JP2012231893A - Medical image processing apparatus, and control program of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a medical image processing apparatus capable of generating image data to obtain three-dimensional visual effects corresponding to a naked eye 3D display device.SOLUTION: The medical image processing apparatus includes a setting section that sets a local domain in the medical three-dimensional image data, a parallax image generation section that projects the set local domain in two or more prescribed parallax directions to generate two-dimensional parallax images reflecting depth information of each of the two or more parallax directions in the number of the parallax directions, and a parallax image output section that outputs the two or more parallax images to the naked eye 3D display device that performs emission distributing in the two or more parallax directions corresponding to the two or more parallax images at the same time.

Description

  The present invention relates to a medical image processing apparatus and a control program therefor.

  As a method for observing volume data (three-dimensional data) obtained with an X-ray computed tomography apparatus (hereinafter referred to as CT apparatus), a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (hereinafter referred to as MRI apparatus), etc., MPR (Multi-Planner) has been conventionally used. A method called “Reconstruction” method or CPR (Curved multi-Planner Reconstruction) method is known.

  The MPR method is a method of cutting three-dimensional data along a plane in an arbitrary direction and reconstructing a cross-sectional image viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plane. On the other hand, the CPR method is a method mainly used for observing a tubular structure in three-dimensional data, cutting the three-dimensional data with a curved surface having a curvature in one direction along the core line of the tubular structure, By developing the curved surface into a plane, a cross-sectional image along the core line of the tubular structure is reconstructed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2010-51730 A

  A cross-sectional image (hereinafter referred to as MPR image) obtained by the MPR method is an image viewed from one direction perpendicular to the cutting plane. A cross-sectional image obtained by the CPR method (hereinafter referred to as CPR image) is also an image obtained by developing a curved surface along the core line of the tubular structure on a plane and viewing it from one direction perpendicular to the development plane.

  On the other hand, recently, a naked-eye 3D display device capable of obtaining a three-dimensional visual effect even with the naked eye without using dedicated glasses or the like has been developed and has started to be put on the market. In this naked-eye 3D display device, a plurality of two-dimensional images obtained by observing a three-dimensional object from different directions are displayed simultaneously. The plurality of two-dimensional images are distributed to a plurality of different horizontal directions (this direction is referred to as a parallax direction) by a cylindrical lens called a lenticular lens provided for each pixel in the horizontal direction. For example, nine two-dimensional images observed from nine different directions are simultaneously displayed on the display panel, and the nine two-dimensional images are distributed to nine parallax directions by a lenticular lens. Then, by making light from a plurality of two-dimensional images having different parallax directions incident on both eyes, a stereoscopic visual effect can be given to the observer. Further, when the observer moves in the left-right direction of the display panel, it is possible to give the observer a stereoscopic effect as if observing a three-dimensional object from different angles.

  The MPR image and the CPR image described above are images obtained by extracting a local region of the entire patient, which is a cross section of a three-dimensional image (this cross section may have a thickness). However, even if it is a local region, if the shape and form of the affected part inside the local region can be observed with a stereoscopic visual effect with a sense of depth by using the aforementioned naked-eye 3D display device, It is expected that more accurate and accurate diagnosis and treatment will be possible.

  The image data obtained by the conventional MPR method or CPR method is not generated in order to obtain a three-dimensional visual effect by the naked-eye 3D display device, and the three-dimensional visual effect having a sense of depth is obtained from these image data. Can't get. Therefore, there is a demand for a medical image processing apparatus that can generate image data for obtaining a stereoscopic visual effect corresponding to a naked-eye 3D display apparatus, and a control program therefor.

  The medical image processing apparatus according to the embodiment projects a setting unit configured to set a local region in medical three-dimensional image data, the set local region in a plurality of predetermined parallax directions, and the plurality of parallaxes. A parallax image generating unit that generates two-dimensional parallax images reflecting the depth information of each direction as many as the number of parallax directions, and a naked eye that simultaneously distributes and outputs the parallax images corresponding to the plurality of parallax images A 3D display device includes a parallax image output unit that outputs the plurality of parallax images.

1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration example of a medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment. The figure which shows typically the operation | movement principle of a naked-eye 3D display apparatus. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a medical image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of the medical image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a first diagram illustrating an MPR image generation method according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a second diagram illustrating a method for generating an MPR image according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a third diagram illustrating the MPR image generation method according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows the production | generation method of the MPR image in the 1st modification of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the production | generation method of the MPR image in the 2nd modification of 1st Embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structural example of the medical image processing apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of a medical image processing apparatus according to a second embodiment. The 1st figure which shows the production | generation method of the CPR image in 2nd Embodiment. The 2nd figure which shows the production | generation method of the CPR image in 2nd Embodiment. The 3rd figure which shows the production | generation method of the CPR image in 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 9 is a fourth diagram illustrating a CPR image generation method according to the second embodiment. The figure which shows the production | generation method of the CPR image of the modification (no thickness) of 2nd Embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the 1st method which makes the CPR image size the same also in a different parallax direction. Explanatory drawing of the 2nd method which makes the CPR image size the same also in a different parallax direction. The 1st figure which shows the production | generation method of the SPR image in 3rd Embodiment. The 2nd figure which shows the production | generation method of the SPR image in 3rd Embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structural example of the medical image processing apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of a medical image processing apparatus according to a third embodiment. The figure which shows the production | generation method of the SPR image in the modification of 3rd Embodiment. The 1st figure which shows the production | generation method of the VGP image in 4th Embodiment. The 2nd figure which shows the production | generation method of the VGP image in 4th Embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structural example of the medical image processing apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of a medical image processing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a basic configuration example of a medical image processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The configuration shown in FIG. 1 is common to more specific embodiments described later. The medical image processing apparatus 1 includes a three-dimensional image data storage unit 10, a local region setting unit 20, a parallax direction calculation unit 30, a parallax image generation unit 40, a parallax image output unit 50, and the like.

  The 3D image data storage unit 10 temporarily stores medical 3D image data output from the modality 100. The type of the modality 100 is not particularly limited. For example, the modality 100 is a medical image diagnostic apparatus such as an X-ray CT apparatus, an MRI apparatus, or an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and acquires a signal representing a structure in the body of a subject (patient). Thus, the apparatus can reconstruct three-dimensional image data (volume data).

  The local region setting unit 10 sets a local region to be observed in the 3D image data stored in the 3D image data storage unit 10 based on the designation of a user such as a doctor or an engineer via the user interface. Here, for example, when generating an MPR image, the local region is a planar region corresponding to a cut surface of a three-dimensional image or a flat region (slab) having a thickness. When generating a CPR image, it is a curved plate-like region having a curved surface or a thickness along a tubular structure such as a blood vessel. Further, when generating an SPR (Stretched MPR) image or a VGP (Virtual Gross Pathology) image, which will be described later, the tubular region includes a tubular structure such as a blood vessel or a large intestine for a predetermined length. The local area setting unit 10 sets parameters (position, orientation, thickness, curved surface, curve specifications, etc.) for defining these local areas based on user designation information, and the parallax direction calculation unit 30 or Output to the parallax image generation unit 40.

  The parallax direction calculation unit 30 converts a plurality of parallax directions (hereinafter simply referred to as parallax directions) on the naked-eye 3D display device 200 into a plurality of parallax directions on the coordinates of the local region set by the local region setting unit 20. To do.

  The parallax image generation unit 40 projects the local area set by the local area setting unit 10 in a plurality of parallax directions, and generates two-dimensional parallax images reflecting the depth information of the plurality of parallax directions by the number of parallax directions. Generate. The parallax direction used for the projection is the parallax direction on the coordinates of the local region converted by the parallax direction calculation unit 30.

  The plurality of parallax images generated by the parallax image generation unit 40 are converted into a predetermined data format by the parallax image output unit 50 and output to the naked-eye 3D display device 200.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the principle of the naked-eye 3D display device 200 that displays a plurality of parallax images generated by the medical image processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates a naked-eye 3D display device 200 corresponding to nine parallax directions. In the naked-eye 3D display device 200, a cylindrical lens 201 called a lenticular lens extending in the vertical direction is arranged for each pixel in the horizontal direction. Nine pixel elements 202 are further arranged in the horizontal direction in one cylindrical lens 201. Each pixel element corresponds to each pixel in the nine parallax images shown in the upper part of FIG. 2, and the nine parallax images are simultaneously displayed on the display panel of the naked-eye 3D display device 200. On the other hand, each pixel element is located at a different position in the cylindrical lens 201, so that there are nine parallax directions (FIG. 2 shows only five parallax directions for simplification) according to the curvature of the cylindrical lens 201. Sorted. That is, when nine two-dimensional images (parallax images) observed from nine different directions are simultaneously displayed on the display panel, the nine parallax images are distributed into nine parallax directions by the cylindrical lens 201. As a result, light from a plurality of parallax images having different parallax directions is incident on both eyes of the observer, and a stereoscopic visual effect with a depth can be given to the observer. Further, when the observer moves in the left-right direction of the display panel, it is possible to give the observer a stereoscopic effect as if observing a three-dimensional object from different angles.

  The three-dimensional image data storage unit 10 in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 includes an appropriate storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, or a RAM. Further, the local region setting unit 20, the parallax direction calculation unit 30, the parallax image generation unit 40, and the parallax image output unit 50 are realized by causing a computer (CPU) to execute a program in which steps for realizing each function are described. Alternatively, a part or all of the functions may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC. Each function may be realized by appropriately combining software and hardware. In FIG. 1, the naked-eye 3D display device 200 is not included in the configuration of the medical image processing apparatus 1, but the naked-eye 3D display device 200 may be included in the medical image processing apparatus 1.

  Hereinafter, more specific embodiments will be described.

(1) First Embodiment The medical image processing apparatus 1a according to the first embodiment generates a plurality of MPR (Multi-Planner Reconstruction) images viewed from a plurality of parallax directions and outputs the generated images to the naked-eye 3D display device 200. To do.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the medical image processing apparatus 1a according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the processing example.

  The local region setting unit 20 a of the medical image processing apparatus 1 a according to the first embodiment includes an MPR cross section position / orientation setting unit 21 and an MPR thickness setting unit 22. The MPR cross-sectional position / orientation setting unit 21 and the MPR thickness setting unit 22 are based on the designation of a doctor or the like, and a flat region (that is, a vascular stenosis part in a blood vessel shown in FIG. The slab position, orientation, and thickness are set (steps ST1 and ST2 in the flowchart of FIG. 4).

  On the other hand, the parallax direction calculation unit 30 associates the direction perpendicular to the front surface of the slab with the central parallax direction in the naked-eye 3D display device 200. Then, the central parallax direction, the left parallax directions, and the right parallax directions are converted into parallax directions in the coordinate system of the slab.

  The parallax image generation unit 40a projects along the plurality of parallax directions, and generates a plurality (for example, nine) of parallax images reflecting the depth information of the slab (steps ST3 and ST4 in the flowchart of FIG. 4). And the produced | generated several parallax image is output to the naked-eye 3D display apparatus 200, and is displayed on a display panel (step ST5).

  5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating the concept of parallax image generation. Among these, FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing a method of generating an MPR image, taking the central parallax direction as an example, and FIG. 5B is a view seen from above. As shown in FIG. 5B, in MPR, an MPR image is generated as a two-dimensional image obtained by projecting a slab having a thickness in a parallax direction. As a method of projection, 1) a method of averaging pixel values in the slab along the parallax direction and using the average value as a pixel value of the MPR image, and 2) calculating a maximum value of pixel values in the slab along the parallax direction. There are a method for obtaining and setting the maximum value as the pixel value of the MPR image, 3) a method for obtaining the minimum value of the pixel value in the slab along the parallax direction, and setting the minimum value as the pixel value of the MPR image. In this embodiment, any method may be used.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method of generating a plurality of parallax images taking three parallax images (1), (5), and (9) corresponding to the central parallax direction, the left parallax direction, and the right parallax direction as an example. is there. In the first embodiment, the direction of the slab is fixed, and a plurality of parallax images are generated by projecting this one slab in different parallax directions. Therefore, although the central parallax direction is orthogonal to the main plane (front side) of the slab, the other parallax directions are oblique to the main plane of the slab. The slab has a thickness, and the shape of a three-dimensional affected part such as a blood vessel stenosis part in the slab projected in the parallax direction is different for each parallax direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the parallax images corresponding to the respective parallax directions are images as if the vascular stenosis portion having a three-dimensional shape was actually observed from different angles. When these parallax images are displayed on the naked-eye 3D display device 200, an observer who sees the display can view the shape in the depth direction of the vascular stenosis part and the blood vessel of the vascular stenosis part that could not be obtained with the conventional MPR image. Since the positional relationship in the inside can be recognized instantly, more accurate image diagnosis can be performed as compared with the conventional case.

(2) Modified Example of First Embodiment FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a parallax image generation method according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment described above, a parallax image is generated by projecting from a different parallax direction onto a slab having a fixed orientation. On the other hand, the local region setting unit 20a in the first modification sets a plurality of slabs corresponding to each parallax direction so that the main plane (front surface) of the slab is orthogonal to the parallax direction. That is, when the slab is viewed from above, a plurality of slabs rotated around a predetermined rotation axis are set. In the example of FIG. 8, the slab (1) is projected on the parallax image (1) in the left parallax direction, the slab (5) is projected on the parallax image (5) in the central parallax direction, and the slab (9) is in the right parallax direction. Is projected onto the parallax image (9). The rotation axis of the slab is set, for example, at a position passing through the affected part (blood vessel stenosis part or the like) or the vicinity of the affected part (blood vessel core line).

  Also in this first modification, the shape of the three-dimensional affected part such as the vascular stenosis part in each slab projected in the parallax direction is different for each parallax direction, and the parallax images corresponding to the respective parallax directions are three-dimensional. The image is as if the vascular stenosis part having a shape was actually observed from different angles.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a method for generating a parallax image according to the second modification of the first embodiment. The second modification is a form in which the thickness of the slab in the first modification is zero. In this form, the local region in the three-dimensional image data is not a flat region but a cross-sectional (planar) region. However, even if the local region is a cross-section (plane), as shown in FIG. 9, this cross-section cuts out affected areas such as blood vessels at different angles. Information on the shape and depth direction of the affected area is reflected. Therefore, when these parallax images are displayed on the naked-eye 3D display device 200, three-dimensional affected area information with a sense of depth can be given to the observer.

(2) Second Embodiment The medical image processing apparatus 1b according to the second embodiment generates a plurality of CPR (Curved multi-Planner Reconstruction) images viewed from a plurality of parallax directions and supplies the naked eye 3D display apparatus 200 with the CPR image. Output.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the medical image processing apparatus 1b according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the processing example.

  The local region setting unit 20 b of the medical image processing apparatus 1 b according to the second embodiment includes a CPR curve / orientation setting unit 23 and a CPR thickness setting unit 24. The CPR curve / orientation setting unit 23 obtains a core line of a tubular structure (for example, a blood vessel including a vascular stenosis part) to be observed in detail based on designation by a doctor or the like, and the curved plate-like region along the core line is determined as a local region Set as. As shown in FIG. 12 and the like, the curved plate-like region used in CPR has a curvature only in one direction (for example, the vertical direction when viewed from the user and the Z direction in FIG. 12), and a direction orthogonal to this ( For example, it is a curved plate-like region having no curvature in the horizontal direction as viewed from the user and in the X direction in FIG. A main direction (hereinafter referred to as a main observation direction) for observing the curved plate-like region is a direction perpendicular to the developed flat plate (thickness direction in FIG. 12: Y direction) when the curved plate-like region is developed on the flat plate. The CPR curve / orientation setting unit 23 sets the direction of the curved plate region by setting the main observation direction (step ST11 in the flowchart of FIG. 11). On the other hand, the CPR thickness setting unit 24 sets the thickness of the CPR curved plate region (step ST12 in the flowchart of FIG. 11).

  The parallax direction calculation unit 30 associates the main observation direction of the curved plate area with the central parallax direction in the naked-eye 3D display device 200. Then, the central parallax direction, the plurality of parallax directions on the left side, and the plurality of parallax directions on the right side are converted into parallax directions in the coordinate system of the curved plate region.

  The parallax image generation unit 40b develops the curved plate-like region on a vertical flat plate and projects the developed flat plate along the plurality of parallax directions to reflect the depth information of the curved plate-like region (for example, nine). Are generated (steps ST13 and ST14 in the flowchart of FIG. 11). And the produced | generated several parallax image is output to the naked-eye 3D display apparatus 200, and is displayed on a display panel (step ST15).

  FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which a curved plate region including a blood vessel core line is cut out from three-dimensional image data. This curved plate-like region includes a blood vessel and an affected part (blood vessel stenosis part or the like) inside the blood vessel.

  The lower right part of FIG. 13 shows a view of the curved plate-like region as viewed from above. Also from this figure, it can be seen that when the blood vessel is viewed from the main observation direction, the curved plate-shaped region includes information in the depth direction and three-dimensional information of the blood vessel stenosis.

  As shown in the upper part of FIG. 13, the curved plate area is developed in the vertical direction to form a developed flat plate, and is projected in a direction (parallax direction) perpendicular to the developed flat plate to generate a CPR image. As a method of projection, similarly to the generation of the MPR image described above, 1) a method in which the pixel values in the developed flat plate are averaged along the parallax direction, and the average value is used as the pixel value of the CPR image. 2) the parallax direction 3) A method of obtaining a maximum value of pixel values in the developed flat plate along the line and using the maximum value as a pixel value of the CPR image. 3) Obtaining a minimum value of pixel values in the developed flat plate along the parallax direction Can be used as the pixel value of the MPR image.

  14 and 15 are diagrams illustrating a method for generating CPR images for different parallax directions. As shown in FIG. 14, the curved plate-like region cut out from the central parallax direction and the curved plate-like region cut out from the right parallax direction both include all the blood vessels in the three-dimensional image data from the upper end to the lower end. However, since the bent state of the blood vessel is different depending on the parallax direction, the bent state of the curved plate-like region is also different. An image obtained by projecting these curved plate regions in the vertical direction and projecting the developed flat plate in the parallax direction is a CPR parallax image corresponding to the parallax direction.

  FIG. 15 projects three curved plate regions (curved plate (1), curved plate (5), curved plate (9)) in three parallax directions (left parallax direction, central parallax direction, and right parallax direction), respectively. It is the figure which looked at a mode that three CPR images (parallax image (1), (5), (9)) are generated from the top. In each parallax image, the shape of the blood vessel and the shape of the affected part are projected differently depending on the parallax direction. By displaying these parallax images on the naked-eye 3D display device, the positional relationship between the three-dimensional shape and the depth direction can be observed. Can be intuitively grasped. In addition, since the CPR image projects a wide range of blood vessels along the longitudinal direction of the blood vessels, the positional relationship in the depth direction when viewed from each parallax direction can be provided in a wide range.

  Up to this point, the method of generating a CPR image by projecting a thick curved plate-like region has been described, but a CPR image can also be generated by projecting a curved surface region having no thickness, similar to an MPR image. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a method for generating a CPR image from a curved surface region along a blood vessel core line. Even in this method, each curved surface cuts out a blood vessel or an affected part in the blood vessel with a different shape according to the parallax direction. Therefore, each parallax image reflects the depth information and shape of the blood vessel. Therefore, when these parallax images are displayed on the naked-eye 3D display device, the observer can grasp the three-dimensional shape of the blood vessel and the affected part and the positional relationship in the depth direction.

  By the way, a normal CPR image is a technique in which a tubular structure such as a blood vessel is cut out in a curved plate-like region or curved surface along its core line, and this is developed and displayed on a flat surface. Is always constant regardless of the parallax direction. On the other hand, when a blood vessel or the like bent in the vertical direction is projected in different parallax directions, the projected blood vessel or the like has a different curvature depending on the parallax direction. As a result, when a plurality of CPR images having different parallax directions are generated by a normal method, there arises a problem that the vertical image size of the CPR image differs depending on the parallax direction. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining this problem and its solution.

  The diagram on the left side of FIG. 17 illustrates a model in which an arcuate curve is included in the three-dimensional image data. This curve is a model of the core line of a tubular structure such as a blood vessel. For convenience of explanation, a curved arc-shaped curve from the center of the upper end surface to the center of the lower end surface of the three-dimensional image data is assumed for the convenience of explanation. doing. The direction of curvature is the 45 degree parallax direction to the right.

  The upper right part of FIG. 17 is a CPR image generated by a normal CPR method, and is a CPR image in the central parallax direction, the right 22.5 degree parallax direction, and the right 45 degree parallax direction in order from the left. As the parallax direction moves to the right, the polarities of the arcs are projected to be smaller, and appear to be straight in the right 45-degree parallax direction. L in the figure is the length obtained by dividing the curve (core wire) into five equal parts. As described above, the normal CPR method is a method for faithfully expressing the length of the core line, and therefore the vertical image size of the CPR image increases as the parallax direction moves away from the central parallax direction.

  In this embodiment, in order to solve this problem, the image size in the other parallax direction is forcibly matched with the image size in the vertical direction in the central parallax direction. Specifically, as shown in the lower right part of FIG. 17, the sampling position on the core line and the sampling number are the same between the parallax images. As a result, as shown in the lower right part of FIG. 17, the parallax images in any parallax direction have the same length in the vertical direction, and all the parallax images of the same size can be output to the naked-eye 3D display device 200.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining another method for obtaining CPR parallax images of the same size. In this method, as shown in the lower right of FIG. 18, the sampling position and the number of samples on the axis along the direction in which the curved plate-like region or curved surface is developed (the vertical direction in FIG. 18 is the same as that in FIG. 17). The parallax images are the same. Also by this method, the parallax images in any parallax direction have the same length in the vertical direction, and all the parallax images having the same size can be output to the naked-eye 3D display device 200.

(3) Third Embodiment The medical image processing apparatus 1c according to the third embodiment generates a plurality of SPR (Stretched multi-Planner Reconstruction) images viewed from a plurality of parallax directions, and supplies the naked-eye 3D display apparatus 200 with it. Output.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the concept of an SPR image in one parallax direction (central parallax direction). As shown in FIG. 19, in the SPR image, the vertical direction of the SPR image (parallax image) is the stretching direction when the core wire of a tubular structure such as a blood vessel is stretched linearly. Then, pixel values along an axis orthogonal to the core line are arranged and generated in the horizontal axis direction. The direction in which the core wire is stretched (that is, the direction in which the blood vessel or the like is stretched straight) may be the horizontal axis direction of the SPR image, contrary to the above.

  When generating a plurality of SPR images (parallax images), as shown in FIG. 20, a plurality of parallax images are generated by causing the directions of the axes orthogonal to the core line to correspond to the plurality of parallax directions, respectively. In the example of FIG. 20, two SPR images (parallax images) are generated in a central parallax direction and a right parallax direction shifted to the right by an angle θ from the center.

  FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the medical image processing apparatus 1c according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating the processing example.

  In the third embodiment, the SPR curve / orientation setting unit 25 of the local region setting unit 20c sets the region of the tubular structure as a local region. Further, the SPR curve / orientation setting unit 25 sets a reference direction (a direction associated with the central parallax direction) on a plane orthogonal to the core line (step ST21 in FIG. 22).

  The parallax image generation unit 40c generates a plurality of SPR images (parallax images) by the method shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 (steps ST23 and ST24). When the generation of all SPR images (parallax images) is completed, they are output to the naked-eye 3D display device 200 (step ST25).

  FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the third embodiment. In this modification, the width of the band-like region along the axis orthogonal to the core wire is set in the plane orthogonal to the core wire. This setting is performed by the SPR thickness setting unit 26 of the local region setting unit 20c (step ST22 in FIG. 22). On the other hand, the parallax image generation unit 40c 1) averages the pixel values of the width method of the band-like region, 2) extracts the maximum value of the pixel values in the width direction, and 3) extracts the minimum value of the pixel values in the width direction. A pixel value along an axis orthogonal to the core line is obtained by a method such as, and the like, and this is arranged in the horizontal axis direction of the SPR image to generate an SPR image.

  The SPR image is a display method effective for diagnosing a tubular structure such as a blood vessel as in the case of the CPR image, but conventionally it is a two-dimensional image projected in one direction. According to the third embodiment, by displaying SPR images in a plurality of parallax directions on the naked-eye 3D display device 200, a tubular structure such as a blood vessel can be observed with a stereoscopic effect, and the depth direction in the blood vessel can be observed. It is possible to easily grasp the positional relationship.

(4) Fourth Embodiment The medical image processing apparatus 1d according to the fourth embodiment generates a plurality of VGP (Virtual Gross Pathology) images viewed from a plurality of parallax directions and outputs the generated images to the naked-eye 3D display apparatus 200. . The VGP image is also referred to as a Fillet View (a fillet view image or a virtual ablation sample developed image).

  FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating the concept of a VGP image in one parallax direction (central parallax direction). As shown in FIG. 24, in the VGP image, the vertical axis direction of the VGP image (parallax image) is set as a stretching direction when the core wire of a tubular structure such as the large intestine is stretched linearly. Then, the horizontal axis direction of the VGP image is associated with the circumferential direction centered on the core line, and image data obtained by projecting a lumen such as the large intestine from the position of the core line is arranged in the horizontal axis direction to generate a parallax image. The direction in which the core wire is stretched (that is, the direction in which the large intestine or the like is stretched straight) may be the horizontal axis of the VGP image, contrary to the above.

  When generating a plurality of VGP images (parallax images) in different parallax directions, as shown in FIG. 25, the projection direction of the lumen is rotated by the parallax direction θ, respectively, and a plurality of parallax images are generated. In the example of FIG. 25, two VGP images (parallax images) are generated in a central parallax direction and a right parallax direction shifted to the right by an angle θ from the center.

  FIG. 26 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the medical image processing apparatus 1d according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating the processing example.

  In the fourth embodiment, the VGP curve / orientation setting unit 27 of the local region setting unit 20d sets the region of the tubular structure as a local region. Further, the VGP curve / orientation setting unit 27 sets a reference direction (direction associated with the central parallax direction) on a plane orthogonal to the core line (step ST31 in FIG. 27).

  The parallax image generation unit 40d generates a plurality of VGP images (parallax images) by the method illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25 (steps ST32 and 33). When the generation of all VGP images (parallax images) is completed, they are output to the naked-eye 3D display device 200 (step ST34).

  The VGP image is a method for virtually excising and displaying a tubular structure such as the large intestine, and is a display method effective for diagnosing a lumen such as the large intestine. Conventionally, the VGP image is viewed from one parallax direction. It was a dimensional image. According to the fourth embodiment, by displaying VGP images in a plurality of parallax directions on the naked-eye 3D display device 200, the lumen of a tubular structure such as the large intestine can be observed with a stereoscopic effect, The positional relationship in the depth direction can be easily grasped.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Medical image processing apparatus 10 3D image data storage part 20 Local area | region setting part 30 Parallax direction calculation part 40 Parallax image generation part 50 Parallax image output part

Claims (15)

A setting unit for setting a local region in medical three-dimensional image data;
A parallax image generating unit that projects the set local region in a plurality of predetermined parallax directions and generates two-dimensional parallax images reflecting the depth information of the plurality of parallax directions by the number of the parallax directions. When,
A parallax image output unit that outputs the plurality of parallax images to the naked-eye 3D display device that simultaneously distributes and emits the plurality of parallax images corresponding to the plurality of parallax images;
A medical image processing apparatus comprising: The setting unit sets a flat plate-like region having a thickness as the local region and sets the direction of the flat plate region and the thickness,
The parallax image generation unit generates the plurality of parallax images by reflecting depth information of the flat region along the plurality of parallax directions.
It is characterized by
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The parallax image generation unit averages pixel values in the flat area along the parallax direction, extracts a maximum value of the pixel values, or extracts a minimum value of the pixel values, to thereby calculate the depth. Reflect information,
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 2. The setting unit sets a plurality of plate-like regions having the same thickness as orthogonal to each of the plurality of parallax directions, and sets the direction and the thickness of each plate-like region,
The parallax image generation unit generates the plurality of parallax images by reflecting depth information in a direction orthogonal to the flat plate regions along the plurality of parallax directions.
It is characterized by
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The parallax image generation unit averages pixel values in the flat area along the parallax direction, extracts a maximum value of the pixel values, or extracts a minimum value of the pixel values, to thereby calculate the depth. Reflect information,
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 4. The setting unit sets a plane orthogonal to each of the plurality of parallax directions as the local region and sets an orientation of each plane.
The parallax image generation unit generates a plurality of cross-sectional images in which the plurality of planes having different directions cut the three-dimensional image data, thereby reflecting two-dimensional information reflecting each depth information of the plurality of parallax directions. Generate parallax images,
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The setting unit
When a plurality of curved plate-like regions having a curvature only in one direction are set as the local regions along the core line of the tubular structure in the three-dimensional image data, and each curved plate-like region is developed on a flat plate Set the direction and thickness of each of the curved plate regions such that the direction perpendicular to the developed flat plate respectively matches the plurality of parallax directions,
The parallax image generation unit generates the plurality of parallax images by expanding the curved plate-like regions on the developed flat plate and reflecting depth information of the curved plate-like regions along the plurality of parallax directions. To
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The parallax image generation unit averages pixel values in the curved plate-shaped region along the parallax direction, extracts a maximum value of the pixel values, or extracts a minimum value of the pixel values. Reflect depth information,
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 7. The setting unit
A plurality of curved surfaces along the core line of the tubular structure in the three-dimensional image data and having a curvature only in one direction are set as the local regions, and when each curved surface is developed on a plane, the curved surface is perpendicular to the development plane. Setting each direction of the curved surface such that the direction matches each of the plurality of parallax directions;
The parallax image generation unit generates a plurality of cross-sectional images in which the plurality of curved surfaces having different directions cut the three-dimensional image data, and develops them on a plane to thereby obtain depth information of each of the plurality of parallax directions. A two-dimensional parallax image reflecting the
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The parallax image generation unit makes the sampling position and the sampling number on the core line the same between the parallax images so that the size of the parallax image in the development direction is the same in the parallax images in any parallax direction.
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the medical image processing apparatus is a medical image processing apparatus. The parallax image generation unit sets a sampling position and a sampling number on the axis along the development direction between the parallax images so that the size of the parallax image in the development direction is the same in the parallax images in any parallax direction. Is the same,
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the medical image processing apparatus is a medical image processing apparatus. The setting unit
A region of a tubular structure in the three-dimensional image data is set as the local region;
The parallax image generation unit
One of the horizontal axis direction and the vertical axis direction of the parallax image is defined as a stretching direction when the core wire of the tubular structure is stretched linearly, and the other axial direction is orthogonal to the core wire. Generating the parallax image by arranging pixel values along the axis to be generated, and generating the plurality of parallax images by causing the directions of the axes orthogonal to the core line to correspond to the plurality of parallax directions, respectively.
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The setting unit
Set the width of the band-like region along the axis orthogonal to the core wire in a plane orthogonal to the core wire;
The parallax image generation unit
Along the axis orthogonal to the core line by averaging the pixel values in the width direction of the strip region, extracting the maximum value of the pixel values in the width direction, or extracting the minimum value of the pixel values in the width direction Find the pixel value
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 12. The setting unit
A region of a tubular structure in the three-dimensional image data is set as the local region;
The parallax image generation unit
One of the horizontal axis direction and the vertical axis direction of the parallax image is defined as a stretching direction when the core wire of the tubular structure is stretched linearly, and the other axial direction is centered on the core wire. The parallax image is generated by arranging image data obtained by projecting the lumen of the tubular structure from the position of the core line in the other axial direction in association with the circumferential direction, and the projection direction of the lumen is the Rotating the plurality of parallax directions respectively to generate the plurality of parallax images;
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1. Setting a local region in the medical three-dimensional image data;
Projecting the set local regions in a plurality of predetermined parallax directions, and generating as many two-dimensional parallax images as the number of parallax directions reflecting depth information of each of the parallax directions;
Outputting the plurality of parallax images to a naked-eye 3D display;
A program for controlling a medical image processing apparatus.