JP2002288344A - Device for generating medical image, device for processing medical image and medical network system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a medical image generating device capable of quickly and accurately recognizing the start and end of one medical examination with a simple configuration, a medical image processor and a medical network system. SOLUTION: In this medical network system, the medical image generating device 1 for generating medical image data on the basis of radiographing and transmitting the medical image data to other devices can be connected to the medical image processor 2 for receiving the medical image data and performing image processing through a network 10. The medical image generating device 1 inputs information on the number of total prearranged photographing images for one medical examination to attached information of an image file, performs radiographing, subsequently inputs information showing what photographing number the image is in the one medical examination and outputs the image file including the attached information. The medical image processor 2 discriminates the information on the number of the total prearranged photographing images for the one medical examination from the received image file, further discriminates the information showing what photographing number the image is in the one medical examination and decides an examination end on the basis of both the discrimination results.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a medical image generating apparatus for generating medical image data by radiography, a medical image processing apparatus for processing and outputting medical image information, and a medical network system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Radiation images are widely used for diagnosing diseases and the like. In order to obtain such radiation images, a plate-shaped stimulable phosphor absorbs radiation transmitted through a subject from a radiation irradiation unit. Thereafter, the stimulable phosphor is excited while being scanned with, for example, a laser beam, so that the radiant energy (radiation image information) accumulated by the stimulable phosphor by the absorption is emitted as fluorescence. A method of reading a radiation image by obtaining a radiation image signal by photoelectric conversion is known (see U.S. Pat. No. 3,859,527 and JP-A-55-12144). The stimulable luminescent light generated from the stimulable phosphor plate by the scanning of the laser light is condensed, photoelectrically converted by a photomultiplier, the electric signal is amplified, and based on the digital signal converted from the analog signal. To read the radiation image.

When an image file is transmitted from a medical image generating apparatus which reads and generates a medical image as described above, and image processing is performed after receiving the image file, information on the end of examination is not transmitted from the medical image generating apparatus. A timeout is used to determine whether one test has been completed for the same patient. In addition, it is performed using DICOM PPS (Performed Procedure Step). DICOM is Digital Imaging and COmmunica
An abbreviation of “tions in Medicine,” a standard for “medical digital imaging and communication”.

As described above, since the information of the end of the examination is not accurately transmitted from the medical image generating apparatus, the image processing apparatus may not be able to quickly perform the image processing, which is inefficient and inconvenient. Also, in the case of DICOM PPS, it is necessary to exchange commands separately, which is redundant and inefficient.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a medical image generating apparatus, a medical image processing apparatus, and a medical network system capable of quickly and accurately recognizing the start and end of an examination with a simple configuration. With the goal.

[0006]

To achieve the above object, a first medical image generating apparatus according to the present invention generates medical image data based on radiography and transmits the data to another apparatus. A first input unit for inputting information on the total number of reserved images for one examination in the supplementary information of the image file containing the medical image information; A second input unit for inputting information as to whether or not the image is an image, and a unit for outputting an image file including the supplementary information.

[0007] According to this medical image generation apparatus, information on the total number of reserved images for one examination and information on the number of the image to be captured are output as supplementary information of the image file. Since the total number of reserved images and the number of the captured image can be known, the start and end of the inspection can be quickly and accurately recognized with a simple configuration.

The first input means, when a plurality of condition files composed of photographing information are designated for one examination, inputs the designated number of the condition files as the information of the total number of reserved images for photographing. By doing so, it is possible to easily and automatically input information on the total number of reserved shooting images.

In addition, the apparatus further comprises image confirmation input means for inputting that the radiography is correctly executed and image processing is proper for image confirmation. When the input means inputs the image of the photographing eye, the input of the image of the photographing eye can be automatically and easily performed.

Further, the medical image processing apparatus according to the present invention
A medical image processing apparatus that receives medical image data generated based on radiography and performs image processing, the medical image processing apparatus comprising: a first determination unit configured to determine information on a total number of reserved images for one examination from a received image file; A second discriminator for discriminating, from the received image file, information on the photographing position of the image during one inspection, a discrimination result by the first discriminator, and discrimination by the second discriminator Means for determining the end of the test based on the result.

[0011] According to this medical image processing apparatus, information on the total number of reserved images for one examination and information on the number of the photographed image are determined from the received image file. Can be determined, so that the start and end of the inspection can be quickly and accurately recognized with a simple configuration. Thereby, it is possible to quickly and efficiently perform image processing for each inspection.

[0012] Also. The determination means determines that the examination is completed when the total number of reserved images for imaging determined by the first determination means and the number of images determined for what number of images to be captured by the second determination means match. Thereby, the end of the inspection can be easily recognized.

[0013] A second medical image generating apparatus according to the present invention is a medical image generating apparatus for generating medical image data based on radiography and transmitting the generated image data to another apparatus. It is characterized by comprising means for inputting examination end information to the supplementary information, and means for outputting an image file containing the supplementary information.

According to this medical image generating apparatus, the examination end information is output as supplementary information of the image file, so that the end of the examination can be quickly and accurately recognized on the receiving side with a simple configuration.

[0015] Further, there is provided input means for inputting that the examination has been completed, and when the end of the examination is inputted to the input means,
By configuring the inspection end information to be stored as supplementary information, the inspection end information can be easily and automatically stored, and can be output together with the image file.

In addition, the apparatus further comprises image confirmation input means for inputting that the radiography is correctly executed and image processing is proper for image confirmation, and the image confirmation input is performed for the last image in one examination in which the radiography was performed. By configuring so that the inspection end information is stored as supplementary information when an input is made to the means, the inspection end information can be easily and automatically stored and output together with the image file.

Further, a first medical network system according to the present invention generates a medical image data based on radiography and transmits it to another device, and receives the medical image data and performs image processing. The medical image processing apparatus is a medical network system configured to be connectable via a network, wherein the medical image generating apparatus includes, in the supplementary information of the image file including the medical image information, After inputting information and taking a radiographic image, input information as to what image the image is during one examination, output an image file including the incidental information, and received by the medical image processing apparatus. Information on the total number of reserved images for one inspection is determined from the image file, and information on the number of the captured image in the one inspection is determined based on the two determination results. There is characterized in that to determine the inspection ends.

According to the medical network system,
The information of the total number of reserved images for one examination and the information of the image to be captured are output as additional information of the image file from the medical image generating apparatus, and the total image capturing is performed from the additional information by the receiving side medical image processing apparatus. Since the number of reserved images and the number of the captured image can be known, the start and end of the inspection can be quickly and accurately recognized with a simple configuration. Therefore, the medical image processing apparatus can quickly and efficiently perform image processing for each examination.

Further, a second medical network system according to the present invention generates a medical image data based on radiography and transmits it to another device, and receives the medical image data and performs image processing. The medical image processing apparatus is a medical network system configured to be connectable via a network, wherein the medical image generating apparatus inputs examination end information to additional information of an image file including medical image information, and An image file including information is output, and when it is determined that the examination end information is input to the image file received by the medical image processing apparatus, the examination is determined to be finished.

According to this medical network system,
Since the medical image generating apparatus outputs the examination end information as supplementary information of the image file, the medical image processing apparatus on the receiving side can quickly and accurately recognize the end of the examination with a simple configuration. For this reason, it becomes possible to quickly and efficiently perform image processing for each examination in the medical image processing apparatus.

In this specification, "one examination" means that the subject of radiography performs the same radiography several times.

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A medical network system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a medical network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The medical network system shown in FIG. 1 scans a stimulable phosphor panel on which radiation image information of a subject (patient) is recorded with excitation light to emit light, and photoelectrically converts the light to obtain image information. A medical image generating apparatus 1 for generating a medical image by an imaging modality of CR (computed radiography), and an image file from the medical image generating apparatus 1,
Comprises a medical image processing apparatus 2 outputs the image data after performing the image processing, a personal computer (PC), a workstation, or the like, radiologist and diagnosis terminal 3 for browsing diagnose image .

The medical network system of FIG.
It consists of a personal computer or a workstation that displays images, and refers to the images, but does not perform diagnosis.
An image server and a reference terminal 4 quality such as resolution is inferior, which may be read by searching the image from the diagnosis terminal 3 and the reference terminal 4 while storing image files in an image database consists PC, a workstation, or the like compared with the 5 and the medical image generation device 1 or the medical image processing device 2
And an imager (image output device) 6 for outputting image data from the camera as a visible image to a recording medium such as a film or paper. The devices 1 to 6 are connected online via the network 10 so that information can be transmitted to and received from each other.

Next, the medical image generating apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 shows a medical image generating apparatus 1.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the controller shown in FIG.

A. As shown in FIG. 2, the medical image generating apparatus 1 converts a readout information from a stimulable phosphor panel, in which radiation image information of a subject (patient) is stored and recorded, into digital image data to obtain a radiation image input. The apparatus includes a device (reader) 11, a controller 12 for controlling the operation of the entire radiation image capturing system, and an image display device 13 including a CRT display or a liquid crystal panel for displaying digital image data obtained by the reader 11. .
Note that the medical image generating apparatus 1 may further include a reader 11a, and may include a plurality of readers. It also includes an information input device such as an input keyboard and a mouse.

The controller 12 constitutes a man-machine interface operated by a user (radiography technician) and controls the entire medical image generating apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the controller 12 receives image data from the reader 11 and performs a correction process in real time.
6, a storage unit 31 composed of a hard disk, a RAM, or the like, for storing and storing various information such as image files from the reading control unit 36; an image processing unit 32 for performing image processing on image information in the image files; An image forming unit 33 that forms an output image to be output to the image processing unit; an image checking processing unit 35 that performs image processing for image checking and displays a reduced image on the display device 13; Main controller 3 for controlling the operation of the entire apparatus including the apparatus
4 is included.

B. The controller 12 configures a man-machine interface operated by a user (radiography technician) and controls the entire medical image generating apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the controller 12 includes a reading control unit 36 that receives image data from the readers 11 and 11a and performs a correction process in real time, and a hard disk, a RAM, and the like. A storage unit 31 for storing and storing various information; an image processing unit 32 for performing image processing on image information in an image file; an output image forming unit 33 for forming an output image to be output to the outside;
An image confirmation processing unit 35 for performing image processing for image confirmation and displaying a reduced image on the display device 13;
35 and a main controller 34 for controlling the operation of the entire apparatus including the display device and the like.

C. The controller 12 performs each of the following operations in detail. The user performs a shooting reservation operation. The user performs a shooting operation. The image data read by the readers 11 and 11a is received. The image data is temporarily stored in the storage unit 31. The image processing section 32 performs image processing. The output image forming section 33 forms an output image. The data is transferred to an external device such as the image server 5 via the network 10.

B. Information Information handled by the medical image generating apparatus 1 can be classified into the following five types.

A. Imaging information This is information for performing X-ray imaging, obtaining image data, and outputting it as an image file to an external device such as the image server 5.

The photographing information includes the following information. (a) Reader reading conditions Information on a reading method of the readers 11 and 11a, that is, a reading area, a reading pixel size, a reading sensitivity, and the like. (b) X-ray apparatus information Control information when the X-ray imaging apparatus is connected online to the network 10 and can be controlled from the system of FIG.
That is, there are an X-ray tube voltage, an X-ray tube current, an X-ray irradiation time, an irradiation area, and the like. (c) Image processing information This is information on gradation processing and frequency processing in image processing of image data in the image processing unit 32. (d) Output device information Information on output devices such as the external diagnostic terminal 3, reference terminal 4, image server 5, imager 6, etc. of FIG. 1 which reproduces and outputs image data, and is output for each output device. Information such as an area, an enlargement / reduction ratio, an output format (multi-format, divided shooting format), overlay, presence / absence of gradation processing, and frequency processing is designated. (e) Overlay information Information such as the presence / absence and position of an overlay such as AP / PA / R / L / comment. (f) Information on special designation Protect information: After the image is transferred, the image file is stored in the storage unit 31 until the protection is removed. Hold (pending) information: Hold transfer. Specify if you want to review the image later and then transfer it. Priority (urgent) information:
Specify this when you want to transfer images with priority such as in emergency shooting. Registered at the head of the queue.

B. Patient Information Information about the patient, including the following information: (a) Patient ID information The patient ID number, name, gender, date of birth, and the like. (b) Order information This is information on which the doctor makes an X-ray imaging request, and includes information on the patient's condition, instructions on the date and time and method on the examination request, and the like.

C. Imaging execution information This is information on the result of X-ray imaging, and includes the following information. (a) Shooting result The shooting date and time, shooting number, and the like. (b) Image processing result The image processing parameter calculation result. At the time of output, the image data is subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 32 based on the result. (c) System information This includes a part of system information such as the system configuration at the time of X-ray imaging.

D. System information

Information for managing and controlling the entire system shown in FIG. 1 includes a configuration of the system (external devices such as an image server 5 connected thereto and their names) and parameters for controlling devices constituting the system. , Table, reader information, imager information, HOST information, etc.

E. Image data The following image data is included. (a) Image data input from readers 11 and 11a. (B) image processing the reduced image data for image processing of displaying the reduced image on the display the reduced image data (c) image checking process unit 35 for displaying on the image display device 13 for image confirmation. (d) Output image data such as gradation processing and frequency processing.

C. File The file handled by the medical image generating apparatus 1 is a storage unit 3
1 and can be classified into the following seven categories.

A. Condition File The photographing condition key is a key in which a photographing condition, an image processing condition, and an output condition are set in advance, and has a condition file corresponding to each photographing condition key. The condition file is composed of the shooting information. Imaging site (lung field, abdomen, head, etc.), imaging position (standing, lying down, etc.), imaging direction (front, side, etc.), patient characteristics (gender, age, physique, etc.), disease name, technician to use Etc., and the names corresponding to each,
Set shooting information in advance. Then, the controller 12 sets a condition file group for each of the plurality of classifications, sets a plurality of condition files for each of the set condition file groups, and stores them in the storage unit 31. Select one of the most suitable conditions when generating the image.

B. Information about the reservation file photographing reservation is a file to be saved. One reservation file is created for each shooting. The reservation file is composed of imaging information selected by the imaging condition key and patient information.

C. Image header file After shooting, an image header file is created. The image header includes a reservation file (that is, imaging information and patient information) for the imaging, and imaging execution information. The user refers to the imaging information, the patient information, and the imaging execution information, and refers to the image header file when making changes.

D. Reduced image file This is image data in which the image data is reduced to a fraction by the image confirmation processing unit 35 for image confirmation and the like. Note that the image reduction method includes simple thinning, averaging, spline, and the like. (A) reduced display image data Figure 2, image data to be displayed for reference image check the image display unit 13 in FIG. 4 uses this display reduced image. (b) Reduced image data for image processing. A reduced image data to calculate the parameters for performing image processing by the image check unit 35. The reduction ratio is determined so that one pixel after reduction has the same length specified in advance. Thereby, the difference in the read pixel size can be corrected with the reduced image. The calculation of the image processing parameters is performed on the reduced image for image processing, and the image data is not used.

E. Image Data File The corrected image data received from the readers 11 and 11a in FIG.

F. Output image data file This is an output image data file that has been subjected to specified processing among frequency processing, gradation processing, overlay, rotation, and scaling.

G. System file A file of the above system information.

D. Input and display of main information

A. Reading area The reading area displays the X-ray image stored in the stimulable phosphor,
It is a region into image data. Specify an appropriate area according to the part to be imaged. Specify the reading size, orientation, position, etc. Register in the condition file in advance. If the condition file is selected, the area read by the conditions specified in advance is displayed on the screen of the image display apparatus 13 of FIG. The size of the reading area display area on the screen of the image display device 13 is defined as the maximum reading area (usually a half cut size) in reading. The reading area is determined from the specified reading size, orientation, and position, and is graphically displayed in the reading area display area. As a result, it is possible to select and confirm an appropriate reading size, orientation, and position. The irradiation area is received from the X-ray device and is simultaneously displayed on the reading area display area.

B. Output area output area is an area for outputting to an external device such as the image server 5. Specify the output size, orientation, trimming position, output position, enlargement / reduction method, etc. Register in the condition file in advance. When the photographing condition key is selected, an output area and an output image area are determined based on conditions specified in advance, and are displayed on the screen of the image display device 13. The size of the output area display area on the screen of the image display device 13 is defined as the maximum output area for output. The output area and the output image area are graphically displayed in the output area display area. This makes it possible to select and confirm an appropriate output area and output image area for each device.

C. Overlay information "AP", "P
"A", "R", "L", a comment, a scale, etc., are specified as to whether or not they are to be overlaid, and at which position. Register in the condition file in advance. An output image is displayed in an output area display area on the screen of the image display device 13, and overlay information is graphically displayed there. When you touch where you want to overlay in the output area display area, the overlay graphic moves there. You can select an appropriate overlay and specify its position. You can confirm that there is no hidden part hidden by the overlay. If the overlay causes inconvenience in diagnosis, it can be moved.

D. Online information input / output from RIS Input order from doctor. Enter the entered order
Convert to the format of this system and save it in the reservation file. The imaging part and the imaging method are converted into corresponding imaging condition keys. The image header file is converted into the RIS format and output.

E. Reservation List The photographing reservations can be displayed on the screen of the image display device 13 as a list in the order of reservation. After the photographing is completed, the photographing reservation registered at the top of the reservation list is automatically set by the controller 12 as the photographing target. Captured reservations are not erased and are saved up to the specified number. This makes it easy to perform re-imaging under the same patient and the same conditions, such as re-imaging after confirming a hard copy.

E. Reservation Procedure There are three input methods depending on the environment of the facility where the system of FIG. 1 is installed.

A. Most of the information necessary for imaging, such as online patient information and imaging information, is R
The information is input to the image generating apparatus 1 online from the IS via the network 10. Usually no keyboard is needed. When it is desired to input information not included in the information from the RIS, an information input device such as a keyboard is used. The patient information is reserved by multitasking while inputting an order from a doctor or the like online and taking an image. Normally, when set to capture all the information you need with respect to the patient in each the facility. For the imaging information, an order from a doctor or the like is input online together with the patient information, and the doctor selects the most appropriate imaging method from the imaging condition keys when ordering. Alternatively, the controller 12 automatically selects the most suitable imaging condition key for the order specified by the doctor.

B. Only the minimum necessary information such as magnetic card, bar code, ID number, patient name, etc. is entered online. If you want to enter information that is not included on the card, enter it from the keyboard. The patient information is read from a magnetic card or the like as a minimum necessary information regarding imaging. If necessary, enter additional information from the keyboard. Photographic information, photographing condition key as the previous shooting by the controller 12 is automatically selected. If you want to change it, select from the shooting condition keys.

C. Keyboard input Enter all necessary information by keyboard. Patient information is input from a keyboard. Because for all manually input the patient ID number and patient name will take time, patient ID number the number of shots (what piece of the shooting), using the mode to automatically create from such as the shooting time, written on paper was the order that it is possible to take the correspondence. The photographing information is selected from the photographing condition keys.

F. Shooting procedure

A. The procedure for the user to take a picture is as follows. When the previous shooting ends or the shooting mode is entered, a screen for the next shooting is displayed, and shooting information of the shooting reserved at the top is displayed on the screen of the image display device 13. If there is no reservation, a photographing condition key must be selected here to make a reservation. The default is a shooting condition key as the previous shooting. If there is not enough information for shooting, it is necessary to input necessary information here. The patient information and the imaging information displayed on the screen of the image display device 13 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 are checked to see if the settings are correct. The user (radiography technician) performs imaging in the same manner as X-ray imaging using film. The photographed images are sequentially displayed on the screen of the image display device 13 in parallel with the reading. The gradation processing is performed and the image is displayed again. A message is displayed indicating the success or failure of the shooting and the success or failure of the processing. Confirm that the image was taken normally from the image and message, and press the key to end the shooting. If shooting fails, press the key for re-shooting.

B. System operation during shooting (1) Enter the shooting mode (press the shooting mode key). When detecting that the photographing mode key has been pressed, the controller 12 changes the control mode to the photographing mode. (2) If the reservation is made in advance (there is a reservation file), the reservation content registered at the head of the queue for managing the reservation file is displayed on the screen of the image display device 13. (3) When there is no reservation, the controller 12 automatically selects the shooting condition key of the previous shooting. If necessary, reselection / correction of the imaging condition key and input of patient information are performed. (4) The photographing is started by pressing the photographing switch of the X-ray irradiation device. (5) The X-ray irradiator irradiates the subject with X-rays, and the radiation images stored in the stimulable luminous body panel are read by the readers 11 and 11a as digital image information by scanning with excitation light. (6) The reading control unit 36 receives the image data from the reader,
The correction process is stored in the image memory while being performed in real time. (7) The image data stored in the frame memory is reduced by the image confirmation processing unit 35 at a reduction ratio specified in advance. (8) The reduced images processed by the image confirmation processing unit 35 are sequentially displayed on the screen of the image display device 13. (9) After completion of reading and displaying, the digital image information is subjected to image processing by a method designated in advance by a photographing condition key and is displayed again. The image processing reduced image is used. (10) At the same time, it is temporarily stored in the storage unit 31. (11) An image that is sequentially displayed on the image display device 13 and that has been subjected to gradation processing after the display is completed is displayed again. (12) When the reading is completed, the reservation file / shooting execution information is stored in the storage unit 31 as an image header file. (13) The reduced image data is stored in the storage unit 3 as a reduced image file.
1 is stored. (14) and the image header file reduced image data file,
The image data is managed in association with a common unique number. (15) These files are stored in the storage unit 31 by the reader 1
After the reading by 1, 11a is completed, it is automatically performed by the main controller 34 of the controller 12 before the operator's confirmation operation. Immediately after this reading end, or powered down by the operation mistake of accidents, an operator or the like, even when a fault in the system occurs, because no loss of recorded images. (16) After reading is completed, the operation of the operator becomes possible. (17) If the operator determines that normal imaging has been performed by viewing the radiographic image displayed on the image display device 13, a key (next imaging key) for confirming the end of imaging using the character information input device.
Is input to end the shooting. (18) When it is desired to change the patient information, the image processing method, the output method, and the like, new information can be input from the character information input device. (19) When the next shooting key is pressed, the shooting is ended and the next reservation is automatically displayed on the image display device 13. (20) If it is determined that the image capturing has failed, the user can press the re-image capturing key to cancel the image and re-image the image. (21) When the next shooting key is pressed, the shooting ends, and the following processing is performed. (22) The reservation file is stored in the storage unit 31 as a photographed reservation file. If the information is changed before the next photographing key is pressed, the image header file stored at the end of reading is updated. The captured image is registered in a queue for transfer to an external device. Are reserved file the next has been reserved is read is displayed, and can be photographed. (23) When the re-shooting key is pressed, the shooting ends, and the following processing is performed. At the end of reading, the saved image header file, reduced image file and image data are discarded. Shooting with the same reservation becomes possible.

G. Transfer (1) Transfer is performed asynchronously with shooting. (2) Queues are created and managed for each external device, and each queue operates independently of each other and does not affect each other. Therefore, the transfer is performed asynchronously for each device. (3) In the queue, the numbers assigned to each image are stored in the order in which they are transferred. (4) The queue of an external device in which an image is registered is stored as a queue registration table in the storage unit 31, and is updated and managed for each registration and deletion in the queue. (5) The images registered in the queue are transferred to an external device such as the image server 5 in the order of registration, and the images whose transfer has been completed are deleted from the queue. (6) When executing the transfer, the image header file and the image data file stored in the storage unit 31 are specified from the numbers registered in the queue. (7) An output image is formed under the conditions stored in the image header file. Image header is converted into the format that is determined for each output device, it is transferred together with the image data file.

H. Output image formation

A. The output image is formed by the output image generation unit 33 mainly by the following processing. The image data is read from the storage unit 31 to the image memory. Perform frequency processing. Perform equalization processing. Perform gradation processing. Performs image rotation. Perform mirror inversion. Enlarge / reduce. Perform overlay.

B. Can be specified for each output device such as the image server 5 by using shooting information.

C. It is possible to specify that the image data that has been subjected to the processing specified in (1) to (4) be saved as a processed image data file. Eliminates reprocessing of the common processing portion of the output image to each output device.

D. For example, if the scaling ratio of the output image to each output device is different, if the processed image is stored, and if it is to be transferred to another device, the processed image is read, processed only, and transferred. By that
Time can be shortened.

E. At the same time as any of. Memory access is reduced, and processing time can be reduced.

I. Utility functions There are several functions as utilities for users.

A. Utility functions are restricted by general user, manager, and manufacturer by password. In particular, changing information about an image requires a manager password for security.

B. Image file operation An image file list is displayed, and information on images stored in the storage unit 31 is displayed in the image display device 13 in the order of shooting.
Will be displayed. When a desired image is selected from the list, patient information, imaging information, and a thinned image are displayed in the same form as the screen at the time of imaging. Patient information, image processing method, output method, etc. can be changed. Images that have been designated as “hold” at the time of shooting can be released from “hold” by reconfirming here. The image file list can be rearranged in the order of output to each external device. Whether to output to each external device and the output order can be changed.

C. Photographing record, irradiation record Statistical processing of photographing information and patient information is performed and provided to the user as photographing record and irradiation record. It is possible to output the number of radiographs for each radiographed site during a designated period, a list of radiographing conditions that were radiographed in one day, and the like.

Next, the following items A to H relating to the medical image processing apparatus 2 in FIG. 1 will be described in detail in order. A. Device configuration B. Information C. File D. Input and display of main information Image confirmation procedure F. Output G. Formation of output image Utility functions

A. Device Configuration FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the medical image processing device 2.

A. The medical image processing device 2 shown in FIG. 3 includes a main control device 21 for controlling the operation of the entire radiographic image capturing system, a CRT display, a liquid crystal panel, and the like, and displays digital image data obtained by the medical image generating device 1 or the like. And an image display device 22 which can be constituted by a personal computer, and includes an information input device such as an input keyboard and a mouse.

As shown in FIG. 3, the image processing apparatus 2 further stores a receiving section 40 for receiving an image file from the image forming apparatus 1 or the like, and information such as a received image file which is constituted by a hard disk or a RAM. A storage unit 41 for performing
An image processing unit 42 that performs image processing on image information in an image file, an output image forming unit 43 that forms an output image to be output to an external device, and a reduced image for checking an image of a received image. And an image confirmation processing unit 45 to be displayed on the display device 22. The main control unit 21 controls each of the parts 40 to 43 and 44, the display device 22, and the like.

B. The functions of the medical image processing device 2 are as follows, and each function is controlled by the main control device 21. A receiving unit 40 for receiving an image file from the medical image generating apparatus 1 or the like;
To receive. The image file is temporarily stored in the storage unit 41. The image quality is confirmed with the reduced image created by the image confirmation processing unit 45. The image processing section 42 performs image processing. The output image forming section 43 forms an output image. The output image is transferred to an external device such as the image server 5 via the network 10.

B. Information Information handled by the medical image processing apparatus 2 can be classified into the following five types.

A. Condition information Condition information for receiving an image file and outputting it as a processed image file to an external device such as the image server 5, and includes the following. (a) Image processing information This is information relating to gradation processing and frequency processing in the image processing unit 42. (b) Output device information Information about an external device such as the image server 5 that reproduces and outputs image data. The output area, the enlargement / reduction ratio, and the output format (multi-format, divided shooting format) ), Overlay, gradation processing and frequency processing. (c) Overlay information There is information such as the presence / absence and position of overlay such as AP / PA / R / L / comment. (d) Special designation Protect information: After outputting the image, save the image file until the protection is removed. Hold (pending) information: Hold transfer. Specify if you want to review the image later and then transfer it. Priority (emergency) information: Designated when priority output is required, such as in emergency shooting. Registered at the head of the queue.

B. Patient information Information about the patient. (a) Patient ID information Patient ID number, name, gender, date of birth, etc. are included. (b) Order information This is information for which a doctor requests imaging. This includes information on the patient's condition, instructions on the date and time and method of the examination request, and the like.

C. Implementation information Information on the result of receiving and image processing. (a) Reception result The shooting date and time are included. (b) Image processing result This is the image processing parameter calculation result, and the image data is subjected to image processing based on the result at the time of output. (c) System information A part of system information, such as the system configuration at the time of shooting, is included.

D. System information (a) Information for managing and controlling the system of FIG. (b) Configuration of the system in FIG. 1 (connected external devices such as the image server 5 and their names). (c) Parameters and tables for controlling the equipment constituting the system of FIG. (d) Setting information related to the medical image generating apparatus 1 as an input device. (e) Setting information related to an output device such as information of the imager 6 and HOST information.

E. Image data (a) Image data received from the medical image generation device 1. (b) Display reduced image data created from image data for image confirmation. (c) Image processing reduced image data for image processing of the display reduced image in the image confirmation processing unit 45. (d) Output image data that has been subjected to gradation processing, frequency processing, and the like.

C. Files Files handled by the medical image processing apparatus 2 are stored in the storage unit 41 and can be classified into the following seven types.

A. Condition file The condition key is a key in which image processing conditions and output conditions for an image file are set in advance. There is a condition file corresponding to each condition key. The condition file includes the above condition information. Imaging site (lung field, abdomen, head, etc.), imaging position (standing, lying down, etc.), imaging direction (front, side, etc.), patient characteristics (gender, age, physique, etc.), disease name, technician to use Etc., and the names corresponding to each,
Set shooting information in advance. Then, main controller 21 sets a condition file group for each of the plurality of classifications, sets a plurality of condition files for each of the set condition file groups, and stores the same in storage unit 41. Select one of the most suitable conditions when receiving images.

B. After receiving the image header file, an image header file is created. The image header includes a reservation file (that is, imaging information and patient information) for the imaging, and imaging execution information. The user has shooting information,
To refer to or change the patient information and the imaging execution information, refer to the image header file.

C. Reduced image file This is image data obtained by reducing image data by a fraction. (a) Display-Reduced Image Data The display-reduced image is used for the data displayed on the image display device 22 in FIG. (b) Reduced image data for image processing This is reduced image data for calculating parameters for performing image processing. The reduction ratio is determined so that one pixel after reduction has the same length specified in advance. Thereby, the difference in the read pixel size can be corrected with the reduced image. The calculation of the image processing parameters is performed on the reduced image for image processing, and the image data is not used.

D. Image File (a) The image file is composed of image accompanying information (image header) and image data. (b) The image header is composed of condition information, patient information, and implementation information. The user refers to the condition information, the patient information, and the implementation information, and refers to the image header when making changes.

E. Output image file This is an output image data file that has been subjected to specified processing among frequency processing, gradation processing, overlay, rotation, and scaling.

F. System file A file of the above system information. D. Input and display of main information

A. Received image information display Displays received images as thumbnails.

B. Output information display Specify output size, orientation, trimming position, output position, enlargement / reduction method, etc. Register in the condition file in advance. When the condition key is selected, the output area and the output image area are determined based on the conditions specified in advance, and the image display device 2
2 is displayed on the screen. The size of the output area display area on the screen of the image display device 22 is defined as the maximum output area for output. The output area and the output image area are graphically displayed in the output area display area. This makes it possible to select and confirm an appropriate output area and output image area for each device.

C. Overlay information "AP", "PA", "R", "L", comments, scales, etc., are designated as overlay or not, and at which position. Register in the condition file in advance. The output image is displayed in the output area display area of the screen of the image display device 22, and the overlay information is graphically displayed there. You can select an appropriate overlay and specify its position. You can confirm that there is no hidden part hidden by the overlay. If the overlay causes inconvenience in diagnosis, it can be moved.

D. Online information input / output from RIS Input order from doctor. Convert the entered order to the format of this system and save it in the reservation file. The imaging part and the imaging method are converted by the corresponding imaging condition key. The image header file is converted into the RIS format and output.

E. Image list Image files can be displayed as a list.

E. Image confirmation procedure a. System operation at the time of image confirmation (1) An image file is received from the medical image generating apparatus 1 and stored in the storage unit 41. (2) The image file stored in the storage medium of the storage unit 41 is reduced by the image confirmation processing unit 45 at a reduction ratio specified in advance. (3) The reduced images are sequentially displayed on the screen of the image display device 22. (4) After completion of the reception and display, the digital image information is subjected to image processing by a method specified in advance by the shooting condition key, and is displayed again on the image display device 22. The reduced image is used to determine the parameters of the image processing. (5) The image that is sequentially displayed on the image display device 22 and that has been subjected to gradation processing after the display is completed is displayed again. (6) When the operator sees the received image displayed on the image display device 22 and determines that the image is a normal image, the operator inputs a key for confirming the end of reception from the character information input device, and the image confirmation ends. (7) When the patient information, image processing method, output method, and the like are to be changed, new information can be input from the character information input device. (8) When the image confirmation key is pressed, the image confirmation of the image ends, and the next image is automatically displayed. (9) If there is a problem with the image, the image processing can be changed. As a hold, detailed image processing changes can be made later. (10) When the image confirmation key is input, the image confirmation ends, and the following processing is performed. The storage unit 4 stores the image file as a confirmed image file
1 is stored. The image for which image confirmation has been completed is registered in a queue for output to an external device. Next, the received image file is displayed, and the image can be confirmed. (11) When the hold key is input, the image confirmation ends.

F. Output Output is performed asynchronously with reception and image confirmation. Queues are created and managed for each external device, and each queue operates independently of each other and does not affect each other. Therefore, the output is performed asynchronously for each device. The queue of the external device in which the image is registered is stored as a queue registration table in the storage unit 31, and is updated and managed each time the image is registered or deleted in the queue. Images registered in the queue are output to the external device in the order of registration, and images whose output has been completed are deleted from the queue. When executing the output, the image file stored in the storage unit 31 is specified from the number registered in the queue. An output image is formed under the conditions stored in the image file. The image header is converted into a format determined for each output device and transferred together with the image data.

G. Output image formation

A. The output image is formed by the output image forming unit 43 mainly by the following processing. The image data is read from the storage unit 31 to the image memory. Perform frequency processing. Equalization processing Perform gradation processing Rotate images Perform mirror inversion Perform enlargement / reduction Perform overlay

B. Can be specified for each output device by the condition information as to whether or not to execute.

C. It is possible to specify that the image data that has been subjected to the processing specified in (1) to (4) be saved as a processed image data file. Eliminates reprocessing of the common processing portion of the output image to each output device.

D. For example, if the scaling ratio of the output image to each output device is different, if the processed image is stored, and if it is to be transferred to another device, the processed image is read, processed only, and transferred. By that
Time can be shortened.

E. At the same time as any of. Memory access is reduced, and processing time can be reduced.

H. Utility functions

A. It has several functions as a utility for the user. Utility functions are restricted by general user, manager, and manufacturer by password. In particular, changing information about an image requires a manager password for security.

B. Image File Operation An image file list is displayed, and information on stored images is displayed on the image display device 22 in the order of reception. When a desired image is selected from the list, the patient information, the condition information, and the image are displayed in the same form as the image confirmation screen. Patient information, image processing method, output method, etc. can be changed. Images that have been designated as “hold” at the time of shooting can be released from “hold” by reconfirming here. Whether to output to each external device and the output order can be changed.

C. Photographing record, irradiation record Statistical processing of photographing information and patient information is performed and provided to the user as photographing record and irradiation record. It is possible to output the number of radiographs for each radiographed site during a designated period, a list of radiographing conditions that were radiographed in one day, and the like.

D. Customization The screen and operability can be customized for each user.

Next, the medical image generating apparatus 1 of the medical network system of FIG. 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for inputting information on the total number of reserved images for one examination in the medical image generating apparatus 1 and information on the number of images to be photographed.

In the medical image forming apparatus 1, when a plurality of condition files are designated in one examination and a photographing reservation is made (S0
1) The number of designated condition files is set as the total number of reserved images for one examination (S02), and the information of the total reserved images is automatically input and stored under the control of the main controller 34 of the controller 12. It is stored in the unit 31 (S03).

Note that the condition file includes the above-described imaging site (lung field, abdomen, head, etc.), imaging position (standing, lying position, etc.), imaging direction (front, side, etc.), and patient characteristics (sex ,
Age, physique, etc.), disease name, technician to use, etc.

For example, for the test of test ID: 123456,
When the condition files A, B, and C are selected, the total number of reserved images for one examination is determined to be “3”, input, and stored in the storage unit 31 of the controller 12.

Next, in the image generating apparatus 1, the image display apparatus 1 is used to confirm that the radiography has been executed correctly for each image and that the image processing has been performed properly.
When the image is confirmed at 3 and the image confirmation is OK and the information is inputted from the information input device, the photographing image of the image is automatically inputted and stored in the storage unit 31 of the controller 12 (S04).

For example, for the test of test ID: 123456,
When the images were taken in the order of condition files A, B, and C, and the images were checked in this order, the image based on condition file A: the first image during one inspection The image based on condition file B: two images during one inspection Eye image Image based on the condition file C: It is determined that the image is the third image under one inspection, and this information is automatically stored in the storage unit 31 of the controller 12.

Next, if the number of tests in one test increases in the middle due to addition of a condition file or the like, and it is determined that a test is to be added (S
05), the process returns to step S02, and the designated number of condition files at the present time is set as the total number of reserved photographing images for one inspection.
This can be handled by changing and inputting the total number of reserved images for shooting.

For example, for the test of test ID: 123456,
Condition files A, B, and C are reserved in this order, and condition file B
A description will be given of a case where a photographing reservation is made by the condition file D after the photographing is performed. When an image is captured by the condition file A, the total number of reserved images for one inspection is determined to be 3, the image is determined to be the first image under one inspection, and when the image is captured by the condition file B, the total number of reserved images for one inspection is determined. The number of images is determined to be 3, and that image is determined to be the second image under one inspection.

Then, after the photographing by the condition file B and before the photographing of the image by the condition file C, the photographing reservation by the condition file D is added. Is determined, and the image is determined to be the third image in one inspection. next,
At the time of image capturing using the condition file D, the total number of reserved images for one inspection is determined to be 4, and that image is determined to be the fourth image under one inspection. These pieces of information are stored in the storage unit 31.

Next, the medical image generating apparatus 1 uses the information of the total number of reserved images for one examination described above and the information of what image each image is of as an image as additional information of the image file. The file is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 2 of FIG. 1 via the network 10 together with the file (S06).

Next, the medical image processing apparatus 2 for receiving the information such as the total number of reserved reserved images transmitted as described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process in which the medical image processing apparatus 2 discriminates information on the total number of reserved images for one examination received from the image generation apparatus 1 and information on the number of photographed images and determines the end of the examination.

When the image processing apparatus 2 receives an image file from the image generating apparatus 1 (S11), the total number of reserved images for one examination (m) is obtained from the supplementary information of the received image file (S11).
And the information of the image (n) of the photographing eye during one inspection is extracted (S12).

Next, the image processing apparatus 2 determines the total number m of the reserved images for one inspection, and further determines which image (n) of the image in the one inspection is being taken (S13). Then, it is determined whether or not n = m (S14), and if n = m, it is determined that the inspection is completed (S15).

For example, in the test of the test ID: 123456, the reservation is made in the order of the condition files A, B, and C in the same manner as described above, and the photographing is performed by the condition file B. A case where an image file as received is received will be described.

When the image file based on the condition file A is received, it is determined that the total number of reserved images for one inspection at the time of the image capturing based on the condition file A is 3, and the image based on the condition file A is the first image during the one inspection. Is determined. As a result, the start of the inspection can be quickly and accurately recognized with a simple configuration.

Next, when the image file based on the condition file B is received, the total number of reserved images for one inspection at the time of the image capturing based on the condition file B is determined to be 3, and the number of images based on the condition file B is two during one inspection. It is determined that the image is an eye image.

Next, when an image file based on the condition file C is received, the total number of reserved images for one inspection at the time of image capturing using the condition file C is determined to be 4, and the number of images based on the condition file C is three during one inspection. It is determined that the image is an eye image.

When the image file based on the condition file D is received, the total number of reserved images for one inspection at the time of image capturing using the condition file D is determined to be 4, and the condition file D is determined.
Is determined to be the fourth image in the first inspection.

As described above, since the image file based on the condition file D is the fourth image under one inspection, and the total number of reserved images for one inspection is four, the total number m of reserved images for one inspection is m = It is determined that the image is the nth image during one inspection, and it is determined that the inspection is completed when the image file is received by the condition file D.

As described above, according to the medical network system of the present embodiment, the start and end of an examination can be quickly and accurately recognized with a simple configuration. Processing can be performed quickly and efficiently.

When the medical image generation apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 confirms that the radiography has been correctly executed and the image processing has been properly performed for the last radiograph reserved for one examination, the "examination end" The information may be stored in the supplementary information. Alternatively, when the examination end button of the medical image generating apparatus 1 is input, the information of “examination end” may be stored in the supplementary information. When the medical image processing apparatus 2 receives an image file including such additional information, the medical image processing apparatus 2 determines whether the inspection end information has been input in the additional information of the image file.

As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.
Various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. For example, as a medical image generating apparatus, in addition to CR, C
T (computed tomography)
, Radiographic imaging equipment using X-ray flat panel detector, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), DR (digital radiography), US (ultrasound: ultrasonic diagnostic equipment) and other medical images It goes without saying that the medical image generating apparatus may be connected to the medical network system according to the present invention.

[0128]

According to the medical image generating apparatus, the medical image processing apparatus and the medical network system of the present invention, the start and end of one examination can be recognized quickly, accurately and with a simple configuration.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a medical network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the medical image generating apparatus 1 of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the medical image processing apparatus 2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a controller of the medical image generating apparatus 1 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for inputting information on the total number of reserved images for one examination and information on the number of captured images in the medical image generating apparatus 1 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing performed by the image processing apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 1 for discriminating information on the total number of reserved imaging images for one inspection received from the image generation apparatus 1 and information on the number of images to be photographed, and determining the end of the inspection It is.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Medical image generation apparatus 2 Medical image processing apparatus 10 Network

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A medical image generating apparatus for generating medical image data based on a radiographic image and transmitting the generated image data to another apparatus, wherein the additional information of the image file including the medical image information includes the total number of reserved images for one examination. A first input unit for inputting information; a second input unit for inputting information on what image the image is during a single inspection after radiography; an image file including the incidental information Output means for outputting a medical image. 2. An image confirmation input means for inputting that the radiography is correctly executed and image processing is proper, and the second is performed when an input to the image confirmation input means is performed.
2. The medical image generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input means inputs the number of the photographed image. 3. A medical image processing apparatus for receiving medical image data generated based on radiation imaging and performing image processing, wherein information on the total number of reserved imaging images for one examination is determined from the received image file. A first determining unit, a second determining unit configured to determine, based on the received image file, information about an image of which photographed image is being inspected, and a determination result obtained by the first determining unit and the second determining unit. Means for judging the end of the examination based on the result of the judgment by the judgment means. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines whether or not the total number of reserved images determined by the first determining unit matches the number of images determined by the second determining unit. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the medical image processing apparatus determines that the processing is completed. 5. A medical image generating apparatus for generating medical image data based on radiography and transmitting the generated image data to another apparatus, comprising: inputting examination end information to supplementary information of an image file including medical image information; Means for outputting an image file containing the supplementary information. 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising input means for inputting that the examination has been completed, wherein when the examination end is inputted to said input means, said examination end information is stored as supplementary information. 3. The medical image generation device according to claim 1. 7. An image confirmation input means for inputting that the radiography is correctly executed and image processing is proper, and an input to the image confirmation input means for the last image in one examination which has taken the radiography. The medical image generation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the examination end information is stored as supplementary information when the inspection is performed. 8. A medical image generating apparatus that generates medical image data based on radiography and transmits the generated medical image data to another apparatus, and a medical image processing apparatus that receives the medical image data and performs image processing via a network. A medical network system configured to be connectable, wherein the medical image generating apparatus inputs information on the total number of reserved imaging images for one examination to the supplementary information of the image file including the medical image information, and performs radiation imaging. Information on what image the image is in during one examination is input, an image file containing the supplementary information is output, and a total imaging reservation image for one examination is obtained from the image file received by the medical image processing apparatus. A medical network for determining the number of pieces of information, the information on the number of the photographed image in one inspection, and determining the end of the inspection based on the results of the two determinations. Over-click system. 9. A medical image generating apparatus for generating medical image data based on radiography and transmitting the generated medical image data to another apparatus, and a medical image processing apparatus for receiving the medical image data and performing image processing via a network. A medical network system configured to be connectable, wherein the medical image generating apparatus inputs examination end information to incidental information of an image file including medical image information, and outputs an image file including the incidental information; A medical network system, which determines that the examination has been completed when it is determined that the examination end information has been input to the image file received by the image processing apparatus.