JP3801977B2 - Image analysis apparatus, function map creation means for image analysis apparatus, image analysis method, and image analysis program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image analysis method, an image analysis apparatus, a program, and the like that perform image analysis based on image information such as 3D image information and 4D image information of an analysis object.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as a means for analyzing various functions of the heart, there is an image analysis using a bullseye map created based on the three-dimensional image information of the heart (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1).
[0003]
According to the analysis by the bullseye map, for example, functions such as heart wall motion can be quantitatively displayed.
[Non-Patent Document 1]
Garcia EV, Van Train K, Maddahi J, Prigent F, Friedman J, Areeda J, Waxman A,
Berman DS: Quantification of rotational thallium-201 myocardial tomography. The Journal of Nuclear Medicine 26: pp.17-26 (1985)
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, once the cardiac function bullseye map is displayed, there is a problem that it is difficult to grasp which point on the original three-dimensional image the point on the map corresponds to.
[0005]
Furthermore, when various cardiac function bullseye maps are created from three-dimensional image information of one heart, there is a problem that it becomes more difficult to grasp.
[0006]
Furthermore, when the cardiac function bullseye map is based on a four-dimensional image, that is, three-dimensional image information corresponding to a plurality of phases, it is difficult to determine which phase of the three-dimensional image should be displayed. There was a problem of becoming.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 1 is an image analysis apparatus that performs image analysis of an organ using three-dimensional image information of the organ to be diagnosed.In order to create a function map showing the function of the organ,Among the plurality of voxels included in the three-dimensional image information, in a three-dimensional coordinate system indicating the position of each voxel to be used for the function index calculation of the organ2 points or moreLocation information,SaidCoordinate correspondence of map coordinate information in 2D coordinate system on function mapWith reference to the map creation preparation means stored in the coordinate correspondence storage means and the coordinate correspondence storage means,Based on the voxel information of the voxel to be used for the function index calculation of the organ and the map coordinate information corresponding to the position information of the voxel, the function index value corresponding to each point on the function map is calculated and Refer to the function map creating means for creating a function map, the area selecting means for selecting an area for which a three-dimensional image display is desired from the created function map, and the coordinate correspondence stored in the coordinate correspondence storage means A corresponding area extracting means for extracting the position information corresponding to the map coordinate information of each point included in the selected area as the corresponding area; and the corresponding area is distinguished from other areas in a three-dimensional manner. And display means for displaying an image.
[0008]
  According to this,Creating a cardiac function map for the function of the heart has the effect that the cardiac function of the map can be grasped at a glance, and is desired to be displayed again as a three-dimensional image on the created cardiac function map. It becomes possible to designate a region and display the corresponding region on the three-dimensional image. For this reason, it is possible to analyze on the three-dimensional image after confirming that there is an abnormality in the function of the heart with the cardiac function map.
[0009]
  In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 2 is the image analysis apparatus according to claim 1,Said map preparation meansFor each function of the organ,The coordinate correspondence between the voxel position information to be used for the function index calculation and the map coordinate informationEach of the coordinate correspondence storage means storesThe function map creating means is, Referring to the coordinate correspondence storage means,Create the function map for each function of each organ,And,A function map selecting unit that selects one of the created function maps is selected, and the region selecting unit selects a region desired to display a three-dimensional image from the selected function map. The corresponding area extracting means is selected by the area selecting means with reference to the coordinate correspondence relating to the function map selected by the function map selecting means among the coordinate correspondences stored in the coordinate correspondence storing means. The position information corresponding to the map coordinate information of each point included in the region is extracted as the corresponding region.
[0010]
  According to this,A plurality of functions can be determined from one image information, and a plurality of function maps corresponding to the plurality of functions can be compared and a plurality of indices obtained from the one image information can be obtained as a three-dimensional image. The comprehensive evaluation above has the effect of facilitating the discovery of the disease and the understanding of the postoperative state. In addition, it is possible to display and analyze only a portion corresponding to a desired condition among the functions indicated by the function map as a three-dimensional image.
[0011]
  In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 3IsIn the image analysis apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,The area selection means includes means for designating a range of the function index value for which a three-dimensional image display is desired, and an area composed of each point on the function map having the designated function index value is designated as the tertiary Selecting the original image display as the desired areaIt is characterized by.
[0013]
  In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 4Is, ClaimsAny one of claims 1 to 3In the image analysis apparatus described inThe display means displays the three-dimensional image of the organ and the function map created by the function map creating means on the same display screen, and displays the displayed three-dimensional image of the organ. The corresponding area is colored and displayed in a different color from other areas on the 3D image.It is characterized by.
[0015]
  In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 5Is, Claim 1ThruClaim 4The image analysis apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the three-dimensional image information further includes time information associated with the voxel information and the position information, and the display means performs the correspondence based on the time information. Display the area as a four-dimensional imageIt is characterized by.
[0016]
  According to this,The image information has voxel information and voxel position information corresponding to each time information, so that the function map can be easily converted into a four-dimensional image, and abnormalities in the function of the object can be detected with the function map. After confirmation, it can be analyzed as a four-dimensional image. Further, if the time information is changed at the time of display, it becomes possible to analyze the corresponding region in different phases in a moving image manner. Furthermore, it is possible to analyze the change in function of the object over time, such as the amount of movement of the object.
[0017]
  In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 6Is, Claim 1ThruThe image analysis apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the function map is in a bullseye map format.
[0018]
According to this, it is possible to display the function of the object as a map of a two-dimensional image by arranging the short-axis tomograms perpendicular to the long axis on a concentric circle.
[0019]
  In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 7 is a function map creating means included in an image analysis apparatus that performs image analysis of an organ using three-dimensional image information of the organ to be diagnosed. The image analysis device includes:In order to create a function map showing the function of the organ,Among the plurality of voxels included in the three-dimensional image information, in a three-dimensional coordinate system indicating the position of each voxel to be used for the function index calculation of the organ2 points or moreLocation information,SaidCoordinate correspondence of map coordinate information in 2D coordinate system on function mapWith reference to the map creation preparation means stored in the coordinate correspondence storage means and the coordinate correspondence storage means,Based on the voxel information of the voxel to be used for the function index calculation of the organ and the map coordinate information corresponding to the position information of the voxel, the function index value corresponding to each point on the function map is calculated and The function map creating means for creating a function map, an area selecting means for selecting an area for which three-dimensional image display is desired from the created function map, and the coordinate correspondence stored in the coordinate correspondence storage means. Referring to the corresponding area extraction means for extracting the position information corresponding to the map coordinate information of each point included in the selected area as the corresponding area; And display means for displaying an original image.
[0020]
  According to this,Creating a cardiac function map for the function of the heart has the effect that the cardiac function of the map can be grasped at a glance, and is desired to be displayed again as a three-dimensional image on the created cardiac function map. It becomes possible to designate a region and display the corresponding region on the three-dimensional image. For this reason, it is possible to analyze on the three-dimensional image after confirming that there is an abnormality in the function of the heart with the cardiac function map.
[0021]
  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 8 is the function map creating means according to claim 7,Said map preparation meansFor each function of the organ,The coordinate correspondence between the voxel position information to be used for the function index calculation and the map coordinate informationEach of the coordinate correspondence storage means storesThe function map creating means is, Referring to the coordinate correspondence storage means,The function map is created for each function of each organ, and the image analysis apparatus further includes function map selection means for selecting one of the created function maps, and the region The selection unit selects a region desired to display a three-dimensional image from the selected function map, and the corresponding region extraction unit includes the function map among the coordinate correspondences stored in the coordinate correspondence storage unit. The position information corresponding to the map coordinate information of each point included in the region selected by the region selecting unit is extracted as the corresponding region with reference to the coordinate correspondence of the function map selected by the selecting unit. It is characterized by that.
[0022]
  According to this,A plurality of functions can be determined from one image information, and a plurality of function maps corresponding to the plurality of functions can be compared and a plurality of indices obtained from the one image information can be obtained as a three-dimensional image. The comprehensive evaluation above has the effect of facilitating the discovery of the disease and the understanding of the postoperative state. In addition, it is possible to display and analyze only a portion corresponding to a desired condition among the functions indicated by the function map as a three-dimensional image.
[0023]
  In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 9IsIn the function map creating means according to claim 7 or 8,The area selection means includes means for designating a range of the function index value for which a three-dimensional image display is desired, and an area composed of each point on the function map having the designated function index value is designated as the tertiary Selecting the original image display as the desired areaIt is characterized by.
[0025]
  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 10Is, ClaimsAny one of claims 7 to 9In the function map creation means described inThe display means displays the three-dimensional image of the organ and the function map created by the function map creating means on the same display screen, and displays the displayed three-dimensional image of the organ. The corresponding area is colored and displayed in a different color from other areas on the 3D image.It is characterized by.
[0027]
  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 11Is, Claim 7ThruIn the function map creation means as described in any one of Claims 10,The three-dimensional image information further includes time information associated with the voxel information and the position information, and the display means displays the corresponding region as a four-dimensional image based on the time information.It is characterized by.
[0028]
  According to this,The image information has voxel information and voxel position information corresponding to each time information, so that the function map can be easily converted into a four-dimensional image, and abnormalities in the function of the object can be detected with the function map. After confirmation, it can be analyzed as a four-dimensional image. Further, if the time information is changed at the time of display, it becomes possible to analyze the corresponding region in different phases in a moving image manner. Furthermore, it is possible to analyze the change in function of the object over time, such as the amount of movement of the object.
[0029]
  In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 12Is, Claim 7Thru12. The function map creation means according to claim 11, wherein the function map is in a bullseye map format.
[0030]
According to this, it is possible to display the function of the object as a map of a two-dimensional image by arranging the short-axis tomograms perpendicular to the long axis on a concentric circle.
[0031]
  In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 13 is an image analysis method for performing image analysis of an organ using three-dimensional image information of the organ to be diagnosed.In order to create a function map showing the function of the organ,Among the plurality of voxels included in the three-dimensional image information, in a three-dimensional coordinate system indicating the position of each voxel to be used for the function index calculation of the organ2 points or moreLocation information,SaidCoordinate correspondence of map coordinate information in 2D coordinate system on function mapWith reference to the map creation preparation procedure to be stored in the coordinate correspondence storage means and the coordinate correspondence storage means,Based on the voxel information of the voxel to be used for the function index calculation of the organ and the map coordinate information corresponding to the position information of the voxel, the function index value corresponding to each point on the function map is calculated and Function map creation procedure for creating a function map, an area selection procedure for selecting an area for which a three-dimensional image display is desired from the created function map, and the coordinate correspondence storageTo the meansWith reference to the stored coordinate correspondence, a corresponding region extraction procedure for extracting the position information corresponding to the map coordinate information of each point included in the selected region as the corresponding region; And a display procedure for displaying a three-dimensional image separately from the region.
[0032]
  According to this,Creating a cardiac function map for the function of the heart has the effect that the cardiac function of the map can be grasped at a glance, and is desired to be displayed again as a three-dimensional image on the created cardiac function map. It becomes possible to designate a region and display the corresponding region on the three-dimensional image. For this reason, it is possible to analyze on the three-dimensional image after confirming that there is an abnormality in the function of the heart with the cardiac function map.
[0033]
  In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 14 is the image analysis method according to claim 13,Preparation procedure for the mapThen, for each function of the organ,The coordinate correspondence between the voxel position information to be used for the function index calculation and the map coordinate informationEach of them is stored in the coordinate correspondence storage means,In the function map creation procedure,, Referring to the coordinate correspondence storage means,The function map is created for each function of each of the organs, and a function map selection procedure for selecting one of the created function maps is selected. In the region selection procedure, the function map is selected. In the function map, a region for which a three-dimensional image display is desired is selected, and in the corresponding region extraction procedure, the coordinate correspondence storage is performed.To the meansOf the stored coordinate correspondences, the map coordinate information of each point included in the region selected in the region selection procedure is referred to with reference to the coordinate correspondences related to the function map selected in the function map selection procedure. The corresponding position information is extracted as the corresponding area.
[0034]
  According to this,A plurality of functions can be determined from one image information, and a plurality of function maps corresponding to the plurality of functions can be compared and a plurality of indices obtained from the one image information can be obtained as a three-dimensional image. The comprehensive evaluation above has the effect of facilitating the discovery of the disease and the understanding of the postoperative state. In addition, it is possible to display and analyze only a portion corresponding to a desired condition among the functions indicated by the function map as a three-dimensional image.
[0035]
  In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 15IsIn the image analysis method according to claim 13 or 14,The region selection procedure includes a step of designating a range of the function index value for which a three-dimensional image display is desired, and a region composed of each point on the function map having the designated function index value is designated as the cubic. Selecting the original image display as the desired areaIt is characterized by.
[0037]
  In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 16 is a computer included in an image analysis apparatus that performs image analysis of an organ using three-dimensional image information of the organ to be diagnosed.In order to create a function map showing the function of the organ,Among the plurality of voxels included in the three-dimensional image information, in a three-dimensional coordinate system indicating the position of each voxel to be used for the function index calculation of the organ2 points or moreLocation information,SaidCoordinate correspondence of map coordinate information in 2D coordinate system on function mapMap creation preparation means stored in coordinate correspondence storage means,With reference to the coordinate correspondence storage means,Based on the voxel information of the voxel to be used for the function index calculation of the organ and the map coordinate information corresponding to the position information of the voxel, the function index value corresponding to each point on the function map is calculated and A function map creating means for creating a function map, an area selecting means for selecting an area for which a three-dimensional image display is desired from the created function map, and a coordinate correspondence stored in the coordinate correspondence storage means A corresponding area extracting means for extracting the corresponding position information corresponding to the map coordinate information of each point included in the selected area as the corresponding area, and displaying the three-dimensional image by distinguishing the corresponding area from other areas. It is made to function as a display means to perform.
[0038]
  According to this,Creating a cardiac function map for the function of the heart has the effect that the cardiac function of the map can be grasped at a glance, and is desired to be displayed again as a three-dimensional image on the created cardiac function map. It becomes possible to designate a region and display the corresponding region on the three-dimensional image. For this reason, it is possible to analyze on the three-dimensional image after confirming that there is an abnormality in the function of the heart with the cardiac function map.
[0039]
  In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 17 is the image analysis program according to claim 16,Said map preparation meansFor each function of the organ,The coordinate correspondence between the voxel position information to be used for the function index calculation and the map coordinate informationEach of the coordinate correspondence storage means storesFunction map creation means,With reference to the coordinate correspondence storage means,The computer further functions to create a function map for each function of the organs, and the computer further includes a function map selecting unit that selects one function map from the created function maps, An area selecting unit is made to function so as to select an area for which a three-dimensional image display is desired from the selected function map, and the corresponding area extracting unit is configured to store the coordinate correspondence storing unit.InOf the stored coordinate correspondences, the map coordinate information of each point included in the region selected by the region selection unit is referred to with reference to the coordinate correspondences related to the function map selected by the function map selection unit. A function of extracting the corresponding position information as the corresponding area is provided.
[0040]
  According to this,A plurality of functions can be determined from one image information, and a plurality of function maps corresponding to the plurality of functions can be compared and a plurality of indices obtained from the one image information can be obtained as a three-dimensional image. The comprehensive evaluation above has the effect of facilitating the discovery of the disease and the understanding of the postoperative state. In addition, it is possible to display and analyze only a portion corresponding to a desired condition among the functions indicated by the function map as a three-dimensional image.
[0041]
  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 18IsIn the image analysis program according to claim 16 or claim 17,The area selecting means is made to function so as to designate a range of the function index value desired to display a three-dimensional image, and an area composed of each point on the function map having the specified function index value To function to select the original image display as the desired areaIt is characterized by.
[0043]
  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 19Is, Claim 1Any one of claims 6 to 18In the image analysis program described inThe display means displays the three-dimensional image of the organ and the function map created by the function map creation means on the same display screen, and displays the displayed three-dimensional image of the organ. The corresponding area is made to function so as to be colored and displayed in a different color from other areas on the 3D image.It is characterized by.
[0045]
  In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 20IsClaim 16ThruThe image analysis program according to claim 19,The three-dimensional image information further includes time information associated with the voxel information and the position information, and causes the display unit to function to display the corresponding region as a four-dimensional image based on the time information.It is characterized by.
[0046]
  According to this,The image information has voxel information and voxel position information corresponding to each time information, so that the function map can be easily converted into a four-dimensional image, and abnormalities in the function of the object can be detected with the function map. After confirmation, it can be analyzed as a four-dimensional image. Further, if the time information is changed at the time of display, it becomes possible to analyze the corresponding region in different phases in a moving image manner. Furthermore, it is possible to analyze the change in function of the object over time, such as the amount of movement of the object.
[0047]
  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 21IsClaim 16Thru21. The image analysis program according to claim 20, wherein the function map is in a bullseye map format.
[0048]
According to this, it is possible to display the function of the object as a map of a two-dimensional image by arranging the short-axis tomograms perpendicular to the long axis on a concentric circle.
[0049]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0050]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image analysis apparatus.
[0051]
The apparatus 100 includes a memory 101, a display unit 102 as a display unit, a selection unit 103 as a selection unit, a coordinate conversion table creation unit 104 as a coordinate conversion unit, a cardiac function index definition table creation unit 105 as a function determination unit, and a heart. A functional bullseye map coordinate correspondence table creating unit 106, a cardiac function bullseye map creating unit 107 as a function map creating unit, a selection region correspondence table creating unit 108 as a corresponding region extracting unit, and a control unit 109 unit are included.
[0052]
The memory 101 stores four-dimensional image information H of the left ventricle of the heart obtained from a slice image of the heart previously captured by a CT apparatus or the like._4DIs remembered.
[0053]
This four-dimensional image information H_4DHas operations such as dilation / contraction over time of the heart as a phase P that is Z time elements, and a plurality of the left ventricle constituting the left ventricle in the three-dimensional space at the time point indicated by the phase P 3D image information H_pHave as.
[0054]
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of various position information of a three-dimensional image of the heart. 3D image information H_pIs a plurality of slice images taken by a CT apparatus or the like and various positional information for representing the geometric structure of the heart, specifically, a plurality of voxel information constituting a three-dimensional image of the left ventricle, , Long axis position information indicating the position of the long axis, apex position information indicating the position of the apex, and base position information indicating the position of the base. That is, the memory 101 stores the Z phases P and the 3D image information H corresponding to the phases._pIs remembered.
[0055]
In general, all three-dimensional image information H corresponding to one phase in one CT imaging is obtained._pCannot be acquired. Actually, it is impossible to image all of the object with one CT imaging, and the object is imaged in multiple times from various directions and locations. In other words, one 3D image information H_pIt can be said that the exact imaging time of the voxel information that constitutes is different for each of various directions and locations that can be imaged by one CT imaging.
[0056]
Here, the bullseye map will be described with reference to FIG.
[0057]
Bull's Eye Map M is the 3D image information H of the heart_pBased on the above, a short-axis tomogram perpendicular to the long axis is arranged on a concentric circle, and the heart is displayed as a two-dimensional image.
[0058]
The bullseye map M is created for each cardiac function indicating various operations and states of the heart. The bullseye map M showing such a cardiac function is called a cardiac function bullseye map MS. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the cardiac function bullseye map MS1 is a wall or wall of the left ventricle used when analyzing the motor function of the left ventricle. It is a bullseye map showing the central movement distance as a cardiac function index value, and the cardiac function bullseye map MS9 is a bullseye map showing the myocardial accumulation rate used when analyzing the accumulation degree of the administered radiopharmaceutical as a cardiac function index value. .
[0059]
The display unit 102 includes a CRT monitor, a liquid crystal monitor, and the like, and displays a four-dimensional image obtained by adding a time dimension of phase P to a three-dimensional image and a cardiac function bullseye map MS described in detail later. The display of the three-dimensional image is a display of three-dimensional volume (voxel) data on the display unit 102 by a technique such as volume rendering or surface rendering. In the present invention, the three-dimensional image information H is displayed._pThe four-dimensional image is the three-dimensional image information H._p4D image information H obtained by adding phase P as a time element to_4DIt is displayed based on.
[0060]
That is, the four-dimensional image is a set of three-dimensional images, and the three-dimensional image is included in the four-dimensional image.
[0061]
The selection unit 103 is for selecting a phase P to be displayed on the display unit 102. Even if the user selects the phase P for which a three-dimensional image display is desired by using a pointing device such as a keyboard or a mouse (not shown) provided in the apparatus 100, the control unit 109 controls the phase P to be determined in advance. Phase P may be selected.
[0062]
Further, the selecting unit 103 selects a cardiac function bull's eye map in a four-dimensional image reflection operation described in detail later, and again, on the cardiac function bulls eye map M indicating various functions of the heart once created, It is also for selecting a region desired to be reflected in the dimensional image display.
[0063]
The coordinate conversion table creation unit 104 is for obtaining the coordinate system of the bullseye map, and the four-dimensional image information H stored in the memory 101._4DIs used to create a coordinate conversion table (see FIG. 5), which will be described in detail later.
[0064]
The cardiac function index definition table creating unit 105 creates a cardiac function bullseye map MS for displaying a desired cardiac function, and defines a cardiac function index definition table (see FIG. 6) for defining index calculation definition information described in detail later. ) To create.
[0065]
The cardiac function bullseye map coordinate correspondence table creating unit 106 is based on the index calculation definition information used for index calculation defined in the cardiac function index definition table (see FIG. 6), and the cardiac function at the point U on the cardiac function bullseye map MS. Four-dimensional image information H used for calculating the index value α_4DThis is for creating a cardiac function bullseye map coordinate correspondence table (see FIG. 7) indicating the position information of the voxels in the middle (hereinafter referred to as four-dimensional voxel position information). The creation procedure will be described in detail later.
[0066]
The cardiac function bullseye map creation unit 107 calculates a cardiac function index value α for all points U on the cardiac function bullseye map MS based on the cardiac function bullseye map coordinate correspondence table (see FIG. 7) and will be described in detail later. A function map table (see FIG. 8) is created, and a cardiac function bullseye map MS is created based on the function map table.
[0067]
After creating the map, the selection region correspondence table creation unit 108 selects a region for which a four-dimensional image display is desired again on the cardiac function bullseye map, and designates corresponding four-dimensional voxel position information (see FIG. 9). The creation procedure will be described in detail later.
[0068]
The control unit 109 is for controlling operations of these units.
1. Coordinate transformation
Next, four-dimensional image information H_4DA procedure for creating a coordinate conversion table (see FIG. 5) for obtaining the coordinates of the bullseye map M from will be described.
[0069]
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the coordinate system of the three-dimensional image, and FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the coordinate system of the bullseye map M.
[0070]
3D image information H corresponding to an arbitrary phase Pz stored in the memory 101_PzHas a plurality of voxels constituting a three-dimensional image and left ventricular long axis position information, apex position information, and cardiac base position information as position information.
[0071]
Then, M cross sections perpendicular to the long axis are introduced between the apex portion / base portion based on the positional information (see FIG. 10A). Each cross section has a two-dimensional polar coordinate centering on the long axis, and the position of nθ from the reference axis on the mth cross section counted from the apex can be expressed as (m, n) (FIG. 10 ( b)).
[0072]
On the other hand, the bullseye map M is obtained by arranging short-axis plane tomograms perpendicular to the long axis of the heart on concentric circles and representing them in a circle, so the coordinates of the point U on the bullseye map M are also the same coordinates ( m, n) (see FIG. 11).
[0073]
Therefore, the position information of the point U on the bullseye map M is converted to the map position information U_{(M , n)}Then, the corresponding 3D image information H_PzThe position information of the outer wall of the myocardium and the position information of the voxel of the inner wall of the myocardium^out _{Pz (M , n)}And myocardial inner wall position information Xⁱⁿ _{Pz (M , n)}Can be obtained as
[0074]
4D image information H_4DThe operation of creating a bullseye map coordinate conversion table from the above will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0075]
First, based on the data stored in the memory 101, the three-dimensional image information H of the phase Pz_PzThe left ventricular long-axis position information, apex position information, and base position information are acquired (step S1).
[0076]
Next, based on the information acquired in step S1, a cross section m perpendicular to the long axis and a polar coordinate system (m, n) centered on the long axis with respect to the cross section are acquired (step S2).
[0077]
Next, the contours of the myocardial outer wall and the myocardial inner wall are extracted from a plurality of voxel information constituting the three-dimensional image (step S3).
[0078]
Then, the coordinate conversion table creation process is started for all points U on the bullseye map M (step S4).
[0079]
The coordinate conversion table creation process starts with map position information U of the point U on the bullseye map M._{(M , n)}3D image information H of the phase Pz stored in the memory 101 corresponding to_PzBased on the position information of the voxel corresponding to the outer wall point of the myocardium and the position information of the voxel corresponding to the inner wall point of the myocardium, respectively.^out _{Pz (M , n)}And myocardial inner wall position information Xⁱⁿ _{Pz (M , n)}(Step S5).
[0080]
And for all points U on the bullseye map M, myocardial outer wall position information X^out _{Pz (M , n)}And myocardial inner wall position information Xⁱⁿ _{Pz (M , n)}(Step S6), the coordinate conversion table creation unit 104 creates a coordinate conversion table (see FIG. 5) based on the acquired position information (Step S8).
[0081]
The created coordinate conversion table is stored in the memory 101 (step S9). The above processing is performed in the same manner for all the phases P, and after the number of phases, that is, Z coordinate conversion tables are created and stored in the memory 101, the processing ends.
[0082]
All the operations described above are executed based on the control of the control unit 109.
2. Create heart function bullseye map
(Cardiac function definition)
Next, cardiac function definition for defining a specific cardiac function index for a bullseye map having a coordinate system based on the created coordinate conversion table will be described.
[0083]
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a cardiac function index definition table.
[0084]
The cardiac function index definition table (see FIG. 6) shows the four-dimensional image information H_4DAmong them, image information used for index calculation is defined as index calculation definition information like {phase number, outer wall position information, and / or inner wall position information}.
[0085]
Here, the index calculation is an operation for obtaining a cardiac function index value α which is information representing the function of the heart, and is based on the data of the defined index calculation definition information on the map of the cardiac function bullseye map MS. A cardiac function index value α at the point U is calculated.
[0086]
If the cardiac function bullseye map MS1 is a map indicating the movement distance of the heart wall, the cardiac function index definition table creation unit 105 sets index calculation definition information used for the index calculation to [P1, in], [P5, in] and a cardiac function index definition table shown in FIG. 6 is created.
[0087]
According to this cardiac function index definition table, the cardiac function index value α of the cardiac function bullseye map MS1 is the myocardial inner wall position information X in the diastole phase P1.ⁱⁿ _P1And myocardial inner wall position information X in phase P5 during systoleⁱⁿ _P5It is calculated based on the information of the voxel group located at.
[0088]
Similarly, when the cardiac function bullseye map MS2 is a map showing the thickness of the heart wall, the index calculation definition information used for the index calculation is defined as [P2, out, in], The cardiac function index value α of the cardiac function bullseye map MS2 is the myocardial outer wall position information X in phase P2 indicating the optimal aspect for cardiac wall measurement.^out _P2And myocardial inner wall position information Xⁱⁿ _P2It is calculated based on the information of the voxel group located at.
[0089]
This cardiac function index definition table may be stored in the memory 101 in advance. The cardiac function bullseye map coordinate correspondence table creation unit 106 calculates the cardiac function index value α at the point U on the cardiac function bullseye map MS based on the index calculation definition information in the cardiac function index definition table (see FIG. 6). A cardiac function bullseye map coordinate correspondence table (see FIG. 7) indicating the four-dimensional voxel position information used for the creation is created. The operation of creating a cardiac function bullseye map based on the created cardiac function bullseye map coordinate correspondence table will be described below.
[0090]
(Making a heart function bullseye map)
The creation of a cardiac function bullseye map will be described.
[0091]
The cardiac function bullseye map MS is based on the cardiac function bullseye map coordinate correspondence table (see FIG. 7)._{(M , n)}Cardiac function index α_{(M , n)}And the function map table shown in FIG. 8 is acquired and created.
[0092]
The operation of creating the cardiac function bullseye map MS will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0093]
First, four-dimensional voxel position information used for index calculation of the cardiac function bullseye map MS is acquired based on the cardiac function bullseye map coordinate correspondence table (FIG. 7) (step S11).
[0094]
Next, based on the acquired four-dimensional voxel position information, the point U on the cardiac function bullseye map MS_{(M , n)}The cardiac function index value α (m, n) is calculated. Specifically, the four-dimensional image information H represented by the four-dimensional voxel position information._4DPoint U based on the voxel information of_{(M , n)}Is calculated (step S12, step S13).
[0095]
After calculating the cardiac function index value α for all points U on the cardiac function bullseye map MS, the process proceeds to step S15 (step S14).
[0096]
The cardiac function bullseye map creation unit 107 creates a function map table (see FIG. 8) based on the calculated cardiac function index value α (step S15), and further, based on the function map table, the cardiac function bullseye map. A map MS is created (step S16).
[0097]
The created function map table and cardiac function bullseye map MS are stored in the memory 101, and the process is terminated (step S17).
[0098]
All the above operations are executed based on the control of the control unit 109.
[0099]
In this manner, various cardiac function bullseye maps MS can be created from the four-dimensional image information.
[0100]
The four-dimensional image information is stored in advance in the memory 101 provided in the apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the apparatus may be configured so that a storage medium can be mounted and stored in the storage medium. Or you may memorize | store in the memory | storage means etc. which were comprised so that communication with an apparatus was possible.
[0101]
The created cardiac function bullseye map MS can grasp at a glance the cardiac function of the map. For example, in the case of a cardiac function bull's eye map related to the heart wall thickness, a location on the map where the cardiac function index value α indicating the heart wall thickness is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value is displayed in color. Thereby, there is an effect that it is easy to grasp an abnormal part at a glance such as when there is an abnormality in the thickness of the wall.
[0102]
Furthermore, it is possible to determine a plurality of functions from one image information, and to compare a plurality of indices obtained from one image information by observing a plurality of function maps corresponding to the plurality of functions. Evaluation of the method has the effect of facilitating the discovery of the disease and the understanding of the postoperative state.
[0103]
Furthermore, by normalizing the distribution of the cardiac function index value α, it is possible to compare a plurality of four-dimensional images on the cardiac function bullseye map using the cardiac function bullseye map as a scale. For example, there is an effect that comparison between cases of a plurality of persons becomes easy, such as a comparison between a cardiac function bullseye map of a healthy person and a cardiac function bullseye map of a patient.
3. 4D image reflection operation
Next, an operation for reflecting the region selected on the cardiac function bullseye map MS on the four-dimensional image again will be described.
[0104]
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the cardiac function bullseye map MS1 showing the cardiac wall motor function. The cardiac function bullseye map MS1 is a bullseye map created by the procedure described above based on the cardiac function index definition table (see FIG. 6).
[0105]
In the cardiac function bullseye map MS1 indicating the cardiac wall motion function indicating the movement distance of the heart wall, the cardiac function index value α at an arbitrary point U on the map is calculated by index calculation definition information [P1, in], [P5, in].
[0106]
That is, the index calculation definition information corresponding to the point U of the cardiac function bullseye map MS1 is the myocardial inner wall position information X of the phase P1 in the diastole.ⁱⁿ _P1UAnd myocardial inner wall position information X in phase P5 during systoleⁱⁿ _P5UCorresponds to a voxel having As described above, one point on the cardiac function bullseye map indicating a motor function or the like corresponds to a point on a plurality of three-dimensional images having different phases.
[0107]
(Specify area by location information)
First, an operation for specifying an area based on position information will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0108]
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the display unit 102 showing an operation reception screen for the cardiac function bullseye map.
[0109]
FIG. 15A is a display example when the selection unit 103 selects a region R for which a four-dimensional image display is desired on the cardiac function bullseye map MS displayed on the display unit 102.
[0110]
The user uses the selection unit 103 to select a region R desired to be reflected on the four-dimensional image. Here, the display unit 102 may be configured by a touch panel or the like, and the region R may be selected on the panel. It should be noted that a predetermined region R may be received at a predetermined time under the control of the control unit 109 of the apparatus 100.
[0111]
FIG. 15B shows a corresponding region R corresponding to the region R selected on the cardiac function bullseye map MS of the three-dimensional image in any phase P._pAre colored and displayed on a three-dimensional image.
[0112]
FIG. 15C is a display example when the phase P desired to display a 3D image is selected by the selection unit 103 and the phase P of the 3D image is switched. That is, the same cardiac function can be observed with three-dimensional images in different phases. Therefore, by evaluating with time, it becomes easy to find a disease and grasp a postoperative state.
[0113]
Next, an operation reception operation for designating an area based on position information will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0114]
First, the selection unit 103 provided in the apparatus 100 selects a cardiac function bullseye map MS that desires four-dimensional display and a region R on the map MS that desires four-dimensional display (step S21).
[0115]
Next, map position information U for all points U on the cardiac function bullseye map MS selected in step S21._{(M , n)}Based on the above, a set S of points for which a four-dimensional image display is desired is acquired (step S22).
[0116]
First, it is determined whether or not the point U (m, n) on the cardiac function bullseye map MS is included in the region R selected in step S21 (step S23). More specifically, the map position information U possessed by the point U on the cardiac function bullseye map MS_{(M , n)}Is included in the selected region R.
[0117]
When the point U is included in the region R (step S23: Yes), the point U is added to the set S (step S24). On the other hand, when the point U is not included in the region R (step S23: No), the process proceeds to step S25 and the next point U is determined again.
[0118]
Judgment is made for all points U on the cardiac function bullseye map MS, and a set S of points U included in the selected region R is acquired (step S25).
[0119]
Then, regarding the four-dimensional voxel position information used for calculating the cardiac function index value α at the point U included in the acquired set S, the selection area correspondence table creation unit 108 selects the selection area correspondence table for each phase (see FIG. 9). Is created (step S26). The created selection area correspondence table is stored in the memory 101, and the process is terminated (step S27).
[0120]
The operation described above is executed based on the control of the control unit 109.
[0121]
(Regional specification based on cardiac function index conditions)
Next, an operation for designating an area based on a cardiac function index condition as another area designation accepting operation will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0122]
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of the display unit 102 showing an operation acceptance screen for the cardiac function bullseye map.
[0123]
FIG. 17A shows a cardiac function index value α for which a four-dimensional image display is desired after selecting the cardiac function bullseye map MS indicating the cardiac wall motion function indicating the movement distance of the cardiac wall displayed on the display unit 102. This is a display example when the range (region R) is selected by the selection unit 103. When the cardiac function bullseye map is selected, a condition input screen corresponding to the selected cardiac function bullseye map is displayed. The user selects a range of the cardiac function index value α for which a four-dimensional image display is desired, such as “an area with an inner wall moving amount of 1.0 mm or less” by the selection unit 103 using a keyboard or the like. Note that a range of a predetermined cardiac function index value α may be received at a predetermined time under the control of the control unit 109 of the apparatus 100. The region R corresponding to the selected range may be reflected on the cardiac function bullseye map MS.
[0124]
FIG. 17B shows the corresponding region R for the desired range (region R) of the cardiac function index value α._pAre colored and displayed on a three-dimensional image.
[0125]
FIG. 17C shows a display example when the selection unit 103 selects a phase P for which a three-dimensional image display is desired and switches the phase P of the three-dimensional image. That is, the same cardiac function can be observed with three-dimensional images in different phases, and by evaluating over time, it becomes easy to find a disease and grasp the postoperative state.
[0126]
Next, a region designation operation acceptance operation based on a cardiac function index condition will be described as another region designation acceptance operation with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0127]
First, the selection unit 103 provided in the apparatus 100 designates and selects a cardiac function bullseye map MS that desires four-dimensional image display and a range (region R) of a cardiac function index value α that desires four-dimensional image display. (Step S31).
[0128]
Next, map position information U for all points U on the cardiac function bullseye map MS selected in step S31._{(M , n)}Based on the above, a set S of points for which a four-dimensional image display is desired is acquired (step S32).
[0129]
First, the cardiac function index value α possessed by the point U is acquired based on the data stored in the memory 101 (step S33). Specifically, it is acquired based on a function map table stored in the memory 101.
[0130]
Then, it is determined whether or not the acquired cardiac function index value α is included in the range (region R) of the cardiac function index value α selected in step S31 (step S34).
[0131]
When the acquired cardiac function index value α is included in the range (region R) of the selected cardiac function index value α (step S34: Yes), the point U is added to the set S (step S35), on the other hand, When the cardiac function index value α is not included in the selected range (region R) of the cardiac function index value α (step S34: No), the process proceeds to step S36 and the next point U is determined again.
[0132]
Judgment is made for all points U on the cardiac function bullseye map MS, and a set S of points U having the cardiac function index value α included in the range (region R) of the selected cardiac function index value α is acquired (step S36). .
[0133]
Then, for the four-dimensional voxel position information used to calculate the cardiac function index value α at the point U included in the acquired set S, the selection area correspondence table creation unit 108 creates a selection area correspondence table for each phase (step) S37). The created selection area correspondence table is stored in the memory 101, and the process is terminated (step S38).
[0134]
The operation described above is executed based on the control of the control unit 109.
[0135]
(Selection area correspondence table creation)
Next, the creation of the selection area correspondence table in step S26 in the region designation operation accepting operation based on the position information and in step S37 in the region designation operation accepting operation based on the cardiac function index condition will be described.
[0136]
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a selection area correspondence table.
[0137]
Four-dimensional voxel position information used for calculating the cardiac function index value α of the point U on the cardiac function bullseye map MS included in the set S is obtained. For example, an arbitrary point U included in the set S (map position information U_{(M , n)}As a result of obtaining the four-dimensional voxel position information used for calculation of the cardiac function index value α (m, n) of) based on the data of the cardiac function bullseye map coordinate correspondence table, the myocardial inner wall position information X of phase P1ⁱⁿ _{P1 (M , n)}And phase P5 myocardial inner wall position information Xⁱⁿ _{P5 (M , n)}Is X in phase P1ⁱⁿ _{P1 (M , n)}, X in phase P5ⁱⁿ _{P5 (M , n)}Is recorded as an empty set in the other phase P.
[0138]
The operation will be described using the selection area correspondence table creation flowchart shown in FIG.
[0139]
For all the points U included in the set S, based on the data of the cardiac function bullseye map coordinate correspondence table stored in the memory 101, the points U (map position information U_{(M , n)}) To acquire the four-dimensional voxel position information used for calculating the cardiac function index value α (m, n) (steps S41 and S42).
[0140]
Then, for all the points U included in all the sets S, the four-dimensional voxel position information used for calculating the inner wall movement amount is acquired, and the loop is terminated (step S43).
[0141]
Based on the acquired four-dimensional voxel position information, the selection region correspondence table creation unit 108 creates a selection region correspondence table (step S44).
[0142]
All the operations described above are executed based on the control of the control unit 109.
[0143]
(Corresponding area display operation)
Subsequently, the corresponding region R is converted into a four-dimensional image based on the created selection region correspondence table._pThe operation for performing the display will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0144]
First, the selection unit 103 included in the apparatus 100 selects a phase P for which a three-dimensional image display is desired (step S51).
[0145]
Next, the position information of the voxel corresponding to the selected phase P is acquired based on the selection area correspondence table (step S52).
[0146]
And based on the acquired position information of the voxel, the corresponding region R corresponding to this voxel_pIs displayed as a three-dimensional image on the display unit 102 (step S53). By reselecting the phase P in step S51, a different phase P can be displayed (FIG. 15C, FIG. 17C), and as a result, a four-dimensional image can be displayed. Therefore, by evaluating with time, it becomes easy to find a disease and grasp a postoperative state.
[0147]
All the operations described above are executed based on the control of the control unit 109.
[0148]
In the process of step S51 described above, the user makes a selection with a pointing device such as a keyboard or a mouse (not shown) provided in the apparatus 100. Note that a predetermined phase P may be selected at a predetermined time under the control of the control unit 105 of the apparatus 100.
[0149]
In step S53, the corresponding region R_pHowever, if the region corresponding to the region R on the cardiac function bullseye map MS can be recognized, the display may not be colored. For example, the corresponding region R in the three-dimensional image may be displayed._pOnly the three-dimensional image may be displayed and the other parts may be hidden.
[0150]
In addition, it is possible to accept an area designation operation by combining the area designation based on the position information and the area designation based on the cardiac function index condition.
[0151]
Further, for example, if the cardiac function index α represents the amount of movement of the heart wall, the phases other than the diastole and the systole shown in the selected area correspondence table are recorded as an empty set. Based on the position information of the voxel of the point U included in R, it is also possible to display the corresponding region in phases other than the diastole and the systole. Of course, in the above-described various area designations, by adding a point U that is not included in the area R to the set S in advance, it is also possible to display the corresponding areas in phases other than the diastole and systole.
[0152]
Corresponding region R_pA portion within 5 mm in the vicinity may be displayed with a different color or the like, or a predetermined vicinity of the cardiac function index value α according to the cardiac function index condition may be displayed with a different color or the like.
[0153]
According to the reflection to the four-dimensional image described above, since the region R selected on the cardiac function bullseye map can be grasped on the three-dimensional image, it is visually recognized on the three-dimensional image of the heart corresponding to the region R. Corresponding region R_pCan be recognized.
[0154]
Also, by reselecting the phase P of the 3D image, the corresponding region R in the different phase_pCan be observed in a moving image. Therefore, by evaluating with time, it becomes easy to find a disease and grasp a postoperative state.
[0155]
In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to accurately know which part of the actual heart corresponds to the region after specifying the abnormal part by looking at the entire left ventricle with the cardiac function bullseye map. is there.
[0156]
In addition, there is an effect that more comprehensive and detailed observation is possible by integrating a plurality of pieces of information obtained from a plurality of cardiac function bullseye maps on a four-dimensional image.
[0157]
Furthermore, by normalizing the distribution of cardiac function index value α, it is possible to compare multiple 4D images not only on the cardiac function bullseye map but also on the 4D image using the cardiac function bullseye map as a scale. become. For example, there is an effect that comparison between cases of a plurality of persons becomes easy, such as a comparison between a cardiac function bullseye map of a healthy person and a cardiac function bullseye map of a patient.
4). Embodiments related to analysis of cardiac wall function
Based on the embodiment described above, an embodiment relating to cardiac wall motion function analysis will be described.
[0158]
The operation of creating the cardiac function bullseye map coordinate system will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0159]
First, in the cardiac function index definition table creation unit 105, image information used for index calculation of the cardiac function bullseye map MS is used as index calculation definition information {diastolic phase number Pd, in} and {systolic phase number Ps, in} is created and stored in the memory 101 (step S61).
[0160]
Next, based on the stored cardiac function index definition table, the cardiac function bulls eye map coordinate correspondence table creation unit 106 creates a cardiac function bulls eye map coordinate correspondence table as shown in FIG. (Step S62).
[0161]
Next, based on the stored cardiac function index definition table, a point U on the cardiac function bullseye map MS (map position information U_{(M , n)}) As the cardiac function index value α (m, n) is calculated (step S63, step S64). The amount of movement of the inner wall is determined by the myocardial inner wall position information X of the phase Pd during diastoleⁱⁿ _PdUAnd myocardial inner wall position information X in the systolic phase Psⁱⁿ _PsUSought by.
[0162]
The inner wall movement amount is calculated for all points U on the cardiac function bullseye map MS, and the loop is terminated (step S65).
[0163]
The cardiac function bullseye map creating unit 107 creates a function map table based on the calculated inner wall movement amount, and further creates a cardiac function bullseye map MS based on the function map table (step S66).
[0164]
Then, the created function map table and cardiac function bullseye map MS are stored in the memory 101, and the process ends (step S67).
[0165]
All the above operations are executed based on the control of the control unit 109.
[0166]
Next, the operation of performing the four-dimensional image display again for the region selected on the cardiac function bullseye map MS will be described.
[0167]
In the same manner as described above (region designation by position information) and (region designation by cardiac function index condition) (see FIGS. 15, 16, 17, and 18), an operation is accepted for the cardiac function bullseye map MS.
[0168]
The area designation based on the cardiac function index condition in the present embodiment may be, for example, “an area with an inner wall moving amount of 1.0 mm or less”.
[0169]
Next, the reflection on the four-dimensional image based on the region designation will be described with reference to the selected region correspondence table creation flowchart relating to the heart wall motion function analysis in FIG.
[0170]
For the points U included in the set S corresponding to the designated area, the points U (map position information U) based on the data in the cardiac function bullseye map coordinate correspondence table FIG._{(M , n)}) Myocardial inner wall position information X as four-dimensional voxel position information used for calculating the inner wall movement amount ofⁱⁿ _{Pd (M , n)}And myocardial inner wall position information X during systoleⁱⁿ _{Ps (M , n)}Are acquired (step S71, step S72).
[0171]
Then, for all points U included in all sets S, the diastolic myocardial inner wall position information X used for calculating the inner wall movement amountⁱⁿ _{Pd (M , n)}And myocardial inner wall position information X during systoleⁱⁿ _{Ps (M , n)}And the loop is terminated (step S73).
[0172]
And the acquired diastole myocardial inner wall position information Xⁱⁿ _{Pd (M , n)}And myocardial inner wall position information X during systoleⁱⁿ _{Ps (M , n)}Based on the above, the selection area correspondence table creation unit 108 creates a selection area correspondence table (see FIG. 22B) and stores it in the memory 101 (step S74).
[0173]
All the operations described above are executed based on the control of the control unit 109.
[0174]
As shown in FIG. 22B, the selected region correspondence table created in step S74 uses the cardiac function index value α used for cardiac wall motion function analysis as the myocardial inner wall position corresponding to the two phases of the cardiac diastole and systole. Information XⁱⁿTherefore, the position information of the voxel corresponding to the phase Pd and the phase Ps is the myocardial inner wall position information X in the diastoleⁱⁿ _PdAnd myocardial inner wall position information X during systoleⁱⁿ _PsVoxel position information corresponding to other phases (for example, phases during the expansion / contraction process) is an empty set.
[0175]
Based on the created selection area correspondence table (see FIG. 22B), it is displayed on the display unit 102 as a three-dimensional image according to the description of the four-dimensional image reflection operation described above.
[0176]
For example, when the condition of the cardiac function index value α shown in FIG. 17 is selected as the “region where the inner wall movement amount is 3 mm or less” and the phase Pd or the phase Ps is selected to be displayed, the phase Pd or the phase Ps is selected. In the three-dimensional image, the region where the inner wall movement is 3 mm or less is the corresponding region_pIs displayed as colored.
[0177]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, by using various phases, it is possible to analyze the amount of movement of the heart wall and the like over time.
[0178]
For example, it is possible to intuitively grasp a place where the heart movement is inactive.
5). Embodiment related to heart wall thickness analysis
Next, an embodiment related to a heart wall thickness analysis will be described.
[0179]
The thickness of the heart wall varies with time. Since this heart wall thickness is obtained from the difference in the distance between the heart outer wall position and the heart inner wall position, the myocardial outer wall position information X of the phase Pa in which heart wall thickness analysis is desired.^out _{Pa (M , n)}And myocardial inner wall position information Xⁱⁿ _{Pa (M , n)}Is used as index calculation definition information of the cardiac function bullseye map MS.
[0180]
The operation of creating the cardiac function bullseye map coordinate system will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0181]
First, the cardiac function index definition table creation unit 105 defines the image information used for calculating the index of the cardiac function bullseye map MS as index calculation definition information as {phase number Pa, out, in}. Is created and stored in the memory 101 (step S81).
[0182]
Next, a cardiac function bullseye map coordinate correspondence table creation unit 106 creates a cardiac function bullseye map coordinate correspondence table as shown in FIG. 25A and stores it in the memory 101 (step S82).
[0183]
Next, based on the stored cardiac function index definition table, a point U on the cardiac function bullseye map MS (map position information U_{(M , n)}) Is calculated as a cardiac function index value α (m, n) (step S83, step S84). Heart wall thickness is myocardial outer wall position information X^out _PaUAnd myocardial inner wall position information Xⁱⁿ _PaU(See FIG. 26).
[0184]
The heart wall thickness is calculated for all points U on the cardiac function bullseye map MS, and the loop is terminated (step S85).
[0185]
The cardiac function bullseye map creation unit 107 creates a function map table based on the calculated heart wall thickness, and further creates a cardiac function bullseye map MS based on the function map table (step S86).
[0186]
Then, the created function map table and cardiac function bullseye map MS are stored in the memory 101 and stored in the memory 101 where the process ends, and the process ends (step S87).
[0187]
Next, the operation of performing the four-dimensional image display again for the region selected on the cardiac function bullseye map MS will be described.
[0188]
In the same manner as described above (region designation by position information) and (region designation by cardiac function index condition) (see FIGS. 15, 16, 17, and 18), an operation is accepted for the cardiac function bullseye map MS.
[0189]
The region designation according to the cardiac function index condition in the present embodiment may be, for example, “a region where the heart wall thickness is 7.0 mm or less”.
[0190]
Next, four-dimensional image display based on region designation will be described with reference to a selection region correspondence table creation flowchart relating to cardiac wall motion function analysis in FIG.
[0191]
For the points U included in the set S corresponding to the designated area, the points U (map position information U) based on the data in the cardiac function bullseye map coordinate correspondence table FIG._{(M , n)}) Myocardial outer wall position information X as four-dimensional voxel position information used for calculating the heart wall thickness of^out _{Pa (M , n)}And myocardial inner wall position information Xⁱⁿ _{Pa (M , n)}Are acquired (step S91, step S92).
[0192]
Then, for all points U included in all sets S, myocardial outer wall position information X used for calculating the heart wall thickness^out _{Pa (M , n)}And myocardial inner wall position information Xⁱⁿ _{Pa (M , n)}And the loop is terminated (step S93).
[0193]
And the acquired myocardial outer wall position information X^out _{Pa (M , n)}And myocardial inner wall position information Xⁱⁿ _{Pa (M , n)}Based on the above, the selection area correspondence table creation unit 108 creates a selection area correspondence table (see FIG. 25B) and stores it in the memory 101 (step S94).
[0194]
All the operations described above are executed based on the control of the control unit 109.
[0195]
As shown in FIG. 25 (b), the selected area correspondence table created in step S94 uses the cardiac function index value α used for cardiac wall thickness analysis as the myocardial outer wall position information X corresponding to an arbitrary phase Pa of the heart.^outAnd myocardial inner wall position information XⁱⁿTherefore, the position information of the voxel corresponding to the phase Pa is the myocardial outer wall position information X.^out _PaAnd myocardial inner wall position information Xⁱⁿ _PaThe position information of voxels corresponding to the other phases P is an empty set.
[0196]
Based on the created selection area correspondence table (see FIG. 25B), it is displayed on the display unit 102 as a three-dimensional image according to the description of the four-dimensional image reflection operation described above.
[0197]
For example, when the condition of the cardiac function index value α shown in FIG. 17 is selected as “region where the heart wall thickness is 7.0 mm or less” and the phase Pa of the cardiac function bullseye map is selected, In the three-dimensional image of phase Pa, the region of the heart wall thickness of 7.0 mm or less is the corresponding region R_pIs displayed as colored.
[0198]
In the present invention described above, the cardiac function bullseye map has been described. However, the cardiac function bullseye map is displayed with its peripheral part (heart base part) enlarged several times compared to the center part (apical part). End up. Therefore, a development view display (see FIG. 28) in which a cut is made at an appropriate portion of a cross-sectional image perpendicular to the long axis and developed may be used.
[0199]
Furthermore, not only the distance calculation can be performed as it is based on the position information described in the embodiment, but the cardiac function index calculation can use all the information of the voxel.
[0200]
Furthermore, four-dimensional image information H of the left ventricle of the heart obtained from a slice image of the heart taken by a CT apparatus or the like._4DAre stored in the memory 101 in advance, but the memory 101 does not have to be provided in the apparatus 100, and may be provided in a remote computer connected via various networks such as a LAN or the Internet. A storage medium storing the four-dimensional image information may be used by being attached to a computer. Similarly, the display unit 102 may not be provided in the apparatus, but may be provided in a remote computer connected through various networks such as a LAN and the Internet.
[0201]
Furthermore, although the target object is the left ventricle of the heart, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, three-dimensional or four-dimensional image information is acquired and analyzed from CT images of various detectors and explosives that cannot be decomposed. May be.
[0202]
In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, It can implement by deform | transforming.
[0203]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the invention described in claim 1, by creating a function map, there is an effect that the function indicated by the map can be grasped at a glance, and on the created function map, It is possible to designate a region desired to be displayed again as a three-dimensional image and display the corresponding region on the three-dimensional image. For this reason, it is possible to analyze on the three-dimensional image after confirming abnormality of the function of the object on the function map.
[0204]
According to the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, the image information includes voxel information corresponding to each time information and position information of the voxel, so that the function map Can be easily converted into a four-dimensional image, and it is possible to analyze on the four-dimensional image after confirming an abnormality in the function of the object on the function map. Further, if the time information is changed at the time of display, it becomes possible to analyze the corresponding region in different phases in a moving image manner.
[0205]
Furthermore, it is possible to analyze a change in function over time, such as the amount of movement of the object.
[0206]
Further, according to the invention described in claim 3, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, it is possible to determine a plurality of functions from one image information, and By comparing and observing multiple function maps corresponding to the functions of multiple images, multiple indices obtained from a single image information can be comprehensively evaluated on a 3D image or 4D image to detect or detect diseases. There is an effect that it becomes easy to grasp the subsequent progress state.
[0207]
According to the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 3, among the functions indicated by the function map, only a portion corresponding to a desired condition is displayed as a three-dimensional image or a four-dimensional image. It can be displayed and analyzed on top.
[0208]
According to the invention described in claim 5, in addition to the effect of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 4, the map is created by creating a cardiac function map for the function of the heart. It is possible to grasp at a glance the cardiac function of the device, and on the created cardiac function map, the region desired to be displayed as a three-dimensional image is designated again, and the corresponding region is designated as a three-dimensional image of the heart. It is possible to display on the top. For this reason, after confirming that there is an abnormality in the function of the heart with the cardiac function map, it is possible to analyze on the three-dimensional image.
[0209]
According to the invention described in claim 6, in addition to the effect of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 5, the short-axis plane tomogram perpendicular to the long axis is arranged on a concentric circle. By doing so, it is possible to display the function of the object as a map of a two-dimensional image.
[0210]
Further, according to the invention described in claim 7, by creating the function map, there is an effect that the function indicated by the function map can be grasped at a glance, and the tertiary is again performed on the created function map. An area desired to be displayed can be designated as an original image, and the corresponding area can be displayed on the three-dimensional image. For this reason, it is possible to analyze on the three-dimensional image after confirming abnormality of the function of the object on the function map.
[0211]
According to the invention described in claim 8, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 7, the image information includes voxel information corresponding to each time information and position information of the voxel. Can be easily converted into a four-dimensional image, and it is possible to analyze the abnormality of the function of the object as a four-dimensional image after confirming an abnormality in the function of the object on the function map. Further, if the time information is changed at the time of display, it becomes possible to analyze the corresponding region in different phases in a moving image manner. Furthermore, it is possible to analyze the change in function of the object over time, such as the amount of movement of the object.
[0212]
According to the invention described in claim 9, in addition to the effects of the invention described in claim 7 or claim 8, it is possible to determine a plurality of functions from one image information, and By comparing and observing multiple function maps corresponding to the functions of multiple images, multiple indices obtained from a single image information can be comprehensively evaluated on a 3D image or 4D image to detect or detect diseases. There is an effect that it becomes easy to grasp the subsequent progress state.
[0213]
According to the invention described in claim 10, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 9, among the functions indicated by the function map, only a part corresponding to a desired condition is displayed as a three-dimensional image or a four-dimensional image. Can be displayed and analyzed.
[0214]
According to the invention described in claim 11, in addition to the effect of the invention described in any one of claims 7 to 10, the map is created by creating a cardiac function map for the function of the heart. It is possible to grasp at a glance the cardiac function of the device, and on the created cardiac function map, the region desired to be displayed as a three-dimensional image is designated again, and the corresponding region is designated as a three-dimensional image of the heart. It is possible to display on the top. For this reason, after confirming that there is an abnormality in the function of the heart with the cardiac function map, it is possible to analyze on the three-dimensional image.
[0215]
According to the invention described in claim 12, in addition to the effects of the invention described in any one of claims 7 to 11, the short-axis tomogram perpendicular to the long axis is arranged on a concentric circle. By doing so, it is possible to display the function of the object as a map of a two-dimensional image.
[0216]
In addition, according to the invention described in claim 13, by creating a function map, there is an effect that the function indicated by the map can be grasped at a glance. It is possible to designate a region desired to be displayed as an image and display the corresponding region on the three-dimensional image. For this reason, it is possible to analyze on the three-dimensional image after confirming abnormality of the function of the object on the function map.
[0217]
According to the invention described in claim 14, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 13, the image information includes the voxel information corresponding to each time information and the position information of the voxel. Can be easily converted into a four-dimensional image, and it is possible to analyze the abnormality of the function of the object as a four-dimensional image after confirming an abnormality in the function of the object on the function map. Further, if the time information is changed at the time of display, it becomes possible to analyze the corresponding region in different phases in a moving image manner. Furthermore, it is possible to analyze the change in function of the object over time, such as the amount of movement of the object.
[0218]
According to the invention described in claim 15, in addition to the effects of the invention described in claim 13 or claim 14, it is possible to determine a plurality of functions from one image information, and By comparing and observing multiple function maps corresponding to the functions of multiple images, multiple indices obtained from a single image information can be comprehensively evaluated on a 3D image or 4D image to detect or detect diseases. There is an effect that it becomes easy to grasp the subsequent progress state.
[0219]
Further, according to the invention described in claim 16, by creating a function map, there is an effect that the function indicated by the map can be grasped at a glance, and on the created function map, three-dimensional is again performed. It is possible to designate a region desired to be displayed as an image and display the corresponding region on the three-dimensional image. For this reason, it is possible to analyze on the three-dimensional image after confirming abnormality of the function of the target object on the function map.
[0220]
According to the invention described in claim 17, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 16, the image information includes the voxel information corresponding to each time information and the position information of the voxel. Can be easily converted into a four-dimensional image, and it is possible to analyze on the four-dimensional image after confirming an abnormality in the function of the object on the function map. Further, if the time information is changed at the time of display, it becomes possible to analyze the corresponding region in different phases in a moving image manner. Furthermore, it is possible to analyze the change in function of the object over time, such as the amount of movement of the object.
[0221]
According to the invention described in claim 18, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 16 or claim 17, it is possible to determine a plurality of functions from one image information, and By comparing and observing multiple function maps corresponding to the functions of multiple images, multiple indices obtained from a single image information can be comprehensively evaluated on a 3D image or 4D image to detect or detect diseases. There is an effect that it becomes easy to grasp the subsequent progress state.
[0222]
According to the invention described in claim 19, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 18, among the functions indicated by the function map, only a part corresponding to a desired condition is displayed as a three-dimensional image or a four-dimensional image. Can be displayed and analyzed.
[0223]
According to the invention described in claim 20, in addition to the effect of the invention described in any one of claims 16-19, the map is created by creating a cardiac function map for the function of the heart. It is possible to grasp at a glance the cardiac function of the device, and on the created cardiac function map, the region desired to be displayed as a three-dimensional image is designated again, and the corresponding region is designated as a three-dimensional image of the heart It is possible to display on the top. For this reason, it is possible to analyze on the three-dimensional image after confirming that there is an abnormality in the function of the heart with the cardiac function map.
[0224]
According to the invention described in claim 21, in addition to the effects of the invention described in any one of claims 16 to 20, the short-axis tomogram perpendicular to the long axis is arranged on a concentric circle. By doing so, it is possible to display the function of the object as a map of a two-dimensional image.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image analysis apparatus.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of various position information of a three-dimensional image of the heart.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a cardiac function bullseye map.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a cardiac function index.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a coordinate conversion table;
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a cardiac function index definition table.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a cardiac function bullseye map coordinate correspondence table;
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a function map table;
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a selection area correspondence table;
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a coordinate system of a three-dimensional image.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a coordinate system of a bullseye map.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a coordinate conversion table creation operation.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a cardiac function bullseye map creation operation.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a cardiac function bullseye map showing a cardiac wall motor function.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a display unit showing an operation acceptance screen for a cardiac function bullseye map.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an area designation operation acceptance by position information;
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a display unit showing an operation acceptance screen for a cardiac function bullseye map.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing operation reception for region designation based on cardiac function index conditions.
FIG. 19 is a selection area correspondence table creation flowchart;
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a corresponding area display operation on a four-dimensional image.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a cardiac function bullseye map creation operation related to cardiac wall motion function analysis.
FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of a cardiac function bullseye map coordinate correspondence table and a selection area correspondence table relating to cardiac wall motion function analysis;
FIG. 23 is a flowchart for creating a selection area correspondence table regarding a heart wall motion function analysis;
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a cardiac function bullseye map creation operation related to cardiac wall thickness analysis.
FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of a cardiac function bullseye map coordinate correspondence table and a selection region correspondence table relating to cardiac wall thickness analysis.
FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram of a cardiac function bullseye map showing a cardiac wall thickness.
FIG. 27 is a selection area correspondence table creation flowchart for heart wall thickness analysis;
FIG. 28 is a development view display explanatory diagram;
[Explanation of symbols]
100 Image analyzer
101 memory
102 Display section (display means)
103 Selection part (selection means)
104 Coordinate conversion table creation unit (coordinate conversion means)
105 Cardiac function index definition table creation unit (function decision means)
106 cardiac function bullseye map coordinate correspondence table creation unit (function determining means)
107 cardiac function bullseye map creation part (function map creation means)
108 Selection area correspondence table creation unit (corresponding area extraction means)
109 Control unit
MS heart function bullseye map
M Bullseye Map
H_4D  4D image information
H 3D image information
P phase (time information)
Xⁱⁿ  Myocardial inner wall position information
X^outMyocardial outer wall position information
U_{(M , n)}  Map location information
α Cardiac function index
R region
R_p  Corresponding area
S set

Claims (21)

In the image analysis apparatus that performs image analysis of the organ using the three-dimensional image information of the organ to be diagnosed,
In a three-dimensional coordinate system indicating the position of each voxel to be used for function index calculation of the organ among the plurality of voxels included in the three-dimensional image information in order to create a function map indicating the function of the organ. the position information of the two or more points, and maps created ready means for storing the coordinate correspondence storing means the coordinates corresponding map coordinate information in the two-dimensional coordinate system on the functional map,
With reference to the coordinate correspondence storage means, based on the voxel information of the voxel to be used for the function index calculation of the organ and the map coordinate information corresponding to the position information of the voxel, each point on the function map A function map creating means for creating a function map by calculating a corresponding function index value;
A region selecting means for selecting a region for which a three-dimensional image display is desired from the created function map;
With reference to the coordinate correspondence stored in the coordinate correspondence storage means, the corresponding area extracting means for extracting the position information corresponding to the map coordinate information of each point included in the selected area as the corresponding area; ,
Display means for displaying the three-dimensional image by distinguishing the corresponding region from other regions;
An image analyzing apparatus comprising: The image analysis apparatus according to claim 1,
The map generating preparation means, for each function of the organ, the coordinate-related position information and the map coordinates data of the voxel to be used in the function index calculation is respectively stored in the coordinate correspondence storage means,
The function map creation means creates the function map for each function of each organ with reference to the coordinate correspondence storage means , and
A function map selecting means for selecting one function map among the created function maps;
The area selecting means selects an area for which a three-dimensional image display is desired from the selected function map,
The corresponding area extracting unit refers to the coordinate correspondence applied to the function map selected by the function map selecting unit among the coordinate correspondences stored in the coordinate correspondence storing unit, and is selected by the region selecting unit. An image analysis apparatus that extracts the position information corresponding to the map coordinate information of each point included in the map as the corresponding region. In the image analysis device according to claim 1 or 2,
The area selecting means includes means for designating a range of the function index value for which a three-dimensional image display is desired, and an area composed of each point on the function map having the designated function index value An image analysis apparatus that selects an original image display as a desired region. In the image analysis device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The display means displays the three-dimensional image of the organ and the function map created by the function map creating means on the same display screen, and displays the displayed three-dimensional image of the organ. An image analysis apparatus characterized in that the corresponding area is colored and displayed in a different color from other areas on the three-dimensional image. In the image analysis device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The three-dimensional image information further includes time information associated with the voxel information and the position information,
The display means displays the corresponding area as a four-dimensional image based on the time information. In the image analysis device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The function map is in a bullseye map format. In the function map creating means included in the image analysis apparatus that performs image analysis of the organ using the three-dimensional image information of the organ to be diagnosed,
The image analysis device includes:
In a three-dimensional coordinate system indicating the position of each voxel to be used for function index calculation of the organ among the plurality of voxels included in the three-dimensional image information in order to create a function map indicating the function of the organ. the position information of the two or more points, and maps created ready means for storing the coordinate correspondence storing means the coordinates corresponding map coordinate information in the two-dimensional coordinate system on the functional map,
With reference to the coordinate correspondence storing unit, and the voxel information of the voxel to be used in the function indicator calculation of the organ, on the basis of the map coordinates data corresponding to the positional information of the voxel, to each point on the functional map The function map creating means for calculating a corresponding function index value and creating the function map;
A region selecting means for selecting a region for which a three-dimensional image display is desired from the created function map;
With reference to the coordinate correspondence stored in the coordinate correspondence storage means, the corresponding area extracting means for extracting the position information corresponding to the map coordinate information of each point included in the selected area as the corresponding area; ,
Display means for displaying the three-dimensional image by distinguishing the corresponding region from other regions;
A function map creating means comprising: In the function map creation means according to claim 7,
The map generating preparation means, for each function of the organ, the coordinate-related position information and the map coordinates data of the voxel to be used in the function index calculation is respectively stored in the coordinate correspondence storage means,
The function map creation means creates the function map for each function of each organ with reference to the coordinate correspondence storage means , and
The image analysis apparatus further includes a function map selection unit that selects one function map from the created function maps.
The area selecting means selects an area for which a three-dimensional image display is desired from the selected function map,
The corresponding area extracting unit refers to the coordinate corresponding to the function map selected by the function map selecting unit out of the coordinate correspondences stored in the coordinate correspondence storing unit, and is selected by the region selecting unit. The function map creating means for extracting the position information corresponding to the map coordinate information of each point included in the map as the corresponding area. In the function map creation means according to claim 7 or claim 8,
The area selection means includes means for designating a range of the function index value for which a three-dimensional image display is desired, and an area composed of each point on the function map having the designated function index value is designated as the tertiary Function map creating means for selecting an original image display as a desired region. In the function map creation means according to any one of claims 7 to 9,
The display means displays the three-dimensional image of the organ and the function map created by the function map creating means on the same display screen, and displays the displayed three-dimensional image of the organ. The function map creating means characterized in that the corresponding area is colored and displayed in a different color from the other areas on the three-dimensional image. In the function map preparation means as described in any one of Claims 7 thru | or 10,
The three-dimensional image information further includes time information associated with the voxel information and the position information,
The function map creating means, wherein the display means displays the corresponding area as a four-dimensional image based on the time information. The function map creating means according to any one of claims 7 to 11,
A function map creating means characterized in that the function map is in a bullseye map format. In the image analysis method for performing image analysis of the organ using the three-dimensional image information of the organ to be diagnosed,
In a three-dimensional coordinate system indicating the position of each voxel to be used for function index calculation of the organ among the plurality of voxels included in the three-dimensional image information in order to create a function map indicating the function of the organ. the position information of the two or more points, and map creation preparation procedure for storing the coordinate correspondence storing means the coordinates corresponding map coordinate information in the two-dimensional coordinate system on the functional map,
With reference to the coordinate correspondence storage means, based on the voxel information of the voxel to be used for the function index calculation of the organ and the map coordinate information corresponding to the position information of the voxel, each point on the function map A function map creation procedure for calculating the corresponding function index value and creating the function map;
An area selection procedure for selecting an area for which a three-dimensional image display is desired from the created function map;
A corresponding area extraction procedure for extracting the position information corresponding to the map coordinate information of each point included in the selected area as the corresponding area with reference to the coordinate correspondence stored in the coordinate correspondence storing means ; ,
A display procedure for displaying the three-dimensional image by distinguishing the corresponding area from other areas;
An image analysis method comprising: The image analysis method according to claim 13,
In the map generating preparation steps, for each function of the organ, the coordinate-related position information and the map coordinates data of the voxel to be used in the function index calculation is respectively stored in the coordinate correspondence storage means,
In the function map creation procedure, referring to the coordinate correspondence storage means, create the function map for each function of each of the organs, and
A function map selecting procedure for selecting one of the created function maps;
In the region selection procedure, a region for which a three-dimensional image display is desired is selected from the selected function map,
In the corresponding region extraction procedure, the coordinate correspondence stored in the coordinate correspondence storage means is selected in the region selection procedure with reference to the coordinate correspondence relating to the function map selected in the function map selection procedure. An image analysis method comprising: extracting the position information corresponding to the map coordinate information of each point included in a region as the corresponding region. The image analysis method according to claim 13 or 14,
The region selection procedure includes a step of designating a range of the function index value for which three-dimensional image display is desired, and an area composed of each point on the function map having the designated function index value An image analysis method comprising selecting an original image display as a desired region. A computer included in an image analysis apparatus that performs image analysis of an organ using three-dimensional image information of the organ to be diagnosed,
In a three-dimensional coordinate system indicating the position of each voxel to be used for function index calculation of the organ among the plurality of voxels included in the three-dimensional image information in order to create a function map indicating the function of the organ. the position information of the two or more points, map preparation ready means for storing the coordinates corresponding map coordinate information in the coordinate correspondence storage unit in the two-dimensional coordinate system on the functional map,
With reference to the coordinate correspondence storage means, based on the voxel information of the voxel to be used for the function index calculation of the organ and the map coordinate information corresponding to the position information of the voxel, each point on the function map A function map creating means for calculating a corresponding function index value and creating the function map;
An area selection means for selecting an area for which a three-dimensional image display is desired from the created function map;
With reference to the coordinate correspondence stored in the coordinate correspondence storage means, the corresponding area extraction means for extracting the position information corresponding to the map coordinate information of each point included in the selected area as the corresponding area; ,
An image analysis program that functions as display means for displaying a three-dimensional image by distinguishing the corresponding area from other areas. The image analysis program according to claim 16, wherein
Wherein the map generating preparing means, for each function of the organ, is so that features the coordinate-related position information and the map coordinates data of the voxel to be used in the function index calculation is respectively stored in the coordinate correspondence storage means,
Making the function map creation means function to create the function map for each function of each organ with reference to the coordinate correspondence storage means ; and
The computer further includes a function map selecting unit that selects one function map from the created function maps.
Causing the region selection means to function in the selected function map so as to select a region for which a three-dimensional image display is desired;
The corresponding area extracting unit, the coordinate correspondence storage means among the stored coordinates corresponding to the reference to the coordinates corresponding according to the function map selected by said function map selecting means is selected by the area selecting means An image analysis program for causing a function to extract the position information corresponding to the map coordinate information of each point included in an area as the corresponding area. The image analysis program according to claim 16 or 17,
The area selecting means is made to function so as to designate a range of the function index value desired to display a three-dimensional image, and an area composed of each point on the function map having the designated function index value An image analysis program that functions to select an original image display as a desired region. The image analysis program according to any one of claims 16 to 18,
The display means displays the three-dimensional image of the organ and the function map created by the function map creation means on the same display screen, and displays the displayed three-dimensional image of the organ. An image analysis program that causes the corresponding area to function in a different color from other areas on the three-dimensional image. The image analysis program according to any one of claims 16 to 19,
The three-dimensional image information further includes time information associated with the voxel information and the position information,
An image analysis program that causes the display unit to function to display the corresponding area as a four-dimensional image based on the time information. The image analysis program according to any one of claims 16 to 20,
An image analysis program characterized in that the function map is in a bullseye map format.

Images