JP2012244420A - Image processing system, device, and method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing system, device, and method that are capable of easily outputting an image observed by an observer.SOLUTION: In an image processing device related to an embodiment, a display unit displays a parallax image group to display an image of a display target object in a stereoscopically viewable manner, and displays it so that a different parallax image can be viewed according to an observation direction. A viewpoint information detection unit detects an observation direction of the display unit by an observer. An image output unit selects an image from among the parallax image group on the basis of the observation direction, and outputs it.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an image processing system, apparatus, and method.

  Conventionally, a monitor capable of stereoscopically viewing a two-parallax image taken from two viewpoints using a dedicated device such as stereoscopic glasses has been put into practical use. In recent years, monitors that can stereoscopically view multi-parallax images (for example, 9 parallax images) taken from a plurality of viewpoints using a light beam controller such as a lenticular lens have been put into practical use. Note that a 2-parallax image or a 9-parallax image displayed on a stereoscopically viewable monitor may be generated by estimating the depth information of an image taken from one viewpoint and performing image processing using the estimated information. .

  On the other hand, a medical image diagnostic apparatus such as an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus, or an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is practically capable of generating three-dimensional medical image data (hereinafter referred to as volume data). It has become. Conventionally, volume data generated by such a medical image diagnostic apparatus is converted into a two-dimensional image by various image processing and displayed two-dimensionally on a general-purpose monitor. For example, volume data generated by a medical image diagnostic apparatus is converted into a two-dimensional image reflecting three-dimensional information by volume rendering processing, and is displayed two-dimensionally on a general-purpose monitor. However, in the prior art, it may be difficult to output an image observed by an observer.

JP 2005-84414 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an image processing system, apparatus and method capable of easily outputting an image observed by an observer.

  The image processing system according to the embodiment includes a display unit, a detection unit, and an image output unit. The display means displays a group of parallax images so as to display an image of the display target in a stereoscopic manner so that different parallax images can be seen depending on the viewing direction. The detection means detects the observation direction of the display means by the observer. The image output means selects and outputs an image from the parallax image group based on the observation direction.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of an image processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a stereoscopic display monitor that performs stereoscopic display using two parallax images. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a stereoscopic display monitor that performs stereoscopic display using nine parallax images. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the workstation according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the rendering processing unit shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of volume rendering processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing for acquiring information on the position of the observer by the viewpoint information detection unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of detection processing by the viewpoint information detection unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing by the position information calculation unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a relative position calculation process by the position information calculation unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of relative position information stored by the position information calculation unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing by the image output unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the workstation according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a control unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing by the position information calculation unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the workstation according to the second embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an image processing system, apparatus, and method will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following, an image processing system including a workstation having a function as an image processing apparatus will be described as an embodiment. Here, the terms used in the following embodiments will be described. The “parallax image group” is an image generated by performing volume rendering processing by moving the viewpoint position by a predetermined parallax angle with respect to volume data. It is a group. That is, the “parallax image group” includes a plurality of “parallax images” having different “viewpoint positions”. The “parallax angle” is a predetermined position in the space represented by the volume data and an adjacent viewpoint position among the viewpoint positions set to generate the “parallax image group” (for example, the center of the space) It is an angle determined by. The “parallax number” is the number of “parallax images” necessary for stereoscopic viewing on the stereoscopic display monitor. The “9 parallax images” described below is a “parallax image group” composed of nine “parallax images”. The “two-parallax image” described below is a “parallax image group” composed of two “parallax images”.

(First embodiment)
First, a configuration example of the image processing system according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of an image processing system according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a medical image diagnostic apparatus 110, an image storage apparatus 120, a workstation 130, and a terminal apparatus 140. Each apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 is in a state where it can communicate with each other directly or indirectly by, for example, an in-hospital LAN (Local Area Network) 2 installed in a hospital. For example, when a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) is introduced into the image processing system 1, each apparatus transmits and receives medical images and the like according to DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standards.

  The image processing system 1 generates a parallax image group from volume data that is three-dimensional medical image data generated by the medical image diagnostic apparatus 110, and displays the parallax image group on a stereoscopically viewable monitor. Provide medical images that can be viewed stereoscopically to doctors and laboratory technicians working in hospitals. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the workstation 130 performs various image processing on the volume data to generate a parallax image group. In addition, the workstation 130 and the terminal device 140 have a monitor that can be viewed stereoscopically, and displays a parallax image group generated by the workstation 130 on the monitor. Further, the image storage device 120 stores the volume data generated by the medical image diagnostic device 110 and the parallax image group generated by the workstation 130. That is, the workstation 130 and the terminal device 140 acquire volume data and a parallax image group from the image storage device 120, process them, and display them on a monitor. Hereinafter, each device will be described in order.

  The medical image diagnostic apparatus 110 includes an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) apparatus, and a PET (Positron Emission computed Tomography). ) Apparatus, a SPECT-CT apparatus in which a SPECT apparatus and an X-ray CT apparatus are integrated, a PET-CT apparatus in which a PET apparatus and an X-ray CT apparatus are integrated, or a group of these apparatuses. Further, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 110 according to the first embodiment can generate three-dimensional medical image data (volume data).

  Specifically, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 110 according to the first embodiment generates volume data by imaging a subject. For example, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 110 collects data such as projection data and MR signals by imaging the subject, and medical image data of a plurality of axial surfaces along the body axis direction of the subject from the collected data. By reconfiguring, volume data is generated. For example, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 110 reconstructs 500 pieces of medical image data on the axial plane. The 500 axial medical image data groups are volume data.

  Further, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 110 according to the first embodiment transmits the generated volume data to the image storage apparatus 120. The medical image diagnostic apparatus 110 identifies, for example, a patient ID for identifying a patient, an examination ID for identifying an examination, and the medical image diagnostic apparatus 110 as supplementary information when transmitting volume data to the image storage apparatus 120. A device ID, a series ID for identifying one shot by the medical image diagnostic device 110, and the like are transmitted.

  The image storage device 120 is a database that stores medical images. Specifically, the image storage device 120 according to the first embodiment stores the volume data transmitted from the medical image diagnostic device 110 in a storage unit and stores it. In the first embodiment, the workstation 130 generates a parallax image group from the volume data, and transmits the generated parallax image group to the image storage device 120. Therefore, the image storage device 120 stores the parallax image group transmitted from the workstation 130 in the storage unit and stores it. In the present embodiment, the workstation 130 illustrated in FIG. 1 and the image storage device 120 may be integrated by using the workstation 130 that can store a large-capacity image. That is, this embodiment may be a case where volume data or a parallax image group is stored in the workstation 130 itself.

  In the first embodiment, the volume data and the parallax image group stored in the image storage device 120 are stored in association with the patient ID, examination ID, device ID, series ID, and the like. Therefore, the workstation 130 and the terminal device 140 acquire necessary volume data and a parallax image group from the image storage device 120 by performing a search using a patient ID, an examination ID, a device ID, a series ID, and the like.

  The workstation 130 is an image processing apparatus that performs image processing on medical images. Specifically, the workstation 130 according to the first embodiment performs various rendering processes on the volume data acquired from the image storage device 120 to generate a parallax image group. A parallax image group is a plurality of parallax images taken from a plurality of viewpoints. For example, a parallax image group displayed on a monitor capable of stereoscopically viewing nine parallax images with the naked eye has a viewpoint position. It is nine different parallax images.

  In addition, the workstation 130 according to the first embodiment includes a stereoscopically visible monitor (hereinafter, stereoscopic display monitor) as a display unit. The workstation 130 generates a parallax image group and displays the generated parallax image group on the stereoscopic display monitor. As a result, the operator of the workstation 130 can perform an operation for generating a parallax image group while confirming a stereoscopically visible medical image displayed on the stereoscopic display monitor.

  Further, the workstation 130 transmits the generated parallax image group to the image storage device 120. In addition, when transmitting the parallax image group to the image storage device 120, the workstation 130 transmits, for example, a patient ID, an examination ID, a device ID, a series ID, and the like as incidental information. Further, the incidental information transmitted when transmitting the parallax image group to the image storage device 120 includes incidental information regarding the parallax image group. The incidental information regarding the parallax image group includes the number of parallax images (for example, “9”), the resolution of the parallax images (for example, “466 × 350 pixels”), and the like.

  The terminal device 140 is a device that allows a doctor or laboratory technician working in a hospital to view a medical image. For example, the terminal device 140 is a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet PC, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile phone, or the like operated by a doctor or laboratory technician working in a hospital. Specifically, the terminal device 140 according to the first embodiment includes a stereoscopic display monitor as a display unit. In addition, the terminal device 140 acquires a parallax image group from the image storage device 120 and displays the acquired parallax image group on the stereoscopic display monitor. As a result, a doctor or laboratory technician who is an observer can view a medical image that can be viewed stereoscopically.

  Here, the stereoscopic display monitor included in the workstation 130 and the terminal device 140 will be described. A general-purpose monitor that is most popular at present displays a two-dimensional image in two dimensions, and cannot display a two-dimensional image in three dimensions. If an observer requests stereoscopic viewing on a general-purpose monitor, an apparatus that outputs an image to the general-purpose monitor needs to display two parallax images that can be viewed stereoscopically by the observer in parallel by the parallel method or the intersection method. is there. Alternatively, an apparatus that outputs an image to a general-purpose monitor, for example, uses an after-color method with an eyeglass that has a red cellophane attached to the left eye portion and a blue cellophane attached to the right eye portion. It is necessary to display a stereoscopically viewable image.

  On the other hand, as a stereoscopic display monitor, there is a stereoscopic display monitor that enables a stereoscopic view of a two-parallax image (also referred to as a binocular parallax image) by using dedicated equipment such as stereoscopic glasses.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a stereoscopic display monitor that performs stereoscopic display using two parallax images. An example shown in FIG. 2 is a stereoscopic display monitor that performs stereoscopic display by a shutter method, and shutter glasses are used as stereoscopic glasses worn by an observer who observes the monitor. Such a stereoscopic display monitor emits two parallax images alternately on the monitor. For example, the monitor shown in FIG. 2A alternately emits a left-eye image and a right-eye image at 120 Hz. Here, as shown in FIG. 2A, the monitor is provided with an infrared emitting unit, and the infrared emitting unit controls the emission of infrared rays in accordance with the timing at which the image is switched.

  Moreover, the infrared rays emitted from the infrared ray emitting portion are received by the infrared ray receiving portion of the shutter glasses shown in FIG. A shutter is attached to each of the left and right frames of the shutter glasses, and the shutter glasses alternately switch the transmission state and the light shielding state of the left and right shutters according to the timing when the infrared light receiving unit receives the infrared rays. Hereinafter, the switching process between the transmission state and the light shielding state in the shutter will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, each shutter has an incident-side polarizing plate and an output-side polarizing plate, and further, a liquid crystal phase is interposed between the incident-side polarizing plate and the output-side polarizing plate. Have Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, the incident-side polarizing plate and the outgoing-side polarizing plate are orthogonal to each other. Here, as shown in FIG. 2B, in the “OFF” state where no voltage is applied, the light that has passed through the polarizing plate on the incident side is rotated by 90 ° by the action of the liquid crystal layer, and is emitted on the outgoing side. Is transmitted through the polarizing plate. That is, a shutter to which no voltage is applied is in a transmissive state.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2B, in the “ON” state where a voltage is applied, the polarization rotation action caused by the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer disappears. It will be blocked by the polarizing plate on the exit side. That is, the shutter to which the voltage is applied is in a light shielding state.

  Therefore, for example, the infrared emitting unit emits infrared rays during a period in which an image for the left eye is displayed on the monitor. The infrared light receiving unit applies a voltage to the right-eye shutter without applying a voltage to the left-eye shutter during a period of receiving the infrared light. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 2A, the right-eye shutter is in a light-shielding state and the left-eye shutter is in a transmissive state, so that an image for the left eye is incident on the left eye of the observer. On the other hand, the infrared ray emitting unit stops emitting infrared rays while the right-eye image is displayed on the monitor. The infrared light receiving unit applies a voltage to the left-eye shutter without applying a voltage to the right-eye shutter during a period in which no infrared light is received. Accordingly, the left-eye shutter is in a light-shielding state and the right-eye shutter is in a transmissive state, so that an image for the right eye is incident on the right eye of the observer. As described above, the stereoscopic display monitor illustrated in FIG. 2 displays an image that can be viewed stereoscopically by the observer by switching the image displayed on the monitor and the state of the shutter in conjunction with each other. As a stereoscopic display monitor capable of stereoscopically viewing a two-parallax image, a monitor adopting a polarized glasses method is also known in addition to the shutter method described above.

  Furthermore, as a stereoscopic display monitor that has been put into practical use in recent years, there is a stereoscopic display monitor that allows a viewer to stereoscopically view a multi-parallax image such as a 9-parallax image with the naked eye by using a light controller such as a lenticular lens. . Such a stereoscopic display monitor enables stereoscopic viewing based on binocular parallax, and also enables stereoscopic viewing based on motion parallax that also changes the image observed in accordance with the viewpoint movement of the observer.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a stereoscopic display monitor that performs stereoscopic display using nine parallax images. In the stereoscopic display monitor shown in FIG. 3, a light beam controller is arranged on the front surface of a flat display surface 200 such as a liquid crystal panel. For example, in the stereoscopic display monitor shown in FIG. 3, a vertical lenticular sheet 201 whose optical aperture extends in the vertical direction is attached to the front surface of the display surface 200 as a light beam controller.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the display surface 200 has an aspect ratio of 3: 1 and pixels in which three sub-pixels, red (R), green (G), and blue (B), are arranged in the vertical direction. 202 are arranged in a matrix. The stereoscopic display monitor shown in FIG. 3 converts a nine-parallax image composed of nine images into an intermediate image arranged in a predetermined format (for example, a lattice shape), and then outputs it to the display surface 200. That is, the stereoscopic display monitor shown in FIG. 3 assigns and outputs nine pixels at the same position in nine parallax images to nine columns of pixels 202. The nine columns of pixels 202 constitute a unit pixel group 203 that simultaneously displays nine images with different viewpoint positions.

  The nine parallax images simultaneously output as the unit pixel group 203 on the display surface 200 are emitted as parallel light by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) backlight, and further emitted in multiple directions by the vertical lenticular sheet 201. As the light of each pixel of the nine-parallax image is emitted in multiple directions, the light incident on the right eye and the left eye of the observer changes in conjunction with the position of the observer (viewpoint position). That is, the parallax angle between the parallax image incident on the right eye and the parallax image incident on the left eye differs depending on the viewing angle of the observer. Thereby, the observer can visually recognize the photographing object in three dimensions at each of the nine positions shown in FIG. 3, for example. In addition, for example, the observer can view the image three-dimensionally in a state of facing the object to be imaged at the position “5” shown in FIG. 3, and at each position other than “5” shown in FIG. It can be visually recognized in a three-dimensional manner with the direction of the object changed. Note that the stereoscopic display monitor shown in FIG. 3 is merely an example. As shown in FIG. 3, the stereoscopic display monitor that displays a nine-parallax image may be a horizontal stripe liquid crystal of “RRR..., GGG..., BBB. .. ”” May be used. The stereoscopic display monitor shown in FIG. 3 may be a vertical lens system in which the lenticular sheet is vertical as shown in FIG. 3 or a diagonal lens system in which the lenticular sheet is diagonal. There may be.

  So far, the configuration example of the image processing system 1 according to the first embodiment has been briefly described. Note that the application of the image processing system 1 described above is not limited when PACS is introduced. For example, the image processing system 1 is similarly applied when an electronic medical chart system that manages an electronic medical chart to which a medical image is attached is introduced. In this case, the image storage device 120 is a database that stores electronic medical records. Further, for example, the image processing system 1 is similarly applied when a HIS (Hospital Information System) and a RIS (Radiology Information System) are introduced. The image processing system 1 is not limited to the configuration example described above. The functions and sharing of each device may be appropriately changed according to the operation mode.

  Next, a configuration example of the workstation according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the workstation according to the first embodiment. In the following description, the “parallax image group” is a group of stereoscopic images generated by performing volume rendering processing on volume data. Further, the “parallax image” is an individual image constituting the “parallax image group”. That is, the “parallax image group” includes a plurality of “parallax images” having different viewpoint positions.

  The workstation 130 according to the first embodiment is a high-performance computer suitable for image processing and the like, and as illustrated in FIG. 4, an input unit 131, a display unit 132, a communication unit 133, and a storage unit 134. A control unit 135, a rendering processing unit 136, and a detection unit 137. In the following, a case where the workstation 130 is a high-performance computer suitable for image processing or the like will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be any information processing apparatus. For example, any personal computer may be used.

  The input unit 131 is a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, or the like, and receives input of various operations on the workstation 130 from an operator. Specifically, the input unit 131 according to the first embodiment receives input of information for acquiring volume data to be subjected to rendering processing from the image storage device 120. For example, the input unit 131 receives input of a patient ID, an examination ID, a device ID, a series ID, and the like. Further, the input unit 131 according to the first embodiment receives an input of a condition regarding rendering processing (hereinafter, rendering condition).

  The display unit 132 is a liquid crystal panel or the like as a stereoscopic display monitor, and displays various information. Specifically, the display unit 132 according to the first embodiment displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various operations from the operator, a parallax image group, and the like. The communication unit 133 is a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like, and performs communication with other devices. More specifically, the display unit 132 displays a parallax image group so as to display an image of a display target in a stereoscopic manner and displays a parallax image that varies depending on the observation direction.

  The storage unit 134 is a hard disk, a semiconductor memory element, or the like, and stores various types of information. Specifically, the storage unit 134 according to the first embodiment stores volume data acquired from the image storage device 120 via the communication unit 133. In addition, the storage unit 134 according to the first embodiment stores volume data during rendering processing, a parallax image group generated by rendering processing, an image for two-dimensional display, and the like.

  The control unit 135 is an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit), an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and the entire workstation 130. Take control.

  For example, the control unit 135 according to the first embodiment controls the display of the GUI and the display of the parallax image group on the display unit 132. For example, the control unit 135 controls transmission / reception of volume data and a parallax image group performed with the image storage device 120 via the communication unit 133. For example, the control unit 135 controls the rendering process performed by the rendering processing unit 136. For example, the control unit 135 controls reading of volume data from the storage unit 134 and storage of the parallax image group in the storage unit 134.

  The rendering processing unit 136 performs various rendering processes on the volume data acquired from the image storage device 120 under the control of the control unit 135 to generate a parallax image group. The processing of the rendering processing unit 136 will be described in detail later.

  The detection unit 137 detects the position of the observer of the parallax image with respect to the display unit 132. Specifically, the detection unit 137 detects an observer's standing position with respect to the display unit 132, an observer's face position, an observer's gaze position, and the like. The detection unit 137 is, for example, a motion tracking device using a camera, an optical or magnetic position sensor, a mechanical motion capture system, or the like. In the first embodiment, a case where a motion tracking device using a camera is used as the detection unit 137 will be described. The description thereof will be described later.

  The rendering processing unit 136 performs various rendering processes on the volume data acquired from the image storage device 120 under the control of the control unit 135 to generate a parallax image group. Specifically, the rendering processing unit 136 according to the first embodiment reads volume data from the storage unit 134 and first performs preprocessing on the volume data. Next, the rendering processing unit 136 performs volume rendering processing on the pre-processed volume data to generate a parallax image group. Subsequently, the rendering processing unit 136 generates a two-dimensional image in which various kinds of information (scale, patient name, examination item, etc.) are drawn, and superimposes it on each of the parallax image groups, thereby outputting 2 for output. Generate a dimensional image. Then, the rendering processing unit 136 stores the generated parallax image group and the output two-dimensional image in the storage unit 134. In the first embodiment, the rendering process is the entire image process performed on the volume data. The volume rendering process is a two-dimensional image reflecting three-dimensional information in the rendering process. It is a process to generate. For example, a parallax image corresponds to the medical image generated by the rendering process.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the rendering processing unit shown in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the rendering processing unit 136 includes a preprocessing unit 1361, a 3D image processing unit 1362, and a 2D image processing unit 1363. The preprocessing unit 1361 performs preprocessing on the volume data, the 3D image processing unit 1362 generates a parallax image group from the preprocessed volume data, and the 2D image processing unit 1363 stores various information on the parallax image group. A two-dimensional image for output on which is superimposed is generated. Hereinafter, each part is demonstrated in order.

  The preprocessing unit 1361 is a processing unit that performs various types of preprocessing when rendering processing is performed on volume data, and includes an image correction processing unit 1361a, a three-dimensional object fusion unit 1361e, and a three-dimensional object display area setting. Part 1361f.

  The image correction processing unit 1361a is a processing unit that performs image correction processing when processing two types of volume data as one volume data, and as shown in FIG. 5, a distortion correction processing unit 1361b, a body motion correction processing unit, 1361c and an inter-image registration processing unit 1361d. For example, the image correction processing unit 1361a performs image correction processing when processing volume data of a PET image generated by a PET-CT apparatus and volume data of an X-ray CT image as one volume data. Alternatively, the image correction processing unit 1361a performs image correction processing when processing the volume data of the T1-weighted image and the volume data of the T2-weighted image generated by the MRI apparatus as one volume data.

  In addition, the distortion correction processing unit 1361b corrects the data distortion caused by the collection conditions at the time of data collection by the medical image diagnostic apparatus 110 in each volume data. Further, the body motion correction processing unit 1361c corrects the movement caused by the body motion of the subject at the time of collecting the data used for generating the individual volume data. Further, the inter-image registration processing unit 1361d performs registration (Registration) using, for example, a cross-correlation method between the two volume data subjected to the correction processing by the distortion correction processing unit 1361b and the body motion correction processing unit 1361c. ).

  The three-dimensional object fusion unit 1363e fuses a plurality of volume data that has been aligned by the inter-image registration processing unit 1361d. Note that the processing of the image correction processing unit 1361a and the three-dimensional object fusion unit 1361e is omitted when rendering processing is performed on single volume data.

  The three-dimensional object display region setting unit 1361f is a processing unit that sets a display region corresponding to the display target organ designated by the operator, and includes a segmentation processing unit 1361g. The segmentation processing unit 1361g is a processing unit that extracts organs such as the heart, lungs, and blood vessels designated by the operator by, for example, a region expansion method based on pixel values (voxel values) of volume data.

  Note that the segmentation processing unit 1361g does not perform the segmentation process when the display target organ is not designated by the operator. The segmentation processing unit 1361g extracts a plurality of corresponding organs when a plurality of display target organs are designated by the operator. Further, the processing of the segmentation processing unit 1361g may be executed again in response to an operator fine adjustment request referring to the rendered image.

  The 3D image processing unit 1362 performs volume rendering processing on the pre-processed volume data processed by the preprocessing unit 1361. As a processing unit that performs volume rendering processing, a three-dimensional image processing unit 1362 includes a projection method setting unit 1362a, a three-dimensional geometric transformation processing unit 1362b, a three-dimensional object appearance processing unit 1362f, and a three-dimensional virtual space rendering unit 1362k. Have

  The projection method setting unit 1362a determines a projection method for generating a parallax image group. For example, the projection method setting unit 1362a determines whether to execute the volume rendering process by the parallel projection method or the perspective projection method.

  The three-dimensional geometric transformation processing unit 1362b is a processing unit that determines information for transforming volume data on which volume rendering processing is performed into a three-dimensional geometrical structure. The three-dimensional geometric transformation processing unit 1362b includes a parallel movement processing unit 1362c, a rotation processing unit 1362d, and an enlargement unit. A reduction processing unit 1362e is included. The parallel movement processing unit 1362c is a processing unit that determines the amount of movement to translate the volume data when the viewpoint position when performing the volume rendering processing is translated, and the rotation processing unit 1362d performs the volume rendering processing. This is a processing unit that determines the amount of movement by which the volume data is rotationally moved when the viewpoint position during the rotation is rotationally moved. The enlargement / reduction processing unit 1362e is a processing unit that determines the enlargement rate or reduction rate of the volume data when enlargement or reduction of the parallax image group is requested.

  The three-dimensional object appearance processing unit 1362f includes a three-dimensional object color processing unit 1362g, a three-dimensional object opacity processing unit 1362h, a three-dimensional object material processing unit 1362i, and a three-dimensional virtual space light source processing unit 1362j. The three-dimensional object appearance processing unit 1362f performs a process of determining the display state of the displayed parallax image group in response to an operator's request, for example.

  The three-dimensional object color processing unit 1362g is a processing unit that determines a color to be colored for each region segmented by the volume data. The three-dimensional object opacity processing unit 1362h is a processing unit that determines the opacity (Opacity) of each voxel constituting each region segmented by volume data. It should be noted that the area behind the area having the opacity of “100%” in the volume data is not drawn in the parallax image group. In addition, an area in which the opacity is “0%” in the volume data is not drawn in the parallax image group.

  The three-dimensional object material processing unit 1362i is a processing unit that determines the material of each region segmented by volume data and adjusts the texture when the region is rendered. The three-dimensional virtual space light source processing unit 1362j is a processing unit that determines the position of the virtual light source installed in the three-dimensional virtual space and the type of the virtual light source when performing volume rendering processing on the volume data. Examples of the virtual light source include a light source that emits parallel light rays from infinity and a light source that emits radial light rays from the viewpoint.

  The three-dimensional virtual space rendering unit 1362k performs volume rendering processing on the volume data to generate a parallax image group. The three-dimensional virtual space rendering unit 1362k performs various types of information determined by the projection method setting unit 1362a, the three-dimensional geometric transformation processing unit 1362b, and the three-dimensional object appearance processing unit 1362f as necessary when performing the volume rendering process. Is used.

  Here, the volume rendering process by the three-dimensional virtual space rendering unit 1362k is performed according to the rendering conditions. For example, the rendering condition is “parallel projection method” or “perspective projection method”. For example, the rendering condition is “reference viewpoint position and parallax angle”. Further, for example, the rendering conditions are “translation of viewpoint position”, “rotational movement of viewpoint position”, “enlargement of parallax image group”, and “reduction of parallax image group”. Further, for example, the rendering conditions are “color to be colored”, “transparency”, “texture”, “position of virtual light source”, and “type of virtual light source”. Such a rendering condition may be accepted from the operator via the input unit 131 or may be initially set. In any case, the three-dimensional virtual space rendering unit 1362k receives a rendering condition from the control unit 135, and performs volume rendering processing on the volume data according to the rendering condition. At this time, the projection method setting unit 1362a, the three-dimensional geometric transformation processing unit 1362b, and the three-dimensional object appearance processing unit 1362f determine various pieces of necessary information according to the rendering conditions, so the three-dimensional virtual space rendering unit 1362k. Generates a parallax image group using the determined various pieces of information.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of volume rendering processing according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown in “9 parallax image generation method (1)” in FIG. 6, the three-dimensional virtual space rendering unit 1362k accepts the parallel projection method as a rendering condition, and further, the reference viewpoint position (5) and the parallax. Assume that the angle “1 degree” is received. In such a case, the three-dimensional virtual space rendering unit 1362k translates the position of the viewpoint from (1) to (9) so that the parallax angle is "1 degree", and the parallax angle (line of sight) is obtained by the parallel projection method. Nine parallax images with different degrees between directions are generated. When performing the parallel projection method, the three-dimensional virtual space rendering unit 1362k sets a light source that emits parallel light rays from infinity along the line-of-sight direction.

  Alternatively, as shown in “9-parallax image generation method (2)” in FIG. 6, the three-dimensional virtual space rendering unit 1362k accepts a perspective projection method as a rendering condition, and further, the reference viewpoint position (5) and the parallax Assume that the angle “1 degree” is received. In such a case, the three-dimensional virtual space rendering unit 1362k rotates and moves the viewpoint position from (1) to (9) so that the parallax angle is every "1 degree" around the center (center of gravity) of the volume data. Thus, nine parallax images having different parallax angles by 1 degree are generated by the perspective projection method. When performing the perspective projection method, the three-dimensional virtual space rendering unit 1362k sets a point light source or a surface light source that radiates light three-dimensionally radially around the line-of-sight direction at each viewpoint. When performing the perspective projection method, the viewpoints (1) to (9) may be translated depending on rendering conditions.

  Note that the three-dimensional virtual space rendering unit 1362k radiates light two-dimensionally radially around the line-of-sight direction with respect to the vertical direction of the displayed volume rendered image, and the horizontal direction of the displayed volume rendered image. On the other hand, volume rendering processing using both the parallel projection method and the perspective projection method may be performed by setting a light source that irradiates parallel light rays from infinity along the viewing direction.

  The nine parallax images generated in this way are a parallax image group. In the first embodiment, the nine parallax images are converted into intermediate images arranged in a predetermined format (for example, a lattice shape) by the control unit 135, for example, and are output to the display unit 132 as a stereoscopic display monitor. Then, the operator of the workstation 130 can perform an operation for generating a parallax image group while confirming a stereoscopically viewable medical image displayed on the stereoscopic display monitor.

  In the example of FIG. 6, the case where the projection method, the reference viewpoint position, and the parallax angle are received as the rendering conditions has been described. However, the three-dimensional virtual space is similarly applied when other conditions are received as the rendering conditions. The rendering unit 1362k generates a parallax image group while reflecting each rendering condition.

  The three-dimensional virtual space rendering unit 1362k reconstructs not only volume rendering but also a planar image of an arbitrary plane (for example, an axial plane, a sagittal plane, a coronal plane, etc.). For example, the three-dimensional virtual space rendering unit 1362k performs a cross-section reconstruction method (MPR: Multi Planer Reconstruction) to reconstruct an MPR image from volume data. The three-dimensional virtual space rendering unit 1362k also has a function of performing “Curved MPR” and a function of performing “Intensity Projection”.

  Subsequently, the parallax image group generated from the volume data by the three-dimensional image processing unit 1362 is set as an underlay. Then, an overlay (Overlay) on which various types of information (scale, patient name, examination item, etc.) are drawn is superimposed on the underlay, thereby obtaining a two-dimensional image for output. The two-dimensional image processing unit 1363 is a processing unit that generates an output two-dimensional image by performing image processing on the overlay and the underlay. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the two-dimensional object drawing unit 1363a, A two-dimensional geometric transformation processing unit 1363b and a luminance adjustment unit 1363c are included. For example, the two-dimensional image processing unit 1363 superimposes one overlay on each of nine parallax images (underlays) in order to reduce the load required to generate a two-dimensional image for output. Thus, nine output two-dimensional images are generated.

  The two-dimensional object drawing unit 1363a is a processing unit that draws various information drawn on the overlay, and the two-dimensional geometric transformation processing unit 1363b performs parallel movement processing or rotational movement processing on the position of the various information drawn on the overlay. Or a processing unit that performs an enlargement process or a reduction process of various types of information drawn on the overlay.

  The luminance adjustment unit 1363c is a processing unit that performs luminance conversion processing. For example, the gradation of an output destination stereoscopic display monitor, an image such as a window width (WW: Window Width), a window level (WL: Window Level), or the like. This is a processing unit that adjusts the brightness of the overlay and the underlay according to the processing parameters.

  The output two-dimensional image generated in this way is temporarily stored in the storage unit 134 by the control unit 135, for example, and then transmitted to the image storage device 120 via the communication unit 133. For example, when the terminal device 140 acquires the two-dimensional image for output from the image storage device 120, converts it to an intermediate image arranged in a predetermined format (for example, a lattice shape), and displays it on a stereoscopic display monitor, A doctor or a laboratory technician can view a stereoscopically viewable medical image in a state where various types of information (scale, patient name, examination item, etc.) are drawn.

  The configurations of the image processing system 1 and the workstation 130 according to the first embodiment have been described above. With this configuration, the workstation 130 according to the first embodiment can easily output an image observed by the operator by the processing of the control unit 135 described in detail below. It is configured. Specifically, the workstation 130 according to the first embodiment, based on the parallax image information displayed on the display unit 132 and the position information of the observer, the observer's with respect to the displayed parallax image. The relative position is calculated, and an image corresponding to the calculated relative position is displayed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the control unit 135 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the control unit 135 includes a viewpoint information detection unit 1351, a position information calculation unit 1352, and an image output unit 1353, and is connected to the motion tracking device 1371. The motion tracking device 1371 detects the position of the observer with respect to the display unit 132. Specifically, the motion tracking device 1371 includes a camera for photographing the observer and a driving device (for example, a motor) for changing the orientation of the camera, and is controlled by the viewpoint information detection unit 1351. Shoot the observer. The motion tracking device 1371 is an example of the detection unit 137 shown in FIG.

  The viewpoint information detection unit 1351 detects the observation direction of the display unit 132 by the observer. In other words, the viewpoint information detection unit 1351 detects the position of the observer of the display target with respect to the display unit 132. Specifically, the viewpoint information detection unit 1351 controls the motion tracking device 1371 to photograph the observer and detects the position of the observer with respect to the display unit 132. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing for acquiring information on the position of the observer by the viewpoint information detection unit 1351 according to the first embodiment.

  Here, interpretation using a three-dimensional medical image drawn with multiple parallaxes (for example, 9 parallaxes) will be described with reference to FIG. In the case of a medical image that is recognized as a three-dimensional image by displaying a parallax image drawn with multiple parallaxes, a stereoscopic view with motion parallax that changes the video observed in accordance with the viewpoint movement of the observer is possible. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, when the observer observes the “lung” image displayed on the display unit 132 from different viewpoints, it is possible to observe a different portion depending on the position. is there.

  Therefore, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, when the parallax image is displayed on the display unit 132 and the observer is positioned on the left side of the display unit 132 and performs a save or print operation, the viewpoint information detection unit 1351 is displayed. Controls the motion tracking device 1371 to detect the position of the observer. For example, when the viewpoint information detection unit 1351 receives a save or print operation from an observer, the viewpoint information detection unit 1351 captures the front surface of the display unit 132 with the camera while driving the motor of the motion tracking device 1371 to change the imaging range. Let The viewpoint information detection unit 1351 then performs face recognition pattern matching on the image captured by the camera, and identifies an image in which the face of the observer is depicted.

  Further, when the viewpoint information detection unit 1351 specifies an image in which the face of the observer is drawn, the viewpoint information detection unit 1351 detects the position of the observer with respect to the display unit 132 based on the orientation of the camera when the image is captured. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of detection processing by the viewpoint information detection unit 1351 according to the first embodiment. Here, in FIG. 9, a top view of the observer and the display unit 132 is shown.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the viewpoint information detection unit 1351 is based on the monitor surface of the display unit 132 and the orientation of the camera of the motion tracking device 1371 when an image depicting the face of the observer is captured. This angle “45 °” is detected as the position of the observer with respect to the display unit 132. Then, the viewpoint information detection unit 1351 outputs the detected position “angle: 45 °” of the observer to the position information calculation unit 1352 as viewpoint information.

  Returning to FIG. 7, the position information calculation unit 1352 is based on the information related to the display setting of the display object in the display unit 132, and the relative position between the position of the observer detected by the viewpoint information detection unit 1351 and the display object. Is calculated. In other words, the position information calculation unit 1352 calculates the position of the display object observed from the position of the observer. Specifically, the position information calculation unit 1352 first acquires information indicating how the display target is displayed from the display setting of the parallax image observed by the observer. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing by the position information calculation unit 1352 according to the first embodiment.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10A, the position information calculation unit 1352 acquires display setting information (hereinafter referred to as a display parameter) of the “lung” image displayed on the display unit 132. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10B, the position information calculation unit 1352 acquires information on the three orthogonal sections 301, three orthogonal sections 302, and three orthogonal sections 303 in the volume data of “lung”. Then, the position information calculation unit 1352 displays the orthogonal three cross-sections 301, the three orthogonal cross-sections 302, and the three orthogonal cross-sections 303 of the “lung” image displayed on the display unit 132 at any position on the display unit 132. Is calculated.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10C, the position information calculation unit 1352 calculates an angle 501 including a straight line 401 parallel to the horizontal direction with respect to the display surface of the display unit 132 and three orthogonal cross sections 301. Further, the position information calculation unit 1352 calculates an angle 502 formed by a straight line 402 and three orthogonal cross sections 302 that are perpendicular to the display surface of the display unit 132. In addition, the position information calculation unit 1352 calculates an angle 503 including a straight line 403 parallel to the vertical direction with respect to the display surface of the display unit 132 and three orthogonal cross sections 503. Further, the position information calculation unit 1352 acquires information such as the parallax angle of the parallax image depicting “lung” and the body axis direction as display parameters.

  Then, the position information calculation unit 1352 calculates the relative position between the “lung” displayed on the display unit 120 and the observer from the acquired display parameter and the viewpoint information detected by the viewpoint information detection unit 1351. That is, the position information calculation unit 1352 calculates the position of the display object that can be observed from the position when the observer performs the input operation via the input unit 110 from the display parameter and the viewpoint information. For example, the position information calculation unit 1352 calculates information for specifying a parallax image when observed from the viewpoint (1) shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a relative position calculation process performed by the position information calculation unit 1352 according to the first embodiment.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the position information calculation unit 1352 sets orthogonal coordinates including three axes (x axis, y axis, z axis) with the volume center (or centroid) as the origin. Then, the position information calculation unit 1352 uses the display parameters and the viewpoint information to calculate the coordinates of the viewpoint position when the parallax image observed by the observer is generated by the volume rendering process as a relative position.

  Here, the position information calculation unit 1352 stores the relative position information in which the acquired display parameter information, the viewpoint information detected by the viewpoint information detection unit 1351 and the calculated relative position are associated with the patient information. To store. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of relative position information stored by the position information calculation unit 1352 according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the position information calculation unit 1352 has “diagnosis site: lung” and display parameter “parallax angle: 5, orthogonal three cross sections 301: 3, orthogonal for“ patient ID: 1 ”. Relative position information that associates three cross sections 302: 1, three orthogonal cross sections 303: 1, body axis direction: upward, “viewpoint information: 45”, and “relative position: (a, b, c)”. It is stored in the storage unit 134.

  That is, the above-described relative position information indicates that an image obtained when the image diagnosis of “lung” is performed on the patient with “patient ID: 1” is a parallax image generated with a “parallax angle” of “5 °”. The “three orthogonal cross sections 301”, the “three orthogonal cross sections 302”, and the “three orthogonal cross sections 303” are “3 °”, “1 °”, and “1 °” with respect to the display unit 132, respectively. The “lung” displayed so that the “body axis direction” is upward is an image observed by the observer at the position of “viewpoint information: 45 °”. The relative position information described above indicates that the parallax image observed by the observer is an image that has been subjected to volume rendering processing from “relative position: (a, b, c)”.

  Returning to FIG. 7, the image output unit 1353 selects and outputs an image from the parallax image group based on the observation direction. Specifically, the image output unit 1353 performs control so as to output a display target object facing the viewer's position based on the information regarding the relative position stored by the position information calculation unit 1352. For example, the image output unit 1353 causes the coordinates of “relative position” included in the relative position information stored in the storage unit 134 to be output so as to be the center of the display surface of the display unit 132. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing by the image output unit 1353 according to the first embodiment.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the image output unit 1353 displays a parallax image that has been subjected to volume rendering processing at “coordinates: (a, b, c)” as a Filming image when a printing operation is received. An image arranged so as to be at the center of 132 is output. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13, the image output unit 1353 outputs an image depicting a tumor observed by the observer.

  When the image output unit 1353 later receives a display request for an image of “diagnosis site: lung” of “patient ID: 1” by another observer, the relative position information stored in the storage unit 134 is received. To display an image. Therefore, the workstation according to the first embodiment makes it possible to easily output an image observed by an observer.

  Here, the image output unit 1353 outputs a single two-dimensional image. The image output unit 1353 outputs an image that can be viewed stereoscopically by outputting an arbitrary number of parallax images. Specifically, the image output unit 1353, based on the information on the relative position stored by the position information calculation unit 1352, displays a display object in a direction facing the viewer's position as a stereoscopically viewable parallax image. Control is performed so as to output a two-dimensional image (for example, a volume rendering image, an MPR image, etc.) from one viewpoint. For example, the image output unit 1353 generates a display object oriented in the direction facing the observer's position as a parallax image by rendering processing from a plurality of viewpoints, and causes the display unit 132 to display the generated parallax image. Further, the image output unit 1353 generates a display object oriented in the direction facing the observer's position as a volume rendering image or MPR image from a single direction, and causes the display unit 132 to display the generated image. .

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where an image observed by an observer is displayed or printed has been described. However, the disclosed technique is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a case where an image observed by an observer is stored when the observer performs a storage operation.

  Next, processing of the workstation 130 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the workstation 130 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, in the workstation 130 according to the first embodiment, when the input unit 110 accepts an input operation (Yes in step S101), the motion tracking device 1371 detects an observer, and a viewpoint information detection unit. 1351 acquires viewpoint information which is information indicating the position of the observer with respect to the display unit 120 (step S102).

  Then, the position information calculation unit 1352 acquires the display parameter of the parallax image displayed on the display unit 132, and the relative position indicating the relative position between the parallax image and the observer from the acquired display parameter and viewpoint information. Is calculated and stored in the storage unit 134 (step S103). Thereafter, the image output unit 1353 refers to the information regarding the relative position stored in the storage unit 134 and executes an output process corresponding to the input operation (step S104).

  When the input unit 110 receives a new output request (Yes at Step S105), the image output unit 1353 outputs an image based on the relative position stored in the storage unit 134 (Step S106). Note that the workstation 130 according to the first embodiment is in a standby state until an operation is performed via an input (No in step S101, No in step S105).

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the display unit 132 displays a parallax image group so as to display an image of a display target in a stereoscopic manner and has different parallax depending on the observation direction. Display so that the image can be seen. The viewpoint information detection unit 1351 detects the observation direction of the display unit 132 by the observer. The image output unit 1353 selects and outputs an image from the parallax image group based on the observation direction. Therefore, the workstation 130 according to the first embodiment makes it possible to easily output an image observed by an observer.

  According to the first embodiment, the image output unit 1353 outputs a single two-dimensional image. Therefore, the workstation 130 according to the first embodiment can selectively display a two-dimensional image and a stereoscopically viewable three-dimensional image according to, for example, the type of monitor that outputs the image. .

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the image output unit 1353 outputs an image that can be stereoscopically viewed by outputting an arbitrary number of parallax images. Therefore, the workstation 130 according to the first embodiment can flexibly cope with the number of parallax images that can be displayed differently for each monitor.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the position information calculation unit 1352 is based on the information related to the display setting of the display object in the display unit 132 and the position of the observer and the display target detected by the viewpoint information detection unit 1351. A relative position with respect to the object is calculated, and information regarding the calculated relative position is stored in the storage unit 134. Based on the information regarding the relative position stored by the position information calculation unit 1352, the image output unit 1353 can display a display object in a direction facing the viewer's position from a group of parallax images that can be stereoscopically viewed from a single viewpoint. Output as a two-dimensional image. Therefore, the workstation 130 according to the first embodiment makes it possible to accurately display images observed by an observer on various information processing apparatuses regardless of the type of monitor.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the position information calculation unit 1352 stores the coordinates of the viewpoint position of the display object observed from the observer's position in the storage unit 134 as information on the relative position. Therefore, the workstation 130 according to the first embodiment can reduce the amount of information to be stored.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment described above, the case where the coordinates of the viewpoint position are stored as the relative position information has been described. In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which an image observed by an observer is stored as relative position information.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the control unit 135a according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the control unit 135a according to the second embodiment differs from the control unit 135 according to the first embodiment in the processing content of the position information calculation unit 1352a. Hereinafter, this will be mainly described.

  The position information calculation unit 1352a stores, in the storage unit 134, an image of the region of the display object that is observed from the observer's position as information on the relative position. Specifically, the position information calculation unit 1352a stores parallax image data corresponding to the viewpoint information detected by the viewpoint information detection unit 1351 in the storage unit 134. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing by the position information calculation unit 1352a according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 shows a parallax image for each viewpoint. For example, the position information calculation unit 1352a extracts an image corresponding to the position of the observer from the volume rendering image data for each viewpoint shown in FIG. For example, when the observer is positioned in the direction (3) in FIG. 16, the position information calculation unit 1352a stores the volume rendering image corresponding to (3) in association with the patient ID or the like. 134.

  When receiving an output operation from another observer, the image output unit 1353 reads the image stored in the storage unit 134 and outputs the read image.

  Next, processing of the workstation 130 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the workstation 130 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, in the workstation 130 according to the second embodiment, when the input unit 110 accepts an input operation (Yes in step S201), the motion tracking device 1371 detects an observer, and a viewpoint information detection unit. 1351 acquires viewpoint information, which is information indicating the position of the observer with respect to the display unit 120 (step S202).

  Then, the position information calculation unit 1352a acquires the display parameter of the parallax image displayed on the display unit 132, extracts an image corresponding to the viewpoint information from the acquired display parameter and viewpoint information, and saves it in the storage unit 134. (Step S203). Thereafter, the image output unit 1353 reads the image stored in the storage unit 134, and executes output processing according to the input operation (step S204).

  Then, when the input unit 110 accepts a new output operation (Yes at Step S205), the image output unit 1353 reads the image that accepted the output operation from the storage unit 134, and outputs the read image (Step S206). Note that the workstation 130 according to the second embodiment is in a standby state until an operation is executed via an input (No at Step S201, No at Step S205).

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the position information calculation unit 1352a stores, in the storage unit 134, an image of the region of the display object observed from the observer's position as information on the relative position. Therefore, when outputting an image, the workstation 130 according to the second embodiment can display the image again without generating the image, and can reduce the processing load.

(Third embodiment)
Although the first and second embodiments have been described so far, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms other than the first and second embodiments described above.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the workstation 130 displays an image according to the viewpoint position of the observer has been described. However, the disclosed technology is not limited to this, and for example, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 110 may display an image according to the viewpoint position of the observer. Further, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 110 or the workstation 130 stores an image corresponding to the viewpoint position of the observer and the image coordinates in the storage unit, and the terminal device 140 displays the image based on the information stored in the storage unit. It may be the case.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case has been described in which the workstation 130 acquires volume data from the image storage device 120, and generates and displays an image corresponding to the viewpoint position of the observer from the volume data. However, the disclosed technique is not limited to this. For example, the workstation 130 acquires volume data from the medical image diagnostic apparatus 110 and generates an image according to the viewpoint position of the observer from the volume data. May be displayed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the position of the observer is detected by face recognition has been described. However, the disclosed technique is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a case where the position of the observer is detected from the line-of-sight information of the observer.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the position of the observer is calculated based on the display surface of the display unit 132 has been described. However, the disclosed technique is not limited to this, and for example, a case where an immovable object that is always located in the imaging region of the camera is used may be used. In such a case, the position information of the display object displayed by the display unit 132 is also calculated using the immovable object.

  As described above, according to the embodiment, the image processing system, the image processing apparatus, and the method of the present embodiment can easily output an image observed by an observer.

  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.

110 Medical Image Diagnosis Device 120 Image Storage Device 130 Workstation 132 Display Unit 134 Storage Unit 135 Control Unit 137 Detection Unit 1351 Viewpoint Information Detection Unit 1352 Position Information Calculation Unit 1353 Image Output Unit 1371 Motion Tracking Device 140 Terminal Device

Claims (8)

Display means for displaying an image of a display object in a stereoscopic view by displaying a parallax image group, and displaying so that a different parallax image can be seen depending on an observation direction;
Detecting means for detecting an observation direction of the display means by an observer;
Image output means for selecting and outputting an image from a group of parallax images based on the observation direction;
An image processing system comprising:   The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image output unit outputs a single two-dimensional image.   The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image output unit outputs an image that is stereoscopically viewable by outputting an arbitrary number of parallax images. Based on information relating to display settings of the display object in the display means, a relative position between the position of the observer detected by the detection means and the display object is calculated, and information relating to the calculated relative position is stored in a storage unit Further comprising calculation means for storing in
The image output means is configured to display a display object oriented in a direction facing the observer's position based on the information about the relative position stored by the calculation means, from a parallax image group that can be viewed stereoscopically or from a single viewpoint. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image processing system is output as a three-dimensional image.   5. The image processing according to claim 4, wherein the calculation unit stores, as information relating to the relative position, coordinates of a viewpoint position of the display object observed from the position of the observer in the storage unit. system.   6. The image according to claim 4, wherein the calculation unit stores, in the storage unit, an image of a region of the display object observed from the position of the observer as information on the relative position. Processing system. Display means for displaying an image of a display object in a stereoscopic view by displaying a parallax image group, and displaying so that a different parallax image can be seen depending on an observation direction;
Detecting means for detecting an observation direction of the display means by an observer;
Image output means for selecting and outputting an image from a group of parallax images based on the observation direction;
An image processing apparatus comprising: A display step of displaying a parallax image group so as to display an image of a display object so as to be stereoscopically visible and displaying a parallax image that varies depending on an observation direction;
A detection step of detecting an observation direction of the display step by an observer;
An image output step of selecting and outputting an image from a group of parallax images based on the observation direction;
An image processing method comprising:

Images