JP2018019837A - Medical image processor and medical image diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a medical image processor which allows a user to easily grasp a structural direction of a subject regarding a region drawn in an image, and a medical image diagnostic apparatus.SOLUTION: A medical image processor has an acquisition part and a display control part. The acquisition part acquires image data concerning a subject. The display control part causes information indicating an anatomical direction defined for each region together with an image drawn with the region of the subject to be displayed on the basis of the image data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a medical image processing apparatus and a medical image diagnostic apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when displaying an image captured by a medical diagnostic imaging apparatus such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus or an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus, a technique for displaying information indicating the direction of the image It has been known. For example, as information indicating the direction of an image, a technique for displaying information indicating an up-down direction, a left-right direction, and a front-back direction defined in a medical image diagnostic apparatus together with an image is known.

JP 2001-78980 A JP 2011-142974 A JP2015-213748A JP 2008-104624 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-089736 JP 2008-206962 A JP 2013-102889 A

[Search May 2, 2016], Internet <URL: http://images.philips.com/is/image/PhilipsConsumer/HC795200-CIL-en_JP-007?wid=960&hei=500>

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a medical image processing apparatus and a medical image diagnostic apparatus that allow an operator to more easily grasp the structural direction of a subject with respect to a region depicted in an image. is there.

  The medical image processing apparatus according to the embodiment includes an acquisition unit and a display control unit. The acquisition unit acquires image data related to the subject. The display control unit displays information indicating an anatomical direction defined for each region together with an image in which the region of the subject is depicted based on the image data.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a medical image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of feature point detection and vector specification performed by the display control function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of redefinition of anatomical directions performed by the display control function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of anatomical direction display performed by the display control function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a comparative example with respect to an anatomical direction displayed by the display control function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of processing performed by each processing function of the medical image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of feature point detection and vector specification performed by the display control function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the MRI apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of feature point detection and vector specification performed by the display control function according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of anatomical direction display performed by the display control function according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a comparative example with respect to an anatomical direction displayed by the display control function according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of processing performed by each processing function of the MRI apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another example of information indicating the anatomical direction according to the modification of the first and second embodiments. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating another example of the anatomical direction according to the modification of the first and second embodiments. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating another example of the anatomical direction according to the modification of the first and second embodiments. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating another example of the anatomical direction according to the modification of the first and second embodiments. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating another example of the anatomical direction according to the modified example of the first and second embodiments.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a medical image processing apparatus and a medical image diagnostic apparatus will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a medical image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a medical image processing apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment is connected to an MRI apparatus 100 and a medical image storage apparatus 200 via a network 400.

  The MRI apparatus 100 collects data of a subject using a magnetic resonance phenomenon, and generates an image based on the collected data. Specifically, the MRI apparatus 100 collects magnetic resonance data from the subject by executing various imaging sequences based on the imaging conditions set by the operator. The MRI apparatus 100 generates two-dimensional or three-dimensional image data by performing image processing such as Fourier transform processing on the collected magnetic resonance data.

  The medical image storage apparatus 200 stores image data collected by various image diagnostic apparatuses. Specifically, the medical image storage apparatus 200 acquires image data from the MRI apparatus 100 via the network 400, and stores the acquired image data in a storage circuit provided inside or outside the apparatus. For example, the medical image storage device 200 is realized by a computer device such as a server device.

  The medical image processing apparatus 300 processes image data collected by various image diagnostic apparatuses. Specifically, the medical image processing apparatus 300 acquires image data from the MRI apparatus 100 or the medical image storage apparatus 200 via the network 400, and displays various images on a display or the like based on the acquired image data. For example, the medical image processing apparatus 300 is realized by a computer device such as a workstation.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the medical image processing apparatus 300 includes an I / F (interface) circuit 310, a storage circuit 320, an input circuit 330, a display 340, and a processing circuit 350.

  The I / F circuit 310 controls transmission and communication of various data transmitted and received between the medical image processing apparatus 300 and other apparatuses connected via the network 400. Specifically, the I / F circuit 310 is connected to the processing circuit 350, converts the image data output from the processing circuit 350 into a format that conforms to a predetermined communication protocol, and the MRI apparatus 100 or the medical image storage apparatus 200. Send to. Further, the I / F circuit 310 outputs the image data received from the MRI apparatus 100 or the medical image storage apparatus 200 to the processing circuit 350. For example, the I / F circuit 310 is realized by a network card, a network adapter, a NIC (Network Interface Controller), or the like.

  The storage circuit 320 stores various data. Specifically, the storage circuit 320 is connected to the processing circuit 350 and stores input image data or stores stored image data in the processing circuit 350 in response to a command sent from the processing circuit 350. Output. For example, the storage circuit 320 is realized by a semiconductor memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like.

  The input circuit 330 accepts various instructions and various information input operations from the operator. Specifically, the input circuit 330 is connected to the processing circuit 350, converts an input operation received from the operator into an electrical signal, and outputs the electrical signal to the processing circuit 350. For example, the input circuit 330 is realized by a trackball, a switch button, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, or the like.

  The display 340 displays various information and various images. Specifically, the display 340 is connected to the processing circuit 350 and displays images in various formats based on the image data output from the processing circuit 350. For example, the display 340 is realized by a liquid crystal monitor, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor, a touch panel, or the like.

  The processing circuit 350 controls each component included in the medical image processing apparatus 300 in accordance with an input operation received from the operator via the input circuit 330. Specifically, the processing circuit 350 causes the storage circuit 320 to store the image data output from the I / F circuit 310. Further, the processing circuit 350 displays the image data read from the storage circuit 320 on the display 340. For example, the processing circuit 350 is realized by a processor.

  The configuration example of the medical image processing apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment has been described above. Under such a configuration, the medical image processing apparatus 300 acquires image data related to the subject from the MRI apparatus 100 or the medical image storage apparatus 200. Then, based on the acquired image data, the medical image processing apparatus 300 displays information indicating the direction of the image together with an image in which the region of the subject is depicted.

  Here, in general, when a diagnostician or the like makes a diagnosis by referring to an image, the region depicted in the image is often observed after grasping the structural direction of the subject. The structural direction of the subject here is expressed as an anatomical direction defined based on the form and structure of the subject, and is defined individually for each part of the subject. For example, for the shoulder, the anatomical direction is defined as a near-distal direction in which the side closer to the trunk is proximal (Proximal) and the side far from the trunk is distal (Distal).

  On the other hand, for example, as information indicating the direction of an image, a technique for displaying information indicating an up-down direction, a left-right direction, and a front-back direction defined in a medical image diagnostic apparatus together with an image is known. For example, the vertical direction is represented by character information such as “H” (= up) and “F” (= down), and the left and right direction is expressed as “L” (= left) and “R” (= right). It is represented by character information, and the front and rear direction is represented by character information such as “A” (= front) and “P” (= back).

  However, from such information, depending on the region to be diagnosed, it may be difficult to grasp the structural direction of the subject regarding the region depicted in the image.

  For example, when the diagnosis target is a shoulder, in general, the imaged cross section is often set obliquely with respect to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction with the shoulder joint as the center. In addition, for example, when the diagnosis target is a hand, the direction of the palm can be freely changed, so that the cross section to be imaged is set obliquely with respect to the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, or the front-back direction. There can be. In addition, for example, when the diagnosis target is a region around the joint, depending on the condition of the subject, imaging may be performed in a state where the indirect is bent or extended, so that the cross-section to be imaged is It may be set obliquely with respect to the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, or the front-back direction.

  Thus, when the cross section to be imaged is set obliquely with respect to the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, or the front-rear direction, for example, information combining a plurality of directions is displayed as information indicating the direction of the image. Is done. For example, character information combining a plurality of directions such as “LPH”, “RAF”, “FL”, “HR”, and the like is displayed. However, from such information, it may be difficult to intuitively grasp the structural direction of the subject regarding the site depicted in the image.

  For this reason, the medical image processing apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment displays information indicating the anatomical direction defined for each part together with the image, so that the subject relating to the part depicted in the image is displayed. It is configured so that the operator can more easily grasp the structural direction.

  Specifically, the processing circuit 350 includes an acquisition function 351, a generation function 352, and a display control function 353. The acquisition function 351 is an example of an acquisition unit in the claims. The display control function 353 is an example of a display control unit in the claims.

  The acquisition function 351 acquires image data related to the subject. Specifically, the acquisition function 351 acquires image data from the MRI apparatus 100 or the medical image storage apparatus 200 via the network 400 and causes the storage circuit 320 to store the acquired image data.

  For example, the acquisition function 351 acquires three-dimensional image data related to the subject. The three-dimensional image data here may be multi-slice data obtained by the MRI apparatus 100 executing the 2D sequence a plurality of times, or a volume obtained by the MRI apparatus 100 executing the 3D sequence. It may be data.

  Note that the 2D sequence here is a pulse sequence that collects a two-dimensional cross-sectional (slice) image by performing encoding in the phase encoding direction and the readout direction at one or a plurality of positions along the slice direction. is there. The 3D sequence is a pulse sequence that collects three-dimensional volume data by performing encoding not only in the phase encoding direction and the readout direction but also in the slice direction.

  The generation function 352 generates an image in which a part of the subject is depicted based on the image data acquired by the acquisition function 351. Specifically, the generation function 352 reads the image data acquired by the acquisition function 351 from the storage circuit 320, and performs various image processing on the read image data to generate various images.

  For example, the generation function 352 generates a two-dimensional image based on the three-dimensional image data acquired by the acquisition function 351. For example, the generation function 352 generates an image of a cross section of the region of the subject by performing MPR (Multi Planer Reconstruction) on the three-dimensional image data. In addition, for example, the generation function 352 generates a rendered image of the region of the subject by performing volume rendering or the like on the three-dimensional image.

  Based on the image data acquired by the acquisition function 351, the display control function 353 causes the display 340 to display information indicating the anatomical direction defined for each part together with an image depicting the part of the subject. .

  Here, the display control function 353 displays, as information indicating the anatomical direction, information different from information indicating the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the front-back direction defined in the MRI apparatus 100 that generated the image data. Specifically, the display control function 353 redefines the anatomical direction from the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the front-rear direction defined in the MRI apparatus 100, and displays information indicating the redefined direction.

  For example, the display control function 353 detects a feature point related to the region of the subject from the image data, and redefines the anatomical direction based on the detected feature point. For example, the display control function 353 detects a feature point related to the part of the subject from the image data, specifies a vector passing through the detected feature point, and sets an anatomical direction based on the direction of the specified vector. Redefine.

  For example, the display control function 353 detects feature points related to the region of the subject from the three-dimensional image data acquired by the acquisition function 351, and specifies a vector passing through the detected feature points. In this case, as the method by which the display control function 353 detects the feature points from the image data, various generally known specific part estimation techniques can be used. The feature points extracted from the image data are defined in advance for each part to be diagnosed.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of feature point detection and vector specification performed by the display control function 353 according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the region to be diagnosed is the shoulder, the display control function 353 detects the center of the scapulohumeral joint surface as one feature point 23, and the center of the humeral head is already detected. One feature point 24 is detected. The display control function 353 passes through the two detected feature points 23 and 24 and moves from the feature point 23 side that is the center of the scapulohumeral joint surface to the feature point 24 side that is the center of the humeral head. The vector 25 that goes is identified.

  Thereafter, the display control function 353 redefines the anatomical direction from the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the front-back direction defined in the MRI apparatus 100 based on the specified vector direction. As described above, the anatomical direction is a direction representing the structural direction of the subject and is defined in advance for each region to be diagnosed. For example, for the shoulder, the anatomical direction is defined as a near-distal direction in which the side closer to the trunk is proximal (Proximal) and the side far from the trunk is distal (Distal).

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of redefinition of anatomical directions performed by the display control function 353 according to the first embodiment. Here, F → H, R → L, and P → A shown in the upper side of FIG. 3 indicate the up-down direction, the left-right direction, and the front-rear direction defined in the MRI apparatus 100. Specifically, F → H indicates the vertical direction, R → L indicates the horizontal direction, and P → A indicates the front-back direction. Further, F ′ → H ′, R ′ → L ′, and P ′ → A ′ shown on the lower side of FIG. 3 indicate anatomical directions regarding a specific part. Specifically, F ′ → H ′ indicates the vertical direction in the anatomical direction, R ′ → L ′ indicates the horizontal direction in the anatomical direction, and P ′ → A ′ indicates the anatomy. The longitudinal direction in the general direction is shown.

  For example, as shown in the lower side of FIG. 3, the display control function 353 is based on the two feature points 23 and 24 detected from the three-dimensional image data 22 of the shoulder when the diagnosis target region is the shoulder. The direction of the vector 25 specified in this way is defined as R ′ → L ′. Further, the display control function 353 defines the near-distal direction by setting the R ′ side as proximal (Proximal) and the L ′ side as distal (Distal). In this case, for example, the display control function 353 defines the direction of F → H as F ′ → H ′ and sets the direction orthogonal to both R ′ → L ′ and F ′ → H ′ as P ′ → Define as A '.

  Then, the display control function 353 causes the display 340 to display information indicating the redefined direction together with an image in which the region of the subject is depicted. For example, the display control function 353 causes the display 340 to display information indicating the anatomical direction defined for each region together with the two-dimensional image generated by the generation function 352.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of anatomical direction display performed by the display control function 353 according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the display control function 353 displays a cross-sectional image 41 passing through the feature points 23 and 24 in the three-dimensional image data 22 shown in FIG. 2 when the site to be diagnosed is a shoulder. It is displayed on the display 340. Then, the display control function 353, together with the image 41, as the information indicating the anatomical direction regarding the shoulder, the character information of “H” and “F” indicating the vertical direction, “Proximal” indicating the distal direction, The character information “Distal” is displayed on the display 340.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a comparative example with respect to an anatomical direction displayed by the display control function 353 according to the first embodiment. Here, FIG. 5 shows an example in which information indicating the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the front-back direction defined in the MRI apparatus 100 is displayed together with the image 41 shown in FIG. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, character information of “RA” and “LP” is displayed as information indicating the same direction as the near-distal direction. With such information, the operator can recognize that the cross section of the image 41 is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, but which side is closer to the trunk (proximal), or It is difficult to intuitively grasp the far side (distal) from the trunk.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, information indicating the near-distal direction is displayed together with the image 41 when the site to be diagnosed is a shoulder. Thereby, when an operator such as an interpreting physician refers to the image 41 to diagnose the shoulder of the subject, the operator can easily grasp the side closer to the trunk and the side far from the trunk.

  The processing functions of the processing circuit 350 have been described above. These processing functions are stored in the storage circuit 320 in the form of a program that can be executed by a computer, for example. The processing circuit 350 reads each program from the storage circuit 320 and executes each read program, thereby realizing a processing function corresponding to each program. In other words, the processing circuit 350 in a state where each program is read out has each processing function shown in FIG.

  In addition, although the example in case each processing function mentioned above is implement | achieved by the single processing circuit 350 was demonstrated in FIG. 1, embodiment is not restricted to this. For example, the processing circuit 350 may be configured by combining a plurality of independent processors, and each processor may implement each processing function by executing each program. In addition, each processing function of the processing circuit 350 may be realized by being appropriately distributed or integrated into a single or a plurality of processing circuits.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of processing performed by each processing function of the medical image processing apparatus 300 according to the first embodiment.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, in the medical image processing apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment, the acquisition function 351 acquires image data related to the subject from the MRI apparatus 100 or the medical image storage apparatus 200 via the network 400. (Step S101).

  Subsequently, the generation function 352 generates an image in which the region of the subject is depicted based on the image data acquired by the acquisition function 351 (step S102).

  Further, the display control function 353 detects a feature point related to the part of the subject from the image data acquired by the acquisition function 351 (step S103).

  Further, the display control function 353 identifies a vector passing through the detected feature point (step S104), and redefines the anatomical direction based on the identified vector direction (step S105).

  Then, the display control function 353 causes the display 340 to display information indicating the anatomical direction defined for each region together with the image generated by the generation function 352 (step S106).

  Of the above-described steps, step S101 is realized, for example, by the processing circuit 350 calling and executing a predetermined program corresponding to the acquisition function 351 from the storage circuit 320. Further, step S102 is realized, for example, when the processing circuit 350 calls and executes a predetermined program corresponding to the generation function 352 from the storage circuit 320. Steps S103 to S106 are realized, for example, when the processing circuit 350 calls and executes a predetermined program corresponding to the display control function 353 from the storage circuit 320.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, information indicating the near-distal direction is displayed together with the image 41 when the region to be diagnosed is the shoulder. Thereby, when an operator such as an interpreting physician refers to the image 41 to diagnose the shoulder of the subject, the operator can easily grasp the side closer to the trunk and the side far from the trunk. In other words, according to the present embodiment, the information indicating the anatomical direction defined for each part is displayed together with the image, so that the operator can determine the structural direction of the subject regarding the part depicted in the image. It can be easily grasped.

  In the first embodiment described above, the display control function 353 specifies a vector passing through the feature point detected from the image data, and redefines the anatomical direction based on the direction of the specified vector. Although the example in the case of doing was demonstrated, embodiment is not restricted to this. For example, the display control function 353 may specify a cross section passing through the feature point detected from the image data, and redefine the anatomical direction based on the direction of the specified cross section.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of feature point detection and vector specification performed by the display control function 353 according to the first embodiment. 7 indicates the vertical direction defined in the MRI apparatus 100, R → L indicates the horizontal direction defined in the MRI apparatus 100, and A → P indicates the MRI. The front-rear direction defined in the apparatus 100 is shown. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the display control function 353 has two features from the three-dimensional image data 22 obtained by imaging the shoulder 21 as in the example shown in FIG. 2 when the site to be diagnosed is the shoulder. Points 23 and 24 are detected. Then, the display control function 353 specifies a cross section 74 that passes through the two detected feature points 23 and 24.

  After that, the display control function 353 redefines the anatomical direction from the up-down direction, the left-right direction, and the front-back direction defined in the MRI apparatus 100 based on the specified cross-sectional direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the display control function 353 performs the humeral head from the side of the feature point 23 that is orthogonal to the direction of F → H along the specified cross section 74 and is the center of the scapulohumeral joint surface. The direction toward the feature point 24 side that is the center of is defined as R ′ → L ′. The display control function 353 defines the near-distal direction by setting the R ′ side to proximal (Proximal) and the L ′ side to distal (Distal). In this case, for example, the display control function 353 defines the direction of F → H as F ′ → H ′ and sets the direction orthogonal to both R ′ → L ′ and F ′ → H ′ as A ′ → Define as P ′.

  Further, in the first embodiment described above, an example in which the display control function 353 redefines the anatomical direction based on the vector passing through the feature point or the direction of the cross section has been described. Not limited to. For example, the display control function 353 may redefine the anatomical direction by detecting three or more feature points from the image data and obtaining an approximate straight line related to the detected feature points.

  In the above-described first embodiment, the example in which the display control function 353 automatically redefines the anatomical direction by detecting the feature points from the image data has been described. Is not limited to this. For example, the display control function 353 may accept an operation for setting the direction of the image data from the operator and redefine the anatomical direction based on the direction set by the operation.

  In this case, for example, the display control function 353 displays the three-dimensional image data acquired by the acquisition function 351 on the display 340. For example, the display control function 353 displays three-dimensional image data in a three-dimensional manner, or displays at least two different cross-sectional images generated from the three-dimensional image data. Further, the display control function 353 displays a graphic representing the vector shown in FIG. 2 or the cross section shown in FIG. 7 on the displayed three-dimensional image data, and the position and shape of the graphic via the input circuit 330. An operation for setting is received from the operator. Then, the display control function 353 redefines the anatomical direction based on the vector or cross-sectional direction set by the operation on the graphic, as in the above-described example. At this time, the display control function 353 defines a predetermined anatomical direction for each part according to the part to be diagnosed.

  Further, in the first embodiment described above, an example in which the medical image processing apparatus 300 acquires image data from the MRI apparatus 100 has been described, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the medical image processing apparatus 300 acquires image data from other medical image diagnostic apparatuses such as an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) apparatus via the network 400. And you may perform the process similar to the example mentioned above.

(Second Embodiment)
Although the embodiment of the medical image processing apparatus has been described above, the configuration of the medical image processing apparatus 300 described above can also be applied to a medical image diagnostic apparatus. Therefore, in the following, as a second embodiment, an example in which the configuration of the medical image processing apparatus 300 described above is applied to an MRI apparatus will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the MRI apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the MRI apparatus 100 includes a static magnetic field magnet 1, a gradient magnetic field coil 2, a gradient magnetic field power source 3, a transmission coil 4, a transmission circuit 5, a reception coil 6, a reception circuit 7, a bed 8, and an input circuit. 9, a display 10, a storage circuit 11, and processing circuits 12-15.

  The static magnetic field magnet 1 is formed in a hollow, substantially cylindrical shape (including one having a cross section perpendicular to the central axis of the cylinder is elliptical), and generates a uniform static magnetic field in the imaging space formed on the inner peripheral side. Let For example, the static magnetic field magnet 1 is realized by a permanent magnet, a superconducting magnet, or the like.

  The gradient magnetic field coil 2 is formed in a hollow, substantially cylindrical shape (including one having a cross section perpendicular to the central axis of the cylinder is elliptical), and is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the static magnetic field magnet 1. The gradient coil 2 includes three coils that generate gradient magnetic fields along the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis that are orthogonal to each other. Here, the x axis, the y axis, and the z axis constitute an apparatus coordinate system unique to the MRI apparatus 100. For example, the x-axis direction is set to the horizontal direction, the y-axis direction is set to the vertical direction, and the z-axis direction is set to be the same as the direction of the magnetic flux of the static magnetic field generated by the static magnetic field magnet 1. The

  The gradient magnetic field power supply 3 individually supplies current to each of the three coils included in the gradient magnetic field coil 2 to generate gradient magnetic fields along the x axis, the y axis, and the z axis in the imaging space. By appropriately generating gradient magnetic fields along the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis, it is possible to generate gradient magnetic fields along the readout direction, the phase encoding direction, and the slice direction that are orthogonal to each other. Here, the axes along the readout direction, the phase encoding direction, and the slice direction constitute a logical coordinate system for defining a slice region or a volume region to be imaged. Hereinafter, the gradient magnetic field along the readout direction is referred to as a readout gradient magnetic field, the gradient magnetic field along the phase encoding direction is referred to as a phase encoding gradient magnetic field, and the gradient magnetic field along the slice direction is referred to as a slice gradient magnetic field. .

  Here, each gradient magnetic field is superimposed on the static magnetic field generated by the static magnetic field magnet 1 and used to give spatial position information to a magnetic resonance signal (Magnetic Resonance: MR). Specifically, the readout gradient magnetic field gives the MR signal position information along the readout direction by changing the frequency of the MR signal in accordance with the position in the readout direction. Further, the phase encoding gradient magnetic field changes the phase of the MR signal along the phase encoding direction, thereby giving position information in the phase encoding direction to the MR signal. The slice gradient magnetic field is used to determine the direction, thickness, and number of slice areas when the imaging area is a slice area, and according to the position in the slice direction when the imaging area is a volume area. By changing the phase of the MR signal, position information along the slice direction is given to the MR signal.

  The transmission coil 4 is formed in a hollow, substantially cylindrical shape (including one having a cross section perpendicular to the central axis of the cylinder is elliptical), and is disposed inside the gradient magnetic field coil 2. The transmission coil 4 applies an RF (Radio Frequency) pulse output from the transmission circuit 5 to the imaging space.

  The transmission circuit 5 outputs an RF pulse corresponding to the Larmor frequency to the transmission coil 4. For example, the transmission circuit 5 includes an oscillation circuit, a phase selection circuit, a frequency conversion circuit, an amplitude modulation circuit, and an RF amplification circuit. The oscillation circuit generates an RF pulse having a resonance frequency unique to a target nucleus placed in a static magnetic field. The phase selection circuit selects the phase of the RF pulse output from the oscillation circuit. The frequency conversion circuit converts the frequency of the RF pulse output from the phase selection circuit. The amplitude modulation circuit modulates the amplitude of the RF pulse output from the frequency conversion circuit according to, for example, a sinc function. The RF amplification circuit amplifies the RF pulse output from the amplitude modulation circuit and outputs the amplified RF pulse to the transmission coil 4.

  The reception coil 6 is an RF coil that receives MR signals emitted from the subject S. Specifically, the reception coil 6 is an RF coil that is attached to the subject S placed in the imaging space and receives MR signals emitted from the subject S due to the influence of the RF magnetic field applied by the transmission coil 4. . The receiving coil 6 outputs the received MR signal to the receiving circuit 7. For example, a dedicated coil prepared for each part to be imaged is used as the reception coil 6. The dedicated coil here includes, for example, a receiving coil for the head, a receiving coil for the neck, a receiving coil for the shoulder, a receiving coil for the chest, a receiving coil for the abdomen, a receiving coil for the lower limbs, and a spine for the spine. Such as a receiving coil.

  The receiving circuit 7 generates MR signal data based on the MR signal output from the receiving coil 6, and outputs the generated MR signal data to the processing circuit 13. For example, the reception circuit 7 includes a selection circuit, a preamplifier circuit, a phase detection circuit, and an analog / digital conversion circuit. The selection circuit selectively inputs the MR signal output from the receiving coil 6. The pre-amplifier circuit amplifies the MR signal output from the selection circuit. The phase detection circuit detects the phase of the MR signal output from the preceding amplifier circuit. The analog-digital conversion circuit generates MR signal data by converting the analog signal output from the phase detection circuit into a digital signal, and outputs the generated MR signal data to the processing circuit 13.

  Here, an example in which the transmission coil 4 applies an RF pulse and the reception coil 6 receives an MR signal will be described, but the forms of the transmission coil and the reception coil are not limited thereto. For example, the transmission coil 4 may further have a reception function for receiving MR signals. Moreover, the receiving coil 6 may further have a transmission function for applying an RF magnetic field. When the transmission coil 4 has a reception function, the reception circuit 7 also generates MR signal data from the MR signal received by the transmission coil 4. When the reception coil 6 has a transmission function, the transmission circuit 5 also outputs an RF pulse to the reception coil 6.

  The bed 8 includes a top plate 8a on which the subject S is placed, and when the subject S is imaged, the top plate 8a enters the imaging space formed inside the static magnetic field magnet 1 and the gradient magnetic field coil 2. Insert. For example, the top plate 8 a is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and is installed so that the longitudinal direction is parallel to the central axis of the static magnetic field magnet 1.

  The input circuit 9 receives various instructions and various information input operations from the operator. Specifically, the input circuit 9 is connected to the processing circuit 15, converts an input operation received from the operator into an electrical signal, and outputs the electrical signal to the processing circuit 15. For example, the input circuit 9 is realized by a trackball, a switch button, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, or the like.

  The display 10 displays various information and various images. Specifically, the display 10 is connected to the processing circuit 15, converts various information and various image data sent from the processing circuit 15 into electrical signals for display, and outputs them. For example, the display 10 is realized by a liquid crystal monitor, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor, a touch panel, or the like.

  The storage circuit 11 stores various data. Specifically, the storage circuit 11 stores MR signal data and image data for each subject S. For example, the storage circuit 11 is realized by a semiconductor memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like.

  The processing circuit 12 has a bed control function 12a. Specifically, the couch control function 12 a is connected to the couch 8 and controls the operation of the couch 8 by outputting a control electric signal to the couch 8. For example, the bed control function 12a receives an instruction from the operator to move the top plate 8a in the longitudinal direction, the up-down direction, or the left-right direction via the input circuit 9, and moves the top plate 8a according to the received instruction. The drive mechanism of the top board 8a which the bed 8 has is operated. For example, the processing circuit 12 is realized by a processor.

  The processing circuit 13 has a collection function 13a. Specifically, the collection function 13a collects MR signal data of the subject S by executing various pulse sequences. Specifically, the collection function 13a executes various pulse sequences by driving the gradient magnetic field power supply 3, the transmission circuit 5, and the reception circuit 7 based on the sequence execution data output from the processing circuit 15. For example, the processing circuit 13 is realized by a processor.

  Here, the sequence execution data is information defining a pulse sequence indicating a procedure for collecting MR signal data. Specifically, the sequence execution data includes the timing at which the gradient magnetic field power supply 3 supplies current to the gradient coil 2 and the strength of the supplied current, the strength of the RF pulse current supplied to the transmission coil 4 by the transmission circuit 5, and the like. This is information defining supply timing, detection timing at which the receiving circuit 7 detects an MR signal, and the like.

  The acquisition function 13 a receives MR signal data from the receiving circuit 7 as a result of executing various pulse sequences, and stores the received MR signal data in the storage circuit 11. The set of MR signal data received by the acquisition function 13a is arranged two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally according to the position information given by the readout gradient magnetic field, phase encoding gradient magnetic field, and slice gradient magnetic field. Thus, the data is stored in the storage circuit 11 as data constituting the k space.

  The processing circuit 14 has a generation function 14a. For example, the processing circuit 14 is realized by a processor. The generation function 14a generates image data based on the MR signal data collected by the collection function 13a. Specifically, the generation function 14a reads the MR signal data stored in the storage circuit 11 by the collection function 13a, and performs post-processing, that is, reconstruction processing such as Fourier transform, on the read MR signal data, thereby generating image data. Is generated. Further, the generation function 14 a stores the generated image data in the storage circuit 11.

  The processing circuit 15 performs overall control of the MRI apparatus 100 by controlling each component included in the MRI apparatus 100. For example, the processing circuit 15 is realized by a processor. For example, the processing circuit 15 receives input of various parameters related to the pulse sequence from the operator via the input circuit 9, and generates sequence execution data based on the received parameters. Then, the processing circuit 15 executes the various pulse sequences by transmitting the generated sequence execution data to the processing circuit 13. Further, for example, the processing circuit 15 reads out image data of an image requested by the operator from the storage circuit 11 and outputs the read image to the display 10.

  The configuration example of the MRI apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has been described above. Under such a configuration, the MRI apparatus 100 generates image data relating to the subject. Based on the generated image data, the medical image processing apparatus 300 displays information indicating the direction of the image together with an image in which the region of the subject is depicted.

  Here, like the medical image processing apparatus 300 described in the first embodiment, the MRI apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment displays information indicating an anatomical direction defined for each region together with an image. Thus, the operator can more easily grasp the structural direction of the subject with respect to the region depicted in the image.

  Specifically, the generation function 14a of the processing circuit 14 generates image data related to the subject. The generation function 14a is an example of a generation unit in the claims.

  For example, the generation function 14a generates a positioning image based on MR signal data collected as positioning image data. Further, the generation function 14a generates an image based on MR signal data collected from an imaging position positioned using the positioning image. Here, the generated image is used as a diagnostic image, or further used as a positioning image for determining the imaging position of the next image to be captured.

  In addition, the processing circuit 15 includes a display control function 15a. The display control function 15a is an example of a display control unit in the claims.

  Based on the image data generated by the generation function 14a, the display control function 15a causes the display 10 to display information indicating the anatomical direction defined for each part together with an image depicting the part of the subject. .

  For example, the display control function 15a displays information indicating the anatomical direction defined for each part together with the image of the imaging position positioned using the positioning image generated by the generation function 14a.

  Here, the display control function 15a displays, as information indicating the anatomical direction, information different from information indicating the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the front-back direction defined in the MRI apparatus 100 that generated the image data. Specifically, the display control function 15a redefines the anatomical direction from the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the front-rear direction defined in the MRI apparatus 100, and displays information indicating the redefined direction.

  For example, the display control function 15a detects a feature point related to the part of the subject from the image data, and redefines the anatomical direction based on the detected feature point. For example, the display control function 15a detects a feature point related to the part of the subject from the image data, specifies a vector passing through the detected feature point, and determines an anatomical direction based on the direction of the specified vector. Redefine.

  For example, the display control function 15a detects a feature point related to the part of the subject from the positioning image generated by the generation function 14a, and specifies a vector passing through the detected feature point. In this case, as a method for the display control function 15a to detect the feature points from the image data, various generally known specific part estimation techniques can be used. The feature points extracted from the image data are defined in advance for each part to be diagnosed.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of feature point detection and vector specification performed by the display control function 15a according to the second embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the region to be diagnosed is a knee, the display control function 15a detects the outer femoral condyle as one feature point 93 from a positioning image 92 obtained by imaging the knee 91. The femoral medial condyle is detected as another feature point 94. Then, the display control function 15a passes the two detected feature points 93 and 94, and travels from the feature point 93 side that is the outer femoral condyle to the feature point 94 side that is the inner femoral condyle. Is identified.

  Thereafter, the display control function 15a redefines the anatomical direction from the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the front-back direction defined in the MRI apparatus 100 based on the specified vector direction. As described above, the anatomical direction is a direction that represents the structural direction of the subject, and is individually defined for each part of the subject. For example, for the knee, an anatomical direction is defined as an inside / outside direction in which the side closer to the median is inside (Inside) and the side far from the median is outside (Outside). Here, the term “Medial” refers to the position of the plane that is the axis of symmetry when the subject is considered to be generally bilaterally symmetric.

  For example, when the region to be diagnosed is the knee, the display control function 15a sets the direction of the vector 95 specified based on the two feature points 93 and 94 detected from the knee positioning image 92 to the inside ( It is defined as the inward / outward direction from inside to outside. In this case, for example, the display control function 15a defines the vertical direction defined in the MRI apparatus 100 as the vertical direction in the anatomical direction, and a direction orthogonal to both the vertical direction and the internal / external direction. Is defined as the anteroposterior direction in the anatomical direction.

  Here, an example in which the display control function 15a defines the direction of the vector 95 specified based on the two feature points 93 and 94 as an inward / outward direction from the inside to the outside will be described. The method of defining is not limited to this. For example, when the positioning image of the knee is captured, the imaging region may be set so that not only the diagnosis target knee but also the other knee is included. In such a case, when defining the anatomical direction with respect to the knee to be diagnosed, the display control function 15a sets the side closer to the knee that is not the diagnosis target to the inside (Inside), and from the knee that is not the diagnosis target. By defining the far side as the outside, the inside and outside directions may be defined.

  Then, the display control function 15a causes the display 10 to display information indicating the redefined direction together with the image of the imaging position positioned using the positioning image 92.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an anatomical direction display performed by the display control function 15a according to the second embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the region to be diagnosed is the knee, the display control function 15 a displays the cross-sectional image 101 passing through the feature points 93 and 94 in the positioning image 92 shown in FIG. 9. To display. Then, the display control function 15a, together with the image 101, as the information indicating the anatomical direction regarding the knee, the character information of “H” and “F” indicating the vertical direction, and “Inside” and “Outside” indicating the internal and external directions "Is displayed on the display 10.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a comparative example with respect to an anatomical direction displayed by the display control function 15a according to the second embodiment. Here, FIG. 11 shows an example in which information indicating the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the front-back direction defined in the MRI apparatus 100 is displayed together with the image 101 shown in FIG. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, character information “R” and “L” is displayed as information indicating the same direction as the inside and outside directions. With such information, the operator can recognize the right and left sides of the entire subject in the image 101, but sees whether the rendered knee is the right knee or the left knee, and from the front and back. Since it is difficult to intuitively grasp which is the side, it is difficult to intuitively grasp which side is the side closer to the median (inner side) or the side far from the median (outside).

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the region to be diagnosed is a knee, information indicating the inner and outer directions is displayed together with the image 101. Thereby, when an operator such as an image interpretation doctor refers to the image 101 and diagnoses the knee of the subject, it is possible to easily grasp the side near the median and the side far from the median.

  The processing functions of the processing circuit 15 have been described above. These processing functions are stored in the storage circuit 11 in the form of a program that can be executed by a computer, for example. The processing circuit 15 implements a processing function corresponding to each program by reading each program from the storage circuit 11 and executing each read program. In other words, the processing circuit 15 in a state where each program is read has the processing functions shown in FIG.

  In addition, although the example in the case where each processing function mentioned above is implement | achieved by the single processing circuit 15 was demonstrated in FIG. 8, embodiment is not restricted to this. For example, the processing circuit 15 may be configured by combining a plurality of independent processors, and each processing function may be realized by each processor executing each program. In addition, each processing function of the processing circuit 15 may be realized by being appropriately distributed or integrated into a single or a plurality of processing circuits.

  Further, the processing functions of the processing circuits 12 to 15 illustrated in FIG. 8 may be realized by being appropriately distributed or integrated into a single or a plurality of processing circuits.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of processing performed by each processing function of the MRI apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 12, in the MRI apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the collection function 13a collects MR signal data for the positioning image of the subject (step S201).

  Subsequently, the generation function 14a generates a positioning image of the subject based on the data collected by the collection function 13a (step S202).

  Further, the display control function 15a detects a feature point related to the part of the subject from the positioning image generated by the generation function 14a (step S203).

  Further, the display control function 15a identifies a vector passing through the detected feature point (step S204), and redefines the anatomical direction based on the identified vector direction (step S205).

  The collection function 13a collects MR signal data from the imaging position positioned using the positioning image after the positioning image is generated (step S206).

  Subsequently, the generation function 14a generates an image of the imaging position positioned using the positioning image based on the data collected by the collection function 13a (step S207).

  Then, the display control function 15a displays information indicating the anatomical direction defined for each region on the display 10 together with the image generated by the generation function 14a (step S208).

  Of the above-described steps, steps S201 and S206 are realized, for example, by the processing circuit 13 calling and executing a predetermined program corresponding to the collection function 13a from the storage circuit 11. Steps S202 and S207 are realized, for example, when the processing circuit 14 calls and executes a predetermined program corresponding to the generation function 14a from the storage circuit 11. Steps S203 to S205 and S208 are realized, for example, when the processing circuit 15 calls and executes a predetermined program corresponding to the display control function 15a from the storage circuit 11.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, when the region to be diagnosed is the knee, information indicating the inside / outside direction is displayed together with the image 101. Thereby, when an operator such as an image interpretation doctor refers to the image 101 and diagnoses the knee of the subject, it is possible to easily grasp the side near the median and the side far from the median. In other words, according to the present embodiment, the information indicating the anatomical direction defined for each part is displayed together with the image, so that the operator can determine the structural direction of the subject regarding the part depicted in the image. It can be easily grasped.

  In the above-described second embodiment, the example in which the display control function 15a displays information indicating the anatomical direction based on the positioning image has been described, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. . For example, the display control function 15a may display information indicating an anatomical direction based on the three-dimensional image data, similarly to the display control function 353 described in the first embodiment.

  In this case, the acquisition function 13a executes the 2D sequence a plurality of times, and the generation function 14a generates multi-slice data from the MR signal data acquired by the 2D sequence. Alternatively, the collection function 13a executes the 3D sequence, and the generation function 14a generates volume data from the MR signal data collected by the 3D sequence.

  Further, the generation function 14a generates a two-dimensional image based on the three-dimensional image data acquired by the acquisition function 351, similarly to the generation function 352 described in the first embodiment. Then, the display control function 15a redefines the anatomical direction based on the three-dimensional image data generated by the generation function 14a in the same manner as the display control function 353 described in the first embodiment. Information indicating the redefined direction is displayed on the display 10 together with the image generated by the function 14a.

  In the second embodiment described above, an example in which the configuration of the medical image processing apparatus 300 described in the first embodiment is applied to an MRI apparatus has been described. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the configuration of the medical image processing apparatus 300 described above can be similarly applied to other medical image diagnostic apparatuses such as an X-ray CT apparatus, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and a PET apparatus.

  Although the first and second embodiments have been described above, each embodiment can be implemented by modifying some of the processing functions described above. Therefore, in the following, modifications according to the first and second embodiments will be described.

  For example, in the first and second embodiments described above, the anatomical directions are set as “Proximal” and “Distal” shown in FIG. 4 and “Inside” and “Outside” shown in FIG. Although the example in the case of displaying the character information to show was demonstrated, embodiment is not restricted to this. For example, a three-dimensional graphic may be displayed as information indicating an anatomical direction.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another example of information indicating the anatomical direction according to the modification of the first and second embodiments. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, in the first embodiment, the display control function 353 displays a cubic shape that indicates the anatomical direction on each surface in place of the character information indicating the anatomical direction. A graphically represented graphic 132 is displayed. In this case, the display control function 353 sets the display mode of the graphic 132 so that the anatomical direction in the image 41 corresponds to the anatomical direction shown in the graphic 132. In the second embodiment, the display control function 15a may display the same graphic.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments described above, the case where the site to be diagnosed is the shoulder or the knee has been described as an example, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, even when the diagnosis target is another part, by defining in advance for each part a feature point extracted from the image data and a direction representing the structural direction of the subject, Information indicating the anatomical direction can be displayed.

  Alternatively, for example, instead of extracting feature points related to the part of the subject, a characteristic region or section included in the part of the subject may be extracted from the image data. The characteristic region or section here is a region or section having a characteristic shape for specifying the anatomical direction in the region of the subject. For example, the characteristic region or section is a specific region or section, such as a bone or blood vessel, having a shape that correlates with an anatomical direction at the site of the subject. In this case, the display control function detects a characteristic region included in the region of the subject from the image data, and redefines the anatomical direction based on the shape of the detected region. For example, the display control function performs a segmentation process on the image data to extract a characteristic region or section defined in advance for each part. The display control function redefines the anatomical direction by approximating the traveling direction of the extracted region or section with a straight line or a curve.

  14-17 is a figure which shows the other example of the anatomical direction which concerns on the modification of 1st and 2nd embodiment. 14 and 15 show an example of the anatomical direction related to the hand, and FIGS. 16 and 17 show an example of the anatomical direction related to the foot.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, with regard to the hand, the anatomical direction is that the side near the trunk is proximal (Proximal) and the side far from the trunk is distal (Distal). Direction, palm-dorsal direction with palm side (Palmar), back of hand side (Dorsal), and left-right direction with thumb side left (L) and pinky side right (R) Is defined.

  Here, for example, in the near-distal direction, the wrist part and the tip part of the middle finger are detected as feature points from the image data of the hand, the wrist side is proximal, and the tip part of the middle finger is distal. To be defined. Further, for example, with regard to the palm back direction, the curved shape of the palm is detected from the image data of the hand, and the side on which the palm is curved in the bending direction is the palm side, and the opposite side of the palm side in the bending direction is the back side. Defined. Also, for example, the left-right direction is defined by detecting the tip portion of the thumb and the tip portion of the little finger as feature points from the hand image data, with the thumb side as the left and the little finger side as the right. .

  Note that the shape of the palm may be a state where the finger is warped. Therefore, for example, the palm back direction may be defined based on the shape of the extracted specific region by extracting a specific curved region such as a metacarpal from the image data of the hand. In this case, for example, in the palm dorsal direction, the position of the center of curvature is specified by measuring the curvature of a specific curved area, and the side where the center of curvature is located is the palm side, and vice versa. Defined with the side as the dorsal side.

  Also, for example, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, with regard to the foot, as an anatomical direction, the side near the trunk is proximal (Proximal), and the side far from the trunk is distal (Distal). Distal direction, bottom dorsal direction with the sole side of the foot as the bottom side (Planter), back side of the foot as the dorsal side (Dorsal), and the thumb side as the left (L), the little finger side as the right ( R) is defined as the left-right direction.

  Here, for example, in the near-distal direction, the heel portion and the tip portion of the middle finger are detected as feature points from the foot image data, the heel side is proximal, and the middle finger tip portion side is distal. To be defined. Further, for example, the bottom-dorsal direction is defined by detecting the bottom surface of the foot and the ankle portion from the image data of the foot, and setting the bottom surface side as the bottom side and the ankle side as the back side. Further, for example, the left and right direction is defined by detecting the tip of the thumb and the tip of the little finger as feature points from the image data of the foot, and setting the thumb side to the left and the little finger side to the right. .

In addition to the above-described anatomical directions defined for each part, for example, the following can be cited.
・ Internal / external direction: Direction close to the body surface outside (External), distant from the body surface as internal (Internal) ・ Near distal direction (blood vessels, etc.): Proximal side near the heart (Proximal), heart Direction that is far from the distal (distal), near distal direction (peripheral nerves, etc.): Direction that is near the brain (proximal), and the far side from the brain is distal (distal) Direction (upper limbs, etc.): Radial and thumb side is radial (Radial), ulna side is ulnar (Ulnar), tibia radial (lower limbs, etc.): tibia side is tibia side (Tibial), radius Direction of the side of the rib (Fibular) / Oral direction (digestive tract, etc.): The side near the mouth is the oral side (Roral) or the rostral side, and the side near the anus is the anal side (Anal) Direction / caudal rostral direction (brain stem, cerebellum, etc.): Direction with caudal side as spinal side and rostral side as midbrain and third ventricle (rostral direction) Cerebrum etc.): Direction with rostral on the back and caudal on the rear (Caudal) and ventral dorsal direction (brain stem, cerebellum, etc.): Ventral with anterior or slightly underneath, side with fibers across the bridge, olives and cones , Direction with the cerebellum as the dorsal side (dorsal), ventral dorsal direction (diencephalon, cerebrum, etc.): dorsal side with the upper side (Dorsal), lower side with the ventral side (Ventral), direction of flexion progress: adjacent Direction of flexion (Flexion) on the side closer to the part to be moved and extension / extension direction on the side away from the adjacent part: In a movement where a part of the subject approaches or moves away from the midline, Direction / internal / external rotation direction (upper arm, thigh, etc.): the side closer to the midline is the adductor side (Adduction) and the side far from the midline is the abduction side (Abduction): on the horizontal plane centering on the vertical axis In the resulting motion, the side that turns the front of the upper arm or thigh outward is the External Rotation, the inner Direction that turns to the internal rotation side (Internal Rotation) / Prorotation / Outward direction (Forearm, etc.): With the elbow joint bent, the palm is facing upwards (Supination) and the palm is facing downwards Direction with the side as Pronation

  Here, the anatomical directions described above may be defined in advance and set when the MRI apparatus 100 is manufactured or installed, or may be arbitrarily set by the operator after the operation of the MRI apparatus 100 is started. Or it may be changed.

  Note that the term “processor” used in each of the above-described embodiments is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a programmable. Means circuits such as logic devices (for example, Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)) To do. Here, instead of storing the program in the storage circuit, the program may be directly incorporated in the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor realizes the function by reading and executing the program incorporated in the circuit. In addition, each processor of the present embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, but may be configured as a single processor by combining a plurality of independent circuits to realize its function. Good.

  According to at least one embodiment described above, the operator can more easily grasp the structural direction of the subject with respect to the region depicted in the image.

  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.

300 Medical Image Processing Device 350 Processing Circuit 351 Acquisition Function 353 Display Control Function

Claims (9)

An acquisition unit for acquiring image data relating to the subject;
A medical image processing apparatus comprising: a display control unit configured to display information indicating an anatomical direction defined for each part together with an image in which the part of the subject is depicted based on the image data. The display control unit displays, as information indicating the anatomical direction, information different from information indicating the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the front-back direction defined in the medical image diagnostic apparatus that generated the image data.
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The display control unit redefines the anatomical direction from the up-down direction, the left-right direction, and the front-rear direction defined in the medical image diagnostic apparatus that generated the image data, and displays information indicating the redefined direction Let
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The display control unit detects a feature point related to the part from the image data, and redefines the anatomical direction based on the detected feature point.
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 3. The display control unit specifies a vector or a cross section passing through the detected feature point, and redefines the anatomical direction based on the direction of the specified vector or cross section;
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 4. The display control unit detects a characteristic region or section included in the part from the image data, and redefines the anatomical direction based on the shape of the detected region or section.
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 3. The display control unit receives an operation for setting a direction for the image data from an operator, and redefines the anatomical direction based on the direction set by the operation.
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 3. A generator for generating image data relating to the subject;
A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising: a display control unit configured to display information indicating an anatomical direction defined for each part together with an image in which the part of the subject is depicted based on the image data. The generation unit generates image data of a positioning image,
The display control unit displays information indicating the anatomical direction together with the image of the imaging position positioned using the positioning image.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8.