JP6780935B2 - Medical image display device - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a medical image display device.

The image interpreting doctor may interpret the image while switching the medical images displayed on the screen one after another. In addition, when interpreting a medical image, the image interpreting doctor changes the in-screen display position and the enlargement ratio of the medical image displayed on the screen as necessary. When the display position and enlargement ratio of the medical image displayed on the screen are changed in this way, the medical image whose display position and enlargement ratio are changed becomes a series of image groups consisting of a plurality of medical images such as a series. If it belongs, the changed display position and enlargement ratio are taken over by the display control of other medical images included in the same image group, and the medical images displayed after that are also changed display position and enlargement. It is displayed as a rate. However, even if a series of medical images belonging to the same image group are displayed, even if the display position and enlargement ratio of the medical image displayed immediately before are used, when the next medical image to be displayed is continuously read. Not always appropriate. Therefore, the image interpreting doctor needs to change the display position and the enlargement ratio as appropriate each time the medical image is displayed. Even if the display control is such that changes in the display position and enlargement ratio are applied only to the medical image and not applied to other medical images, the display is similarly displayed each time the medical image is displayed. The position and magnification must be changed as appropriate, which may reduce the efficiency of image interpretation or lead to oversight.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-051152 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-135815

An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a medical image display device capable of realizing efficient image interpretation.

The medical image display device according to the embodiment, Ri Tsurana in a predetermined direction of the subject, and, which position in the predetermined direction is displayed by switching a plurality of different medical images consecutive, an adjustment unit, a display unit And. The adjusting unit adjusts at least one of the display center and the enlargement ratio of the first medical image in which the region of interest is set in the medical image so as to include the entire boundary of the region of interest, and the first medical image. The enlargement ratio of the medical image other than the above is adjusted so as to be smaller than the enlargement ratio of the first medical image and gradually decrease as the distance from the first medical image increases, and the display center of the first medical image is adjusted. Is different from the original display center, the process of adjusting the display center of the medical image other than the first medical image so as to gradually approach the original display center as the distance from the first medical image is increased. The display unit displays the plurality of consecutive medical images in order along the predetermined direction.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a medical image diagnosis system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the medical image display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an initial display image of the medical image display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a region of interest set by the medical image display device according to the first embodiment, a display center of each medical image adjusted by the medical image display device according to the embodiment, and an enlargement ratio. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an operation of drawing on a medical image. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation of adjusting the display center of the medical image. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an operation of adjusting the enlargement ratio of the medical image. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a reference image displayed by the medical image display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the medical image display device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an initial display image of the medical image display device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a reference image displayed by the medical image display device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a reference image displayed by a medical image display device according to an embodiment other than the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, the medical image display device according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, duplicate description will be omitted as appropriate.

(First Embodiment)
The configuration of the medical image diagnosis system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a medical image diagnosis system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the medical image diagnosis system 1 includes a medical image diagnosis device 2, a medical image storage device 3, a medical image display device 4, and a network 5. Further, the type and number of the medical image diagnostic devices 2 included in the medical image diagnosis system 1 are not particularly limited. The configuration of the medical image diagnosis system 1 is not limited to the following configuration.

The medical image diagnostic apparatus 2 generates a plurality of medical images showing information about the subject along a predetermined direction. The medical image is, for example, a morphological image, a functional image, and a composite image. The predetermined direction referred to here does not mean only a linear direction. The predetermined direction referred to here may be a direction along an arbitrary curve or polygonal line.

The morphological image is an image showing morphological information of the subject. The morphological information of the subject is the structural information of the subject. That is, the morphological information of the subject is the anatomical information of the subject. The apparatus for generating a morphological image is, for example, an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

A functional image is an image showing functional information of a subject. The functional information is, for example, a parameter indicating the activity of the site of interest or a parameter related to blood flow. Parameters indicating the activity of the site of interest include, for example, myocardial wall momentum and ejection fraction. Parameters related to blood flow include, for example, blood flow rate, blood volume, average transit time, and washout rate. The device that generates the functional image is, for example, a nuclear medicine imaging device. The nuclear medicine imaging apparatus is, for example, a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) apparatus or a SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) apparatus.

The composite image is an image in which a morphological image and a functional image are combined according to the purpose of image diagnosis. The device that generates a composite image is a device that combines a device that generates a morphological image and a device that generates a functional image. That is, the apparatus for generating the composite image is, for example, a PET-CT apparatus, a SPECT-CT apparatus, a PET-MR apparatus, and a SPECT-MR apparatus.

The medical image storage device 3 stores the above-mentioned morphological image, functional image, and composite image. The medical image storage device 3 is, for example, a server.

The medical image display device 4 includes an input circuit 41, a display 42, a storage circuit 43, and a processing circuit 44.

The input circuit 41 is used by an image interpreter to input instructions and settings. The input circuit 41 is included in, for example, a mouse and a keyboard. The input circuit 41 transfers the instructions and settings input by the interpreting doctor to the processing circuit 44. The input circuit 41 is realized by, for example, a processor.

The display 42 displays a plurality of medical images in order along a predetermined direction. The display 42 is a monitor referred to by an image interpreter. The display 42 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display. The display 42 receives, for example, an instruction from the processing circuit 44 to display a morphological image, a functional image, a composite image, and a GUI (Graphical User Interface) used by an image interpreter when inputting instructions and settings. Based on this instruction, the display 42 displays, for example, a morphological image, a functional image, a composite image, and a GUI.

The storage circuit 43 stores a program for the processing circuit 44 to realize each of the functions described later. The storage circuit 43 has a storage medium in which the stored information can be read out by a computer. The storage medium is, for example, a hard disk.

The processing circuit 44 has a setting function 441, an adjustment function 442, and a control function 443. The setting function 441 sets the region of interest. The adjustment function 442 performs a process of adjusting at least one of the display center and the enlargement ratio of a plurality of medical images showing information about the subject along a predetermined direction. Specifically, the adjustment function 442 performs the following processing.

The adjustment function 442 includes the entire boundary of the region of interest at least one of the display center and the enlargement ratio of the first medical image in which the region of interest is set among the plurality of continuous medical images connected in a predetermined direction of the subject. Adjust to. Further, the adjustment function 442 adjusts the enlargement ratio of the medical image other than the first medical image so as to be smaller than the enlargement ratio of the first medical image and gradually decrease as the distance from the first medical image increases. .. Further, when the display center of the first medical image is different from the original display center, the adjustment function 442 sets the display center of the medical image other than the first medical image to the original display as the distance from the first medical image increases. Adjust so that it gradually approaches the center. The control function 443 has a function of operating each component of the medical diagnostic imaging system 1 at an appropriate timing according to a purpose, and other functions. Details of these functions will be described later. The processing circuit 44 is realized by, for example, a processor.

The network 5 connects the medical image diagnostic device 2, the medical image storage device 3, and the medical image display device 4 so as to be communicable with each other. The network 5 is, for example, a hospital LAN or the Internet.

An example of the processing performed by the medical image display device 4 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the medical image display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an initial display image of the medical image display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a region of interest set by the medical image display device according to the first embodiment, a display center of each medical image adjusted by the medical image display device according to the embodiment, and an enlargement ratio. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an operation of drawing on a medical image. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation of adjusting the display center of the medical image. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an operation of adjusting the enlargement ratio of the medical image. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a reference image displayed by the medical image display device according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the display 42 displays a plurality of medical images and a reference image (step S11). The display 42 displays, for example, the initial display image B1 shown in FIG. The initial display image B1 includes a medical image display area IR1 and a reference image display area PR1.

The medical image display area IR1 displays the medical image Im1 as shown in FIG. 3, for example. The medical image Im1 is one of a plurality of medical images showing information about the subject along a predetermined direction. The medical image display area IR1 displays a plurality of medical images in order along a predetermined direction, for example, based on an instruction received from an image interpreting doctor by the input circuit 41 and preset conditions. Note that such a display method is called a stack display. Further, the initial display image B1 may include a plurality of medical image display areas for stacking and displaying a plurality of medical images.

The reference image display area PR1 displays the reference image P1 and the pointer A1 as shown in FIG. 3, for example. The reference image P1 shows the region of interest and the magnification of each medical image. The solid line segment of the reference image P1 represents each medical image showing information about the subject along a predetermined direction. The gray portion of the solid line segment shown in FIG. 3 represents the medical image displayed in the medical image display area IR1 of each medical image. In step S11, the enlargement ratio of each medical image is not adjusted. Therefore, all the line segments representing each medical image are shown in gray. Further, in step S11, the region of interest is not set. Therefore, the reference image P1 does not include an image representing the region of interest. The pointer A1 indicates a medical image displayed in the medical image display area IR1.

The processing circuit 44 reads a program corresponding to the setting function 441 from the storage circuit 43 and executes it to determine whether or not the setting of the region of interest is completed (step S12). When the setting of the region of interest is completed (affirmation in step S12), the processing circuit 44 advances the processing to step S13. When the setting of the region of interest is not completed (denial in step S12), the processing circuit 44 waits until the setting of the region of interest is completed. In step S12, the medical image display device 4 causes the image interpreter to set a region of interest and interpret a plurality of medical images before adjusting at least one of the display center and the enlargement ratio. Further, the medical image display device 4 may display a plurality of medical images in a repetitive order before adjusting at least one of the display center and the enlargement ratio. The region of interest is set as follows, for example.

The medical images M1, M2, M3, ..., M13 shown in FIG. 4 are displayed in the medical image display area IR1 before at least one of the display center and the enlargement ratio is adjusted. That is, the medical images M1, M2, M3, ..., M13 are displayed in the medical image display area IR1 in step S11. The medical images M1, M2, M3, ..., M13 are represented in FIG. 4 by a parallelogram having the largest area. The medical images M1, M2, M3, ..., M13 show information about the subject along a predetermined direction.

Hereinafter, in the description of FIG. 4, the X direction and the Y direction defined as follows are used. The direction parallel to the long side of the medical images M1, M2, M3, ..., M13 shown in FIG. 4 is defined as the X direction. The direction parallel to the short side of the medical images M1, M2, M3, ..., M13 shown in FIG. 4 is defined as the Y direction.

For example, when a lesion is shown in the medical image M5, the processing circuit 44 sets the region of interest R21 in the region including the lesion. The region of interest R21 is a rectangular region set in the medical image M5. Further, for example, when a lesion is shown in the medical image M13, the processing circuit 44 sets the region of interest R22 in the region including the lesion. The region of interest R22 is a rectangular region set in the medical image M13.

The operations for setting the region of interest are, for example, clicking, drawing, and measuring. These operations are mainly performed by an image interpreting doctor.

Clicking is an operation of selecting a point on a medical image and setting an area including the selected point as an area of interest. In this case, the area containing the selected point is, for example, a circle or rectangle centered on this point. Alternatively, the region including the selected point is a region derived from this point by the region expansion method. Further, the shape, area, or volume of the region of interest set by clicking is preset. Alternatively, the shape, area, or volume of the region of interest set by clicking is set based on, for example, the name of the disease, the progress of the disease, the purpose of the examination, and the site where the medical image was taken. It should be noted that the click includes not only a simple click but also an operation similar to a simple click. An operation similar to a simple click is, for example, a double click. Clicks can also set areas of interest faster than drawing or measuring.

Drawing is an operation of drawing a figure on a medical image. The drawing is, for example, an operation of drawing a closed curve J on the medical image Im10 as shown in FIG. The closed curve J is drawn, for example, so as to surround the lesion shown in the medical image. The closed curve J is the boundary of the region of interest. Alternatively, drawing is an operation of setting an area of interest by filling a portion of the medical image in which the area of interest is desired to be set. The measurement is an operation of examining the length and shape of the part of the medical image of interest by drawing a line segment or a closed curve on the medical image.

The processing circuit 44 reads out a program corresponding to the adjustment function 442 from the storage circuit 43 and executes it to adjust at least one of the display center and the enlargement ratio of the plurality of medical images (step S13). The processing circuit 44 performs this processing after receiving the fact that the setting of the region of interest is completed in step S12. This process is, for example, as follows.

The processing circuit 44 defines the medical image in which the region of interest is set in step S12 as the first medical image. For example, the processing circuit 44 defines the medical image M5 and the medical image M13 shown in FIG. 4 as the first medical image. Further, the processing circuit 44 defines a medical image other than the first medical image, which is less than a predetermined number of medical images away from the first medical image, as a second medical image. For example, the processing circuit 44 defines the medical images M2, M3, M4, M6, M7, M8, M10, M11, and M12 shown in FIG. 4 as the second medical image. Further, the processing circuit 44 defines a medical image that is separated from the first medical image by a predetermined number or more as a third medical image. For example, the processing circuit 44 defines the medical image M1 and the medical image M9 shown in FIG. 4 as a third medical image.

The predetermined number of sheets described above is, for example, a predetermined number of sheets. In addition, the predetermined number of sheets described above may be determined based on medical data. The predetermined number of sheets described above is determined based on, for example, the name of the disease, the progress of the disease, the purpose of the examination, and the site where the medical image was taken. In the case of the example shown in FIG. 4, the predetermined number of sheets described above is four.

The processing circuit 44 adjusts at least one of the display center and the magnification of the first medical image so as to include the entire boundary of the region of interest. Here, the adjustment of the display center and the adjustment of the enlargement ratio are the following operations.

The adjustment of the display center is an operation of adjusting a point on the medical image that coincides with the center of the medical image display area. Here, the medical image display area is an area in which a medical image is displayed on the display. The medical image displayed in the medical image display area before the display center is adjusted is, for example, the medical image Im10 shown in FIG. In this case, the display center is the point K10 on the medical image Im10. Here, it is assumed that the display center is adjusted from the point K10 on the medical image Im10 to the point K20 as shown in the left figure of FIG. Then, the medical image displayed in the medical image display area is, for example, the medical image Im20 shown in FIG. In this case, the display center is the point K20 on the medical image Im10. The medical image Im20 is a medical image surrounded by the rectangle F20 shown in FIG.

The magnification adjustment is an operation of adjusting the magnification of the medical image displayed on the display with the display center fixed. The medical image displayed in the medical image display area before the enlargement ratio is adjusted is, for example, the medical image Im10 shown in FIG. 7. In this case, the display center is the point K10 on the medical image Im10. Here, it is assumed that the magnification is adjusted to display a medical image surrounded by a rectangle F30, as shown in the left figure of FIG. 7. Then, the medical image displayed in the medical image display area is, for example, the medical image Im30 shown in FIG. 7. As shown in the right figure of FIG. 7, the display center remains at the point K10. The medical image Im30 is a medical image surrounded by the rectangle F30 shown in FIG.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the processing circuit 44 adjusts the display center and the enlargement ratio of the medical image M5 so that the medical image G5 is displayed in the medical image display area IR1. The medical image G5 includes the entire boundary of the region of interest R21. The display center of the medical image G5 is the point C5. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the processing circuit 44 adjusts the display center and the enlargement ratio of the medical image M13 so that the medical image G13 is displayed in the medical image display area IR1. The medical image G13 includes the entire boundary of the region of interest R22. The display center of the medical image G13 is the point C13.

The processing circuit 44 may adjust at least one of the display center and the enlargement ratio of the first medical image to a predetermined display center and the enlargement ratio. Further, the processing circuit 44 may adjust at least one of the display center and the enlargement ratio of the first medical image based on medical data. In this case, at least one of the display center and the enlargement ratio of the first medical image is determined based on, for example, the name of the disease, the progress of the disease, the purpose of the examination, and the site where the medical image was taken. For example, if there is a spherical tumor with a diameter of 5 cm in the kidney, the processing circuit 44 will display the display center of the first medical image so that the first medical image contains a cube with a side of 8 cm containing the entire tumor. And adjust at least one of the magnifications. Alternatively, if a spherical tumor with a diameter of 3 cm is present in the lung, the processing circuit 44 will include the display center of the first medical image and the display center of the first medical image so that the first medical image contains a sphere with a diameter of 5 cm containing the entire tumor. Adjust at least one of the magnifications.

The processing circuit 44 adjusts the enlargement ratio of the second medical image to be smaller than the enlargement ratio of the first medical image and gradually decreases from the first medical image to the third medical image. .. Further, when the display center of the first medical image is different from the display center of the third medical image, the processing circuit 44 shifts the display center of the second medical image from the first medical image to the third medical image. As it goes toward it, it is adjusted so that it gradually approaches the display center of the third medical image. The processing circuit 44 may adjust at least one of the display center and the enlargement ratio of the second medical image based on medical data. Alternatively, the processing circuit 44 may adjust at least one of the display center and the magnification of the second medical image to a predetermined display center and the magnification.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the processing circuit 44 adjusts the display center and the enlargement ratio of the medical image M2 so that the medical image G2 is displayed in the medical image display area IR1. The display center of the medical image G2 is the point C2. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the processing circuit 44 adjusts the display center and the enlargement ratio of the medical image M3 so that the medical image G3 is displayed in the medical image display area IR1. The display center of the medical image G3 is the point C3. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the processing circuit 44 adjusts the display center and the enlargement ratio of the medical image M4 so that the medical image G4 is displayed in the medical image display area IR1. The display center of the medical image G4 is the point C4. As a result, the enlargement ratio of the medical image G3 is larger than the enlargement ratio of the medical image G2 and smaller than the enlargement ratio of the medical image G4. Further, the display center of the medical image G3 is farther from the display center of the medical image G1 than the display center of the medical image G2, and closer to the display center of the medical image G1 than the display center of the medical image G4.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the processing circuit 44 adjusts the display center and the enlargement ratio of the medical image M6 so that the medical image G6 is displayed in the medical image display area IR1. The display center of the medical image G6 is the point C6. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the processing circuit 44 adjusts the display center and the enlargement ratio of the medical image M7 so that the medical image G7 is displayed in the medical image display area IR1. The display center of the medical image G7 is the point C7. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the processing circuit 44 adjusts the display center and the enlargement ratio of the medical image M8 so that the medical image G8 is displayed in the medical image display area IR1. The display center of the medical image G8 is the point C8. As a result, the enlargement ratio of the medical image G7 is larger than the enlargement ratio of the medical image G8 and smaller than the enlargement ratio of the medical image G6. Further, the display center of the medical image G7 is farther from the display center of the medical image G9 than the display center of the medical image G8, and closer to the display center of the medical image G9 than the display center of the medical image G7.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the processing circuit 44 adjusts the display center and the enlargement ratio of the medical image M10 so that the medical image G10 is displayed in the medical image display area IR1. The display center of the medical image G10 is the point C10. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the processing circuit 44 adjusts the display center and the enlargement ratio of the medical image M11 so that the medical image G11 is displayed in the medical image display area IR1. The display center of the medical image G11 is the point C11. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the processing circuit 44 adjusts the display center and the enlargement ratio of the medical image M12 so that the medical image G12 is displayed in the medical image display area IR1. The display center of the medical image G12 is the point C12. As a result, the enlargement ratio of the medical image G11 is larger than the enlargement ratio of the medical image G10 and smaller than the enlargement ratio of the medical image G12. Further, the display center of the medical image G11 is farther from the display center of the medical image G9 than the display center of the medical image G10, and closer to the display center of the medical image G9 than the display center of the medical image G12.

The display center and enlargement ratio of the third medical image are the same as the display center and enlargement ratio of the third medical image displayed in step S11. That is, the display center and the enlargement ratio of the third medical image are not adjusted by the processing circuit 44. As shown in FIG. 4, the display center of the medical image G1 is the point C1. The magnification of the medical image G1 has not been adjusted. The display center of the medical image G9 is the point C9. The magnification of the medical image G9 has not been adjusted. Further, the processing circuit 44 stores the result of the processing performed in step S13 in the storage circuit 43.

The display 42 displays a plurality of medical images and a reference image (step S14). Specifically, the display 42 displays the first medical image, the second medical image, and the third medical image in order along a predetermined direction. Further, the display 42 may repeatedly display the first medical image, the second medical image, and the third medical image in order along a predetermined direction. The speed at which the display of each medical image is switched is arbitrary. However, if the speed at which the display of each medical image is switched is high to some extent, efficient interpretation becomes possible. In addition, when the speed of switching the display of each medical image is fast, setting the area of interest by clicking on it enables efficient interpretation.

The display 42 displays, for example, the medical images G1, G2, G3, ..., G13 shown in FIG. The medical images G1, G2, G3, ..., G13 are displayed, for example, in a stack or on a film. Here, the film display is a method of simultaneously displaying a plurality of medical images showing information about a subject along a predetermined direction by arranging them in order.

The display centers of the medical images G1, G2, G3, ..., G13 gradually move away from the original display center from the medical image G1 to the medical image G5, and gradually move to the original display center from the medical image G5 to the medical image G9. As it approaches and moves from the medical image G9 to the medical image G13, it gradually moves away from the original display center.

Specifically, the display centers of the medical images G1, G2, ..., G5 move from the original display center in the -X direction as they move from the medical image G1 to the medical image G5, and from the original display center- It is moving in the Y direction. The display center of the medical images G5, G6, ..., G9 moves from the -X direction to the original display center and from the -Y direction to the original display center as the medical image G5 moves toward the medical image G9. ing. The display centers of the medical images G9, G10, ..., G13 move in the + X direction from the original display center and move in the + Y direction from the original display center as the medical image G9 moves toward the medical image G13. ..

The magnification of the medical images G1, G2, G3, ..., G13 gradually increases from the medical image G1 to the medical image G5, gradually decreases from the medical image G5 to the medical image G9, and gradually decreases from the medical image G9 to the medical image G9. It is getting bigger and bigger toward G13.

The display 42 displays, for example, the reference image P2 shown in FIG. The reference image P2 two-dimensionally shows the region of interest and the magnification of the plurality of medical images. The solid line segment of the reference image P2 represents each medical image showing information about the subject along a predetermined direction. The gray portion of the solid line segment shown in FIG. 8 represents the medical images G1, G2, G3, ..., G13. Further, the reference image P2 includes the icon D21 and the icon D22 as shown in FIG. The icon D21 indicates the region of interest R21. The icon D22 indicates the region of interest R22. Further, the display 42 displays the pointer A2 as shown in FIG. The pointer A2 indicates a medical image displayed in the medical image display area IR1.

The processing circuit 44 reads a program corresponding to the control function 443 from the storage circuit 43 and executes it to determine whether or not it has been accepted that the interpretation of all the medical images displayed in step S14 has been completed (step). S15). In step S15, the medical image display device 4 causes the image interpreter to interpret a plurality of medical images after adjusting at least one of the display center and the enlargement ratio. When it is accepted that the interpretation of all the medical images displayed in step S14 is completed (affirmation in step S15), the processing circuit 44 ends the process. When it is not accepted that the interpretation of all the medical images displayed in step S14 is completed (denial in step S15), the processing circuit 44 returns the processing to step S12. For example, when the medical image display device 4 receives a request from the image interpreting doctor that the area of interest should be further set, the medical image display device 4 determines that the interpretation of all the medical images displayed in step S14 has not been completed.

The medical image display device 4 according to the first embodiment has been described above. As described above, the processing circuit 44 interests at least one of the display center and the enlargement ratio of the first medical image in which the region of interest is set among the plurality of medical images showing information about the subject along a predetermined direction. Adjust to include the entire boundary of. Further, the processing circuit 44 adjusts the enlargement ratio of the medical image other than the first medical image so as to be smaller than the enlargement ratio of the first medical image and gradually decrease as the distance from the first medical image increases. .. Further, when the display center of the first medical image is different from the original display center, the processing circuit 44 displays the original display center of the medical image other than the first medical image as the distance from the first medical image increases. Adjust so that it gradually approaches the center.

Therefore, the medical image display device 4 changes at least one of the display center and the enlargement ratio for one of a plurality of medical images showing information about the subject along a predetermined direction. Compared with the medical image display device applied to the medical image of the above, it is possible to reduce the labor of the interpreting doctor to adjust at least one of the display center and the enlargement ratio of each medical image.

Further, the medical image display device 4 is adjusted so that at least one of the display center and the enlargement ratio of each medical image changes smoothly. Therefore, the medical image display device 4 changes at least one of the display center and the enlargement ratio made for one of a plurality of medical images showing information about the subject along a predetermined direction. Compared with a medical image display device that applies only to a predetermined number of medical images including the medical image to which the image has been applied, it is possible to suppress interruption of the thinking of the image interpreting doctor.

The medical image display device 4 displays a reference image. Therefore, the medical image display device 4 can make the image interpreter grasp the position and range of the area indicated by the medical image displayed in the medical image display area IR1 in the plurality of medical images.

In step S12, the medical image display device 4 causes the image interpreter to set a region of interest and interpret a plurality of medical images before adjusting at least one of the display center and the enlargement ratio. Therefore, the medical image display device 4 changes at least one of the display center and the enlargement ratio for one of a plurality of medical images showing information about the subject along a predetermined direction. Compared with the medical image display device applied to the medical image of the above, it is possible to prevent the image interpreter from overlooking the object to be interpreted.

The medical image display device 4 stores the result of the process performed in step S13 in the storage circuit 43. Therefore, the medical image display device 4 can make another image interpreter display the result of the process performed in step S13 to confirm under what kind of thought the image interpretation was performed. Here, the other interpreting doctors are, for example, doctors in the clinical department who requested the radiology department to take medical images, and doctors who supervise the radiology department.

(Second Embodiment)
After receiving the fact that the setting of the region of interest is completed, the medical image display device 4 according to the first embodiment performs a process of adjusting at least one of the display center and the enlargement ratio of the plurality of medical images. However, the medical image display device 4 according to the second embodiment performs a process of adjusting at least one of the display center and the enlargement ratio of the plurality of medical images each time the region of interest is set. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the medical image display device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an initial display image of the medical image display device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a reference image displayed by the medical image display device according to the second embodiment. For the contents overlapping with the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 9, the display 42 displays a plurality of medical images and a reference image (step S21). The display 42 displays, for example, the initial display image B3 shown in FIG. The initial display image B3 includes a scanogram display area SR3, a medical image display area IR3, and a reference image display area PR3.

The scanogram display area SR3 displays the scanogram S3, for example, as shown in FIG. The scanogram S3 is an example of a two-dimensional image showing information in a plane intersecting the cross section of the subject.

The medical image display area IR3 displays the medical image Im3, for example, as shown in FIG. The medical image Im3 is one of a plurality of medical images displayed in a stack.

The reference image display area PR3 displays the reference image P3 and the pointer A3, for example, as shown in FIG. Reference image P3 shows the region of interest and the magnification of each medical image. The solid line segment of the reference image P3 represents each medical image showing information about the subject along a predetermined direction. In step S21, the enlargement ratio of each medical image is not adjusted. Further, in step S21, the region of interest is not set.

The processing circuit 44 sets the region of interest by reading a program corresponding to the setting function 441 from the storage circuit 43 and executing it (step S22). The operation of setting the region of interest is the same as the method described in step S11. In step S12, the medical image display device 4 causes the image-reading doctor to set a region of interest and interprets a plurality of medical images.

The processing circuit 44 reads a program corresponding to the adjustment function 442 from the storage circuit 43 and executes it to adjust at least one of the display center and the enlargement ratio of the plurality of medical images (step S23). The processing circuit 44 performs this processing each time the region of interest is set in step S22. This process is the same as the process described in step S13.

The display 42 displays a plurality of medical images in which at least one of the display center and the enlargement ratio is adjusted, and a reference image (step S24). Specifically, the display 42 displays the first medical image, the second medical image, and the third medical image in order along a predetermined direction. Further, the display 42 may repeatedly display the first medical image, the second medical image, and the third medical image in order along a predetermined direction. The speed at which the display of each medical image is switched is arbitrary.

The display 42 displays, for example, the reference image P4 shown in FIG. The reference image P4 two-dimensionally shows the region of interest and the magnification of the plurality of medical images. The part shown in gray in the solid line segment shown in FIG. 11 represents the medical image displayed in the medical image display area IR3. Further, the reference image P4 includes the icon D41 and the icon D42, for example, as shown in FIG. Icon D41 and icon D42 indicate an area of interest. Further, the display 42 displays the pointer A4 as shown in FIG. Further, the reference image P4 includes the curve SL4. The curve SL4 shows the display center of a plurality of medical images. Further, the curve SL4 indicates the center of the region of interest. The method of showing the display center of the medical image displayed on the medical image display area IR3 and the center of the area of interest is not limited to the curve SL4.

The processing circuit 44 reads a program corresponding to the setting function 441 from the storage circuit 43 and executes it to determine whether or not there is an area of interest to be set other than the area of interest set in step S22 (step S25). .. When there is an area of interest to be set other than the area of interest set in step S22 (affirmation in step S25), the processing circuit 44 returns the processing to step S22. When there is no area of interest to be set other than the area of interest set in step S22 (denial of step S25), the processing circuit 44 advances the process to step S26.

The processing circuit 44 reads a program corresponding to the control function 443 from the storage circuit 43 and executes it to determine whether or not it has been accepted that the interpretation of all the medical images displayed in step S24 has been completed (step). S26). When it is accepted that the interpretation of all the medical images displayed in step S24 is completed (affirmation in step S26), the processing circuit 44 ends the process. When it is not accepted that the interpretation of all the medical images displayed in step S24 is completed (denial in step S26), the processing circuit 44 returns the processing to step S22.

The medical image display device 4 according to the second embodiment has been described above. The medical image display device 4 according to the second embodiment is of interest to the image interpreter before the medical image display device 4 according to the first embodiment adjusts at least one of the display center and the magnification in step S12. It produces effects other than the effect produced by interpreting a plurality of medical images while setting the area.

The medical image display device 4 according to the second embodiment performs a process of adjusting at least one of the display center and the enlargement ratio of the plurality of medical images each time the region of interest is set in step S22. Therefore, the medical image display device 4 can provide the image interpretation doctor with a plurality of medical images whose display center and at least one of the enlargement ratios are adjusted according to the progress of image interpretation. As a result, the image interpreting doctor can perform image interpretation efficiently.

The display 42 displays, for example, the reference image P5 shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a reference image displayed by a medical image display device according to an embodiment other than the first embodiment and the second embodiment. The display 42 superimposes the reference image P5 on the scanogram S5. The scanogram S5 is an example of a two-dimensional image showing information in a plane intersecting the cross section of the subject. The gray portion of the solid line segment of the reference image P5 represents the medical image displayed in the medical image display area. Further, the reference image P5 includes the icon D5, for example, as shown in FIG. Icon D5 indicates an area of interest. Further, the display 42 displays the pointer A5 as shown in FIG. As a result, the image interpreting doctor can easily grasp which part of the subject is being interpreted.

The display 42 may display a plurality of reference images that two-dimensionally show the region of interest and the enlargement ratio of the plurality of medical images. For example, the display 42 may display a reference image that displays a plurality of medical images viewed from the long side, and a reference image that displays a plurality of medical images viewed from the short side.

The display 42 may display a reference image that three-dimensionally shows the region of interest and the magnification of the plurality of medical images. Further, the reference image may indicate the display center of the plurality of medical images in addition to the region of interest and the enlargement ratio of the plurality of medical images. Further, the display 42 may further display a three-dimensional image of the subject, and the reference image may be superimposed on the three-dimensional image.

The display 42 does not have to display the third medical image in step S14 and step S24. That is, in step S14 and step S24, the display 42 may display the first medical image and the second medical image in order along a predetermined direction. For example, the display 42 may display the medical images G2, G3, G4, ..., G8 shown in FIG. 4 in order along a predetermined direction. Alternatively, the display 42 may display the medical images G2, G3, G4, G5, G6, G7, G8, G10, G11, G12, and G13 shown in FIG. 4 in order along a predetermined direction. The speed at which the display of each medical image is switched is arbitrary.

Further, the display 42 may repeatedly display the first medical image and the second medical image in order along a predetermined direction. For example, the display 42 may repeatedly display the medical images G2, G3, G4, ..., G8 shown in FIG. 4 in order along a predetermined direction. Alternatively, the display 42 may repeatedly display the medical images G2, G3, G4, G5, G6, G7, G8, G10, G11, G12, and G13 shown in FIG. 4 in order along a predetermined direction. The speed at which the display of each medical image is switched is arbitrary.

The reference image displayed by the display 42 may indicate the enlargement ratio of the medical image within a predetermined number of sheets including the medical image displayed by the medical image display area. Alternatively, the reference image displayed by the display 42 may indicate the display center and the enlargement ratio of the medical image within a predetermined number of sheets including the medical image displayed by the medical image display area.

The above-mentioned processors include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), and a field programmable gate array. (Field Programmable Gate Array: FPGA). Further, the programmable logic device (PLD) is, for example, a simple programmable logic device (Simple Programmable Logic Device: SPLD) or a composite programmable logic device (Complex Programmable Logic Device: CPLD).

In the above-described embodiment, the processing circuit 44 realizes its function by reading and executing the program stored in the storage circuit 43, but the processing circuit 44 is not limited thereto. Instead of storing the program in the storage circuit 43, the program may be directly incorporated in the processing circuit 44. In this case, the processing circuit 44 realizes its function by directly reading and executing the incorporated program.

The processing circuit 44 shown in FIG. 1 may be appropriately dispersed or integrated. For example, the processing circuit 44 may be distributed to circuits that execute the functions of the setting function 441, the adjusting function 442, and the control function 443.

According to at least one embodiment described above, efficient interpretation can be realized.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention as well as the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

42 Display 442 Adjustment function

Claims (6)

In a medical image display device that switches and displays a plurality of continuous medical images that are continuous in a predetermined direction of a subject and have different cross-sectional positions of the subject in the predetermined direction.
Of the medical images, at least one of the display center and the enlargement ratio of the first medical image in which the region of interest is set is adjusted so as to include the entire boundary of the region of interest, and the medical images other than the first medical image. Is adjusted so that the enlargement ratio of the first medical image is smaller than the enlargement ratio of the first medical image and gradually decreases as the distance from the first medical image increases, and the display center of the first medical image is the original display. If it is different from the center, an adjustment unit that adjusts the display center of the medical image other than the first medical image so as to gradually approach the original display center as the distance from the first medical image increases.
A display unit that sequentially displays the plurality of consecutive medical images along the predetermined direction, and a display unit.
A medical image display device. The adjusting unit defines a medical image other than the first medical image, which is less than a predetermined number of medical images from the first medical image, as a second medical image, and is derived from the first medical image. A medical image separated by a predetermined number or more is defined as a third medical image, and the enlargement ratio of the second medical image is smaller than the enlargement ratio of the first medical image and the first medical image is used. When the display center of the first medical image is different from the display center of the third medical image, the display center of the first medical image is adjusted so as to gradually decrease from the image toward the third medical image. The medical image display device according to claim 1, wherein the display center is adjusted so as to gradually approach the display center of the third medical image as the display center moves from the first medical image to the third medical image. The medical image display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display unit further displays a reference image that two-dimensionally shows the enlargement ratio of the area of interest and the plurality of continuous medical images. The medical image according to claim 3, wherein the display unit further displays a two-dimensional image showing information in a plane intersecting the cross section of the subject, and superimposes the reference image on the two-dimensional image. Display device. The reference image indicates an enlargement ratio of a medical image within a predetermined number range including the medical image displayed by the display unit, or a predetermined number range including the medical image displayed by the display unit. The medical image display device according to claim 3 or 4, which indicates at least one of the display center and the enlargement ratio of the medical image within. From claim 2, the adjusting unit adjusts at least one of the predetermined number of sheets, the display center of the plurality of continuous medical images, and the enlargement ratio of the plurality of continuous medical images based on medical data. The medical image display device according to any one of claim 5.