JP2002330252A - Information processor, device, system and method for processing image and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor, with which information can be efficiently and surely exchanged or shared among a plurality of devices or systems by converting transfer information (changing relevant data contents) corresponding to an information transfer destination. SOLUTION: A storage means 143 stores information (setting information) 143a-143c on information transfer for each of transfer destinations 170, 180 and 150. On the basis of the setting information 143a-143c in the storage means 143, a converting means 147 converts information 146 to be transferred to information 146a-146c for transfer for each of transfer destinations 170, 180 and 150.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to information processing used in an apparatus or system for transmitting an image obtained by, for example, radiography of X-rays or the like to a plurality of apparatuses or systems conforming to a standard. Device, image processing device,
The present invention relates to an image processing system, an image processing method, and a computer-readable storage medium storing processing steps for executing the image processing method and the image processing method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, X-ray photography for the purpose of medical diagnosis has been performed by a film screen system combining an intensifying screen and an X-ray photographic film. A DR device capable of handling an X-ray image as a digital image has been increasingly used.

[0003] Therefore, for example, in order for a doctor to make an image diagnosis using a digital image obtained by an image processing apparatus such as the above-mentioned DR apparatus, the digital image is transferred to another image processing apparatus such as a printer or an image server. May be done. At this time, a special protocol independent of the image processing apparatus is often used as a connection unit with another image processing apparatus.

The advantages of handling digital images include the ability to perform digital image processing and search processing, good storage stability, and the like. This allows
For example, in a certain hospital, it is required to share a digital image among a plurality of image processing apparatuses including a DR apparatus. As a result, a standard such as DICOM standard which is a protocol for sharing or exchanging digital images is required. Are being maintained.

[0005]

However, a conventional system in which a digital image is exchanged or shared between a plurality of image processing apparatuses according to a standard protocol (standard protocol) such as the DICOM standard as described above. Then, there were the following problems.

First, in the standard protocol, there are parts that are not clearly defined. In addition to the fact that the interpretation of the standard differs depending on the manufacturer of the image processing apparatus, the standard is added as the number of image processing apparatuses in the system increases. Has become large-scale, and in many cases, compatibility cannot be ensured even though it is a common standard.

For example, when a digital image is transferred to another image processing apparatus, the essential information as additional information of the digital image is information determined at the time of photographing. When additional information including unnecessary information is transferred together with a digital image to a destination image processing apparatus, a failure may occur in the image processing apparatus.

Also, for example, the size of a digital image handled by an image server and the size of a digital image handled by a printer are generally the same, respectively.
The R device often handles digital images of a larger size than the size of a digital image in an image server or a printer. For this reason, if the digital image obtained by the DR device is transferred as it is to the image server or the printer, it cannot be processed by the image server or the printer that has received the digital image.

More specifically, for example, FIG. 13 shows the configuration of the conventional system 900 described above.

In the system 900, the image processing device 9
When the digital image obtained in step 20 is transferred to a printer 950, which is another image processing device, in order to use the digital image obtained in step 20 for image diagnosis, the digital image is transmitted from a control line 930 and a data line 940. The data is transferred to the printer 950 via a dedicated interface.

When the digital image is transferred to the image server 960 at the same time and image diagnosis is performed using the image display device 970, it is necessary to connect the image server 960 and the image display device 970 via the network 980. Is done. In this case, the digital image is transferred via the network 980 according to a file transmission protocol such as FTP.

However, even if image processing for image diagnosis is performed again on the digital image transferred via the network 980 in the image display device 970, the digital image after the image processing is still It cannot be output by the printer 950 as it is.

Therefore, as a protocol for exchanging digital images (image data) between the above devices,
For example, the DICOM standard described above has been proposed.

When transferring image data according to the DICOM standard, it is necessary to transfer data using standard header information defined by the DICOM standard. That is,
The unique image supplementary information (unique image supplementary information in the image processing apparatus) when the digital image is obtained by photographing the subject is converted into header information according to the DICOM standard, and the image data to which the header information is added is converted. It is necessary to transfer data as one image file.

FIG. 14 shows an example of the data format of an image file 1000 to be transferred according to the DICOM standard. The image file 1000 is
As shown in FIG. 14 described above, it is composed of a standard header section 1001, an image accompanying information section 1002, and an image data section 1003.

In the standard header section 1001, a result obtained by converting unique image accompanying information in the image processing apparatus into header information according to the DICOM standard is set. In the image accompanying information section 1002, unique image accompanying information (header unique information) itself in the image processing apparatus is set.
In the image data section 1003, actual image data is set.

In particular, depending on the standard, it is possible to set information that can be freely used by a vendor who manufactures the device in the image accompanying information section 1002 (vendor unique information section). By analyzing the information in the image accompanying information section 1002, information that cannot be disclosed as information in the standard header section 1001 (information such as image processing parameters and image processing steps) can be referred to at a later date, and re-image processing can be performed. It can be used at the time.

When the image file 1000 conforming to the DICOM standard as described above is transferred, the image processing apparatus at the transfer destination (reception destination) receives the image file 1000.
Is converted to the format of the device. Generally, as means for the above-described conversion processing, the respective vendors are mounted on the apparatuses, and therefore, the interpretation (DICOM protocol interpretation) differs depending on the image processing apparatus.

For example, the image display device 970 can automatically determine and display the magnification of the image based on the pixel pitch information of the sensor unit for acquiring the digital image connected to the image processing device 920. It is assumed that However, even if information (pixel pitch information) that is valid in the image display device 970 is given to the printer 950, the information is invalid for the printer 950, and has no special meaning to provide. In some cases, a failure such as a malfunction of the printer 950 due to the provision of the information may occur.

To give another example of the above obstacles, for example,
The printer 950 can receive and output Japanese data. On the other hand, when the image display device 970 receives Japanese data, it hangs up because the program does not support Japanese data processing. There is. Further, an image supplementary information section 1002 of the image file 1000
When the size of the (vendor unique information section) is 4 KB or more, the interpretation section of the printer 950 may hang up.

[0021] The above-mentioned troubles due to the failures are basically caused by a common protocol (standard protocol).
This is a problem of a type in which a function in the image processing apparatus (such as a function by executing a program) is not correctly mounted. Therefore, for example, the necessary information is disclosed in the introduction stage of the common protocol, but if sufficient testing is not performed in the introduction stage and this causes a problem, the common protocol will be The problem may be solved by upgrading the version of the program.

However, when the version of the program of the image processing apparatus is upgraded, a further trouble may occur due to the newly added parameter. Alternatively, even during normal operation, since the image processing apparatus of the communication partner has been upgraded, parameters that have been ignored until now are interpreted, and this may cause a failure.

Therefore, it may take a long time before the failure is completely resolved, which may not only affect the operation of the entire system but also cause a great deal of trouble to the user. Will be.

Therefore, the present invention has been made to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks, and the image data can be converted (the data contents can be changed) according to the image data transfer destination.
The information processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus, the image processing system, the image processing method, and the image processing method capable of efficiently and reliably exchanging or sharing image data between a plurality of apparatuses or systems. It is an object of the present invention to provide a storage medium in which processing steps are stored in a computer-readable manner.

[0025]

For such a purpose,
A first invention is an information processing apparatus for externally transferring predetermined information according to a predetermined communication protocol, wherein the storage means stores information relating to the transfer of the predetermined information for each external transfer destination, based on information stored in the storage means. Conversion means for converting the predetermined information into transfer information corresponding to an external transfer destination.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus for externally transferring image information according to a predetermined communication protocol for image transfer, comprising: storage means for storing information relating to transfer of the image information for each external transfer destination; A conversion unit configured to convert the image information into transfer information corresponding to an external transfer destination based on information stored in the storage unit.

According to a third aspect, in the second aspect,
The image information includes an image obtained by radiography.

According to a fourth aspect, in the second aspect,
A setting means for setting information on the transfer of the image information to the storage means for each external transfer destination is provided.

According to a fifth aspect, in the second aspect,
The conversion means generates the additional information corresponding to an external transfer destination when converting the image information into the transfer information including the image information and the additional information of the image information.

According to a sixth aspect, in the second aspect,
The conversion means includes a result of performing image processing corresponding to an external transfer destination on the image information in the transfer information.

According to a seventh aspect, in the second aspect,
The information relating to the transfer of the image information includes a designation information indicating whether or not the information includes Japanese information.

According to an eighth aspect, in the above-mentioned second aspect,
The communication protocol includes a protocol conforming to the DICOM standard.

According to a ninth aspect, in the second aspect,
The conversion means performs the conversion based on version information of the communication protocol of the external transfer destination.

[0034] In a tenth aspect based on the second aspect, when the transfer means fails to transfer the transfer information obtained by the conversion at any one of the plurality of conversion levels, By performing the above conversion again at a conversion level lower than the conversion level of the information, information for retransmission is generated.

In an eleventh aspect based on the tenth aspect, the plurality of conversion levels include at least one of conversion by deleting Japanese information and conversion by deleting vendor unique information. It is characterized by.

In a twelfth aspect based on the second aspect, a notifying means for notifying a result of the transfer of the transfer information is provided.

A thirteenth invention is characterized in that, in the tenth invention, there is provided a second storage means for storing information on the conversion level used for each external transfer destination.

A fourteenth invention is an image processing system in which a plurality of devices are communicably connected to each other, wherein at least one of the plurality of devices is a function of the information processing apparatus according to claim 1. , And any one of the functions of the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 13.

A fifteenth invention is an image processing system for sharing radiation image information with a plurality of medical devices or systems, wherein at least one of the plurality of medical devices or systems includes at least one or more of the above-mentioned medical devices or systems. Image processing means for converting at least one of the image information and the supplementary information of the image information based on information relating to the transfer of the image information to the transfer destination; and transferring the converted image information for each transfer destination Transfer means.

In a sixteenth aspect based on the fifteenth aspect, at least one of the plurality of medical devices or systems receives the information transferred by the transfer means, and converts the received information into the conversion information. It is characterized in that the supplementary information deleted by the processing is restored.

In a seventeenth aspect based on the sixteenth aspect, the deleted incidental information includes Japanese language information.

An eighteenth invention is an image processing method for externally transferring image information according to a predetermined communication protocol for image transfer, comprising: a storage step of storing information on transfer of the image information for each external transfer destination; A conversion step of converting the image information into transfer information corresponding to an external transfer destination based on the information stored in the storage step.

A nineteenth invention is an image processing method for externally transferring image information according to a predetermined communication protocol for image transfer, wherein a user sets information relating to transfer of the image information for each external transfer destination. A step of storing the information set in the setting step, and a conversion step of converting the image information into transfer information for each external transfer destination based on the setting information stored in the storage step. It is characterized by including.

According to a twentieth aspect, in the eighteenth or nineteenth aspect, the image information includes an image obtained by radiography.

In a twenty-first aspect based on the nineteenth aspect, the setting step includes a step of setting information relating to the additional information of the image information for each external transfer destination. Generating the transfer information using the additional information as header information.

In a twenty-second aspect based on the nineteenth aspect, the conversion step includes a step of performing image processing corresponding to an external transfer destination on the image information.

According to a twenty-third aspect, in the twenty-second aspect, the image processing includes a process of converting the image information into image information of an arbitrary image size.

In a twenty-fourth aspect based on the nineteenth aspect, the setting step includes a step of setting, for each external transfer destination, whether or not the transfer includes Japanese language information.

In a twenty-fifth aspect based on the nineteenth aspect, the communication protocol includes a protocol conforming to the DICOM standard.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect, in the nineteenth aspect, a version obtaining step of obtaining version information of the communication protocol of the external transfer destination before transfer is included, and the conversion step is obtained by the version obtaining step. And performing the conversion based on the version information.

In a twenty-seventh aspect based on the nineteenth aspect, the conversion step includes a step of performing the conversion based on a conversion level set for each external transfer destination, and the transfer of the transfer information fails. In this case, the method further comprises a control step of reducing the conversion level used in the conversion step and retransferring the transfer information obtained by the conversion of the conversion level in that state.

In a twenty-eighth aspect based on the twenty-seventh aspect, in the conversion step, when the conversion level is reduced by the control step, the Japanese language information is deleted based on the conversion level in that state. And performing a conversion including at least one of deletion of the vendor unique information.

In a twenty-ninth aspect based on the twenty-seventh aspect, the control step includes, when the transfer of the transfer information fails, detecting the cause of the failure and lowering the conversion level. Determining whether to do so.

In a thirtieth aspect based on the twenty-seventh aspect, in the control step, when the transfer of the transfer information fails, at least one of the failure and the re-transfer with the reduced conversion level is performed by the user. The step of notifying the user.

In a thirty-first aspect based on the twenty-seventh aspect, the control step includes a step of storing information on the conversion level for each external transfer destination, and the conversion step is based on the storage information. The method includes the step of performing the conversion.

In a thirty-second aspect based on the twenty-seventh aspect, the control step is a step of acquiring version information of a communication protocol used at the external transfer destination before the transfer, and a step of obtaining the version information based on the version information. Storing the information on the conversion level; and comparing the previously acquired version information with the version information acquired this time by the storage information and the acquired information;
Updating the storage information based on the comparison result, and the conversion step includes performing the conversion based on the storage information.

According to a thirty-third aspect, in the thirty-second aspect, the control step includes a step of storing, as initial information of the storage information, information relating to the maximum level of the conversion level.

A thirty-fourth invention is an image processing method for sharing radiation image information with another medical device or system, wherein a user sets information relating to information transfer to the other medical device or system. Steps and
Based on the information set in the setting step, at least one of image processing and information conversion processing via at least one of the radiation image information to be transferred to the other medical device or system and the accompanying information of the image information. And a transfer step of transferring the information after the processing in the processing step to the other medical device or system.

According to a thirty-fifth aspect, the function of the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or the function of the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 13, or the function of the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 17, A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the image processing system is recorded on a computer-readable storage medium.

According to a thirty-sixth aspect, a program for causing a computer to execute the processing steps of the image processing method according to any one of claims 18 to 34 is recorded on a computer-readable storage medium.

A thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention is a storage medium storing a control program for performing a conversion of transfer information by a computer. A condition is set, information is converted according to the setting, and the converted information is transferred.

[0062]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] The present invention relates to a medical digital X-ray imaging system 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as "X-ray imaging system 100") having a flat sensor unit 101 as shown in FIG. Say).

As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray imaging system 100 includes an image processing device 140, an image server 150, and an image display device 16 to which the flat sensor unit 101 is connected.
0 and printers 170 and 180 (here, medical printers) are connected to be communicable with each other via a network 190 such as a LAN.

The flat sensor unit 101 has a large-screen photoelectric conversion function.
They are connected via data lines 110 for signals such as image signals and control signals.

X-rays generated from the X-ray generator 103 and transmitted through the subject (subject) 102 are incident on the flat sensor unit 101.

Further, the flat sensor unit 101 has a function of digitizing and outputting an electric signal (image signal) based on the amount of X-ray transmitted through the subject 102 and acquired by the photoelectric conversion function.

The image processing apparatus 140 has a function of performing X-ray irradiation synchronization processing of the flat sensor unit 110 and the X-ray generation apparatus 103, image acquisition processing, image processing of an X-ray photographed image, and the like.

For this reason, the image processing device 140
And a RO 141 storing a processing program for performing the operation control and the like.
M144, a RAM 142 including an area used by the CPU 141 for work, and a database 143 (magnetic disk or the like) for storing X-ray radiographed images and the like.

The operation control of the CPU 141 of the image processing apparatus 140 includes, for example, the following operation control. First, image data output from the flat sensor unit 110 is acquired via the data line 110, and is temporarily stored in the RAM.
142. Next, after the image processing on the image data in the RAM 142 is completed, the processed image data is stored in the database 143. And the database 143
Image data in the image server 150 and the image display device 1
The data is transferred via the network 190 to external devices designated in advance in the printer 60 and the printers 170 and 180. At this time, the image data after the image processing is transferred as one image file using the image accompanying information as header information.

The image display device 160 and the printer 17
For 0 and 180, image data may be transferred not directly from the image processing apparatus 140 but via the image server 150.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the data format of an image file (a file containing image data after image processing and image accompanying information of the image data) 200 transferred from the image processing apparatus 140. As shown in FIG. 2, the image file 200 includes an image additional information section 201 (header information section) in which image additional information is set, and an image data section 202 in which image data after image processing is set. I have.

The image additional information set in the image additional information section 201 includes, as shown in the right part of FIG.
Image ID for identifying image data, date and time of acquisition of image data (imaging date and time), imaging site of image data, X-ray tube voltage during X-ray irradiation, X-ray tube current, X-ray irradiation time, etc. X-ray imaging conditions, information on sensors (information such as the serial number and grid type of the flat sensor unit 101 used for imaging), information on the subject 102 (patient ID, patient name,
Patient information such as date of birth, sex, etc.) and information on image data (information such as the number of pixels in the horizontal direction of the image, the number of pixels in the vertical direction of the image, the number of bits of the image, the pixel pitch, etc.).

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the image additional information section 201 and the image data section 202 are handled as one image file 200.
The present invention is not limited to this.
01 and the image data unit 202 may be handled as different files in association with each other.

Here, as described above with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, conventionally, various troubles have occurred due to differences in data formats handled between devices (protocol mismatch). Therefore, in the present embodiment, the above problem is solved by the configuration and operation described below.

FIG. 5 shows the configuration of functions that are characteristic of the image processing apparatus 140. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the image processing apparatus 140 includes a photographing unit 145 that acquires a photographed image of the subject 102 and data conversion for transferring the photographed image as transfer data corresponding to a data transfer destination. Is provided.

The photographing unit 145 includes the flat sensor unit 11
By using 0, a captured image of the subject 102 is acquired. CPU1
Reference numeral 41 denotes the captured image data obtained by the image capturing unit 145 as R
The image data once stored in the AM 142 and the processed image data and the image accompanying information are collectively stored in the original data 1.
As 46, it is stored in the database 143.

The database 143 stores information on image accompanying information to be transmitted to the data transfer destination (conditions of the data transfer destination, hereinafter referred to as “setting information”) for each data transfer destination. Here, setting information 1 (143a) for printer 170, setting information 2 for printer 180
(143b) and setting information 3 for the image server 150
(143c) is stored in the database 143.

The conversion unit 147 is a function realized by the CPU 141 executing the conversion processing program. The conversion unit 147 converts the image data (original data 146) to be transferred in the database 143 based on the data transfer destination. Convert by information.

For example, when the data transfer destination is the printer 170, the conversion unit 147 reads the setting information 1 (143a) for the printer 170 from the database 143, and
Image processing is performed based on the setting information 1 (143a), and the original data 146 is transferred to the transfer data 1 (146).
The data is converted to a) and transferred to the printer 170. Also,
When the data transfer destination is the printer 180, the conversion unit 14
7 reads the setting information 2 (143b) for the printer 180 from the database 143, and reads the setting information 2 (14b).
3b), image processing is performed based on the original data 1
Is converted into transfer data 2 (146b), and transferred to the printer 180. When the data transfer destination is the image server 150, the conversion unit 147 sends the database 1
43, setting information 3 for the image server 150 (143c)
Is read out, image processing is performed based on the setting information 3 (143c), the original data 146 is converted to transfer data 3 (146c), generated and transferred to the image server 150.

That is, in the present embodiment, although the data transfer uses a common protocol, the data transfer destinations of the printer 170, the printer 180, and the image server 150 are transmitted to the data transfer destinations. One of the corresponding data 146a, 146b, and 146c is generated and transferred.

FIGS. 4 to 7 show the setting information 1 as described above.
FIG. 9 shows an example of a screen for setting (143a) to setting information 3 (143c) in the database 143. For example, the CPU 141 reads and executes a processing program related to information setting stored in the ROM 144 in advance. As a result, the image processing apparatus 140 performs the operations according to the display of the various setting screens in FIGS. 4 to 7 and the operation from the screens.

Specifically, first, the setting screen 300 shown in FIG. 4 is a screen for setting information (setting information 1 (143a)) relating to data transfer to the printer 170. The setting screen 300 includes a display unit 301 on which the name of the printer 170 (here, “printer 1”) as the data transfer destination is displayed, and data transfer of only the minimum image accompanying information (only the minimum necessary information is displayed). A "required information only" button 302 for instructing to perform (set in the image accompanying information section 210 shown in FIG. 2) and data transfer of all image accompanying information (all information is stored in the image shown in FIG. 2) "All information" button 303 for instructing to perform setting in additional information section 210, and a special setting described later in detail (selectively setting information in image additional information section 210 shown in FIG. 2) And a “custom setting” button 304 for instructing to perform the setting.

The setting screen 300 is for data transfer including whether or not to permit Japanese data, whether or not to compress and transfer data, and vender unique information (vendor information) with respect to image accompanying information. An “ON / OFF” setting unit 305 for setting whether or not the
In step 47, transfer data is generated with reference to the setting.

For example, when “Japanese data” is permitted, the corresponding “Japanese data” item is turned on.
(In the figure, the “check point” is checked.) When data is transferred without compression, the “compression” item corresponding to this is turned off, and the image additional information without the vendor unique information (vendor information) is included. If the data transfer is
The corresponding “vendor information” item is turned off.

When the “custom setting” button 304 is pressed on the setting screen 300, the display state of the setting screen 300 becomes the state shown in FIG. That is, on the setting screen 300 in this state, for each item of various image accompanying information (items such as patient ID, patient name, date of birth, etc.), whether or not to transfer data is set ON / OFF. A small screen 307 (custom setting window) is provided.

On the small screen 307, in the “ON / OFF” setting section 308 provided corresponding to each item, the item to be transferred is turned ON (“checked” check) to obtain information on the check item. Is set as image accompanying information to be transferred. In FIG. 5, "Patient I
“D”, “patient name”, and “pixel pitch” are set as image accompanying information of the data transfer target, and “birth date”, “serial number”, and “imaging time” are set as image accompanying information. Data transfer is not set.

On the small screen 307, by operating the scroll bar 309 up and down, it is possible to refer to all the image accompanying information that is not displayed and to set whether or not data transfer is possible.

On the other hand, the setting screen 310 shown in FIG.
9 is a screen for setting information (setting information 2 (143b)) related to data transfer to the printer 180. Similar to the setting screen 300 shown in FIG. 4, the setting screen 310 includes a display unit 311 for displaying the name of the printer 180 (here, “printer 2”) as the data transfer destination, and a minimum image attachment “Only essential information” button 312 for instructing data transfer of only information, and “all information” for instructing data transfer of all information
A button 313 and a “custom setting” button 314 for instructing to perform a special setting are included.

The setting screen 310 displays whether or not to permit Japanese data, whether or not to compress and transfer data, and vendor-unique information (vendor information) as image accompanying information.
"ON" for setting whether or not the data transfer includes
/ OFF ”setting section 315.

For example, if the printer 180 is a device that does not accept Japanese data (a device that malfunctions when it receives Japanese data), the corresponding item “Japanese data” is set to the OFF state.

When the “custom setting” button 314 is pressed on the setting screen 310, the display state of the setting screen 310 changes to the state shown in FIG. That is, on the setting screen 310 in this state, for each item of various image accompanying information (items such as patient ID, patient name, date of birth, etc.), whether or not to transfer data is set ON / OFF. A small screen 317 (custom setting window) is provided.

On the small screen 317, by turning on (“check”) a data transfer item in the “ON / OFF” setting section 308 provided corresponding to each item, information on the check item is obtained. Is set as image accompanying information to be transferred. In FIG. 7, "Patient I
“D”, “patient name”, and “serial number” are set as image accompanying information to be transferred, and “birth date”, “imaging time”, and “pixel pitch” are included as image accompanying information. Data transfer is not set.

On the small screen 317, by operating the scroll bar 319 up and down, it is possible to refer to all the image supplementary information that is not displayed and set whether or not data transfer is possible.

Therefore, the database 143 stores the setting information for each data transfer destination based on the above settings. Thereby, the conversion unit 146
The setting information corresponding to the data transfer destination of the original data 146 is read from the database 143, and from the read setting information and the original data 146, the transfer data (D) according to the data format as shown in FIG.
(Data conforming to the ICOM standard) and transfer the generated data.

The operations on the screens shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 may be performed by, for example, a service technician when the apparatus is installed, or may be performed by the user of the apparatus. In the custom information setting screens shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the data transfer essential information and all other information are displayed as image accompanying information, but the data transfer essential information is displayed from the beginning. It may not be performed, or may be displayed as an unselectable state.

FIG. 8 illustrates the operation of the image processing apparatus 140, particularly focusing on the operation at the time of data transfer as described above. For example, the CPU 141
The processing program according to the flowchart of FIG. 8 stored in advance in M144 is read and executed. As a result, the image processing device 140 operates as follows.

Step S400: The photographing section 145 performs photographing of the subject 102 with the flat sensor unit 110 and acquires the photographed image. The CPU 141 temporarily stores the photographed image data obtained by the photographing unit 145 in the RAM 142, performs arbitrary image processing, and collectively stores the processed photographed image data (original data 146) and the image accompanying information. And save it in the database 143. Thereafter, the data transfer processing of the original data 146 by the processing from the next step S401 is started.

Step S401, Step S402, Step S410: The CPU 141 obtains a list of data transfer destinations (destination list) of the original data 146 set in advance, and sets a transmission flag indicating whether or not the data transfer is completed to ""Nottransmitted" is set (step S401).
Then, the CPU 141 repeatedly executes the processing of the following steps S403 to S407 for each of the devices to which the data is to be transferred set in the transmission destination list until the data transfer of the original data 146 is completed. (Step S402, Step S410).

Step S403: Conversion section 147 (CPU
141 is a data transfer destination (target data transfer destination) to be processed in the above-mentioned transmission destination list.
Is read from the database 143.

Step S404: The conversion unit 147 performs image processing for image diagnosis such as image trimming and enhancement processing on the original data 146 according to the target data transfer destination.

Step S405: The conversion unit 147 adds the processing result of step S404 to step S403.
Original data 146 according to the setting information read in
Is converted into transfer data corresponding to the target data transfer destination.

Step S406: The conversion unit 147 transfers the transfer data obtained in step S405 to the target data transfer destination device.

Step S407: The CPU 141 sets (resets) the transmission flag of the target data destination in the destination list to "data transfer end". Then, C
The PU 141 returns to step S402, and repeatedly executes the processing from the determination processing as to whether or not all data transfer has been completed.

In the processing shown in FIG. 8, for example, the data transfer destination of the image processing apparatus 140 is the image server 1
50 when the image server 150 has an image processing function for image diagnosis such as image trimming and enhancement processing.
In step 318, the type and parameters of the image processing to be executed are set, and the image processing apparatus 140 sets
It is also possible to execute the processing set in 404 and set the image server 150 to execute the image processing.

Further, for example, when the image server 150 transfers data after image processing to the image display device 160, the image data transferred by the image server 150 is 2688 × 2688 pixels, and the image display device 160 In the case where the image can be output with the optimal image size when the image is trimmed to 2048 × 2560 pixels, the image server 150 (or the image processing device 140) that performs the image processing needs to The optimum trimming size may be instructed, and the image server 150 (or the image processing device 140) may perform image processing based on the instruction and transfer the processed data.

In addition, for the above-described image processing at the data transfer source (here, the image server 150 or the image processing device 140), for example, parameters used for gradation processing for density adjustment are transferred to the data transfer source. It may be set in advance for each destination. As a result, it is possible to provide the image data of the optimum gradation to the data transfer destination.

[Second Embodiment] For example, X in FIG.
In the image processing device 140 of the radiographic system 100,
If a logical error occurs due to a protocol mismatch among data transfer errors, the image processing device 14
In accordance with the error report, the serviceman or the user 0 changes the combination of the image accompanying information to be transferred on the setting screens as shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 repeatedly until an error does not occur. By that
It is conceivable to find a combination of image accompanying information that does not cause an error. That is, the database 143
It is conceivable to find out a combination of image accompanying information that does not cause an error by trial and error based on the setting information in. However, such a search operation for a combination of image accompanying information is very troublesome.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, a safe mode is provided for the image processing apparatus 140. In the safe mode setting, the information setting is automatically changed by the execution of the processing program by the CPU 141, and an error occurs. A configuration is set in which a combination of image accompanying information not to be set is set and data transfer is performed.

More specifically, for example, it is assumed that when the image processing apparatus 140 transfers data to the printer 170, a transmission error occurs due to a protocol mismatch by the software of the destination printer 170 or the image processing apparatus 140. Here, it is normal to retransmit after a while, but if the error is not an error typified by a network failure or the like, that is, it is not a physical error, there is no possibility that retransmission will succeed even if it is not.

As described above, when data transfer has been performed halfway but cannot be completed due to a logical error, the CPU 141 displays an error status screen 500 as shown in FIG. An error status screen 500 includes a “Cancel” button 502 for instructing transmission cancellation.
"OK" button 50 for instructing to lower the level (information level) of image accompanying information to be transferred.
3 and "Retry" for instructing retransmission as it is
A window 501 including a button 504 is provided.

When the “Cancel” button 502 is pressed, the conversion unit 147 (function realized by the CPU 141) interrupts the data transfer. "OK" button 50
When 3 is pressed, the conversion unit 147 enters a safe mode in which the information level is reduced and the data transfer is continued. "Re
When the “try” button 504 is pressed, the conversion unit 147
Attempts data transfer again without changing the information level.

In the present embodiment, as an example, six levels from "0" to "5" are used as information levels. This information level is managed in the database 143 by the CPU 141.

In the above information level, the “0” level is the maximum level. In this level, the conversion section 147
Transmits data of all image accompanying information. When performing data transfer from the “0” level to the “1” level, the conversion unit 147 compares the DICOM standard version between the data transfer destination and the own device, and performs data conversion based on the version of the data transfer destination. (Conversion including deletion of image accompanying information) is performed. Thus, the data can be transmitted in a format that matches the version of the data transfer destination. “2”
When performing data transfer at the level, the conversion unit 147 creates transmission data in a format in which Japanese data is deleted, and transfers the data. When performing data transfer at the “3” level, the conversion unit 147 creates transmission data in a format in which the vendor unique information in the image accompanying information is deleted, and transfers the data. When performing data transfer at the “4” level, the conversion unit 147 registers image accompanying information having an error record in accordance with an instruction from a service person or a user, and deletes previous registration information. When performing the data transfer at the “5” level, the conversion unit 147 outputs the actual image data,
The transmission data is created and the data is transferred in a state where the minimum required image accompanying information such as the number of pixels and the bit width is left, and most of the image accompanying information is deleted.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the image accompanying information to be transferred is divided at a multi-stage level using (transmission parameters) as a subset. Information on such an information level is registered in the database 143 for each data transfer destination by the CPU 141.

At this time, registration for data transfer at the lowest secure level (“5” level) from the beginning is not performed. This is because, when the image data is collected from the receiving device by deleting information, if most of the accompanying information is deleted, information such as parameters applied at the time of shooting cannot be restored. For example, the vendor unique information to be deleted when data transfer is performed by lowering the level from “2” level to “3” level includes the image processing device 14.
0 includes all the image accompanying information acquired. what if,
If all of the image-related information is present, Japanese data that has been deleted and transmitted at level "2" is also included in the vendor unique information. Therefore, data must be collected from the receiving device at a later date to restore the Japanese data. Is possible. Similarly,
The DICOM information converted at the “1” level can be restored again.

When the data transfer destination device (printer 170 in this case) is upgraded, the device is registered in the database 143 as a new device, and the data from the maximum level "1" is registered. Register to do the transfer. This is the database 14
As for No. 3, this corresponds to the operation of resetting the information level of the problematic device and re-registering it from the beginning. In the database 143 in which such registration has been performed, the registration for the version that has been used in the past is also left. Therefore, for example, when performing maintenance, the service technician transmits transmission level information for each transfer destination and for each version from the database. It can be collected.

FIGS. 10 and 11A and 11B show examples of information relating to the information level for each data transfer destination registered and managed in the database 143. FIG.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 141 stores the data transfer destination device name (destination device name), version information, and information level (transmission level) in the database 143. Register each time.
In FIG. 10 described above, the image processing apparatus 140 includes a printer “NS400” of company S and a printer “MLP19” of company K.
There is a record of connection to each of "0", and the above-described destination device name, version information, and transmission level information are registered as information of these printers.

Here, as shown in FIG. 10, the printer "NS400" is in a state where the version "2.8.0" can transfer data by lowering it to the "4" level. If the version is updated to "3.0.1" from this state, the printer "NS400" of version "2.8.0" is already registered in the database 143 (although an entry exists). The printer “NS400” of version “3.0.1” is unknown. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11A, the CPU 141 sets the printer “N” of version “3.0.1”.
S400 ”is registered in the database 143 as a new device. At this time, the transmission level is registered as the maximum level “0” level.

When the registration as a new device is completed, the conversion unit 147 performs data transfer according to the registration. That is, data transfer at the “0” level is performed to the printer “NS400” of version “3.0.1”.

If a transmission error occurs as a result of the above data transfer, and retransmission is not successful, the CPU 1
In the database 143, the transmission level for the printer "NS400" of version "3.0.1" is registered by lowering the transmission level from "0" level to "1" level.

When the above registration is completed, the conversion unit 147
Performs data transfer again in accordance with the registration. That is, the printer “NS40 of version“ 3.0.1 ”
For "0", data transfer at the "1" level is performed.

If a transmission error occurs as a result of the above-mentioned data transfer and the transmission is not successful even if the data is retransmitted as it is, the CPU 1
41, the database 143 registers the transmission level of the printer "NS400" of version "3.0.1" from "1" level to "2" level.

When the above registration is completed, the conversion unit 147
Performs data transfer again in accordance with the registration. That is, the printer “NS40 of version“ 3.0.1 ”
For "0", data transfer at the "2" level is performed.

As a result of the above data transfer, if the transmission error is successful, as shown in FIG. 11B, the registration of the database 143 in this state is maintained, and the subsequent data transfer is performed according to the registration. It is done automatically.

The information registered in the database 143 is
It is of course possible to manually reset (return to "0" level) by a service person. Also, the version of the data transfer destination device is changed from, for example, “3.0.1.”
When the original version is returned to “2.8.0”, the same data transfer environment as before can be reproduced without the need for a service person on the image processing apparatus 140 side.

FIG. 12 shows an image processing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment.
In the operation 40, the operation is particularly illustrated focusing on the operation relating to the automatic setting of the combination of the image accompanying information according to the information level as described above. For example, the CPU 14
1 reads out and executes a processing program according to the flowchart of FIG. 12 stored in the ROM 144 in advance. As a result, the image processing device 140 operates as follows.

Step S600: Step S in FIG.
When a captured image is obtained by the capturing unit 145, the CPU 141 stores the captured image data in the RAM
The image data is temporarily stored in the storage 142, and after any image processing is performed, the processed image data (original data 146) and the image accompanying information thereof are collectively stored in the database 143.

Step S601: Original data 14
6 is connected to the data transfer destination, the CPU 141
Acquires the version of the communication protocol and the version of the software used in the data transfer destination device.

Step S602: If the version information can be obtained in step S601, the next step S60
Then, the process proceeds from step S610 to a process to be described later.

Steps S603 to S605: If the version information can be obtained in step S601, the conversion unit 147 reads the setting information of the data transfer destination in the database 143 (step S603), and based on the setting information, The original data 146 to be transferred in the data 143 is subjected to image processing for image diagnosis such as image trimming and enhancement processing (step S6).
04), the original data 14 including the processing result
6 is converted into transfer data corresponding to the target data transfer destination (step S605).

Step S606: The conversion unit 147 transfers the transfer data obtained in step S605 to the data transfer destination device.

Steps S607 and S608: C
The PU 141 determines whether or not the data transfer in Step S606 is successful (Step S607). If the result of this determination is that the data transfer has succeeded, this processing ends (step S608). On the other hand, if the data transfer has failed, the process proceeds from the next step S612.

Step S612: If the result of determination in step S607 is that data transfer has failed, the CPU 141
Enters the safe mode and notifies the user that the data transfer has failed (transmission error) by displaying a message on the screen as shown in FIG. 9 or the like.

Step S613: The CPU 141 determines whether or not the user instructs to lower the information level and retransmit from the screen or the like. As a result of this determination,
When retransmitting, the process proceeds to the next step S614, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S616 described later.

Steps S614 and S615: If the result of determination in step S613 is that retransmission should be performed, the CPU 1
41, as described above, lowers the transmission level (output level) of the data transfer destination in the database 143 (step S614) and registers it (step S615). Thereafter, the flow returns to step S604 again, and the subsequent processing steps are repeatedly executed.

Step S616: As a result of the determination in step S613, if retransmission is not performed, for example, if the transmission level is the lowest level that cannot be reduced, or if transmission is canceled, the process ends in a transmission error state.

Steps S610 and S611: If the version information cannot be obtained as a result of the determination in step S602, the CPU 141 generates a physical error such as a network failure by displaying a message on a screen or the like. Is notified to the user (step S610). After that, the CPU 141 temporarily ends the present process in order to enter the retransmission process waiting state (Step S
611).

It is not necessary to execute the version acquisition process of step S601 in FIG. 12 every time.
For example, version information may be acquired in advance and stored in the database 143 in step S603. Further, the transmission error display processing in step S612 does not necessarily need to be executed.
For example, if data transfer is not possible as a result of the determination in step S607, processing for automatically lowering the transmission level (level conversion processing) may be repeatedly performed until the transmission level reaches the minimum level.

An object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing program codes of software for realizing the functions of the host and the terminal of the first and second embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and to provide the system or the apparatus with It is needless to say that the present invention is also achieved when the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the apparatus reads out and executes the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the first and second embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. ROM, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, C
A D-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, or the like can be used. The functions of the first and second embodiments are realized by executing the program code read by the computer, and the OS running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the present invention includes a case in which the functions of the first and second embodiments are realized by performing part or all of the actual processing. Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in an extension function board inserted into the computer or a function extension unit connected to the computer, the function extension is performed based on the instruction of the program code. C provided on board and function expansion unit
It goes without saying that the PU or the like performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the first and second embodiments.

Further, the present invention provides the program to a requester via a communication line such as the Internet from a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the first and second embodiments. It goes without saying that it can be applied to the case of distribution.

[0143]

As described above, according to the present invention, predetermined information (such as image information obtained by radiographic imaging for medical diagnosis) is converted to a predetermined communication protocol (such as the ICOM standard for data exchange of medical image information). In the case of external transfer (transfer to another device or system, etc.) using a protocol or the like conforming to the standard of the related art, information on transfer of predetermined information (information on information included in header information) is stored for each external transfer destination. In addition, based on the stored information, the predetermined information to be transferred is converted into transfer information corresponding to the external transfer destination.

With the above configuration, for example, when sharing image information among a plurality of devices, the image information (and its additional information) can be transferred by converting the information with settings suitable for different destinations. Can be switched depending on the transfer destination. In other words, the image information can be transferred between a plurality of devices, not as a single copy, but as information suitable for each device. As a result, an optimum output result or the like can be obtained in the transfer destination device without causing a transmission error or the like.

In the case where the conversion is performed at a plurality of conversion levels as the information conversion, for example, the conversion at the conversion level which is the maximum level is performed by converting the information including all the information. Is configured to perform information conversion in the form of deleting information as it goes down. In case of transmission error, error can be avoided by changing the level of information conversion (safe mode). The information transfer can be reliably completed without bothering the man or the user.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the transfer information can be converted (the data content can be changed) according to the information transfer destination, so that information exchange or sharing between a plurality of devices or systems can be efficiently performed. It can be done properly and reliably.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a medical digital X-ray imaging system to which the present invention is applied in a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining image data to be transferred in the system.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a most characteristic functional configuration of the image processing apparatus of the system.

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining an example of a setting screen of information of a data transfer destination (“printer 1”) stored in a database of the image processing apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a custom information setting screen of the setting screen.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen of information on a data transfer destination (“printer 2”) stored in a database of the image processing apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a custom information setting screen of the setting screen.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image processing apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen at the time of a transmission error in the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining information on an information level (transmission level) for each data transfer registered in the database of the image processing apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining registration information in the database after the information level conversion.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image processing apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional digital medical radiography system.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining image data to be transferred in the system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 medical digital X-ray imaging system 101 flat sensor unit 102 subject 103 X-ray generator 110 data line 140 image processing device 141 CPU 142 RAM 143 database 143 a to 143 c setting information 144 ROM 145 imaging unit 146 original data 146 a to 146 c transfer Data 147 Conversion unit 150 Image server 160 Image display device 170, 180 Printer 190 Network

Claims (37)

[Claims] An information processing apparatus for externally transferring predetermined information according to a predetermined communication protocol, comprising: storage means for storing information relating to transfer of the predetermined information for each external transfer destination; A conversion unit for converting the predetermined information into transfer information corresponding to an external transfer destination. 2. An image processing apparatus for externally transferring image information according to a predetermined communication protocol for image transfer, comprising: storage means for storing information relating to transfer of the image information for each external transfer destination; An image processing apparatus comprising: a conversion unit configured to convert the image information into transfer information corresponding to an external transfer destination based on the information. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said image information includes an image obtained by radiography. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising setting means for setting information relating to the transfer of the image information to the storage means for each external transfer destination. 5. The conversion means generates the additional information corresponding to an external transfer destination when converting the image information into the transfer information including the image information and the additional information of the image information. The image processing device according to claim 2. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the conversion unit includes a result of performing image processing corresponding to an external transfer destination on the image information in the transfer information. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the information related to the transfer of the image information includes designation information indicating whether or not the transfer includes information including Japanese language information. 8. The communication protocol according to claim 2, wherein the communication protocol includes a protocol conforming to the DICOM standard.
The image processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the conversion unit performs the conversion based on version information of the communication protocol of an external transfer destination. 10. When the transfer means fails to transfer the transfer information obtained by the conversion at any one of the plurality of conversion levels, the conversion means lowers the conversion level of the transfer information. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the conversion is performed again at a level to generate information for retransmission. 11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of conversion levels include at least one of conversion by deleting Japanese information and conversion by deleting vendor unique information. apparatus. 12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a notification unit that notifies a result of the transfer of the transfer information. 13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a second storage unit that stores information on the conversion level used for each external transfer destination. 14. An image processing system in which a plurality of devices are communicably connected to each other, wherein at least one of the plurality of devices is a function of the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, and An image processing system having any one of the functions of the image processing device according to any one of 2 to 13. 15. An image processing system for sharing radiation image information with a plurality of medical devices or systems, wherein at least one of the plurality of medical devices or systems transmits at least one or more of the image information. Image processing means for converting at least one of the image information and the supplementary information of the image information based on information relating to transfer to a destination, and transfer means for transferring the image information after the conversion processing for each transfer destination. An image processing system comprising: 16. At least one of the plurality of medical devices or systems receives the information transferred by the transfer unit and restores the additional information deleted by the conversion process from the received information. The image processing system according to claim 15, wherein: 17. The image processing system according to claim 16, wherein said deleted supplementary information includes Japanese language information. 18. An image processing method for externally transferring image information according to a predetermined communication protocol for image transfer, comprising: a storage step of storing information on transfer of the image information for each external transfer destination; A conversion step of converting the image information into transfer information corresponding to an external transfer destination based on the information stored by the method. 19. An image processing method for externally transferring image information according to a predetermined communication protocol for image transfer, comprising: a setting step in which a user sets information on transfer of the image information for each external transfer destination; A storage step of storing information set by the setting step; and a conversion step of converting the image information into transfer information for each external transfer destination based on the setting information stored by the storage step. Image processing method. 20. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the image information includes an image obtained by radiography.
The image processing method described in the above. 21. The setting step includes a step of setting information relating to the additional information of the image information for each external transfer destination, and the converting step includes the step of setting the information including the image information and the additional information as header information. The image processing method according to claim 19, further comprising a step of generating information. 22. The image processing method according to claim 19, wherein the converting step includes a step of performing image processing corresponding to an external transfer destination on the image information. 23. The image processing method according to claim 22, wherein said image processing includes a process of converting said image information into image information of an arbitrary image size. 24. The image processing method according to claim 19, wherein said setting step includes a step of setting, for each external transfer destination, whether or not the transfer includes Japanese information. 25. The image processing method according to claim 19, wherein said communication protocol includes a protocol conforming to the DICOM standard. 26. A version obtaining step of obtaining version information of the communication protocol of an external transfer destination before transfer, wherein the converting step performs the conversion based on the version information obtained by the version obtaining step. 20. The image processing method according to claim 19, comprising: 27. The conversion step includes a step of performing the conversion based on a conversion level set for each external transfer destination. If the transfer of the transfer information fails, the conversion level used in the conversion step 20. The image processing method according to claim 19, further comprising a control step of re-transferring the transfer information obtained by the conversion of the conversion level in that state. 28. When the conversion level is reduced by the control step, at least one of deletion of Japanese information and deletion of vendor unique information is performed based on the conversion level in that state. 28. The image processing method according to claim 27, further comprising the step of performing a conversion including the following. 29. The method according to claim 29, wherein when the transfer of the transfer information has failed, the control step includes a step of detecting a cause of the failure and a step of determining whether to perform the reduction of the conversion level. The image processing method according to claim 27, characterized in that: 30. The method according to claim 30, wherein, when the transfer of the transfer information fails, the control step includes a step of notifying the user of at least one of the failure and the retransfer with the conversion level lowered. An image processing method according to claim 27. 31. The control step includes a step of storing information on the conversion level for each external transfer destination, and the conversion step includes a step of performing the conversion based on the stored information. 28. The image processing method according to claim 27, wherein: 32. The control step, comprising: obtaining version information of a communication protocol used at an external transfer destination before transfer; storing information on the conversion level based on the version information; Comparing the version information acquired this time with the version information acquired last time based on the storage information and the acquisition information; and updating the storage information based on the comparison result. 28. The image processing method according to claim 27, further comprising the step of performing the conversion on the basis of: 33. The image processing method according to claim 32, wherein the control step includes a step of storing information relating to the maximum conversion level as initial information of the storage information. 34. An image processing method for sharing radiation image information with another medical device or system, comprising: a setting step in which a user sets information relating to information transfer to the other medical device or system; Based on the information set in the setting step, at least one of the image processing and the information conversion processing is performed through at least one of the radiation image information to be transferred to the other medical device or the system and the supplementary information of the image information. An image processing method, comprising: a processing step to be executed; and a transfer step of transferring information after the processing in the processing step to the other medical device or system. 35. The function of the information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
Alternatively, a computer readable recording program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 13 or the functions of the image processing system according to any one of claims 14 to 17 Storage medium. 36. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the processing steps of the image processing method according to claim 18. 37. A storage medium recording a control program for converting transfer information by a computer, wherein the control program causes a user to set conditions of an information transfer destination apparatus or system. ,
A storage medium for converting information according to the setting and transferring the converted information.