JP4935727B2 - Image measuring apparatus, medical image system, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image measurement device, a medical image system, and a program.

  Conventionally, in a diagnosis in the medical field such as orthopedics, an image obtained by photographing a patient with radiation such as X-rays is used. The doctor observes and interprets the radiographic image output on the film, marks the position to be measured on the radiographic image with a red pencil to obtain numerical values and angles for diagnosis, and uses a measuring instrument such as a ruler or a protractor. Measure the distance and angle of the marked position.

  In recent years, digitization has progressed also in the medical field, and most of radiographic images generated in hospitals are stored as digital images in a workstation or PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System). In the case of a digital image, an image is displayed on a monitor screen, and a line used for measurement (hereinafter referred to as an auxiliary line) is manually or automatically specified on this screen, thereby automatically measuring distance, angle, etc. Since the auxiliary line drawn once can be moved, it is possible to greatly reduce the burden required for measurement by doctors and radiographers.

  For example, a compression fracture of the spine occurs due to osteoporosis, and is determined by a lateral radiograph of thoracolumbar spine. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, an image obtained by photographing the spine from the side of the human body is displayed on the monitor screen, and an anterior vertebral body (Anterior) corresponding to the front side of the human body of the vertebral body to be measured is displayed. The auxiliary line La connecting the upper and lower ends, the auxiliary line Lp connecting the upper and lower ends of the vertebral body (Posterior) corresponding to the back side of the human body, the center of the vertebral body (Center) located between the vertebral body front part and the vertebral body rear part The auxiliary line Lc connecting the upper and lower ends is drawn, and the length A of the auxiliary line La, the length P of the auxiliary line Lp, and the length C of the auxiliary line Lc are measured. Then, C / A, C / P, and A / P are calculated, and if any of C / A and C / P is less than 0.8, or if A / P is less than 0.75, it is determined as a compression fracture.

Further, when an angle indicating a feature for use in diagnosis is measured from a medical image, it is necessary to designate the positions of two straight lines that form the angle. When adjusting the positions of the drawn two straight lines later, if the adjustment is permitted only in a pair, only one straight line cannot be drawn or moved. Therefore, in an image measurement apparatus that draws a plurality of straight lines on a medical image displayed on the display unit and measures the angle between the two drawn straight lines, each drawn straight line is independently changed, edited, or deleted. The technique which can do is proposed (refer patent document 1).
JP 2006-192104 A

  However, as described above, since the drawn auxiliary line can be easily moved on the monitor screen, when the auxiliary line drawn once is moved so that the positional relationship with other auxiliary lines changes, In some cases, it is difficult to recognize the correspondence relationship indicating the position of each auxiliary line on the image.

  For example, assuming that the left side of FIG. 11A is the front side of the measurement target vertebral body and the auxiliary lines L1, L2, and L3 are drawn on the lateral spine image, C / A (the auxiliary line L2 (Length) / (length of auxiliary line L1) is measured, (length of auxiliary line L2) / (length of auxiliary line L3) is measured as C / P, and (length of auxiliary line L1) is measured as A / P Length) / (length of auxiliary line L3) is measured.

  After that, as shown in FIG. 11B, even when the auxiliary line L3 located on the rightmost side is moved to a position on the left side of the auxiliary lines L1 and L2, the correspondence relationship between the auxiliary line and the part is not changed. The measurement result remains the same. However, since the user makes a determination based on the order of appearance, in FIG. 11B, the value measured as C / A is (length of auxiliary line L1) / (length of auxiliary line L3). , The value measured as C / P is (length of auxiliary line L1) / (length of auxiliary line L2), and the value measured as A / P is (length of auxiliary line L3) / (auxiliary. The length of the line L2) was mistaken and there was a possibility of making a mistake in diagnosis.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and improves operability in measuring C / A, C / P and A / P of lateral spine images and prevents misdiagnosis. Is an issue.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 displays a lateral spine image obtained by photographing the spine from the side of the human body on the monitor screen of the display means, and the measurement target vertebral body in the displayed lateral spinal image. The axial length of the anterior vertebral body corresponding to the front side of the human body is A, the axial length of the posterior vertebral body corresponding to the back side of the human body is P, the anterior vertebral body and the posterior vertebral body An image measuring apparatus for measuring C / A, C / P, and A / P, where C is the axial length of the middle vertebral body located in the middle of the vertebral body, and in the lateral spine image displayed on the monitor screen An operation means for designating a position for drawing an auxiliary line for measurement, and an anterior part of the vertebral body and an intermediate part of the vertebral body on the lateral spine image displayed on the monitor screen based on an operation from the operation means The auxiliary lines connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the posterior vertebral body are sequentially drawn. Drawing control means, and measuring means for measuring C / A, C / P, and A / P based on the length of each drawn auxiliary line, and the drawing control means includes the lateral spine. The vertebra only in the region opposite to the region where the auxiliary line connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the front vertebral body exists with the auxiliary line connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the middle vertebral body on the image Allows drawing of auxiliary lines connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the back of the body.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image measuring device according to the first aspect, the drawing control means further prohibits drawing of an auxiliary line connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the rear part of the vertebral body on the monitor screen. In the area to be displayed, the graphic indicating the drawing position by the operating means is changed from the display in the area where drawing of auxiliary lines connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the rear part of the vertebral body is permitted.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image measuring device according to the first or second aspect, the drawing control means further draws an auxiliary line connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the vertebral body rear part of the monitor screen. The region where the prohibition is prohibited is displayed in a color different from the region where the drawing of the auxiliary line connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the rear part of the vertebral body is permitted.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image measuring apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the auxiliary line connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the drawn vertebral body front part or the vertebral body It further comprises movement control means for prohibiting any one of the auxiliary lines connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the rear part from exceeding the auxiliary line connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the central vertebral body.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, an image server device that stores a lateral spine image obtained by photographing a spine from the side of a human body, and a lateral spine image acquired from the image server device are displayed on a monitor screen of a display unit and displayed. The axial length of the vertebral body front part corresponding to the front side of the human body of the measurement target vertebral body in the lateral spine image is A, and the axial length of the vertebral body rear part corresponding to the back side of the human body is P, An image measuring device that measures C / A, C / P, and A / P is a communication network, where C is the length in the axial direction of the middle vertebral body located between the front of the vertebral body and the rear of the vertebral body. A medical image system connected so as to be capable of data communication, wherein the image measurement device includes an operation means for designating a position for drawing a measurement auxiliary line in a lateral spine image displayed on the monitor screen; , Based on the operation from the operation means A drawing control means for sequentially drawing the auxiliary lines connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the front part of the vertebral body, the middle part of the vertebral body, and the rear part of the vertebral body on the lateral spine image displayed on the monitor screen; Measuring means for measuring C / A, C / P, and A / P based on the length of each auxiliary line, and the drawing control means of the middle part of the vertebral body on the lateral spine image With the auxiliary line connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction as the boundary, the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the posterior vertebral body only in the region opposite to the region where the auxiliary lines connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the vertebral body exist Allows drawing of auxiliary lines connecting.

  The invention according to claim 6 displays a side vertebra image obtained by photographing the spine from the side of the human body on the monitor screen of the display means, and corresponds to the front side of the human body of the measurement target vertebra in the displayed side vertebra image. The length of the vertebral body in the axial direction is A, the length of the vertebral body in the axial direction corresponding to the back side of the human body is P, and the middle part of the vertebral body is located between the front of the vertebral body and the back of the vertebral body The position of the auxiliary line for measurement is designated in the lateral spine image displayed on the monitor screen by the computer measuring C / A, C / P, and A / P, where C is the length in the axial direction. Based on the operation from the operation means, the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the vertebral body front part, the vertebral body middle part, and the vertebral body posterior part are displayed on the lateral spine image displayed on the monitor screen. Drawing control means for drawing the auxiliary lines to be connected in order, each drawn A program for functioning as a measuring unit for measuring C / A, C / P and A / P based on the length of the auxiliary line, wherein the drawing control unit is configured to perform the vertebra on the lateral spine image. Axis direction of the posterior body of the vertebral body only in a region opposite to the region where the auxiliary line connecting the upper and lower ends of the vertebral body in the axial direction exists with the auxiliary line connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the middle part of the body. This is a program that permits the drawing of auxiliary lines connecting the upper and lower ends of.

  According to the first, fifth, and sixth aspects of the invention, the auxiliary line connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the front part of the vertebral body with the auxiliary line connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the middle part of the vertebral body on the lateral spine image as a boundary. Since the drawing of auxiliary lines connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the posterior vertebral body is permitted only in the region opposite to the region where the line exists, measurement of C / A, C / P and A / P of the lateral spine image In addition to improving the operability in, misdiagnosis can be prevented.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is easy to recognize that the figure indicating the drawing position is in a region where drawing of auxiliary lines connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the rear part of the vertebral body is prohibited.

  According to invention of Claim 3, the area | region which permits drawing of the auxiliary line which connects the upper and lower ends of the axial direction of a vertebral body rear part, and the area | region to prohibit can be displayed so that identification is possible.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, the auxiliary line connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the front part of the vertebral body or the auxiliary line connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the rear part of the vertebral body is the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the middle part of the vertebral body. Since the movement beyond the auxiliary line connecting the two is prohibited, the positional relationship between the three auxiliary lines can be maintained, and misdiagnosis can be prevented.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a medical image system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a system configuration of the medical image system 100. As shown in FIG. 1, in the medical image system 100, a RIS (Radiological Information System) 10, a modality 20, an image server device 30, and an image measurement device 40 are connected via a network N so that data communication is possible. ing.

  The RIS 10 performs information management such as medical appointment reservation, diagnosis result report, results management, and material inventory management in the radiology department. The RIS 10 generates examination order information indicating the contents of imaging and diagnosis, and transmits the examination order information to the modality 20.

  The modality 20 is an image generation device that captures a patient based on examination order information transmitted from the RIS 10 and generates image data of a medical image. The modality 20 transmits the image data to the image server device 30. As the modality 20, a CR (Computed Radiography) apparatus, a CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus, or the like is used.

  The image server device 30 is configured by PACS, stores the image data file of the medical image received from the modality 20, and provides the image file in response to a request from an external device such as the image measurement device 40.

  FIG. 2 shows a functional configuration of the image server device 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the image server device 30 includes a control unit 31, an operation unit 32, a display unit 33, a communication unit 34, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 35, and a storage unit 36, and each unit is a bus 37. Connected by.

  The control unit 31 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like, and comprehensively controls the processing operation of each unit of the image server device 30. Specifically, the CPU reads various processing programs stored in the ROM 35 in accordance with an operation signal input from the operation unit 32 or an instruction signal received by the communication unit 34, and a work piece formed in the RAM. Expand to the area and perform various processes in cooperation with the program.

  The operation unit 32 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like, and a pointing device such as a mouse. The operation unit 32 controls operation signals input by key operations or mouse operations on the keyboard. To 31.

  The display unit 33 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays various screens based on display data input from the control unit 31.

  The communication unit 34 is an interface that transmits and receives data to and from external devices such as the RIS 10, the modality 20, and the image measurement device 40.

  The ROM 35 is configured by a nonvolatile semiconductor memory or the like, and stores a control program, parameters and files necessary for executing the program, and the like.

  The storage unit 36 is configured by a hard disk or the like and stores various data. Specifically, the storage unit 36 stores image files, related information, and the like. The image file is an image data file of a medical image received from the modality 20. The storage unit 36 stores, for example, an image file of a lateral spine image (see FIG. 10) obtained by photographing the spine from the side of the human body. The related information refers to information related to the image of the image file, and is associated with each image file. The related information includes patient information, examination information, etc. In the case of a lateral spine image, as shown in FIG. 3, the axial direction of the front part of the vertebral body corresponding to the front side of the human body of the measurement target vertebral body is shown. A length is A, an axial length of the vertebral body corresponding to the back side of the human body is P, an axial length of the middle vertebral body located between the vertebral body front part and the vertebral body rear part is C, Measurement results obtained by measuring C / A, C / P and A / P are also included.

  When there is an image file acquisition request from the image measurement device 40, the control unit 31 reads out the requested image file from the storage unit 36 and transmits it to the image measurement device 40. Further, when the measurement result is received from the image measurement device 40, the control unit 31 stores the received measurement result in the storage unit 36 in association with the measurement target image file.

  The image measurement device 40 is a device for displaying a medical image acquired from the image server device 30 and measuring numerical values and angles used for diagnosis of the medical image, and is configured by a PC (Personal Computer) or the like. For example, the image measuring device 40 measures C / A, C / P, and A / P used for diagnosis of a compression fracture in a lateral spine image.

  FIG. 4 shows a functional configuration of the image measurement device 40. As shown in FIG. 4, the image measurement device 40 includes a control unit 41, an operation unit 42, a display unit 43, a communication unit 44, a ROM 45, and a storage unit 46, and each unit is connected by a bus 47.

  The control unit 41 includes a CPU, a RAM, and the like, and comprehensively controls processing operations of the respective units of the image measurement device 40. Specifically, the CPU reads various processing programs stored in the ROM 45 in response to an operation signal input from the operation unit 42 or an instruction signal received by the communication unit 44, and a work piece formed in the RAM. Expand to the area and perform various processes in cooperation with the program.

  The operation unit 42 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like, and a pointing device such as a mouse. The control unit 42 controls operation signals input by keyboard operation or mouse operation. 41 is output. The operation unit 42 is used when designating a position for drawing auxiliary lines for measurement of C / A, C / P, and A / P in the lateral spine image displayed on the monitor screen of the display unit 43.

  The display unit 43 is configured by an LCD, and displays various screens based on display data input from the control unit 41. Specifically, the display unit 43 displays a medical image such as a lateral spine image.

  The communication unit 44 is an interface that transmits and receives data to and from an external device such as the image server device 30.

  The ROM 45 is constituted by a nonvolatile semiconductor memory or the like, and stores a control program, parameters and files necessary for executing the program, and the like.

  The storage unit 46 is configured by a hard disk or the like and stores various data.

  The control unit 41 transmits an acquisition request for an image file of a medical image stored in the storage unit 36 to the image server device 30 via the communication unit 44, and the image file of the medical image is transmitted from the image server device 30. To get. The control unit 41 displays the medical image on the monitor screen of the display unit 43 based on the acquired medical image image file. In the present embodiment, a case where an image file of a lateral spine image is acquired and the lateral spine image is displayed on the monitor screen of the display unit 43 will be described.

  Based on the operation of the operation unit 42 from the mouse, the control unit 41 is an auxiliary line (hereinafter referred to as the front line) that connects the upper and lower ends of the vertebral body in the axial direction on the lateral spine image displayed on the monitor screen of the display unit 43. Auxiliary line connecting the upper and lower ends of the vertebral body in the axial direction (hereinafter referred to as the middle auxiliary line) Lc, an auxiliary line connecting the upper and lower ends of the vertebral body in the axial direction (hereinafter referred to as the posterior auxiliary) This is called a line.) Lp is drawn in order. When drawing the rear auxiliary line Lp, the control unit 41 draws the auxiliary line only in a region opposite to the region where the front auxiliary line La exists, with the middle auxiliary line Lc on the lateral spine image as a boundary. to approve.

  In the area where the drawing of the rear auxiliary line Lp on the monitor screen of the display unit 43 is prohibited, the control unit 41 allows the drawing of the drawing position by the mouse of the operation unit 42 (mouse cursor) to be drawn on the rear auxiliary line Lp. Change the display in. Specifically, the control unit 41 displays a normal arrow mark as a mouse cursor in a region where the drawing of the rear auxiliary line Lp is permitted, and a prohibition mark as a mouse cursor in a region where the drawing of the rear auxiliary line Lp is prohibited. (For example, x mark) is displayed.

  The control unit 41 displays an area where the drawing of the rear auxiliary line Lp on the monitor screen of the display unit 43 is prohibited in a color different from the area where the drawing of the rear auxiliary line Lp is allowed.

  Here, an equation (hereinafter referred to as a discriminant) for discriminating the positional relationship of a point with respect to a certain straight line (which region the point belongs to or on the straight line as a boundary) is used. The discriminant D is defined as follows with respect to the positional relationship of the point (α, β) with respect to the straight line represented by the equation ax + by + c = 0.

The distance d between the point (α, β) and the straight line represented by the expression ax + by + c = 0 is obtained by the following expression.

  A method of restricting the drawing area when drawing the rear auxiliary line Lp using the discriminant D and the distance d between the point and the straight line will be described in detail. Hereinafter, the image coordinate system is used to indicate the positions of points and straight line expressions. The image coordinate system is a coordinate system on an image unique to the image file.

  After drawing the front auxiliary line La and the middle auxiliary line Lc, the control unit 41 obtains the expression ex + fy + g = 0 for the straight line L representing the front auxiliary line La and the expression hx + iy + j = 0 for the straight line M representing the middle auxiliary line Lc. To do.

  The control unit 41 determines whether or not the product of the discriminant of the straight line L and the discriminant of the straight line M is positive at the coordinates (xm, ym) on the image corresponding to the mouse position of the operation unit 42. To do. In the case where the product of the discriminant of the straight line L and the discriminant of the straight line M is positive at the coordinates (xm, ym), the discriminant of the coordinate (xm, ym) with respect to the straight line L is positive and the coordinate (xm , Ym) when the discriminant with respect to the straight line M is positive, or the discriminant with respect to the straight line L with coordinates (xm, ym) is negative and the discriminant with respect to the straight line M with coordinates (xm, ym) is negative. This is the case where the coordinates (xm, ym) are on the same side with respect to the straight line L and the straight line M. When the coordinate (xm, ym) obtained by multiplying the discriminant of the straight line L and the discriminant of the straight line M is 0 or negative, the control unit 41 moves the mouse cursor to a prohibition mark (for example, a x mark). Change to

  When the coordinate (xm, ym) obtained by multiplying the discriminant of the straight line L and the discriminant of the straight line M is positive, the control unit 41 displays the coordinates on the image corresponding to the mouse position of the operation unit 42. It is determined whether or not the distance between (xm, ym) and the straight line L is greater than the distance between the coordinates (xm, ym) and the straight line M. That is, the control unit 41 determines whether or not the coordinate (xm, ym) exists in a region opposite to the region where the straight line L exists with the straight line M as a boundary. When the distance between the coordinates (xm, ym) and the straight line L is equal to or less than the distance between the coordinates (xm, ym) and the straight line M, the control unit 41 sets the mouse cursor to a prohibition mark (for example, a x mark). Change to

  When the coordinate (xm, ym) obtained by multiplying the discriminant of the straight line L by the discriminant of the straight line M is positive and the distance from the straight line L is greater than the distance from the straight line M, the control unit 41 permits the drawing of the rear auxiliary line Lp.

The control unit 41 measures C / A, C / P, and A / P based on the length of each drawn auxiliary line. Specifically, the control unit 41
C / A = (length of middle auxiliary line Lc) / (length of front auxiliary line La)
C / P = (length of middle auxiliary line Lc) / (length of rear auxiliary line Lp)
A / P = (length of front auxiliary line La) / (length of rear auxiliary line Lp)
Each value is calculated by

  The control unit 41 prohibits any one of the drawn front auxiliary line La and rear auxiliary line Lp from moving beyond the middle auxiliary line Lc. Specifically, when the discriminant D with respect to the straight line M at the midpoint of the front auxiliary line La or the rear auxiliary line Lp selected as the movement target becomes 0, the control unit 41 stops the movement. .

Next, the operation will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing executed in the image server device 30. This process is a process for providing a medical image to be measured to the image measuring device 40, and is realized by software processing in cooperation with the CPU of the control unit 31 and the program stored in the ROM 35. .

  First, when the communication unit 34 receives an image file acquisition request from the image measurement device 40 (step S <b> 1; YES), the control unit 31 reads the requested image file from the storage unit 36. It is transmitted to the image measurement device 40 via the communication unit 34 (step S2).

Next, when the measurement result is received from the image measurement device 40 by the communication unit 34 (step S3; YES), the received measurement result is associated with the image file to be measured by the control unit 31. It is stored in the storage unit 36 (step S4).
Thus, the processing in the image server device 30 ends.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing executed in the image measurement device 40. This process is realized by software processing in cooperation with the CPU of the control unit 41 and the program stored in the ROM 45.

  First, an image file of a lateral spine image to be measured is selected by an operation from the operation unit 42, and the selected lateral spine image is transmitted to the image server device 30 by the communication unit 44 according to the control of the control unit 41. An image file acquisition request is sent. Then, the control unit 41 obtains an image file of a lateral spine image from the image server device 30 via the communication unit 44 (step S11). Then, the control unit 41 displays the side spine image on the monitor screen of the display unit 43 based on the acquired image file of the side spine image (step S12).

  Next, an allocation process is performed in which the coordinates on the image corresponding to the mouse position of the operation unit 42 are (xm, ym) (step S13).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7A, the mouse button of the operation unit 42 is pressed by the user with the mouse cursor MC placed on the upper end in the axial direction of the front vertebral body of the vertebral body to be measured, and the vertebral body When the upper end position of the front part is designated, the control unit 41 acquires the coordinates (xm, ym) on the image corresponding to the position where the mouse button was pressed, and the first point coordinates (x1, y1) are obtained. x1 = xm and y1 = ym are determined (step S14).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7B, the user presses the mouse button of the operation unit 42 with the mouse cursor MC placed at the lower axial end of the front vertebral body, and the lower end position of the front vertebral body Is designated, the control unit 41 obtains the coordinates (xm, ym) on the image corresponding to the position where the mouse button was pressed, and the coordinates (x2, y2) of the second point are x2 = xm, y2. = Ym is determined (step S15).

  Then, on the lateral spine image on which the front auxiliary line La connecting the first coordinate (x1, y1) and the second coordinate (x2, y2) is displayed on the monitor screen of the display unit 43 by the control unit 41. (Step S16).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7 (c), the user presses the mouse button of the operation unit 42 with the mouse cursor MC placed at the upper end in the axial direction of the central vertebral body of the vertebral body to be measured, Is specified, the control unit 41 obtains the coordinates (xm, ym) on the image corresponding to the position where the mouse button was pressed, and the third point coordinates (x3, y3) are x3 = xm, y3 = ym is determined (step S17).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7D, the user presses the mouse button of the operation unit 42 with the mouse cursor MC placed at the lower end in the axial direction of the middle vertebral body, and the lower end position of the middle vertebral body is designated. Then, the control unit 41 acquires the coordinates (xm, ym) on the image corresponding to the position where the mouse button was pressed, and the fourth point coordinates (x4, y4) are x4 = xm and y4 = ym. Is determined (step S18).

  Then, the control unit 41 causes the middle auxiliary line Lc connecting the third coordinate (x3, y3) and the fourth coordinate (x4, y4) to be displayed on the lateral spine image displayed on the monitor screen of the display unit 43. Drawing is performed (step S19).

Next, a rear auxiliary line drawing process is performed by the control unit 41 (step S20).
The rear auxiliary line drawing process will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the control unit 41 obtains an expression ex + fy + g = 0 of the straight line L that passes through the coordinates (x1, y1) of the first point and the coordinates (x2, y2) of the second point (step S31), and the coordinates of the third point The expression hx + iy + j = 0 of the straight line M passing through (x3, y3) and the fourth coordinate (x4, y4) is acquired (step S32).

  Next, whether or not the control unit 41 multiplies the discriminant of the straight line L and the discriminant of the straight line M at the coordinates (xm, ym) on the image corresponding to the mouse position of the operation unit 42 is positive. Is determined (step S33). In the coordinate (xm, ym), when the product of the discriminant of the straight line L and the discriminant of the straight line M is 0 or negative (step S33; NO), that is, the mouse is placed in the region K1 shown in FIG. When there is a cursor MC, the control unit 41 changes the mouse cursor MC displayed on the monitor screen of the display unit 43 to a prohibition mark (for example, a x mark) (step S34), and the rear auxiliary line Lp is changed. Drawing is prohibited. Further, the control unit 41 displays the region K1 in a color different from the region where the drawing of the rear auxiliary line Lp on the monitor screen is permitted (the region excluding the region K1 and the region K2 in FIG. 7E). In this case, a translucent display is used when coloring the region K1 so that the measurement target vertebral body and the drawn auxiliary line can be seen.

  In the coordinate (xm, ym), when the product of the discriminant of the straight line L and the discriminant of the straight line M is positive (step S33; YES), that is, the coordinate (xm, ym) is the straight line L and the straight line M. On the other hand, if it is on the same side, the distance between the coordinate (xm, ym) on the image corresponding to the position of the mouse of the operation unit 42 and the straight line L is set by the control unit 41 to the coordinate (xm, ym) and the straight line. It is determined whether or not the distance from M is larger (step S35). When the distance between the coordinates (xm, ym) and the straight line L is equal to or smaller than the distance between the coordinates (xm, ym) and the straight line M (step S35; NO), that is, in the region K2 shown in FIG. If there is a cursor MC, the control unit 41 changes the mouse cursor MC displayed on the monitor screen of the display unit 43 to a prohibition mark (step S34), and the drawing of the rear auxiliary line Lp is prohibited. Further, the control unit 41 displays the region K2 in a color different from the region that permits the drawing of the rear auxiliary line Lp on the monitor screen (the region excluding the region K1 and the region K2 in FIG. 7E). In this case, the translucent display is used when coloring the region K2 so that the measurement target vertebral body and the drawn auxiliary line can be seen. The colors of the region K1 and the region K2 may be the same.

  In coordinates (xm, ym), the product of the discriminant of the straight line L and the discriminant of the straight line M is positive (step S33; YES), and the distance to the straight line L is greater than the distance to the straight line M. In that case (step S35; YES), the control unit 41 displays the mouse cursor MC as an arrow mark as usual, and permits the drawing of the rear auxiliary line Lp. As shown in FIG. 7E, the mouse button of the operation unit 42 is pressed by the user while the mouse cursor MC is placed on the upper axial end of the vertebral body rear part of the measurement target vertebral body, and the upper end position of the vertebral body rear part Is designated, the control unit 41 acquires the coordinates (xm, ym) on the image corresponding to the position where the mouse button was pressed, and the fifth coordinate (x5, y5) is x5 = xm, y5. = Ym is determined (step S36).

  Next, whether or not the control unit 41 multiplies the discriminant of the straight line L and the discriminant of the straight line M at the coordinates (xm, ym) on the image corresponding to the mouse position of the operation unit 42 is positive. Is determined (step S37). In the coordinate (xm, ym), when the product of the discriminant of the straight line L and the discriminant of the straight line M is 0 or negative (step S37; NO), that is, the mouse is placed in the region K1 shown in FIG. When there is a cursor MC, the control unit 41 changes the mouse cursor MC displayed on the monitor screen of the display unit 43 to a prohibition mark (step S38), and the drawing of the rear auxiliary line Lp is prohibited.

  In the coordinate (xm, ym), when the product of the discriminant of the straight line L and the discriminant of the straight line M is positive (step S37; YES), that is, the coordinate (xm, ym) is the straight line L and the straight line M. On the other hand, if it is on the same side, the distance between the coordinate (xm, ym) on the image corresponding to the position of the mouse of the operation unit 42 and the straight line L is set by the control unit 41 to the coordinate (xm, ym) and the straight line. It is determined whether or not the distance is larger than M (step S39). When the distance between the coordinates (xm, ym) and the straight line L is equal to or less than the distance between the coordinates (xm, ym) and the straight line M (step S39; NO), that is, in the region K2 shown in FIG. When there is a cursor MC, the control unit 41 changes the mouse cursor MC displayed on the monitor screen of the display unit 43 to a prohibition mark (step S38), and the drawing of the rear auxiliary line Lp is prohibited.

  In coordinates (xm, ym), the product of the discriminant of the straight line L and the discriminant of the straight line M is positive (step S37; YES), and the distance to the straight line L is greater than the distance to the straight line M. In that case (step S39; YES), the control unit 41 displays the mouse cursor MC as an arrow mark as usual, and permits the drawing of the rear auxiliary line Lp. As shown in FIG. 7 (f), the mouse button of the operation unit 42 is pressed by the user with the mouse cursor MC placed at the lower axial end of the vertebral body rear part of the measurement target vertebral body, and the lower end position of the rear vertebral body Is designated, the control unit 41 acquires the coordinates (xm, ym) on the image corresponding to the position where the mouse button was pressed, and the coordinates (x6, y6) of the sixth point are x6 = xm, y6. = Ym is determined (step S40).

  Then, the control unit 41 causes the rear auxiliary line Lp connecting the fifth coordinate (x5, y5) and the sixth coordinate (x6, y6) to be displayed on the lateral spine image displayed on the monitor screen of the display unit 43. Drawing is performed (step S41).

  Returning to FIG. 6, the control unit 41 measures C / A, C / P, and A / P based on the lengths of the drawn front auxiliary line La, middle auxiliary line Lc, and rear auxiliary line Lp. (Step S21).

  Next, the measurement result (values of C / A, C / P, and A / P) is displayed on the monitor screen of the display unit 43 by the control unit 41 (step S22).

  Here, one of the front auxiliary line La and the rear auxiliary line Lp on the lateral spine image displayed on the monitor screen of the display unit 43 based on an operation from the operation unit 42 by the control unit 41. It is determined whether or not the auxiliary line has been moved (step S23). Specifically, the mouse button of the operation unit 42 is pressed by the user with the mouse cursor placed on the auxiliary line to be moved (selection of the auxiliary line), and the mouse button is released at the destination position while holding down the mouse button. And (determining the position of the auxiliary line after movement), the auxiliary line is moved.

  When any one of the front auxiliary line La or the rear auxiliary line Lp on the lateral spine image displayed on the monitor screen of the display unit 43 is moved by the operation from the operation unit 42 ( In step S23; YES), the control unit 41 determines whether or not the movement exceeds the middle auxiliary line Lc (step S24). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, when the discriminant D with respect to the straight line M at the midpoint of the front auxiliary line La or the rear auxiliary line Lp selected as the movement target by the control unit 41 is 0. It is determined that the movement exceeds the middle auxiliary line Lc.

  When the movement of any one of the front auxiliary line La and the rear auxiliary line Lp is not movement exceeding the middle auxiliary line Lc (step S24; NO), the movement is permitted by the control unit 41 ( Step S25) and return to Step S23. On the other hand, when the movement of any one of the front auxiliary line La or the rear auxiliary line Lp is a movement exceeding the middle auxiliary line Lc (step S24; YES), the control unit 41 performs the movement. Canceled (step S26), the process returns to step S23.

  In step S23, when there is no movement of the front auxiliary line La or the rear auxiliary line Lp on the lateral spine image displayed on the monitor screen of the display unit 43 (step S23; NO), the control unit 41 performs measurement. It is determined whether to save the result (step S27). For example, when a save button is selected on the monitor screen of the display unit 43 by an operation from the operation unit 42, the measurement result is saved.

When saving the measurement result (step S27; YES), the control unit 41 sets the measurement result (C / A, C /) together with the coordinate values (image coordinates) indicating the start point and end point of each drawn auxiliary line. P and A / P values) are transmitted to the image server device 30 (step S28). If the measurement result is not stored (step S27; NO), the process ends.
Thus, the process in the image measurement device 40 ends.

  As described above, according to the image measuring device 40, the rear auxiliary line Lp is drawn only in the region opposite to the region where the front auxiliary line La exists, with the middle auxiliary line Lc on the side spine image as a boundary. Therefore, the operability in the measurement of C / A, C / P and A / P of the lateral spine image can be improved and misdiagnosis can be prevented.

  Further, in the area where the drawing of the rear auxiliary line Lp on the monitor screen of the display unit 43 is prohibited, the mouse cursor is changed from the display in the area where the drawing of the rear auxiliary line Lp is allowed. It becomes easier to recognize that the area is in the area where drawing is prohibited.

  In addition, since the area where the drawing of the rear auxiliary line Lp on the monitor screen of the display unit 43 is prohibited is displayed in a color different from the area where the drawing of the rear auxiliary line Lp is permitted, the area where the drawing of the rear auxiliary line Lp is allowed. And the prohibited area can be displayed in an identifiable manner.

  Further, since the front auxiliary line La or the rear auxiliary line Lp prohibits movement beyond the middle auxiliary line Lc, the positional relationship of the three auxiliary lines can be maintained, and misdiagnosis can be prevented.

  The description in the above embodiment is an example of the medical image system according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. The detailed configuration and detailed operation of each device constituting the system can be appropriately changed.

  In the above description, an example in which a ROM is used as a computer-readable medium storing a program for executing each process is disclosed, but the present invention is not limited to this example. As other computer-readable media, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory and a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM can be applied. A carrier wave may be applied as a medium for providing program data via a communication line.

1 is a system configuration diagram of a medical image system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of an image server apparatus. It is a figure which shows the length of the axial direction of the vertebral body front part of a measurement object vertebral body, the length of the axial direction of a vertebral body rear part, and the length of the axial direction of a vertebral body middle part. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of an image measuring device. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed in an image server apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed in an image measuring device. (A) is a screen example when designating the axial upper end of the vertebral body front part. (B) is a screen example when designating the axial lower end of the vertebral body front part. (C) is a screen example when designating the axial upper end of the middle part of the vertebral body. (D) is an example of a screen when the lower end in the axial direction of the middle part of the vertebral body is designated. (E) is a screen example when designating the axial upper end of the vertebral body rear part. (F) is an example of a screen when the lower end of the vertebral body in the axial direction is designated. It is a flowchart which shows a rear part auxiliary line drawing process. It is a figure for demonstrating the process for which any one auxiliary line of a front part auxiliary line or a rear part auxiliary line prohibits the movement beyond a center part auxiliary line. It is an example of the image which image | photographed the spine from the side of the human body. It is a figure for demonstrating the problem in the past.

Explanation of symbols

10 RIS
20 modality 30 image server device 31 control unit 32 operation unit 33 display unit 34 communication unit 35 ROM
36 Storage Unit 37 Bus 40 Image Measuring Device 41 Control Unit 42 Operation Unit 43 Display Unit 44 Communication Unit 45 ROM
46 storage unit 47 bus 100 medical image system N network MC mouse cursor La front auxiliary line Lc middle auxiliary line Lp rear auxiliary line

Claims (6)

A lateral spine image obtained by photographing the spine from the side of the human body is displayed on the monitor screen of the display means, and the axial length of the front part of the vertebral body corresponding to the front side of the human body of the measurement target vertebral body in the displayed lateral spine image A is the length in the axial direction of the posterior vertebral body corresponding to the back side of the human body is P, and C is the axial length of the middle vertebral body located between the vertebral body front part and the posterior vertebral body part , C / A, C / P and A / P measuring device,
Operation means for designating a position for drawing a measurement auxiliary line in the lateral spine image displayed on the monitor screen;
Based on the operation from the operation means, the auxiliary lines connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the vertebral body front part, the vertebral body middle part, and the vertebral body rear part on the lateral spine image displayed on the monitor screen. Drawing control means for drawing in order;
Measuring means for measuring C / A, C / P and A / P based on the length of each drawn auxiliary line;
With
The drawing control means includes a region where an auxiliary line connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the front part of the vertebral body exists with an auxiliary line connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the middle part of the vertebral body on the lateral spine image as a boundary An image measuring device that permits drawing of an auxiliary line connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the rear part of the vertebral body only in the opposite region. The drawing control means further displays a figure indicating a drawing position by the operating means in the axis of the vertebral body rear part in a region for prohibiting drawing of an auxiliary line connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the vertebral body rear part of the monitor screen. Change the display in the area that allows the drawing of auxiliary lines connecting the upper and lower ends of the direction,
The image measurement device according to claim 1. The drawing control means further draws an auxiliary line connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the posterior vertebral body in a region for prohibiting the drawing of auxiliary lines connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the rear vertebral body on the monitor screen. Display in a different color from the area that allows
The image measuring device according to claim 1. Any one of the drawn auxiliary lines connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the front part of the vertebral body and the auxiliary lines connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the rear part of the vertebral body is an axis of the middle part of the vertebral body A movement control means for prohibiting movement beyond the auxiliary line connecting the upper and lower ends of the direction;
The image measuring device according to claim 1. An image server device that stores a lateral spine image obtained by photographing a spine from the side of a human body, and a lateral spine image acquired from the image server device is displayed on a monitor screen of a display unit, and a measurement target vertebra in the displayed lateral spine image A length in the axial direction of the front part of the vertebral body corresponding to the front side of the human body of the body is A, P is a length in the axial direction of the back part of the vertebral body corresponding to the back side of the human body, and the front part of the vertebral body and the vertebral body The axial length of the middle part of the vertebral body located in the middle of the posterior part is defined as C, and an image measuring device that measures C / A, C / P, and A / P is connected via a communication network so that data communication is possible. A medical imaging system,
The image measuring device is
Operation means for designating a position for drawing a measurement auxiliary line in the lateral spine image displayed on the monitor screen;
Based on the operation from the operation means, the auxiliary lines connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the vertebral body front part, the vertebral body middle part, and the vertebral body rear part on the lateral spine image displayed on the monitor screen. Drawing control means for drawing in order;
Measuring means for measuring C / A, C / P and A / P based on the length of each drawn auxiliary line;
With
The drawing control means includes a region where an auxiliary line connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the front part of the vertebral body exists with an auxiliary line connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the middle part of the vertebral body on the lateral spine image as a boundary A medical image system that permits drawing of auxiliary lines that connect the upper and lower ends of the posterior vertebral body in the axial direction only in the opposite region. A lateral spine image obtained by photographing the spine from the side of the human body is displayed on the monitor screen of the display means, and the axial length of the front part of the vertebral body corresponding to the front side of the human body of the measurement target vertebral body in the displayed lateral spine image A is the length in the axial direction of the posterior vertebral body corresponding to the back side of the human body is P, and C is the axial length of the middle vertebral body located between the vertebral body front part and the posterior vertebral body part A computer for measuring C / A, C / P and A / P,
Operation means for designating a position for drawing a measurement auxiliary line in the lateral spine image displayed on the monitor screen;
Based on the operation from the operation means, the auxiliary lines connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the vertebral body front part, the vertebral body middle part, and the vertebral body rear part on the lateral spine image displayed on the monitor screen. Drawing control means for drawing in order,
Measuring means for measuring C / A, C / P and A / P based on the length of each drawn auxiliary line;
Is a program for functioning as
The drawing control means includes a region where an auxiliary line connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the front part of the vertebral body exists with an auxiliary line connecting the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the middle part of the vertebral body on the lateral spine image as a boundary A program that permits the drawing of an auxiliary line that connects the upper and lower ends in the axial direction of the posterior vertebral body only in the opposite region.

Images