Generation of a result map correlated with anatomical image data

Abstract

Method for generating a result map correlated with anatomical image data (16a, 16b, 16c), comprising the following process steps: - Providing spatially resolved result values ​​(17) based on anatomical image data and / or medical data from which anatomical image data can be reconstructed, which result values ​​(17) lie within a value range (12), - Determining a frequency of the provided result values ​​(17) depending on the result values ​​(17) within the range of values ​​(12), whereby each result value (17) encompassed by the range of values ​​(12) is assigned a frequency with which this result value (17) occurs within the area of ​​investigation and / or a further area, - Selection of a subrange (10) of the value range (12) based on the frequency of the provided result values ​​(17), - Assignment of a color code (14) to the result values ​​(17) of the value range (12) outside the subrange (10), - Generation of the result map (16a, 16b, 16c) by assigning a result value (17) according to the assigned color coding (14) its spatially resolved position in relation to the anatomical image data.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method, a generation unit, a computer program product, and an electronically readable data carrier for generating a result map correlated with anatomical image data.

[0002] In medical imaging, anatomical image data is typically generated using a medical imaging device, representing a section of an examination object, in particular an examination region of the examination object. In particular, anatomical image data represents the anatomy and / or pathology of the examination object in such a way that a user can identify the structures of interest based on the anatomical image data. The contrast and / or resolution of the anatomical image data is defined, in particular, by the type of medical imaging device. Examples of medical imaging devices include computed tomography scanners, magnetic resonance imaging scanners, positron emission tomography (PET) scanners, X-ray scanners, and ultrasound scanners.

[0003] Depending on the medical imaging device, a result value characteristic of a physiological process of the examination subject can be recorded in addition to the anatomical image data or instead of the anatomical image data. For example, blood oxygenation can be measured using a magnetic resonance scanner. The measurement can be performed with spatial resolution. If the examination area encompasses at least a portion of a brain, the measured, spatially resolved blood oxygenation can correspond to spatially resolved brain activity. Thus, spatially resolved result values, each of which, for example, indicates a measure of blood oxygenation and / or brain activity for a spatially resolved position, can be summarized into a result map.

[0004] WO 00 / 10 454 A1 describes a method for generating a functional image of a brain of an examination subject, wherein the functional image is registered with an anatomical image.

[0005] WO 2010 / 115 885 A1 describes a method for longitudinal tumor monitoring, proposing segmentation based on a seed-growing algorithm.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of providing a particularly simple method for generating a result map correlated with anatomical image data. This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims.

[0007] The method according to the invention for generating a result map correlated with anatomical image data comprises the following method steps: - Providing spatially resolved result values ​​based on anatomical image data and / or medical data from which anatomical image data can be reconstructed, which result values ​​lie within a range of values, - Determination of a frequency of the provided result values ​​depending on the result values ​​within the value range, whereby each result value included in the value range is assigned a frequency with which this result value occurs within the investigation area and / or another area, - Selection of a sub-range of the value range, - Assigning a color coding to the result values ​​of the value range outside the subrange, - Generation of the result map by assigning a result value according to the assigned color coding to its spatially resolved position with respect to the anatomical image data.

[0008] A spatially resolved result value is a result value that is typically representative of a position within the examination area. A position can be a spatial point and / or a defined volume, in particular a voxel. A result value is preferably assigned to exactly one position. A result value preferably characterizes a physiological process and / or physiological state and / or a functionality of the examination object at the position assigned to the result value. A result value can be a quantitative value, such as a flow velocity and / or a diffusion velocity of a fluid contained in the examination object. A result value can be an absolute value, in particular a numerical value.A result value can be a relative value which, for example, indicates a physiological process and / or a physiological state and / or a functionality at one position relative to another result value at a different position. A result value which is a relative value can be a numerical value. Several relative, numerical values ​​can preferably be related to one another using a numerical scale. Relative values ​​can optionally be specified relative to a reference value. The reference value can, for example, be a result value at a defined position. The result values ​​can be based on the anatomical image data. The result values ​​can be based on the medical data from which the anatomical image data can be reconstructed. The anatomical image data can be determined and / or generated independently of the result values.

[0009] The provision of the spatially resolved result values ​​can consist in making the spatially resolved result values ​​available to a generation unit configured to execute the method according to the invention. The provision preferably occurs in such a way that an algorithm can access the spatially resolved result values. The provision of the spatially resolved result values ​​can consist in storing the spatially resolved result values ​​in a storage unit included in the generation unit.

[0010] The value range typically has a plurality of values, but at least two values, which values ​​have the unit of a result value. The value range preferably comprises the result values ​​assigned to the positions within the examination area. The value range is preferably limited by a lower limit and an upper limit, with the values ​​lying between the lower limit and the upper limit preferably being included in the value range. The value range is preferably a contiguous and / or continuous range.

[0011] The result values ​​are spatially resolved and are therefore each assigned to a specific position within the examination area. In a fictitious example, for example, the first result value can be assigned to exactly five positions in the examination area. In this fictitious example, the first result value therefore occurs with a frequency of five in the examination area. Analogously, a frequency can be determined for each result value encompassed by the value range. Preferably, each result value encompassed by the value range is assigned a frequency with which this result value occurs within the examination area. It is also possible to determine a frequency with which the at least two adjacent result values ​​occur within the examination area together for at least two adjacent result values.The frequency can therefore be discretized relative to the value range or more discretized than the value range. When determining a frequency of the provided result values, a histogram can be generated, which indicates a distribution of the frequency of the result values ​​depending on the value range.

[0012] The frequency of the result values ​​encompassed by the value range can also relate to a further range, which further range is different from the examination range. The further range is typically a sub-range of the examination range and can be specified, for example, by a mask. The further range results, for example, from the intersection of the mask with the examination range or from the complement of the mask in relation to the examination range. The mask can, for example, include a certain structure and / or pathology which should not be taken into account or should only be taken into account when determining the frequency of the result values. The mask can, for example, include all those positions which have a predetermined result value.The mask can, for example, include all those positions where the result values ​​and / or the anatomical image data exhibit particularly low or high quality, where the quality correlates, for example, with noise and / or a signal-to-noise ratio. If the result values ​​indicate a correlation with brain activity at rest, for example, the additional area can include the seed region required to determine the correlation. The additional area can be determined automatically. The additional area can also be selected by a user.

[0013] The sub-range of the value range that is selected within the scope of the method according to the invention is typically a section of the value range. The sub-range is preferably a contiguous range. The sub-range is typically a section of the value range that begins above the lower limit of the value range and ends below the upper limit of the value range, so that the sub-range typically does not include the lower limit and the upper limit and / or is limited by the lower limit and the upper limit. The sub-range is typically designed such that the value range is divided into three parts by the selection of the sub-range, wherein a first part of the value range is only included by the value range, a second part of the value range is included by the value range and the sub-range, and a third part of the value range is only included by the value range.Two or more sub-ranges of the value range can also be selected.

[0014] A color coding typically comprises colors encompassed by a color space, which colors are arranged on a scale. A position on the scale is preferably assigned exactly one color of the color space. Such a color coding can be assigned to the value range in such a way that the sub-range is excluded. If the selection of the sub-range subdivides the value range as described into a first part, a second part, and a third part, the scale can be divided into two areas, with a first area of ​​the scale being assigned to the first part of the value range and a second area of ​​the scale being assigned to the third part of the value range. Color coding of different color spaces can also be assigned to the first part of the value range and the third part of the value range. The color space can be, for example, the RGB color space, the HSV color space, the CMYK color space, or a grayscale.The color space can be defined individually, if necessary using interpolation methods. By assigning the color coding to the value range in this way, exactly one color can be assigned to each result value that lies outside the subrange and is included in the value range.

[0015] A first result value is assigned to a first position in the examination region. If the first result value is included in the value range but not in the sub-range, a color is assigned to the first result value, which can also be assigned to the first position. A second result value is assigned to a second position in the examination region. If the second result value is included in the value range and the sub-range, no color is assigned to the second result value. In addition, spatially resolved anatomical image data is typically available for the examination region. In this case, at least a first pixel of the anatomical image data can typically be assigned to the first position and at least a second pixel of the anatomical image data can be assigned to the second position. The anatomical image data are typically provided to the method according to the invention.

[0016] According to this procedure, the positions encompassed by the examination area can be assigned a color or no color, taking into account the corresponding result values, the sub-area, and the color coding, thereby generating a spatial distribution of the colors encompassed by the color coding. This spatial distribution is typically referred to as a result map. Result values ​​to which no color has been assigned appear preferably colorless in the color map.

[0017] Additionally, at least one pixel of the anatomical image data can be assigned to each position. This provides the results map and the anatomical image data for the examination region, allowing them to be linked, particularly spatially, with each other. In particular, the anatomical image data can be displayed superimposed on the results map. Anatomical image data is typically displayed as black-and-white images, whereas the results map is preferably color. Depending on the selection of the sub-region, there are positions in the examination region where the results map is colorless, whereas anatomical image data is available for these positions.

[0018] The advantage of this method is that it allows a result map to be generated particularly easily. Typically, a physiological process and / or a physiological state and / or a functionality of the examination object is determined based on the generated result map, preferably in combination with the anatomical image data. If the result map is generated according to the method according to the invention, a focus can be placed on relevant result values. Result values ​​that are not relevant for a diagnosis can be selected and excluded from the result map, in particular by selecting the sub-area. In particular, the sub-area can be selected such that positions and / or structures of interest in the examination area for a diagnosis are highlighted in color.Positions and / or structures that appear colorless in the result map typically do not have a particularly high degree of significance for the desired diagnosis. At these colorless positions, the anatomy of the examination area can be displayed when the anatomical image data is superimposed on the result map, facilitating a diagnosis and / or assigning the color-coded result values ​​to an anatomy. Thus, a result map can be specifically tailored to the subjective needs of a user. Particularly interesting result values ​​can be highlighted and / or displayed with particular precision in a result map generated according to the method according to the invention, enabling a particularly accurate diagnosis.If the partial range were not excluded when assigning the color coding to the result values, the color coding would have to be assigned to the entire value range, which would reduce the resolution of the color coding. Excluding the partial range when assigning the color coding to the result values ​​thus enables a higher resolution of the color coding, making smaller differences in the generated result map more easily recognizable. In particular, the result map is generated in such a way that it can be displayed particularly well overlaid with image data. Preferably, a user-specific display is possible, which enables a particularly precise diagnosis.

[0019] One embodiment of the method provides that the selection of the sub-area is based on the frequency of the provided result values. Accordingly, the frequency of the provided result values ​​is preferably taken into account when selecting the sub-area.

[0020] For example, the sub-range can be selected such that the result values ​​that occur most frequently are included in the sub-range. These result values ​​are therefore not assigned a color during color coding, which is why they are colorless and thus not represented in the result map. Typically, result values ​​that lie in the second part of the value range, for example, occur more frequently than result values ​​in a peripheral area of ​​the value range, for example the first part and / or the third part of the value range. Typically, the peripheral areas of the value range are diagnostically relevant because they can characterize, for example, rarely occurring and / or explicitly induced processes and / or states.For example, outcome values ​​that occur less frequently but characterize statistically particularly significant processes and / or conditions can be highlighted by selecting the sub-area based on the frequency of the provided outcome values. For certain physiological processes and / or conditions, for example, the detection of rare outcome values ​​is relevant, which is why selecting the sub-area based on the frequency of the outcome values ​​is particularly advantageous. Depending on a clinical question, it may be necessary to detect such processes and / or conditions and / or to make a diagnosis based on them, in particular to verify the functionality of an organ.By excluding particularly frequently occurring result values ​​from the result map, the rarely occurring result values ​​can be displayed with a higher color-coding resolution, allowing for better visualization of small differences in the rarely occurring result values, thus facilitating a diagnosis. On the other hand, based on frequency, result values ​​from the value range that occupy no and / or very few positions in the examination area can also be excluded. This can, for example, suppress statistical noise in the result values.

[0021] In general, the frequency of the provided result values ​​is an important indicator of the relevance of certain result values. Knowing the frequency of a result value and taking this frequency into account when selecting the sub-area allows for the precise selection of the result values ​​to be presented in the result map. In particular, the selection can be tailored to each individual user. The frequency of the provided result values ​​is typically an important indicator based on which the relevance of certain result values ​​can be assessed with particular precision. This can improve the quality of the result map.

[0022] One embodiment of the method provides that the selection of the sub-range is based on a threshold and / or a significance for the frequency of the provided result values ​​depending on the result values ​​within the value range. Statistical means can therefore be used to select a sub-range based on the frequency of the provided result values. The threshold and / or the significance is preferably preconfigured.

[0023] The sub-range can be selected such that the sub-range, for example, includes result values ​​that have a relative frequency that is lower and / or higher than a defined threshold. The relative frequency preferably indicates the frequency of a result value in relation to the frequency of the most frequently occurring result value. The sub-range can be selected such that the result values ​​encompassed by the sub-range have a defined significance. The significance typically determines a proportion of the most frequently occurring result values ​​among all result values ​​encompassed by the value range. Such a significance can be 95% or 99%, for example. This allows those result values ​​that occur particularly frequently to be excluded from the result map.

[0024] Such a selection of the subregion is preferably performed automatically. This selection of the subregion can be carried out in a very robust, standardized, and repeatable manner, making it particularly easy to generate a result map. This is particularly advantageous for the initial generation of a result map based on the result values, since the result values ​​and / or the frequency of the result values ​​are typically individual for each examination object. The user, who makes a diagnosis based on the result map and / or the anatomical image data, receives an initial impression of the result values ​​and their spatial distribution from a result map generated in this way.The threshold value and / or the significance can preferably be changed so that the result values ​​included in the result card can be adapted interactively and individually to the object of investigation and / or the type of investigation and / or the result values ​​and / or the requirements of a user who evaluates the result card.

[0025] One embodiment of the method provides that the assignment of the color coding includes a specification of transparency for the color coding. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when a display of the anatomical image data and the result map occurs. The result map is preferably linked to the anatomical image data in such a way that both can be displayed superimposed in one display. The result map is typically colorless at some positions, whereas the anatomical image data preferably has a pixel at all positions encompassed by the examination region. Accordingly, it is advantageous to use the anatomical image data as a background image and to overlay the result map on the anatomical image data. It can be advantageous to recognize the anatomy lying behind the colors of the result map despite the overlaid result map.For this purpose, a transparency for the result map can be specified in such a way that the anatomical image data overlaid with the result map can be recognized at the same time as the result map, even at positions where the result map is not colorless.

[0026] Maximum transparency is preferably characterized by the result map becoming colorless at all positions encompassed by the examination area. Minimum transparency is preferably characterized by the fact that no anatomical image data is recognizable at positions where the result map is not colorless. Typically, a transparency is selected that lies between the minimum transparency and the maximum transparency. It is conceivable that different parts of the value range are displayed with different levels of transparency. For example, the first part of the value range can have a transparency of 0.7, and the second part of the value range can have a transparency of 0.2.

[0027] The advantage of this embodiment is that, with an appropriate choice of transparency, the anatomical image data is visible despite the overlaid result map. Using such an overlaid representation, the result map can be presented in a particularly easy-to-understand manner. A region of the examination area that is particularly highlighted by color coding can be identified particularly well because the anatomical image data indicate the anatomy and / or pathology within the examination area particularly precisely, particularly in high resolution. This enables particularly precise assignment of the region to the corresponding anatomy and a particularly accurate diagnosis. A user can preferably select the type of underlying anatomical image data, in particular its contrast. This allows the evaluation to be robust and customized for a user.

[0028] One embodiment of the method provides that the selection of the sub-area and / or a determination of a transparency takes place by means of an interaction element. A user who monitors and / or executes the execution of the method according to the invention by a generation unit can therefore specify the sub-area and / or adapt an already determined sub-area according to their requirements. The user can specify a transparency with which the result map is superimposed on the anatomical image data and / or adapt it according to their requirements. For this purpose, the generation unit preferably has a user interface that enables such user interaction. An interaction element can be, for example, a text field, a slider, or an arrow.The interaction element is preferably designed such that it is displayed on a display unit included in the user interface. The user can preferably operate the interaction element using an input unit, which is typically included in the user interface, for example, by entering text into a text field, moving a slider in at least one direction, or changing a value by operating an arrow. This allows, for example, a value for the transparency and / or for a boundary of the sub-area to be specified.

[0029] The selection of the subregion and / or the determination of transparency using an interaction element is preferably carried out interactively. Preferably, the user is shown the corresponding change in the result map and / or in the anatomical image data immediately after activating the interaction element. The user preferably receives real-time feedback.

[0030] The advantage of this embodiment is that the display of the result map correlated with anatomical image data can be particularly flexible and easily adapted to the user's needs. An interaction element, in particular, enables interactive modification of the display of the result map and / or the anatomical image data, allowing the display to be changed particularly quickly and intuitively.

[0031] One embodiment of the method provides that the generation of the result map comprises a representation of the result map superimposed on the anatomical image data according to the assigned color coding in at least two mutually different orientations. The anatomical image data are preferably three-dimensional, so that the anatomical image data divide the examination region into sub-regions, so-called voxels. An orientation preferably specifies a cross-section through the examination region. An orientation can also be a curved cross-section through the anatomical image data, which is preferably three-dimensional. An orientation can also be a cross-section through the anatomical image data in a perspective representation, wherein, depending on the perspective, visible regions of the examination region can be displayed outside the cross-section.If the result map and the anatomical image data are displayed in at least two different orientations, a user can view the examination area from different perspectives. This allows the result map and the anatomical image data to be displayed simultaneously from different perspectives for a single position, providing the user with a better overview of the anatomy and / or pathology, especially when combined with the result map. This allows for a more reliable diagnosis.

[0032] One embodiment of the method provides that the anatomical image data has a resolution that differs from the resolution of the result map. Typically, the anatomical image data has a higher resolution than the result map. Determining and / or generating a result value typically requires recording medical data. The medical data is typically recorded using a medical imaging device, and the result values ​​are typically determined and / or generated based on the medical data. Such medical data can typically also be reconstructed into medical image data. Within the scope of this method, the medical image data can be used as anatomical image data, onto which the result map is superimposed.Alternatively, anatomical image data can be used that is reconstructed from additional medical data, and which anatomical image data differs from the medical image data. Anatomical image data can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. Anatomical image data can depict the anatomy and / or pathology of an examination object. Anatomical image data can depict a function of the examination object in spatial resolution. For example, if a magnetic resonance scanner is used to generate the anatomical image data, this can be magnetic resonance data that depicts a diffusion map, an ADC map, and / or a perfusion map, and / or can be functional image data. The anatomical image data can also be medical data. The additional medical data can also be acquired using a different medical imaging device than the one used to acquire the medical data.The further medical data and / or the anatomical image data can be provided to the method according to the invention.

[0033] The resolution of anatomical image data and / or the result map is defined by the distance between two neighboring pixels and / or positions. Typically, the anatomical image data differs from the medical image data, preferably having a higher resolution than the medical image data. The acquisition of the medical data used to generate the result values ​​is typically complex and, particularly in magnetic resonance examinations, takes an above-average amount of time depending on the type of result values. Therefore, such medical data is typically acquired with low spatial resolution, so that the anatomy in such medical image data is only imprecisely represented. The result map, which represents such result values, typically has sufficient resolution to clearly identify areas of particular result values.If the result map is displayed overlaid with the anatomical image data, which anatomical image data has a higher resolution than the result map, areas with particular result values ​​can be identified particularly well, since the anatomy and / or pathology within the examination area is still displayed in high resolution. This enables, in particular, a particularly precise assignment of a color-coded position to the corresponding anatomy. The user can preferably select the type of underlying anatomical image data, especially its contrast. This allows for robust and customized evaluation for each user.

[0034] An embodiment of the method provides that the result values ​​indicate a correlation of the spatially resolved positions with a seed region and the generation of the result map - a definition of the sowing region, - a correlation analysis taking into account the seed region and medical data, - and includes the generation of spatially resolved result values ​​based on the correlation analysis.

[0035] The result values ​​are preferably based on medical data acquired using a magnetic resonance imaging device. The medical data are preferably available with time resolution. The medical data were preferably acquired using a functional magnetic resonance imaging method, in particular a resting-state method. The seed region is preferably defined based on medical image data and / or anatomical image data, with the medical image data and / or the anatomical image data preferably being presented to the user on a display unit. The user can preferably specify a seed region using an input unit based on the displayed image data. The seed region is preferably specified by selecting at least one pixel of the displayed image data. The seed region typically comprises at least one pixel of the displayed image data.The seed region preferably comprises several spatially connected pixels of the displayed image data. The seed region is preferably a sub-area of ​​the examination area. The seed region can be selected automatically. For example, an algorithm can detect a seed point and / or a seed region based on the medical image data and / or anatomical image data.

[0036] A correlation analysis preferably determines at least one sub-region of the examination area, which sub-region is active at the same time as a seed region. For this purpose, a time-resolved and spatially resolved oxygenation of the blood, which can be determined based on the medical data, is typically analyzed. A correlation analysis is typically carried out on a seed point basis. Spatially and temporally resolved intensity changes of the signal in time-resolved image data are analyzed to determine which intensity changes are caused by a change in the oxygenation of the blood. Preferably, a correlation of the intensity changes relative to an intensity change of the seed region is determined for each of the image points encompassed by the examination area. The correlation is typically a temporal correlation.The spatially resolved result values ​​are preferably a measure of the relative strength of the correlation of a position with the seed region.

[0037] The advantage of this embodiment is that, in particular, functional magnetic resonance data can be evaluated particularly easily and comprehensively. The method provides that a complete analysis can be carried out based on the medical data. This is particularly advantageous for result values ​​that indicate a correlation with a seed region, since performing the correlation analysis and the previously required method steps are complex. The method steps required for the correlation analysis are typically carried out independently of the generation of the medical data, typically on a computing unit independent of the medical imaging device. The embodiment of the method provides that the generation unit also includes the evaluation of the medical data, in particular the correlation analysis, as part of the generation of the result map.This enables a continuous workflow and thus shortens the time required to generate a result card.

[0038] One embodiment of the method provides that the result values ​​indicate a correlation of the spatially resolved positions with a seed region. The spatially resolved result values ​​are therefore preferably a measure of the relative strength of the correlation of a position with the seed region. Such result values ​​can therefore be provided to the method, typically having been previously generated. The generation can, for example, have been carried out according to the embodiment described above. The advantage of this embodiment is that the method can also be applied to previously generated result values.In particular, the method can be provided with multiple sets of result values ​​that were recorded with multiple medical imaging devices and / or from multiple examination objects, so that the method according to the invention is independent of a medical imaging device that was used to generate the result values.

[0039] Furthermore, the invention is based on a generation unit with a user interface and a computing unit designed to generate a result map correlated with anatomical image data. For this purpose, the user interface comprised by the generation unit preferably has a display unit that can display a result map correlated with anatomical image data and / or display a frequency of the provided result values ​​depending on the result values ​​within the value range. The user interface preferably has an input unit so that a sub-range of the value range can be selected using the user interface.The computing unit is preferably configured to assign a color coding to the result values ​​of the value range outside the sub-range and / or to generate the result map by assigning a result value to its spatially resolved position relative to the anatomical image data in accordance with the assigned color coding. The computing unit can be configured to provide spatially resolved result values ​​that lie within a value range and / or to determine a frequency of the provided result values ​​depending on the result values ​​within the value range. The computing unit can be configured to select a sub-range of the value range.

[0040] Embodiments of the generating unit according to the invention are designed analogously to the embodiments of the method according to the invention. The generating unit can have additional control components that are necessary and / or advantageous for executing a method according to the invention. Computer programs and other software can be stored on a memory unit of the generating unit, by means of which the processor unit of the generating unit automatically controls and / or executes a process sequence of a method according to the invention.

[0041] A computer program product according to the invention can be loaded directly into a memory unit of a programmable generation unit and has program code means for executing a method according to the invention when the computer program product is executed in the generation unit. This allows the method according to the invention to be executed quickly, identically repeatably, and robustly. The computer program product is configured such that it can execute the method steps according to the invention using the generation unit. The generation unit must have the prerequisites, such as a corresponding main memory, a corresponding graphics card, or a corresponding logic unit, so that the respective method steps can be executed efficiently.The computer program product is stored, for example, on an electronically readable medium or on a network or server, from where it can be loaded into the processor of a local generation unit. Furthermore, control information of the computer program product can be stored on an electronically readable data carrier. The control information of the electronically readable data carrier can be configured such that, when the data carrier is used in a generation unit, it carries out a method according to the invention. Examples of electronically readable data carriers are a DVD, a magnetic tape, or a USB stick on which electronically readable control information, in particular software, is stored.If this control information (software) is read from the data carrier and stored in a control unit and / or generation unit, all embodiments of the methods described above according to the invention can be carried out.

[0042] Furthermore, the invention is based on an electronically readable data carrier on which a program is stored, which is intended to execute a method for generating a result map correlated with anatomical image data. The advantages of the generation unit according to the invention, the computer program product according to the invention, and the electronically readable data carrier according to the invention essentially correspond to the advantages of the method according to the invention for generating a result map correlated with anatomical image data, which have been detailed above. Features, advantages, or alternative embodiments mentioned herein can also be applied to the other claimed subject matter, and vice versa.

[0043] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below and from the drawings.

[0044] They show: Fig. 1 a generating unit according to the invention in a schematic representation, Fig. 2 a flowchart of an embodiment of a method according to the invention, and Fig. 3 an embodiment of a color coding assigned to a value range with a generated result map.

[0045] Fig. 1 shows a generation unit 33 according to the invention in a schematic representation. The generation unit 33 comprises a computing unit 32, which is designed to execute a method for generating a result map correlated with anatomical image data. The generation unit 33 further comprises a user interface 27. The computing unit 32 is preferably connected to the user interface 27. The user interface 27 preferably comprises a display unit 25 and an input unit 26. The user interface 27 enables interaction of a user with the computing unit 32 and thus with the generation unit 33. A frequency of the provided result values ​​depending on the result values ​​within the value range 12 and / or a generated result map can be displayed to a user, for example, by means of the display unit 25, for example on at least one monitor.By means of the input unit 26, for example, a sub-area 10 and / or a transparency can be selected, for example by means of an interaction element that is displayed on the display unit 25.

[0046] The generation unit 33 is designed to execute a method for generating a result map correlated with anatomical image data. For this purpose, the generation unit 33 has computer programs and / or software that can be loaded directly into the computing unit 32 of the generation unit 33, with program means for executing a method for evaluating medical data with a time resolution when the computer programs and / or software are executed in the generation unit 33. For this purpose, the generation unit 33 has a processor (not shown in detail) that is designed to execute the computer programs and / or software. The generation unit 33 is thus designed to execute a method according to the invention.Alternatively, the computer programs and / or software can also be stored on an electronically readable data carrier 21 formed separately from the generation unit 33, wherein data access from the generation unit 33 to the electronically readable data carrier 21 can be effected via a data network.

[0047] The generation unit 33 can be integrated into a medical imaging device (not shown in detail). The generation unit 33 can also be installed separately from a medical imaging device. The generation unit 33 can be connected to a medical imaging device. The generation unit 33, in particular the computing unit 32, can also comprise further components that computing units 32 typically have. A general mode of operation of a computing unit 32 is also known to those skilled in the art, so a detailed description of the further components is omitted.

[0048] A method for generating a result map correlated with anatomical image data can also be in the form of a computer program product that implements the method on the generation unit 33 when executed on the generation unit 33. Likewise, an electronically readable data carrier 21 with electronically readable control information stored thereon can be provided, which comprises at least one such computer program product just described and is configured such that it carries out the described method when the data carrier 21 is used in a generation unit 33.

[0049] Fig. 2 shows a flowchart of a first embodiment of a method according to the invention for generating a result map correlated with anatomical image data. The method is typically executed by the generation unit 33. At the beginning of the method, in method step 100, spatially resolved result values ​​that lie within a value range 12 are provided. In method step 110, a frequency of the provided result values ​​is determined depending on the result values ​​within the value range 12. The frequency is preferably determined by means of the computing unit 32. In the preferably following method step 120, a sub-area 10 of the value range 12 is selected. The selection of the sub-area 10 in method step 120 can be based on the frequency of the provided result values.The selection of sub-area 10 in method step 120 can be based on a threshold value and / or a significance for the frequency of the provided result values ​​depending on the result values ​​within the value range 12. A color coding 14 is assigned to the result values ​​of the value range 12 outside the sub-area 10 in method step 130. The assignment of the color coding 14 can optionally include a further method step 131, a specification of a transparency for the color coding 14. The selection of sub-area 10 in method step 120 and / or the determination of a transparency in method step 131 can be performed using an interaction element. The interaction element is preferably displayed on the display unit 25, and the interaction element can preferably be operated using the input unit 26.In method step 140, the result map is generated by assigning a result value corresponding to the assigned color coding 14 to its spatially resolved position relative to the anatomical image data. The generation of the result map can optionally include method step 141, a representation of the result map superimposed on the anatomical image data according to the assigned color coding 14 in at least two different orientations.

[0050] Before generating a result map correlated with anatomical image data according to method steps 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, the spatially resolved result values ​​provided in method step 100 can optionally be generated. For this purpose, the seed region 15 can be defined in method step 70. In the preferably following method step 80, a correlation analysis is optionally performed, taking into account the seed region 15 and medical data. In method step 90, spatially resolved result values ​​are optionally generated based on the correlation analysis. According to this embodiment, the result values ​​indicate a correlation of the spatially resolved positions with a seed region 15.

[0051] Fig.3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a color coding 14 assigned to a value range 12 with a generated result map, which result map is displayed superimposed on anatomical image data. The display preferably takes place on the display unit 25, wherein interactions, for example the selection of the sub-area 10, between a user and the generation unit 33 can take place using the input unit 26 and the display unit 25. The result values ​​on which the result map is based indicate a correlation of the spatially resolved positions with a seed region 15. The anatomical image data and the result map superimposed on the anatomical image data are three-dimensional and are displayed in three different orientations.Thus, in this exemplary embodiment, a sagittal representation of the anatomical image data is superimposed on the result map 16a, a coronal representation of the anatomical image data is superimposed on the result map 16b, and a transverse representation of the anatomical image data is superimposed on the result map 16c. The anatomical image data has a higher resolution than the result map. The seed region 15 can, if necessary, be defined and / or modified based on the anatomical image data, whereupon a correlation analysis can be performed taking into account the seed region 15, and initial or modified spatially resolved result values ​​are generated. In addition, the frequency of the provided result values ​​17 is displayed depending on the result values ​​within the value range 12. This is typically done using a graph, with the value range 12 being displayed as the abscissa.

[0052] A sub-range 10 of the value range 12 can be selected, and a color coding 14 can be assigned to the result values ​​of the value range 12 outside of the sub-range 10. The sub-range 10 can be selected using the first interaction element 18a and the second interaction element 18b. An upper limit 11a of the sub-range 10 can be determined using the first interaction element 18a, for example a slider, and a lower limit 11b of the sub-range 10 can be determined using the second interaction element 18a, for example a slider. The section of the value range 12 lying between the lower limit 11b and the upper limit 11a corresponds to the sub-range 10. In this example, the lower limit 11b is determined by the value "-6.4" and the upper limit 11a by the value "10."The value range 12 can also preferably be selected using the third interaction element 18c and the fourth interaction element 18d. An upper limit 13a of the value range 12 can be determined using the third interaction element 18c, for example, a text field and / or interactive arrow, and a lower limit 13b of the value range 12 can be determined using the fourth interaction element 18d, for example, a text field and / or interactive arrow. The section lying between the lower limit 13b and the upper limit 13a corresponds to the value range 12. In this example, the lower limit 13b is determined by the value "-14" and the upper limit 13a by the value "18."The interaction elements required for the selection of the sub-area 10 and / or the value range 12 can advantageously also be displayed on the abscissa, which indicates the value range 12 for the representation of the frequency of the provided result values ​​17, or can be integrated into it.

[0053] Additionally, a transparency can be specified for the color coding 14. This can be done using a fifth interaction element 18e, for example, a slider. The transparency can be defined by a value between "0" (result map not visible) and "1" (at the spatially resolved positions where a result value lies outside the subarea 10, the anatomical image data is completely overlaid by the result map, thus no longer visible). The interaction elements 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e can preferably be operated using the input unit 26.

[0054] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

[1] Method for generating a result map (16a, 16b, 16c) correlated with anatomical image data, comprising the following method steps: - Providing spatially resolved result values ​​(17) based on anatomical image data and / or medical data from which anatomical image data can be reconstructed, which result values ​​(17) lie within a value range (12), - Determining a frequency of the provided result values ​​(17) depending on the result values ​​(17) within the value range (12), wherein each result value (17) encompassed by the value range (12) is assigned a frequency with which this result value (17) occurs within the examination area and / or a further area, - selection of a sub-range (10) of the value range (12) based on the frequency of the provided result values ​​(17), - Assigning a colour coding (14) to the result values ​​(17) of the value range (12) outside the sub-range (10), - generating the result map (16a, 16b, 16c) by assigning a result value (17) according to the assigned color coding (14) to its spatially resolved position with respect to the anatomical image data. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the selection of the sub-area (10) is based on the frequency of the provided result values ​​(17). [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the selection of the sub-area (10) is based on a threshold value and / or a significance for the frequency of the provided result values ​​(17) depending on the result values ​​(17) within the value range (12). [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the assignment of the color coding (14) comprises a specification of a transparency for the color coding (14). [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the selection of the partial area (10) and / or a determination of a transparency is carried out by means of an interaction element (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e). [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the generation of the result map (16a, 16b, 16c) comprises a representation of the result map (16a, 16b, 16c) superimposed on the anatomical image data in accordance with the associated color coding (14) in at least two mutually different orientations. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the anatomical image data have a resolution which differs from a resolution of the result map (16c). [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the generation of the result card (16a, 16b, 16c) - a definition of the seed region (15), - a correlation analysis taking into account the seed region (15) and medical data, - and comprises generating spatially resolved result values ​​(17) based on the correlation analysis, and the result values ​​(17) indicate a correlation of the spatially resolved positions with a seed region (15). [9] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the result values ​​(17) indicate a correlation of the spatially resolved positions with a seed region (15). [10] Generation unit (33) with a user interface (27) and a computing unit (32) which is designed to carry out a method for generating a result map (16a, 16b, 16c) correlated with anatomical image data according to one of the preceding claims. [11] Computer program product comprising a program and being loadable directly into a memory of a programmable computing unit (32) of a generating unit (33), with program means for executing a method for generating a result map (16a, 16b, 16c) correlated with anatomical image data according to one of claims 1 to 9 when the program is executed in the computing unit (32) of the generating unit (33). [12] Electronically readable data carrier (21) on which a program is stored which is designed such that, when the data carrier (21) is used in a computing unit (32) of a generating unit (33), the program carries out the method for generating a result map (16a, 16b, 16c) correlated with anatomical image data according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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