JP5603615B2 - Medical image diagnostic apparatus and image processing parameter setting method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for displaying an image for imaging, image processing, and observing an image in a medical image diagnostic apparatus.

  A medical image diagnostic apparatus such as a magnetic resonance imaging (hereinafter, referred to as MRI) apparatus is an apparatus that images the inside of a subject based on a signal obtained from the subject and provides the diagnosis. In this medical image diagnostic apparatus, there are cases where image processing is performed using an image obtained by imaging a subject as an input image, and an image different from the captured image is generated and output. For example, as described in Patent Document 1, image processing parameters are specified on an image while performing arbitrary rotation and arbitrary movement on a three-dimensional image created by a surface rendering method or a volume rendering method. Thus, a desired image processing result is obtained.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-101450

  In Patent Document 1, a three-dimensional image and an MPR three-dimensional image can be rotated or moved by operating a mouse pointer. However, when the three-dimensional image and the MPR three-dimensional image are inclined unexpectedly, if an image processing result similar to that of a normal inspection is to be obtained, the image processing parameters set on these images are set again or Need to change. Further, in order to simplify the inspection, when the value of the image processing parameter is fixed, an image processing result different from the normal inspection is obtained, and there is a possibility that the image processing result is mistaken.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to enable setting of image processing parameter values for image processing, even for an input image that has been tilted unexpectedly, in the same manner as a normal input image without tilt. It is an object of the present invention to provide a medical image diagnostic apparatus and an image processing parameter setting method that make it possible.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention creates three-direction images orthogonal to each other using three-dimensional image data, corrects the inclination of any one of the three-direction images, and An image orthogonal to the corrected one image is created.

  Specifically, the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores 3D image data, an arithmetic processing unit that generates various processed images by variously processing 3D image data, and displays processed images. And an input unit for performing setting input of various parameter values on the processed image displayed on the display unit, and the arithmetic processing units are orthogonal to each other using 3D image data. A function of creating an image of a direction, and a function of correcting an inclination of any one of the images in three directions, and a function of creating an image orthogonal to the one image whose inclination is corrected And

  The image processing parameter setting method of the present invention includes a step of creating three-direction images orthogonal to each other using the three-dimensional image data, and a step of correcting an inclination of any one of the three-direction images. Generating an image orthogonal to one image with corrected inclination, and performing image processing on one image with corrected inclination or on an image orthogonal to one image with corrected inclination A step of receiving a setting input of an image processing parameter value for imaging or an imaging parameter value for performing imaging, and image processing is performed based on the value of the input image processing parameter to create or result input Imaging based on the value of the imaging parameter.

  According to the medical image diagnostic apparatus and the image processing parameter setting method of the present invention, image processing for performing image processing on an input image that has been tilted unexpectedly, as in the case of a normal input image without tilt. The parameter value can be set. As a result, the same image processing result as that of a normal input image having no inclination can be obtained regardless of the inclination of the input image.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing an example of a medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2B is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an MRI apparatus that is an example of a medical image diagnostic apparatus. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating functions of arithmetic processing according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of the first embodiment. The figure which shows the example of a display which divides the display screen of a display into four, and displays the MIP image of SAG direction on the upper right, the MIP image of AX direction on the lower left, and the MIP image of COR direction on the upper left. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example in which the inclination of the MIP image in the SAG direction in FIG. 4 is corrected by being rotated. The figure which shows the example which set and input the projection direction on the MIP image of the lower left AX direction on the display screen of the display divided into four, and produced and displayed the projection image. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating functions of arithmetic processing according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating functions of arithmetic processing according to the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example in which positions, intervals, and angles of 14 imaging sections are respectively input and set on a MIP image in a COR direction or a rotated MIP image in a SAG direction, and superimposed on each MIP image. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating functions of arithmetic processing according to the fourth embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of the fourth embodiment.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the medical image diagnostic apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that components having the same function are denoted by the same reference symbols throughout the drawings for describing the embodiments of the invention, and the repetitive description thereof is omitted.

  First, an example of a medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. A medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention includes a scanner unit 11 that detects signal data from a subject in order to reconstruct an image of the subject, and a storage unit 12 that stores signal data detected by the scanner unit 11. Then, image reconstruction processing is performed using the signal data stored in the storage unit 12 to obtain an image, and the reconstructed image is subjected to various operations including projection processing (for example, MIP processing) and MPR processing, and the result image is obtained. The calculation processing unit 13 that stores the acquired image data in the storage unit 12, the operation unit 14 for the operator to set and input various instruction information to the calculation processing unit 13, and the calculation processing unit 13 And a display unit 15 for displaying a processed image and a UI (User Interface) for performing an operation input. Various image data in the storage unit 12 is stored by registering the image data in the image database in the storage unit 12.

  Next, as an example of a medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, an overall configuration of an example of an MRI apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the present invention is not limited to an MRI apparatus, and can be applied to other medical image diagnostic apparatuses such as an X-ray CT apparatus and a PET apparatus.

  FIG. 1 (b) is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an embodiment of the MRI apparatus according to the present invention. This MRI apparatus uses a NMR phenomenon to obtain a tomographic image of a subject 101. As shown in FIG. 1, a static magnetic field generating magnet 102, a gradient magnetic field coil 103, a gradient magnetic field power supply 109, and a transmission RF coil 104 and RF transmission unit 110, reception RF coil 105 and signal detection unit 106, signal processing unit 107, measurement control unit 111, overall control unit 108, display / operation unit 113, and subject 101 are mounted. And a bed 112 for taking the subject 101 into and out of the static magnetic field generating magnet 102.

  The static magnetic field generating magnet 102 generates a uniform static magnetic field in the direction perpendicular to the body axis of the subject 101 in the vertical magnetic field method and in the body axis direction in the horizontal magnetic field method. A permanent magnet type, normal conducting type or superconducting type static magnetic field generating source is arranged around the.

  The gradient magnetic field coil 103 is a coil wound in the three-axis directions of X, Y, and Z that are the real space coordinate system (stationary coordinate system) of the MRI apparatus, and each gradient magnetic field coil is a gradient magnetic field that drives it. A current is supplied to the power source 109. Specifically, the gradient magnetic field power supply 109 of each gradient coil is driven according to a command from the measurement control unit 111 described later, and supplies a current to each gradient coil. Thereby, gradient magnetic fields Gx, Gy, and Gz are generated in the three-axis directions of X, Y, and Z.

  When imaging a two-dimensional slice plane, a slice gradient magnetic field pulse (Gs) is applied in a direction orthogonal to the slice plane (imaging cross section) to set a slice plane for the subject 101, orthogonal to the slice plane and orthogonal to each other. The phase encoding gradient magnetic field pulse (Gp) and the frequency encoding (lead-out) gradient magnetic field pulse (Gf) are applied in the remaining two directions, and position information in each direction is encoded in the echo signal. Control during imaging of a three-dimensional area according to the present invention will be described later.

  The transmission RF coil 104 is a coil that irradiates the subject 101 with an RF pulse, and is connected to the RF transmission unit 110 and supplied with a high-frequency pulse current. As a result, an NMR phenomenon is induced in the nuclear spins of the atoms constituting the biological tissue of the subject 101. Specifically, the RF transmission unit 110 is driven in accordance with a command from the measurement control unit 111, which will be described later, and the high-frequency pulse is amplitude-modulated and amplified. , The subject 101 is irradiated with an RF pulse.

  The reception RF coil 105 is a coil that receives an NMR signal (echo signal) emitted by the NMR phenomenon of the nuclear spin constituting the biological tissue of the subject 101, and the received echo signal is connected to the signal detection unit 106. The signal is sent to the signal detection unit 106. The signal detection unit 106 performs processing for detecting an echo signal received by the reception RF coil 105. Specifically, the echo signal of the response of the subject 101 induced by the RF pulse irradiated from the RF transmission coil 104 is received by the reception RF coil 105 disposed in the vicinity of the subject 101, and measurement control described later is performed. In accordance with a command from the unit 111, the signal detection unit 106 amplifies the received echo signal, divides it into two orthogonal signals by quadrature detection, and samples each by a predetermined number (for example, 128, 256, 512, etc.) Each sampling signal is A / D converted into a digital quantity and sent to a signal processing unit 107 described later. Therefore, the echo signal is obtained as time-series digital data (hereinafter referred to as echo data) composed of a predetermined number of sampling data.

  The signal processing unit 107 performs various processes on the echo data, and sends the processed echo data to the measurement control unit 111.

  The measurement control unit 111 mainly transmits various commands for data collection necessary for the reconstruction of the tomographic image of the subject 101 to the gradient magnetic field power source 109, the RF transmission unit 110, and the signal detection unit 106. It is a control part which controls these. Specifically, the measurement control unit 111 operates under the control of the overall control unit 108 described later, and controls the gradient magnetic field power source 109, the RF transmission unit 110, and the signal detection unit 106 based on a predetermined pulse sequence. Then, the application of the RF pulse and the gradient magnetic field pulse to the subject 101 and the detection of the echo signal from the subject 101 are repeatedly executed to collect echo data necessary for image reconstruction for the imaging region of the subject 101.

  The overall control unit 108 controls the measurement control unit 111 and controls various data processing and processing result display and storage, and includes an arithmetic processing unit 114 having a CPU and a memory, an optical disc, And a storage unit 115 such as a magnetic disk. Specifically, the measurement control unit 111 is controlled to execute the collection of echo data, and when the echo data is input from the measurement control unit 111, the arithmetic processing unit 114 converts the encoded information applied to the echo data. Based on this, it is stored in an area corresponding to the K space of the memory. A group of echo data stored in an area corresponding to the K space of the memory is also referred to as K space data. Then, the arithmetic processing unit 114 performs processing such as signal processing or image reconstruction by Fourier transform on the K space data, and displays the resulting image of the subject 101 on the display / operation unit 113 described later. At the same time, it is recorded in the storage unit 115.

  The display / operation unit 113 includes a display unit for displaying the reconstructed image of the subject 101, a trackball or a mouse and a keyboard for inputting various control information of the MRI apparatus and control information for processing performed by the overall control unit 108. Etc., and an operation unit. The operation unit is disposed in the vicinity of the display unit, and the operator controls various processes of the MRI apparatus interactively through the operation unit while looking at the display unit.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below by taking an MRI apparatus as an example of a medical image diagnostic apparatus.

  Next, Embodiment 1 of the medical image diagnostic apparatus or the image processing parameter setting method of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, when the input image for setting the image processing parameter value is a MIP (Maximum Intensity Projection) image, and this MIP image is inclined, the inclination of the MIP image is corrected and the inclination is corrected. Other MIP images orthogonal to the obtained MIP images are obtained, and image parameter values are set on these MIP images.

  First, each function of the arithmetic processing according to the present embodiment will be described based on a functional block diagram of the arithmetic processing unit 114 shown in FIG. The arithmetic processing unit 114 according to the present embodiment includes a three-dimensional image data selection unit 201, a projection image creation unit 202, an image rotation unit 203, and an image processing parameter setting unit 204.

  The 3D image data selection unit 201 creates a list of a plurality of 3D image data stored in the storage unit 115 and displays the list on the display of the display / operation unit 113. In response to the selection designation on the list via the display / operation unit 113 by the operator, the selected 3D image data is read from the storage unit 115 and stored in the memory 200 of the arithmetic processing unit 114.

  The projection image creation unit 202 performs a known projection process using the 3D image data stored in the memory 200 to create a projection image. For example, to create a MIP image as a projected image, MIP processing is performed in each of the three orthogonal directions (COR (Coronal) direction, SAG (Sagittal) direction, and AX (Axial) direction) with respect to the three-dimensional image data. And create a MIP image in each direction. The same applies when creating a MINIP (minimum value projection) image as a projection image. Or you may create each cross-sectional image of the orthogonal three cross section regarding a three-dimensional image based on well-known MPR process. In addition, when acquiring a volume rendering image or a surface rendering image, a known volume rendering process or surface rendering process is performed on the three-dimensional image data. The created projection image or cross-sectional image is displayed on the display unit.

  The image rotation unit 203 receives a rotation operation input from the operator via the display / operation unit 113 on any one of the three orthogonal cross-sectional images or the projection image displayed on the display unit, and Rotate the image plane. The rotation center of the image rotation may be the center of the image, or may be designated on the image by the operator. Then, the rotated image is displayed on the display unit.

  The image processing parameter setting unit 204 receives the setting input of the imaging parameter value via the display / operation unit 113 of the operator, and superimposes the content of the input imaging parameter value on the three orthogonal sections or the projection image. Display on the display. Alternatively, in accordance with the image rotation process of the image rotation unit 203, a process of changing the display so as to match the display of the imaging parameter value set and input in advance with the rotated image is performed.

  Next, the processing flow of the present embodiment, which is performed in cooperation with the functional units of the arithmetic processing unit 114, will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. In the description of this processing flow, a case will be described in which a MIP image is used as an input image for setting image processing parameter values. The processing flow of this embodiment will be described by taking projection parameters such as the projection direction, projection angle, and number of projections as examples of image processing parameters. However, the present embodiment is not limited to these.

  In step 301, the 3D image data selection unit 201 displays a list (not shown) of a plurality of 3D image data stored in the storage unit 115 on the display of the display / operation unit 113. Then, the operator selects and inputs 3D image data (image series) to be subjected to MIP processing from the list displayed on the display via the display / operation unit 113.

  In step 302, the 3D image data selection unit 201 reads the 3D image data selected in step 302 from the storage unit 115 and stores it in the memory 200 of the arithmetic processing unit 114.

  In step 303, the projection image creation unit 202 performs MIP processing in the three orthogonal directions (COR direction, SAG direction, and AX direction) on the 3D image data stored in the memory 200 in step 302. Create MIP images in each direction. Then, the created MIP image in each direction is displayed on the display. FIG. 4 shows a display example in which the display screen of the display is divided into four, and the MIP image in the SAG direction is displayed on the upper right, the MIP image in the AX direction is displayed on the lower left, and the MIP image in the COR direction is displayed on the upper left.

In step 304, the operator determines whether each MIP image displayed on the display is displayed at an intended angle. If the angle is not the intended angle, the process proceeds to step 305. When the angle is the intended angle, the process proceeds to step 308. FIG. 4 shows an example in which the MIP image in the SAG direction is tilted.
In step 305, the operator inputs a rotation operation via the display / operation unit 113 in order to rotate the MIP image that is not the intended angle in a plane. The rotation operation is performed by dragging the mouse, for example. At this time, if it is necessary to specify the rotation center of the image rotation, the operator performs setting input for setting the rotation center. For example, specify the center of rotation with the mouse.

  In step 306, the image rotation unit 203 receives the rotation operation input from the operator via the display / operation unit 113 in step 305 and rotates the MIP image that is not the intended angle in a plane. Then, the rotated image is displayed on the display.

  In step 307, the image rotation unit 203 recalculates the MIP images in other directions so as to be orthogonal to the MIP image rotated in step 306, and re-displays them on the display. FIG. 5 shows an example in which the inclination of the MIP image in the SAG direction in FIG. 4 is corrected by being rotated. In addition, an example is shown in which the MIP images in the COR direction and the AX direction are recalculated and displayed so as to be orthogonal to the MIP image in the SAG direction after rotation. The rotation direction of each MIP image is indicated by →.

  In step 308, the operator performs setting input for setting the value of the image processing parameter on the desired MIP image via the display / operation unit 113. For example, the operator inputs setting values for projection parameters such as a projection direction, a projection angle, and the number of projections. Then, the image processing parameter setting unit 204 stores the value of the projection parameter in the memory 200 in order to create a projection image based on the value of the projection parameter set and input in step 309. FIG. 6 shows an example in which the projection direction indicated by the arrow is set and inputted on the MIP image in the lower left AX direction on the display screen of the display divided into four.

  In step 309, the projection image creation unit 202 creates a projection image using the three-dimensional image data stored in the memory 200 based on the value of the projection parameter stored in the memory 200 in step 308, Display on a different area from the MIP image on the display. This corresponds to the preview process for confirming whether or not the value of the projection parameter set and input in step 308 is appropriate. The operator inputs the parameter in step 308 based on the displayed projection image. Whether or not the value of the projection parameter is appropriate can be determined. FIG. 6 shows an example of the projected image. FIG. 6 shows an example in which a projected image is displayed in the lower right area on the display screen of the display divided into four.

  In step 310, the operator performs an operation for storing the image processing result, for example, clicks a start button displayed (not shown) displayed close to the quadrant display screen.

In step 311, the image processing parameter setting unit 204 stores the value of the projection parameter stored in the memory 200 in step 308 in the storage unit 115, and the projection image creation unit 202 stores each of the MIP images recalculated in step 307. The MIP image in which the projection parameter values set and input in step 308 (for example, a line indicating the projection direction) are superimposed and the projection image created based on the projection parameter values in step 309 are respectively stored in the storage unit 115. Together with the value of the projection parameter.
The above is the description of the processing flow of the present embodiment.

  As described above, the medical image diagnostic apparatus and the image processing parameter setting method according to the present embodiment are inclined when the input image for setting the value of the image processing parameter is not captured at the intended angle, that is, tilted. In such a case, one projection image (MIP image) is planarly rotated to a desired angle, and another projection image is recalculated and obtained so as to be orthogonal to the rotated projection image according to this rotation. Therefore, if the subject is unexpectedly imaged at an angle and the projected image is input, the same image processing setting as when a projected image with an intended inclination (e.g., no inclination) is input. Settings can be made. As a result, it becomes easy to set various image processing parameter values for image processing regardless of the inclination of the projected image, that is, regardless of the inclination of the subject.

  Next, a second embodiment of the medical image diagnostic apparatus and the image processing parameter setting method of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the apparatus itself performs a process of determining whether or not the image displayed on the display is an intended angle, and displays each projected image at the intended angle. Hereinafter, the description of the same part as in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only a different part will be described.

  First, each function of the arithmetic processing according to the present embodiment will be described based on a functional block diagram of the arithmetic processing unit 114 shown in FIG. The arithmetic processing unit 114 according to the present embodiment includes an angle determination reference setting unit 701 and an image rotation determination unit 702 in addition to the functional blocks of the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. Others are the same as the functional blocks of the first embodiment.

  The angle determination standard is a determination standard for determining whether or not the projection image created by the projection image creation unit 202 is an intended angle. For example, the angle determination criterion can be that the positions of both eyes in the COR image are horizontal.

  The angle determination criterion setting unit 701 reads a plurality of angle determination criteria registered in advance in the storage unit 115 and displays them on the display. Then, the operator selects and sets a desired angle determination criterion via the display / operation unit 113. The angle determination criterion setting unit 701 sets the angle determination criterion selected by the operator in the image rotation determination unit 702 and stores it in the storage unit 115.

  The image rotation determination unit 702 determines whether the projection image created by the projection image creation unit 202 conforms to the angle determination criterion set by the angle determination criterion setting unit 701. Determine whether the angle. For example, when the position of both eyes in the COR image is set as the angle determination reference, the image rotation determination unit 701 detects both eyes in the COR image, and a line segment connecting the centers of both eyes The angle formed with the horizontal axis of the image is compared with the angle threshold defined by the angle determination criterion.

  Next, the processing flow of the present embodiment, which is performed in cooperation with the functional units of the arithmetic processing unit 114, will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. In the description of this processing flow, a case will be described in which a MIP image is used as an input image for setting image processing parameter values.

  In step 801, an angle criterion is set. For this purpose, the angle determination criterion setting unit 701 reads a plurality of angle determination criteria registered in advance in the storage unit 115, displays them on the display, and accepts the operator's selection.

  In step 802, the angle determination reference setting unit 701 sets the angle determination reference selected by the operator in step 801 in the image rotation determination unit 702 and stores it in the storage unit 115.

  In step 803, the 3D image data selection unit 201 displays a list (not shown) of a plurality of 3D image data stored in the storage unit 115 on the display of the display / operation unit 113. Then, the operator selects and inputs 3D image data (image series) to be subjected to MIP processing from the list displayed on the display via the display / operation unit 113.

  In step 804, the 3D image data selection unit 201 reads the 3D image data selected in step 803 from the storage unit 115 and stores it in the memory 200 of the arithmetic processing unit 114. Then, the projection image creating unit 202 performs MIP processing on the three-dimensional image data stored in the memory 200 in each of the orthogonal three-axis directions (COR direction, SAG direction, AX direction), and MIP in each direction. Create an image. Then, the created MIP image in each direction is displayed on the display.

  In step 805, the image rotation determination unit 702 determines whether the projection image created in step 804 meets the angle determination criterion set in step 802. If it is determined that the angle determination criterion is not met, the process proceeds to step 806. If it matches, the process proceeds to step 808.

  In step 806, the image rotation unit 203 rotates the MIP image so as to conform to the angle determination criterion set in step 802. For example, if the position of both eyes is horizontal in the COR image as an angle determination criterion, the MIP image in the COR direction is rotated so that the position of both eyes is horizontal.

  In step 807, the image rotation unit 203 recalculates the MIP image in the other direction so as to be orthogonal to the MIP image rotated in step 806, and re-displays it on the display.

Since steps 808 to 811 are the same as steps 308 to 311 described above, detailed description thereof is omitted.
The above is the description of the processing flow of the present embodiment.

  As described above, the medical image diagnostic apparatus and the image processing parameter setting method according to the present embodiment provide one projection image when the input image for setting the value of the image processing parameter is not captured at the intended angle. In (MIP image), the device itself detects and corrects the tilt, and it is automatically rotated so that it becomes an image with the intended tilt (for example, an image without tilt), and the projected image rotated according to this rotation The other projection images are recalculated so as to be orthogonal to each other. Therefore, even when the subject is unexpectedly imaged with the tilt and the tilted image is input, image processing when the tilt correction process of the operator is omitted and an image without tilt is input. It becomes possible to perform the same setting as the setting. As a result, it becomes easy to set various image processing parameter values for image processing regardless of the inclination of the projected image, that is, regardless of the inclination of the subject.

  Next, a third embodiment of the medical image diagnostic apparatus and the image processing parameter setting method of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, image rotation is performed when setting the value of an imaging parameter for imaging. Hereinafter, the description of the same parts as those of the above-described embodiments will be omitted, and only different parts will be described.

  First, each function of the arithmetic processing according to the present embodiment will be described based on a functional block diagram of the arithmetic processing unit 114 shown in FIG. The arithmetic processing unit 114 according to the present embodiment includes an imaging parameter setting unit 901 instead of the image processing parameter setting unit 204 of the functional block of the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. Others are the same as the functional blocks of the first embodiment.

  The imaging parameter setting unit 901 receives imaging parameter values that are set and input by the operator via the display / operation unit 113, and reflects them on the image displayed on the display. Examples of the imaging parameter include the position and angle of an imaging section (slice), the number of imaging sections, and the like. Then, based on the value of each imaging parameter set and input, a pulse sequence for performing imaging is specifically set and notified to the measurement control unit 111.

  Next, the processing flow of the present embodiment, which is performed in cooperation with the functional units of the arithmetic processing unit 114, will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. Steps different from the processing flow of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 are steps 1008 to 1010 performed in place of steps 308 to 310, and the other steps are the same as the steps in FIG. In the description of this processing flow, a case where an MIP image is used as an input image for setting the imaging parameter value will be described.

  In step 1008, the operator sets and inputs the value of the imaging parameter via the display / operation unit 113.

  In step 1009, the imaging parameter setting unit 901 reflects the value of the imaging parameter set and input in step 1008 on each MIP image. An example of displaying these values in the case of the position and angle of the imaging section (slice) and the number of imaging sections as imaging parameters is shown in FIG. FIG. 11 shows an example in which the positions, intervals, and angles of each of the 14 imaging sections are input and set on the MIP image in the COR direction or the rotated MIP image in the SAG direction, and superimposed on each MIP image. Show. In the example of FIG. 11, since the imaging section (slice) is substantially parallel to the AX direction, the MIP image in the AX direction is displayed with a rectangular position on the imaging section.

  In step 1010, the operator performs an operation to start imaging. For example, the imaging start button displayed on the display is clicked with the mouse. Then, the imaging parameter setting unit 901 specifically sets a pulse sequence for performing imaging based on the value of each imaging parameter set and input, and notifies the measurement control unit 111 of the pulse sequence. In the case of a general medical image diagnostic apparatus, the imaging setting is specifically performed based on the value of each imaging parameter set and input.

Steps other than those described above are the same as those in the first embodiment.
Note that if the setting input of the imaging parameter value in step 1008 is performed before the image rotation, the imaging parameter value set and input in accordance with the image rotation is displayed again.
The above is the description of the processing flow of the present embodiment.

  As described above, the medical image diagnostic apparatus and the image processing parameter setting method of the present embodiment can set the value of the imaging parameter on the projection image with the tilt corrected, so that the subject is unexpectedly tilted and imaged, When the tilted image has been input, it is possible to perform the same setting as the setting of the imaging parameter value when an image with an intended tilt (for example, no tilt) is input. As a result, it is easy to set the imaging parameter value regardless of the tilt of the projected image, that is, regardless of the tilt of the subject.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the medical image diagnostic apparatus and the image processing parameter setting method of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, image rotation is performed when a cross-sectional image is created by performing MPR (Multi Planar Reconstruction) processing. Hereinafter, the description of the same parts as those of the above-described embodiments will be omitted, and only different parts will be described.

  First, each function of the arithmetic processing according to the present embodiment will be described based on a functional block diagram of the arithmetic processing unit 114 shown in FIG. The arithmetic processing unit 114 according to the present embodiment includes an MPR image creation unit 1202 instead of the projection image creation unit 202 of the functional block of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Others are the same as the functional blocks of the first embodiment.

  The MPR image creation unit 1202 performs a known MPR process using the 3D image data stored in the memory 200 to create a cross-sectional image. For example, MPR processing is performed on three-dimensional image data in each of three orthogonal directions (COR direction, SAG direction, and AX direction) to create a cross-sectional image in each direction.

  Next, the processing flow of the present embodiment, which is performed in cooperation with the functional units of the arithmetic processing unit 114, will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. Steps different from the processing flow of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 are steps 1301, 1303, 1305-1307, and 1311 performed in place of steps 301, 303, 305 to 307, 309, and 311. The other steps are the same as the steps in FIG.

  In step 1301, the 3D image data selection unit 201 displays a list (not shown) of a plurality of 3D image data stored in the storage unit 115 on the display of the display / operation unit 113. Then, the operator selects and inputs 3D image data (image series) to be subjected to MPR processing from the list displayed on the display via the display / operation unit 113.

  In step 1303, the MPR image creation unit 1202 performs MPR processing in the three orthogonal directions (COR direction, SAG direction, and AX direction) on the three-dimensional image data stored in the memory 200 in step 302. A cross-sectional image in each direction is created. Then, the created MPR image in each direction is displayed on the display.

  In step 1305, the operator inputs a rotation operation via the display / operation unit 113 in order to rotate the cross-sectional image that is not the intended angle in a plane. The rotation operation is performed by dragging the mouse, for example. At this time, if it is necessary to specify the rotation center of the image rotation, the operator performs setting input for setting the rotation center. For example, specify the center of rotation with the mouse.

  In step 1306, the image rotation unit 203 receives a rotation operation input from the operator via the display / operation unit 113 in step 1305, and rotates a cross-sectional image that is not the intended angle. And the cross-sectional image after rotation is displayed on a display.

  In step 1307, the image rotation unit 203 recalculates the cross-sectional image in the other direction by the MPR process so as to be orthogonal to the cross-sectional image rotated in step 1306, and re-displays it on the display.

In steps other than the above description, a projection image is created and displayed based on the value of the projection parameter set and input on the cross-sectional image after rotation, as in the first embodiment.
The above is the description of the processing flow of the present embodiment.

  As described above, the medical image diagnostic apparatus and the image processing parameter setting method according to the present embodiment provide one cross-sectional image when the input image for setting the value of the image processing parameter is not captured at the intended angle. Is rotated at a desired angle, and another cross-sectional image is recalculated and determined so as to be orthogonal to the rotated cross-sectional image according to this rotation. Therefore, when the subject is unexpectedly imaged at an incline and the tilted cross-sectional image is input, the same image processing setting as when a cross-sectional image with an intended tilt (for example, no tilt) is input Settings can be made. As a result, it becomes easy to set various image processing parameter values for image processing regardless of the inclination of the cross-sectional image, that is, regardless of the inclination of the subject.

  101 subject, 102 static magnetic field generating magnet, 103 gradient magnetic field coil, 104 transmission RF coil, 105 reception RF coil, 106 signal detection unit, 107 signal processing unit, 108 overall control unit, 109 gradient magnetic field power source, 110 RF transmission unit, 111 Measurement control unit, 112 beds, 113 Display / operation unit

Claims (5)

A storage unit for storing three-dimensional image data;
An arithmetic processing unit for variously processing the three-dimensional image data to create a plurality of processed images;
A display unit for displaying the processed image;
On the processed image displayed on the display unit, an input unit for performing setting input of values of various parameters;
A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising:
The arithmetic processing unit includes:
A function of creating images in three directions orthogonal to each other using the three-dimensional image data;
A function of determining the inclination of one of the three orthogonal images based on a predetermined angle criterion and correcting the inclination of the one image ;
And ability to create images perpendicular to the one image in which the inclination is corrected,
A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising: The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.
The function of creating images in three directions orthogonal to each other creates MIP images in the AX direction, the SAG direction, and the COR direction using the three-dimensional image data as the images in three directions orthogonal to each other,
The arithmetic processing unit, based on the MIP image that is orthogonal to the tilt-outs modified MIP image or inclined Kiga modified one MIP image, the value of the projection parameters set input through the input unit A medical image diagnostic apparatus characterized by having a function of creating a projected image. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.
The arithmetic processing unit is configured to capture an image based on a value of an imaging parameter set and input on one image with the tilt corrected or an image orthogonal to the one image with the tilt corrected. A medical image diagnostic apparatus having a function of performing The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.
The function of creating images in three directions orthogonal to each other is to perform MPR processing using the three-dimensional image data as the images in three directions orthogonal to each other, and to obtain cross-sectional images in the AX direction, the SAG direction, and the COR direction. Create each
The medical image diagnostic apparatus characterized in that the arithmetic processing unit has a function of creating a projection image on the cross-sectional image after rotation based on the value of the projection parameter set and input . An image processing parameter setting method in a medical image processing apparatus,
Creating three orthogonal images using the three-dimensional image data;
Determining the inclination of one of the three orthogonal images based on a predetermined angle criterion, and correcting the inclination of the one image;
Creating an image orthogonal to one image with the tilt corrected;
Setting of an image processing parameter value for performing image processing or an imaging parameter value for performing imaging on one image in which the tilt is corrected or an image orthogonal to the one image in which the tilt is corrected Accepting input, and
Performing image processing based on the value of the input image processing parameter that has been set and creating a result image, or performing imaging based on the value of the imaging parameter that has been set and input;
An image processing parameter setting method characterized by comprising:

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