JP5575407B2 - Medical image processing apparatus and medical image processing program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a medical image processing apparatus and a medical image processing program for processing image data including medical image data of a plurality of frames.

  Medical image data generated by a medical image diagnostic apparatus such as an X-ray CT apparatus or an MRI apparatus is managed by a medical image management system (PACS) connected via a network. This medical image management system (PACS) is connected to a hospital information system (HIS) and a radiation information system (RIS) via a network. An operator such as a doctor can interpret a medical image by reading out desired medical image data from the medical image management system using a medical image observation apparatus connected to a network.

  The medical image data generated by the medical image diagnostic apparatus conforms to the DICOM standard, and the medical image observation apparatus displays a medical image based on the image data defined by the DICOM standard. The medical image data is classified for each patient according to the DICOM standard, and the classification for each patient is further classified for each examination. The examination is composed of a series of medical image data, and the series includes a plurality of medical image data. When medical image data is classified in such a structure, a patient's apex is performed on the patient, and a test on the patient is performed. The test consists of a series of medical image data, and the series includes medical image data.

  Conventionally, single-frame image data having an image (image) of only one frame is used as the image data. However, multi-frame image data having an image of a plurality of frames has been used.

  Single frame image data is, for example, image data in which incidental information is combined with one frame of image data. The incidental information is information including patient information for identifying a patient, examination information for identifying examination contents, series information for identifying a series, imaging conditions indicating imaging conditions, and the like. The multi-frame image data is, for example, image data in which additional information common to multiple frames of image data is combined with multiple frames of image data.

  When handling multi-frame image data, a large capacity of image data may be an obstacle. Here, multi-frame image data in the prior art will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of multiframe image data. As shown in FIG. 4, the multi-frame image data 300 is image data in a state in which frame image data A1, frame image data A2,... Each representing image data of one frame and frame image data AN are combined. . The multi-frame image data 300 includes multi-accompanying information F common to frame image data of a plurality of frames. As described above, the multi-frame image data 300 includes image data obtained by combining the frame image data A1, the frame image data A2,. F is the combined image data. The multi incidental information F includes information such as patient information, examination information, and imaging conditions.

  In the multi-frame image data 300 having the above structure, when the frame image data AN that is the Nth frame is used, data from the head of the multiframe image data 300 to the frame image data AN that is the Nth frame is used. Need to be read. As described above, according to the conventional image data management method, it is necessary to seek data including unused data. For example, in the case where the multiframe image data 300 is composed of 4000 frame image data, even if only the 1000th frame image data is to be used, the 1000th frame image data from the first frame image data is used. It is necessary to read up to the frame image data. As described above, since access to unnecessary data is necessary, it takes time to read image data, and there is a problem that the speed of processing such as image processing decreases. Further, since the multi incidental information F is combined with the image data of each frame, when changing the contents of the multi incidental information F, it is necessary to write out all the frame image data. Therefore, even when the multi-accompanying information F is changed, there is a problem that the processing takes time. Furthermore, even when processing is performed on some image data (some frame image data) included in the multiframe image data 300, it is necessary to write out all the frame image data. There is a problem that requires.

  Further, in order to solve the above-described problem of speed reduction, a method for generating a plurality of single-frame image data from multi-frame image data and storing the multi-frame image data and the plurality of single-frame image data has been proposed. Yes. A management method according to this prior art will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating the structure of multiframe image data and the structure of a plurality of single frame image data. This management method according to the prior art stores the multi-frame image data 300 acquired by the medical image diagnostic apparatus as it is. Further, frame image data A1, frame image data A2,..., And frame image data AN representing the image data of each frame are created from the multi-frame image data 300. Further, single supplementary information F1, single supplementary information F2,..., And single supplementary information FN of the image data of each frame are created from the multi supplementary information F of the multiframe image data 300. The single incidental information F1, the single incidental information F2,..., And the single incidental information FN each include information such as patient information, examination information, and imaging conditions.

  Then, a plurality of single frame image data is generated by combining the frame image data of each frame and the single supplementary information of each frame. For example, by combining the frame image data A1 that is the first frame and the single supplementary information F1 of the first frame, the first single frame image data 401 is created, and the frame image data that is the second frame The second single frame image data 402 is created by combining A2 and the single supplementary information F2 of the second frame. In the prior art, multi-frame image data 300 and single-frame image data 401, 402,..., And 400N are stored. In this way, single frame image data 401, 402,..., And 400N, which are image data of each frame, are created from the multiframe image data 300, and the multiframe image data 300 and the single frame image data 401, 402, ... and 400N. By storing the two types of image data in this way, when using the image data of the Nth frame, it is possible to directly read and use the single frame image data 400N that is the Nth frame. That is, when the multi-frame image data 300 itself is used, the multi-frame image data 300 is read and used, and when the desired frame image data is used, the single-frame image data of the desired frame is directly read. Can be used. As a result, when it is desired to use only image data of a desired frame, it is not necessary to access unnecessary image data, thereby shortening the time for reading image data and improving the processing speed such as image processing. Can do.

  However, according to the management method according to the related art described above, since it is necessary to store multi-frame image data and a plurality of single-frame image data, there is a problem that the amount of data that must be stored is doubled. is there. In addition, when the incidental information is changed or when image processing is executed, it is necessary to execute processing for multi-frame image data and single-frame image data, so that the processing time is doubled. is there.

  Furthermore, as another conventional technique, a method of dividing an image into a plurality of sections and performing processing for each section has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1). However, since the method described in Patent Document 1 does not support multi-frame image data, it is difficult to solve the above-described problem of increase in reading time and increase in data capacity.

JP 2003-204437 A

  The present invention solves the above problem, and without increasing the capacity of image data generated by a medical image diagnostic apparatus, multiframe image data including image data of a plurality of frames, or image data of individual frames. An object of the present invention is to provide a medical image processing apparatus and a medical image processing program capable of shortening the time for reading image data when using a medical device.

The invention described in claim 1 includes a plurality of frames of frame image data generated from a series of data acquired by imaging by a medical imaging apparatus, an imaging condition common to the plurality of frames, and indicating the imaging conditions; Receiving means for receiving multi-frame image data combined with multi-accompanying information including the conditions for generation, auxiliary information extracting means for extracting multi-multiple information from the multi-frame image data, and frame the multi-frame image data Division means for generating frame image data representing an image of each frame by dividing each frame, and incidental information for generating single incidental information including an imaging condition of the image of each frame and the generation condition from the multi-accompanying information The creation means, the multi incidental information and the single incidental information of each frame, Stores in association with the over arm image data, storage means for changeably storing each of the multi supplementary information and the single supplementary information of each frame, when receiving a request instruction of the multi-frame image data, the The multi-frame image data is generated by combining the multi-accompanying information for which the request instruction is stored and the frame image data of each frame associated therewith, and the image of the desired frame is stored. When the single frame image data request instruction representing the desired frame is received, the single additional information of the desired frame stored in the storage unit and the frame image data of the desired frame are combined to obtain a single frame of the desired frame. And an image generation means for generating image data. An image processing apparatus.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, a plurality of frames of frame image data generated from a series of data acquired by photographing with a medical image photographing device and a plurality of frames common to the plurality of frames and indicating the photographing conditions Attached information extraction function for receiving the multi-frame image data combined with the multi-attachment information including the shooting condition and the generation condition, and extracting the multi-attachment information from the multi-frame image data, and the multi-frame image data A division function for generating frame image data representing an image of each frame by dividing each frame, and ancillary information for creating single incidental information including an imaging condition of the image of each frame and the generation condition from the multi incidental information The information creation function, the multi incidental information and the single incidental information of each frame Together in the storage means in association with each frame image data, a storage function to changeably storing each of the multi supplementary information and the single supplementary information of each frame, receiving the request instruction of the multi-frame image data In this case, the multi-frame image data is generated by combining the multi-accompanying information for which the request instruction is stored and the frame image data of each frame, which is stored in the storage means, and represents an image of a desired frame When receiving a request instruction for single frame image data, combining the single supplementary information of the desired frame for which the request instruction has been stored and the frame image data of the desired frame stored in the storage means, An image generation function to generate single-frame image data for the frame, and A medical image processing program characterized Rukoto.

  According to the present invention, multi-frame image data is divided into frame image data for each frame, and single incidental information for each frame image data is created, and the multi-accompanying information, the plurality of frame image data, and the plurality of single incidental information are obtained. By storing and managing, multi-frame image data and single-frame image data can be generated without increasing the data storage capacity. That is, as in the prior art, without storing multi-frame image data and a plurality of single-frame image data, by generating multi-accompanying information, a plurality of frame image data, and a plurality of single-accompanying information, Multi-frame image data or single-frame image data can be generated simply by changing the combination of image data and multi-accompanying information or single-accompanying information. In addition, since multi-frame image data is divided into frame image data for each frame and stored, the frame image data of a desired frame can be directly read. As a result, it is not necessary to read unnecessary image data, and the reading time can be shortened.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the processing content by the medical image processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is a figure which shows typically the structure of multi-frame image data, and the structure of several single frame image data. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the medical image processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of multi-frame image data. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of multi-frame image data, and the structure of several single frame image data.

  A medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the processing contents by the medical image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and schematically shows the structure of multiframe image data and the structure of a plurality of single frame image data. It is.

  A medical image processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected to a medical image photographing apparatus 10. The medical image photographing apparatus 10 generates medical image data by imaging the inside of the subject. The medical imaging apparatus 10 includes an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus that visualizes the inside of the subject by transmitting and receiving ultrasound, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus and an X-ray CT apparatus that visualize the inside of the subject by irradiating X-rays, Alternatively, an MRI apparatus that generates a magnetic field and visualizes the inside of the subject is applicable. The medical image photographing device 10 outputs medical image data obtained by photographing to the medical image processing device 1. In this embodiment, the medical image capturing apparatus 10 generates multiframe image data having a plurality of frames of images as a series of data, and outputs the multiframe image data to the medical image processing apparatus 1. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the medical image photographing device 10 generates multiframe image data 100 by photographing and outputs the multiframe image data 100 to the medical image processing device 1. The multi-frame image data 100 includes image data obtained by combining frame image data A1, frame image data A2,. Image data.

  In accordance with the DICOM standard, the multi-accompanying information F is imaging date / time information, patient information for identifying a patient, examination information for identifying examination contents, series information for identifying a series, and an image data-specific number. An ID (UID), a shooting condition indicating a shooting condition, and an image generation condition for reconstructing an image are included. The imaging condition is a condition for collecting image data by the medical image capturing apparatus 10 and depends on the type of the medical image capturing apparatus 10. For example, the imaging conditions of the X-ray CT apparatus include a scan start position, a scan range (couch movement amount), a voltage value applied to the X-ray tube, and the like. In addition, the imaging conditions of the MRI apparatus include, for example, the imaging range, the magnetic field strength, the type of detection coil, the installation location of the detection coil, and the like. The image generation condition is a condition for reconstructing image data from data obtained by photographing. For example, the image generation conditions include conditions such as a reconstruction range, an image position, a direction, and a thickness.

  A medical image processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a reception unit 2, an image processing unit 3, an image storage unit 4, an image generation unit 5, a display control unit 6, and a user interface (UI) 7.

(Receiver 2)
The receiving unit 2 receives the multi-frame image data output from the medical image photographing device 10 and outputs it to the image processing unit 3. The receiving unit 2 corresponds to an example of the “receiving unit” of the present invention.

(Image processing unit 3)
The image processing unit 3 includes an accompanying information extracting unit 31, an image data dividing unit 32, and an accompanying information creating unit 33. The image processing unit 3 receives the multi-frame image data output from the receiving unit 2, extracts multi-accompanying information from the multi-frame image data, and extracts frame image data that is image data for each frame from the multi-frame image data. Generate single incidental information of each frame image data from the multiple incidental information of the multiframe image data. Hereinafter, each unit of the image processing unit 3 will be described.

(Attached information extraction unit 31)
The supplementary information extraction unit 31 extracts the multi supplementary information from multiframe image data in which a plurality of frame image data and multi supplementary information are combined. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the incidental information extraction unit 31 extracts common multi-accompanying information F from the multiframe image data 100. Further, the incidental information extraction unit 31 creates a file name including an image ID (UID) that is a unique number of the source multi-frame image data 100, and the file name of the extracted additional incidental information F Define as a name. Then, the incidental information extraction unit 31 outputs the multi-accompanying information F including the image ID (UID) of the extraction-source multiframe image data 100 in the file name to the image storage unit 4. The image storage unit 4 stores the multi auxiliary information F output from the auxiliary information extracting unit 31. As described above, the supplementary information extraction unit 31 extracts the multi supplementary information F as data different from the multiframe image data 100. The incidental information extraction unit 31 corresponds to an example of the “accompanying information extraction unit” of the present invention. The image ID (UID) corresponds to an example of “image information for specifying multi-frame image data” of the present invention.

(Image data dividing unit 32)
The image data dividing unit 32 generates frame image data that is image data for each frame from the multi-frame image data. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the image data dividing unit 32 divides the multi-frame image data 100 in units of frames, so that the frame image data A1 that is the first frame and the frame image data A2 that is the second frame. ,... And Nth frame image data AN is generated. As an example, the image data dividing unit 32 reads the multi-frame image data 100 from the frame image data of the first frame of the multi-frame image data 100 (the frame image data A1 of the first frame), and the image data for each frame. , Frame image data A1, A2,..., AN are generated.

  The image data dividing unit 32 also includes a file name including an image ID (UID) that is a unique number of the multi-frame image data 100 that is the original image data, and frame information for specifying the frame number. Is created for each frame image data of each frame. That is, the image data dividing unit 32 assigns an image that is a unique number of the multi-frame image data 100 that is the original image data to the file names of the frame image data A1, A2,. An ID (UID) and frame information for specifying a frame number are included.

  For example, for the frame image data A1 of the first frame, the image data dividing unit 32 includes an image ID (UID) of the multi-frame image data 100 that is the original image data and a frame indicating the first frame. A file name including the information is created, and the file name is defined as the file name of the frame image data A1. Similarly, the image data dividing unit 32 indicates that the frame image data A2 of the second frame is the image ID (UID) of the multi-frame image data 100 that is the original image data and the second frame. A file name including frame information is created, and the file name is defined as the file name of the frame image data A2. Further, the image data dividing unit 32, for the frame image data AN of the Nth frame, the image ID (UID) of the multiframe image data 100 that is the original image data and the frame indicating the Nth frame. A file name including information is created, and the file name is defined as the file name of the frame image data AN.

  As an example, the image data dividing unit 32 includes information (frame No. 1) indicating the first frame in the file name of the frame image data A1, and the file name of the frame image data A2 includes Information indicating that it is the second frame (frame No. 2) is included, and information indicating that it is the Nth frame (frame No. N) is included in the file name of the frame image data AN. .

  Then, the image data dividing unit 32 includes each frame image data (frame image data A1, frame image data) in which the image ID (UID) of the multi-frame image data 100 and frame information indicating the number of each frame are included in the file name. A2,..., And frame image data AN) are output to the image storage unit 4. The image storage unit 4 stores each frame image data output from the image data dividing unit 32. As described above, the image data dividing unit 32 divides the multi-frame image data 100 into frame image data A1, A2,. The image data dividing unit 32 corresponds to an example of the “dividing unit” of the present invention. The frame information corresponds to an example of “frame information for specifying each frame” of the present invention.

(Attached information creation unit 33)
The incidental information creation unit 33 creates single incidental information for each frame image data from the multiple incidental information of the multiframe image data. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the incidental information creation unit 33 uses the single incidental information F1, the single incidental information F2,..., And the single incidental information of the image data of each frame from the multiple incidental information F of the multiframe image data 100. Information FN is created. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the incidental information creation unit 33 creates single incidental information F1 for the frame image data A1 from the multiple incidental information F, creates single incidental information F2 for the frame image data A2, and generates the frame image data AN. Single supplementary information FN is created for.

  The single incidental information F1, the single incidental information F2,..., And the single incidental information FN follow the DICOM standard in the same manner as the multiple incidental information F. The imaging date and time information, patient information, examination information, series information, imaging conditions, and images Includes generation conditions.

  In addition, the incidental information creation unit 33 sets a file name including an image ID (UID), which is a unique number of the original multi-frame image data 100, and frame information for specifying the frame number, for each frame. Create for each single incidental information. That is, the incidental information creation unit 33 adds an image that is a unique number of the multiframe image data 100 that is the original image data to each file name of the single incidental information F1, F2,. An ID (UID) and frame information for specifying a frame number are included.

  For example, the supplementary information creation unit 33, for the single supplementary information F1 of the first frame, the image ID (UID) of the multi-frame image data 100 that is the original image data and the frame indicating the first frame A file name including the information is created, and the file name is defined as the file name of the single incidental information F1. Similarly, the incidental information creation unit 33 indicates that the single incidental information F2 of the second frame is the image ID (UID) of the multi-frame image data 100 that is the original image data and the second frame. A file name including frame information is created, and the file name is defined as the file name of the single incidental information F2. Further, the supplementary information creation unit 33, for the single supplementary information FN of the Nth frame, the image ID (UID) of the multi-frame image data 100 that is the original image data and a frame indicating that it is the Nth frame A file name including the information is created, and the file name is defined as the file name of the single incidental information FN.

  As an example, the incidental information creation unit 33 includes information (frame No. 1) indicating that it is the first frame in the file name of the single incidental information F1, and the file name of the single incidental information F2 includes The information indicating that it is the second frame (frame No. 2) is included, and the file name of the single incidental information FN includes information indicating that it is the Nth frame (frame No. N). .

  Then, the incidental information creation unit 33 includes each single incidental information (single incidental information F1, single incidental information) in which the image ID (UID) of the multiframe image data 100 and frame information indicating the number of each frame are included in the file name. F2,..., Single incidental information FN) are output to the image storage unit 4. The image storage unit 4 stores each single supplementary information output from the supplementary information creation unit 33. Thus, the incidental information creation unit 33 creates single incidental information of each frame image data as separate data from the multi incidental information F of the multiframe image data 100. The supplementary information creation unit 33 may create single supplementary information F1, F2,..., FN of each frame image data from the multiframe image data 100 itself for the multiframe image data 100. That is, since the multi-frame image data 100 includes multi-accompanying information F, the auxiliary-information creating unit 33 sets each frame image data for the multi-frame image data 100 instead of the multi-accompanying information F. , FN may be created. The incidental information creation unit 33 corresponds to an example of “accompanying information creation means” of the present invention.

(Image storage unit 4)
The image storage unit 4 stores the multi auxiliary information F of the multi frame image data 100 output from the auxiliary information extracting unit 31. Further, the image storage unit 4 stores the frame image data A1, the frame image data A2,..., And the frame image data AN output from the image data dividing unit 32. Further, the image storage unit 4 stores the single incidental information F1, the single incidental information F2,..., And the single incidental information FN output from the incidental information creation unit 33. The image storage unit 4 corresponds to an example of the “storage unit” of the present invention.

(Image generation unit 5)
The image generation unit 5 includes an image acquisition unit 51, a first image generation unit 52, and a second image generation unit 53. The image generation unit 5 generates multi-frame image data based on a plurality of frame image data according to an image request instruction input from the user interface (UI) 7, or based on frame image data of a desired frame Single frame image data is generated. Hereinafter, each part of the image generation part 5 is demonstrated.

(Image acquisition unit 51)
The image acquisition unit 51 receives an instruction for requesting multi-frame image data or an instruction for requesting single-frame image data from the user interface (UI) 7, and is necessary for generating multi-frame image data according to the instruction of the request. Information or information necessary for generating single frame image data is acquired from the image storage unit 4. For example, when the image acquisition unit 51 receives an instruction to request multiframe image data, the image acquisition unit 51 acquires the multi incidental information of the multiframe image data and the frame image data of each frame from the image storage unit 4 to obtain the first image. The data is output to the generation unit 52. Further, upon receiving an instruction for requesting single frame image data of a desired frame, the image acquisition unit 51 acquires single supplementary information of the desired frame and frame image data of the desired frame from the image storage unit 4. And output to the second image generation unit 53.

  For example, when the operator uses the operation unit 71 to request multi-frame image data and designates an image ID (UID) for specifying desired multi-frame image data, the multi-frame image data request instruction The image ID (UID) is output from the user interface (UI) 7 to the image acquisition unit 51. Upon receiving the multi-frame image data request instruction and the image ID (UID), the image acquisition unit 51 receives the multi incidental information F including the image ID (UID) in the file name and the image ID (UID) as a file. The frame image data of each frame included in the name is acquired from the image storage unit 4 and output to the first image generation unit 52.

  On the other hand, an operator uses the operation unit 71 to instruct a request for single frame image data, and an image ID (UID) for specifying desired multiframe image data and a desired number in the multiframe image data. When frame information for specifying the frame of the image is specified, a request instruction for single frame image data, its image ID (UID), and frame information for specifying a desired frame are displayed from the user interface (UI) 7 as an image. The data is output to the acquisition unit 51. Upon receiving a single frame image data request instruction, an image ID (UID), and frame information specifying a desired frame, the image acquisition unit 51 obtains the image ID (UID) and the frame information of the desired frame. The single supplementary information included in the file name, its image ID (UID), and frame information of the desired frame are included in the file name, and the frame image data is acquired from the image storage unit 4 to obtain the second image generation unit 53. Output to.

  As an example, when the operator designates frame information specifying the 1000th frame using the operation unit 71 in the frame image data group having 4000 frames, the image acquisition unit 51 displays the frame information of the 1000th frame. The supplementary information F1000 included in the file name and the frame image data A1000 including the frame information of the 1000th frame in the file name are acquired from the image storage unit 4 and output to the second image generation unit 53.

(First image generation unit 52)
The first image generation unit 52 includes multi-accompanying information F in which an image ID (UID) designated by the operator is included in the file name, frame image data of each frame in which the image ID (UID) is included in the file name, Is received from the image acquisition unit 51. Then, the first image generation unit 52 combines the frame image data of each frame, and further generates the multi-frame image data by combining the multi-accompanying information F with the combined frame image data. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the first image generation unit 52 includes frame image data A for the first frame, frame image data A2 for the second frame,..., And frame image data AN for the Nth frame. And the multi-accompanying information F is combined with the plurality of combined frame image data to generate multi-frame image data 200.

  The first image generation unit 52 outputs the multiframe image data to the display control unit 6. The display control unit 6 causes the display unit 72 to display a multiframe image based on the multiframe image data generated by the first image generation unit 52. For example, the display control unit 6 displays the multiframe image on the display unit 72 as a moving image.

(Second image generation unit 53)
The second image generation unit 53 includes single incidental information in which the image ID (UID) designated by the operator and the frame information of the desired frame are included in the file name, the image ID (UID) and the frame of the desired frame. The image acquisition unit 51 receives the frame image data including information in the file name. Then, the second image generation unit 53 generates single frame image data by combining the single incidental information and the frame image data. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the first frame is designated, the second image generation unit 53 combines the frame image data A1 of the first frame and the single supplementary information F1 of the first frame. Thus, the single frame image data 201 is generated. Further, when the second frame is designated, the second image generation unit 53 combines the frame image data A2 of the second frame and the single supplementary information F2 of the second frame, so that a single frame image is obtained. Data 202 is created. Similarly, when the Nth frame is designated, the second image generation unit 53 combines the frame image data AN of the Nth frame and the single supplementary information FN of the Nth frame, thereby obtaining a single frame. Image data 200N is created.

  The second image generation unit 53 outputs the single frame image data to the display control unit 6. The display control unit 6 causes the display unit 72 to display a single frame image based on the single frame image data generated by the second image generation unit 53. For example, the display control unit 6 causes the display unit 72 to display a single frame image based on the single frame image data 201. The image generation unit 5 corresponds to an example of the “image generation unit” of the present invention.

  In this embodiment, the multi-frame image data generated by the image generation unit 5 or the image based on the single frame image data is displayed on the display unit 72. However, these images are not displayed but are subjected to image processing. It is also good. For example, when the operator gives an instruction for desired image processing using the operation unit 71, the image generation unit 5 outputs multiframe image data or single frame image data to a processing unit (not shown). The processing unit performs instructed image processing on the multi-frame image data or the single frame image data generated by the image generation unit 5. In this way, instead of displaying a multi-frame image or a single frame image, the image processing target may be used. In addition, when displaying a multi-frame image or a single frame image, the operator may give a display instruction using the operation unit 71.

  The user interface (UI) 7 includes an operation unit 71 and a display unit 72. The operation unit 71 includes a pointing device such as a joystick or a trackball, switches, various buttons, a keyboard, and the like. The display unit 72 includes a monitor such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display, and displays a medical image.

  As an example, the image processing unit 3, the image generation unit 5, and the display control unit 6 are configured by a CPU (not shown) and a storage device such as a ROM and a RAM. The storage device includes an image processing program for executing the function of the image processing unit 3, an image generation program for executing the function of the image generating unit 5, and display control for executing the function of the display control unit 6. The program is stored. Further, the image processing program includes an additional information extraction program for executing the function of the auxiliary information extracting unit 31, an image data dividing program for executing the function of the image data dividing unit 32, and the auxiliary information creating unit 33. An incidental information creation program for executing the function is included. The image generation program includes an image acquisition program for executing the function of the image acquisition unit 51, a first image generation program for executing the function of the first image generation unit 52, and a second image generation unit 53. A second image generation program for executing the above function is included. And CPU performs the function of each part by executing each program. The image processing program and the image generation program constitute an example of the “medical image processing program” of the present invention.

(Operation)
Next, the operation of the medical image processing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the medical image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

(Step S01)
First, the receiving unit 2 receives the multi-frame image data 100 generated by the medical image photographing device 10 and outputs it to the image processing unit 3.

(Step S02)
The supplementary information extraction unit 31 extracts common multi supplementary information F from the multiframe image data 100. Further, the incidental information extraction unit 31 creates a file name including an image ID (UID) that is a unique number of the source multi-frame image data 100, and the file name of the extracted additional incidental information F Define as a name. Then, the supplementary information extraction unit 31 outputs the multi supplementary information F in which the image ID (UID) of the multiframe image data 100 is included in the file name to the image storage unit 4. The image storage unit 4 stores multi incidental information F.

(Step S03)
The image data dividing unit 32 divides the multi-frame image data 100 in units of frames to create frame image data A1, frame image data A2,..., And frame image data AN. Further, the image data dividing unit 32 uses a file name including an image ID (UID) that is a unique number of the multi-frame image data 100 and frame information for specifying the frame number as a frame image of each frame. Create for each data. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the image data division unit 32 includes, for the frame image data A1, the image ID (UID) of the multiframe image data 100 and frame information indicating the first frame. A file name is created, and the file name is defined as the file name of the frame image data A1. Similarly, for the frame image data AN, the image data dividing unit 32 creates a file name including the image ID (UID) of the multi-frame image data 100 and the frame information indicating the Nth frame. The file name is defined as the file name of the frame image data AN. Then, the image data dividing unit 32 outputs each frame image data in which the image ID (UID) of the multi-frame image data 100 and frame information indicating the number of each frame are included in the file name to the image storage unit 4. . The image storage unit 4 stores each frame image data.

(Step S04)
The incidental information creation unit 33 creates single incidental information F1, single incidental information F2,..., And single incidental information FN of the image data of each frame from the multiple incidental information F of the multiframe image data 100. Further, the incidental information creation unit 33 generates a file name including an image ID (UID) that is a unique number of the multi-frame image data 100 and frame information for specifying the frame number as a single incidental for each frame. Create for each piece of information. For example, the incidental information creation unit 33 creates a file name including the image ID (UID) of the multiframe image data 100 and the frame information indicating the first frame for the single incidental information F1. The file name is defined as the file name of the single incidental information F1. Similarly, for the single incidental information FN, the incidental information creation unit 33 creates a file name including the image ID (UID) of the multi-frame image data 100 and frame information indicating the Nth frame. The file name is defined as the file name of the single incidental information FN. Then, the incidental information creation unit 33 outputs each single incidental information in which the image ID (UID) of the multi-frame image data 100 and the frame information indicating the number of each frame are included in the file name to the image storage unit 4. . The image storage unit 4 stores each single incidental information.

(Step S05)
The operator uses the operation unit 71 to give an instruction for requesting multi-frame image data or an instruction for requesting single-frame image data. When giving an instruction to request multi-frame image data, the operator designates an image ID (UID) using the operation unit 71. A multiframe image data request instruction given by the operator and an image ID (UID) designated by the operator are output from the user interface (UI) 7 to the image acquisition unit 51. On the other hand, when giving a request instruction for single frame image data, the operator uses the operation unit 71 to specify an image ID (UID) and frame information for specifying a frame having a desired number. The single frame image data request instruction given by the operator, the image ID (UID) specified by the operator, and the frame information are output from the user interface (UID) to the image acquisition unit 51.

(Step S06)
When the operator instructs a request for multi-frame image data (step S05, Yes), the image acquisition unit 51 receives a multi-frame image data request instruction and an image ID (UID) from the user interface (UI) 7. Multi-accompanying information F in which the image ID (UID) is included in the file name and frame image data of each frame in which the image ID (UID) is included in the file name are acquired from the image storage unit 4 to obtain the first The image is output to the image generation unit 52. The first image generation unit 52 combines the frame image data A1, the frame image data A2,..., And the frame image data AN, and further combines the multi incidental information F to the plurality of combined frame image data. Thus, the multi-frame image data 200 is generated. The first image generation unit 52 outputs the multiframe image data 200 to the display control unit 6.

(Step S07)
The display control unit 6 causes the display unit 72 to display a multiframe image based on the multiframe image data 200.

(Step S08)
On the other hand, when the operator instructs a request for single frame image data (step S05, No), the image acquisition unit 51 instructs to request single frame image data, an image ID (UID), and frame information of a desired frame. Is received from the user interface 7 (UI), the single incidental information in which the image ID (UID) and the frame information of the desired frame are included in the file name, the image ID (UID) and the frame information of the desired frame Are acquired from the image storage unit 4 and output to the second image generation unit 53. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the first frame is designated, the second image generation unit 53 combines the frame image data A1 of the first frame and the single supplementary information F1 of the first frame. Thus, the single frame image data 201 is generated. The second image generation unit 53 outputs the single frame image data 201 to the display control unit 6.

(Step S09)
The display control unit 6 causes the display unit 72 to display a single frame image based on the single frame image data 201.

  As described above, the multi-frame image data is divided into frame image data for each frame, and single supplementary information for each frame image data is created, and the multi-attachment information, the plurality of frame image data, and the plurality of single supplementary information are combined. By storing and managing, multi-frame image data and single-frame image data can be generated and used without increasing the data storage capacity. That is, unlike the management method according to the related art, the multi-accompanying information, the plurality of frame image data, and the plurality of single-accompanying information are generated without storing the multi-frame image data and the plurality of single-frame image data. Thus, it is possible to generate multi-frame image data or single-frame image data only by changing the combination of frame image data and multi-accompanying information or single-accompanying information. Thereby, it is possible to use multi-frame image data or single-frame image data without increasing the data capacity.

  Further, in the management method according to the prior art, since the multi incidental information is combined with the frame image data of each frame, it is necessary to write out all the frame image data when changing the contents of the multi incidental information. there were. On the other hand, according to the medical image processing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the multi incidental information and the single incidental information are managed as data different from the image data. Only the incidental information can be changed. That is, when changing the incidental information, it is not necessary to access the image data, so that the processing time can be shortened. For example, when it is desired to change only the single incidental information F1 of the first frame, only the single incidental information F1 can be changed, so that processing can be performed at a higher speed than in the conventional technique.

  Further, in the management method according to the conventional technique, it is necessary to write out all the frame image data even when processing is performed on a part of the image data included in the multi-frame image data. On the other hand, according to the medical image processing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, since the multi-frame image data is managed in a state of being separated into a plurality of frame image data, only the frame image data to be processed is included. It is possible to access and perform processing. As described above, since it is not necessary to access unnecessary image data, the processing time can be shortened. For example, when it is desired to use only the frame image data A1 of the first frame, it is possible to read only the frame image data A1 and execute the processing, so that the processing can be performed at a higher speed than the conventional technique. It becomes.

  In the flowchart described above, the order of processing from step S02 to step S04 is not particularly limited. Even if the order of each processing from step S02 to step S04 is changed, the same effect as the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

(Modification)
Next, a modified example of the above-described medical image processing apparatus 1 will be described. In the modification, the medical image capturing apparatus 10 generates a plurality of single frame image data instead of the multiframe image data, and outputs the single frame image data to the medical image processing apparatus 1. In the modification, the incidental information extraction unit 31 generates a plurality of frame image data and a plurality of single incidental information by separating the single incidental information from each single frame image data. Further, the incidental information creation unit 33 creates multi-accompanying information including each single incidental information based on the plurality of single incidental information created by the incidental information extraction unit 31. And the image memory | storage part 4 memorize | stores each single incidental information, multi incidental information, and each frame image data.

  Similar to the above-described embodiment, when the operator gives a request for multi-frame image data using the operation unit 71, the image acquisition unit 51 receives the multi-accompanying information and a plurality of frame image data. And output to the first image generation unit 52. The first image generation unit 52 generates multi-frame image data by combining a plurality of single-frame image data and further combining multi-accompanying information with the combined single-frame image data.

  On the other hand, when the operator gives a request instruction for single-frame image data of a desired frame using the operation unit 71, the image acquisition unit 51 reads the single incidental information of the designated frame and the frame image data of the designated frame. Are obtained from the image storage unit 4 and output to the second image generation unit 53. The second image generation unit 53 generates single frame image data by combining the single incidental information with the frame image data.

  As described above, even when a plurality of single frame image data is generated by the medical image capturing apparatus 10, the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment can be obtained. That is, by managing single incidental information, multiple incidental information, and a plurality of frame image data, it is possible to generate and use multiframe image data and single frame image data without increasing the data storage capacity. It becomes possible.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Medical image processing apparatus 2 Receiving part 3 Image processing part 4 Image storage part 5 Image generation part 6 Display control part 7 User interface (UI)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Medical imaging device 31 Additional information extraction part 32 Image data division part 33 Additional information creation part 51 Image acquisition part 52 1st image generation part 53 2nd image generation part 71 Operation part 72 Display part

Claims (3)

Multi-frame information that includes a plurality of frames of image data generated from a series of data acquired by imaging by a medical imaging apparatus, and imaging conditions that indicate the imaging conditions and the generation conditions that are common to the plurality of frames. Receiving means for receiving multi-frame image data combined with
Ancillary information extracting means for extracting the collateral information from the multiframe image data;
Dividing means for generating frame image data representing an image of each frame by dividing the multi-frame image data for each frame;
Ancillary information creating means for creating single incidental information including the imaging condition of each frame image and the generation condition from the multiple incidental information;
Storage means for storing the multi auxiliary information and the single auxiliary information of each frame in association with the frame image data, and storing each of the multi auxiliary information and the single auxiliary information of each frame in a changeable manner; ,
When a request instruction for the multi-frame image data is received, the multi-accompanying information for which the request instruction is stored in the storage means is combined with the frame image data of each frame associated therewith. When the multi-frame image data is generated and a single frame image data request instruction representing an image of a desired frame is received, the single additional information of the desired frame stored in the storage means and the frame image of the desired frame A medical image processing apparatus comprising: image generation means for generating single frame image data of the desired frame by combining data. The storage means stores image information for specifying the multi-frame image data attached to the multi-attached information, and stores the image information and frame information for specifying the frames. Attached to the single frame image data and the single auxiliary information of each frame and stored, and the multi auxiliary information and the single auxiliary information can be accessed separately from the multi frame image data and the single frame image data. Remember as
When the image generating means receives a request instruction for the multi-frame image data and an input of image information for specifying desired multi-frame image data, the multi-accompanying information to which the received image information is attached And the frame image data of each frame to which the received image information is attached are obtained from the storage means and combined to generate the desired multi-frame image data and represent the image of the desired frame When receiving an instruction for requesting single frame image data and an input of frame information of the desired frame, the single supplementary information to which the received frame information is attached and the frame to which the received frame information is attached The image data is acquired from the storage means and combined to obtain a single frame image of the desired frame. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that to generate the data. On the computer,
Multi-frame information that includes a plurality of frames of image data generated from a series of data acquired by imaging by a medical imaging apparatus, and imaging conditions that indicate the imaging conditions and the generation conditions that are common to the plurality of frames. And an auxiliary information extraction function for receiving the multi-frame image data combined with the multi-frame image data and extracting the multi-auxiliary information from the multi-frame image data;
A division function for generating frame image data representing an image of each frame by dividing the multi-frame image data for each frame;
Ancillary information creation function for creating single incidental information including imaging conditions of each frame image and the generation conditions from the multi-accompanying information;
The multi auxiliary information and the single auxiliary information of each frame are stored in the storage means in association with the frame image data, and the multi auxiliary information and the single auxiliary information of each frame are stored in a changeable manner. Memory function,
When receiving the request instruction for the multi-frame image data, the multi-frame image is obtained by combining the multi-accompanying information for which the request instruction is stored and the frame image data of each frame. When data is generated and a request instruction for single frame image data representing an image of a desired frame is received, the single incidental information of the desired frame in which the request instruction is stored and the frame of the desired frame stored in the storage means A medical image processing program for executing an image generation function for generating single frame image data of the desired frame by combining image data.

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