JP2011142974A - Medical image display apparatus, method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To further improve operability in a position adjusting process executed prior to the comparative display of sectional images reconstructed from a plurality of three-dimensional medical images. <P>SOLUTION: An automatic position adjusting part 34 executes the position adjusting process for adjusting the anatomical position of a subject in the images based on content characteristics of the plurality of three-dimensional medical images, and outputs the result of the position adjusting process and the accuracy of the position adjustment representing the accuracy of the position adjusting process. A sectional image generating part 37 generates sectional images representing a prescribed cross section corresponding to each other among the three-dimensional medical images for each three-dimensional medical image based on the respective three-dimensional medical images and the result of position adjustment. If a position adjustment accuracy determining part 36 determines that the accuracy of the position adjustment is so low as not to satisfy a prescribed standard when a display control part 38 displays the generated sectional images in a display means respectively, a manual position adjustment receiving part 35 makes announcement for promoting correction of the result of the position adjusting process. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a medical image display apparatus and method for comparing and displaying a plurality of cross-sectional images reconstructed from each of a plurality of three-dimensional medical images, and a program for causing a computer to execute the method.

  Image diagnosis using a cross-sectional image reconstructed from a three-dimensional medical image obtained by CT, MRI or the like is widely performed. At that time, for example, a plurality of 3D medical images obtained by different examinations such as a current image obtained by the current examination and a past image obtained by the previous examination are used as inputs. A technique for comparing and displaying a plurality of cross-sectional images reconstructed from the above has been proposed.

  At this time, for example, in a plurality of three-dimensional CT images obtained by different examinations, the imaging ranges in the scanning direction (body axis direction) often do not match. After performing the processing, a cross-sectional image representing the same position of the subject is reconstructed from each three-dimensional CT image, thereby realizing comparison display of cross-sectional images representing the same anatomical position of the subject. Yes.

  Further, when a zoom / pan operation is performed to enlarge and display a part of the displayed cross-sectional image, the operation is performed on another cross-sectional image in conjunction with the operation. A zoom / pan cooperative display technique for enlarging and displaying the same part as the image is also proposed (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 4).

  As a technique for alignment between a plurality of images, image recognition processing is used to detect a plurality of landmarks (feature points) from each of a plurality of three-dimensional medical images, and automatic operation is performed using a linear optimization method or the like. It is known to perform alignment (for example, Patent Document 5). In this Patent Document 5, a cross-sectional image corresponding to each of the three-dimensional medical images after alignment is generated and displayed, and manual designation of a landmark by a user for one three-dimensional medical image is accepted and designated. Identifying a landmark in another 3D medical image corresponding to the landmark, correcting the alignment, generating a corresponding cross-sectional image from each of the corrected 3D medical images, and updating the display Is described.

  In addition, after performing non-linear alignment processing on a plurality of chest front images, if the parameter value representing the ratio of the length of the right lung and the left lung between images is outside a predetermined range, There is known an image processing system that displays a warning that the respiratory phase at the time of photographing is different (for example, insufficiency of inhalation) and prompts re-imaging (for example, Patent Document 6).

JP 2007-083030 A JP 2007-029248 A JP 2006-142022 A JP 2008-503253 A JP 2009-160045 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-223776

  It is difficult to perform automatic registration (registration) processing between a plurality of three-dimensional medical images, which is performed as preprocessing for comparison display and zoom / pan cooperation display described in Patent Documents 1 to 4, with complete accuracy. is there. For this reason, in particular, when a part of the cross-sectional image is enlarged in the zoom / pan cooperative display, the alignment error becomes more noticeable on the image.

  On the other hand, as described in Patent Document 5, if a correction process including a manual operation for the automatic alignment process is incorporated, the accuracy of the alignment is expected to be improved. However, the accuracy (accuracy) of the actual alignment process varies depending on the characteristics of the image to be processed, and manual correction is not always necessary. However, Patent Document 5 mentions this point. There is room for improvement in terms of operability.

  In the image processing system of Patent Document 6, when the accuracy of the alignment process is low, a warning is displayed to prompt re-photographing, so that an image with a high accuracy of the alignment process is processed. However, re-shooting is not always possible when the accuracy of the alignment process is low.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and realizes further improvement in operability regarding alignment processing performed prior to comparative display of cross-sectional images reconstructed from each of a plurality of three-dimensional medical images. An object of the present invention is to provide an image display apparatus and method, and a program.

  According to a first aspect of the medical image display apparatus of the present invention, alignment processing is performed for aligning the anatomical position of the subject in the plurality of three-dimensional medical images based on the content features of the plurality of three-dimensional medical images. , Based on the positioning means for outputting the result of the positioning process and the positioning accuracy representing the accuracy of the positioning process, each of the three-dimensional medical images and the positioning process result, Cross-sectional image generation means for generating a cross-sectional image representing a given cross-section corresponding to each other between the three-dimensional medical images for each of the three-dimensional medical images, and display control means for displaying each of the generated cross-sectional images on the display means And providing a notification means for performing notification for prompting correction of the result of the alignment processing only when the alignment accuracy is low enough not to satisfy a predetermined standard. And butterflies.

  The second aspect of the medical image display apparatus of the present invention performs alignment processing for aligning the anatomical position of the subject in the plurality of three-dimensional medical images based on the content features of the plurality of three-dimensional medical images. An alignment unit that outputs a result of the alignment process and an alignment accuracy that represents the accuracy of the alignment process; and represents a given cross section of the subject represented in each of the three-dimensional medical images. A first display control unit configured to display a cross-sectional image on a display unit; a position designation receiving unit that receives designation of a zoom position with respect to one of the cross-sectional images; and the specified designation in the one cross-sectional image A first enlarged image with an enlarged zoom position is generated, and a zoom corresponding to the designated zoom position in a cross-sectional image different from the one cross-sectional image based on the alignment processing result. An enlarged image generating means for generating a second enlarged image whose position has been enlarged, and a second display control means for displaying the first and second enlarged images on a display means, wherein the position Informing means for notifying to prompt correction of the result of the alignment process only when the alignment accuracy is low enough not to satisfy a predetermined standard after receiving the designation of the zoom position by the specifying means It is provided.

  According to a first aspect of the medical image display method of the present invention, alignment processing is performed for aligning the anatomical position of the subject in the plurality of three-dimensional medical images based on the content features of the plurality of three-dimensional medical images. , Outputting the result of the alignment process and the alignment accuracy representing the likelihood of the alignment process, and based on each of the 3D medical images and the alignment process result, between the 3D medical images A cross-sectional image representing a given cross-section corresponding to each other is generated for each of the three-dimensional medical images, and each of the generated cross-sectional images is displayed on a display unit, and the alignment accuracy is further increased. Only when it is low enough not to satisfy a predetermined standard, the step of performing a notification for urging correction of the result of the alignment process is performed.

  The second aspect of the medical image display method of the present invention performs alignment processing for aligning the anatomical position of the subject in the plurality of three-dimensional medical images based on the content features of the plurality of three-dimensional medical images. The result of the alignment process and the alignment accuracy representing the accuracy of the alignment process are output, and a cross-sectional image representing a given cross-section of the subject represented in each of the three-dimensional medical images is displayed. And displaying a zoom position for one of the cross-sectional images, generating a first enlarged image in which the designated zoom position in the one cross-sectional image is enlarged, and Based on the alignment processing result, a second enlarged image in which a zoom position corresponding to the designated zoom position in a cross-sectional image different from the one cross-sectional image is enlarged is generated, and the first and second Expansion An image is displayed on the display means, and after the designation of the zoom position is received, the result of the alignment process is corrected only when the alignment accuracy is low enough not to satisfy a predetermined standard. It is characterized in that a step of performing notification for prompting is performed.

  The medical image display program of the present invention is for causing a computer to execute the above method.

  As the “three-dimensional medical image” of the present invention, it is preferable to use an image obtained by scanning a subject in a given scanning direction.

  In this case, in the “positioning process”, it is preferable to perform a process of matching the anatomical position in the scanning direction.

  The “position alignment processing result” may be an image obtained by coordinate conversion of at least one of a plurality of three-dimensional medical images, or a function representing a positional correspondence between the plurality of images. Or a correspondence table.

  Specific examples of “registration accuracy” include a scale representing the similarity between images such as a cross-correlation coefficient and mutual information calculated during the alignment process, and an anatomical image in the image after alignment. For example, the ratio of measured values such as the size and inclination of a structure or the like between images may be used.

  It is conceivable that the “predetermined reference” for the alignment accuracy is a magnitude relationship with the threshold value of the alignment accuracy.

  “Notification for prompting correction of the result of the alignment process” includes displaying a message to that effect and displaying a user interface for accepting manual correction of the alignment result. That is, by displaying this user interface, the correction of the result of the alignment process is prompted, so that the above notification is performed.

  As a specific example of the user interface for manual correction, a cross-sectional image of a cross section parallel to the scanning direction of the three-dimensional medical image is displayed on the display unit, and manual correction of the alignment result in the scanning direction is accepted. .

  In the present invention, a positional relationship between a reference coordinate system that is associated with each of a plurality of three-dimensional medical images and serves as a basis for coordinates of each position in the three-dimensional medical image, and a subject in the three-dimensional medical image. It is also conceivable to perform control such as alignment processing and notification using a reference coordinate system identifier for identifying

Here, the “reference coordinate system identifier” identifies at least the positional relationship between the origin of the reference coordinate system and the subject. FIG. 11 is an example schematically showing how a reference coordinate system identifier is associated with a three-dimensional medical image. As shown in the figure, the three-dimensional medical images V _A and V _B have different imaging ranges in the body axis direction of the subject, but the origin position of the coordinate axes with respect to the subject is the same. The same reference coordinate system identifier is associated with V _A and V _B. On the other hand, the three-dimensional medical images V _A and V _C are different in the position of the origin of the coordinate axes with respect to the subject, and therefore different reference coordinate system identifiers are associated with the three-dimensional medical images V _A and V _C. The “reference coordinate system identifier” may further identify the direction of the coordinate axis of the reference coordinate system. For example, when there is an image having a coordinate system such as the three-dimensional medical image V _D of FIG. 11, the three-dimensional medical images V _A and V _D have the same imaging range in the body axis direction, The position of the origin of the coordinate axes with respect to the specimen is the same, but since the directions of the x, y, and z coordinate axes with respect to the subject are different, different reference coordinate system identifiers are associated with the three-dimensional medical images V _A and V _D. Yes.

  In order to set the reference coordinate system identifier in this manner, for example, in a modality that acquires a plurality of three-dimensional medical images, coordinate values at the same position in the subject are obtained by a series of imaging without changing the positioning of the subject. It is conceivable that a common reference coordinate system identifier is set for a plurality of three-dimensional medical images generated so that the images coincide with each other. Alternatively, if a plurality of three-dimensional medical images are obtained by cutting out a given region of interest from a plurality of original images, the region of interest in each of the cut-out three-dimensional medical images is Since the same position is represented, in the apparatus that performs the cut-out process, the coordinates of each position are determined based on the same reference coordinate system for each cut-out three-dimensional medical image, and each three-dimensional A common reference coordinate system identifier may be set for medical images.

  Further, as a specific example of control such as registration processing and notification using the reference coordinate system identifier, the reference coordinate system identifier associated with each of the plurality of three-dimensional medical images matches between the plurality of three-dimensional medical images. If the reference coordinate system identifier does not match between the plurality of three-dimensional medical images, the registration processing is performed, and the reference coordinate system identifier matches between the plurality of three-dimensional medical images. In this case, it is conceivable that the positioning process is not performed and the notification is not performed. In the latter case, in the first aspect of the present invention, the cross-sectional image is generated based on position information of each pixel constituting each of a plurality of three-dimensional medical images. One enlarged image is generated, and the position in the cross-sectional image different from the one cross-sectional image having the same position information as the designated zoom position in the one cross-sectional image corresponds to the designated zoom position. The enlarged second enlarged image may be generated as the zoom position to be performed.

  Further, when the reference coordinate system identifier does not match between a plurality of three-dimensional medical images, the selection of whether or not to perform the alignment process is accepted, and the selection to perform the alignment process is accepted Only the position adjustment process may be performed.

  Here, when a selection indicating that the alignment processing is not performed is received, an operation of manually aligning anatomical positions in a plurality of 3D medical images is received, and the cross-sectional image is the 3D medical image. May be generated on the basis of the result of the manual alignment.

  According to the present invention, alignment processing for aligning the anatomical position of a subject in a plurality of three-dimensional medical images is performed, and each cross-sectional image or each enlarged image related to the plurality of three-dimensional medical images is generated and displayed. In this case, only when the alignment accuracy indicating the accuracy of the alignment processing is low, the notification is made to prompt the correction of the alignment processing result. There is no need to be aware of the correction work of the alignment process, and the operability when displaying a medical image is improved.

  In another aspect of the present invention, a reference coordinate system that is associated with each of a plurality of three-dimensional medical images and serves as a basis for coordinates of each position in the three-dimensional medical image, and a subject in the three-dimensional medical image Focusing on the reference coordinate system identifier for identifying the positional relationship between the two and the three-dimensional medical images, if the reference coordinate system identifiers match, the correspondence in the subject represented in the plurality of three-dimensional medical images This utilizes the fact that the alignment processing is unnecessary because the coordinate values of the positions to be matched match between images. That is, it is determined whether or not the reference coordinate system identifier matches between a plurality of three-dimensional medical images. When the reference coordinate system identifier does not match between the plurality of three-dimensional medical images, the alignment process is performed. In this way, when the reference coordinate system identifier matches between a plurality of three-dimensional medical images, unnecessary registration processing is reduced if the registration processing is not performed and the notification is not performed. Therefore, the processing efficiency is improved and unnecessary notification is not performed, so that the operability is further improved.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a medical information system in which a medical image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention is introduced. The block diagram which showed typically the structure and process flow which implement | achieve the medical image comparison display function in the 1st Embodiment of this invention The flowchart showing the flow of the image diagnosis using the medical image diagnosis system in the first embodiment of the present invention. Diagram showing an example of the selection screen for the alignment method The figure which showed an example of the user interface for performing manual alignment Figure showing an example of the alignment accuracy warning screen The figure which showed the 1st example of the comparison display of a cross-sectional image The figure which showed the 2nd example of the comparison display of a cross-sectional image The figure which showed the 3rd example of the comparison display of a cross-sectional image The block diagram which showed typically the structure and process flow which implement | achieve the medical image comparison display function in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention The flowchart showing the flow of the image diagnosis using the medical image diagnosis system in the second embodiment of the present invention. The figure which showed an example of the comparison display of an enlarged image A diagram schematically showing the positional relationship between a reference coordinate system and a subject in a three-dimensional image

  Hereinafter, a medical information system in which a medical image display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is introduced will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an outline of this medical image diagnostic system. As shown in the figure, in this system, a modality 1, an image storage server 2, and an image processing workstation 3 are connected via a network 9 in a communicable state.

  In the modality 1, the image data of a three-dimensional medical image representing the region is generated by imaging the region to be examined of the subject, and additional information defined in the DICOM standard is added to the image data, A device that outputs information is included. Specific examples include CT and MRI. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which three-dimensional image data is generated by scanning in the body axis direction of a subject with CT.

  The image storage server 2 is a computer that stores and manages medical image data acquired by the modality 1 and image data of medical images generated by image processing at the image processing workstation 3 in an image database. A device and database management software (for example, ORDB (Object Relational Database) management software) are provided.

  The image processing workstation 3 performs image processing (including image analysis) on the medical image data acquired from the modality 1 or the image storage server 2 in response to a request from the interpreter, and displays the generated image. A computer having a well-known hardware configuration such as a CPU, main storage device, auxiliary storage device, input / output interface, communication interface, input device (mouse, keyboard, etc.), display device (display monitor), data bus, etc. Are installed. The medical image comparison display process of the present invention is implemented in the image processing workstation 3, and this process is realized by executing a program installed from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM. The program may be installed after being downloaded from a storage device of a server connected via a network such as the Internet.

  The storage format of image data and communication between devices via the network 9 are based on a protocol such as DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine).

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a part related to the medical image comparison display process according to the first embodiment of the present invention, among the functions of the image processing workstation 3. As shown in the figure, the medical image comparison display process according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a main control unit 30, an image data acquisition unit 31, a reference coordinate system determination unit 32, an alignment method selection reception unit 33, and an automatic alignment process. This is realized by the unit 34, the manual alignment receiving unit 35, the alignment accuracy determination unit 36, the cross-sectional image generation unit 37, and the display control unit 38. In the figure, the flow of control between the main control unit 30 and other functional blocks is not shown.

  The main control unit 30 controls the entire medical image comparison display process according to the embodiment of the present invention. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

The image data acquisition unit 31 is an operation terminal interface of a known ordering system or an operation terminal interface of a known image search system, and specifies information (for example, examination information or patient information) specified by a user. ) As a search key, the image database of the image storage server 2 is searched, and the three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ and V ₂ to be processed are acquired. In this embodiment, the three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ and V ₂ represent the same part of the same patient obtained by CT imaging.

The reference coordinate system determination unit 32 adds a reference coordinate system (Frame of Reference) UID (tag (0020,0052) attached to each of the three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ and V _{2 to be} processed based on the DICOM standard. Determine if)) matches. Here, Reference UID is the positional relationship between the three-dimensional medical image V _1, V ₂ in the reference coordinate system will coordinate the groups of each position of the three-dimensional subject medical image V _1, V ₂ In the modality 1, in the three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ and V ₂ obtained in the same series of the same examination in the modality 1, the same value is set in the reference coordinate system UID. Further, even if image data obtained in different series of the same examination is captured and acquired without changing the positional relationship, the same value can be set in the reference coordinate system UID.

The alignment method selection accepting unit 33 displays on the display device a user interface for allowing the user to select whether to perform the alignment of the three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ and V ₂ automatically or manually. FIG. 4 shows a specific example of this user interface. As shown in the figure, the user can select automatic / manual by clicking the mouse on the radio button.

The automatic alignment processing unit 34 automatically adjusts the anatomical position of the subject in the image based on the content features of the three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ and V ₂ , The medical image data V ₁ and V _2A are output, and an alignment accuracy AC representing the accuracy of the alignment process is output. As this automatic alignment processing, a known method can be employed. For example, a process for recognizing the imaging region of the subject is performed on each of a plurality of axial cross-sectional images reconstructed from each of the three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ and V ₂ , and the three-dimensional images differ. There is a method of aligning the position in the scanning direction (body axis direction) so that the position of the boundary of the part matches. Here, when the subject is a human body, the recognized imaging parts are, for example, the head, head and neck, neck, chest, chest abdomen, abdomen, pelvis, and leg. Further, when recognizing each part, the human body region relative to the area of the circle having the same circumference as the circumference of the human body region, the ratio of the air region or bone region in the human body region in each axial cross-sectional image to the human body region Using various feature quantities such as the area ratio (circularity) of the area, a discriminator obtained by learning based on the Adaboost method calculates a score representing the likelihood of each part for each axial cross-sectional image, and uses that score Thus, the imaging region of each axial cross-sectional image is determined by dynamic programming so as to match the anatomical positional relationship of the body part of the human body (refer to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-219655 for details). When this method is used, as the alignment accuracy AC, a value (for example, an average value or an intermediate value) calculated from a score representing the likelihood of each part for each axial cross-sectional image can be used. In addition, as a specific method of automatic alignment, a method using image correlation or a method using landmarks described in Patent Document 5 may be adopted, or a rigid or non-rigid registration method (for example, Rueckert D Sonoda LI, Hayes C, et al., “Nonrigid Registration Using Free-Form Deformations: Application to Breast MR Images”, IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging, 1999, Vol. 18, No. 8, pp.712- 721) or the like.

The manual alignment receiving unit 35 displays on the display device a user interface for allowing the user to manually align the 3D medical image data (for example, V ₁ and V ₂ ), and responds to the manual alignment operation by the user. The three-dimensional medical image data (for example, V ₁ and V ₂ ) is aligned, and the three-dimensional medical image data (for example, V ₁ , V _2B ) after the alignment is output. FIG. 5 shows a specific example of this user interface. As shown in the figure, the coronal slice images SC ₁ and SC ₂ reconstructed from each of the three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ and V ₂ are positioned in the body axis direction of the subject with reference to the coordinate value of each image. The user can move the coronal slice image SC ₂ in the body axis direction so that the positions of the same anatomical structures in the coronal slice images SC ₁ and SC ₂ in the body axis direction are aligned by operating the mouse. Move in the vertical direction on the screen. At that time, the user can easily align the positions of the noted anatomical structures by setting a reference line RL perpendicular to the body axis of the subject at a desired position of these coronal cross-sectional images. When the user presses the execution button by operating the mouse or the like, manual positioning reception portion 35 calculates the amount of movement from the original position of the coronal cross-sectional image SC _2, only the amount of movement of the three-dimensional medical image data V ₂ Coordinate transformation that moves in the body axis direction is performed, and three-dimensional medical image data V _2B is output. Note that, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 3, a user interface similar to the above can also be used when correcting the alignment result by the automatic alignment processing unit 34.

  The alignment accuracy determination unit 36 determines whether the alignment accuracy AC is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold Th. In the present embodiment, the larger the value of the alignment accuracy AC, the higher the accuracy of the alignment, that is, the better the accuracy of the alignment.

The cross-sectional image generation unit 37 reconstructs a cross-sectional image (for example, S ₁ ) based on a given cross section from the input three-dimensional medical image data (for example, V ₁ ) using a known MPR technique. Here, detailed conditions such as the inclination and position of the cross section and the slice thickness can be acquired from a setting file, a program startup parameter, or the like, or can be acquired from a user interface that receives input of these conditions. In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional image generation unit 38 has a predetermined cross-sectional position based on a setting file in which a hanging protocol that predefines image processing conditions, screen layouts, and the like according to the type (modality) of the input image is set. It is assumed that three cross-sectional images of axial, coronal, and sagittal are generated. Note that the position and inclination of the cross section can be determined based on the coordinate values of the input three-dimensional medical image data.

The display control unit 38 performs control for causing the display device to display the cross-sectional image to be displayed based on the hanging protocol. 7A is a display example of the cross-sectional image, axial (top left) reconstructed from the three-dimensional medical image data V _1, coronal (bottom left), and three cross-sectional images S ₁ in the sagittal (upper right), after the positioning Three cross-sectional images S _{2A of} axial, coronal, and sagittal reconstructed from the three-dimensional medical image data V _2A are arranged and displayed so that the corresponding positions are aligned for each type (inclination) of the cross-section. Yes.

  Next, referring to FIGS. 2, 4, 5, and 7A, the flow of image diagnosis by comparison display of medical images according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

When software for comparison display of a plurality of cross-sectional images according to the first embodiment of the present invention is activated by the user, the main control unit 30 calls the image data acquisition unit 31 to acquire image data to be displayed. Let it do (# 1). Specifically, first, the user operates the operation terminal interface known ordering system implemented in image processing workstation 3, and requests the acquisition of the three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ of the diagnostic object. In response to the operation, the image data acquisition unit 31 is photographed by the modality 1 based on the examination order from the doctor of the requesting department and is stored in the image storage server 2. _{Get 1} Next, the user operates an operation terminal interface of a known image search system mounted on the image processing workstation 3 to compare three-dimensional medical image data to be compared, that is, three-dimensional medical image data V _{1 to be} diagnosed. Requesting acquisition of 3D medical image data of the same patient. In response to the operation, the image data acquisition unit 31 searches the image database of the image storage server 2 using, for example, the patient information attached to the acquired three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ as a search key, and performs diagnosis. get the other three-dimensional medical image data V ₂ patients (# 1).

Next, when the main control unit 30 calls the reference coordinate system determination unit 32, the reference coordinate system determination unit 32 analyzes the DICOM tag attached to each of the acquired three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ and V _2. The reference coordinate system is read to determine whether the reference coordinate system UID matches, and the determination result is returned to the main control unit 30 (# 2).

  As a result of the determination, if the reference coordinate systems UID do not match (# 2; No), the main control unit 30 calls the alignment method selection receiving unit 33. The alignment method selection reception unit 33 displays the user interface illustrated in FIG. 4 on the display device, and returns the selection result of “automatic” / “manual” by the user to the main control unit 30 (# 3).

When the user selects “automatic” (# 3; automatic), the main control unit 30 calls the automatic alignment processing unit 34, and the automatic alignment processing unit 34 stores the three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ and V ₂ . A process of automatically aligning the anatomical position of the subject is performed, and the three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ and V _2A after the alignment are output, and an alignment accuracy AC representing the accuracy of the alignment process is output. (#Four).

  When the automatic alignment process is completed, the main control unit 30 calls the alignment accuracy determination unit 36. The alignment accuracy determination unit 36 determines whether the alignment accuracy AC is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold Th, and the determination result Is returned to the main control unit 30 (# 5).

As a result of the determination, when the alignment accuracy AC is less than the predetermined threshold Th (# 5; No), the main control unit 30 calls the manual alignment receiving unit 35, and the manual alignment receiving unit 35 outputs the alignment result. Accept manual correction (# 6). As a result, notification for prompting correction of the result of the automatic alignment processing is performed. Here, the manual alignment receiving unit 35 displays the user interface illustrated in FIG. 5 on the display device. That is, the coronal slice images SC ₁ and SC _2A reconstructed from each of the three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ and V _2A after the automatic alignment are the body of the subject based on the coordinate values of the images after the alignment. Displayed with the axial position aligned. When the user operates the mouse to correct the alignment result by moving the coronal slice image SC _2A in the body axis direction, the manual alignment receiving unit 35 is positioned based on the movement amount of the coronal slice image SC _2A. The corrected 3D medical image data V _2C is output.

When the manual correction of the alignment result is completed, the main control unit 30 calls the cross-sectional image generation unit 37. Based on the hanging protocol defined in the setting file, the cross-sectional image generation unit 37 generates an axial at a predetermined cross-sectional position from each of the three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ and the three-dimensional medical image data V _2C after the alignment correction. , Coronal and sagittal sectional images S ₁ and S _2C are generated (# 7).

The main control unit 30 calls the display control unit 38, the display control unit 38, based on the hanging protocol, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, the reconstructed axial from the three-dimensional medical image data V _1, coronal The three cross-sectional images S _{1 of} sagittal and the three cross-sectional images S _{2C of} axial, coronal, and sagittal reconstructed from the aligned three-dimensional medical image data V _2C are displayed side by side on a display device (# 8 ).

On the other hand, in step # 5, when the alignment accuracy AC is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold Th (# 5; Yes), manual correction of the automatic alignment processing result in step # 6 is skipped, and the main control unit 30 Similarly to step # 7, the cross-sectional image generation unit 37 is called, and the cross-sectional image generation unit 37 obtains a predetermined value from each of the three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ and the three-dimensional medical image data V _2A after automatic alignment. Axial, coronal, and sagittal sectional images S ₁ and S _2A at the sectional position are generated (# 7).

Then, as in step # 8, the main control unit 30 calls the display control unit 38, and the display control unit 38, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, 3D medical image data V ₁ and 3 after automatic alignment. The axial, coronal, and sagittal cross-sectional images S ₁ and S _2A reconstructed from each of the dimensional medical image data V _2A are displayed side by side on the display device (# 8).

In step # 3, when the user selects “manual” (# 3; manual), the main control unit 30 calls the manual alignment receiving unit 35, and the manual alignment receiving unit 35 is illustrated in FIG. Thus, coronal slice images SC ₁ and SC ₂ reconstructed from each of the three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ and V ₂ are displayed with the position in the body axis direction of the subject aligned on the basis of the coordinate values of each image It is, similarly to the step # 6, accepts the moving operation of the coronal cross-sectional image SC ₂ by the user, based on the movement amount, and outputs the three-dimensional medical image data V _2B after the positioning (# 9).

When the manual alignment is completed, the main control unit 30 calls the cross-sectional image generation unit 37 in the same manner as in Step # 7. The cross-sectional image generation unit 37 and the three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ after the manual alignment are displayed. From each of the dimensional medical image data V _2B , axial, coronal, and sagittal sectional images S ₁ and S _2B at a predetermined sectional position are generated (# 7).

Then, as in step # 8, the main control unit 30 calls the display control unit 38, and the display control unit 38, as exemplified in FIG. 7A, 3D medical image data V ₁ and 3 after manual alignment. The axial, coronal, and sagittal cross-sectional images S ₁ and S _2B reconstructed from each of the dimensional medical image data V _2B are displayed side by side on the display device (# 8).

If it is determined in step # 2 that the reference coordinate systems UID match (# 2; Yes), steps # 3 to # 6 are skipped, and the main control unit 30 reads the cross-sectional image generation unit 37. As in step # 7, the cross-sectional image generation unit 37 obtains axial, coronal, and sagittal cross-sectional images S ₁ , S ₃ , and S at each predetermined cross-sectional position from the three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ and V ₂ . S ₂ is generated (# 7).

Then, as in step # 8, the main control unit 30 calls the display control unit 38, and the display control unit 38 restarts from each of the three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ and V ₂ as illustrated in FIG. 7A. The configured axial, coronal, and sagittal cross-sectional images S ₁ and S ₂ are displayed side by side on the display device (# 8).

As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the automatic alignment processing unit 34 performs the alignment process for aligning the anatomical position of the subject in the three-dimensional medical images V ₁ and V _2. When the alignment accuracy determination unit 36 determines that the alignment accuracy AC is low enough not to satisfy the predetermined standard, the manual alignment reception unit 35 receives manual correction of the result of the alignment process, and the cross-sectional image generation unit 37. Generates cross-sectional images S ₁ and S _2C representing a given cross-section corresponding to each other between the three-dimensional medical images based on the three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ and V _2C after alignment, and the display control unit 38 However, the generated cross-sectional images S ₁ and S _2C can be displayed on the display device. On the other hand, if it is determined that the alignment accuracy AC is high enough to satisfy the predetermined standard, the manual alignment user interface by the manual alignment receiving unit 35 is not displayed, and the user performs the alignment processing correction work. It becomes possible to interpret the cross-sectional image without being conscious of it, and the operability when displaying the medical image is improved.

Further, the reference coordinate system determination unit 32 determines whether or not the reference coordinate system UID attached to the three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ and V ₂ matches between both images, and the reference coordinate system UID matches between both images. If not, alignment processing by the automatic alignment processing unit 34 or manual alignment processing unit 35 is performed. If the reference coordinate system UID matches between both images, the alignment processing is not performed. Since the cross-sectional images S ₁ and S ₂ representing the corresponding cross-sections are generated based on the coordinate values of the _two- dimensional medical image data V ₁ and V ₂ , the alignment processing is performed when the alignment processing is not necessary in the first place. As a result, the processing efficiency of the image processing workstation 3 is improved, and an unnecessary manual alignment user interface is not displayed, thereby further improving the operability.

By the way, the three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ and V ₂ may have different imaging ranges in the CT scan direction (body axis direction). Therefore, in the above embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, the display control unit 38 sets the display range of the coronal cross-sectional image (each lower left) and the sagittal cross-sectional image (each upper right) by the cross-section parallel to the scan direction as the imaging range. The display range of each cross-sectional image is determined so as to match the narrow one. That is, in the example of FIG. 7A, the positions of the coronal slice image and the sagittal slice image generated from each of the three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ and V ₂ are aligned in the scanning direction, and further, the three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ , V ₂ of coronal and sagittal cross-sectional images generated from the wider scanning range in the scan direction, only the range that has the same shooting range as the cross-sectional image of the narrower scanning range in the scan direction is displayed. Yes. As a display mode of each cross-sectional image, in addition to the above, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, the display range of the coronal cross-sectional image and the sagittal cross-sectional image may be adjusted to a wide photographing range.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 7C, the coronal slice image and the sagittal slice image generated from each of the three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ and V ₂ are not aligned in the scanning direction, and each coronal slice image and the sagittal slice are aligned. It is also conceivable to change the scale for each image so that each coronal slice image and each sagittal slice image are displayed in the entire display area. However, in the case of such a display mode, the positions in the scanning direction are not aligned between the coronal slice images and between the sagittal slice images.

  Therefore, in the second embodiment of the present invention, when displaying the coronal and sagittal cross-sectional images, the position in the scanning direction is not aligned, and one of a plurality of displayed coronal (or sagittal) cross-sectional images is displayed. When the user performs a zoom / pan operation that zooms in on a part of the image, the same part of the other coronal (or sagittal) cross-sectional image is enlarged in conjunction with that operation. A description will be given of a mode in which a zoom / pan coordinated display function is added, and an enlarged coronal (or sagittal) cross-sectional image is displayed with the position in the scan direction aligned at the time of zoom / pan coordinated display.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a part related to the medical image comparison display process according to the second embodiment of the present invention, among the functions of the image processing workstation 3. As shown in the figure, compared to the block diagram of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a zoom position designation receiving unit 39 and an enlarged image generating unit 40 are added, and the display control unit 38 is replaced with a cross-sectional image display control unit 38A. And the enlarged image display control unit 38B. Hereinafter, the points different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  Similarly to the display control unit 38 in the first embodiment, the cross-sectional image display control unit 38A performs control for displaying the cross-sectional image to be displayed on the display device based on a predetermined hanging protocol. As illustrated in FIG. 7C, the scale of each cross-sectional image is appropriately changed so that the entire image is displayed in the entire display area.

  The zoom position designation receiving unit 39 is a user interface that receives designation of the zoom position ZP for one of the displayed cross-sectional images. For example, as shown in the coronal cross-sectional image on the left side of FIG. 7C, the user moves the pointer to the position where the zoom display is to be performed in the cross-sectional image and performs a double click operation to change the position of the pointer to the zoom position ZP. Accept as. Alternatively, an area to be zoomed in the cross-sectional image (rectangular area ZR in FIG. 7C) is designated by dragging the mouse, a submenu is displayed by right-clicking the mouse, and “specified” is displayed from the displayed submenu. Various user interfaces are conceivable, such as selecting a designated rectangular area as the zoom target area ZR by selecting “Zoom-linked display of designated area”. The zoom position ZP and the zoom target area ZR include three-dimensional coordinate information and information for specifying the type (inclination) of the cross section of the cross-sectional image for which the designation is performed.

The enlarged image generation unit 40 enlarges the zoom target position ZP or the zoom target area ZR based on the input three-dimensional medical image data (for example, V ₁ ) and the zoom target position ZP or the zoom target area ZR (for example, Z ₁ ) is generated. Here, the enlargement factor at the time of generating an enlarged image and the zoom target area when the zoom target position ZP is specified are obtained from a setting file, a program startup parameter, etc., or a user who receives input of these conditions And can be obtained from the interface. When the zoom target area ZR is designated, the enlargement magnification can also be calculated from the relationship between the size of the zoom target area ZR and the size of the area where the enlarged image is displayed. The enlarged image represents the same cross section as the cross section image in which the zoom target position ZP and the zoom target region ZR are designated. An enlarged image (for example, Z ₁ ) may be generated from a cross-sectional image (for example, S ₁ ).

The enlarged image display control unit 38B performs control for causing the display device to display an enlarged image to be displayed. Figure 10 is a display example of an enlarged image, the enlarged image Z ₁ reconstructed from the three-dimensional medical image data V _1, the enlarged image Z ₂ generated from the three-dimensional medical image data V ₂ after the positioning Are arranged and displayed so that corresponding positions in the scan direction (body axis direction) are aligned.

  Next, referring to FIGS. 4, 5, 7 </ b> C, and 8, the flow of image diagnosis based on the comparative display of medical images according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 9.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the second embodiment of the present invention, from start of software for comparative display of a plurality of cross-sectional images, acquisition of image data to be displayed (# 11), determination of a reference coordinate system (# 12), when the reference coordinate system does not match (# 12; No), the registration method selection reception (# 13), when `` automatic '' is selected (# 13; automatic) automatic alignment processing ( Steps # 14) are the same as steps # 1 to # 4 in the first embodiment.

However, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the main control unit 30 calls the cross-sectional image generation unit 37 without performing the determination of the alignment accuracy AC after completion of the automatic alignment process, and the cross-sectional image generation unit 37 From each of the 3D medical image data V ₁ and the automatically aligned 3D medical image data V _2A , axial, coronal, and sagittal sectional images S ₁ and S _2A at a predetermined sectional position are generated (# 15 ). The main control unit 30 calls the cross section image display control unit 38A, the cross-sectional image display control section 38A, as illustrated in FIG. 7C, three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ and three-dimensional medical image data after the automatic alignment The axial, coronal, and sagittal cross-sectional images S ₁ and S _2A reconstructed from each of V _2A are displayed side by side on the display device (# 16).

In step # 13, when the user selects “manual” (# 13; manual), the main control unit 30 calls the manual alignment receiving unit 35. Manual alignment similar to step # 9 of the embodiment is performed (# 22). At this time, the maximum value is set in the alignment accuracy AC. When the manual alignment is completed, the main control unit 30 calls the cross-sectional image generation unit 37 in the same manner as in step # 15, and the cross-sectional image generation unit 37 performs the three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ and the three-dimensional post-manual alignment. From each of the medical image data V _2B , axial, coronal and sagittal sectional images S ₁ and S _2B at a predetermined sectional position are generated (# 15). Then, as in step # 16, the main control unit 30 calls the cross-sectional image display control unit 38A, and the cross-sectional image display control unit 38A, as illustrated in FIG. 7C, 3D medical image data V ₁ and manual position reconstructed from each of the three-dimensional medical image data V _2B after combined the axial, coronal, and displays side by side on the display device a sagittal cross-sectional image _{S 1, S 2B (# 16} ).

If it is determined in step # 12 that the reference coordinate system UIDs match (# 12; Yes), the main control unit 30 sets the maximum value for the alignment accuracy, and then causes the cross-sectional image generation unit 37 to The calling and cross-sectional image generating unit 37, as in the above step # 15, from the three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ and V ₂ , the axial, coronal, and sagittal cross-sectional images S ₁ and S at a predetermined cross-sectional position. ₂ is generated (# 15). As in step # 16, the main control unit 30 calls the cross-sectional image display control unit 38A, and the cross-sectional image display control unit 38A, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, 3D medical image data V ₁ and V _2. Axial, coronal, and sagittal cross-sectional images S ₁ and S ₂ reconstructed from these are displayed side by side on the display device (# 16).

  Here, when the zoom position designation receiving unit 39 receives the designation of the zoom position ZP or the zoom target area ZR (# 17), the main control unit 30 calls the alignment accuracy determining unit 36, and the alignment accuracy determining unit 36 It is determined whether or not the alignment accuracy AC is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold Th, and the determination result is returned to the main control unit 30 (# 18).

As a result of the determination, when the alignment accuracy AC is less than the predetermined threshold Th (# 18; No), the main control unit 30 performs the manual alignment receiving unit 35 as in Step # 6 of the first embodiment. , The manual alignment receiving unit 35 receives manual correction of the automatic alignment result, and outputs the corrected three-dimensional medical image data V _2C (# 19). On the other hand, if the alignment accuracy AC is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold Th in step # 18 (# 18; Yes), manual correction of the automatic alignment processing result in step # 19 is skipped.

Next, the main control unit 30 calls the enlarged image generation unit 40. The enlarged image generating unit 40 inputs the input 3D medical image data V ₁ and V ₂ (or V _2A , V _2B , V _2C depending on the processing results of steps # 12, # 13, and # 18), and the zoom target position. Based on ZP or the zoom target area ZR, enlarged images Z ₁ and Z ₂ (or Z _2A , Z _2B , Z _2C ) obtained by enlarging the zoom target position ZP or the zoom target area ZR are generated (# 20). Here, when the three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ and V ₂ are input, since it is determined in step # 12 that the reference coordinate systems UID of both images match, the phase in both images is determined. Corresponding positions will have the same coordinate values. If the three-dimensional medical image data V ₁ and V _2A are input, in step # 18, the accuracy AC of the automatic alignment processing performed in step # 14 is high enough to satisfy a predetermined standard. Since the determination is made, the corresponding positions in both images have the same coordinate value. When 3D medical image data V ₁ and V _2B or V _2C are input, manual alignment is performed in step # 22 or # 19, respectively. The position will have the same coordinate value. Therefore, the enlarged image generated from each set of three-dimensional medical image data is obtained by enlarging the position corresponding to the zoom target position ZP or the zoom target area ZR. This makes it possible to generate enlarged images of other cross-sectional images in conjunction with zoom / pan operations on one cross-sectional image.

Then, the main control unit 30 calls the enlarged image display control unit 38B, and the enlarged image display control unit 38B uses the enlarged images Z ₁ and Z ₂ (or Z _2A , Z _2B , Z _2C ) generated in step # 20. Then, they are arranged and displayed on the display device so that the corresponding positions in the scanning direction (body axis direction) are aligned (# 21).

As described above, also in the second embodiment of the present invention, as in the first embodiment, a plurality of images are displayed before being arranged so that corresponding positions are aligned, that is, an enlarged image generation unit. Before 40 generates the enlarged images Z ₁ and Z ₂ (or Z _2A , Z _2B , Z _2C ), the alignment accuracy determination unit 36 determines the alignment accuracy AC, and the alignment accuracy AC satisfies a predetermined reference. When it is determined that it is low enough not to be satisfied, the manual alignment receiving unit 35 receives manual correction of the result of alignment processing, and when it is determined that the alignment accuracy AC is high enough to satisfy a predetermined standard Since the manual alignment user interface by the manual alignment receiving unit 35 is not displayed, the user can interpret the cross-sectional image without being aware of the correction processing of the alignment processing, and display the medical image. Operability at the time can be improved.

  In the second embodiment, the enlarged image is generated and displayed only in the same cross section as the designated cross-sectional image, but is different based on the designated zoom target position ZP or the three-dimensional position of the zoom target area ZR. Generates an enlarged image that expands the specified zoom target position ZP or zoom target area ZR even on a cross section (axial or sagittal cross section when the zoom target position ZP or zoom target area ZR is specified on the coronal cross section) You may make it display.

  The technical scope of the present invention includes various modifications made to the system configuration, processing flow, module configuration, screen layout, and the like in the above embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, each process illustrated in FIG. 2 or FIG. 8 has been described as being performed by one image processing workstation 3, but each process is distributed to a plurality of workstations. It may be configured to perform cooperative processing, or an image processing server that performs processing of the automatic alignment processing unit 34 and the cross-sectional image generation unit 37 may be separately provided and connected to the network 9.

  Further, in step # 6 in FIG. 3 or step # 19 in FIG. 9, before displaying the user interface for manual correction of the alignment result, an alignment accuracy warning screen as illustrated in FIG. The user may select whether to make corrections.

  Each of the above embodiments is merely an example, and all of the above description should not be used to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where two medical images are displayed side by side has been described as an example. However, the number of images displayed side by side may be three or more.

  In each of the above embodiments, the automatic registration processing unit 34 outputs the three-dimensional medical image data after the registration. Instead, the original three-dimensional medical image data is output after the registration. A function for converting the coordinates into a state, a look-up table, and the like are output, and only the data necessary for the cross-sectional image generation unit 37 and the enlarged image generation unit 40 to generate the cross-sectional image and the enlarged image are automatically aligned. Coordinate conversion may be performed using the function output by the unit 34, a lookup table, or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Modality 2 Image storage server 3 Image processing workstation 9 Network 30 Main control part 31 Image data acquisition part 32 FOR determination part 33 Alignment method selection reception part 34 Automatic alignment process part 35 Manual alignment reception part 36 Alignment accuracy determination Unit 37 Cross-sectional image generation unit 38 Display control unit 38A Cross-sectional image display control unit 38B Enlarged image display control unit 39 Zoom position designation reception unit 40 Enlarged image generation unit

Claims (12)

Alignment processing for aligning the anatomical position of the subject in the plurality of three-dimensional medical images based on the content features of the plurality of three-dimensional medical images, and the results of the alignment processing and the alignment processing Alignment means for outputting an alignment accuracy representing the accuracy;
Cross-sectional image generation for generating, for each of the three-dimensional medical images, a cross-sectional image representing a given cross-section corresponding to each other between the three-dimensional medical images based on each of the three-dimensional medical images and the alignment processing result. Means,
A medical image display device comprising display control means for displaying each of the generated cross-sectional images on a display means,
A medical image display apparatus further comprising notification means for notifying the correction of the result of the alignment processing only when the alignment accuracy is low enough not to satisfy a predetermined standard. Alignment processing for aligning the anatomical position of the subject in the plurality of three-dimensional medical images based on the content features of the plurality of three-dimensional medical images, and the results of the alignment processing and the alignment processing Alignment means for outputting an alignment accuracy representing the accuracy;
First display control means for causing a display means to display a cross-sectional image representing a given cross-section of a subject represented in each of the three-dimensional medical images;
Position designation accepting means for accepting designation of a zoom position for one of the cross-sectional images;
A first enlarged image obtained by enlarging the designated zoom position in the one cross-sectional image is generated, and the designated in the cross-sectional image different from the one cross-sectional image is generated based on the alignment processing result. An enlarged image generating means for generating a second enlarged image in which the zoom position corresponding to the zoom position is enlarged;
A medical image display device comprising: a second display control unit configured to display the first and second enlarged images on a display unit;
After receiving designation of the zoom position by the position designation means, a notification means for performing notification for prompting correction of the result of the alignment processing only when the alignment accuracy is low enough not to satisfy a predetermined standard. And a medical image display device. A reference for identifying a positional relationship between a reference coordinate system that is associated with each of the plurality of three-dimensional medical images and serves as a base of coordinates of each position in the three-dimensional medical image and a subject in the three-dimensional medical image A reference coordinate system determination unit that determines whether a coordinate system identifier matches between the plurality of three-dimensional medical images;
When the reference coordinate system identifier does not match between the plurality of three-dimensional medical images, the alignment unit performs the alignment process;
When the reference coordinate system identifier matches between the plurality of three-dimensional medical images, the alignment unit does not perform alignment processing, and the cross-sectional image generation unit includes the plurality of three-dimensional medical images. 2. The cross-sectional image corresponding to each other is generated based on position information of each pixel constituting each of the first and second notification units, and the notification unit does not perform the notification. Medical image display device. A reference for identifying a positional relationship between a reference coordinate system that is associated with each of the plurality of three-dimensional medical images and serves as a base of coordinates of each position in the three-dimensional medical image and a subject in the three-dimensional medical image A reference coordinate system determination unit that determines whether a coordinate system identifier matches between the plurality of three-dimensional medical images;
When the reference coordinate system identifier does not match between the plurality of three-dimensional medical images, the alignment unit performs the alignment process;
When the reference coordinate system identifier matches between the plurality of three-dimensional medical images, the alignment unit does not perform alignment processing, and the enlarged image generation unit converts the first enlarged image into the first enlarged image. And generating the second enlarged image with a position having the same position information as the designated zoom position as a zoom position corresponding to the designated zoom position, and the notification means The medical image display apparatus according to claim 2, wherein no notification is performed. When the reference coordinate system identifier does not match between the plurality of three-dimensional medical images, the apparatus further comprises alignment availability accepting means for accepting selection as to whether or not to perform alignment processing by the alignment means,
5. The alignment process according to claim 3, wherein the alignment unit performs the alignment process only when the alignment acceptance / rejection reception unit receives a selection to perform the alignment process. Medical image display device. Manual alignment processing for accepting an operation for manually aligning the anatomical positions in the plurality of three-dimensional medical images, and adjusting an anatomical position of the subject in the plurality of three-dimensional medical images according to the operation Further comprising manual positioning means for outputting the result of the positioning process,
The medical image display apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the manual alignment unit receives the operation when the alignment acceptance / rejection reception unit receives a selection indicating that the alignment processing is not performed. .   The medical image display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit includes a manual correction receiving unit that receives manual correction of the alignment result. The plurality of three-dimensional medical images are acquired by scanning the subject in a given scan direction;
The alignment means includes a process of aligning the anatomical position in the scanning direction,
The manual correction accepting unit displays a cross-sectional image of a cross section parallel to the scan direction from each of the plurality of three-dimensional medical images on a display unit, and accepts manual correction of the alignment result in the scan direction. The medical image display apparatus according to claim 7. Alignment processing for aligning the anatomical position of the subject in the plurality of three-dimensional medical images based on the content features of the plurality of three-dimensional medical images, and the results of the alignment processing and the alignment processing Outputs the alignment accuracy that represents the accuracy,
Based on each of the three-dimensional medical images and the alignment processing result, a cross-sectional image representing a given cross-section corresponding to the three-dimensional medical images is generated for each of the three-dimensional medical images,
A medical image display method for displaying each of the generated cross-sectional images on a display means,
The method further includes a step of notifying for prompting correction of the result of the alignment process only when the alignment accuracy is low enough not to satisfy a predetermined standard. . Alignment processing for aligning the anatomical position of the subject in the plurality of three-dimensional medical images based on the content features of the plurality of three-dimensional medical images, and the results of the alignment processing and the alignment processing Outputs the alignment accuracy that represents the accuracy,
Displaying on the display means a cross-sectional image representing a given cross-section of the subject represented in each of the three-dimensional medical images;
Accepting designation of a zoom position for one of the cross-sectional images,
A first enlarged image obtained by enlarging the designated zoom position in the one cross-sectional image is generated, and the designated in the cross-sectional image different from the one cross-sectional image is generated based on the alignment processing result. Generating a second enlarged image in which the zoom position corresponding to the zoom position is enlarged,
A medical image display method for displaying the first and second enlarged images on a display means,
After receiving the designation of the zoom position, it further includes a step of notifying for prompting correction of the result of the alignment process only when the alignment accuracy is low enough not to satisfy a predetermined standard. And a medical image display method. On the computer,
Alignment processing for aligning the anatomical position of the subject in the plurality of three-dimensional medical images based on the content features of the plurality of three-dimensional medical images, and the results of the alignment processing and the alignment processing Outputting a positioning accuracy representing the accuracy;
Generating a cross-sectional image representing a given cross-section corresponding to each other between the three-dimensional medical images based on each of the three-dimensional medical images and the alignment processing result for each of the three-dimensional medical images;
A medical image display program for executing a step of displaying each of the generated cross-sectional images on a display means,
The medical image display characterized by further causing the computer to perform a notification for prompting correction of the result of the alignment processing only when the alignment accuracy is low enough not to satisfy a predetermined standard. program. On the computer,
Alignment processing for aligning the anatomical position of the subject in the plurality of three-dimensional medical images based on the content features of the plurality of three-dimensional medical images, and the results of the alignment processing and the alignment processing Outputting a positioning accuracy representing the accuracy;
Displaying on a display means a cross-sectional image representing a given cross-section of the subject represented in each of the three-dimensional medical images;
Receiving a designation of a zoom position for one of the cross-sectional images;
A first enlarged image obtained by enlarging the designated zoom position in the one cross-sectional image is generated, and the designated in the cross-sectional image different from the one cross-sectional image is generated based on the alignment processing result. Generating a second enlarged image obtained by enlarging the zoom position corresponding to the zoom position;
A medical image display program for executing a step of displaying the first and second enlarged images on a display means,
A notification for prompting the computer to correct the result of the alignment process only when the accuracy of the alignment is low enough not to satisfy a predetermined standard after receiving the designation of the zoom position by the position specifying means. A medical image display program characterized in that the step of performing is further executed.

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