JPS63244969A - Picture information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To correctly and rapidly process a picture by previously matching stored picture information to picture relating information and storing. CONSTITUTION:A picture reader 20 can read recording picture identification information and a recording picture imprinted on an X ray film as a picture recording medium and has a discriminating means for discriminating the recording picture identification information. A storing and reproducing device 21 has a storage device for feeding the information to an information input and output device 22 when the recording picture identification information is fed from the picture reader 20 and storing the picture relating information together with the picture information when the picture relating information is fed from the information input and output device 22 and a device for reproducing the stored picture information. The information input and output device 22 includes a storing means for storing a data base consisting of the picture relating information and a retrieving means for retrieving the picture relating information based on the identification information.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Object of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) This invention relates to an image information processing device for reading and reproducing recorded images recorded on an image recording medium such as an X-ray film in a medical institution or the like. .

(Prior art) In the past, images recorded on film, especially images from X-ray film, were placed on a holder, etc. and diagnosed by direct visual observation, but in recent years, images recorded on X-ray film have been used for diagnosis. Scan the recorded image with a narrowly focused laser beam,
There is a tendency to perform various types of image processing after converting into electrical signals to emphasize information useful for medical diagnosis, and then to reproduce the information and use it for diagnosis.

As such a conventional image information processing apparatus, there is one shown as a block diagram in FIG. The explanation with reference to the figure is as follows.

A recorded image recorded on the film 1 is scanned by a laser beam emitted from a film image reading device 2, and the recorded image is converted into a corresponding digital image. The storage/reproduction device 3 connected to this mock-up includes a control device 3A, a CRT 5
．． It is composed of a keyboard 6 and an optical disk 4, and not only stores the digital image sent from the film image reading device 2 on the optical disk 4, but also performs data processing such as frequency emphasis and edge emphasis during image reproduction. After processing the image into an image with excellent diagnostic suitability, the data-processed image is displayed on the CRT 5, which is a high-definition display S@, and a doctor makes a diagnosis using this displayed image.

The keyboard 6 is used to input patient information necessary for the read images and to give various commands to various parts of the apparatus.

FIG. 2(a) is an explanatory diagram of the film image reading device 2, and FIG. 2(b) is a diagram of the X-ray film portion of FIG. 2(a) viewed from the direction of arrow X.

In the figure (a), numeral 10 is a laser oscillator that generates a laser beam, and numeral 12 is a beam expander that expands the aperture of the incident laser beam to an arbitrary size to reduce the spread angle of the laser beam. Specifically, when the beam diameter of the laser beam is expanded five times by the beam expander 12, the spread angle of the laser beam is reduced to 115.

In the figure, reference numeral 13 denotes a high-speed angle change mirror that reflects the incident laser beam at a constant angular velocity in the main scanning direction, and generally a galvanometer or a polygon is used. Also, 1
Reference numeral 4 denotes an f/theta lens, which, when light having a constant angular velocity is incident, serves to keep the linear velocity constant and focus it on the same plane.

In the figure (b), 15A and 15B are film feed rollers which run at a predetermined speed in the sub-scanning direction while holding the X-ray film 16 on which image information is recorded. The entire surface of the X-ray film 16 is scanned by the laser beam by the movement in the sub-scanning direction by the film feed rollers 15A and 15B and the main scanning by the high-speed angle change mirror 13.

Reference numeral 17 in the middle of the figure (a) is a condenser for guiding the laser beam that has passed through the X-ray film 16 and entered the detector 18. In order to efficiently transmit the emitted light to the detector 18, a transparent acrylic resin whose output end is processed is applied.

The detector 18 converts the incident laser light into an electrical signal, and an A/D converter (not shown) is disposed at the subsequent stage to convert an analog quantity into a digital signal.

By the way, the detection (io) when the X-ray film 16 is not placed at the predetermined position is determined in advance, and the X-ray film 1
When the detected ω(Ii) that has passed through 6 is measured, the concentration is
It can be calculated as [)=-log(Ii/Io). That is, in this device, the density of each pixel can be determined by performing A/D conversion at a time corresponding to each pixel position during laser beam scanning.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) In order to read the recorded image of the X-ray film in the apparatus shown in FIG. For example, an operator looks at the examination number @ (recorded image identification information), operates the keyboard 6 of the storage/reproduction device 3, and retrieves information about the patient with the corresponding examination number from the examination ledger, information about imaging, that is, image-related information. After inputting the information, a signal instructing the start of reading is sent to the film image reading device 2, and the X-ray film is read and stored one by one.

Here, "patient information" refers to patient name, date of birth,
Gender, patient number, inpatient or outpatient department, requesting department, etc.
"Information related to photography" includes @image date, photography conditions, body part to be photographed, etc., and these are essential information for image information. Note that this is image-related information.

However, with this manual reading method, the amount of work is enormous and there is a considerable possibility of erroneous operation; however, on the other hand, it is important to never make a mistake in associating image data with the corresponding patient. It must not happen. Furthermore, the above-mentioned method reduces the operating rate of expensive equipment and is uneconomical, especially when hundreds of images are printed in succession, such as with roll film commonly used in mass medical examinations. There was a problem with the film being unable to be loaded.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an image information processing apparatus that solves the above-mentioned problems.

[Configuration of the Invention (Means for Solving the Problems) The configuration of the present invention for solving the above problems includes an image reading device that reads a recorded image on an image recording medium as image information by irradiating it with light. , a storage device that stores the read image information, and a storage device that stores a database of image-related information related to the recorded image, and a record recorded on the image recording medium. It is characterized by having an image reading device equipped with a discrimination means for discriminating image identification information, and a search means for searching the image-related information based on this identification information, and storing and controlling the image-related information together with the image information. It is said that

(Function) The function of the present invention having the above configuration is to search for related image-related information based on recorded image identification information that identifies a recorded image on an image recording medium, and to store this image-related information together with the image information. J: I'm using sea urchins.

(Embodiment) An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, the apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can be roughly divided into an image reading device @ 20, a storage/reproducing device 21, and an information input/output device 2.
It can be divided into two three blocks.

In the figure, an image reading device 20 is capable of reading recorded image identification information imprinted on an X-ray film as an image recording medium and the recorded image, and has a discriminating means for determining the recorded image identification information.

When the storage/reproduction device 21 receives the recorded image identification information from the image reading device 2 Obs, it sends the information to the information input/output device 22, and on the other hand, the information input/output device 22 receives information about the patient and imaging, that is, image-related information. When the image information is sent, the image processing apparatus includes a storage device that stores the image-related information together with the image information, and a device that reproduces the stored image information.

The information input/output device @22 includes a storage means that stores a database of image-related information, and a search means that searches for this image-related information based on the identification information.

The information input/output device 22 is generally installed at the reception desk of a central radiology department in a hospital, etc., and inputs information regarding patients and eye shadows, and stores image-related information on a magnetic disk. When, for example, an examination number is input as recorded image identification information from the storage/reproduction device 21, a database consisting of image-related information stored in the storage means such as the magnetic disk is searched, and patient information necessary for the image information is searched. The system sends back information regarding eyes and eye shadows, and calculates and outputs various statistical lists that have been implemented in the past.

The specific configuration of the apparatus of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 will be described in detail below.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the image reading device 20. As shown in FIG.

As described above, since the concentration has a log dimension, the signal converted into an electrical signal by the detector 18 is first converted into a log signal by the log amplifier 30.

Although not shown, the sample/hold circuit 31 holds the output signal of the log amplifier 30 in the previous stage in synchronization with a clock signal input from a controller that manages the entire device. The A/D converter 32 converts the signal held by the sample/hold circuit 31 into a digital signal.

A controller (not shown) divides continuous image information into pixels by generating a clock signal corresponding to the main scanning speed.

The switch 33 sends the signal output from the A/D converter 32 to the calibration buffer 34 or line buffer 35 according to a signal instructed by the controller.

That is, in FIG. 7, the density information when the X-ray film 16 is not placed is the calibration buffer 13.
4, and the density information when the X-ray film 16 is placed is sent to the line buffer 35.

Calibration buffer 34 and line buffer 35
is a storage circuit, which operates to store digital signals of the number of pixels for one line, and advances the storage address by a clock signal input from a controller (not shown) to correspond to image position information and storage information. I'm wearing it.

36 is a difference calculation circuit, which is connected to the line buffer 35 at the previous stage.
The difference in density information stored in the calibration buffer 34 from the yA degree information of the X-ray film stored in the calibration buffer 34 is calculated for each corresponding pixel by a signal input from a controller (not shown). This is the circuit for calculation. This difference becomes the density of the X-ray film, as described above. By calculating this difference, the shape ink correction of the optical system has been performed.

The operation of this circuit is as follows. First, the density of one line without the X-ray film 16 is measured and stored in the calibration buffer 34. Next, the film feed roller 15A.

15B moves the X-ray film 16 in the sub-scanning direction to the main scanning line by the high-speed angular velocity changing mirror, and the density of one line with the X-ray film is measured, and the measured value is stored in the line buffer 35. Ru.

Thereafter, by the action of a controller (not shown), the contents of the calibration buffer 34 and the line buffer 35 are sent one after another to the difference calculation circuit 36, and the difference, that is, the density of the X-ray film is calculated and sent to the switch 37.

The switch 37 operates according to instructions from a controller (not shown).
When scanning the portion of the X-ray film on which the inspection number is imprinted as recorded image identification information, the output of the difference calculation circuit 36 is sent to an identification information reading section 38, which is a discrimination means described later.
and when scanning the recorded image portion of the X-ray film, the data is sent to the interface 39. When scanning the part of the X-ray film on which the inspection number (recorded image identification information) is imprinted, the switch 37 transfers the signal to the identification information reading section 3.
8 (discrimination means), and then the controller (not shown) pushes the X-ray film back to the starting position, scans the film again from the leading edge, and sends it to the interface 39 as image information. good.

For example, the area of the X-ray film where the inspection number (recorded image identification information) is imprinted is on the upper left side of the film, 50 m on the main scanning side and 10 m on the sub scanning side, and the pixel size is 10 m.
If it is 0 μm, data for 100 lines from the leading edge of the film is sent to the identification information reading section 38 (discrimination means) by the switch 37, and subsequent information is sent to the interface 3.
9 to the storage/reproduction device 21.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the configuration of the identification information reading section 38, which is the determining means briefly described in FIG. 2.

It should be noted that the components explained in FIG. 2 will be given only the reference numerals here, and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

In the figure, 40 is an image memory of, for example, 512 x 512 x 10 images, which stores data in an area necessary for reading identification information. For example, the character area constituting the recorded image identification information on the X-ray film is 50 x 10 m, and the pixel size is 100 μm, so the data sent to the image memory 40 is a 500 x 100 matrix.

Reference numeral 41 denotes a spatial logic filter that removes noise and binarizes the image to improve image quality through inter-pixel calculations and the like.

42 is an image memory for storing binarized data, and in this case, it has a capacity of 512 x 512 x 1 bits.

Reference numeral 43 denotes a recorded image identification information area detection unit that detects areas of recorded image identification information, such as characters, in the image memory 42 by calculating histograms in the X and Y directions of the image.

Reference numeral 44 denotes a discrimination section, which performs discrimination by comparing and collating the pattern of the recorded image identification information area with the pattern registered in advance in the dictionary 45. For example, the characters discriminated by the discrimination section 44 are temporarily stored in a buffer 46.

By the way, the speed at which the identification information reading unit 38 discriminates characters is usually about 10 m5/character, so if the inspection number @ (recorded image identification information) is, for example, 5 digits, the identification information reading unit 3
Approximately 50 m5 is required for 8 to complete the discrimination operation. Since the sub-scan feed speed is generally as fast as TrLS, the sub-scan feed operation is stopped, for example, while character discrimination is being performed.

As a modification, if the characters etc. stored in the buffer 46 are displayed on a display (not shown), the operator can read the examination number as the recorded image identification information currently being read by the image reading device 20. You can check the progress analysis status. Providing this indicator is particularly effective when an automatic film feeding device is installed.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the structure of the storage/reproduction device 21. As shown in FIG.

In the figure, 50 is a controller, and although not shown, the CPU
etc. and system control programs are written in R.
As working memory of OM or CPU,
It includes a RAM and the like that function to temporarily store image information.

Reference numeral 51 denotes an interface for receiving signals input from the film image reader/renovator@20.

A magnetic disk 52 stores system control programs and image processing programs.

53 is an optical disk for storing the obtained image information. For example, an X-ray film image is 2000X200
0 matrix and the density resolution is 10 bits, the amount of image data (image information) is 8MB yt per image.
Therefore, in order to store the image data, an optical disk with a large capacity of, for example, 3.63 Bytes is required.

Reference numeral 54 is a high-definition CRT for displaying images for diagnosis by a doctor, and 55 is a keyboard for instructing the CRT 54 to display images.

56 is a communication interface, and information input/output device 2
2 and performs transmission control according to a communication protocol for communicating using a communication line. That is, input/output data is assembled into a message block of an appropriate length, message identification control codes such as headers and trailers, and error check codes are added, and the data is transferred to a communication line, and the message transmission confirmation (ACK) of the communication line is performed. and restoration. If the communication line is a carrier line, a modem (MODEM) is required, and if it is an aperiodic line, start bits 1 to 1 and stop bits are added.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the information input/output device 22. As shown in FIG.

In the figure, 60 is a controller as a search means, and when the examination number @ (recorded image identification information) is input from the storage/reproduction device 21, it searches the magnetic disk 61 as a storage means in which a database is stored. A function has been added to send back relevant patient information and removal information.

62 is a communication interface, which corresponds to 5 in FIG.
It has the same function as that shown in 6.

A card reader 63 reads the contents of the ID card in which patient information is recorded.

Reference numeral 64 denotes a keyboard, which is used to input information regarding the pattern (image related information) and inspection number (recorded image identification information). Note that in hospitals where patient information is not recorded in the card reader, patient information is also input from the keyboard 64.

65 is a CRT, a card reader 63 and a keyboard 6
Display to confirm the information entered in step 4. Reference numeral 66 denotes a printer, which issues a label for imprinting an examination number etc. on the X-ray imaging device and prints various statistical data.

The functions and effects of the apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be explained together with an explanation of its operation.

Here, at the reception desk of a large-scale hospital, information regarding the visiting patient is input and an ID card is issued. In large hospitals, such reception desks are often spread across each department.

By the way, in the hospital mentioned above, in the department where an X-ray pupil imaging device is installed, which is generally called the central radiology department,
The information detection saw device is installed, and the contents of the ID card brought by the patient are read by a card reader, and information regarding the imitation form written in the medical records from each department is input from the keyboard. Here, we will further explain the X-ray tube voltage/current, irradiation time, film size, number of irradiations,
Dark shadow conditions such as examination number are input. Various types of information input at this reception are stored as a database on the information input/output magnetic disk.

First, for example, when a patient comes to the reception desk of the central radiology department with an ID card and medical record, the operator uses the card reader 63
After reading the ID card on which patient information is recorded, the patient then operates the keyboard 64 to input information regarding the imitation form and the examination number written in the medical record. In this way, the recorded image identification information and the image related information corresponding thereto are stored in advance.

The inputted various information is filed in the database of the magnetic disk 61, and the printer 66 outputs a label on which recorded image identification information, such as an examination number, is printed to be inserted into the imaging device of the X-ray ophthalmoscope. See Figure 5 above.

Next, the X-ray technician inserts the label into an imprinting device to imitate the patient under predetermined shadow conditions, and then places the X-ray film into an automatic developing device. After this development is completed, the X-ray film is set in the image reading device 20.

In the image reading unit @ 20 , before reading the recorded image, the character reading unit 38 determines the examination number (recorded image identification information) printed on the X-ray film and sends it to the storage/reproduction device 21 through the interface 39 .

The storage/reproduction device 21 sends the received inspection number (recorded image identification information) to the information input/output device 22 via the communication interface 56 .

Controller 60 as a search means for information input/output device 22
When the examination number @ (recorded image identification information) is sent, it searches the database on the magnetic disk 61 for the corresponding patient information and information on the i-shape (image-related information), and records it through the communication interface 62. It is sent back to the playback device 21.

The controller 50 of the storage/reproduction device 21 transfers various information returned from the information input/output device 22 and image data (recorded image information) sent from the reading section 2j20 to the optical disc 5.
File in 3. In this way, when a doctor operates the keyboard 55 for diagnosis and enters a number unique to the patient, such as an examination number, image-related information is displayed on the CRT 54 along with the corresponding stored image information. .

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, it is possible to save the operator the trouble of inputting a huge amount of information from the keyboard after setting the X-ray film to be read, which is prone to erroneous operation. Furthermore, when an autoloader is attached that can automatically feed X-ray films one after another to the image reading device, the utilization efficiency of the device can be further improved dramatically. Furthermore, it is possible to efficiently read images on a roll film on which recorded images are continuously printed, which was previously impossible to read.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be used with various modifications.

For example, in the present invention, the keyboard 55 and CRT 54 operated by a doctor for diagnosis are connected to the storage/reproduction device 21.
These devices may be connected to the information input/output device 22 and the optical disc 53 may be referenced through a communication line.

Roughly speaking, if an optical disk 53 filled with image information, a keyboard 55 and a CRT 54 operated by a doctor are collectively configured as an input/output terminal device, and this is installed in the diagnostic room of each department, it will be convenient for the doctor. becomes more convenient.

In this case, the doctor does not need to go to the central radiology department mentioned above to view the images, but only needs to operate the keyboard of the input/output terminal device in his/her examination room. Generally speaking, when changing optical discs by placing them in the examination room, the optical disc can be removed from the autochanger, placed on a shelf, and the nurse or manager of the department can transfer the optical disc from the shelf to the autochange V. It turns out. In other words, instead of contacting the Central Radiology Department and requesting the above operations, the department to which they belong can do it.

By the way, the number of images that can be filed on one optical disk is 450, assuming that the size of one image is 8M bits as mentioned above, and the capacity of the optical disk is 3.6 card reader pits. Replacing optical discs is a frequently occurring task.

In this case, the storage/reproduction device 21 analyzes the patient information sent from the information input/output device 22, determines the department to which the patient belongs, and stores the information and image data in the corresponding department. All you have to do is change the configuration to send it to the optical disk of the input/output terminal.

Since the input/output terminal devices provided in each department are connected via a storage/reproduction device, image data of patients in other departments can also be viewed by operating the keyboard.

[Effects of the Invention] As detailed above, according to the present invention, since the image information to be stored and the image-related information are stored in correspondence with each other in advance, accurate and quick image processing can be performed. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an image processing device that can improve the operating rate of the device.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

@Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of the configuration of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a detailed block diagram of the reading device, Figure 3 is a block diagram of the determination means, and Figure 4 is a block diagram of the storage/reproduction device. 5 is a block diagram of the configuration of the information input/output device,
FIG. 6 is a configuration block diagram of a conventional image information processing device, and FIG. 7(a). (b) is an explanatory diagram of the reading device. 16... Image recording medium, 20... Image reading device, 21... Storage playback device,
22... Information input/output device, 38... Discrimination means, 60
...Search means, 61...Storage means.

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) In an image information processing device that includes an image reading device that reads a recorded image on an image recording medium as image information by irradiating light, and a storage device that stores the read image information, the recorded image is an image reading device comprising a storage means storing a database consisting of related image-related information; a discrimination means for discriminating recorded image identification information recorded on an image recording medium; 1. An image information processing apparatus, comprising: a search means for searching, and storing and controlling this image-related information together with the image information. (2) The image information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the image reading device has a function of displaying recorded image identification information of an image storage medium.