JP2001277483A - Ink jet medical image recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently record a medical image obtained by a various image input modality on a recording medium to meet an object without excess or insufficient image quality, recording speed and cost with small size, power consumption and high degree of freedom of an installing place. SOLUTION: An ink jet medical image recorder 1 records a medical image by discharging an ink. The recorder 1 comprises an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface 20, and a communication control means 21 for receiving medical image information based on a DICOM standard via the internet 20. The recorder 1 records the received medical image in the recording medium M.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink jet medical image recording apparatus for recording a medical image by discharging ink.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, methods for obtaining medical radiation image information without using a radiographic film made of a silver salt photosensitive material have been devised. For example, using an imaging plate mainly composed of a stimulable phosphor, once accumulating a radiation image, extracting it as stimulating light using excitation light,
A radiation image reading device (Computed Radiograph) for obtaining an image signal by photoelectrically converting this light.
phy, hereinafter abbreviated as CR device).

Recently, an apparatus (Fl) for reading radiation image information by combining a radiation phosphor or a radiation photoconductor with a two-dimensional semiconductor detector such as a TFT switching element has been proposed.
at Panel Detector (hereinafter abbreviated as FPD device) has also been proposed.

Further, radiation image input modalities other than simple X-ray photography, such as an X-ray computed tomography apparatus (X-ray CT apparatus) and a magnetic resonance image forming apparatus (MRI apparatus), have become widespread. In addition, there are more and more opportunities to use a plurality of different types of image input modalities that provide medical images, such as an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (US apparatus), an electronic endoscope, and a fundus camera, in a hospital. These image input modalities often provide image information in the form of digital signals.

On the other hand, when diagnosing these medical images, a method of recording image information on a transmission recording medium and / or a reflection recording medium and observing it in a hard copy form is often used. As a medical image recording apparatus that records medical image information on a recording medium, a method of recording an image by laser exposure on a recording medium using a silver halide recording material,
There are provided ones using a heat-sensitive coloring method, a heat-sensitive melting transfer method, and a heat-sensitive sublimation heat transfer method.

[0006]

The above-mentioned image input modalities differ in the specifications such as the number of gradations, the pixel size, the number of pixels, and the image quality depending on the image input method. The image input modality of general X-ray imaging using a stimulable phosphor or a two-dimensional semiconductor detector is a high gradation with a density gradation number of 1024 or more and a pixel size of 200 μm or less in order to detect a fine lesion or a faint lesion. High resolution images can be obtained.

[0007] In an X-ray CT apparatus or an MRI apparatus, a lesion which is detected only as a faint shadow in conventional general X-ray imaging is emphasized and displayed.
About 6 and a pixel size of about 500 μm are sufficient.
On the other hand, it is preferable for diagnosis that the non-subject portion is recorded at a high density.

Generally, images obtained by the above-described image input modalities are recorded on a transparent medium for diagnosis. US
Images of the apparatus, the gastroscope and the fundus camera do not require very high resolution and the number of gradations, but the images of the gastroscope and the fundus camera are required to be recorded in color.

Further, the same image requires different image quality depending on the purpose of use, such as for diagnosis, for preservation, and for reference to medical charts. For example, it is often required to record a human body, which is a subject, at the actual size for diagnosis of a general X-ray photographed image, whereas when the same image is recorded for reference to a medical chart, it is recorded in a reduced size. Is preferred.

A laser imager that exposes and develops a silver halide recording material with a laser beam is capable of recording at a high gradation and high resolution and has a large number of recordings per time. Therefore, a plurality of image input modalities are connected via a network. This is a medical image recording apparatus suitable for intensively recording the image obtained in step (1).

On the other hand, the apparatus becomes large due to the need for a liquid or thermal development process, and it is difficult to disperse the apparatus because it requires water distribution facilities and large-capacity power distribution facilities. Is complicated and the equipment cost is high, the cost of the photosensitive recording material is high, and it is difficult to replace the recording material easily because the photosensitive recording material is used. There was a problem.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and records medical images obtained by various image input modalities efficiently on a recording medium suitable for the purpose without excess or deficiency of image quality, recording speed, and cost. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink jet medical image recording apparatus which is small, consumes little power, and has a high degree of freedom in installation location.

[0013]

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the present invention has the following constitution.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink-jet medical image recording apparatus for recording a medical image by discharging ink, comprising: an Ethernet interface; and medical image information conforming to the DICOM standard via the Ethernet interface. An inkjet medical image recording apparatus comprising: a communication control unit for receiving; and recording the received medical image on a recording medium. ].

According to the first aspect of the present invention, medical image information conforming to the DICOM standard is received via the Ethernet interface, and the received medical image is recorded on a recording medium, so that various image input modalities are received. Can be efficiently recorded without excess or deficiency in image quality, recording speed, and cost, and is small, consumes little power, and has a high degree of freedom in installation location.

The DICOM standard is based on ACR (Americic).
an College of Radiology and NEMA (National Electric)
Manufacturers Associate
n) is digital imaging and communication in medical care (DICO)
M, Digital Imaging and Com
ACR jointly organizing to create standards for communications in Medicine
-A standard created by the NEMA committee.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image input modality based on medical image information conforming to the DICOM standard.
The apparatus has information acquisition means for acquiring at least one of pixel spacing, storage bits, the number of rows in an image, and the number of columns in an image, and sets a recording condition according to the information acquired by the information acquisition means. 2. The ink jet medical image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an image is recorded on a recording medium by changing. ].

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the DI
At least one of image input modality, pixel interval, storage bit, number of rows in an image, and number of columns in an image is acquired from medical image information conforming to the COM standard, and according to the acquired information, By recording an image on a recording medium by changing recording conditions, medical images obtained by various image input modalities can be efficiently recorded on a recording medium suitable for the purpose without excess or deficiency of image quality, recording speed, and cost. .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ink jet medical image recording apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the recording condition is a type of ink to be used. ].

According to the third aspect of the present invention, image data from various input devices can be efficiently recorded without changing the image quality, recording speed, and cost by changing the type of ink used.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ink jet medical image recording apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the recording condition is a distribution table. ].

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, image data from various input devices can be efficiently recorded without changing the image quality, recording speed, and cost by changing the sorting table.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the method according to the second aspect, wherein the recording condition is a pseudo halftone processing method.
3. The inkjet medical image recording apparatus according to item 1. ].

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, image data from various input devices can be efficiently recorded without changing the image quality, recording speed, and cost by changing the pseudo halftone processing method.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ink jet medical image recording apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the recording condition is a type and a size of a recording medium. ].

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, image data from various input devices can be efficiently recorded without changing the image quality, recording speed, and cost by changing the type and size of the recording medium.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ink jet medical image recording apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the recording condition is a magnification. ].

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, image data from various input devices can be efficiently recorded without changing the image quality, recording speed, and cost by changing the magnification.

The invention according to an eighth aspect is directed to an ink jet medical image recording apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the recording condition is a recording density. ].

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the image data from various input devices is changed in image quality by changing the recording density.
Efficient recording is possible without excessive or insufficient recording speed and cost.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus comprising: information acquisition means for acquiring information on a patient from medical image information conforming to the DICOM standard, wherein the information acquired by the information acquisition means is recorded on a recording medium together with image data. The inkjet medical image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the image is recorded on a recording medium. ].

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the DI
By acquiring information about a patient from medical image information conforming to the COM standard and recording the acquired information together with the image data on a recording medium, the recording medium on which the medical image of the patient is recorded can be reliably identified.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the information relating to the patient is at least one of a patient's name, a patient ID, a patient's gender, and a patient's birthday. Inkjet medical image recording apparatus. ].

According to the tenth aspect, the information on the patient is at least one of the name of the patient, the patient ID, the sex of the patient, and the birthday of the patient, and specifies and manages the medical image of the patient. Etc. are easy.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inkjet medical image according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein another interface different in type from the Ethernet interface is combined. Recording device. ].

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, a medical image obtained by various image input modalities is provided with different types of interfaces different from the Ethernet interface in combination with the image quality, recording speed, and cost. In addition to being able to record efficiently without excess or deficiency, it is compact, consumes little power, and has a high degree of freedom in installation location.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus, wherein the another interface is a parallel interface, and has a communication control means for receiving image information from an image input modality by a parallel interface without using a network. The inkjet medical image recording apparatus according to claim 11, wherein ].

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, another interface is a parallel interface, and image information can be simultaneously received from the image input modality by the parallel interface without using a network, and rapid processing can be performed.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus, comprising: "priority determining means for determining a priority for recording image data received via the parallel interface and image data received via the Ethernet interface." The inkjet medical image recording apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: ].

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to determine and record the priority of recording the image data received via the parallel interface and the image data received via the Ethernet interface. .

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inkjet medical image recording apparatus according to the twelfth or thirteenth aspect, wherein the parallel interface is a Centronics interface. ].

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the use of the Centronics interface as the parallel interface reduces the cost.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inkjet medical image recording apparatus according to the twelfth or thirteenth aspect, wherein the parallel interface is a SCSI interface. ].

According to the fifteenth aspect, the SCSI interface (Small Computer System) is used as the parallel interface.
By using the interface, high-speed reception is possible.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication control means for receiving and transmitting various recording and processing conditions of a recording apparatus via the another interface. The inkjet medical image recording apparatus according to any one of the above items. ].

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, various types of recording and processing conditions of the recording apparatus are transmitted and received via another interface, for example, data is updated, and maintenance processing and the like are easily performed. Can be.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inkjet medical image recording apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect, wherein the another interface is a serial interface. ].

According to the seventeenth aspect, another interface is a serial interface, and since the amount of information is relatively small, transmission and reception can be performed with a low-cost interface.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method as described above, wherein various types of recording and processing conditions of the printing apparatus are information on a distribution table, information on the type of ink to be used, information on a pseudo halftone expression method, information on a recording density, 17. The inkjet medical image recording apparatus according to claim 16, comprising at least one of information on a recording medium to be printed. ].

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, various types of printing and processing conditions of the printing apparatus include information on the distribution table, information on the type of ink to be used, information on the pseudo halftone expression method, information on the recording density, The information includes at least one of information on a recording medium to be used, and for example, maintenance processing and the like can be easily performed.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the communication apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the another interface is a video signal input terminal, and has a communication control means for receiving image information from the image input modality through the video signal input terminal without going through a network. The inkjet medical image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein: ].

According to the nineteenth aspect, by receiving image information from an image input modality through a video signal input terminal without passing through a network, medical images obtained by various image input modalities can be obtained. Efficient recording is possible without excess or deficiency in image quality, recording speed, and cost.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, a medical image is formed by using a plurality of recording heads respectively corresponding to three or more kinds of inks of similar colors having different densities, based on an image signal. 20. The inkjet medical image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image is recorded on a recording medium. ].

According to the twentieth aspect, a plurality of recording heads respectively corresponding to three or more kinds of inks of the same color having different densities are used to record a monochrome image having a large number of gradations with high image quality. can do.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium for recording a medical image using a plurality of recording heads corresponding to four or more kinds of inks having mutually different color tones, based on an image signal. 20. The ink-jet medical image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image is recorded on a recording medium. ].

According to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of recording heads respectively corresponding to four or more kinds of inks having different color tones are used, and a color image and a black-and-white image corresponding to various image input modalities are used. Both can be recorded.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, a medical image is recorded on a recording medium by a plurality of recording heads based on image signals using a plurality of recording heads corresponding to a plurality of inks having different color tones. Wherein the plurality of inks include four types of inks of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and the density of black ink is higher than the density of any other color tones. An ink-jet medical image recording apparatus characterized in that the number is one or more. ].

According to the twenty-second aspect of the present invention, the plurality of inks include four types of inks of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and the density number of the black ink is any other color tone. By increasing the number of densities by at least one, the medical image obtained by various image input modalities can be recorded as a color image or a high-gradation high-quality black-and-white image according to the purpose. A suitable record is possible.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ink jet medical image recording apparatus according to the twenty-second aspect, wherein the density number of black ink is two or more greater than the density number of any other color ink. . ].

According to the twenty-third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to print an image having a higher black and white tone, in which the number of densities of black ink is two or more than the number of densities of inks of any other colors. Wear.

[0061]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the ink jet medical image recording apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

The ink jet medical image recording apparatus of this embodiment supplies a pressurized liquid ink to the nozzles of a recording head, and uses a piezo method utilizing the so-called piezo effect of crystals, or a part of the ink. Ink is continuously or intermittently ejected by a so-called bubble jet (registered trademark) method or the like, which generates an ejection force due to the generation of bubbles by giving rapid heat, and images and characters are formed based on applied image information. Is recorded on a recording medium.

Further, even if several black inks having different densities are used as the inks, the three primary colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) or an ink obtained by adding black to the three primary colors are used. May be used. In addition, a so-called solid ink jet, which is solid at normal temperature and becomes liquid by raising the humidity when an image is ejected, may be used.

The black dye used in the ink includes, for example, Direct Black 19, Sulfur Bl
For ack 1 or black pigment, a carbon black dispersion can be used.

The blue dye is Direct Blue 199
And yellow dyes such as Direct Yellow 86. In the case of a solid ink jet, a material in which carbon black or aniline black is dispersed in paraffin may be used.

Next, an ink jet medical image recording apparatus will be described. FIG. 1 is an external view of an ink jet recording apparatus.

The inkjet medical image recording apparatus 1 can form an image having a halftone by attaching ink to a recording medium by an inkjet method. In the inkjet medical image recording apparatus 1, a feeding tray 3 is provided in the apparatus main body 2, for example, in two stages, and one of them, for example, the recording medium M set in the lower feeding tray 3 is fed. The recording medium M on which an image is formed by being sent into the apparatus main body 2
Is taken out onto the discharge unit 4.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the ink jet medical image recording apparatus.

The ink jet medical image recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment is provided with a recording medium transport unit 10, a recording head unit 11, a recording head transport unit 12, and a recording control unit 13.

The recording medium transport means 10 transports the recording medium M in the direction of arrow A based on the recording medium transport signal. The recording head unit 11 is arranged so as to be movable in a direction orthogonal to the recording medium M transport direction.

In this embodiment, the recording head unit 11 is provided with each of the yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) recording heads 11a in one row. These recording heads 11a may be integrated or may be separately provided separately. The recording head transport unit 12 moves the recording head unit in the direction of arrow B based on the head transport signal, and
1a forms an image by ejecting ink onto a recording medium M based on a recording head control signal.

The recording head unit 11 may have a length (line head) longer than the width of the recording medium M, and the recording may be performed while the recording head unit 11 is fixed.

In the ink jet medical image recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the image processing means 14 and the information obtaining means 1
5, priority order determination means 16, recording / processing condition storage means 1
7 are provided.

The ink jet medical image recording apparatus 1
Has an Ethernet interface 20 and communication control means 21 for receiving medical image information conforming to the DICOM standard via the Ethernet interface 20. D via Ethernet interface 20
The medical image information conforming to the ICOM standard is received, image-processed by the image processing unit 14, sent to the recording control unit 13, and the received medical image is recorded on the recording medium M.

The information obtaining means 15 obtains at least one of image input modality, pixel interval, storage bits, number of rows in an image, and number of columns in an image from medical image information conforming to the DICOM standard. And this information acquisition means 1
By recording an image on the recording medium M by changing recording conditions in accordance with the information acquired in step 5, medical images obtained by various image input modalities can be efficiently processed without excess or deficiency in image quality, recording speed, and cost. In addition to being able to record on a recording medium suitable for the purpose, it is small in size, consumes little power, and has a high degree of freedom in installation location. The recording conditions include the type of ink used, a sorting table, a pseudo-halftone processing method, the type and size of the recording medium, the magnification, the recording density, and the like. By changing these recording conditions, image data from various input devices can be used. Can be efficiently recorded without excess or deficiency in image quality, recording speed, and cost.

The information obtaining means 15 obtains information about a patient from medical image information conforming to the DICOM standard, and records the information obtained by the information obtaining means 15 together with image data on a recording medium M. The identification of the recording medium on which the medical image of the patient is recorded is reliable. The information on the patient is at least one of the patient's name, patient ID, patient's gender, and patient's birthday, and it is easy to specify and manage the medical image of the patient.

Further, the inkjet medical image recording apparatus 1
Has another interface different in type from the Ethernet interface 20. Another interface is the parallel interface 22, which is connected to the parallel interface 22 without using a network.
And a communication control unit 23 for receiving image information from the image input modality, and simultaneously receiving image information from the image input modality by the parallel interface 22 without passing through a network, thereby enabling quick processing.

The priority determining means 16 determines the priority for recording the image data received via the parallel interface 22 and the image data received via the Ethernet interface 20. The priority is determined by giving priority to the one that has started reception first, giving priority to the one that has ended reception first, or by determining the order of the received image information.
2 and the image data received via the Ethernet interface 20 can be determined and recorded.

As the parallel interface 22, a Centronics interface can be used, and the cost is low. Further, a SCSI interface can be used as the parallel interface 22,
High-speed reception is possible.

As another interface, a serial interface 24 is used for transmission and reception via the communication control means 25. Since the amount of information is relatively small, transmission and reception can be performed through a low-cost interface.

Various recording and processing conditions of the recording head 11a as the recording device are stored in the recording and processing condition storage means 17, and the communication control means 25 receives various recording and processing conditions of the recording head 11a as the recording device. By transmitting the data, for example, updating the data, etc., maintenance processing and the like can be easily performed.

Various recording and processing conditions of the recording head 11a, which is a recording apparatus, include information on a distribution table, information on the type of ink to be used, information on a pseudo halftone expression method, information on a recording density, and information on a recording medium to be used. Including at least one, for example, maintenance processing can be easily performed.

As another interface, a video signal interface 26 can be used. The video signal interface 26 is a video signal input terminal, and has communication control means 27 for receiving image information from an image input modality through a video signal input terminal without passing through a network. By receiving image information from the image input modality through the terminal, medical images obtained by various image input modalities can be efficiently recorded without excess or deficiency in image quality, recording speed, and cost.

As described above, the parallel interface 22, the serial interface 24, and the video signal interface 26, which are different interfaces from the Ethernet interface 20, are combined so that a single recording apparatus can use various image input modalities. Can be efficiently recorded without excess or deficiency in image quality, recording speed, and cost, and is small, consumes little power, and has a high degree of freedom in installation location.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a recording medium. The recording medium M according to this embodiment is provided on the surface side of the support 30.
At least one ink receiving layer 31 that easily absorbs ink
Have layers. The image is recorded in the ink receiving layer 31. Further, an ink receiving layer may be formed on the back surface of the support 30 to record an image on the back surface.

Although the recording medium M may be transparent or opaque,
When recording and diagnosing monochrome multi-tone medical images such as an X-ray CT apparatus, an MRT apparatus, an FPD apparatus, and a CR apparatus, a transmission type medium is preferable, and a general X-ray such as a CR apparatus or an FPD apparatus is preferable. It is particularly preferable for a captured image.

Next, connection of the ink jet medical image recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment to a network or an image input modality will be described.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a reception 42, a consultation room 43, a pharmacy 44, and a transaction 45 are connected via an in-hospital network 41. This hospital network 41
In addition, the radiology network 51 of the radiology department 50
Is connected. In the radiology department 50, a CR device 52, an FPD device 53,
Image input modalities such as an X-ray CT device 54 and an MRT device 55 are connected.

Further, the radiology network 51 includes:
The inkjet medical image recording device 1 is connected via the Ethernet interface 20, and the CR device 52, F
Medical image information based on DICOM standards obtained from image input modalities such as the PD device 53, the X-ray CT device 54, and the MRT device 55 is transmitted. Further, an FPD device 56 is connected to the inkjet medical image recording apparatus 1 via the parallel interface 22, and image information is transmitted from the FPD device 56. The inkjet medical image recording device 1 records a medical image on the recording medium M based on medical image information conforming to the DICOM standard or image information from the FPD device 53.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, similarly to the embodiment of FIG. 4, a radiology network 51 is connected to the in-hospital network 41, and the inkjet medical image recording apparatus 1 is connected to the radiology network 51. However, the X-ray CT apparatus 54 is provided in the inkjet medical image recording apparatus 1.
Are connected via a video signal interface 26. In the inkjet medical image recording apparatus 1, a DIC
Medical image information or X-ray CT device 5 conforming to the OM standard
The medical image is recorded on the recording medium M based on the image information from Step 4.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, a radiology network 51 is connected to the in-hospital network 41 as in the embodiment of FIG. The inkjet medical image recording apparatus 1 provided in the examination room 43 is connected to the in-hospital network 41 via the Ethernet interface 20, and passes through the in-hospital network 41 and an image input modality connected to the radiology network 51. Can communicate.

In the inkjet medical image recording apparatus 1,
A medical image is recorded on the recording medium M based on medical image information conforming to the DICOM standard, image information from the US device 60, and medical record information from a personal computer (abbreviated as a PC device) 61.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, similarly to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a radiology network 51 is connected to the hospital network 41, and the inkjet medical image recording apparatus 1 is connected to the Ethernet interface 20 via the radiology network 51. Connected via A notebook PC 62 is connected to the inkjet medical image recording apparatus 1 via the serial interface 24. The inkjet medical image recording apparatus 1 records a medical image on the recording medium M based on medical image information conforming to the DICOM standard. In addition, recording and processing conditions are transmitted and received between the inkjet medical image recording device 1 and the notebook PC device 62.

The ink jet medical image recording apparatus 1 uses a plurality of recording heads 11a corresponding to three or more kinds of inks of similar colors having different densities from each other, and uses a plurality of recording heads 11a based on image signals to convert a medical image. When configured to record on the recording medium M, a monochrome image having a large number of gradations can be recorded with high image quality. Further, when a plurality of recording heads 11a corresponding to one or more kinds of inks having different color tones are used, and a plurality of recording heads 11a are used to record a medical image on the recording medium M based on an image signal, various configurations are possible. Both color images and black-and-white images can be recorded in accordance with various image input modalities.

Further, using a plurality of recording heads 11a corresponding to a plurality of inks having different color tones, a medical image is recorded on the recording medium M by the plurality of recording heads 11a based on the image signals. The ink has four types of inks of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), and the number of densities of black ink is one or more than that of any other color tones. By increasing the number, medical images obtained by various image input modalities can be recorded as a color image or a high-gradation, high-quality black-and-white image according to the purpose, and efficient recording can be achieved. .

Further, by increasing the number of densities of the black ink by two or more than the number of densities of the inks of any other colors, it is possible to print an image with a higher gray scale of black and white.

In the first embodiment of the invention in which the type of ink used is changed according to the method obtained by the information obtaining means, the print head unit 11 is provided with print heads corresponding to a plurality of inks having different color tones. For example, it can be configured to have five types of inks of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K1, K2). Here, K1 is a black ink using the same dye as K2, but has a lower density than K1. For example, it is preferable that image data of an electronic endoscope and a fundus camera be recorded as a color image using a recording head corresponding to a plurality of inks having different color tones such as three types of C, M, and Y. Further, it is preferable that an image of the X-ray CT apparatus, the CR apparatus, and the FPD apparatus be recorded as a monochrome multi-tone image using only a recording head having inks K1 and K2 of similar colors having different densities.

In the second embodiment of the invention in which the type of ink used is changed in accordance with the information acquired by the information acquisition means, the recording head unit 11 prints a plurality of inks of similar colors having different densities. A head is provided,
The configuration is such that a combination of inks to be used is selected according to the type of the image input modality. Unless an image with a high gradation is recorded at a high gradation, its diagnostic purpose cannot be achieved. To print at a high gradation, it is effective to increase the number of ink densities.

On the other hand, if the number of ink densities is increased, it takes time to perform image processing for converting the surface image signal into a signal for driving each recording head. It is preferable that the number of ink densities used is kept to a minimum and the image processing time is shortened. Therefore, it is preferable that the selection is made such that the number of ink densities selected for printing an image with a large number of gradations is not less than the number of ink densities selected for printing an image with a small number of gradations. For example, when an image of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having four types of black inks having different densities and having a small number of gradations is recorded, recording is performed using a recording head corresponding to the two types of black inks. The image of the CR device with many is 4
It is preferable to perform recording using a head corresponding to black ink of all types of density. Here, assuming that the storage bits acquired by the information acquisition means are n bits, the number of gradations of the input image is 2 ⁿ .

In the case of performing gradation printing using a plurality of inks of similar colors having different densities, it is effective to use a table for allocating according to an image signal the duty at which the recording head of each density is driven. It is. For example, when recording is performed using two types of black ink of dark and light, as shown in FIG. 8, when the image signal is small, only the light head is used, and when the input signal exceeds P, the print duty of the light head is reduced, and The print duty of the head can be gradually increased.

By driving as described above, the image density as shown in FIG. 9 is finally obtained. The gradation characteristics differ depending on the distribution table. For example, a distribution table can be created as shown in FIG. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11, it is also effective to distribute the image signals to the driving signals of the respective recording heads based on the combination data of which ink is ejected corresponding to the gradation level. The ink combination data is also a sort table.

In the case of FIG. 11, four types of inks K
1, K2, K3, and K4 are used, and density modulation can be performed with 33 levels of gradation. Numeral 1 in FIG. 11 indicates that ink is ejected from the recording head corresponding to the ink, and numerical value 0 indicates that no ink is ejected.

In order to perform multi-step gradation expression,
A pseudo-halftone expression method such as a multi-value error diffusion process, a multi-value average density storage method, a multi-value dither matrix method, or a sub-matrix method can be used. Further, these pseudo halftone expression methods can be combined. For example,
When the input image data has 256 gradations, the data may be converted into 16 values by multi-value error diffusion processing, and the 16-value gradation data may be converted into drive signals for the respective recording heads based on the distribution table in FIG. .

In the embodiment of the invention in which the sorting table is changed according to the information acquired by the information acquiring means and recorded, the above-described sorting table is provided in plural and the sorting table selecting means for selecting according to the type of the image input modality is provided. Therefore, it is possible to switch to a gradation characteristic that is optimal for the image input modality. The function of the distribution table selection means may be provided to the recording control means 13 or may be provided separately. For example, in an image of a general X-ray imaging apparatus such as a CR device or an FPD device, it is desirable that a smooth gradation characteristic is obtained particularly in a low density portion. It is preferable that the distribution table has a small gradient and a gradation characteristic with a large gradient of the high density portion.

On the other hand, for an image of an X-ray CT apparatus or an MRI apparatus, it is preferable to use a sorting table as shown in FIG. As described above, the tone characteristics required by the image input modality are different. Therefore, by selecting a sorting table according to the type of the image input modality as in the present invention, optimal images can be obtained.

In the embodiment of the invention in which the pseudo halftone expression method is changed according to the information obtained by the information obtaining means and recorded, a means for selecting the pseudo halftone expression method according to the type of the image input modality is provided. Means for performing pseudo halftone cooking using the pseudo halftone expression method. The functions of these units can be provided to the recording control unit 13 or the image processing unit 14. As described above, a multi-tone image can be obtained by combining the density gradation obtained by the density of the ink and the pseudo halftone expression method. However, depending on the type of the image input modality, the pseudo halftone expression method is used. Is effective in optimizing the balance between image quality and recording speed. For example, assume that density modulation of 64 gradations per pixel is obtained using a plurality of inks of similar colors having different densities. In this case, it is possible to express 256 gradations in 2 × 2 pixel units by the 2 × 2 pixel multi-value dither matrix method. If an image of an X-ray CT apparatus or an MRI apparatus can be expressed in 256 gradations, image quality required for diagnosis can be obtained. On the other hand, 1024-409 for CR and FPD devices
It is said that expression of six gradations is necessary. In order to realize this, there is a method in which, for example, 4096 gradations are multi-valued into 256 gradations by multi-value error diffusion processing, and the 256 gradations are expressed by the above-described multi-value dither matrix method. However, since the error diffusion process takes a long time, there is a disadvantage that the recording speed is reduced. Even if an image of an X-ray CT apparatus or an MRI apparatus is subjected to error diffusion processing and recorded at 4096 gradations, the visual improvement in image quality is slight, and the disadvantage of longer recording time is greater. According to the present invention, which selects the pseudo halftone expression method according to the type of the image input modality,
There is no excess or deficiency in the quality of the recorded image, and the image can be efficiently recorded.

In the embodiment of the invention in which recording is performed by changing the type and size of a recording medium according to the information acquired by the information acquiring means,
A plurality of different types of recording media can be individually supplied to the recording position, and the display size of images required for diagnosis differs depending on the image input modality. Also, even if the same display size is used, one image is recorded on one recording medium. It is also different whether it is better to record the images one by one or to record a plurality of images on one recording medium in a multi-format. Alternatively, depending on the image input modality, whether recording as a reflection image on a reflection recording medium is preferable for diagnosis or recording as a transmission image on a transmission recording medium is preferable. Therefore, the recording control unit 13 receives the information associated with the type of the image input modality together with the image signal, automatically determines the type of the recording medium to be recorded according to the type, and records according to the determination result. The ink jet medical image recording apparatus of the present invention, in which the medium transport means 10 supplies a desired recording medium to a recording position and records an image, is effective.

It is preferable that the plurality of types of different recording media differ in at least one of the types or sizes of the transmission medium and the reflection medium. Further, it is more preferable that the area of the transmission medium is larger than the area of the reflection medium.

In the embodiment of the invention in which the recording density is changed according to the information acquired by the information acquiring means, the recording density selecting means for selecting the recording density according to the type of the image input modality, and a plurality of recording heads are used. The gradation recording is performed on the recording medium at the recording density selected by the recording density selecting means based on the signals respectively corresponding to the plurality of inks used for recording.
The functions of the recording density selecting unit and the driving unit may be provided to the recording control unit 13 and the recording medium conveying unit 10 in FIG.
It may be provided separately.

The required resolution differs depending on the image input modality. For example, high resolution is required for an image of a CR device or an FPD device, while an image of an MRI device or the like is sufficiently diagnosed even at a resolution less than half that of a CR device or an FPD device. can do. In order to record a high-resolution image, it is necessary to increase the recording density, and the conveying speed of the recording head and the recording medium must be reduced, and the recording speed decreases accordingly. Recording at a recording density higher than required for diagnosis has a great disadvantage in that the recording speed is slowed down, although the improvement in image quality is small. According to the present invention in which the recording density is selected according to the type of the image input modality, the image quality of the recorded image can be efficiently recorded without excess or deficiency.

To record an image having a large number of gradations, it is necessary to use a pseudo halftone expression method. For example, in the case of using the multi-value dither matrix method, the larger the number of gradations to be expressed, the larger the matrix size needs to be, and the resolution is reduced accordingly. Alternatively, even in the case of performing multi-value error diffusion processing, as the number of gradations to be expressed increases, the range over which the error reaches becomes wider, and the actual resolution decreases. Therefore, if the recording density is selected such that the recording density selected for an image having a large number of gradations is not smaller than the recording density selected for an image having a small number of gradations, a high gradation image can be recorded. Is preferable because the resolution can be maintained. Further, the recording density may be increased as the number of rows in the image acquired by the information acquiring unit and / or the number of columns in the image is increased, or the pixel interval acquired by the information acquiring unit may be small. The recording density may be increased as the recording density increases.

In the embodiment of the invention in which the magnification is changed in accordance with the information acquired by the information acquiring means, the magnification selecting means for selecting the image magnification to be recorded and the magnification selecting means in accordance with the type of the image input modality. Based on the selected magnification,
Magnification conversion processing means for enlarging or reducing the image signal. Here, the magnification is the size of the displayed image with respect to the actual size of the subject.
It is larger than 0 and smaller than 1.0 in the case of reduction. The functions of the image magnification selection unit and the magnification conversion unit may be provided to the recording control unit 13 or the image processing unit 14 in FIG. 2, or may be provided separately. The magnification required for diagnosis differs depending on the type of the image input modality.

For example, it is preferable to record a general X-ray image of a CR device, an FPD device, or the like at almost the same magnification as that of a subject. There is no major problem in diagnosis even if the display is reduced. Conversely, recording an image of an X-ray CT apparatus, an MRI apparatus, or the like at the same magnification takes a long recording time, is inefficient, and wastes a recording medium and ink more than necessary. Therefore, the apparatus has means for selecting an image magnification to be recorded according to the type of the image input modality, and magnification conversion processing means for enlarging or reducing the image signal based on the magnification selected by the magnification selection means. The inkjet medical image recording apparatus of the present invention is useful. In order to actually enlarge or reduce, interpolation processing is performed according to the interpolation magnification of the image data obtained from the relationship between the magnification, the recording density of the inkjet medical image recording apparatus, and the pixel interval acquired by the information acquisition means. Example 1 Example 1 (Ink Type 1) In the inkjet medical image recording apparatus of this example, the recording head unit includes yellow (Y), magenta (M),
A recording head corresponding to a total of six types of inks of cyan (C) and black (K1, K2, K3) was provided. Blacks K1, K2, and K3 used the same black dye and were prepared such that the dye concentration ratio was K1: K2: K3 = 1: 3: 9.

As an image input modality, positron C
T device (abbreviated as PET device), MRI device, X-ray CT device, CR device, FPD device are connected via a network, and according to the type of image input modality, the recording head to be used is as shown in Table 1. Was configured to be selected.

Table 1 With this configuration, while it is possible to record a color image according to the purpose of diagnosis, monochrome multi-tone recording is also possible.

Embodiment 2 (Ink Type 2) The ink jet medical image recording apparatus of this embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment 1, except that the recording heads to be used are shown in Table 2 in accordance with the type of the image input modality. It was configured to select as follows.

Table 2 With this configuration, it is possible to record a color image in accordance with the purpose of diagnosis, as in the first embodiment, but also to perform monochrome multi-tone recording. Example 3 (Ink type 3) In the ink jet medical image recording apparatus of this example, a total of four of K1, K2, K3, and K4 was added to the recording head unit.
A recording head corresponding to each type of black ink was provided. These inks use the same black dye and have a dye concentration ratio of K1: K
2: K3: K4 = 1: 2: 4: 8. As an image input modality, a single photon emission CT device (abbreviated as SPECT), an MRI device,
An X-ray CT apparatus, a CR apparatus, and an FPD apparatus are connected via a network, and a recording head to be used is selected according to the type of the image input modality in a combination shown in Table 2.

Table 3 Since the number of ink densities selected to print an image with a large number of tones is selected not to be lower than the number of ink densities selected to print an image with a small number of tones, When the number of ink densities was large, there was no excess or deficiency in the quality of the recorded image, and when the number of selected ink densities was small, the image processing time could be shortened.

Embodiment 4 (Distribution Table) In the ink jet medical image recording apparatus of this embodiment, a recording head unit is provided with recording heads corresponding to a total of four types of black inks K1, K2, K3 and K4. These inks use the same black dye and have a dye concentration ratio of K1: K
2: K3: K4 = 1: 3: 9: 27.
MRI device, CT device, C
The R device and the FPD device were connected via a network.
The recording control means stores the two sort tables shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, and stores the sort tables as shown in Table 4 based on the information corresponding to the type of the image input modality transmitted together with the image signal. select.

Numeral 1 in the distribution tables of FIGS. 13 and 14 indicates that one drop of ink is ejected from the recording head corresponding to the ink, and numeral 2 indicates that two drops of ink are ejected from the recording head corresponding to the ink. , The numerical value 0 indicates that no ink is ejected.

Table 4 The input image signal is converted into a 33-value image by a multi-level error diffusion process, and the 33-value gradation data is converted into a print head control signal based on the selected distribution table. The relationship between the 33-level gradation level and the image density in each distribution table is as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, and the gradation characteristic in FIG. 15 corresponding to the distribution table in FIG. 13 has a linear characteristic. The gradation characteristic of FIG. 16 corresponding to the gripping table of FIG. 16 is a characteristic in which the gradient monotonically increases.

By selecting a sorting table as shown in Table 4, the images of the X-ray CT apparatus and the MRI apparatus are signal-processed by the sorting table having linear gradation characteristics,
In the images of the apparatus and the FPD apparatus, signal processing is performed by a sorting table having a high density resolution of a low signal portion (low density portion), so that an image having an optimum image quality can be recorded for each image.

Embodiment 5 (Pseudo Halftone Expression Method) In the ink jet medical image recording apparatus of this embodiment, a recording head corresponding to a total of four types of black inks K1, K2, K3 and K4 is provided in a recording head unit. Was. These inks use the same black dye and have a dye concentration ratio of K1: K
2: K3: K4 = 1: 3: 9: 27. MRI equipment, X-ray CT as image input modality
The device, CR device, and FPD device were connected via a network. The control means stores a distribution table shown in FIG. 17, and can perform density modulation of 65 gradation levels for each recording density. Further, a configuration is employed in which 256 gradations are expressed in 2 × 2 pixel units by a 2 × 2 pixel multi-valued dither matrix method using the 65 gradations. That is, 25
Six gradations are converted into 65 values by a multi-value dither matrix method,
These 65 values are converted into a recording head drive signal by a distribution table.

FIG. 18 (A)
Two pseudo halftone processing methods shown in (B) are prepared,
Based on the information corresponding to the type of the image input modality transmitted together with the image signal, a pseudo intermediate tone processing method is selected as shown in Table 5 and signal processing is performed. Table 5 By switching the pseudo halftone processing method as shown in Table 5, images of the X-ray CT apparatus and the MRI apparatus can be recorded at high speed with a short signal processing time, and the images of the CR apparatus and the FPD apparatus are sufficient for diagnosis. A high quality image that could withstand was recorded.

Embodiment 6 (Type and Size of Recording Medium) The ink jet medical image recording apparatus of this embodiment is provided with three paper feed trays, each of which has an A5 size reflection medium and an A4 size reflection medium.
A reflection medium having a size and a transmission medium having an A3 size can be conveyed to a recording position. K1, K2,
A recording head corresponding to a total of four types of black ink, K3 and K4, was provided. These inks use the same black dye and have a dye concentration ratio of K1: K2: K3: K4 = 1: 3: 9: 27.
Was prepared.

As an image input modality, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an MRI apparatus, an X-ray CT apparatus, a CR apparatus, and an FPD apparatus were connected via a network. The control means selects a recording medium as shown in Table 6 based on the information corresponding to the type of the image input modality transmitted together with the image signal, and conveys the selected recording medium to a recording position to record an image. As a result, the images of the respective image input modalities could be recorded on the optimal recording medium.

Table 6 Example 7 (Recording Density) In the ink jet medical image recording apparatus of this example, recording heads corresponding to a total of four types of black ink of K1, K2, K3, and K4 were provided in the recording head unit. These inks use the same black dye and have a dye concentration ratio of K1: K
2: K3: K4 = 1: 3: 9: 27. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment, MR as image input modality
The I device, X-ray CT device, CR device, and FPD device were connected via a network. The control means selects a recording density as shown in Table 7 based on the information corresponding to the type of the image input modality transmitted together with the image signal, and records an image at the selected recording density.

Table 7 The recording density is selected and recorded so that the recording density selected for images with many gradations is not lower than the recording density selected for images with small gradations, so image quality that can withstand diagnosis is maintained However, it was possible to efficiently record without reducing the recording speed more than necessary.

Example 8 (Magnification) In the ink jet medical image recording apparatus of this example, a recording head corresponding to a total of four types of black inks K1, K2, K3, and K4 was provided in the recording head unit. These inks use the same black dye and have a dye concentration ratio of K1: K
2: K3: K4 = 1: 3: 9: 27. MRI equipment, X-ray CT as image input modality
The device, CR device, and FPD device were connected via a network.

The recording control means 13 selects a display magnification as shown in Table 8 based on the information corresponding to the type of the image input modality transmitted together with the image signal, and converts the image signal to the selected magnification. The image was recorded on an A3-size transmission medium.

Table 8 MRI and X-ray CT images have reduced magnification,
20 images were recorded on one recording medium. Since the magnification is selected and recorded so that the magnification selected for the image having a large number of gradations is not smaller than the magnification selected for the image having a small number of gradations, while maintaining the image quality that can withstand the diagnosis, Recording could be performed efficiently without consuming a recording medium more than necessary.

As described above, according to the type of the image input modality, the conditions of the type of ink used by the ink jet medical image recording apparatus, the distribution table, the pseudo halftone expression method, the type and size of the recording medium, the recording density, and the display magnification are set. Although the case where any one of the above conditions is selected has been described, it is more preferable that a plurality of these conditions are selected in combination according to the type of the image input modality.

[0133]

As described above, according to the present invention, medical images obtained by various image input modalities can be efficiently recorded on a target recording medium without excess or deficiency of image quality, recording speed, and cost. Small size, low power consumption and high degree of freedom of installation location.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of an inkjet medical image recording apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an inkjet medical image recording apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a recording medium.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a connection between the inkjet medical image recording apparatus and a network or an image input modality.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating another connection of the inkjet medical image recording apparatus to a network or an image input modality.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another connection of the inkjet medical image recording apparatus to a network or an image input modality.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another connection of the inkjet medical image recording apparatus to a network or an image input modality.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which only a light head is used when the image signal is small, and when the input signal exceeds P, the print duty of the light head is reduced and the print duty of the dark head is gradually increased. is there.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an embodiment of gradation characteristics.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an embodiment of gradation characteristics.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a distribution table.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a gradation characteristic in which a low signal portion (low density portion) has a small gradient and a high density portion has a large gradient.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a distribution table.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a distribution table.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating gradation characteristics of a distribution table.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating gradation characteristics of a distribution table.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a distribution table.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a pseudo halftone processing method.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ink-jet medical image recording apparatus 2 Device main body 3 Feed tray 4 Discharge part 10 Recording medium transport means 11 Recording head unit 11a Recording head 12 Recording head transport means 13 Recording control means 14 Image processing means 15 Information acquisition means 16 Priority Determination means 17 Recording / processing condition storage means 20 Ethernet interface 21, 23, 25, 27 Communication control means 22 Parallel interface 24 Serial interface 26 Video signal interface 41 Hospital network 51 Radiology network M Recording medium

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. An ink jet medical image recording apparatus for recording a medical image by discharging ink, comprising: an Ethernet interface; and communication control means for receiving medical image information conforming to DICOM standards via the Ethernet interface. And recording the received medical image on a recording medium. 2. Information acquisition means for acquiring at least one of image input modality, pixel interval, storage bit, number of rows in an image, and number of columns in an image from medical image information conforming to the DICOM standard. The inkjet medical image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: recording an image on a recording medium by changing recording conditions according to the information acquired by the information acquiring unit. 3. An ink jet medical image recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said recording condition is a type of ink to be used. 4. The ink jet medical image recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said recording condition is a distribution table. 5. The ink-jet medical image recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the recording condition is a pseudo halftone processing method. 6. The ink jet medical image recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the recording condition is a type and a size of a recording medium. 7. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the recording condition is a magnification. 8. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the recording condition is a recording density. 9. An information acquiring means for acquiring information on a patient from medical image information conforming to the DICOM standard, wherein the information acquired by said information acquiring means is recorded on a recording medium together with image data. The inkjet medical image recording apparatus according to claim 1. 10. The information on the patient includes a name of the patient,
The inkjet medical image recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the information is at least one of a patient ID, a patient's gender, and a patient's birthday. 11. The ink-jet medical image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising another interface different in type from the Ethernet interface. 12. The ink-jet apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said another interface is a parallel interface, and has communication control means for receiving image information from an image input modality by a parallel interface without passing through a network. Medical image recording device. 13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a priority determining unit that determines a priority for recording the image data received via the parallel interface and the image data received via the Ethernet interface. An inkjet medical image recording apparatus according to claim 12. 14. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the parallel interface is a Centronics interface. 15. The parallel interface is an SCS.
13. An I interface.
Or an inkjet medical image recording apparatus according to claim 13. 16. The apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising communication control means for receiving and transmitting various recording and processing conditions of the recording apparatus via said another interface. Inkjet medical image recording device. 17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the another interface is a serial interface. 18. The various printing and processing conditions of the printing apparatus are at least one of information on a distribution table, information on a type of ink to be used, information on a pseudo halftone expression method, information on a printing density, and information on a printing medium to be used. 17. The inkjet medical image recording apparatus according to claim 16, comprising: 19. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said another interface is a video signal input terminal, and has communication control means for receiving image information from an image input modality via the video signal input terminal without going through a network. To claim 18
The inkjet medical image recording apparatus according to any one of the above items. 20. Recording a medical image on a recording medium by a plurality of recording heads based on image signals using a plurality of recording heads respectively corresponding to three or more kinds of inks of similar colors having different densities. The inkjet medical image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein: 21. A method according to claim 11, wherein a plurality of recording heads respectively corresponding to four or more kinds of inks having different color tones are used, and a medical image is recorded on a recording medium by the plurality of recording heads based on an image signal. Claims 1 to 1
10. The inkjet medical image recording device according to any one of items 9 to 9. 22. An ink jet medical image recording apparatus for recording a medical image on a recording medium by using a plurality of recording heads corresponding to a plurality of inks having different color tones, respectively, based on an image signal. The plurality of inks include inks of four types of colors, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and the number of densities of black ink is one or more greater than the number of densities of any other color tones. Inkjet medical image recording device. 23. The ink jet medical image recording apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the number of densities of the black ink is two or more greater than the number of densities of any other color inks.