JPH07328009A - Image processing method and image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To optionally select the data intake timing and display timing by making a display according to the specified intake timing or display timing when the intake mode or display mode is selected, and making a display according to the prescribed intake timing or display timing when the intake mode or display mode is not selected. CONSTITUTION:The image data are read into an image process section 3 from a data storage section 2 in sequence according to the prescribed intake mode by the process start instruction, the image process section 3 implements the projection process with the read image data to generate a projection image, and the generated projection image is displayed on a display section 4. When the intake mode is selected, data are read according to the intake timing of the selected intake mode. When the intake mode is not selected, data are read according to the prescribed intake timing. The prescribed image processing is applied on the read data. When the display mode is selected, a display is made according to the display timing of the selected display mode. When the display mode is not selected, a display is made according to the prescribed display timing.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing method and an image processing apparatus used in an image diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly to an image processing method and an image processing apparatus in consideration of data acquisition timing and display timing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Projection (IP: Intensit) is the simplest three-dimensional image display in an image diagnostic apparatus.
y Projection) Processing is known. For example, using a series of projection images obtained by changing the observation direction at a fine angle, it becomes possible to stereoscopically observe the running of blood vessels and the relationship between the lesion site and the blood vessels and the like in the cine mode. Such three-dimensional observation is considered to be useful for determining the tumor size and malignancy / benignity.

Here, the IP processing is to extract and project a predetermined value such as a maximum value (or a minimum value or a specific value) for each corresponding pixel for all original images to be processed. This is a process for obtaining the display image (IP image) obtained in (1). That is, in the case as shown in FIG. 3, the first to Nth original images obtained in the depth direction are subjected to a process of extracting a predetermined value from pixels at the same position for all pixels to obtain one image. I'm trying to get a display image of. Then, the IP processing for the maximum value is performed by MIP (Maximun Intensity Projection).
MinIP (Minimum In
Tensity Projection) processing and IP processing performed with a specific value are called specific value IP processing.

When performing such IP processing, it has been common to perform online processing using a projection processing apparatus as shown in FIG. Here, the online processing is
The processing result obtained by processing the data acquisition device 1, the display unit 4, the data storage unit 2 and the image processing unit 3 at different positions on the operator side by a line, a network, etc. Is interactively performed.

In FIG. 4, the data acquisition unit 1 uses an MRI.
(Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus), CT scanner, ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, etc., for acquiring image data from a subject, which is composed of a scanner or the like. Data storage unit 2
Is for temporarily storing the image data obtained from the data acquisition unit 1, and is composed of a magnetic disk device, a magneto-optical disk device, or the like. Image processing unit 3
Is for subjecting the acquired image data to predetermined image processing (projection processing or the like) to generate a desired projection image. The display unit 4 displays the projection image obtained by the image processing in the image processing unit 3.

In this case, each time the image processing unit 3 newly performs projection processing on one piece of image data, the processing result (halfway progress) is displayed. Besides this,
Input / output of image data and image processing are also performed collectively by a processing method called off-line processing. In this batch processing, since the processing result is output after batch processing of the image processing, the processing result (projection image or the like) is displayed after the image processing is completed.

[0007]

Therefore, the method of displaying the processing result (whether to display the progress display or only the final processing result) is not configured to be selectable by the operator. It was

Further, regarding data acquisition, it is general that image processing is performed using all data acquired at a fixed timing. For this reason, a large amount of image data that approximates a close area is acquired, which may require a long time for image processing. However, no consideration is given to the operator to select the data acquisition timing. It was

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to realize an image processing method and an image processing apparatus in which an operator can arbitrarily select a data acquisition timing and a display timing. That is.

[0010]

A first means for solving the above-mentioned problems is to display a processing mode obtained by performing image processing on the captured mode or the captured mode for determining the capture timing when capturing the data. If at least one of the display modes that determine the display timing is selected in accordance with the desired timing, and if the capture mode is selected, the capture mode of the selected capture mode is followed and the capture mode is not selected. Captures data in accordance with the prescribed capture timing, executes prescribed image processing on the captured data,
This is an image processing method that performs display according to the display timing of the selected display timing when the display mode is selected, and according to predetermined display timing when the display mode is not selected.

The second means for solving the above-mentioned problems is a display for determining a display timing for displaying a processing mode obtained by image processing of the captured data or a capturing mode for determining the capturing timing when capturing the data. Instruction input means for selecting a mode in accordance with a desired timing in at least one of the modes, and when the capture mode is selected by the instruction input means, the data is captured and captured in accordance with the capture timing of the selected capture mode. When the mode is not selected, the data is captured in accordance with the predetermined capture timing, and when the display mode is selected by the image processing unit that executes the predetermined image processing on the captured data and the instruction input unit. Displays the processing result according to the display timing of the selected display mode , If not the selection of the display mode is an image processing apparatus and a display means for displaying the processing result according to a predetermined display timing.

A third means for solving the above-mentioned problems is a display for determining a display timing for displaying a processing result obtained by performing image processing on the captured data or a capturing mode for determining the capturing timing when capturing the data. At least one of the modes selects a mode according to a desired timing, or an instruction input unit for instructing an acquisition timing or a display timing when performing an acquisition or display at an arbitrary timing, and an acquisition mode by the instruction input unit. If is selected, the data is captured according to the capture timing of the selected capture mode or an arbitrary capture timing specified, and if the capture mode is not selected, the data is captured according to the predetermined timing and captured. Predetermined image processing for data When the display mode is selected by the image processing means for executing the above and the instruction input means, the processing result is displayed in accordance with the display timing of the selected display mode or the arbitrary display timing instructed, and the display mode is selected. The image processing apparatus is provided with a display unit that displays the processing result in accordance with a predetermined display timing when not displayed.

A fourth means for solving the above-mentioned problems is a capture mode or a capture mode in which data is continuously captured, captured at a predetermined interval, or captured at an instructed arbitrary timing. At least one of display modes such as displaying the processing result obtained by image processing the data when the final result of the image processing is generated, displaying continuously during the image processing, or displaying at any specified timing In the mode, a mode according to a desired timing is selected, or an instruction input unit for instructing the capture timing or the display timing when performing the capture or display at an arbitrary timing, and the capture mode is selected by the instruction input unit. , The timing of capture in the selected capture mode or any specified capture The data is captured according to the loading timing, and when the loading mode is not selected, the data is loaded according to the predetermined timing, and the image processing means for executing the predetermined image processing on the loaded data, and the display mode of the display mode by the instruction input means. When the selection is made, the processing result is displayed according to the display timing of the selected display mode or the arbitrary display timing instructed, and when the display mode is not selected, the processing result is displayed according to the predetermined display timing. And an image processing apparatus including means.

[0014]

In the image processing method as the first means for solving the problem, when the capture mode for determining the capture timing when capturing data is selected, the data is captured according to the capture timing of the selected capture mode. If the capture mode is not selected, the data is captured according to a predetermined capture timing. Predetermined image processing is executed on the captured data, display is performed according to the display timing of the selected display timing when the display mode is selected, and predetermined display is performed when the display mode is not selected. Display is performed according to the timing.

In the image processing apparatus which is the second means for solving the problem, when the instruction input means selects the capture mode for determining the capture timing when capturing data, the capture timing of the selected capture mode According to the above, the data is captured, and when the capture mode is not selected, the data is captured according to a predetermined capture timing. Predetermined image processing is performed on the captured data by the image processing means, and when the display mode is selected by the instruction input means, the data is displayed on the display means according to the display timing of the selected display timing. When the mode is not selected, the display is displayed on the display unit at a predetermined display timing.

In the image processing apparatus which is the third means for solving the problem, when the instruction input means selects the capture mode for determining the capture timing when capturing data, the capture timing of the selected capture mode Alternatively, the data is taken in according to the instructed arbitrary take-in timing, and when the take-in mode is not selected, the data is taken in according to the predetermined take-in timing. Predetermined image processing is performed on the captured data by the image processing means, and when the display mode is selected by the instruction input means, the data is displayed in accordance with the display timing of the selected display mode or any designated display timing. Is displayed in the means,
When the display mode is not selected, the display means displays the image at a predetermined display timing.

In the image processing apparatus which is the fourth means for solving the problem, when the instruction input means selects the capture mode for determining the capture timing when capturing data, the capture timing of the selected capture mode The data is taken in (continuously, at predetermined intervals) or at an instructed arbitrary fetching timing, and when the fetching mode is not selected, the data is fetched at a predetermined fetching timing. Predetermined image processing is performed on the captured data by the image processing means, and when the display mode is selected by the instruction input means, the display timing of the selected display mode (when final results are generated, continuous during image processing) ) Or an arbitrary display timing is displayed on the display means, and when the display mode is not selected, the display means displays the display timing according to a predetermined display timing.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

First, the configuration of the image processing apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. The data acquisition unit 1 is for acquiring image data from a subject by an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging apparatus), a CT scanner, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, or the like, and is composed of a scanner or the like. The data storage unit 2 is for temporarily storing the image data obtained from the data acquisition unit 1, and is composed of a magnetic disk device, a magneto-optical disk device, or the like. The image processing unit 3 performs a predetermined image process on the acquired image data to generate a desired display image. The display unit 4 displays the display image obtained by the image processing in the image processing unit 3. The instruction input unit 5 is for inputting various selections, instructions, requests, parameters and the like. The control unit 6 controls the image processing apparatus as a whole and controls the image processing described below.
The image processing unit 3, the display unit 4, and the control unit 6 are configured to include software, hardware, and firmware such as a computer device or a processing processor in which each processing (operation) program is installed.

The operation of the image processing apparatus thus configured and the display image processing method will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The control unit 6 which has received a processing start request from the instruction input unit 5 or an operation unit (not shown) shifts to the loading and display mode selection work prior to the image processing and receives the mode selection input.

First, the control unit 6 receives an input of the capture mode from the instruction input unit 5 (steps (1) and (2) in FIG. 2).
). For example, as the capture mode, continuous image capture, arbitrary image capture, frame rate change capture, etc. are selected and instructed from the instruction input unit 5. Here, the continuous image acquisition means that the image data stored in the data storage unit 2 is continuously acquired and image processing is performed. In addition, the arbitrary image acquisition means that only the image data at an arbitrary timing at the moment specified by the instruction input unit 5 is acquired and image processing is performed. The frame rate change means that data is captured at a frame rate different from the frame rate at the time of acquisition by the data acquisition unit 1 and image processing is performed. For example, when the data acquisition unit 1 was acquiring image data every 1/30 seconds, every 1/15 seconds (or 3 /
30 seconds, 4/30 seconds, 5/30 seconds, ...) This means that the image processing is performed by thinning out the image so as to capture image data corresponding to it.

Then, the control unit 6 monitors the input value from the instruction input unit 5, and when the input of the necessary items of the predetermined parameters is completed, the acceptance of the instruction input is completed. Then, the parameters are set in the image processing unit 3 so as to perform the necessary image processing according to the parameters input by the instruction input unit 5 (steps (3) to (4) -a, (4) -b, ((2) in FIG. 2). 4) -c
). Further, when some parameters are omitted, or when the selection of the mode itself is omitted, the parameter of the predetermined predetermined acquisition timing is set to the control unit 6.
Automatically assigned by.

Next, the control section 6 receives the input of the display mode from the instruction input section 5 (steps (5) and (6) in FIG. 2).
For example, as the display mode, final result display, intermediate result display, arbitrary intermediate result display, etc. are selected and instructed from the instruction input unit 5.

Here, the display of the final result means that only the projection image of the finally obtained image processing result is displayed. In addition, the display of the intermediate result means that not only the projection image of the finally obtained image processing result but also the intermediate processing result is displayed moment by moment. The intermediate result may be a case where the intermediate process result of each process is continuously displayed or a case where the intermediate process result for each number of sheets selected and instructed from the instruction input unit 5 is intermittently displayed. is there. In any case, since the processing result in the middle has a meaning as a projection image, it is useful to grasp the progress of the processing by displaying it.

The arbitrary progress display means not only the finally obtained projection image of the image processing result but also the progress at any timing at the moment designated by the instruction input unit 5. means.

Then, the control unit 6 monitors the input value from the instruction input unit 5, and when the input of the necessary items of the predetermined parameters is completed, the acceptance of the display mode input is completed. Then, the parameters are set in the image processing unit 3 so as to perform the necessary image processing according to the parameters input by the instruction input unit 5 (steps (7) to (8) -a, (8) -b,
(8) -c) Further, when some parameters are omitted or mode selection itself is omitted, the control unit 6 automatically assigns a predetermined display timing parameter. . .

When the setting of the capture mode and the display mode is completed, the parameters are set in the image processing section 3 so as to perform the necessary image capture and image processing according to the parameters input by the instruction input section 5, and the processing start instruction is given. give.

In response to a processing start instruction, image data is sequentially read from the data storage unit 1 into the image processing unit 2 in accordance with the set capture mode (step (9) in FIG. 2).
The image processing unit 3 executes a projection process using the image data read in this way to generate a projection image (step (10) in FIG. 2). Then, the display unit 5 displays the projected image generated by the image processing unit 3 in this manner.

As described above, since the capture mode and the display mode can be selected before the image processing, the effective and optimum processing and display can be selected according to the user's application. For example, in the projection process, when the number of processed images is large, the brightness is saturated and there is a possibility that necessary information cannot be displayed. In such a case, it can be dealt with by selecting the frame rate change in the capture mode, thinning out and executing capture. When necessary or unnecessary images are scattered, the arbitrary image capturing mode is selected, and the necessary or unnecessary images are arbitrarily selected by the instruction from the instruction input unit 5 and the capturing is executed. it can.

By selecting the intermediate result display display mode, for example, the projection image is displayed in accordance with the scanning operation of the probe of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, so that the blood vessel direction and the like can be grasped three-dimensionally. Become. If the intermediate result is displayed, the processing of the image processing unit 3 is interrupted, which may reduce the efficiency of the image processing. In such a case, the efficiency of image processing can be prioritized by selecting the final result display mode. Furthermore, by selecting the arbitrary intermediate result display mode and displaying the intermediate result at an arbitrary timing, it is possible to display the intermediate result at a necessary timing while minimizing interruption to the image processing.

In the above embodiment, the description has been given assuming that both the capture timing and the display timing can be selected, but the operator can select only one of the capture timing and the display timing. However, a sufficient effect can be obtained.

As described in detail above, at least one of the capture mode for determining the capture timing when capturing data and the display mode for determining the display timing for displaying the processing result obtained by image processing of the captured data. Select the mode according to the desired timing with, and if the capture mode is selected, the data is captured according to the capture timing of the selected capture mode, and if the capture mode is not selected, the data is captured according to the specified capture timing. , Perform predetermined image processing on the captured data and display according to the display timing of the selected display timing when the display mode is selected, and according to the predetermined display timing when the display mode is not selected. According to the image processing method used, when importing data When the selection of the capture modes that determine the uptake timing is data is captured in accordance with the latch timing of the selected capture mode, if not the capture mode selection data is taken according to a predetermined acquisition timing. Predetermined image processing is executed on the captured data, display is performed according to the display timing of the selected display timing when the display mode is selected, and predetermined display is performed when the display mode is not selected. Since the display is performed according to the timing, it is possible to realize the image processing method in which the operator can arbitrarily select the data acquisition timing and the display timing.

According to a desired timing, at least one of a capture mode for determining a capture timing when capturing data and a display mode for determining a display timing for displaying a processing result obtained by performing image processing on the captured data. The instruction input means for selecting the selected mode, and when the capture mode is selected by the instruction input means, the data is captured in accordance with the capture timing of the selected capture mode, and when the capture mode is not selected, a predetermined data is captured. When the display mode is selected by the instruction inputting means, the image processing means for executing the predetermined image processing on the acquired data while capturing the data according to the acquisition timing, and according to the display timing of the selected display mode The processing result is displayed and the display mode is not selected. In this case, according to the image processing apparatus including the display unit that displays the processing result according to the predetermined display timing, when the instruction input unit selects the capture mode that determines the capture timing when capturing data, Data is captured according to the capture timing of the selected capture mode, and if the capture mode is not selected, the data is captured according to the predetermined capture timing. Predetermined image processing is performed on the captured data by the image processing means, and when the display mode is selected by the instruction input means, the data is displayed on the display means according to the display timing of the selected display timing. When the mode is not selected, the display is displayed on the display unit according to the predetermined display timing, so that it is possible to realize the image processing apparatus in which the operator can arbitrarily select the data acquisition timing and the display timing.

According to a desired timing, at least one of a capture mode for determining a capture timing when capturing data and a display mode for determining a display timing for displaying a processing result obtained by performing image processing on the captured data. Selection mode, or instruction input means for instructing the capture timing or display timing when capturing or displaying at any timing, and when the capture mode is selected by the instruction input means, it is selected. An image that captures data in accordance with the capture timing of the capture mode or an arbitrary capture timing that is instructed. If the capture mode is not selected, the data is captured according to the predetermined timing and the image processing is performed on the captured data. With processing means When the display mode is selected by the instruction input means, the processing result is displayed according to the display timing of the selected display mode or the arbitrary display timing instructed, and a predetermined display is displayed when the display mode is not selected. According to the image processing apparatus having the display means for displaying the processing result in accordance with the timing, when the instruction input means selects the capture mode for determining the capture timing when capturing the data, the selected capture mode is selected. The data is taken in according to the taking-in timing or any instructed taking-in timing, and when the taking-in mode is not selected, the data is taken in according to a predetermined taking-in timing. Predetermined image processing is performed on the captured data by the image processing means, and when the display mode is selected by the instruction input means, the data is displayed in accordance with the display timing of the selected display mode or any designated display timing. The display is performed by the display means, and when the display mode is not selected, the display is performed by the display means in accordance with the predetermined display timing, so that the operator can arbitrarily select the data acquisition timing and the display timing. A processing device can be realized.

Further, a capture mode such as continuous capture at the time of capturing data, capture at a predetermined interval, or capture at any designated timing, or a processing result obtained by image processing of the captured data Is displayed at the time of generating the final result of image processing, is displayed continuously during image processing, or is displayed at an arbitrary timing instructed. Select or
Instruction input means for instructing the capture timing or display timing when capturing or displaying at arbitrary timing, and when the capture mode is selected by the instruction input means, the capture timing or instruction of the selected capture mode is given. The data is captured according to an arbitrary capture timing, and when the capture mode is not selected, the data is captured according to a predetermined timing and a predetermined image processing is performed on the captured data. When the display mode is selected, the processing result is displayed according to the display timing of the selected display mode or the arbitrary display timing instructed, and when the display mode is not selected, the processing result is displayed according to the predetermined display timing. Display means for displaying According to the image processing device, when the instruction input unit selects the capture mode that determines the capture timing when capturing data, the capture timing of the selected capture mode (continuous, at predetermined intervals) or The data is taken in according to the specified taking timing, and if the taking mode is not selected, the data is taken in according to the predetermined taking timing. Predetermined image processing is performed on the captured data by the image processing means, and when the display mode is selected by the instruction input means, the display timing of the selected display mode (when the final result is generated, continuous during image processing) ) Or display on the display means in accordance with any instructed display timing, and when the display mode is not selected, display is performed on the display means according to predetermined display timing. Therefore, the data acquisition timing and the display timing are operated. An image processing apparatus that can be arbitrarily selected by a person can be realized.

[0036]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
Select and select the mode according to the desired timing in at least one of the capture mode as the timing of capturing the data and the display mode as the timing of displaying the processing result obtained by image processing of the captured data. By capturing data according to the captured or predetermined capture mode, performing predetermined image processing on the captured data, and displaying the processing result of the image processing according to the selected or predetermined display mode,
It is possible to realize an image processing method and an image processing apparatus in which an operator can arbitrarily select a data acquisition timing and a display method.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure of an image processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of IP processing.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a projection processing apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 data acquisition unit 2 data storage unit 3 image processing unit 4 display unit 5 instruction input unit 6 control unit

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Eiji Yoshidome 127 GE Yokogawa Medical Systems Co., Ltd. 4-7 Asahigaoka, Hino City, Tokyo

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. According to a desired timing, at least one of a capture mode for determining a capture timing when capturing data and a display mode for determining a display timing for displaying a processing result obtained by image processing of the captured data. Mode is selected, and if the capture mode is selected, the data is captured according to the capture timing of the selected capture mode, and if the capture mode is not selected, the data is captured according to the specified capture timing. It is characterized in that predetermined image processing is executed, and when the display mode is selected, the display is performed according to the display timing of the selected display timing, and when the display mode is not selected, the display is performed according to the predetermined display timing. Image processing method. 2. According to a desired timing, at least one of a capture mode for determining a capture timing when capturing data and a display mode for determining a display timing for displaying a processing result obtained by performing image processing on the captured data. And an instruction input means for selecting a selected mode, and when the capture mode is selected by the instruction input means, the data is captured according to the capture timing of the selected capture mode, and when the capture mode is not selected, a predetermined data is captured. When the display mode is selected by the instruction inputting means, the data is captured in accordance with the capture timing, and a predetermined image processing is performed on the captured data, and in accordance with the display timing of the selected display mode. If the processing result is displayed and the display mode is not selected, The image processing apparatus characterized by comprising a display means for displaying the processed result in accordance with a predetermined display timing on. 3. According to a desired timing, at least one of a capture mode for determining a capture timing when capturing data and a display mode for determining a display timing for displaying a processing result obtained by performing image processing on the captured data. Selected input mode, or instruction input means for instructing the capture timing or display timing when capturing or displaying at any timing, and when the capture mode is selected by the instruction input means, it is selected. An image that captures data according to the capture timing of the capture mode or an arbitrary capture timing instructed, captures the data according to the predetermined timing when the capture mode is not selected, and executes the predetermined image processing on the captured data. Processing means, and When the selection of the display mode is in 示入 force means displays the processing result according to any display timing is the display timing or indication of the selected display mode,
An image processing apparatus comprising: a display unit that displays a processing result in accordance with a predetermined display timing when the display mode is not selected. 4. A capture mode such as continuous capture when capturing data, capture at a predetermined interval, or capture at any designated timing, or processing results obtained by image processing of the captured data. Is displayed at the time of generating the final result of image processing, is displayed continuously during image processing, or is displayed at an arbitrary timing instructed. An instruction input means for instructing the capture timing or the display timing when selecting or for performing the capture or display at an arbitrary timing; and when the capture mode is selected by the instruction input means, the capture mode of the selected capture mode is selected. Data is acquired according to the acquisition timing or any specified acquisition timing. If the import and capture mode is not selected, the display mode is selected by the image processing means that captures the data at a predetermined timing and executes the predetermined image processing on the captured data, and the instruction input means. In that case, the processing result is displayed according to the display timing of the selected display mode or the arbitrary display timing instructed,
An image processing apparatus comprising: a display unit that displays a processing result in accordance with a predetermined display timing when the display mode is not selected.