JP2001190533A - Medical image pickup method, medical image pickup apparatus, medical apparatus, medical image handling method, and medical image handling device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow the use only by an operator registered in advance and to confirm the operator using the devices actually. SOLUTION: These devices are provided with an input means 27 reading specific individual information from at least a part of an operator's body, a recognition means 28 recognizing the operator based on the specific individual information, and a control means 11 for transferring to imaging motion when the operator recognized by the recognition means is registered in advance.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for photographing or handling a medical image of a subject (patient), and more particularly to a medical image photographing method which can be controlled according to an operator, a medical image photographing apparatus, a medical apparatus, and the like. The present invention relates to a medical image handling method and a medical image handling device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Radiation images using X-rays and the like are widely used as medical images for diagnosing diseases. In order to obtain this radiation image, X-rays transmitted through the subject were irradiated on a phosphor layer (fluorescent screen), thereby generating visible light, and using the visible light as a silver salt as in a normal photograph. So-called radiographs, which have been developed by irradiating a film, have been widely used.

However, in recent years, a method has been devised for directly taking out an image from a phosphor layer without using a film coated with a silver salt. This includes:
The radiation transmitted through the subject is absorbed by the phosphor, and then the phosphor is excited by, for example, light or heat energy to emit the radiation energy accumulated by the absorption as the fluorescence, and the There is a method of obtaining an image signal by photoelectrically converting fluorescence.

Specifically, for example, US Pat. No. 3,859,527 and JP-A-55-12144 disclose a radiation image conversion method using a stimulable phosphor and using visible light or infrared light as stimulating excitation light. ing. This method uses a radiation image conversion panel having a stimulable phosphor layer formed on a support,
The stimulable phosphor layer of the conversion panel is irradiated with radiation that has passed through the subject, and the radiation energy corresponding to the radiation transmittance of each part of the subject is accumulated to form a latent image. By scanning with stimulating excitation light, accumulated radiation energy is emitted and converted into light, and this optical signal is photoelectrically converted to obtain a radiation image signal.

The radiation image signal thus obtained is output as it is or subjected to image processing to a silver halide film, a CRT or the like to be visualized, or is filed in an electronic filing device.

[0006] Here, the medical image includes not only an X-ray image, but also an ultrasonic image, an optical image, and the like, and refers to all images used for medical diagnosis.

[0007]

However, there is a case where it is necessary to confirm later who has performed photographing, image processing, printing, etc. of a medical image.

As a measure against such a case, the user name is input by various input devices such as a keyboard and a pen input device at the time of photographing, or is selected from a group of names which can be photographed in advance or the entire medical image handler is inputted. And so on.

[0009] However, inputting a user name is troublesome and time-consuming. It was also possible to enter or select the name of another person. It is to be noted that not only the name of another person is intentionally input but also an erroneous input may occur.

For this reason, it is not impossible for a person who is not registered in advance to use the apparatus even in a medical image photographing apparatus in which only a predetermined authorized person can operate the apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and can be used only by a pre-registered operator, and is capable of confirming the operator actually used. Image capturing method, medical image capturing device, medical device,
It is an object to realize a medical image handling method and a medical image handling apparatus.

[0012]

The present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is as follows.

In the specification of the present application, "handling"
Is a broad concept including various types of reading, photographing, image processing, and the like.

(1) According to the first aspect of the present invention, an operator is recognized by reading personal identification information from at least a part of the body of the operator, and photographing is performed when the recognized operator is registered in advance. This is a medical image photographing method characterized by shifting to operation.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a recognition means for recognizing the operator by reading personal identification information from at least a part of the body of the operator, and the operator recognized by the recognition means is registered in advance. And a control unit that shifts to a photographing operation when there is a medical image photographing apparatus.

According to the present invention, when the recognized operator is registered in advance, the operation can be shifted to the photographing operation. For this reason, it is possible to photograph a medical image only to an operator who has been registered in advance.

(2) The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the personal identification information is at least one of fingerprint information, palm print information, voice print information, iris pattern information, fundus pattern information, and face pattern information. The medical image capturing method according to claim 1, wherein

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the personal identification information includes fingerprint information, palm print information, voice print information, iris pattern information,
The medical image photographing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the medical image photographing apparatus is at least one of fundus pattern information and face pattern information.

According to the present invention, only an operator registered by at least one of fingerprint information, palm print information, voice print information, iris pattern information, fundus pattern information, and face pattern information can shift to the photographing operation. For this reason, only an operator who has been registered in advance can reliably capture a medical image.

(3) The invention according to claim 3 is to recognize the operator by reading the personal identification information included in the information of the identification body possessed by the operator in a non-contact state, and recognize the recognized operator. The method shifts to an imaging operation when is registered in advance, and is a medical image imaging method.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided recognition means for recognizing an operator by reading in a non-contact state personal identification information included in information of an identification body possessed by the operator, and recognition by the recognition means. And control means for shifting to an imaging operation when the registered operator is registered in advance.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reading means for reading, in a non-contact state, personal identification information included in the information of the identification body possessed by the operator, and the personal identification information read by the reading means being read in advance. A medical image photographing apparatus, comprising: collating means for collating registered operator information; and control means for shifting to a photographing operation when the collation result matches by the collating means.

According to the present invention, when an operator who has an identification object and is recognized is registered in advance, the operation can be shifted to a photographing operation. For this reason, it is possible to photograph a medical image only to an operator who has been registered in advance.
Further, since recognition is performed in a non-contact manner, an input operation for recognition is not required.

(4) According to the invention described in claim 8, the recognition means for recognizing the operator by reading personal identification information from at least a part of the body of the operator, and the operator recognized by the recognition means is provided in advance. And a control unit for permitting an operation when the medical device is registered.

According to the present invention, the recognized operator can perform various operations of the medical apparatus when the operator is registered in advance. Therefore, only an operator who has been registered in advance can operate the apparatus (photographing, image processing, printing, etc.).

(5) The invention according to claim 9, wherein the personal identification information is at least one of fingerprint information, palmprint information, voiceprint information, iris pattern information, fundus pattern information, and face pattern information. The medical device according to claim 8, wherein

According to the present invention, only an operator registered by at least one of fingerprint information, palm print information, voice print information, iris pattern information, fundus pattern information, or face pattern information can perform various operations of the medical apparatus. it can.
Therefore, only an operator who has been registered in advance can operate the apparatus (photographing, image processing, printing, etc.).

(6) According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, a recognition means for recognizing an operator by reading in a non-contact state personal identification information included in information of an identification body possessed by the operator, and the recognition means. Control means for permitting operation when the operator recognized by the means is registered in advance.

According to the present invention, various operations of the medical apparatus can be performed when an operator who has an identification body and is recognized is registered in advance. Therefore, only an operator who has been registered in advance can operate the apparatus (photographing, image processing, printing, etc.). Further, since recognition is performed in a non-contact manner, an input operation for recognition is not required.

(7) The medical image handling method according to the eleventh aspect is a medical image handling method, wherein the operator is recognized by reading personal identification information from at least a part of the body of the operator, and the recognized operator is related. A medical image handling method characterized in that information is stored in association with image data.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medical image handling apparatus, comprising: recognition means for recognizing an operator by reading personal identification information from at least a part of the body of the operator; A control unit for storing information in a storage unit in correspondence with the image data.

In the present invention, the information of the recognized operator is stored in correspondence with the image data. For this reason, it is possible to record and confirm information of the operators (photographers, image processors, print operators) who actually handled the images.

(8) The invention according to claim 12, wherein the personal identification information is at least one of fingerprint information, palmprint information, voiceprint information, iris pattern information, fundus pattern information, and face pattern information. The medical image handling method according to claim 11, wherein

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the personal identification information is at least one of fingerprint information, palm print information, voice print information, iris pattern information, fundus pattern information, and face pattern information. Item 15. The medical image handling device according to Item 14.

According to the present invention, for an operator registered by at least one of fingerprint information, palm print information, voice print information, iris pattern information, fundus pattern information, or face pattern information, an operator who actually handled an image ( Record the information of the photographer, image processor, print operator)
It will be possible to confirm.

(9) The invention according to claim 13 is a method for handling medical images, wherein the operator reads out, in a non-contact state, personal identification information included in the information of the identification body possessed by the operator, thereby allowing the operator to read the information. A medical image handling method characterized by recognizing and storing information on the recognized operator in association with image data.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medical image handling apparatus, comprising: a recognition device for recognizing an operator by reading, in a non-contact state, personal identification information included in information of an identification body possessed by the operator. A medical image handling apparatus, comprising: a control unit configured to store information on a recognized operator in a storage unit in association with image data.

In the present invention, the information of the recognized operator is stored in correspondence with the image data. For this reason, it is possible to record and confirm information of the operators (photographers, image processors, print operators) who actually handled the images. Further, since the recognition of the operator is performed in a non-contact manner, an input operation for recognition is not required.

(10) An invention according to claim 17 is a medical image handling apparatus for handling a medical image, wherein the operator reads the personal identification information included in the information of the identification body possessed by the operator to identify the operator. A control for associating the recognition means with the personal identification information of the operator with the handled image data, and storing at least one of information on a handling time, a handling place, and a handling device in the storage means in association with the image data. And a medical image handling apparatus.

According to the present invention, the operator recognizes the operator by reading the personal identification information included in the information of the identification body possessed by the operator, associates the operator's personal identification information with the handled image data, At least one of the information on the handling time, the handling location, and the handling device is stored in the storage unit in association with the image data.

For this reason, it is possible to record and confirm the information of the operator who actually handled the image.

It is desirable that the correspondence between the personal identification information of the operator and the image data is stored by performing the same digital watermark information or encryption.

It is also desirable that encrypted personal identification information obtained by encrypting the personal identification information of the operator be written in a part of the handled image data.

(11) The invention according to claim 20 is a medical image handling apparatus for handling medical images, wherein the operator is recognized by reading personal identification information from at least a part of the body of the operator, and the operator is recognized. Identifying whether or not the handling of the device is permitted for the operator who has performed the operation, and permitting / non-permitting the operation of the device. If the operation is not permitted, a record to that effect is recorded and reported. Medical image handling apparatus.

According to the present invention, the operator is recognized, whether or not the recognized operator is permitted to handle the device is identified to permit / disallow the operation of the device. In the case of, a record to that effect is left and annunciated.

Therefore, only a person who is really authorized is allowed to operate the apparatus, and other persons are prevented from operating.

(12) The invention according to claim 21, wherein the result of the correspondence between the personal identification information of the operator and the image data is output as a hard copy.
Alternatively, a medical image handling apparatus according to claim 17.

According to the present invention, since the result of the correspondence between the operator's personal identification information and the image data is output as a hard copy, only a person who is really permitted to operate the apparatus is permitted. The operation of the other person is prevented, and the record is securely left.

[0049]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of the medical image capturing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described, and then the operation of the medical image capturing apparatus will be described, and further, the image processing will be described in detail.

<Structure of medical image photographing apparatus>
A medical image capturing apparatus using radiation is used as a specific example. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of the medical image capturing apparatus. The radiation generator 30 is the controller 10
The radiation emitted from the radiation generator 30 is controlled by the radiation image reader 40 through the subject 5.
Is irradiated on the imaging panel 41 mounted on the front surface of the camera.

The imaging panel 41 is a radiation-to-electric conversion element, but may be of a type that uses a conventional stimulable phosphor to read with a laser beam, or a reading unit that uses another method. Good.

Here, the radiation image reader 40 shown in FIG.
Will be described. The imaging panel 41 has a substrate having a thickness enough to obtain a predetermined rigidity, and a detection element 412 that outputs an electric signal in accordance with the dose of the irradiated radiation is provided on the substrate.
-(1,1) to 412- (m, n) are two-dimensionally arranged in a matrix. Also, the scanning lines 415-1 to 415-m and the signal lines 41
6-1 to 416-n are arranged, for example, orthogonally.

The scanning lines 415-1 to 415 of the imaging panel 41
-m is connected to the scanning drive unit 44. Scan driver 4
4 to one of the scanning lines 415-1 to 415-m.
When the readout signal RS is supplied to 15-p (p is any value of 1 to m), the electric signal SV corresponding to the dose of the radiation emitted from the detection element connected to the scanning line 415-p. -1 to
SV-n is output and supplied to the image data generation circuit 46 via the signal lines 416-1 to 416-n.

The detecting element 412 may be any element that outputs an electric signal corresponding to the dose of the irradiated radiation.
For example, when a detection element is formed using a photoconductive layer in which an electron-hole pair is generated upon irradiation with radiation and the resistance value changes, the amount of radiation generated in the photoconductive layer depends on the amount of radiation generated in the photoconductive layer. Amount of charge is stored in the charge storage capacitor,
The charge stored in the charge storage capacitor is supplied to the image data generation circuit 46 as an electric signal. It is preferable that the photoconductive layer has a high dark resistance value, such as amorphous selenium, lead oxide, cadmium sulfide, mercuric iodide, or a photoconductive organic material (a photoconductive layer to which an X-ray absorbing compound is added). And the like, and amorphous selenium is particularly desirable.

When the detection element 412 is formed using, for example, a scintillator or the like that generates fluorescence when irradiated with radiation, a photodiode generates an electric signal based on the intensity of the fluorescence generated by the scintillator. It may be supplied to the image data generation circuit 46.

The image data generation circuit 46 sequentially selects the supplied electric signals SV based on an output control signal SC from a read control circuit 48 to be described later, and converts them into digital image data DT. The image data DT is supplied to the reading control circuit 48.

The reading control circuit 48 is connected to the controller 10, and based on the control signal CTD supplied from the controller 10, the scanning control signal RC and the output control signal S
Generate C. The scanning control signal RC is used as the scanning driving unit 44.
And the scanning line 415 based on the scanning control signal RC.
The read signal RS is supplied to -1 to 415-m.

The output control signal SC is supplied to the image data generation circuit 46. For example, when the imaging panel 41 is composed of (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 48, the detection elements 412- (1,
If data based on the electric signal SV from (1) to 412- (m, n) are data DP (1,1) to DP (m, n), data DP (1,
1), DP (1,2),... DP (1, n), DP (2,1),.
Image data DT is generated in the order of P (m, n), and the image data DT is supplied from the image data generation circuit 46 to the reading control circuit 48. In the read control circuit 48,
A process of transmitting the image data DT to the controller 10 is also performed.

The image data DT obtained by the radiation image reader 40 is sent to the controller 10 via the reading control circuit 48.
Supplied to When the image data obtained by the radiation image reader 40 is supplied to the controller 10 and the image data subjected to the logarithmic conversion process is supplied, the controller 1
0 can be easily processed.

In FIG. 1, the CPU 11 for controlling the operation of the controller 10 includes a system bus 1.
2 and the image bus 13 and the input interface 17 are connected. The operation of the CPU 11 for controlling the operation of the controller 10 is controlled based on a control program stored in the memory 14.

The system bus 12 and the image bus 13 are connected to a display controller 15, a frame memory controller 16, an output interface 18, a photographing controller 19, a disk controller 20, and the like. CPU1
The operation of each unit is controlled by the image bus 1 and the image bus 1
The transfer of image data between the respective units is performed via the interface 3.

A frame memory 21 is connected to the frame memory control unit 16, and image data obtained by the radiation image reader 40 is stored via the imaging control unit 19 and the frame memory control unit 16. The image data stored in the frame memory 21 is read and supplied to the display control unit 15 and the disk control unit 20. The frame memory 21 may store the image data supplied from the radiation image reader 40 after the CPU 11 processes the image data.

The display control unit 15 is connected to the image display device 22, and displays a radiographic image based on the image data supplied to the display control unit 15 on the screen of the image display device 22. Here, when the number of display pixels of the image display device 22 is smaller than the number of pixels of the radiation image reader 40,
By thinning out and reading out the image data, the entire captured image can be displayed on the screen. In addition, if the image data of the area corresponding to the number of display pixels of the image display device 22 is read out, the captured image at the desired position can be displayed in detail.

From the frame memory 21 to the disk controller 2
When the image data is supplied to the disk controller 20, for example, the image data is read continuously and the FI
The data is written to the FO memory and then sequentially stored in the disk drive 23
Will be recorded.

Further, the image data read from the frame memory 21 and the image data read from the disk device 23 are transmitted to the external device 1 via the output interface 18.
00 can also be supplied.

In the image processing section 26, the radiation image reader 4
0 to the image data D supplied via the photographing control unit 19
The irradiation field recognition processing of T, the region of interest setting, the normalization processing and the gradation processing, and the quality judgment processing of these processings are performed. Further, frequency emphasis processing, dynamic range compression processing, and the like may be performed. It should be noted that the image processing unit 26 may be configured to also serve as the CPU 11, and may perform image processing or the like.

Accordingly, the image processing section 26 includes an area setting means for determining the ROI, an image processing condition setting means, an image area good / bad judgment means, an input image good / bad judgment means, an image processing means good / bad judgment means, and an image processing means. Changing means.

The input interface 17 is connected to an input device 27 such as a keyboard. By operating the input device 27, management information such as information for identifying image data obtained by shooting and information on shooting is input. The input device 27 includes a keyboard and a touch panel, but preferably includes input means such as a touch panel and a CCD camera for the recognition of an operator described later.

As the external device 100 connected to the output interface 18, a scanning laser exposure device also called a laser imager is used. In this scanning laser exposure apparatus, the intensity of a laser beam is modulated by image data, exposed to a conventional silver halide photographic material or a thermal phenomenon silver halide photographic material, and then subjected to an appropriate development process to thereby obtain a radiation image. A hard copy is obtained.

Although the frame memory 21 stores the image data supplied from the radiation image reader 40, the image data supplied may be processed by the CPU 11 and then stored. Further, the disk device 23 stores image data stored in the frame memory 21, that is, image data supplied from the radiation image reader 40 and image data obtained by processing the image data by the CPU 11 together with management information and the like. be able to.

Reference numeral 42 denotes a motion sensor which is provided near the radiation image reader 40 and detects the motion of the subject 5. The detection result of the motion sensor 42 is
Is transmitted to

Reference numeral 28 denotes a recognition processing unit as recognition means or collation means for recognizing whether or not an operator is registered in advance by referring to personal identification information from the input device 27.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the appearance of the apparatus of the present embodiment. In FIG. 3, a means is provided for recognizing the operator by reading personal identification information (information capable of identifying the individual operator) from at least a part of the body of the operator (operator). This figure 3
In the example shown in FIG.
1a, a fingerprint or a palm print can be input and recognized. The camera 21b is configured to be able to input and recognize a fundus pattern, an iris pattern, or a face pattern. In addition, it is possible to input / recognize a voiceprint using a microphone not shown.

The personal identification information includes fingerprint information, palm print information,
A device that reads at least one of voiceprint information, iris pattern information, fundus pattern information, or face pattern information with a camera or a touch panel (see FIG. 3), and an identification object (badge, card, name tag, etc.) possessed by an operator. The personal identification information included in the information is read using a magnetic reader or the like (not shown in FIG. 3), and the personal identification information included in the information of the identification body possessed by the operator is transmitted by radio wave or light. A device that reads in a non-contact state by using such a method (not shown in FIG. 3).

That is, the touch panel 21a and the camera 2
1b, personal identification information such as fingerprint information, and personal identification information via a radio wave from an identifier received by an antenna (not shown) are sent to the recognition processing unit 26 via the input interface 17, It is recognized whether or not the operator is a registered operator.

<Operation of Medical Imaging Apparatus> The operation of the medical imaging apparatus having the above configuration will be described.

First, when the apparatus is introduced, an operator (operator) is registered in advance.

In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, personal identification information such as a fingerprint or a palm print is displayed on the touch panel 2 for all the operators who intend to use the apparatus.
1a, and stored in the memory 14 by the CPU 11 (S1, S2 in FIG. 4). In this case, the CPU 11 stores the personal identification information in the memory 14 as an operator registration list in a state where the information is associated with the operator's name, access right, and the like.

The touch panel 21a is used for inputting various operations during normal use, but operates as a fingerprint or palm print input means as a whole during operator registration. Further, it is also possible to input a fundus pattern, an iris pattern, or a face pattern using the camera 21b. Further, it is possible to input a voiceprint using a microphone not shown.

When using the personal identification information included in the information of the identification body possessed by the operator, the personal identification information issued from the identification body of the operator is read in advance.
The personal identification information is stored in the memory 14.

The registration of the operator is performed not only when the apparatus is installed but also before the operation when a new operator occurs.

Then, after the registration of the operator is completed, use such as actual photographing is started. At the start of use, an operator (operator) 1 inputs personal identification information according to a personal identification information input method defined for each device. For example, in a device that uses and matches a fingerprint or palm print as personal identification information, as shown in FIG. 3, the operator 1 places a palm on the touch panel 21a.

The fingerprint or palm print data input from the touch panel 21a (S1 in FIG. 5) is
The PU 11 sends it to the recognition processing unit 28. The recognition processing unit 28 compares the input fingerprint or palm print data with the data of the already registered operator registration list, and performs recognition processing and collation processing as to whether there is a match (S2 in FIG. 5). .

When the recognition processing unit 28 finds data that matches the operator registration list, the CPU 11 starts normal operation of the apparatus according to the operation program (FIG. 5S).
3). If no data matching the operator registration list is found by the recognition processing unit 28, the CPU 11 does not start (stops) the normal operation of the apparatus, and also deletes the input fingerprint or palm print data from the inoperable person list. (S4 in FIG. 5). In this case, since it is determined that the use is unauthorized, it is desirable that history information such as the time at that time is also recorded in the memory 14.

Even when personal identification information other than fingerprints and palm prints is used, the input and recognition processes are performed in the same manner.
Controls start / stop of device operation.

When the operator 1 is recognized as a previously registered operator, the normal operation described below is started. In this case as well, it is desirable to record history information such as the name and time of the operator performing the operation in the memory 14 (S5 in FIG. 5).

When obtaining a radiation image of the subject 5, the radiation generator 30 and the imaging panel 41 of the radiation image reader 40 are used.
The radiation emitted from the radiation generator 30 is applied to the object 5, and the radiation transmitted through the object 5 is incident on the imaging panel 41.

The controller 10 is inputted with management information indicating the identification of the subject 5 to be photographed and information relating to the photographing using the input device 27. The management information includes, for example, an ID number, a name, a date of birth, gender, date and time of imaging, an imaging site and an imaging position (for example, which part of the human body was irradiated with radiation from which direction), and an imaging method (simple imaging, imaging) Imaging, tomography, magnified imaging, etc., imaging conditions (tube voltage,
Tube current, irradiation time, use of scattered radiation removal grid, etc.).

The date and time of photographing can be obtained automatically from the CPU 11 by using a clock function built in the CPU 11. The management information to be input may be only information relating to the subject to be imaged at that time, and a series of management information may be input in advance, and the subject may be imaged in the input order or may be input as necessary. The management information may be read and used.

When the power switch of the radiation image reader 40 is turned on, the control signal C
Read control circuit 4 of radiation image reader 40 based on TD
The scan panel 44 initializes the imaging panel 41. This initialization is for obtaining a correct electric signal corresponding to the radiation dose emitted from the imaging panel 41.

Imaging panel 41 in radiation image reader 40
Is completed, irradiation of radiation from the radiation generator 30 is enabled.

Here, when a switch (not shown) for irradiating radiation is operated, at the moment when it is determined by the motion sensor 42 and the motion judging section 28 that the motion of the subject 5 is stopped. Then, radiation is irradiated from the radiation generator 30 toward the subject 5 for a predetermined time. Along with the irradiation of the radiation, a signal DFS indicating the start of the irradiation and a signal DFE indicating the end of the irradiation are supplied to the controller 10.

Therefore, immediately after the switch (not shown) for irradiating the radiation is operated, the CPU 11
The irradiation of the radiation is instructed to the radiation generator 30.

Then, at the time of this radiation irradiation, the radiation dose of the radiation irradiated on the imaging panel 41 of the radiation image reader 40 is modulated by the subject 5 because the degree of the radiation absorption by the subject 5 is different. . Imaging panel 41
The detection elements 412- (1,1) to 412- (m, n)
Generates an electrical signal based on the modulated radiation.

Next, in the controller 10, the signal DFS
Is supplied for a predetermined time, for example, when the irradiation time of the radiation is about 0.1 second, a time longer than the irradiation time (for example, about 1 second) or the signal DF
Immediately after the supply of E, the control signal CTD is supplied to the reading control circuit 48 of the radiation image reader 40 so that the radiation image reader 40 starts generating the image data DT.

On the other hand, when a switch for irradiating radiation is provided in the controller 10, when this switch is operated, an irradiation start signal CST for starting irradiation of radiation is transmitted via the imaging control unit 19. The radiation is supplied to the radiation generator 30, and the radiation is irradiated from the radiation generator 30 toward the subject 5 for a predetermined time. This irradiation time is set based on, for example, management information.

Next, the controller 10 outputs a control signal CT for starting the generation of image data in the radiation image reader 40 a predetermined time after outputting the irradiation start signal CST.
D is supplied to the reading control circuit 48 of the radiation image reader 40. Note that the controller 10 detects the end of radiation irradiation by the radiation generator 30 and then controls the radiation image reader 40 to start the generation of image data by the control signal CT.
D may be supplied to the radiation image reader 40. In this case, generation of image data during irradiation of radiation can be prevented.

Reading control circuit 48 of radiation image reader 40
In, the scanning control signal RC and the output control signal SC are generated based on the control signal CTD for starting the generation of the image data supplied from the controller 10. The scan control signal RC is supplied to the scan driver 44, and the output control signal SC is supplied to the image data generation circuit 46. The image data DT obtained from the image data generation circuit 46 is supplied to the read control circuit 48. You. This image data DT is
It is sent to the controller 10 by the reading control circuit 48.

The image data DT supplied to the controller 10 is stored in the frame memory 21 via the photographing control unit 19, the frame memory control unit 16 and the like. When storing the image data DT, it is also desirable to store information on the recognized operator in association with the image data DT.

Using the image data stored in the frame memory 21, a radiographic image can be displayed on the image display device 22. Further, the image data stored in the frame memory 21 is processed by the image processing unit 26 and supplied to the display control unit 15, and the image data on which the image processing has been performed is stored in the frame memory 21. By supplying the image data stored in the display control unit 15 to the display control unit 15, the brightness, contrast, sharpness, and the like are adjusted, and a radiation image suitable for diagnosis or the like can be displayed. In addition, by supplying the image data subjected to the image processing to the external device 100, a hard copy of a radiation image suitable for diagnosis or the like can be obtained.

Note that the image processing section 26 can always obtain a stable radiation image even when the level distribution of the image data output from the imaging panel 41 fluctuates due to the difference in radiation dose. Normalization processing of the image data DT is performed. Further, even if the level distribution of the image data fluctuates, the gradation processing is performed on the normalized image data DTreg which is the image data after the normalization processing in order to obtain a radiation image having a density and contrast suitable for diagnosis and the like. Done. Further, in the image processing unit 26, the normalized image data D
Frequency enhancement processing for controlling the sharpness of a normalized radiographic image with respect to Treg, and for keeping the entire radiographic image with a wide dynamic range within an easily viewable density range without deteriorating the contrast of fine structural parts of the subject. A dynamic range compression process may be performed.

As described above, in this embodiment, the operation can be shifted to the photographing operation only when the recognized operator is registered in advance. It becomes possible to take a medical image. This makes the whereabouts of responsibility clear. Since input and recognition of personal identification information can be performed very easily, operability is improved. In addition, if an identifier using radio waves or the like is used, the recognition is performed in a non-contact manner, so that an input operation for the recognition becomes unnecessary.

<Second Embodiment> In the above embodiment, image data D
It was a photographing device for exchanging T electrically. On the other hand, using a cassette with a built-in film (radiation-sensitive film or stimulable phosphor sheet)
There is also a radiation image system in which reading is performed by a reading device. In addition, there is a reader that utilizes other physical phenomena such as ultrasonic waves and magnetic resonance.

In such a case, a photographing device, a reading device,
Input means (touch panel 2) for recognizing the operator in each of the image processing apparatuses (collectively referred to as “medical apparatus” or “medical image handling apparatus”)
1a or the camera 21b, or receiving means for receiving radio waves from the discriminator) and recognition means (equivalent to the recognition processing unit 28)
It is possible to permit only a pre-registered operator to use (a variety of handling such as photographing, reading, image processing, and printing).

Further, in this case, it is possible to arrange a memory in any position of the casing of the cassette and record the data of the operator in the memory.

More specifically, when photographing was performed by the photographing device, the name of the operator involved in the photographing, and when reading was performed by the reading device, the name of the operator involved in the reading. • If the image processing device performed the image processing, the name of the operator involved in the image processing. • If the image output (print) device performed the image output, the name of the operator involved in the image output. It is desirable to record the name of the operator (or each person's code, etc.) handled at each stage as a handling history, such as.

Note that the same handling history as that stored in the memory of the cassette may be stored in the memory of each device in association with the image data.

It is also desirable to record not only the operation time and the name of the operator, but also the ID of the apparatus and the medium in accordance with the operation time and the operator's name.

<Third Embodiment> FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a third embodiment of the present invention. Here, a part of a management system in a hospital is shown. Then, it is assumed that two engineers, A engineer and B engineer, who have different handling qualifications (permission levels) operate.

Here, in the operator setting section 501, when it is set that the technician A can operate the equipment 531 and the equipment 532 and the technician B can operate only the equipment 531, the setting is made to the controller 500. The data is stored in the storage unit 511 under the control of the recording unit 510, and is output as a hard copy by the recording unit 512.

When the engineer A attempts to operate either the operation unit 531a or the operation unit 532a, the device 53
The detection results from the sensor 531b for checking one operation, the sensor 532b for checking the operation of the device 532, and the sensor 540 for checking the entry of the operation room 530 are the controller 500.
Is compared with the list of operable persons in the storage unit 511. Then, since the controller 500 recognizes that the technician A can be operated, the operation can be continued for both the device 531 and the device 532. Here, the operation itself and the result are stored in the storage unit 511 and recorded in the recording unit 512 via the controller 500 regarding who performed what, when, where and how.

For the engineer B, the operation room 530
The detection result from the entry check sensor 540 is compared by the controller 500 with a list of operators in the storage unit 511, and entry into the operation room 530 is permitted. Further, when an attempt is made to operate one of the operation unit 531a and the operation unit 532a, the sensor 531 for checking the operation of the device 531 is used.
b, the detection results from the sensor 532b for checking the operation of the device 532 and the sensor 540 for checking the entry into the operation room 530 are compared with the list of operators in the storage unit 511 by the controller 500.

For the engineer B, the controller 500 recognizes that the device 531 is operable but the device 532 is not operable, so that the device 531 becomes operable and the device 532 starts operation. Can not be done. Here, regarding such operations themselves and the results, regarding who performed what, when, where and how,
Via the controller 500, storage in the storage unit 511 and recording in the recording unit 512 are performed.

It is to be noted that a notifying means may be provided in the device 531 or the device 532 to notify the technician that operation is possible / inoperable. In the third embodiment, either a type using a cassette or a type not using a cassette may be used.

<Effects in Each Embodiment> As described above, in each of the above embodiments, only when the recognized operator of the medical device or the medical image handling device is registered in advance. Since it is possible to shift to various handling operations, it is possible to permit only a pre-registered operator to handle medical images. This makes the whereabouts of responsibility clear. Since input and recognition of personal identification information can be performed very easily, operability is improved. In addition, if an identifier using radio waves or the like is used, the recognition is performed in a non-contact manner, so that an input operation for the recognition becomes unnecessary.

[0116]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, only a pre-registered operator can use the apparatus, and the operator who actually used the apparatus can be confirmed. A medical image capturing method, a medical image capturing device, a medical device, a medical image handling method, and a medical image handling device can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a medical image capturing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a radiation image reader according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an external configuration of an apparatus used in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an external configuration of an apparatus used in a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 Controller 26 Image processing unit 28 Recognition processing unit 30 Radiation generator 40 Radiation image reader 41 Imaging panel 44 Scan driver 46 Image data generation circuit 48 Read control circuit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI theme coat ゛ (reference) G06F 15/64 HF term (reference) 2H013 AC20 4C038 FF01 FF05 VA07 VB03 VB04 VB12 VB40 VC05 VC20 4C093 AA05 CA16 CA35 EB12 FA04 FA12 FA49 FA60 5B047 AA17 AA23 BA10 CA01 CB22

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. An operator is recognized by reading personal identification information from at least a part of an operator's body, and the operation shifts to a photographing operation when the recognized operator is registered in advance. Medical image capturing method. 2. The personal identification information includes fingerprint information, palm print information, voice print information, iris pattern information, fundus pattern information,
2. The medical image capturing method according to claim 1, wherein the information is at least one of face pattern information. 3. An operator is recognized by reading, in a non-contact state, personal identification information included in the information of the identification body possessed by the operator, and photographing when the recognized operator is registered in advance. A medical image capturing method, which shifts to an operation. 4. A recognizing means for recognizing an operator by reading personal identification information from at least a part of the body of the operator, and performing a photographing operation when the operator recognized by the recognizing means is registered in advance. A medical image capturing apparatus, comprising: a control unit for performing a shift. 5. The personal identification information includes fingerprint information, palm print information, voice print information, iris pattern information, fundus pattern information,
5. The medical image capturing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the information is at least one of face pattern information. 6. A recognition means for recognizing an operator by reading in a non-contact state personal identification information included in information of an identification body possessed by the operator; A medical image photographing apparatus comprising: a control unit that shifts to a photographing operation when registered. 7. A reading means for reading, in a non-contact state, personal identification information included in information of an identification body possessed by an operator, personal identification information read by said reading means and operator information registered in advance. A medical image photographing apparatus, comprising: a collating means for collating the data; and a control means for shifting to a photographing e-operation when the collation result matches by the collating means. 8. Recognizing means for recognizing an operator by reading personal identification information from at least a part of the body of the operator, and permitting the operation when the operator recognized by the recognizing means is registered in advance. A medical device comprising: 9. The personal identification information includes fingerprint information, palm print information, voice print information, iris pattern information, fundus pattern information,
9. The medical device according to claim 8, wherein the medical device is at least one of face pattern information. 10. A recognizing means for recognizing an operator by reading in a non-contact state personal identification information included in information of an identification object possessed by the operator, and an operator recognized by the recognizing means is provided in advance. A medical device comprising: control means for permitting an operation when registered. 11. A method of handling a medical image, comprising: recognizing an operator by reading personal identification information from at least a part of an operator's body; and correlating information regarding the recognized operator with image data. A medical image handling method characterized by storing. 12. The personal identification information includes fingerprint information, palm print information, voice print information, iris pattern information, fundus pattern information,
12. The medical image handling method according to claim 11, wherein the method is at least one of a face pattern wand. 13. A method for handling a medical image, comprising: a step of reading in a non-contact state personal identification information included in information of an identification body possessed by an operator, recognizing the operator, and recognizing the recognized operator. A method for handling medical images, comprising storing information related to image data. 14. A medical image handling apparatus for handling medical images, comprising: recognition means for recognizing an operator by reading personal identification information from at least a part of the body of the operator; and information about the recognized operator. And a control unit for storing the image data in the storage unit in correspondence with the image data. 15. The personal identification information includes fingerprint information, palm print information, voice print information, iris pattern information, fundus pattern information,
15. The medical image handling apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the information is at least one of face pattern information. 16. A medical image handling apparatus for handling medical images, comprising: recognition means for recognizing an operator by reading, in a non-contact state, personal identification information included in information of an identification body held by the operator; And a control unit for storing information on the recognized operator in a storage unit in association with the image data. 17. A medical image handling apparatus for handling medical images, comprising: recognition means for recognizing an operator by reading personal identification information included in information of an identification body possessed by the operator; Control means for associating personal identification information with the handled image data, and storing at least one of information on a handling time, a handling location, and a handling device in the storage means in association with the image data. Medical image handling device. 18. The medical image handling apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the correspondence between the personal identification information of the operator and the image data is stored by performing the same digital watermark information or encryption. 19. The medical image handling apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the encrypted personal identification information obtained by encrypting the personal identification information of the operator is written in a part of the handled image data. 20. A medical image handling apparatus for handling a medical image, comprising: recognizing an operator by reading personal identification information from at least a part of an operator's body; and handling the apparatus with respect to the recognized operator. A medical image handling apparatus for identifying whether or not the operation is permitted and permitting / non-permitting the operation of the apparatus, and when the operation is not permitted, recording and notifying of the fact to that effect. 21. The medical image handling apparatus according to claim 16, wherein a result of the correspondence between the personal identification information of the operator and the image data is output as a hard copy.