JP2010069041A - Portable storage medium, program, and information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve convenience regarding provision of inspection preparation information before endoscopy and to reduce anxiety of a patient over the endoscopy. <P>SOLUTION: A general purpose PC terminal 80 which reads a virtual endoscope viewer program 152 for the patient stored in a medium M reads the inspection preparation information and a tomographic image data file group (a plurality of sheets of tomographic image data of the inspection object part of an endoscopy object patient) stored in the medium M. The general purpose PC terminal 80 generates a virtual endoscopic image on the basis of the read tomographic image data. The general purpose PC terminal 80 displays the inspection preparation information and the generated virtual endoscopic image on a screen. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable storage medium, a program, and an information processing apparatus.

  Information is digitized in many medical settings. For example, a radiography apparatus such as a CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus or an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus performs imaging of a region to be diagnosed by a patient and generates tomographic image data. Then, the radiation imaging apparatus attaches incidental information to tomographic image data in accordance with the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standard.

  By the way, in medical practice, screening by endoscopy is performed for the purpose of early detection of colorectal cancer. Screening is a burdensome test for patients. This is because screening is a one-day test for patients. Also, endoscopy is an invasive action in the body, and there is a risk of causing colon perforation and the like.

  Therefore, in recent years, interpretation and diagnosis using a virtual endoscope viewer device has been performed prior to endoscopic examination. The virtual endoscopic viewer apparatus constructs three-dimensional volume data based on tomographic image data for a plurality of examination target portions of the endoscopic examination target patient generated by the radiation imaging apparatus. Based on this three-dimensional volume data, the virtual endoscope viewer device is a three-dimensional volume image (virtual endoscope) that looks like an endoscopic image obtained by photographing the patient's body with the endoscope device. Image).

  The following techniques are disclosed as displaying virtual endoscopic images. That is, the image processing apparatus (virtual endoscope viewer apparatus) constructs three-dimensional volume data based on a plurality of pieces of tomographic image data. Then, the image processing apparatus generates a virtual endoscopic image from the three-dimensional volume data using a volume rendering technique. The image processing apparatus synchronizes the generated virtual endoscopic image and the actual endoscopic image photographed by the endoscopic apparatus, and displays these images in parallel or superimposed (patents). Reference 1).

  In recent years, tomographic image data for a plurality of sheets as a basis for a virtual endoscopic image is stored not only on a hard disk of a device installed in a medical facility but also on a medium (portable storage medium) such as a CD-R. Is done.

In the medium, tomographic image data is written in accordance with a data structure defined by PDI (Portable Data for Imaging) of IHE (Integrating Healthcare Enterprise) and IHE-J (Integrating Healthcare Enterprise-Japan). Therefore, data transfer and data reference of this tomographic image data are possible between different medical facilities and between different vendor systems.
JP 2006-61274 A

  When screening by endoscopy, the patient is informed by a doctor about preparations for endoscopy (meal restrictions, taking laxatives, etc.) in advance. However, when the patient forgets about the contents of preparation after returning from the hospital, the patient cannot receive the explanation again, which is inconvenient.

  In addition, as described above, screening by endoscopy is a test with a heavy burden on the patient. Thus, patients are often anxious about endoscopy. Therefore, the patient may have a desire to view his / her own virtual endoscopic image that will be taken on the examination day on the general-purpose terminal at home after returning home.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to improve convenience related to provision of examination preparation information before endoscopic examination and to endoscopic examination. It is to reduce patient anxiety.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1
Computer-readable portable storage in which examination preparation information to be provided to an endoscopic examination target patient and a virtual endoscopic image that three-dimensionally shows the examination target part of the endoscopic examination patient are stored in advance A medium,
Computer
Reading means for reading out the inspection preparation information and the virtual endoscopic image,
Control means for displaying the read examination preparation information and the virtual endoscopic image on the display means;
Is stored.

The invention described in claim 2
A computer-readable portable storage medium in which examination preparation information to be provided to an endoscopic examination patient and tomographic image data for a plurality of examination target sites of the endoscopic examination patient are stored in advance. There,
Computer
Reading means for reading out the inspection preparation information and the tomographic image data,
Generating means for generating a virtual endoscopic image that three-dimensionally shows an examination target part of the endoscopic examination target patient based on the read tomographic image data;
Control means for displaying on the display means the read examination preparation information and the generated virtual endoscopic image;
Is stored.

The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2,
The examination preparation information includes interpretation report information corresponding to the virtual endoscopic image.

The invention according to claim 4
A program stored in a computer-readable portable storage medium together with examination preparation information provided to an endoscopic examination target patient and a virtual endoscopic image that three-dimensionally shows the examination target part of the endoscopic examination target patient Because
Computer
Reading means for reading out the inspection preparation information and the virtual endoscopic image,
Control means for displaying the read examination preparation information and the virtual endoscopic image on the display means;
To function as.

The invention described in claim 5
This is a program stored in a computer-readable portable storage medium together with examination preparation information to be provided to an endoscopic examination patient and tomographic image data for a plurality of examination sites of the endoscopic examination patient. And
Computer
Reading means for reading out the inspection preparation information and the tomographic image data,
Generating means for generating a virtual endoscopic image that three-dimensionally shows an examination target part of the endoscopic examination target patient based on the read tomographic image data;
Control means for displaying on the display means the read examination preparation information and the generated virtual endoscopic image;
To function as.

The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 4 or 5,
The examination preparation information includes interpretation report information corresponding to the virtual endoscopic image.

The invention described in claim 7
Writing to a computer-readable portable storage medium, examination preparation information to be provided to an endoscopic examination target patient, and a virtual endoscopic image that three-dimensionally shows an examination target part of the endoscopic examination target patient An information processing apparatus comprising a control means,
The writing control means includes
Computer
Reading means for reading out the inspection preparation information and the virtual endoscopic image,
Control means for displaying the read examination preparation information and the virtual endoscopic image on the display means;
Is further written in the portable storage medium.

The invention according to claim 8 provides:
Write control means for writing examination preparation information to be provided to an endoscopic examination target patient and a plurality of pieces of tomographic image data of the examination target site of the endoscopic examination target patient in a computer-readable portable storage medium An information processing apparatus comprising:
The writing control means includes
Computer
Reading means for reading out the inspection preparation information and the tomographic image data,
Generating means for generating a virtual endoscopic image that three-dimensionally shows an examination target part of the endoscopic examination target patient based on the read tomographic image data;
Control means for displaying on the display means the read examination preparation information and the generated virtual endoscopic image;
Is further written in the portable storage medium.

The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to claim 7 or 8,
The examination preparation information includes interpretation report information corresponding to the virtual endoscopic image.

  According to the first, fourth, and seventh aspects of the present invention, the computer that has read the program of the present invention stored in the portable storage medium can read the inspection preparation information and the virtual endoscope stored in the portable storage medium. Read the image. The computer displays the read examination preparation information and the virtual endoscopic image on the display means.

  Therefore, an endoscopic examination target patient can browse examination preparation information and a virtual endoscopic image on a general-purpose terminal installed at home or the like on the day before the endoscopic examination. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience related to the provision of examination preparation information before the endoscopic examination and to reduce the patient's anxiety about the endoscopic examination.

  According to the second, fifth, and eighth aspects of the present invention, the computer that has read the program according to the present invention stored in the portable storage medium includes inspection preparation information and tomographic image data stored in the portable storage medium. Is read. The computer generates a virtual endoscopic image based on the read tomographic image data. The computer displays the examination preparation information and the generated virtual endoscopic image on the display means.

  Therefore, an endoscopic examination target patient can browse examination preparation information and a virtual endoscopic image on a general-purpose terminal installed at home or the like on the day before the endoscopic examination. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience related to the provision of examination preparation information before the endoscopic examination and to reduce the patient's anxiety about the endoscopic examination. Furthermore, tomographic image data of the examination target part can also be obtained.

  According to the third, sixth, and ninth aspects of the invention, the endoscopic examination target patient can refer to the interpretation report of the virtual endoscopic image at home.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[System configuration of medical imaging system]
FIG. 1 shows a system configuration of the medical image system 1. The medical image includes a tomographic image and an endoscopic image.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the medical image system 1 includes a hospital A medical image system 100 and a general-purpose PC terminal 80 installed at home.

  A hospital medical image system 100 includes a workstation 10, an RIS 20, a radiological image server 30, a modality 40, an EIS 50, an endoscopic image server 60, an endoscopic device 70, and other devices not shown. It is composed of Each of the above devices and systems are connected via a communication network N so that data communication is possible.

  The RIS 20 performs information management such as medical appointment reservation in the radiology department of the hospital A, diagnosis result report, results management, material inventory management, and the like. The RIS 20 transmits radiation examination order information received from an electronic medical chart system (not shown) constituting the A hospital medical image system 100 to the modality 40 and the radiation image server 30.

  The modality 40 is a radiographic apparatus that performs tomographic imaging of a patient's diagnosis target part and generates tomographic image data in accordance with the radiological examination order information received from the RIS 20. Further, the modality 40 generates incidental information related to the tomographic image data based on the radiological examination order information. Then, the modality 40 attaches supplementary information to the tomographic image data in accordance with the DICOM standard, and transmits it to the radiation image server 30 as a tomographic image data file (tomographic image data file). One tomographic image data is stored in the tomographic image data file. As the modality 40, a radiographic apparatus that captures tomographic images such as a CT apparatus and an MRI apparatus can be applied.

  FIG. 2 shows the data structure of the tomographic image data file. As shown in FIG. 2, the tomographic image data file stores tomographic image data and incidental information incidental to the tomographic image data.

  The incidental information includes information related to the examination such as patient ID, patient name, sex, date of birth, etc., examination instance UID that identifies the examination, examination date, examination time, reception number, interpretation doctor, examination site, etc. .

  Returning to FIG. 1, the radiation image server 30 stores and manages (stores and manages) the tomographic image data file generated in the modality 40. A PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) or the like is applicable as the radiation image server 30.

  When receiving the tomographic image data acquisition request from the external device, the radiation image server 30 transmits (provides) the tomographic image data file corresponding to the acquisition request to the external device.

  The EIS 50 performs information management, such as medical appointment reservation, diagnosis result report, results management, material inventory management, etc. in the digestive organs department of Hospital A. The EIS 50 transmits endoscopic examination order information received from an electronic medical chart system (not shown) constituting the hospital A medical image system 100 to the endoscope apparatus 70 and the endoscope image server 60.

  The endoscopic device 70 is an imaging device (modality) that performs imaging of a region to be diagnosed by a patient in accordance with endoscopic examination order information received from the EIS 50 and generates endoscopic image data. Further, the endoscope apparatus 70 generates supplementary information related to the endoscope image data based on the endoscopic examination order information. The endoscope apparatus 70 attaches the supplementary information to the endoscope image data in accordance with the DICOM standard, and the endoscope image server 60 as a file of the endoscope image data (endoscope image data file). Send to.

  The endoscope image server 60 stores and manages (stores and manages) an endoscope image data file generated in the endoscope apparatus 70. A PACS or the like is applicable as the endoscope image server 60.

  When receiving an endoscope image data acquisition request from an external device, the endoscope image server 60 transmits (provides) an endoscope image data file corresponding to the acquisition request to the external device.

  The workstation 10 is an information processing apparatus that has a high detail monitor and displays a medical image on the high detail monitor. The workstation 10 transmits a tomographic image data acquisition request to the radiation image server 30 based on an operation signal or the like by a user operation, and acquires a tomographic image data file corresponding to the acquisition request. The workstation 10 displays a tomographic image on a monitor based on the tomographic image data file.

  The workstation 10 transmits an endoscope image data acquisition request to the endoscope image server 60 based on an operation signal generated by a user operation, and acquires an endoscope image data file corresponding to the acquisition request. The workstation 10 displays an endoscopic image on a monitor based on the endoscopic image data file.

  The workstation 10 generates interpretation report data, which is an interpretation result of a medical image displayed on the monitor, based on an operation signal or the like by a user operation.

  The workstation 10 has a virtual endoscope viewer function. In addition, the workstation 10 generates inspection preparation information. The examination preparation information is information showing an outline of the examination of the endoscopic examination, what the patient should do on the day before and on the day of the examination, and the like.

  The workstation 10 converts the tomographic image data file acquired from the radiation image server 30 into a medium M (portable storage) such as a CD-R or a DVD-R in accordance with the data structure defined by the PHE of IHE and IHE-J. Media). In addition, the workstation 10 writes the examination preparation information, the patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152, and the like on the medium M together with the tomographic image data file. The patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152 will be described later.

[Functional configuration of radiation image server]
FIG. 3 shows a functional configuration of the radiation image server 30.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the radiation image server 30 includes a control unit 31, an operation unit 32, a display unit 33, a communication unit 34, and a storage unit 35, and each unit is connected by a bus 36.

  The control unit 31 is configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like, and comprehensively controls processing operations of each unit of the radiation image server 30. Specifically, the CPU reads various processing programs stored in the storage unit 35 in accordance with an operation signal input from the operation unit 32 or an instruction signal received by the communication unit 34, and is formed in the RAM. The work area is expanded and various processes are performed in cooperation with the program.

  The operation unit 32 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like, and a pointing device such as a mouse. The operation unit 32 controls operation signals input by key operations or mouse operations on the keyboard. To 31.

  The display unit 33 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays various screens based on display data input from the control unit 31.

  The communication unit 34 includes a LAN (Local Area Network) adapter, a router, a TA (Terminal Adapter), and the like, and transmits data to and from external devices such as the workstation 10, the RIS 20, and the modality 40 connected via the communication network N. Send and receive.

  The storage unit 35 is composed of a hard disk or the like, and stores a control program, parameters and files necessary for executing the program. The storage unit 35 stores one or more tomographic image data files generated by the modality 40. The storage unit 35 stores a database program for managing the tomographic image data file (not shown).

  The control unit 31 manages the tomographic image data file stored in the storage unit 35 in cooperation with the database program stored in the storage unit 35.

  When receiving the tomographic image data file from the external device via the communication unit 34, the control unit 31 stores the tomographic image data file in the storage unit 35 and registers (manages) it in the database.

  When receiving a tomographic image data acquisition request from an external device via the communication unit 34, the control unit 31 reads out a tomographic image data file corresponding to the tomographic image data acquisition request from the storage unit 35. The control unit 31 transmits (provides) the read tomographic image data file to the external device via the communication unit 34.

[Functional configuration of workstation]
FIG. 4 shows a functional configuration of the workstation 10.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the workstation 10 includes a control unit 11, an operation unit 12, a display unit 13, a communication unit 14, a storage unit 15, and a media drive 16, and each unit is connected by a bus 17. .

  The control unit 11 includes a CPU, a RAM, and the like, and comprehensively controls processing operations of each unit of the workstation 10. Specifically, the CPU reads various processing programs stored in the storage unit 15 according to an operation signal input from the operation unit 12 or an instruction signal received by the communication unit 14, and is formed in the RAM. The work area is expanded and various processes are performed in cooperation with the program.

  The operation unit 12 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like, and a pointing device such as a mouse, and controls operation signals input by keyboard operations or mouse operations. 11 is output.

  The display unit 13 is configured by an LCD and is a high-detail monitor that displays various screens based on display data input from the control unit 11.

  The communication unit 14 includes a LAN adapter, a router, a TA, and the like, and transmits / receives data to / from external devices such as the radiation image server 30 and the endoscope image server 60 connected via the communication network N.

  The storage unit 15 is composed of a hard disk or the like, and stores a control program, parameters and files necessary for executing the program, and the like. Further, the storage unit 15 stores a doctor virtual endoscope viewer program 151 and a patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152. The storage unit 15 stores the interpretation report information file generated by the control unit 11.

  The media drive 16 writes various data to the medium M based on the control signal from the control unit 11. Further, the media drive 16 reads data stored in the media M based on a control signal from the control unit 11.

  Based on the operation signal from the operation unit 12, the control unit 11 transmits a tomographic image data acquisition request to the radiation image server 30 via the communication unit 14, and receives (acquires) a tomographic image data file corresponding to the acquisition request. ) Further, the control unit 11 transmits a tomographic image data acquisition request to the endoscopic image server 60 via the communication unit 14 based on the operation signal from the operation unit 12, and a tomographic image data file corresponding to the acquisition request. Is received (acquired).

  The control unit 11 cooperates with the doctor's virtual endoscope viewer program 151, and a plurality of pieces of continuous tomographic image data from a plurality of tomographic image data files (tomographic image data file group) acquired from the radiation image server 30. Is read. The control unit 11 uses a voxel expression technique and represents image data corresponding to the patient's body as a set of small cubes (voxel data) based on a plurality of continuous tomographic image data. The control unit 11 constructs three-dimensional volume data corresponding to the patient's body based on each voxel data and the radiation absorption amount data of the voxel data. Then, the control unit 11 generates a virtual endoscopic image based on the three-dimensional volume data using a technique such as volume rendering, and causes the display unit 13 to display the virtual endoscopic image. That is, the control part 11 implement | achieves a virtual endoscope viewer function in cooperation with the virtual endoscope viewer program 151 for doctors.

  The control unit 11 cooperates with the doctor's virtual endoscope viewer program 151 and based on an operation signal from the operation unit 12, information on an interpretation report (interpretation) for the virtual endoscopic image displayed on the display unit 13. Report information) is generated and stored in the storage unit 15 as an interpretation report information file.

  The control unit 11 cooperates with the virtual endoscopic viewer program 151 for doctors and performs endoscopy regarding the virtual endoscopic image displayed on the display unit 13 based on the operation signal from the operation unit 12. Generate inspection preparation information. This examination preparation information includes interpretation report information for the virtual endoscopic image displayed on the display unit 13.

  The control unit 11 stores the tomographic image data file group acquired from the radiation image server 30, the generated examination preparation information, the patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152 on the media drive 16 based on an operation signal from the operation unit 12. To the medium M.

  FIG. 5 shows data stored in the medium M. The medium M stores a tomographic image data file group, examination preparation information, and a patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152.

  The patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152 is a program for causing a computer that reads the program to function mainly as follows. That is, this computer constructs three-dimensional volume data based on a plurality of pieces of tomographic image data stored in the medium M, and creates a three-dimensional volume image (virtual endoscope) corresponding to an endoscopic image obtained by endoscopy. Mirror image) and examination preparation information about the endoscopic examination are displayed on the screen.

[Functional configuration of general-purpose PC terminal]
FIG. 6 shows a functional configuration of the general-purpose PC terminal 80.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the general-purpose PC terminal 80 includes a control unit 81, an operation unit 82, a display unit 83, a storage unit 84, and a media drive 85, and each unit is connected by a bus 86.

  The control unit 81 includes a CPU, a RAM, and the like, and comprehensively controls processing operations of each unit of the general-purpose PC terminal 80. Specifically, the CPU reads various processing programs stored in the storage unit 84 in response to an operation signal input from the operation unit 82, expands the processing program in the RAM, and stores the program and the program. Various processes are performed in cooperation with

  The operation unit 82 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like, and a pointing device such as a mouse. The control unit 82 controls operation signals input by keyboard operations or mouse operations. 81.

  The display unit 83 is configured by an LCD, and displays various screens based on display data input from the control unit 81.

  The storage unit 84 includes a hard disk or the like, and stores a control program, parameters and files necessary for executing the program, and the like.

  The media drive 85 writes various data to the medium M based on a control signal from the control unit 81. In addition, the media drive 85 reads data stored in the media M based on a control signal from the control unit 81.

  The control unit 81 reads the tomographic image data file group, the examination preparation information, and the patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152 from the medium M via the media drive 85.

  The control unit 81 displays the tomographic image and incidental information related to the tomographic image on the display unit 83 based on the tomographic image data file group stored in the medium M in cooperation with the virtual endoscope viewer program 152 for patients. Let

  The control unit 81 cooperates with the patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152 to read a plurality of pieces of continuous tomographic image data from the tomographic image data file group stored in the medium M. The control unit 81 uses a voxel expression technique and represents image data corresponding to the patient's body as a set of small cubes (voxel data) based on a plurality of continuous tomographic image data. The control unit 81 constructs three-dimensional volume data corresponding to the patient's body based on each voxel data and the radiation absorption amount data of the voxel data. Then, the control unit 81 generates a virtual endoscopic image based on the three-dimensional volume data using a technique such as volume rendering, and causes the display unit 83 to display the virtual endoscopic image. That is, the control unit 81 realizes a virtual endoscope viewer function in cooperation with the patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152.

  The control unit 81 displays the examination preparation information stored in the medium M on the display unit 83 in cooperation with the patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152.

[Specific operation of each device in Hospital A medical image system]
Next, a specific operation of each apparatus executed in the hospital A medical image system 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in order to interpret a virtual endoscopic image of a patient scheduled for endoscopy, an interpreting physician performs an input operation in an electronic medical chart system (not shown). Then, the electronic medical record system generates radiation examination order information and transmits the radiation examination order information to the RIS 20. The RIS 20 transmits the radiation examination order information to the modality 40 and the radiation image server 30. The modality 40 performs imaging and the like based on the radiation examination order information received from the RIS 20, and generates a tomographic image data file group. Then, the modality 40 transmits the tomographic image data file group to the radiation image server 30. The radiation image server 30 stores and manages the tomographic image data file group.

  Next, the interpretation doctor performs an input operation on the operation unit 12 of the workstation 10. By this input operation, the control unit 11 of the workstation 10 transmits a tomographic image data acquisition request to the radiation image server 30 via the communication unit 14 based on the operation signal from the operation unit 12 (step S1). This tomographic image data acquisition request is a request to acquire tomographic image data for a plurality of examination target parts of an endoscopic examination target patient.

  When receiving the tomographic image data acquisition request from the workstation 10 via the communication unit 34, the control unit 31 of the radiation image server 30 reads out the tomographic image data file group corresponding to the tomographic image data acquisition request from the storage unit 35. . Then, the control unit 31 transmits the read tomographic image data file group to the workstation 10 via the communication unit 34 (step S2).

  The control unit 11 of the workstation 10 constructs three-dimensional volume data based on the tomographic image data file group received (acquired) from the radiation image server 30 in cooperation with the doctor virtual endoscope viewer program 151. (Step S3). And the control part 11 produces | generates a virtual endoscopic image based on three-dimensional volume data, and displays it on the display part 13 (step S4). This virtual endoscopic image is an image that three-dimensionally shows an examination target portion of an endoscopic examination target patient. The control unit 11 displays the doctor virtual endoscope screen 131 on the display unit 13.

  FIG. 8 shows a screen example of the doctor virtual endoscope screen 131. As shown in FIG. 8, the doctor virtual endoscope screen 131 includes a report save button b1, a media write button b2, a virtual endoscope image display area e1, an incidental information display area e2, an interpretation report creation area e3, It consists of an endoscopic examination preparation comment creation area e4 and the like.

  The virtual endoscopic image display area e1 is an area for displaying a virtual endoscopic image. This virtual endoscopic image is an image based on the tomographic image data file group acquired from the radiation image server 30.

  The incidental information display area e2 is an area in which incidental information of the tomographic image data file group acquired from the radiation image server 30 is displayed. Specifically, items such as “patient ID”, “patient name”, “sex”, “birth date”, “interpretation physician”, and “examination site” are displayed.

  The interpretation report creation area e3 is an area for creating an interpretation report for the virtual endoscopic image displayed in the virtual endoscopic image display area e1. The user inputs a character string in the interpretation report creation area e3 and creates an interpretation report.

  The report saving button b1 is a button for saving the interpretation report information. When the user presses the report saving button b1, the control unit 11 generates image interpretation report information based on the character information of the image interpretation report created in the image interpretation report creation area e3, and uses the image interpretation report information as an image interpretation report information file. Save in the storage unit 15.

  The endoscopic examination preparation comment creation area e4 indicates the outline of the examination of the endoscopic examination related to the virtual endoscopic image displayed in the virtual endoscopic image display area e1, what the patient should do on the day before and on the day of the examination, etc. This is an area for creating a comment. The user inputs a character string in this endoscopic examination preparation comment creation area e4 and creates a comment.

  The media write button b2 is a button for writing inspection preparation information and the like on the medium M. When the user presses the media write button b2, the control unit 11 reads the interpretation report information file stored in the storage unit 15 and the comments (character information) created in the endoscopic examination preparation comment creation area e4. The inspection preparation information is generated based on the above. Then, the control unit 11 reads the patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152 from the storage unit 15. Then, the control unit 11 sends the generated examination preparation information, the read patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152, and the tomographic image data file group acquired from the radiation image server 30 to the medium M via the media drive 16. Write.

  Returning to FIG. 7, a user such as an interpretation doctor inputs a character string in the interpretation report creation area e <b> 3 of the doctor virtual endoscope screen 131 and presses the report save button b <b> 1. By this depression, the control unit 11 generates interpretation report information for the virtual endoscopic image displayed on the display unit 13 in cooperation with the doctor virtual endoscope viewer program 151 (step S5). The control unit 11 stores the generated interpretation report information in the storage unit 15 as an interpretation report information file.

  The user inputs a character string in the endoscopic examination preparation comment creation area e4 on the doctor virtual endoscope screen 131 and presses the media writing button b2. By this pressing, the control unit 11 is created in the interpretation report information file stored in the storage unit 15 and the endoscopy preparation comment creation area e4 in cooperation with the doctor virtual endoscope viewer program 151. The inspection preparation information is generated based on the comment (character information) (step S6).

  Then, the control unit 11 reads the patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152 from the storage unit 15. The control unit 11 writes the generated examination preparation information, the read patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152, and the tomographic image data file group acquired from the radiation image server 30 to the medium M via the media drive 16 ( Step S7). The process ends here. The interpreting physician gives the media M to the patient. The patient takes the media M home.

[Specific operation of general-purpose PC terminal etc. that read media]
Next, when the data (tomographic image data file group, examination preparation information, patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152) written in the workstation 10 is read from the medium M, the processing executed by the general-purpose PC terminal 80 The specific operation will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when the medium M carried by the patient is set in the media drive 85 of the general-purpose PC terminal 80, the control unit 81 of the general-purpose PC terminal 80 detects that the medium M has been set. Then, the control unit 81 reads the tomographic image data file group, the examination preparation information, and the patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152 from the medium M via the media drive 85 and temporarily stores them in the storage unit 84 ( Step S101). Data included in the tomographic image data file group is tomographic image data for a plurality of examination target portions of the endoscopic examination target patient. Note that various types of data stored in the medium M may not be temporarily stored in the storage unit 84, and the control unit 81 may directly read various types of data from the medium M and expand them in the RAM as necessary.

  The control unit 81 reads the patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152 from the storage unit 84. That is, the control unit 81 activates the patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152 (step S102).

  The control unit 81 cooperates with the patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152 to build three-dimensional volume data based on the tomographic image data file group read from the medium M (step S103). The control unit 81 generates a virtual endoscopic image based on the three-dimensional volume data and displays it on the display unit 83 (step S104). The control unit 81 functions as a generation unit. This virtual endoscopic image is an image that three-dimensionally shows an examination target portion of an endoscopic examination target patient. The control unit 81 displays the patient virtual endoscope screen 831 on the display unit 83.

  FIG. 10 shows a screen example of the patient virtual endoscope screen 831. As shown in FIG. 10, the patient virtual endoscope screen 831 includes an explanation button b6, a virtual endoscope image display area e6, an incidental information display area e7, and the like.

  The virtual endoscopic image display area e6 is an area for displaying a virtual endoscopic image. This virtual endoscopic image is an image based on the tomographic image data file group read from the medium M.

  The incidental information display area e7 is an area for displaying incidental information of the tomographic image data file group read from the medium M. Specifically, items such as “patient ID”, “patient name”, “sex”, “birth date”, “interpretation physician”, and “examination site” are displayed.

  The explanation button b6 is a button for displaying inspection preparation information. When the user presses the explanation button b <b> 6, the control unit 81 displays an endoscopy preparation information screen 832 (see FIG. 11) on the display unit 83.

  Returning to FIG. 9, the user such as a patient performs an input operation of pressing the explanation button b <b> 6 on the patient virtual endoscope screen 831. By this input operation, the control unit 81 displays the inspection preparation information read from the medium M on the display unit 83 (step S105). The control unit 81 displays the endoscopic examination preparation information screen 832 on the display unit 83.

  FIG. 11 shows a screen example of the endoscopy preparation information screen 832. As shown in FIG. 11, examination preparation information is displayed on the endoscope examination preparation information screen 832. Specifically, columns of “preparation of previous day”, “preparation of the day”, and “interpretation report” are displayed, and character information is displayed in each column.

  Returning to FIG. 9, the process ends. The patient refers to the virtual endoscopic image and examination preparation information, and prepares for an endoscopic examination at a later date.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the general-purpose PC terminal 80 that has read the patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152 stored in the medium M has the examination preparation information and the tomographic image data file group ( And tomographic image data for a plurality of examination target parts of an endoscopic examination target patient). The general-purpose PC terminal 80 generates a virtual endoscopic image based on the read tomographic image data. The general-purpose PC terminal 80 displays the examination preparation information and the generated virtual endoscopic image on the display unit 83.

  Therefore, the patient to be subjected to endoscopy can view the examination preparation information and the virtual endoscopy image on the general-purpose PC terminal 80 installed at home on the day before the endoscopy. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience related to the provision of examination preparation information before the endoscopic examination and to reduce the patient's anxiety about the endoscopic examination. Furthermore, tomographic image data of the examination target part can also be obtained.

  The examination preparation information includes interpretation report information corresponding to the virtual endoscopic image. Therefore, an endoscopic examination target patient can refer to an interpretation report of a virtual endoscopic image at home.

[Modification]
Hereinafter, modifications of the present embodiment will be described.

  The control unit 11 of the workstation 10 cooperates with the doctor virtual endoscope viewer program 151 instead of writing the tomographic image data file group, the examination preparation information, and the patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152 in the medium M. The virtual endoscope image generated by the above, examination preparation information, and the patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152 are written.

  FIG. 12 shows data stored in the medium M. The medium M stores a virtual endoscopic image, examination preparation information about the endoscopic examination, and a patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152.

  The patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152 in this modified example is a program for causing a computer that reads the program to function mainly as follows. That is, the computer displays the virtual endoscopic image stored in the medium M and the examination preparation information stored in the medium M on the screen.

[Specific operation of each device in Hospital A medical image system]
Next, a specific operation of each apparatus executed in the hospital A medical image system 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in order to interpret a virtual endoscopic image of a patient scheduled for endoscopy, an interpreting physician performs an input operation in an electronic medical chart system (not shown). Then, the electronic medical record system generates radiation examination order information and transmits the radiation examination order information to the RIS 20. The RIS 20 transmits the radiation examination order information to the modality 40 and the radiation image server 30. The modality 40 performs imaging and the like based on the radiation examination order information received from the RIS 20, and generates a tomographic image data file group. Then, the modality 40 transmits the tomographic image data file group to the radiation image server 30. The radiation image server 30 stores and manages the tomographic image data file group.

  Next, the interpretation doctor performs an input operation on the operation unit 12 of the workstation 10. By this input operation, the control unit 11 of the workstation 10 transmits a tomographic image data acquisition request to the radiation image server 30 via the communication unit 14 based on the operation signal from the operation unit 12 (step S201).

  When receiving the tomographic image data acquisition request from the workstation 10 via the communication unit 34, the control unit 31 of the radiation image server 30 reads out the tomographic image data file group corresponding to the tomographic image data acquisition request from the storage unit 35. . Then, the control unit 31 transmits the read tomographic image data file group to the workstation 10 via the communication unit 34 (step S202).

  The control unit 11 of the workstation 10 constructs three-dimensional volume data based on the tomographic image data file group received (acquired) from the radiation image server 30 in cooperation with the doctor virtual endoscope viewer program 151. (Step S203). And the control part 11 produces | generates a virtual endoscopic image based on three-dimensional volume data, and displays it on the display part 13 (step S204). The control unit 11 displays the doctor virtual endoscope screen 131 on the display unit 13.

  A user such as an interpretation doctor inputs a character string in the interpretation report creation area e3 of the doctor's virtual endoscope screen 131, and presses the report save button b1. By this pressing, the control unit 11 generates interpretation report information for the virtual endoscopic image displayed on the display unit 13 in cooperation with the doctor virtual endoscope viewer program 151 (step S205). The control unit 11 stores the generated interpretation report information in the storage unit 15 as an interpretation report information file.

  The user inputs a character string in the endoscopic examination preparation comment creation area e4 on the doctor virtual endoscope screen 131 and presses the media writing button b2. By this pressing, the control unit 11 is created in the interpretation report information file stored in the storage unit 15 and the endoscopy preparation comment creation area e4 in cooperation with the doctor virtual endoscope viewer program 151. Inspection preparation information is generated on the basis of the comment (character information) (step S206).

  Then, the control unit 11 reads the patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152 from the storage unit 15. The control unit 11 writes the generated examination preparation information, the read patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152, and the generated virtual endoscopic image on the medium M via the media drive 16 (step S207). The process ends here. The interpreting physician gives the media M to the patient. The patient takes the media M home.

[Specific operation of general-purpose PC terminal etc. that read media]
Next, when data written in the workstation 10 (virtual endoscope image, examination preparation information, patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152) is read from the medium M, the general-purpose PC terminal 80 or the like executes. A specific operation of the process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when the medium M carried by the patient is set in the media drive 85 of the general-purpose PC terminal 80, the control unit 81 of the general-purpose PC terminal 80 detects that the medium M has been set. Then, the control unit 81 reads out the virtual endoscopic image, the examination preparation information, and the patient virtual endoscopy viewer program 152 from the medium M via the media drive 85 and temporarily stores them in the storage unit 84 ( Step S301). Note that various types of data stored in the medium M may not be temporarily stored in the storage unit 84, and the control unit 81 may directly read various types of data from the medium M and expand them in the RAM as necessary.

  The control unit 81 reads the patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152 from the storage unit 84. That is, the control unit 81 activates the patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152 (step S302).

  The control unit 81 displays the virtual endoscopic image read from the medium M on the display unit 83 in cooperation with the patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152 (step S303). The control unit 81 displays the patient virtual endoscope screen 831 on the display unit 83.

  A user such as a patient performs an input operation of pressing the explanation button b <b> 6 on the patient virtual endoscope screen 831. By this input operation, the control unit 81 displays the inspection preparation information read from the medium M on the display unit 83 (step S304). The control unit 81 displays the endoscopic examination preparation information screen 832 on the display unit 83. The process ends here. A patient refers to a virtual endoscopic image and examination preparation information and prepares for an endoscopic examination at a later date.

  As described above, according to the present modification, the general-purpose PC terminal 80 that has read the patient virtual endoscope viewer program 152 stored in the medium M uses the examination preparation information and the virtual endoscope image stored in the medium M. read out. The general-purpose PC terminal 80 displays the read examination preparation information and the virtual endoscopic image on the display unit 83.

  Therefore, the patient to be subjected to endoscopy can view the examination preparation information and the virtual endoscopy image on the general-purpose PC terminal 80 installed at home on the day before the endoscopy. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience related to the provision of examination preparation information before the endoscopic examination and to reduce the patient's anxiety about the endoscopic examination.

  The description in the present embodiment is an example of a medical image system according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. The detailed configuration and detailed operation of each device constituting the system can be appropriately changed.

  Further, although an example in which a hard disk or a portable storage medium is used as a computer-readable medium storing a program has been disclosed in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this example. As another computer-readable medium, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory can be applied. Also, a carrier wave can be applied as a medium for providing program data via a communication line.

1 is a system configuration diagram of a medical image system according to the present invention. It is a data block diagram of a tomographic image data file. It is a block diagram of a radiographic image server. It is a block diagram of a workstation. It is a data block diagram of the data memorize | stored in the medium. It is a block diagram of a general purpose PC terminal. It is a ladder chart which shows the process performed in A hospital medical image system. It is an example of a screen of a doctor's virtual endoscope screen. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed in a general purpose PC terminal. It is a screen example of the virtual endoscope screen for patients. It is an example of a screen of an endoscopy preparation information screen. It is a data block diagram of the data memorize | stored in the medium. It is a ladder chart which shows the process performed in A hospital medical image system. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed in a general purpose PC terminal.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Medical image system 10 Workstation 11 Control part 12 Operation part 13 Display part 14 Communication part 15 Storage part 16 Media drive 17 Bus 20 RIS
30 radiation image server 31 control unit 32 operation unit 33 display unit 34 communication unit 35 storage unit 36 bus 40 modality 50 EIS
60 Endoscopic image server 70 Endoscopic device 80 General-purpose PC terminal 81 Control unit 82 Operation unit 83 Display unit 84 Storage unit 85 Media drive 86 Bus 100 A hospital medical image system 131 Virtual endoscopic screen for doctor 151 Virtual for doctor Endoscope Viewer Program 152 Patient Virtual Endoscope Viewer Program 831 Patient Virtual Endoscope Screen 832 Endoscopy Preparation Information Screen b1 Report Save Button b2 Media Write Button b6 Explanation Button e1 Virtual Endoscope Image Display Area e2 Supplementary information display area e3 Interpretation report creation area e4 Endoscopy preparation comment creation area e6 Virtual endoscope image display area e7 Supplementary information display area M Media N Communication network

Claims (9)

A portable storage medium in which examination preparation information provided to an endoscopic examination target patient and a virtual endoscopic image that three-dimensionally shows an examination target part of the endoscopic examination target patient are stored in advance. ,
Computer
Reading means for reading out the inspection preparation information and the virtual endoscopic image,
Control means for displaying the read examination preparation information and the virtual endoscopic image on the display means;
A computer-readable portable storage medium storing a program for functioning as a computer. A portable storage medium in which examination preparation information to be provided to an endoscopic examination target patient and tomographic image data for a plurality of examination target sites of the endoscopic examination target patient are stored in advance,
Computer
Reading means for reading out the inspection preparation information and the tomographic image data,
Generating means for generating a virtual endoscopic image that three-dimensionally shows an examination target part of the endoscopic examination target patient based on the read tomographic image data;
Control means for displaying on the display means the read examination preparation information and the generated virtual endoscopic image;
A computer-readable portable storage medium storing a program for functioning as a computer. The examination preparation information includes interpretation report information corresponding to the virtual endoscopic image,
The portable storage medium according to claim 1. A program stored in a computer-readable portable storage medium together with examination preparation information provided to an endoscopic examination target patient and a virtual endoscopic image that three-dimensionally shows the examination target part of the endoscopic examination target patient Because
Computer
Reading means for reading out the inspection preparation information and the virtual endoscopic image,
Control means for displaying the read examination preparation information and the virtual endoscopic image on the display means;
Program to function as. This is a program stored in a computer-readable portable storage medium together with examination preparation information to be provided to an endoscopic examination patient and tomographic image data for a plurality of examination sites of the endoscopic examination patient. And
Computer
Reading means for reading out the inspection preparation information and the tomographic image data,
Generating means for generating a virtual endoscopic image that three-dimensionally shows an examination target part of the endoscopic examination target patient based on the read tomographic image data;
Control means for displaying on the display means the read examination preparation information and the generated virtual endoscopic image;
Program to function as. The examination preparation information includes interpretation report information corresponding to the virtual endoscopic image,
The program according to claim 4 or 5. Writing to a computer-readable portable storage medium, examination preparation information to be provided to an endoscopic examination target patient, and a virtual endoscopic image that three-dimensionally shows an examination target part of the endoscopic examination target patient An information processing apparatus comprising a control means,
The writing control means includes
Computer
Reading means for reading out the inspection preparation information and the virtual endoscopic image,
Control means for displaying the read examination preparation information and the virtual endoscopic image on the display means;
An information processing apparatus for further writing a program for functioning as a portable storage medium. Write control means for writing examination preparation information to be provided to an endoscopic examination target patient and a plurality of pieces of tomographic image data of the examination target site of the endoscopic examination target patient in a computer-readable portable storage medium An information processing apparatus comprising:
The writing control means includes
Computer
Reading means for reading out the inspection preparation information and the tomographic image data,
Generating means for generating a virtual endoscopic image that three-dimensionally shows an examination target part of the endoscopic examination target patient based on the read tomographic image data;
Control means for displaying on the display means the read examination preparation information and the generated virtual endoscopic image;
An information processing apparatus for further writing a program for functioning as a portable storage medium. The examination preparation information includes interpretation report information corresponding to the virtual endoscopic image,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8.