Medical image processing apparatus, image diagnostic system, medical image processing method, program product, and recording medium

Abstract

The invention provides a medical image processing device, an image diagnosis system, a medical image processing method, a program product, and a recording medium capable of intuitively specifying the value of each of three or more types of image quality parameters of a medical image in a short time. The following processing is carried out according to the order with the high priority among the more than three types of image quality parameters. A plurality of candidate images obtained by combining a plurality of different candidate values of one image quality parameter type and a plurality of different candidate values of another image quality parameter type and performing image processing on medical imaging data are two-dimensionally arranged so as to be selectable. And specifies at least one of the candidate value of the type of one image quality parameter and the candidate value of the type of the other image quality parameter corresponding to the selected candidate image as a set value of the type of the image quality parameter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical image processing device, a medical image processing method and program, and an image diagnosis system, and in particular to a technology for determining the value of the type of image quality parameters of a medical image. Background Art

[0002] In an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) image processing device, a user performs image processing after capturing an image to adjust the image quality. The parameters for such image quality adjustment need to be changed for each patient or disease.

[0003] The parameters for adjusting the image quality include, for example, the intensity of the noise reduction process. In addition to the intensity of the noise reduction process, there is also a demand to select the image quality that the user prefers, but since there are too many types of parameters for producing the preferred image quality, it is difficult to adjust the values ​​of the types of parameters in a short time.

[0004] As a prior art, a technique is known in which an image of values ​​of two parameter types are changed, and a user can select while viewing the image (see Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3). Also, a technique is known in which a past image is used to extract preferred values ​​of parameters in advance for three or more parameter types (see Patent Document 4).

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-284705

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-260073

[0007] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-188031

[0008] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-183725

[0009] However, Patent Documents 1 to 3 do not describe a method for selecting values ​​of three or more parameter types. As described above, since there are many types of parameters, especially in MRI images, the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 have problems that are difficult to address.

[0010] Furthermore, Patent Document 4 does not describe a method for adjusting the parameter value while observing a newly captured image. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to cope with images of rare cases that do not exist in past images. Summary of the invention

[0011] The present invention is completed in view of this situation, and its purpose is to provide a medical image processing device, a medical image processing method and program, and an image diagnosis system that can intuitively determine the respective values ​​of three or more types of image quality parameters of a medical image in a short time.

[0012] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the medical image processing device involved in the first embodiment of the present invention comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing commands for the processor to execute, and the processor performs the following processing: acquiring medical imaging data; displaying on a display device a parameter type set for two types of image quality parameters among three or more types of image quality parameters related to the image quality of a medical image generated by the medical imaging data; combining a plurality of candidate values ​​of one type of image quality parameter and a plurality of candidate values ​​of another type of image quality parameter respectively, and performing image processing on the medical imaging data to obtain a plurality of candidate images, two-dimensionally arranging the plurality of candidate images with the type of one image quality parameter as one axis and the type of another image quality parameter as another axis. a preview image set; accepting a selection operation of selecting a candidate image from the preview image; and determining at least one of a candidate value of a type of image quality parameter and a candidate value of another type of image quality parameter corresponding to the candidate image on which the selection operation has been performed as a set value of the type of image quality parameter, in which three or more types of image quality parameters are respectively assigned priorities, after determining set values ​​for a first parameter type set including a first type of image quality parameter with a first priority and a second type of image quality parameter with a second priority, determining set values ​​for a second parameter type set different from the first parameter type set, and applying the set values ​​of each of the three or more types of image quality parameters to perform image processing on medical imaging data to generate a medical image.

[0013] In the medical image processing device involved in the second embodiment of the present invention, in the medical image processing device involved in the first embodiment, the processor preferably determines the setting value of the first image quality parameter type and the setting value of the second image quality parameter type for the first parameter type set, and the second parameter type set includes the third image quality parameter type with the third priority and the fourth image quality parameter type with the fourth priority.

[0014] In the medical image processing device involved in the third embodiment of the present invention, in the medical image processing device involved in the first embodiment, the processor preferably determines the setting value of the type of the first image quality parameter for the first parameter type set, and the second parameter type set includes the type of the second image quality parameter and the type of the third image quality parameter with the third priority.

[0015] In the medical image processing device involved in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, in the medical image processing device involved in the third embodiment, preferably, the range of multiple candidate values ​​of the type of the second image quality parameter of the second parameter type set is relatively narrower than the range of multiple candidate values ​​of the type of the second image quality parameter of the first parameter type set, and includes a set value of the type of the second image quality parameter of the first parameter type set.

[0016] The medical image processing device involved in the 5th mode of the present invention is preferably provided with a storage unit in the medical image processing device involved in any one of the 1st mode to the 4th mode, which stores each setting value determined in the past for more than three types of image quality parameters, and the processor performs the following processing: in the preview image, the first candidate image corresponding to the combination of the setting value that was most determined in the past for one type of image quality parameter and the setting value that was most determined in the past for another type of image quality parameter is emphasized more than the second candidate image that is different from the first candidate image.

[0017] In the medical image processing device involved in the 6th mode of the present invention, in the medical image processing device involved in any one of the 1st to 5th modes, the processor preferably performs the following processing: obtaining the imaging part of the medical imaging data; and obtaining the types of three or more image quality parameters according to the imaging part.

[0018] In the medical image processing device involved in the 7th mode of the present invention, in the medical image processing device involved in any one of the 1st to 6th modes, it is preferred that the type of image quality parameter with a relatively large deviation from the setting value determined in the past is given a relatively higher priority.

[0019] In the medical image processing device involved in the 8th mode of the present invention, in the medical image processing device involved in any one of the 1st mode or the 5th mode to the 7th mode, preferably, the 1st parameter type set also includes a type of the 3rd image quality parameter with a priority of the 3rd place, and the processor performs the following processing: two-dimensionally displaying on the display device a plurality of candidate values ​​of the 1st image quality parameter type, a plurality of candidate values ​​of the 2nd image quality parameter type, and a plurality of candidate values ​​of the 3rd image quality parameter type, which are different from each other, and a plurality of candidate values ​​obtained by combining and performing image processing on the medical imaging data The invention relates to a method for displaying a first preview image of a plurality of candidate images having a first candidate value of a type of a third image quality parameter among a plurality of candidate images; accepting a switching operation for switching the candidate value of the type of the third image quality parameter; displaying a second preview image of a plurality of candidate images having a second candidate value different from the first candidate value of the type of the third image quality parameter arranged in two dimensions in response to the switching operation; accepting a selection operation for selecting one candidate image from the first preview image or the second preview image; and determining at least the candidate value of the type of the first image quality parameter corresponding to the candidate image on which the selection operation has been performed as a set value of the type of the first image quality parameter.

[0020] In the medical image processing device involved in the 9th embodiment of the present invention, in the medical image processing device involved in the 8th embodiment, the processor preferably performs the following processing: determining the candidate value of the type of the second image quality parameter corresponding to the candidate image on which the selection operation is performed as the set value of the type of the second image quality parameter; and determining the candidate value of the type of the third image quality parameter corresponding to the candidate image on which the selection operation is performed as the set value of the type of the third image quality parameter.

[0021] In the medical image processing device involved in the 10th mode of the present invention, in the medical image processing device involved in any one of the 1st to 9th modes, preferably, the candidate image is a three-dimensional image, and the processor performs the following processing: displaying a third preview image of a slice image of a first slice position of each of a plurality of candidate images arranged two-dimensionally; accepting a switching operation for switching the slice positions of a plurality of candidate images; displaying a fourth preview image of a slice image of a second slice position different from the first slice position arranged two-dimensionally corresponding to the switching operation; and accepting a selection operation of selecting a candidate image from the third preview image or the fourth preview image.

[0022] In the medical image processing device involved in the 11th mode of the present invention, in the medical image processing device involved in any one of the 1st to 10th modes, the processor preferably performs the following processing: image processing is performed on the medical imaging data using the setting values ​​determined for the first parameter type set to generate multiple candidate images of the second parameter type set.

[0023] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the image diagnosis system involved in the 12th mode of the present invention comprises: a medical image processing device involved in any one of the first to 11th modes; an image diagnosis device for capturing medical imaging data; a display device; and an input device for a user to perform a selection operation of selecting a candidate image from preview images.

[0024] In the image diagnostic system according to the 13th aspect of the present invention, in the image diagnostic system according to the 12th aspect, it is preferable that the image diagnostic apparatus is an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) apparatus.

[0025] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, in the medical image processing method involved in the 14th mode of the present invention, at least one processor performs the following processing: acquiring medical imaging data; displaying on a display device a preview image in which a plurality of candidate images obtained by combining a parameter type set for two types of image quality parameters among three or more types of image quality parameters related to the image quality of a medical image generated by the medical imaging data and performing image processing on the medical imaging data are two-dimensionally arranged with one type of image quality parameter as one axis and another type of image quality parameter as another axis; and accepting a request from the preview image. A selection operation is performed to select a candidate image from an image; and at least one of a candidate value of a type of image quality parameter and a candidate value of another type of image quality parameter corresponding to the candidate image on which the selection operation is performed is determined as a set value of the type of image quality parameter. In the medical image processing method, three or more types of image quality parameters are respectively assigned priorities. After determining the set value for a first parameter type set including a first type of image quality parameter with a first priority and a second type of image quality parameter with a second priority, a set value is determined for a second parameter type set different from the first parameter type set. The set values ​​of each of the three or more types of image quality parameters are applied to perform image processing on medical imaging data to generate a medical image.

[0026] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a program according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute the medical image processing method according to the fourteenth aspect. A CD-ROM (C o Non-transitory computer-readable recording media such as compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM) are also included in the present invention.

[0027] Effects of the Invention

[0028] According to the present invention, the values ​​of each of three or more types of image quality parameters of a medical image can be intuitively determined in a short time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 It is the overall structural diagram of the image diagnosis system.

[0030] Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing the functional structure of a medical image processing apparatus.

[0031] Figure 3 is a flow chart showing the steps of a medical image processing method.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of a preview image.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing another example of a preview image.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of a preview image.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of a preview image.

[0036] Figure 8 is a flow chart showing the steps of a medical image processing method.

[0037] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing an example of a preview image.

[0038] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of a preview image.

[0039] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing an example of a preview image.

[0040] Fig.12 This is a diagram showing an example of a preview image.

[0041] Explanation of symbols

[0042] 10 - image diagnosis system, 20 - image diagnosis device, 30 - information processing device, 40 - medical image processing device, 42 - processor, 44 - memory, 50 - input device, 60 - display device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the medical image processing device, medical image processing method and program, and image diagnosis system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] <Image Diagnosis System>

[0045] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall structure of the image diagnosis system 10. Figure 1 As shown, the image diagnosis system 10 is configured to include an image diagnosis apparatus 20 and an information processing apparatus 30 .

[0046] The image diagnosis device 20 and the information processing device 30 are connected to each other via a network 22 so as to be able to send and receive data. The network 22 includes a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) for communication connection of various devices in the medical institution. The network 22 may also include a WAN (Wide Area Network) for connecting LANs of multiple medical institutions.

[0047] The image diagnosis device 20 includes an imaging device that captures an imaging part of a patient's inspection target part and outputs medical imaging data. The image diagnosis device 20 includes, for example, a CT (Computed Tomography) device, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) device, or a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) device.

[0048] The information processing device 30 includes a medical image processing device 40, an input device 50, and a display device 60. The medical image processing device 40, the input device 50, and the display device 60 are respectively connected to be able to transmit and receive data.

[0049] The medical image processing device 40 is a device that generates a medical image by performing image processing with desired image quality parameters on the medical imaging data acquired from the image diagnosis device 20. The medical image is, for example, a three-dimensional reconstructed image obtained by reconstructing the medical imaging data. In addition, the term "image" in this specification includes the meaning of image data as a signal representing the image in addition to the image itself such as a photograph.

[0050] A personal computer or a workstation (an example of a “computer”) is applicable to the medical image processing apparatus 40 . The medical image processing apparatus 40 includes a processor 42 , a memory 44 , an input / output interface 46 , and a communication interface 48 .

[0051] The processor 42 executes the commands stored in the memory 44. The hardware structure of the processor 42 is various processors (processors) as shown below. Various processors include CPU (Central Processing Unit) which is a general-purpose processor that executes software (program) and plays the role of various functional units, GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) which is a processor dedicated to image processing, FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) which is a processor that can change the circuit structure after manufacturing, PLD (Programmable Logic Device) which is a processor that can change the circuit structure after manufacturing, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) which is a dedicated circuit of a processor having a circuit structure specially designed for executing specific processing, etc.

[0052] A processing unit may be composed of one of these various processors, or may be composed of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs or a CPU and FPGA, or a combination of a CPU and a GPU). Furthermore, multiple functional units may be composed of one processor. As an example of a plurality of functional units composed of one processor, first, as represented by computers such as clients or servers, there are the following forms: a processor is composed of a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and the processor plays the role of multiple functional units. Secondly, as represented by SoC (System On Chip), there are the following forms: a processor that uses an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip to implement the functions of the entire system including multiple functional units. In this way, as a hardware structure, various functional units are composed of one or more of the above-mentioned various processors.

[0053] Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors is a circuit (circuitry) formed by combining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0054] The memory 44 stores commands for execution by the processor 42. The memory 44 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown). The processor 42 uses the RAM as a working area, executes software using various programs including a medical image processing program stored in the ROM, and uses parameters stored in the ROM, etc., thereby performing various processes of the medical image processing device 40.

[0055] The input / output interface 46 controls input from the input device 50 and output to the display device 60 .

[0056] The communication interface 48 controls communication with the image diagnosis apparatus 20 via the network 22 according to a predetermined protocol.

[0057] The medical image processing apparatus 40 may also be included in the image diagnosis apparatus 20. Furthermore, the medical image processing apparatus 40 may also be a cloud server accessible from a plurality of medical institutions via the Internet. The processing performed by the medical image processing apparatus 40 may be a paid or fixed-fee cloud service.

[0058] The input device 50 includes a mouse (not shown) and a keyboard (not shown). A user inputs instructions to the medical image processing apparatus 40 using the input device 50 .

[0059] The display device 60 includes a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, a plasma display, or a projector. Medical images and the like are displayed on the display device 60 according to instructions from the medical image processing device 40 .

[0060] The information processing device 30 may include a touch panel display in which the input device 50 and the display device 60 are integrated.

[0061] [Functional structure of medical image processing device]

[0062] Figure 2 4 is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the medical image processing device 40. The functions of the medical image processing device 40 are realized by the processor 42 executing the medical image processing program stored in the memory 44. Figure 2 As shown, the medical image processing apparatus 40 includes a medical imaging data acquiring unit 70 , a preview image generating unit 72 , a preview image display unit 74 , a selection operation accepting unit 76 , an image quality parameter value determining unit 78 , and a final image generating unit 80 .

[0063] The medical imaging data acquisition unit 70 acquires medical imaging data from the image diagnosis apparatus 20 via the network 22. The medical imaging data includes, for example, magnetic resonance data acquired by an MRI apparatus and projection data acquired by a CT apparatus.

[0064] The preview image generator 72 generates a preview image for determining a setting value of a type of image quality parameter that is related to the image quality of a medical image generated from the medical imaging data and is a post-processing parameter applied to the medical imaging data.

[0065] The types of image quality parameters include "S / N ratio (noise reduction strength)", "edge enhancement strength", "contrast", and "spatial resolution". The types of image quality parameters may also include "Truncation", "Shading", "Mode", "Correction", "Strength", "T2 correct.", "AdaptiveFilter", "Edge Enhance", "DLR Level", "MIP Image", "DCLevel", "Region Cut", "W-Width1", and "W-Level1". The types of image quality parameters are stored in the memory 44.

[0066] The preview image generator 72 prepares a plurality of candidate values ​​of one image quality parameter type and a plurality of candidate values ​​of another image quality parameter type for a parameter type set including two image quality parameter types among three or more image quality parameter types, combines the plurality of candidate values ​​of the two image quality parameter types, and performs image processing on the medical imaging data to generate a plurality of candidate images. Furthermore, the preview image generator 72 generates a preview image that is two-dimensionally arranged with one image quality parameter as one axis and with the other image quality parameter as the other axis.

[0067] The preview image display unit 74 displays the preview image generated by the preview image generating unit 72 on the display device 60 so that the user can select one candidate image. The user can select one candidate image from the preview images using the input device 50. The selection operation receiving unit 76 receives a selection operation from the input device 50 for one candidate image.

[0068] The image quality parameter value determination unit 78 determines at least one of the candidate value of one image quality parameter type and the candidate value of another image quality parameter type corresponding to the candidate image that has been selected as the set value of the image quality parameter type. The image quality parameter value determination unit 78 may store the determined set value of the image quality parameter type in the memory 44.

[0069] The final image generator 80 applies the set values ​​of the three or more image quality parameters to perform image processing on the medical imaging data to generate a medical image as a final image. The final image generator 80 may display the generated final image on the display device 60 or store it in a medical image database (not shown).

[0070] [Medical image processing method: first embodiment]

[0071] Figure 3 4 is a flowchart showing the steps of a medical image processing method according to a first embodiment of the medical image processing apparatus 40. The medical image processing method is a method for users such as doctors to determine the set values ​​of three or more types of image quality parameters in a short time. The medical image processing method is implemented by executing a medical image processing program stored in a memory 44 by the processor 42. The medical image processing program can be provided by a non-temporary storage medium readable by a computer, or can be provided via the Internet.

[0072] In step S1, the user specifies an imaging part using the input device 50. The imaging part includes, for example, at least one of "head", "abdomen" and "joint part".

[0073] In step S2 , the user uses the input device 50 to pre-select three or more important types of image quality parameters from the types of image quality parameters stored in the memory 44 , and assigns priorities to the selected types of image quality parameters so as not to overlap with each other.

[0074] For example, when the imaging part is the "head" and one wants to diagnose the tiny tissue structure in the brain, the user can set the first priority to "spatial resolution", the second priority to "S / N ratio (noise reduction intensity)", the third priority to "edge enhancement intensity", and the fourth priority to "contrast".

[0075] Furthermore, when the imaging site is the "abdomen" and the user wants to clearly see the difference between the diseased site and normal tissue during liver contrast examination, the user can set the first priority to "contrast", the second priority to "edge enhancement intensity", the third priority to "S / N ratio (noise reduction intensity)", and the fourth priority to "spatial resolution".

[0076] Furthermore, when the imaging part is the "joint part" and one wants to accurately measure the thickness of the cartilage of the knee joint and other dimensions, the user can set the first priority to "spatial resolution", the second priority to "edge enhancement intensity", the third priority to "S / N ratio (noise reduction intensity)", and the fourth priority to "contrast".

[0077] Here, four types of image quality parameters are selected for each imaging part, but the user only needs to select at least three types of image quality parameters and assign priorities to them. Furthermore, the user may select five or more types of image quality parameters and assign priorities to them.

[0078] The medical image processing apparatus 40 may store the types of image quality parameters corresponding to the imaging part selected in step S2 and their respective priorities in the memory 44 .

[0079] The medical image processing apparatus 40 may store the priorities corresponding to the imaging parts in advance in the memory 44 etc. In this case, in step S2 , the medical image processing apparatus 40 only needs to read out the priorities corresponding to the imaging parts designated in step S1 .

[0080] Next, the medical imaging data acquisition unit 70 acquires the medical imaging data of the imaging site specified in step S1. The preview image generation unit 72 generates a preview image of the first parameter type set.

[0081] Furthermore, in step S3 , the preview image display unit 74 displays the preview image of the first parameter type set on the display device 60 . Figure 4 3 is a diagram showing an example of a preview image displayed on the display device 60 . Figure 4F4A represents the preview image IPA1 displayed in step S3.

[0082] The first parameter type set includes a first image quality parameter type with a first priority and a second image quality parameter type with a second priority among the three or more image quality parameter types acquired according to the imaging part. If the imaging part is the "head", the first image quality parameter type is "spatial resolution" and the second image quality parameter type is "S / N ratio (noise reduction strength)".

[0083] The type of the first image quality parameter has candidate values ​​that are multiple different values ​​of the first image quality parameter, and the type of the second image quality parameter has candidate values ​​that are multiple different values ​​of the second image quality parameter. Here, it is assumed that the type of the first image quality parameter has three candidate values ​​P1A, P1B, and P1C, and the type of the second image quality parameter has three candidate values ​​P2A, P2B, and P2C. In addition, the candidate values ​​are not limited to numerical values, and may also include the presence or absence of a selection of whether to use the image quality parameter in image processing.

[0084] The preview image generating unit 72 performs image processing of the medical imaging data on each combination of the candidate values ​​of the first image quality parameter type and each candidate value of the second image quality parameter type (i.e., nine combinations of P1A×P2A, P1A×P2B, P1A×P2C, P1B×P2A, P1B×P2B, P1B×P2C, P1C×P2A, P1C×P2B, and P1C×P2C), and generates nine candidate images ICA. 111 、ICA1 12 、ICA1 13 、ICA1 21 、ICA1 22 、ICA1 23 、ICA1 31 、ICA1 32 、ICA1 33 .

[0085] In addition, regarding the types of image quality parameters other than the first image quality parameter type and the second image quality parameter type, the preview image generating unit 72 may perform image processing using fixed values ​​that are set in advance.

[0086] Furthermore, the preview image generating unit 72 generates an ICA in which nine candidate images are arranged two-dimensionally with the type of the first image quality parameter as the vertical axis and the type of the second image quality parameter as the horizontal axis. 111 、ICA1 12 、ICA1 13 、ICA1 21 、ICA1 22 、ICA1 23 、ICA1 31 、ICA132 、ICA1 33 The preview image IPA1. In the candidate image ICA1 11 、ICA1 12 、ICA1 13 、ICA1 21 、ICA1 22 、ICA1 23 、ICA1 31 、ICA1 32 、ICA1 33 In the case of a three-dimensional image, the preview image generating unit 72 only needs to two-dimensionally arrange slice images in the same direction and at the same slice position.

[0087] In the example shown in F4A, candidate images ICA1 are arranged in the upper column of preview image IPA1 from the left. 31 、ICAl 32 、ICA1 33 The candidate images ICA1 and ICA2 are arranged in the left row of the preview image IPA1 in order from the top. 31 、ICA1 21 、ICA1 11 These are images in which the values ​​of the first image quality parameter type are candidate values ​​P1C, P1B, and P1A, respectively, and the values ​​of the second image quality parameter type are candidate value P2A, respectively.

[0088] The preview image may also display the type and value of the image quality parameter of each candidate image. Figure 5 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of the preview image IPA1. Figure 5 The nine candidate images ICA1 of the preview image IPA1 are shown 11 、ICA1 12 、ICA1 13 、ICA1 21 、ICA1 22 、ICA1 23 、ICA1 31 、ICA1 32 、ICA1 33 The values ​​of the first image quality parameter type and the second image quality parameter type are displayed in the respective corners. 31 The corners show candidate images ICA1 31 The value of the first image quality parameter type is the candidate value P1C and the value of the second image quality parameter type is the candidate value P2A.

[0089] Back to Figure 3In step S4, the user uses the input device 50 to select nine candidate images ICA1 of the preview image IPA1. 11 、ICA1 12 、ICA1 13 、ICA1 21 、ICA1 22 、ICA1 23 、ICA1 31 、ICAl 32 、ICA1 33 The selection operation accepting unit 76 accepts a selection operation of a candidate image.

[0090] The image quality parameter value determination unit 78 determines the candidate value of the first image quality parameter type corresponding to the candidate image selected in step S4 as the set value of the first image quality parameter type. Furthermore, the image quality parameter value determination unit 78 determines the candidate value of the second image quality parameter type corresponding to the candidate image selected in step S4 as the set value of the second image quality parameter type. For example, if the selected candidate image is candidate image ICA1 11 , then the setting value of the first image quality parameter type is determined to be P1A, and the setting value of the second image quality parameter type is determined to be P2A. Furthermore, if the selected candidate image is candidate image ICA1 23 , the setting value of the first image quality parameter type is determined to be P1B, and the setting value of the second image quality parameter type is determined to be P2C.

[0091] Next, the preview image generating unit 72 generates a preview image of the second parameter type set. In step S5, the preview image displaying unit 74 displays the preview image of the second parameter type set on the display device 60. Figure 4 F4B represents the preview image IPA2 displayed in step S5.

[0092] The second parameter type set includes a type of the third image quality parameter with a third priority and a type of the fourth image quality parameter with a fourth priority. If the imaging part is the "head", the type of the third image quality parameter is "edge enhancement strength" and the type of the fourth image quality parameter is "contrast". Here, the type of the third image quality parameter has three candidate values ​​P3A, P3B, and P3C, and the type of the fourth image quality parameter has three candidate values ​​P4A, P4B, and P4C.

[0093] The preview image generating unit 72 performs image processing of the medical imaging data on each combination of the candidate values ​​of the third image quality parameter type and each candidate value of the fourth image quality parameter type (i.e., nine combinations of P3A×P4A, P3A×P4B, P3A×P4C, P3B×P4A, P3B×P4B, P3B×P4C, P3C×P4A, P3C×P4B, and P3C×P4C), and generates nine candidate images ICA2 11 、ICA2 12 、ICA2 13 、ICA 2 21 、ICA2 22 、ICA2 23 、ICA2 31 、ICA2 32 、ICA2 33 In addition, regarding the type of the third image quality parameter and the type of the fourth image quality parameter in the image processing in step S5 , the preview image generating unit 72 may use the setting values ​​determined in step S4 .

[0094] Furthermore, the preview image generating unit 72 generates nine candidate images ICA2 arranged two-dimensionally with the type of the third image quality parameter as the vertical axis and the type of the fourth image quality parameter as the horizontal axis. 11 、ICA2 12 、ICA2 13 、ICA2 21 、ICA2 22 、ICA2 23 、ICA2 31 、ICA2 32 、ICA2 33 Preview image of IPA2.

[0095] In step S6, the user uses the input device 50 to select nine candidate images ICA2 of the preview image IPA2. 11 、ICA2 12 、ICA2 13 、ICA2 21 、ICA2 22 、ICA2 23 、ICA2 31 、ICA2 32 、ICA2 33 The selection operation accepting unit 76 accepts a selection operation of a candidate image.

[0096] The image quality parameter value determination unit 78 determines the candidate value of the third image quality parameter type corresponding to the candidate image selected in step S6 as the set value of the third image quality parameter type. Furthermore, the image quality parameter value determination unit 78 determines the candidate value of the fourth image quality parameter type corresponding to the candidate image selected in step S6 as the set value of the fourth image quality parameter type.

[0097] In this way, for a parameter type set consisting of two image quality parameter types combined in order of priority for three or more image quality parameter types acquired according to the imaging site, set values ​​are determined in order for each image quality parameter type.

[0098] Furthermore, the preview image generating unit 72 generates a preview image of the (N)th parameter type set. In step S7, the preview image displaying unit 74 displays the preview image of the (N)th parameter type set on the display device 60. Figure 4 F4C represents the preview image IPAN displayed in step S7.

[0099] The (N)th parameter type set includes the (2N-1)th image quality parameter type with the (2N-1)th priority and the (2N)th image quality parameter type with the (2N)th priority. Here, it is assumed that the (2N-1)th image quality parameter type has three candidate values ​​P(2N-1)A, P(2N-1)B, and P(2N-1)C, and the (2N)th image quality parameter type has three candidate values ​​P(2N)A, P(2N)B, and P(2N)C.

[0100] The preview image generating unit 72 performs image processing of the medical imaging data on each candidate value of the (2N-1)th image quality parameter type and each candidate value of the (2N)th image quality parameter type (i.e., nine combinations of P(2N-1)A×P(2N)A, P(2N-1)A×P(2N)B, P(2N-1)A×P(2N)C, P(2N-1)B×P(2N)A, P(2N-1)B×P(2N)B, P(2N-1)B×P(2N)C, P(2N-1)C×P(2N)A, P(2N-1)C×P(2N)B, and P(2N-1)C×P(2N)C) to generate nine candidate images ICAN. 11 、ICAN 12 、ICAN 13 、ICAN 21 、ICAN 22 、ICAN 23 、ICAN 31 、ICAN 32 、ICAN 33In addition, regarding the first to (2N-2)th image quality parameter types in the image processing in step S7, the preview image generating unit 72 may use the respective setting values ​​determined so far.

[0101] Furthermore, the preview image generating unit 72 generates nine candidate images ICAN arranged two-dimensionally with the type of the (2N-1)th image quality parameter as the vertical axis and the type of the (2N)th image quality parameter as the horizontal axis. 11 、ICAN 12 、ICAN 13 、ICAN 21 、ICAN 22 、ICAN 23 、ICAN 31 、ICAN 32 、ICAN 33 Preview image of IPAN.

[0102] In step S8, the user uses the input device 50 to select nine candidate images ICAN of the preview image IPAN. 11 、ICAN 12 、ICAN 13 、ICAN 21 、ICAN 22 、ICAN 23 、ICAN 31 、ICAN 32 、ICAN 33 The selection operation accepting unit 76 accepts a selection operation of a candidate image.

[0103] The image quality parameter value determination unit 78 determines the candidate value of the type of the (2N-1)th image quality parameter corresponding to the candidate image selected in step S8 as the set value of the type of the (2N-1)th image quality parameter. Furthermore, the image quality parameter value determination unit 78 determines the candidate value of the type of the (2N)th image quality parameter corresponding to the candidate image selected in step S8 as the set value of the type of the (2N)th image quality parameter.

[0104] Finally, in step S9 , the final image generator 80 applies the set values ​​of the first to (2N)th image quality parameter types to perform image processing on the acquired medical imaging data to generate a medical image as a final image.

[0105] When the number of types of more than three image quality parameters acquired according to the imaging part is an odd number, for the type of image quality parameter with the lowest priority, multiple candidate values ​​of the type of image quality parameter are used to perform image processing on the medical imaging data to generate multiple candidate images, and a preview image with multiple candidate images arranged in one dimension is generated for the user to select any candidate image.

[0106] According to this embodiment, the user can intuitively confirm which combination of candidate values ​​has the best image quality for each image quality parameter type by checking the preview image displayed on the display device 60, and can therefore select an appropriate value for each image quality parameter type.

[0107] Here, an example in which there are three candidate values ​​for each type of image quality parameter is described, but the number of candidate values ​​is not limited to three. If L and M are respectively set to integers greater than 2, the preview image generation unit 72 can generate a preview image configured with (L×M) types of candidate images that are a combination of L candidate values ​​of one type of image quality parameter and M candidate values ​​of another type of image quality parameter. L and M may be different for each set of image quality parameter types. Furthermore, when the candidate images are arranged two-dimensionally, which type of image quality parameter is configured on the vertical axis or the horizontal axis can be arbitrarily determined.

[0108] Furthermore, the number of candidate values ​​for each type of image quality parameter may be fixed to three, and the three candidate values ​​may be configured to be changeable to desired values ​​by the user.

[0109] Here, non-overlapping priorities are assigned to the three or more types of image quality parameters, but some of the priorities may overlap. For example, the first parameter type set may include the first image quality parameter type with the first priority and the second image quality parameter type ranked first.

[0110] [Second embodiment]

[0111] Regarding the image processing method involved in the second embodiment, using Figure 3 The flowchart of the present invention is mainly explained with the parts different from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the types of three or more image quality parameters acquired according to the imaging part are non-repeatedly assigned to each parameter type set, but in the second embodiment, a type of image quality parameter is sometimes repeatedly selected in multiple parameter type sets.

[0112] The processing of step S1 and step S2 is the same as that of the first embodiment. In step S3, the preview image display unit 74 displays the preview image of the first parameter type set on the display device 60. The first parameter type set includes the first image quality parameter type with the first priority and the second image quality parameter type with the second priority.

[0113] Figure 6 3 is a diagram showing an example of a preview image displayed on the display device 60 . Figure 6 F6A in FIG. 6A represents the preview image IPB1 displayed in step S3. The preview image IPB1 is the same image as the preview image IPA1 in the first embodiment. That is, the nine candidate images ICA1 included in the preview image IPB1 are11 、ICA1 12 、ICA1 13 、ICA121、ICA1 22 、ICA1 23 、ICA1 31 、ICA1 32 、ICA1 33 The images are obtained by performing image processing using respective combinations of three candidate values ​​P1A, P1B, and P1C of the first image quality parameter type and three candidate values ​​P2A, P2B, and P2C of the second image quality parameter type.

[0114] In step S4, the user uses the input device 50 to select nine candidate images ICA1 of the preview image IPB1. 11 、ICA1 12 、ICA1 13 、ICA121、ICA1 22 、ICA1 23 、ICA1 31 、ICA1 32 、ICA1 33 The selection operation accepting unit 76 accepts a selection operation of a candidate image.

[0115] The image quality parameter value determination unit 78 determines the candidate value of the type of the first image quality parameter corresponding to the candidate image selected in step S4 as the set value of the type of the first image quality parameter. 21 , then the setting value of the type of the first image quality parameter is determined to be P1B. And, if the selected candidate image is the candidate image ICA1 33 , the setting value of the first image quality parameter type is determined to be P1C. In addition, the setting value of the second image quality parameter type is not determined at this point in time.

[0116] Next, in step S5 , the preview image display unit 74 displays the preview image of the second parameter type set on the display device 60 . Figure 6 F6B represents the preview image IPB2 displayed in step S5.

[0117] In the second embodiment, the second parameter type set includes the type of the second image quality parameter and the type of the third image quality parameter with the third priority. Here, it is assumed that the type of the second image quality parameter has three candidate values ​​P2D, P2E, and P2F, and the type of the third image quality parameter has three candidate values ​​P3A, P3B, and P3C.

[0118] Here, it is preferable that the range of multiple candidate values of the second image quality parameter type in the second parameter type set is relatively narrower than the range of multiple candidate values of the second image quality parameter type in the first parameter type set. That is, if P2A < P2B < P2C and P2D < P2E < P2F, it is preferable to satisfy the relationship (P2C - P2A) > (P2F - P2D).

[0119] Moreover, it is preferable that the range of multiple candidate values of the second image quality parameter type in the second parameter type set includes the candidate value of the second image quality parameter type corresponding to the candidate image selected in step S4. That is, if the candidate value of the second image quality parameter type corresponding to the candidate image selected in step S4 is set as P2Z, it is preferable to satisfy the relationship P2D ≤ P2Z ≤ P2F.

[0120] The number of multiple candidate values of the second image quality parameter type in the second parameter type set may also be relatively less than the number of multiple candidate values of the second image quality parameter type in the first parameter type set.

[0121] The preview image generation unit 72 performs image processing of the medical imaging data for each combination of each candidate value of the second image quality parameter type and each candidate value of the third image quality parameter type (that is, nine combinations: P2D × P3A, P2D × P3B, P2D × P3C, P2E × P3A, P2E × P3B, P2E × P3C, P2F × P3A, P2F × P3B, P2F × P3C), and generates nine candidate images ICB2 11 、ICB2 12 、ICB2 13 、ICB2 21 、ICB2 22 、ICB2 23 、ICB2 31 、ICB2 32 、ICB2 33 。

[0122] Furthermore, the preview image generation unit 72 generates a preview image IPB2 in which the nine candidate images ICB211, ICB2 12 、ICB213、ICB2 21 、ICB2 22 、ICB2 23 、ICB2 31 、ICB2 32 、ICB2 33 are two-dimensionally arranged with the second image quality parameter type as the vertical axis and the third image quality parameter type as the horizontal axis. The preview image IPB2 may also have the second image quality parameter type as the horizontal axis and the third image quality parameter type as the vertical axis.

[0123] In step S6, the user uses the input device 50 to select one of the nine candidate images ICB2 of the preview image IPB2. The selection operation acceptance unit 76 accepts the selection operation of the candidate image. 11 、ICB2 12 、ICB2 13 、ICB2 21 、ICB2 22 、ICB2 23 、ICB2 31 、ICB2 32 、ICB2 33 The image quality parameter value determination unit 78 determines the candidate value of the type of the second image quality parameter corresponding to the candidate image selected in step S6 as the set value of the type of the second image quality parameter. In addition, the set value of the type of the third image quality parameter is not determined at this point.

[0124] Next, the preview image display unit 74 displays the preview image of the third parameter type set on the display device 60.

[0125] F6C of represents the preview image IPB3. Figure 6 的F6C表示预览图像IPB3。

[0126] The third parameter type set includes the type of the third image quality parameter and the type of the fourth image quality parameter with the fourth priority. It is assumed that the type of the third image quality parameter has three candidate values P3D, P3E, and P3F, and the type of the fourth image quality parameter has three candidate values P4A, P4B, and P4C. In addition, similar to the second parameter type set, if P3A < P3B < P3C and P3D < P3E < P3F, it is preferable to satisfy the relationship (P3C - P3A) > (P3F - P3D). And if the candidate value of the type of the third image quality parameter corresponding to the candidate image selected in step S6 is set as P3Z, it is preferable to satisfy the relationship P3D ≤ P3Z ≤ P3F.

[0127] The preview image generation unit 72 performs image processing of the medical imaging data for each combination of the candidate values of the type of the third image quality parameter and the candidate values of the type of the fourth image quality parameter (that is, nine combinations of P3D×P4A, P3D×P4B, P3D×P4C, P3E×P4A, P3E×P4B, P3E×P4C, P3F×P4A, P3F×P4B, and P3F×P4C) respectively, and generates nine candidate images ICB3 11 、ICB3 12 、ICB3 13 、ICB3 21 、ICB3 22 、ICB3 23 、ICB3 31 、ICB3 32 、ICB333 .

[0128] Furthermore, the preview image generating unit 72 generates nine candidate images ICB3 arranged two-dimensionally with the type of the third image quality parameter as the vertical axis and the type of the fourth image quality parameter as the horizontal axis. 11 、ICB3 12 、ICB3 13 、ICB3 21 、ICB3 22 、ICB3 23 、ICB3 31 、ICB3 32 、ICB3 33 Preview image of IPB3.

[0129] Next, the user uses the input device 50 to select nine candidate images ICB3 of the preview image IPB3. 11 、ICB3 12 、ICB3 13 、ICB3 21 、ICB3 22 、ICB3 23 、ICB3 31 、ICB3 32 、ICB3 33 The selection operation accepting unit 76 accepts a selection operation of a candidate image.

[0130] The image quality parameter value determination unit 78 determines the candidate value of the third image quality parameter type corresponding to the selected candidate image as the set value of the third image quality parameter type. In addition, the set value of the fourth image quality parameter type has not been determined at this point.

[0131] In this way, with respect to the types of three or more image quality parameters acquired according to the imaging part, if K is set to an integer, a preview image of a plurality of candidate images is displayed for a parameter type set of the type of the (K)th image quality parameter and the type of the (K+1)th image quality parameter combined in order of high priority, and a setting value of the type of the (K)th image quality parameter with high priority is determined.

[0132] Similarly, step S7 and step S8 are executed to determine the set value for the (N)th parameter type set. In addition, regarding the type of image quality parameter with the lowest priority, multiple candidate values ​​of the type of image quality parameter are used to perform image processing on the medical imaging data to generate multiple candidate images, and a preview image in which the multiple candidate images are arranged in one dimension is generated, so that the user can select any candidate image.

[0133] According to the first embodiment, by setting the second parameter type set to the third image quality parameter type and the fourth image quality parameter type, the following effect is achieved: the setting value of the subsequent image quality parameter type can be quickly determined without considering the first image quality parameter type and the second image quality parameter type whose setting values ​​have already been determined.

[0134] On the other hand, according to the second embodiment, by setting the second parameter type set to the type of the second image quality parameter and the type of the third image quality parameter, the type of the second image quality parameter for selecting the candidate image in the first parameter type set is repeated for re-evaluation, and the following effect can be achieved: the compatibility of the type of the second image quality parameter with the combination of other image quality parameter types can be considered in more detail.

[0135] The first embodiment and the second embodiment may be used in a differentiated manner. For example, the set value may be determined by considering in detail the type of image quality parameter with a relatively high priority among three or more types of image quality parameters as in the second embodiment, and the set value may be quickly determined for the type of image quality parameter with a relatively low priority as in the first embodiment.

[0136] [Third embodiment]

[0137] In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the image quality parameter value determination unit 78 determines the candidate value of the type of image quality parameter corresponding to the candidate image selected from the preview image as the set value, and stores the determined set value in the memory 44 (an example of a "storage unit") according to the type of image quality parameter. In addition, the set value can be stored for each determined doctor or for each hospital including multiple doctors.

[0138] Furthermore, when setting values ​​of each type of image quality parameter for a certain number of patients are stored, the preview image generating unit 72 may emphasize candidate images processed with the candidate value selected most frequently in each type of image quality parameter.

[0139] Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing an example of a preview image according to the third embodiment. The nine candidate images ICC1 included in the preview image IPC 11 、ICC1 12 、ICC1 13 、ICC1 21 、ICC1 22 、ICC1 23 、ICC1 31 、ICC1 32 、ICC1 33An image obtained by performing image processing of medical imaging data on respective combinations of three candidate values ​​P1A, P1B, P1C of the first image quality parameter type and three candidate values ​​P2A, P2B, P2C of the second image quality parameter type (i.e., nine combinations of P1A×P2A, P1A×P2B, P1A×P2C, P1B×P2A, P1B×P2B, P1B×P2C, P1C×P2A, P1C×P2B, and P1C×P2C).

[0140] Here, it is assumed that the most selected candidate value for the first image quality parameter type is P1B, and the most selected candidate value for the second image quality parameter type is P2C. In this case, the preview image generating unit 72 selects the candidate image ICC1 which is a combination of P1B×P2C. 23 (An example of "first candidate image") With respect to the candidate image ICC1 23 The candidate images other than (an example of "the second candidate image") are emphasized. Figure 7 In the preview image IPC shown, the candidate image ICC1 23 The image is emphasized by being surrounded by a frame FR.

[0141] Thus, since the candidate values ​​of the types of image quality parameters that were frequently selected in the past serve as guide information, it is possible to easily and intuitively select a candidate image for determining a setting value for each type of image quality parameter.

[0142] In addition, the emphasis of the candidate image is not limited to the method of enclosing it with the frame FR, and any method is sufficient as long as the user can recognize that the candidate image is emphasized.

[0143] [Fourth embodiment]

[0144] The priority assigned to the types of image quality parameters may be such that a relatively higher priority is assigned to the type of image quality parameter having a larger difference in preference of setting value.

[0145] As in the third embodiment, the image quality parameter value determination unit 78 stores the determined setting values ​​in the memory 44 for each type of image quality parameter. When the setting values ​​of each type of image quality parameter for a certain number of patients are stored, the processor 42 reads the setting values ​​determined in the past for each type of image quality parameter from the memory 44, and calculates the deviation of the setting values ​​for each type of image quality parameter. Then, a relatively higher priority is newly assigned to the type of image quality parameter with a relatively larger deviation of the setting values.

[0146] That is, the type of image quality parameter with a large deviation in the setting value is considered to be the type of image quality parameter with a deviation in the user's preference, and is therefore re-assigned a high priority. On the other hand, the type of image quality parameter with a small deviation in the setting value is considered to be the type of image quality parameter with a low probability of the user selecting the setting value, and is therefore re-assigned a low priority. The type of image quality parameter with a small deviation in the setting value can be deleted from the types of three or more image quality parameters acquired according to the imaging part. At this time, the image quality parameter with a small deviation in the setting value can also use the average value as a fixed value.

[0147] Then, the processor 42 performs the same processing as that of the first and second embodiments based on the newly assigned priorities.

[0148] In this way, the processor 42 performs processing from the factory to the accumulation of set values ​​according to the priority assigned in step S2. Furthermore, when the set values ​​of the types of image quality parameters for a certain number of patients are accumulated, the types of image quality parameters with deviations in preference are automatically extracted and re-arranged by assigning priorities corresponding to the deviations in the set values.

[0149] For example, assuming that the imaging part is the "head", the first priority assigned by the user is "spatial resolution", the second is "S / N ratio (noise reduction strength)", the third is "edge enhancement strength", and the fourth is "contrast".

[0150] Then, when the deviation of the setting value of "edge enhancement strength" is relatively small as a result of calculating the deviation of the setting value for each type of image quality parameter, the processor 42 relatively lowers the priority of "edge enhancement strength". That is, when the imaging part is "head", the priorities re-assigned are "spatial resolution" at the first place, "S / N ratio (noise reduction strength)" at the second place, "contrast" at the third place, and "edge enhancement strength" at the fourth place.

[0151] Furthermore, when the deviation of the setting value of "edge enhancement strength" is relatively small, the processor 42 may delete "edge enhancement strength" from the types of image quality parameters selected according to the imaging part "head". That is, when the imaging part is "head", the priorities reassigned may be "spatial resolution" at the first place, "S / N ratio (noise reduction strength)" at the second place, and "contrast" at the third place. In this case, regarding "edge enhancement strength", the processor 42 only needs to process the average value of the setting values ​​with small deviation as a fixed value.

[0152] According to the fourth embodiment, the setting value can be preferentially selected from among the multiple types of image quality parameters, with preference given to the type of image quality parameter that is prone to deviation (i.e., the type of image quality parameter that is important to the user). Thus, the parameter database of a certain number of medical images, such as hundreds of cases, can be used to assist the user in determining the setting value of the type of image quality parameter.

[0153] [Fifth embodiment]

[0154] Figure 8 1 is a flowchart showing the steps of a medical image processing method according to a fifth embodiment of the medical image processing apparatus 40. In the fifth embodiment, each parameter type set includes three types of image quality parameters.

[0155] The processes of step S11 and step S12 are the same as the processes of step S1 and step S2 in the first embodiment.

[0156] In step S13 , the preview image display unit 74 generates a preview image of the first parameter type set and displays it on the display device 60 .

[0157] The first parameter type set includes a first image quality parameter type with a first priority, a second image quality parameter type with a second priority, and a third image quality parameter type with a third priority. Here, it is assumed that the first image quality parameter type has three candidate values ​​P1A, P1B, and P1C, the second image quality parameter type has three candidate values ​​P2A, P2B, and P2C, and the third image quality parameter type has three candidate values ​​P3A, P3B, and P3C.

[0158] The preview image generating unit 72 selects each combination of candidate values ​​of the first image quality parameter type, each candidate value of the second image quality parameter type, and each candidate value of the third image quality parameter type (i.e., P1A×P2A×P3A, P1A×P2A×P3B, P1A×P2A×P3C, P1A×P2B×P3A, P1A×P2B×P3B, P1A×P2B×P3C, P1A×P2C×P3A, P1A×P2C×P3B, P1A×P2C×P3C, P1B×P2A×P3A, P1B×P2A×P3B, P1B×P2A×P3B, P1B×P2A×P3C, P1B×P2B×P3A, P1B×P2B×P3B, P1B×P2B×P3C, P1B×P2B×P3A, P1B×P2B×P3B, P1B×P2B×P3C, P1B×P2B×P3A, P1B×P2B×P3B, P1B×P2B×P3C, P1B×P2B×P3A, P1B×P2B×P3B, P1B 1B×P2B×P3C, P1B×P2C×P3A, P1B×P2C×P3B, P1B×P2C×P3C, P1C × P2A × P3A, P1C×P2A×P3B, P1C×P2A×P3C, P1C×P2B×P3A, P1C×P2B×P3B, P1C×P2B×P3C, P1C×P2C×P3A, P1C×P2C×P3B, P1C×P2C×P3C, and generate 27 candidate images ICD1 111 、ICD1 112 、ICD1 113 、ICD1 121 、ICD1 122 、ICD1 123 、ICD1 131 、ICD1 132 、ICD1 133 、ICD1 211 、ICD1 212 、ICD1 213 、ICD1 221 、ICD1 222 、ICD1 223 、ICD1 231 、ICD1 232 、ICD1 233 、ICD1 311 、ICD1 312 、ICD1 313 、ICD1 321 、ICD1 322 、ICD1 323 、ICD1 331 、ICD1 332 、ICD1 333 .

[0159] Furthermore, the preview image generating unit 72 generates preview images for each type of value of the third image quality parameter among the 27 types of candidate images.

[0160] Here, the preview image generating unit 72 generates nine candidate images ICD in which the candidate value of the third image quality parameter type is P3A (an example of the “first candidate value”) among the 27 candidate images is two-dimensionally arranged with the type of the first image quality parameter as the vertical axis and the type of the second image quality parameter as the horizontal axis. 111 、ICD1 121 、ICD1 131 、ICD1 211 、ICD1 221 、ICD1 231 、ICD1 311 、ICD1 321 、ICD1 331 A preview image IPD11 (an example of a “first preview image”) is shown.

[0161] Then, the preview image generating unit 72 generates nine candidate images ICD1 in which the candidate value of the third image quality parameter type is P3B (an example of the “second candidate value”) among the 27 candidate images is two-dimensionally arranged with the type of the first image quality parameter as the vertical axis and the type of the second image quality parameter as the horizontal axis. 112 、ICD1 122 、ICD1 132 、ICD1 212 、ICD1 222 、ICD1 232 、ICD1 312 、ICD1 322 、ICD1 332 The preview image IPD12 (an example of a “second preview image”) is displayed.

[0162] Similarly, the preview image generating unit 72 generates nine candidate images ICD in which the candidate value of the third image quality parameter type is P3C among the 27 candidate images, with the first image quality parameter type as the vertical axis and the second image quality parameter type as the horizontal axis. 1113 、ICD1 123 、ICD1 133 、ICD1 213 、ICD1 223 、ICD1 233 、ICD1 313 、ICD1 323 、ICD1 333 Preview image of IPD13.

[0163] Fig. 9 3 is a diagram showing an example of a preview image displayed on the display device 60 . Fig. 9F9A shows the preview image IPD11. A scroll bar SB is displayed on the right side of the preview image IPD11. The scroll bar SB includes a scroll area SA extending linearly in the vertical direction and a scroll knob SN movable in the vertical direction within the scroll area SA.

[0164] In the state shown in F9A, the scroll bar SB is located at the upper part in the scroll area SA. Here, the position of the scroll bar SB in the scroll area SA corresponds to the candidate value of the third image quality parameter type. The user can move the scroll bar SB in the scroll area SA by using the input device 50 .

[0165] When the user moves the scroll bar SB to the center of the scroll area SA (an example of a “switching operation”), the preview image display unit 74 displays the preview image IPD12 of the candidate value P3B of the third image quality parameter type of the first parameter type set on the display device 60 . Fig. 9 F9B indicates the preview image IPD12.

[0166] Then, when the user moves the scroll bar SB to the lower part in the scroll area SA, the preview image display unit 74 displays the preview image IPD13 whose candidate value of the third image quality parameter type of the first parameter type set is P3C on the display device 60 . Fig. 9 F9C indicates the preview image IPD13.

[0167] In step S14, the user operates the scroll bar SB to select one of the preview images IPD11, IPD12, and IPD13 displayed on the display device 16. The selection operation accepting unit 76 accepts the selection operation of the preview image. This user's behavior corresponds to selecting a candidate value of the third image quality parameter type.

[0168] In step S15, the user selects one candidate image from the preview images displayed on the display device 16 using the input device 50. The selection operation accepting unit 76 accepts the selection operation of the candidate image.

[0169] That is, when the preview image IPD11 is displayed, the user selects nine candidate images ICD 1111 、ICD1 121 、ICD1 131 、ICD1 211 、ICD1 221 、ICD1 231 、ICD1 311 、ICD1 321 、ICD1 331 When the preview image IPD12 is displayed, the user selects nine candidate images ICD 112、ICD1 122 、ICD1 132 、ICD1 212 、ICD1 222 、ICD1 232 、ICD1 312 、ICD1 322 、ICD1 332 When the preview image IPD13 is displayed, the user selects nine candidate images ICD 1113 、ICD1 123 、ICD1 133 、ICD1 213 、ICD1 223 、ICD1 233 、ICD1 313 、ICD1 323 、ICD1 333 The user's behavior is equivalent to selecting a candidate value of the first image quality parameter type and a candidate value of the second image quality parameter type.

[0170] The image quality parameter value determination unit 78 determines the candidate value of the third image quality parameter type corresponding to the preview image selected in step S14 and the candidate values ​​of the first image quality parameter type and the candidate values ​​of the second image quality parameter type corresponding to the candidate image selected in step S15 as setting values ​​of the respective image quality parameter types.

[0171] Next, in step S16, the preview image display unit 74 generates a plurality of preview images of the second parameter type set, and displays any one of the preview images on the display device 60. The second parameter type set includes the fourth image quality parameter type with the fourth priority, the fifth image quality parameter type with the fifth priority, and the sixth image quality parameter type with the sixth priority.

[0172] In step S17, the user selects a preview image from the plurality of preview images of the second parameter type set using input device 50. Selection operation accepting unit 76 accepts an operation to select a preview image.

[0173] In step S18, the user selects one candidate image from the preview images selected in step S17 using the input device 50. The selection operation accepting unit 76 accepts the selection operation of the candidate image. Thus, the setting value is determined for the second parameter type set.

[0174] Similarly, step S19, step S20 and step S21 are executed to determine the setting value for the (N)th parameter type set.

[0175] Finally, in step S22 , the final image generator 80 applies the determined setting values ​​of the types of the image quality parameters to perform image processing on the acquired medical imaging data to generate a medical image as a final image.

[0176] According to the fifth embodiment, when setting values ​​of a plurality of types of image quality parameters are determined, the parameters can be determined in a shorter time than when two are determined at a time as in the first embodiment.

[0177] The method of determining the set values ​​in the image quality parameter value determination unit 78 is not limited to the example of determining three at a time. For example, the image quality parameter value determination unit 78 may determine the candidate value of the type of the first image quality parameter corresponding to the candidate image selected in step S4 as the set value of the type of the first image quality parameter, and may not determine the set values ​​for the types of the second image quality parameter and the third image quality parameter.

[0178] In this case, the second parameter type set in step S5 includes the type of the second image quality parameter, the type of the third image quality parameter, and the type of the fourth image quality parameter with the fourth priority. As in the second embodiment, the range of the plurality of candidate values ​​of the type of the second image quality parameter of the second parameter type set is relatively narrower than the range of the plurality of candidate values ​​of the type of the second image quality parameter of the first parameter type set. Furthermore, the range of the plurality of candidate values ​​of the type of the second image quality parameter of the second parameter type set includes the set value of the type of the second image quality parameter of the first parameter type set. The range of the candidate values ​​of the type of the third image quality parameter is also the same.

[0179] Furthermore, the image quality parameter value determination unit 78 may also determine the candidate value of the first image quality parameter type and the candidate value of the second image quality parameter type corresponding to the candidate image selected in step S4 as the set value of the first image quality parameter type and the set value of the second image quality parameter type, respectively, while not determining the set value for the third image quality parameter type.

[0180] In this case, the second parameter type set in step S5 includes the type of the third image quality parameter, the type of the fourth image quality parameter with the fourth priority, and the type of the fifth image quality parameter with the fifth priority. As in the second embodiment, the range of multiple candidate values ​​of the type of the third image quality parameter in the second parameter type set is relatively narrower than the range of multiple candidate values ​​of the type of the third image quality parameter in the first parameter type set. Furthermore, the range of multiple candidate values ​​of the type of the third image quality parameter in the second parameter type set includes the set value of the type of the third image quality parameter in the first parameter type set.

[0181] Furthermore, the position of the scroll bar SB is not limited to the position adjacent to the preview image. Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a preview image in which the scroll bar is arranged at a different position. Fig.10As shown, it only needs to be arranged in the screen of the display device 60. In addition, the scroll bar SB may include a scroll area SA extending linearly in the left-right direction and a scroll knob SN movable in the left-right direction in the scroll area SA.

[0182] Furthermore, preview images other than the preview image corresponding to the position of the scroll bar SB may be displayed. Preview images other than the preview image corresponding to the position of the scroll bar SB may also be displayed so that a part of the preview image is hidden behind the preview image corresponding to the position of the scroll bar SB. Fig.10 In the example shown, the preview image corresponding to the position of the scroll bar SB is the preview image IPD11, and the preview images IPD12 and IPD13 are partially displayed hidden behind the preview image IPD11. By displaying in this way, the user can recognize the existence of preview images other than the preview image corresponding to the position of the scroll bar SB.

[0183] Furthermore, switching of the preview images is not limited to the method using the scroll bar. Fig.11 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a preview image that can be switched by a method other than a scroll bar. Fig.11 As shown, each preview image may be displayed in a space having depth (so-called flip 3D display). The user can select a desired preview image by operating the input device 50. Furthermore, the front preview image may be switched by operating the input device 50.

[0184] [Sixth embodiment]

[0185] In the case where the candidate image is a three-dimensional image and the images included in the preview image are slice images of the candidate image, the slice position may be switched using a scroll bar.

[0186] Fig.12 3 is a diagram showing an example of a preview image displayed on the display device 60 . Fig.12 The candidate images included in the preview image IPE1 (an example of the "third preview image") shown in F12A are slice images at the same slice position (an example of the "first slice position") in the same direction. As shown in F12A, a scroll bar SB is displayed on the right side of the preview image IPE1. Here, the position of the scroll bar SB in the scroll area SA corresponds to the slice position of the candidate image. The user can move the scroll bar SB in the scroll area SA by using the input device 50.

[0187] When the user moves (an example of a “switch operation”) the scroll bar SB, the preview image display unit 74 displays a preview image IPE2 that is different from the preview image IPE1 . Fig.12F12B shows a preview image IPE2 (an example of a “fourth preview image”). The slice positions of each candidate image of the preview image IPE2 (an example of a “second slice position”) are different from the slice positions of each candidate image of the preview image IPE1.

[0188] The selection operation accepting unit 76 accepts a selection operation of selecting one candidate image from the preview image IPE1 or the preview image IPE2 .

[0189] According to the sixth embodiment, the preview images of slice images at different slice positions can be displayed, so the user can select appropriate values ​​for each type of image quality parameter. A switch button for changing the slice direction can be displayed together with the preview image.

[0190] <Others>

[0191] The medical image processing device, medical image processing method and program, and image diagnosis system of the present invention can also be applied to image processing devices, image processing methods and programs, and image diagnosis systems that use natural images other than medical images. For example, they can be applied to inspection techniques for detecting defects such as cracks from camera data of social infrastructure such as transportation, electricity, gas, and tap water.

[0192] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above-mentioned embodiment. The structure and the like in each embodiment can be appropriately combined between the embodiments within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention.

Claims

1. A medical image processing device, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions for the processor to execute, The processor performs the following processing: Acquiring medical imaging data; Displaying on a display device a preview image in which a plurality of candidate images obtained by performing image processing on the medical imaging data by combining a plurality of mutually different candidate values ​​of one image quality parameter type and a plurality of mutually different candidate values ​​of another image quality parameter type for a parameter type set of two types of image quality parameters among three or more types of image quality parameters related to the image quality of a medical image generated from the medical imaging data are two-dimensionally arranged with the type of the one image quality parameter as one axis and the type of the another image quality parameter as another axis; accepting a selection operation of selecting one of the candidate images from the preview images; and determining at least one of the candidate value of the one image quality parameter type and the candidate value of the other image quality parameter type corresponding to the candidate image subjected to the selection operation as a set value of the image quality parameter type, In the medical image processing device, The three or more types of image quality parameters are assigned priorities respectively. After determining the setting value for a first parameter type set including the first image quality parameter type with the first priority and the second image quality parameter type with the second priority, determining the setting value for a second parameter type set different from the first parameter type set, The medical image is generated by performing image processing on the medical imaging data by applying the set values ​​of each of the three or more types of image quality parameters.

2. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The processor determines the setting value of the first image quality parameter type and the setting value of the second image quality parameter type for the first parameter type set, The second parameter type set includes the third image quality parameter type with the third priority and the fourth image quality parameter type with the fourth priority.

3. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The processor determines the setting value of the type of the first image quality parameter for the first parameter type set, The second parameter type set includes the type of the second image quality parameter and the type of the third image quality parameter with the third priority.

4. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: The range of the multiple candidate values ​​of the type of the second image quality parameter of the second parameter type set is relatively narrower than the range of the multiple candidate values ​​of the type of the second image quality parameter of the first parameter type set, and includes the candidate values ​​of the type of the second image quality parameter of the first parameter type set corresponding to the candidate image on which the selection operation has been performed.

5. The medical image processing device according to claim 1, comprising a storage unit, The storage unit stores the previously determined setting values ​​of the three or more types of image quality parameters. The processor performs the following processing: In the preview image, the first candidate image corresponding to the combination of the setting value that was most determined in the past for the type of the one image quality parameter and the setting value that was most determined in the past for the type of the other image quality parameter is emphasized more than the second candidate image that is different from the first candidate image.

6. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The processor performs the following processing: Acquiring an imaging part of the medical imaging data; and The types of the three or more image quality parameters are acquired according to the imaging part.

7. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The type of the image quality parameter having a relatively larger deviation of the setting value determined in the past is given a relatively higher priority.

8. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The first parameter type set also includes the third image quality parameter type with the third priority. The processor performs the following processing: Displaying on a display device a first preview image of a plurality of candidate images of the first candidate value of the third image quality parameter type among a plurality of candidate images obtained by performing image processing on the medical imaging data by combining a plurality of candidate values ​​of the first image quality parameter type, a plurality of candidate values ​​of the second image quality parameter type, and a plurality of candidate values ​​of the third image quality parameter type, two-dimensionally arranging the plurality of candidate images; receiving a switching operation of the candidate value for switching the type of the third image quality parameter; Displaying a second preview image of the plurality of candidate images in which a second candidate value different from the first candidate value of the type of the third image quality parameter is two-dimensionally arranged in response to the switching operation; accepting a selection operation of selecting one of the candidate images from the first preview image or the second preview image; and At least the candidate value of the type of the first image quality parameter corresponding to the candidate image subjected to the selection operation is determined as a set value of the type of the first image quality parameter.

9. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: The processor performs the following processing: determining the candidate value of the type of the second image quality parameter corresponding to the candidate image subjected to the selection operation as a set value of the type of the second image quality parameter; and The candidate value of the type of the third image quality parameter corresponding to the candidate image subjected to the selection operation is determined as a set value of the type of the third image quality parameter.

10. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The candidate image is a three-dimensional image, The processor performs the following processing: displaying a third preview image of the slice image at the first slice position of each of the plurality of candidate images arranged two-dimensionally; Accepting a switching operation for switching the slice positions of the plurality of candidate images; Displaying a fourth preview image in which slice images of a second slice position different from the first slice position are two-dimensionally arranged in response to the switching operation; and A selection operation of selecting one of the candidate images from the third preview image or the fourth preview image is accepted.

11. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The processor performs the following operations: The medical imaging data is subjected to image processing using the setting values ​​determined for the first parameter type set to generate a plurality of candidate images for the second parameter type set.

12. An image diagnostic system comprising: The medical image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11; An image diagnosis device for capturing the medical imaging data; the display device; and The input device is used for the user to perform a selection operation of selecting one of the candidate images from the preview images.

13. The image diagnosis system according to claim 12, wherein: The image diagnosis device is an MRI device, that is, a magnetic resonance imaging device.

14. A medical image processing method, wherein: At least one processor performs the following processing: Acquiring medical imaging data; Displaying on a display device a preview image in which a plurality of candidate images obtained by performing image processing on the medical imaging data by combining a plurality of mutually different candidate values ​​of one image quality parameter type and a plurality of mutually different candidate values ​​of another image quality parameter type for a parameter type set of two types of image quality parameters among three or more types of image quality parameters related to the image quality of a medical image generated from the medical imaging data are two-dimensionally arranged with the type of the one image quality parameter as one axis and the type of the another image quality parameter as another axis; accepting a selection operation of selecting one of the candidate images from the preview images; and determining at least one of the candidate value of the one image quality parameter type and the candidate value of the other image quality parameter type corresponding to the candidate image subjected to the selection operation as a setting value of the image quality parameter type, In the medical image processing method, The three or more types of image quality parameters are assigned priorities respectively. After determining the setting value for a first parameter type set including the first image quality parameter type with the first priority and the second image quality parameter type with the second priority, determining the setting value for a second parameter type set different from the first parameter type set, The medical image is generated by performing image processing on the medical imaging data by applying the set values ​​of each of the three or more types of image quality parameters. 15 . A program product which, when executed by a computer, causes a processor provided in the computer to execute the medical image processing method according to claim 14 . 16 . A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon, wherein when the program is executed by a computer, the program causes a processor provided in the computer to execute the medical image processing method according to claim 14 .

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