of explanation, but the actual X-ray CT apparatus 1 has only one gantry device 10 .

The gantry apparatus 10 is an apparatus having an imaging system that irradiates the subject P with X-rays and collects projection data from detection data of the X-rays that have passed through the subject P. FIG. The gantry device 10 includes an X-ray tube 11, an X-ray detector 12, a rotating frame 13, an X-ray high voltage device 14, a control device 15, a wedge 16, a collimator 17, and a DAS (Data Acquisition System). 18.

The X-ray detector 12 detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 11 and passing through the subject P, and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the X-ray dose to the DAS 18 . The X-ray detector 12 has, for example, a plurality of detector element arrays in which a plurality of detector elements are arranged in the channel direction along one circular arc with the focal point of the X-ray tube 11 as the center. Note that the X-ray detector 12 of this embodiment has the number of detection elements corresponding to the imaging of a high-resolution X-ray image. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes, for example, a Rotate/Rotate-Type (third-generation CT) in which the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 are integrally rotated around the subject P, and a ring-shaped array. There are various types such as Stationary/Rotate-Type (fourth generation CT) in which a large number of X-ray detection elements are fixed and only the X-ray tube 11 rotates around the subject P. Applicable to morphology. The X-ray detector 12 may be a direct conversion type detector having a semiconductor element that converts incident X-rays into electrical signals, or may be a photon counting type X-ray detector.

The DAS 18 has an amplifier that amplifies the electrical signal output from each X-ray detection element of the X-ray detector 12, and an A/D converter that converts the electrical signal into a digital signal. to generate The sensed data generated by DAS 18 is transferred to processing circuitry 44 .

Console device 40 includes memory 41 , display 42 , input interface 43 , and processing circuitry 44 . Data communication between the memory 41, the display 42, the input interface 43, and the processing circuit 44 is performed, for example, via a bus (BUS). Note that the console device 40 will be described as being separate from the gantry device 10 , but the console device 40 or a part of each component of the console device 40 may be included in the gantry device 10 .

The memory 41 is implemented by, for example, a RAM, a semiconductor memory device such as a flash memory, an optical disk, an HDD, an SSD, or the like. The memory 41 stores various information and various programs used by the processing circuit 44 . The memory 41 is an example of a storage unit in this embodiment.

The display 42 is an example of a display section in this embodiment. The display 42 may be of a desktop type, or may be configured by a tablet terminal or the like capable of wireless communication with the main body of the console device 40 . Also, the display 42 may be provided on the gantry device 10 .

The input interface 43 receives various input operations from the user, converts the received input operations into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuit 44 . A user of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is, for example, an engineer.

The processing circuit 44 controls the operation of the entire X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to, for example, electrical signals of input operations output from the input interface 43 . For example, the processing circuit 44 has, as hardware resources, processors such as CPU, MPU, and GPU, and memories such as ROM and RAM. As shown in FIG. 14, the processing circuit 44 has a system control function 441, a preprocessing function 442, a reconstruction processing function 443, a specific function 445, a conversion function 446, and a display control function by means of a processor that executes programs expanded in memory. A function 447, a reception function 448, and an image processing function 449 are executed. Note that each function is not limited to being realized by a single processing circuit. A processing circuit may be configured by combining a plurality of independent processors, and each function shown in FIG. 14 may be realized by executing a program by each processor.

The system control function 441 is an example of a control unit. The preprocessing function 442 is an example of a preprocessing unit. The reconstruction processing function 443 is an example of a reconstruction processing unit. Specific function 445 is an example of a specific unit. Conversion function 446 is an example of a conversion unit. The display control function 447 is an example of a display control unit. The reception function 448 is an example of a reception unit. The image processing function 449 is an example of an image processing unit.

The system control function 441 controls each function of the processing circuit 44 based on input operations received from the operator via the input interface 43 . Further, the system control function 441 reads out the control program stored in the memory 41, develops it on the memory in the processing circuit 44, and controls each part of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the developed control program.

A preprocessing function 442 generates data by performing preprocessing such as logarithmic conversion processing, offset correction processing, inter-channel sensitivity correction processing, and beam hardening correction on the detection data output from the DAS 18 . Data before preprocessing is called pure raw data, and data after preprocessing is called projection data.

A reconstruction processing function 443 performs reconstruction processing using a filtered back projection method (FBP method) or the like on the projection data generated by the preprocessing function 442 to obtain a high-resolution CT image. Generate data. The CT image data is an example of the first medical image in this embodiment.

Also, the system control function 441, the preprocessing function 442, and the reconstruction processing function 443 are an example of an acquisition unit in this embodiment. In the present embodiment, collecting detection data detected by irradiating the subject P with X-rays and generating CT image data from the detection data are also referred to as "acquiring a medical image."

The specific function 445, the conversion function 446, the display control function 447, the reception function 448, and the image processing function 449 are, for example, the specific function 152, the conversion function 153, the display control function 154, and the reception function 155 of the third embodiment, respectively. , and functions similar to those of the image processing function 156 .

Further, for example, the image processing function 449 of the present embodiment sets the display conditions when the technician who is the user of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 inquires the high-resolution image 71 on the display 42 of the console device 40 as the high-resolution image 71. They may be stored in the memory 41 in association with each other. In addition, the image processing function 449 associates the display conditions with the high-resolution image 71 when the technician who is the user of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 queries the high-resolution image 71 on the display 42 of the console device 40, and stores medical images. You may transmit to the apparatus 200 or another information processing apparatus.

Also, for example, the display control function 447 may display an interpretation viewer including the display area of the high-resolution image 71 on the display 42 . In addition, the display control function 447 may cause the display 42 to display, together with the high-resolution image 71, identification information that can identify a technician who is a user, and buttons or icons for receiving operation input by the technician. In addition, the display control function 447 changes the display mode of the high-resolution image 71 on the display 42 according to the operator's operation input to the button or icon.

In addition, the reception function 448 may receive display conditions for the interpretation viewer in response to the operator's operation input to buttons or icons on the interpretation viewer.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 has a function as a medical image display apparatus. In addition, the display conditions can be stored in association with the high-resolution image 71 . For example, a skilled technician may have knowledge of interpretation, and such a technician associates the high-resolution image 71 with appropriate display conditions, so that the radiologist who interprets the high-resolution image 71 can It is possible to reduce the labor and time required to properly display the high-resolution image 71 .

In this embodiment, an example in which the X-ray CT apparatus 1 has a function corresponding to the medical image display apparatus 100 of the third embodiment has been described, but the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is similar to that of the first embodiment or A function corresponding to the medical image display apparatus 100 of the second embodiment may be provided.

In the present embodiment, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 capable of imaging the subject P in the supine position was exemplified, but the X-ray CT apparatus 1 can image the subject P in the standing or sitting position. can be Also, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 does not have to include the bed device 30 .

(Modification 1)
In the first embodiment described above, both the first display area 141 where the normal resolution image 72 is displayed and the second display area 142 where the high resolution image 71 is displayed are displayed on the display 140. , the normal resolution image 72 and the high resolution image 71 may not be displayed at the same time.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a high-resolution image 71 according to modification 1 is displayed. The display 140 is provided with one display area 144 in which the high resolution image 71 or the normal resolution image 72 is displayed.

In the state shown in FIG. 15, the display control function 154 of this modified example causes the display area 144 of the display 140 to display a portion of the high-resolution image 71 corresponding to the display target range 60a. For example, the display control function 154 may switch the display between the high resolution image 71 and the normal resolution image 72 according to the user's operation received by the reception function 155 .

The display control function 154 also causes the display 140 to display an indicator 90c indicating the position and size of the display target range 60a. The indicator 90c is an example of a first index image in this embodiment. The indicator 90 c includes, for example, a rectangle 901 c that simulates the high-resolution image 71 and a frame 902 c that indicates the position and size of the display target range 60 a on the high-resolution image 71 .

The user can change the position of the display target range 60a by moving the position of the frame 902c.

According to this modified example, it becomes easier to ensure the size of the display area 144 for displaying the high-resolution image 71 on the display 140 compared to the case where two display areas are arranged side by side.

Note that this modification may be applied not only to the first embodiment, but also to, for example, the third embodiment or the fourth embodiment.

(Modification 2)
Moreover, the display control function 154 may cause the display 140 to display an integrated viewer that displays a plurality of pieces of medical information.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the integrated viewer 145 according to Modification 2. As shown in FIG. Integrated viewer 145 includes multiple display areas 145a-145d. Also, in this modification, the display area 145a capable of displaying the high-resolution image 71 is included in a plurality of display areas 145a to 145d in the integrated viewer 145. FIG. Note that the screen layout of the integrated viewer 145 is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

In the state shown in FIG. 16, the display control function 154 displays a portion of the high-resolution image 71 corresponding to the display target range 60a in the display area 145a. Further, the display control function 154 may display the normal resolution image 72 in the display area 145 a in accordance with the user's operation received by the reception function 155 .

In such an integrated viewer 145, since a plurality of display areas 145a to 145d are displayed on the display 140, the display area 145a for displaying the high-resolution image 71 may become narrow. Even in such a case, the medical image display apparatus 100 can display the high-resolution image 71 in the display area 145a based on the matrix size of the display area 145a, for example, by the same function as in the first embodiment. By specifying the size of the display target range 60a, it is possible to display a portion of the high-resolution image 71 corresponding to the display target range 60a in the display area 145a. Therefore, according to the medical image display apparatus 100 of this modified example, the high-resolution image 71 can be displayed with high resolution regardless of the number of pixels in the display area 145a.

Note that this modification may be applied not only to the first embodiment, but also to, for example, the second embodiment or the third embodiment.

(Modification 3)
The display control function 154 may also cause the display 140 to display information indicating the range of the high-resolution image 71 that has been displayed in the display area 144 .

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a high-resolution image 71 according to modification 3 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 17, the display control function 154 of this modification causes the display area 144 of the display 140 to display a portion of the high-resolution image 71 corresponding to the display target range 60a, and near the display area 144, The indicator 90d is displayed. The indicator 90d is an example of information indicating a range that has been displayed in the display area 144 in the high-resolution image 71 in this modified example.

For example, the indicator 90d includes a rectangle 903 that simulates the high-resolution image 71, an image 404a that indicates a portion of the high-resolution image 71 that has been displayed in the display area 144, and an image that is currently displayed in the display area 144. and a frame 904b indicating the position and size of the displayed display range 60a. In the example shown in FIG. 17 , the lower right portion of the high-resolution image 71 has never been displayed in the display area 144 . In addition, the display mode of the indicator 90d shown in FIG. 17 is an example, and is not limited to this.

In this way, the medical image display apparatus 100 of the present modified example causes the display 140 to display information indicating the range of the high-resolution image 71 that has been displayed in the display area 144, thereby enabling a radiologist or the like to , it is possible to reduce the failure to confirm a part of the high-resolution image 71 .

(Modification 4)
It should be noted that the method of reducing confirmation omissions for a portion of the high-resolution image 71 is not limited to the third modification. For example, the display control function 154 may output a warning to that effect when interpretation is about to end before the high-resolution image 71 is displayed.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a warning according to modification 4 is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 18, a normal resolution image 72 is displayed in display area 144 of display 140 . In this state, when the user presses the report completion button 53 indicating the end of interpretation without the high-resolution image 71 being displayed even once, the display control function 154 displays the pop-up image 50 on the display 140 .

A pop-up image 50 shown in FIG. 18 is an example of a warning in this modified example. For example, the pop-up image 50 includes a message M1 that prompts the user for confirmation, such as "High resolution display is not displayed. Do you want to complete the report?" When the user presses the OK button 51, the acceptance function 155 accepts the end of interpretation. In this case, the display control function 154 ends the display of the display area 144 .

Further, when the user presses the cancel button 52 , the reception function 155 cancels the interpretation end operation input by pressing the report completion button 53 . In this case, the display control function 154 continues to display the display area 144 .

Note that the layout of the screen and the display mode of the notification shown in FIG. 18 are examples, and the present invention is not limited to this. Also, instead of the report completion button 53, a report transmission button capable of accepting an instruction to transmit the interpretation report to the medical image storage apparatus 200 or other information processing apparatus may be used.

(Modification 5)
Further, the specifying function 152 may specify the size of the display target range 60 a of the high-resolution image 71 according to the pixel density (ppi) of the display 140 .

For example, if the pixel density of display 140 becomes too large, it may exceed the resolution of the human eye. In general, the pixel density that can be visually recognized by humans is said to be around 300 ppi, and at most around 450 ppi. Even if the pixel density increases beyond the level visible to humans, even if the matrix size of the display area and the matrix size of the display target range 60a of the high-resolution image 71 are combined, human beings cannot recognize the difference between individual pixels. is not visible, the effect of increasing the resolution is not sufficiently generated.

For example, if the pixel density of the display 140 is "P_d1" and the pixel density of the resolution limit of the human eye is "Th_ppi", the specifying function 152 obtains the pixel density P_d1 of the display 140 and determines that P_d1 is Th_ppi. It is determined whether or not it exceeds.

If the specific function 152 determines that P_d1 exceeds Th_ppi, for example, whether the value obtained by multiplying P_d1 by 4 (2×2), 9 (3×3), or i^2 exceeds Th_ppi are determined sequentially. For example, when the specific function 152 determines that the value obtained by multiplying P_d1 by four does not exceed Th_ppi, one pixel of the high-resolution image 71 can be displayed in four pixels (2×2) on the display area of the display 140. The size of the display target range 60a is specified.

In addition, due to such adjustment of the display size, the pixels of the high-resolution image 71 displayed on the display area of the display 140 may appear rough. A second display target range may be specified in which the correspondence between the pixels of the display 140 and the pixels on the display area of the display 140 is one level finer. For example, the specifying function 152 may specify the size of the second display target range in which one pixel of the high-resolution image 71 can be displayed in one pixel on the display area of the display 140 .

"P_d1" as the pixel density of the display 140 and "Th_ppi" as the resolution limit pixel density of the human eye may be stored in the storage circuit 120, for example.

(Modification 6)
Further, in the above-described first embodiment, one normal resolution image 72 and one high resolution image 71 corresponding to the normal resolution image 72 are displayed on the display 140, but multiple pairs of normal resolution images are displayed. 72 and high resolution image 71 may be displayed on display 140 .

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which high resolution images 71a and 71b and normal resolution images 72a and 72b are displayed according to Modification 6. As shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 19 , a first display area 141 , a second display area 142 , a third display area 146 and a fourth display area 147 are provided on the display 140 .

The display control function 154 causes the normal resolution image 72a to be displayed in the first display area 141 and causes the second display area 142 to display part of the high resolution image 71a corresponding to the normal resolution image 72a. The display control function 154 also causes the normal resolution image 72b to be displayed in the third display area 146, and causes the fourth display area 147 to display part of the high resolution image 71b corresponding to the normal resolution image 72b.

In addition, the display control function 154 displays an indicator 901a indicating the position and size of the display target range of the high resolution image 71a on the normal resolution image 72a displayed in the first display area 141. FIG. The display control function 154 also displays an indicator 902a indicating the position and size of the display target range of the high resolution image 71b on the normal resolution image 72b displayed in the third display area 146. FIG. In other words, the indicator 901a on the normal resolution image 72a is a part of the high resolution image 71a displayed in the second display area 142, similar to the indicator 90a of the first embodiment. It shows which part of the normal resolution image 72a displayed in 141 corresponds. An indicator 902a on the normal resolution image 72b indicates which part of the normal resolution image 72b displayed in the third display area 146 corresponds to the part of the high resolution image 71b displayed in the fourth display area 147. represents The user can operate the indicator 901a and the indicator 902a separately.

Note that the normal resolution image 72a and the normal resolution image 72b may be different images, or may be the same image. 19 shows an example in which two pairs of high resolution images 71 and normal resolution images 72 are displayed, three or more pairs of high resolution images 71 and normal resolution images 72 are displayed on the same screen. Also good.

(Modification 7)
Also, a plurality of portions of one high-resolution image 71 may be displayed on the same screen. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a high resolution image 71a and a normal resolution image 72 are displayed according to Modification 7. As shown in FIG. In this modification, in addition to the first display area 141 and the second display area 142 similar to those of the first embodiment, the high-resolution image 71 is displayed without being reduced in the same manner as the second display area 142. A third display area 148 is provided on the display 140 .

Also, the indicator 90a on the normal resolution image 72 is displayed in the first display area 141 as part of the high resolution image 71 displayed in the second display area 142, as in the first embodiment. It represents which part of the normal resolution image 72 corresponds. An indicator 90e on the normal resolution image 72 indicates which part of the normal resolution image 72 displayed in the first display area 141 corresponds to the part of the high resolution image 71 displayed in the third display area 148. represents The user can operate the indicators 90a and 90e separately, and the display control function 154 is displayed in each of the second display area 142 and the third display area 148 according to the user's operation. Change the area of the high resolution image 71 .

(Modification 8)
Also, the high-resolution image 71 may be displayed on multiple displays. For example, when the user uses multiple displays with different matrix sizes, the display control function 154 may display a part of the high-resolution image 71 corresponding to the matrix size of each of the multiple displays.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a high resolution image 71 and a normal resolution image 72 are displayed according to Modification 8. As shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 21, the medical image display apparatus 100 is assumed to be a desktop PC. Further, in this modified example, in addition to the display 140 included in the medical image display apparatus 100, a display 140a externally attached to the medical image display apparatus 100 is used. Note that the display 140 a may also be included in the medical image display apparatus 100 .

The matrix size of the third display area 149 on the display 140a is different than the second display area 142 on the display 140a. In the example shown in FIG. 19, it is assumed that the matrix size of the third display area 149 of this modified example is larger than that of the second display area 142 .

The display control function 154 causes each of the second display area 142 and the third display area 149 to display a portion of the high resolution image 71 corresponding to the normal resolution image 72 . As in the first embodiment, the indicator 90a on the normal resolution image 72 indicates that part of the high resolution image 71 displayed in the second display area 142 is displayed in the first display area 141 at normal resolution. It represents which part of the image 72 corresponds. An indicator 90f on the normal resolution image 72 indicates which part of the normal resolution image 72 displayed in the first display area 141 corresponds to the part of the high resolution image 71 displayed in the third display area 149. represents

The user can operate the indicator 90a and the indicator 90f separately, and the display control function 154 is displayed in each of the second display area 142 and the third display area 149 according to the user's operation. Change the area of the high resolution image 71 .

(Modification 9)
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, a high-resolution X-ray CT image was used as an example of the first medical image, but the medical image is not limited to this. For example, the first medical image may be a high resolution X-ray image, a high resolution magnetic resonance image, or a high resolution ultrasound diagnostic image. Note that the definition of high resolution may vary depending on the type of medical image.

In addition, the medical image diagnostic device that captures the first medical image is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, an X-ray diagnostic device, an ultrasonic diagnostic device, a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) device, or a SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) device or the like may be used. Further, these medical image diagnostic apparatuses may be examples of medical image display apparatuses.

Also, part or all of the functions of the medical image display apparatus 100 described in each of the above embodiments may be executed in a cloud environment.

Various data handled in this specification are typically digital data.

According to at least one embodiment described above, even when the number of pixels in the display area is smaller than the number of pixels in the entire high-resolution medical image, the user can appropriately query the high-resolution medical image. That is.

While several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are provided 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, changes, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

1 X-ray CT apparatus 41 memory 50 popup image 60a, 60b display target range 71, 71a, 71b high resolution image 72, 72a, 72b normal resolution image 90a to 90f, 901a, 902a indicator 100 medical image display device 120 storage circuit 140, 140a, 42 display 141 first display area 142 second display area 146, 148, 149 third display area 147 fourth display area 143, 144, 145a-145d display area 145 integrated viewer 150, 44 processing circuit 151 Acquisition function 152, 445, 1152 Specific function 153, 446 Conversion function 154, 447, 1154 Display control function 155, 448, 1155 Reception function 156, 449 Image processing function 200 Medical image storage device S100, S200, S300 Medical information system

Claims (19)

an acquisition unit that acquires a first medical image;
a specifying unit that specifies the size of a target range that can be displayed in the display area based on the matrix size of the display area that can display the first medical image in the display unit;
a display control unit for displaying, in the display area, a portion corresponding to the target range set in the first medical image;
A medical image display device comprising: When the position of the target range is changed by the user, the display control unit displays a portion of the first medical image corresponding to the target range after the position change in the display area.
The medical image display device according to claim 1. the matrix size of the target range matches the matrix size of the display area;
The medical image display device according to claim 1 or 2. The display control unit causes the display unit to display a first index image indicating the position and size of the target range.
The medical image display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The display unit includes a first display area and a second display area,
a converter that converts the first medical image into a second medical image having a lower resolution than the first medical image;
The display control unit displays the second medical image in the first display area, and displays a portion of the first medical image corresponding to the target range in the second display area.
The medical image display device according to claim 1. further comprising a reception unit that receives designation of a position of the target range by a user on the second medical image displayed in the first display area;
The display control unit causes a portion of the first medical image corresponding to the target range provided at a position specified by the user to be displayed in the second display area.
The medical image display device according to claim 5. The display control unit displays a first index image indicating the position and size of the target range on the second medical image displayed in the first display area.
The medical image display device according to claim 5 or 6. The display control unit causes the display unit to display information indicating a range of the first medical image that has been displayed in the display area.
The medical image display device according to claim 6. The display control unit causes the display unit to display an integrated viewer for displaying a plurality of pieces of medical information,
the integrated viewer includes a plurality of display areas;
The display area is included in the plurality of display areas,
The medical image display device according to claim 1. further comprising an image processing unit that stores display conditions related to the first medical image in a storage unit in association with the first medical image;
The medical image display device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The display conditions include the position and size of the target range,
The medical image display device according to claim 10. the display conditions include window width and window level;
The medical image display device according to claim 10 or 11. If the first medical image has been displayed in the display area continuously for a length of time equal to or greater than a threshold under the same display condition, the image processing unit changes the display condition to the first medical image. and save it in the storage unit in association with
The medical image display device according to any one of claims 10 to 12. an acquisition unit that acquires a first medical image;
a display control unit that displays at least part of the first medical image in a display area;
a receiving unit that receives a user's operation to enlarge or reduce the first medical image displayed in the display area or a part of the first medical image;
The display control unit enlarges or reduces the first medical image displayed in the display area or a part of the first medical image based on the user's operation, and the matrix size of the display area and the notifying when the first medical image displayed in the display area or the matrix size of a part of the first medical image matches;
Medical image display device. The display control unit displays a second index image indicating an enlargement ratio or a reduction ratio of the first medical image or a part of the first medical image displayed in the display area. display in the
The medical image display device according to claim 14. an acquiring step of acquiring a first medical image; and an identifying step of identifying the size of a target range that can be displayed in the display area based on the matrix size of the display area in which the first medical image can be displayed. When,
a display control step of displaying, in the display area, a portion corresponding to the target range set in the first medical image;
A medical image display method comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring a first medical image;
a specifying step of specifying a size of a target range displayable in the display area based on a matrix size of the display area in which the first medical image can be displayed on the display unit;
a display control step of displaying, in the display area, a portion corresponding to the target range set in the first medical image;
A program that causes a computer to run an acquisition step of acquiring a first medical image;
a display control step of displaying at least part of the first medical image in a display area;
a receiving step of receiving a user's operation to enlarge or reduce the first medical image displayed in the display area or a portion of the first medical image;
The first medical image displayed in the display area or a portion of the first medical image is enlarged or reduced based on the user's operation, and the matrix size of the display area and the size of the image displayed in the display area are adjusted. a notification step of notifying when the matrix size of the first medical image or a part of the first medical image matches;
A medical image display method comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring a first medical image;
a display control step of displaying at least part of the first medical image in a display area;
a receiving step of receiving a user's operation to enlarge or reduce the first medical image displayed in the display area or a portion of the first medical image;
The first medical image displayed in the display area or a portion of the first medical image is enlarged or reduced based on the user's operation, and the matrix size of the display area and the size of the image displayed in the display area are adjusted. a notification step of notifying when the matrix size of the first medical image or a part of the first medical image matches;
A program that causes a computer to run

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