JP2012040196A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a processing time.SOLUTION: This image processor receives designation of the central point that is a point on the center line penetrating an approximate center of the diameter of a luminal organ in three-dimensional image data of a representative time phase of a three-dimensional image data group wherein the luminal organ is imaged about a plurality of time phases. The image processor specifies the central point in each of pieces of the three-dimensional image data wherein the luminal organ is imaged about the time phases except the representative time phase by use of the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase divided by an area with the received central point as the approximate center. The image processor sets the center line of the luminal organ by use of the designated central point about the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase, and sets the center line of the luminal organ by use of the specified central point about the three-dimensional image data of the time phase except the representative time phase.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus.

  As a technique for displaying three-dimensional image data captured by a medical image diagnostic apparatus such as an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus), or an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, VE (Virtual Endoscopy) method, MPR (Multi Planar Reconstruction) method, curve MPR (Curved MPR) method and the like are known. The VE method is a method of generating and displaying a projection image by perspectively projecting three-dimensional image data radially from a viewpoint position with respect to a range determined by a viewing direction and a viewing angle. The MPR method is a method of generating and displaying cross-sectional images set at, for example, equal intervals or equal angles. The curve MPR method is a method for generating and displaying an image of a cross section set along a curve, for example.

  These methods are also used when displaying a three-dimensional image data group captured for a plurality of time phases. For example, an image processing apparatus that executes these methods displays a time course of an imaging target object as a moving image by sequentially displaying a three-dimensional image data group captured for a plurality of time phases in time series ( For example, Patent Document 1). However, when such a display is performed, the position of the imaging object may be displaced in each time phase. For example, the displacement of a luminal organ such as a blood vessel, bronchus or large intestine. For this reason, the conventional image processing apparatus receives, for example, a center point setting indicating the approximate center of the caliber of the luminal organ from the operator for each three-dimensional image data of each time phase, and uses the received center point. A center line that passes through the approximate center of the diameter of the luminal organ is obtained, and a moving image is displayed using the obtained center line.

JP 2004-187896 A

  However, the above prior art has a problem that the operator has to set the center point for each three-dimensional image data of each time phase, and the load on the operator is high and the processing time is long. Such a problem is not limited to the setting of the center point. For example, a conventional image processing apparatus accepts the setting of a search start point for a specific part (for example, a calcified part or a plaque part) formed on the inner wall of a hollow organ from an operator, and 3D image data from the received start point And a specific part is extracted, and an image obtained by removing the extracted specific part from the three-dimensional image data (for example, an image of a blood vessel inner wall excluding a calcified part or a plaque part) is displayed. Since this setting is also performed for each three-dimensional image data of each time phase, the processing time becomes a problem as with the setting of the center point.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image processing apparatus capable of reducing processing time.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention according to claim 1 is the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase among the three-dimensional image data group in which the luminal organ is imaged for a plurality of time phases. Receiving means for accepting designation of a center point that is a point on a center line that passes through the approximate center of the caliber of the luminal organ, and the representative sectioned by a region having the center point accepted by the accepting means as a substantially center. Using the three-dimensional image data of the time phase, the specifying means for specifying the center point in each of the three-dimensional image data captured for the time phase other than the representative time phase, and the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase, The center line of the luminal organ is set using the center point designated by the accepting means, and the center point specified by the specifying means is used for the three-dimensional image data of the time phase other than the representative time phase. Characterized by comprising a setting means for setting the center line of the hollow organ.

  The present invention according to claim 4 is formed on the inner wall of the luminal organ in the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase among the three-dimensional image data group in which the luminal organ is imaged for a plurality of time phases. Receiving means for accepting designation of a predetermined point in a specific part, and representative time phase extraction for performing a search starting from the predetermined point accepted by the accepting means and extracting the specific part from the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase And specifying means for specifying the predetermined point in each of the three-dimensional image data picked up for a time phase other than the representative time phase, using the three-dimensional image data of the specific part extracted by the representative time phase extracting means And searching for a three-dimensional image data of a time phase other than the representative time phase, starting from the predetermined point specified by the specifying means, and specifying a specific part from the three-dimensional image data of the time phase Characterized by comprising a another time phase extracting means for extracting.

  According to the first or fourth aspect of the present invention, the processing time can be shortened.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the center line setting process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the reference in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the centerline setting process in the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a criterion in the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a cubic region in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the image processing apparatus 200 according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image processing apparatus 200 according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the start point setting process according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the image processing apparatus 200 according to the fifth embodiment.

  Embodiments of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below. In addition, this invention is not limited by the following examples.

[Outline of Image Processing Apparatus 100 According to First Embodiment]
First, the outline of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment uses a three-dimensional image data group in which a hollow organ is imaged for a plurality of time phases as a processing target. Examples of the luminal organ include blood vessels, bronchi, large intestine, and the like. In FIG. 1, three time phases are illustrated for convenience of explanation. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any three-dimensional image data group captured for a plurality of time phases may be used. The number is arbitrary.

  First, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment accepts designation of a center point in representative time phase three-dimensional image data. Here, the center point is a point on the center line (indicated by a black circle in FIG. 1) that passes through the approximate center of the caliber of the luminal organ, as illustrated in FIG. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 100 receives designation of six center points from the operator. In FIG. 1, the center line is shown for convenience of explanation, but the center line has not been set yet at the stage of accepting the designation of the center point from the operator.

  Next, the image processing apparatus 100 uses three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase divided by a region (for example, a cubic region as illustrated in FIG. 1) whose center point is substantially the center. A center point in each of the three-dimensional image data captured for the phase is specified. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 100 captures images of time phases other than the representative time phase using the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase divided by a cubic region whose center is approximately the center. Each three-dimensional image data is subjected to a pattern search, and the approximate center of a region where the image patterns match (or has a high degree of similarity) is specified as a central point.

  The image processing apparatus 100 sets the center line of the luminal organ using the center point designated by the operator for the representative time phase three-dimensional image data. Further, the image processing apparatus 100 sets the center line of the luminal organ using the center point specified by using the three-dimensional image data in the representative time phase for the three-dimensional image data in the time phase other than the representative time phase. To do.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the operator may set a center point for at least three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase, and sets a center point for each three-dimensional image data of each time phase. Since it is not necessary, the load on the operator is reduced and the processing time is shortened.

[Configuration of Image Processing Apparatus 100 According to First Embodiment]
Next, the configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment is connected to the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 via a network.

  The medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment captures a plurality of time phases of a luminal organ of a subject, collects a three-dimensional image data group, and stores the collected three-dimensional image data group in a storage unit. For example, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 is an X-ray CT apparatus that collects a three-dimensional X-ray CT image, an MRI apparatus that collects a three-dimensional MRI image, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that collects a three-dimensional ultrasonic image, or the like. The medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) database that manages medical images, an electronic medical record system database that manages electronic medical records with attached medical images, and the like.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment particularly includes a three-dimensional image data storage unit 110, a center point designation receiving unit 120, a center point specifying unit 121, and a center line setting unit 122. With.

  The 3D image data storage unit 110 stores 3D image data collected by the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1. Specifically, the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment acquires three-dimensional image data designated by an operator such as a doctor from the storage unit of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 and the acquired three-dimensional image data. It is stored in the 3D image data storage unit 110. The 3D image data stored in the 3D image data storage unit 110 is used for processing by a center point designation receiving unit 120, a center point specifying unit 121, and a center line setting unit 122, which will be described later.

  Hereinafter, a case will be described in which a three-dimensional X-ray CT image obtained by imaging the blood vessels of the subject P for a plurality of time phases is acquired from the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 as specified by the operator. Note that the present invention can be similarly applied to a case where a three-dimensional MRI image or a three-dimensional ultrasonic image obtained by imaging the blood vessel of the subject P is acquired. Further, the present invention can be similarly applied when a luminal organ other than a blood vessel is imaged.

  The center point designation accepting unit 120 accepts designation of the center point from the operator in the representative time phase three-dimensional image data. Specifically, the center point designation receiving unit 120 displays the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase in the three-dimensional image data group stored in the three-dimensional image data storage unit 110 on the display unit (not shown). . The center point designation receiving unit 120 receives the center point designation from the operator via the input unit (not shown) for the representative time phase 3D image data. This is notified to the center point specifying unit 121. Here, the center point is a point on the center line passing through the approximate center of the diameter of the luminal organ.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the center line setting process according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 3, (A) corresponds to one time-phase three-dimensional image data, and (B) to (D) correspond to one time-phase three-dimensional image data. That is, the arrow between (A) and (B) indicates that the center point in the three-dimensional image data of (B) is specified using (A) which is the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase. Show. On the other hand, the arrow between (B)-(D) shows the transition of the centerline setting process in the three-dimensional image data of a certain phase.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the center point designation receiving unit 120 according to the first embodiment receives designation of six center points from the operator. For example, the operator selects three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase from the group of three-dimensional image data of a plurality of time phases, and displays the representative time phase displayed on the display unit (not shown) of the image processing apparatus 100. Click the 3D image data with the mouse to specify the center point.

  The center point specifying unit 121 specifies a center point in each of the three-dimensional image data captured for a time phase other than the representative time phase. Specifically, when the center point specifying unit 121 receives a notification that the specification of the center point has been received from the center point specification receiving unit 120, the center point specifying unit 121 is a representative time phase that is delimited by an area having the received center point as a substantially center. Using the three-dimensional image data, the center point in each of the three-dimensional image data captured for the time phases other than the representative time phase is specified, and the center line setting unit 122 is notified that the center point has been specified.

  The center point specifying unit 121 may notify the center line setting unit 122 that the center point has been specified every time the center point is specified for the three-dimensional image data of one time phase, or for all time phases. After specifying the center point for the three-dimensional image data, the center line setting unit 122 may be notified that the center point has been specified.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the center point specifying unit 121 according to the first embodiment uses a cubic region having the center point as the approximate center as the region having the center point as the approximately center. That is, the center point specifying unit 121 extracts six cubic regions whose center is the center point designated by the operator from the representative time phase three-dimensional image data. Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the center point specifying unit 121 uses each of the extracted six cubic regions to obtain each of the three-dimensional image data captured for the time phase other than the representative time phase. Search for patterns. The pattern search is to search for the pattern of the corresponding image in the other image based on the similarity between the images, and is realized using a known technique.

  Then, as illustrated in FIG. 3C, the center point specifying unit 121 matches the pattern of the cubic region and the pattern of the image in the three-dimensional image data of a time phase other than the representative time phase (or most). Six cube regions are specified (at positions with high similarity), and the approximate center of each of the specified cube regions is specified as a center point. That is, the center point specifying unit 121 specifies six center points as illustrated in FIG.

  The center line setting unit 122 sets the center line of the luminal organ using the center point received by the center point designation receiving unit 120 for the representative time phase of the three-dimensional image data. The center line setting unit 122 sets the center line of the luminal organ using the center point specified by the center point specifying unit 121 for the three-dimensional image data in the time phase other than the representative time phase. Specifically, when the center line setting unit 122 receives a notification indicating that the center point has been specified from the center point specifying unit 121, as illustrated in FIGS. For each, the center line of the luminal organ is set so as to connect the center points, and the process ends.

  The image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, for example, each of the three-dimensional image data in which the center line is set under the control of the display control unit (not shown) after the processing by the center line setting unit 122 is completed. A curve MPR image is created from the image, and the created image group is continuously displayed in time series, whereby the time passage of the imaging target is displayed as a moving image on a display unit (not shown).

  Here, in the first embodiment, a technique is adopted in which three-dimensional image data of one representative time phase is used as a reference for all other three-dimensional image data groups. This point will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the reference in the first embodiment. In FIG. 4, the three-dimensional image data for which the center point has been specified is indicated by a white box, and the three-dimensional image data before the center point is specified is indicated by a shaded box.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, in the first embodiment, in the three-dimensional image data group in which the luminal organ is imaged for a plurality of time phases, one three-dimensional image data is represented as three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase. To do. For example, while browsing the 3D image data group, the operator selects the 3D image data with the best contrast agent status as 3D image data of the representative time phase, and selects the selected 3D image of the representative time phase. Specify the center point for the data.

  Further, as illustrated in FIG. 4, in the first embodiment, each of the three-dimensional image data of the time phase other than the representative time phase is a cubic region extracted from the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase. The pattern is searched using. As described above, in the first embodiment, since the method of using the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase as a reference for all other three-dimensional image data groups is adopted, the error in the pattern search is the third order of the representative time phase. This is limited to the error between the original image data and the three-dimensional image data of other time phases to be compared. As a result, an effect that the error is reduced is obtained.

[Processing Procedure by Image Processing Apparatus 100 According to First Embodiment]
Subsequently, a processing procedure performed by the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, the center point designation receiving unit 120 first receives the designation of the center point for the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase (Step S <b> 101).

  Next, for each of the three-dimensional image data of the time phase other than the representative time phase, the center point specifying unit 121 uses the three-dimensional image data divided by the cubic region whose center is the center point received in step S101. A pattern search is performed (step S102).

  Subsequently, the center point specifying unit 121 specifies the center point in each of the three-dimensional image data in the time phase other than the representative time phase (step S103).

  Then, the center line setting unit 122 sets the center line using the center point specified in step S101 for the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase, and the step for the three-dimensional image data other than the representative time phase. A center line is set using the center point specified in S103 (step S104).

  Note that the processing procedure is not limited to the above. For example, the setting of the center line in the representative time phase three-dimensional image data can be executed in parallel with step S102 after step S101. Further, the processing in step S103 and the processing in step S104 performed for each of the three-dimensional image data in the time phase other than the representative time phase may be performed continuously for each three-dimensional image data, or a group of three-dimensional image data. The processing in step S103 may be performed for all, and then the processing in step S104 may be performed for all the three-dimensional image data groups. Thus, in the present invention, the processing procedure can be arbitrarily changed.

[Effect of Example 1]
As described above, in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, the center point designation receiving unit 120 includes a three-dimensional image of a representative time phase among three-dimensional image data groups in which a luminal organ is imaged for a plurality of time phases. In the data, designation of a center point that is a point on the center line passing through the approximate center of the diameter of the hollow organ is accepted. In addition, the center point specifying unit 121 uses the representative time phase of the three-dimensional image data divided by the region centered on the center point received by the center point designation receiving unit 120 for time phases other than the representative time phase. The center point in each captured 3D image data is specified. The center line setting unit 122 sets the center line of the luminal organ using the center point designated by the center point designation accepting unit 120 for the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase, and other than the representative time phase. For time-phase three-dimensional image data, the center line of the luminal organ is set using the center point specified by the center point specifying unit 121.

  For this reason, according to the first embodiment, the operator may set a center point for at least the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase, and set the center point for each three-dimensional image data of each time phase. Since it is not necessary to set, the load on the operator is reduced and the processing time is shortened. In other words, in the VE method, the curve MPR method, etc., it is possible to easily observe the image in the time direction.

  In addition, the center point specifying unit 121 uses the representative time phase three-dimensional image data segmented by the region to perform pattern search for each of the three-dimensional image data captured for the time phases other than the representative time phase, and the representative time phase. The region in each of the three-dimensional image data captured for a time phase other than is specified based on the pattern search result, and the approximate center of the specified region is specified as the center point. For this reason, according to the first embodiment, the setting of the center point can be automated by a simple method, and the processing time is shortened when compared with the pattern search of the entire image.

  In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the image processing apparatus 100 receives designation of a plurality of center points (for example, six center points) from the operator. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The designation of the center point received from the operator for the representative time phase 3D image data may be, for example, one. This point will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the centerline setting process in the second embodiment. In FIG. 6, (A) corresponds to one time-phase three-dimensional image data, and (B) to (D) correspond to one time-phase three-dimensional image data. That is, the arrow between (A) and (B) indicates that the center point in the three-dimensional image data of (B) is specified using (A) which is the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase. Show. On the other hand, the arrow between (B)-(D) shows the transition of the centerline setting process in the three-dimensional image data of a certain phase.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6A, the center point designation accepting unit 120 according to the second embodiment accepts designation of one center point from the operator. For example, the operator selects three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase from the group of three-dimensional image data of a plurality of time phases, and displays the representative time phase displayed on the display unit (not shown) of the image processing apparatus 100. One center point is designated by clicking on the three-dimensional image data with the mouse.

  Further, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, the center point specifying unit 121 according to the second embodiment has a center point approximately centered on the center point designated by the operator from the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase. Extract two cubic regions. Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, the center point specifying unit 121 uses the extracted one cubic region to perform a pattern search on the three-dimensional image data captured for a time phase other than the representative time phase. To do. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 6C, the center point specifying unit 121 has one cubic region in which the pattern of the cubic region and the pattern of the image match in the three-dimensional image data of the time phase other than the representative time phase. And the approximate center of the specified cubic region is specified as the center point. That is, the center point specifying unit 121 specifies one center point as illustrated in FIG.

  In addition, the centerline setting unit 122 according to the second embodiment sets the centerline of the luminal organ using one center point received by the center point designation receiving unit 120 for the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase. To do. The center line setting unit 122 sets the center line of the luminal organ using the one center point specified by the center point specifying unit 121 for the three-dimensional image data in the time phase other than the representative time phase. Specifically, when the center line setting unit 122 receives a notification indicating that the center point has been specified from the center point specifying unit 121, as illustrated in FIGS. For each group, the center line of the luminal organ is set by performing a search using a known technique starting from one center point.

  Subsequently, in the first embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a method is adopted in which the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase is used as a reference for all other three-dimensional image data groups. It is not limited to. The image processing apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment employs a technique of performing a pattern search between three-dimensional image data adjacent in time series on the basis of the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase. This point will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a criterion in the third embodiment. In FIG. 7, the three-dimensional image data for which the center point has been specified is indicated by a white box, and the three-dimensional image data before setting the center point is indicated by a shaded box.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, in the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, one three-dimensional image data in a group of three-dimensional image data obtained by imaging a luminal organ for a plurality of time phases is represented as a representative time phase. 3D image data. For example, while browsing the 3D image data group, the operator selects the 3D image data with the best contrast agent status as 3D image data of the representative time phase, and selects the selected 3D image of the representative time phase. Specify the center point for the data.

  Further, as illustrated in FIG. 7, in Example 3, first, the three-dimensional image data adjacent to the representative time phase in the time series is extracted from the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase. A pattern search using a cubic region is performed. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the center point has already been specified for two three-dimensional image data adjacent in time series to the three-dimensional image data in the representative time phase.

  Next, the image processing apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment uses the 3D image data for which the center point has been identified as a new reference, and is adjacent to the new reference time phase 3D image data in time series. With respect to the three-dimensional image data, a pattern search is performed using a cubic region extracted from the time-phase three-dimensional image data that has become a new reference. That is, the image processing apparatus 100 further extracts a cubic region whose center is the specified center point from the time-phase three-dimensional image data that has become a new reference, and uses the extracted cubic region for time series. Further, a pattern search is performed on adjacent three-dimensional image data. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the center point has already been specified for the three-dimensional image data adjacent in time series to the three-dimensional image data in the time phase that has become a new reference.

  That is, for example, when the influence of the contrast medium is taken into consideration, the situation of the contrast medium is closer between adjacent three-dimensional image data. For example, the contrast agent is gradually injected at the start of imaging, and is gradually discharged after a certain point in time. In this way, in view of the fact that the contrast medium is “gradually” injected and “gradually discharged”, it can be said that the situation of the contrast medium is closer between adjacent three-dimensional image data. If this is the case, when performing a pattern search between two 3D image data, the similarity should be measured by removing factors other than the pattern similarity, ie, factors such as differences in the contrast agent status. is there. In other words, although the degree of similarity is not so different, the contrast between the two three-dimensional image data shows a low value when the situation of the contrast agent is greatly different, and the pattern search is not performed correctly. In this regard, according to the method of the third embodiment, since the pattern search is performed between adjacent three-dimensional image data in which the conditions of the contrast medium are approximate, it is possible to specify the center point with higher accuracy.

  In the first to third embodiments, the size of the cubic region is assumed to be set in advance, for example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, for each subject or the imaging region. The size of the cubic region may be changed as appropriate in accordance with the imaging target that will be different every time. This point will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a cubic region in the fourth embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 8, the image processing apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment changes a cubic region according to, for example, the diameter of a blood vessel. For example, the image processing apparatus 100 extracts a blood vessel wall using CT value threshold processing or the like, and covers a cubic region having a size just including the blood vessel wall, in other words, an area substantially the same as the diameter of the blood vessel. A cubic area is set for each center point. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the size of the cubic region increases when the blood vessel is thick, and the size of the cubic region decreases when the blood vessel is thin.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, since the image processing apparatus 100 uses an area having an appropriate size that contains as little image data as possible other than blood vessels, the accuracy of pattern search is further improved.

  Now, the setting of the center point of the three-dimensional image data has been described as the first to fourth embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a conventional image processing apparatus accepts the setting of a search start point for a specific part (for example, a calcified part or a plaque part) formed on the inner wall of a hollow organ from an operator, and 3D image data from the received start point To search for a specific part, and to display an image obtained by removing the extracted specific part from the three-dimensional image data (for example, an image of a blood vessel inner wall excluding a calcified part or a plaque part) (segmentation) Also called). Since this setting is also made for each three-dimensional image data of each time phase, the processing time has been a problem as with the setting of the center point. The image processing apparatus 200 according to the fifth embodiment solves the problem regarding the setting of such a starting point.

[Outline of Image Processing Apparatus 200 According to Embodiment 5]
First, the outline of the image processing apparatus 200 according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the image processing apparatus 200 according to the fifth embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the image processing apparatus 200 according to the fifth embodiment uses a three-dimensional image data group in which a hollow organ is captured for a plurality of time phases as a processing target. Examples of the luminal organ include blood vessels, bronchi, large intestine, and the like. In FIG. 9, three time phases are illustrated for convenience of explanation. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any three-dimensional image data group captured for a plurality of time phases may be used. The number is arbitrary.

  First, as illustrated in FIG. 9A, the image processing apparatus 200 according to the fifth embodiment includes a predetermined point in a specific part formed on the inner wall of a luminal organ in the representative time phase three-dimensional image data. The specification of is accepted. Here, the predetermined point may be designated at any position as long as it is a point within the specific part, as exemplified by the x mark in FIG. It should be noted that the specific part has not yet been extracted at the stage of accepting the designation of the predetermined point from the operator.

  Next, the image processing apparatus 200 searches using the received predetermined point as a starting point, and extracts a specific part from the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase. For example, the image processing apparatus 200 performs a search using CT value threshold processing or the like, and extracts a specific part.

  Then, the image processing apparatus 200 specifies a predetermined point in the specific part for each of the three-dimensional image data in the time phase other than the representative time phase, using the extracted three-dimensional image data of the specific part. For example, the image processing apparatus 200 first performs binarization processing for each of the three-dimensional image data in a time phase other than the representative time phase.

  Then, as illustrated in FIGS. 9B and 9C, the image processing apparatus 200 extracts the three-dimensional image data of the extracted specific part (illustrated by dotted lines in FIGS. 9B and 9C). Is superimposed on each of the three-dimensional image data of the time phase other than the representative time phase after the binarization process, and the extracted specific portion and the region having a value of “1”, for example, overlap ( B) and (C) are identified with diagonal lines), and a point within the identified region (illustrated with a cross in FIGS. 9B and 9C) is identified as a predetermined point.

  Further, the image processing apparatus 200 searches for a three-dimensional image data in a time phase other than the representative time phase, starting from a predetermined point specified using the three-dimensional image data in the representative time phase, and extracts a specific part. .

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the operator only needs to set a start point for at least three-dimensional image data in the representative time phase, and it is not necessary to set a start point for each three-dimensional image data in each time phase. Therefore, the load on the operator is reduced and the processing time is shortened.

[Configuration of Image Processing Apparatus 200 According to Embodiment 5]
Next, the configuration of the image processing apparatus 200 according to the fifth embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image processing apparatus 200 according to the fifth embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the image processing apparatus 200 according to the fifth embodiment is connected to the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 via a network.

  The medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the fifth embodiment captures a plurality of time phases of a luminal organ of a subject, collects a three-dimensional image data group, and stores the collected three-dimensional image data group in a storage unit. For example, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 is an X-ray CT apparatus that collects a three-dimensional X-ray CT image, an MRI apparatus that collects a three-dimensional MRI image, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that collects a three-dimensional ultrasonic image, or the like. The medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the fifth embodiment includes a PACS database that manages medical images, an electronic medical record system database that manages electronic medical records to which medical images are attached, and the like.

  As illustrated in FIG. 10, the image processing apparatus 200 according to the fifth embodiment particularly includes a three-dimensional image data storage unit 210, a starting point designation receiving unit 220, a representative time phase specifying part extracting unit 221, and a starting point specifying unit. 222 and a specific part extraction unit 223.

  The 3D image data storage unit 210 stores 3D image data collected by the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1. Specifically, the image processing apparatus 200 according to the fifth embodiment acquires 3D image data designated by an operator such as a doctor from the storage unit of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 and the acquired 3D image data. It is stored in the 3D image data storage unit 210. Also, the 3D image data stored in the 3D image data storage unit 210 is used for processing by a starting point designation receiving unit 220, a representative time phase specific part extracting unit 221, a starting point specifying unit 222, and a specific part extracting unit 223, which will be described later. Is done.

  Hereinafter, a case will be described in which a three-dimensional X-ray CT image obtained by imaging the blood vessels of the subject P for a plurality of time phases is acquired from the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 as specified by the operator. Note that the present invention can be similarly applied to a case where a three-dimensional MRI image or a three-dimensional ultrasonic image obtained by imaging the blood vessel of the subject P is acquired. Further, the present invention can be similarly applied when a luminal organ other than a blood vessel is imaged.

  The start point designation accepting unit 220 accepts designation of a predetermined point from the operator in the representative time phase three-dimensional image data. Specifically, the start point designation receiving unit 220 displays 3D image data of the representative time phase in the 3D image data group stored in the 3D image data storage unit 210 on a display unit (not shown). In addition, when the start point designation receiving unit 220 receives the designation of a predetermined point from the operator via the input unit (not shown) with respect to the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase, the fact that the designation of the predetermined point has been accepted. Is sent to the representative time phase specific part extraction unit 221. Here, the predetermined point is a point serving as a starting point for searching for a specific part formed on the inner wall of the hollow organ.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the start point setting process according to the fifth embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 11A, the start point designation receiving unit 220 according to the fifth embodiment receives designation of a predetermined point from the operator. For example, the operator selects three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase from the group of three-dimensional image data of a plurality of time phases, and displays the representative time phase displayed on the display unit (not shown) of the image processing apparatus 200. By clicking on the three-dimensional image data with the mouse, a predetermined point (illustrated by a cross in FIG. 11A) is designated.

  The representative time phase specific part extraction unit 221 extracts a specific part from the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase. Specifically, when the representative time phase specific part extracting unit 221 receives a notification that the designation of a predetermined point has been accepted from the start point designation accepting unit 220, as illustrated in (B) of FIG. The three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase is searched from the fixed point as a starting point, and a specific part is extracted from the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase. The search is realized by a known technique such as CT value threshold processing. Then, the representative time phase specific part extracting unit 221 notifies the start point specifying part 222 that the specific part has been extracted.

  The start point specifying unit 222 specifies a predetermined point in each of the three-dimensional image data captured for a time phase other than the representative time phase. Specifically, when the start point specifying unit 222 receives a notification to the effect that a specific part has been extracted from the representative time phase specific part extracting unit 221, as illustrated in FIG. A binarization process is performed for each phase of the three-dimensional image data.

  Then, as illustrated in FIG. 11D, the start point specifying unit 222 is exemplified by the three-dimensional image data of the specific part extracted by the representative time phase specific part extracting unit 221 (illustrated by a dotted line in FIG. 11D). ) Is superimposed on each of the three-dimensional image data in the time phase other than the representative time phase after the binarization process, and the extracted specific part and an area having a value of “1”, for example, overlap (FIG. 11). In (D), black) is specified, and a point in the specified region is specified as a predetermined point. Then, the start point specifying unit 222 notifies the specific part extracting unit 223 that the predetermined point has been specified.

  The specific part extraction unit 223 extracts each specific part from the three-dimensional image data of the time phase other than the representative time phase. Specifically, when the specific part extraction unit 223 receives a notification that the predetermined point has been specified from the start point specification unit 222, as illustrated in FIG. For each of the original image data, a search is performed using the predetermined point specified by the start point specifying unit 222 as a start point, and a specific part is extracted from each three-dimensional image data.

[Processing Procedure by Image Processing Device 200 According to Embodiment 5]
Subsequently, a processing procedure performed by the image processing apparatus 200 according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the image processing apparatus 200 according to the fifth embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 12, in the image processing apparatus 200 according to the fifth embodiment, first, the start point designation receiving unit 220 is located in a specific part (for example, a calcification part) in the representative time phase three-dimensional image data. The designation of the fixed point is accepted (step S201).

  Next, the representative time phase specific part extraction unit 221 performs a search using the predetermined point received in step S201 as a starting point, and extracts a specific part (for example, a calcified part) from the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase (step) S202).

  Subsequently, the start point specifying unit 222 superimposes the specific part (for example, the calcification part) extracted in step S202 on each of the three-dimensional image data of the other time phases after binarization, and the three-dimensional image of the specific part. A region where the data and a region having a predetermined value of two values overlap is specified, and a point in the specified region is specified as a predetermined point (step S203).

  Then, the specific part extraction unit 223 searches the three-dimensional image data other than the representative time phase using the predetermined point specified in step S203 as a starting point, and specifies the specific part (for example, lime) from the three-dimensional image data of the time phase. Extraction site) is extracted (step S204).

  Note that the processing procedure is not limited to the above. The processing in step S203 and the processing in step S204 performed for each of the three-dimensional image data in a time phase other than the representative time phase may be performed continuously for each three-dimensional image data, or for all the three-dimensional image data groups. The process of step S203 may be performed, and then the process of step S204 may be performed for all the three-dimensional image data groups. Thus, in the present invention, the processing procedure can be arbitrarily changed.

  Further, in the first and third embodiments, how to set the reference between the three-dimensional image data has been described with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 7, but the method of FIG. Both the method based on the original image data) and the method shown in FIG. 7 (method based on the three-dimensional image data adjacent in time series) are similarly applied to the image processing apparatus 200 according to the fifth embodiment. be able to.

[Effect of Example 5]
As described above, in the image processing device 200 according to the fifth embodiment, the start point designation receiving unit 220 includes the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase among the three-dimensional image data group in which the luminal organ is imaged for a plurality of time phases. In step (b), designation of a predetermined point in a specific part formed on the inner wall of the hollow organ is accepted. In addition, the representative time phase specific part extraction unit 221 performs a search using the predetermined point received by the start point designation reception unit 220 as a start point, and extracts a specific part from the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase. Further, the start point specifying unit 222 uses the three-dimensional image data of the specific part extracted by the representative time phase specific part extracting unit 221, and each of the three-dimensional image data captured for the time phases other than the representative time phase. Identify fixed points. In addition, the specific part extraction unit 223 searches the three-dimensional image data of the time phase other than the representative time phase using the predetermined point specified by the start point specifying unit 222 as the start point, and specifies the three-dimensional image data of the time phase. Extract the site.

  For this reason, according to the fifth embodiment, the operator only needs to set a start point for at least three-dimensional image data in the representative time phase, and sets a start point for each three-dimensional image data in each time phase. Since it is not necessary, the load on the operator is reduced and the processing time is shortened. In other words, in a VE method, a curve MPR method, or the like, it is possible to easily observe a specific part (for example, a calcified part) in the time direction of an image.

  In addition, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms other than the above embodiments.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the image processing apparatus 100 and the image processing apparatus 200 are provided as a separate housing from the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image processing apparatus 100 and the image processing apparatus 200 may be provided in the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1.

  In the above embodiment, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 includes a PACS database, an electronic medical record system database, and the like, and the image processing apparatus 100 and the image processing apparatus 200 receive three-dimensional image data from the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1. Although the configuration to be acquired has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. A PACS database, an electronic medical record system database, or the like may be provided as a separate device from the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1, and the image processing apparatus 100 and the image processing apparatus 200 may acquire 3D image data from these databases. . Further, the image processing apparatus 100 and the image processing apparatus 200 are apparatuses that are not connected to a network, and may be configured to acquire 3D image data by being separately input by an operator.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the image processing apparatus 100 and the image processing apparatus 200 include the 3D image data storage unit 110 and the 3D image data storage unit 210 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. is not. The image processing apparatus 100 and the image processing apparatus 200 only need to be able to temporarily store a 3D image data group acquired from the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 or the like.

  In the first and second embodiments, a cubic area is assumed as an area used for pattern search. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an area in the vicinity of the center point and an appropriate size area ( For example, it may be a region of another form such as a rectangular parallelepiped region or a spherical region as long as it does not include a portion other than the target hollow organ.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Medical image diagnostic apparatus 100 Image processing apparatus 110 Three-dimensional image data storage part 120 Center point designation | designated reception part 121 Center point specific | specification part 122 Center line setting part 210 Three-dimensional image data storage part 220 Start point designation | designated reception part 221 Representative time phase specific part Extraction unit 222 Start point identification unit 223 Specific site extraction unit

Claims (5)

Designation of a center point that is a point on the center line that passes through the approximate center of the diameter of the luminal organ in the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase among the three-dimensional image data group in which the luminal organ is imaged for a plurality of time phases Accepting means for accepting,
Using the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase divided by the region having the center point accepted by the accepting unit as the center, the center in each of the three-dimensional image data imaged for time phases other than the representative time phase An identifying means for identifying points;
For the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase, set the center line of the luminal organ using the center point designated by the receiving means, and for the three-dimensional image data of the time phase other than the representative time phase, An image processing apparatus comprising: setting means for setting a center line of a luminal organ using the center point specified by the specifying means.   The specifying means uses the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase divided by the region to perform pattern search for each of the three-dimensional image data picked up for a time phase other than the representative time phase. The region in each of the three-dimensional image data imaged for the time phase is specified based on a pattern search result, and the approximate center of the specified region is specified as a central point. Image processing apparatus.   3. The image according to claim 1, wherein the specifying unit specifies a center point by using, as the region, a cubic region having an area substantially the same as the diameter of the luminal organ. Processing equipment. Accepting means for accepting designation of a predetermined point in a specific part formed on the inner wall of the luminal organ in the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase among the three-dimensional image data group in which the luminal organ is imaged for a plurality of time phases When,
A representative time phase extraction unit that performs a search using the predetermined point received by the reception unit as a starting point, and extracts the specific part from the three-dimensional image data of the representative time phase;
Using the three-dimensional image data of the specific part extracted by the representative time phase extraction means, specifying means for specifying the predetermined point in each of the three-dimensional image data captured for a time phase other than the representative time phase;
Other time phase extraction means for searching for three-dimensional image data of a time phase other than the representative time phase, starting from a predetermined point specified by the specifying means, and extracting a specific part from the three-dimensional image data of the time phase An image processing apparatus comprising:   The specifying means is the three-dimensional image data obtained by binarizing the three-dimensional image data of the specific part extracted by the representative time phase extracting means, the three-dimensional image data captured for a time phase other than the representative time phase. Superimposing each of the image data, specifying a region where the three-dimensional image data of the specific part and a region having a predetermined value of the binary overlap, and specifying a point in the specified region as the predetermined point The image processing apparatus according to claim 4.

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