JP2023013997A - Information processing device, information processing program, mri inspection device, and information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an information processing device 3, a diagnosis supporting program 38, an MRI inspection device 1, and an information processing method capable of improving positional accuracy of a measurement point and acquiring data appropriate for correction diagnosis without applying image processing in an orthodontic field.SOLUTION: An information processing device 3 supports orthodontic diagnosis, and includes: image acquisition means (control unit 35) which acquires a vertical cross-sectional image 63 being in substantially parallel to a sagittal plane in which a head part of a patient is imaged by magnetic resonance imaging; measurement point specifying means (display unit 31, operation accepting unit 32, control unit 35) for specifying a measurement point for correction diagnosis on the basis of the vertical cross-sectional image 63; and cephalo coordinate acquisition means (control means 35) for acquiring cephalo coordinate information indicating an imaging position of the measurement point imaged by head part X-ray standard imaging on the basis of coordinate information indicating the position of the specified measurement point.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing program, an MRI examination apparatus, and an information processing method for assisting a doctor's diagnosis using standard head photographs, for example, in the field of orthodontics.

Conventionally, in the field of orthodontics, it is known to use cephalometric radiographs (also called cephalograms or cephalograms) for diagnosing the condition of a patient's maxilla, mandible, and teeth.
In the orthodontic diagnosis using this cephalometric X-ray photograph, the doctor identifies the tips of the teeth and the anterior nasal spine of the skull, which are predetermined measurement points necessary for the orthodontic diagnosis, from the cephalographic X-ray photograph, It is used for analysis of the positional relationship between the image and the tooth.

More specifically, for example, a doctor traces the contours of hard tissues such as teeth and bones and the contours of soft tissues such as muscles and skin from a cephalometric radiograph to create a trace diagram. Thereafter, the doctor reads predetermined measurement points necessary for corrective diagnosis from the cephalometric X-ray photograph, plots them on a trace diagram, and uses them for analysis.

By the way, in a cephalometric X-ray photograph taken by irradiating X-rays, the outline of soft tissue tends to be unclear compared to that of hard tissue due to the difference in X-ray transmittance. Furthermore, in cephalometric radiographs, there are regions where contours are unclear due to differences in bone density, even for hard tissues.
For this reason, in the field of orthodontics, it is known that when reading predetermined measurement points from a cephalometric X-ray photograph taken by irradiating X-rays, the positional accuracy is low depending on the predetermined measurement points.

Therefore, for example, by applying image processing to a cephalometric X-ray photograph taken by irradiating X-rays, image data suitable for corrective diagnosis with clear hard and soft tissues can be obtained, and predetermined measurement points can be obtained. Various techniques have been proposed to improve the positional accuracy of the (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

However, as in Patent Documents 1 and 2, when obtaining an image suitable for corrective diagnosis by applying image processing to a cephalometric X-ray photograph, it takes a plurality of steps to obtain an image suitable for corrective diagnosis. Since the process is required, efficiency is poor and there is room for improvement.

JP 2012-196316 A Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-229001

In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an information processing apparatus and an information processing program capable of improving the positional accuracy of a predetermined measurement point without applying image processing and acquiring data suitable for orthodontic diagnosis in the field of orthodontics. , an MRI examination apparatus, and an information processing method.

The present invention is an information processing apparatus for supporting diagnosis in orthodontics, comprising image acquisition means for acquiring a longitudinal cross-sectional image substantially parallel to a sagittal plane of a patient's head captured by magnetic resonance, and the longitudinal cross-sectional image. measurement point identification means for identifying a predetermined measurement point for corrective diagnosis based on; cephalometric coordinate acquisition means for acquiring cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the point.

The present invention also provides an information processing program executed by an apparatus for supporting diagnosis in orthodontics, comprising an image acquisition step of acquiring a longitudinal cross-sectional image substantially parallel to the sagittal plane of a patient's head captured by magnetic resonance. a measuring point specifying step of specifying a predetermined measuring point for corrective diagnosis based on the longitudinal cross-sectional image; and a cephalometric coordinate acquisition step of acquiring cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the predetermined measurement point that has been imaged.

In addition, the present invention includes imaging means for imaging a patient's head by magnetic resonance; image output means for outputting at least a longitudinal cross-sectional image substantially parallel to the sagittal plane based on the MRI image imaged by the imaging means; The MRI examination apparatus is characterized by comprising storage means for storing the above information processing program and execution means for executing the information processing program.

The present invention also provides an information processing method performed by an apparatus for supporting diagnosis in orthodontics, wherein an image acquisition means acquires a longitudinal cross-sectional image substantially parallel to the sagittal plane of a patient's head captured by magnetic resonance. an acquisition step; a measurement point identification step in which the measurement point identification means identifies a predetermined measurement point for corrective diagnosis based on the longitudinal cross-sectional image; and based on coordinate information indicating the position of the identified predetermined measurement point. and a cephalometric coordinate acquisition step of acquiring, by a cephalometric coordinate acquisition means, cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the predetermined measurement point imaged by cephalometric X-ray imaging.

The image acquisition means and the image acquisition step read a storage medium to acquire a longitudinal cross-sectional image, or acquire a longitudinal cross-sectional image via a communication line.
The measuring point identifying means and the measuring point identifying step receive the operator's operation and identify the predetermined measuring point by the operator's operation, or the machine learning model automatically identifies the predetermined measuring point.

According to the present invention, an information processing device, an information processing program, an MRI examination device, and an information processing method in the field of orthodontics can improve the positional accuracy of predetermined measurement points without applying image processing, and can also improve the accuracy of orthodontic diagnosis. suitable data can be obtained.

Specifically, the information processing device, the information processing program, the MRI examination device, and the information processing method acquire a longitudinal cross-sectional image of the patient's head by magnetic resonance, and the information processing method is performed by irradiating X-rays and imaging. It is possible to acquire an image with sharper contours of the soft tissue than the image.

For this reason, when specifying predetermined measurement points for corrective diagnosis based on longitudinal cross-sectional images, the information processing apparatus, information processing program, MRI examination apparatus, and information processing method use predetermined measurement points located on the contour of the hard tissue. Points can be identified from the contour of the soft tissue portion.

As a result, the information processing device, the information processing program, the MRI examination device, and the information processing method, for example, even if the predetermined measurement point is located on the contour of a hard tissue with low bone density and the contour tends to be unclear, the predetermined measurement point can facilitate the identification of

Further, by acquiring cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of a predetermined measurement point imaged by cephalometric X-ray imaging, the information processing apparatus, information processing program, MRI examination apparatus, and information processing method can perform the acquired cephalometric coordinates The information can be used, for example, to calculate the positional relationship between the jawbone and the teeth, create a profilogram, and the like.

Therefore, in the field of orthodontics, the information processing device, information processing program, MRI examination device, and information processing method can improve the positional accuracy of predetermined measurement points without applying image processing, and provide data suitable for orthodontic diagnosis. can be obtained.

In addition, since a longitudinal cross-sectional image imaged by magnetic resonance is used, the information processing device, information processing program, MRI examination device, and information processing method are more efficient than when the patient's head is imaged by irradiating X-rays. , the patient exposure dose can be reduced to zero.

Therefore, the information processing device, the information processing program, the MRI examination device, and the information processing method can greatly reduce the burden on children and pregnant women, for example, in orthodontic treatment that requires multiple imagings.

As an aspect of the present invention, the image acquiring means further acquires a cross-sectional image obtained by imaging the patient's head in a cross-sectional plane by magnetic resonance, and the measurement point specifying means comprises the longitudinal cross-sectional image and the transverse cross-sectional image. The predetermined measurement point may be specified based on the surface image.

According to this configuration, the information processing apparatus can correct, for example, the position of the predetermined measurement point on the longitudinal section image using the transverse section image. Therefore, the information processing device can further improve the positional accuracy of the predetermined measurement point.

As a mode of the present invention, output means may be provided for outputting output data based on the predetermined measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information.
The output means means display means for displaying output data, printing means for printing output data, or the like.

According to this configuration, the information processing apparatus can provide output data, such as a profilogram, based on the predetermined measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information to doctors and patients. Therefore, the information processing apparatus can facilitate corrective diagnosis by a doctor.

In another aspect of the present invention, the output means outputs output data in which at least the predetermined measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information are superimposed on a head standardized photograph of the patient's head. good too.
The above-mentioned cephalogram is image data acquired by imaging a three-dimensional model of the patient's head generated from an image taken by magnetic resonance by cephalometric radiography, or This refers to image data obtained by imaging a patient's head using head X standard imaging.

According to this configuration, the information processing device can output a standard head photograph on which predetermined measurement points with high positional accuracy are plotted.
At this time, since the cephalometric coordinate information and the cephalometric coordinate photograph are obtained by cephalometric X-ray imaging, the information processing apparatus does not require size adjustment by image processing, for example, and the predetermined measurement point indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information is obtained. can be superimposed on the head standard photograph without positional deviation.

For this reason, the information processing apparatus not only saves the doctor the trouble of plotting the predetermined measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information on the standardized head photograph, but also allows the doctor to adjust the position based on his/her experience, while the cephalometric coordinate information is displayed. It is possible to save the trouble of superimposing the specified measurement points and the head standardized photograph.

Furthermore, the information processing apparatus can provide the head standard photograph on which the predetermined measurement points are plotted to the doctor and the patient, for example, via a monitor, so that the patient's diagnosis and explanation to the patient can be facilitated.

Further, as an aspect of the present invention, the head standardized photograph obtained by imaging the patient's head may be generated based on an image imaged by magnetic resonance.
According to this configuration, the information processing apparatus can suppress the exposure dose of the patient to zero, as compared with the case where the X-ray is irradiated and the cephalometric radiograph is obtained. Therefore, the information processing apparatus can reliably reduce the burden on, for example, children and pregnant women in orthodontic treatment that requires multiple imagings.

Further, as an aspect of the present invention, the measurement point identification means may be provided with display means for displaying at least the longitudinal section image, and operation reception means for receiving an operator's operation for identifying the predetermined measurement point.

According to this configuration, the information processing apparatus can specify the predetermined measurement points based on the operator's rule of thumb while the operator confirms at least the longitudinal cross-sectional image. For this reason, even at a predetermined measurement point located on the contour of a hard tissue with a low bone density and a tendency to have an unclear contour, the information processing apparatus can provide a longitudinal cross-sectional image with a clear contour of the soft tissue and an operator's empirical rule. , the predetermined measurement point can be specified with higher accuracy.

The present invention also provides an information processing method performed by a device for supporting diagnosis in orthodontics, wherein an image acquisition means acquires a plurality of longitudinal cross-sectional images substantially parallel to a sagittal plane of a patient's head captured by magnetic resonance. a display step of displaying one of the plurality of longitudinal cross-sectional images by a display means; and an image change of the longitudinal cross-sectional image displayed on the display means by an operator's operation. An image changing step in which the means changes the longitudinal cross-sectional image to a different cross-sectional position, and an operation by the operator to specify predetermined measurement points for corrective diagnosis based on the longitudinal cross-sectional image displayed on the display means. cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the predetermined measuring point captured by cephalometric radiography based on the operation receiving step received by the receiving means and the specified coordinate information indicating the position of the predetermined measuring point; and a cephalometric coordinate acquisition step acquired by an acquisition means.

According to this invention, since the operator can specify the predetermined measurement points while changing the longitudinal cross-sectional image displayed on the display means, the predetermined measurement points positioned on the contour of the hard tissue can be accurately identified from the contour of the soft tissue portion. be able to.

Therefore, in the field of orthodontics, the information processing method can improve the positional accuracy of the predetermined measurement points without applying image processing, and can acquire data suitable for orthodontic diagnosis.

Further, the present invention is an information processing apparatus for supporting diagnosis in orthodontics, comprising a three-dimensional model acquiring means for acquiring a three-dimensional model of a patient's head generated from an image of the patient's head captured by magnetic resonance; Measurement point identification means for identifying predetermined measurement points for corrective diagnosis based on the three-dimensional model; cephalometric coordinate acquisition means for acquiring cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the predetermined measurement point.

The present invention also provides an information processing program executed by an apparatus for supporting diagnosis in orthodontics, which acquires a three-dimensional model of a patient's head generated from an image of the patient's head captured by magnetic resonance. an acquisition step; a measurement point identification step of identifying predetermined measurement points for corrective diagnosis based on the three-dimensional model; and head X-rays based on coordinate information indicating the positions of the identified predetermined measurement points. and a cephalometric coordinate acquisition step of acquiring cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the predetermined measurement point captured by the standard imaging.

The present invention also provides imaging means for imaging a patient's head by magnetic resonance; three-dimensional model output means for outputting a three-dimensional model of the patient's head based on the MRI image imaged by the imaging means; The MRI examination apparatus is characterized by comprising storage means for storing the above information processing program and execution means for executing the information processing program.

The present invention also provides an information processing method executed by an apparatus for supporting diagnosis in orthodontics, wherein a three-dimensional model of the patient's head generated from an image obtained by imaging the patient's head by magnetic resonance is obtained by a three-dimensional model acquisition means. a three-dimensional model acquisition step acquired by; a measurement point identification step in which the measurement point identification means identifies predetermined measurement points for corrective diagnosis based on the three-dimensional model; and positions of the identified predetermined measurement points. and a cephalometric coordinate acquisition step of acquiring cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the predetermined measurement point imaged by cephalometric X-ray imaging by a cephalometric coordinate acquisition means based on the indicated coordinate information.

According to the present invention, in the field of orthodontics, it is possible to improve the positional accuracy of predetermined measurement points without applying image processing, and to obtain data suitable for orthodontic diagnosis.
Specifically, an information processing device, an information processing program, an MRI examination device, and an information processing method acquire a three-dimensional model generated from an image of a patient's head captured by magnetic resonance, thereby providing a patient's head. can be confirmed from various directions, it is possible to easily confirm the positions of the predetermined measurement points for corrective diagnosis, as compared with an image obtained by irradiating the patient's head with X-rays.

Furthermore, since the contour of the soft tissue of the three-dimensional model acquired by the three-dimensional model acquisition means is clearer than the three-dimensional model generated from the image captured by irradiating X-rays, the information processing device, the information processing program, and the MRI The inspection device and the information processing method can identify predetermined measurement points located on the contour of the hard tissue, which tends to be blurred, from the contour of the soft tissue.

Furthermore, for example, by extracting only the hard tissue portion from the three-dimensional model, the information processing device, the information processing program, the MRI examination device, and the information processing method can perform the predetermined measurement located on the contour of the hard tissue, which tends to be blurred. Not only the points but also the predetermined measurement points located on the relatively sharp outline of the hard tissue can be accurately and easily specified by the three-dimensional model.

By acquiring cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of a predetermined measurement point imaged by cephalometric X-ray imaging, the information processing apparatus, information processing program, MRI examination apparatus, and information processing method can perform the acquired cephalometric coordinates. The information can be used, for example, to calculate the positional relationship between the jawbone and the teeth, create a profilogram, and the like.

Therefore, in the field of orthodontics, the information processing device, information processing program, MRI examination device, and information processing method can improve the positional accuracy of predetermined measurement points without applying image processing, and provide data suitable for orthodontic diagnosis. can be obtained.

In addition, since a three-dimensional model generated from an image captured by magnetic resonance is used, the information processing device, information processing program, MRI examination device, and information processing method use X-ray irradiation to image the patient's head. Compared to the case, the patient's exposure dose can be suppressed to zero.

Therefore, the information processing device, the information processing program, the MRI examination device, and the information processing method can greatly reduce the burden on children and pregnant women, for example, in orthodontic treatment that requires multiple imagings.

As a mode of the present invention, output means for outputting output data based on the predetermined measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information may be provided.
According to this configuration, the information processing apparatus can provide output data, such as a profilogram, based on the predetermined measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information to doctors and patients. Therefore, the information processing apparatus can facilitate corrective diagnosis by a doctor.

In another aspect of the present invention, the output means outputs output data in which at least the predetermined measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information are superimposed on a head standardized photograph of the patient's head. good too.
According to this configuration, the information processing device can output a standard head photograph on which predetermined measurement points with high positional accuracy are plotted.

Furthermore, since the cephalometric coordinate information and the standardized head photograph are obtained by standardized x-ray photography of the head, the information processing apparatus eliminates the need for size adjustment by image processing and positional adjustment by a doctor, for example. It can be superimposed on the standard photo.

Further, as an aspect of the present invention, the head standardized photograph obtained by imaging the patient's head may be generated based on an image imaged by magnetic resonance.
According to this configuration, the exposure dose of the patient can be suppressed to zero as compared with the case where X-rays are irradiated and the cephalometric X-ray standard photograph is obtained. Therefore, the information processing apparatus can reliably reduce the burden on, for example, children and pregnant women in orthodontic treatment that requires multiple imagings.

Further, as an aspect of the present invention, the measurement point identification means includes display means for displaying the three-dimensional model acquired by the three-dimensional model acquisition means, and a model for receiving an operation of the three-dimensional model displayed on the display means. An operation means and an operation reception means for receiving an operator's operation specifying the predetermined measurement point may be provided.

The operation of the three-dimensional model includes, for example, an operation of changing the orientation and size of the three-dimensional model displayed on the display means, an operation of switching between display and non-display of the soft tissue part, an operation of arbitrary This refers to operations such as displaying a cross section at the cross section position.

According to this configuration, the operator can identify the predetermined measurement points based on the operator's empirical rule while confirming the three-dimensional model from various directions.
For this reason, the information processing apparatus can generate a three-dimensional image of the patient's head using magnetic resonance even at a predetermined measurement point located on the contour of a hard tissue whose bone density is low and the contour tends to be unclear. Based on the model and the operator's empirical rule, the predetermined measurement points can be specified with higher accuracy.

According to the present invention, in the field of orthodontics, an information processing device, an information processing program, an MRI examination device, and an information processing device capable of improving the positional accuracy of a predetermined measurement point without adding image processing and acquiring data suitable for orthodontic diagnosis. An information processing method can be provided.

The block diagram which shows the structure of an MRI examination apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the MRI examination apparatus; FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing processing operations when an imaging support program is executed; 4 is a flowchart showing processing operations in the first support processing; Schematic diagram showing an outline of a first operation screen. 9 is a flowchart showing processing operations in the second support processing; Schematic which shows the outline of a 2nd operation screen. Explanatory drawing explaining specification of the measurement point based on an MRI image. Explanatory drawing explaining specification of the measurement point based on an MRI image. Schematic diagram for explaining an outline of a pseudo cephalometric image in which measurement points are superimposed. Schematic which shows the outline of the 2nd operation screen in another embodiment. Schematic diagram showing an outline of a second operation screen in a modified example. Schematic diagram showing an outline of a second operation screen in a modified example. Schematic diagram showing an outline of a second operation screen in a modified example.

An embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
In the field of orthodontics, the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 with respect to an MRI examination apparatus 1 that assists a doctor's diagnosis using standard head photographs.
1 shows a configuration diagram of the MRI examination apparatus 1, and FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the MRI examination apparatus 1. As shown in FIG.

First, the MRI examination apparatus 1 is an abbreviation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging examination apparatus, and is an apparatus that images a patient M using a magnetic resonance phenomenon and obtains a plurality of tomographic images along the cross section of the patient M.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the MRI examination apparatus 1 controls an apparatus main body 2 for imaging a patient M by magnetic resonance, controls the operation of the apparatus main body 2, and performs imaging data obtained from the apparatus main body 2. and an information processing device 3 that performs various types of information processing.
The device body 2 and the information processing device 3 are communicably connected via a communication line 4 .

The device main body 2 is operated by an operator via the information processing device 3, and has a function of acquiring a cross-sectional tomographic image of the patient M as an MRI image, and information processing of a plurality of MRI images via a communication line 4. and a function of outputting to the device 3 .

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the apparatus main body 2 includes a bed 21 on which the patient M lies, a cylindrical frame 22 for imaging the patient M on the bed 21, and a communication line 4 connected to each other. It is composed of a unit 23 and a body control unit 24 that controls these operations.
Note that the device main body 2 is an existing device and is a well-known technology, and therefore will be briefly described here.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the bed 21 includes a bed main body (reference numerals omitted) on which the patient M lies on his back, and a bed drive section for moving the bed main body based on a control signal from the main body control section 24. 21a. The bed drive unit 21 a is configured to be able to move the main body of the bed in a direction toward the inner space of the gantry 22 and a direction away from the inner space of the gantry 22 .

Further, the gantry 22 has a function of generating a magnetic field in the cylindrical inner space, a function of radiating electromagnetic waves toward the inner space, and a function of receiving signals generated from the patient. As shown in FIG. 2, the gantry 22 includes a gantry drive unit 22a that generates a magnetic field and electromagnetic waves based on a control signal from the body control unit 24, and a receiver 22b that receives signals generated by the patient. ing.

The communication unit 23 is composed of, for example, a wired LAN board, and has a function of connecting to the communication line 4 and a function of transmitting and receiving various information via the communication line 4 .
The body control unit 24 is composed of hardware such as a CPU and memory, and software such as a control program.

The body control unit 24 has a processing function related to transmission/reception of various signals with the information processing device 3, a processing function related to transmission/reception of various signals with the bed 21, the pedestal 22, and the communication unit 23, and a predetermined bus. It has a function to control the operation of each part connected by

On the other hand, the information processing device 3 has a function of receiving various operations by an operator, a function of exchanging various signals with the device main body 2, and a function of performing various information processing on a plurality of MRI images obtained from the device main body 2. and a function to support orthodontic diagnosis.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the information processing apparatus 3 includes a display unit 31 for displaying various information, an operation receiving unit 32 for receiving operator operations, a storage unit 33 for storing various information, and a communication line. 4 and a control unit 35 for controlling these operations.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1 , the display unit 31 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display, and has a function of displaying various information according to control signals from the control unit 35 .
As shown in FIG. 1, the operation reception unit 32 is composed of, for example, a keyboard 32a and a mouse 32b. and

The storage unit 33 is composed of a hard disk, a nonvolatile memory, or the like, and has a function of writing and storing various types of information and a function of reading out various types of information. The storage unit 33 stores an imaging support program 36 for supporting imaging of the patient M using the device main body 2, a plurality of MRI images 37 acquired from the device main body 2, and a diagnostic support program for supporting orthodontic diagnosis by a doctor. 38 etc. are stored.

The communication unit 34 is composed of, for example, a wired LAN board, and has a function of connecting to the communication line 4 and a function of transmitting and receiving various information via the communication line 4 .
The control unit 35 includes hardware such as a CPU and memory, and software such as a control program.

The control unit 35 has a processing function related to transmission/reception of various signals with the apparatus main body 2, a processing function related to transmission/reception of various signals with the display unit 31, the operation reception unit 32, the storage unit 33, and the communication unit 34, It has a function of controlling the operation of each unit connected via a predetermined bus.

Next, processing operations when the control unit 35 of the information processing device 3 executes the imaging support program 36 and the diagnosis support program 38 in the MRI examination apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7. .

3 shows a sequence diagram of processing operations when the imaging support program 36 is executed, and FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of processing operations in the first support processing.
Further, FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of the first operation screen 50, FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of processing operations in the second support process, and FIG.

First, the processing operation until the information processing device 3 acquires the MRI image 37 will be briefly described.
Specifically, when the patient is lying on his/her back on the bed 21 of the device body 2 and receives an operator's operation to execute the imaging support program 36, the control unit 35 of the information processing device 3 executes the imaging support program 36. Execute and make it ready for operator operations.

After that, when the operator's operation to start imaging the patient is received, the control unit 35 of the information processing device 3 transmits control information indicating the start of imaging to the device main body 2 via the communication line 4, as shown in FIG. Send (step S101).

The body control unit 24 of the device body 2 that has acquired the control information starts moving the bed body toward the inner space of the gantry 22 as shown in FIG. 3 (step S102). Further, the main control unit 24 generates a magnetic field in the inner space of the gantry 22, irradiates the inner space of the gantry 22 with electromagnetic waves, and causes the gantry 22 to start imaging the patient's head (step S103).

When imaging of the patient's head is started, the body control unit 24 sequentially acquires the MRI images 37, which are cross-sectional images of the patient, and temporarily stores the acquired MRI images (step S104). .
After that, when imaging of the patient is completed, the body control unit 24 transmits all the temporarily stored MRI images to the information processing device 3 via the communication line 4 (step S105).

Furthermore, the main body control unit 24 stops the generation of the magnetic field and the irradiation of the electromagnetic waves, and moves the main body of the bed on which the patient is lying in a direction away from the gantry 22 so as to return the main body of the bed on which the patient is lying ( step S106).

On the other hand, when receiving a plurality of MRI images via the communication line 4, the control unit 35 of the information processing device 3 stores the received MRI images 37 in association with each other in the storage unit 33, and images the patient's head. is ended (step S107).

After the imaging of the patient, when the MRI image 37 of the patient is stored in the storage unit 33 and the diagnosis support program 38 is executed by the operation of the doctor, the control unit 35 of the information processing device 3 performs the operation as shown in FIG. Then, the first support process is started to support the orthodontic diagnosis by the doctor.

Specifically, when the first support process is started, the control unit 35 of the information processing device 3 receives an operator's operation and performs an MRI, which is a three-dimensional model showing the patient's head, as shown in FIG. A three-dimensional model is generated from a plurality of MRI images 37 and stored in the storage unit 33 (step S111).

This MRI three-dimensional model includes a longitudinal section image which is a tomographic image substantially parallel to the patient's sagittal plane, a transverse section image which is a tomographic image along the transverse plane, and a frontal plane image which is a tomographic image along the frontal plane. can be obtained at any position.

Since the longitudinal section image, the transverse section image, and the frontal plane image are generated from the 3D MRI model, the MRI images have clear soft tissue contours compared to images obtained by imaging the patient with X-rays.

More specifically, the control unit 35 provides the MRI image 37, which is a cross-sectional tomographic image, with coordinate information in which the lateral direction of the patient is the X-axis direction and the longitudinal direction of the patient is the Y-axis direction.
Furthermore, the control unit 35 generates an MRI three-dimensional model having three-dimensional coordinate information by adding coordinate information with the vertical direction of the patient as the Z-axis direction and stacking the MRI images 37 in the Z-axis direction. .

When the MRI three-dimensional model is generated, the control unit 35, as shown in FIG. A pseudo cephalometric image is generated (step S112).

Specifically, the control unit 35 extracts the soft tissue contour portion and the hard tissue contour portion from the plurality of MRI images 37, respectively, and uses the extracted soft tissue contour portion and hard tissue contour portion to determine the patient's head. Generate a 3D model of the part.
For example, the control unit 35 extracts the skin contour and cortical bone contour from the plurality of MRI images 37 to generate a three-dimensional model of the patient's head.

After that, the control unit 35 simulates lateral head X-ray imaging of the three-dimensional model generated by the contour portion of the soft tissue and the contour portion of the hard tissue from the side. Acquire a lateral head standard photograph corresponding to the photograph. Then, the control unit 35 stores the standardized lateral head photograph thus obtained in the storage unit 33 as a pseudo cephalometric image.

In this embodiment, Naoko Tai Okayama University Examination Doctoral Thesis "Research on Cephalometric Analysis Using Three-Dimensional MRI Images" (Okayama University Academic Results Repository http://ousar.lib.okayama-u.ac.jp / September 30, 2013), a pseudo cephalometric image is generated from the MRI image 37 .

After generating the MRI three-dimensional model and the pseudo cephalometric image, the control unit 35 displays the first operation screen 50 on the display unit 31 as shown in FIG. (step S113).

On the first operation screen 50, as shown in FIG. 5, a pseudo-Cephalometric image 52 is displayed in an image display area 51 provided on the left side of the screen. A slider 53 is displayed below the image display range 51 .

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the first operation screen 50 includes a name column in which the name of the measuring point is registered and a specified column in which a circle indicating completion of specifying the measuring point is registered. A measurement point list 54 is displayed on the right side of the image display range 51 .

In addition, on the first operation screen 50, as shown in FIG. 5, a position confirmation button 55 for confirming the position of the measurement point and an image switching button 56 for switching the image displayed in the image display range 51 are specified. An output button 57 for starting output processing based on the measured points is displayed below the list of measured points 54 .

Returning to step S113 in FIG. 4, when the first operation screen 50 is displayed, the control unit 35 determines whether or not the name of any measurement point in the measurement point list 54 has been selected by the doctor's operation ( step S114).
If the name of the measuring point has not been selected (step S114: No), the control unit 35 waits until the name of the measuring point is selected.

On the other hand, if any measurement point name has been selected (step S114: Yes), the control unit 35 determines whether or not the image switching button 56 has been pressed by the doctor's operation, as shown in FIG. (step S115).
If the image switching button 56 has not been pressed (step S115: No), the control unit 35 determines whether or not the inside of the image display range 51 has been pressed as shown in FIG. 4 (step S116).

When the inside of the image display range 51 is pressed, that is, when an arbitrary position on the pseudo cephalometric image 52 is pressed (step S116: Yes), the control unit 35 displays a circle mark (not shown) indicating the pressed position. ) is superimposed on the pseudo cephalometric image 52 and displayed (step S117).

At this time, the doctor visually determines whether or not the position of the circle is displayed at the position of the desired measurement point. Press 55. If the circle deviates from the desired position of the measurement point, the doctor presses an arbitrary position on the pseudo cephalometric image 52 again to correct the position of the circle.

When the circle is displayed in the image display range 51, the controller 35 determines whether or not the position determination button 55 has been pressed by the doctor's operation, as shown in FIG. 4 (step S118).
When the position confirmation button 55 is pressed (step S118: Yes), the control unit 35 converts the coordinate information indicating the position of the circle on the pseudo cephalometric image 52 to the position of the measurement point, as shown in FIG. It is obtained as cephalometric coordinate information (step S119).

After that, the control unit 35 associates the cephalometric coordinate information with the name of the measurement point and stores them in the storage unit 33, and displays a circle mark in the specified column of the measurement point list 54 corresponding to the name of the measurement point.

If the image display range 51 is not pressed in step S116 (step S116: No), or if the position determination button 55 is not pressed in step S118 (step S118: No), the control unit 35 , the process returns to step S115, and steps S115 to S118 are repeated.

Further, in step S115 of FIG. 4, when the image switching button 56 is pressed by the doctor's operation (step S115: Yes), the control unit 35 uses the MRI three-dimensional model as shown in FIG. A second support process for supporting point identification is started (step S120).

Specifically, when the second support process is started, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 35 displays a second operation screen 60 on the display unit for receiving operations by the doctor to specify the measurement points necessary for orthodontic diagnosis. 31 (step S131).

As shown in FIG. 7, the second operation screen 60 displays a cross-sectional image 62 and a longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 in an image display range 61 provided at the top of the screen. An up button 64 and a down button 65 for moving the cross-sectional position of 62 upward or downward are displayed.

Further, on the second operation screen 60, as shown in FIG. 7, a left button 66 and a right button 67 for moving the cross-sectional position of the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 leftward or rightward are displayed below the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63. A slider 68 for simultaneously adjusting the "brightness" and "contrast" of the cross-sectional image 62 and the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 is displayed at the bottom left of the screen.

In addition, on the second operation screen 60, as shown in FIG. 7, a frontal plane display button 69 for displaying a frontal plane image, which is a tomographic image at a cross-sectional position along the frontal plane, and a button for ending the second support process. A cancel button 70 for returning to the first operation screen 50 and a position confirmation button 71 for confirming the position pressed by the doctor's operation as a measurement point are displayed in the lower right part of the screen.

Note that the cross-sectional image 62 displayed in the image display range 61 is an MRI tomographic image obtained by imaging the 3D MRI model generated in step S111 of FIG. 4 at an arbitrary cross-sectional position in the vertical direction.
On the other hand, the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 displayed in the image display range 61 is an MRI tomographic image obtained by imaging the 3D MRI model generated in step S111 in FIG. 4 at an arbitrary cross-sectional position in the horizontal direction.

When returning to step S131 in FIG. 6 and displaying the second operation screen 60, the control unit 35 determines whether or not a position corresponding to a measurement point within the image display range 61 has been pressed by the doctor's operation (step S132). ).
At this time, the doctor reads, for example, the position corresponding to the measurement point located on the contour of the hard tissue from the contour of the soft tissue portion and presses down.

When the inside of the image display range 61 is pressed, that is, when an arbitrary position on the cross-sectional image 62 or the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 is pressed (step S132: Yes), the control unit 35 performs the operations shown in FIGS. As shown, a circle W indicating the depressed position is superimposed on the cross-sectional image 62 and the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 and displayed (step S133).

More specifically, for example, when the cross-sectional image 62 is pressed before the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63, the control unit 35 controls the position of the pressed position on the cross-sectional image 62 based on the coordinate information in the X-axis direction and the coordinate information in the Y-axis direction. Then, a circle mark W indicating the pressed position is displayed on the cross-sectional image 62 .

Furthermore, based on the Y-axis coordinate information of the pressed position in the cross-sectional image 62 and the Z-axis coordinate information of the cross-sectional position of the cross-sectional image 62, the control unit 35 detects the vertical cross-section corresponding to the pressed position. The position on the image 63 is calculated, and the circle W is superimposed on the longitudinal section image 63 and displayed.

Alternatively, when the vertical cross-sectional image 63 is pressed before the horizontal cross-sectional image 62, the control unit 35, based on the coordinate information in the Y-axis direction and the coordinate information in the Z-axis direction of the pressed position in the vertical cross-sectional image 63, A circle mark W indicating the pressed position is displayed on the vertical cross-sectional image 63 .

Furthermore, based on the coordinate information in the X-axis direction, which is the cross-sectional position of the vertical cross-sectional image 63, and the coordinate information in the Y-axis direction of the pressed position in the vertical cross-sectional image 63, the control unit 35 determines the horizontal cross-section corresponding to the pressed position. The position on the image 62 is calculated, and the circle W is superimposed on the cross-sectional image 62 and displayed.

When the circle W is displayed, the doctor visually determines whether or not the position of the circle W is displayed at the position of the desired measurement point, and the circle W is displayed at the position of the desired measurement point. If so, the position fix button 71 is pressed.
If the circle W deviates from the desired position of the measurement point, the doctor presses an arbitrary position on the cross-sectional image 62 or longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 again to correct the position of the circle W.

When the circle mark W is displayed on the transverse cross-sectional image 62 and the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63, the control unit 35 determines whether or not the frontal plane display button 69 has been pressed by the doctor's operation, as shown in FIG. 6 (step S134). ).
If the frontal plane display button 69 has not been pressed (step S134: No), the control unit 35 skips step S135 and advances the process to step S136, which will be described later.

On the other hand, if the frontal plane display button 69 is pressed (step S134: Yes), the control unit 35 displays the frontal plane image at the cross-sectional position passing through the circle W based on the coordinate information of the circle W in the Y-axis direction. is generated from the MRI three-dimensional model and displayed on the display unit 31 (step S135).
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 35 determines whether or not the position determination button 71 has been pressed by the doctor's operation (step S136).

When the position confirmation button 71 is pressed by the doctor's operation (step S136: Yes), the control unit 35 converts the coordinate information indicating the position of the circle mark W into the coordinate information of the desired measurement point, as shown in FIG. (step S137).
Further, the control unit 35 acquires cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging positions of the measurement points in the lateral head standard photograph (step S138).

More specifically, the control unit 35 calculates the coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the measurement point when the image is simulated by the cephalometric X-ray standard imaging from the side from the coordinate information of the acquired circle mark W. , obtained as cephalometric coordinate information.

When the cephalometric coordinate information is acquired, the control unit 35 associates the cephalometric coordinate information with the names of the measurement points and stores them in the storage unit 33. display.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 35 ends the second support process, returns the process to step S120 in FIG. 4, and displays the first operation screen 50. FIG.

It should be noted that in step S132 of FIG. 6, if the inside of the image display range 61 has not been pressed (step S132: No), or if the position confirmation button 55 has not been pressed in step S136 of FIG. ), the control unit 35 returns the process to step S132.

Returning to step S120 in FIG. 4, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 35 determines whether or not the output button 57 has been pressed by the doctor's operation (step S121).
If the output button 57 has not been pressed (step S121: No), as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 35 assumes that all the measurement points have not been specified, and returns the process to step S114. The processing from step S114 to step S121 is repeated until the output button 57 is pressed.

On the other hand, when the output button 57 is pressed (step S121: Yes), the control unit 35 starts output processing for outputting preset output data for corrective diagnosis based on the acquired cephalometric coordinate information. (Step S122).

For example, when the output process is started, the control unit 35 calculates the length of the straight line connecting the measurement points, the angle with respect to the reference plane, etc., based on the cephalometric coordinate information, and determines the relative positional relationship between the tooth and the jawbone. Obtained as an analysis result shown.

After that, the control unit 35 displays the profilogram generated based on the analysis result on the display unit 31, or displays the measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information on the display unit 31 by superimposing them on the pseudo cephalometric image 52. End the first support process.

Subsequently, the process from step S113 to step S122 through step S120 in FIG. 10 for further details.

8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the specification of measurement points based on MRI images. FIG. 8A shows a cross-sectional image 62 displayed in an image display range 61, and FIG. A vertical cross-sectional image 63 displayed in a display range 61 is shown.

Further, FIGS. 9A and 9B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the identification of measurement points based on MRI images, FIG. 9A shows a longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 displayed in an image display range 61, and FIG. FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a head standard photograph taken at point ANS.
In addition, FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram for explaining an outline of a pseudo cephalometric image 52 on which the measurement points ANS are superimposed.

First, the measurement point ANS desired by the doctor is located on the contour of the hard tissue, but it is known to be a region with low bone density that tends to be unclear in the pseudo cephalometric image 52 (see FIG. 10).
Therefore, since the doctor cannot identify the measurement point ANS with the pseudo cephalometric image 52 on the first operation screen 50 , the doctor presses the image switching button 56 to call the second operation screen 60 .

At this time, the control unit 35 of the information processing device 3 moves from step S115: Yes in FIG. 4 to step S120 to start the second support process, and then, in step S131 in FIG. Displayed on the display unit 31 .

When the second operation screen 60 is displayed on the display unit 31, the doctor confirms the cross-sectional image 62 displayed in the image display range 61 as shown in FIG. Press the desired position. At this time, the doctor reads the position corresponding to the measurement point ANS located on the contour of the hard tissue from the contour of the soft tissue portion of the cross-sectional image 62 and presses it down.

When the cross-sectional image 62 is pressed, the control unit 35 of the information processing device 3 superimposes a circle W indicating the pressed position on the cross-sectional image 62 and displays it in step S132 of FIG.
Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, the control unit 35 converts the Y-axis coordinate information of the pressed position on the cross-sectional image 62 to the Z-axis coordinate information of the cross-sectional position of the cross-sectional image 62. Based on this, the position on the vertical cross-sectional image 63 corresponding to the pressed position is calculated, and the circle mark W is superimposed on the vertical cross-sectional image 63 and displayed.

Then, if the frontal plane display button 69 is not pressed (step S134 in FIG. 6: No) and the position confirmation button 55 is not pressed (step S136 in FIG. 6: No), the control unit 35 of the information processing device 3 ), and continues to accept pressing operations within the image display range 61 . Thereby, the control part 35 enables the position correction of the circle mark W. FIG.

When the circle W is displayed, the doctor sees that the circle W is displayed at a position corresponding to the measurement point ANS in the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 displayed in the image display range 61, as shown in FIG. 8(b). Check to see if Here, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the circle W is displaced downward with respect to the measurement point ANS.

Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 8B and 9A, the doctor corrects the position of the circle W by pressing the position corresponding to the measurement point ANS on the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 .
At this time, the control unit 35 controls the cross section corresponding to the pressed position based on coordinate information in the X-axis direction, which is the cross-sectional position of the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 , and coordinate information in the Y-axis direction of the pressed position in the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 . The position of the circle W on the cross-sectional image 62 is also corrected by calculating the position on the plane image 62 and displaying the circle W on the cross-sectional image 62 .

After that, as shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 9(a), the doctor continues until the circle W is displayed at the position corresponding to the measurement point ANS on the transverse cross-sectional image 62 and the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63. The cross section image 62 and the longitudinal section image 63 are repeatedly pressed to correct the position of the circle W.

Further, the doctor who wants to confirm the position of the circle W more accurately presses the frontal plane display button 69 on the second operation screen 60 to confirm the position of the circle W on the frontal plane image.
At this time, in step S135, the control unit 35 displays the screen displaying the frontal plane image on the display unit 31 until the screen is closed by the doctor's operation.

In the frontal plane image, when the circle W is displayed at the position corresponding to the measurement point ANS, the doctor presses the position determination button 71 to specify the circle W as the measurement point ANS.
At this time, the control unit 35 of the information processing device 3 acquires coordinate information indicating the position of the circle W in step S137 of FIG. Get cephalometric coordinate information. After that, the control unit 35 advances the process to step S121 in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b), this cephalometric coordinate information is obtained by removing only the longitudinal section image 63 from the superimposed data of the longitudinal section image 63 and the circle W, and then This is coordinate information indicating the position of the circle mark W on the pseudo cephalometric image 80 obtained by standard cephalometric radiography from the side.

The doctor who presses the position determination button 71 presses the output button 57 in the first operation screen 50 to obtain output data based on the pseudo cephalometric image 52 and the cephalometric coordinate information.

At this time, for example, in step S122 of FIG. 4, the control unit 35 of the information processing device 3 superimposes the measurement point ANS indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information on the pseudo cephalometric image 52 generated in step S112 in the image data 90 (FIG. 10). ) is displayed on the display unit 31 as output data.
In this manner, the MRI examination apparatus 1 of the present embodiment can specify the measurement points that tend to be unclear in the cephalometric X-ray standard photograph using the MRI image 37, and also generates the image data 90 suitable for corrective diagnosis. making it available.

As described above, the information processing device 3 of the present embodiment is a device that supports diagnosis in orthodontics.
The information processing apparatus 3 includes image acquisition means (control unit 35) for acquiring a longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 substantially parallel to the sagittal plane obtained by imaging the patient's head by magnetic resonance, and correction based on the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63. A measurement point identification unit (display unit 31, operation reception unit 32, control unit 35) for identifying measurement points for diagnosis is provided.

Further, the information processing apparatus 3 includes cephalometric coordinate acquisition means (control unit 35) for acquiring cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the measurement point imaged by cephalometric X-ray imaging.

Further, the diagnosis support program 38 in this embodiment is a program executed by a device for supporting diagnosis in orthodontics.
This diagnostic support program 38 includes an image acquisition step (step S113) of acquiring a longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 substantially parallel to the sagittal plane in which the patient's head is imaged by magnetic resonance, and a corrective diagnosis based on the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63. , and a measurement point identification step (steps S131 to S137) for identifying the measurement points for .

Further, the diagnosis support program 38 executes a cephalometric coordinate acquisition step (step S138) for acquiring cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the measurement point imaged by cephalometric X-ray imaging.

Further, the MRI examination apparatus 1 in this embodiment includes imaging means (apparatus main body 2) for imaging a patient's head by magnetic resonance, and based on the MRI image 37 imaged by the imaging means, an image substantially parallel to at least the sagittal plane. and image output means (the control unit 35 of the information processing apparatus 3) for outputting a vertical cross-sectional image 63. FIG.

Furthermore, the MRI examination apparatus 1 includes storage means (storage unit 33 of the information processing device 3) for storing the diagnostic support program 38 described above, and execution means (control unit 35 of the information processing device 3) for executing the diagnosis support program 38. and

Further, the information processing method in this embodiment is a method performed by an apparatus for supporting diagnosis in orthodontics.
This information processing method includes an image acquisition step (step S113) in which an image acquisition means acquires a longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 substantially parallel to a sagittal plane obtained by imaging the patient's head by magnetic resonance (step S113); Based on the image 63, a measuring point specifying step (steps S131 to S137) for specifying measuring points for corrective diagnosis is performed.

Further, the information processing method performs a cephalometric coordinate acquisition step (step S138) in which cephalometric coordinate acquisition means acquires cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the measurement point imaged by cephalometric radiography.

According to this configuration, the information processing device 3, the diagnostic support program 38, the MRI examination device 1, and the information processing method can improve the positional accuracy of the measurement points without applying image processing in the field of orthodontics. Output data suitable for corrective diagnosis can be obtained.

Specifically, the information processing device 3, the diagnostic support program 38, the MRI examination device 1, and the information processing method irradiate X-rays by acquiring a longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 of the patient's head captured by magnetic resonance. It is possible to obtain an image with a clear contour of the soft tissue as compared with the image captured by the laser.

Therefore, when specifying measurement points for corrective diagnosis based on the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63, the information processing device 3, the diagnosis support program 38, the MRI examination device 1, and the information processing method are positioned on the contour of the hard tissue. Measurement points to be measured can be identified from the contour of the soft tissue portion.

As a result, the information processing device 3, the diagnostic support program 38, the MRI examination device 1, and the information processing method can measure, for example, even measurement points located on the contours of hard tissues that have low bone density and tend to have unclear contours. Point identification can be facilitated.

Furthermore, by acquiring the cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the measurement point imaged by the cephalometric radiography, the information processing device 3, the diagnostic support program 38, the MRI examination device 1, and the information processing method can be The cephalometric coordinate information can be used, for example, to calculate the positional relationship between the jawbone and the tooth and to create a profilogram.

Therefore, the information processing device 3, the diagnosis support program 38, the MRI examination device 1, and the information processing method can improve the positional accuracy of measurement points without image processing in the field of orthodontics, and are suitable for orthodontic diagnosis. output data can be obtained.

In addition, since the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 captured by magnetic resonance is used, the information processing device 3, the diagnostic support program 38, the MRI examination device 1, and the information processing method use X-ray irradiation to image the patient's head. Compared to the case, the patient's exposure dose can be suppressed to zero.

Therefore, the information processing device 3, the diagnostic support program 38, the MRI examination device 1, and the information processing method can greatly reduce the burden on children and pregnant women, for example, in orthodontic treatment that requires multiple imagings.

The image acquisition means (control unit 35) further acquires a cross-sectional image 62 obtained by capturing a cross-sectional image of the patient's head by magnetic resonance.
Furthermore, the measurement point identifying means (the display unit 31, the operation reception unit 32, and the control unit 35) is configured to identify the measurement points based on the longitudinal section image 63 and the transverse section image 62. FIG.

According to this configuration, the information processing device 3 can correct the position of the measurement point on the longitudinal section image 63 using the transverse section image 62, for example. Therefore, the information processing device 3 can further improve the positional accuracy of the measurement points.

The information processing device 3 also includes output means (the display unit 31 and the control unit 35) for outputting output data based on the measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information.
According to this configuration, the information processing device 3 can provide output data, such as a profilogram, based on the measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information to doctors and patients. Therefore, the information processing device 3 can facilitate corrective diagnosis by a doctor.

The output means outputs output data (image data 90) in which at least the measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information are superimposed on the pseudo cephalometric image 52 of the patient's head.
According to this configuration, the information processing device 3 can output the pseudo cephalometric image 52 on which measurement points with high positional accuracy are plotted.

At this time, since the cephalometric coordinate information and the pseudo cephalometric image 52 have been obtained by cephalometric X-ray imaging, the information processing apparatus 3 eliminates the need for size adjustment by image processing, for example, and calculates the measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information. can be superimposed on the pseudo cephalometric image 52 without displacement.

For this reason, the information processing apparatus 3 not only saves the doctor the trouble of plotting the measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information on the pseudo cephalometric image 52, but also allows the doctor to adjust the position based on his/her experience, for example. This saves the trouble of superimposing the indicated measurement points on the pseudo cephalometric image 52 .

Furthermore, the information processing device 3 can provide the pseudo cephalometric image 52 on which the measurement points are plotted to the doctor and the patient via the display unit 31, for example, so that the diagnosis of the patient and the explanation to the patient can be facilitated. .

Also, the pseudo cephalometric image 52 of the patient's head is generated based on the image captured by magnetic resonance.
According to this configuration, the information processing apparatus 3 can suppress the exposure dose of the patient to zero, as compared with the case where X-rays are irradiated and the cephalometric X-ray standard photograph is obtained. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 3 can reliably reduce the burden on children and pregnant women, for example, in orthodontic treatment that requires multiple imagings.

Moreover, the measurement point identifying means is provided with at least a display section 31 that displays the longitudinal section image 63 and an operation reception section 32 that receives an operator's operation for identifying the measurement point.
According to this configuration, the information processing device 3 can specify the measurement points based on the operator's rule of thumb while the operator confirms at least the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 . For this reason, the information processing device 3, for example, even if the measurement point is located on the contour of the hard tissue, which has a low bone density and tends to have an unclear contour, the longitudinal section image 63 with a clear contour of the soft tissue and the operator's empirical rule and the measurement points can be specified with higher accuracy.

(Modification)
FIG. 12 to FIG. 12 show schematic diagrams of the second operation screen 200 in the modification of the MRI examination apparatus 1 in which the image displayed in the second support process of FIG. 6 differs from that of the MRI examination apparatus 1 of the embodiment described above 14 will be used for explanation.
In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those of the above-described embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

First, when the first support process is started by the doctor's operation, the control unit 35 of the information processing device 3 performs the processing operations from step S111 to step S114 in FIG. 4, as in the above-described embodiment.

After that, in step S115 of FIG. 4, when the doctor presses the image switching button 56 on the first operation screen 50 (step S115: Yes), the control unit 35 of the information processing device 3 changes the image as shown in FIG. Then, the second support process is started and the second operation screen 200 is displayed on the display section 31 (step S131).

As an example, on the second operation screen 200, as shown in FIG. 12, an image display range 202 in which a three-dimensional model used for identifying measurement points necessary for orthodontic diagnosis is displayed as a head three-dimensional image 201. , and a hard tissue display button 203 and a reduced model display button 204 for changing the display state of the three-dimensional head image 201 are displayed.

Further, the second operation screen 200 includes three cross-section buttons (XY cross-section button 205, YZ cross-section button 206, and XZ cross-section button 207), slider 68, frontal plane display button 69, cancel button 70, and position confirmation button 71. is displayed.
In the image display range 202 of the second operation screen 200, each time the display hard tissue button 203 is pressed, one of the two three-dimensional models generated from the plurality of MRI images 37 is displayed as a head three-dimensional image. 201.

More specifically, the image display range 202 includes the MRI three-dimensional model generated in step S111 of the first support processing, or the three-dimensional model ( 12 to 14) is displayed as a three-dimensional head image 201. FIG.

More specifically, when the hard tissue display button 203 is pressed while the MRI three-dimensional model is displayed as the head three-dimensional image 201, the image display range 202 displays the head three-dimensional image 201 as the hard tissue image. When the hard tissue display button 203 is pressed in a state in which the three-dimensional model is changed to a three-dimensional model composed of hard tissue parts, and the three-dimensional model composed of hard tissue parts is displayed, the head three-dimensional image 201 is converted into a three-dimensional MRI image. It is controlled by the control unit 35 so as to be changed to a model.

The three-dimensional model (three-dimensional model composed of MRI three-dimensional model and hard tissue part) displayed as the head three-dimensional image 201 is rotatable in any direction and can be enlarged or reduced by the operation of the doctor. is displayed.
Furthermore, the 3D model (3D MRI model and 3D model composed of hard tissue parts) is displayed so that it can be cut at any cross-sectional position by the doctor's operation.

It should be noted that, as shown in FIG. 14, the cross section at an arbitrary cross section position can be obtained by MRI regardless of whether the head three-dimensional image 201 is an MRI three-dimensional model or a three-dimensional model composed of hard tissue parts. A section obtained by cutting the 3D model at the section position is displayed.

At the lower left of the image display range 202, the MRI three-dimensional model generated in step S111 of the first support processing is displayed in reduced size as a reduced model 208. FIG. This reduced model 208 is rotatably displayed following the rotation of the three-dimensional head image 201 so as to face the same direction as the three-dimensional head image 201. When the reduced model display button 204 is pressed, the reduced model 208 is displayed. and a non-display state can be selected.

14, the three cross-section buttons (XY cross-section button 205, YZ cross-section button 206, and XZ cross-section button 207) allow the three-dimensional model displayed as the head three-dimensional image 201 to be displayed at any cross-section position. This is a button for displaying the cross section cut by .

More specifically, the XY section button 205 is provided to display a section along the XY coordinate plane at any position in the Z-axis direction. An arbitrary position in the Z-axis direction can be moved by a doctor's operation.

A YZ cross-section button 206 is provided to display a cross-section along the YZ coordinate plane at any position in the X-axis direction. An arbitrary position in the X-axis direction is configured to be movable by a doctor's operation.

An XZ cross-section button 207 is provided to display a cross-section along the XZ coordinate plane at any position in the Y-axis direction. An arbitrary position in the Y-axis direction is configured to be movable by a doctor's operation.

When such a second operation screen 200 is displayed, the control unit 35 determines whether or not a position corresponding to a measurement point within the image display range 202 has been pressed by the doctor's operation (step S132).
At this time, the doctor appropriately rotates and scales the three-dimensional model displayed as the three-dimensional head image 201 and presses the hard tissue display button 203 to display the head as if operating a three-dimensional CAD, for example. While changing the display state of the three-dimensional image 201, the position corresponding to the desired measurement point is read.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14, the doctor presses one of the three cross-section buttons to display a cross-section at an arbitrary cross-section position, and reads the position corresponding to the desired measurement point.
Thus, the doctor who has read the position corresponding to the desired measurement point presses the position corresponding to the measurement point on the three-dimensional head image 201 .

When the inside of the image display range 202 is pressed by the doctor's operation (step S132: Yes), the control unit 35 superimposes a circle mark W indicating the pressed position on the three-dimensional head image 201. display (step S133).

If the circle mark W deviates from the position of the desired measurement point, the doctor reads the position corresponding to the desired measurement point in the same manner as in step S132 described above, and presses the circle mark again. Correct the position of W.

After that, the control unit 35 performs the processing from step S134 to step S137 in FIG. 6 in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, and in step S138, obtains cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the measurement point in the lateral head standard photograph. get.

Then, by returning to the first support process in FIG. 4 and performing the processes in steps S121 and S122, the control unit 35 can generate image data 90 in which the measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information, for example, are superimposed on the pseudo cephalometric image 52. is displayed on the display unit 31 .

As described above, the information processing apparatus 3 for supporting diagnosis in orthodontic treatment described above includes a three-dimensional model acquisition means (controller) for acquiring a three-dimensional model of the patient's head generated from an image of the patient's head captured by magnetic resonance. 35).

Further, the information processing device 3 includes measurement point specifying means (the display unit 31, the operation reception unit 32, the control unit 35) for specifying measurement points for corrective diagnosis based on the three-dimensional model, and the specified measurement points cephalometric coordinate acquisition means (control unit 35) for acquiring cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the measurement point imaged by cephalometric radiography based on the coordinate information indicating the position of .

Further, the information processing program executed by the information processing apparatus 3 described above includes a three-dimensional model acquisition step (steps S111 and S112) of acquiring a three-dimensional model of the head generated from an image of the patient's head captured by magnetic resonance. ) and a measurement point identification step (steps S131 to S137) for identifying measurement points for corrective diagnosis based on the three-dimensional model.

Further, the information processing program includes a cephalometric coordinate acquisition step (step S138) is executed.

The MRI examination apparatus 1 described above also includes imaging means (apparatus main body 2) for imaging the patient's head by magnetic resonance, and a three-dimensional model of the patient's head based on the MRI image 37 imaged by the imaging means. 3D model output means for outputting (the control unit 35 of the information processing device 3).

Further, the MRI examination apparatus 1 includes storage means (storage unit 33 of the information processing apparatus 3) for storing the information processing program and execution means (control unit 35 of the information processing apparatus 3) for executing the information processing program. I have it.

Further, the information processing method executed by the information processing apparatus 3 described above includes a three-dimensional model acquisition step in which the three-dimensional model acquisition means acquires a three-dimensional model of the patient's head generated from an image of the patient's head captured by magnetic resonance. (Steps S111 and S112) and a measuring point specifying step (Steps S131 to S137) in which the measuring point specifying means specifies measuring points for corrective diagnosis based on the three-dimensional model.

Further, in the information processing method, the cephalometric coordinate acquiring means acquires the cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the measuring point imaged by cephalometric X-ray imaging based on the coordinate information indicating the position of the specified measuring point. A coordinate acquisition step (step S138) is performed.

According to this configuration, in the field of orthodontics, it is possible to improve the positional accuracy of measurement points without applying image processing, and to obtain data suitable for orthodontic diagnosis.
Specifically, the information processing device 3, the information processing program, the MRI examination device 1, and the information processing method acquire a three-dimensional model generated from an image of the patient's head captured by magnetic resonance. Since the state of the head can be checked from various directions, it is easier to check the positions of measurement points for corrective diagnosis than with an image captured by irradiating the patient's head with X-rays.

Furthermore, since the contour of the soft tissue of the three-dimensional model acquired by the three-dimensional model acquisition means is clearer than the three-dimensional model generated from the image captured by irradiating X-rays, the information processing device 3, the information processing program, The MRI examination apparatus 1 and the information processing method can identify, from the contour of the soft tissue, measurement points located on the contour of the hard tissue, which tends to be blurred.

Then, by acquiring the cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the measurement point imaged by the cephalometric radiography, the information processing apparatus 3, the information processing program, the MRI examination apparatus 1, and the information processing method can perform the acquired cephalometric coordinates. The coordinate information can be used, for example, to calculate the positional relationship between the jawbone and the tooth and to create a profilogram.

Therefore, the information processing device 3, the information processing program, the MRI examination device 1, and the information processing method can improve the positional accuracy of measurement points without applying image processing in the field of orthodontics, and are suitable for orthodontic diagnosis. Data can be obtained.

In addition, since a three-dimensional model generated from images captured by magnetic resonance is used, the information processing device 3, the information processing program, the MRI examination device 1, and the information processing method irradiate the patient's head with X-rays. Compared to imaging, the patient's exposure dose can be suppressed to zero.

Therefore, the information processing device 3, the information processing program, the MRI examination device 1, and the information processing method can greatly reduce the burden on, for example, children and pregnant women in orthodontic treatment that requires multiple imagings.

Further, since the output means (the display unit 31 and the control unit 35) for outputting the output data (image data 90) based on the measurement point indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information is provided, the information processing apparatus 3 can perform the measurement indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information. Output data based on the measurement points, such as a profilogram, can be provided to the physician or patient. Therefore, the information processing device 3 can facilitate corrective diagnosis by a doctor.

The output means (display unit 31, control unit 35) outputs output data (image data 90) in which at least the measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information are superimposed on the pseudo cephalometric image 52 of the patient's head. Configuration.
According to this configuration, the information processing device 3 can output the pseudo cephalometric image 52 on which predetermined measurement points with high positional accuracy are plotted.

Furthermore, since the cephalometric coordinate information and the pseudo cephalometric image 52 have been obtained by cephalometric X-ray imaging, the information processing apparatus 3 can simulate the measurement points without the need for size adjustment by image processing or position adjustment by a doctor, for example. It can be superimposed on the cephalometric image 52 .

In addition, since the pseudo cephalometric image 52 of the patient's head is generated based on the image captured by magnetic resonance, it is easier to obtain than the cephalometric X-ray photograph obtained by irradiating X-rays. , the patient exposure dose can be reduced to zero. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 3 can reliably reduce the burden on children and pregnant women, for example, in orthodontic treatment that requires multiple imagings.

Further, the measurement point identification means receives a display unit 31 for displaying the three-dimensional model acquired by the three-dimensional model acquisition unit, and an operator's operation for specifying the three-dimensional model displayed on the display unit 31 and the measurement points. An operation reception unit 32 is provided.

According to this configuration, the operator can identify the measurement points based on the operator's empirical rule while confirming the three-dimensional model from various directions.
For this reason, the information processing apparatus 3 can generate a three-dimensional image generated from an image of the patient's head captured by magnetic resonance, even if the measurement point is located on the contour of hard tissue, for example, which has a low bone density and the contour tends to be unclear. Based on the model and the operator's rule of thumb, the measurement points can be specified with higher accuracy.

In correspondence with the configuration of this invention and the above-described embodiments,
The image acquisition means of this invention corresponds to the control unit 35 of the embodiment,
and so on,
The predetermined measuring point corresponds to the measuring point,
The measurement point specifying means corresponds to the display unit 31, the operation reception unit 32, and the control unit 35,
The cephalometric coordinate acquisition means, the image output means, and the execution means correspond to the control unit 35,
The head standardized photograph corresponds to the pseudo cephalometric image 52,
The output means and display means correspond to the display section 31,
The operation reception means corresponds to the operation reception unit 32,
The device for supporting diagnosis in orthodontics corresponds to the information processing device 3,
The information processing program corresponds to the diagnosis support program 38,
The image acquisition step and the image acquisition process correspond to step S113 in FIG.
The measuring point specifying step and the measuring point specifying process correspond to steps S131 to S137 in FIG.
The cephalometric coordinate acquisition step and the cephalometric coordinate acquisition step correspond to step S138 in FIG.
The imaging means corresponds to the pedestal 22,
The storage means corresponds to the storage unit 33,
The image changing means, the 3D model acquisition means, and the 3D model output means correspond to the control unit 35,
The three-dimensional model corresponds to an MRI three-dimensional model and a three-dimensional model composed of hard tissue parts,
The model operation means corresponds to the operation reception unit 32,
The image change step corresponds to step S132,
The three-dimensional model acquisition step corresponds to steps S111 and S112,
The three-dimensional model acquisition step corresponds to steps S111 and S112,
The present invention is not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments, and many embodiments can be obtained.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the imaging support program 36 and the diagnosis support program 38 are configured to be executed by the information processing device 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a terminal other than the information processing device 3 executes the imaging support program. 36 and the information processing device 3 executes the diagnostic support program 38 .

In addition, although the information processing device 3 is configured to store the MRI images 37 acquired from the device main body 2, the present invention is not limited to this. There may be.
Alternatively, the MRI image 37 stored in the storage medium may be read and acquired by a storage medium reading unit provided in the information processing apparatus 3 .

In addition, although the information processing device 3 is configured to generate the longitudinal section image 63 and the transverse section image 62 from the MRI three-dimensional model, the present invention is not limited to this, and a terminal or server separate from the information processing device 3 can A longitudinal section image 63 and a transverse section image 62 may be generated from the MRI three-dimensional model.

Also, the first operation screen 50 in FIG. 5 and the second operation screen 60 in FIG. 7 are examples, and the operation screens are not limited to these, and may have an appropriate configuration.
For example, as shown in FIG. 11 showing a schematic diagram of the second operation screen 60 in another embodiment, instead of the upper button and the lower button for changing the cross-sectional position of the cross-sectional image 62, the cross-sectional A cross-sectional position slider 72 may be provided to change the cross-sectional position of the image 62 .

In this case, instead of the left and right buttons for changing the cross-sectional position of the vertical cross-sectional image 63, a vertical cross-sectional position slider 73 that can change the cross-sectional position of the vertical cross-sectional image 63 on the cross-sectional image 62 is provided.
As a result, in the image display range 61, the cross-sectional image 62 and the vertical cross-sectional image 63 having the same coordinate information in the Y-axis direction are always displayed. Operability can be improved.

In addition, the MRI image 37 is a tomographic image along the cross section of the patient, but the MRI image is not limited to this. may be obtained.

Further, although the MRI three-dimensional model is generated from a plurality of MRI images 37 and then the cross-sectional image 62 is acquired from the MRI three-dimensional model, the configuration is not limited to this, and the MRI image 37 is acquired as the cross-sectional image 62. You may

As an example of the output data, the measurement point ANS indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information is superimposed on the pseudo cephalometric image 52 obtained by X-ray imaging of the head from the side to obtain the output data. The measurement point ANS indicated by the information may be superimposed on a pseudo cephalometric image obtained by standard cephalometric X-ray imaging from the front as output data.
Also, although the output data is displayed on the display unit 31, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the output data may be output to a printer, or may be output to a server or another terminal.

The processing from step S111 to step S122 in FIG. 4 and the processing from step S131 to step S148 in FIG. Any suitable processing operation may be used as long as the information can be acquired.
As an example, the anterior nasal spine, which is a substantially triangular projection under the nasal cavity, has been described as the desired measurement point ANS, but the measurement point is not limited to this, and any appropriate site on the patient's head may be used as the measurement point.

In addition, although the information processing device 3 executes the diagnostic support program 38 for specifying the measurement points by the operation of the doctor, the present invention is not limited to this, and the diagnostic support program using the machine learning model is executed to automatically identify the measurement points. It may be an information processing device that specifically identifies the information processing device.
In this case, the machine learning model is a model trained to identify measurement points located on the contour of the hard tissue from the contour of the soft tissue using cross-sectional images and longitudinal cross-sectional images generated from the MRI three-dimensional model. .

Alternatively, the machine learning model identifies measurement points located on the contour of the hard tissue from a three-dimensional model (MRI three-dimensional model and a three-dimensional model composed of hard tissue parts) generated from the MRI image 37. Let it be a trained model.

In the above-described embodiment, the information processing device 3 is configured to generate a three-dimensional model in steps S111 and S112. A three-dimensional model may be generated from the image 37 and transmitted to the information processing device 3 .

Further, in step S132 of the embodiment in which the transverse cross-sectional image 62 and longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 are displayed, when pressing the position corresponding to the measurement point within the image display range 61, or in step S133, from the position of the desired measurement point When correcting the position of the misaligned circle W, the doctor presses the upper button 64, the lower button 65, the left button 66, and the right button 67 to display the cross-sectional images 62 and/or the longitudinal cross-sectional images at different cross-sectional positions. It is preferable to press the position corresponding to the measurement point while changing to 63 as appropriate.

At this time, when the upper button 64 or the lower button 65 is pressed by the doctor, the control unit 35 of the information processing apparatus 3 causes the cross-sectional images 62 with different cross-sectional positions to be displayed in the image display range 61, and the left button 66 is pressed by the doctor. Alternatively, when the right button 67 is pressed, longitudinal cross-sectional images 63 with different cross-sectional positions are displayed in the image display range 61 .

In other words, such an information processing method includes an image acquisition step (step S113) in which the image acquisition means acquires a plurality of longitudinal cross-sectional images 63 substantially parallel to the sagittal plane obtained by imaging the patient's head by magnetic resonance (step S113); A display step (step S113) is performed in which the display unit 31 displays one longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 among the longitudinal cross-sectional images 63 of .

Further, the information processing method includes an image changing step (steps S132 and S133) in which the control unit 35 changes the vertical cross-sectional image 63 displayed on the display unit 31 to a vertical cross-sectional image 63 with a different cross-sectional position by the operator's operation. , an operation receiving step (step S132) in which the operation receiving unit 32 receives an operator's operation for specifying measurement points for corrective diagnosis based on the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 displayed on the display unit 31 is performed.

Then, in the information processing method, the cephalometric coordinate acquisition means acquires cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the measuring point imaged by cephalometric X-ray imaging based on the coordinate information indicating the position of the specified measuring point. A coordinate acquisition step (step S138) is performed.

According to this, since the operator can specify the measurement points while changing the longitudinal section image 63 displayed on the display unit 31, the information processing method can detect the measurement points located on the contour of the hard tissue from the contour of the soft tissue portion. It can be specified with high accuracy.

Therefore, in the field of orthodontics, the information processing method can improve the positional accuracy of measurement points without applying image processing, and can acquire data suitable for orthodontic diagnosis.

Further, in step S133 of the embodiment for displaying the cross-sectional image 62 and the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63, if the circle W is displaced from the desired measurement point position, an arbitrary is pressed again to correct the position of the circle W, but the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, by pressing the up button 64, the down button 65, the left button 66, or the right button 67 to change the cross-sectional image 62 and/or the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 with different cross-sectional positions, any position on the image can be changed. The position of the circle mark W may be corrected without pressing it again.

In addition, in the modified example of displaying the three-dimensional model, the second support processing is performed using the three-dimensional MRI model and the three-dimensional model composed of hard tissue parts, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the three-dimensional MRI model, and a three-dimensional model configured with a hard tissue portion.

In addition, in the modified example of displaying the three-dimensional model, the first support processing for specifying the measurement points from the pseudo cephalometric image 52 is unnecessary, and only the second support processing for specifying the measurement points from the three-dimensional model is desired. All measurement points may be specified.

According to this, the information processing device 3, the information processing program, the MRI examination device 1, and the information processing method can be used not only for measurement points located on the outline of hard tissue, which tends to be unclear, but also for relatively clear hard tissue. Measurement points located on the contour can also be accurately and easily specified by the three-dimensional model.

Further, in the above detailed explanation, it was explained that the outline of the hard tissue becomes unclear due to the low bone density. Areas where tissue overlaps, tips of apical structures, or thin cortical bone are also reasons for blurring the outline of hard tissue.
Even if the outline of the hard tissue becomes unclear for such a reason, the positional accuracy of the predetermined measurement point is improved by the information processing device 3, the information processing program, the MRI inspection device 1, and the information processing method described above. be able to.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... MRI examination apparatus 3... Information processing apparatus 22... Base 31... Display part 32... Operation reception part 33... Storage part 35... Control part 37... MRI image 38... Diagnosis support program 52... Pseudo cephalometric image 62... Cross-sectional image 63 ... Longitudinal section image M ... Patient

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing program, an MRI examination apparatus, and an information processing method for assisting a doctor's diagnosis using standard head photographs, for example, in the field of orthodontics.

Conventionally, in the field of orthodontics, it is known to use cephalometric radiographs (also called cephalograms or cephalograms) for diagnosing the condition of a patient's maxilla, mandible, and teeth.
In the orthodontic diagnosis using this cephalometric X-ray photograph, the doctor identifies the tips of the teeth and the anterior nasal spine of the skull, which are predetermined measurement points necessary for the orthodontic diagnosis, from the cephalographic X-ray photograph, It is used for analysis of the positional relationship between the image and the tooth.

More specifically, for example, a doctor traces the contours of hard tissues such as teeth and bones and the contours of soft tissues such as muscles and skin from a cephalometric radiograph to create a trace diagram. Thereafter, the doctor reads predetermined measurement points necessary for corrective diagnosis from the cephalometric X-ray photograph, plots them on a trace diagram, and uses them for analysis.

By the way, in a cephalometric X-ray photograph taken by irradiating X-rays, the outline of soft tissue tends to be unclear compared to that of hard tissue due to the difference in X-ray transmittance. Furthermore, in cephalometric radiographs, there are regions where contours are unclear due to differences in bone density, even for hard tissues.
For this reason, in the field of orthodontics, it is known that when reading predetermined measurement points from a cephalometric X-ray photograph taken by irradiating X-rays, the positional accuracy is low depending on the predetermined measurement points.

Therefore, for example, by applying image processing to a cephalometric X-ray photograph taken by irradiating X-rays, image data suitable for corrective diagnosis with clear hard and soft tissues can be obtained, and predetermined measurement points can be obtained. Various techniques have been proposed to improve the positional accuracy of the (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

However, as in Patent Documents 1 and 2, when obtaining an image suitable for corrective diagnosis by applying image processing to a cephalometric X-ray photograph, it takes a plurality of steps to obtain an image suitable for corrective diagnosis. Since the process is required, efficiency is poor and there is room for improvement.

JP 2012-196316 A Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-229001

In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an information processing apparatus and an information processing program capable of improving the positional accuracy of a predetermined measurement point without applying image processing and acquiring data suitable for orthodontic diagnosis in the field of orthodontics. , an MRI examination apparatus, and an information processing method.

The present invention is an information processing apparatus for supporting diagnosis in orthodontics, comprising image acquisition means for acquiring a longitudinal cross-sectional image substantially parallel to a sagittal plane of a patient's head captured by magnetic resonance, and the longitudinal cross-sectional image. Based on the measurement point identification means for identifying the predetermined measurement point for corrective diagnosis and the coordinate information indicating the position of the identified predetermined measurement point on the longitudinal cross-sectional image, the coordinates obtained by cephalometric X-ray radiography cephalometric coordinate acquisition means for acquiring cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the predetermined measurement point in the above.

The present invention also provides an information processing program executed by an apparatus for supporting diagnosis in orthodontics, comprising an image acquisition step of acquiring a longitudinal cross-sectional image substantially parallel to the sagittal plane of a patient's head captured by magnetic resonance. a measurement point specifying step of specifying a predetermined measurement point for corrective diagnosis on the longitudinal cross-sectional image; and a cephalometric coordinate acquisition step of acquiring cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the predetermined measurement point in coordinates obtained by line-standard imaging.

In addition, the present invention includes imaging means for imaging a patient's head by magnetic resonance; image output means for outputting at least a longitudinal cross-sectional image substantially parallel to the sagittal plane based on the MRI image imaged by the imaging means; The MRI examination apparatus is characterized by comprising storage means for storing the above information processing program and execution means for executing the information processing program.

The present invention also provides an information processing method performed by an apparatus for supporting diagnosis in orthodontics, wherein an image acquisition means acquires a longitudinal cross-sectional image substantially parallel to the sagittal plane of a patient's head captured by magnetic resonance. an obtaining step; a measuring point specifying step in which the measuring point specifying means specifies a predetermined measuring point for corrective diagnosis on the longitudinal cross-sectional image; and coordinates indicating the position of the specified predetermined measuring point on the longitudinal cross-sectional image. and a cephalometric coordinate acquisition step of acquiring, based on the information, cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the predetermined measurement point in coordinates obtained by cephalometric X-ray radiography by a cephalometric coordinate acquisition means.

The image acquisition means and the image acquisition step read a storage medium to acquire a longitudinal cross-sectional image, or acquire a longitudinal cross-sectional image via a communication line.
The measuring point identifying means and the measuring point identifying step receive the operator's operation and identify the predetermined measuring point by the operator's operation, or the machine learning model automatically identifies the predetermined measuring point.

According to the present invention, an information processing device, an information processing program, an MRI examination device, and an information processing method in the field of orthodontics can improve the positional accuracy of predetermined measurement points without applying image processing, and can also improve the accuracy of orthodontic diagnosis. suitable data can be obtained.

Specifically, the information processing device, the information processing program, the MRI examination device, and the information processing method acquire a longitudinal cross-sectional image of the patient's head by magnetic resonance, and the information processing method is performed by irradiating X-rays and imaging. It is possible to acquire an image with sharper contours of the soft tissue than the image.

For this reason, when specifying predetermined measurement points for corrective diagnosis based on longitudinal cross-sectional images, the information processing apparatus, information processing program, MRI examination apparatus, and information processing method use predetermined measurement points located on the contour of the hard tissue. Points can be identified from the contour of the soft tissue portion.

As a result, the information processing device, the information processing program, the MRI examination device, and the information processing method, for example, even if the predetermined measurement point is located on the contour of a hard tissue with low bone density and the contour tends to be unclear, the predetermined measurement point can facilitate the identification of

Further, by acquiring cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of a predetermined measurement point imaged by cephalometric X-ray imaging, the information processing apparatus, information processing program, MRI examination apparatus, and information processing method can perform the acquired cephalometric coordinates The information can be used, for example, to calculate the positional relationship between the jawbone and the teeth, create a profilogram, and the like.

Therefore, in the field of orthodontics, the information processing device, information processing program, MRI examination device, and information processing method can improve the positional accuracy of predetermined measurement points without applying image processing, and provide data suitable for orthodontic diagnosis. can be obtained.

In addition, since a longitudinal cross-sectional image imaged by magnetic resonance is used, the information processing device, information processing program, MRI examination device, and information processing method are more efficient than when the patient's head is imaged by irradiating X-rays. , the patient exposure dose can be reduced to zero.

Therefore, the information processing device, the information processing program, the MRI examination device, and the information processing method can greatly reduce the burden on children and pregnant women, for example, in orthodontic treatment that requires multiple imagings.

As an aspect of the present invention, the image acquiring means further acquires a cross-sectional image obtained by imaging the patient's head in a cross-sectional plane by magnetic resonance, and the measurement point specifying means comprises the longitudinal cross-sectional image and the transverse cross-sectional image. The configuration may be such that the predetermined measurement point on the plane image is specified.

According to this configuration, the information processing apparatus can correct, for example, the position of the predetermined measurement point on the longitudinal section image using the transverse section image. Therefore, the information processing device can further improve the positional accuracy of the predetermined measurement point.

As a mode of the present invention, output means may be provided for outputting output data based on the predetermined measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information.
The output means means display means for displaying output data, printing means for printing output data, or the like.

According to this configuration, the information processing apparatus can provide output data, such as a profilogram, based on the predetermined measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information to doctors and patients. Therefore, the information processing apparatus can facilitate corrective diagnosis by a doctor.

In another aspect of the present invention, the output means outputs output data in which at least the predetermined measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information are superimposed on a head standardized photograph of the patient's head. good too.
The above-mentioned cephalogram is image data acquired by imaging a three-dimensional model of the patient's head generated from an image taken by magnetic resonance by cephalometric radiography, or This refers to image data obtained by imaging a patient's head using head X standard imaging.

According to this configuration, the information processing device can output a standard head photograph on which predetermined measurement points with high positional accuracy are plotted.
At this time, since the cephalometric coordinate information and the cephalometric coordinate photograph are obtained by cephalometric X-ray imaging, the information processing apparatus does not require size adjustment by image processing, for example, and the predetermined measurement point indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information is obtained. can be superimposed on the head standard photograph without positional deviation.

For this reason, the information processing apparatus not only saves the doctor the trouble of plotting the predetermined measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information on the standardized head photograph, but also allows the doctor to adjust the position based on his/her experience, while the cephalometric coordinate information is displayed. It is possible to save the trouble of superimposing the specified measurement points and the head standardized photograph.

Furthermore, the information processing apparatus can provide the head standard photograph on which the predetermined measurement points are plotted to the doctor and the patient, for example, via a monitor, so that the patient's diagnosis and explanation to the patient can be facilitated.

Further, as an aspect of the present invention, the standardized head photograph of the patient's head is a three-dimensional model of the patient's head generated from an image captured by magnetic resonance, and is imaged by standardized head X-ray photography. It may be image data obtained by
According to this configuration, the information processing apparatus can suppress the exposure dose of the patient to zero, as compared with the case where the X-ray is irradiated and the cephalometric radiograph is obtained. Therefore, the information processing apparatus can reliably reduce the burden on, for example, children and pregnant women in orthodontic treatment that requires multiple imagings.

Further, as an aspect of the present invention, the measurement point identification means may be provided with display means for displaying at least the longitudinal section image, and operation reception means for receiving an operator's operation for identifying the predetermined measurement point.

According to this configuration, the information processing apparatus can specify the predetermined measurement points based on the operator's rule of thumb while the operator confirms at least the longitudinal cross-sectional image. For this reason, even at a predetermined measurement point located on the contour of a hard tissue with a low bone density and a tendency to have an unclear contour, the information processing apparatus can provide a longitudinal cross-sectional image with a clear contour of the soft tissue and an operator's empirical rule. , the predetermined measurement point can be specified with higher accuracy.

The present invention also provides an information processing method performed by a device for supporting diagnosis in orthodontics, wherein an image acquisition means acquires a plurality of longitudinal cross-sectional images substantially parallel to a sagittal plane of a patient's head captured by magnetic resonance. a display step of displaying one of the plurality of longitudinal cross-sectional images by a display means; and an image change of the longitudinal cross-sectional image displayed on the display means by an operator's operation. An image changing step in which means changes the longitudinal section image to a different cross-sectional position, and an operation receiving means for receiving an operator's operation of specifying a predetermined measurement point for corrective diagnosis on the longitudinal section image displayed on the display means. Cephalometric coordinates indicating the imaging position of the predetermined measurement point in the coordinates obtained by cephalometric X-ray radiography, based on the operation reception step received by and the coordinate information indicating the position of the specified predetermined measurement point on the longitudinal cross-sectional image. and a cephalometric coordinate acquisition step of acquiring the information by cephalometric coordinate acquisition means.

According to this invention, since the operator can specify the predetermined measurement points while changing the longitudinal cross-sectional image displayed on the display means, the predetermined measurement points positioned on the contour of the hard tissue can be accurately identified from the contour of the soft tissue portion. be able to.

Therefore, in the field of orthodontics, the information processing method can improve the positional accuracy of the predetermined measurement points without applying image processing, and can acquire data suitable for orthodontic diagnosis.

Further, the present invention is an information processing apparatus for supporting diagnosis in orthodontics, comprising a three-dimensional model acquiring means for acquiring a three-dimensional model of a patient's head generated from an image of the patient's head captured by magnetic resonance; Based on measurement point identification means for identifying a predetermined measurement point for corrective diagnosis on the three-dimensional model, and coordinate information indicating the position of the identified predetermined measurement point on the longitudinal cross-sectional image, an X-ray of the head is performed. and cephalometric coordinate acquisition means for acquiring cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the predetermined measurement point in coordinates obtained by standard imaging.

The present invention also provides an information processing program executed by an apparatus for supporting diagnosis in orthodontics, which acquires a three-dimensional model of a patient's head generated from an image of the patient's head captured by magnetic resonance. Based on an acquisition step, a measurement point identification step of identifying a predetermined measurement point for corrective diagnosis on the three-dimensional model, and coordinate information indicating the position of the identified predetermined measurement point on the three-dimensional model , and a cephalometric coordinate acquisition step of acquiring cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the predetermined measurement point in coordinates obtained by cephalometric X-ray imaging.

The present invention also provides imaging means for imaging a patient's head by magnetic resonance; three-dimensional model output means for outputting a three-dimensional model of the patient's head based on the MRI image imaged by the imaging means; The MRI examination apparatus is characterized by comprising storage means for storing the above information processing program and execution means for executing the information processing program.

The present invention also provides an information processing method executed by an apparatus for supporting diagnosis in orthodontics, wherein a three-dimensional model of the patient's head generated from an image obtained by imaging the patient's head by magnetic resonance is obtained by a three-dimensional model acquisition means. a three-dimensional model acquisition step acquired by; a measurement point identification step in which the measurement point identification means identifies predetermined measurement points for corrective diagnosis on the three-dimensional model; and the three-dimensional model of the identified predetermined measurement points a cephalometric coordinate acquisition step of acquiring, by a cephalometric coordinate acquisition means, cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the predetermined measurement point in the coordinates of cephalometric X-ray radiography based on the coordinate information indicating the upper position. and

According to the present invention, in the field of orthodontics, it is possible to improve the positional accuracy of predetermined measurement points without applying image processing, and to obtain data suitable for orthodontic diagnosis.
Specifically, an information processing device, an information processing program, an MRI examination device, and an information processing method acquire a three-dimensional model generated from an image of a patient's head captured by magnetic resonance, thereby providing a patient's head. can be confirmed from various directions, it is possible to easily confirm the positions of the predetermined measurement points for corrective diagnosis, as compared with an image obtained by irradiating the patient's head with X-rays.

Furthermore, since the contour of the soft tissue of the three-dimensional model acquired by the three-dimensional model acquisition means is clearer than the three-dimensional model generated from the image captured by irradiating X-rays, the information processing device, the information processing program, and the MRI The inspection device and the information processing method can identify predetermined measurement points located on the contour of the hard tissue, which tends to be blurred, from the contour of the soft tissue.

Furthermore, for example, by extracting only the hard tissue portion from the three-dimensional model, the information processing device, the information processing program, the MRI examination device, and the information processing method can perform the predetermined measurement located on the contour of the hard tissue, which tends to be blurred. Not only the points but also the predetermined measurement points located on the relatively sharp outline of the hard tissue can be accurately and easily specified by the three-dimensional model.

By acquiring cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of a predetermined measurement point imaged by cephalometric X-ray imaging, the information processing apparatus, information processing program, MRI examination apparatus, and information processing method can perform the acquired cephalometric coordinates. The information can be used, for example, to calculate the positional relationship between the jawbone and the teeth, create a profilogram, and the like.

Therefore, in the field of orthodontics, the information processing device, information processing program, MRI examination device, and information processing method can improve the positional accuracy of predetermined measurement points without applying image processing, and provide data suitable for orthodontic diagnosis. can be obtained.

In addition, since a three-dimensional model generated from an image captured by magnetic resonance is used, the information processing device, information processing program, MRI examination device, and information processing method use X-ray irradiation to image the patient's head. Compared to the case, the patient's exposure dose can be suppressed to zero.

Therefore, the information processing device, the information processing program, the MRI examination device, and the information processing method can greatly reduce the burden on children and pregnant women, for example, in orthodontic treatment that requires multiple imagings.

As a mode of the present invention, output means for outputting output data based on the predetermined measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information may be provided.
According to this configuration, the information processing apparatus can provide output data, such as a profilogram, based on the predetermined measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information to doctors and patients. Therefore, the information processing apparatus can facilitate corrective diagnosis by a doctor.

In another aspect of the present invention, the output means outputs output data in which at least the predetermined measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information are superimposed on a head standardized photograph of the patient's head. good too.
According to this configuration, the information processing device can output a standard head photograph on which predetermined measurement points with high positional accuracy are plotted.

Furthermore, since the cephalometric coordinate information and the standardized head photograph are obtained by standardized x-ray photography of the head, the information processing apparatus eliminates the need for size adjustment by image processing and positional adjustment by a doctor, for example. It can be superimposed on the standard photo.

Further, as an aspect of the present invention, the standardized head photograph of the patient's head is a three-dimensional model of the patient's head generated from an image captured by magnetic resonance, and is imaged by standardized head X-ray photography. It may be image data obtained by
According to this configuration, the exposure dose of the patient can be suppressed to zero as compared with the case where X-rays are irradiated and the cephalometric X-ray standard photograph is obtained. Therefore, the information processing apparatus can reliably reduce the burden on, for example, children and pregnant women in orthodontic treatment that requires multiple imagings.

Further, as an aspect of the present invention, the measurement point identification means includes display means for displaying the three-dimensional model acquired by the three-dimensional model acquisition means, and a model for receiving an operation of the three-dimensional model displayed on the display means. An operation means and an operation reception means for receiving an operator's operation specifying the predetermined measurement point may be provided.

The operation of the three-dimensional model includes, for example, an operation of changing the orientation and size of the three-dimensional model displayed on the display means, an operation of switching between display and non-display of the soft tissue part, an operation of arbitrary This refers to operations such as displaying a cross section at the cross section position.

According to this configuration, the operator can identify the predetermined measurement points based on the operator's empirical rule while confirming the three-dimensional model from various directions.
For this reason, the information processing apparatus can generate a three-dimensional image of the patient's head using magnetic resonance even at a predetermined measurement point located on the contour of a hard tissue whose bone density is low and the contour tends to be unclear. Based on the model and the operator's empirical rule, the predetermined measurement points can be specified with higher accuracy.

According to the present invention, in the field of orthodontics, an information processing device, an information processing program, an MRI examination device, and an information processing device capable of improving the positional accuracy of a predetermined measurement point without adding image processing and acquiring data suitable for orthodontic diagnosis. An information processing method can be provided.

The block diagram which shows the structure of an MRI examination apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the MRI examination apparatus; FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing processing operations when an imaging support program is executed; 4 is a flowchart showing processing operations in the first support processing; Schematic diagram showing an outline of a first operation screen. 9 is a flowchart showing processing operations in the second support processing; Schematic which shows the outline of a 2nd operation screen. Explanatory drawing explaining specification of the measurement point based on an MRI image. Explanatory drawing explaining specification of the measurement point based on an MRI image. Schematic diagram for explaining an outline of a pseudo cephalometric image in which measurement points are superimposed. Schematic which shows the outline of the 2nd operation screen in another embodiment. Schematic diagram showing an outline of a second operation screen in a modified example. Schematic diagram showing an outline of a second operation screen in a modified example. Schematic diagram showing an outline of a second operation screen in a modified example.

An embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
In the field of orthodontics, the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 with respect to an MRI examination apparatus 1 that assists a doctor's diagnosis using standard head photographs.
1 shows a configuration diagram of the MRI examination apparatus 1, and FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the MRI examination apparatus 1. As shown in FIG.

First, the MRI examination apparatus 1 is an abbreviation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging examination apparatus, and is an apparatus that images a patient M using a magnetic resonance phenomenon and obtains a plurality of tomographic images along the cross section of the patient M.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the MRI examination apparatus 1 controls an apparatus main body 2 for imaging a patient M by magnetic resonance, controls the operation of the apparatus main body 2, and performs imaging data obtained from the apparatus main body 2. and an information processing device 3 that performs various types of information processing.
The device body 2 and the information processing device 3 are communicably connected via a communication line 4 .

The device main body 2 is operated by an operator via the information processing device 3, and has a function of acquiring a cross-sectional tomographic image of the patient M as an MRI image, and information processing of a plurality of MRI images via a communication line 4. and a function of outputting to the device 3 .

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the apparatus main body 2 includes a bed 21 on which the patient M lies, a cylindrical frame 22 for imaging the patient M on the bed 21, and a communication line 4 connected to each other. It is composed of a unit 23 and a body control unit 24 that controls these operations.
Note that the device main body 2 is an existing device and is a well-known technology, and therefore will be briefly described here.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the bed 21 includes a bed main body (reference numerals omitted) on which the patient M lies on his back, and a bed drive section for moving the bed main body based on a control signal from the main body control section 24. 21a. The bed drive unit 21 a is configured to be able to move the main body of the bed in a direction toward the inner space of the gantry 22 and a direction away from the inner space of the gantry 22 .

Further, the gantry 22 has a function of generating a magnetic field in the cylindrical inner space, a function of radiating electromagnetic waves toward the inner space, and a function of receiving signals generated from the patient. As shown in FIG. 2, the gantry 22 includes a gantry drive unit 22a that generates a magnetic field and electromagnetic waves based on a control signal from the body control unit 24, and a receiver 22b that receives signals generated by the patient. ing.

The communication unit 23 is composed of, for example, a wired LAN board, and has a function of connecting to the communication line 4 and a function of transmitting and receiving various information via the communication line 4 .
The body control unit 24 is composed of hardware such as a CPU and memory, and software such as a control program.

The body control unit 24 has a processing function related to transmission/reception of various signals with the information processing device 3, a processing function related to transmission/reception of various signals with the bed 21, the pedestal 22, and the communication unit 23, and a predetermined bus. It has a function to control the operation of each part connected by

On the other hand, the information processing device 3 has a function of receiving various operations by an operator, a function of exchanging various signals with the device main body 2, and a function of performing various information processing on a plurality of MRI images obtained from the device main body 2. and a function to support orthodontic diagnosis.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the information processing apparatus 3 includes a display unit 31 for displaying various information, an operation receiving unit 32 for receiving operator operations, a storage unit 33 for storing various information, and a communication line. 4 and a control unit 35 for controlling these operations.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1 , the display unit 31 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display, and has a function of displaying various information according to control signals from the control unit 35 .
As shown in FIG. 1, the operation reception unit 32 is composed of, for example, a keyboard 32a and a mouse 32b. and

The storage unit 33 is composed of a hard disk, a nonvolatile memory, or the like, and has a function of writing and storing various types of information and a function of reading out various types of information. The storage unit 33 stores an imaging support program 36 for supporting imaging of the patient M using the device main body 2, a plurality of MRI images 37 acquired from the device main body 2, and a diagnostic support program for supporting orthodontic diagnosis by a doctor. 38 etc. are stored.

The communication unit 34 is composed of, for example, a wired LAN board, and has a function of connecting to the communication line 4 and a function of transmitting and receiving various information via the communication line 4 .
The control unit 35 includes hardware such as a CPU and memory, and software such as a control program.

The control unit 35 has a processing function related to transmission/reception of various signals with the apparatus main body 2, a processing function related to transmission/reception of various signals with the display unit 31, the operation reception unit 32, the storage unit 33, and the communication unit 34, It has a function of controlling the operation of each unit connected via a predetermined bus.

Next, processing operations when the control unit 35 of the information processing device 3 executes the imaging support program 36 and the diagnosis support program 38 in the MRI examination apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7. .

3 shows a sequence diagram of processing operations when the imaging support program 36 is executed, and FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of processing operations in the first support processing.
Further, FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of the first operation screen 50, FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of processing operations in the second support process, and FIG.

First, the processing operation until the information processing device 3 acquires the MRI image 37 will be briefly described.
Specifically, when the patient is lying on his/her back on the bed 21 of the device body 2 and receives an operator's operation to execute the imaging support program 36, the control unit 35 of the information processing device 3 executes the imaging support program 36. Execute and make it ready for operator operations.

After that, when the operator's operation to start imaging the patient is received, the control unit 35 of the information processing device 3 transmits control information indicating the start of imaging to the device main body 2 via the communication line 4, as shown in FIG. Send (step S101).

The body control unit 24 of the device body 2 that has acquired the control information starts moving the bed body toward the inner space of the gantry 22 as shown in FIG. 3 (step S102). Further, the main control unit 24 generates a magnetic field in the inner space of the gantry 22, irradiates the inner space of the gantry 22 with electromagnetic waves, and causes the gantry 22 to start imaging the patient's head (step S103).

When imaging of the patient's head is started, the body control unit 24 sequentially acquires the MRI images 37, which are cross-sectional images of the patient, and temporarily stores the acquired MRI images (step S104). .
After that, when imaging of the patient is completed, the body control unit 24 transmits all the temporarily stored MRI images to the information processing device 3 via the communication line 4 (step S105).

Furthermore, the main body control unit 24 stops the generation of the magnetic field and the irradiation of the electromagnetic waves, and moves the main body of the bed on which the patient is lying in a direction away from the gantry 22 so as to return the main body of the bed on which the patient is lying ( step S106).

On the other hand, when receiving a plurality of MRI images via the communication line 4, the control unit 35 of the information processing device 3 stores the received MRI images 37 in association with each other in the storage unit 33, and images the patient's head. is ended (step S107).

After the imaging of the patient, when the MRI image 37 of the patient is stored in the storage unit 33 and the diagnosis support program 38 is executed by the operation of the doctor, the control unit 35 of the information processing device 3 performs the operation as shown in FIG. Then, the first support process is started to support the orthodontic diagnosis by the doctor.

Specifically, when the first support process is started, the control unit 35 of the information processing device 3 receives an operator's operation and performs an MRI, which is a three-dimensional model showing the patient's head, as shown in FIG. A three-dimensional model is generated from a plurality of MRI images 37 and stored in the storage unit 33 (step S111).

This MRI three-dimensional model includes a longitudinal section image which is a tomographic image substantially parallel to the patient's sagittal plane, a transverse section image which is a tomographic image along the transverse plane, and a frontal plane image which is a tomographic image along the frontal plane. can be obtained at any position.

Since the longitudinal section image, the transverse section image, and the frontal plane image are generated from the 3D MRI model, the MRI images have clear soft tissue contours compared to images obtained by imaging the patient with X-rays.

More specifically, the control unit 35 provides the MRI image 37, which is a cross-sectional tomographic image, with coordinate information in which the lateral direction of the patient is the X-axis direction and the longitudinal direction of the patient is the Y-axis direction.
Furthermore, the control unit 35 generates an MRI three-dimensional model having three-dimensional coordinate information by adding coordinate information with the vertical direction of the patient as the Z-axis direction and stacking the MRI images 37 in the Z-axis direction. .

When the MRI three-dimensional model is generated, the control unit 35, as shown in FIG. A pseudo cephalometric image is generated (step S112).

Specifically, the control unit 35 extracts the soft tissue contour portion and the hard tissue contour portion from the plurality of MRI images 37, respectively, and uses the extracted soft tissue contour portion and hard tissue contour portion to determine the patient's head. Generate a 3D model of the part.
For example, the control unit 35 extracts the skin contour and cortical bone contour from the plurality of MRI images 37 to generate a three-dimensional model of the patient's head.

After that, the control unit 35 simulates lateral head X-ray imaging of the three-dimensional model generated by the contour portion of the soft tissue and the contour portion of the hard tissue from the side. Acquire a lateral head standard photograph corresponding to the photograph. Then, the control unit 35 stores the standardized lateral head photograph thus obtained in the storage unit 33 as a pseudo cephalometric image.

In this embodiment, Naoko Tai Okayama University Examination Doctoral Thesis "Research on Cephalometric Analysis Using Three-Dimensional MRI Images" (Okayama University Academic Results Repository http://ousar.lib.okayama-u.ac.jp / September 30, 2013), a pseudo cephalometric image is generated from the MRI image 37 .

After generating the MRI three-dimensional model and the pseudo cephalometric image, the control unit 35 displays the first operation screen 50 on the display unit 31 as shown in FIG. (step S113).

On the first operation screen 50, as shown in FIG. 5, a pseudo-Cephalometric image 52 is displayed in an image display area 51 provided on the left side of the screen. A slider 53 is displayed below the image display range 51 .

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the first operation screen 50 includes a name column in which the name of the measuring point is registered and a specified column in which a circle indicating completion of specifying the measuring point is registered. A measurement point list 54 is displayed on the right side of the image display range 51 .

In addition, on the first operation screen 50, as shown in FIG. 5, a position confirmation button 55 for confirming the position of the measurement point and an image switching button 56 for switching the image displayed in the image display range 51 are specified. An output button 57 for starting output processing based on the measured points is displayed below the list of measured points 54 .

Returning to step S113 in FIG. 4, when the first operation screen 50 is displayed, the control unit 35 determines whether or not the name of any measurement point in the measurement point list 54 has been selected by the doctor's operation ( step S114).
If the name of the measuring point has not been selected (step S114: No), the control unit 35 waits until the name of the measuring point is selected.

On the other hand, if any measurement point name has been selected (step S114: Yes), the control unit 35 determines whether or not the image switching button 56 has been pressed by the doctor's operation, as shown in FIG. (step S115).
If the image switching button 56 has not been pressed (step S115: No), the control unit 35 determines whether or not the inside of the image display range 51 has been pressed as shown in FIG. 4 (step S116).

When the inside of the image display range 51 is pressed, that is, when an arbitrary position on the pseudo cephalometric image 52 is pressed (step S116: Yes), the control unit 35 displays a circle mark (not shown) indicating the pressed position. ) is superimposed on the pseudo cephalometric image 52 and displayed (step S117).

At this time, the doctor visually determines whether or not the position of the circle is displayed at the position of the desired measurement point. Press 55. If the circle deviates from the desired position of the measurement point, the doctor presses an arbitrary position on the pseudo cephalometric image 52 again to correct the position of the circle.

When the circle is displayed in the image display range 51, the controller 35 determines whether or not the position determination button 55 has been pressed by the doctor's operation, as shown in FIG. 4 (step S118).
When the position confirmation button 55 is pressed (step S118: Yes), the control unit 35 converts the coordinate information indicating the position of the circle on the pseudo cephalometric image 52 to the position of the measurement point, as shown in FIG. It is obtained as cephalometric coordinate information (step S119).

After that, the control unit 35 associates the cephalometric coordinate information with the name of the measurement point and stores them in the storage unit 33, and displays a circle mark in the specified column of the measurement point list 54 corresponding to the name of the measurement point.

If the image display range 51 is not pressed in step S116 (step S116: No), or if the position determination button 55 is not pressed in step S118 (step S118: No), the control unit 35 , the process returns to step S115, and steps S115 to S118 are repeated.

Further, in step S115 of FIG. 4, when the image switching button 56 is pressed by the doctor's operation (step S115: Yes), the control unit 35 uses the MRI three-dimensional model as shown in FIG. A second support process for supporting point identification is started (step S120).

Specifically, when the second support process is started, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 35 displays a second operation screen 60 on the display unit for receiving operations by the doctor to specify the measurement points necessary for orthodontic diagnosis. 31 (step S131).

As shown in FIG. 7, the second operation screen 60 displays a cross-sectional image 62 and a longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 in an image display range 61 provided at the top of the screen. An up button 64 and a down button 65 for moving the cross-sectional position of 62 upward or downward are displayed.

Further, on the second operation screen 60, as shown in FIG. 7, a left button 66 and a right button 67 for moving the cross-sectional position of the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 leftward or rightward are displayed below the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63. A slider 68 for simultaneously adjusting the "brightness" and "contrast" of the cross-sectional image 62 and the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 is displayed at the bottom left of the screen.

In addition, on the second operation screen 60, as shown in FIG. 7, a frontal plane display button 69 for displaying a frontal plane image, which is a tomographic image at a cross-sectional position along the frontal plane, and a button for ending the second support process. A cancel button 70 for returning to the first operation screen 50 and a position confirmation button 71 for confirming the position pressed by the doctor's operation as a measurement point are displayed in the lower right portion of the screen.

Note that the cross-sectional image 62 displayed in the image display range 61 is an MRI tomographic image obtained by imaging the 3D MRI model generated in step S111 of FIG. 4 at an arbitrary cross-sectional position in the vertical direction.
On the other hand, the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 displayed in the image display range 61 is an MRI tomographic image obtained by imaging the 3D MRI model generated in step S111 in FIG. 4 at an arbitrary cross-sectional position in the horizontal direction.

When returning to step S131 in FIG. 6 and displaying the second operation screen 60, the control unit 35 determines whether or not a position corresponding to a measurement point within the image display range 61 has been pressed by the doctor's operation (step S132). ).
At this time, the doctor reads, for example, the position corresponding to the measurement point located on the contour of the hard tissue from the contour of the soft tissue portion and presses down.

When the inside of the image display range 61 is pressed, that is, when an arbitrary position on the cross-sectional image 62 or the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 is pressed (step S132: Yes), the control unit 35 performs the operations shown in FIGS. As shown, a circle W indicating the depressed position is superimposed on the cross-sectional image 62 and the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 and displayed (step S133).

More specifically, for example, when the cross-sectional image 62 is pressed before the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63, the control unit 35 controls the position of the pressed position on the cross-sectional image 62 based on the coordinate information in the X-axis direction and the coordinate information in the Y-axis direction. Then, a circle mark W indicating the pressed position is displayed on the cross-sectional image 62 .

Furthermore, based on the Y-axis coordinate information of the pressed position in the cross-sectional image 62 and the Z-axis coordinate information of the cross-sectional position of the cross-sectional image 62, the control unit 35 detects the vertical cross-section corresponding to the pressed position. The position on the image 63 is calculated, and the circle W is superimposed on the longitudinal section image 63 and displayed.

Alternatively, when the vertical cross-sectional image 63 is pressed before the horizontal cross-sectional image 62, the control unit 35, based on the coordinate information in the Y-axis direction and the coordinate information in the Z-axis direction of the pressed position in the vertical cross-sectional image 63, A circle mark W indicating the pressed position is displayed on the vertical cross-sectional image 63 .

Furthermore, based on the coordinate information in the X-axis direction, which is the cross-sectional position of the vertical cross-sectional image 63, and the coordinate information in the Y-axis direction of the pressed position in the vertical cross-sectional image 63, the control unit 35 determines the horizontal cross-section corresponding to the pressed position. The position on the image 62 is calculated, and the circle W is superimposed on the cross-sectional image 62 and displayed.

When the circle W is displayed, the doctor visually determines whether or not the position of the circle W is displayed at the position of the desired measurement point, and the circle W is displayed at the position of the desired measurement point. If so, the position fix button 71 is pressed.
If the circle W deviates from the desired position of the measurement point, the doctor presses an arbitrary position on the cross-sectional image 62 or longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 again to correct the position of the circle W.

When the circle mark W is displayed on the transverse cross-sectional image 62 and the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63, the control unit 35 determines whether or not the frontal plane display button 69 has been pressed by the doctor's operation, as shown in FIG. 6 (step S134). ).
If the frontal plane display button 69 has not been pressed (step S134: No), the control unit 35 skips step S135 and advances the process to step S136, which will be described later.

On the other hand, if the frontal plane display button 69 is pressed (step S134: Yes), the control unit 35 displays the frontal plane image at the cross-sectional position passing through the circle W based on the coordinate information of the circle W in the Y-axis direction. is generated from the MRI three-dimensional model and displayed on the display unit 31 (step S135).
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 35 determines whether or not the position determination button 71 has been pressed by the doctor's operation (step S136).

When the position confirmation button 71 is pressed by the doctor's operation (step S136: Yes), the control unit 35 converts the coordinate information indicating the position of the circle mark W into the coordinate information of the desired measurement point, as shown in FIG. (step S137).
Further, the control unit 35 acquires cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging positions of the measurement points in the lateral head standard photograph (step S138).

More specifically, the control unit 35 calculates the coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the measurement point when the image is simulated by the cephalometric X-ray standard imaging from the side from the coordinate information of the acquired circle mark W. , obtained as cephalometric coordinate information.

When the cephalometric coordinate information is acquired, the control unit 35 associates the cephalometric coordinate information with the names of the measurement points and stores them in the storage unit 33. display.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 35 ends the second support process, returns the process to step S120 in FIG. 4, and displays the first operation screen 50. FIG.

It should be noted that in step S132 of FIG. 6, if the inside of the image display range 61 has not been pressed (step S132: No), or if the position confirmation button 55 has not been pressed in step S136 of FIG. ), the control unit 35 returns the process to step S132.

Returning to step S120 in FIG. 4, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 35 determines whether or not the output button 57 has been pressed by the doctor's operation (step S121).
If the output button 57 has not been pressed (step S121: No), as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 35 assumes that all the measurement points have not been specified, and returns the process to step S114. The processing from step S114 to step S121 is repeated until the output button 57 is pressed.

On the other hand, when the output button 57 is pressed (step S121: Yes), the control unit 35 starts output processing for outputting preset output data for corrective diagnosis based on the acquired cephalometric coordinate information. (Step S122).

For example, when the output process is started, the control unit 35 calculates the length of the straight line connecting the measurement points, the angle with respect to the reference plane, etc., based on the cephalometric coordinate information, and determines the relative positional relationship between the tooth and the jawbone. Obtained as an analysis result shown.

After that, the control unit 35 displays the profilogram generated based on the analysis result on the display unit 31, or displays the measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information on the display unit 31 by superimposing them on the pseudo cephalometric image 52. End the first support process.

Subsequently, the process from step S113 to step S122 through step S120 in FIG. 10 for further details.

8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the specification of measurement points based on MRI images. FIG. 8A shows a cross-sectional image 62 displayed in an image display range 61, and FIG. A vertical cross-sectional image 63 displayed in a display range 61 is shown.

Further, FIGS. 9A and 9B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the identification of measurement points based on MRI images, FIG. 9A shows a longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 displayed in an image display range 61, and FIG. FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a head standard photograph taken at point ANS.
In addition, FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram for explaining an outline of a pseudo cephalometric image 52 on which the measurement points ANS are superimposed.

First, the measurement point ANS desired by the doctor is located on the contour of the hard tissue, but it is known to be a region with low bone density that tends to be unclear in the pseudo cephalometric image 52 (see FIG. 10).
Therefore, since the doctor cannot identify the measurement point ANS with the pseudo cephalometric image 52 on the first operation screen 50 , the doctor presses the image switching button 56 to call the second operation screen 60 .

At this time, the control unit 35 of the information processing device 3 moves from step S115: Yes in FIG. 4 to step S120 to start the second support process, and then, in step S131 in FIG. Displayed on the display unit 31 .

When the second operation screen 60 is displayed on the display unit 31, the doctor confirms the cross-sectional image 62 displayed in the image display range 61 as shown in FIG. Press the desired position. At this time, the doctor reads the position corresponding to the measurement point ANS located on the contour of the hard tissue from the contour of the soft tissue portion of the cross-sectional image 62 and presses it down.

When the cross-sectional image 62 is pressed, the control unit 35 of the information processing device 3 superimposes a circle W indicating the pressed position on the cross-sectional image 62 and displays it in step S132 of FIG.
Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, the control unit 35 converts the Y-axis coordinate information of the pressed position on the cross-sectional image 62 to the Z-axis coordinate information of the cross-sectional position of the cross-sectional image 62. Based on this, the position on the vertical cross-sectional image 63 corresponding to the pressed position is calculated, and the circle mark W is superimposed on the vertical cross-sectional image 63 and displayed.

Then, if the frontal plane display button 69 is not pressed (step S134 in FIG. 6: No) and the position confirmation button 55 is not pressed (step S136 in FIG. 6: No), the control unit 35 of the information processing device 3 ), and continues to accept pressing operations within the image display range 61 . Thereby, the control part 35 enables the position correction of the circle mark W. FIG.

When the circle W is displayed, the doctor sees that the circle W is displayed at a position corresponding to the measurement point ANS in the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 displayed in the image display range 61, as shown in FIG. 8(b). Check to see if Here, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the circle W is displaced downward with respect to the measurement point ANS.

Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 8B and 9A, the doctor corrects the position of the circle W by pressing the position corresponding to the measurement point ANS on the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 .
At this time, the control unit 35 controls the cross section corresponding to the pressed position based on coordinate information in the X-axis direction, which is the cross-sectional position of the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 , and coordinate information in the Y-axis direction of the pressed position in the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 . The position of the circle W on the cross-sectional image 62 is also corrected by calculating the position on the plane image 62 and displaying the circle W on the cross-sectional image 62 .

After that, as shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 9(a), the doctor continues until the circle W is displayed at the position corresponding to the measurement point ANS on the transverse cross-sectional image 62 and the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63. The cross section image 62 and the longitudinal section image 63 are repeatedly pressed to correct the position of the circle W.

Further, the doctor who wants to confirm the position of the circle W more accurately presses the frontal plane display button 69 on the second operation screen 60 to confirm the position of the circle W on the frontal plane image.
At this time, in step S135, the control unit 35 displays the screen displaying the frontal plane image on the display unit 31 until the screen is closed by the doctor's operation.

In the frontal plane image, when the circle W is displayed at the position corresponding to the measurement point ANS, the doctor presses the position determination button 71 to specify the circle W as the measurement point ANS.
At this time, the control unit 35 of the information processing device 3 acquires coordinate information indicating the position of the circle W in step S137 of FIG. Get cephalometric coordinate information. After that, the control unit 35 advances the process to step S121 in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b), this cephalometric coordinate information is obtained by removing only the longitudinal section image 63 from the superimposed data of the longitudinal section image 63 and the circle W, and then This is coordinate information indicating the position of the circle mark W on the pseudo cephalometric image 80 obtained by standard cephalometric radiography from the side.

The doctor who presses the position determination button 71 presses the output button 57 in the first operation screen 50 to obtain output data based on the pseudo cephalometric image 52 and the cephalometric coordinate information.

At this time, for example, in step S122 of FIG. 4, the control unit 35 of the information processing device 3 superimposes the measurement point ANS indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information on the pseudo cephalometric image 52 generated in step S112 in the image data 90 (FIG. 10). ) is displayed on the display unit 31 as output data.
In this manner, the MRI examination apparatus 1 of the present embodiment can specify the measurement points that tend to be unclear in the cephalometric X-ray standard photograph using the MRI image 37, and also generates the image data 90 suitable for corrective diagnosis. making it available.

As described above, the information processing device 3 of the present embodiment is a device that supports diagnosis in orthodontics.
The information processing apparatus 3 includes image acquisition means (control unit 35) for acquiring a longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 substantially parallel to the sagittal plane obtained by imaging the patient's head by magnetic resonance, and correction based on the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63. A measurement point identification unit (display unit 31, operation reception unit 32, control unit 35) for identifying measurement points for diagnosis is provided.

Further, the information processing apparatus 3 includes cephalometric coordinate acquisition means (control unit 35) for acquiring cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the measurement point imaged by cephalometric X-ray imaging.

Further, the diagnosis support program 38 in this embodiment is a program executed by a device for supporting diagnosis in orthodontics.
This diagnostic support program 38 includes an image acquisition step (step S113) of acquiring a longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 substantially parallel to the sagittal plane in which the patient's head is imaged by magnetic resonance, and a corrective diagnosis based on the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63. , and a measurement point identification step (steps S131 to S137) for identifying the measurement points for .

Further, the diagnosis support program 38 executes a cephalometric coordinate acquisition step (step S138) for acquiring cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the measurement point imaged by cephalometric X-ray imaging.

Further, the MRI examination apparatus 1 in this embodiment includes imaging means (apparatus main body 2) for imaging a patient's head by magnetic resonance, and based on the MRI image 37 imaged by the imaging means, an image substantially parallel to at least the sagittal plane. and image output means (the control unit 35 of the information processing apparatus 3) for outputting a vertical cross-sectional image 63. FIG.

Furthermore, the MRI examination apparatus 1 includes storage means (storage unit 33 of the information processing device 3) for storing the diagnostic support program 38 described above, and execution means (control unit 35 of the information processing device 3) for executing the diagnosis support program 38. and

Further, the information processing method in this embodiment is a method performed by an apparatus for supporting diagnosis in orthodontics.
This information processing method includes an image acquisition step (step S113) in which an image acquisition means acquires a longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 substantially parallel to a sagittal plane obtained by imaging the patient's head by magnetic resonance (step S113); Based on the image 63, a measuring point specifying step (steps S131 to S137) for specifying measuring points for corrective diagnosis is performed.

Further, the information processing method performs a cephalometric coordinate acquisition step (step S138) in which cephalometric coordinate acquisition means acquires cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the measurement point imaged by cephalometric radiography.

According to this configuration, the information processing device 3, the diagnostic support program 38, the MRI examination device 1, and the information processing method can improve the positional accuracy of the measurement points without applying image processing in the field of orthodontics. Output data suitable for corrective diagnosis can be obtained.

Specifically, the information processing device 3, the diagnostic support program 38, the MRI examination device 1, and the information processing method irradiate X-rays by acquiring a longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 of the patient's head captured by magnetic resonance. It is possible to obtain an image with a clear contour of the soft tissue as compared with the image captured by the laser.

Therefore, when specifying measurement points for corrective diagnosis based on the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63, the information processing device 3, the diagnosis support program 38, the MRI examination device 1, and the information processing method are positioned on the contour of the hard tissue. Measurement points to be measured can be identified from the contour of the soft tissue portion.

As a result, the information processing device 3, the diagnostic support program 38, the MRI examination device 1, and the information processing method can measure, for example, even measurement points located on the contours of hard tissues that have low bone density and tend to have unclear contours. Point identification can be facilitated.

Furthermore, by acquiring the cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the measurement point imaged by the cephalometric radiography, the information processing device 3, the diagnostic support program 38, the MRI examination device 1, and the information processing method can be The cephalometric coordinate information can be used, for example, to calculate the positional relationship between the jawbone and the tooth and to create a profilogram.

Therefore, the information processing device 3, the diagnosis support program 38, the MRI examination device 1, and the information processing method can improve the positional accuracy of measurement points without image processing in the field of orthodontics, and are suitable for orthodontic diagnosis. output data can be obtained.

In addition, since the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 captured by magnetic resonance is used, the information processing device 3, the diagnostic support program 38, the MRI examination device 1, and the information processing method use X-ray irradiation to image the patient's head. Compared to the case, the patient's exposure dose can be suppressed to zero.

Therefore, the information processing device 3, the diagnostic support program 38, the MRI examination device 1, and the information processing method can greatly reduce the burden on children and pregnant women, for example, in orthodontic treatment that requires multiple imagings.

The image acquisition means (control unit 35) further acquires a cross-sectional image 62 obtained by capturing a cross-sectional image of the patient's head by magnetic resonance.
Furthermore, the measurement point identifying means (the display unit 31, the operation reception unit 32, and the control unit 35) is configured to identify the measurement points based on the longitudinal section image 63 and the transverse section image 62. FIG.

According to this configuration, the information processing device 3 can correct the position of the measurement point on the longitudinal section image 63 using the transverse section image 62, for example. Therefore, the information processing device 3 can further improve the positional accuracy of the measurement points.

The information processing device 3 also includes output means (the display unit 31 and the control unit 35) for outputting output data based on the measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information.
According to this configuration, the information processing device 3 can provide output data, such as a profilogram, based on the measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information to doctors and patients. Therefore, the information processing device 3 can facilitate corrective diagnosis by a doctor.

The output means outputs output data (image data 90) in which at least the measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information are superimposed on the pseudo cephalometric image 52 of the patient's head.
According to this configuration, the information processing device 3 can output the pseudo cephalometric image 52 on which measurement points with high positional accuracy are plotted.

At this time, since the cephalometric coordinate information and the pseudo cephalometric image 52 have been obtained by cephalometric X-ray imaging, the information processing apparatus 3 eliminates the need for size adjustment by image processing, for example, and calculates the measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information. can be superimposed on the pseudo cephalometric image 52 without displacement.

For this reason, the information processing apparatus 3 not only saves the doctor the trouble of plotting the measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information on the pseudo cephalometric image 52, but also allows the doctor to adjust the position based on his/her experience, for example. This saves the trouble of superimposing the indicated measurement points on the pseudo cephalometric image 52 .

Furthermore, the information processing device 3 can provide the pseudo cephalometric image 52 on which the measurement points are plotted to the doctor and the patient via the display unit 31, for example, so that the diagnosis of the patient and the explanation to the patient can be facilitated. .

Also, the pseudo cephalometric image 52 of the patient's head is generated based on the image captured by magnetic resonance.
According to this configuration, the information processing apparatus 3 can suppress the exposure dose of the patient to zero, as compared with the case where X-rays are irradiated and the cephalometric X-ray standard photograph is obtained. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 3 can reliably reduce the burden on children and pregnant women, for example, in orthodontic treatment that requires multiple imagings.

Moreover, the measurement point identifying means is provided with at least a display section 31 that displays the longitudinal section image 63 and an operation reception section 32 that receives an operator's operation for identifying the measurement point.
According to this configuration, the information processing device 3 can specify the measurement points based on the operator's rule of thumb while the operator confirms at least the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 . For this reason, the information processing device 3, for example, even if the measurement point is located on the contour of the hard tissue, which has a low bone density and tends to have an unclear contour, the longitudinal section image 63 with a clear contour of the soft tissue and the operator's empirical rule and the measurement points can be specified with higher accuracy.

(Modification)
FIG. 12 to FIG. 12 show schematic diagrams of the second operation screen 200 in the modification of the MRI examination apparatus 1 in which the image displayed in the second support process of FIG. 6 differs from that of the MRI examination apparatus 1 of the embodiment described above 14 will be used for explanation.
In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those of the above-described embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

First, when the first support process is started by the doctor's operation, the control unit 35 of the information processing device 3 performs the processing operations from step S111 to step S114 in FIG. 4, as in the above-described embodiment.

After that, in step S115 of FIG. 4, when the doctor presses the image switching button 56 on the first operation screen 50 (step S115: Yes), the control unit 35 of the information processing device 3 changes the image as shown in FIG. Then, the second support process is started and the second operation screen 200 is displayed on the display section 31 (step S131).

As an example, on the second operation screen 200, as shown in FIG. 12, an image display range 202 in which a three-dimensional model used for identifying measurement points necessary for orthodontic diagnosis is displayed as a head three-dimensional image 201. , and a hard tissue display button 203 and a reduced model display button 204 for changing the display state of the three-dimensional head image 201 are displayed.

Further, the second operation screen 200 includes three cross-section buttons (XY cross-section button 205, YZ cross-section button 206, and XZ cross-section button 207), slider 68, frontal plane display button 69, cancel button 70, and position confirmation button 71. is displayed.
In the image display range 202 of the second operation screen 200, each time the display hard tissue button 203 is pressed, one of the two three-dimensional models generated from the plurality of MRI images 37 is displayed as a head three-dimensional image. 201.

More specifically, the image display range 202 includes the MRI three-dimensional model generated in step S111 of the first support processing, or the three-dimensional model ( 12 to 14) is displayed as a three-dimensional head image 201. FIG.

More specifically, when the hard tissue display button 203 is pressed while the MRI three-dimensional model is displayed as the head three-dimensional image 201, the image display range 202 displays the head three-dimensional image 201 as the hard tissue image. When the hard tissue display button 203 is pressed in a state in which the three-dimensional model is changed to a three-dimensional model composed of hard tissue parts, and the three-dimensional model composed of hard tissue parts is displayed, the head three-dimensional image 201 is converted into a three-dimensional MRI image. It is controlled by the control unit 35 so as to be changed to a model.

The three-dimensional model (three-dimensional model composed of MRI three-dimensional model and hard tissue part) displayed as the head three-dimensional image 201 is rotatable in any direction and can be enlarged or reduced by the operation of the doctor. is displayed.
Furthermore, the 3D model (3D MRI model and 3D model composed of hard tissue parts) is displayed so that it can be cut at any cross-sectional position by the doctor's operation.

It should be noted that, as shown in FIG. 14, the cross section at an arbitrary cross section position can be obtained by MRI regardless of whether the head three-dimensional image 201 is an MRI three-dimensional model or a three-dimensional model composed of hard tissue parts. A section obtained by cutting the 3D model at the section position is displayed.

At the lower left of the image display range 202, the MRI three-dimensional model generated in step S111 of the first support processing is displayed in reduced size as a reduced model 208. FIG. This reduced model 208 is rotatably displayed following the rotation of the three-dimensional head image 201 so as to face the same direction as the three-dimensional head image 201. When the reduced model display button 204 is pressed, the reduced model 208 is displayed. and a non-display state can be selected.

14, the three cross-section buttons (XY cross-section button 205, YZ cross-section button 206, and XZ cross-section button 207) allow the three-dimensional model displayed as the head three-dimensional image 201 to be displayed at any cross-section position. This is a button for displaying the cross section cut by .

More specifically, the XY section button 205 is provided to display a section along the XY coordinate plane at any position in the Z-axis direction. An arbitrary position in the Z-axis direction can be moved by a doctor's operation.

A YZ cross-section button 206 is provided to display a cross-section along the YZ coordinate plane at any position in the X-axis direction. An arbitrary position in the X-axis direction is configured to be movable by a doctor's operation.

An XZ cross-section button 207 is provided to display a cross-section along the XZ coordinate plane at any position in the Y-axis direction. An arbitrary position in the Y-axis direction is configured to be movable by a doctor's operation.

When such a second operation screen 200 is displayed, the control unit 35 determines whether or not a position corresponding to a measurement point within the image display range 202 has been pressed by the doctor's operation (step S132).
At this time, the doctor appropriately rotates and scales the three-dimensional model displayed as the three-dimensional head image 201 and presses the hard tissue display button 203 to display the head as if operating a three-dimensional CAD, for example. While changing the display state of the three-dimensional image 201, the position corresponding to the desired measurement point is read.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14, the doctor presses one of the three cross-section buttons to display a cross-section at an arbitrary cross-section position, and reads the position corresponding to the desired measurement point.
Thus, the doctor who has read the position corresponding to the desired measurement point presses the position corresponding to the measurement point on the three-dimensional head image 201 .

When the inside of the image display range 202 is pressed by the doctor's operation (step S132: Yes), the control unit 35 superimposes a circle mark W indicating the pressed position on the three-dimensional head image 201. display (step S133).

If the circle mark W deviates from the position of the desired measurement point, the doctor reads the position corresponding to the desired measurement point in the same manner as in step S132 described above, and presses the circle mark again. Correct the position of W.

After that, the control unit 35 performs the processing from step S134 to step S137 in FIG. 6 in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, and in step S138, obtains cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the measurement point in the lateral head standard photograph. get.

Then, by returning to the first support process in FIG. 4 and performing the processes in steps S121 and S122, the control unit 35 can generate image data 90 in which the measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information, for example, are superimposed on the pseudo cephalometric image 52. is displayed on the display unit 31 .

As described above, the information processing apparatus 3 for supporting diagnosis in orthodontic treatment described above includes a three-dimensional model acquisition means (controller) for acquiring a three-dimensional model of the patient's head generated from an image of the patient's head captured by magnetic resonance. 35).

Further, the information processing device 3 includes measurement point specifying means (the display unit 31, the operation reception unit 32, the control unit 35) for specifying measurement points for corrective diagnosis based on the three-dimensional model, and the specified measurement points cephalometric coordinate acquisition means (control unit 35) for acquiring cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the measurement point imaged by cephalometric radiography based on the coordinate information indicating the position of .

Further, the information processing program executed by the information processing apparatus 3 described above includes a three-dimensional model acquisition step (steps S111 and S112) of acquiring a three-dimensional model of the head generated from an image of the patient's head captured by magnetic resonance. ) and a measurement point identification step (steps S131 to S137) for identifying measurement points for corrective diagnosis based on the three-dimensional model.

Further, the information processing program includes a cephalometric coordinate acquisition step (step S138) is executed.

The MRI examination apparatus 1 described above also includes imaging means (apparatus main body 2) for imaging the patient's head by magnetic resonance, and a three-dimensional model of the patient's head based on the MRI image 37 imaged by the imaging means. 3D model output means for outputting (the control unit 35 of the information processing device 3).

Further, the MRI examination apparatus 1 includes storage means (storage unit 33 of the information processing apparatus 3) for storing the information processing program and execution means (control unit 35 of the information processing apparatus 3) for executing the information processing program. I have.

Further, the information processing method executed by the information processing apparatus 3 described above includes a three-dimensional model acquisition step in which the three-dimensional model acquisition means acquires a three-dimensional model of the patient's head generated from an image of the patient's head captured by magnetic resonance. (Steps S111 and S112) and a measuring point specifying step (Steps S131 to S137) in which the measuring point specifying means specifies measuring points for corrective diagnosis based on the three-dimensional model.

Further, in the information processing method, the cephalometric coordinate acquiring means acquires the cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the measuring point imaged by cephalometric X-ray imaging based on the coordinate information indicating the position of the specified measuring point. A coordinate acquisition step (step S138) is performed.

According to this configuration, in the field of orthodontics, it is possible to improve the positional accuracy of measurement points without applying image processing, and to obtain data suitable for orthodontic diagnosis.
Specifically, the information processing device 3, the information processing program, the MRI examination device 1, and the information processing method acquire a three-dimensional model generated from an image of the patient's head captured by magnetic resonance. Since the state of the head can be checked from various directions, it is easier to check the positions of measurement points for corrective diagnosis than with an image captured by irradiating the patient's head with X-rays.

Furthermore, since the contour of the soft tissue of the three-dimensional model acquired by the three-dimensional model acquisition means is clearer than the three-dimensional model generated from the image captured by irradiating X-rays, the information processing device 3, the information processing program, The MRI examination apparatus 1 and the information processing method can identify, from the contour of the soft tissue, measurement points located on the contour of the hard tissue, which tends to be blurred.

Then, by acquiring the cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the measurement point imaged by the cephalometric radiography, the information processing apparatus 3, the information processing program, the MRI examination apparatus 1, and the information processing method can perform the acquired cephalometric coordinates. The coordinate information can be used, for example, to calculate the positional relationship between the jawbone and the tooth and to create a profilogram.

Therefore, the information processing device 3, the information processing program, the MRI examination device 1, and the information processing method can improve the positional accuracy of measurement points without applying image processing in the field of orthodontics, and are suitable for orthodontic diagnosis. Data can be obtained.

In addition, since a three-dimensional model generated from images captured by magnetic resonance is used, the information processing device 3, the information processing program, the MRI examination device 1, and the information processing method irradiate the patient's head with X-rays. Compared to imaging, the patient's exposure dose can be suppressed to zero.

Therefore, the information processing device 3, the information processing program, the MRI examination device 1, and the information processing method can greatly reduce the burden on, for example, children and pregnant women in orthodontic treatment that requires multiple imagings.

Further, since the output means (the display unit 31 and the control unit 35) for outputting the output data (image data 90) based on the measurement point indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information is provided, the information processing apparatus 3 can perform the measurement indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information. Output data based on the measurement points, such as a profilogram, can be provided to the physician or patient. Therefore, the information processing device 3 can facilitate corrective diagnosis by a doctor.

The output means (display unit 31, control unit 35) outputs output data (image data 90) in which at least the measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information are superimposed on the pseudo cephalometric image 52 of the patient's head. Configuration.
According to this configuration, the information processing device 3 can output the pseudo cephalometric image 52 on which predetermined measurement points with high positional accuracy are plotted.

Furthermore, since the cephalometric coordinate information and the pseudo cephalometric image 52 have been obtained by cephalometric X-ray imaging, the information processing apparatus 3 can simulate the measurement points without the need for size adjustment by image processing or position adjustment by a doctor, for example. It can be superimposed on the cephalometric image 52 .

In addition, since the pseudo cephalometric image 52 of the patient's head is generated based on the image captured by magnetic resonance, it is easier to obtain than the cephalometric X-ray photograph obtained by irradiating X-rays. , the patient exposure dose can be reduced to zero. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 3 can reliably reduce the burden on children and pregnant women, for example, in orthodontic treatment that requires multiple imagings.

Further, the measurement point identification means receives a display unit 31 for displaying the three-dimensional model acquired by the three-dimensional model acquisition unit, and an operator's operation for specifying the three-dimensional model displayed on the display unit 31 and the measurement points. An operation reception unit 32 is provided.

According to this configuration, the operator can identify the measurement points based on the operator's empirical rule while confirming the three-dimensional model from various directions.
For this reason, the information processing apparatus 3 can generate a three-dimensional image generated from an image of the patient's head captured by magnetic resonance, even if the measurement point is located on the contour of hard tissue, for example, which has a low bone density and the contour tends to be unclear. Based on the model and the operator's rule of thumb, the measurement points can be specified with higher accuracy.

In correspondence with the configuration of this invention and the above-described embodiments,
The image acquisition means of this invention corresponds to the control unit 35 of the embodiment,
and so on,
The predetermined measuring point corresponds to the measuring point,
The measurement point specifying means corresponds to the display unit 31, the operation reception unit 32, and the control unit 35,
The cephalometric coordinate acquisition means, the image output means, and the execution means correspond to the control unit 35,
The head standardized photograph corresponds to the pseudo cephalometric image 52,
The output means and display means correspond to the display section 31,
The operation reception means corresponds to the operation reception unit 32,
The device for supporting diagnosis in orthodontics corresponds to the information processing device 3,
The information processing program corresponds to the diagnosis support program 38,
The image acquisition step and the image acquisition process correspond to step S113 in FIG.
The measuring point specifying step and the measuring point specifying process correspond to steps S131 to S137 in FIG.
The cephalometric coordinate acquisition step and the cephalometric coordinate acquisition step correspond to step S138 in FIG.
The imaging means corresponds to the pedestal 22,
The storage means corresponds to the storage unit 33,
The image changing means, the 3D model acquisition means, and the 3D model output means correspond to the control unit 35,
The three-dimensional model corresponds to an MRI three-dimensional model and a three-dimensional model composed of hard tissue parts,
The model operation means corresponds to the operation reception unit 32,
The image change step corresponds to step S132,
The three-dimensional model acquisition step corresponds to steps S111 and S112,
The three-dimensional model acquisition step corresponds to steps S111 and S112,
The present invention is not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments, and many embodiments can be obtained.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the imaging support program 36 and the diagnosis support program 38 are configured to be executed by the information processing device 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a terminal other than the information processing device 3 executes the imaging support program. 36 and the information processing device 3 executes the diagnostic support program 38 .

In addition, although the information processing device 3 is configured to store the MRI images 37 acquired from the device main body 2, the present invention is not limited to this. There may be.
Alternatively, the MRI image 37 stored in the storage medium may be read and acquired by a storage medium reading unit provided in the information processing apparatus 3 .

In addition, although the information processing device 3 is configured to generate the longitudinal section image 63 and the transverse section image 62 from the MRI three-dimensional model, the present invention is not limited to this, and a terminal or server separate from the information processing device 3 can A longitudinal section image 63 and a transverse section image 62 may be generated from the MRI three-dimensional model.

Also, the first operation screen 50 in FIG. 5 and the second operation screen 60 in FIG. 7 are examples, and the operation screens are not limited to these, and may have an appropriate configuration.
For example, as shown in FIG. 11 showing a schematic diagram of the second operation screen 60 in another embodiment, instead of the upper button and the lower button for changing the cross-sectional position of the cross-sectional image 62, the cross-sectional A cross-sectional position slider 72 may be provided to change the cross-sectional position of the image 62 .

In this case, instead of the left and right buttons for changing the cross-sectional position of the vertical cross-sectional image 63, a vertical cross-sectional position slider 73 that can change the cross-sectional position of the vertical cross-sectional image 63 on the cross-sectional image 62 is provided.
As a result, in the image display range 61, the cross-sectional image 62 and the vertical cross-sectional image 63 having the same coordinate information in the Y-axis direction are always displayed. Operability can be improved.

In addition, the MRI image 37 is a tomographic image along the cross section of the patient, but the MRI image is not limited to this. may be obtained.

Further, although the MRI three-dimensional model is generated from a plurality of MRI images 37 and then the cross-sectional image 62 is acquired from the MRI three-dimensional model, the configuration is not limited to this, and the MRI image 37 is acquired as the cross-sectional image 62. You may

As an example of the output data, the measurement point ANS indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information is superimposed on the pseudo cephalometric image 52 obtained by X-ray imaging of the head from the side to obtain the output data. The measurement point ANS indicated by the information may be superimposed on a pseudo cephalometric image obtained by standard cephalometric X-ray imaging from the front as output data.
Also, although the output data is displayed on the display unit 31, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the output data may be output to a printer, or may be output to a server or another terminal.

The processing from step S111 to step S122 in FIG. 4 and the processing from step S131 to step S148 in FIG. Any suitable processing operation may be used as long as the information can be acquired.
As an example, the anterior nasal spine, which is a substantially triangular projection under the nasal cavity, has been described as the desired measurement point ANS, but the measurement point is not limited to this, and any appropriate site on the patient's head may be used as the measurement point.

In addition, although the information processing device 3 executes the diagnostic support program 38 for specifying the measurement points by the operation of the doctor, the present invention is not limited to this, and the diagnostic support program using the machine learning model is executed to automatically identify the measurement points. It may be an information processing device that specifically identifies the information processing device.
In this case, the machine learning model is a model trained to identify measurement points located on the contour of the hard tissue from the contour of the soft tissue using cross-sectional images and longitudinal cross-sectional images generated from the MRI three-dimensional model. .

Alternatively, the machine learning model identifies measurement points located on the contour of the hard tissue from a three-dimensional model (MRI three-dimensional model and a three-dimensional model composed of hard tissue parts) generated from the MRI image 37. Let it be a trained model.

In the above-described embodiment, the information processing device 3 is configured to generate a three-dimensional model in steps S111 and S112. A three-dimensional model may be generated from the image 37 and transmitted to the information processing device 3 .

Further, in step S132 of the embodiment in which the transverse cross-sectional image 62 and longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 are displayed, when pressing the position corresponding to the measurement point within the image display range 61, or in step S133, from the position of the desired measurement point When correcting the position of the misaligned circle W, the doctor presses the upper button 64, the lower button 65, the left button 66, and the right button 67 to display the cross-sectional images 62 and/or the longitudinal cross-sectional images at different cross-sectional positions. It is preferable to press the position corresponding to the measurement point while changing to 63 as appropriate.

At this time, when the upper button 64 or the lower button 65 is pressed by the doctor, the control unit 35 of the information processing apparatus 3 causes the cross-sectional images 62 with different cross-sectional positions to be displayed in the image display range 61, and the left button 66 is pressed by the doctor. Alternatively, when the right button 67 is pressed, longitudinal cross-sectional images 63 with different cross-sectional positions are displayed in the image display range 61 .

In other words, such an information processing method includes an image acquisition step (step S113) in which the image acquisition means acquires a plurality of longitudinal cross-sectional images 63 substantially parallel to the sagittal plane obtained by imaging the patient's head by magnetic resonance (step S113); A display step (step S113) is performed in which the display unit 31 displays one longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 among the longitudinal cross-sectional images 63 of .

Further, the information processing method includes an image changing step (steps S132 and S133) in which the control unit 35 changes the vertical cross-sectional image 63 displayed on the display unit 31 to a vertical cross-sectional image 63 with a different cross-sectional position by the operator's operation. , an operation receiving step (step S132) in which the operation receiving unit 32 receives an operator's operation for specifying measurement points for corrective diagnosis based on the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 displayed on the display unit 31 is performed.

Then, in the information processing method, the cephalometric coordinate acquisition means acquires cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the measuring point imaged by cephalometric X-ray imaging based on the coordinate information indicating the position of the specified measuring point. A coordinate acquisition step (step S138) is performed.

According to this, since the operator can specify the measurement points while changing the longitudinal section image 63 displayed on the display unit 31, the information processing method can detect the measurement points located on the contour of the hard tissue from the contour of the soft tissue portion. It can be specified with high accuracy.

Therefore, in the field of orthodontics, the information processing method can improve the positional accuracy of measurement points without applying image processing, and can acquire data suitable for orthodontic diagnosis.

Further, in step S133 of the embodiment for displaying the cross-sectional image 62 and the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63, if the circle W is displaced from the desired measurement point position, an arbitrary is pressed again to correct the position of the circle W, but the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, by pressing the up button 64, the down button 65, the left button 66, or the right button 67 to change the cross-sectional image 62 and/or the longitudinal cross-sectional image 63 with different cross-sectional positions, any position on the image can be changed. The position of the circle mark W may be corrected without pressing it again.

In addition, in the modified example of displaying the three-dimensional model, the second support processing is performed using the three-dimensional MRI model and the three-dimensional model composed of hard tissue parts, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the three-dimensional MRI model, and a three-dimensional model configured with a hard tissue portion.

In addition, in the modified example of displaying the three-dimensional model, the first support processing for specifying the measurement points from the pseudo cephalometric image 52 is unnecessary, and only the second support processing for specifying the measurement points from the three-dimensional model is desired. All measurement points may be specified.

According to this, the information processing device 3, the information processing program, the MRI examination device 1, and the information processing method can be used not only for measurement points located on the outline of hard tissue, which tends to be unclear, but also for relatively clear hard tissue. Measurement points located on the contour can also be accurately and easily specified by the three-dimensional model.

Further, in the above detailed explanation, it was explained that the outline of the hard tissue becomes unclear due to the low bone density. Areas where tissue overlaps, tips of apical structures, or thin cortical bone are also reasons for blurring the outline of hard tissue.
Even if the outline of the hard tissue becomes unclear for such a reason, the positional accuracy of the predetermined measurement point is improved by the information processing device 3, the information processing program, the MRI inspection device 1, and the information processing method described above. be able to.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... MRI examination apparatus 3... Information processing apparatus 22... Base 31... Display part 32... Operation reception part 33... Storage part 35... Control part 37... MRI image 38... Diagnosis support program 52... Pseudo cephalometric image 62... Cross-sectional image 63 ... Longitudinal section image M ... Patient

Claims (18)

An information processing device for supporting diagnosis in orthodontics,
an image acquisition means for acquiring a longitudinal cross-sectional image substantially parallel to the sagittal plane of the patient's head imaged by magnetic resonance;
a measurement point identifying means for identifying predetermined measurement points for corrective diagnosis based on the longitudinal cross-sectional image;
cephalometric coordinate acquisition means for acquiring cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the predetermined measurement point captured by cephalometric radiography based on the specified coordinate information indicating the position of the predetermined measurement point. processing equipment. The image acquisition means is
A configuration for further acquiring a cross-sectional image obtained by imaging the patient's head in a cross-section by magnetic resonance,
The measurement point specifying means is
2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined measurement point is specified based on said longitudinal section image and said transverse section image. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising output means for outputting output data based on said predetermined measurement point indicated by said cephalometric coordinate information. The output means is
4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein output data is output in which at least the predetermined measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information are superimposed on a standard head photograph of the head of the patient. The head standard photograph obtained by imaging the head of the patient is
5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, which is generated based on an image captured by magnetic resonance. The measurement point specifying means is
display means for displaying at least the longitudinal section image;
6. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising operation receiving means for receiving an operator's operation specifying said predetermined measurement point. An information processing program executed by a device for supporting diagnosis in orthodontics,
an image acquisition step of acquiring a longitudinal cross-sectional image substantially parallel to the sagittal plane in which the patient's head is imaged by magnetic resonance;
a measurement point identification step of identifying predetermined measurement points for corrective diagnosis based on the longitudinal cross-sectional image;
Information for executing a cephalometric coordinate acquisition step of acquiring cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the predetermined measurement point captured by cephalometric radiography based on the specified coordinate information indicating the position of the predetermined measurement point. processing program. imaging means for imaging a patient's head by magnetic resonance;
image output means for outputting at least a longitudinal cross-sectional image substantially parallel to the sagittal plane based on the MRI image captured by the imaging means;
storage means for storing the information processing program according to claim 7;
and an execution means for executing the information processing program. An information processing method performed by a device for supporting diagnosis in orthodontics,
an image acquisition step in which an image acquisition means acquires a longitudinal cross-sectional image substantially parallel to a sagittal plane obtained by imaging a patient's head by magnetic resonance;
a measurement point identification step in which the measurement point identification means identifies predetermined measurement points for corrective diagnosis based on the longitudinal cross-sectional image;
A cephalometric coordinate acquisition step in which a cephalometric coordinate acquisition means acquires cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the predetermined measurement point imaged by cephalometric X-ray imaging based on the specified coordinate information indicating the position of the predetermined measurement point. and information processing method. An information processing method performed by a device for supporting diagnosis in orthodontics,
an image acquisition step in which an image acquisition means acquires a plurality of longitudinal cross-sectional images substantially parallel to a sagittal plane obtained by imaging a patient's head by magnetic resonance;
a display step of displaying one of the plurality of longitudinal cross-sectional images by a display means;
an image changing step of changing the longitudinal cross-sectional image displayed on the display means to the longitudinal cross-sectional image having a different cross-sectional position by an operator's operation;
an operation receiving step in which an operation receiving means receives an operator's operation of specifying a predetermined measuring point for corrective diagnosis based on the longitudinal cross-sectional image displayed on the display means;
A cephalometric coordinate acquisition step in which a cephalometric coordinate acquisition means acquires cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the predetermined measurement point imaged by cephalometric X-ray imaging based on the specified coordinate information indicating the position of the predetermined measurement point. and information processing method. An information processing device for supporting diagnosis in orthodontics,
a three-dimensional model acquiring means for acquiring a three-dimensional model of the patient's head generated from an image of the patient's head captured by magnetic resonance;
a measurement point identifying means for identifying predetermined measurement points for corrective diagnosis based on the three-dimensional model;
cephalometric coordinate acquisition means for acquiring cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the predetermined measurement point captured by cephalometric radiography based on the specified coordinate information indicating the position of the predetermined measurement point. processing equipment. 12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising output means for outputting output data based on said predetermined measurement point indicated by said cephalometric coordinate information. The output means is
13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein output data is output in which at least the predetermined measurement points indicated by the cephalometric coordinate information are superimposed on a head standardized photograph of the patient's head. The head standard photograph obtained by imaging the head of the patient is
14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, which is generated based on an image captured by magnetic resonance. The measurement point specifying means is
display means for displaying the three-dimensional model acquired by the three-dimensional model acquisition means;
model manipulation means for receiving manipulation of the three-dimensional model displayed on the display means;
15. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising operation receiving means for receiving an operator's operation specifying said predetermined measurement point. An information processing program executed by a device for supporting diagnosis in orthodontics,
a three-dimensional model acquisition step of acquiring a three-dimensional model of the patient's head generated from an image of the patient's head captured by magnetic resonance;
a measurement point identification step of identifying predetermined measurement points for corrective diagnosis based on the three-dimensional model;
Information for executing a cephalometric coordinate acquisition step of acquiring cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the predetermined measurement point captured by cephalometric radiography based on the specified coordinate information indicating the position of the predetermined measurement point. processing program. imaging means for imaging a patient's head by magnetic resonance;
a three-dimensional model output means for outputting a three-dimensional model of the patient's head based on the MRI image captured by the imaging means;
storage means for storing the information processing program according to claim 16;
and an execution means for executing the information processing program. An information processing method executed by a device for supporting diagnosis in orthodontics,
a three-dimensional model acquiring step in which a three-dimensional model acquiring means acquires a three-dimensional model of the patient's head generated from an image of the patient's head captured by magnetic resonance;
a measurement point identification step in which the measurement point identification means identifies predetermined measurement points for corrective diagnosis based on the three-dimensional model;
A cephalometric coordinate acquisition step in which a cephalometric coordinate acquisition means acquires cephalometric coordinate information indicating the imaging position of the predetermined measurement point imaged by cephalometric X-ray imaging based on the specified coordinate information indicating the position of the predetermined measurement point. and information processing method.

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