JPH07262352A - Continuous object discriminating method and three-dimensional image display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To easily discriminate linked continuous objects. CONSTITUTION:A three-dimensional image display part 2c displays a three- dimensional image based on the data of a three-dimensional model. An operator designates first and second designated points apparently indicating two continuous objects on the three-dimensional image while using a two-point designating part 2d. Then, a two-point detecting part 2e detects first and second detecting points on the continuous objects corresponding to the first and second designated points, respectively. A search direction acquiring part 2f acquires the direction toward the second detecting point viewed from the first detecting point inside a three-dimensional model space as a search direction. A linkability searching part 2g inspects whether or not the second detecting point is found by tracking the three-dimensional continuous object from the first detecting point along the search direction. A linkability searched result reporting part 2h reports whether or not the continuous objects corresponding to the first and second designated points are linked. Therefore, even when a blood vessel enters the inside of other tissue or a lot of blood vessel are complicatedly entangled like the blood vessels of the lungs, the linked blood vessels can be discriminated.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for identifying a continuum and a three-dimensional image display device, and more particularly to a method for determining whether a first blood vessel and a second blood vessel displayed in a three-dimensional image are connected. The present invention relates to a continuum identification method and a three-dimensional image display device useful for inspection.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an example of a conventional three-dimensional image display device. This three-dimensional image display device 51 is
Computer 52, storage device 3, console 4, CRT
And 5 are provided. The computer 52 is C
T (Computed Tomography) equipment and MRI (Magnetic R)
The scan data of the patient K collected by the medical image diagnostic apparatus I such as an esonance imaging apparatus is received. Calculator 52
The three-dimensional model building unit 2a of the above performs surface rendering on the scan data.
And MIP (Maximum Intensity Projection) are performed to build a three-dimensional model, and the three-dimensional model data is stored in the storage device 3. When the operator specifies a viewpoint from the console 4 via the viewpoint specifying unit 2b, the three-dimensional image display unit 2c generates three-dimensional image data in which the three-dimensional model is viewed from the viewpoint, and the three-dimensional image data is used. The 3D image is displayed on the screen of the CRT 5.

Thereafter, the three-dimensional image display device 51 operates as shown in the flowchart of FIG. In step B1, the 3D image based on the current 3D image data is displayed on the screen of the CRT 5. In step B2, it is checked whether the operator has instructed to change the viewpoint. If the operator gives an instruction to change the viewpoint, the process proceeds to step B3. If the operator does not instruct to change the viewpoint, the process proceeds to step B10. In step B3, three-dimensional image data in which the three-dimensional model is viewed from the changed viewpoint is generated, and the step B1 is performed.
Return to. For example, if the operator rotates the viewpoint, the CRT
On the screen of 5, the 3D model appears to rotate. Step B
At 10, it is checked whether the operator has instructed the end of processing. If the operator gives an instruction to end the processing, the processing is ended. If the user does not instruct to end the process, the process returns to step B1. Therefore, if the operator does not instruct the change of the viewpoint or the end of the process, the three-dimensional model looks stationary on the screen of the CRT 5.

FIG. 13A is a schematic view of a three-dimensional model including blood vessels e, g, h, m and a tumor s as seen from a certain viewpoint. The blood vessels e and h are connected and pass behind the tumor s. On the other hand, the blood vessel g is a feeder (arterial blood vessel) of the tumor s, and the blood vessel m is a drainer (venous blood vessel) of the tumor s. 13B is a three-dimensional image displayed on the three-dimensional image display device 51 corresponding to FIG. The connectivity of the blood vessels e, g, h, m cannot be seen from the three-dimensional image of FIG. Also, the blood vessel e,
It is not known which of g, h, and m is the feeder or drainer of the tumor s.

FIG. 14A shows the above three-dimensional model,
It is a schematic diagram when it sees from another viewpoint. FIG. 14B
Is a three-dimensional image display device 51 corresponding to FIG.
It is a three-dimensional image displayed by. From the three-dimensional image of FIG. 14B, it can be seen that the blood vessels e and h are connected and pass through the side of the tumor s. However, the connectivity of blood vessels g and m is unknown.

FIG. 15A shows the above three-dimensional model,
It is a schematic diagram when it sees from another viewpoint. 15B is a three-dimensional image displayed on the three-dimensional image display device 51 corresponding to FIG. FIG. 15B
It can be seen from the three-dimensional image of 3 that the blood vessels e and h are connected and pass through the front of the tumor s. However, blood vessels g, m
The connectivity of is unknown.

FIG. 16A shows the above three-dimensional model,
It is a schematic diagram when it sees from another viewpoint. 16B is a three-dimensional image displayed on the three-dimensional image display device 51 corresponding to FIG. FIG. 16B
It can be seen from the three-dimensional image of 3 that the blood vessels e and h are connected and pass through the side of the tumor s. However, blood vessels g, m
The connectivity of is unknown.

[0008]

In the conventional three-dimensional image display device 51, a three-dimensional image is displayed while changing the viewpoint as shown in FIGS. 13 (a) to 16 (a). By this, the connected blood vessels can be identified to some extent. However, as described above, when blood vessels are inside other tissues, or when many blood vessels are complicated and complicated, such as pulmonary blood vessels, there is a problem that connected blood vessels cannot be identified. . In addition, there is a problem that it is not possible to identify whether the blood vessel is connected to a tumor. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a continuum identifying method that enables easy identification of connected continuums.

[0009]

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a three-dimensional image displaying step for displaying a three-dimensional image of the three-dimensional continuum based on data of a three-dimensional model including a three-dimensional continuum. And a two-point designation step of designating the first designated point and the second designated point on the displayed three-dimensional image,
A first detection point on the three-dimensional continuum corresponding to the first designated point and a second detection point on the three-dimensional continuum corresponding to the second designated point.
A two-point detection step of detecting detection points, a detection direction acquisition step of acquiring a detection direction which is a direction of the second detection point seen from the first detection point in the three-dimensional model space, and the first detection A connectivity detection step of inspecting whether or not the point reaches the second detection point by tracing a three-dimensional continuum in the detection direction; and a connectivity detection result notification step of notifying the connectivity detection result. The present invention provides a method for identifying a continuum characterized by:

According to a second aspect, the present invention is a three-dimensional model data holding means for holding data of a three-dimensional model including a three-dimensional continuum, and three-dimensional continuum of three-dimensional continuum based on the three-dimensional model data. Three-dimensional image display means for displaying a three-dimensional image, two-point designation means for the operator to designate the first designated point and the second designated point on the displayed three-dimensional image, and the first designated point Two-point detection means for detecting a first detection point on the corresponding three-dimensional continuum and a second detection point on the three-dimensional continuum corresponding to the second designated point, and the second detection means in the three-dimensional model space. Detecting direction acquisition means for acquiring a detecting direction which is the direction of the second detection point viewed from one detection point, and whether the three-dimensional continuous body is traced from the first detection point to the detection direction to reach the second detection point Connectivity detection means for inspecting whether or not the connectivity detection results Providing a three-dimensional image display apparatus characterized by comprising a connectivity detection result notification means for notifying.

In the three-dimensional image display device having the above structure,
When the connectivity detection result notifying means traces a three-dimensional continuum from the first detection point in the detection direction to reach the second detection point, the connectivity detection result notification means moves from the first detection point to the second detection point of the three-dimensional continuum. It is preferable to display the range up to the detection point by changing the display mode. In the above configuration, the three-dimensional continuum is
For example blood vessels or bones.

[0012]

In the method for identifying a continuum and the three-dimensional image display device of the present invention, first, a three-dimensional image is displayed based on the data of a three-dimensional model including a three-dimensional continuum. Next, the operator is made to specify the first designated point and the second designated point on the three-dimensional image. Then, the first detection point on the three-dimensional continuum corresponding to the first designated point and the second detection point on the three-dimensional continuum corresponding to the second designated point are detected, and in the three-dimensional model space. The direction of the second detection point viewed from the first detection point is acquired as a detection direction, and it is inspected whether or not the three-dimensional continuous body is traced from the first detection point to the second detection point in the detection direction. To do. Then, the inspection result is notified. Thus,
From the notified inspection result, it is possible to easily identify whether or not the continuum of the first designated point and the continuum of the second designated point are connected. For example, the connected blood vessels can be easily identified. Since the connected blood vessels can be identified, the blood vessel that simply passes near the tumor and the feeder or drainer of the tumor can be easily identified. Since only the connectivity between two points is inspected, the processing time is short and there is an advantage that the real-time property is not impaired.

[0013]

The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. The present invention is not limited to this. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a three-dimensional image display device of the present invention. The three-dimensional image display device 1 includes a computer 2, a storage device 3, a console 4,
The CRT 5 is provided. The computer 2
Receives the scan data of the patient K collected by the medical image diagnostic apparatus I such as a CT apparatus or an MRI apparatus. Calculator 2
The three-dimensional model construction unit 2a of FIG. 3 constructs a three-dimensional model by performing processing such as surface rendering and MIP on the scan data, and holds the three-dimensional model data in the storage device 3. When the operator specifies a viewpoint from the console 4 via the viewpoint specifying unit 2b, the three-dimensional image display unit 2
The c generates 3D image data in which the 3D model is viewed from that viewpoint, and displays a 3D image based on the 3D image data on the screen of the CRT 5.

After that, the three-dimensional image display apparatus 1 operates as shown in the flowchart of FIG. Step B
In 1, the 3D image based on the current 3D image data is C
Display on the screen of RT5. In step B2, it is checked whether the operator has instructed to change the viewpoint. If the operator gives an instruction to change the viewpoint, the process proceeds to step B3. If the operator does not instruct to change the viewpoint, the process proceeds to step B4. In step B3, three-dimensional image data in which the three-dimensional model is viewed from the changed viewpoint is generated, and the step B1 is performed.
Return to. For example, if the operator rotates the viewpoint, the CRT
On the screen of 5, the 3D model appears to rotate. Step B
At 4, it is checked whether the operator has instructed to check the connectivity of the continuum. If the operator gives an instruction to check the connectivity, the process proceeds to step B5. If there is no instruction, the process proceeds to step B10.

At step B5, the operator operates the console 4
To specify the first designated point and the second designated point on the three-dimensional image via the two-point designation unit 2d. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the first designated point D1 is designated for the blood vessel h and the second designated point D2 is designated for the blood vessel e on the three-dimensional image. Note that the first designated point and the second designated point are respectively set on the two three-dimensional images with different viewpoints.
The designated point and may be designated. As a result, it becomes possible to inspect the continuity of the continuum that cannot be simultaneously seen on one 3D image. In step B6, the two-point detection unit 2e of the computer 2 detects the first detection point on the continuum corresponding to the first designated point and also detects the second detection point on the continuum corresponding to the second designated point. To detect. For example, as shown in FIG.
The three-dimensional model space G is traced from the first designated point D1 of the three-dimensional image in the direction of the viewpoint by following the connectivity of neighboring points, and the first point on the blood vessel (here, the blood vessel h) is first detected. The point is E1. Similarly, from the second designated point D2 of the three-dimensional image, the three-dimensional model space G is traced in the viewpoint direction by tracing the connectivity of neighboring points, and the point on the blood vessel (here, blood vessel e) that reaches first is traced. Is the second detection point E2. In step B7, the detection direction acquisition unit 2f of the computer 2 sets 3
In the dimensional model space G, the direction of the second detection point viewed from the first detection point is acquired as the detection direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the direction of the second detection point E2 viewed from the first detection point E1 is the upward direction (white arrow in the figure) in the three-dimensional model space G. In step B8, the connectivity detection unit 2g of the computer 2 inspects whether or not the continuity body is traced in the detection direction from the first detection point to reach the second detection point. When the continuum is traced and the second detection point is encountered, it is determined that there is connectivity. If the boundary of the three-dimensional model space G is reached without encountering the second detection point, it is determined that there is no connectivity. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the blood vessel h is traced from the first detection point E1 in the detection direction (upward direction), the blood vessel h reaches the second detection point E2, and thus it is determined that there is connectivity. If there is a branch in the middle of the continuum, the branch position is stored and one of the branches is reached. If the branch reaches the boundary of the three-dimensional model space G without encountering the second detection point, the branch Return to position and continue to the other branch. It is also possible to specify a branch that does not require tracking using the console 4 and prevent the connectivity of the branch that does not need tracking from being detected. As a result, the processing time can be shortened.

In step B9, the connectivity detection result notifying unit 2h of the computer 2 notifies the connectivity detection result. When there is connectivity, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, from the first detection point E1 (the first designated point D1 on the screen) to the second detection point E2.
The display color of the blood vessel region up to (the second designated point D2 on the screen), the brightness, and the blinking are changed. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, the tumor s is transmitted as an exceptional area of the surface rendering, and the first detection point D1 is detected.
To the second detection point D2, the display color is changed, the brightness is changed, and blinking is performed.
At the same time, you may notify by voice. On the other hand, when there is no connectivity, as shown in FIG. 9, a message M to the effect that they are not connected is displayed or a voice is notified (in FIG. 9, the second designated point D2 is designated on the blood vessel g. So there is no connectivity). The display of the connectivity detection result is erased when the viewpoint is changed.

In step B10, it is checked whether the operator has instructed the end of processing. If the operator gives an instruction to end the processing, the processing is ended. If the user does not instruct to end the process, the process returns to step B1.

According to the above three-dimensional image display device 1, the first
It becomes possible to easily identify whether or not the continuum of designated points and the continuum of second designated points are connected. Further, it becomes possible to easily distinguish the blood vessel that simply passes near the tumor s from the feeder g and the drainer m of the tumor s.

As shown in FIG. 10, the console 4
Set the detection range R of connectivity using
The connectivity may be checked only in the inside. As a result, the processing time can be shortened. Further, the display of the connectivity detection result may be erased after waiting for the operator's instruction. As a result, the connectivity detection result can be confirmed even if the viewpoint is changed. Further, the operator may be allowed to select the type of display mode of the area of the continuous body having connectivity. This allows a plurality of connectivity detection results to be confirmed on the same screen.

[0020]

According to the method for identifying a continuum and the three-dimensional image display device of the present invention, it is possible to easily identify a continuous continuum. Therefore, even if the blood vessel is inside the other tissue or in the shadow, or even if many blood vessels are complicatedly complicated like the pulmonary blood vessel, the connected blood vessels can be identified.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of a three-dimensional image display device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the three-dimensional image display device in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating designation of two points on a three-dimensional image.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating detection of two points on a continuum.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating acquisition of a detection direction.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating detection of connectivity.

FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of a display screen when there is connectivity.

FIG. 8 is another exemplary view of a display screen when there is connectivity.

FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of a display screen when there is no connectivity.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of setting a detection range of connectivity.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of an example of a conventional three-dimensional image display device.

12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the three-dimensional image display device in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of a three-dimensional model and its three-dimensional image viewed from a certain viewpoint.

FIG. 14 is a three-dimensional model from another viewpoint and its 3
It is an illustration figure of a three-dimensional image.

FIG. 15: Three-dimensional model from another perspective and part 3
It is an illustration figure of a three-dimensional image.

FIG. 16 is a view showing an example of a three-dimensional model and its three-dimensional image viewed from still another viewpoint.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 3D image display device 2 Computer 2a 3D model building unit 2b Viewpoint designation unit 2c 3D image display unit 2d 2 point designation unit 2e 2 point detection unit 2f Detecting direction acquisition unit 2g Connectivity detection unit 2h Connectivity detection result notification Part 3 Storage device 4 Console 5 CRT e, g, h, m Blood vessel s Tumor

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Internal reference number FI Technical display location G06T 7/00 7459-5L G06F 15/70 330 J

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A three-dimensional image display step of displaying a three-dimensional image of the three-dimensional continuum based on data of a three-dimensional model including a three-dimensional continuum, and a first designation on the displayed three-dimensional image. A two-point designating step of designating a point and a second designated point; a second detection point on the three-dimensional continuum corresponding to the first designated point and a first detection point on the three-dimensional continuum corresponding to the second designated point; A two-point detection step of detecting detection points;
A detection direction obtaining step of obtaining a detection direction which is a direction of the second detection point viewed from the first detection point in the three-dimensional model space, and tracing a three-dimensional continuum from the first detection point to the detection direction A continuum identification method, comprising: a connectivity detection step of inspecting whether or not the second detection point is reached; and a connectivity detection result notification step of notifying the connectivity detection result. 2. A three-dimensional model data holding means for holding data of a three-dimensional model including a three-dimensional continuum, and a three-dimensional image displaying a three-dimensional image of the three-dimensional continuum based on the three-dimensional model data. Display means, two-point designating means for the operator to designate the first designated point and the second designated point on the displayed three-dimensional image, and 3 corresponding to the first designated point.
Two-point detecting means for detecting a first detection point on the three-dimensional continuum and a second detection point on the three-dimensional continuum corresponding to the second designated point, and the first detection point in the three-dimensional model space Detecting direction acquisition means for acquiring the detection direction which is the direction of the second detection point viewed from above, and whether or not the three-dimensional continuous body is traced from the first detection point to the detection direction to reach the second detection point. A three-dimensional image display device comprising: a connectivity detection means for inspecting; and a connectivity detection result notification means for reporting the connectivity detection result. 3. The three-dimensional image display device according to claim 2, wherein the connectivity detection result notifying means traces a three-dimensional continuum from the first detection point in the detection direction to the second
A three-dimensional image display device, wherein when a detection point is reached, a range from the first detection point to the second detection point of the three-dimensional continuum is displayed in different display modes. 4. The three-dimensional image display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the three-dimensional continuum is a blood vessel or a bone.