JP5562595B2 - MEDICAL IMAGE DIAGNOSIS DEVICE AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD FOR MEDICAL IMAGE DIAGNOSIS DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a medical image diagnostic apparatus capable of continuously creating a plurality of cross-sectional images with thickness for a captured 3D image at predetermined intervals, and an image processing method of the medical image diagnostic apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a medical image diagnostic apparatus such as an X-ray CT apparatus has a function of performing, for example, MPR (Multi-Planar Reformation) processing on a captured 3D image to create cross-sectional images in a plurality of directions. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes an X-ray CT apparatus that can grasp a temporal displacement of a target region in volume data on one screen. This X-ray CT apparatus creates 2D data based on the projection data, creates 3D volume data based on the 2D data, sets a specific cross section in the volume data, and creates each volume data of the multiple time phases created. 2D data on a specific cross section is extracted from each, and the extracted 2D data is arranged along the time axis to create cross-section / time-series volume data, and MPR processing is performed on the volume data and cross-section / time-series volume data The MPR image is displayed, or 3D data is displayed by performing volume rendering processing on volume data and cross-section / time-series volume data.

  In addition, these medical image diagnostic apparatuses such as X-ray CT apparatuses perform MPR processing on a plurality of parallel cross-sections on a captured 3D image, and have an average thickness for each predetermined thickness. Some have a function of performing BatchMPR processing for continuously creating images at predetermined intervals. BatchMPR processing is performed by a user (such as a doctor) on a 3D image, the start point of the creation range, the end point of the creation range, the thickness of the image with thickness, the interval between each cross section, and the slice By setting information such as the number, MPR processing is performed on the 3D image based on the set information, and a plurality of cross-sectional images with thickness are continuously created at predetermined intervals.

JP 2008-148849 A

  When performing BatchMPR processing, the interval of each cross section can be set only at equal intervals for each creation range at present, and the user wants to set the interval of each cross section at a different interval. It is necessary to change the creation range for each time and perform BatchMPR processing multiple times. At this time, it is desirable to set the creation range so that the previous creation range and the current creation range are continuous by matching the end point of the creation range set last time with the start point of the new creation range. However, at the present time, when a new creation range is set, the end point including the thickness in the previous creation range is difficult for the user to recognize. Overlapping or a blank space (a part that is not considered in any cross section with thickness) is created between the newly created creation range and the already created creation range. There was a problem that it was difficult to set them to be continuous.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and for example, when a batch MPR process is performed on a 3D image to create a plurality of continuous slice images with thickness, when a creation range setting is instructed. The newly created creation range does not overlap the already created creation range, or there is no space between the newly created creation range and the already created creation range. It is an object of the present invention to provide a medical image diagnostic apparatus capable of creating an image with thickness and an image processing method of the medical image diagnostic apparatus.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention receives input of a start position and an end position of a creation range for creating a plurality of cross-sectional images with thickness on a 3D image, and the creation range Receiving means for receiving the input of intervals, thicknesses, and the number of slices of a plurality of cross-sections, and a current creation range based on the start position and the end position received by the receiving means is previously received by the receiving means. When overlapping the past creation range based on the accepted start position and the end position, based on the past creation range and the interval, thickness, and number of slices of a plurality of cross sections received by the acceptance means , the start position and the first position of the side overlapping of the end position of the current created range such that the current created range contiguous with the creation range the past tone And adjusting means for, characterized by comprising a.

The image processing method of the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention accepts input of the start position and end position of a creation range for creating a plurality of cross-sectional images with thickness on a 3D image acquired from a storage device , A reception step for receiving an input of intervals, thicknesses, and the number of slices of a plurality of cross sections within the generation range, and a current generation range based on the start position and the end position received in the reception step are the reception Based on the start position and the end position received in the past by the step, when overlapped with the past creation range stored in the storage device, the past creation range and the interval between the plurality of cross sections received by the reception step Based on the thickness, the number of slices, and the number of slices so that the current creation range is continuous with the previous creation range. An adjusting step of adjusting the position and the first position of the side overlapping of said end position, and having a display step of displaying on the display device a current creating a range in which the adjusted.

  According to the medical image diagnostic apparatus and the image processing method of the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, when creating a plurality of continuous slice images with thickness by performing, for example, BatchMPR processing on a 3D image, When setting is instructed, the newly created creation range overlaps the already created creation range, or there is a space between the newly created creation range and the already created creation range. It is possible to create a continuous image with a thickness without being generated.

1 is a configuration diagram of a medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. The figure which shows the MPR cross section in the 3D image imaged with the medical image diagnostic apparatus which concerns on this invention. 2A is a diagram showing an MPR image of the C1 cross section of FIG. 2, FIG. 2B is a diagram showing an MPR image of the C2 cross section of FIG. 2, and FIG. 2C is a diagram showing an MPR image of the C3 cross section of FIG. . (A) is a diagram showing an MPR cross section when BatchMPR processing is performed with a gap of 4 mm and a thickness of 4 mm in the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, and (B) is an interval in the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. The figure which shows MPR cross section in the case of performing BatchMPR process by 2 mm and thickness 2 mm. The functional block diagram for implement | achieving the creation range adjustment function in the medical image diagnostic apparatus which concerns on this invention. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the creation range adjustment process by the medical image diagnostic apparatus which concerns on this invention. The screen figure which shows an example of a setting screen. The figure which shows the MPR cross section in the case of performing BatchMPR processing by the interval of 4 mm, the number of slices, and the thickness of 4 mm in the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. The screen figure which shows an example of a setting screen. The figure which shows the MPR cross section in the case of performing BatchMPR processing with the interval of 2 mm, the number of slices of 3, and the thickness of 2 mm in the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. In the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, a creation range for creating an MPR image with an interval of 4 mm, a number of slices of 3 and a thickness of 4 mm, and a creation range of creating an MPR image with an interval of 2 mm, a number of slices of 3 and a thickness of 2 mm The figure which shows the MPR cross section when and are overlapping. In the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, a creation range for creating an MPR image with an interval of 4 mm, a number of slices of 3 and a thickness of 4 mm, and a creation range of creating an MPR image with an interval of 2 mm, a number of slices of 3 and a thickness of 2 mm The figure which shows the MPR cross section after adjusting so that and may not overlap. The figure which shows the MPR cross section displayed so that selection / non-selection of the several preparation range could be recognized in the medical image diagnostic apparatus which concerns on this invention.

  Embodiments of a medical image diagnostic apparatus and an image processing method of the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present invention. The medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 takes a cross-sectional image of the inside of a body such as an organ with respect to a patient (subject) M, and based on two-dimensional (2D: 2 dimensional) data that is image data for each cross-section. It is a device that creates three-dimensional (3D) data that is image data.

  The medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 is, for example, an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus. The X-ray CT apparatus collects projection data while rotating an X-ray source that irradiates an X-ray beam and an X-ray detector having multiple rows of detection elements in the body axis direction around a rotation axis, This is a device that performs back projection processing considering the cone angle of the beam to generate 2D data for each slice, and generates 3D data based on the 2D data. Hereinafter, although the case where X-ray CT apparatus is employ | adopted as the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 is demonstrated, 3D data should just be created based on 2D data for every slice regarding a patient, for example, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), etc. It may be a device.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 includes a cavity C for accommodating an imaging target (patient M) therein, and the patient M accommodated in the cavity C is X-rayed. The table (gantry) 11 for scanning with the head, the table (bed couch top) 12 for placing the patient M and transporting it in the body axis direction (Z-axis direction) in the cavity C, and the operation of the table 11 And an operation console 13 that creates and outputs (displays) a desired image based on the data transmitted from the gantry 11.

  The gantry 11 is movable in the tilt direction (not shown), and has a rotating portion 15 and a fixed portion. The rotating unit 15 is provided with an X-ray tube 21, a collimator 22, an aperture control motor 23, an X-ray detector 24, and a data collection device 25. The X-ray tube 21 and the collimator 22 and the X-ray detector 24 are provided at positions facing each other across the cavity C (that is, the patient M) of the gantry 11. The rotating unit 15 is configured to rotate around the cavity C while maintaining the positional relationship. Further, a main controller 31, IFs (Interfaces) 32 a and 32 b, an X-ray tube controller 33, a rotation motor 35, and a table motor 37 are provided in the fixed portion of the gantry 11.

  Driving of the X-ray tube 21 as an X-ray generation source is controlled by an X-ray tube controller 33, and X-rays are emitted from a tube (not shown) of the X-ray tube 21 toward the X-ray detector 24. The collimator 22 is controlled by an aperture control motor driver, and has an aperture for limiting the X-ray irradiation range irradiated from the X-ray tube 21.

  The X-ray detector 24 includes multi-row detection elements (may be detection elements having different configurations (number of columns, number of channels, etc.)) in the body axis direction, and an X-ray tube using these detection elements. X-rays irradiated from 21 and passing through collimator 22 and cavity C are detected. In the slice direction of the X-ray detector 24, 64 or more rows of X-ray detection elements, for example, 256 rows are arranged in parallel.

  The data collection device 25 is a so-called DAS (Data Acquisition System), and extracts an electrical signal from the X-ray detector 24 as projection data (digital data). This projection data is acquired by each X-ray detection element of the X-ray detector 24 for each view based on the rotation angle (phase) between the X-ray generator 22 and the X-ray detector 24. The data acquisition device 25 acquires projection data as binary data having a predetermined bit width for data of one X-ray detection element (one channel).

  The main controller 31 analyzes various commands received from the operation console 13 via the IF 32a, and based on the analysis, the X-ray tube controller 33, the aperture control motor 23, the rotation motor 35, the table motor 37, and the data collection device 25 are analyzed. In response, various control signals are output.

  The X-ray tube controller 33 transmits a drive signal to the X-ray tube 21. The X-ray tube 21 generates X-rays according to the control signal. The opening control motor 23 receives a drive signal from the main controller 31 via the opening control motor driver. The opening control motor 23 adjusts the opening width of the collimator 22 according to the control signal.

  The rotary motor 35 receives a drive signal from the main controller 31 via the rotary motor driver. By the drive signal, the rotation motor 35 rotates the rotation unit 15 so as to rotate around the cavity C in a state where the rotation unit 15 maintains the positional relationship.

  The table motor 37 receives a drive signal from the main controller 31 via the table motor driver. The table motor 37 conveys the table 12 in the Z-axis direction by the drive signal. The data collected by the data collection device 25 is sent to the operation console 13 via the IF 32b.

  The operation console 13 is a so-called workstation configured based on a computer, and is capable of mutual communication with a network N such as a hospital-based LAN (Local Area Network). The operation console 13 includes basic hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41, a memory 42, an HD (Harddisc) 44, IFs 45a, 45b, and 45c, an input device 46, and a display device 47. The CPU 41 is interconnected to each hardware component constituting the operation console 13 via a bus as a common signal transmission path. Note that the operation console 13 may include a recording medium drive 48.

  The CPU 41 executes a program stored in the memory 42 when a command is input by the operator operating the input device 46 or the like. Alternatively, the CPU 41 is read from a program stored in the HD 44, a program transferred from the network N, received by the IF 45c and installed in the HD 44, or read from a recording medium attached to the recording medium drive 48 and installed in the HD 44. The loaded program is loaded into the memory 42 and executed.

  The memory 42 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The memory 42 stores an IPL (Initial Program Loading), a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System), and a memory of the CPU 41. This is a storage device used for temporary storage of data.

  The HD 44 is configured by a nonvolatile semiconductor memory or the like. The HD 44 is a storage device that stores programs installed in the operation console 13 (including application programs, OS (Operating System), and the like) and data. In addition, the OS can be provided with a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that uses a lot of graphics for displaying information to the user and can perform basic operations with the input device 46.

  The IFs 45a, 45b, and 45c perform communication control according to each standard. The IFs 45a and 45b communicate with the gantry 11 and are connected to the IFs 32a and 32b of the gantry 11, respectively. Further, the IF 45c has a function capable of being connected to the network N through a telephone line, whereby the operation console 13 can be connected to the network N network from the IF 45c.

  The input device 46 is a keyboard and mouse that can be operated by an operator. When the input device 46 is operated, an input signal indicating the operation content is sent to the CPU 41. The display device 47 is a liquid crystal display, a monitor, or the like, and displays image data to be displayed on the display device 47 as an image after expanding the image data in a memory such as a video random access memory (VRAM).

  The recording medium drive 48 is detachable from the recording medium, reads out data (including a program) recorded on the recording medium, outputs the data on the bus, and outputs data supplied through the bus. Write to a recording medium. Such a recording medium can be provided as so-called package software.

  Here, the operation console 13 realizes various functions of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 by the CPU 41 executing various programs. That is, the CPU 41 performs CT imaging in the CT mode on the patient M placed on the table 12 for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment planning, and is output from the data collection device 25 via the IFs 32b and 45b. Collect projection data for each projection angle. Then, the CPU 41 via the main controller 31 sets the X-ray tube controller 33 so that the tube voltage and tube current values suitable for CT imaging, for example, 120 kV and 300 mA, are applied as the high voltage application condition to the X-ray tube 21. To control.

  Further, the CPU 41 controls the opening control motor 23 via the main controller 31 so as to adjust the opening width of the collimator 22 by a control signal. Further, the CPU 41 controls the rotation motor 35 so that the projection data collection unit 51 drives the rotation unit 15 continuously in a predetermined direction at an appropriate speed, for example, 0.5 seconds / rotation, via the main controller 31. In addition, the CPU 41 controls the table motor 37 via the main controller 31 so as to convey the table 12 in the Z-axis direction at a predetermined speed by a drive signal.

  The CPU 41 performs back projection processing in consideration of the cone angle of the X-ray beam based on the collected projection data, reconstructs each slice, and creates 2D data (slice data). The CPU 41 creates 3D data (volume data) represented in 3D real space by performing interpolation processing between the created 2D data.

  The CPU 41 performs MPR processing on the created volume data, reconstructs MPR data (axial cross-section data, sagittal cross-section data, coronal cross-section data, etc.) and displays the reconstructed data on the display device 47. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing MPR cross sections in a 3D image captured by the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1, and MPR cross sections for MPR processing, for example, MPR cross sections C1, C2, and C3, are shown on the volume data. FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an MPR image created by performing MPR processing on a C1 cross section of a 3D image captured by the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1, and FIG. 3B is a medical image diagnostic apparatus. FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating an MPR image created by performing MPR processing on the C2 cross section of the 3D image captured by 1, and FIG. 3C is a cross section of the C3 cross section of the 3D image captured by the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1. It is a figure which shows the MPR image produced by performing MPR process. MPR cross sections such as C1, C2, and C3 are arbitrarily set by the operator.

  The medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 has a BatchMPR function. BatchMPR processing is performed by a user (such as a doctor) on a 3D image, the start point of the creation range, the end point of the creation range, the thickness of the image with thickness, the interval between each cross section, and the slice By setting information such as the number, MPR processing is performed on a plurality of cross sections in the 3D image based on the set information, and a plurality of thickness cross-sectional images are continuously created at predetermined intervals. is there.

  Conventionally, when setting items related to BatchMPR in a medical image diagnostic apparatus, the interval of each cross section in the BatchMPR process can only be set at an equal interval, so the user wants to change the thickness of each cross section and the interval of each cross section depending on the target location. In this case, it is necessary to perform the MatchMPR process by setting the creation range of the BatchMPR in a plurality of times. FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an MPR cross section when the Batch MPR process is performed with the interval of 4 mm and the thickness of 4 mm in the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1, and FIG. 4B is the interval in the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1. It is a figure which shows the MPR cross section in the case of performing BatchMPR processing by 2 mm and thickness 2 mm.

  For example, when there is a range in which the user wants to set the thickness of each cross section to 4 mm and a range in which the thickness is to be set to 2 mm, as shown in FIG. (For example, 4 mm) and the interval (for example, 4 mm) are set, and the BatchMPR process is performed. Then, the creation range is changed, and the thickness (for example, 2 mm) and the interval (for example, 2 mm) are regenerated as shown in FIG. The BatchMPR process was performed after setting.

  At this time, it is desirable to make the end point of the creation range set last time coincide with the start point of the next creation range and continuously create MPR images. However, conventionally, when resetting the BatchMPR process, Since the creation range is not displayed and the range indicating the thickness of the cross section is not displayed, there is a problem in that the user cannot grasp a position continuous with the previous creation range. Therefore, when the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 changes the creation range by setting BatchMPR, the creation range that is newly set overlaps the creation range that is already set, or the creation range that is newly set A creation range adjustment function is provided for adjusting the creation range so that a blank (a portion not reflected in any cross section with thickness) does not occur between the creation range that has already been set.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing functions for the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 to realize this creation range adjustment processing. As shown in FIG. 5, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 acquires predetermined image data from the HD 44 and creates a 3D image, and based on the 3D image created by the image data processing unit 50. The display device 47 includes an MPR image display unit 51 that displays an MPR image, and a BatchMPR processing unit 52 that performs BatchMPR processing of the MPR image based on the MPR image displayed by the MPR image display unit 51.

  The BatchMPR processing unit 52 includes a creation range setting unit 53 that sets a creation range based on a user operation, and a creation range display unit that displays information on the creation range set by the creation range setting unit 53 on the display device 47. 54, and a creation range adjustment unit 55 that adjusts the creation range set by the creation range setting unit 53.

  As described above, when performing the BatchMPR process on the captured 3D image, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 is configured to adjust the position of the creation range to an optimum position when the creation range of the MPR image is set. Perform range adjustment processing. The procedure when the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 performs the creation range adjustment process will be described in detail based on the flowchart shown in FIG. Hereinafter, for example, “step S101” is described as “S101”, and “step” is omitted.

  The creation range setting unit 53 is a setting screen for setting various items for performing BatchMPR processing for each creation range based on an instruction using the input device 46 of the user, for example, when a creation range is newly set. 60 is displayed on the display device 47. 7 and 9 are diagrams illustrating an example of the setting screen 60. FIG. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the setting screen 60 has a start button 61 for setting the start point of the creation range, an end button 62 for setting the end point of the creation range, and a setting item to be released. Clear button 63, thickness input field 64 for inputting the thickness of the cross-sectional image with thickness, slice number input field 65 for inputting the number of slices (number of cross sections), for inputting the interval between the cross sections. Interval input field 66, priority order selection button 67 for selecting the priority order of setting items, and application button 68 for selecting whether or not to adjust the creation range. The priority selection button 67 is a button for selecting whether to give priority to the number of slices or the interval when creating an MPR image. The apply button 68 is, for example, a toggle button, and is set to ON (button is selected) when the creation range is adjusted, and set to OFF (button is not selected) when the creation range is not adjusted. Is done.

  The user inputs information such as thickness, the number of slices, and an interval into each input field using the input device 46, inputs a start position, selects a start button 61, inputs an end position, and inputs an end button 62. Select the creation range by selecting. Therefore, the creation range setting unit 53 determines whether or not the creation range setting is instructed (S101). At this time, the creation range setting unit 53 determines that the creation range is instructed based on, for example, selection of the end button 62. When the creation range setting is not instructed (No in S101), the creation range setting means 53 waits until the setting is instructed.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an MPR cross section when an MPR image is created with an interval of 4 mm, a number of slices of 3 and a thickness of 4 mm in the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when “4.0 mm” is input in the thickness input field 64, “3” is input in the slice number input field 65, and the interval input field 66 “4.0 mm” is input in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, in the creation range A designated by the start button 61 and the end button 62, it is set so that three MPR images having a thickness of 4.0 mm are created at intervals of 4.0 mm.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an MPR cross section when the Batch MPR process is performed with a spacing of 2 mm, a number of slices of 3 and a thickness of 2 mm in the medical image diagnostic apparatus. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when “2.0 mm” is input in the thickness input field 64, “3” is input in the slice number input field 65, and the interval input field 66 “2.0 mm” is input in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, in the creation range B designated by the start button 61 and the end button 62, three MPR images having a thickness of 2.0 mm are created at intervals of 2.0 mm.

  When the creation range setting is instructed (Yes in S101), the creation range adjustment unit 55 determines whether or not the set creation range overlaps the already created creation range (S103). For example, if only the creation range A as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 or only the creation range B as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is set, it is determined that the creation ranges do not overlap. . Also, FIG. 11 shows the creation range A in which the BatchMPR process is performed with an interval of 4 mm, the number of slices of 3 and a thickness of 4 mm, and the BatchMPR process with an interval of 2 mm, the number of slices of 3 and a thickness of 2 mm. It is a figure which shows the MPR cross section when the creation range B has overlapped. For example, when the creation range B is to be set in a state where the creation range A has already been set, the creation range B to be set overlaps with the creation range A that has already been set, as shown in FIG. If it is, it is determined that the creation ranges overlap.

  When the creation ranges overlap (Yes in S103), the creation range adjustment unit 55 determines whether the adjustment is set to ON (S105). At this time, the creation range adjustment unit 55 determines that the adjustment is set to ON when the application button 68 is set to ON.

  When the adjustment is set to ON (Yes in S105), the creation range adjustment unit 55 adjusts the creation range instructed to be set in step S101, sets the creation range, and stores it in the memory 42. To do. FIG. 12 shows a creation range A for performing BatchMPR processing at an interval of 4 mm, a number of slices of 3 and a thickness of 4 mm, and a creation range of performing BatchMPR processing at an interval of 2 mm, a number of slices of 3 and a thickness of 2 mm in the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1. It is a figure which shows the MPR cross section after adjusting so that B may not overlap. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when the creation range B to be set overlaps the already set creation range A, the creation range adjustment unit 55 is going to set as shown in FIG. The creation range B is moved so as not to overlap the creation range A, and adjustment is made so that the end line of the creation range A and the start line of the creation range B coincide.

  At this time, the creation range adjustment unit 55 is instructed to set in step S101 based on which of the number of slices or interval has priority (whether the number of slices or interval is selected by the priority selection button 67). Adjust the position of the end line of the created range. For example, when priority is given to the number of slices, by setting the MPR cross section based on the thickness and the number of slices from the start line of the creation range, the detailed positions of the interval and the end line are adjusted. When the interval is given priority, the MPR cross section is set based on the thickness and interval from the end line in the creation range, thereby adjusting the number of slices and the detailed position of the end line.

  If the creation ranges do not overlap (No in S103), or if the adjustment is not set to ON (No in S105), the creation range adjustment unit 55 is instructed to set in step S101. The creation range is set and stored in the memory 42 without adjusting the range.

  After the creation range instructed for setting in step S101 is set, the creation range display unit 54 displays the creation instructed for setting in step S101 in order to display each creation range so that the selected state can be seen. It is determined whether or not the range is selected (S109).

  If the creation range instructed in step S101 is in the selected state (Yes in S109), the creation range display unit 54 has already set the creation range instructed in step S101 in the selected state. Along with the created range, the thickness of the MPR image in each created range is displayed on the display device 47 so as to be known (S111). At this time, the setting screen 60 displays the creation range of the selected state, that is, the setting information of the creation range instructed to be set in step S101. The user can view and edit the setting information of the creation range of the selected state based on the setting screen 60 by setting each creation range to the selected state.

  If the creation range instructed in step S101 is in a non-selected state (No in S109), the creation range display unit 54 is in a state in which the creation range instructed in step S101 is not selected. Thus, together with the already set creation ranges, the thickness portion of the MPR image in each creation range is displayed on the display device 47 (S113). At this time, the creation range in the selected state among the creation ranges that have already been set is displayed in the selected state, and the setting screen 60 displays the creation range in the selected state (other than the creation range instructed for setting in step S101). Setting range) setting information is displayed. The user can view and edit the setting information of the creation range of the selected state based on the setting screen 60 by setting each creation range to the selected state.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an MPR cross section in which a plurality of creation ranges A and B are displayed so that selection / non-selection can be recognized in the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, when the creation range A is not selected and the creation range B is not selected, if the creation range A is instructed in step S101, the creation range is determined in step S113. A is displayed in a non-selected state, and when setting of the creation range B is instructed in step S101, the creation range B is displayed in a selected state in step S111.

  In this way, when the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 is instructed to set the creation range for performing the BatchMPR process, whether the creation range overlaps the creation range that has already been set or not is determined. If there is an overlap, the position of the creation range instructed to set is adjusted. Thus, a user such as a doctor can set the creation range for performing the BatchMPR process only by specifying the thickness, interval, number of slices, and creation range of the MPR image. At this time, the medical image diagnostic apparatus Since 1 checks the overlap with other creation ranges and adjusts the position of this creation range, the user is not required to adjust the position of the creation range.

  Further, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 can set the thickness of each cross section and the interval between the cross sections for each creation range when the setting of the creation range for performing the BatchMPR process is instructed. By making it possible to set a plurality of creation ranges with different thicknesses and intervals between the cross sections, grouping is performed for each cross section thickness and each cross section interval with respect to a plurality of MPR images. At this time, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 causes each of these groups to have a selection / non-selection state, and causes the setting screen 60 to display setting information (thickness, interval, number of slices, etc.) of the currently selected group. Therefore, the user can view / edit the setting information of this group by selecting the group to be viewed / edited. As a result, when the user performs the BatchMPR process on the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1, the user can set a plurality of creation ranges having different thicknesses or intervals between the cross sections at a time and perform the BatchMPR process at a time. .

  Further, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 instructs the user whether or not to adjust the position of the creation range using a toggle button (apply button 68) indicating whether or not to adjust the position of the creation range. When the adjustment is instructed, the creation range is adjusted. When the adjustment is not instructed, the creation range is not adjusted. If you want to do it.

  In step S103, in addition to whether or not the creation ranges overlap, when there is a creation range that has already been created, there is a space between this creation range (a part that is not considered in any creation range). It is preferable to determine whether or not there is a space, and to proceed to “Yes” when the blank matches. Thereby, a continuous MPR image is created in the captured 3D image.

  According to the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 and the image processing method of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present invention, when creation of a creation range is instructed when creating a thickness-added image such as an MPR image from a 3D image, for example. In addition, by adjusting the position of this creation range based on the overlap with other creation ranges, it is possible to create continuous images with thickness without overlapping or leaking.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Medical diagnostic imaging apparatus, 11 ... Stand, 12 ... Table (bed top plate), 13 ... Operation console, 15 ... Rotating part, 21 ... X-ray tube, 22 ... Collimator, 23 ... Opening control motor, 24 ... X-ray Detector, 25 ... Data collection device, 31 ... Main controller, 32a, 32b ... IF, 33 ... X-ray tube controller, 35 ... Rotating motor, 37 ... Table motor, 41 ... CPU, 42 ... Memory, 44 ... HD, 45a 45b, 45c ... IF, 46 ... input device, 47 ... display device, 48 ... storage medium drive, 50 ... image data processing unit, 51 ... MPR image display unit, 52 ... BatchMPR processing unit, 53 ... creation range setting unit, 54 ... creation range display section, 55 ... creation range adjustment section, 60 ... setting screen, 61 ... start button, 62 ... end button, 63 ... clear button, 64 ... thickness input Column, 65 ... slice number input column, 66 ... interval input column, 67 ... priority selection buttons, 68 ... application button, C ... cavity.

Claims (8)

On the 3D image , input of the start position and end position of a creation range for creating a plurality of cross-sectional images with thickness is received , and input of intervals, thicknesses, and the number of slices of a plurality of cross-sections within the creation range is received . Receiving means;
If the current creation range based on the start position and the end position received by the reception unit overlaps the past creation range based on the start position and the end position received in the past by the reception unit , the past And the current creation range so that the current creation range is continuous with the past creation range based on the creation range and the interval, thickness, and number of slices of the plurality of cross-sections received by the accepting unit. Adjusting means for adjusting one position on the overlapping side of the start position and the end position ,
A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising: Previous means with Ki受 receives an input of priority indicating whether to prioritize any interval or number of slices of the plurality of cross-
Said adjusting means, when adjusting the creation range the current and characterized in adjusting one of the number of slices spacing or cross section of the plurality of cross-section based on the priority that has been accepted by the pre-Ki受 with means The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 . The past creating range, and the medical image diagnostic apparatus of the current creating range at the same time characterized by comprising a display means for displaying on the display device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein. Display means for simultaneously displaying the past creation range and the current creation range on a display device, and displaying information on intervals and thicknesses of a plurality of cross sections related to the creation range selected among the creation ranges. further medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by comprising. On the 3D image acquired from the storage device, the input of the start position and the end position of the creation range for creating a plurality of cross-sectional images with thickness is received , and the interval, thickness, and slice of the plurality of cross-sections within the creation range A reception step for accepting an input of a number ;
The current creation range based on the start position and the end position received in the reception step is based on the past position stored in the storage device based on the start position and the end position received in the past by the reception step . When overlapping the creation range, the current creation range is continuous with the past creation range based on the past creation range and the interval, thickness, and number of slices of the plurality of cross sections received by the receiving step. An adjustment step of adjusting one position on the overlapping side of the start position and the end position of the current creation range ,
A display step of displaying the adjusted current creation range on a display device;
An image processing method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus, comprising: Before at Ki受 with step receives an input of priority indicating whether to prioritize any interval or number of slices of the plurality of cross-
In said adjusting step, when adjusting the creation range the current and to adjust one of the slices of spacing or cross section of the plurality of cross-section based on a priority accepted at previous Ki受 with step The image processing method of the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: The image processing method of the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein, in the display step, the past creation range is displayed simultaneously with the current creation range. In the display step, in addition to the current creation range, the past creation range is displayed at the same time, and information on intervals and thicknesses of a plurality of cross sections related to the creation range selected among these creation ranges is displayed. The image processing method of the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5 .