JP2001022964A - Three-dimensional image display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily set a desired spatial area, while observing a three- dimensional(3D) image by setting the spatial area to prepare a 3D image while using an orthogonal 3D image, and causing the 3D image to be reflected with the set result of this spatial area. SOLUTION: A 3D image processing part 3 reconstructs the 3D image, while using image data provided by a reconstruction arithmetic processing part 2. An image display device 4 is provided with an object setting part 42 for setting the spatial area of an object and a parameter in that area, an image display part 43 for displaying the provided 3D image, a viewpoint parameter setting part 44 for setting the parameter of projecting processing of a viewpoint or the like, a relative coordinate system setting switch 45 and a cutoff area setting switch 46. An image which is to be displayed in an image display area 101 for displaying a 3D image (main 3D image), is rotatable and movable freely, and can be freely rotated and moved by the viewpoint parameter setting part 44. Then, the spatial area for preparing the 3D image is set, while causing the orthogonal 3D image, and the set result of this spatial area to be reflected on the 3D image.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a three-dimensional image display device for displaying a spatial distribution of physical properties of a subject as a three-dimensional image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Since accurate cross-sectional image data representing physical properties of a human body has been obtained by an X-ray CT apparatus, a three-dimensional stereoscopic image has been obtained by using a plurality of cross-sectional image data photographed at different cross-sectional positions. Has been done. Particularly, recently, a helical scan X-ray CT apparatus and a cone beam X-ray CT apparatus have been put into practical use, so that a more precise three-dimensional stereoscopic image can be reconstructed.

[0003] Three-dimensional medical image display methods include a surface display method (surface rendering method) in which a boundary surface of an object constituting a subject is extracted and the shape of the boundary surface is displayed.
There is a volume rendering method in which a subject is treated as a three-dimensional array of voxels having values corresponding to physical properties. There is also a cross-section conversion method (MPR).

In the surface rendering method, a subject is treated as a three-dimensional array of voxels having pixel values corresponding to physical properties, and the subject is subjected to threshold processing for designating the upper and lower limits of the pixel value of the subject. Extract the region that contains. The surface of the object is displayed as a three-dimensional image by performing a shadowing process and a projection process on the surface of this region.

The volume rendering method treats a subject as a three-dimensional array of voxels having opacity and color information corresponding to physical properties, and performs a shadowing process and a projection process called ray casting on the object. The physical properties of the subject are displayed as a three-dimensional image.
By giving each voxel a color and opacity corresponding to its CT value, regions having different CT values can be displayed with different colors and darkness.

The section conversion method (MPR) treats a subject as a three-dimensional array of voxels having pixel values corresponding to physical properties, and creates a section image of a specified plane. In general, an axial image, a sagittal image, and a coronal image are created for easy observation.

In the surface rendering method, an object is treated as a three-dimensional array of voxels having pixel values corresponding to physical properties, and the object is subjected to threshold processing for designating the upper and lower limits of the pixel value of the object. Extract the region that contains. In the volume rendering method, an object is treated as a three-dimensional array of voxels having pixel values corresponding to physical properties, and the object is classified by specifying an upper limit and a lower limit of the pixel value of the object. Therefore, spatial regions with different CT values can be treated as different objects, but spatial regions with the same CT value should be treated as one object, even if they are physically distant places. become.

For this reason, when there is a need to handle a spatial region having the same CT value by dividing it into two or more regions, it is necessary to divide the spatial region. For this purpose, a method of dividing a space region of a three-dimensional array of voxels having pixel values corresponding to physical properties, deleting a certain space region, and cutting out a certain space region is required. For this purpose, it is necessary to specify the spatial region. However, since the anatomical region of the subject is complicated, specifying the required spatial region generally requires a very complicated operation.

In the section conversion method (MPR), a subject is treated as a three-dimensional array of voxels having pixel values corresponding to physical properties, and a section image of a specified plane is created. In general, for the sake of simplicity, a cross-sectional image of a plane parallel to the CT image and two planes orthogonal to the plane are created. However, clinically, there is a demand to observe a tomographic image of an arbitrary surface, but in many cases, it is not realized due to complicated operations.

[0010]

A three-dimensional image using a three-dimensional array of voxels having pixel values corresponding to physical properties can provide deeper spatial information than that obtained by observing a two-dimensional image. However, knowledge and experience are still required to grasp spatial information. Therefore,
There is a need for a means for freely and easily setting the position and direction of the three-dimensional image and a new method for grasping the current position and direction from various angles. In addition, understanding of spatial information is deepened by using three-dimensional images, but in order to understand deeply, it is required that related two-dimensional information can be easily referred to. In three-dimensional image display using a three-dimensional array of voxels having pixel values corresponding to physical properties, it is necessary to divide the spatial region of the three-dimensional array of voxels corresponding to an object. The required space area is often complicated, and specifying the space area generally requires very complicated work. For this reason, there is a demand for a method capable of easily designating a space area. In the cross-section conversion method (MPR method), a subject is treated as a three-dimensional array of voxels having pixel values corresponding to physical properties, and a cross-sectional image of a specified surface is created. Clinically, there is a demand for observing a tomographic image of an arbitrary surface. However, in general, there is a need for a method that can easily specify a required cross section because a complicated operation is required. In this way, in order to make the 3D image more useful, the operator can freely set the position and direction of the object of interest, and intuitively grasp the position and direction of the currently displayed 3D image. There is a need for a versatile way of doing things.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been devised in order to solve the above problems, and displays a three-dimensional image using three-dimensional voxels having pixel values corresponding to the physical properties of a subject. Means for displaying in the image display area at least one three-dimensional image (main three-dimensional image) which can be freely rotated and which can be freely moved as required, and at least one set of mutually orthogonal three-dimensional images. Means for displaying three three-dimensional images (orthogonal three-dimensional images) projected in the directions of the three axes in the image display area, and arbitrary rotation and arbitrary movement as necessary for the main three-dimensional image And means for enabling the orthogonal three-dimensional images projected in directions of three mutually orthogonal axes (relative coordinate system) based on the main three-dimensional image to be displayed and observed in an image display area, and
A means for setting a spatial area for creating a three-dimensional image using the orthogonal three-dimensional image and a means for reflecting the result of setting the spatial area on the three-dimensional image are provided, and this operation can be repeated. . It is now possible to set a spatial area for creating a three-dimensional image using a relative coordinate system based on a three-dimensional image that can be freely rotated and moved. The area can be set easily.

According to the present invention, there is provided a three-dimensional image display device for displaying a three-dimensional image using three-dimensional voxels having pixel values corresponding to physical properties of a subject. Means for displaying a three-dimensional image (main three-dimensional image) which can be freely moved according to the image display area, and at least one set of three cross-sectional transformation methods (MPR) with normals to three mutually orthogonal axes as normal Means for displaying the three-dimensional image (orthogonal three-dimensional image) in the image display area, and performing arbitrary rotation and optional movement as needed on the main three-dimensional image, and then using this main three-dimensional image as a reference Means for displaying and observing orthogonal three-dimensional images such as MPRs having normal lines on three mutually orthogonal axes (relative coordinate system) in an image display area; Using 3D images Means for setting a spatial region to be formed,
There is provided a means for reflecting the result of setting the spatial area on the three-dimensional image, and this operation can be repeated. It is now possible to set a cross-section for creating a cross-sectional image using a relative coordinate system based on a three-dimensional image that can be freely rotated and moved, so it is easy to select the desired cross-section while observing the three-dimensional image Can now be set to Since three MPR images corresponding to the arbitrarily settable relative coordinate system can be referred to at the same time, it is easy to observe and grasp spatial information, and to deepen the association between two-dimensional information and three-dimensional information be able to.

According to the present invention, an orthogonal three-dimensional image projected in directions of three mutually orthogonal axes using a relative coordinate system based on a main three-dimensional image that can freely rotate and move, and the orthogonal three-dimensional image. It is now possible to display and observe the MPR images with the three axes as normal lines in the image display area. That is, in addition to the main three-dimensional image, three orthogonal three-dimensional images corresponding to a relative coordinate system that can be set arbitrarily and three
It has become possible to simultaneously refer to two MPR images.
With the introduction of a new concept of a relative coordinate system, it has become possible to associate a plurality of three-dimensional images with a plurality of two-dimensional cross-sectional images and display them on one image device. This facilitates observation and understanding of spatial information, facilitates association of a three-dimensional image with a two-dimensional image, and enables immediate reference to related two-dimensional information. In addition, a method has been provided in which the operator can freely set the position and direction of the object of interest and can intuitively grasp the position and direction of the currently displayed three-dimensional image.

[0014]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a three-dimensional image display device according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention. The data collection unit 1 is, for example, an X-ray CT
The apparatus is a part that irradiates X-rays from around the subject and measures the amount of transmitted X-rays to collect projection data. In this embodiment, the case where the data acquisition unit 1 is an X-ray CT apparatus will be described. However, the present invention also functions in the case of another apparatus such as an MR apparatus.

In this embodiment, an X-ray CT apparatus of an electron beam scanning system is shown as an example. The electron beam 13 emitted from the electron gun 12 is controlled to scan on the X-ray target 11 arranged annularly around the subject. The X-ray generated by the X-ray target passes through a cross section of the subject lying on the bed 16 and is converted into a current by the X-ray detector 14. The output of the X-ray detector is converted into digital data by the data collection circuit 15. By repeatedly performing electron beam scanning while moving the bed 16, data of a plurality of cross sections of the subject is collected. The reconstruction processing unit 2 performs pre-processing, reconstruction processing, and post-processing on the data to create image data. This image data represents a spatial distribution of CT values corresponding to the X-ray transmission coefficient of the subject.

The reconstruction processor 2 is a data processor including a high-speed processor having a function of reconstructing projection data. The three-dimensional image processing unit 3 is a data processing device having a function of reconstructing a three-dimensional image. These functions may be integrated or separated. The data storage device 21 has a function of storing the image data obtained by the reconstruction operation processing unit 2.

The three-dimensional image processing unit 3 includes a reconstruction operation processing unit 2
A three-dimensional image is reconstructed using the image data obtained by the above. The image data obtained by the reconstruction operation processing unit 2 may be used directly, the image data stored in the data storage device 21 may be used, or the image data stored in an offline medium may be used.

The image display device 4 includes an object setting section 4 for setting a spatial area of the object and parameters in the area.
2, an image display unit 43 for displaying a three-dimensional image obtained by the three-dimensional image processing unit 3, a viewpoint parameter setting unit 44 for setting parameters of projection processing such as a viewpoint, a relative coordinate system setting switch 45, a cutting area setting switch 46 is provided.

FIG. 2 is a view of an image display section for explaining this embodiment. Reference numeral 101 denotes an image display area for displaying a three-dimensional image (main three-dimensional image) that can be freely rotated and freely moved as needed. The image displayed in this area can be freely rotated by the viewpoint parameter setting unit 44 and can be freely moved as needed. 111, 112, 113
Is a three-screen image display area for displaying three sets of three-dimensional images (orthogonal three-dimensional images) viewed from a set of three mutually orthogonal three-axis axes. In FIG. 2, the coordinate system of the voxel is represented by (x, y, z), the plane of the CT image is represented by the (x, y) plane,
Assuming that the axis orthogonal to this is the z-axis, 111 has (x,
y) plane, 112 has (x, z) plane, 113 has (y,
The three-dimensional image projected on the z) plane is displayed. Area 10
The main three-dimensional image displayed in 1 is rotated at an arbitrary angle by the viewpoint position parameter setting unit 44 while observing the image, and is moved to an arbitrary position as needed. By pressing the relative coordinate setting switch 45 at this position, a new coordinate system (x ′, y ′, z ′) based on the main three-dimensional image displayed in the area 101 can be set.

FIG. 3 shows the screen after setting a new coordinate system (x ′, y ′, z ′) based on the three-dimensional image displayed in the area 101. Reference numerals 111, 112, and 113 denote a set of three-dimensional images viewed from three mutually orthogonal axes.
This is an image display area of three screens each displaying a sheet (orthogonal three-dimensional image). When expressed in a new coordinate system (x ′, y ′, z ′) based on the main three-dimensional image displayed in the area 101, 111 is the z ′ axis, 112 is the y ′ axis, and 113 is the x ′ axis. A three-dimensional image projected from the viewpoint in the axial direction, ie,
111 represents the (x ′, y ′) plane, and 112 represents the (x ′, y ′) plane.
On the (z ′) plane, 113, a three-dimensional image projected on the (y ′, z ′) plane is displayed. Using a relative coordinate system based on the main three-dimensional image that can be freely rotated and moved, an orthogonal three-dimensional image projected in three mutually orthogonal directions simultaneously with the main three-dimensional image is displayed in the image display area It became possible to observe. This facilitates observation, enables intuitive judgment, and enables deeper observation.

In FIG. 3, reference numerals 121 and 123 denote area settings for voxel data. Although a simple example is shown in the figure, a complicated and precise setting becomes possible as compared with the case of setting an area in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a view of an image display section for explaining another embodiment. Reference numeral 101 denotes an image display area for displaying a three-dimensional image (main three-dimensional image) that can be freely rotated and freely moved as needed. The image displayed in this area can be freely rotated by the viewpoint parameter setting unit 44 and can be freely moved as needed. 111, 112, 113
Is an image display area of three screens each displaying three MPR images (orthogonal three-dimensional images) defined by a set of three mutually orthogonal planes. In FIG. 4, the coordinate system of the voxel is represented by (x, y, z), the plane of the CT image is represented by the (x, y) plane,
Assuming that the axis orthogonal to this is the z-axis, 111 has (x,
y) plane, 112 has (x, z) plane, 113 has (y,
A cross-sectional image of the z) plane is displayed. The main three-dimensional image displayed in the area 101 is rotated by an arbitrary angle by the viewpoint position parameter setting unit 44 while observing the image, and is moved to an arbitrary position as needed. By pressing the relative coordinate setting switch 45 at this position, a new coordinate system (x ′, y ′, z ′) based on the main three-dimensional image displayed in the area 101 can be set.

FIG. 5 shows the screen after setting a new coordinate system (x ′, y ′, z ′) based on the main three-dimensional image displayed in the area 101. Reference numerals 111, 112, and 113 denote three of an MPR image defined by a set of three mutually orthogonal planes.
This is an image display area of three screens each displaying a sheet (orthogonal three-dimensional image). When expressed in a new coordinate system (x ′, y ′, z ′) based on the main three-dimensional image displayed in the area 101, 111 is the (x ′, y ′) plane, and 112 is the (x ′, y ′) plane.
On the (z ′) plane, 113, an MPR image of the (y ′, z ′) plane is displayed. Using a relative coordinate system based on a main three-dimensional image that can be freely rotated and moved, display and observe three mutually orthogonal MPR images in the image display area simultaneously with the main three-dimensional image Is now possible. This facilitates observation, enables intuitive judgment, deepens the association between two-dimensional information and three-dimensional information, and enables deeper observation.

In FIG. 5, reference numerals 121 and 123 denote area settings for voxel data. Although a simple example is shown in the figure, a complicated and precise setting becomes possible as compared with the case of setting an area in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a view of an image display section for explaining another embodiment. Reference numeral 101 denotes an image display area for displaying a three-dimensional image (main three-dimensional image) that can be freely rotated and freely moved as needed. In this case, an MPR image (main MPR image) is displayed at 101. The main MPR image displayed in this area can be freely rotated by the viewpoint parameter setting unit 44, and can be freely moved including the depth direction on this screen. Reference numerals 111, 112, and 113 denote three screen image display areas for displaying three MPR images (orthogonal three-dimensional images) defined by a set of three mutually orthogonal planes. In FIG. 4, if the coordinate system of the voxel is represented by (x, y, z), the plane of the CT image is the (x, y) plane, and the axis orthogonal thereto is the z-axis, the (x, y) plane is 111. , 112, (x, z) plane and 113 (y, z) plane are displayed. The main MPR image displayed in the area 101 is
While observing the image, it is rotated to an arbitrary angle and moved to an arbitrary position by the viewpoint position parameter setting unit 44. By pressing the relative coordinate setting switch 45 at this position, a new coordinate system (x ′, y ′, z ′) based on the main MPR image displayed in the area 101 can be set.

FIG. 7 shows the main MPR displayed in the area 101.
The screen after setting a new coordinate system (x ′, y ′, z ′) based on an image is shown. Reference numerals 111, 112, and 113 denote three of an MPR image defined by a set of three mutually orthogonal planes.
This is an image display area of three screens for displaying images (orthogonal MPR images). When expressed in a new coordinate system (x ′, y ′, z ′) based on the main MPR image displayed in the area 101, the (x ′, y ′) plane is denoted by 111, and the (x ′, y ′) is denoted by 112.
MP set in the (y ′, z ′) plane is set in the (z ′) plane and 113.
The R image is displayed. Main M that can rotate and move freely
Using the relative coordinate system based on the PR image, the main MPR
Simultaneously with the images, three mutually orthogonal MPR images can be displayed on the image display area and observed. This facilitates observation, enables intuitive judgment, and enables deeper observation.

In FIG. 7, reference numerals 121 and 123 denote area settings for voxel data. Although a simple example is shown in the figure, a complicated and precise setting becomes possible as compared with the case of setting an area in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of an image display section for explaining another embodiment. Reference numeral 101 denotes an image display area for displaying a three-dimensional image (main three-dimensional image) that can be freely rotated and freely moved as needed. The image displayed in this area can be freely rotated by the viewpoint parameter setting unit 44 and can be freely moved as needed. 111, 112, 113
Is a three-screen image display area for displaying three sets of three-dimensional images (orthogonal three-dimensional images) viewed from a set of three mutually orthogonal three-axis axes. Reference numerals 114, 115, and 116 denote three screen image display areas for displaying three MPR images (orthogonal MPR images) defined by a set of three mutually orthogonal planes. In FIG. 8, the coordinate system of the voxel is (x, y, z)
When the plane of the CT image is the (x, y) plane and the axis orthogonal to the plane is the z-axis, the (x, y) plane is 111, the (x, z) plane is 112, and the (x, z) plane is 113. A three-dimensional image projected on the (y, z) plane is displayed. Also, 114 has (x, y)
A cross-sectional image of the (x, z) plane is displayed on the plane 115, and a cross-sectional image of the (y, z) plane is displayed on the plane 116. The main three-dimensional image displayed in the area 101 is rotated by an arbitrary angle by the viewpoint position parameter setting unit 44 while observing the image, and is moved to an arbitrary position as needed. By pressing the relative coordinate setting switch 45 at this position, a new coordinate system (x ′,
y ′, z ′) can be set.

FIG. 9 shows a screen after setting a new coordinate system (x ′, y ′, z ′) based on the main three-dimensional image displayed in the area 101. Reference numerals 111, 112, and 113 denote three-screen image display areas for displaying three sets of three-dimensional images (orthogonal three-dimensional images) viewed from a set of three mutually orthogonal three-dimensional axes. Reference numerals 114, 115, and 116 denote three MPRs (orthogonal M) defined by a set of three mutually orthogonal planes.
PR image) are displayed on three screens. In a new coordinate system (x ′, y ′, z ′) based on the main three-dimensional image displayed in the area 101, 111
Is the (x ', y') plane, 112 is the (x ', z') plane,
A three-dimensional image 113 is displayed on the (y ′, z ′) plane. Further, 114 has an (x ′, y ′) plane, 11
5 shows an MPR image set on the (x ′, z ′) plane, and 116 shows an MPR image set on the (y ′, z ′) plane. Using a relative coordinate system based on the main three-dimensional image that can be freely rotated and moved, the orthogonal three-dimensional image projected in the directions of the three orthogonal axes and the three axes orthogonal to each other are set as normals. MPR images can be displayed and observed in the image display areas. In addition to the main three-dimensional image, three orthogonal three-dimensional images and three MPR images corresponding to a relative coordinate system that can be set arbitrarily can be referred to at the same time.
Observation and comprehension of spatial information became easy, intuitive judgment was made possible, the association between two-dimensional information and three-dimensional information was deepened, and deeper observation was made possible.

In FIG. 9, reference numerals 121 and 123 denote area settings for voxel data. Although a simple example is shown in the figure, a complicated and precise setting becomes possible as compared with the case of setting an area in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a view of an image display section for explaining another embodiment. 101 is an MPR that can rotate and move freely
An image display area for displaying an image (main MPR image).
The image displayed in this area can be freely rotated by the viewpoint parameter setting unit 44 in FIG. 1 and can be freely moved including the depth direction. Reference numerals 111, 112, and 113 denote three-screen image display areas for displaying three sets of three-dimensional images (orthogonal three-dimensional images) viewed from a set of three mutually orthogonal three-dimensional axes. Reference numerals 114, 115, and 116 denote three MPR images (orthogonal MPR images) defined by a set of three mutually orthogonal planes.
3) is an image display area of three screens each displaying an image). In FIG. 8, the coordinate system of the voxel is represented by (x, y, z), the plane of the CT image is the (x, y) plane, and the axis orthogonal thereto is the z-axis. , 112 are displayed on the (x, z) plane, and 113 are displayed on the (y, z) plane. Also, 114 has (x, y)
A cross-sectional image of the (x, z) plane is displayed on the plane 115, and a cross-sectional image of the (y, z) plane is displayed on the plane 116. While observing the image, the main MPR image displayed in the area 101 is rotated by an arbitrary angle by the viewpoint position parameter setting unit 44 and is moved to an arbitrary position including the depth direction. By pressing the relative coordinate setting switch 45 at this position, a new coordinate system (x ′,
y ′, z ′) can be set.

FIG. 11 shows the main MP displayed in the area 101.
New coordinate system (x ', y', z ') based on R image
The screen after setting is shown. Reference numerals 111, 112, and 113 denote three-screen image display areas for displaying three sets of three-dimensional images (orthogonal three-dimensional images) viewed from a set of three mutually orthogonal three-dimensional axes. Reference numerals 114, 115, and 116 denote three screen image display areas for displaying three MPR images (orthogonal MPR images) defined by a set of three mutually orthogonal planes. In a new coordinate system (x ′, y ′, z ′) based on the main MPR image displayed in the area 101, 11
1 is (x ', y') plane, 112 is (x ', z') plane
The plane 113 displays a three-dimensional image projected on the (y ′, z ′) plane. Also, 114 has an (x ′, y ′) plane,
115 has the (x ′, z ′) plane, and 116 has the (y ′, z ′) plane.
The MPR image set on the z ′) plane is displayed. An orthogonal three-dimensional image projected in directions of three mutually orthogonal axes using a relative coordinate system based on a main MPR image that can freely rotate and move, and an MPR with three orthogonal axes normal to each other
Images can be displayed on the image display area and observed. In addition to the main MPR image, three orthogonal three-dimensional images and three MPR images corresponding to a relative coordinate system that can be set arbitrarily can be referred to at the same time. This makes it easier to grasp, and intuitive judgment is possible, and the association between two-dimensional information and three-dimensional information is deepened, enabling deeper observation.

In FIG. 11, reference numerals 121 and 123 denote area settings for voxel data. Although a simple example is shown in the figure, a complicated and precise setting becomes possible as compared with the case of setting an area in FIG.

In the above examples, image data obtained by an X-ray CT apparatus has been described as an example. However, the same applies to image data obtained by another medical image apparatus such as an MR apparatus.

[0035]

The present invention has introduced a new concept of a relative coordinate system based on a main three-dimensional image which can be freely rotated and moved. Using this relative coordinate system, a method for displaying and observing an orthogonal three-dimensional image projected in directions of three mutually orthogonal axes and an MPR image having three mutually orthogonal normal lines in an image display area. Was devised. With the introduction of a new concept of a relative coordinate system, it has become possible to simultaneously observe a plurality of three-dimensional images and a plurality of MPR images associated with each other in the relative coordinate system. This makes it possible to observe a plurality of three-dimensional images in association with a plurality of two-dimensional cross-sectional images, to facilitate observation and understanding of spatial information, and to easily associate three-dimensional images with two-dimensional images. In addition, related two-dimensional information can be referenced immediately.
Since it is possible to set a spatial region for creating a three-dimensional image using the relative coordinate system, a desired spatial region can be easily set while observing the three-dimensional image. The required space area is often complicated, and specifying the space area generally requires a very complicated operation. However, this method has made it possible to easily specify the space area. Since it is possible to set a cross section for creating a cross section image using a relative coordinate system, a desired cross section can be easily set while observing a three-dimensional image. We have provided a means for freely and easily setting the position and orientation of a three-dimensional image and a new method for grasping the current position and orientation from multiple angles. In addition, it has become possible to easily refer to related two-dimensional information simultaneously with observation of a three-dimensional image.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an image display screen showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an example in which a relative coordinate system is set on an image display screen showing the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an image display screen showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an example in which a relative coordinate system is set on an image display screen showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an image display screen showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an example in which a relative coordinate system is set on an image display screen showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an image display screen showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an example in which a relative coordinate system is set on an image display screen showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an image display screen showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an example in which a relative coordinate system is set on an image display screen showing another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Data collection part 2 Reconstruction calculation processing part 3 3D image processing part 4 Image display device 5 Operation part 11 X-ray target 12 Electron gun 13 Electron beam 14 X-ray detector 15 Data collection circuit 16 Bed 21 Data storage device 42 Target Object setting unit 43 Image display unit 44 Viewpoint parameter setting unit 45 Relative coordinate system setting switch 46 Cutting area setting switch 101 Main image display area 111 Orthogonal 3D image display area 112 Orthogonal 3D image display area 113 Orthogonal 3D image display area 114 Orthogonal 3D image display area 115 Orthogonal 3D image display area 116 Orthogonal 3D image display area 121 Setting area 121 Setting area

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Keiji Ito 5-11-2 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo Inside Terrari Con Incorporated (72) Inventor Kimiaki Saito 5-1-21-2 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo Terrari F term in Con Incorporated (reference) 4C093 AA22 AA26 CA15 CA23 EA04 EE01 FD01 FF12 FF28 FF32 FF43 FF45 FG05 FG13 5B050 AA02 BA09 EA06 EA12 EA28 FA06 5B057 AA07 BA03 CA01 CA03 CA03 DB03 CD02

Claims (2)

[Claims] An apparatus for displaying a three-dimensional image using a three-dimensional voxel having a pixel value corresponding to a physical property of a subject can be freely rotated and can be freely moved as required. A means for displaying a three-dimensional image (hereinafter referred to as a main three-dimensional image) in an image display area, and at least one set of three three-dimensional images projected in three mutually orthogonal three-axis directions (hereinafter referred to as an orthogonal three-dimensional image) ) In the image display area, and after performing arbitrary rotation and optional movement on the main three-dimensional image, then mutually orthogonal three axes (based on the main three-dimensional image) Means for displaying the orthogonal three-dimensional images projected in the direction of the relative coordinate system) on the image display area for observation, and a spatial area for creating a three-dimensional image using the orthogonal three-dimensional images. Means to set and Means for reflecting the setting result of the space area on the three-dimensional image, and enabling this operation to be repeated. 2. An apparatus for displaying a three-dimensional image using a three-dimensional voxel having a pixel value corresponding to a physical property of a subject, wherein at least one of the three-dimensional voxels can be freely rotated and freely moved as necessary. A means for displaying a three-dimensional image (hereinafter referred to as a main three-dimensional image) in an image display area; and a three-dimensional image such as a three-dimensional cross-section transformation method (MPR) having at least one set of three mutually orthogonal three axes as normals. A means for displaying an image (hereinafter referred to as an orthogonal three-dimensional image) in an image display area, an arbitrary rotation and an optional movement of the main three-dimensional image, and then using the main three-dimensional image as a reference 3 orthogonal to each other
Means for displaying and observing an orthogonal three-dimensional image such as an MPR having an axis (relative coordinate system) as a normal line in an image display area, and a three-dimensional image using the orthogonal three-dimensional image such as the MPR A three-dimensional image display device having means for setting a spatial region for creating an image and means for reflecting the result of setting the spatial region on a three-dimensional image, and enabling this operation to be repeated.