JP2005130928A - Image display device, image display method, and program therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image display device for providing an environment which facilitates a comparative diagnosis for a diagnosing person in the comparative diagnosis by displaying X-ray images which are diagnostic images and reference images in a row, an image display method, and a program therefor. <P>SOLUTION: An image display part 202 displays a plurality of images including a common subject image in a display part. An alignment processing part 2051 adjusts the positions of subject images partially or entirely for the plurality of images. Another image processing part 2054 inverts at least one image out of a plurality of images whose positions are adjusted by the alignment processing part 2051, and places a pair of images made of an inverted image and an image, which is not inverted, to be symmetrical about a reference line. The other image processing part 2054 performs a first image processing on one image of the placed pair of images and performs a second image processing on the other image according to the first image processing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image display device that displays, for example, a plurality of X-ray images, an image display method, and a program thereof.

  Conventionally, image diagnosis in the medical field refers to observing a film image obtained by X-ray photography on a Schaukasten. However, with the development of computers in recent years, computerization has spread in the medical field. This trend is rapid also in image diagnosis, and the spread of various CT (Computed Tomography) devices, ultrasonic diagnostic devices, and diagnostic devices using radioisotopes is remarkable. Then, the concept of “total image diagnosis” has been generated in which various diagnostic devices are connected to a computer and various modality images, which are images taken by these various diagnostic devices, are comprehensively diagnosed. However, X-ray film images are essentially analog images, and are the most frequently used and most important in image diagnosis. It was an obstacle to computerization in the field.

  However, in recent years, X-ray imaging using a solid-state imaging device or the like has been developed, and digital imaging of an X-ray image using a computer is gradually started also in an X-ray image. If this X-ray image digital imaging apparatus is used, it is possible to adjust the contrast of an X-ray image that has already been taken and to re-shoot failed shots.

  The X-ray image obtained in this manner is displayed on a display device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or a liquid crystal display by a doctor, and image diagnosis such as interpretation is performed. In normal image diagnosis, a diagnostic image (latest X-ray image) and a reference image (past X-ray image) are compared, and a lesion is found by observing the difference, and the course of a lesion is observed. Therefore, as a conventional method for performing image diagnosis, a diagnostic image and a reference image are displayed side by side using an image display device, and interpretation is performed while comparing the left and right images. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-107739

  However, the X-ray image of the chest has a large image size, and the image part of the affected part (hereinafter referred to as a region of interest) to be compared and examined is often only a part of the whole chest image. If the diagnostic image and the reference image are simply displayed side by side on the image display device, the region of interest of the diagnostic image to be compared and the region of interest of the reference image (hereinafter referred to as a “comparison region” to be distinguished from the region of interest of the diagnostic image) It is often displayed away. In such a case, the doctor has to perform interpretation while moving his / her line of sight, which causes a problem that the doctor's fatigue level is large, and it is difficult to compare, which causes an important change to be overlooked.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and provides an environment in which a diagnostician can easily perform a comparative diagnosis when performing a comparative diagnosis by displaying a diagnostic image and an X-ray image as a reference image side by side. An object of the present invention is to provide an image display device, an image display method, and a program thereof.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. In the image display apparatus according to the present invention, a display unit for displaying a plurality of images and a plurality of images including a common subject image are displayed on the display unit. Inversion arrangement means for inverting one or more images of the plurality of images and arranging the inverted image and the non-inverted image as a set so as to be substantially symmetric with respect to a reference line And image processing means for performing first image processing on one image in a set of images arranged by the inversion arrangement means, and a second image corresponding to the first image processing performed by the image processing means The image processing apparatus is characterized by further comprising interlocking processing means for performing processing in conjunction with the first image processing on the other image arranged symmetrically with respect to the reference line.

  In the image display device of the present invention, when the display unit displays a plurality of images and the first image is displayed on the display unit, a pre-partition line is set for the first image. And a dividing unit that divides the first image into a plurality of second images with the dividing line as a boundary, and a specific second image in the plurality of second images divided by the dividing unit. The image processing means for performing the first image processing and the second image processing corresponding to the first image processing performed by the image processing means are linked to the first image processing for the other second images. And interlocking processing means for performing the processing.

  The image display method of the present invention is an image display method using an image display device including a display unit that displays a plurality of images, the display step displaying a plurality of images on the display unit, and the display step The reversal step of reversing one or more images among the plurality of images displayed in Step 1 and the image reversed in the reversal step and the non-reversed image as a set are substantially symmetrical with respect to the reference line. The first image processing is performed on one image in the set of images arranged by the arrangement step and the second image processing corresponding to the first image processing, And an image processing step performed in conjunction with the first image processing on the other image arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the reference line.

  The image display method of the present invention is an image display method using an image display device having a display means for displaying a plurality of images, the display step for displaying the first image on the display means, and the display A setting step for setting a dividing line for the first image displayed in the step, and the first image is divided into a plurality of second images with the dividing line set in the setting step as a boundary. A second image processing corresponding to the first image processing and performing a first image processing on a specific second image in the plurality of second images divided by the dividing step; And an image processing step that is performed in conjunction with the first image processing on another second image.

  In the program of the present invention, there is provided a program for an image display device including a display unit that displays a plurality of images, the display step displaying a plurality of images on the display unit, and the display displayed in the display step. An inversion step for inverting one or more images among a plurality of images, and an arrangement step for arranging the image inverted in the inversion step and the image not inverted as a set so as to be substantially symmetrical with respect to the reference line The first image processing is performed on one image in the set of images arranged by the arrangement step, and the second image processing corresponding to the first image processing is performed on the reference line. This is a program for causing an image display device to execute an image processing step performed in conjunction with the first image processing on the other image arranged substantially symmetrically.

  The program of the present invention is a program for an image display device having a display unit for displaying a plurality of images, and is displayed in a display step for displaying the first image on the display unit and the display step. A setting step for setting a dividing line for the first image, a dividing step for dividing the first image into a plurality of second images with the dividing line set in the setting step as a boundary; The first image processing is performed on the specific second image in the plurality of second images divided in the step, and the second image processing corresponding to the first image processing is performed on the other second image. The image display device executes an image processing step that is performed in conjunction with the first image processing on the first image processing.

  In the image display device, the image display method, and the program thereof according to the present invention, one of a plurality of images is inverted, and the inverted image and the non-inverted image as a set are substantially symmetrical with respect to the reference line. The first image processing is performed on one image in the set of disposed images, and the second image processing corresponding to the first image processing is performed on the other image. For example, when a comparative diagnosis is performed by displaying an X-ray image as a diagnostic image (one image) and a reference image (the other image) side by side, the diagnostic image (one image) is specified. When the part is enlarged, the specific part of the reference image (the other image) corresponding to the specific part of the reference image (the one image) can be enlarged in conjunction. This is achieved by magnifying the reference image with a specific portion of the diagnostic image that is symmetrical to the reference image because the subject image is inverted between the diagnostic image and the reference image. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an environment that allows the diagnostician to easily perform comparative diagnosis using the diagnostic image and the reference image.

  In the image display device, the image display method, and the program thereof according to the present invention, the first image is divided into a plurality of second images by setting a dividing line, and the divided second images are divided. Since the first image processing is performed on the specific second image in the image of the second and the second image processing corresponding to the first image processing is performed on the other second image, for example, diagnosis Specifying a diagnostic image (specific second image) when performing a comparative diagnosis by displaying an X-ray image as an image (specific second image) and a reference image (other second image) side by side When the part is enlarged, the specific part of the reference image (other second image) corresponding to the specific part of the diagnostic image (specific second image) can be enlarged in conjunction. This is because, for example, the diagnostic image and the subject image in the reference image are divided so that they are vertically symmetrical or bilaterally symmetrical, so that a specific portion and a symmetrical portion of the diagnostic image are enlarged in conjunction with the reference image. It is realized with. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an environment that allows the diagnostician to easily perform comparative diagnosis using the diagnostic image and the reference image.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, a hardware configuration of an image display apparatus that displays a plurality of X-ray images will be described as an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of an X-ray image display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes an input unit that receives input from a user such as a mouse or a keyboard. A control unit 102 controls a data storage unit 103, a display unit 104, and the like, which will be described later, based on an instruction from the user input from the input unit 101. A data storage unit 103 is a storage medium such as a hard disk or a non-volatile memory, and holds image data of an X-ray image. A display unit 104 is a display device such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display, and displays data and images stored in the data storage unit 103 in accordance with control of the control unit 102.

  Note that the hardware configuration of the image display apparatus is not limited to the hardware configuration example shown in FIG. 1, and may be, for example, a general computer hardware configuration including at least an input unit and a display unit. Good. The configuration relating to the input of the image data of the X-ray image stored in the data storage unit 103 is not particularly related to the essence of the present invention and is not particularly shown in FIG. 1, but the image data is stored via a recording medium. The image display apparatus preferably includes various configurations such as a configuration for reading and a configuration for receiving image data via a network.

  Next, a functional configuration of an X-ray image display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of an X-ray image display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a search instruction unit, which instructs an image search reception unit 203 (to be described later) to select and read an image to be displayed on the display unit 104. The search instruction unit 201 is a function included in the input unit 101 of FIG. An image display unit 202 performs processing for displaying an image and other data on the display unit 104. An image search receiving unit 203 searches for and receives an image instructed by the search instruction unit 201 from image data stored in an image storage unit 204 described later. The image search receiving unit 203 receives a search instruction from the search instruction unit 201 via the image display unit 202. Thereby, when the image display unit 202 already holds the image data specified by the search instruction from the search instruction unit 201, the search process in the image search receiving unit 203 can be omitted. Reference numeral 204 denotes an image storage unit that stores images, and corresponds to the data storage unit 103 in FIG.

  Reference numeral 205 denotes an image processing unit, which performs various processing on the image displayed on the display unit 104 by the image display unit 202, and includes a processing unit described below. For example, when two images obtained by X-raying the affected part of the same patient at different dates and times are displayed on the display unit 104, the alignment processing unit 2051 positions the two images so that the two images can be easily compared. Process to match. The interlocking process switching processing unit 2052 performs a process of instructing switching of interlocking processes in which two images displayed on the display unit 104 are arranged side by side or vertically. The center line setting processing unit 2053 sets a reference line for linking one image by a reference line drawn on the image and causing the two divided images to be linked. The other image processing unit 2054 performs general image processing such as image movement, enlargement, reduction, gradation processing, frequency enhancement processing, measurement processing, and inversion. Each process in the image search receiving unit 203, the image display unit 202, and the image operation unit 205 described above is a function realized by the control of the control unit 102 in FIG.

  Here, an example of an image comparison screen displayed on the display unit 104 by the image display unit 202 will be described. FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of an image comparison screen displayed on the display unit 104 by the image display unit 202. In FIG. 3A, reference numeral 30 denotes an image comparison screen, which is a screen displayed on the display unit 104 under the control of the image display unit 202. The image comparison screen 30 can be roughly divided into two areas: an operation button area 31 and an image display area 32. The operation button area 31 is lined with operation buttons for the operator to perform various operations on the image displayed in the image display area 32. These operation buttons are GUI (Graphical User Interface), and each processing unit in the image display unit 202 and the image operation unit 205 in FIG. 2 performs various processes according to the operation of the operation buttons. In addition, the image display unit 202 moves the pointer 35 on the image displayed in the image display area 32 with the mouse or the like by the operator, drags the image, and then moves the pointer 35 to move the pointer 35. A GUI for moving an image according to the direction and amount of movement is also provided.

  Next, a process performed in the image display device by operating each operation button displayed in the operation button area 31 will be described. When the enlargement button 31a is pressed, the other image processing unit 2054 performs enlargement processing on the image displayed in the image display area 32. Similarly, when the reduction button 31b is pressed, the other image processing unit 2054 performs a reduction process on the image, and when the image selection button 31d is pressed, the other image processing unit 2054 causes the operator to select from a plurality of images. When a selection process for selecting an image according to the operation is performed and the move button 31e is pressed, the other image processing unit 2054 performs a move process for moving the image according to the operation of the operator on the image, and frequency enhancement When the button 31f is pressed, the other image processing unit 2054 performs frequency enhancement processing on the image, and when the gradation processing button 31g is pressed, the other image processing unit 2054 performs gradation processing on the image. When the reverse button 31h is pressed, the other image processing unit 2054 performs the reverse process on the image.

  When the center line setting button 31c is pressed, the center line setting processing unit 2053 performs processing for setting a reference line on the image. Details of the process for setting the reference line will be described later. When the interlocking process button 31i is pressed, the interlocking process switching processing unit 2052 switches whether to perform interlocking processes on a plurality of images. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the interlock button 31i is on (display state different from other operation buttons), control is performed so that the interlock process switching processing unit 2052 performs the interlock process. In a state where the interlock button 31i is off (the same display state as other operation buttons), it indicates that the interlock process switching processing unit 2052 performs control so as not to perform the interlock process. Here, the interlocking process is a process in which, when a process such as movement, enlargement, or reduction is performed on any one of a plurality of images, the process is also applied to other images. Details of this interlocking process will be described later.

  When the alignment button 31j is pressed, the alignment processing unit 2051 displays a specific portion (in the present embodiment, the upper left lung in the X-ray image of the chest) of the plurality of images displayed in the image display area. Process to match. Details of the alignment processing in the alignment processing unit 2051 will be described later. As described above, various operation buttons are arranged in the operation button area 31, but the arrangement of the operation buttons and the GUI implementation method are not limited to this, and an image can be processed according to the operation of the user. Various GUIs are suitable using various GUIs.

Next, the image display area 32 will be described.
The image display area 32 displays two images 33 and 34 with a reference line 40 interposed therebetween. In this image display area 32, an image 33 displayed on the left side is a diagnostic image that is an image of an affected part of a patient to be diagnosed, and an image 34 displayed on the right side is, for example, an affected part taken in the past of the same patient. It is a reference image which is an image. Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, images 33 and 34 show examples of X-ray images of the patient's lungs. Thus, the operator (doctor) performs image diagnosis by comparing the diagnostic image (image 33) with the reference image (image 34).

  Reference numeral 35 denotes a pointer that moves to an arbitrary position on the screen in accordance with the operation of the mouse by the operator. Specifically, when it is desired to move the image, the operator can drag the image by moving the pointer 35 on the image and clicking the mouse. An arrow 36 indicates the moving direction of the pointer 35 after dragging, and the image 33 moves in the same direction and the same distance. An arrow 37 indicates a moving direction and a moving distance when the image 34 moves in conjunction with the movement indicated by the arrow 36 of the image 33. As can be seen from the arrows 36 and 37, when the image 33 and the image 34 move in conjunction with each other, the movement is symmetrical with respect to the reference line 40.

  In addition, when there is a region of particular attention by the doctor (in this embodiment, the upper left lung), the region of interest in the diagnostic image is set as the region of interest 38. The region of interest in the reference image is a comparison region 39. In FIG. 3A, the region of interest 38 and the comparison region 39 are indicated by circles. The image display device of the present embodiment can be operated so that the region of interest 38 and the comparison region 39 are displayed close to each other at the same position so that the doctor can easily compare the images of the region of interest 38 and the comparison region 39. Providing an environment. The image display area 32 in FIG. 3A shows an image display example when the region of interest 38 and the comparison region 39 are displayed close to each other at the same position.

  Here, a processing example according to a doctor's operation for bringing the region of interest 38 and the comparison region 39 close to each other so as to be easily compared will be described using a simple image diagram of the image display region 32. FIG. 3-2 is a diagram for imagining a process according to a doctor's operation for bringing the region of interest 38 and the comparison region 39 close to each other so as to be easily compared. If it is desired to compare the region of interest 38 of image 1 (diagnostic image) and the comparison region 39 of image 2 (reference image) as shown in FIG. The following processing is performed. First, when the doctor presses the alignment button 31j and the reverse button 31h, the position of the comparison area 39 is moved to match the position of the area of interest 38 as shown in FIG. 3B. The inverted image 2 is displayed. Next, when the doctor presses the move button 31e after pressing the interlock button 31i and drags the image 1 to move the region of interest 38 to the vicinity of the reference line 40, the interlock process is performed. As shown in FIG. 3C, the comparison area 39 of the image 2 also moves to the vicinity of the reference line 40 (because the image 2 is reversed, the image 2 moves symmetrically with the image 1 across the reference line 40. ). As a result, as shown in FIG. 3C, the region of interest 38 of the image 1 (diagnostic image) and the comparison region 39 of the image 2 (reference image) can be displayed in the vicinity. The doctor can perform image diagnosis more accurately.

  Although FIG. 3-2 shows an example in which the image moves symmetrically, measurement processing such as image enlargement / reduction and length measurement can also be operated in conjunction with the symmetry. In addition, the same processing can be performed in conjunction with the left and right images for those having no concept of left and right, such as gradation processing and frequency enhancement processing.

  Next, the operation of the above-described image display device will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image display apparatus according to this embodiment. The operation shown in FIG. 4 shows a most typical example of the image display apparatus of the present embodiment, and is an operation performed by the image display apparatus when a doctor displays two images on the left and right and performs comparative interpretation.

  First, it is assumed that the operator (physician) inputs specific information for specifying a diagnostic image and a reference image to be displayed on the screen of the display unit 104 from the input unit 101. Thereby, in step S401, the search instruction unit 201 outputs a search instruction for instructing to search the image data of the diagnostic image and the reference image using the input specific information to the image search receiving unit 203. As an input method for the operator to input the specific information described above, for example, a method of selecting a desired patient name from the patient name list (in this case, specific information = patient information) or an examination from the examination list is selected. Various methods are possible, such as a method of specifying (in this case, specific information = inspection information) and a method of directly specifying an image from an image list (in this case, specific information = image information). Any input method may be used as long as it can input specific information that can specify the diagnostic image and the reference image. Further, a GUI screen for inputting specific information is displayed on the display unit 104 by the processing of the image display unit 202.

  Next, in step S402, the image search receiving unit 203 searches the image storage unit 204 for image data of diagnostic images and reference images in accordance with the search instruction, and receives image data in accordance with the search instruction. Next, in step S403, the image display unit 202 acquires the image data searched and received by the image search receiving unit 203 in step S402, and displays the image display area 32 shown in FIG. Display side by side. At this point, for example, as shown in FIG. 3-2 (a), the region of interest 38 of the diagnostic image and the comparison region 39 of the reference image are not at the same height and are in a separated position.

  Here, it is assumed that the operator presses the alignment button 31j shown in FIG. Accordingly, in step S404, the alignment processing unit 2051 performs alignment processing of the region of interest 38 of the diagnostic image and the comparison region 39 of the reference image. Next, it is assumed that the operator presses the reverse button 31h shown in FIG. Accordingly, in step S405, the other image processing unit 2054 performs inversion processing on the reference image so that the left and right images are arranged symmetrically with the reference line 40 interposed therebetween.

  Next, it is assumed that the operator presses the enlarge button 31a or the reduce button 31b shown in FIG. Accordingly, in step S406, the other image processing unit 2054 performs image processing such as image enlargement / reduction, gradation processing, frequency enhancement processing, measurement processing, and movement. Also, if the operator presses the interlock button 31i before performing various processes in step S406, various image processes for the subsequent one image (for example, a diagnostic image) will be performed as a reference image that is the other image. Is similarly performed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3A, since the reference image is inverted and symmetrical with respect to the diagnostic image and the reference line 40, processing such as movement and enlargement is performed with reference to the reference line 40. A process similar to the process for the image is performed on the reference image. Thus, when the region of interest 38 of the diagnostic image is moved closer to the reference line 40, the comparison region 39 of the reference image also moves closer to the reference line 40, so that the region of interest 38 and the comparison region 39 are located in the vicinity. The display state can be set.

[Other display examples]
Up to this point, the processing in the case where two images are arranged symmetrically and displayed has been described. Next, the same applies to the case where one image is divided and displayed on two reference lines (dividing lines). This processing is possible and will be described below. FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen in which one image is divided into two images along a reference line and arranged and displayed. The case where one image is divided into two in this way is, for example, a case where left and right lungs are compared in one chest X-ray image. In FIG. 5A, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 3A described above are the same, and a description thereof will be omitted. 41 is a left image divided into two, and 42 is a right image. An arrow 43 indicates the moving direction of the left image 41, and an arrow 44 indicates the moving direction of the right image 42. In the present embodiment, a part of the left lung of the left image 41 is set as the region of interest 38, and a part of the right lung of the right image 42 corresponding to the region of interest 38 is set as the comparison region 49.

  The reference line set on one image is set by the processing of the center line setting processing unit 2053 when the operator presses the center line setting button 31c shown in FIG. At this time, the center line setting processing unit 2053 may set the reference line on the image by causing the image display unit 202 to allow the operator to specify the start point and end point of the reference line on the GUI screen, or the center line setting processing unit 2053 may automatically set the reference line at the center of the image using image processing. If the operator drags the left image 41 at the position of the pointer 35 and moves it in the direction of the arrow 43, the other image processing unit 2054 (even if the right image 42 is not inverted) As indicated by the arrow 44 in 5-1, a process of moving the right image 42 in conjunction with the arrow 43 indicating the movement of the left image 41 with respect to the reference line 40 so as to be symmetrical is performed.

  Here, a processing example according to a doctor's operation for bringing the region of interest 38 and the comparison region 39 close to each other so as to be easily compared will be described using a simple image diagram of the image display region 32. FIG. 5-2 is a diagram for imagining a process according to a doctor's operation for bringing the region of interest 38 and the comparison region 39 close to each other so as to be easily compared. First, when the doctor presses the center line setting button 31c, the reference line 40 is displayed at the center of the image 3 in the image display area 32 as shown in FIG. Is done. Next, when the reference line 40 is set by the processing of the center line setting processing unit 2053, two images, that is, the left image 3 and the right image 3 are obtained as shown in FIG. Here, the left side of the reference line 40 is the left side of the image 3, and the right side is the right side of the image 3. Next, when the doctor presses the move button 31e after pressing the interlock button 31i and drags the left side of the image 3 to move in the direction of the arrow 50 as shown in FIG. Thus, the right side of the image 3 also moves in the direction of the arrow 51 so as to be symmetrical with respect to the reference line 40. Accordingly, even when the region of interest 38 and the comparison region 39 are separated as shown in FIG. 5A, the region can be moved closer to the moving process.

[Effect of alignment processing]
An example of the effect of the alignment process described above will be described in more detail.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an effect example of the alignment process. As shown in FIG. 6A, the image 60 as a diagnostic image and the image 61 as a reference image have the same image size, but the position of the subject image (chest X-ray image) is shifted. The image 60 (diagnostic image) includes a region of interest 62, and the image 61 (reference image) includes a comparison region 63. Here, a case will be described in which the above reversal processing and movement processing are performed on these two images without performing alignment processing. First, as shown in FIG. 6B, the image 61 is reversed, and then, as shown in FIG. 6C, the region of interest 62 and the comparison region 63 are moved in conjunction with each other. Accordingly, the state shown in FIG. 6C is obtained, and the region of interest 62 is sufficiently close to the reference line 40, but there may be a problem that the comparison region 63 is separated from the reference line 40.

  Next, a case will be described in which the reversal process and the movement process described above are performed after the alignment process is performed on two images. First, as shown in FIG. 6D, for example, alignment processing for correcting the position of the image 61 is performed so that the region of interest 62 that is a place to be compared and the comparison region 63 overlap. At this time, it is desirable that the image display unit 202 displays the image 61 on the display unit 104 in a translucent manner so that the operator can see which part of the two images overlaps. When the registration process by the image superposition is completed, as shown in FIG. 6E, the image 61 is inverted, and the image 60 and the image 61 after the alignment process and the inversion process are connected to the reference line 40. Symmetric arrangement with respect to. Next, by performing a movement process as shown in FIG. 6 (f), the region of interest 62 and the comparison region 63 are displayed near the reference line 40. As can be seen by comparing FIG. 6C and FIG. 6F, the region of interest 62 and the comparison region 63 can be displayed closer to each other by performing the alignment process.

  In the above-described alignment processing, the alignment is performed by superimposing the two images. However, this is not limited to this, and the operator moves one image by visual observation so that the approximate position of the other image is obtained. You may combine them. Further, the anatomical structure of the image may be detected by image processing, and the alignment processing unit 2051 may automatically perform alignment of the lung field portion, the spine, and the like.

[Example of enlargement / reduction processing]
A specific example of the enlargement / reduction process in the above-described embodiment is shown below.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the enlargement / reduction processing in conjunction with the left and right images. In the first enlargement example, when an area of an image is to be enlarged or reduced, if the area 71 is designated and enlarged with a mouse or the like, the corresponding area 72 in the other image is enlarged or reduced in conjunction with it. It is an example. In addition, since it is considered that the region of interest and the comparison region are in the vicinity of the reference line 40 in the enlargement example 2, even if the region is not specified, the enlargement / reduction is performed around the reference line 40 only by issuing an enlargement / reduction instruction. Is an example of Thus, it is possible to avoid displaying an uninterested area in an enlarged or reduced manner. In the enlargement example 1, an example in which the rectangular area 71 is designated with a mouse or the like for designation of the enlargement / reduction area is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. -You can specify the center point of reduction or display an enlargement / reduction pointer that can move on the image, and the point with the enlargement / reduction pointer can be used as the center point of enlargement / reduction. Various methods for designating the area and the center point can be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where two images are arranged and displayed on the left and right has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the two images may be arranged and displayed on the top and bottom. In this case, the process for the other image that is linked to the process for one image is not symmetrical but is vertically symmetric.

Further, it has been described that the processing units of the image search receiving unit 203, the image display unit 202, and the image processing unit 205 illustrated in FIG. 2 are realized by the control of the control unit 102 of FIG. (Central processing unit) realizes the function by reading a program for realizing the function of each processing unit from the memory and executing it. A part or all of the functions realized by executing the program may be realized by hardware.
The memory includes a nonvolatile memory such as a hard disk device, a magneto-optical disk device, and a flash memory, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM that can only be read, and a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). Or a computer-readable / writable recording medium based on a combination thereof.

  4 is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium is read into the computer system and executed to execute each processing. May be performed. Here, the “computer system” includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices.

  The “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a storage device such as a flexible medium, a magneto-optical disk, a portable medium such as a ROM and a CD-ROM, and a hard disk incorporated in a computer system. Further, the “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a volatile memory (RAM) in a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. In addition, those holding a program for a certain period of time are also included.

The program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the “transmission medium” for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line.
The program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, what can implement | achieve the function mentioned above in combination with the program already recorded on the computer system, what is called a difference file (difference program) may be sufficient.

A program product such as a computer-readable recording medium in which the above program is recorded can also be applied as an embodiment of the present invention. The above program, recording medium, transmission medium, and program product are included in the scope of the present invention.
The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes design and the like within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention.

It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of the image display apparatus of the X-ray image which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the function structure of the image display apparatus of the X-ray image which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an image comparison screen that the image display unit 202 displays on the display unit 104. FIG. It is a figure for imagining the process according to the operation of the doctor who brings the region of interest 38 and the comparison region 39 close to each other easily. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the image display apparatus in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen which arrange | positions and arrange | positions and displays one image divided into two images with a reference line. It is a figure for imagining the process according to the operation of the doctor who brings the region of interest 38 and the comparison region 39 close to each other easily. It is a figure which shows the example of an effect of a positioning process. It is a figure which shows the specific example of an enlarging / reducing process in conjunction with the left and right images.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Input part 102 Control part 103 Data storage part 104 Display part 201 Search instruction | indication part 202 Image display part 203 Image search receiving part 204 Image storage part 205 Image processing part 2051 Positioning process part 2052 Interlock process switching process part 2053 Centerline setting process Part 2054 Other image processing part

Claims (18)

Display means for displaying a plurality of images;
When a plurality of images including a common subject image are displayed on the display means, one or more of the plurality of images are reversed, and a set of the reversed image and the non-reversed image is set. Reversing arrangement means arranged so as to be substantially symmetrical with respect to the reference line,
Image processing means for performing first image processing on one image in the set of images arranged by the inversion arrangement means;
The second image processing corresponding to the first image processing performed by the image processing means is performed in conjunction with the first image processing on the other image arranged symmetrically with respect to the reference line. An image display device comprising: interlocking processing means. Display means for displaying a plurality of images;
When a first image is displayed on the display means, a previous dividing line is set for the first image, and the first image is divided into a plurality of second images with the dividing line as a boundary. Dividing means to divide into
Image processing means for performing first image processing on a specific second image in the plurality of second images divided by the dividing means;
Interlocking processing means for performing second image processing corresponding to the first image processing performed by the image processing means on another second image in conjunction with the first image processing. An image display device characterized by the above.   The first image processing performed by the image processing means and the second image processing performed by the interlock processing means in conjunction with the first image processing include image movement, image enlargement, image reduction, The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the image display device is any one of frequency enhancement processing, gradation processing, and measurement processing.   In the case where the first image processing performed by the image processing means is a process of moving the one image, the interlocking processing means performs the second image processing of the one image in the first image processing. The image display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a process of moving the other image is performed so that the movement is substantially symmetrical with respect to the reference line.   In the case where the first image processing performed by the image processing means is a process of moving the specific second image, the interlock processing means is configured to specify the specific image in the first image processing as the second image processing. 3. The image display according to claim 2, wherein the second image is moved so as to be substantially symmetric with respect to the dividing line with respect to the movement of the second image. apparatus.   When the first image processing performed by the image processing unit is a process of measuring the one image, the interlock processing unit is configured to perform the second image processing as the one of the one images in the first image processing. The image display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a process of measuring the other image is performed so as to measure a portion substantially symmetrical with respect to the reference line with respect to the measurement portion.   When the first image processing performed by the image processing unit is a process of measuring the specific second image, the interlock processing unit is configured to specify the specific image in the first image processing as the second image processing. 3. The image according to claim 2, wherein a process of measuring the other second image is performed so as to measure a portion substantially symmetric with respect to the dividing line with respect to the measurement portion of the second image. Display device.   In a case where the first image processing performed by the image processing means is a process of enlarging / reducing the one image, the interlock processing means is configured to perform the one image processing in the first image processing as the second image processing. The image display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a process of enlarging / reducing the other image is performed so that the image is enlarged / reduced and enlarged / reduced substantially symmetrically with respect to the reference line.   In the case where the first image processing performed by the image processing means is a process of enlarging / reducing the specific second image, the interlocking processing means is configured to perform the first image processing as the second image processing. 3. The process of enlarging / reducing the other second image so as to enlarge / reduce the specific second image and enlarge / reduce substantially symmetrically with respect to the dividing line. The image display device described in 1.   When the first image processing performed by the image processing unit and the second image processing performed by the interlock processing unit in conjunction with the first image processing are enlargement / reduction of an image, the reference line is set. The image display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein enlargement / reduction is performed based on a reference.   When the first image processing performed by the image processing unit and the second image processing performed by the interlock processing unit in conjunction with the first image processing are enlargement / reduction of an image, the dividing line is added. The image display device according to claim 2, wherein enlargement / reduction is performed based on a reference.   12. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising control means for controlling whether or not the interlock processing means performs the second image processing in conjunction with the first image processing. The image display device according to item 1. An alignment unit that aligns a part or the whole of the subject image between the plurality of images displayed on the display unit;
The image display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reverse arrangement unit performs reverse arrangement processing on the plurality of images aligned by the alignment unit.   It further comprises display control means for displaying on the display means instruction means operable by a user to instruct alignment processing by the alignment means and inversion and arrangement processing by the inversion arrangement means. The image display device according to claim 13. An image display method using an image display device comprising a display means for displaying a plurality of images,
A display step of displaying a plurality of images on the display means;
An inversion step of inverting one or more images among the plurality of images displayed in the display step;
An arrangement step of arranging the image inverted in the inversion step and the image not inverted as a set so as to be substantially symmetrical with respect to a reference line;
The first image processing is performed on one image in the set of images arranged in the arrangement step, and the second image processing corresponding to the first image processing is substantially performed with respect to the reference line. An image processing method comprising: an image processing step performed in conjunction with the first image processing for the other image arranged symmetrically. An image display method using an image display device comprising a display means for displaying a plurality of images,
A display step of displaying a first image on the display means;
A setting step for setting a dividing line for the first image displayed in the display step;
A dividing step of dividing the first image into a plurality of second images with the dividing line set in the setting step as a boundary;
The first image processing is performed on a specific second image in the plurality of second images divided by the dividing step, and the second image processing corresponding to the first image processing is performed on another An image display method comprising: an image processing step performed on the second image in conjunction with the first image processing. A program for an image display device comprising a display means for displaying a plurality of images,
A display step of displaying a plurality of images on the display means;
An inversion step of inverting one or more images among the plurality of images displayed in the display step;
An arrangement step of arranging the image inverted in the inversion step and the image not inverted as a set so as to be substantially symmetrical with respect to a reference line;
The first image processing is performed on one image in the set of images arranged in the arrangement step, and the second image processing corresponding to the first image processing is substantially performed with respect to the reference line. A program for causing the image display device to execute an image processing step performed in conjunction with the first image processing on the other image arranged symmetrically. A program for an image display device comprising a display means for displaying a plurality of images,
A display step of displaying a first image on the display means;
A setting step for setting a dividing line for the first image displayed in the display step;
A dividing step of dividing the first image into a plurality of second images with the dividing line set in the setting step as a boundary;
The first image processing is performed on a specific second image in the plurality of second images divided by the dividing step, and the second image processing corresponding to the first image processing is performed on another A program for causing the image display device to execute an image processing step performed in conjunction with the first image processing on the second image.

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