Image processing apparatus, image processing method, computer program product, and storage medium

Abstract

Provided is an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, a computer program product, and a storage medium, in which a user can confirm whether a tilt image can be properly generated before the tilt image is generated. The image processing apparatus includes a processor and generates a tilt image that is an image of a tilt cross section obtained by tilting a cross-sectional tomographic image obtained by photographing a subject with a tomographic imaging apparatus, in which the processor performs first control to display the tomographic image and performs second control to display a range in the tomographic image used to generate the tilt image in a recognizable manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and an image processing program. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a CT device that generates tilted images without using a tilting mechanism of a gantry.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-024233

[0004] In the acquisition of tomographic images such as CT images, the tomographic image representing the axial section is displayed on a monitor, allowing users such as radiologists to confirm the imaging status. Furthermore, as described in Patent Document 1, a technique for generating tilted images (also known as digital tilted images) without using a tilting mechanism of a gantry is known. After the tomographic image is acquired, when a tilted image is generated from it, sometimes the user discovers that the image quality of the tilted image does not meet the requirements for image interpretation. In this case, the user cannot determine whether to re-acquire the tomographic image before the tilted image generation is complete, causing the patient to wait until the tilted image generation is finished. Therefore, it is preferable to be able to confirm whether the tilted image generation can be performed appropriately before the tilted image is generated.

[0005] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, the user can confirm the reconstruction range of the tilt image during the imaging of the positioning image before the tomographic image is captured. However, sometimes the tilt image cannot be properly generated due to factors such as deviation of the subject's position. In this case, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is impossible to confirm whether the tilt image can be properly generated until the tomographic image is captured and the tilt image generation is completed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide an image processing apparatus, image processing method and image processing program that allows a user to confirm whether a tilted image can be properly generated before the tilted image is generated.

[0007] The image processing apparatus of the present invention includes a processor and generates a tilted image, which is an image of a tilted cross section tilted by tilting a tomographic image representing an axial cross section that can be obtained by a tomographic imaging device from an examination subject. The processor performs a first control to display the tomographic image and a second control to identifiably display the range in the tomographic image used to generate the tilted image.

[0008] In the image processing method of the present invention, the processor of the image processing apparatus for generating a tilted image performs the following processing: performing a first control to display a tomographic image, and performing a second control to identifiablely display the range in the tomographic image for generating the tilted image, wherein the tilted image is an image of a tilted section that is tilted by tilting and rotating a tomographic image representing an axial section obtained by a tomographic imaging apparatus from a subject.

[0009] The image processing program of the present invention causes the processor of the image processing apparatus for generating a tilted image to perform the following processing: performing a first control to display a tomographic image, and performing a second control to identifiablely display the range in the tomographic image for generating the tilted image, wherein the tilted image is an image of a tilted section that is tilted by tilting and rotating a tomographic image representing an axial section obtained by a tomographic imaging apparatus from a subject.

[0010] Invention Effects

[0011] According to the present invention, the user can confirm whether a tilted image can be properly generated before the tilted image is generated. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a tomographic imaging system.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of a console.

[0014] Figure 3 It is a diagram used to illustrate an inclined section.

[0015] Figure 4 It is a diagram used to illustrate the extent in a tomographic image that is not used to generate an oblique image.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a block diagram representing an example of the functional structure of a console.

[0017] Figure 6 This is an example of a display screen.

[0018] Figure 7 This is an example of a display screen.

[0019] Figure 8 This is an example of a display screen.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of tomographic image processing.

[0021] Symbol Explanation

[0022] 10-Computed Tomography System, 11-CT Unit, 12-Control Console, 18-Gantry, 18A-Opening, 19-Bed Unit, 19A-Bed Board, 21-Radiation Source, 22-Radiation Detector, 23-Frame, 24-Irradiation Field Limiter, 25-DAS, 26-High Voltage Generator, 31-CPU, 32-Memory, 33-Storage Unit, 34-Display, 35-Input Device, 36-Network I / F, 37-Bus, 40-Image Processing Program, 50-Acquisition Unit, 52-Receiving Unit, 54-Export Unit, 56-Photography Control Unit, 58-Reconstruction Unit, 60-Display Control Unit, 62-Decision Unit, 64-Generation Unit, H-Subject, L-Line. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, examples of methods for implementing the technology of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0024] First, refer to Figure 1 The structure of the tomographic imaging system 10 will be described. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the tomographic imaging system 10 of this embodiment includes a CT device 11 and a control console 12.

[0025] The CT apparatus 11 obtains a tomographic image of the subject H by using X-rays, an example of radiation, to image the subject H. The CT apparatus 11 is an example of a tomographic imaging apparatus according to the invention. CT images captured by the CT apparatus 11 are configured to include multiple tomographic images. The CT apparatus 11 includes a gantry 18 and a bed assembly 19. Figure 1 This is a frontal view of the frame 18 and bed assembly 19. The bed assembly 19 includes a bed plate 19A capable of holding the subject H in a supine position. Hereinafter, the long side of the bed plate 19A will be defined as the Z-axis, the short side as the X-axis, and the vertical direction as the Y-axis. The bed plate 19A can move along the Z-axis while remaining horizontal. The frame 18 is generally annular in shape, and a circular opening 18A with a diameter larger than the width of the bed plate 19A is formed in the center. During imaging, the bed plate 19A, holding the subject H, moves relative to the frame 18 along the Z-axis, thereby entering the opening 18A. Imaging is performed while the bed plate 19A is moved relative to the frame 18.

[0026] A radiation source 21, a radiation detector 22, and a frame 23 are arranged inside the frame 18. The radiation source 21 irradiates the subject H with radiation. The radiation detector 22 detects the radiation that has passed through the subject H. The radiation that has passed through the subject H is attenuated by interaction with structures such as organs and bones within the subject H (e.g., absorption and scattering of radiation). Each structure has an inherent attenuation coefficient relative to radiation, and the radiation that has passed through the structure carries information reflecting the physical properties of the structure. The radiation detector 22 detects the radiation that reflects the physical properties of the structures within the subject H. The radiation detector 22 has a detection surface with detection elements arranged in a two-dimensional pattern, and outputs a detection signal for each detection element. Therefore, the radiation detector 22 can detect radiation at each transmission point of the structures that have passed through the subject H. Furthermore, the radiation detector 22 is approximately arc-shaped according to the curvature of the frame 18, and the detection surface is also curved.

[0027] Within the frame 18, the radiation source 21 and the radiation detector 22 are positioned opposite each other and rotate about the Z-axis while maintaining this opposing posture. The frame 23 is annular in shape and rotatably supports the radiation source 21 and the radiation detector 22. During imaging, the frame 18 rotates around the subject H on the bed plate 19A while the radiation source 21 and the radiation detector 22 acquire detection signals at multiple positions in the circumferential direction around the Z-axis corresponding to the body axis of the subject H. During imaging, the bed plate 19A also moves synchronously along the Z-axis in sync with the rotation of the radiation source 21 and the radiation detector 22.

[0028] The DAS (Data Acquisition System) 25 collects the detection signals output by the radiation detector 22, generates output data for each position around the Z-axis based on the collected detection signals, and outputs the generated output data toward the control console 12. When a subject H is present between the radiation source 21 and the radiation detector 22, the output data is projection data projected onto the subject H.

[0029] An irradiation field limiter 24 (also called a collimator) is disposed in front of the irradiation direction of the radiation source 21 to define the irradiation field of the radiation. The irradiation field limiter 24 has an irradiation opening whose outline is defined by multiple shielding plates that shield the radiation. The size of the irradiation opening can be changed by moving the shielding plates. A voltage is supplied to the radiation source 21 from a high-voltage generator 26. As an example, the radiation source 21 and the radiation detector 22 are electrically connected to the frame 23 via a slip ring, and power supply and data transmission and reception are performed via the slip ring. Through the slip ring connection, a helical scanning mode of imaging can be performed, in which the radiation source 21 and the radiation detector 22 rotate in one direction without reversing the rotation direction and instead perform imaging.

[0030] The control console 12 controls the radiation source 21 and the radiation detector 22 via a control device (not shown) on the frame 18. The control console 12 is an example of an image processing device according to the invention. The imaging conditions of the CT apparatus 11 are set by operation performed on the control console 12. These imaging conditions include the radiation exposure conditions of the radiation source 21 and the imaging range. The radiation exposure conditions include the tube voltage (kV), tube current (mA), and radiation exposure time (msec) applied to the radiation source 21. The imaging range is adjusted, for example, in the XZ plane by changing the size of the exposure opening of the exposure field limiter 24, and in the Z-axis direction by changing the range of movement of the bed plate 19A.

[0031] refer to Figure 2 The hardware structure of the console 12 described in this embodiment will be explained. Examples of console 12 include personal computers and server computers. Figure 2 As shown, the console 12 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, a memory 32 serving as a temporary storage area, and a non-volatile storage unit 33. Furthermore, the console 12 includes a display 34 such as a liquid crystal display, an input device 35 such as a keyboard and mouse, and a network I / F (Interface) 36 connected to the CT device 11. The CPU 31, memory 32, storage unit 33, display 34, input device 35, and network I / F 36 are connected to a bus 37. The CPU 31 is an example of a processor according to the technology of this invention.

[0032] The storage unit 33 is implemented using HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory, etc. The image processing program 40 is stored in the storage unit 33, which serves as the storage medium. After the CPU 31 reads the image processing program 40 from the storage unit 33, it expands it in the memory 32 and executes the expanded image processing program 40.

[0033] As an example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the console 12 of this embodiment generates a tilted image, which is an image of a tilted section obtained by tilting and rotating a tomographic image representing an axial section obtained by the CT device 11 from the subject H. Figure 3 The example shows a case where the subject is the head, as captured by the CT scanner 11. Furthermore, in... Figure 3 In the example, the area between the two dashed lines represents the photographic range along the Z-axis, and the solid rectangles represent the axial sections. Furthermore, in... Figure 3 In the example, the dashed parallelograms represent inclined sections. Inclined rotation refers to rotation about the X-axis. Figure 3 The example shows the case where the axial section is tilted by only an angle θ.

[0034] As an example, such as Figure 4 As shown, when generating a tilted image by tilting and rotating a tomographic image representing an axial section, a portion of the tomographic image contains areas not used to generate the tilted image. Figure 4 In the example, the single-dash rectangle and the double-dash rectangle represent axial sections, respectively. The images with the arrowheads of the single-dash rectangle and the double-dash rectangle as their starting points represent the tomographic images corresponding to their respective axial sections. Furthermore, the single-dash double arrowhead and the double-dash double arrowhead represent the range in the Y-axis direction (vertical direction in the tomographic image) that is not used to generate the oblique image in their respective tomographic images.

[0035] After taking a tomographic image, when generating an oblique image from the tomographic image, sometimes the user finds that the image quality of the oblique image does not meet the requirements for image interpretation. The required image quality for image interpretation includes, for example, the area to be interpreted appearing in the oblique image. In this case, the user cannot determine whether to retake the tomographic image before the oblique image generation is complete, causing the subject H to wait until the oblique image generation is finished. Therefore, the console 12 according to this embodiment has a function that allows the user to confirm whether an oblique image can be properly generated before generating the oblique image.

[0036] Next, refer to Figure 5The functional structure of console 12 will be explained. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the console 12 includes an acquisition unit 50, a receiving unit 52, an export unit 54, a photography control unit 56, a reconstruction unit 58, a display control unit 60, a determination unit 62, and a generation unit 64. The image processing program 40 executed by the CPU 31 functions as the acquisition unit 50, the receiving unit 52, the export unit 54, the photography control unit 56, the reconstruction unit 58, the display control unit 60, the determination unit 62, and the generation unit 64.

[0037] The acquisition unit 50 acquires a positioning image from the CT apparatus 11 obtained through pre-shooting to determine the imaging range of the CT image. This positioning image is, for example, a two-dimensional radiographic image obtained by irradiating radiation from the side of the head of the subject H along the X-axis. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 50 sequentially acquires projection data from the DAS 25 obtained under the control of the imaging control unit 56, which will be described later.

[0038] The receiving unit 52 receives the imaging range and tilt rotation angle θ of the CT image input by the user based on the positioning image. The exporting unit 54 exports the range in the tomographic image used to generate the tilt image based on the imaging range and angle θ received by the receiving unit 52. For example, the exporting unit 54 detects the location of the object in the imaging image using image analysis methods such as AI (Artificial Intelligence) or template matching. Then, the exporting unit 54 exports the range in the tomographic image used to generate the tilt image by tilting only the axial section within the imaging range of the detected location by the amount of rotation angle θ. The range in the tomographic image other than the exported range becomes the range in the tomographic image not used to generate the tilt image.

[0039] The photography control unit 56 controls the movement of the bed board 19A, the radiation source 21, and the radiation detector 22 according to the photography conditions, including the photography range received by the receiving unit 52, thereby performing helical scanning imaging. Through this control, projection data is sequentially output from the DAS 25.

[0040] The reconstruction unit 58 reconstructs the image based on the projection data acquired by the acquisition unit 50, thereby generating a tomographic image representing the axial section. For example, the image reconstruction based on the projection data is performed using a filtered back-projection method. In this embodiment, the reconstruction unit 58 generates tomographic images sequentially whenever the acquisition unit 50 acquires the required amount of projection data to generate the tomographic image.

[0041] The display control unit 60 controls the display of the positioning image acquired by the acquisition unit 50 on the display 34. The user, referring to the positioning image displayed on the display 34, inputs the imaging range and angle θ of the CT image via the input device 35.

[0042] The display control unit 60 performs a first control to display the tomographic image generated by the reconstruction unit 58 on the display 34. In addition to the first control, the display control unit 60 also performs a second control to recognizablely display the range used to generate the tilted image in the tomographic image exported by the export unit 54.

[0043] Specifically, as an example, such as Figure 6 As shown, the display control unit 60 performs the following control as a second control: displays objects representing the boundaries of a first region in the tomographic image used to generate the oblique image and a second region in the tomographic image not used to generate the oblique image. Figure 6 In the example, it is shown that the display control unit 60 controls the display to overlay the dashed line L as an object representing the boundary between the first and second ranges onto the tomographic image. Furthermore, in Figure 6 In the example, the area above the straight line L in the tomographic image is the first region, and the area below it is the second region. Furthermore, in Figure 6 In the example, two tomographic images representing each of two different axial sections are shown. Furthermore, the object representing the boundary between the first and second ranges is not limited to a dashed line; it can be a straight line of any type other than a dashed line, or any object other than a straight line.

[0044] Each time a tomographic image is sequentially generated by the reconstruction unit 58, the display control unit 60 controls the display of the generated tomographic image on the display 34. If the user switches the tomographic image to be displayed via the input device 35, the display control unit 60 switches the tomographic image displayed on the display 34 according to the operation, and also switches the display position of the line L to a position corresponding to the range derived by the derivation unit 54 relative to the tomographic image of the displayed object. That is, during the acquisition of tomographic images, the display control unit 60 sequentially performs first control and second control on each of the multiple tomographic images. The acquisition of tomographic images referred to here means from the start of the acquisition of tomographic images based on the control of the imaging control unit 56 (i.e., spiral scanning) until the user inputs an instruction indicating the end of the acquisition.

[0045] Furthermore, the display control unit 60, as a second control, can control the display of a first region in the tomographic image used to generate an oblique image and a second region in the tomographic image not used to generate an oblique image in different display forms. In this case, the display control unit 60, as a second control, can achieve this by performing image processing that makes the visual recognition of the second region lower than that of the first region, thus differentiating the display forms of the first and second regions. For example, as shown... Figure 7 As shown, the display control unit 60 can perform the following image processing: display the first region in the tomographic image as is, and use a preset color (in... Figure 7In the example, gray is used to fill the second range, thereby making the visual recognition of the second range lower than that of the first range.

[0046] Furthermore, as an example, such as Figure 8 As shown, the display control unit 60 can perform the following image processing: display the first region in the tomographic image as is, and use a preset color (in... Figure 8 In the example, it is gray) and the second range is filled with a preset transparency, thereby making the visual recognition of the second range lower than that of the first range.

[0047] Furthermore, for example, the display control unit 60, as a second control, can perform control such that the display pattern is different by making the brightness of the first region and the second region in the tomographic image different. As long as the first region and the second region in the tomographic image can be identified, the process of making the display pattern different is not limited to the above example.

[0048] The display control unit 60 controls the display of the tilted image generated by the generation unit 64 (described later) on the display 34.

[0049] The determination unit 62 determines whether a new tomographic image needs to be captured or not. In this embodiment, if the user inputs an instruction via the input device 35 indicating that a new tomographic image needs to be captured, the determination unit 62 determines that a new tomographic image needs to be captured. Conversely, if the user inputs an instruction via the input device 35 indicating that a new tomographic image does not need to be captured, the determination unit 62 determines that a new tomographic image does not need to be captured. The instruction indicating that a new tomographic image does not need to be captured may be an instruction indicating that the tomographic image capture has ended.

[0050] After the display control unit 60 performs the first and second controls, if the determination unit 62 determines that it is not necessary to re-capture the tomographic image, the generation unit 64 generates a tilted image based on the tomographic image generated by the reconstruction unit 58. At this time, the generation unit 64 uses the tomographic image generated by the reconstruction unit 58 to generate a tilted tomographic image of a tilted cross-section, i.e., a tilted image, based on the angle θ received by the receiving unit 52, by tilting and rotating the axial cross-section. For example, the generation unit 64 generates a tilted image representing a tilted cross-section that is tilted by rotating the tomographic image only around the X-axis by an angle θ, by performing a coordinate transformation using a rotation determinant corresponding to the angle θ.

[0051] Next, refer to Figure 9 The function of console 12 will be explained. The image processing program 40 is executed by CPU 31. Figure 9 The tomographic image acquisition process is shown. The tomographic image acquisition process is performed, for example, when the user inputs an instruction to begin execution.

[0052] exist Figure 9 In step S10, the acquisition unit 50 acquires a positioning image from the CT device 11 obtained through pre-capture of the imagery range for determining the CT image. In step S12, the display control unit 60 controls the display of the positioning image acquired in step S10 on the display 34. In step S14, the receiving unit 52 receives the imagery range and tilt rotation angle θ of the CT image input by the user based on the positioning image displayed on the display 34 in step S10.

[0053] In step S16, the export unit 54 exports the range in the tomographic image used to generate the tilted image based on the imaging range and angle θ received in step S14. In step S18, the imaging control unit 56 controls the movement of the bed board 19A, the radiation source 21, and the radiation detector 22 according to the imaging conditions including the imaging range received in step S14, thereby performing a helical scanning imaging.

[0054] In step S20, the acquisition unit 50 sequentially acquires the projection data obtained through the control in step S18 from the DAS 25. In step S22, the reconstruction unit 58 reconstructs the image based on the projection data acquired in step S20 to generate a tomographic image representing the axial section.

[0055] In step S24, the display control unit 60 performs a first control to display the tomographic image generated in step S22 on the display 34. In addition to the first control, the display control unit 60 also performs a second control to identifiablely display the area in the tomographic image exported in step S16 used to generate the tilted image. The user checks the display content on the display 34, confirms whether the area required for image reading is used for generating the tilted image, and determines whether a re-engraving is necessary.

[0056] In step S26, the determination unit 62 determines whether a new tomographic image needs to be captured or not. If the determination unit 62 determines that a new tomographic image is not needed, the process proceeds to step S28. In step S28, the generation unit 64 generates a tilted image based on the tomographic image generated in step S22.

[0057] In step S30, the display control unit 60 controls the display of the tilted image generated in step S28 on the display 34. If the processing in step S30 is completed, the tomographic image acquisition process ends. On the other hand, in step S26, if the determination unit 62 determines that a re-enhancing image is required, steps S28 and S30 are not executed, and the tomographic image acquisition process ends. In this case, for example, the user determines that a re-enhancing image is required due to a deviation in the position of the subject H, and after eliminating the cause, the user inputs the instruction information to start the tomographic image acquisition process again.

[0058] As explained above, according to this embodiment, the user can confirm the area in the tomographic image used for generating the oblique image before generating the oblique image. Therefore, the user can confirm whether the oblique image can be properly generated before generating the oblique image. Therefore, even without making the subject H wait until the oblique image generation is completed, it is possible to confirm whether the oblique image can be properly generated.

[0059] In addition, in the above embodiments, the control device and other devices provided with the rack 18 may also include at least one of the functional units provided with the console 12.

[0060] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, each process is executed by any computer. This computer can execute these processes via a processor as hardware, a program as software, or a combination thereof. In this case, the processor is configured to cooperate with the program in executing the various processes described above, and can function as a unit or means in the above embodiments. Moreover, the execution order of the processor-based processes is not limited to the order described and can be appropriately varied. The arbitrary computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a workstation, or other system capable of executing the processes.

[0061] A processor can be composed of one or more hardware components, and the type of hardware is not limited. For example, a processor can be composed of programmable logic devices such as CPUs (Central Processing Units), MPUs (Micro Processing Units), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), dedicated circuits for performing specific processes such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), or NPUs (Neural Processing Units). Furthermore, the type of hardware can be a combination of different types of hardware. When multiple hardware components are configured to execute one or more processes of a certain processor, these multiple hardware components can exist in physically separate devices or in the same device. Moreover, in any embodiment, the order of the processor's processes is not limited to the above order and can be appropriately varied. Additionally, the hardware is composed of circuits, such as those combining semiconductor elements.

[0062] Alternatively, a program can be software such as firmware or microcode. Furthermore, a program can be, for example, a group of program modules, each of whose functions can be implemented by a processor configured to execute those functions. A program can also be program code or multiple code segments stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable media (e.g., storage media or other storage devices). A program can be segmented and stored on multiple non-transitory computer-readable media existing in physically separate devices. Program code or code segments can represent any combination of procedures, functions, subroutines, routines, subroutines, modules, software packages, classes, instructions, data structures, or program statements. Program code or code segments can be connected to other code segments or hardware circuitry by sending and receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or the contents of memory.

[0063] Furthermore, while the above embodiment describes the image processing program 40 being pre-stored (installed) in the storage unit 33, it is not a limitation. The image processing program 40 may also be provided on recording media such as CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), and USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Furthermore, the image processing program 40 may also be provided as a downloadable device via a network. Moreover, the image processing program 40 can be provided as a program product. Program products include products for providing programs in all ways. For example, program products include programs provided via networks such as the Internet and non-transitory computer-readable recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs containing the program.

[0064] The following notes are also disclosed regarding the above implementation methods.

[0065] (Note 1)

[0066] An image processing apparatus includes a processor and generates a tilted image, the tilted image being an image of a tilted cross-section obtained by tilting and rotating a tomographic image representing an axial cross-section of an examination subject captured by a tomographic imaging device, wherein...

[0067] The processor performs a first control to display the tomographic image and a second control to identifiably display the range in the tomographic image used to generate the tilted image.

[0068] (Note 2)

[0069] According to the image processing apparatus described in Appendix 1, wherein,

[0070] The processor, acting as the second controller, performs the following control:

[0071] Displays objects representing the boundaries of a first range in the tomographic image used to generate the oblique image and a second range not used to generate the oblique image.

[0072] (Note 3)

[0073] According to the image processing apparatus described in Appendix 1, wherein,

[0074] The processor, acting as the second controller, performs the following control:

[0075] The first region in the tomographic image used to generate the oblique image and the second region not used to generate the oblique image are displayed differently.

[0076] (Note 4)

[0077] According to the image processing apparatus described in Appendix 3, wherein...

[0078] The processor performs image processing that makes the visual recognition of the second range lower than that of the first range, thereby making the display forms of the first range and the second range different.

[0079] (Note 5)

[0080] The image processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein,

[0081] During the acquisition of the tomographic images, the processor sequentially performs the first control and the second control on each of the plurality of tomographic images.

[0082] (Note 6)

[0083] The image processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5, wherein,

[0084] After performing the first control and the second control, if the processor determines that it is not necessary to re-capture the tomographic image, it generates the tilted image based on the tomographic image.

[0085] (Note 7)

[0086] An image processing method, wherein,

[0087] The processor in the image processing device that generates the tilted image performs the following processing:

[0088] A first control is performed to display the tomographic image, and a second control is performed to identifiablely display the range in the tomographic image used to generate the tilted image, the tilted image being an image of a tilted section tilted by tilting and rotating a tomographic image representing an axial section obtained by a tomographic imaging device from an examination subject.

[0089] (Postscript 8)

[0090] An image processing program is used to cause a processor in an image processing apparatus that generates a tilted image to perform the following processing:

[0091] A first control is performed to display the tomographic image, and a second control is performed to identifiablely display the range in the tomographic image used to generate the tilted image, the tilted image being an image of a tilted section tilted by tilting and rotating a tomographic image representing an axial section obtained by a tomographic imaging device from an examination subject.

Claims

1. An image processing apparatus comprising a processor and generating a tilted image, said tilted image being an image of a tilted cross-section obtained by tilting and rotating a tomographic image representing an axial cross-section of an examination subject captured by a tomographic imaging apparatus, wherein, The processor performs a first control to display the tomographic image and a second control to identifiably display the range in the tomographic image used to generate the tilted image.

2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The processor, acting as the second controller, performs the following control: Displays objects representing the boundaries of a first range in the tomographic image used to generate the oblique image and a second range not used to generate the oblique image.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The processor, acting as the second controller, performs the following control: The first region in the tomographic image used to generate the oblique image and the second region not used to generate the oblique image are displayed differently.

4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The processor performs image processing that makes the visual recognition of the second range lower than that of the first range, thereby making the display forms of the first range and the second range different.

5. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, During the acquisition of the tomographic images, the processor sequentially performs the first control and the second control on each of the plurality of tomographic images.

6. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, After performing the first control and the second control, if the processor determines that it is not necessary to re-capture the tomographic image, it generates the tilted image based on the tomographic image.

7. An image processing method, wherein, The processor in the image processing device that generates the tilted image performs the following processing: The system performs a first control to display a tomographic image of an axial section obtained by a tomographic imaging device from the subject, and a second control to identifiablely display the range in the tomographic image used to generate the tilted image, the tilted image being an image of a tilted section tilted by tilting the tomographic image.

8. A computer program product comprising an image processing program for causing a processor in an image processing apparatus for generating a tilted image to perform the following processing: The system performs a first control to display a tomographic image of an axial section obtained by a tomographic imaging device from the subject, and a second control to identifiablely display the range in the tomographic image used to generate the tilted image, the tilted image being an image of a tilted section tilted by tilting the tomographic image.

9. A computer-readable storage medium storing an image processing program for causing a processor in an image processing apparatus that generates a tilted image to perform the following processing: The system performs a first control to display a tomographic image of an axial section obtained by a tomographic imaging device from the subject, and a second control to identifiablely display the range in the tomographic image used to generate the tilted image, the tilted image being an image of a tilted section tilted by tilting the tomographic image.

Images