Medical image diagnostic apparatus

Abstract

The problem is to make it easy for a user to adjust the quality of a medical image in a medical image diagnostic apparatus. The solution is that a medical image diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a first image generation section that generates, as a first thumbnail image, a thumbnail image of a medical image based on an anchor point that is a value of a quality index selected by a user, with respect to a plurality of kinds of quality indexes for displaying the medical image; a first image display section that causes a display section to display the first thumbnail image generated by the first image generation section; a second image generation section that generates, as a second thumbnail image, a plurality of thumbnail images with respect to the medical image, with a quality index being increased or decreased from the anchor point by a prescribed value; and a second image display section that causes the display section to display the plurality of second thumbnail images generated by the second image generation section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and accompanying drawings relate to medical image diagnostic devices. Background Technology

[0002] Most medical imaging diagnostic devices, such as ultrasound diagnostic devices, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices, computed tomography (CT) devices, and positron emission tomography (PET) devices, can now adjust the image quality of medical images according to the user's preferences.

[0003] However, there are multiple image quality metrics that control image quality, making it difficult for users of medical image diagnostic devices to adjust the values ​​of these metrics to achieve optimal image quality. For example, in a given image processing scenario, there are 60 image quality metrics that contribute to image quality adjustment. Even with the option to select from 5 adjustment levels for each metric, a combination of 5 x 60 metric values ​​can be generated. Furthermore, even if the adjustment is narrowed down to a few highly probable types of image quality metrics from the large number of metrics, adjusting values ​​across N dimensions still requires significant effort.

[0004] Therefore, many medical imaging diagnostic devices index groups of image quality metrics to provide a range of options, tailored to user preferences. In this case, the system's GUI (Graphical User Interface) is sometimes configured to allow for several levels of adjustment of the index values. However, indexing image quality metrics in this way significantly restricts the flexibility of image quality adjustment.

[0005] On the other hand, there are also medical image diagnostic devices that allow users to select and adjust image quality parameters while viewing the image. According to such a medical image diagnostic device, multiple thumbnail images are generated, each corresponding to a different drawing condition, and a drawn image is generated according to the prescribed drawing conditions.

[0006] If the multiple thumbnail images generated by this method are displayed as operation buttons on the touch screen, it is visually easier to understand compared to adjusting the image quality index values ​​through numerical input or knob operation. However, in this case, although it is also easier to adjust by displaying thumbnails, it still cannot solve the difficulty of adjustment caused by the existence of multiple values ​​for which the image quality index should be adjusted.

[0007] Existing technical documents:

[0008] Patent documents:

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6608126

[0010] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-16612

[0011] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-208746

[0012] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-99688 Summary of the Invention

[0013] The problem that the invention aims to solve:

[0014] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and accompanying drawings is to make it easier for users to adjust the image quality of medical images in medical image diagnostic devices. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and accompanying drawings are not limited to the above-mentioned problems. Problems corresponding to the effects of the various configurations shown in the embodiments described below can also be identified as other problems.

[0015] Methods used to solve problems:

[0016] The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes: a first image generation unit, which, regarding multiple types of image quality indicators for displaying medical images, uses the value of an image quality indicator selected by a user as an anchor point and generates a thumbnail image of the medical image based on the anchor point as a first thumbnail image; a first image display unit, which displays the first thumbnail image generated by the first image generation unit; a second image generation unit, which, regarding the medical image, generates multiple thumbnail images by adding or subtracting predetermined values ​​from the anchor point, as a second thumbnail image; and a second image display unit, which displays the multiple second thumbnail images generated by the second image generation unit; and further... The image generation and display unit uses the value of an image metric corresponding to the second thumbnail image selected by the user from a plurality of the second thumbnail images as a new anchor point, causing the first image generation unit to generate a new first thumbnail image, the first image display unit to display the new first thumbnail image, the second image generation unit to display a new second thumbnail image, and the second image display unit to display a new second thumbnail image; and the setting unit, after the user finishes selecting the value of the image quality metric, generates an anchor point movement route based at least on the start point of the anchor point movement and the end point of the movement, and sets the adjustable range of the image quality metric value for the user based on the anchor point movement route. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1This is a perspective view showing an example of the overall configuration of the medical image diagnostic device according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structural block diagram of a medical image diagnostic device.

[0019] Figure 3 This is an explanation Figure 2 The diagram shows the functional block diagram of the control unit of the medical image diagnostic device.

[0020] Figure 4 It means Figure 1 An example of an image quality adjustment setting screen displayed on the touch screen of a medical imaging diagnostic device.

[0021] Figure 5 It means Figure 1 The image shows another example of an image quality adjustment setting screen displayed on the touch screen of a medical imaging diagnostic device.

[0022] Figure 6 It means Figure 1 The image shown is another example of the image quality adjustment settings displayed on the touch screen of the medical imaging diagnostic device.

[0023] Figure 7 It is a graph that uses a three-dimensional coordinate axis to virtually visualize the anchor points and the adjustable range of values ​​of various image quality indicators when the user makes image quality adjustments in the image quality adjustment settings screen displayed on the touch screen.

[0024] Figure 8 It is a diagram that uses the adjustable range of the anchor point at point Am-1 as a representation of three-dimensional space.

[0025] Figure 9 It is a diagram representing the adjustable range of the anchor point when it is moved to point Am, as a three-dimensional spatial representation.

[0026] Figure 10 It is a graph that represents the trajectory of an anchor point in three-dimensional space as it moves from the starting point to the ending point, and the adjustable range of image quality index values ​​when the trajectory of the anchor point is used as the anchor point's movement route.

[0027] Figure 11 It is a graph in three-dimensional space that shows the adjustable range of image quality index values ​​when the start and end points of the anchor point movement are connected by a straight line and the straight line is used as the anchor point movement path.

[0028] Figure 12 This is an explanation Figure 1The flowchart shows the content of the adjustable range setting process performed by the medical image diagnostic device.

[0029] Figure 13 This is an example of a picture showing the image quality adjustment settings screen displayed on a touch screen when the value exceeds the adjustable range of the set image quality index.

[0030] Figure 14 This is an example of a picture quality adjustment settings screen that allows users to adjust the values ​​of four types of picture quality indicators on a single screen.

[0031] Figure 15 This is an example of an image quality adjustment setting screen displayed on the touch screen of the medical image diagnostic device according to the second embodiment.

[0032] Figure 16 This is an example of an image quality adjustment setting screen displayed on the touch screen of the medical image diagnostic device according to the third embodiment.

[0033] Figure 17 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of an LSTM network that infers the trajectory of other anchor points based on the trajectory of multiple anchor points.

[0034] Figure 18 This is a functional block diagram illustrating the functions of the control unit of the medical image diagnostic device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0035] Figure 19 This is a diagram schematically illustrating the functional configuration of the medical image diagnostic device according to the fifth embodiment.

[0036] Figure 20 This is an explanation Figure 19 The diagram shows the functional block diagram of the control unit of the medical image diagnostic device.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0038] 100……Medical image diagnostic device, 101……Ultrasound probe, 102……Input device, 103……Main display screen, 104……Touch screen, 201……Transceiver unit, 202……B-mode processing unit, 203……Doppler processing unit, 204……Image processing unit, 205……Memory, 206……Control unit, 1100……Magnetic resonance imaging device, 1101……Static magnetic field magnet, 1103……Gradient magnetic field coil, 1104……Gradient magnetic field Field power supply, 1105……examination bed, 1105a……top plate, 1106……examination bed control circuit, 1107……transmitting coil, 1108……transmitting circuit, 1109……receiving coil, 1110……receiving circuit, 1120……sequence control circuit, 1200……data processing device, 1201……memory, 1203……input device, 1204……display, 1210……processing circuit, W10~W30……image quality adjustment setting screen. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments of the medical image diagnostic device will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the following description, constituent elements that have substantially the same function and structure will be marked with the same reference numerals and will be described repeatedly only where necessary.

[0040] [First Embodiment]

[0041] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an example of the overall configuration of the medical image diagnostic device 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 The medical image diagnostic device 100 shown is, for example, composed of an ultrasound diagnostic device. Figure 2 express Figure 1 An example of the block diagram of the medical image diagnostic device 100 shown.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the medical image diagnostic device 100 according to this embodiment is configured to include an ultrasound probe 101, an input device 102, a main display screen 103, and a touch command screen (TCS) 104. Furthermore, as... Figure 2 As shown, the medical image diagnostic device 100 is configured to include, in addition to the above, a transceiver unit 201, a B-mode processing unit 202, a Doppler processing unit 203, an image processing unit 204, a memory 205, and a control unit 206.

[0043] An ultrasonic probe 101 is a device (probe) that irradiates an ultrasonic signal onto a subject and detects the ultrasonic signal reflected by the subject. It is formed by an electromechanical reversible conversion element. For example, the ultrasonic probe 101 is a phased array type probe with multiple elements arranged in an array at its front end. Thus, the ultrasonic probe 101 converts the supplied pulse drive voltage into an ultrasonic signal and transmits it in a desired direction within the scanning area of ​​the subject, and converts the ultrasonic signal reflected from the subject into an echo signal with a corresponding voltage.

[0044] Furthermore, the ultrasound probe 101 can be either a 1D array probe that scans the subject in 2D, or a 3D probe that scans the subject in 3D, i.e., a mechanical 4D probe or a 2D array probe. When using a 3D probe, the medical image displayed on the main display screen 103 includes specific tomographic images or multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) displays.

[0045] The transceiver unit 201 includes a trigger generation circuit, a delay circuit, and a pulse generator circuit, and supplies a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 101. The pulse generator circuit repeatedly generates rated pulses at a predetermined rated frequency to form the ultrasonic signal to be transmitted. Furthermore, the delay circuit assigns a delay time to each piezoelectric vibrator for each rated pulse generated by the pulse generator circuit, necessary to converge the ultrasonic signal generated from the ultrasonic probe 101 into a beam and determine the transmission directionality. Additionally, the trigger generation circuit applies a drive signal (drive pulse) to the ultrasonic probe 101 based on the timing of the rated pulses. That is, the delay circuit arbitrarily adjusts the transmission direction from the piezoelectric vibrator surface by changing the delay time assigned to each rated pulse.

[0046] Furthermore, the transceiver unit 201, in order to execute a prescribed scanning sequence based on the instructions of the control unit 206 (described later), has the function of instantly changing the transmission frequency, transmission drive voltage, etc. In particular, the change of the transmission drive voltage is realized by a transmission circuit that can instantly switch its value, or by a mechanism that electrically switches multiple power supply units.

[0047] Furthermore, the transceiver unit 201 includes an amplifier circuit, an A / D converter, an adder, etc., which perform various processing on the ultrasonic signal received by the ultrasonic probe 101 as a reflected wave to generate reflected wave data. The amplifier circuit amplifies the ultrasonic signal as a reflected wave for each channel and performs gain correction processing. The A / D converter performs A / D conversion on the gain-corrected ultrasonic signal as a reflected wave to generate digital data, and assigns a delay time to this digital data to determine the receiving directionality. The adder performs addition processing on the digital data generated by the A / D converter to generate reflected wave data. Through the addition processing of the adder, the reflection component of the ultrasonic signal as a reflected wave from the direction corresponding to the receiving directionality is emphasized.

[0048] In addition to the method of converging ultrasonic signals into a beam as described above, the transceiver unit 201 can also transmit and receive plane waves.

[0049] The B-mode processing unit 202 performs logarithmic amplification, envelope detection processing, and logarithmic compression on the reflected wave data from the transceiver unit 201 to generate B-mode information that represents the change in brightness of the signal intensity of each of the multiple sample points.

[0050] The Doppler processing unit 203 performs color Doppler analysis on the reflected wave data from the transceiver unit 201 to calculate blood flow information, i.e., Doppler information. In color Doppler analysis, ultrasound signals are transmitted and received multiple times along the same scan line. An MTI (Moving Target Indicator) filter is applied to the data stream at the same location to suppress signals (clutter signals) from stationary or slowly moving tissue, thereby extracting signals from the blood flow. Furthermore, in color Doppler analysis, Doppler information such as blood flow velocity, blood flow dispersion, and blood flow energy are inferred from this blood flow signal.

[0051] The image processing unit 204 converts the scanning mode (scanning conversion) of B-mode information and Doppler information into a scanning mode suitable for display, generating an ultrasound diagnostic image as a medical image. Along with the ultrasound diagnostic image, it also generates information indicating the composition or juxtaposition of various image information, display position, and various supplementary information required for ultrasound diagnosis, such as patient information, to assist in the operation of the medical image diagnostic device 100, which is an ultrasound diagnostic device. Furthermore, the image processing unit 204 reduces the size of the processed medical image to generate a thumbnail image for the touch screen 104 described later.

[0052] Furthermore, the image processing unit 204 is configured to include enhancement image processing (not shown). Enhancement image processing can also reduce image noise or speckles, enhance the edges of boundaries between two tissues, and perform coherence enhancement to smooth the image along the boundary. In other words, enhancement image processing can independently apply various image quality metrics such as noise reduction, edge enhancement, and coherence enhancement. The adjustment methods for each image quality metric will be detailed later. Additionally, the image processing unit 204 can also adjust the image quality of medical images based on image quality metrics other than noise reduction, edge enhancement, and coherence enhancement.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, the image processing is described under the premise that it is only applicable to images corresponding to the ultrasound B-mode signals sent from the B-mode processing unit 202. However, the image processing can also be applied to various images such as color Doppler, contrast imaging, elastography, attenuation imaging, M-mode, and Doppler flow velocity waveforms. In addition, the image processing can be applied not only to tomographic images, but also to post-rendering images, multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) images, and 3D voxel images.

[0054] The main display screen 103, in cooperation with the image processing unit 204, converts image information from the image processing unit 204 into optical information and displays medical images on the screen.

[0055] The memory 205 stores various information, including B-mode information or Doppler information, described in the description of the image processing unit 204. Additionally, the memory 205 also suitably stores information related to the trajectory, past trajectory, and adjustable range of the image quality indicators, which are the results of adjustments to various image quality indicators and will be described later. This memory 205 constitutes the storage unit in this embodiment.

[0056] The storage methods for the memory 205 include temporarily storing real-time information and storing it long-term so that the acquired real-time information can be used as a basis. In addition, the memory 205 also stores various data such as diagnostic information (e.g., patient ID, physician's findings), diagnostic protocols, or various positional markers.

[0057] The control unit 206 is a processor that functions as an information processing device, controlling the overall processing of the medical image diagnostic device 100, which is an ultrasound diagnostic device. Specifically, the control unit 206 controls the processing of the transceiver unit 201, the B-mode processing unit 202, the Doppler processing unit 203, and the image processing unit 204 based on various setting requests, control programs, and data input by the user via the input device 102. Furthermore, the control unit 206 also controls the interface functions of the input device 102 and the touch screen 104.

[0058] The input device 102 is connected to the control unit 206 and has various switches, buttons, trackballs, mice, and / or keyboards for receiving various instructions from the user, region of interest (ROI) setting instructions, various image quality setting instructions, etc. from the user into the medical image diagnostic device 100.

[0059] The touch screen 104 is an input / output device that functions as both a user input device and an output device for providing information and images to the user. In addition to outputting user input information to the control unit 206, the touch screen 104 also obtains thumbnail images or graphics required for device input from the image processing unit 204. This touch screen 104 constitutes the display unit in this embodiment.

[0060] The touchscreen 104 can be used in conjunction with one or more user input devices of the same type known in the art, such as a trackball, keyboard, joystick, mouse, etc. Additionally, the touchscreen 104 can also be used with other screens, such as non-touchscreens. Furthermore, two or more user input devices and / or output devices can be provided. For example, the touchscreen 104 can also be provided with at least one other input device, such as a trackball, keyboard, joystick, or mouse.

[0061] Alternatively, the medical image diagnostic device 100 described in this embodiment can be modified so that the main display screen 103 and the touch screen 104 become the same device. Furthermore, the main display screen 103, the touch screen 104, and / or the input device 102 can also be independent devices capable of being connected to the medical image diagnostic device 100 via wired or wireless means.

[0062] Alternatively, the medical image diagnostic device 100 described in this embodiment can be modified so that the B-mode processing unit 202, Doppler processing unit 203, image processing unit 204, memory 205 and / or control unit 206 are set as a server function in a location independent of these elements.

[0063] Figure 3This is a functional block diagram illustrating the functions of the control unit 206 of the medical image diagnostic device 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the control unit 206 includes a first image generation function 206a, a first image display function 206b, a second image generation function 206c, a second image display function 206d, a regeneration display function 206e, and a setting function 206f.

[0064] In this embodiment, the processing functions performed by the first image generation function 206a, the first image display function 206b, the second image generation function 206c, the second image display function 206d, the regeneration display function 206e, and the setting function 206f are stored in the memory 205 as programs executable by a computer. The control unit 206 reads the programs from the memory 205 and executes them, thereby realizing the functions corresponding to each program. In other words, the control unit 206, having read the state of each program, has... Figure 3 The various functions are shown within the control unit 206. Furthermore, in Figure 3 The document describes how a single control unit 206 can implement the first image generation function 206a, the first image display function 206b, the second image generation function 206c, the second image display function 206d, the regeneration display function 206e, and the setting function 206f. However, the control unit 206 can also be constructed by combining multiple independent processors, with each processor executing programs to implement these functions. Furthermore, when implementing the various functions, the first image generation function 206a, the first image display function 206b, the second image generation function 206c, the second image display function 206d, the regeneration display function 206e, and the setting function 206f can be achieved by appropriately controlling the image processing unit 204, the memory 205, the input device 102, the main display screen 103, and the touch screen 104.

[0065] <Image quality adjustment settings screen>

[0066] Next, the adjustable range setting process related to medical images implemented by the medical image diagnostic apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described. In the medical image diagnostic apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, by performing this adjustable range setting process in advance, the adjustable range can be limited when the user adjusts the image quality of the medical image of the subject.

[0067] Figure 4This diagram illustrates an example of the image quality adjustment setting screen W10 displayed on the touch screen 104 of the medical image diagnostic device 100 according to this embodiment. Specifically, in the medical image diagnostic device 100 according to this embodiment, under the control of the control unit 206, the image processing unit 204 performs image enhancement processing, and the image quality adjustment setting screen W10 serves as the graphical user interface for performing this image quality adjustment.

[0068] In Figure 4 In this example, users can use the image quality adjustment settings screen W10 to adjust image quality related to three categories: noise reduction, edge enhancement, and consistency enhancement. Furthermore, users can adjust various image quality indicators for displaying medical images, not just these three. Figure 4 The value in the image indicates the state of the image quality indicators selected by the user from among these multiple image quality indicators in order to set the adjustable range: noise reduction, edge enhancement, and consistency enhancement.

[0069] The first image quality adjustment button 301 to the sixth image quality adjustment button 306 are buttons depicted on the touch screen 104. In this embodiment, the first image quality adjustment button 301 to the sixth image quality adjustment button 306 are composed of thumbnail images of medical images. In these thumbnail images, multiple output images of different image qualities based on data from the same medical image are depicted.

[0070] In the first image quality adjustment button 301 among the first image quality adjustment buttons 301 to the sixth image quality adjustment button 306 displayed on the touch screen 104, a thumbnail image is displayed, which has undergone the same image processing as the medical image currently displayed on the main display screen 103. This thumbnail image is the first image quality adjustment button 301. This image is the medical image that serves as the center of the current image quality adjustment, and in this embodiment, the set of values ​​of various image quality indicators used to obtain this image quality is called an "anchor".

[0071] exist Figure 4 In this example, three image quality metrics—noise reduction, edge enhancement, and consistency enhancement—were selected as the image quality metrics to be adjusted. Therefore, one value each for noise reduction, edge enhancement, and consistency enhancement was chosen as an anchor point. Thus, an "anchor point" can also be understood as a point determined based on the values ​​of these image quality metrics. In this way, a thumbnail image of the first image quality adjustment button 301 is generated based on the anchor points, which are the values ​​of the image metrics selected by the user. This thumbnail image of the first image quality adjustment button 301 corresponds to the first thumbnail image in this embodiment.

[0072] Users can operate the image quality adjustment settings screen W10 to increase or decrease the values ​​of various image quality indicators such as noise reduction, edge enhancement, and consistency enhancement from the anchor point by a specified value. The buttons used for this operation are the second image quality adjustment buttons 302 to the sixth image quality adjustment buttons 306. Specifically, the second image quality adjustment button 302, located to the left of the first image quality adjustment button 301, is a button that allows the user to select whether to increase or decrease the value of the noise reduction image quality indicator without changing the values ​​of other image quality indicators. The toggle buttons 302a and 302b switch between increasing and decreasing the value of the noise reduction image quality indicator.

[0073] For example, if a user presses the positive toggle button 302a and then selects the second image quality adjustment button 302, the value of the noise reduction image quality index in the anchor point increases by one level, and this increased value becomes the next anchor point. Conversely, if a user presses the negative toggle button 302b and then selects the second image quality adjustment button 302, the value of the noise reduction image quality index in the anchor point decreases by one level, and this decreased value becomes the next anchor point.

[0074] Furthermore, the second image quality adjustment button 302 displays thumbnails showing the changes in the image quality index value after increasing or decreasing by one level. That is, if the user presses the positive switch button 302a, the thumbnail of the second image quality adjustment button 302 changes to a thumbnail showing the image quality index value after increasing by one level. Conversely, if the user presses the negative switch button 302b, the thumbnail of the second image quality adjustment button 302 changes to a thumbnail showing the image quality index value after decreasing by one level. Therefore, by observing the thumbnail images displayed as the second image quality adjustment button 302, the user can anticipate the change in the image quality index value. Consequently, this allows for more appropriate adjustment of the image quality index value.

[0075] Similarly, the third image quality adjustment button 303, located above the first image quality adjustment button 301, allows the user to select whether to increase or decrease the value of the edge-emphasis image quality indicator without changing the values ​​of other image quality indicators. Toggle buttons 303a and 303b toggle whether to increase or decrease the value of the edge-emphasis image quality indicator. The fourth image quality adjustment button 304, located to the right of the first image quality adjustment button 301, allows the user to select whether to increase or decrease the value of the consistent image quality indicator without changing the values ​​of other image quality indicators. Toggle buttons 304a and 304b toggle whether to increase or decrease the value of the edge-emphasis image quality indicator.

[0076] The fifth image quality adjustment button 305 is positioned above the second image quality adjustment button 302 and to the left of the third image quality adjustment button 303. This configuration allows for adjustments to the values ​​of both noise reduction and edge enhancement image quality indicators. The sixth image quality adjustment button 306 is positioned to the right of the third image quality adjustment button 303 and above the fourth image quality adjustment button 304. This configuration allows for adjustments to the values ​​of both edge enhancement and consistency enhancement image quality indicators.

[0077] The toggle buttons 302a and 302b switch whether the value of the noise reduction image quality indicator is increased or decreased by selecting the fifth image quality adjustment button 305, and the toggle buttons 303a and 303b switch whether the value of the edge enhancement image quality indicator is increased or decreased by selecting the fifth image quality adjustment button 305. In other words, by using the combination of toggle buttons 302a and 302b and toggle buttons 303a and 303b, the values ​​of the noise reduction and edge enhancement image quality indicators are switched.

[0078] Similarly, toggle buttons 303a and 303b toggle whether selecting the 6th image quality adjustment button 306 increases or decreases the value of the edge emphasis image quality indicator, and toggle buttons 304a and 304b toggle whether selecting the 6th image quality adjustment button 306 increases or decreases the value of the consistency emphasis image quality indicator. In other words, by combining toggle buttons 303a and 303b with toggle buttons 304a and 304b, the increase or decrease of the edge emphasis and consistency emphasis image quality adjustment buttons is toggled when the 6th image quality adjustment button 306 is selected.

[0079] The thumbnails displayed by the third image quality adjustment buttons 303 to the sixth image quality adjustment buttons 306 are also thumbnail images generated based on the values ​​of various image quality indicators. By observing these thumbnail images, users can predict the results of changes in the image quality indicator values ​​in advance. Consequently, they can make more appropriate adjustments to the image quality indicator values.

[0080] If one of the second to sixth image quality adjustment buttons 306 is selected by the user, the value of the image quality index corresponding to the selected image quality adjustment button is set as the new anchor point. A thumbnail image based on the image quality index value of the selected image quality adjustment button is displayed on the first image quality adjustment button 301. The image processing unit 204 performs image processing using the image quality index value corresponding to the selected image quality adjustment button and displays the result as a medical image on the main display screen 103. Furthermore, based on the image quality index value of the new anchor point, thumbnail images of the second to sixth image quality adjustment buttons 302 are generated and displayed respectively.

[0081] For example, if the user presses and selects the second image quality adjustment button 302, the value of the image quality index corresponding to the second image quality adjustment button 302 becomes the value of the image quality index of the new anchor point. As a result, the thumbnail image of the second image quality adjustment button 302 becomes the thumbnail image of the first image quality adjustment button 301. In addition, using the value of the new image quality index of the first image quality adjustment button 301 as the anchor point, thumbnail images of the second to sixth image quality adjustment buttons 302 are generated and displayed.

[0082] Here, increasing or decreasing the image quality index value by one level means that the increase or decrease range is not limited to 1. For example, the increase or decrease range of the image quality index value can also be a predetermined value such as 2, 5, or 10. For example, the increase or decrease range can also be predetermined according to the type of image quality index or the imaging part. That is, in the medical image diagnostic device 100 according to this embodiment, by the user selecting the second image quality adjustment button 302 to the sixth image quality adjustment button 306, the image quality index value can be increased or decreased by a predetermined value from the anchor point.

[0083] Furthermore, as described above, the medical image diagnostic device 100 according to this embodiment is, for example, an ultrasound diagnostic device. Given the real-time nature of this ultrasound diagnostic device, the image displayed on the main display screen 103 does not necessarily have to be a still image; instead, the image processing unit 204 can process the B-mode information sent from the B-mode processing unit 202 at a predetermined frame rate in real time and display it as a moving image on the main display screen 103. That is, the image processing unit 204 can also process the medical image acquired at a predetermined frame rate in real time based on the image quality index value of the current anchor point selected by the user, and display it as a moving image on the main display screen 103. In other words, it is also possible to perform image processing on the medical image acquired by the image processing unit 204 based on the image quality index value corresponding to the thumbnail image of the first image quality adjustment button 301, and display the real-time moving image on the main display screen 103.

[0084] On the other hand, the thumbnail images displayed by the first image quality adjustment buttons 301 to the sixth image quality adjustment buttons 306 are merely samples. Therefore, these thumbnail images can be either still images or moving images. In addition, these thumbnail images can also be partial images cropped from a region of interest set on the main display screen 103.

[0085] As described above, when the user presses and selects one of the second to sixth image quality adjustment buttons 302, the thumbnail image displayed by the selected image quality adjustment button is shown in the first image quality adjustment button 301, and the value of the image quality index corresponding to the selected image quality adjustment button is used as a new anchor point. Then, the thumbnail image after further increasing or decreasing the value of the image quality index centered on this anchor point is displayed again in the second to sixth image quality adjustment buttons 302 to 306, and the system waits for the user to press and select an image quality adjustment button again. Thus, the user can continuously perform further image quality adjustments.

[0086] Alternatively, the first image quality adjustment button 301 can be assigned the function of restoring the value of the changed image quality index. In this case, for example, if the user determines that the original medical image is better, pressing and selecting the first image quality adjustment button 301 can restore the anchor point to the previous anchor point. That is, by selecting the first image quality adjustment button 301, the user can set the previous anchor point as the new anchor point. Thus, the user can easily restore the value of the image quality index used to display the medical image to the previous state. On the other hand, the first image quality adjustment button 301 can also be left unassigned. In this case, even if the user presses and selects the thumbnail image of the first image quality adjustment button 301, the image quality of the medical image will not change significantly.

[0087] In the image quality adjustment settings screen W10, once the desired image quality index value has been achieved and the selection of the image quality index value is complete, the user presses and selects the "End Setting" button ED. This concludes the setting of the adjustable range related to the image quality index of the medical image.

[0088] Figure 5 This is another example of the image quality adjustment setting screen W10 displayed on the touch screen 104 of the medical image diagnostic device 100 according to this embodiment. In the above... Figure 4 In the image quality adjustment settings screen W10, two combinations are prepared as a way to change two image quality indicators simultaneously: (1) the values ​​of the image quality indicator for edge enhancement and the image quality indicator for noise reduction, and (2) the values ​​of the image quality indicator for consistency enhancement and the image quality indicator for edge enhancement. However, in Figure 4 In the image quality adjustment settings screen W10, there is no combination of simultaneously changing the two values ​​of the image quality index (3) noise reduction and the image quality index of consistent emphasis. Therefore, in Figure 5 In the image quality adjustment settings screen W10 shown, there is a 7th image quality adjustment button 307 that simultaneously changes the values ​​of the image quality index for noise reduction and the image quality index for consistency emphasis.

[0089] With the above Figure 4The image quality adjustment settings screen on W10 is similar, toggled between buttons 302a and 302b. Figure 5 When the image quality adjustment setting screen W10 displays the 7th image quality adjustment button 307, it increases or decreases the value of the noise reduction image quality index. Similarly, the toggle buttons 304a and 304b toggle whether the value of the consistent emphasis image quality index increases or decreases. For example, if the user presses and selects the positive noise reduction toggle button 302a and the negative consistent emphasis toggle button 304b, and then presses and selects the 7th image quality adjustment button 307, the value of the noise reduction image quality index increases by one level and the value of the consistent emphasis image quality index decreases by one level, which becomes the new anchor point. In this way, by displaying image quality adjustment buttons on the image quality adjustment setting screen W10 that can simultaneously change the combination of all two indexes related to the type of image quality index adjusted by the user, the user can more easily adjust the image quality of medical images.

[0090] In addition, Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the image quality adjustment settings screen W10 shown, the toggle button for switching the value of image quality indicators displays two buttons, one positive and one negative, for each image quality indicator. However, this toggle button can also be used for only one image quality indicator. For example, with... Figure 4 For example, Figure 6 As shown, a toggle button 302c is displayed for the image quality indicator of noise reduction, a toggle button 303c is displayed for the image quality indicator of edge enhancement, and a toggle button 304c is displayed for the image quality indicator of consistency enhancement. Toggle buttons 302c through 304c alternate between positive and negative values ​​each time the user selects an option. For example, Figure 6 The toggle button 302c is displayed as negative, but if the user presses it and selects the toggle button 302c, it will switch to positive.

[0091] When the toggle button 302c is positive, the thumbnail image displayed in the second image quality adjustment button 302 is a thumbnail image showing the image quality index value for noise reduction increased by one level from the anchor point. Conversely, when the toggle button 302c is negative, the thumbnail image displayed in the second image quality adjustment button 302 is a thumbnail image showing the image quality index value for noise reduction decreased by one level from the anchor point. In this way, by setting one toggle button for switching the increase or decrease of the image quality index value, the toggle between increasing and decreasing the image quality index value is alternately switched.

[0092] also, Figure 4 and Figure 6 The thumbnail images displayed in the second to sixth image quality adjustment buttons 302 are equivalent to the second thumbnail image in this embodiment. Alternatively, Figure 5The thumbnail images displayed in the second image quality adjustment buttons 302 to the seventh image quality adjustment buttons 307 are equivalent to the second thumbnail image in this embodiment.

[0093] <Adjustable range setting>

[0094] In the medical image diagnostic device 100 of this embodiment, not only can the user operate the first image quality adjustment button 301 to the sixth image quality adjustment button 306 on the touch screen 104 to change the values ​​of multiple image quality indicators and thus adjust the image quality, but also, through user operation, an anchor point movement path can be generated at least based on the start point and end point of the anchor point movement, and the adjustable range of the image quality indicator values ​​can be set based on the anchor point movement path. That is, the anchor point movement path is defined by the trajectory of the anchor point selected by the user, including at least the start and end points of the anchor point movement. Furthermore, in the medical image diagnostic device 100 of this embodiment, once the adjustable range of the image quality indicator values ​​is set, when the user subsequently adjusts the image quality of a medical image, the range of image quality indicator values ​​that the user can select can be limited based on the set adjustable range.

[0095] Figure 7 It uses three-dimensional coordinate axes to allow users to... Figures 4 to 6 This is a visualization of the anchor point and the range of changes in the values ​​of various image quality indicators when adjusting the image quality settings in the W10 screen. The anchor point Ak is located at the origin, the X-axis represents the value of consistency emphasis C, the Y-axis represents the value of noise reduction N, and the Z-axis represents the value of edge emphasis E.

[0096] Such as Figure 7 As shown, if the second image quality adjustment button 302 is selected in the positive state, the anchor point Ak moves one level along the positive Y-axis position P1, which represents the noise reduction N value. Conversely, if the second image quality adjustment button 302 is selected in the negative state, the anchor point Ak moves one level along the negative Y-axis position P2, which represents the noise reduction N value. The increase and decrease in the noise reduction N value along the Y-axis are both equal to one level, defined as ΔN.

[0097] Similarly, by the user's operation of the third image quality adjustment button 303, the anchor point Ak moves to position P3 after increasing by one level and position P4 after decreasing by one level along the Z-axis direction representing the edge emphasis E value. This increase or decrease is defined as ΔE. Furthermore, by the user's operation of the fourth image quality adjustment button 304, the anchor point Ak moves to position P5 after increasing by one level and position P6 after decreasing by one level along the X-axis direction representing the consistency emphasis C value. This increase or decrease is defined as ΔC.

[0098] Furthermore, as described above, by having the user operate the image quality adjustment button that combines two of the multiple image quality metrics, the values ​​of the two image quality metrics can be increased or decreased simultaneously. In this case, corresponding to the combination of the values ​​of the two image quality metrics that are increased or decreased simultaneously, the anchor point Ak moves to one of the positions P7 to P18.

[0099] In this way, the range within which image quality metrics can be adjusted can be understood as a virtual three-dimensional space centered on the anchor point Ak. Therefore, Figure 7 It is a diagram in a virtual three-dimensional space that shows the range of increase or decrease in image quality values ​​that can be achieved by one operation of the image quality adjustment button in the W10 screen.

[0100] Figure 8 This means placing anchor point Ak at point A. m-1 The adjustable range under certain conditions is represented as a diagram in three-dimensional space. Figure 8 The following states are represented: The anchor point Ak starts moving from point A0. After m-1 operations of the image quality adjustment button, the anchor point Ak moves to point A. m-1 At this point, the noise reduction component, i.e., the noise reduction N, has a value of N(m-1), the edge emphasis component, i.e., the edge emphasis E, has a value of E(m-1), and the consistency emphasis component, i.e., the consistency emphasis C, has a value of C(m-1).

[0101] Furthermore, the adjustable range 401 of the image quality index values ​​around anchor point Ak serves as a representation in three-dimensional space. As described above, this adjustable range 401 has an expansion of ΔC in the X-axis direction (C direction), an expansion of ΔN in the Y-axis direction (N direction), and an expansion of ΔE in the Z-axis direction (E direction). This range extends from point A0 to point A. m-1 The trajectory of the anchor point Ak is represented by multiple arrows 402.

[0102] Here, we assume the user adjusts the image quality metrics by increasing the edge emphasis value E by one level. This increases the edge emphasis value E by ΔE, and the anchor point Ak moves in the positive direction of the Z-axis. Figure 9 This represents the three-dimensional space after the movement. The noise reduction (N), edge enhancement (E), and consistency enhancement (C) values ​​in the image quality metrics at this point are expressed as follows.

[0103] N(m)=N(m-1)

[0104] E(m)=E(m-1)+ΔE

[0105] C(m)=C(m-1)

[0106] Anchor point Ak is located at point A mThe adjustable range around 501 can be as Figure 9 This is represented in three-dimensional space. Additionally, the anchor point Ak at this point is located from point A0 to point A. m The trajectory is represented by multiple arrows 502.

[0107] Here, let's assume the user moves the anchor point Ak to point A. m At that moment, the desired medical image quality was obtained, thus concluding the selection of image quality metric values. That is, set to [value] when the anchor point Ak moves to [location]. Figure 9 Point A shown m At that moment, the user pressed and selected the "End Settings" button on the W10 image quality adjustment settings screen.

[0108] Figure 10 In three-dimensional space, it represents the movement of anchor point Ak from point A0 to point A. m The trajectory of anchor point Ak under certain conditions, and the adjustable range 601 up to this point. In other words, during the user's operation of setting the adjustable range of the image quality index value, the anchor point Ak starts moving at point A0 and ends moving at point A. m In that Figure 10 In the example, it includes the distance from point A0 to point A. m The space 602, including each adjustable range 601 centered on each point, becomes the overall adjustable range.

[0109] In other words, based on the movement from the starting point (point A0) to the ending point (point A) of the anchor point Ak. m The trajectory of the anchor point is used to generate an anchor point movement route 603. Based on this anchor point movement route 603, the adjustable range of the image quality index value is set by the user. In this case, the adjustable range of the image quality index value becomes a space 602 that is within a specified range not only from the point of anchor point Ak, but also from the anchor point movement route 603 connecting the points of anchor point Ak.

[0110] Figure 11 In three-dimensional space, it represents the movement from the starting point (point A0) to the ending point (point A) by connecting the points with a straight line from the anchor point Ak. m A graph showing the adjustable range of image quality index values ​​when the straight line is used as the anchor point movement path 603. Figure 11 In the example, the movement is based on the connection from the starting point (point A0) to the ending point (point A) of the movement starting from the anchor point Ak. m A straight line is drawn to generate an anchor point movement path 603. Then, the distance from this anchor point movement path 603, i.e., the starting point (point A0) and the ending point (point A) of the anchor point movement are connected. m The straight line is within the specified space 602, which is set as the adjustable range of the image quality index value.

[0111] According to the above Figure 10 and Figure 11 It can be seen that the point A0, where the anchor point Ak begins to move, can be used as the starting point, and the point A, which is in a different position from the starting point, can be used as the ending point. m As the endpoint, various anchor point movement routes can be generated based on at least the start and end points of the movement. In other words, it is possible to generate anchor point movement routes based on the start and end points of the movement, in any way.

[0112] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the adjustable range setting process performed by the medical image diagnostic apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. That is, by the medical image diagnostic apparatus 100 performing... Figure 12 The adjustable range setting shown enables the use of Figures 8 to 11 This describes the process for adjusting the range of values ​​used to set image quality metrics.

[0113] In this embodiment, the Figure 12 The adjustable range setting process shown is a process performed by the user operating the input device 102 or the touch screen 104 to instruct the medical image diagnostic device 100 to start the adjustable range setting process. In other words, it is a process performed when the user wants to limit the range within which the image quality indicators of the medical images to be adjusted.

[0114] like Figure 12 As shown, if the adjustable range setting process is performed, the medical image diagnostic device 100 first records the position of the anchor point Ak (step S10). Specifically, the setting function 206f in the control unit 206 of the medical image diagnostic device 100 records the position of the anchor point Ak at that moment as coordinates to the memory 205. When the adjustable range setting process is first performed, the values ​​for noise reduction, edge emphasis, and consistency emphasis are set as initial values ​​N(0), E(0), and C(0), respectively. These values ​​become the initial values ​​for the image quality indicators.

[0115] Next, as Figure 12As shown, the medical image diagnostic device 100 generates a thumbnail image of anchor point Ak based on a medical image (step S12). Specifically, the first image generation function 206a in the control unit 206 of the medical image diagnostic device 100 controls the image processing unit 204 to generate a thumbnail image based on the image quality index value of anchor point Ak. The thumbnail image of anchor point Ak is generated by using the same image quality index value as the medical image displayed on the main display screen 103. Furthermore, when generating the thumbnail image of anchor point Ak, the control unit 206 controls the image processing unit 204 to cooperate with the image processing unit 204 in generating a thumbnail image based on the image quality index value of anchor point Ak. As described above, this thumbnail image of anchor point Ak corresponds to the first thumbnail image in this embodiment.

[0116] Next, as Figure 12 As shown, the medical image diagnostic device 100 displays the thumbnail image of the anchor point Ak generated in step S12 as the first image quality adjustment button 301 on the image quality adjustment setting screen W10 of the touch screen 104 (step S14). Specifically, the first image display function 206b in the control unit 206 of the medical image diagnostic device 100 displays the thumbnail image of the anchor point Ak as the first image quality adjustment button 301 in the central part of the image quality adjustment setting screen W10 of the touch screen 104.

[0117] Next, as Figure 12 As shown, the medical image diagnostic device 100 calculates the values ​​of image quality indicators around the anchor point Ak (step S16). Specifically, the second image generation function 206c in the control unit 206 of the medical image diagnostic device 100 increments or decrements the values ​​of the image quality indicators from the anchor point Ak by a predetermined value, and calculates the values ​​of multiple image quality indicators around the anchor point Ak. As described above, in Figure 4 In the illustrated image quality adjustment settings screen W10, it is necessary to calculate the values ​​of 5 sets of image quality indicators. Figure 5 In the illustrated image quality adjustment settings screen W10, the values ​​of 6 sets of image quality indicators need to be calculated.

[0118] Next, as Figure 12 As shown, the medical image diagnostic device 100 generates a thumbnail image around the anchor point Ak based on the image quality index value calculated in step S16 (step S18). Specifically, the second image generation function 206c in the control unit 206 of the medical image diagnostic device 100 controls the image processing unit 204 to generate a thumbnail image around the anchor point Ak. As described above, in Figure 4 In the illustrated image quality adjustment settings screen W10, five thumbnail images need to be generated. Figure 5In the illustrated image quality adjustment setting screen W10, six thumbnail images need to be generated. Furthermore, when generating the thumbnail images around the anchor point Ak, the control unit 206 controls the image processing unit 204 to operate in coordination with the image processing unit 204 to generate these thumbnail images. As described above, the thumbnail images around the anchor point Ak correspond to the second thumbnail image in this embodiment.

[0119] Next, as Figure 12 As shown, the medical image diagnostic device 100 displays the thumbnail image around the anchor point Ak generated in step S18 as an image quality adjustment button for the user to change the value of the image quality index on the image quality adjustment setting screen W10 of the touch screen 104 (step S20). Specifically, the second image display function 206d in the control unit 206 of the medical image diagnostic device 100 displays the thumbnail image around the anchor point Ak on the image quality adjustment setting screen W10 of the touch screen 104.

[0120] exist Figure 4 In the case of the illustrated image quality adjustment setting screen W10, the medical image diagnostic device 100 displays five thumbnail images as the second image quality adjustment buttons 302 to the sixth image quality adjustment buttons 306 on the touch screen 104. Additionally, Figure 5 In the illustrated image quality adjustment setting screen W10, the medical image diagnostic device 100 displays six thumbnail images as the second image quality adjustment buttons 302 to the seventh image quality adjustment buttons 307 on the touch screen 104. In all cases, multiple thumbnail images are displayed around the thumbnail image of the anchor point Ak shown in step S14 as image quality adjustment buttons. By arranging the thumbnail image of the anchor point Ak in the central part of the image quality adjustment setting screen W10, and arranging thumbnail images obtained by changing the value of the image quality index around it, the user can perceptually understand how to change the value of the image quality index from the current value to approach the target image quality.

[0121] Furthermore, when the medical image diagnostic device 100 displays thumbnail images surrounding the anchor point Ak, it assigns a function to each thumbnail image that corresponds to the value of the image quality index of that thumbnail image. That is, in step S16, the value of the image quality index of the thumbnail images surrounding the anchor point Ak is calculated, and a function is assigned to each thumbnail image to change the anchor point Ak to the value of that image quality index.

[0122] Next, as Figure 12As shown, the medical image diagnostic device 100 determines whether the user has selected the image quality adjustment button displayed on the image quality adjustment setting screen W10 (step S22). Specifically, the regeneration display function 206e in the control unit 206 of the medical image diagnostic device 100 determines whether the user has selected the image quality adjustment button.

[0123] Then, if it is determined that the user has pressed and selected a certain image quality adjustment button (step S22: Yes), the value of the image quality index corresponding to the image quality adjustment button selected by the user is set as a new anchor point (step S24). Specifically, the regeneration display function 206e in the control unit 206 of the medical image diagnostic device 100 sets the value of the image quality index corresponding to the image quality adjustment button selected by the user from multiple image quality adjustment buttons as a new anchor point.

[0124] At this point, if the k-th button operation for image quality adjustment is performed, the value of noise reduction N is represented by N(k), the value of edge emphasis E is represented by E(k), and the value of consistency emphasis C is represented by C(k). Furthermore, the relationship between the k-th button operation for image quality adjustment and the previous (k-1)-th button operation for image quality adjustment can be expressed as follows.

[0125] N(k)=N(k-1)+ΔN

[0126] E(k)=E(k-1)+ΔE

[0127] C(k)=C(k-1)+ΔC

[0128] Here, ΔN represents the increase or decrease in the value of noise reduction N, ΔE represents the increase or decrease in the value of edge emphasis E, and ΔC represents the increase or decrease in the value of consistency emphasis C.

[0129] After setting a new anchor point Ak, the medical image diagnostic device 100 returns to step S10 described above and records the position of the new anchor point Ak. Then, steps S12 to S20 are performed using the new anchor point Ak, thereby generating a thumbnail image of the new anchor point Ak and displaying it as the first image quality adjustment button 301. A thumbnail image of the area surrounding the new anchor point Ak is also generated and displayed as an image quality adjustment button for the user to change the value of the image quality index. For this purpose, the new anchor point Ak is set through the regeneration display function 206e in the control unit 206 of the medical image diagnostic device 100, thereby performing these regeneration display processes.

[0130] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that the user has not selected any image quality adjustment button (step S22: No), the medical image diagnostic device 100 determines whether the user has selected the setting end button ED (step S26). Specifically, the setting function 206f in the control unit 206 of the medical image diagnostic device 100 determines whether the user has pressed and selected the setting end button ED of the image quality adjustment setting screen W10 on the touch screen 104.

[0131] If the user does not select the end setting button ED (step S26: No), the medical image diagnostic device 100 returns to step S22 above. That is, it waits until the user selects the image quality adjustment button or the end setting button ED in the image quality adjustment setting screen W10.

[0132] On the other hand, when the user selects the end setting button ED (step S26: Yes), the medical image diagnostic device 100 generates an anchor point movement path based at least on the start point of the movement of anchor point Ak and the end point of the movement, and sets the adjustable range of the image quality index value set by the user based on the anchor point movement path (step S28). Specifically, the setting function 206f in the control unit 206 of the medical image diagnostic device 100 generates the anchor point movement path and sets the adjustable range of the image quality index value.

[0133] In this embodiment, in step S10, the movement from the starting point (point A0) to the ending point (point A) of the anchor point Ak is... m The coordinates of the anchor point are stored in the memory 205, which serves as the storage unit. Therefore, the setting function 206f in the control unit 206 retrieves the coordinates from the memory 205 from the starting point (point A0) to the ending point (point A). m The coordinates of the anchor point Ak are obtained, and a generator is generated as follows: Figure 10 The anchor point movement path is shown. Then, it will include the path from point A0 to point A. m The space 602, including each adjustable range 601 centered on each point, is set as the adjustable range.

[0134] Alternatively, the setting function 206f in the control unit 206 retrieves the start point (point A0) and end point (point A) of the movement from the memory 205. m The coordinates of the anchor point, based on the starting point of the movement, i.e., point A0, and the ending point, i.e., point A. m , generate as Figure 11 The anchor point movement path is shown. Then, the starting point (point A0) and ending point (point A) of the anchor point movement path will be used respectively. m The space of two adjustable ranges 601 centered on the image quality index and the space 602 connecting these two spaces are set as the adjustable range of the image quality index value.

[0135] By executing step S28, the adjustable range setting process according to this embodiment is completed. Therefore, thereafter, the range of image quality indicators that the user can select is limited to the set adjustable range. In other words, until a new adjustable range setting process is executed to re-set the adjustable range, the user's selection is limited to the adjustable range of each image quality indicator value set in step S28.

[0136] For example, in the medical image diagnostic device 100 according to this embodiment, when the value of the set image quality index exceeds the adjustable range, the display shows... Figure 13 The image quality adjustment settings screen shown is W10. Figure 13 This diagram illustrates an example of the image quality adjustment setting screen W10 displayed on the touchscreen 104 when the value exceeds the adjustable range of the set image quality index. It corresponds to the aforementioned... Figure 4 The image.

[0137] Such as Figure 13 As shown, when the value of the set image quality indicator exceeds its adjustable range, the value of that image quality indicator cannot be further increased or decreased in the image quality adjustment setting screen W10. Figure 13 In the example, if the value of edge emphasis E is increased further, it becomes larger than the adjustable range, thus preventing the user from selecting the positive toggle button 303a. Alternatively, the positive toggle button 303a may not be displayed in the image quality adjustment setting screen W10. Furthermore, and not limited to this, various methods can be considered to restrict the user's selection to the adjustable range of the set image quality index value, as long as some method is used to restrict the user's selection.

[0138] As described above, the medical image diagnostic device 100 according to this embodiment, by performing an adjustable range setting process, restricts the range that the user can select regarding the values ​​of multiple types of image quality indicators, thereby eliminating unrealistic and redundant combinations of image quality indicator values. Therefore, by setting the adjustable range once, the user can more easily adjust the image quality according to their own preferences.

[0139] Furthermore, in the medical image diagnostic device 100 according to the above-described embodiments, in Figures 4 to 6 The image quality adjustment settings screen W10 shows adjustments to three image quality metrics within a single screen. However, it can also be configured to allow adjustments to four image quality metrics within a single screen. In this case, the image quality adjustment buttons in screen W10 would require nine buttons instead of six. Figure 14 The text indicates a specific example of the image quality adjustment setting W10.

[0140] Figure 14 This is an example of a picture quality adjustment settings screen W10 that allows users to adjust the values ​​of four types of picture quality indicators on a single screen. Figure 14 In the example, in addition to the three values ​​of noise reduction, edge enhancement, and consistency enhancement, the brightness value is also set as a picture quality indicator that can be adjusted within a single frame. That is to say, in Figure 4 The lower part of the image quality adjustment settings screen W10 shown has three additional buttons for adjusting the brightness value: the 7th image quality adjustment button 317 to the 9th image quality adjustment button 319.

[0141] The seventh image quality adjustment button 317, located to the right of the first image quality adjustment button 301, is a button that allows the user to select whether to increase or decrease the value of the brightness image quality index without changing the values ​​of other image quality indices. The toggle buttons 317a and 317b switch between increasing and decreasing the value of the brightness image quality index.

[0142] The 8th image quality adjustment button 318 is located below the 2nd image quality adjustment button 302 and to the left of the 7th image quality adjustment button 317. This configuration allows for adjustments to the image quality parameters related to noise reduction and brightness. The 9th image quality adjustment button 319 is located to the right of the 7th image quality adjustment button 317 and below the 4th image quality adjustment button 304. This configuration allows for adjustments to the image quality parameters related to consistency enhancement and brightness.

[0143] The toggle buttons 302a and 302b switch whether the value of the noise reduction image quality index is increased or decreased by selecting the 8th image quality adjustment button 318, and the toggle buttons 317a and 317b switch whether the value of the brightness image quality index is increased or decreased by selecting the 8th image quality adjustment button 318. In other words, by using the combination of toggle buttons 302a and 302b and toggle buttons 317a and 317b, the values ​​of the noise reduction and brightness image quality indices are switched.

[0144] Similarly, toggle buttons 304a and 304b switch whether selecting the 9th image quality adjustment button 319 increases or decreases the value of the consistently emphasized image quality indicator, while toggle buttons 317a and 317b switch whether selecting the 9th image quality adjustment button 319 increases or decreases the value of the brightness image quality indicator. In other words, by combining toggle buttons 304a and 304b with toggle buttons 317a and 317b, the values ​​of the noise reduction and brightness image quality indicators are switched.

[0145] By configuring the image quality adjustment settings screen W10 as shown, the values ​​of four types of image quality indicators can be adjusted on a single screen. When there are five or more types of image quality indicators, the user needs to operate the touchscreen 104 to select which types of image quality indicators they want to display on a single screen for adjustment. For example, if the user can adjust 10 types of image quality indicators, they need to be able to select four of them.

[0146] In this case, the configuration of the image quality adjustment buttons corresponding to the image quality indicators selected by the user within the image quality adjustment settings screen W10 can also be arbitrarily specified by the user. This is because, among the values ​​of the four types of image quality indicators, the values ​​of the image quality indicators corresponding to the two diagonally adjacent image quality adjustment buttons can be adjusted simultaneously by selecting one image quality adjustment button, but they cannot be combined with the values ​​of the image quality indicators corresponding to another image quality adjustment button configured on the opposite side and not adjacent to each other for simultaneous adjustment.

[0147] For example, in Figure 14 In the example, the third image quality adjustment button 303 is assigned the function of adjusting the edge enhancement value, and the diagonally adjacent second and fourth image quality adjustment buttons 302 and 304 are respectively assigned the functions of adjusting the noise reduction value and the consistency enhancement value. Therefore, by selecting the fifth image quality adjustment button 305, the edge enhancement value and the noise reduction value can be adjusted simultaneously, and by selecting the sixth image quality adjustment button 306, the edge enhancement value and the consistency enhancement value can be adjusted simultaneously. However, the seventh image quality adjustment button 317, which adjusts the brightness value, is located on the opposite side of the third image quality adjustment button 303, which adjusts the edge enhancement value, and is not adjacent to it. Therefore, in Figure 14 As shown in the image quality adjustment settings screen W10, the image quality adjustment buttons cannot be configured to adjust both edge enhancement and brightness values ​​simultaneously using a single button. Therefore, users should be able to freely choose a combination of image quality parameters that can be adjusted simultaneously using a single button.

[0148] Furthermore, the image processing in the image processing unit 204 of the aforementioned medical image diagnostic device 100 typically involves multiple parameters. In this case, it is necessary to convert the value of the image quality index selected by the user into a parameter used in the image processing unit 204 through calculation. By converting the value of the image quality index into a parameter in this way, the image quality of the medical image can be adjusted indirectly using the value of the image quality index selected by the user.

[0149] For example, among the three image quality metrics—noise reduction (N), edge enhancement (E), and consistency enhancement (C)—if the image quality metric is defined as S = {N, E, C}, and the parameters are defined as P = {p1, p2, ..., pn}, then the computation-based transformation can be represented by a function such as P = F(S). If this function is linear, then F can be represented as a matrix as P = FS.

[0150] Therefore, in the above Figure 12 In the adjustable range setting process, in step S12, the first image generation function 206a of the control unit 206 and in step S18, the second image generation function 206c of the control unit 206 calculate multiple parameters based on the value of the image quality index selected by the user. Based on these calculated parameters, the image processing unit 204 is controlled to generate various thumbnail images. Alternatively, in step S12, the first image generation function 206a of the control unit 206 and in step S18, the second image generation function 206c of the control unit 206 output the value of the image quality index selected by the user to the image processing unit 204. The image processing unit 204 calculates multiple parameters based on the value of the image quality index and generates various thumbnail images based on these calculated parameters.

[0151] [Second Implementation]

[0152] In the medical image diagnostic device 100 according to the first embodiment described above, several examples related to the image quality adjustment setting screen W10 displayed on the touch screen 104 have been described. However, in addition to the examples described, there are several variations that modify the interface. For example, in the medical image diagnostic device 100 according to the first embodiment described above, up to four types of image quality indicators can be adjusted simultaneously using one image quality adjustment setting screen W10, but it is not possible to adjust more than five types in one screen. In addition, in the medical image diagnostic device 100 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to confirm the medical image when two types of image quality indicators are changed simultaneously as thumbnail images, but it is not possible to simultaneously confirm the thumbnail images when the image quality indicator values ​​are changed positively and the thumbnail images when they are changed negatively. Therefore, in the second embodiment, in one screen displayed on the touch screen 104, the user can simultaneously view both the thumbnail image showing a positive change in the image quality index and the thumbnail image showing a negative change on the same screen. The following describes the differences from the first embodiment described above.

[0153] Figure 15 This diagram illustrates an example of the image quality adjustment setting screen W20 displayed on the touchscreen 104 of the medical image diagnostic device 100 according to the second embodiment. Figure 15As shown, in the image quality adjustment setting screen W20 of the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment described above, the user can also adjust the values ​​of the three types of image quality indicators: noise reduction, edge enhancement, and consistency enhancement.

[0154] Such as Figure 15 As shown, in this embodiment, seven image quality adjustment buttons are displayed. Similar to the first embodiment described above, a thumbnail image of the first image quality adjustment button 301 is displayed in the central portion of the image quality adjustment setting screen W20, showing a thumbnail image obtained by image processing based on the same image quality index value as the medical image displayed on the main display screen 103 at that moment. That is, the thumbnail image of the first image quality adjustment button 301 is generated by image processing the medical image based on the image quality index value determined by the anchor point Ak at that moment. Furthermore, as described in the first embodiment, the first image quality adjustment button 301 may either be left unassigned or assigned a function to restore the anchor point to the value of the previous image quality index.

[0155] In the image quality adjustment settings screen W20, the user can adjust the values ​​of various image quality indicators, such as noise reduction (N), edge enhancement (E), and consistency enhancement (C), by increasing or decreasing the values ​​by predetermined values ​​ΔN, ΔE, and ΔC respectively, from the anchor point of the image quality indicator value represented by the first image quality adjustment button 301. Figure 15 In the example, the image quality adjustment buttons surrounding the first image quality adjustment button 301 are grouped into two groups: a group of a second image quality adjustment button 322p that increases the value of the image quality index of noise reduction N and a third image quality adjustment button 322m that decreases the value of the image quality index of noise reduction N; a group of a fourth image quality adjustment button 323p that increases the value of the image quality index of edge emphasis E and a fifth image quality adjustment button 323m that decreases the value of the image quality index of edge emphasis E; and a group of a sixth image quality adjustment button 324p that increases the value of the image quality index of consistency emphasis C and a seventh image quality adjustment button 324m that decreases the value of the image quality index of consistency emphasis C.

[0156] In the second to seventh image quality adjustment buttons 322p, thumbnail images are displayed based on the values ​​of the image quality indicators assigned to these buttons 322p to 324m, adjusted by one level. For example, in the second image quality adjustment button 322p, a thumbnail image of a medical image is displayed based on the value after increasing the noise reduction N value by one level. Similarly, in the third image quality adjustment button 322m, a thumbnail image of a medical image is displayed based on the value after decreasing the noise reduction N value by one level. Therefore, while the user cannot confirm the effect of simultaneously changing the values ​​of multiple different image quality indicators in the thumbnail images, they can simultaneously view both the thumbnail images showing the increase and decrease of the noise reduction N value on the same screen.

[0157] Thus, in this embodiment, it is possible to simultaneously view both the thumbnail image showing an increase and a decrease in the value of a certain type of image quality metric on the same screen. Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment described above, the user selects the setting end button ED after completing the setting of the range of image quality metric values ​​during the adjustable range setting process.

[0158] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the thumbnail image displayed in the first image quality adjustment button 301 is equivalent to the first thumbnail image, and the thumbnail images displayed in the second image quality adjustment buttons 322p to the seventh image quality adjustment buttons 324m are equivalent to the second thumbnail images.

[0159] As described above, the medical image diagnostic device 100 according to this embodiment allows simultaneous viewing of thumbnail images showing both increases and decreases in the value of a certain type of image quality index on a single image quality adjustment setting screen W20. Therefore, the user can easily determine whether to increase or decrease the value of a certain type of image quality index.

[0160] Furthermore, the types of image quality parameters that can be adjusted in a single image quality adjustment setting screen W20 are not limited to three or four types; more types of image quality parameters can be adjusted. That is, as long as the display area of ​​the touch screen 104 allows, image quality adjustment buttons can be configured so that users can adjust any type of image quality parameter in a single screen.

[0161] [Third Implementation]

[0162] In the medical image diagnostic device 100 according to the third embodiment, by setting two types of image quality indicators that can be adjusted in the image quality adjustment setting screen displayed on the touch screen 104, the user can view the thumbnail image with any combination of increasing or decreasing of these two types of image quality indicators on the same screen. Hereinafter, the parts that differ from the first embodiment described above will be explained.

[0163] Figure 16 This diagram illustrates an example of the image quality adjustment setting screen W30 displayed on the touchscreen 104 of the medical image diagnostic device 100 according to the third embodiment. Figure 16 As shown, in the image quality adjustment setting screen W30 according to the third embodiment, the user can adjust the values ​​of two types of image quality indicators: noise reduction and edge enhancement. For example, by operating the touch screen 104, the user can select any two types of image quality indicators from a variety of image quality indicators as the image quality indicators that can be adjusted in the image quality adjustment setting screen W30.

[0164] Such as Figure 16 As shown, in this embodiment, nine image quality adjustment buttons are displayed. Similar to the first embodiment described above, a thumbnail image of the first image quality adjustment button 301 is displayed in the central portion of the image quality adjustment setting screen W30, showing a thumbnail image obtained by image processing based on the same image quality index value as the medical image displayed on the main display screen 103 at this moment. That is, the thumbnail image of the first image quality adjustment button 301 is generated by image processing the medical image based on the image quality index value determined by the anchor point Ak at this moment. Furthermore, as described in the first embodiment, the first image quality adjustment button 301 may be left unassigned or may be assigned a function to restore the anchor point to the previous anchor point.

[0165] In this image quality adjustment setting screen W30, the user can increase or decrease the values ​​of each image quality indicator, such as noise reduction (N) and edge enhancement (E), by a predetermined value ΔN and ΔE, respectively, from the anchor point of the image quality indicator value represented by the first image quality adjustment button 301. Figure 16In the example, as image quality adjustment buttons located around the first image quality adjustment button 301, there are a second image quality adjustment button 332 that increases the value of the image quality index for noise reduction N, a third image quality adjustment button 333 that decreases the value of the image quality index for noise reduction N, a fourth image quality adjustment button 334 that increases the value of the image quality index for edge enhancement E, and a fifth image quality adjustment button 335 that decreases the value of the image quality index for edge enhancement E. Furthermore, at the corner positions of the nine image quality adjustment buttons, there are a sixth image quality adjustment button 336 that increases the value of both the image quality index for noise reduction N and edge enhancement E, a seventh image quality adjustment button 337 that decreases the value of the image quality index for noise reduction N but increases the value of the image quality index for edge enhancement E, an eighth image quality adjustment button 338 that increases the value of the image quality index for noise reduction N but decreases the value of the image quality index for edge enhancement E, and a ninth image quality adjustment button 339 that decreases the value of both the image quality index for noise reduction N and edge enhancement E.

[0166] In these second to ninth image quality adjustment buttons 332, thumbnail images obtained by image processing based on the image quality index values ​​assigned to these adjustment buttons are displayed. Therefore, in a single image quality adjustment setting screen W30, the user can view the thumbnail images for increasing or decreasing the noise reduction N value, the thumbnail images for increasing or decreasing the edge emphasis E value, and the thumbnail images for combining these values. Then, by selecting the image quality adjustment button that the user deems most appropriate thumbnail image, the anchor point can be moved.

[0167] As described above, the medical image diagnostic device 100 according to this embodiment can adjust only two types of image quality indicators in a single frame, but it can simultaneously display thumbnail images showing both increases and decreases in the values ​​of these two types of image quality indicators. Furthermore, it can also display thumbnail images showing simultaneous changes in the values ​​of these two types of image quality indicators in a single frame. Therefore, users can appropriately determine how to combine the increases and decreases in the values ​​of the two types of image quality indicators to obtain a medical image with the desired image quality.

[0168] [Fourth Implementation]

[0169] In the first to third embodiments described above, the configuration and operation of the medical image diagnostic device 100 were described under the premise that a single user sets an adjustable range for one image quality index. However, it can be considered that, in reality, even with a single user, the value of the image quality index considered optimal by the user will differ depending on the subject or body part being imaged. Furthermore, even if the body part being imaged is the same, if multiple users set the image quality, the value of the image quality index considered optimal by each user will deviate.

[0170] Therefore, in the medical image diagnostic device 100 according to the fourth embodiment, when the trajectories of multiple anchor points are stored in the memory 205, the trajectories of other anchor points, i.e., the trajectories of unknown anchor points, can be inferred based on the stored trajectories of multiple anchor points. Then, based on the inferred trajectories of the anchor points, movement paths of other anchor points are generated, and the adjustable range of image quality indicators is inferred based on the movement paths of these other anchor points. The user can set the adjustable range of the inferred image quality indicators to the medical image diagnostic device 100. Furthermore, the following description is generally applicable to any of the medical image diagnostic devices 100 in the first to third embodiments described above.

[0171] The trajectory of the anchor point Ak in N-dimensional space can be treated as time-series data for each dimension. That is, in the process of setting adjustable ranges, if there are two types of image quality indicators for setting the adjustable range, the adjustable range is represented in 2-dimensional space; if there are three types, the adjustable range is represented in 3-dimensional space. In this N-dimensional space, the anchor point Ak moves from point A0 to point A... m In this case, the trajectory of anchor point Ak can be treated as time series data. When multiple such time series data are stored as anchor points, the simplest method for inference of time series data is prediction based on linear regression.

[0172] That is, the trajectories of multiple anchor points are respectively represented by anchor point Ak moving from point A0 to point A. m Given the trajectory of the anchor point Ak's coordinates, the least squares method is used to infer the coordinates of other points, and the time series data of these inferred points is used as the anchor point's trajectory. An anchor point movement path is generated based on the trajectory inferred using this method, and an adjustable range for the image quality index is set based on this movement path. This allows for limiting the adjustment of the image quality index value within a universally applicable range after optimization for multiple users.

[0173] On the other hand, machine learning can also be used as a method to infer the trajectory of other anchor points based on the trajectory of multiple anchor points. For example, by applying networks such as RNN (Recurrent Neural Network) or LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory) to each time series data, the trajectory of other anchor point Ak can be inferred.

[0174] Figure 17 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of an LSTM network that infers the trajectory of other anchor points based on the trajectories of multiple anchor points. (See diagram.) Figure 17As shown, for a certain step t, the data sequence x_t, x_(t+1), x_(t+2), ..., x_(t+N-1) and the data sequence x_(t+1), x_(t+2), x_(t+3), ..., y_(t+N) after one step are connected to N LSTM modules 701.

[0175] Each LSTM module 701 has one memory cell, controlled by three gates: input, output, and forget. This configuration allows it to learn from the trajectories of multiple anchor points stored in memory 205 as trajectories of known anchor points, and to infer the trajectories of unknown anchor points. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is necessary to store and maintain multiple trajectories as is, such as... Figure 12 The trajectory of anchor point Ak stored in memory 205 in step 10 of the adjustable range setting process shown.

[0176] Furthermore, by combining an LSTM network with a CNN (Convolutional Neural Network), and including data attributes such as probe type or medical images such as the location of the photographed object as features in part of the input data to be learned, it is also possible to make inferences based on data attributes or features of medical images.

[0177] Figure 18 This is a functional block diagram illustrating the function of the control unit 206 of the medical image diagnostic device 100 according to this embodiment, corresponding to the above. Figure 3 The image. (As shown in the image.) Figure 18 As shown, the control unit 206 of the medical image diagnostic device 100 according to this embodiment, in addition to the control unit 206 of the first to third embodiments described above, also has an inference function 206g and an inference setting function 206h.

[0178] In this embodiment, the processing functions performed by the inference function 206g and the inference setting function 206h are also stored in the memory 205 as programs executable by a computer. The control unit 206 implements these functions by reading and executing the programs from the memory 205.

[0179] The inference function 206g in the control unit 206 reads and obtains the trajectories of multiple anchor points stored in the memory 205, and infers the trajectories of other anchor points based on these trajectories using the method described above. For example, the inference function 206g in the control unit 206 is implemented in software. Figure 17 The LSTM network shown.

[0180] The inference setting function 206h in the control unit 206 generates other anchor point movement routes based on the trajectory of other anchor points inferred by the inference function 206g, and sets the adjustable range of the image quality index values ​​for the user based on these other anchor point movement routes. If the adjustable range is set in this way, the user's selection is limited to the adjustable range of the values ​​of each image quality index set based on inference until the adjustable range is set again.

[0181] As described above, the medical image diagnostic device 100 according to this embodiment infers other anchor points based on the trajectories of multiple anchor points, thus easily deriving the trajectories of multiple anchor points that are considered optimal by the user. By generating anchor point movement routes based on the trajectories of anchor points derived in this way, and setting an adjustable range for the image quality index value, it is possible to achieve an adjustable range that is preferred by many. Therefore, for example, even users who are setting an adjustable range related to a medical image of a certain part of the body for the first time can easily set an adjustable range close to what is optimal for them.

[0182] [Fifth Implementation]

[0183] The medical image diagnostic apparatus 100 described in the first to fourth embodiments above has been illustrated using an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus as an example. However, the process of adjusting the range of the image quality index value described above is not limited to ultrasound diagnostic apparatuses and can be applied to various medical diagnostic apparatuses. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, the case of applying the medical image diagnostic apparatus 100 to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus will be described as an example.

[0184] Figure 19 This diagram schematically illustrates the configuration of the medical image diagnostic device 100 according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 19 As shown, in this embodiment, the medical image diagnostic device 100 is composed of a magnetic resonance imaging device 1100. The medical image diagnostic device 100, composed of this magnetic resonance imaging device 1100, is configured, for example, to include a static magnetic field magnet 1101, a static magnetic field power supply (not shown), a gradient magnetic field coil 1103, a gradient magnetic field power supply 1104, an examination table 1105, an examination table control circuit 1106, a transmitting coil 1107, a transmitting circuit 1108, a receiving coil 1109, a receiving circuit 1110, a sequence control circuit 1120, and a data processing device 1200. Furthermore, for ease of understanding, a subject P (e.g., a human body) is shown, but the subject P is not included in the configuration of the magnetic resonance imaging device 1100.

[0185] The static magnetic field magnet 1101 is a hollow, generally cylindrical magnet that generates a static magnetic field within its internal space. The static magnetic field magnet 1101, for example, is a superconducting magnet, and is energized by receiving current from a static magnetic field power source. The static magnetic field power source supplies current to the static magnetic field magnet 1101. Alternatively, the static magnetic field magnet 1101 may be a permanent magnet; in this case, the magnetic resonance imaging device 1100 may not require a static magnetic field power source. Furthermore, the static magnetic field power source may be provided independently of the magnetic resonance imaging device 1100.

[0186] The gradient magnetic field coil 1103 is a hollow, generally cylindrical coil disposed inside the static magnetic field magnet 1101. The gradient magnetic field coil 1103 is formed by combining three coils corresponding to the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes. These three coils individually receive current from the gradient magnetic field power supply 1104, generating gradient magnetic fields with varying magnetic field strengths along the X, Y, and Z axes. The gradient magnetic fields generated by the gradient magnetic field coil 1103 along the X, Y, and Z axes are, for example, a slicing gradient magnetic field Gs, a phase encoding gradient magnetic field Ge, and a reading gradient magnetic field Gr. The gradient magnetic field power supply 1104 supplies current to the gradient magnetic field coil 1103.

[0187] The examination table 1105 includes a top plate 1105a for placing the subject P. Under the control of the examination table control circuit 1106, with the subject P placed on the top plate 1105a, the top plate 1105a is inserted into the opening (camera port) of the gradient magnetic field coil 1103. Typically, the examination table 1105 is configured such that its length direction is parallel to the central axis of the static magnetic field magnet 1101. Under the control of the data processing device 1200, the examination table control circuit 1106 drives the examination table 1105 to move the top plate 1105a in both the length and vertical directions.

[0188] The transmitting coil 1107 is disposed inside the gradient magnetic field coil 1103, and receives RF pulses from the transmitting circuit 1108 to generate a high-frequency magnetic field. The transmitting circuit 1108 supplies RF pulses to the transmitting coil 1107 that correspond to a Larmor frequency determined by the type of atom being targeted and the magnetic field strength.

[0189] The receiving coil 1109 is disposed inside the gradient magnetic field coil 1103 to receive the magnetic resonance signal emitted from the subject P due to the influence of the high-frequency magnetic field. If the receiving coil 1109 receives the magnetic resonance signal, it outputs the received magnetic resonance signal to the receiving circuit 1110.

[0190] Furthermore, the aforementioned transmitting coil 1107 and receiving coil 1109 are merely examples. They can be constructed by combining one or more of the following: coils that only have transmitting functionality, coils that only have receiving functionality, or coils that have both transmitting and receiving functionality.

[0191] The receiving circuit 1110 detects the magnetic resonance signal output from the receiving coil 1109 and generates magnetic resonance data based on the detected magnetic resonance signal. Specifically, the receiving circuit 1110 performs digital conversion on the magnetic resonance signal output from the receiving coil 1109 to generate magnetic resonance data. Furthermore, the receiving circuit 1110 transmits the generated magnetic resonance data to the sequence control circuit 1120. Alternatively, the receiving circuit 1110 can also be installed on a stage device equipped with a static magnetic field magnet 1101 or a gradient magnetic field coil 1103, etc.

[0192] The sequence control circuit 1120 drives the gradient magnetic field power supply 1104, the transmitting circuit 1108, and the receiving circuit 1110 based on the sequence information sent from the data processing device 1200, thereby performing imaging of the subject P. Here, the sequence information defines the order in which imaging is performed. The sequence information defines: the intensity and timing of the current supplied by the gradient magnetic field power supply 1104 to the gradient magnetic field coil 1103; the intensity and timing of the RF pulse supplied by the transmitting circuit 1108 to the transmitting coil 1107; and the timing of the receiving circuit 1110 detecting the magnetic resonance signal, etc.

[0193] Furthermore, if the result of driving the gradient magnetic field power supply 1104, the transmitting circuit 1108 and the receiving circuit 1110 to photograph the subject P is that the sequence control circuit 1120 receives magnetic resonance data from the receiving circuit 1110, then the sequence control circuit 1120 forwards the received magnetic resonance data to the data processing device 1200.

[0194] The data processing unit 1200 is connected to the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device and performs processing of signals received from the MRI device. The data processing unit 1200, as shown... Figure 20 As shown, it includes a processing circuit 1210, a memory 1201, an input device 1203, and a display 1204. The processing circuit 1210 includes an interface function 1211, a control function 1212, and an image processing function 1213.

[0195] In this embodiment, the processing functions performed by the interface function 1211, the control function 1212, and the image processing function 1213 are stored in the memory 1201 as programs executable by a computer. The processing circuit 1210 is a processor that implements the functions corresponding to each program by reading and executing the programs from the memory 1201. In other words, the processing circuit 1210, having read the state of each program, has the functions shown within the processing circuit 1210.

[0196] The processing circuit 1210 sends sequence information to the sequence control circuit 1120 through the interface function 1211 and receives magnetic resonance data from the sequence control circuit 1120. In addition, if magnetic resonance data is received, the processing circuit 1210 with the interface function 1211 stores the received magnetic resonance data in the memory 1201.

[0197] Through control function 1212, the magnetic resonance data stored in memory 1201 is configured in k-space. As a result, memory 1201 stores k-space data.

[0198] The memory 1201 stores magnetic resonance data received by the processing circuit 1210 with interface function 1211, k-space data configured in k-space by the processing circuit 1210 with control function 1212, image data generated by the processing circuit 1210 with image processing function 1213, etc.

[0199] The processing circuit 1210 performs overall control of the magnetic resonance imaging device 1100 through the control function 1212, controlling aspects such as imaging, image generation, and image display. For example, the processing circuit 1210 with control function 1212 accepts input of imaging conditions (imaging parameters, etc.) on the GUI and generates sequence information according to the accepted imaging conditions. In addition, the processing circuit 1210 with control function 1212 sends the generated sequence information to the sequence control circuit 1120.

[0200] The processing circuit 1210 reads k-space data from the memory 1201 through the image processing function 1213, and performs reconstruction processing such as Fourier transform on the read k-space data to generate a magnetic resonance image. In addition, the image processing function 1213 also performs the emphasized image processing in the first embodiment.

[0201] The processing circuit 1210 obtains data, images, etc., for image processing performed by the image processing function 1213 from the memory 1201 through the interface function 1211.

[0202] Input device 1203 accepts various instructions or information input from the operator. Input device 1203 may be, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse or trackball, a selection device such as a mode switch, or an input device such as a keyboard. In addition, input device 1203 also includes a touch screen formed on the display 1204 described later.

[0203] Under the control of the control function 1212, the display 1204 displays a GUI for accepting camera input, images generated by the control function 1212, and the like. The display 1204 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). The display 1204 is an example of a display unit. The display 1204 includes a mouse, keyboard, buttons, panel switches, touchscreen, foot switch, trackball, joystick, etc.

[0204] In the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1100 described above, similar to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus described in the first to fourth embodiments, it is not only capable of performing... Figure 12 The adjustable range setting process shown allows for changing the values ​​of image quality indicators to adjust the image quality of medical images. Furthermore, it can limit the adjustable range of values ​​for multiple types of image quality indicators based on the anchor point movement path obtained through the user's operation of the image quality adjustment button.

[0205] In this case, the medical image to which the image quality index values ​​are adjusted is a magnetic resonance image obtained by reconstructing k-space data. For example, the image quality indexes of a magnetic resonance image include noise reduction, edge enhancement, and consistency enhancement, similar to those of an ultrasound diagnostic device. Image quality adjustment setting screens W10, W20, and W30, as described in the first to fourth embodiments above, are formed on the touch screen on the display 1204, serving as a GUI for adjusting the image quality index values ​​through the image processing function 1213.

[0206] Except for the thumbnail images displayed in each image quality adjustment button, which are images generated based on magnetic resonance imaging, the operation and display format of the image quality adjustment settings screens W10, W20, and W30 are the same as in the first to fourth embodiments described above. That is, they are executed by the processing circuit 1210. Figure 12 The adjustable range setting process shown sets the adjustable range of the image quality index value based on the user-defined anchor point movement path. When this adjustable range setting process is executed, the image processing function 1213 performs the first image generation function 206a, the first image display function 206b, the second image generation function 206c, the second image display function 206d, and the re-generation display function 206e, as described above, while the control function 1212 performs the setting function 206f. Furthermore, the control function 1212 performs the inference function 206g and the inference setting function 206h, as described above.

[0207] Furthermore, the method for limiting the range of values ​​that a user can adjust for multiple types of image quality metrics based on a set adjustable range is the same as in the first to fourth embodiments described above. Therefore, for example... Figure 13 As explained, this prevents users from selecting image quality metrics values ​​that exceed the adjustable range.

[0208] As described above, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 100 according to this embodiment can be configured using a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1100. In this way, for medical images captured by various medical imaging devices such as ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, X-ray computed tomography apparatus, and positron emission tomography apparatus, the values ​​of image quality indicators can be adjusted, and the adjustable range of the image quality indicator values ​​can be set based on the anchor point movement path. As a result, for multiple types of image quality indicators, the adjustable range for selecting their values ​​can be narrowed, and unrealistic combinations of redundant image quality indicator values ​​can be eliminated. Therefore, by setting the adjustable range of image quality indicator values ​​once, users can more easily adjust the image quality according to their preferences.

[0209] Furthermore, in the medical image diagnostic device 100 described in the first to fifth embodiments above, the adjustable range of the set image quality index value may not necessarily be the same as the range of values ​​that can be changed in one operation on the image quality adjustment setting screens W10, W20, and W30 when the user sets the adjustable range of the image quality index value. That is, in the above embodiments, the increase or decrease in the image quality index value that can be changed by performing one operation on the image quality adjustment button displayed on the image quality adjustment setting screens W10, W20, and W30 may be the same as the range of the set adjustable range, but the two may not be the same. For example, the adjustable range of the set image quality index value may be expanded to include the range of image quality index values ​​that can only be obtained by performing multiple operations on the image quality adjustment buttons on the image quality adjustment setting screens W10, W20, and W30. In other words, the adjustable range of the image quality index value may be defined as the range in which the image quality index value is increased or decreased by multiple levels from the anchor point Ak. As a result, the range of image quality metric values ​​that users can choose increases, giving users more options regarding the values ​​of these metric values.

[0210] Furthermore, the term "processor" used in the above description refers to circuits such as CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and Programmable Logic Device (SPLD, CPLD, and FPGA). The processor performs its function by reading and executing a program stored in a memory circuit. Alternatively, instead of storing the program in a memory circuit, it can be configured to have the program directly assembled into the processor's circuitry. In this case, the processor performs its function by reading and executing the program loaded into the circuitry. Furthermore, the processor is not limited to being configured as a single circuit; multiple independent circuits can be combined to form a single processor and perform the same function. Moreover, multiple components can be integrated into a single processor to achieve the same function.

[0211] The above describes several embodiments, but these embodiments are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The new apparatus and method described in this specification can be implemented in various other ways. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the apparatus and method described in this specification without departing from the spirit of the invention. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to encompass such embodiments and modifications as included in the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A medical image diagnostic device, wherein, have: The first image generation unit, regarding multiple types of image quality indicators used to display medical images, uses the value of the image quality indicator selected by the user as an anchor point to generate a thumbnail image of the medical image based on the anchor point as the first thumbnail image. The first image display unit displays the first thumbnail image generated by the first image generation unit; The second image generation unit, regarding the medical image, increases or decreases the image quality index by a predetermined value from the anchor point, and generates multiple thumbnail images as the second thumbnail image; The second image display unit displays a plurality of the second thumbnail images generated by the second image generation unit; The regenerated display unit uses the value of the image index corresponding to the second thumbnail image selected by the user from the plurality of second thumbnail images as a new anchor point, causes the first image generation unit to generate a new first thumbnail image, causes the first image display unit to display the new first thumbnail image, causes the second image generation unit to generate a new second thumbnail image, and causes the second image display unit to display the new second thumbnail image. as well as The setting unit generates an anchor point movement route based at least on the start point of the anchor point movement and the end point of the movement, after the user finishes selecting the value of the image quality indicator. Based on the anchor point movement route, the setting unit sets the adjustable range of the user's image quality indicator value.

2. The medical image diagnostic device as described in claim 1, wherein, The second image display unit assigns a quality selection button function to each of the multiple second thumbnail images, corresponding to the value of the quality index of the second thumbnail image, so that the display unit displays the multiple second thumbnail images.

3. The medical image diagnostic device as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The setting unit generates the anchor point movement route based on the trajectory of the anchor points selected by the user, including the start point and the end point.

4. The medical image diagnostic device as described in claim 3, wherein, The adjustable range set by the setting unit is such that the distance from the anchor point constituting the trajectory of the anchor point and the line connecting the anchor points are within a specified range.

5. The medical image diagnostic device as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The setting unit generates the anchor point movement route based on the straight line connecting the start point and the end point.

6. The medical image diagnostic device as described in claim 5, wherein, The adjustable range set by the setting unit is such that the distance between the straight line connecting the start point and the end point is within a specified range.

7. The medical image diagnostic device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The first image generation unit, the first image display unit, the second image generation unit, and the second image display unit process the medical image obtained at a specified frame rate in real time based on the image quality index value of the current anchor point selected by the user.

8. The medical image diagnostic device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The first image generation unit and the second image generation unit calculate multiple parameters based on the value of the image quality index, and generate the first thumbnail image and the second thumbnail image respectively based on these calculated parameters.

9. The medical image diagnostic device as described in claim 3, wherein, It also has: The storage unit stores the trajectories of multiple anchor points selected by the user; and The inference unit infers the trajectories of other anchor points based on the trajectories of the multiple anchor points stored in the storage unit.

10. The medical image diagnostic device as described in claim 9, wherein, It also has: The inference setting unit generates other anchor point movement routes based on the trajectory of the other anchor points inferred by the inference unit, and sets the adjustable range of the user's image quality index value based on the other anchor point movement routes.

11. The medical image diagnostic device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The medical images are images captured by an ultrasound diagnostic device.

12. The medical image diagnostic device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The medical images are images captured by a magnetic resonance imaging device.

13. The medical image diagnostic device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The second image display unit causes a plurality of the second thumbnail images to be displayed around the first thumbnail image.

14. The medical image diagnostic device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, It also has: The anchor point control unit controls the value of the image quality index that the user can select as the anchor point, based on the adjustable range of the image quality index value set by the setting unit.

15. The medical image diagnostic device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, When the user selects the first thumbnail image, the regenerated display unit uses the previous anchor point as the new anchor point, causing the first image generation unit to generate a new first thumbnail image, causing the first image display unit to display the new first thumbnail image, causing the second image generation unit to generate a new second thumbnail image, and causing the second image display unit to display the new second thumbnail image.

Images