JP7451168B2 - Medical image processing devices and medical image processing systems - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a medical image processing device and a medical image processing system.

Conventionally, during follow-up observation, etc., cross-sectional images of the subject included in the current 3D information obtained by CT or MRI, etc. and the same position of the subject included in the past 3D information may be displayed side by side. . When aligning the position of a subject using three-dimensional information, a medical image processing apparatus performs alignment between three-dimensional information based on feature points extracted from a rigid body part such as a pelvis. Then, by moving the cross-sectional position to the part to be diagnosed, the doctor or the like displays the cross-sectional images of the part to be diagnosed side by side.

However, the position of the part changes due to the effects of body movement, breathing, etc. Therefore, even if the position of the subject in the three-dimensional information is matched using a rigid body part, the medical image processing apparatus may display different parts in the cross-sectional images. Therefore, doctors and the like had to make fine adjustments in order to display cross-sectional images of the same site side by side.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-063936

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to perform positioning that is less affected by body movements, breathing, and the like.

The medical image processing apparatus of the embodiment includes an acquisition section, an extraction section, an image processing section, a designation section, and a positioning section. The acquisition unit is configured to acquire first three-dimensional image data that is three-dimensional image data of a subject, and second three-dimensional image data that is three-dimensional image data of the subject and is different from the first three-dimensional image data. Obtain image data. The extraction unit extracts feature points of the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data and feature points of the subject included in the second three-dimensional image data. The image processing unit generates a first cross-sectional image, which is a cross-sectional image of the subject, included in the first three-dimensional image data, and a cross-sectional image of the subject, which is included in the second three-dimensional image data. Image processing is performed on at least one of the second cross-sectional image. The designation unit designates a region included in the first cross-sectional image on which the image processing unit has performed the image processing. The positioning unit acquires the first cross-sectional image from the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data based on the feature points included in the region specified by the specifying unit; A position at which the second cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject included in the second three-dimensional image data is set to the same position. Then, when the site is selected from a list showing a plurality of sites, the image processing section executes the image processing corresponding to the site. The designation unit designates the region corresponding to the image processing performed by the image processing unit.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medical image processing system according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medical image processing apparatus according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a comparison screen. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a comparison screen having a part selection image. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a shift in cross-sectional position. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of correction of the cross-sectional position. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of display processing executed by the medical image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

Embodiments of a medical image processing apparatus and a medical image processing system will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the medical image processing apparatus and medical image processing system according to the present application are not limited to the embodiments described below.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medical image processing system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the medical image processing system 1 includes a modality 10, a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) 20, and a medical image processing device 30. Further, each system and each device are communicably connected via a network. Note that the configuration shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and the number of each system and each device may be changed arbitrarily. Furthermore, devices not shown in FIG. 1 may be connected to the network.

The modality 10 generates three-dimensional image data that is three-dimensional information of the subject. For example, the modality 10 is an image diagnostic device such as an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) device or an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) device. The modality 10 generates three-dimensional image data of a designated subject such as a patient. Three-dimensional image data includes X-ray CT image data as three-dimensional image data, MRI image data as three-dimensional image data, and the like. The modality 10 then transmits the generated three-dimensional image data to the PACS 20.

The PACS 20 is a server device that stores three-dimensional image data generated by the modality 10. For example, the PACS 20 is realized by computer equipment such as a server or a workstation. More specifically, PACS 20 receives three-dimensional image data from modality 10. Then, the PACS 20 stores the three-dimensional image data in its own storage circuit or the like.

The medical image processing device 30 extracts anatomical landmarks from three-dimensional image data. Here, the anatomical landmark is an anatomical feature point of the subject. Then, the medical image processing device 30 performs alignment between the three-dimensional image data based on the anatomical landmarks. Thereby, the medical image processing apparatus 30 displays cross-sectional images at the same position among the plurality of three-dimensional image data. For example, the medical image processing device 30 is realized by computer equipment such as a server or a workstation.

Next, the configuration of the medical image processing apparatus 30 according to this embodiment will be described.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the medical image processing apparatus 30 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the medical image processing apparatus 30 according to this embodiment includes a network interface 310, a storage circuit 320, an input interface 330, a display 340, and a processing circuit 350.

The network interface 310 is connected to the processing circuit 350 and controls the transmission and communication of various data between the modality 10 and the PACS 20 via the network. More specifically, the network interface 310 receives various types of information from each system and outputs the received information to the processing circuit 350. For example, the network interface 310 is implemented by a network card, network adapter, NIC (Network Interface Controller), or the like.

The storage circuit 320 is connected to the processing circuit 350 and stores various data. For example, the storage circuit 320 is realized by a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like.

The input interface 330 converts an input operation received from an operator into an electrical signal and outputs it to the processing circuit 350. For example, the input interface 330 may include a trackball, a switch button, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch pad that performs input operations by touching the operation surface, a touch screen that integrates a display screen and a touch pad, and a non-control device that uses an optical sensor. This is realized by an input device such as a touch input interface or a voice input interface. Note that the input interface 330 may be a control circuit such as a connection interface that receives an electronic signal corresponding to an operation from an operation device provided separately from the medical image processing apparatus 30.

The display 340 displays various information and various images output from the processing circuit 350. For example, the display 340 is realized by a display device such as an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) monitor, a liquid crystal monitor, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor, or a touch panel. For example, the display 340 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for accepting instructions from an operator, various image data for display, and various processing results by the processing circuit 350.

The processing circuit 350 controls each component included in the medical image processing apparatus 30. For example, processing circuit 350 is implemented by a processor. More specifically, the processing circuit 350 according to this embodiment has an acquisition function 351, an extraction function 352, a position alignment function 353, a display function 354, an operation function 355, an image processing function 356, and a designation function 357.

Here, for example, the acquisition function 351, extraction function 352, alignment function 353, display function 354, operation function 355, image processing function 356, and specification function 357, which are the components of the processing circuit 350 shown in FIG. Each processing function is stored in the storage circuit 320 in the form of a computer-executable program. The processing circuit 350 is a processor that reads each program from the storage circuit 320 and executes it to realize a function corresponding to each program. In other words, the processing circuit 350 in a state where each program has been read has each function shown in the processing circuit 350 of FIG.

Note that all the processing functions of the acquisition function 351, extraction function 352, alignment function 353, display function 354, operation function 355, image processing function 356, and designation function 357 are in the form of one program that can be executed by a computer. It may be recorded in the memory circuit 320. For example, such a program is also referred to as a medical image processing program. In this case, the processing circuit 350 reads the medical image processing program from the storage circuit 320 and executes the read medical image processing program to perform an acquisition function 351, an extraction function 352, an alignment function 353, and an alignment function 353 corresponding to the medical image processing program. A display function 354, an operation function 355, an image processing function 356, and a designation function 357 are realized.

The acquisition function 351 is an example of an acquisition unit. The acquisition function 351 acquires a plurality of three-dimensional image data from the PACS 20. That is, the acquisition function 351 acquires first three-dimensional image data that is three-dimensional image data of a subject, and second three-dimensional image data that is three-dimensional image data of the same subject but is different from the first three-dimensional image data. 3D image data is obtained. More specifically, the first three-dimensional image data is three-dimensional image data of the subject. The second three-dimensional image data is a comparison target of the first three-dimensional image data, and is three-dimensional image data of the same subject as the subject of the first three-dimensional image data. For example, the first three-dimensional image data is the most recently acquired three-dimensional image data. The second three-dimensional image data is three-dimensional image data acquired in the past from the same subject as the first three-dimensional image data.

The extraction function 352 is an example of an extraction unit. The extraction function 352 extracts feature points of the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data and feature points of the subject included in the second three-dimensional image data. That is, the extraction function 352 extracts anatomical landmarks from each of the three-dimensional image data acquired by the acquisition function 351.

The alignment function 353 is an example of an alignment unit. The alignment function 353 determines, based on the anatomical landmarks extracted by the extraction function 352, the position at which a cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data and the position included in the second three-dimensional image data. Align the position at which the cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject to be the same. That is, the alignment function 353 executes registration to align the position of the subject between a plurality of three-dimensional image data. More specifically, the alignment function 353 aligns anatomical landmarks located on a rigid body part such as the pelvis of the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data and anatomical landmarks included in the second three-dimensional image data. Align the position with an anatomical landmark located on a rigid body part such as the pelvis of the subject. As a result, the positioning function 353 determines the position at which a cross-sectional image is to be acquired from the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data, based on the anatomical landmarks in the rigid body part, such as the pelvis. The position at which a cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject included in the three-dimensional image data in step 2 is aligned with the same position. In addition, when the specification function 357 specifies a part corresponding to image processing performed by an image processing function 356, which will be described later, the positioning function 353 performs the alignment function 353 on the part specified by the specification function 357 in the first three-dimensional image. Align the anatomical landmarks on the part of the subject included in the data with the anatomical landmarks on the part of the subject specified by the specification function 357 and included in the second three-dimensional image data. . As a result, when the specification function 357 specifies a part corresponding to the image processing performed by the image processing function 356, the alignment function 353 performs an anatomical landmark based on the anatomical landmark included in the part specified by the specification function 357. The position at which a cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data and the position at which a cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject included in the second three-dimensional image data are aligned to the same position.

The display function 354 is an example of a display section. The display function 354 displays a first cross-sectional image that is a cross-sectional image of the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data, and a second cross-sectional image that is a cross-sectional image of the subject included in the second three-dimensional image data. Display.

Here, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the comparison screen G1. The comparison screen G1 shown in FIG. 3 includes a cross-sectional image of the first three-dimensional image data and a cross-sectional image of the second three-dimensional image data. A medical worker such as a doctor performs progress observation, etc. by comparing the cross-sectional image of the first three-dimensional image data and the cross-sectional image of the second three-dimensional image data.

In addition, the alignment function 353 determines the position at which a cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data and the second three-dimensional image data based on the anatomical landmark included in the region specified by the specification function 357. The position at which a cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject included in the dimensional image data is set to the same position. Then, the display function 354 displays the first cross-sectional image, which has the same cross-sectional position by aligning the position of the subject between the plurality of three-dimensional image data, and the second cross-sectional image, on a comparison screen G1. to be displayed.

Furthermore, when the cross-sectional position of the subject in the three-dimensional image data is moved, the display function 354 displays a cross-sectional image at the corresponding cross-sectional position. For example, when the display function 354 moves the cross-sectional position of the first three-dimensional image data, the display function 354 similarly moves the cross-sectional position of the second three-dimensional image data. Thereby, the display function 354 displays cross-sectional images at the same cross-sectional position for the first three-dimensional image data and the second three-dimensional image data. Note that the display function 354 is not limited to displaying a plurality of three-dimensional image data side by side, but may display a plurality of three-dimensional image data in an overlapping manner.

The operation function 355 is an example of an operation section. The operation function 355 controls the input interface 330 to accept an operation for specifying image processing. For example, the operation function 355 accepts an operation for selecting a region from a list showing a plurality of regions. Here, the site is a part of the human body such as an organ, bone, blood vessel, or muscle. Thereby, the operation function 355 accepts an operation for specifying image processing according to a preset region.

Here, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a comparison screen G1 having a part selection image G11. The comparison screen G1 includes a region selection image G11 that accepts an operation to select a region from a list showing a plurality of regions. More specifically, the display function 354 displays the menu image G12 when the right mouse button is pressed on the comparison screen G1. Then, the display function 354 displays the part selection image G11 when the mouse cursor is placed on "gradation preset" which means changing the contrast in the menu image G12. Each part included in the part selection image G11 is associated with a window setting. Window settings include window level and window width. The window width is a setting that indicates the width of contrast resolution. The window level is a setting that indicates the median width of the window. The operation function 355 accepts an operation to select a region from the region selection image G11. Thereby, the display function 354 displays the cross-sectional image with a contrast depending on the region that the doctor or the like desires to interpret.

Further, the operation function 355 accepts an operation that instructs image processing. For example, the operation function 355 accepts an operation for specifying window settings by dragging a mouse or the like on the comparison screen G1 or the like. Note that the operation function 355 is not limited to an operation of dragging a mouse, and may also accept an operation of specifying window settings by other methods such as inputting a numerical value.

Further, the operation function 355 accepts an operation for displaying a first cross-sectional image and a second cross-sectional image at the same cross-sectional position. For example, based on the anatomical landmark included in the region specified by the specification function 357, the position at which a cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data and the position included in the second three-dimensional image data are determined. When the position at which a cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject is set to the same position, the display function 354 displays a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not to display the same cross-sectional position. The operation function 355 accepts a display operation that instructs whether or not to display the same cross-sectional position on the confirmation screen. The display function 354 displays a first cross-sectional image and a second cross-sectional image at the same cross-sectional position on the condition that the operation function 355 receives an operation to display the same cross-sectional position. Thereby, a doctor or the like can arbitrarily select whether to display the same cross-sectional position or maintain the current display.

The image processing function 356 is an example of an image processing section. The image processing function 356 generates a first cross-sectional image that is a cross-sectional image of the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data, and a second cross-sectional image that is a cross-sectional image of the subject included in the second three-dimensional image data. Image processing is performed on at least one of the. For example, when the operation function 355 receives an operation to select a region from the region selection image G11, the image processing function 356 executes image processing to change the contrast to the one indicated by the window settings associated with the selected region. . That is, the image processing function 356 changes the contrast between the first cross-sectional image and the second cross-sectional image as image processing. Note that the image processing function 356 is not limited to both the first cross-sectional image and the second cross-sectional image, and may perform image processing on either one.

Further, the image processing function 356 executes image processing to change the display mode to the settings instructed by the operation. Specifically, the operation function 355 accepts an operation for specifying a specific numerical value of the window level or window width by an operation such as dragging. Therefore, when the operation function 355 receives an operation such as dragging, the image processing function 356 executes image processing to change the contrast to the one indicated by the window setting instructed by the operation.

Further, the image processing function 356 executes image processing instructed by an operation accepted on the comparison screen G1 on which the first cross-sectional image and the second cross-sectional image are displayed. Specifically, the image processing function 356 performs image processing to change the contrast to the contrast indicated by the changed window settings when the window settings such as the window level and window width are changed by an operation such as dragging on the comparison screen G1. Execute. If a desired region is not clearly displayed on the comparison screen G1, the doctor or the like changes the contrast of the cross-sectional image by changing the window level or window width by dragging or the like. Thereby, the doctor or the like displays a cross-sectional image of the desired site.

Note that the image processing function 356 is not limited to contrast processing, and may perform other image processing. For example, the image processing function 356 may be edge enhancement processing, smoothing processing, pseudo color processing, or other image processing. Edge enhancement processing is processing that emphasizes the boundaries of each part. Smoothing processing is processing that uses surrounding information to smooth boundaries. Pseudo color processing is a process of displaying a pseudo color image by displaying a color assigned to each value such as a CT value.

The designation function 357 is an example of a designation section. The designation function 357 designates the part corresponding to the image processing performed by the image processing function 356. In other words, the designation function 357 includes anatomical landmarks that are used by the alignment function 353 to align the position of the subject between multiple three-dimensional image data, for a region corresponding to the image processing performed by the image processing function 356. Specify the area where the Further, the region designated by the designation function 357 may be a non-rigid region such as a lung. The alignment function 353 then uses the anatomical landmarks of the designated part of the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data and the anatomical landmarks of the designated part of the subject included in the second three-dimensional image data. The landmark is aligned with the anatomical landmark included in the region specified by the object specification function 357 included in the first three-dimensional image data. Thereby, the alignment function 353 determines the position at which a cross-sectional image is to be acquired from the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data and the second position based on the anatomical landmark included in the region specified by the specification function 357. The position at which a cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject included in the three-dimensional image data is aligned to the same position.

Here, when aligning the position of the subject between multiple 3D image data, the alignment function 353 uses anatomical landmarks located in rigid body parts whose shape is difficult to change, such as the pelvis, to create multiple 3D images. Align the position to acquire the cross-sectional image from the subject between the data. The display function 354 then displays a cross-sectional image at the same cross-sectional position. However, when positioning the subject using anatomical landmarks located on rigid body parts, the display function 354 may not be able to display the same part depending on the cross-sectional position.

Here, FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a shift in cross-sectional position. Further, in FIG. 5, the positions of the subject in three-dimensional image data A and the subject in three-dimensional image data B are aligned using anatomical landmarks located in the pelvis. When the cross-sectional position is approximately at the center of the pelvis as shown in FIG. A cross-sectional image of the approximate center of the subject's pelvis is displayed. In this way, the display function 354 displays a cross section at the same position of the subject.

However, as shown in FIG. 5, when breathing, the position of the lungs changes as the diaphragm moves. In addition, the position of the lungs changes due to various factors such as body movement and not just breathing. Therefore, when the cross-sectional position is approximately at the center of the lung as shown in FIG. Regarding B, a cross-sectional image below the approximate center of the subject's lungs is displayed. In this way, when the display function 354 aligns the subject using the anatomical landmarks in the pelvis, the display function 354 may not be able to display the same region of the subject.

Here, FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of correction of the cross-sectional position. As shown in FIG. 6, when positioning the subject using anatomical landmarks in the pelvis, the position of the lungs differs due to breathing, etc., so the display function 354 displays cross-sectional images of the same position of the lungs. cannot be displayed.

Therefore, the specification function 357 uses the alignment function 353 to align the position of the subject between the plurality of three-dimensional image data using the anatomical landmarks located at the parts corresponding to the image processing performed by the image processing function 356. request. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the lungs are identified through the image processing performed by the image processing function 356, the specification function 357 uses the anatomical landmarks in the lungs to A request is made to the alignment function 353 to align the position of the subject.

The positioning function 353 uses anatomical landmarks located at designated regions to align the positions of the plurality of three-dimensional image data to obtain cross-sectional images from the subject. As a result, the display function 354 can display a cross-sectional image of the same position of the subject. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the designation function 357 uses anatomical landmarks in the lungs to align the position of the subject between multiple three-dimensional image data. As a result, the display function 354 can display cross-sectional images of the lungs at substantially the same position for the three-dimensional image data A and the three-dimensional image data B. The specification function 357 will be explained below.

For example, when the image processing function 356 executes image processing corresponding to the part selected from the part selection image G11, the designation function 357 specifies the part corresponding to the image processing performed by the image processing function 356. That is, when the image processing function 356 executes image processing to change the contrast to the contrast indicated by the window settings corresponding to the region selected from the region selection image G11, the specification function 357 changes the contrast of the region selected from the region selection image G11. specify. Here, the doctor or the like selects a region to be interpreted from the region selection image G11. Therefore, the alignment function 353 can align the position of the subject between the plurality of three-dimensional image data using the anatomical landmarks included in the region to be interpreted.

Furthermore, when the image processing function 356 executes image processing instructed by an operation, the specification function 357 specifies a part corresponding to the image processing executed by the image processing function 356. That is, the designation function 357 designates a region corresponding to the window setting when the image processing function 356 executes image processing to change the contrast to the contrast indicated by the window setting instructed by an operation such as a drag operation. For example, the storage circuit 320 stores an information table in which window settings and body parts are associated with each other. The specification function 357 specifies the part corresponding to the window setting by extracting the part associated with the specified window setting from the information table. Then, the designation function 357 designates the identified region as a region that includes an anatomical landmark used by the alignment function 353 to align the position of the subject between the plurality of three-dimensional image data.

Further, the specification function 357 is a part included in the first cross-sectional image or the second cross-sectional image when the image processing function 356 executes the image processing instructed by the operation accepted on the comparison screen G1, Specify the part corresponding to image processing. In other words, the designation function 357 selects the first cross-sectional image or the A region included in the two-section image and corresponding to the window settings is specified. If the region to be interpreted is not clearly displayed, the doctor or the like can clearly display the region to be interpreted by changing the specified window settings by dragging or other operations to obtain an appropriate contrast. That is, it can be estimated that the region included in the first cross-sectional image or the second cross-sectional image is the region to be interpreted. Therefore, the specification function 357 can improve the accuracy of identifying the region to be interpreted by adding, as a condition for the region to be specified, that the region is included in the first cross-sectional image or the second cross-sectional image. can.

Next, display processing executed by the medical image processing apparatus 30 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of display processing executed by the medical image processing apparatus 30 according to the present embodiment.

The acquisition function 351 acquires three-dimensional image data to be interpreted and three-dimensional image data to be compared with this three-dimensional image data from the PACS 20 (step S1).

The extraction function 352 extracts anatomical landmarks of the subject from each three-dimensional image data acquired by the acquisition function 351 (step S2).

The alignment function 353 uses the anatomical landmarks of the subject included in the three-dimensional image data extracted by the extraction function 352 to align the position of the subject between the plurality of three-dimensional image data (step S3).

The display function 354 displays the cross-sectional images of the same position of the subject aligned by the alignment function 353 on the comparison screen G1 (step S4).

The operation function 355 determines whether an operation to perform image processing on the cross-sectional image displayed on the comparison screen G1 has been received (step S5). For example, the operation function 355 determines whether an operation for changing the contrast of three-dimensional image data has been received. If an operation to perform image processing is not received (step S5; No), the display function 354 continues displaying the comparison screen G1 in step S5.

If an operation to perform image processing is received (step S5; Yes), the image processing function 356 executes image processing corresponding to the operation (step S6). For example, the image processing function 356 executes image processing to change the contrast to the one indicated by the window setting indicated by the received operation.

The designation function 357 selects a region corresponding to the image processing performed by the image processing function 356 as a region including an anatomical landmark used by the alignment function 353 to align the position of the subject between multiple three-dimensional image data. (Step S7).

The alignment function 353 aligns the position of the subject between the plurality of three-dimensional image data using anatomical landmarks in the designated region (step S8).

The display function 354 displays a confirmation screen for confirming whether to display cross-sectional images of the same position of the subject on the comparison screen G1 (step S9).

The operation function 355 determines whether or not an operation for displaying a cross-sectional image of the same position of the subject on the comparison screen G1 has been received on the confirmation screen (step S10). If the operation to display cross-sectional images of the same position of the subject on the comparison screen G1 is not received (step S10; No), the display function 354 moves to step S4. That is, the display function 354 displays a comparison screen G1 having a cross-sectional image whose contrast has been changed and whose cross-sectional position has not been changed.

If an operation to display cross-sectional images of the same position of the subject on the comparison screen G1 is received (step S10; No), the display function 354 displays cross-sectional images of the same position of the subject on the comparison screen G1 (step S11). ). The medical image processing apparatus 30 then proceeds to step S4 and continues displaying the comparison screen G1.

The medical image processing device 30 ends the display process when receiving an operation to end the display of the comparison screen G1.

As described above, the medical image processing apparatus 30 according to the present embodiment displays a first cross-sectional image and a second cross-sectional image in which the position of the subject is aligned using anatomical landmarks. Furthermore, when performing image processing such as changing contrast, the medical image processing apparatus 30 identifies a region corresponding to the performed image processing. Then, the medical image processing device 30 aligns the position of the subject using the anatomical landmarks located at the identified site. Since a doctor or the like performs image interpretation using a contrast that corresponds to the region to be interpreted, the medical image processing apparatus 30 can specify the region to be interpreted by identifying the region corresponding to the contrast. As a result, the medical image processing apparatus 30 according to the present embodiment aligns the position of the subject using the anatomical landmarks in the region to be interpreted, and therefore can perform positioning that is less affected by body movements, breathing, and the like.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the medical image processing apparatus 30 is provided with characteristic functions has been described as an example. However, all or some of these functions, such as an acquisition function 351, an extraction function 352, an alignment function 353, a display function 354, an operation function 355, an image processing function 356, and a specification function 357, which the medical image processing apparatus 30 has, The module may be included in the modality 10, the PACS 20, or other devices or systems.

Further, in the embodiment described above, an example was described in which each processing function is realized by a single processing circuit 350, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the processing circuit 350 may be configured by combining a plurality of independent processors, and each processor may implement each processing function by executing each program. Further, each processing function of the processing circuit 350 may be realized by being distributed or integrated into a single or multiple processing circuits 350 as appropriate.

The term "processor" used in the description of each embodiment above refers to, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a programmable Refers to circuits such as logic devices (e.g., Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). do. Here, instead of storing the program in the memory, the program may be directly incorporated into the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor realizes its functions by reading and executing a program built into the circuit. Furthermore, each processor of this embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, but may also be configured as a single processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its functions. good.

Here, the program to be executed by the processor is provided by being pre-installed in a ROM (Read Only Memory), a storage unit, or the like. This program is a file in a format that can be installed or executable on these devices, such as CD (Compact Disk)-ROM, FD (Flexible Disk), CD-R (Recordable), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), etc. It may be provided recorded on a computer readable storage medium. Further, this program may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet, and may be provided or distributed by being downloaded via the network. For example, this program is composed of modules including each functional section. In actual hardware, a CPU reads a program from a storage medium such as a ROM and executes it, so that each module is loaded onto the main storage device and generated on the main storage device.

According to at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to perform positioning that is less affected by body movements, breathing, and the like.

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

1 Medical image processing system 10 Modality 20 PACS
30 Medical image processing device 310 Network interface 320 Memory circuit 330 Input interface 340 Display 350 Processing circuit 351 Acquisition function 352 Extraction function 353 Alignment function 354 Display function 355 Operation function 356 Image processing function 357 Specification function G1 Comparison screen G11 Site selection image G12 menu image

Claims (7)

Acquire first three-dimensional image data that is three-dimensional image data of the subject and second three-dimensional image data that is three-dimensional image data of the subject and is different from the first three-dimensional image data. an acquisition unit to
an extraction unit that extracts feature points of the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data and feature points of the subject included in the second three-dimensional image data;
A first cross-sectional image that is a cross-sectional image of the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data, and a second cross-sectional image that is a cross-sectional image of the subject included in the second three-dimensional image data. an image processing unit that performs image processing on at least one side;
a designation unit that designates a region included in the first cross-sectional image on which the image processing unit has performed the image processing;
a position at which the first cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data, and a position at which the first cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject, which is included in the first three-dimensional image data, based on the feature points included in the region specified by the specifying unit; a positioning unit that aligns a position at which the second cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject included in image data to the same position;
Equipped with
The image processing unit executes the image processing corresponding to the region when the region is selected from a list showing a plurality of the regions,
The designation unit designates the part corresponding to the image processing performed by the image processing unit.
Medical image processing device. The alignment unit determines a position at which the first cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data, based on the feature points included in the rigid body part, which is a rigid body part; Aligning the position at which the second cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject included in the second three-dimensional image data to the same position,
The designation unit designates a region corresponding to the image processing performed by the image processing unit,
When the specifying unit specifies the part corresponding to the image processing, the positioning unit adjusts the first three-dimensional image data based on the feature points included in the part specified by the specifying unit. aligning a position at which the first cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject included in the object and a position at which the second cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject included in the second three-dimensional image data to be the same;
The medical image processing device according to claim 1. further comprising a display unit that displays the first cross-sectional image and the second cross-sectional image,
The positioning unit acquires the first cross-sectional image from the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data based on the feature points included in the site specified by the specifying unit; aligning a position at which the second cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject included in the second three-dimensional image data to the same position;
The display unit displays the first cross-sectional image and the second cross-sectional image, which have the same cross-sectional position by adjusting the position of the subject by the alignment unit.
The medical image processing device according to claim 1 or 2. The image processing unit executes the image processing instructed by an operation accepted on a screen on which the first cross-sectional image and the second cross-sectional image are displayed,
The specifying unit specifies the site included in the first cross-sectional image or the second cross-sectional image and corresponding to the image processing.
The medical image processing device according to claim 3. further comprising an operation unit that accepts an operation to display the first cross-sectional image and the second cross-sectional image at the same cross-sectional position,
The display unit displays the first cross-sectional image and the second cross-sectional image at the same cross-sectional position on the condition that the operation unit receives an operation to display the same cross-sectional position.
The medical image processing device according to claim 3. The image processing unit changes the contrast between the first cross-sectional image and the second cross-sectional image as the image processing.
A medical image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . Acquire first three-dimensional image data that is three-dimensional image data of the subject and second three-dimensional image data that is three-dimensional image data of the subject and is different from the first three-dimensional image data. an acquisition unit to
an extraction unit that extracts feature points of the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data and feature points of the subject included in the second three-dimensional image data;
A first cross-sectional image that is a cross-sectional image of the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data, and a second cross-sectional image that is a cross-sectional image of the subject included in the second three-dimensional image data. an image processing unit that performs image processing on at least one side;
a designation unit that designates a region included in the first cross-sectional image on which the image processing unit has performed the image processing;
a position at which the first cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject included in the first three-dimensional image data, and a position at which the first cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject, which is included in the first three-dimensional image data, based on the feature points included in the region specified by the specifying unit; a positioning unit that aligns a position at which the second cross-sectional image is acquired from the subject included in image data to the same position;
Equipped with
The image processing unit executes the image processing corresponding to the region when the region is selected from a list showing a plurality of the regions,
The designation unit designates the part corresponding to the image processing performed by the image processing unit.
Medical image processing system.

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