JP2008000261A - Method, apparatus, and program for preparing image for observing lumen-like tissue - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method, an apparatus and a program for preparing an image for observing a lumen-like tissue by which the image for observing the lumen-like tissue is prepared suitably even when using image data obtained by an MRI image diagnostic system and by which an operator can judge propriety of the prepared image for observation easily by easily understanding a preparing process of the image for observation. <P>SOLUTION: Designating operation of designating a part of a path line extending along the direction of the long axis of the lumen-like tissue shown in an original image is given, and a path image display processing (step S10) which displays a path image along the path line of the designated part is carried out. Thereafter, correcting operation of correcting the path line shown in the path image is given, and an updated path image display processing (step S20) which displays an updated path image along the corrected path line is carried out two or more times normally. Thus, the image for observation is prepared. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a technique for supporting image diagnosis, and in particular, MRI (magnetic
Resonance imaging (CT), computed tomography (CT), nuclear medicine, and other in-vivo 3D image data obtained from in vivo images of blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, intestinal tracts, trachea, esophageal tubes, etc. The present invention relates to a method for creating an image for observation of a tubular tissue, an apparatus, and a program for creating an image for observation over the long axis direction (length direction, long direction, stretching direction) of the tubular tissue.

  In recent years, an image reconstruction technique called CPR (curved planar reconstruction) has been widely used in diagnostic imaging systems. CPR is a technique for reconstructing 3D image data on a specified arbitrary curved surface into a 2D image, and is classified into Projected CPR, Stretched CPR, Straightened CPR, etc., depending on the final image acquisition method ( (See pages 380-382 of Non-Patent Document 1 below).

  This CPR method is suitable for collecting and displaying information on a luminal tissue that travels in a living body in a complex manner on a two-dimensional image. In recent years, the CPR method is particularly useful for observing coronary blood vessels and cerebral blood vessels of the heart. It is applied to the creation of images and is used for diagnosis of stenotic sites in blood vessels.

  Conventionally, in order to create a blood vessel observation image using the CPR technique, it is necessary to specify in advance the core line (center line) along the long axis direction of the blood vessel to be observed over the entire region to be observed. There are various methods for this purpose (see Patent Documents 1 and 2 below).

  In Patent Document 1 below, on each tomographic image obtained by an image diagnosis system, two points (start point and end point) located in a blood vessel to be observed are defined as an operator (actual person) such as a doctor or an engineer. Describes a technique that can specify the core of a blood vessel three-dimensionally.

  On the other hand, in Patent Document 2 below, an operator designates a point in a blood vessel to be observed on a predetermined image obtained by an image diagnostic system, thereby searching for the stretching direction of the core wire while searching for the core wire of the blood vessel. A method capable of specifying the three-dimensionally is described.

JP 2004-283373 A JP 2004-313736 A Edit Yukio Kuribayashi, Satoshi Sakuma MDCT and MRI for cardiovascular disease

  In the methods described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 described above, image processing such as binarization processing and thinning processing based on the density value of an image obtained by an image diagnostic system is performed in order to identify the core line of a blood vessel. Is required. Such image processing can be performed with high accuracy in the case where an image density value (CT value) is determined in advance for each imaged substance, such as a CT image, but as in an MRI image. In addition, when the image density value for each substance varies depending on the imaging conditions, and it is difficult to discriminate based on the image density value between the blood vessel and other living tissue such as fat, it is difficult to perform with high accuracy.

  For this reason, a technique for creating an image for observation of a luminal tissue is put into practical use in a CT image diagnostic system and used for diagnosis and the like, but has not yet been put into practical use in an MRI diagnostic imaging system.

  Further, in the methods described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 above, the identification of the core wire and creation of the observation image are performed automatically and collectively by the apparatus, so that the creation process of the observation image is performed for an operator such as a doctor. There is an aspect that it is difficult to understand, and there is a problem that it is difficult to determine whether the created observation image properly displays the tubular tissue specified by the operator.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and even when three-dimensional image data obtained by an MRI image diagnostic system is used, an image for observation of a luminal tissue can be appropriately created. In addition, a method for creating an image for observation of a luminal tissue in which the creation process of an image for observation is easy to understand for an operator such as a doctor and the operator can easily determine whether the created image for observation is appropriate. An object is to provide an apparatus and a program.

The method for creating an image for observation of a luminal tissue according to the present invention is based on three-dimensional image data in a living body, and creates a luminal shape for creating an observation image in the longitudinal direction of a luminal tissue to be observed. A method for creating an image for observing a tissue,
A route image along the route line of the designated portion is received in response to a designation operation from the outside that designates a part of the route line extending along the long axis direction of the tubular tissue shown in the original image. After performing route image display processing to display,
In response to an external correction operation for correcting the route line indicated in the route image, an updated route image display process for displaying the updated route image along the corrected route line is performed at least once. ,
The observation image is created.

The route image display process includes:
Based on the three-dimensional image data, an original image creating process for creating the original image showing at least a part of the tubular tissue;
A route line display process for displaying the route line on the original image;
A route curved surface setting process for setting a route curved surface including the displayed route line;
A route image creation process for creating the route image in which image information on the set route curved surface is carried, and
The updated route image display process includes:
A corrected route line display process for displaying the corrected route line on the route image;
A corrected path curved surface setting process for setting a corrected path curved surface including the corrected path line;
It is possible to perform an updated route image creation process for creating the updated route image in which the image information on the set route curved surface after correction is carried.

  Further, in this method for creating an image for observation of a luminal tissue, the luminal tissue is subjected to a change operation from outside to change the observation direction of the luminal tissue shown in the path image, It is preferable to perform a post-change route image display process for displaying a post-change route image showing a state observed from the direction.

In this case, the route image display process after change is
A path curved surface direction changing process for changing the direction of the path curved surface according to the change operation;
The post-change route image creation process for creating the post-change route image in which the image information on the route curved surface after the orientation change is carried can be performed.

  In addition, the tubular tissue image creation program according to the present invention is characterized by comprising each step of causing a computer to execute each process in the tubular tissue image creation method according to the present invention.

Further, the tubular tissue image creation device according to the present invention creates a tubular tissue that creates an observation image in the long axis direction of a tubular tissue to be observed based on in-vivo three-dimensional image data. An image forming apparatus for observation,
An image processing unit, an image display unit, and an operation unit;
The image processing means includes
The route of the designated portion in response to a designation operation from the outside via the operation means, which designates a part of a route line extending along the long axis direction of the tubular tissue shown in the original image A route image display command means for displaying a route image along the line on the image display means;
In response to an external correction operation via the operation unit that corrects the route line indicated in the route image, the updated route image along the corrected route line is displayed on the image display unit. And an updated route image display command means for displaying.

The route image display command means includes:
Based on the three-dimensional image data, original image generating means for generating the original image showing at least a part of the tubular tissue;
Route line display command means for displaying the route line according to the designation operation on the original image;
Route curved surface setting means for setting a route curved surface including the displayed route line;
Route image creation means for creating the route image in which image information on the set route curved surface is carried, and
The updated route image display command means includes:
A corrected route line display command means for displaying a corrected route line according to the correction operation on the route image;
A corrected path curved surface setting means for setting a corrected path curved surface including the corrected path line;
And an updated route image creating means for creating the updated route image in which image information on the set route curved surface after correction is carried.

  Further, in this tubular tissue image creating device, the route image display command means changes the observation direction of the tubular tissue shown in the route image from the outside via the operation means. And a changed route image display command means for displaying the changed route image showing the state of the tubular tissue observed from other directions on the image display means. Is preferred.

In this case, the post-change route image display instruction means
Path curved surface direction changing means for changing the direction of the path curved surface according to the changing operation;
And a post-change route image creating means for creating the post-change route image in which the image information on the route curved surface after the change of direction is carried.

  The above-mentioned “route line” means a curve (including a straight line) extending along the longitudinal direction of the tubular tissue while being located inside the tubular tissue shown on the image. The concept differs from that passing through the central position of the cross-section of the luminal tissue, such as a curve called a core line or a center line. However, the case where the route line corresponds to the core line (center line) is not excluded.

  According to the present invention, the long axis of the designated tubular tissue is sequentially displayed along the route line in accordance with an external operation by an operator such as a doctor or an engineer by providing the above configuration. It is possible to create an image for observation over the direction.

  In the present invention, the route line is specified and corrected based on the operator's judgment, so whether or not the luminal tissue to be observed can be searched correctly depends on the operator's knowledge and the like. Will be affected. However, even in an MRI image in which it is difficult to identify a luminal tissue based on the image density value, it is possible to search for a luminal tissue based on the operator's knowledge and the like. Even in the MRI diagnostic imaging system, the observation image along the long axis direction of the luminal tissue can be appropriately created.

  In addition, since the operator specifies and corrects the route line based on his / her own judgment, the process of creating the observation image is easy to understand, and the obtained observation image appropriately sets the desired luminal tissue. It becomes easy to determine whether the image is displayed, and the observation image can be used for diagnosis or the like.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a luminal tissue observation image creation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The image creating apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is a blood vessel, lymph vessel, intestinal tract, trachea, esophagus to be observed based on in-vivo three-dimensional image data obtained by an image diagnostic system such as MRI, CT, or nuclear medicine. An image for creating an image for observation in the long axis direction of a tubular tissue such as a tube, and having an image processing device 1 as an image processing means composed of a computer or the like, and a display screen composed of a liquid crystal panel or the like An image display device 2 as a display unit and an operation device 3 as an operation unit, which includes a mouse and a keyboard, are provided.

  The image processing apparatus 1 includes a CPU 11 that performs various arithmetic processes and a storage unit such as a RAM and a ROM, and image data that stores in-vivo three-dimensional image data obtained by an image diagnostic system. A storage unit 12 and a created image storage unit 13 that stores the image-processed image are provided. Also, a created image output interface 14 that outputs an image-processed image to the image display device 2, an operation input interface 15 that transmits various operation inputs from the operation device 3 to the control unit, and a communication or storage medium. And an image data interface 16 for transmitting the in-vivo three-dimensional image data input to the control unit 11.

  The storage device in the control unit 11 stores a luminal tissue image creation program according to an embodiment of the present invention for causing the image processing device 1 to execute each process described later. By the control unit 11 that executes the luminal tissue image creation program, the route image display command means, the updated route image display command means, the original image creation means, the route line display command means, the route curved surface setting means, Route image creation means, post-correction route line display command means, post-correction route curved surface setting means, post-update route image creation means, post-change route image display command means, route curved surface direction change means, and post-change route image creation means It is configured.

  Next, the method for creating a tubular tissue image of the present invention will be described. 2 to 5 are diagrams showing a procedure of a luminal tissue image creation method according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a flowchart of observation image creation processing, FIG. 3 is a flowchart of route image display processing, 4 is a flowchart of the post-change route image display process, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the post-update route image display process. Note that the tubular tissue image creating method according to the present embodiment is performed using the tubular tissue image creating apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

  The processing for creating an image for observation of a tubular tissue in the present embodiment is to create an image for observation in the long axis direction of a tubular tissue to be observed based on in-vivo three-dimensional image data. First, in response to an external designation operation (by the operator) that designates a part of a route line extending along the long axis direction of the tubular tissue shown in the original image to be described later, A route image display process for displaying a route image along the route line is performed (step S10 in FIG. 2).

  Next, an updated route image display process for displaying an updated route image along the corrected route line in response to an external correction operation (by the operator) that corrects the route line indicated in the route image. This is performed (step S20 in FIG. 2). This updated route image display process is repeatedly performed until an instruction from the operator is given that the displayed updated route image is an observation image (step S30 in FIG. 2). There is also.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the route image display process, first, an example of an original image creation process for creating an original image showing at least a part of a tubular tissue is performed based on three-dimensional image data (FIG. 3). Step S11). An example of this original image is shown in FIG. The original image 20 illustrated in FIG. 6 is a 3D image of the heart of a human body. For example, three-dimensional image data (volume data) obtained by tomographic imaging of the human body using an MRI image diagnosis system is used. Based on this. The original image 20 can change the observation direction of the displayed heart when the operator performs a predetermined operation on the operation device 3 shown in FIG. 1. The observation direction can be adjusted so that the luminal tissue 21 (coronary blood vessels in this example, shown with hatching in the figure) can be easily seen.

  Next, a route line display process for displaying the route line is performed on the original image 20 (step S12 in FIG. 3). As described above, this route line display processing is performed in response to a designation operation by an operator that designates a part of a route line extending along the long axis direction of the tubular tissue 21 shown in the original image 20. Is called.

  An example of this designation operation is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 show the procedure of the designation operation in the order of (a), (b), and (c). 7 and 8, only the tubular tissue 21 is shown in an enlarged manner.

  The designation operation shown in FIG. 7 is performed using the operation device 3 (see FIG. 1) while positioning the tip of the arrow-shaped pointer 22 shown on the original image 20 in the tubular tissue 21. The inside of the tubular tissue 21 is moved along the long axis direction. By this designation operation, a route line 23 is displayed on the original image 20 along the movement locus of the tip of the pointer 22.

  In another designation operation shown in FIG. 8, the tip of the pointer 22 shown on the original image 20 is moved into the luminal tissue 21 using the operation device 3, and the luminal tissue 21 is moved inside the luminal tissue 21. Specify multiple points. By this designation operation, a route line 23 is displayed on the original image 20 in which each designated point (indicated by x in the figure) is smoothly connected by a spline curve or the like.

  Next, a route curved surface setting process for setting a route curved surface including the displayed route line 23 is performed (step S13 in FIG. 3). This route curved surface setting process is performed as follows, for example. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the route curved surface setting process.

  That is, the position of the displayed route line 23 is specified three-dimensionally, and the route curved surface 24 is set so as to include this route line 23. The path curved surface 24 is constituted by, for example, a group of straight lines 25 (only a part of which is shown in the figure) parallel to each other and intersecting the path line 23. By changing the direction of the straight line group 25 in the three-dimensional space, the shape and direction of the path curved surface 24 change. The process of changing the direction of the path curved surface 24 described later is performed by changing the direction of the straight line group 25, for example.

  Next, a route image creation process for creating a route image in which image information on the set route curved surface 24 is carried is performed (step S14 in FIG. 3). This route image creation processing is performed using, for example, a CPR (curved planar reconstruction) method. The CPR method is a method of reconstructing 3D image data on a specified arbitrary curved surface into a 2D image, and in this embodiment, the 3D image on the path curved surface 24 is reconstructed into a 2D image. Used for. The path curved surface 24 can be set as having no thickness, but can be set as having a predetermined thickness by using a maximum intensity projection (MIP) or the like. It is possible (see page 379 of Non-Patent Document 1 above). In the following description, “located on the path curved surface 24” is used in the sense that when the path curved surface 24 is set to have a predetermined thickness, it is positioned within the thickness range. In the present invention, “on the path curved surface” has the same meaning as “located on the path curved surface” in the above-described sense.

  Next, the created route image is displayed on the screen of the image display device 2 (see FIG. 1) (step S15 in FIG. 3). FIG. 10 shows a display example of a route image. In this display example, three types of images, a stretched CPR image 26, a straightened CPR image 27, and a cross-sectional image 28, are displayed on the screen of the image display device 2. It has become. The stretched CPR image 26 is an image in a state in which the path curved surface 24 of FIG. 9 is extended to a plane. On the stretched CPR image 26, images of the luminal tissue 21 and other living tissue 29 located on the path curved surface 24 are obtained. Information is displayed along with the route line 23.

  The straightened CPR image 27 is obtained by reconstructing an image so that the route line 23 on the stretched CPR image 26 is a straight line. On the straightened CPR image 27, a route line that linearly extends in the left-right direction at the center of the image. 23, image information of the reconstructed tubular tissue 21 and other living tissue 29 is displayed. In addition, the Straightened CPR image 27 displays two sets of position display lines 30 and 31 including a pair of arrows that sandwich the tubular tissue 21 from above and below in the drawing. The position display lines 30 and 31 indicate two positions that are separated from each other in the long axis direction of the tubular tissue 21, and are moved on the screen by the operator using the operation device 3 (see FIG. 1). Be able to. In the present embodiment, when the two pairs of position display lines 30 and 31 are moved to two predetermined positions, the distance between them (corresponding to the length between the two positions along the long axis direction of the tubular tissue 21). Is measured and the measured value is displayed. It should be noted that two sets of position display lines 30 and 31 are also displayed on the stretched CPR image 26 so that the positions of the stretched CPR image 26 and the straightened CPR image 27 can be associated with each other.

  The cross-sectional image 28 is an image on a cross-section orthogonal to the route line 23 at a predetermined position in the long axis direction of the tubular tissue 21 shown in the Stretched CPR image 26. In the cross-sectional image 28, a linear inclined line 32 indicating the inclination of the path curved surface 24 extended in a plane is displayed together with the luminal tissue 21 and other living tissue 29. The inclination line 32 can be changed on the screen by the operator using the operation device 3 (see FIG. 1). In this embodiment, when the inclination of the inclined line 32 is changed by the operator, a path curved surface direction changing process described later is performed.

  When the route image (Stretched CPR image 26, Straightened CPR image 27) is displayed, it is determined whether or not the route image is changed by the operator (step S16 in FIG. 3). Image display processing is performed (step S40 in FIG. 3). On the other hand, if it is determined not to be changed, the route image creation process ends, and the process proceeds to the above-described updated route image display process (step S20 in FIG. 2). Note that the decision to change the route image (Stretched CPR image 26, Straightened CPR image 27) is made when the information necessary to correct the route line 23 is not shown on the current route image. .

  As shown in FIG. 4, the post-change route image display process is performed by an external change operation (by the operator) that changes the observation direction of the tubular tissue 21 shown in the route image (Stretched CPR image 26, Straightened CPR image 27). In response to this, in the present embodiment, the path curved surface 24 (FIG. 9) is displayed according to the change operation described above. The route curved surface direction changing process is performed to change the direction of the reference (step S41 in FIG. 4).

  In the present embodiment, the change operation is an operation in which the operator changes the inclination of the inclination line 32 shown in the cross-sectional image 28 shown in FIG. 10 using the operation device 3 (see FIG. 1). In accordance with this change operation, the direction of the path curved surface 24 shown in FIG. 9 (the direction of the straight line group 25) is changed.

  Next, a post-change route image creation process for creating a post-change route image in which image information on the post-change route curved surface 24 is carried is performed (step S42 in FIG. 4), and the post-change route thus created is created. An image is displayed on the screen of the image display device 2 (see FIG. 1) (step S43 in FIG. 4). The post-change route image creation process is performed using the same method as the above-described route image creation process.

  FIG. 11 shows a display example of the route image after the change. In FIG. 11, a stretched CPR image 26, a straightened CPR image 27, and a cross-sectional image 28 created based on the route curved surface 24 after the orientation change are displayed. In FIG. 11, for the sake of simplification, only the tubular tissue 21 is illustrated, and the other biological tissue 29 illustrated in FIG. 10 is not illustrated. Further, illustration of the position display lines 30 and 31 shown in FIG. 10 is also omitted. The same applies to FIGS. 12 to 15 below.

  In the stretched CPR image 26 and the straightened CPR image 27 shown in FIG. 11, a tubular tissue 21 having a different display state (shape, image density value, etc.) from that shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. Specifically, the luminal tissue 21 that is partially cut off in FIG. 10 is connected and displayed in FIG. The change in the display shape of the tubular tissue 21 is accompanied by the change in the direction of the path curved surface 24, and the image data that was not located on the path curved surface 24 before the direction change becomes the path after the direction change. This is caused by being positioned on the curved surface 24. That is, each time the operator changes the inclination of the inclination line 32 shown in the cross-sectional image 28, the direction of the path curved surface 24 is changed, and the display state of the luminal tissue 21 in the stretched CPR image 26 and the straightened CPR image 27 is changed accordingly. Thus, information necessary for correcting the route line 23 can be obtained.

  Next, the updated route image display process will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the post-update route image display process is corrected by receiving an external correction operation (by the operator) for correcting the route line 23 shown in the route image (Stretched CPR image 26, Straightened CPR image 27). In this embodiment, a post-correction route line display process for displaying the route line 23 corrected in accordance with the correction operation is performed (in this embodiment, the post-update route image is displayed along the route line 23). Step S21 in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the correction operation means that the operator corrects the route line 23 shown in the stretched CPR image 26 or the straightened CPR image 27 in FIG. 11 using the operation device 3 (see FIG. 1) (extension, shape). (Including some corrections). This correction operation can be performed in the same manner as the operation for specifying the route line 23 on the original image 20 shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. An extended portion 23a of the route line 23 is indicated by a broken line in the Stretched CPR image 26 of FIG.

  Next, a corrected route curved surface setting process for setting a corrected route curved surface 24 including the corrected route line 23 is performed (step S22 in FIG. 5). The corrected path curved surface setting process is performed using the same method as the above-described path curved surface setting process.

  Next, an updated route image creation process for creating an updated route image in which image information on the set corrected route curved surface 24 is carried is performed (step S23 in FIG. 5), and the created update is performed. The subsequent route image is displayed on the screen of the image display device 2 (see FIG. 1) (step S24 in FIG. 5). FIG. 12 shows a display example of the updated route image. The post-update route image creation process is performed using the same method as the above-described route image creation process.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the operator has given an instruction to change the observation direction of the tubular tissue 21 shown in the displayed updated route image (Stretched CPR image 26, Straightened CPR image 27) (FIG. 5). In step S25), when it is determined that an instruction has been given, the above-described route image display process after change is performed (step S40 in FIG. 5). On the other hand, if it is determined that no instruction has been given, the first updated route image creation process ends.

  When the first post-update route image creation process is completed, it is determined whether or not an instruction has been given by the operator to use the updated route image as an observation image (step 30 in FIG. 2), and it is determined that the instruction has been made. In such a case, the observation image creation process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that no instruction has been given, the above-described updated route image creation process is performed again.

  FIG. 13 shows a display example of the observation image. In the stretched CPR image 26 and the straightened CPR image 27 that are images for observation, an image extending in the long axis direction of the tubular tissue 21 that is the observation target is displayed, and a diagnosis of a stenosis site of the tubular tissue 21 is performed. It is to be offered to.

  The designation of the route line 23 in the process of creating the observation image has the meaning of temporarily designating the position of the route curved surface 24 (see FIG. 9), and the luminal tissue 21 is shown on the image. It can be done regardless of whether or not. FIG. 14 shows another example of route line setting. FIG. 14A shows an example in which, in the stretched CPR image 26, the path line 23 is specified including the part where the route line 23 is divided with respect to the tubular tissue 21 which is shown to be partly divided. ing. FIG. 6B shows an undivided luminal tissue 21 on the route image (Straightened CPR image 27) updated in accordance with the designation of the route line 23. An example in which the portion is corrected is shown (the corrected portion 23b is indicated by a broken line).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the operator designates the route line 23, and the operator sequentially corrects the designated route line 23 on the updated route image, whereby the lumen to be observed is set. An observation image of the tissue 21 is gradually created. For this reason, even in an MRI image in which it is difficult to identify a luminal tissue based on the image density value, the luminal tissue can be searched based on the operator's knowledge. Is possible. Further, since the operator specifies and corrects the route line based on his / her own judgment, the process of creating the observation image is easy to understand and the luminal tissue to be observed is steadily tracked. Therefore, it is easy to determine whether or not the obtained observation image is appropriate, and the observation image can be actively used for diagnosis or the like.

  In FIG. 14B, the newly designated modified portion 23b does not intersect with the original route line 23 displayed in a straight line. Even in such a case, however, the modified portion 23b and the original route are represented by a spline curve or the like. By complementing the space between the line 23, it is possible to set the updated path curved surface 24 (see FIG. 9).

  In the present embodiment, other functions not described above can be added. For example, in the Straightened CPR image 27 (observation image) in FIG. 13, it is possible to add a function of specifying the core line (center line) of the tubular tissue 21 and displaying it. In this case, a conventionally known method can be used to specify the center line.

  In addition, it is possible to add a function of displaying a plurality of observation images in a state where the tubular tissue 21 is observed from different directions on one screen. FIG. 15 shows a display example of such an observation image. In the example illustrated in FIG. 15, four observation images (Straightened CPR images 27 </ b> A to 27 </ b> D) whose observation directions are different from each other by 90 degrees around the route line 23 and two direction lines 33 and 34 indicating the observation direction are shown. The cross-sectional image 28 is configured as illustrated on the basis of an instruction from the operator. The observation direction can be set in any direction.

  As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to this Embodiment, A mode can be variously changed.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the original image 20 is a 3D image reconstructed by image processing, but another image may be used as the original image. For example, a tomographic image (original image) obtained by an MRI image diagnostic system can be used as an original image.

  In the above embodiment, the stretched CPR image 26 and the straightened CPR image 27 created using the CPR method are used as the route image. For example, an image created using the volume rendering (VR) method is used as the route image. It is also possible to use it. In that case, the post-change route image display process for displaying the post-change route image in which the state of the tubular tissue observed from different directions is displayed is, for example, a process for changing the direction of the line of sight set in the VR method. It is possible to implement.

  In the above description, the present invention is applied to the creation of an image for observation of the coronary blood vessels of the heart. It can also be used to create an image for observation of other tubular tissue.

  The present invention is particularly useful when creating an image for observation of a tubular tissue based on three-dimensional image data obtained by an MRI diagnostic imaging system. It is also possible to create an image for observation of a tubular tissue based on image data obtained by the system.

1 is a block diagram of a tubular tissue image creation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Flowchart of observation image creation processing Flowchart of route image display processing Flowchart of updated route image display processing Flowchart of post-change route image display processing Diagram showing an example of the original image The figure which shows an example of the procedure of designation | designated operation The figure which shows the other example of the procedure of designation operation The figure which shows an example of a path curved surface setting process The figure which shows the example of a display of a route picture The figure which shows the example of a display of the route image after a change The figure which shows the example of a display of the route image after an update Figure showing a display example of an image for observation The figure which shows the other example of route line setting The figure which shows the example of a display of the several image for observation from which an observation direction differs

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image processing apparatus 2 Image display apparatus 3 Operation apparatus 11 Control part 12 Image data memory | storage part 13 Created image memory | storage part 14 Created image output interface 15 Operation input interface 16 Image data interface 20 Original image 21 Luminous structure | tissue 22 Pointer 23 Route line 23a Extension part 23b Correction part 24 Path curved surface 25 Straight line group 26 Stretched CPR image 27, 27A-27D Straightened CPR image 28 Cross-sectional image 29 Other biological tissue 30, 31 Position display line 32 Inclination line 33, 34 Direction line

Claims (9)

A method for creating an image for observation of a luminal tissue that creates an image for observation over the longitudinal direction of a luminal tissue to be observed based on three-dimensional image data in a living body,
A route image along the route line of the designated portion is received in response to a designation operation from the outside that designates a part of the route line extending along the long axis direction of the tubular tissue shown in the original image. After performing route image display processing to display,
In response to an external correction operation for correcting the route line indicated in the route image, an updated route image display process for displaying the updated route image along the corrected route line is performed at least once. ,
A method for creating an image for observation of a luminal tissue, wherein the image for observation is created. The route image display process includes:
Based on the three-dimensional image data, an original image creating process for creating the original image showing at least a part of the tubular tissue;
A route line display process for displaying the route line on the original image;
A route curved surface setting process for setting a route curved surface including the displayed route line;
A route image creation process for creating the route image in which image information on the set route curved surface is carried, and
The updated route image display process includes:
A corrected route line display process for displaying the corrected route line on the route image;
A corrected path curved surface setting process for setting a corrected path curved surface including the corrected path line;
The post-update route image creation process for creating the updated route image in which the image information on the set route curved surface after the correction is carried is performed. A method for creating an image for observation of a tubular tissue.   In response to a change operation from the outside that changes the observation direction of the tubular tissue shown in the route image, a route image after change showing a state in which the tubular tissue is observed from another direction is displayed. The method for creating an image for observation of a luminal tissue according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a post-change route image display process to be displayed is performed. The post-change route image display process includes:
A path curved surface direction changing process for changing the direction of the path curved surface according to the change operation;
The lumen according to claim 3, wherein the post-change route image generation processing for generating the changed route image in which the image information on the route curved surface after the direction change is carried is performed. For creating an image for observing a tissue.   A program for creating an image for observation of a luminal tissue, comprising the steps of causing a computer to execute each process in the luminal tissue image creation method according to any one of claims 1 to 4. An apparatus for creating an image for observation of a luminal tissue that creates an image for observation over the long axis direction of a luminal tissue to be observed based on in-vivo three-dimensional image data,
An image processing unit, an image display unit, and an operation unit;
The image processing means includes
The route of the designated portion in response to a designation operation from the outside via the operation means, which designates a part of a route line extending along the long axis direction of the tubular tissue shown in the original image A route image display command means for displaying a route image along the line on the image display means;
In response to an external correction operation via the operation unit that corrects the route line indicated in the route image, the updated route image along the corrected route line is displayed on the image display unit. Updated route image display command means for displaying; and
An image forming apparatus for observing a luminal tissue, comprising: The route image display command means includes:
Based on the three-dimensional image data, original image generating means for generating the original image showing at least a part of the tubular tissue;
Route line display command means for displaying the route line according to the designation operation on the original image;
Route curved surface setting means for setting a route curved surface including the displayed route line;
Route image creation means for creating the route image in which image information on the set route curved surface is carried, and
The updated route image display command means includes:
A corrected route line display command means for displaying a corrected route line according to the correction operation on the route image;
A corrected path curved surface setting means for setting a corrected path curved surface including the corrected path line;
The tube according to claim 6, further comprising: an updated route image creating unit that creates the updated route image in which image information on the set route curved surface after correction is carried. An image creation device for observation of a cavity tissue. The route image display command means includes:
Based on a change operation from the outside via the operation means, which changes the observation direction of the tubular tissue shown in the path image, the state of observing the tubular tissue from another direction is shown. The luminal tissue observation image creation device according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising a post-change route image display command unit that causes the image display unit to display a route image after the change. The post-change route image display instruction means includes:
Path curved surface direction changing means for changing the direction of the path curved surface according to the changing operation;
9. A lumen-like shape according to claim 8, comprising: a post-change route image creation means for creating the post-change route image in which image information on the route curved surface after the orientation change is carried. Tissue observation image creation device.

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