JP3991582B2 - Medical image reading device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a medical image reading apparatus that executes reading of a medical image.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  In recent years, an apparatus capable of directly capturing a medical image such as a radiographic image as a digital image has been developed. For example, as a device for detecting a radiation dose applied to a subject and obtaining a radiographic image formed in accordance with the detected dose as an electrical signal, a method using a detector using a stimulable phosphor is disclosed in JP Many publications such as 55-12429 and JP 63-189853 are disclosed.
[0003]
  In such a case, the photostimulable phosphor is obtained by irradiating the radiation that has passed through the subject to the detector that has been fixed to the sheet-like substrate by applying or stimulating the photostimulable phosphor on the sheet-like substrate. To absorb radiation.
[0004]
  Thereafter, the stimulable phosphor is excited with light or heat energy by a medical image reading device, and thereby the radiation energy accumulated by the absorption by the stimulable phosphor is emitted as fluorescence. An image signal is obtained by photoelectrically converting fluorescence.
[0005]
  On the other hand, a charge corresponding to the intensity of irradiated radiation is generated in the photoconductive layer, the generated charge is accumulated in a plurality of capacitors arranged two-dimensionally, and the accumulated charges are taken out. A medical image reading apparatus has been proposed.
[0006]
  Such a medical image reading apparatus uses what is called a flat panel detector (FPD). This type of FPD can detect fluorescence with a photodiode, or a CCD or C-MOS sensor, as described in JP-A-9-90048. A similar FPD is also described in JP-A-6-342098.
[0007]
  In these apparatuses, in order to express a radiographic image with gradation suitable for diagnosis, an image obtained by the apparatus as described above is automatically gradation to make it easy to see a portion (region of interest) that a doctor pays attention to. It is desirable to convert.
[0008]
  In order to perform such automatic gradation conversion, processing conditions are determined from statistical characteristics (maximum value / minimum value, histogram, etc.) of image data, and image processing is performed on the entire image. Is done.
[0009]
  In addition, edge enhancement processing is performed in order to make the detailed structure easy to see, and dynamic range compression processing is performed to make it easy to observe a high density portion and a low density portion simultaneously by narrowing the signal area of the subject.
[0010]
  However, in radiography used for diagnosis, the region to be imaged varies widely from the head to the extremities, and the region that the doctor pays attention to varies, so the image processing conditions for obtaining the optimal image for diagnosis are: It becomes different for every imaging | photography site | part. Similarly, the processing conditions differ depending on the shooting direction.
[0011]
  Therefore, in these conventional apparatuses, it is necessary to input an imaging region, a direction, and the like of the subject in order to select an optimum processing condition before performing image processing.
  Some hospitals are equipped with a hospital information system (HIS) and radiology information system (RIS), and the radiographic part information can be obtained directly from the radiographic imaging order information. Optimal processing conditions can be selected without input operations such as an imaging region and direction. In general, there are 100 or more types of imaging regions and imaging directions.
[0012]
  In addition, as medical images, there are diagnostic images using ultrasound, images by MRI imaging, and the like.
[0013]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, in the system provided with the above HIS and RIS, not only the radiographic image and diagnosis but also the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the name of the imaging region and imaging direction included in the order information output by the host computer of the system, and the medical image The name of the imaging region and the imaging direction that the reader itself has and displays on the display unit may be different. This is due to various causes such as differences in device manufacturers and settings.
[0014]
  Moreover, if it is set to either one, it will require a great effort. Further, when a new device is introduced, there is a problem that confirmation and setting work is required every time.
[0015]
  The present invention has been made in view of the problems as described above, and an object thereof is to realize a medical image reading apparatus capable of automatically setting suitable conditions.
  The present invention relates to a medical image reading apparatus that receives radiographic image reading in response to imaging / reading information relating to imaging or reading from an information system, and is set in advance based on the imaging / reading information from the information system. It is desirable that a suitable condition can be automatically set from a plurality of reading conditions. Furthermore, when reading according to the automatically set conditions, it is desirable to match the name used in the information system with the name used on the apparatus side without performing a setting operation for matching the display.
[0016]
  That is, the present invention for solving the above problems is as follows.
  (1) The invention of the medical image reading apparatus according to claim 1A name other than the name of the imaging part or imaging direction set in the imaging / reading information on the host computer of the information system is set as the reading condition,A medical image reading apparatus that receives radiographic image reading in response to radiographing / reading information related to radiographing or reading from an information system, and is set in advance based on the radiographing / reading information from the information system Appropriate conditions for reading conditionsSet upIt is characterized by.
[0017]
  In this medical image reading apparatus, reading is performed by automatically setting a suitable condition from a plurality of reading conditions based on photographing / reading information from the information system.
[0018]
  In addition,When reading according to the set conditions, the name used in the reading conditions specific to the medical image reading apparatus is not displayed on the display unit, but the name included in the imaging / reading information received from the information system is displayed on the display unit. It is characterized by displaying.
[0019]
  In this medical image reading apparatus, when reading is performed by automatically setting a suitable condition from a plurality of reading conditions based on imaging / reading information from the information system, the reading conditions unique to the medical image reading apparatus side The name included in the photographing / reading information received from the information system is displayed on the display unit instead of the name used in the display.
[0020]
  As a result, based on the photographing / reading information from the information system, when reading is performed by automatically setting a suitable condition from a plurality of preset reading conditions, the display is made to match. It is possible to match the name used in the information system with the name used on the device side without performing setting work.
[0021]
  (2Claim2The invention of the medical image reading apparatus described above is characterized in that, in addition to the above (1), the name displayed on the display unit is the name of an imaging region.
  In this medical image reading apparatus, when reading is performed by automatically setting a suitable condition from a plurality of reading conditions based on imaging / reading information from the information system, the reading conditions unique to the medical image reading apparatus side The name of the imaging part included in the imaging / reading information received from the information system is displayed on the display unit instead of the name of the imaging part used for the information.
[0022]
  As a result, based on the photographing / reading information from the information system, when reading is performed by automatically setting a suitable condition from a plurality of preset reading conditions, the display is made to match. It is possible to match the name used in the information system with the name used on the device side without performing setting work.
[0023]
  (3Claim3The medical image reading device according to the present invention is the above (1) or (2In addition, the name displayed on the display unit is a name in the shooting direction.
[0024]
  In this medical image reading apparatus, when reading is performed by automatically setting a suitable condition from a plurality of reading conditions based on imaging / reading information from the information system, the reading conditions unique to the medical image reading apparatus side The name of the photographing direction and the name of the photographing part and the photographing direction included in the photographing / reading information received from the information system are displayed on the display unit, not the name of the photographing direction and the name of the photographing part and the photographing direction used in I am doing so.
[0025]
  As a result, based on the photographing / reading information from the information system, when reading is performed by automatically setting a suitable condition from a plurality of preset reading conditions, the display is made to match. It is possible to match the name used in the information system with the name used on the device side without performing setting work.
[0026]
  (4Claim4The invention of the medical image reading device described in the above (1), (2Or (3In addition, the name displayed on the display unit is a name of a photographing size.
[0027]
  In this medical image reading apparatus, when reading is performed by automatically setting a suitable condition from a plurality of reading conditions based on imaging / reading information from the information system, the reading conditions unique to the medical image reading apparatus side The name of the imaging size, the name of the imaging direction, the name of the imaging part and the imaging direction included in the imaging / reading information received from the information system are not the name of the imaging direction and the name of the imaging part and the imaging direction used in It is displayed on the display unit.
[0028]
  As a result, based on the photographing / reading information from the information system, when reading is performed by automatically setting a suitable condition from a plurality of preset reading conditions, the display is made to match. It is possible to match the name used in the information system with the name used on the device side without performing setting work.
[0029]
   (5) The invention according to claim 5 is the above-described (1) to (4), wherein a host computer that issues imaging / reading information including the name of the imaging region or imaging direction as imaging order information, and imaging of the host computer A medical image reading in which a name different from the name set in the reading information is set in the reading condition, and the radiographic image is read in response to the imaging order information including the imaging / reading information from the information host computer A medical image reading apparatus used in an information system to which the apparatus is connected, wherein the imaging / reading information from the host computer is analyzed and the imaging region or imaging direction data when the subject is imaged When a suitable condition is set from among a plurality of image processing conditions and reading conditions set in advance on the medical image reading apparatus side, When the name of the imaging region or imaging direction included in the imaging / reading information from the host computer matches or includes or includes a common character with the name of the reading condition set in the medical image reading device, The name on the host computer side having the coincidence or inclusion or common character is displayed on the display unit on the medical image reading apparatus side.
[0030]
As a result, based on the imaging / reading information from the host computer of the information system, when reading by setting suitable conditions from among a plurality of reading conditions set in advance by the medical image reading apparatus, The name used in the information system and the name used on the device side can be matched without setting work for matching the display.
[0031]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  First, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of the medical image reading apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.
[0032]
  Configuration of medical image reading apparatus:
  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an overall configuration of a medical image reading apparatus that receives radiographic image reading in response to imaging / reading information related to imaging or reading from an information system, and the surrounding information system.
[0033]
  That is, FIG. 1 schematically shows a state of connection between a medical image reading apparatus and another apparatus (terminal) in the hospital. The medical image reading apparatus 200 is connected to the hospital system via the network 10. It is connected to a host computer 20, a reservation terminal 30 for reservation and reception of medical care and examinations, and a radiation image capturing apparatus 300 for capturing a radiation image. The network 10 includes a network of information systems called RIS (Radiology Information System) and HIS (Hospital Information System).
[0034]
  Here, the medical image reading apparatus 200 receives imaging / reading information related to imaging or reading from an information system centered on the host computer 20, and reads a radiographic image.
[0035]
  Further, the image data of the radiographic image read and generated is output as a hard copy from the image output device 40.
  A medical image reading apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0036]
  As shown in FIG. 2, in the medical image reading apparatus 200, radiation emitted from a radiation generator (not shown) or the radiation image capturing apparatus 300 passes through a subject (not shown) and is front of the radiation image reading unit 240. The imaging panel 241 attached to the camera is irradiated.
[0037]
  Here, the configuration of the imaging panel 241 provided in the radiation image reading unit 240 will be described with reference to FIG. The imaging panel 241 has a substrate having a thickness sufficient to obtain a predetermined rigidity, and a detection element 412-(1,1) that outputs an electrical signal on the substrate according to the dose of irradiated radiation. ) To 412- (m, n) are two-dimensionally arranged in a matrix. Further, the scanning lines 415-1 to 415-m and the signal lines 416-1 to 416-n are disposed so as to be orthogonal, for example.
[0038]
  The scanning lines 415-1 to 415-m of the imaging panel 241 are connected to the scanning driving unit 244. When the readout signal RS is supplied from the scanning driver 244 to one of the scanning lines 415-1 to 415-m (p is any value of 1 to m), the scanning line 415 is supplied. -p outputs electrical signals SV-1 to SV-n corresponding to the radiation dose irradiated from the detection element connected to -p, and outputs them to the image data generation circuit 246 via signal lines 416-1 to 416-n. Supplied.
[0039]
  This detection element 412 may be any element that outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the dose of irradiated radiation. For example, when a detection element is formed using a photoconductive layer in which electron-hole pairs are generated and change in resistance when irradiated with radiation, the detection element is in accordance with the amount of radiation generated in the photoconductive layer. A quantity of charge is stored in the charge storage capacitor, and the charge stored in the charge storage capacitor is supplied to the image data generation circuit 246 as an electrical signal. It is desirable that the photoconductive layer has a high dark resistance value, such as amorphous selenium, lead oxide, cadmium sulfide, mercuric iodide, or an organic material exhibiting photoconductivity (photoconductivity to which an X-ray absorption compound is added. In particular, amorphous selenium is desirable.
[0040]
  When the detection element 412 is formed using, for example, a scintillator that generates fluorescence when irradiated with radiation, an image signal is generated by generating an electrical signal based on the fluorescence intensity generated by the scintillator with a photodiode. It may be supplied to the circuit 246.
[0041]
  The image data generation circuit 246 sequentially selects an electric signal SV supplied based on an output control signal SC from a reading control circuit 248 described later, and converts it into digital image data DT. The image data DT is supplied to the reading control circuit 248.
[0042]
  The reading control circuit 248 is connected to the controller 210 and generates a scanning control signal RC and an output control signal SC based on the control signal CTD supplied from the controller 210. The scan control signal RC is supplied to the scan driver 244, and the read signal RS is supplied to the scan lines 415-1 to 415-m based on the scan control signal RC.
[0043]
  The output control signal SC is supplied to the image data generation circuit 246. For example, when the imaging panel 41 is configured by (m × n) detection elements 412 as described above by the scanning control signal RC and the output control signal SC from the reading control circuit 248, the detection element 412− Assuming that data based on the electric signal SV from (1,1) to 412- (m, n) is data DP (1,1) to DP (m, n), data DP (1,1), DP (1 , 2),... DP (1, n), DP (2,1),..., DP (m, n) in this order, and the image data DT is generated as the image data generation circuit 246. To the reading control circuit 248. Further, the reading control circuit 248 also performs processing for sending the image data DT to the controller 210.
[0044]
  Image data DT obtained by the radiation image reading unit 240 is supplied to the controller 210 via the reading control circuit 248. If the image data obtained by the logarithmic conversion process is supplied when the image data obtained by the radiation image reading unit 240 is supplied to the controller 210, the processing of the image data in the controller 210 can be simplified.
[0045]
  In FIG. 2, a system bus 212 and an image bus 213 are connected to a CPU 211 for controlling the operation of the controller 210, and an input interface 217 is connected. The CPU 211 for controlling the operation of the controller 210 is controlled based on a control program stored in the memory 214.
[0046]
  A display control unit 215, a frame memory control unit 216, a connection interface 218, a read control unit 219, a disk control unit 220, and the like are connected to the system bus 212 and the image bus 213. Is controlled, and image data is transferred between the units via the image bus 213.
[0047]
  A frame memory 221 is connected to the frame memory control unit 216, and image data obtained by the radiation image reading unit 240 is stored via the reading control unit 219 and the frame memory control unit 216. The image data stored in the frame memory 221 is read and supplied to the display control unit 215 and the disk control unit 220. The frame memory 221 may store the image data supplied from the radiation image reading unit 240 after the CPU 211 processes it.
[0048]
  The display control unit 215 is connected to the image display device 222, and a radiographic image based on the image data supplied to the display control unit 215 is displayed on the screen of the image display device 222. Here, when the number of display pixels of the image display device 222 is smaller than the number of pixels of the radiation image reading unit 240, the entire captured image can be displayed on the screen by reading out the image data. Further, if image data in an area corresponding to the number of display pixels of the image display device 222 is read, a captured image at a desired position can be displayed in detail.
[0049]
  When image data is supplied from the frame memory 221 to the disk control unit 220, for example, the image data is continuously read out and written to the FIFO memory in the disk control unit 220 and then sequentially recorded in the disk device 223. The
[0050]
  Furthermore, the image data read from the frame memory 221 and the image data read from the disk device 223 are transferred to an external device (other medical image reading devices 200B and 200C, the image output device 40, etc.) via the connection interface 218. It can also be supplied. In addition to image data, various data and order information can also be supplied from the connection interface 218 to external devices (other medical image reading devices 200B and 200C, the image output device 40, etc.).
[0051]
  In the image processing unit 226, irradiation field recognition processing, region of interest setting, normalization processing and gradation processing of the image data DT supplied from the radiation image reading unit 240 via the reading control unit 219, and pass / fail judgment of these processings Processing is performed. Further, frequency enhancement processing, dynamic range compression processing, or the like may be performed. In addition, image processing etc. can also be performed by making the image processing part 226 serve as the CPU 211.
[0052]
  An input device 227 such as a touch panel is connected to the input interface 217. By operating this input device 227, key inputs for operations relating to reading of radiation images are performed.
[0053]
  An input unit 249b such as a touch panel is connected to the input interface 217. By operating the input device 249b, key inputs for operations related to reading of a radiation image are also performed.
[0054]
  When the radiographic image is read, imaging part information and imaging direction information included in the radiographic imaging order information sent from the information system (host computer 20) described above are displayed on the display unit 249a. Based on this display, a simple selection operation is performed from the input unit 249b.
[0055]
  Operation of medical image reading device:
  The operation of the medical image reading apparatus having the above configuration will be described below.
  The host computer 20 which is the center of the information system holds imaging / reading information (patient name, imaging site, imaging direction, number of images taken, image processing parameters, etc.) such as how many and which parts of which patient are imaged. Yes.
[0056]
  When the radiographic image is read by the medical image reading apparatus 200, the host computer 20 transmits the above-described imaging / reading information to the medical image reading apparatus 200 via the network 10.
[0057]
  In the medical image reading apparatus 200, image capturing / reading information is acquired from the connection interface 218, and the CPU 211 performs analysis.
  Then, the CPU 211 analyzes the photographing / reading information, extracts the photographing part and photographing direction data (part name) when photographing the subject, and selects from a plurality of preset image processing conditions and reading conditions. Appropriate conditions are automatically set.
[0058]
  Here, “automatic setting” is to select a suitable condition from a plurality of preset image processing conditions and reading conditions, and specifically, as described below.
[0059]
  That is, when this automatic setting is executed, first, the imaging information / reading information sent from the information system (host computer 20) and the reading condition name set in the medical image reading apparatus 200 completely match. Selects the reading condition name.
[0060]
  Next, when the imaging information / reading information sent from the information system (host computer 20) includes the reading condition name set in the medical image reading apparatus 200, although it does not completely match, the reading condition Select a name.
[0061]
  If there is still no match or inclusion, the name of the reading condition with many common characters is selected to indicate that it does not match and are not included with characters or colors. In addition to the method of selecting a reading condition name with many common characters, there are a method of preparing a conversion table and a method of requesting an operator to set without selecting as a selection method when matching and not including obtain.
[0062]
  Then, the reading control unit 219 supplies a control signal CTD to the reading control circuit 248 in order to perform reading according to the reading conditions automatically set by the CPU 211.
[0063]
  Further, in order to clearly indicate that reading is performed in accordance with the automatically set reading conditions automatically set by the CPU 211, the imaging part and imaging direction name (part name) included in the imaging / reading information received by the display control unit 215 from the information system. Is displayed on the display unit 249a.
[0064]
  That is, when imaging / reading information is received from the host computer 20, the name used for the unique reading conditions on the medical image reading apparatus 200 side is not displayed on the display unit 249a.
[0065]
  In this case, the presence / absence of imaging / reading information from the information system, the part name included in the imaging / reading information, the reading condition name set in the medical image reading apparatus, and the display on the medical image reading apparatus The relationship is as shown in FIG.
[0066]
  For example, the imaging information / reading information sent from the information system (host computer 20) is “(10) right hand phalange PA” and the reading condition name designated by the medical image reading apparatus 200 is “[30]. If there is a “finger bone”, it is included (inclusive). Therefore, “[30] finger bone” is selected as a reading condition, and the medical image reading apparatus 200 receives “(10 ) “Right hand phalange PA” is displayed.
[0067]
  Also, for example, the imaging information / reading information sent from the information system (host computer 20) is “(1) Chest AP” and the reading condition name designated by the medical image reading apparatus 200 is “[1 If there is no “chest AP”, it is determined from the common character or selected from the conversion table, “[1] front of chest” is selected as a reading condition, and “[1] front of chest” is displayed in the medical image reading apparatus 200. Instead, “(1) Chest AP” is displayed.
[0068]
  As a result, based on the photographing / reading information from the information system, when reading is performed by automatically setting a suitable condition from a plurality of preset reading conditions, the display is made to match. It is possible to match the name used in the information system with the name used on the device side without performing setting work.
[0069]
  Moreover, although the above description was the name about the imaging | photography site | part and the imaging | photography direction, it is also possible to apply when using the name regarding imaging | photography size.
  For this reason, in a system equipped with an information system such as HIS and RIS, the name of the imaging region and imaging direction included in the order information output from the host computer 10 of the system, and the medical image reading apparatus 200 itself have. Even if the name of the imaging region and the imaging direction displayed on the display unit are different for the reason of setting or manufacturer, the name different from the name used by the information system is the display unit 249a of the medical image reading apparatus 200. Will not be displayed, and the operator will not be confused. Further, in order to match the display in this way, setting operation is not required, and further, when a new device is introduced, confirmation or setting work is not required every time.
[0070]
  In the above explanation, the imaging part and imaging direction from the information system have been handled as the “part name”. However, either one of the names, the name combining both, or both names can be used. You may make it handle simultaneously.
[0071]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to automatically set a suitable condition from a plurality of reading conditions on the basis of photographing / reading information from the information system with an appropriate correspondence.
[0072]
  In addition, when scanning is performed with automatic setting, the name included in the imaging / reading information received from the information system can be displayed on the display unit, not the name used in the reading conditions unique to the medical image reading apparatus.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a system configuration of a medical image reading apparatus according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a medical image reading apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a radiation image reading unit according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a name included in imaging / reading information received from an information system is displayed on a display unit in the medical image reading apparatus according to the present embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Host computer
20 network
30 Reserved terminal
40 Image output device
200 Medical Image Reading Device
300 Radiation imaging device

Claims (5)

A name other than the name of the imaging part or imaging direction set in the imaging / reading information in the host computer of the information system is set as the reading condition, and the imaging / reading information related to imaging or reading is received from the information system. A medical image reading apparatus for reading a radiation image,
And the imaging / reading information from the information system based on, and set the appropriate condition from among the plurality of reading conditions set in advance, when performing reading in this set condition, the medical image reading without displaying the names used in the apparatus side-specific reading condition on the display unit, a control unit of displaying a name that is included in the imaging / reading information received from the information system,
A medical image reading apparatus characterized by that. The name displayed on the display unit is the name of the imaging region.
The medical image reading apparatus according to claim 1. The name displayed on the display unit is the name of the shooting direction .
Medical image reading apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that. The name displayed on the display unit is the name of the shooting size .
Claim 1, wherein the medical image scanning apparatus according to any one of claims 2 or claim 3. A host computer that issues imaging / reading information including imaging site or imaging direction names as imaging order information;
A name different from the name set in the imaging / reading information of the host computer is set as the reading condition, and the radiographic image is read by receiving the imaging order information including the imaging / reading information from the information host computer. A medical image reading device to be executed;
A medical image reading apparatus used in an information system to which
The imaging / reading information from the host computer is analyzed, the data of the imaging part or imaging direction when the subject is imaged is extracted, and a plurality of image processing conditions and readings set in advance on the medical image reading apparatus side are extracted. Set appropriate conditions from the conditions,
If the name of the imaging region or imaging direction included in the imaging / reading information from the host computer matches or is included in the name of the reading condition set in the medical image reading apparatus, or the same character Alternatively, the name on the host computer side having inclusion or common characters is displayed on the display unit on the medical image reading device side.
It medical image scanning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in.

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