JP5872228B2 - Image processing display device - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relates to an image processing and displaying apparatus.

  Examples of medical image diagnostic apparatuses that acquire tomographic images of a subject include an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, an MRI apparatus, an X-ray CT apparatus, a nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and a mammography apparatus.

  There is a tomosynthesis imaging method as a technique for acquiring a tomographic image of a breast as a subject using a mammography apparatus.

  The tomosynthesis imaging method uses a mammography apparatus in which an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector are arranged opposite to each other with a subject interposed therebetween, and moves the X-ray tube relative to the subject a plurality of times. This is a shooting method for shooting. Based on the projection data collected by tomosynthesis imaging, tomographic images of several to several tens of cross-sections are created at predetermined intervals in the thickness direction, with the plane orthogonal to the thickness direction of the subject taken as a cross-section.

  There is an image processing display device that sequentially displays the plurality of tomographic images (for example, Patent Document 1).

  There is a method of setting a region of interest, rendering the region, and creating a two-dimensional image (for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2006-116313 A JP 2008-68032 A

  However, the tomographic image according to Patent Document 1 and the two-dimensional image according to Patent Document 2 have a problem in that it is difficult to grasp the subject as a three-dimensional configuration, and the interpretation time becomes long.

This embodiment is intended to solve the above-described problem, and an object thereof is to provide an image processing display device that makes it easy to grasp the subject as a three-dimensional configuration and can shorten the interpretation time. To do.

In order to achieve the above object, the image processing display device of the embodiment is capable of displaying a multi-section first tomographic image created so that a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction of the subject is a cross section. In the processing display device, when a line segment passing through one or a plurality of points in the region of interest in the displayed first tomographic image is received, the line segment changes in the thickness direction so that a plurality of the cross sections In the case of a line segment passing through, a second tomographic image having a plane including the line segment as a cross section is created based on the multi-section first tomographic image, and the line segment does not change in the thickness direction. Image creation for creating a second tomographic image including a plane including the line segment based on the multi-section first tomographic image in the case of a line segment in the cross section and having a cross section different from the one cross section Means and display control means for displaying the second tomographic image. To.

The block diagram of the configuration of the mammography apparatus. The figure which shows the principal part structure of a X-ray imaging stand. The figure which shows the motion of the X-ray tube at the time of tomosynthesis imaging | photography. The schematic diagram of the 1st tomographic image of a multi-section. The figure which shows the data structure of the 2nd tomographic image of multi-section. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing display device. The schematic diagram of the 2nd tomographic image centering on a nipple. The figure of the 2nd tomographic image represented to XZ coordinate. Diagram of second tomographic image displayed at YZ coordinates The figure of the 2nd tomographic image displayed on XY coordinate. The schematic diagram of the 2nd tomographic image centering on a nipple. The figure of the 2nd tomographic image represented to XZ coordinate. Diagram of second tomographic image displayed at YZ coordinates The figure of the 2nd tomographic image displayed on XY coordinate. The figure showing the region of interest and the line segment designated on the 1st tomographic image in 2nd Embodiment. The schematic diagram of the 2nd tomographic image which included the designated region of interest and line segment, and made the plane different from a 1st tomographic image into a cross section. The figure showing the region of interest designated on the 1st tomographic image which makes XY plane PLa a section in a 3rd embodiment. The figure showing the region of interest designated on the 1st tomographic image which makes XY plane PLb a cross section. The figure showing the region of interest designated on the 1st tomographic image which makes XY plane PLc a section. The schematic diagram of the 2nd tomographic image which passes through one or several points of each region of interest in a plurality of regions of interest. The figure of the line segment displayed on the XZ coordinate. The figure of the line segment displayed on the YZ coordinate. The figure of the line segment displayed on XY coordinate. 7 is a flowchart showing a series of operations of the image processing display device 20.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, embodiments of an image processing display device will be described with reference to the drawings.

  An example of the image processing display device is an image interpretation device for interpreting a medical image. The image interpretation device is connected to a local area network (LAN) built in the hospital.

  A medical image diagnostic apparatus and an image integration server are connected to the LAN. A mammography apparatus that acquires a tomographic image of a subject as a breast will be described below as an example of a medical image diagnostic apparatus.

  Projection data is collected by tomosynthesis imaging using a mammography device, and based on the collected data, several to several tens of multi-section medical images (first images) having a cross section perpendicular to the thickness direction of the subject 1 tomographic image) is generated. The first tomographic image is stored in the storage unit of the mammography apparatus or the image integration server. The thickness direction of the subject may be any direction in imaging, and is not particularly limited. In tomosynthesis imaging, the direction in which the breast is compressed by a compression plate (described later) is selected. Say.

  In response to the request for the medical image, the medical image is transmitted from the storage unit (or image integration server) that is the transmission source to the image interpretation device that is the transmission destination. The image interpretation apparatus displays the transmitted medical image.

[Basic configuration of mammography device]
Next, the basic configuration of the mammography apparatus will be described, and then the image processing display apparatus will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration block diagram of a mammography apparatus. As shown in FIG. 1, the mammography apparatus includes an X-ray imaging table 1, a system control unit 7, an imaging control unit 8, an operation unit 9, an image storage unit 10, a generation unit 12, a display control unit 15, and a display 17. Have.

[X-ray table]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a main part structure of the X-ray imaging table 1 of the mammography apparatus. As shown in FIG. 2, the X-ray imaging table 1 has a frame 40 and a frame 41. The frames 40 and 41 are connected to a shaft portion 43 attached horizontally to the support column 42. The frames 40 and 41 are supported by the column 42 so as to be individually rotatable with the axis of the shaft portion 43 as the rotation center axis R. This rotation direction is defined as the β direction.

  An X-ray tube device 44 is provided at the end of the frame 40. The X-ray tube device 44 accommodates the X-ray tube 2. The X-ray tube 2 generates X-rays in response to application of a high voltage and supply of filament current from the high voltage generator 3.

  At the end of the frame 41, a flat detector (a flat panel detector, sometimes referred to as “FPD”) 5 is mounted in a direction facing the X-ray tube 2. The flat detector 5 includes a plurality of semiconductor detection elements of a direct conversion type that directly converts incident X-rays into electric signals or an indirect conversion type that converts incident X-rays into light with a phosphor and converts the light into electric signals. Have The plurality of semiconductor detection elements are arranged in a two-dimensional lattice pattern. Signal charges generated by a plurality of semiconductor detection elements as a result of X-ray incidence are read out as digital signals via the data acquisition unit 6.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a lower compression plate 45 is attached to the end of the frame 41 together with the flat detector 5. The flat detector 5 is disposed on the back surface of the lower compression plate 45. The upper compression plate 46 is positioned opposite the lower compression plate 45 and is attached to the frame 41 so as to be movable in a direction approaching / separating from the lower compression plate 45. Here, the rotation center axis R is defined as the Z axis, the Y axis is defined as a line (imaging axis) connecting the focal point f and the center of the effective surface of the flat detector 5, and the X axis is defined perpendicularly to the YZ plane. The XYZ coordinate system constitutes a rotating coordinate system with the Z axis as the center. The distance between the lower compression plate 45 and the upper compression plate 46 is defined as the arrow α direction. The lower compression plate 45 is provided together with the upper compression plate 46 movably supported on the frame 41 in the direction of the arrow α to compress the breast in a slab shape.

  As shown in FIG. 3, tomosynthesis imaging starts from a position where the X-ray tube 2 is tilted by 20 ° or more from the vertical direction of the flat detector 5 to one side and continuously moves in the β direction while scanning X-rays at regular intervals. Repeat generation / projection data collection. X-ray imaging ends when the X-ray tube 2 is 20 ° or more on the opposite side from the start position with respect to the vertical direction of the flat detector 5.

[System controller]
The system control unit 7 controls the entire mammography apparatus in order to perform tomosynthesis imaging.

  For example, in response to the operation of the operation unit 9, the system control unit 7 generates a first tomographic image and a three-dimensional image, displays a first tomographic image, and displays a first tomographic image. Control such as selection.

(Shooting control unit)
The imaging control unit 8 controls the support mechanism 4 according to a predetermined procedure for performing tomosynthesis imaging, and controls the high voltage generation unit 3 based on X-ray generation conditions (X-ray duration, tube current, tube voltage). Thus, X-rays are generated from the X-ray tube 2 and the digital signal is acquired by controlling the data acquisition unit 6. Thus, tomosynthesis imaging can be performed by the imaging control unit 8 repeatedly controlling the support mechanism 4, the high voltage generation unit 3, and the data collection unit 6.

[Generator]
The generation unit 12 performs imaging processing on a plurality of projection data collected by tomosynthesis imaging, and generates a multi-section first tomographic image (multi-slice image) having a cross section perpendicular to the thickness direction of the subject. To do.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a multi-section first tomographic image. In FIG. 4, the thickness direction is indicated by the Z direction, and the plane orthogonal to the thickness direction is indicated by the XY plane. In FIG. 4, the Z coordinate is indicated by “Z1”,..., “Zv”,... “Zw”, and the XY plane of the Z coordinate is indicated by “PL1”,. .., “PLw”, and the first tomographic image having a cross section taken along the XY plane is indicated by “G1”,..., “Gv”,.

  Furthermore, the generation unit 12 performs a coordinate conversion process and an interpolation process on the multi-section first tomographic images G1 to Gw to generate a three-dimensional image. This interpolation processing is usually performed so that the resolution of the first tomographic image (XY plane) is equal to the resolution between the first tomographic images (Z direction). Note that the three-dimensional image may be referred to as a multi-section first tomographic image.

[Image storage unit]
The image storage unit 10 stores a plurality of projection data obtained by tomosynthesis imaging.
In addition, the image storage unit 10 stores the multi-section first tomographic image (three-dimensional image) generated by the generation unit 12.

  Next, the multi-section first tomographic image stored in the image storage unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the first tomographic image having a multi-section.

  The data of the first tomographic image is stored in the image storage unit 10 for each identification number. The identification number of the first tomographic image G is associated with the Z coordinate of the first tomographic image. The identification numbers of the first tomographic images associated with the Z coordinates Z1, Z2, Z3,... Zw are indicated by “Z1”, “Z2”, “Z3”,. .

  As the data structure of the first tomographic image, the pixel values of the first tomographic image are arranged in a matrix of m × n. In FIG. 5, 1 row 1 column,..., 1 row n column,..., U row 1 column,... U row n column,. The values of the pixels in the column are “p11”,..., “P1n”,..., “Pu1”, ..., “pun”, ..., “pm1”,. Show.

  Hereinafter, in order to make the explanation easy to understand, it is assumed that row numbers 1 to m correspond to X coordinates 1 to m, and column numbers 1 to n correspond to Y coordinates 1 to n.

(Display control unit)
In response to the operation by the operation unit 9, the display control unit 15 reads the first tomographic image G stored in the image storage unit 10 and causes the display 17 to display the first tomographic image G in a predetermined order.

  At the time of interpretation, the discovery target of X-ray photography by the mammography apparatus is calcification and mass. In a negative image normally used, the calcified portion has a larger pixel value than the tissue in the subject. Therefore, the presence or absence of calcification can be determined by displaying the first tomographic images in order.

[Image processing display device]
Next, the image processing display device 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 to 10.

  The image processing display device 20 requests the mammography device 1a or the image integration server (not shown) to transmit an image via the LAN, so that the image processing display device 20 has a multi-section first from the image storage unit 10 or the image integration server of the mammography device 1a. One tomographic image is received.

  FIG. 6 is a configuration block diagram of the image processing display device. As shown in FIG. 6, the image processing display device 20 includes a system control unit 21, an operation unit 22, a selection unit 23, a display control unit 24, a display 25, and an image creation unit 30.

  The image creating unit 30 includes a first creating unit 31, a second creating unit 32, and a third creating unit 33.

[System control means]
The system control unit 21 controls the entire image processing display device 20. For example, in response to the operation of the operation unit 22, the system control unit 21 designates a region of interest or the like, displays the second tomographic image, and the second tomographic image to the selection unit 23, the display control unit 23, and the image creation unit 30. Control such as creation.

[Selection means]
In response to an instruction from the system control unit 21, the selection unit 23 selects one or more of the first creation unit 31, the second creation unit 32, and the third creation unit 33. When two or more creation means are selected by the selection means 23, the image creation means 30 executes each creation means according to the priority order. In response to the operation of the operation unit 22, the system control unit 21 may change the priority order.

[Display control means, display]
The display control unit 24 converts the multi-section first tomographic image into display data based on the transmitted multi-section first tomographic image, and displays the display data on the display 25.

[Image creation means]
As described above, a line passing through the region of interest on the first tomographic image displayed on the display 25 and one or more points in the region of interest by the system control unit 21 in response to the operation of the operation unit 22. Minutes are specified.

  The image creation means 30 receives a line segment passing through one or more points in the region of interest, and includes a line segment based on the multi-section first tomographic image and is different from the first tomographic image. 2 Create a tomographic image. The created second tomographic image is displayed on the display 25 by the display control means 24.

  By displaying the second tomographic image instead of the first tomographic image on the display 25, it is possible to grasp the subject as a three-dimensional configuration at the time of interpretation.

(First creation means)
Next, the 1st preparation means 31 is demonstrated with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a second tomographic image centered on the nipple.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the three-dimensional image, when the thickness direction is the Z direction, and the plane orthogonal to the thickness direction is the XY plane, the chest side image on the one end side of the Y coordinate and the other end of the Y coordinate Has a nipple image on the side. Further, the region of interest has a first region that includes an image of the nipple.

  The first creating means 31 is a region that includes one or more points in the first region, one end portion of which includes an image on the chest side, and has a Z coordinate different from that of the first region. A second tomographic image including a straight line passing through one or more points in the region of the other end is created.

  The first region, the second region, and the line segment are indicated by “A1”, “A2”, and “Lk” in FIG. The first region A1 and the second region A2 are examples of the region of interest that is designated, and are examples of the line segment that is designated by the line segment Lk.

  The first creation unit 31 obtains the XYZ coordinates of the first area A1 in response to the operation of the operation unit 22. The XYZ coordinates of the designated first area A1 are indicated by (k, u, v) in FIGS.

  Further, the first creation means 31 obtains the XYZ coordinates of the second area A2 by setting Y = 0 and Z = 0 based on the coordinates of the first area A1. The XYZ coordinates of the second area A2 are indicated by (k, 0, 0) in FIGS. Note that the areas A1 and A2 may be designated as areas instead of points on the coordinates.

  Further, the first creating means 31 obtains the line segment Lk as a straight line passing through the coordinates (k, u, v) of the first area A1 and the coordinates (k, 0, 0) of the second area A2. The line segment Lk can be obtained by substituting these coordinates into a general formula (aX + bY + cZ = d) of a straight line in the XYZ space.

  The line segment Lk is a straight line passing through X = k. Further, the first creation means 31 obtains a line segment other than X = k (X = 0 to n, where X ≠ k). For example, a line segment passing through X = 0 is obtained as a straight line passing through coordinates (0, u, v) and (0, 0, 0). Further, a line segment passing through X = n is obtained as a straight line passing through coordinates (n, u, v) and (n, 0, 0).

  Furthermore, the 1st preparation means 31 calculates | requires XY coordinate of each line segment containing the line segment Lk about Z coordinate 0-v.

  The 1st preparation means 31 calculates | requires XY coordinate for every Z coordinate as follows. The first creation means 31 obtains the identification numbers Z1 to Zv of the second tomographic image from the Z coordinate, and obtains the column number and row number of the pixel from the obtained identification number and XY coordinates. The pixel value is obtained from the column number and row number of the pixel. In this way, the pixel values on each line segment can be determined.

  As described above, the value of the pixel on the cross section having the coordinates (0, 0, 0), (n, 0, 0), (n, u, v), and (0, u, v) as vertices is obtained. The cross section is indicated by “PLs” in FIGS. A second tomographic image is created based on the values of these pixels.

  Similarly, the 1st preparation means 31 changes coordinate (0, 0, Z), (n, 0, Z), (n, u, Z) by changing Z coordinate to the arbitrary values between 0-w. It becomes possible to obtain the values of the pixels on the cross section having v) and (0, u, v) as vertices.

  By the way, when Z = w, the value of the pixel on the cross section whose coordinates are (0, 0, w), (n, 0, w), (n, u, v), (0, u, v). Can be obtained. The cross section is indicated by “PLt” in FIGS.

  In response to the Z coordinate by the operation of the operation means 22, the first creation means 31 creates a second tomographic image centered on the first area A1 (a nipple image). The display control means 24 displays those second tomographic images on the display 25. This makes it easier to grasp the three-dimensional configuration of the subject centering on the nipple image, and as a result, the interpretation time can be shortened.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, an image processing display device 20 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.

  In the first embodiment, as an example of the image creating unit 30, a plane orthogonal to a direction different from the thickness direction (Z direction) (a direction obtained by rotating the Z direction clockwise or counterclockwise on the YZ coordinate) is used. Although the 1st preparation means 31 which produces the 2nd tomographic image made into the cross section was shown, not only this but a direction different from the thickness direction (Z direction) may be sufficient.

  In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the second embodiment, a second creation unit 32 is shown as an example of the image creation unit 30.

  As described above, a line passing through the region of interest on the first tomographic image displayed on the display 25 and one or more points in the region of interest by the system control unit 21 in response to the operation of the operation unit 22. Minutes are specified. A section taken as the first tomographic image displayed on the display 25 is indicated by “PLv” in FIG. Further, the coordinates of the region of interest are indicated by (k, Y1, v) in FIG. Further, the line segment is indicated by “L” in FIG.

  The region of interest may be specified as an area instead of a point on the coordinates.

  The second creation means 32 creates a second tomographic image that includes the designated region of interest and the line segment L and has a cross section perpendicular to the X direction.

  The second creating means 32 obtains the line segment L as a straight line passing through the coordinates (k, 0, v) and (k, m, v). The line segment L is obtained by substituting these coordinates into the general formula (aX + bY + cZ = d) of the straight line in the XYZ space, as in the first embodiment.

  The line segment L is a straight line with X = k, Z = v, and 0 ≦ Y ≦ m. Further, the second creating means 32 obtains a line segment other than the line segment L (X = k, 0 ≦ Z ≦ w (where Z ≠ v), 0 ≦ Y ≦ m). For example, a line segment passing through Z = 0 is obtained as a straight line passing through coordinates (k, m, 0) and (k, 0, 0). Further, a line segment passing through Z = w is obtained as a straight line passing through coordinates (k, m, w) and (k, 0, w).

  Furthermore, the 2nd preparation means 32 calculates | requires the Y coordinate of each line segment containing the line segment L about Z coordinate 0-w.

  The second creating means 32 obtains XY coordinates for each Z coordinate as follows. Here, the X coordinate is constant (X = k).

  The second creating means 32 obtains the identification numbers Z1 to Zv of the second tomographic image from the Z coordinate, and obtains the column number and row number of the pixel from the obtained identification number and XY coordinates. The pixel row number is obtained from X = k. The pixel value is obtained from the column number and row number of the pixel. In this way, the pixel values on each line segment can be determined.

  As described above, the value of the pixel on the cross section having the coordinates (k, 0, 0), (k, m, 0), (k, n, w), and (k, 0, w) as vertices is obtained. The cross section is indicated by “PLk” in FIG. The second creation means 32 creates a second tomographic image based on the pixel values on this cross section.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, an image processing display device 20 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6, 17A to 17C, and FIG.

  In the first and second embodiments, a line segment passing through one or a plurality of points in one region of interest is designated, and a second tomographic image including the line segment and different from the first tomographic image is created. Although the first creation means 31 and the second creation means 32 are shown, in a plurality of regions of interest, a second tomographic image passing through one or a plurality of points in each region of interest may be created and displayed. Good.

  In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the third embodiment, a third creation unit 33 is shown as an example of the image creation unit 30.

  As described above, the region of interest on the first tomographic image displayed on the display 25 is designated by the system control unit 21 in response to the operation of the operation unit 22.

  17A is a diagram of a line segment displayed on the XZ coordinates, FIG. 17B is a diagram of a line segment displayed on the YZ coordinates, and FIG. 17C is a diagram of a line segment displayed on the XY coordinates.

  The cross sections of the first tomographic image displayed on the display 25 are indicated by “PLa”, “PLb”, and “PLc” in FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C. Further, the coordinates of the region of interest are shown by (k1, u1, v1), (k2, u2, v2), (k3, u3, v3) in FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C. Note that these regions of interest may be designated as areas instead of points on the coordinates.

  The third creation means 33 creates a second tomographic image including a plurality of designated regions of interest. A method for creating a second tomographic image including a plurality of regions of interest will be described below.

  The third creation means 33 obtains a line segment L passing through the coordinates of one or more points in each region of interest in the plurality of designated regions of interest.

  The line segment L can be represented on the XZ coordinate, the YZ coordinate, and the XY coordinate, respectively. The third creation unit 33 creates a second tomographic image based on the line segment L represented on any of the XZ coordinate, the YZ coordinate, and the XY coordinate.

(Creation of second tomographic image based on line segment expressed on XZ coordinates)
First, a case where a second tomographic image is created based on the line segment L expressed on the XZ coordinates will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of a second tomographic image passing through one or a plurality of points in each region of interest in a plurality of regions of interest, and FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a line segment L represented on the XZ coordinates.

  The third creation means 33 obtains a line segment Lui with a constant Y coordinate passing through (kh, vj) as the XZ coordinate of each point of the line segment L. Here, k1 ≦ kh ≦ k3 (when k1 ≦ k3), 0 ≦ ui ≦ m, and v1 ≦ vj ≦ v3 (when v1 ≦ v3) are assumed. Further, the third creation means 33 obtains the XYZ coordinates of each point on the line segment Lui. Further, the third creating unit 33 obtains the row number, column number, and identification number of the first tomographic image corresponding to the XYZ coordinates of each point on the line segment Lui. The pixel value is obtained from the pixel row number, column number, and identification number of the first tomographic image. In this way, the value of the pixel on each line segment Lui can be obtained.

  As described above, a cross section that is a set of points on the line segment Lui is indicated by “PLy” in FIGS. 18 and 19. The third creation means 33 creates a second tomographic image based on the pixel values on this cross section.

(Creation of second tomographic image based on line segment expressed on YZ coordinates)
Next, a case where a second tomographic image is created based on the line segment L represented on the YZ coordinates will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a line segment L represented on the YZ coordinates.

  The third creation means 33 obtains a line segment Lkh having a constant X coordinate passing through (ui, vj) as the YZ coordinate of each point of the line segment L. Here, 0 ≦ kh ≦ n, u1 ≦ ui ≦ u3 (when u1 ≦ u3 is set), and v1 ≦ vj ≦ v3 (when v1 ≦ v3 is set). Further, the third creation means 33 obtains the XYZ coordinates of each point on the line segment Lui. Further, the third creating means 33 obtains the row number, column number, and identification number of the first tomographic image corresponding to the XYZ coordinates of each point on the line segment Lkh. The pixel value is obtained from the pixel row number, column number, and identification number of the first tomographic image. In this way, the pixel value on each line segment Lkh can be obtained.

  As described above, a cross section that is a set of points on the line segment Lkh is indicated by “PLx” in FIG. The third creation means 33 creates a second tomographic image based on the pixel values on this cross section.

(Creation of second tomographic image based on line segment expressed on XY coordinates)
Next, a case where a second tomographic image is created based on the line segment L represented on the XY coordinates will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a line segment L represented on the XY coordinates.

  The third creation means 33 obtains a line segment Lvj having a constant Z coordinate passing through (kh, ui) as the XY coordinates of each point of the line segment L. Here, k1 ≦ kh ≦ k3 (when k1 ≦ k3), u1 ≦ ui ≦ u3 (when u1 ≦ u3), and 0 ≦ vj ≦ w. Further, the third creating means 33 obtains XYZ coordinates of each point on the line segment Lvj. Further, the third creating means 33 obtains the row number, column number, and identification number of the first tomographic image corresponding to the XYZ coordinates of each point on the line segment Lvj. The pixel value is obtained from the pixel row number, column number, and identification number of the first tomographic image. In this way, the value of the pixel on each line segment Lvj can be obtained.

  As described above, a cross section that is a set of points on the line segment Lvj is indicated by “PLz” in FIG. The third creation means 33 creates a second tomographic image based on the pixel values on this cross section.

  As described above, the third creating means 33 is based on the line segment L displayed on any of the XZ coordinate, the YZ coordinate, and the XY coordinate, and the Y, X, and Z coordinate constant line segments Lui, Lkh, Lvj is obtained and the second tomographic image is created from these line segments, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the third creation means 33 obtains line segments Lui, Lkh, and Lvj using predetermined curves (for example, spline curves) at each point on the line segment L, and creates a second tomographic image from these line segments. You may make it do.

[Operation]
Next, a series of operations of the image processing display device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a series of operations of the image processing display device 20.

(First creation function: S101)
Upon receiving an instruction to start interpretation by operating the operation means 22, the system control means 21 issues a selection instruction to the selection means 23. The selection unit 23 selects image creation by the first creation unit 31.

  The first creating means 31 passes through one or more points in the first region A1 including the nipple image in the three-dimensional image of the subject, and one end portion thereof passes through the chest side of the three-dimensional image. A straight line Lk passing through one or more points in the second region A2 in which the coordinate in the thickness direction (Z direction) of the subject is different from the first region A1 is an area including the image. A second tomographic image including the image is generated.

(First display function: S102)
Next, the system control means 21 outputs an image display instruction to the display control means 24 upon completion of the creation of the second tomographic image. The display control unit 24 displays the second tomographic image on the display 25 (see FIGS. 7 and 11).

(Second creation function: S103)
In response to the operation of the operation means 22, the system control means 21 issues a selection instruction to the selection means 23. When the selection means 23 selects image creation by the second creation means 31, the second creation means 32, based on the three-dimensional image, has a multi-section second tomogram whose section is a plane orthogonal to the thickness direction (Z direction). Create an image.

(Second display function: S104)
Next, the system control means 21 outputs an image display instruction to the display control means 24 upon completion of the creation of the second tomographic image. The display control unit 24 displays the second tomographic image on the display 25 (see FIG. 15).

(Third creation function: S105)
In response to the operation of the operation means 22, the system control means 21 issues a selection instruction to the selection means 23. When the selection unit 23 selects image generation by the third generation unit 32, the third generation unit 32 is a plane orthogonal to a direction (for example, the X direction) different from the thickness direction (Z direction) based on the three-dimensional image. A second tomographic image is created with the (YZ plane) cross section (see cross section PLk shown in FIG. 16).

(Third display function: S106)
Next, the system control means 21 outputs an image display instruction to the display control means 24 upon completion of the creation of the second tomographic image. The display control unit 24 displays the second tomographic image on the display 25 (see FIG. 16).

  In the image processing display device 20 according to the embodiment, as the first display of the second tomographic image, the second tomographic image (see FIGS. 7 and 11) centered on the nipple is displayed in step S102. It is possible to easily detect the presence or absence of calcification that occurs radially from the center.

  Subsequently, in step S104, the first tomographic image (see FIG. 15) having a multi-section is displayed, so that the tumor can be easily found. Furthermore, since a different second tomographic image (see FIG. 16) is subsequently displayed in step S106, it is possible to accurately determine whether the tumor is a tumor.

  In addition, following the series of operations of the image processing display device 20, another second cross section of the third tomographic image created in step S101 or S103 by the third creation unit 33 is used. By creating and displaying the tomographic image by the third creating means 33, it becomes possible to more accurately determine the presence or absence of calcification or a tumor.

  In the embodiment, the first tomographic image acquired in the mammography apparatus is used to create and display the second tomographic image having a cross section different from the first tomographic image. Not limited to this. For example, another second tomographic image may be created using a first tomographic image acquired by another medical image diagnostic apparatus.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, rewrites, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1a Mammography apparatus 1 X-ray imaging stand 5 Planar detector 6 Data acquisition part 7 System control part 8 Imaging control part 9 Operation part 10 Image storage part 12 Generation part 15 Display control part 17 Display 20 Image processing display apparatus 21 System control means 22 Operation means 23 Selection means 24 Display control means 25 Display 30 Image creation means 31 First creation means 32 Second creation means 33 Third creation means 40 Frame 41 Frame 42 Strut 43 Shaft 44 X-ray tube device 45 Lower compression plate 46 Upper compression plate

Claims (5)

In an image processing display device capable of displaying a multi-section first tomographic image created so that a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction of the subject is a cross section,
In response to designation of a line segment passing through one or a plurality of points in the region of interest in the displayed first tomographic image , the line segment changes in the thickness direction so that the line segment passes through the plurality of cross sections. In this case, a second tomographic image having a plane including the line segment as a cross section is created based on the multi-section first tomographic image, and the line segment does not change in the thickness direction and is within one cross section. In the case of a minute, an image creating means for creating a second tomographic image including a plane including the line segment based on the multi-sectional first tomographic image and having a plane different from the one cross section ,
Display control means for displaying the second tomographic image;
An image processing display device comprising: The three-dimensional image created based on the multi-section first tomographic image is one end of one of the X coordinate and the Y coordinate when the thickness direction is the Z direction and the plane orthogonal to the thickness direction is the XY plane. The region of interest including an image of the chest side on the side and an image of a nipple on the other end of the one coordinate ;
As the line segment, a straight line segment whose Z coordinate changes as it passes through the region of interest from the region of interest toward one end of the one coordinate on the chest side is designated,
The image creating means creates the second tomographic image based on the first tomographic image having a plane including the straight line segment as a cross section based on the coordinates of the first tomographic image and the coordinates of the straight line segment. The image processing display device according to claim 1, wherein: In the case where the line segment passes through the plurality of cross-sections by changing the line segment in the thickness direction , the image creating unit includes a plane that includes the line segment and is orthogonal to a direction different from the thickness direction. Alternatively, when the second tomographic image having a section along the surface in the thickness direction is created and the line segment does not change in the thickness direction and is in one of the cross sections, the line segment is included. 2. The image processing display device according to claim 1, wherein the second tomographic image having a plane and a plane along the thickness direction as a cross section is created. The line segment is a line segment that connects the regions of interest obtained by designating regions of interest of each of the two or more cross sections in the first tomographic image,
The image processing display device according to claim 1, wherein the image creating unit creates the second tomographic image including the line segment and having a section having the two or more regions of interest as a cross section. The image processing display according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first tomographic image is created by reconstructing projection data collected by tomosynthesis imaging of a subject. apparatus.

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