Image processing apparatus, image display system, method of operating an image processing apparatus, and program

Abstract

To provide an image processing apparatus, an image display system, an operation method of the image processing apparatus, and a program by which it is possible to display an optimum three dimensional image when display is switched from a two dimensional tomographic image to a three dimensional image.SOLUTION: A processor (14) outputs a tomographic image display signal representing a two dimensional tomographic image included in a first tomographic image group, extracts a second tomographic image group having a smaller interval between tomographic images than the first tomographic image group, on the basis of the similarity between incidental information of the first tomographic image group and incidental information of the second tomographic image group, if a display switching signal indicating switching from display of the two dimensional tomographic image to display of a three dimensional image is acquired, and outputs a three dimensional image display signal representing a three dimensional image generated on the basis of the extracted second tomographic image group.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image display system, an operating method of an image processing apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] As a three-dimensional processing of projection data obtained by photographing a subject using a modality such as a CT imaging apparatus, a multi-planar reconstruction method is known. The multi-planar reconstruction method can extract and display an arbitrary cross-section of CT value information constructed three-dimensionally. For example, it is possible to switch the display of an axial cross-section, which is a cross-section in the body axis direction, to the display of a sagittal cross-section that cuts vertically and the display of a coronal cross-section that cuts horizontally. Note that CT is an abbreviation for Computed Tomography. The multi-planar reconstruction method is represented by MPR using an abbreviation of the English notation Multi Planar Reconstruction.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an image display system including an image server and a display terminal, in which the image server and the display terminal are connected via a network. In the system described in the same document, the display terminal receives a thick tomographic image group from the server and displays the tomographic images of the received thick tomographic image group.

[0004] Further, the same system receives a thin tomographic image group corresponding to the thick tomographic image group after receiving a part of the thick tomographic image group and stores it. Furthermore, when a thick tomographic image is displayed and a display switching is instructed, the same system switches the display of the thick tomographic image to the display of the thin tomographic image.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] When photographing a subject using a CT imaging device, a six-slice image series with a tomographic image interval of about 5 millimeters and a sin-slice image series with a tomographic image interval of about 1 millimeter may be reconstructed.

[0007] In the image reference for reading purposes, mainly the six-slice image series is applied. On the other hand, when switching the display from the axial cross-section to the sagittal cross-section, a series of sagittal cross-section images based on the six-slice image series is reconstructed. Then, the tomographic images of the sagittal cross-section become blurred in the body axis direction.

[0008] Patent Document 1 mainly discloses switching the original tomographic cross-section, which is the body axis cross-section, from a thick slice to a thin slice. Also, although there is a description about MPR in the same document, the same document does not specifically disclose MPR.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an image processing apparatus, an image display system, an operation method of the image processing apparatus, and a program that can display an optimal three-dimensional image when switching the display from a two-dimensional tomographic image to a three-dimensional image.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] To achieve the above object, the following invention aspects are provided.

[0011] The image processing apparatus according to the present disclosure is an image processing apparatus including one or more processors. The processor outputs a tomographic image display signal representing a two-dimensional tomographic image included in a first tomographic image group based on imaging data obtained by imaging a subject. When acquiring a display switching signal indicating a switch from the display of the two-dimensional tomographic image to the display of the three-dimensional image, based on the imaging data acquired in the imaging corresponding to the imaging for acquiring the imaging data, a second tomographic image group having a smaller interval between tomographic images than the first tomographic image group is extracted, and a three-dimensional image display signal representing a three-dimensional image generated based on the extracted second tomographic image group is output.

[0012] According to the image processing apparatus of the present disclosure, when switching from the display of the two-dimensional tomographic image to the display of the three-dimensional image, an optimal three-dimensional image based on the second tomographic image group can be displayed.

[0013] The tomographic image may include a cross-sectional image having an infinitesimal thickness.

[0014] Examples of the imaging data include raw data generated by an imaging device that images a subject. Examples of the raw data include projection data of a CT imaging device.

[0015] In an image processing apparatus according to another aspect, the processor acquires a three-dimensional image generated based on the second tomographic image group.

[0016] According to such an aspect, display of the three-dimensional image using a pre-generated three-dimensional image can be performed.

[0017] In an image processing apparatus according to another aspect, the processor extracts a second tomographic image group having associated information that matches the associated information of the first tomographic image group.

[0018] According to such an aspect, the second tomographic image group can be extracted using the associated information of the first tomographic image group.

[0019] In an image processing apparatus according to another aspect, the processor extracts a second tomographic image group based on the degree of similarity between the additional information of the first tomographic image group and the additional information of the second tomographic image group.

[0020] According to such an aspect, when there is no second tomographic image group having additional information that matches the additional information of the first tomographic image group, a second tomographic image group having additional information similar to the additional information of the first tomographic image group can be extracted.

[0021] In an image processing apparatus according to another aspect, the processor extracts a second tomographic image group using, as additional information, at least any one of the shooting date and time, information representing the content of the tomographic image group, and the position of the tomographic image in the shooting range of the imaging device.

[0022] According to such an aspect, a second tomographic image group can be extracted using at least any one of the shooting date and time, the content of the tomographic image group, and the position of the tomographic image in the shooting range of the first tomographic image group.

[0023] In an image processing apparatus according to another aspect, the processor sets the interval between the tomographic images included in the first tomographic image group.

[0024] According to such an aspect, the interval between the tomographic images in the first tomographic image group can be defined.

[0025] In an image processing apparatus according to another aspect, the processor sets the interval between the tomographic images included in the second tomographic image group.

[0026] According to such an aspect, the interval between the tomographic images in the second tomographic image group can be defined.

[0027] In an image processing apparatus according to another aspect, the processor extracts a second tomographic image group generated using the imaging data that generated the first tomographic image group.

[0028] According to such an aspect, it is possible to realize the display of an optimal three-dimensional image generated based on the imaging data that is the basis of the first tomographic image group.

[0029] An image display system according to the present disclosure is an image display system including an image processing apparatus having one or more processors and a display that displays an image corresponding to an image display signal transmitted from the image processing apparatus. The processor outputs a tomographic image display signal representing a two-dimensional tomographic image included in a first tomographic image group based on tomographic data obtained by photographing a subject, and when acquiring a display switching signal representing a switch from the display of the two-dimensional tomographic image to the display of the three-dimensional image, based on the tomographic data acquired in the photographing corresponding to the photographing for acquiring the tomographic data, extracts a second tomographic image group having a smaller interval between tomographic images than the first tomographic image group, and outputs a three-dimensional image display signal representing a three-dimensional image generated based on the extracted second tomographic image group. The display is an image display system that displays a three-dimensional image corresponding to the output three-dimensional image display signal.

[0030] An image processing method according to the present disclosure outputs a tomographic image display signal representing a two-dimensional tomographic image included in a first tomographic image group based on tomographic data obtained by photographing a subject, and when acquiring a display switching signal representing a switch from the display of the two-dimensional tomographic image to the display of the three-dimensional image, based on the tomographic data acquired in the photographing corresponding to the photographing for acquiring the tomographic data, extracts a second tomographic image group having a smaller interval between tomographic images than the first tomographic image group, and outputs a three-dimensional image display signal representing a three-dimensional image generated based on the extracted second tomographic image group.

[0031] A program according to the present disclosure causes a computer to output a tomographic image display signal representing a two-dimensional tomographic image included in a first tomographic image group based on tomographic data obtained by photographing a subject, and when acquiring a display switching signal representing a switch from the display of the two-dimensional tomographic image to the display of the three-dimensional image, based on the tomographic data acquired in the photographing corresponding to the photographing for acquiring the tomographic data, extracts a second tomographic image group having a smaller interval between tomographic images than the first tomographic image group, and outputs a three-dimensional image display signal representing a three-dimensional image generated based on the extracted second tomographic image group, thereby realizing a three-dimensional image display signal output function.

Advantages of the Invention

[0032] According to the present invention, when switching from the display of a two-dimensional tomographic image to the display of a three-dimensional image, an optimal three-dimensional image based on the second tomographic image group can be displayed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0034] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components, and duplicate descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0035] [Configuration Example of Medical Image Display System] [Overall Configuration of Medical Image Display System] When switching from the display of an axial cross-section to a three-dimensional display such as the display of a sagittal cross-section during the reading of an axial cross-section slice image, the medical image display system 10 searches for and extracts a synthetic slice image series corresponding to the six-slice image series. The medical image display system 10 acquires a three-dimensional image reconstructed based on the extracted synthetic slice image series and displays the three-dimensional image. Hereinafter, the medical image display system 10 will be described in detail.

[0036] In addition, a smaller slice interval than the slice interval applied to the six-slice image series is applied to the cine-slice image series. For example, the slice interval of the cine-slice image series can be 1 millimeter, and the slice interval of the six-slice image series can be 5 millimeters. Note that the slice image means a tomographic image at an arbitrary cross section. The tomographic image may include a cross-sectional image with an infinitesimal slice thickness. The slice interval is synonymous with the interval between tomographic images.

[0037] The term "image" in this specification may be used to mean the image itself and the image data representing the image. The image data is synonymous with the image signal representing the image.

[0038] Reconstruction means the conversion and generation of image data obtained using a modality and image data derived from image data obtained using a modality. Examples of reconstruction include the generation of a slice image series including a plurality of slice images based on raw data and the generation of a three-dimensional image based on raw data.

[0039] Another example of reconstruction includes the generation of a three-dimensional image based on a slice image series. Examples of image processing for generating a three-dimensional image include MIP (Maximum Intensity Projection), MPR, and volume rendering. Note that the raw data described in the embodiment is an example of imaging data.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a medical image display system according to an embodiment. The medical image display system 10 includes a medical image processing device 12, a medical image storage device 18, and a medical image viewer device 20.

[0041] The medical image processing device 12 is a terminal device used by users in hospitals, inspection laboratories, etc. The medical image processing device 12 can apply a computer. The medical image processing device 12 includes a processor 14 and a memory 16. Note that the processor 14 described in the embodiment is an example of one or more processors.

[0042] The memory 16 may include a program memory in which a program containing instructions to be executed by the processor 14 is stored. The memory 16 may include a data memory in which various types of data are stored.

[0043] The medical image processing device 12 executes the program read by the processor 14 from the memory 16, and realizes various functions including a six-slice image series acquisition function, a display switching signal acquisition function, a cine-slice image series search function, a three-dimensional image acquisition function, a display image signal generation function, and a display image signal output function.

[0044] The acquisition of the six-slice image series may include a mode in which the processor 14 generates a six-slice image series from raw data or the like and acquires the generated six-slice image series.

[0045] The display switching signal acquisition function performs acquisition of a display switching signal or the like representing a display switching request input by a user or the like. The display image signal generation function performs generation of a slice image display signal representing a slice image based on the six-slice image series and generation of a three-dimensional image display signal representing a three-dimensional image based on the cine-slice image series.

[0046] The display image signal output function performs output of the slice image display signal and output of the three-dimensional image display signal. Note that the slice image display signal described in the embodiment is an example of a tomographic image display signal.

[0047] The three-dimensional image acquisition function may include a three-dimensional image generation function. That is, when a desired three-dimensional image is not stored in the medical image storage device 18, a source image serving as a basis for the desired three-dimensional image such as raw data can be acquired, and the desired three-dimensional image can be generated from the source image.

[0048] The medical image storage device 18 stores medical images with additional information defined by the DICOM standard. Also, patient information such as the patient's name is assigned to the medical images. The patient information can be managed separately from the additional information, or it can be managed as additional information. The medical images stored using the medical image storage device 18 include a slice image series containing a plurality of slice images.

[0049] The additional information may include various information such as the examination date and time, the type of modality used for the examination, the examination item, and the number of images. The additional information may include a series description for indicating to the user or the like what kind of image series it is. Note that the details of the additional information will be described later.

[0050] The medical images stored using the medical image storage device 18 may include raw data acquired using modalities such as a CT imaging device 28 and an MRI imaging device 30 that image a subject, as well as reconstructed images such as three-dimensional images reconstructed from the raw data. Note that the details of the reconstructed images will be described later.

[0051] The medical image storage device 18 may apply a large-capacity storage device. Note that DICOM is an abbreviation for Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine.

[0052] The medical image viewer device 20 is used when a user observes a medical image. The medical image viewer device 20 includes a display 22 and an input device 24. The display 22 displays an image represented by a display image signal acquired from the medical image processing device 12. The display 22 can display the medical images stored in the medical image storage device 18 based on a command from the medical image processing device 12.

[0053] The input device 24 transmits an input signal corresponding to a user operation to the medical image processing device 12. As the input device 24, operation members such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a joystick can be applied. A touch panel type display 22 may be applied, and the display 22 and the input device 24 may be integrally configured.

[0054] The medical image display system 10 is communicably connected to modalities such as a CT imaging device 28 via a network 26. As the network 26, a LAN (Local Area Network) can be applied. As the network 26, an in-house LAN in a hospital or the like can be applied. The network 26 may include an external network such as a hospital.

[0055] The modalities may include a PET device, an ultrasonic diagnostic device, a CR device, and the like. Note that PET is an abbreviation for Positron Emission Tomography. CR is an abbreviation for Computed Radiography.

[0056] 〔Procedure of Medical Image Processing Method〕 FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the medical image processing method according to the embodiment. In the six-slice image series acquisition step S10, the processor 14 acquires a six-slice image series from the medical image storage device 18 or the like. After the six-slice image series acquisition step S10, the process proceeds to the slice image display signal generation step S12.

[0057] The six-slice image series includes a plurality of slice images. Note that the six-slice image series described in the embodiment is an example of a first tomographic image group. The slice image described in the embodiment is an example of a tomographic image.

[0058] In the slice image display signal generation step S12, the processor 14 generates a slice image display signal for each of the slice images included in the acquired six-slice image series. After the slice image display signal generation step S12, the process proceeds to the slice image display signal output step S14.

[0059] In the slice image display signal output step S14, the processor 14 outputs the slice image display signal generated in the slice image display signal generation step S12. The display 22 that has received the slice image display signal displays the slice image.

[0060] As an example of the display of the slice image, a slider bar representing the position in the body axis direction is superimposed on the display screen for displaying an arbitrary slice image, and the slice image to be displayed on the display screen is switched according to the movement operation of the slider. After the slice image display signal output step S14, the process proceeds to the display switching signal acquisition determination step S16.

[0061] In the display switching signal acquisition determination step S16, the processor 14 determines whether a display switching signal has been acquired. In the display switching signal acquisition determination step S16, if the processor 14 determines that the display switching signal has not been acquired, it is a No determination. In the case of a No determination, the display switching signal acquisition determination step S16 is continued.

[0062] On the other hand, in the display switching signal acquisition determination step S16, if the processor 14 determines that the display switching signal has been acquired, it is a Yes determination. In the case of a Yes determination, the process proceeds to the sin slice image series search step S18.

[0063] In the sin slice image series search step S18, the processor 14 searches for a sin slice image series corresponding to the six slice image series including the slice image displayed on the display 22. The search target is the medical image storage device 18 shown in FIG. 1. Note that the sin slice image series described in the embodiment is an example of the second tomographic image group.

[0064] In the sin slice image series search step S18, if the processor 14 determines that the desired sin slice image series is not stored in the medical image storage device 18, it is a No determination. In the case of a No determination, the process proceeds to the original image acquisition step S20.

[0065] In the original image acquisition step S20, the processor 14 acquires original images such as the raw data and volume data used when generating the six-slice image series. When the original image is stored in the medical image storage device 18, the processor 14 acquires the original image from the medical image storage device 18.

[0066] When the original image is not stored in the medical image storage device 18, the medical image display system 10 searches for the original image in an external storage device and acquires the original image. After the original image acquisition step S20, it proceeds to the three-dimensional image generation step S26.

[0067] In the three-dimensional image generation step S26, the processor 14 generates a three-dimensional image from the original image. When generating a three-dimensional image from the original image in the three-dimensional image generation step S26, a synthetic slice image series may be generated from the original image, and a three-dimensional image may be generated from the synthetic slice image series. After the three-dimensional image generation step S26, it proceeds to the three-dimensional image display signal generation step S30.

[0068] On the other hand, in the synthetic slice image series search step S18, if the processor 14 determines that the desired synthetic slice image series is stored in the medical image storage device 18, it is a Yes determination. In the case of a Yes determination, it proceeds to the three-dimensional image search step S22.

[0069] In the three-dimensional image search step S22, the processor 14 determines whether the desired three-dimensional image generated from the synthetic slice image series is stored in the medical image storage device 18. In the three-dimensional image search step S22, if the processor 14 determines that the desired three-dimensional image is not stored in the medical image storage device 18, it is a No determination. In the case of a No determination, it proceeds to the synthetic slice image acquisition step S24.

[0070] In the synthetic slice image acquisition step S24, the processor 14 acquires the synthetic slice image series stored in the medical image storage device 18. After the synthetic slice image acquisition step S24, it proceeds to the three-dimensional image generation step S26.

[0071] In the three-dimensional image generation step S26, the processor 14 generates a desired three-dimensional image from the series of sin slice images acquired in the sin slice image acquisition step S24. After the three-dimensional image generation step S26, the process proceeds to the three-dimensional image display signal generation step S30.

[0072] On the other hand, if the processor 14 determines in the three-dimensional image search step S22 that the desired three-dimensional image is stored in the medical image storage device 18, it is a Yes determination. In the case of a Yes determination, the process proceeds to the three-dimensional image acquisition step S28.

[0073] In the three-dimensional image acquisition step S28, the processor 14 acquires the desired three-dimensional image from the medical image storage device 18. After the three-dimensional image acquisition step S28, the process proceeds to the three-dimensional image display signal generation step S30.

[0074] In the three-dimensional image display signal generation step S30, the processor 14 generates a three-dimensional image display signal representing the desired three-dimensional image. After the three-dimensional image display signal generation step S30, the process proceeds to the three-dimensional image display signal output step S32.

[0075] In the three-dimensional image display signal output step S32, the processor 14 outputs the three-dimensional image display signal generated in the three-dimensional image display signal generation step S30. The display 22 that receives the three-dimensional image display signal displays the three-dimensional image.

[0076] [Specific examples of slice image display and three-dimensional image display] Next, a specific example of switching the display from a slice image to a three-dimensional image implemented using the medical image display system 10 will be described.

[0077] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a display screen on which a slice image is displayed. The display screen 100 shown in the figure shows a slice image 102 of the lung obtained by photographing a subject using the CT imaging device 28 shown in FIG. 1. The slice image 102 for reading is generated from the six-slice image series. Note that the slice image 102 described in the embodiment is an example of a two-dimensional tomographic image.

[0078] The display screen 100 shown in the figure includes an image area 110, a patient information area 112, an examination list area 114, a toolbar 116, and status information 118. The image area 110 displays an image to be observed. The image area 110 shown in FIG. 3 displays a slice image 102, a slider bar 120, and a scale 122.

[0079] When the user operates the slider, the slice image 102 corresponding to the position of the slider on the slider bar 120 is displayed. That is, any slice image among a plurality of slice images is displayed according to the user's operation of the slider.

[0080] The patient information area 112 displays patient information regarding the patient, such as the patient's name, date of birth, age, and gender. The patient information may include information such as a patient ID. The examination list area 114 displays an examination list corresponding to the patient information displayed in the patient information area 112. FIG. 3 shows thumbnails of medical images obtained in each of a plurality of examinations.

[0081] When the user selects an arbitrary thumbnail in the examination list, the medical image obtained in the selected examination is displayed in the image area 110. The display of the selected medical image may apply full-screen display or reduced-screen display.

[0082] The toolbar 116 includes a plurality of buttons such as a display format switching button that the user operates when switching between the display of a slice image and the display of a three-dimensional image. Each of the plurality of buttons corresponds to various functions on the display screen 100. When the user operates the display format switching button, the display is switched from the display of the slice image 102 to the display of the three-dimensional image corresponding to the slice image 102.

[0083] The status information 118 can be applied to the inspection information of the slice image 102, the folder name in which the slice image 102 is stored, the file name of the slice image 102, and the like. The inspection information of the slice image 102 may include the type of modality used for the inspection, the date and time of the inspection, information on the inspection institution, and the like.

[0084] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a display screen showing a display example of a three-dimensional image. In the figure, as an example of the three-dimensional image, a sagittal cross-sectional image 130 obtained by cutting out a cross-section in the sagittal direction is shown. The sagittal cross-sectional image 130 is a three-dimensional image based on a sin slice image series corresponding to the six slice image series including the slice image 102.

[0085] That is, when a user observing the slice image 102 shown in FIG. 3 wants to view the sagittal cross-section of the slice image 102 and switches the display on the display screen 100, the sagittal cross-sectional image 130 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed.

[0086] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a sagittal cross-section display according to a comparative example. The sagittal cross-sectional image 140 shown in FIG. 5 is generated using the six slice image series including the slice image 102 shown in FIG. 3, and the body axis direction is blurred.

[0087] This is because the interval between the tomographic images of the sin slice image series is 1 millimeter, while the interval between the tomographic images of the six slice image series is 5 millimeters, and the blur in the body axis direction of the sagittal cross-sectional image 140 is due to the resolution in the body axis direction.

[0088] Among the six slice image series including the slice image 102 shown in FIG. 3, there may be those generated as a sin slice image series from the same original image. Therefore, a sin slice image series corresponding to the slice image 102 is searched, and when the sin slice image series exists, the sagittal cross-sectional image 130 shown in FIG. 4 is generated using the sin slice image series.

[0089] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence relationship of a slice image series. In the figure, a plurality of slice image series 150 detected using patient information are shown. When the processor 14 shown in FIG. 1 acquires a display switching signal, using the patient information as a parameter, from among the medical images stored in the medical image storage device 18, it searches for and extracts a slice image series in which the slice image 102 displayed on the display screen 100 shown in FIG. 3 matches the patient information.

[0090] FIG. 6 shows an example in which a corresponding single-slice image series 150B is automatically extracted for the six-slice image series 150A.

[0091] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the generation of a three-dimensional image. A corresponding single-slice image series 150B for the six-slice image series 150A shown in the figure is extracted. The processor 14 generates volume data 160 based on the single-slice image series 150B.

[0092] The processor 14 may generate volume data 160 using the single-slice image series 150B, or may acquire the raw data that is the basis of the single-slice image series 150B and generate the volume data 160 of the subject 162 using the acquired raw data.

[0093] The processor 14 generates a sagittal cross-sectional image 170 using the volume data 160. The processor 14 can generate three-dimensional images such as a coronal cross-sectional image 172 using the volume data 160.

[0094] [Discrimination of Six-Slice Image Series and Single-Slice Image Series] The interval of tomographic images to be treated as a thin-slice image series being several millimeters or less is defined according to the imaging protocol of each examination facility. The processor 14 shown in FIG. 1 may have a slice image interval setting function for setting the interval of tomographic images in the thin-slice image series. The setting of the interval of tomographic images may include a mode of changing a preset initial value. The search for the thin-slice image series can discriminate the thin-slice image series based on the set slice image interval.

[0095] [Correspondence relationship between six-slice image series and thin-slice image series] Medical images obtained using a CT imaging device 28 or the like are standardized with the DICOM standard applied. In the DICOM standard, images are treated as files. The file may include the image itself and the ancillary information of the image. The ancillary information is information for a user or the like to know what kind of image it is.

[0096] When searching for a thin-slice image series, the ancillary information of the six-slice image series can be used. When the CT imaging device 28 is applied to image a subject, the six-slice image series and the thin-slice image series can be generated from the same projection data. Therefore, it is possible to treat the thin-slice image series with the same imaging date and time as the six-slice image series as the thin-slice image series corresponding to the six-slice image series. Note that the projection data described in the embodiment is an example of imaging data.

[0097] Another example of the ancillary information is a series description. The series description indicates to a user or the like what kind of image series it is. The series description may use the English notation "Series Description" in some cases.

[0098] In the search for a thin-slice image series, it is possible to treat the thin-slice image series having the same series description as the six-slice image series as the thin-slice image series corresponding to the six-slice image series.

[0099] In addition, when there is no single-slice image series that exactly matches the six-slice image series and the series description, a single-slice image series corresponding to the six-slice image series can be extracted based on the similarity of the series descriptions of both.

[0100] The series description can be divided into word units, and the similarity can be defined according to the matching words. When the similarity is equal to or greater than the defined value, it can be treated as a similar series description.

[0101] As another example of the attached information, position information in the modality of each slice image can be mentioned. The position information can apply a two-dimensional coordinate system defined on the imaging surface of the modality. That is, for the imaging range of the modality, the minimum coordinate value and the maximum coordinate value of each slice image are used to obtain the imaging range of each slice image. A single-slice image series including slice images having the same or similar imaging ranges can be treated as a single-slice image series corresponding to the six-slice image series.

[0102] In addition to the above-described imaging date and time, series description, and position information of the subject 162, various information can be defined as attached information. Using such attached information, a single-slice image series corresponding to the six-slice image series can be extracted.

[0103] Using a plurality of pieces of attached information, the matching and similarity between the pieces of attached information can be determined, and based on the determination result, a single-slice image series corresponding to the six-slice image series can be extracted. Note that the series description described in the embodiment is an example of information representing the content of the tomographic image group.

[0104] [Operational Effects of the Image Processing Apparatus, Image Display System, and Image Processing Method According to the Embodiment] The image processing apparatus, image display system, and image processing method according to the embodiment can obtain the following operational effects.

[0105] [1] In the conventional display switching, the user had to search for a single-slice image series corresponding to the six-slice image series by looking at thumbnails or the like displayed on the display screen, perform an operation such as drag and drop, and then switch the single-slice image series used for the screen display. After that, it was necessary to switch to the display of a three-dimensional image such as a sagittal cross-sectional image 170 based on the single-slice image series.

[0106] On the other hand, in the medical image display system 10 shown in this embodiment, when a display switching signal is acquired during the display of the slice image 102 based on the six-slice image series 150A, the processor 14 searches for a single-slice image series 150B corresponding to the six-slice image series 150A. The processor 14 generates a sagittal cross-sectional image 170 based on the single-slice image series 150B extracted as the search result. As a result, it is possible to realize the display of a sagittal cross-sectional image 170 or the like in which the blurring in the body axis direction desired by the user does not occur without the user being conscious of the six-slice image series and the single-slice image series.

[0107] 〔2〕 The processor 14 performs the search using the supplementary information of the six-slice image series 150A and extracts the single-slice image series 150B corresponding to the six-slice image series 150A. As a result, it is possible to perform the extraction of the single-slice image series 150B corresponding to the six-slice image series 150A based on the supplementary information.

[0108] 〔3〕 At least any one of the shooting date and time, series description, and position information of the object to be photographed is applied to the supplementary information. As a result, it is possible to perform the extraction of the single-slice image series 150B corresponding to the six-slice image series 150A based on at least any one of the shooting date and time, series description, and position information of the object to be photographed.

[0109] 〔4〕 The processor 14 extracts a single-slice image series 150B having additional information similar to the six-slice image series 150A. Thereby, even when there is no single-slice image series in which the additional information completely matches, a single-slice image series 150B having similar additional information can be extracted.

[0110] [Hardware configurations of each processing unit and control unit] The hardware structures of the processing units that execute the processing of the medical image display system 10 and the medical image processing apparatus 12 described in the above embodiment are various processors. The various processors include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and the like.

[0111] The CPU is a general-purpose processor that executes a program and functions as various processing units. The PLD is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacturing. An example of the PLD is an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The ASIC is a dedicated electric circuit having a circuit configuration specifically designed to execute a specific process.

[0112] One processing unit may be composed of one of these various processors, or may be composed of two or more processors of the same type or different types. For example, one processing unit may be composed of a plurality of FPGAs or the like. One processing unit may be composed of a combination of one or more FPGAs and one or more CPUs.

[0113] Also, a plurality of processing units may be configured using one processor. As an example of configuring a plurality of processing units using one processor, there is a form in which one or more CPUs and software are combined to configure one processor, and one processor functions as a plurality of processing units. Such a form is represented by computers such as client terminal devices and server devices.

[0114] As another configuration example, there is a form in which a processor that realizes the functions of an entire system including a plurality of processing units is used by using one IC chip. Such a form is typified by a System On Chip. Note that IC is an abbreviation for Integrated Circuit. Also, a System On Chip may be described as SoC using the abbreviation of System On Chip.

[0115] As described above, various processing units are configured as a hardware structure by using one or more of the various processors described above. Further, the hardware structure of various processors is more specifically an electrical circuit (circuitry) that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0116] [Application Example to Program] A program that causes a computer to realize various functions of the medical image display system 10 and the medical image processing apparatus 12 described in this specification and each step of the image processing method can be configured. For example, a program can be configured that causes a computer to realize processing corresponding to the six-slice image series acquisition function, display switching signal acquisition function, single-slice image series search function, three-dimensional image acquisition function, display image signal generation function, and display image signal output function shown in FIG. 4.

[0117] The display image signal output function described in the embodiment may include a three-dimensional image display signal output function that outputs a three-dimensional image display signal representing a three-dimensional image generated based on the second tomographic image group.

[0118] The embodiments of the present invention described above can appropriately change, add, or delete configuration requirements without departing from the gist of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and many modifications are possible by those having ordinary knowledge in the art within the technical idea of the present invention. Also, embodiments, modification examples, and application examples may be implemented in appropriate combinations.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0119] 10 Medical image display system 12 Medical image processing device 14 Processor 16 Memory 18 Medical image storage device 20 Medical image viewer device 22 Display 24 Input device 26 Network 28 CT imaging device 30 MRI imaging device 100 Display screen 102 Slice image 110 Image area 112 Patient information area 114 Examination list area 116 Toolbar 118 Status information 120 Slider bar 122 Scale 130 Sagittal cross-sectional image 150 Slice image series 150A Six-slice image series 150B Cine-slice image series 160 Volume data 162 Subject 170 Sagittal cross-sectional image 172 Coronal cross-sectional image Each step of the image processing method from S10 to S32

Claims

1. An image processing apparatus including one or more processors, wherein the processor: outputs a tomographic image display signal representing a two-dimensional tomographic image included in a first tomographic image group; when acquiring a display switching signal representing a switch from the display of the two-dimensional tomographic image to the display of a three-dimensional image, extracts a second tomographic image group having a smaller interval between tomographic images than the first tomographic image group based on a similarity between the attached information of the first tomographic image group and the attached information of the second tomographic image group; and outputs a three-dimensional image display signal representing a three-dimensional image generated based on the extracted second tomographic image group.

2. The processor: acquires the three-dimensional image generated based on the second tomographic image group, according to the image processing apparatus of Claim 1.

3. The processor: applies position information in an imaging device of each tomographic image as the attached information of the first tomographic image group, applies position information in the imaging device of each tomographic image as the attached information of the second tomographic image group, and extracts the second tomographic image group, according to the image processing apparatus of Claim 1 or 2.

4. The processor: applies a series description of the first tomographic image group as the attached information of the first tomographic image group; applies a series description of the second tomographic image group as the attached information of the second tomographic image group; divides the series description of the first tomographic image group into word units, divides the series description of the second tomographic image group into word units; and defines the similarity according to a match between words included in the series description of the first tomographic image group and words included in the series description of the second tomographic image group, according to the image processing apparatus of any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. The processor: uses at least any one of a shooting date and time, information representing the content of the tomographic image group, and the position of the tomographic image in the shooting range of the imaging device as the attached information to extract the second tomographic image group, according to the image processing apparatus of any one of Claims 1 to 4.

6. The processor: sets an interval between tomographic images included in the first tomographic image group, according to the image processing apparatus of any one of Claims 1 to 5.

7. The processor: sets an interval between tomographic images included in the second tomographic image group, according to the image processing apparatus of any one of Claims 1 to 6.

8. The processor: extracts the second tomographic image group generated using shooting data that generated the first tomographic image group, according to the image processing apparatus of any one of Claims 1 to 7.

9. The processor: determines the presence or absence of the second tomographic image group corresponding to the first tomographic image group; when it is determined that there is no second tomographic image group corresponding to the first tomographic image group, acquires a three-dimensional image corresponding to the first tomographic image group; The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which generates the second tomographic image group from the acquired three-dimensional image.

10. An image display system including: an image processing apparatus including one or more processors; and a display that displays an image corresponding to an image display signal transmitted from the image processing apparatus, wherein the processor: outputs a tomographic image display signal representing a two-dimensional tomographic image included in a first tomographic image group; when acquiring a display switching signal indicating a switch from display of the two-dimensional tomographic image to display of a three-dimensional image, extracts a second tomographic image group having a smaller interval between tomographic images than the first tomographic image group, based on a similarity between the attached information of the first tomographic image group and the attached information of the second tomographic image group; outputs a three-dimensional image display signal representing a three-dimensional image generated based on the extracted second tomographic image group; and the display displays the three-dimensional image corresponding to the output three-dimensional image display signal.

11. A method of operating an image processing apparatus to which a computer is applied, the method comprising: the image processing apparatus: outputting a tomographic image display signal representing a two-dimensional tomographic image included in a first tomographic image group; when acquiring a display switching signal indicating a switch from display of the two-dimensional tomographic image to display of a three-dimensional image, extracting a second tomographic image group having a smaller interval between tomographic images than the first tomographic image group, based on a similarity between the attached information of the first tomographic image group and the attached information of the second tomographic image group; outputting a three-dimensional image display signal representing a three-dimensional image generated based on the extracted second tomographic image group.

12. Causing a computer to have: a function of outputting a tomographic image display signal representing a two-dimensional tomographic image included in a first tomographic image group; a function of extracting, when acquiring a display switching signal indicating a switch from display of the two-dimensional tomographic image to display of a three-dimensional image, a second tomographic image group having a smaller interval between tomographic images than the first tomographic image group, based on a similarity between the attached information of the first tomographic image group and the attached information of the second tomographic image group; A program that realizes a function of outputting a three-dimensional image display signal representing a three-dimensional image generated based on the extracted second tomographic image group.

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