EP1977392A2 - Method and device for representing multichannel image data - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for representing multichannel image data. According to said method, multichannel image data of an object that are made available by a plurality of channels of an imaging device are received, an image synthesis is carried out based on the multichannel image data and a synthesized image data record is made available for representation on a display device. The invention also relates to a device for representing multichannel image data, comprising means for receiving multichannel image data that are made available by a plurality of channels of an imaging device, to a calculation device for carrying out an image synthesis based on the multichannel image data and to a display device for representing synthesized image data records.

Description

 Method and device for displaying multi-channel image data

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for displaying multi-channel image data. In one aspect, the invention provides a method of displaying multi-channel image data according to claim 1. In a second aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for displaying multichannel image data according to claim 17. Further aspects emerge from the following description and the drawings, in particular the description of preferred embodiments.

1. Economic-technical importance as well as medical importance

In recent years, biomedical imaging methods have come into the focus of attention, in which an equivalent number of image data sets are acquired simultaneously in an equivalent object position, using altered physical parameters or even different physical imaging methods for the individual data sets. This results in multidimensional image data sets (multi-channel image data sets) in which each image location is characterized by more than a single number. Explicitly, only two examples are mentioned here: energy-resolved computed tomography (eg as a dual-source CT or as CT with energy-selective detectors) and the acquisition of MR data from which images with different signal characteristics (eg T1, T2 -, PD weighting) can be reconstructed, d. H. several physical parameters are determined simultaneously for each image location (eg by using True-FISP inversion recovery sequences).

It is hoped that through the simultaneous analysis of all input channels in such multi-dimensional data sets, more information about the imaged object can be obtained than would be possible through the isolated analysis of single-channel images. However, methods for extracting and visualizing such beneficial additional information have not found any appreciable value in medical practice.

Of considerable economic importance could be the approach outlined above for obtaining multichannel image data sets by hoping that by using complementary image information from different input channels, the dose of externally applied contrast agent could be reduced; H. to be able to increase its detection threshold. On the one hand, iodine-containing contrast agents which are administered intravenously during the preparation of computed tomography images and, on the other hand, gadolinium-containing contrast agents used in magnetic resonance imaging are of particular practical importance in medical imaging.

Such a reduced detection threshold for contrast agents offers considerable medical advantages. Although these are not the subject of the present patent application, they are important for the understanding of the technical-economic importance. By reducing the dose of the abovementioned contrast agents, their undesirable effects in patients can be reduced, and it could also be used to examine patients in whom the use of contrast media so far appears to be contraindicated. A typical one An example is the reduced-dose use of iodinated contrast agents in computed tomography in patients with kidney dysfunction.

Any improvement in the detectability of such contrast agents, even the slightest, would thus have considerable economic consequences for the contrast agent market and is an existential threat to the companies specializing in their production and marketing. Conversely, however, a gain for the medical device industry could arise, because the increased detectability of contrast media must be bought by the purchase of new, suitable equipment for this purpose.

An invention will be described below which makes it possible to derive diagnostic benefit from multichannel data set information in medical practice.

First, the invention will be described by way of a typical example. For the sake of simplicity and intelligibility, a specific case is anticipated here. Various generalizations and specifications are given in the following sections.

2. Typical scenario

Step 1: First, multi-dimensional, d. H. Multi-channel image data, e.g. B. by a multi-energy computed tomography, by simultaneously or temporally successively recorded by the same patient image data sets in equivalent object position with different tube voltages. There is a reconstruction of image data sets, wherein in the special case of dual-energy computed tomography typically the site-specific X-ray absorption for two different energy ranges (tube voltages) is calculated. From this one obtains in the simplest case two image data sets which represent a bispectral data set, d. H. There are two X-ray absorption values for each image location.

Step 2: In a second step, a detection or identification of contrast agent takes place. For this purpose, the site-specific X-ray absorption values of the bispectral data set are input into an identifier which calculates estimated values for the location-dependent presence and / or the location-dependent concentration of the contrast agent.

Step 3: In a next step, the output of the identifier is used to synthesize a new image data set in which the brightness values of pixels are changed, typically upscaled, using the output of the identifier. Pixels on which the identifier has detected the presence of contrast agent or has determined a specific concentration of the contrast agent are assigned a higher gray value.

Step 4: Finally, this synthetic image is output on a suitable output means and can also be manipulated there, e.g. B. windowed by user control, be.

Step 3a: As an alternative to steps 3 and 4, the two image data sets can be simultaneously (superimposed) on a suitable output means, for. On the monitor of a viewing station of a PACS system, whereby an image data set is synthesized, for which the information of both image data sets is used. In particular, the Representation of the two image data sets are controlled by the observer controlled or temporally, z. B. according to a predetermined pattern, be changeable.

A scheme of methods and apparatus for the sequence of the above steps is shown in FIG.

3. Detailed description

With the method or the device are multidimensional, d. H. multi-channel image data or raw data from which multidimensional image data can be calculated, processed and visualized. Here, explicit reference is made to image data sets from the following modalities: computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance tomography (MRT), positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), optical coherence tomography, ultrasound, conventional projection radiography. "Multidimensionality" or "multichannelness" means that not only a single scalar image information is present at a pixel (eg a single signal intensity, a single value for the local X-ray absorption, etc.), but that each image location is represented by more than one can characterize only number. In general, therefore, they are image data sets in which the properties of each pixel are characterized by more than a single real number in the sense of a vector of real numbers

a _t (x, y, z) e% ie {l, K N, where N here denotes the set of natural numbers, x, y, z the location coordinates of the respective pixel. It should be noted that the terms "pixel", "pixel" and "voxel" are used as synonyms, regardless of the dimensionality of the image data set.

Trapped special cases deal in particular with situations in which the a,

• Values recorded or calculated one after the other are (in the sense of so-called "4D data sets"), for example recorded temporal sequences of image data sets under variation of experimental conditions (eg functional MR tomography)

• or chronologically recorded or calculated values after administration of contrast agents and / or radionuclides (dynamic multiphase CT, MRI, PET, SPECT, contrast-enhanced MRI, eg perfusion MRI, contrast agent dynamics) and / or

_• different acquisition techniques have been used, eg B. different tube voltages in multi-energy CT, different energy ranges of the detected radiation energy in energy-resolving CT detectors, different tube currents or mAs products in X-ray and CT methods, different choice of acquisition parameters within the same modality, eg. In the acquisition of MRI image data sets (eg combination of Tl, T2 and PD weighted acquired data) or the combined use of different acquisition modalities, in particular PET-CT or PET-MR. Here they may be image data sets taken by combination devices as well as data sets collected on different devices and subjected to subsequent image data registration. Explicitly addressed in the field of MRI are methods in which several physical parameters can be measured for each location of the imaged object (eg by True-FISP inversion recovery sequences), diffusion sequences with different parameters (eg b -values). Finally, mention should be made of nuclear medicine methods with simultaneous or staggered use of different radionuclides and / or energy-resolving detectors.

It should be emphasized that it is irrelevant to the method and apparatus whether the further steps are based on multi-channel raw data or multi-channel reconstructed image data.

Particular mention should be made of methods and devices for displaying data from the following image acquisition modalities:

• Energy-resolved CT, in particular dual or multiple source CT (in particular also equipped with multi-line detectors or flat panel detectors), in which two or more X-ray sources are operated simultaneously or at different times in the image data acquisition, especially when the different X-ray sources operated with different physical parameters in particular different tube voltage and / or current (or different mAs product). Analogously, this description also applies to methods and devices in which the X-radiation is generated at locally different focal spots within an X-ray tube simultaneously or at different times, in particular alternately (so-called "flying spot" or "Z-sharp" technology), in particular if the energy spectrum and / or the radiation intensity is different for the different focal spots.

Computed tomography with energy-selective detectors: in this case the radiation received by each detector element is dissolved in at least two different energy ranges in any manner, for example by the use of hardening filters (eg copper) after passage through a first detector through further, behind Detectors a slightly modified in their spectral composition (hardened) radiation is collected, or the sensitivity characteristic of the detectors for the detection of radiation of different energy ranges is varied over time. This results in the ability to reconstruct image data sets that take into account the location-dependent X-ray absorption in different energy ranges.

It is irrelevant for the invention whether the determination of the energy-specific data records and / or the subsequent processing steps (identification, image synthesis) is carried out directly on the basis of the CT raw data (eg in the sense of energy or X-ray source-specific sinugrams) or whether image data are first reconstructed under the separate use of the individual detector channels or x-ray source-specific signals.

• MRI with multi-dimensional image data acquisition: methods in which several physical parameters can be measured for each location of the imaged object (eg by True-FISP inversion recovery sequences), diffusion sequences with different parameters (eg b-values), temporal successive or simultaneous acquisition of data with different signal characteristics with respect to repetition time, echo time or other MRT sequence parameters or different sequence types.

• Dynamic MRI, CT, PET, SPECT, optical procedures, ultrasound, in which several data sets are taken in chronological succession, in particular after the administration of contrast media or temporally variable recording conditions (eg so-called functional MRI).

• Particularly noteworthy are multidimensional image data sets, in which contrast medium is applied in a lower dose than is usual with non-multidimensional image data acquisition. Due to the multidimensional image data acquisition, the detectability of contrast agent can be increased, whereby less contrast agent has to be administered. In particular, it should be mentioned here: Intravenous administration of iodine-containing contrast agents in CT and X-ray examinations and intravenous administration of gadolinium-containing contrast agents in MRI.

Multidimensional image data sets from the multi-energy CT (dual or multiple source CT or CT with energy-resolving detectors, see above), in which special contrast agents are used, namely iodine-containing contrast agents and contrast agents containing atoms with atomic numbers greater than the atomic number of iodine, in particular Xenon, barium or gadolinium.

• Multidimensional image data sets from MRI using special contrast agents: contrast agents containing gadolinium or iron oxide particles.

Multidimensional image data sets obtained by methods or devices for X-ray detection by means of charge integration and / or phonon counting, eg. In the sense of "counting and integrating readout", as described, for example, in the publications [4,5], in which case it does not matter whether such X-ray detection is used in the context of projection radiography, angiography or computed tomography.

Multidimensional image data sets, the production of which uses methods or devices for generating X-rays which do not require thermoelectric emission of electrons from a cathode material, e.g. B. by using carbon nanotubes such. B. analogous to the generation of X-rays described in publication [6].

It is also irrelevant to the invention whether the image data acquisition, image synthesis and / or image data visualization are spatially and / or temporally separated.

Throughout the description, the terms "image" and "image data set" are used as synonyms. Specifically, in the description and in the claims, no distinction is made between 2D images and 3D data sets.

It should be noted that the invention not only includes imaging in biomedical applications, but z. Also imaging for security applications, in particular CT, X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, optical procedures for security controls, Material testing and customs applications as well as acquisition of multi-spectral data in satellite remote sensing.

The multidimensional image data sets are fed to preferred embodiments in a second step an identifier, which provides an estimate for location-dependent properties of the object under investigation, for. B. the location-dependent presence and / or the location-dependent concentration of certain substances calculated. It does not matter whether raw data or already reconstructed images are used to calculate such estimates. In the simplest case, there are already reconstructed multidimensional image data as input of the identifier. In particular, it is possible that the identifier calculates its output data not only on the basis of pixel or voxel-specific image properties, but also that image properties of the pixel or voxel neighborhood or also global image information are used.

The identifier can be structured differently. In the simplest case, it is a classifier or function approximator in which the pixel-specific vector (eg the signal intensities or gray levels of the individual channels) is input for each pixel and therefrom the estimated value for the location-dependent presence and / or the location-dependent concentration Substances or the location-dependent size of physical, chemical or biological properties of the examined object is calculated. Examples of such identifiers are different forms of linear and nonlinear classifiers or function approximators, neural networks, e.g. B. multilayer perceptrons (eg, trained by "error back propagation"), radial basis function networks, support vector machines, local models, different forms of next-neighbor classifiers, rule-based classifiers, processing by any mathematical operations , eg difference formation or weighted summation of the input channels, threshold value operations, vector quantizers, clustering algorithms, eg learning vector quantization (LVQ), self-organizing maps (SOM), exploratory morphogenesis (XOM), genetic or evolutionary algorithms Here are all the procedures mentioned in standard works of neuroinformatics and pattern recognition, eg [1], [2], [3].

It is also possible to use nonlocal image features, ie more than one pixel, for calculating the estimated values (filter, edge enhancement, random preprocessing). What is important is that the information from more than one single channel (or raw data channel) is used to calculate the estimates.

As a result, the identifier provides estimates of the location-dependent presence and / or concentration of certain material properties or substances, e.g. B. Presence or concentration of contrast agent. This result is output (or stored, eg, in DICOM format, or transferred, eg, into a PACS system) or used in a next step to synthesize a new image data set in which the properties of pixels (in particular, gray levels, color, transparency, luminance) based thereon, optionally using the multichannel raw data, the multichannel reconstructed image data or a single channel visualization data set or any combination thereof together with the output of the identifier to synthesize the output image data set.

For the special case of the detection of contrast agents, it is possible, depending on the output of the identifier, for those pixels with an altered pixel property (eg an increased gray value or an altered color, transparency, luminance) at which contrast agents were identified or a high estimate of the contrast medium concentration was determined. It is z. For example, it is possible to change the pixel characteristics (eg gray values, colors, transparency, luminance) of the image data records depending on the probability of the presence of contrast agent or depending on the estimated concentration of the contrast agent in such a way that the image locations are highly probable high concentrations are more clearly visible, for example by higher gray values.

As a special embodiment, the following procedure for the energy-resolved CT (dual or multiple source CT or CT with energy-resolving detectors) is described here: Let n be the number of energy channels used. Either in a first case an image reconstruction takes place, which not only uses the information of a single energy channel but also of several energy channels, or in a second case n image data sets are first reconstructed from the individual n energy channels. H. for the reconstruction of a single image data set only the information of a single energy channel is used. (Alternatively, it is also possible to calculate a plurality of different image data sets, wherein the information of the raw data of several energy channels is used for the calculation of the individual data sets, yet the energy-resolved image data acquisition leads to the fact that the calculated image data sets differ: For example, could be from the common use of two raw data sets taken with tube voltages of 140 kV and 80 kV, calculate several image data sets which each show the absorption behavior for (nearly) "monochromatic" X-radiation, eg with energies of 80 kV, 90 kV, 100 kV, 110 kV, 120 kV, 130 kV, 140 kV, so the number n of channels of the raw data need not coincide with the number of channels m of the reconstructed image data.)

In both cases, the calculation of an image data set (referred to below as the visualization data record) takes into account the information of more than one input channel. In the first case this already results from the reconstruction, in the second case a new visualization data set can be calculated after the reconstruction on the basis of the reconstructed images of the individual channels. A primitive method would be, for example, the arithmetic averaging of the gray values of the reconstructed image data from the individual channels, but any algorithms are conceivable as long as they each use the information of more than one single channel, in particular PCA, XOM, SOM. For the invention, it is irrelevant whether the image calculations in an image, console, or sub-console computer of the CT system or in any other computer, eg. As a PACS system, or a spzeiellen server done.

As a particular embodiment, the following procedure should now be mentioned: The pixel-specific properties (gray values, colors, luminance, transparency) of the single-channel visualization data set are changed on the basis of the output of the identifier, resulting in a new image data set that is output, stored or transferred graphically. Alternatively, the visualization data set may be transmitted or stored separately from the output of the identifier, the information of both data sets being merged at a later time or at a different location for purposes of visualization or graphical output, e.g. B. is superimposed.

Further, particular embodiments are methods and apparatuses in which the output data of the identifier in combination with the visualization data set or the output data of the identifier in combination with the single channel data or the output data of the identifier in combination with the visualization data set and the Single channel data (in particular in DICOM format), stored, transferred to a computer network, in particular to a PACS system, or, in particular mutually superimposed, visualized.

A typical situation would be the following: The image data acquisition takes place z. B. after administration of a reduced compared to the conventional procedure contrast agent dose. From the multi-channel raw data or multi-channel reconstructed image data, a visualization data set is generated. Furthermore, the single channel specific raw or image data is used to calculate in an identifier estimates of the probability of site-specific presence or the site-specific concentration of contrast agent. The output data of the identifier, as well as the image data, are stored in DICOM format or transferred to a PACS system. On the console computer of the imaging device or the viewing stations of the PACS system is then the graphical output, at the same time the visualization data set and the output data of the identifier or a synthesized from both data sets image data set are output. In this case, for example, those pixels on which a high contrast agent concentration was detected by the identifier are upscaled in comparison to the visualization data set with regard to their gray values, so that the image impression of an examination with a higher contrast agent dose is produced.

The above described description for the energy resolved CT applies to any other multichannel imaging modality, in the description analogously all CT specific terms have to be replaced. In particular, the description is mutatis mutandis transferable to MRI using different acquisition sequences or image contrast.

After image synthesis, the output data (these consist of the output of the identifier or a synthesized image data set, which is calculated based on the output of the identifier, a single-channel visualization data set and / or the multi-channel raw or reconstructed image data sets or any combination of said data sets has been optically output (eg on the monitor of an operating or post-processing console of an image acquisition device, on the monitor of the viewing station of a PACS system, on the monitor of any computer on which a biomedical image data viewer is installed, eg a DICOM viewer, on a projector or a printer). In synthesized image data sets, it does not matter in which parts of a computer they are calculated, in particular not whether they are already calculated in the CPU or only in a graphics chip immediately before the output. It is also important to mention that the presence or the use of an identifier is not absolutely necessary for the image synthesis.

A particular embodiment is a situation where it is indicated during output (or printout) that it is a synthesized image data set, or display image synthesis parameters or input data used for image synthesis, or their type or properties. Such displays can be done, for example, by text superimposed text annotations, color markers or graphic symbols. Furthermore, as particular embodiments, methods and devices are to be mentioned in which the output images can be manipulated, in particular by user control, in particular by windowing, alteration of contrast or image brightness, color, luminance, transparency etc. Furthermore, as particular embodiments methods and devices are to mention, in which the parameters or input data of the image synthesis are temporally variable or can be influenced or controlled by user action, for. For example, the weighting of input data channels, e.g. B. interactive or time-varying, z. B. oscillating, alpha-blending. In the case of possibilities for user-controlled influencing, computer mice, joysticks, touchscreens and keyboards are to be mentioned in particular (possibly also developed especially for this purpose).

A particular situation involves methods and apparatuses in which image data can be accessed simultaneously without using an identifier from multi-channel image data acquisitions, e.g. B. superimposed on a dispensing means, characterized in that the representation on the output means can be influenced or controlled by the user or is temporally variable.

Image synthesis can take place here: from the multichannel raw data, the multi-channel reconstructed image data, from a single-channel visualization data record and / or the output of an identifier in the sense presented above. However, the involvement of such an identifier is also optional here.

Again, particular embodiments are to be mentioned in which during output (or on a printout) it is indicated that it is a synthesized image data set or parameters of the image synthesis or input data used for image synthesis or their type or properties are displayed. Such displays can be done, for example, by text superimposed text annotations, color markers or graphic symbols. Furthermore, as particular embodiments, methods and devices should be mentioned in which the output images can be manipulated, in particular by control by users, in particular by fenestration, change of contrast or image brightness, color, luminance, transparency, etc. Furthermore, as particular embodiments, methods and Mention devices in which the parameters or input data of the image synthesis are temporally variable or can be influenced by control by users, for. For example, the weighting of input data channels, e.g. B. user-controlled or time-varying, z. B. oscillating, alpha-blending. In the case of possibilities for user-controlled influencing, computer mice, joysticks, touchscreens and keyboards are to be mentioned in particular (possibly also developed especially for this purpose).

For temporally variable image synthesis or output, for example, a chronologically oscillating alpha blending should be mentioned, in particular even if its parameters, in particular the oscillation frequency, can be controlled by the user. For example, become a multidimensional image data set

used as an input of the image synthesis, where n is to represent the number of individual channels, (N: quantity of natural numbers) and x, y, z the location coordinates of the respective pixel, for example, the output s (x, y, z) at the pixel (x, y, z) are calculated at time t by:

s {x, y, z) = Y w, {f) aXx, y _t z) with W ₁ (O = P ₁ sin (δ>, 0, where p. , ύ} ₍ e iR also pixel-specific and / or temporal, in particular also by

User control influenced, can be selected variably. It should be emphasized that arbitrary patterns of temporal variability, ie, any temporally variable functions for the image synthesis can be selected, in particular also non-periodic, non-continuous, non-differentiable. Also, mapping rules that are temporally varied based on random numbers are permissible and should be included here as patterns of temporal variability. Let b _{t be} the channels of the input data of the image synthesis

(Images or raw data), so all mapping rules f (b _t , t) are detected, / is any, inter alia, of the time t dependent function in the mathematical sense.

4. Formal description

Finally, as a supplement to the description, a glossary is formulated which characterizes the components of the invention on the basis of FIG. 1:

Multichannel Image Data Acquisition: Conceivable alternatives to the acquisition of multi-channel image data have already been outlined above. A particular variant consists in the fact that multichannel data are produced by carrying out any image processing operations (for example arbitrary filtering, for example edge enhancement) on single-channel data, the result again being able to be interpreted as an image data record. The combination of the original single channel data together with the result of the image processing operation can then be interpreted as a multi-channel data set.

Multichannel raw data: In preferred exemplary embodiments, these consist of angle-dependent radiation intensity values measured by CT detectors, which can be represented as so-called "sinograms" or the signal intensity values detected by RF receivers in MRT apparatuses Image data records can be reconstructed.

Multichannel reconstructed image data: It is image data obtained on the basis of the raw data. With multi-channel raw data, it is not necessary to use the information of exactly one raw data channel for the reconstruction of an image data channel. An image data channel may also be based on the information of multiple raw data channels. For the further steps, it is also not absolutely necessary that image data be explicitly reconstructed. The subsequent identification and / or image synthesis can also take place directly on the basis of the raw data.

Single Channel Visualization Data Set: Such a single channel image data set for purposes of visualization is characterized by being calculated based on information from more than one raw or image data channel.

Identifier: The identifier receives as input the information of more than one raw or image data channel. From this, it calculates site-specific properties of the examined object, for example estimated values for the probability and / or location-dependent concentration of specific substances or the location-dependent presence or strength of physical, chemical or biological properties. The output of the identifier may serve as input to the synthesis of a new image data set or may be considered by itself as an output of the system which may be stored, transmitted or transmitted via a suitable output means e.g. B. can be output graphically. Image synthesis: For a first alternative, this is done based on the output of the identifier, where a new image data set is generated based on:

• output of the identifier,

• output of the identifier and single-channel visualization data set,

• Output of the identifier and multi-channel raw data, or

• output of the identifier and multi-channel reconstructed image data,

For a second alternative, an identifier is not essential, i. H. Image synthesis may also be based only on multichannel raw data, multichannel reconstructed image data, a single channel visualization data set, or any combinations thereof.

Output data: These are the result of the image synthesis or optionally - as a special alternative - the output of the identifier without subsequent image synthesis. The output data may be stored (eg in the DICOM format customary in medical imaging), transferred to a computer network (eg in the sense of a PACS system) or output, e.g. B. on the monitor of any computer, in particular a main or auxiliary console computer of an imaging device, on the monitor of a viewing station of a PACS system or connected to a PACS system computer. An output can also be printed out (eg on film or paper printers) or it can be displayed with a wide variety of projection devices.

Controllability or Temporal Variability: This aspect represents a particularly important class of preferred embodiments, but is not mandatory.

literature

[1] R.O. Duda and P.E. Hard. Pattern Classification and Scene Analysis. Wiley, New York, 1973

[2] S. Haykin. Neural Networks. Prentice Hall Inc., Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, 1999.

[3] J. Hertz, A. Krogh, R.G. Palmer. Introduction to the theory of neural computation. Addison Wesley, Redwood City, CA, 1991.

[4] E. Kraft, P. Fischer, M. Karagounis, M. Koch, H. Kruger, I. Peric, N. Wermes, C. Herrmann, A. Nascetti, M. Overdick, W. Ruetten: Counting and Integrating Readout for Dirct Conversion X-ray Imaging. Concept, Realization and First Prototype Measurements. IEEE 2005 Nuclear Science Symosium Conference Record, pp 2761-2765, 0-7803-9221- 3/05 (2005)

[5] Michael Athanassios Karagounis: Development of analog integrated circuits for pixel detectors. Thesis. Fernuniversität Hagen, Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology.

[6] Y. Cheng, J. Zhang, Y. Z. Lee, B. Gao, S. Dike, W. Lin, J. P. Lu, O. Zhou: Dynamic radiography using a carbon-nanotube-based x-ray source emission. Review of Scientific Instruments (American Institute of Physics), Vol. 10, pp. 3264-3267, October 2004, DOI: 10.1063 / 1.1791313

Claims

claims 1. A method for displaying multi-channel image data, wherein Multi-channel image data of an object, which are provided by several channels of an imaging device, are received, Image synthesis is performed based on the multichannel image data, • a synthesized image data set is provided for display on a display device. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the multi-channel image data are input to an identifier, the estimated values for location-dependent chemical, physical or biological properties of the examined object, in particular the location-dependent presence and / or the location-dependent concentration of certain substances, calculated. The method of claim 2, wherein image data is synthesized based on the output of the identifier. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the synthesized image data is output on the display device or generated, stored or transferred for purposes of visualization. 5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the parameters of the image synthesis and / or the display device are variable. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the parameters of the image synthesis and / or the display device are controlled by the user. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the parameters of the image synthesis and / or the display device are temporally variable according to a predetermined pattern. 8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the received multi-channel image data are raw data or image data reconstructed from raw data. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein on the basis of the single channel raw data or single channel image data, a visualization data set is generated which is used together with the output of the identifier to synthesize image data. The method of claim 9, wherein the visualization data set is generated based on more than one single channel raw data set or single channel image data set. 11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the received image data are generated by Computed tomography, in particular multiple or dual source computed tomography or computed tomography with energy-resolving detectors • Magnetic resonance imaging, especially when using different capture sequences or sequence parameters • positron emission tomography • Single Photon Emission Tomography Sonography by ultrasound • Projection radiography • Optical coherence tomography • Multispectral optical image acquisition, especially in the infrared and ultraviolet ranges Method or devices for X-ray detection by means of charge integration and / or phonon counting, • methods or devices for generating X-rays that do not require thermoelectric emission of electrons from a cathode material, or Combinations of the aforementioned imaging modalities or dynamic, d. H. time-repeated application of the aforementioned imaging modalities. 12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the synthesized image data in DICOM format stored or transferred to a computer network, in particular a PACS system. 13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the representation of the synthesized image data is carried out on the monitor of a viewing station of a PACS system. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein display of the synthesized image data indicates that it is synthesized image data, or displays image synthesis parameters or input data used for image synthesis, or their type or properties. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the image synthesis is based on user controllable or temporally variable alpha blending. A storage medium for storing instructions that cause a computer to perform a method according to any one of the preceding claims. 17. Device for displaying multi-channel image data with A means for receiving multichannel image data provided by a plurality of channels of an imaging device, • calculating means for performing image synthesis on the basis of the multi-channel image data and A display device for displaying synthesized image data sets. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the multi-channel image data are input to an identifier, the estimated values for location-dependent chemical, physical or biological properties of the examined object, in particular the location-dependent Presence and / or the location-dependent concentration of certain substances, calculated. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein image data is synthesized based on the output of the identifier. 20. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the synthesized image data are output on the display device or generated, stored or transferred for the purpose of visualization. 21. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the parameters of the image synthesis and / or the display device are variable. 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the parameters of the image synthesis and / or the display device are controlled by the user. 23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the parameters of the image synthesis and / or the display device are temporally variable according to a predetermined pattern. 24. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the received multi-channel image data are raw data or image data reconstructed from raw data. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein on the basis of the single channel raw data or single channel image data, a visualization data set is generated which is used together with the output of the identifier to synthesize image data. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the visualization data set is generated based on more than one single channel raw data set or single channel image data set. 27. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the received image data are generated by Computed tomography, in particular multiple or dual source computed tomography or computed tomography with energy-resolving detectors • Magnetic resonance imaging, especially when using different capture sequences or sequence parameters • positron emission tomography • Single Photon Emission Tomography Sonography by ultrasound • Projection radiography • Optical coherence tomography • Multispectral optical image acquisition, especially in the infrared and ultraviolet ranges Method or devices for X-ray detection by means of charge integration and / or phonon counting, • methods or devices for generating X-rays that do not require thermoelectric emission of electrons from a cathode material, or Combinations of the aforementioned imaging modalities or dynamic, ie temporally repeated application of the aforementioned imaging modalities. 28. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the synthesized image data in DICOM format stored or transferred to a computer network, in particular a PACS system. 29. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the representation of the synthesized image data takes place on the monitor of a viewing station of a PACS system. 30. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the representation of the synthesized image data is displayed that it is synthesized image data, or display parameters of the image synthesis or for image synthesis input data or their nature or properties are displayed. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the image synthesis is based on user controllable or temporally variable alpha blending.