JP2010172462A - Medical image display - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a medical image display, capable of preventing failure to detect abnormality in an inspection subject. <P>SOLUTION: An image processing part is provided to form a first image in a first image processing condition, and a second image in a second image processing condition, based on output values obtained by photographing inspection subjects related to each other in the same or different photography conditions, and the first image and the second image are thus formed and simultaneously displayed on a display part in the medical image display. It includes a photography condition comparison and determining part to determine if difference between the first photography condition and the second photography conditions is beyond a predetermine range or not, and a display control part to display the first photography condition and the second photography condition in mutually different modes on a display part when the photography condition comparison and determination part determines that the difference between the first photography condition and the second photography condition is beyond the predetermined range in a case where the first image, the second image, the first photography condition, and the second photography condition are displayed on the display part at the same time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a medical image display device, and in particular, a first image under a first image processing condition based on an output value acquired by photographing a mutually related examination object under the same or different imaging conditions. The medical image display apparatus includes an image processing unit that creates a second image under a second image processing condition and displays the displayed first image and the second image on a display unit at the same time.

  A conventional medical image display apparatus creates a first image and a second image based on output values acquired by imaging an L-side breast and an R-side breast, which are examination targets that are mutually related by an imaging unit. Then, the created first image and second image are simultaneously arranged and displayed on the display unit. (For example, patent document 1).

  Further, the medical image display device creates the first image and the second image based on the respective output values under the optimum image processing conditions, and displays the first image and the second image as easy-to-see (easy to observe) images. Display on the screen. FIG. 6 shows the first image and the second image displayed side by side as images for easy viewing.

JP 2008-289698 A

  However, in the medical image display device that displays the first image and the second image in an easy-to-view image on the display unit, when the first image and the second image are created under different image processing conditions based on each output value, There is a problem that even if there is an abnormality (lesioned part) of either of the inspection objects, it is difficult to recognize the abnormality from both images because the difference in the images is reduced. If both images are created under the same image processing conditions based on each output value, the difference between the two images does not decrease, and it is easy to recognize from both images that there is an abnormality in one of the inspection targets. .

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problem and to provide a medical image display device capable of preventing oversight of an abnormality to be examined.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an observer for the difference between the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition when the difference between the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition exceeds a predetermined range. Focused on calling attention.
Specifically, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first image processing condition is the first based on the output value acquired by photographing the inspection objects mutually related by the photographing means under the same or different photographing conditions. A medical image display device that includes an image processing unit that creates an image and creates a second image under a second image processing condition, and displays the created first image and the second image on a display unit simultaneously. In addition, the first photographing condition for acquiring the output value corresponding to the first image is stored in association with the first image, and the second for acquiring the output value corresponding to the second image. A shooting condition storage unit that stores shooting conditions in association with the second image, and a shooting condition that determines whether or not a difference between the first shooting condition and the second shooting condition exceeds a predetermined range. A comparison determination unit, the first image, the second image, When the first photographing condition and the second photographing condition are simultaneously displayed on the display unit, the difference between the first photographing condition and the second photographing condition exceeds the predetermined range. A medical image display apparatus comprising: a display control unit configured to display the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition on the display unit in different modes when the imaging condition comparison determination unit determines It is.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a first image is obtained under a first image processing condition on the basis of an output value obtained by photographing a mutually related inspection object under the same or different photographing conditions by the photographing means. A medical image display device that includes an image processing unit that creates and creates a second image under a second image processing condition, and displays the created first image and the second image simultaneously on a display unit. , Storing a first imaging condition for obtaining an output value corresponding to the first image in association with the first image, and a second imaging condition for obtaining an output value corresponding to the second image. A shooting condition storage unit that stores the image in association with the second image, and a shooting condition comparison determination that determines whether a difference between the first shooting condition and the second shooting condition exceeds a predetermined range. And the first image, the second image, In the case where one shooting condition and the second shooting condition are simultaneously displayed on the display unit, the shooting condition is determined when a difference between the first shooting condition and the second shooting condition exceeds the predetermined range. And a display control unit that displays on the display unit a warning that the predetermined range has been exceeded when the comparison determination unit makes a determination.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent oversight of an abnormality to be inspected.

  Further, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first photographing condition and the second photographing condition are displayed in different modes, so that the observer's attention to the difference between the first photographing condition and the second photographing condition can be obtained. It can be aroused. Accordingly, the observer does not miss the difference between the first image and the second image, and it is possible to prevent oversight of the abnormality to be inspected.

  Furthermore, according to the second aspect of the present invention, since the warning that the predetermined range is exceeded is displayed on the display unit, it is possible to further alert the observer.

1 is a functional block diagram of a medical image display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram of an image processing part. It is a figure which shows the 1st imaging condition and the 2nd imaging condition displayed in a mutually different aspect. It is a figure which shows the 1st histogram and the 2nd histogram which were displayed corresponding to the 1st image and the 2nd image, respectively. It is a figure which shows the 1st image created on the 1st window processing conditions, and the 2nd image created on the same conditions as the 1st window processing conditions instead of the 2nd window processing conditions. It is a figure which shows the condition input screen displayed simultaneously with 1st imaging conditions etc. FIG. It is a figure which shows the 1st image, the 2nd image, the 1st imaging condition, and the 2nd imaging condition displayed simultaneously in the conventional medical image display apparatus.

(Constitution)
A configuration of a medical image display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an X-ray mammography apparatus, and FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an image processing unit.

  A medical image display apparatus constituting the X-ray mammography apparatus is shown in FIG. Note that the medical image display apparatus may be configured separately from the X-ray mammography apparatus.

  In FIG. 1, the imaging means of the X-ray mammography apparatus includes an X-ray tube apparatus 1, an aperture mechanism 2, a compression plate 3, an X-ray detector 4, and a support 5 that supports these mechanisms and units.

  B is a subject (breast), and the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube apparatus 1 form an X-ray irradiation field by the diaphragm mechanism 2, pass through the subject B, and are detected by the X-ray detector 4. The compression plate 3 is used to make the subject thin and uniform, and is made of a material that absorbs less X-rays.

  The imaging means also includes a main control unit 11 that controls the entire X-ray control apparatus 10, an X-ray tube control unit 12, and an automatic exposure control unit 13 that controls X-ray irradiation in response to a command from the main control unit 11. . The imaging unit images the L-side breast and the R-side breast, which are examination targets that are related to each other, under the same or different imaging conditions, and outputs an output value (collected data) detected by the X-ray detector 4 to a medical image display device. Output to.

  The medical image display device includes, based on output values (collected data), an image processing unit 14 that creates an image under predetermined image processing conditions, a display control unit 15 that controls the created image and other displays, The display unit 16 that is a monitor that displays images and the like, the first image of the L-side breast, the second image of the R-side breast, and the like, and the output value corresponding to the first image are acquired. A first imaging condition storage unit 21 that stores the first imaging condition at the time, and a second imaging condition storage unit 22 that stores the second imaging condition when the output value corresponding to the second image is acquired.

  Next, the image processing unit 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The image processing unit 14 includes a collected data acquisition unit 141, a histogram creation unit 142, a processing condition calculation unit 143, a processing condition storage unit 144, and an application information storage unit 145.

  The collected data acquisition unit 141 acquires the output value (collected data) detected by the X-ray detector 4. The histogram creation unit 142 creates a first histogram indicating the distribution of output values corresponding to the first image, and creates a second histogram indicating the distribution of output values corresponding to the second image. The processing condition calculation unit 143 calculates a first image processing condition including a first window processing condition that is a condition for changing the distribution characteristic of the output value for the first image to a predetermined characteristic, and outputs the second image for the second image. A second image processing condition including a second window processing condition that is a condition for changing the value distribution characteristic to a predetermined characteristic is calculated. The processing condition storage unit 144 stores the first window processing condition and the second window processing condition.

  Here, the first histogram represents the output value on the X axis and the frequency of the output value on the Y axis. The first window processing condition is a window width (WW) that is a width between the minimum value (Smin) and the maximum value (Smax) based on the first histogram, and an average value of the minimum value and the maximum value. This is a condition for obtaining a certain window level (WL). For example, the minimum value is a value corresponding to the output value where the frequency first decreases in the first histogram from the smaller output value to the first frequency, and the maximum value is the first value. In the histogram, the frequency is searched from the larger output value to the smaller output value, and is a value corresponding to the output value where the frequency first falls. The second histogram is the same as the first histogram, and the second window processing condition is the same as the first window processing condition.

  The image processing unit 14 creates a first image of the L-side breast under the first window processing condition, and creates a second image of the R-side breast under the second window processing condition. In the case of 256 gradations, the image processing unit 14 sets the first image and the second image with WW−WL / 2 as the minimum pixel value (for example, 0) and WW + WL / 2 as the maximum pixel value (for example, 255). Create each one. The display control unit 15 causes the display unit 16 to display the first histogram in association with the first image and the second histogram in association with the second image. Further, the display control unit 15 displays the first window processing condition in association with the first histogram, and displays the second window processing condition in association with the second histogram.

  In addition, the medical image display apparatus includes a user interface 18 that receives input from the operation unit 19 such as a mouse, and the user can change image processing with the mouse or the like while viewing the image displayed on the display unit 16. Can do.

  The operation procedure of the X-ray mammography apparatus will be described below.

  First, X-ray imaging is performed on the L-side breast. The image processing unit 14 creates a first image of the L-side breast under the first window processing condition based on the output value (collected data) acquired by photographing, and stores the first image in the image storage unit 17. Let The display control unit 15 causes the display unit 16 to display the first image. In addition, first imaging conditions such as tube voltage, mAs value, breast thickness, and compression force when the L-side breast is X-rayed are stored in the first imaging condition storage unit 21 in association with the first image. .

  Next, X-ray imaging is performed on the R-side breast. The operation procedure of the X-ray wife imaging apparatus is the same as that for imaging the L-side breast. That is, the image processing unit 14 creates a second image of the R-side breast under the second window processing condition based on the output value (collected data) acquired by photographing, and the second image is stored in the image storage unit 17. Remember me. The display control unit 15 causes the display unit 16 to display the second image. Further, the second imaging conditions such as tube voltage, mAs value, breast thickness, and compression force when the R-side breast is radiographed are stored in the second imaging condition storage unit 22 in association with the second image. Is done.

  On the other hand, the imaging condition comparison / determination unit 23 compares the first imaging condition with the second imaging condition. The imaging condition comparison / determination unit 23 determines whether or not the comparison result satisfies a condition for calling attention to the user, and if it is determined that attention needs to be drawn, notifies the display instruction unit 24 accordingly. . When the display instruction unit 24 receives the notification, the display instruction unit 24 instructs the display control unit 15 to display information for calling attention.

  Next, an example of an image displayed on the display unit 16 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 3 shows the first image (L-side breast image) and the second image (R-side breast image) displayed side by side on the display unit 16, and the first and second imaging conditions displayed simultaneously. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing conditions, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first histogram and a second histogram displayed corresponding to the first image and the second image, respectively.

  The image processing unit 14 automatically performs optimal window processing under the first window processing condition and the second window processing condition based on the output value (collected data), and takes the first image and the first image as easy-to-view captured images. Create two images. On the other hand, the imaging condition comparison / determination unit 23 compares the first imaging condition with the second imaging condition. When it is detected that the difference between the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition exceeds a predetermined range (for example, the difference in tube voltage is 5 kv or more), the first image and the second image are large. It is determined that there is a difference, and the display instruction unit 24 is notified. The display instruction unit 24 issues an instruction to the display control unit 15.

  In response to the instruction from the display instruction unit 24, the display control unit 15 causes the display unit 16 to display the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition in different modes. The first image, the second image, the first shooting condition, and the second shooting condition are simultaneously displayed on the display unit 16. FIG. 3 shows the first shooting condition (28 kv) and the second shooting condition (35 kv) displayed prominently by colors such as red or by making them blink. This makes it possible to direct the viewer's attention to the difference between the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition. Here, “display simultaneously” means that the four images of the first image, the second image, the first imaging condition, and the second imaging condition are overlapped and displayed at least once (for example, when viewed by an observer). Say.

  In response to the instruction from the display instruction unit 24, the display control unit 15 performs the display of the first shooting condition and the second shooting condition, or independently of the display of the first shooting condition and the second shooting condition, The first histogram is automatically displayed in correspondence with the first image, and the second histogram is automatically displayed in correspondence with the second image. FIG. 4 shows the first histogram and the second histogram displayed in correspondence with the first image and the second image, respectively. Thereby, the observer can visually recognize the difference between the distribution of output values corresponding to the first image and the distribution of output values corresponding to the second image.

  Upon receiving an instruction from the display instruction unit 24, the display control unit 15 further associates the first window processing condition and the second window processing condition applied to the left and right with the first histogram and the second histogram, respectively. To display. FIG. 4 shows the first window processing conditions displayed in correspondence with the first histogram and the second window processing conditions displayed in correspondence with the second histogram. Thereby, the observer can visually recognize the difference between the image processing condition corresponding to the first image and the image processing condition corresponding to the second image.

  It should be noted that a determination criterion that is a criterion for determining whether or not the difference among the photographing conditions such as the difference in tube voltage is large may be programmed in the photographing condition comparison / determination unit 23 in advance. Alternatively, an observer or a service person may use the operation unit 19 such as a mouse to store the determination criteria in, for example, the internal memory of the medical image display device. In addition, a display method for calling attention may be programmed in the display instruction unit 24 in advance. Alternatively, for example, an observer or a serviceman may select an image from a plurality of display methods stored in the internal memory of the medical image display apparatus using the operation unit 19 such as a mouse.

  As described above, when the imaging condition comparison / determination unit 23 determines that the difference between the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition exceeds a predetermined range, the display control unit 15 performs the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition. Are displayed on the display unit 16 in different manners, and the first histogram, the second histogram, the first window processing condition, and the second window processing condition are displayed on the display unit 16. Accordingly, the observer does not miss the difference between the first image and the second image, and it is possible to prevent oversight of the abnormality to be inspected.

  Next, a configuration for further enhancing the effect of preventing oversight of an abnormality to be inspected will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the same condition as the first window processing condition in a superimposed manner with the second window processing condition, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a condition input screen displayed simultaneously with the first imaging condition and the like.

  Upon receiving an instruction from the operation unit 19, the display control unit causes the display unit 16 to display either the first window processing condition or the second window processing condition in a selectable manner. The image processing unit 14 receives a selection of either the first window processing condition or the second window processing condition displayed on the display unit 16 and outputs an output value (collection) under the other window processing condition that has not been selected. Instead of one of the first image or the second image already created based on the data), a new image is created based on the output value (collected data) under the same conditions as the selected window processing condition. create.

  When the imaging condition comparison / determination unit 23 determines that the difference between the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition exceeds a predetermined range, the determination result that there is a difference from the imaging condition comparison / determination unit 23 is received. Thus, the display instruction unit 24 instructs the display control unit 15 to display the button 181 for selecting the window processing condition. The display control unit 15 displays the button 181 on the display unit 16. A button 181 displayed on the screen is shown in FIG.

  When the observer designates the button 181 with the operation unit 19 such as a mouse, the image processing unit 14 applies the first window applied when processing either the first image or the second image. The same condition as one of the processing condition or the second window processing condition is also applied when processing the other image to process the other image of the first image or the second image.

  For example, when the “R” button 181 displayed on the display unit 16 is designated by clicking the mouse, the image processing unit 14 applies the second image of the R side breast to the first image of the L side breast. The second image is created by applying the first window processing condition, and the display control unit 15 causes the display unit 16 to display the created second image. As a result, the second window processing condition that is the image processing condition for the second image of the R-side breast is changed to the first window processing condition. The first image and the second image that are created under the same image processing conditions can be displayed with a simple operation. In addition, the display control unit 15 displays the same image processing condition as the first window processing condition on the second window processing condition. Thereby, the difference between the first window processing condition and the second window processing condition can be clarified.

  Further, it has an application information storage unit 145 that stores information on whether or not to apply the same condition as the selected one of the window processing conditions in response to an instruction from the operation unit 19. In response to an instruction of a lock button (not shown) from the operation unit 19, the medical image display apparatus stores information on whether or not to apply the same condition in the internal memory or the external storage device of the medical image display apparatus. When receiving the designation from the operation unit 19, for example, when “apply” information is stored in the internal memory, the image processing unit 14 creates an image by applying the same condition. On the other hand, when “non-applied” information is stored in the internal memory, the same condition is not applied and no image is created.

  Since whether or not to apply the same condition is selected, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation by an observer or the like.

  Further, when the imaging condition comparison / determination unit 23 determines that the difference between the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition exceeds a predetermined range, the determination result that there is a difference from the imaging condition comparison / determination unit 23. In response to this, the display instruction unit 24 instructs the display control unit 15 to display the condition input screen 182. The condition input screen 182 is stored in the internal memory or the external storage device of the medical image display device. The display control unit 15 causes the display unit 16 to display a condition input screen 182 in which a comment can be input in response to an instruction from the operation unit 19. FIG. 6 shows a condition input screen 182 displayed at the same time as the first imaging condition and the like.

  Note that the display control unit 15 may cause the condition input screen 182 to be displayed on the display unit 16 and the condition input screen 182 to automatically display the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition. When there is a large difference between the first shooting condition and the second shooting condition, the first shooting condition and the second shooting condition are displayed on the condition input screen 182. Can be aroused.

  In addition, when the shooting condition comparison determination unit 23 determines that the difference between the first shooting condition and the second shooting condition exceeds a predetermined range, the display control unit 15 exceeds the predetermined range. May be displayed on the display unit 16 (warning that there is a large difference). At this time, the display control unit 15 may display the warning simultaneously with a change in the display mode such as the first imaging condition. The warning information displayed on the display unit 16 is information on the difference, information on a phrase or sentence that “there is a large difference”, or information that is a combination thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 X-ray tube apparatus 2 Diaphragm mechanism 3 Compression board 4 X-ray detector 5 Supporter 10 X-ray control apparatus 11 Main control part 12 X-ray tube control part
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 Automatic exposure control part 14 Image processing part 15 Display control part 16 Display part 17 Image storage part 18 User interface 19 Operation part 21 1st imaging condition memory | storage part 22 2nd imaging condition memory | storage part 23 Imaging condition comparison judgment part 24 Display instruction | indication part 141 Collected Data Acquisition Unit 142 Histogram Creation Unit 143 Processing Condition Calculation Unit 144 Processing Condition Storage Unit 145 Application Information Storage Unit 181 Button 182 Condition Input Screen

Claims (8)

A first image is created under the first image processing condition based on the output value acquired by photographing the inspection objects related to each other by the photographing means under the same or different photographing conditions, and the second under the second image processing condition. An image processing unit for creating an image, and a medical image display device for simultaneously displaying the created first image and the second image on a display unit,
The first imaging condition for acquiring the output value corresponding to the first image is stored in association with the first image, and the second imaging condition for acquiring the output value corresponding to the second image is stored. An imaging condition storage unit that stores the second image in association with the second image;
An imaging condition comparison / determination unit that determines whether a difference between the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition exceeds a predetermined range;
When simultaneously displaying the first image, the second image, the first shooting condition, and the second shooting condition on the display unit, a difference between the first shooting condition and the second shooting condition is determined in advance. A display control unit that causes the display unit to display the first shooting condition and the second shooting condition in a different manner when the shooting condition comparison and determination unit determines that a predetermined range is exceeded;
A medical image display device characterized by comprising: A first image is created under the first image processing condition based on the output value acquired by photographing the inspection objects related to each other by the photographing means under the same or different photographing conditions, and the second under the second image processing condition. An image processing unit for creating an image, and a medical image display device for simultaneously displaying the created first image and the second image on a display unit,
The first imaging condition for acquiring the output value corresponding to the first image is stored in association with the first image, and the second imaging condition for acquiring the output value corresponding to the second image is stored. An imaging condition storage unit that stores the second image in association with the second image;
An imaging condition comparison / determination unit that determines whether a difference between the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition exceeds a predetermined range;
When simultaneously displaying the first image, the second image, the first shooting condition, and the second shooting condition on the display unit, a difference between the first shooting condition and the second shooting condition is determined in advance. A display control unit that displays a warning on the display unit that the predetermined range is exceeded when the imaging condition comparison and determination unit determines that the predetermined range is exceeded;
A medical image display device characterized by comprising: Creating a first histogram showing the distribution of the output values corresponding to the first image, and creating a second histogram showing the distribution of the output values corresponding to the second image; A processing condition calculation unit that obtains the first image processing condition based on the first histogram and obtains the second image processing condition based on the second histogram;
Further, the display control unit determines the first histogram when the imaging condition comparison and determination unit determines that the difference between the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition exceeds the predetermined range. The medical image display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first image is displayed in association with the first image, and the second histogram is displayed in association with the second image. The processing condition calculation unit calculates the first image processing condition including a first window processing condition that is a condition for changing a distribution characteristic of the output value with respect to the first image to a predetermined characteristic. Calculating the second image processing condition including a second window processing condition which is a condition for changing the distribution characteristic of the output values for the two images to a predetermined characteristic;
Further, the display control unit displays the first window processing condition in association with the first histogram on the display unit, and associates the second window processing condition with the second histogram in the display unit. The medical image display device according to claim 3, wherein the medical image display device is displayed. Having an operation part,
Further, the display control unit receives an instruction from the operation unit and causes the display unit to display either the first window processing condition or the second window processing condition in a selectable manner.
Further, the image processing unit receives the selection of either the first window processing condition or the second window processing condition displayed on the display unit and receives the selection based on the output value. Instead of one image of the first image or the second image already created under the window processing conditions, a new image is created under the same conditions as the one of the window processing conditions selected based on the output value. The medical image display device according to claim 4, wherein the medical image display device is created.   6. The display control unit according to claim 5, wherein the display control unit causes the same condition as the one window processing condition that has received the selection to overlap with the other window processing condition that has not received the selection. Medical image display device.   6. The application information storage unit according to claim 5, further comprising an application information storage unit that stores information on whether or not to apply the same condition as the selected one of the window processing conditions in response to an instruction from the operation unit. Medical image display device. Having an operation part,
The display control unit instructs the operation unit when the imaging condition comparison / determination unit determines that the difference between the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition exceeds the predetermined range. The medical image display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a condition input screen in which information can be written is displayed on the display unit.

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