JP2006068038A - Method, apparatus and program for displaying medical image - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To carry out image processing and image display proper for displaying of a partial area in the case of displaying the partial area in addition to the display of the whole image. <P>SOLUTION: This apparatus comprises: a partial area extraction means 130 for extracting the mentioned part of the area from the whole image data and carrying out extraction so that the partial area may move in the whole image data; an image processing means 150 for carrying out the image processing to the whole image data and carrying out image processing which is the same kind as that of the image processing to the whole image data so as to be a parameter proper to only the image data included in the partial area; and an image display means 160 for window-displaying the image data of the partial area image-processed by the image processing means to the whole image data image-processed by the image processing means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a medical image display method, a medical image display device, and a medical image display program for displaying a medical image such as a radiographic image, and more specifically, a medical image suitable for diagnosis or the like can be displayed by a simple operation. The present invention relates to a medical image display method, a medical image display device, and a medical image display program.

  In recent years, an apparatus capable of directly capturing a medical image such as a radiographic image as a digital image has been developed. For example, as a device for detecting a radiation dose applied to a subject and obtaining a radiographic image formed in accordance with the detected dose as an electrical signal, a method using a detector using a stimulable phosphor is disclosed in JP Many publications such as 55-12429 and JP 63-189853 are disclosed.

  In such a device, a stimulable phosphor is applied to a sheet-like substrate or fixed to the detector by vapor deposition or the like, and once irradiated with radiation that has passed through the subject, the stimulable phosphor absorbs the radiation.

  Thereafter, the stimulable phosphor is excited by light or heat energy, and the stimulating phosphor emits radiation energy accumulated by the absorption as fluorescence, and the fluorescence is photoelectrically converted. An image signal is obtained.

  On the other hand, a charge corresponding to the intensity of irradiated radiation is generated in the photoconductive layer, the generated charge is accumulated in a plurality of capacitors arranged two-dimensionally, and the accumulated charges are taken out. Medical image detection devices (radiation image detection devices) have been proposed.

  In such a medical image detection apparatus, a so-called flat panel detector (FPD) is used. As described in JP-A-9-90048, this type of FPD includes a phosphor that emits fluorescence corresponding to the intensity of irradiated radiation, and fluorescence emitted from the phosphor directly or through a reduction optical system. Known is a combination of a photodiode that receives light and performs photoelectric conversion, or a combination of photoelectric conversion elements such as a CCD.

  In addition, as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-342098, there is also known one that directly converts irradiated radiation into electric charges. In these medical image detection apparatuses, it is common to perform image processing such as gradation conversion processing and edge enhancement processing on an acquired image so as to be an image suitable for diagnosis.

  Note that when a medical image based on the image data obtained in this way is displayed or output, image processing is performed so that the medical image is easy to view without being subjected to changes in imaging conditions.

  Therefore, after obtaining a cumulative histogram of image data in a desired region of a medical image, image processing is performed by setting a data level at which the cumulative histogram is a predetermined ratio as a reference signal value. It is described in Document 1.

Note that a medical image display device that displays this type of medical image has a function called a “magnifying glass”, and a specified part of a region can be cut out and displayed or enlarged. It has been broken.
JP-A-6-61325 (first page, FIG. 1)

In the above magnifying glass function in the medical image display apparatus, the operator must designate the designated area. For this reason, operation was very troublesome.
Further, the image processing for the medical image is optimized for the entire image. That is, gradation processing, frequency processing, equalization processing, and the like are collectively performed on the entire image. For this reason, when it sees about a part field displayed with a magnifying glass function, it is not optimal in many cases.

  For example, since the gradation distribution covers a wide range in the entire image, the gradation processing is gentle so that the entire image is within the output luminance range of the display unit. For this reason, when looking at a part of the area displayed with the magnifying glass function, there are many areas where signal values do not exist and are not used for gradation processing. In many cases, it is not suitable for reading.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a medical image display method, a medical image display device, and a medical image display program capable of displaying a part of an area in addition to the entire display with a simple operation. It aims at realizing.

  Further, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and when displaying a partial area in addition to the entire display, image processing and image suitable for displaying the partial area are provided. It is an object of the present invention to realize a medical image display method, a medical image display apparatus, and a medical image display program capable of performing display.

That is, the above-described problems can be solved by the inventions listed below.
(1) The invention according to claim 1 is a medical image display method for displaying an image of image data generated by photographing a subject, and performing image processing on the entire image data to display the image. Extracting a part of the entire image data as a part of the image data and extracting the partial area so as to move in the whole of the image data. The image processing is executed so that only the image data included in the partial area has an appropriate parameter, and the image data of the partial area subjected to the image processing is subjected to image processing in the image processing step. This is a medical image display method characterized in that a window is displayed for the entire image data.

  In the present invention, image processing is performed on the entire image data to display an image, and a partial area is extracted as a partial area from the entire image data, and the partial area is included in the entire image data. The image processing is performed so as to be an appropriate parameter for only the image data included in the partial area, and the image processing is performed so as to be the same parameter as the image processing for the entire image data. The image data of the partial area is displayed in a window with respect to the entire image data.

  (2) The invention according to claim 2 is a medical image display device for displaying image data generated by photographing a subject, wherein a part of the entire image data is a part of the part. Extracting and extracting the partial area so that the partial area moves in the entire image data; performing image processing on the entire image data; and image for the entire image data Image processing means for executing image processing of the same type as the processing so that only appropriate image data is included in the partial area, and the image of the partial area subjected to image processing by the image processing means A medical image display device comprising: image display means for displaying data on the entire image data image-processed by the image processing means.

  In the present invention, image processing is performed on the entire image data to display an image, and a partial area is extracted as a partial area from the entire image data, and the partial area is included in the entire image data. The image processing is performed so as to be an appropriate parameter for only the image data included in the partial area, and the image processing is performed so as to be the same parameter as the image processing for the entire image data. The image data of the partial area is displayed in a window with respect to the entire image data.

(3) The invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that, in claim 2, the window display is made at the position of the partial area.
In the present invention, image processing of the same type as the image processing for the entire image data is executed so as to be appropriate parameters only for the image data included in the partial area, and the image data of the partial area subjected to the image processing is processed. When the window is displayed, the window is displayed at the position of the partial area.

(4) The invention described in claim 4 is characterized in that, in claim 2, the window display is made at a position different from the position of the partial area.
In the present invention, image processing of the same type as the image processing for the entire image data is executed so as to be appropriate parameters only for the image data included in the partial area, and the image data of the partial area subjected to the image processing is processed. When the window is displayed, the window is displayed at a position different from the partial area.

  (5) The invention according to claim 5 is the display device according to claim 2, wherein the window display is made at a position different from the position of the partial area, and the partial area that is being displayed as the window display is displayed. The position is displayed.

  In the present invention, image processing of the same type as the image processing for the entire image data is executed so as to be appropriate parameters only for the image data included in the partial area, and the image data of the partial area subjected to the image processing is processed. When the window is displayed, the window is displayed at a position different from the partial area, and the position of the partial area that is the base during the window display is displayed.

(6) The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that, in any one of claims 2 to 5, the window display is an image enlarged with respect to the image of the partial region.
In the present invention, image processing of the same type as the image processing for the entire image data is executed so as to be appropriate parameters only for the image data included in the partial area, and the image data of the partial area subjected to the image processing is processed. Zoom in and display the window.

  (7) The invention according to claim 7 is the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the image processing in the image processing means is at least one of gradation processing, frequency processing, and equalization processing. Features.

  In the present invention, image processing (at least one of gradation processing, frequency processing, and equalization processing) similar to the image processing for the entire image data is an appropriate parameter for only the image data included in a partial area. The image data of the partial area subjected to the image processing is displayed in a window.

  (8) In the invention according to claim 8, in any one of claims 2 to 7, the image data is generated by radiographing a subject, and the partial area extraction unit includes: A partial area is extracted as a partial area from the entire image data, excluding the irradiation field and the direct radiation field area.

  In this invention, the same kind of image processing as the image processing for the entire image data generated by radiographing the subject is performed, and a part of the region is excluded from the region excluding the irradiation field and the direct irradiation field region. The image data is extracted as a region and executed so that only the image data included in the partial region has an appropriate parameter, and the image data of the partial region subjected to the image processing is displayed in a window.

  (9) The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the partial region extraction means is included in the entire region of the image data and is determined from a region of interest determined separately. It is characterized in that a part of the region is extracted as a part of the region.

  In the present invention, a part of a region of interest determined separately is extracted as a part of the region, and the entire image data is set so as to be an appropriate parameter only for the image data included in the part of region. The same kind of image processing as that of the image processing is executed, and the image data of the partial region subjected to the image processing is displayed in a window.

  (10) A tenth aspect of the present invention is the method according to any one of the second to ninth aspects, wherein a diagnostic result is obtained based on a predetermined diagnostic criterion regarding the partial area extracted by the partial area extracting means. A diagnostic unit is provided, and the image display unit displays the diagnostic result together with the image data of the partial area and the entire image data.

  In the present invention, image processing of the same type as the image processing for the entire image data is executed so as to be appropriate parameters only for the image data included in the partial area, and the image data of the partial area subjected to the image processing is processed. A window is displayed, and the diagnostic results obtained for some areas are also displayed.

  (11) In the invention described in claim 11, when a predetermined result is included in the diagnostic result obtained by the diagnostic means, the window display regarding an image of a partial region at a position where the predetermined result is included. The medical image display device according to claim 10, wherein the image is displayed at a predetermined magnification.

  In the present invention, image processing of the same type as the image processing for the entire image data is executed so as to be appropriate parameters only for the image data included in the partial area, and the image data of the partial area subjected to the image processing is processed. The window is displayed, and when the diagnosis result is predetermined, the window display is displayed at a predetermined magnification.

  (12) The invention according to claim 12 is provided with operation means for receiving an input of an operation relating to image display, and the control means receives the operation of interrupting the extraction movement by the operation means, and in the partial area extraction means The time when the movement of the extraction position of the partial area in the partial area extraction unit is interrupted by performing the control of interrupting the movement of the extraction position of the partial area and receiving the operation of resuming the interruption by the operation unit. The medical image display apparatus according to claim 2, wherein control for restarting from the position at is performed.

  In the present invention, image processing of the same type as the image processing for the entire image data is executed so as to be appropriate parameters only for the image data included in the partial area, and the image data of the partial area subjected to the image processing is processed. The window is displayed, control for interrupting the movement of the extraction position is performed in response to the operation for interrupting the extraction movement, and control for restarting the movement of the extraction position from the position at the interruption time is performed in response to the operation for restarting the interruption.

  (13) The invention according to claim 13 is a medical image display program for displaying an image of image data generated by photographing a subject, and performing image processing on the entire image data to display the image. An overall image processing display routine; an extraction routine that extracts a partial area from the entire image data as a partial area and performs extraction so that the partial area moves within the entire image data; The same kind of image processing as the image processing for the entire image data is executed so as to be an appropriate parameter only for the image data included in the partial area, and the image data of the partial area subjected to the image processing is A window processing display routine for displaying a window on the entire image data subjected to the image processing in the image processing step. Is a view program.

  In the present invention, image processing is performed on the entire image data to display an image, and a partial area is extracted as a partial area from the entire image data, and the partial area is included in the entire image data. The image processing is performed so as to be an appropriate parameter for only the image data included in the partial area, and the image processing is performed so as to be the same parameter as the image processing for the entire image data. The image data of the partial area is displayed in a window with respect to the entire image data.

According to the present invention, the effects listed below can be obtained.
(1) In the first aspect of the invention, image processing is performed on the entire image data to display an image, and a partial area is extracted as a partial area from the entire image data, and the partial area Is extracted so as to move in the entire image data, and image processing of the same type as the image processing for the entire image data is set to an appropriate parameter only for the image data included in the partial area. The image data of the partial area that has been executed and processed is displayed in a window for the entire image data.

  In other words, when displaying a partial area in addition to the entire display of a medical image, the image display of the partial area is also displayed in a window after executing image processing that is an appropriate parameter. It is possible to display a part of the area in addition to the whole display by the operation, and it is possible to perform appropriate image processing and image display for each part of the whole image.

  (2) In the invention described in claim 2, image processing is executed on the entire image data to display an image, and a partial area is extracted as a partial area from the entire image data. Is extracted so as to move in the entire image data, and image processing of the same type as the image processing for the entire image data is set to an appropriate parameter only for the image data included in the partial area. The image data of the partial area that has been executed and processed is displayed in a window for the entire image data.

In other words, when displaying a partial area in addition to the entire display of a medical image, the image display of the partial area is also displayed in a window after executing image processing that is an appropriate parameter. It is possible to display a part of the area in addition to the whole display by the operation, and it is possible to perform appropriate image processing and image display for each part of the whole image.

(3) In the invention described in claim 3, image processing of the same type as the image processing for the entire image data is executed so as to be appropriate parameters only for the image data included in the partial area, and the image processing is performed. When the image data of the partial area is displayed in the window, the window is displayed at the position of the partial area.

  That is, when a partial area is displayed in addition to the entire display of the medical image, image processing that is an appropriate parameter is performed on the image data of the partial area, and then a window is displayed at the position of the partial area. Since it is displayed, it is possible to perform appropriate image processing and image display for each partial area of the entire image, and the visibility of the partial area is improved and the specific area is confirmed while checking the position. Can be observed.

  (4) In the invention described in claim 4, the image processing of the same type as the image processing for the entire image data is executed so as to be appropriate parameters only for the image data included in the partial area, and the image processing is performed. When the image data of the partial area is displayed in a window, the window is displayed at a position different from the partial area.

  That is, when displaying a partial area in addition to the entire display of the medical image, image processing that is an appropriate parameter is performed on the image data of the partial area, and then the image of the partial area is separated. Since the window is displayed at a certain position, it is possible to perform appropriate image processing and image display for each partial area of the entire image, and the visibility of the partial area is improved and only a certain area is displayed. By observing the image, it becomes possible to diagnose the entire image, and the operator's work is reduced.

  (5) In the invention described in claim 5, image processing of the same type as the image processing for the entire image data is executed so as to be appropriate parameters only for the image data included in the partial area, and the image processing is performed. When the image data of the partial area is displayed in a window, the window is displayed at a position different from the partial area, and the position of the partial area that is the base during the window display is displayed.

  That is, when displaying a partial area in addition to the entire display of the medical image, image processing that is an appropriate parameter is performed on the image data of the partial area, and then the image of the partial area is separated. Since the window is displayed at a certain position and the position of the partial area that is the origin of the window display is displayed, it is possible to perform appropriate image processing and image display for each partial area of the entire image, The visibility of the partial area is also improved, and the location of the partial area is also clear. The entire image can be diagnosed by observing only a certain area, and the operator's work is reduced. At the same time, the display position can be easily confirmed as necessary.

  (6) In the invention described in claim 6, image processing of the same type as the image processing for the entire image data is executed so as to be appropriate parameters only for the image data included in the partial area, and the image processing is performed. The image data of a partial area is enlarged and displayed in a window.

  That is, when displaying a partial area in addition to the entire display of a medical image, the image data of the partial area is subjected to image processing that is an appropriate parameter, and then the partial area is enlarged. Since the window is displayed, appropriate image processing and image display can be performed for each partial area of the entire image, and the visibility of the partial area is improved.

  (7) In the invention described in claim 7, image processing (at least one of gradation processing, frequency processing, and equalization processing) similar to the image processing for the entire image data is applied only to the image data included in the partial area. The image data of the partial area subjected to the image processing is displayed in a window.

  That is, when displaying a partial area in addition to the entire display of a medical image, the same kind of image processing (at least one of gradation processing, frequency processing, and equalization processing) as the image processing for the entire image data is performed. Since the image data of the partial area is executed so as to be appropriate parameters, appropriate gradation processing, frequency processing, and equalization processing can be performed for each partial area of the entire image.

  For this reason, image processing with appropriate parameters is possible based on the tone distribution, frequency distribution, dynamic range, etc. of each partial area without being affected by the tone distribution, frequency distribution, dynamic range, etc. of the entire image. become.

  (8) In the invention according to claim 8, the same kind of image processing as the image processing for the entire image data generated by radiographing the subject is performed from the areas excluding the irradiation field and the direct irradiation field area. A partial area is extracted as a partial area, and is executed so that only the image data included in the partial area has an appropriate parameter, and the image data of the partial area subjected to image processing is displayed in a window.

  That is, when displaying a partial area in addition to the entire display of a medical image by radiography, appropriate parameters are also set for image data of the partial area included in the area excluding the outside irradiation field and the direct irradiation field area. Since the window display is performed after the image processing is executed, appropriate image processing and image display can be performed for each partial area of the entire image.

  (9) In the invention according to claim 9, a partial area is extracted as a partial area from the separately determined regions of interest, and becomes an appropriate parameter only for image data included in the partial area. As described above, the same kind of image processing as the image processing is performed on the entire image data, and the image data of the partial region subjected to the image processing is displayed in a window.

  That is, when a partial area is determined and displayed from the region of interest, the image is displayed as a window after executing image processing as an appropriate parameter for the image data of the partial area. It is possible to perform appropriate image processing and image display for each partial region in the region of interest.

  (10) In the invention described in claim 10, image processing of the same type as the image processing for the entire image data is executed so as to be an appropriate parameter only for the image data included in the partial area, and the image processing is performed. The image data of the partial area is displayed in a window, and the diagnosis result obtained for the partial area is also displayed.

  In other words, when displaying a partial area in addition to the entire display of a medical image, the image data of the partial area is displayed as a window after image processing that is an appropriate parameter is performed, and the partial area is displayed. In addition to displaying the entire display, it is possible to display an image of a part of the area and display the diagnosis result with a simple operation. Image processing and image display can be performed.

  (11) In the invention described in claim 11, the image processing of the same type as the image processing for the entire image data is executed so as to be appropriate parameters only for the image data included in the partial area, and the image processing is performed. The image data of a partial area is displayed in a window, and when the diagnosis result is predetermined, the window display is displayed at a predetermined magnification.

  That is, when displaying a partial area in addition to the entire display of a medical image, image processing that is an appropriate parameter is performed on the image data of the partial area, and then the partial area is displayed in a window. When the diagnosis result is a predetermined value, the window display is displayed so as to have a predetermined magnification. Therefore, it is possible to perform appropriate image processing and image display for each partial area for the entire image. Visibility of a part of the area is improved, and interpretation performance of a lesioned part is improved.

  (12) In the invention described in claim 12, the same kind of image processing as the image processing for the entire image data is executed so as to be an appropriate parameter only for the image data included in the partial area, and the image processing is performed. The image data of a part of the area is displayed in a window. Control is performed to stop the movement of the extraction position in response to the operation for interrupting the extraction movement, and the movement of the extraction position is resumed from the position at the time of the interruption in response to the operation for restarting the interruption. Take control.

  That is, when displaying a partial area in addition to the entire display of a medical image, the image data of the partial area is also subjected to image processing that is an appropriate parameter, and then the partial area is moved. The window is displayed and the visibility of any partial area is improved by interrupting and resuming the movement of this partial area, and appropriate image processing and image display can be performed for each partial area of the entire image. It becomes possible.

  (13) In the invention described in claim 13, image processing is executed on the entire image data to display an image, and a partial area is extracted as a partial area from the entire image data. Is extracted so as to move in the entire image data, and image processing of the same type as the image processing for the entire image data is set to an appropriate parameter only for the image data included in the partial area. The image data of the partial area that has been executed and processed is displayed in a window for the entire image data.

  That is, by operating this medical image display program, when displaying a partial area in addition to the entire display of the medical image, image processing that is an appropriate parameter is executed for the image data of the partial area. Since it is displayed in the window afterwards, it is possible to display a part of the area in addition to the whole display with a simple operation, and to perform appropriate image processing and image display for each part of the whole image. Is possible.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of a medical image display method, a medical image display apparatus, and a medical image display program of the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described. Note that the present invention is not limited thereby.

Note that each means of the embodiment of the present embodiment can be configured by hardware, firmware, or software.
For this reason, FIG. 1 as a block diagram of the medical image display device is shown as a functional block diagram in accordance with the steps of the medical image display method, each means of the medical image display device, and the processing procedure of each routine of the medical image display program. .

  Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 1, the flowchart of FIG. 2, and other explanatory diagrams. Each unit in FIG. 1 represents not only each unit of the image forming apparatus but also each step of the medical image display method and each routine of the medical image display program.

<overall structure>
Inside the medical image display apparatus 100 for displaying image data generated by photographing a subject, a control unit 101 as a control means for controlling each unit, an operation unit 102 for receiving various operation inputs from an operator, and imaging An input interface 110 that accepts input of image data generated by, a storage unit 120 as storage means for storing image data, and a partial area (partial area) of the entire image data is moved within the entire image data A partial area extracting unit 130 as a partial area extracting unit for performing extraction, an image diagnostic unit 140 as a diagnostic unit for obtaining a diagnostic result from image data based on a predetermined diagnostic criterion, Apply image processing such as gradation processing, frequency processing, equalization processing, etc. An image processing unit 150 as an image processing unit that executes image processing for displaying image data in a window, an image display unit 160 as an image display unit that displays image data subjected to image processing and various states, and image processing An output interface 170 for outputting the state-displayable image data to the outside for display or printing is arranged as shown in FIG.

  Here, the control unit 101 accepts (inputs) medical image data from an external device, stores medical image data, extracts a partial area from the entire image data, extracts the partial area, and converts the image data into image data. Image processing for performing image processing on the entire image data and performing image processing for optimally processing image data of a partial region on the entire image data and displaying the window, and various processing associated with sending (output) medical image data to an external device Control.

  In the configuration of FIG. 1, an example is shown in which displayable image data with a window display image-processed by the image processing unit 150 can be stored in the storage unit 120 again.

<Process flow>
The operation of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
For the image data designated by the operator at the operation unit 102, the control unit 101 communicates with an external device (not shown), accepts the corresponding image data via the input interface 110, and stores it in the storage unit 120. (FIG. 2 S1).

  Here, the image processing unit 150 executes predetermined image processing on the entire image data stored in the storage unit 120 based on an instruction from the control unit 101 (S2 in FIG. 2). Here, the predetermined image processing corresponds to image processing such as gradation processing, frequency processing, and equalization processing, for example.

  Here, gradation processing is image processing for changing the gradation of a signal value using a gradation conversion characteristic curve. The frequency processing is image processing that emphasizes or reduces a specific frequency component. Further, the equalization process is a process that makes it possible to fit all regions in an image within a visible range by compressing the dynamic range of the image.

  Here, “to the entire image data” does not necessarily include all pixels of the image data, but means a large area that is not a partial area with respect to a partial area described later. ing. Therefore, the entire region of interest, the entire region excluding the irradiation field, the entire region excluding the direct radiation irradiation region, and the like are included in the case of the entire image data.

  Here, when the image processing in the image processing unit 150 is gradation processing, the signal value distribution is s1 to s2, and the display luminance value displayable range in the image display unit 160 is b1 to b2. The gradation processing is executed by the gradation conversion characteristic curve A having an inclination as shown in FIG. As a result, the entire range of the signal values s1 to s2 falls within the display luminance b1 to b2.

  Then, the image data subjected to the image processing in this way by the image processing unit 150 (whole image data) is displayed on the image display unit 160 (S3 in FIG. 2). FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of image display on the image display unit 160. Here, the display screen 161 shows a state where the upper body including the lung field is displayed as a subject.

  Also, the partial area extraction unit 130 that has received an instruction from the control unit 101 extracts a partial area (partial area) from the entire image data stored in the storage unit 120 (S3 in FIG. 2). . Here, the partial area means an area having a size that is about a fraction of the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the entire size of the image data. The partial area means the size of an image that is read by a radiographer when interpreting a medical image.

  Here, based on an instruction from the control unit 101, the image processing unit 150 performs image processing of the same type as the entire image data on the partial region image data extracted by the partial region extraction unit 130. The image data of a partial area is optimized and executed (S5 in FIG. 2).

  Here, when the image processing in the image processing unit 150 is gradation processing, the signal value distribution is s1 ′ to s2 ′, and the display luminance value displayable range in the image display unit 160 is b1 to b2. If there is, the gradation processing is executed by the gradation conversion characteristic curve B having an inclination as shown in FIG. As a result, the entire range of the signal values s1 'to s2' falls within the display luminance b1 to b2.

  In this case, since the signal value distributions s1 to s2 in FIG. 3A are signal value distributions of all the pixels of the entire image data, they are distributed over a wide range. In contrast, the signal value distributions s1 ′ to s2 ′ in FIG. 3B are signal value distributions of pixels in a partial region that is a part of the entire image data. Distribution is often narrow. For this reason, the gradient of the gradation conversion characteristic curve B is steeper than that of the gradation conversion characteristic curve A. That is, the image data of a partial area is subjected to image processing in a state where contrast is enhanced and sharpened.

  Therefore, since such a narrow signal distribution can be assigned to the entire displayable luminance without waste, it can be said that the image processing is optimized with respect to the image data of the partial area. In FIG. 3, the allocation of the dynamic range for the equalization process is shown. However, for other processes as well, optimized image processing without waste is possible for image data of a partial region. In other words, it is possible to perform image processing with appropriate parameters based on the tone distribution, frequency distribution, dynamic range, etc. for each partial area without being affected by the tone distribution, frequency distribution, dynamic range, etc. of the entire image. Become.

  An image based on the image data of the partial area that has been optimized and processed for the partial area in this way is displayed in a window for the entire image (S6 in FIG. 2). Here, the window display is an image based on image data of a partial region as a separate window 166 on a display screen 161 displaying a whole image, such as a pop-up window or a picture-in-picture. Is displayed.

  In this separate window 166, the image processing optimized for the image data of the partial area is performed, and as a result, the image is in a state suitable for interpretation of the fine portion. For this reason, tumor shadows, microcalcification clusters, and the like are also displayed in a clearer state than the entire image.

  Further, as the image of the partial area displayed in the window, the image data of the partial area may be subjected to the above-described optimized image processing and enlargement processing. That is, the window is displayed in a state where an image of a partial area is enlarged.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, a partial area display frame 164 that indicates which position of the entire image the partial area is extracted from, and a part subjected to optimized image processing and enlarged image processing. An example is shown in which another window 166 that is an image of a region is displayed. Note that the separate window 166 is desirably displayed in a blank area of the entire image.

  When the entire image is displayed on the display screen 161 as described above and the partial area is displayed by the separate window 166, the partial area is extracted while being moved (scanned) over the entire image data. The control unit 101 determines whether extraction of a partial area is completed for the entire data (S7 in FIG. 2).

  When the extraction of the partial area is not completed with respect to the entire image data (N in FIG. 2 S7), the partial area extraction unit 130 that has received an instruction from the control unit 101 stores the image stored in the storage unit 120. The position of the partial area is moved from the entire data (S8 in FIG. 2), and extraction is performed (S3 in FIG. 2).

  Here, when the image processing in the image processing unit 150 is gradation processing, the signal value distribution is s1 ″ to s2 ″, and the display luminance value displayable range in the image display unit 160 is b1 to b2. If there is, the gradation processing is executed by the gradation conversion characteristic curve C having an inclination as shown in FIG. As a result, the entire range of the signal values s1 ″ to s2 ″ falls within the range of the display luminances b1 to b2. In this way, according to the image data of the extracted partial area, the image processing with appropriate parameters is executed in a state where the characteristics of the image processing are optimized.

In addition, when the extraction of the partial area is completed with respect to the entire image data (Y in FIG. 2), the control unit 101 ends the above processing.
In the case of the screen example shown in FIG. 4, the partial area display frame 164 moves within the display screen 161 in accordance with the extraction of the partial area for the entire image by the partial area extraction unit 130. Then, another window 166 displays an image in a state where the optimized and lean image processing is performed on the image data of the partial area extracted while moving at a fixed position.

  As a result, when displaying a partial area in addition to the entire display of the medical image, the image data of the partial area is also displayed in a window after executing image processing with appropriate parameters optimized. Therefore, it is possible to display a part of the area in addition to the whole display with a simple operation, and it is possible to perform appropriate image processing and image display for each part of the whole image. In addition, since the image of the partial area is displayed in a window at a different position, it is possible to perform appropriate image processing and image display for the partial area of the entire image, and to visually recognize the partial area. Also improves.

  That is, when displaying a partial area in addition to the entire display of the medical image, image processing that is an appropriate parameter is performed on the image data of the partial area, and then the image of the partial area is separated. Since the window is displayed at a certain position, it is possible to perform appropriate image processing and image display for each partial area of the entire image, and the visibility of the partial area is improved and only a certain area is displayed. By observing the image, it becomes possible to diagnose the entire image, and the operator's work is reduced.

  Further, when displaying a partial area in addition to the entire display of the medical image, image processing that is an appropriate parameter is performed on the image data of the partial area, and then the image of the partial area is separated. Since the window is displayed at a certain position and the position of the partial area that is the origin of the window display is displayed, it is possible to perform appropriate image processing and image display for each partial area of the entire image, The visibility of the partial area is also improved, and the location of the partial area is also clear. The entire image can be diagnosed by observing only a certain area, and the operator's work is reduced. At the same time, the display position can be easily confirmed as necessary.

  The moving speed of the partial area may be determined in advance so as to be suitable for interpretation, or may be controlled by the control unit 101 in accordance with an acceleration or deceleration instruction input from the operation unit 102. Good. Further, the control unit 101 may stop the extraction of the partial area in response to a stop instruction input from the operation unit 102.

  Further, a diagnostic result regarding a partial region is obtained by the image diagnostic unit 140, and the diagnostic result is synthesized by the image processing unit 150, and the diagnostic result is displayed in a blank portion of the image as shown in FIG. It can be displayed as a window 168.

  In other words, when displaying a partial area in addition to the entire display of a medical image, the image data of the partial area is displayed as a window after image processing that is an appropriate parameter is performed, and the partial area is displayed. In addition to displaying the entire display, it is possible to display an image of a part of the area and display the diagnosis result with a simple operation. Image processing and image display can be performed.

  Further, as shown in the screen example of FIG. 6, the partial area display frame 164 b moves within the display screen 161 in accordance with the extraction of the partial area from the entire image by the partial area extraction unit 130. Then, it is also possible to display an image in a state in which a lean image processing optimized as the image data of the partial area is performed on the partial area display frame 164b.

  That is, it can be said that the window display is performed at the position of the partial region when the image data of the partial region subjected to the image processing is displayed in the window. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the image of the partial area in the partial area display frame 164b is image-processed in a state in which the contrast is emphasized and sharpened.

  As a result, when displaying a partial area in addition to the entire display of the medical image, image processing that is an appropriate parameter is performed on the image data of the partial area, and then the position of the partial area is set. Since the window is displayed, it is possible to perform appropriate image processing and image display for each partial area of the entire image, and the visibility of the partial area is improved and the position is confirmed while checking the position. The region can be observed.

  The moving speed of the partial area may be determined in advance so as to be suitable for interpretation, or may be controlled by the control unit 101 in accordance with an acceleration or deceleration instruction input from the operation unit 102. Good. Further, the control unit 101 may stop the extraction of the partial area in response to a stop instruction input from the operation unit 102.

  Also in the case of FIG. 6, a diagnostic result regarding a partial region is obtained by the image diagnostic unit 140, the diagnostic result is synthesized by the image processing unit 150, and the diagnostic result is displayed in a blank portion of the image. It can be displayed as a window 168.

  In addition, the partial area display frame 164c accompanied by the enlarged display moves in the display screen 161 in accordance with the extraction of the partial area with respect to the entire image by the partial area extracting unit 130. Then, an image that has been subjected to lean image processing optimized as image data of the partial area may be enlarged and displayed in the partial area display frame 164c as shown in FIG. Is possible.

  That is, it can be said that when the image data of the partial area subjected to the image processing is displayed in a window, the window display enlarged at the position of the partial area is displayed. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the image of the partial area in the partial area display frame 164c is image-processed in a state in which the contrast is emphasized and sharpened.

  As a result, when displaying a partial area in addition to the entire display of the medical image, image processing that is an appropriate parameter is performed on the image data of the partial area, and then the position of the partial area is set. Since the window is enlarged and displayed, appropriate image processing and image display can be performed for each partial area of the entire image, and the visibility of the partial area is improved. Then, the specific area can be observed while confirming the original position.

  The moving speed of the partial area may be determined in advance so as to be suitable for interpretation, or may be controlled by the control unit 101 in accordance with an acceleration or deceleration instruction input from the operation unit 102. Good. Further, the control unit 101 may stop the extraction of the partial area in response to a stop instruction input from the operation unit 102. In the case of FIG. 7 as well, the diagnostic result on a partial area is obtained by the image diagnostic unit 140, and the diagnostic result is synthesized by the image processing unit 150, and the diagnostic result is displayed on the blank portion of the image. It can be displayed as a window 168.

  In addition, when processing medical image data generated by radiographing a subject, image processing of the same type as the image processing for the entire image data is performed from a region excluding the irradiation field and the direct irradiation field region. A partial area is extracted as a partial area, and only the image data included in the partial area is executed as an appropriate parameter, and the image data of the partial area subjected to image processing is displayed in a window. desirable.

  That is, when displaying a partial area in addition to the entire display of a medical image by radiography, appropriate parameters are also set for image data of the partial area included in the area excluding the outside irradiation field and the direct irradiation field area. Since the window display is performed after the image processing is executed, appropriate image processing and image display can be performed for each partial area of the entire image.

  In the case of this radiography, the display on any of the display screens in FIGS. 4 to 7 can be applied. Further, in the case of this radiography, the outside radiation field and the direct radiation field area can be displayed as an unnecessary area 169 with a predetermined color or pattern as shown in FIG. In this case, the predetermined color or pattern used for filling as the unnecessary area 169 is preferably a color or pattern that clearly distinguishes the display of the image of the partial area.

  By displaying a predetermined color as such an unnecessary area 169, visibility is improved, and interpretation of a necessary area can be performed more easily. In addition, when a predetermined color is displayed as the unnecessary area 169 in this way, the window displays in FIGS. 4 to 7 can be combined.

  In the case of FIG. 8 as well, a diagnostic result regarding a partial region is obtained by the image diagnostic unit 140, and the diagnostic result is synthesized by the image processing unit 150, and a diagnostic result display window is displayed in the unnecessary region 169 or the like. 168 can be displayed.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the partial area extraction unit 130 that has received an instruction from the control unit 101 moves the position of the partial area from the entire image data stored in the storage unit 120. (FIG. 2S8), extraction is performed (FIG. 2S3).

  Here, since the extraction of the partial region and the image processing are performed for interpretation, in the case of a radiographic image, it is performed in a region excluding the irradiation field and the direct radiation field region. It is desirable. Further, since the extraction of the partial area and the image processing are performed for interpretation, it is more preferable that the partial area extraction and the image processing are performed in a separately determined region of interest.

  In each of the embodiments described above, when the diagnosis result obtained by the image diagnosis unit 140 matches a predetermined lesion or the like, the image processing unit 150 is partially based on an instruction from the control unit 101. Image processing is executed so that the window display of the image of the area becomes a predetermined magnification. That is, when displaying a partial area in addition to the entire display of a medical image, image processing that is an appropriate parameter is performed on the image data of the partial area, and then the partial area is displayed in a window. When the diagnosis result is a predetermined value, the window display is displayed at a predetermined magnification, so that it is possible to perform appropriate image processing and image display for each partial area for the entire image. Visibility of a part of the area is improved, and interpretation performance of a lesioned part is improved.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the control unit 101 performs control to interrupt the movement of the extraction position in the partial region extraction unit 130 in accordance with the extraction movement interruption operation from the operation unit 102. Then, the control unit 101 performs control for resuming the movement of the extraction position in the partial region extraction unit 130 from the position at the time of interruption in response to the operation of resuming interruption from the operation unit 102. That is, when displaying a partial area in addition to the entire display of a medical image, the image data of the partial area is also subjected to image processing that is an appropriate parameter, and then the partial area is moved. The window is displayed and the visibility of any partial area is improved by interrupting and resuming the movement of this partial area, and appropriate image processing and image display can be performed for each partial area of the entire image. It becomes possible.

  Further, in the configuration of each of the above embodiments, a display for moving a partial area can be stored in the storage unit 120 as moving image data. In this case, it is possible to store as a moving image including the state of the partial area extraction interruption and the interruption resumption described above. In this way, it is possible to reproduce the interpretation state.

  In the configuration of each of the embodiments described above, a display for moving a partial area can be output as moving image data to an external device via the output interface 170. As a result, it is possible to perform image display, image storage, and the like with an external device that does not have a function of automatically extracting a partial area.

1 is a block diagram functionally showing the overall configuration of the best mode for carrying out the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the whole process of the best form for implementing this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of the process in the best form for implementing this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of the display in the best form for implementing this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of the display in the best form for implementing this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of the display in the best form for implementing this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of the display in the best form for implementing this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of the display in the best form for implementing this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Control part 102 Operation part 110 Input interface 120 Storage part 130 Partial area extraction part 140 Image diagnostic part 150 Image processing part 160 Image display part 170 Output interface

Claims (13)

A medical image display method for displaying an image of image data generated by photographing a subject,
Image processing is performed on the entire image data to display an image;
Extracting a partial area from the entire image data as a partial area and performing extraction so that the partial area moves in the entire image data,
The same kind of image processing as the image processing for the entire image data is executed so as to be appropriate parameters only for the image data included in the partial area,
The image processed image data of the partial area is displayed in a window with respect to the entire image processed image data.
A medical image display method characterized by the above. A medical image display device that displays an image of image data generated by photographing a subject,
A partial area extracting means for extracting a partial area from the entire image data as a partial area and performing extraction so that the partial area moves in the entire image data;
Image processing is performed on the entire image data, and image processing of the same type as the image processing on the entire image data is performed so that only suitable image data is included in the partial area. Image processing means;
Image display means for displaying the image data of the partial area image-processed by the image processing means with respect to the entire image data image-processed by the image processing means;
A medical image display device comprising: The window display is made at the position of the partial area.
The medical image display device according to claim 2. The window display is made at a position different from the position of the partial area.
The medical image display device according to claim 2. The window display is made at a position different from the position of the partial area,
Displaying the position of the partial area that is being displayed as the window display;
The medical image display device according to claim 2. The window display is an enlarged image of the image of the partial area.
The medical image display device according to claim 2, wherein the medical image display device is a medical image display device. The image processing in the image processing means is at least one of gradation processing, frequency processing, and equalization processing.
The medical image display device according to claim 2, wherein the medical image display device is a medical image display device. The image data is generated by radiographing a subject,
The partial area extraction means extracts a partial area as a partial area from among the entire image data, excluding the outside of the irradiation field and the direct irradiation field area,
The medical image display apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the medical image display apparatus is a medical image display apparatus. The partial area extraction means extracts a partial area as a partial area from the region of interest determined separately in the entire image data.
The medical image display apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the medical image display apparatus is a medical image display apparatus. Diagnosing means for obtaining a diagnosis result based on a predetermined diagnostic criterion for the partial area extracted by the partial area extracting means;
The image display means displays the diagnostic result together when displaying the image data of the partial region and the entire image data.
The medical image display apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the medical image display apparatus is a medical image display apparatus. When a predetermined result is included in the diagnostic result obtained by the diagnostic means, the window display for an image of a partial region at a position including the predetermined result is displayed at a predetermined magnification.
The medical image display device according to claim 10. Comprising an operation means for receiving an input of an operation relating to image display;
The control means performs control to interrupt the movement of the extraction position of the partial area in the partial area extraction means in response to an operation of interruption of extraction movement by the operation means,
In response to an operation of resuming interruption in the operation means, the movement of the extraction position of the partial area in the partial area extraction means is controlled to resume from the position at the time of the interruption,
12. The medical image display device according to claim 2, wherein the medical image display device is a medical image display device. A medical image display program for displaying an image of image data generated by photographing a subject,
An image whole process display routine for executing image processing on the whole image data and displaying an image;
An extraction routine for extracting a partial area from the entire image data as a partial area and performing extraction so that the partial area moves in the entire image data;
The same kind of image processing as the image processing for the entire image data is executed so as to be an appropriate parameter only for the image data included in the partial area, and the image data of the partial area subjected to the image processing is A window processing display routine for displaying windows on the entire image processed image data;
A medical image display program characterized by comprising:

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