Three-dimensional image processing apparatus, three-dimensional image processing method, and three-dimensional image processing program

A three-dimensional image processing method comprising:

• acquiring a three-dimensional image obtained by imaging a test object;
• generating a graphical structure of a tubular structure included in the three-dimensional image;
• acquiring contour information on the tubular structure at each point on the graphical structure;
• acquiring viewpoint information in the tubular structure;
• specifying projection points from respective points on the graphical structure on the basis of the viewpoint information and the graphical structure by using a projection point specification unit that specifies projection points from respective points on the graphical structure on the basis of the viewpoint information and the graphical structure,
• wherein the projection point specification unit specifies one point on the graphical structure as a starting point, specifies points included in a preset range as projection candidate points while following the graphical structure from the starting point, and specifies the projection points from the projection candidate points;
• and
• generating a projection image obtained by projecting the contour information at the projection points on a two-dimensional plane.

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing therein a three-dimensional image processing program that causes a computer to function as:

• a three-dimensional image acquisition unit that acquires a three-dimensional image obtained by imaging a test object;
• a graphical structure generation unit that generates a graphical structure of a tubular structure included in the three-dimensional image;
• a contour information acquisition unit that acquires contour information on the tubular structure at each point on the graphical structure;
• a viewpoint information acquisition unit that acquires viewpoint information in the tubular structure;
• a projection point specification unit that specifies projection points from respective points on the graphical structure on the basis of the viewpoint information and the graphical structure,
• wherein the projection point specification unit specifies one point on the graphical structure as a starting point, specifies points included in a preset range as projection candidate points while following the graphical structure from the starting point, and specifies the projection points from the projection candidate points;
• and
• a projection image generation unit that generates a projection image obtained by projecting the contour information at the projection points on a two-dimensional plane.