JP2015229033A - Medical image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a medical image processor for displaying a stitching image allowing a user to easily observe by a simple operation.SOLUTION: A medical image processor includes: a storage part that stores a plurality of cross-sectional images corresponding to a plurality of cross-sectional positions of a subject respectively, a stitching image corresponding to the cross section along the longitudinal direction of the subject, and the cross sectional positions in the stitching image; a cross-sectional position specification part for specifying a cross-sectional position of a specified image out of the cross-sectional image in the stitching image; a clipping part for clipping a partial image of the stitching image including the specified cross-sectional image, from the stitching image; and a display part that displays the partial image representing the specified cross-sectional position and superimposed on the specified image.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a medical image processing apparatus that processes and displays medical images.

  In a medical image diagnostic apparatus such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), when an image having a wider range than FOV (Field of View) is collected, each region of the subject is imaged by dividing it several times. A wide range of images is created by combining a plurality of images obtained by this imaging. In general, the wide range image is called a stitching image. When this stitching image is used, the user can observe a wide area on one stitching image. For this reason, the user can easily recognize the entire image of the subject.

  However, since a stitching image is larger than an image captured by a single FOV, a wide display area is required. When a stitching image is to be displayed in the same display area as an image captured by a single FOV, the stitching image is displayed in a reduced size. For this reason, it becomes difficult for the user to observe the stitching image. If the stitching image is displayed without being reduced, the entire stitching image cannot be displayed. For this reason, the user needs to move the stitching image to a desired position using Pan or the like. There is a problem that the operation of moving the stitching image is troublesome for the user.

  An object of the present embodiment is to provide a medical image processing apparatus capable of displaying a stitching image that can be easily observed with a simple operation.

  The medical image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of cross-sectional images corresponding to a plurality of cross-sectional positions with respect to a subject, a stitching image corresponding to a cross-section along the long axis direction of the subject, and the stitching A storage unit for storing the cross-sectional position in the image; a cross-sectional position specifying unit for specifying the cross-sectional position of the specified image in the cross-sectional image in the stitching image; and the stitch including the specified cross-sectional position. A cutout unit that cuts out a partial image of the stitching image from the stitching image, and a display unit that displays the partial image showing the specified cross-sectional position superimposed on the specified image. It is characterized by that.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a medical image diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the stitching image produced by the arithmetic unit shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining a process for creating the stitching image shown in FIG. 2. The block diagram which shows the function implement | achieved when the arithmetic unit shown in FIG. 1 performs a computer program. The figure which shows the specific example 1 of the cut-out area | region, 1st area | region, and 2nd area | region in a stitching image. The figure which shows the specific example 2 of the cut-out area | region in a stitching image, a 1st area | region, and a 2nd area | region. The figure which shows the specific example 1 for demonstrating the process in which a partial image is inserted (superimposed) on the display area of the indicator shown in FIG. The figure which shows the specific example 2 for demonstrating the process in which a partial image is engage | inserted (superimposed) on the display area of the indicator shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, a medical image diagnostic apparatus equipped with the medical image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a medical image diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus having a function of stitching and displaying MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) images as a specific example of a medical image diagnostic apparatus.

  The medical image diagnostic apparatus equipped with the medical image processing apparatus 100 may be an X-ray computed tomography apparatus, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a bed unit on which a patient as a subject P is placed, a static magnetic field generation unit that generates a static magnetic field, and a gradient magnetic field generation unit for adding position information to the static magnetic field. A transmission / reception unit that transmits / receives a high-frequency signal, a control / calculation unit that is responsible for overall system control and image reconstruction, and a respiratory waveform acquisition unit that measures a respiratory waveform signal as a signal representing the waveform of the respiratory cycle of the subject P And a breath holding command unit for commanding the patient to hold his / her breath.

The static magnetic field generation unit includes, for example, a superconducting magnet 1 and a static magnetic field power supply 2 that supplies current to the magnet 1, and an axial direction of a cylindrical opening (diagnosis space) into which the subject P is loosely inserted. (Z-axis direction) to generate a static magnetic field _{H 0.} In addition, the shim coil 14 is provided in this magnet part. The shim coil 14 is supplied with a current for homogenizing a static magnetic field from a shim coil power supply 15 under the control of a host computer to be described later. The couch portion can removably insert the top plate on which the subject P is placed into the opening of the magnet 1.

  The gradient magnetic field generator includes a gradient magnetic field coil unit 3. The gradient magnetic field coil unit 3 includes three sets of coils 3x, 3y, and 3z for generating gradient magnetic fields in the X, Y, and Z axis directions orthogonal to each other. The gradient magnetic field generation unit also includes a gradient magnetic field power supply 4 that supplies current to the coils 3x to 3z. The gradient magnetic field power supply 4 supplies a pulse current for generating a gradient magnetic field to the coils 3x to 3z under the control of a sequencer 5 described later.

By adjusting the pulse current supplied from the gradient magnetic field power supply 4 to the coils 3x to 3z, the gradient magnetic fields in the X, Y, and Z directions, which are physical axes, are synthesized and slice direction gradient magnetic fields Gs orthogonal to each other. The logical axis directions of the phase encoding direction gradient magnetic field Ge and the reading direction (frequency encoding direction) gradient magnetic field Gr can be arbitrarily set. Slice direction, gradient magnetic fields in the phase encoding direction and the readout direction are superimposed on the static magnetic field H _0.

  The transmission / reception unit includes an RF coil 7 disposed in the vicinity of the subject P in the imaging space in the magnet 1, and a transmitter 8T and a receiver 8R connected to the coil 7. The transmitter 8T and the receiver 8R operate under the control of the sequencer 5 described later. The transmitter 8T supplies the RF coil 7 with an RF pulse having a Larmor frequency for causing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The receiver 8R takes in an echo signal (high frequency signal) received by the RF coil 7, and performs various signal processing such as preamplification, intermediate frequency conversion, phase detection, low frequency amplification, filtering, etc. A digital amount of echo data (original data) corresponding to the echo signal is generated by / D conversion.

  The control / arithmetic unit includes a sequencer (also called a sequence controller) 5, a host computer 6, an arithmetic unit 10, a storage unit 11, a display device 12, an input device 13, and a sound generator 16. Among these, the host computer 6 has a function of commanding the pulse sequence information to the sequencer 5 and supervising the operation of the entire apparatus according to the stored software procedure.

  The host computer 6 performs an imaging scan following a preparatory work such as a positioning scan. An imaging scan is a scan that collects a set of echo data necessary for image reconstruction.

  The pulse sequence is a three-dimensional (3D) scan or a two-dimensional (2D) scan. Examples of the pulse train include SE (spin echo), FSE (fast spin echo), FASE (fast asymmetric spin echo), EPI (echo planar imaging), and coherent gradient echo (True SSFP, True FISP, balanced FFE) method or the like can be used.

  The sequencer 5 includes a CPU and a memory, for example, stores the sequence information sent from the host computer 6, and controls the operations of the gradient magnetic field power source 4, the transmitter 8T, and the receiver 8R according to this information. At the same time, the echo data output from the receiver 8R is once inputted and transferred to the arithmetic unit 10. The pulse sequence information is all information necessary for operating the gradient magnetic field power supply 4, the transmitter 8T, and the receiver 8R according to a series of pulse sequences. For example, the intensity of the pulse current applied to the coils 3x to 3z, the application time , Information on application timing and the like are included.

  The arithmetic unit 10 inputs the echo data output from the receiver 8 </ b> R via the sequencer 5. The arithmetic unit 10 arranges echo data in a Fourier space (also referred to as k space or frequency space) on its internal memory, and applies this echo data to a two-dimensional or three-dimensional Fourier transform for each group in real space. To reconstruct the image data. In addition, the arithmetic unit can perform data composition processing, difference calculation processing, and the like as necessary.

  In the synthesis process, an addition process that adds image data of two-dimensional plural frames for each corresponding pixel, a maximum value projection (MIP) process that selects a maximum value or a minimum value in the line-of-sight direction for the three-dimensional data, or a minimum Value projection processing and the like are included. As another example of the synthesis process, the axes of a plurality of frames may be matched in the Fourier space and synthesized into one frame of echo data as it is. The addition processing includes simple addition processing, addition averaging processing, weighted addition processing, and the like.

  The arithmetic unit 10 performs stitching processing on the reconstructed MR images. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a stitching image created by the arithmetic unit 10. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining a process for creating the stitching image shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus divides an imaging target region of a subject into a plurality of regions and images each of these regions. The arithmetic unit 10 creates a stitching image by combining a plurality of longitudinal cross-sectional images (axial images) A, B, and C generated in accordance with imaging. At this time, the arithmetic unit 10 superimposes the overlapping portions of the images as shown in FIG. 3 so that information is not dropped at the boundary portions between the regions, thereby obtaining a plurality of vertical sectional images A, B, and C. Join.

  The storage unit 11 stores each MR image reconstructed by the arithmetic unit 10 and the stitching image created by the arithmetic unit 10. The storage unit 11 includes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like that can store a relatively large amount of data as a storage medium. The storage unit 11 can store not only the reconstructed image data but also the image data that has been subjected to the above-described combining process and difference process.

  The storage unit 11 stores a plurality of cross-sectional images (hereinafter referred to as first images) reconstructed by the arithmetic unit 10. The plurality of first images respectively correspond to a plurality of cross-sectional positions (for example) with respect to the subject. The cross section corresponding to the plurality of first images corresponds to, for example, a cross section (axial) of the subject. The storage unit 11 corresponds to a cross-section (for example, a coronal cross-section, a sagittal cross-section, etc.) along the long axis direction of the subject, and a cross-sectional image reconstructed by the arithmetic unit 10 (hereinafter referred to as a second cross section). Called image). The second image is, for example, a stitching image generated by the arithmetic unit 10. The storage unit 11 stores the cross-sectional position of each first image in the stitching image.

  The display 12 displays an image under the control of the host computer 6. The display device 12 is a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an OELD (Organic ElectroLuminescence Display).

  The input device 13 is an I / F for inputting information related to imaging conditions desired by the surgeon, a pulse sequence, image synthesis, and difference calculation to the host computer 6. The input device 13 is an interface for inputting commands and the like according to user operations, and includes, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a trackball, various buttons, and the like.

  The sound generator 16 is provided as one element of the breath holding command unit. The voice generator 16 can emit a breath holding start message and a breath holding end message as a voice under a command from the host computer 6. The sound generator 16 is provided as one element of the breath holding command unit. The voice generator 16 can emit a breath holding start message and a breath holding end message as a voice under a command from the host computer 6.

  The respiration waveform acquisition unit includes a respiration waveform collection unit 18 that measures body movements of the subject, acquires a respiration waveform of the patient, and outputs this to the host computer 6 and the sequencer 5. The respiration waveform by the respiration waveform collection unit 18 is used by the sequencer 5 when performing an imaging scan. As a result, exhalation synchronization timing by the breath synchronization method can be set appropriately, and data can be collected by performing an imaging scan based on this synchronization timing.

  A communication unit (not shown) is used to transmit and receive image data and control data to and from a hospital information system (HIS: Hospital Information System) that manages the entire hospital. The hospital information system is also connected to each medical device such as a diagnostic X-ray system and X-ray CT apparatus, and a radiation department information management system (RIS: Radiology Information System) that centrally manages medical images of these medical devices. ing.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing functions realized when the arithmetic unit 10 shown in FIG. 1 executes a computer program.

  The arithmetic unit 10 includes a first region setting unit 10-1, a second region setting unit 10-2, a cutout region setting unit 10-3, a cutout unit 10-4, an image reading unit 10-5, and a reference line according to a computer program. The function as the moving unit 10-6 is realized.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing a stitching image definitive cutout region F _3, the first region F _1, a specific example 1 of the second region F _2. The arithmetic unit 10 joins a plurality of longitudinal sectional images shown in FIG. 5A (in FIG. 5A, three 512 × 512 pixel images obtained by imaging three regions of the subject). Then, a stitching image shown in FIG. 5B (in FIG. 5B, an image of 512 × 1280 pixels) is created.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the origin of pixel coordinates in the stitching image is defined at the upper left of the stitching image. In FIG. 5B, the center coordinates of the cross-sectional position of the first image in the stitching image are (x, y). Also, the size of the partial image cut out from the stitching image is assumed to be 512 × 512 pixels. At this time, in the stitching image, the coordinates (reference positions) of the four corners of the region (cutout region) of the partial image cut out from the stitching image are (0, y-256), (511, y-256), (0 , Y + 255), (511, y-256). In other words, the width in the y direction (vertical direction) in the cutout region is in the range of 512 pixels centering on y ((y−256) ≦ y ≦ (y + 256)). Note that the width in the x direction (lateral direction) in the cutout region is in the range of 0 to 511 pixels. As a result, the width in the x direction (lateral direction) in the cutout region matches the horizontal width of the inset region (second region F ₂ ) of the partial image superimposed on the first region F ₁ for displaying the first image.

The first area setting unit 10-1 displays at least one cross-sectional image on the display area of the display device 12, among a plurality of first images respectively corresponding to a plurality of cross sections (axial planes) of the subject. setting a first region _{F 1.}

The second area setting unit 10-2 sets a second area F ₂ for displaying a partial image of the stitching image corresponding to the longitudinal section (sagittal plane) of the subject on the display area of the display device 12.

At this time, the second region _{F 2} is smaller than the first area _{F 1.} For example, as shown in FIG. 5C, when the size of the first region F ₁ is 512 × 512 pixels, the second region F ₂ is ¼ the size (128 × 128 pixels) of the first region F _1. ) The second region _{F 2} is set to the lower right of the first region _{F 1.} Note that the second region F ₂ may be set to a first anywhere region F _1.

Second area setting unit 10-2, the partial image displayed on the second region F _2, reference line provided (straight line) showing the cross-sectional position of the first image displayed in the first region F _1.

Cutout region setting unit 10-3 sets a clip region F ₃ for cutting out a portion of the stitching images from stitching images. Specifically, the cutout region setting unit 10-3 specifies the cross-sectional position related to the first image designated via the input device 13 in the stitching image. Cutout region setting unit 10-3, based on the specified cross-sectional position, the cutout region F _3, set on stitching images. Cutout region setting unit 10-3, based on the size of stitching image (the length of the short side of the stitching images), setting the size of the clip region F _3. The size of the clip region F ₃ is, for example, the length of the short side of the stitching image square area and a length of one side. Cutout region setting unit 10-3, for example, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), in the stitching images, a cutout region _{F 3} and 512 × 512 pixels.

Cutout portion 10-4, in accordance with the cut-out region F ₃ which is set, cutting out a partial image from the stitching images.

Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a cutout region F ₃ in stitching images, the first region F _1, a specific example 2 of the second region F _2. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus uses a plurality of images shown in FIG. 6 (a) (in FIG. 6 (a), as in FIG. 5 (a), three 512 × 512 pixel images obtained by imaging each region of the subject. Are stitched together to create a stitching image shown in FIG. 6B (512 × 1280 pixel image in FIG. 6B). As shown in FIG. 6 (c), when the first size of the area _{F 1} and 512 × 512 pixels, a second region _{F 2} becomes 1/4 (128 × 128pixel) of the first region _{F 1.}

Cutout region setting unit 10-3, based on the length of the reference line along the short side of the stitching images, setting the size of the clip region F _3. The size of the clip region F ₃ is, for example, the length of the reference line is a square region and one side. In FIG. 6B, it is assumed that the center coordinates of the cross-sectional position of the first image in the stitching image are (x, y). Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the coordinates of both ends of the reference line are (x1, y1) and (x2, y2). At this time, the length of the reference line is (x2-x1). In this case, coordinates of the four corners of the cutout region _{F 3} is, (x1, y- (x2- x1) / 2), (x2, y- (x2-x1) / 2), (x1, y + (x2-x1) / 2), (x2, y + (x2-x1) / 2).

In addition, when the reference line is inclined, that is, when the first image is an oblique image, the cut-out area of the cutout region is determined according to the angle between the horizontal axis (x axis) or the vertical axis (y axis) and the reference line. Matching criteria are different. For example, when the angle between the horizontal axis and the reference line is between −45 ° and 45 °, the reference is the length of the reference line along the x axis (x2−x1), and the four corners are Same as coordinates. On the other hand, when the angle between the horizontal axis and the reference line is between 45 ° and 135 °, the reference is the length of the reference line along the y-axis (y2−y1). In this case, coordinates of the four corners of the cutout region _{F 3} is, (x- (y2-y1) / 2, y1), (x + (y2-y1) / 2, y1), (x- (y2-y1) / 2 , Y2), (x + (y2-y1) / 2, y2).

In addition to the cut-out area F _3, which is the set also, cutout region setting unit 10-3, a square area width of one side is the maximum diameter of the object to be displayed by stitching images, cutout region F ₃ May be set as The second region F ₂ has been set on a first area F _1, it is not limited thereto. The second region F _2, the first region F ₁ in separate frame may be provided in the display area. At this time, the second region F ₂ can, for example, may be set in the third area F _3, which additional information of the medical image to be displayed is displayed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a specific example 1 for explaining a process of fitting (superimposing) a partial image on the display area of the display device 12 illustrated in FIG. 1.

The first image displayed in the first region in FIG. 7 (b), the the operation of moving the display section (e.g., image flipping) is input via the input unit 13 by the user, the first region F ₁ As shown in FIG. 7C, an image different from the first image in FIG. 7B is displayed. At this time, the cutout region setting unit 10-3, the stitching images, the broken line cutout region shown in FIG. 7 (a) to the cut-out region of the dashed line, changes the cutout area F _3. Thereby, the partial image cut out by the cutout unit 10-4 is changed from the partial image in FIG. 7B to the partial image in FIG. 7C. Therefore, the partial image to be displayed on the second region F ₂ is displayed by changing in FIG. 7 (c) from Fig. 7 (b). At this time, the position of the reference line that is superimposed on the partial image to be displayed is maintained at the center of the second region F _2.

  The image reading unit 10-5 reads the first image corresponding to the changed cross-sectional position from the storage unit 11 in accordance with the movement operation of the first image, that is, the change of the cross-sectional position of the first image.

Display device 12, the first area _{F 1,} and displays the first image read by the image reading unit 10-5. Further, display device 12, the second region _{F 2,} and displays the partial image extracted by the cutout portion 10-4. The display 12 displays the reference line so as to be superimposed on the center of the partial image.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a specific example 2 for explaining a process of fitting (superimposing) a partial image on the display area of the display device 12 illustrated in FIG. 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 8A, the reference line moving unit 10-6 moves the reference line provided by the second region setting unit 10-2 in accordance with a user operation. The first lower area F ₁ of FIG. 8 (a), for example, the third region F ₄ for displaying the additional information of the first image is assumed to be located.

Cutout region setting unit 10-3, as (in the present embodiment, the drag operation with respect to the reference line) movement of the reference line by the user with the center of the reference line is always located in the second center of the area F _2, to set the cut-out area _{F 3.}

At this time, the second area setting unit 10-2 displays the entire stitching image (for example, overlay display) triggered by a user operation (for example, a drag operation on the reference line) via the input device 13. sets the second region _{F 2.} Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8B, the second region setting unit 10-2 does not change the position of the partial image and the zoom (scale) of the partial image at the start of the drag operation, and the entire stitching image Is set as the second area F ₂ . The set second area F ₂ may be an area obtained by extending the second area F ₂ before the drag operation to an area extending over the upper end of the display area and the third area F ₄ .

In addition, when the user moves the reference line via the input device 13, that is, when the drag operation is canceled, the second area setting unit 10-2 again displays the entire stitching image again. setting the second region F ₂ back to the display size of the area.

  Here, when the display device 12 displays the entire stitching image, the size of the stitching image may be adjusted so that the stitching image fits in the display area of the display device 12. Specifically, the display 12 fixes the point coordinates on the image corresponding to the mouse position at the start of the drag operation, the upper or lower end of the stitching image is in contact with the upper or lower end of the display area, and the display area Adjust the zoom so that the stitched image fits in

According to the above configuration, the medical image processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment, by setting the clipping region F ₃ for cutting the stitching images, with the first image of the changing operation by the user, is displayed in the second area F ₂ Change the partial image of the stitching image. Further, the medical image processing apparatus 100, with the movement of the reference line by a user, the center of the reference line is always to be located in a second central region F _2, sets a clip region F _3. Thereby, the medical image processing apparatus 100 can perform the reference display of the first image by the partial image of the stitching image in conjunction with the operation for changing the display position of the first image.

  Therefore, the medical image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can display a stitching image that can be easily observed with a simple operation.

Further, the medical image processing apparatus 100 sets the size of the second region F ₂ suitable for the user's observation and cuts out the partial image from the display position of the subject cross section and the subject shape on the stitching image at the display position. And a stitching image that is easy for the user to view can be displayed.

  Further, according to the medical image processing apparatus 100, the entire stitching image can be displayed by expanding the second area in response to a user operation (drag operation) on the reference line via the input device 13. . Thereby, the user can easily grasp the cross-sectional position of the cross-sectional image (first image) with respect to the entire stitching image, and the operation for the movement of the reference line to the cross-sectional position desired by the user becomes simple.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this embodiment is shown as an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. The novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Magnet, 2 ... Static magnetic field power supply, 3 ... Gradient magnetic field coil unit, 3x-3z ... Coil, 4 ... Gradient magnetic field power supply, 5 ... Sequencer, 6 ... Host computer, 7 ... Coil, 8R ... Receiver, 8T ... Transmission 10-10 arithmetic unit 10-1 first region setting unit 10-2 second region setting unit 10-3 cutout region setting unit 10-4 cutout unit 10-5 image reading unit DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10-6 ... Reference line moving part, 11 ... Memory | storage unit, 12 ... Display, 13 ... Input device, 14 ... Shim coil, 15 ... Shim coil power supply, 16 ... Sound generator, 18 ... Respiration waveform collection unit, 100 ... Medical Image processing device.

Claims (7)

A storage unit that stores a plurality of cross-sectional images respectively corresponding to a plurality of cross-sectional positions with respect to the subject, a stitching image corresponding to a cross-section along the long axis direction of the subject, and the cross-sectional positions in the stitching image When,
A cross-sectional position specifying unit that specifies the cross-sectional position of the designated image among the cross-sectional images in the stitching image;
A cutout unit that cuts out a partial image of the stitching image including the identified cross-sectional position from the stitching image;
A display unit that displays the partial image showing the specified cross-sectional position superimposed on the specified image;
A medical image processing apparatus comprising: The cutout part
Cutting out the partial image from the stitching image so that a straight line indicating the identified cross-sectional position is located at the center of the partial image;
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The display unit
A first area for displaying the designated image; and a second area that is wider than the first area and displays the partial image;
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 2. The display unit
Displaying the partial image at a reduced ratio by the ratio of the length in the horizontal direction of the second region to the length of the short side of the stitching image;
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 3. The display unit
Reducing and displaying the partial image at a ratio of the length of the second region in the horizontal direction to the length of the straight line along the minor axis direction of the stitching image;
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 3. An input unit for inputting a movement instruction for moving the straight line in the partial image;
The display unit
A third region for displaying incidental information incidental to the cross-sectional image;
In response to the movement instruction, along the vertical direction of the display area in the display unit, the second area is overlapped with the third area and extended to the end of the display area,
Displaying the stitched image on which the straight line is superimposed in a reduced manner in accordance with the expanded second region;
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 3. The cross-sectional position specifying part is
Based on the relative positional relationship between the stitching image and the straight line, specify a cross-sectional position corresponding to the position of the straight line,
The input unit is
Input a stop instruction to stop the movement of the straight line,
The cutout part
Triggered by the input of the stop instruction, the partial image is cut out from the stitching image so that the stop position of the straight line is located at the center of the partial image,
The display unit
Displaying the partial image in which the straight line is arranged at the stop position superimposed on the cross-sectional image corresponding to the specified cross-sectional position;
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 6.

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