JP2005088353A - Medical image system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a medical image system for forming medical images of a high image quality to a recording medium of a density conformed to characteristics of medical images. <P>SOLUTION: According to the embodiment, an image recording apparatus 2 distinguishes the kind of the medical image based on incidental information incidental to the medical image, selects a tray in which the recording medium of the density conformed to the kind of the medical image is loaded, and makes the recording medium transferred from the tray. Moreover, the image recording apparatus 2 changes over a write pitch of an image recording means 29 to a write pitch conformed to the kind of the medical image, and makes the medical image recorded to the recording medium of the suitable density. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a medical image system that outputs a medical image by converting image signals input from a plurality of types of image signal sources into image signals corresponding to the image signal sources.

  Conventionally, a method for obtaining medical radiographic image information without using a radiographic film made of a silver salt photosensitive material has been devised. For example, using an imaging plate mainly composed of a photostimulable substance, once a radiation image is accumulated, it is extracted as stimulating light using excitation light, and this light is photoelectrically converted to obtain an image signal. An apparatus (Computed Radiography: hereinafter abbreviated as “CR”) has become widespread. Recently, an apparatus (Flat Panel Detector: hereinafter abbreviated as “FPD”) that reads radiation image information by combining a radiation phosphor or radiation photoconductor and a two-dimensional semiconductor detector such as a TFT switching element has been proposed. In addition, depending on the imaging region and imaging purpose, a computer tomography apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “CT (Computed Tomography)”) or a nuclear magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)”), Mammography devices and the like are used (hereinafter, these devices are collectively referred to as “medical image generation devices”).

  When diagnosing these medical images, a method is often used in which image information is recorded on a transmissive recording medium and a reflective recording medium and observed in the form of a hard copy. As a medical image recording apparatus for recording medical image information on a recording medium, a method of recording an image by laser exposure on a transmission recording medium using a silver salt recording material is well known. According to this method, a monochrome gradation image can be drawn with excellent gradation, and high diagnostic ability can be obtained by recording on a transmission medium and observing with transmitted light. Various types of medical image recording apparatuses have been developed, and besides using conventional silver salt recording materials that require wet processing, thermal recording apparatuses using thermal heads or heat mode lasers, photosensitive thermal development, and the like. An apparatus for recording a photothermographic image using a recording material is also known.

  In recent years, the above-described medical image generation apparatus and medical image recording apparatus have a system for managing information in a hospital (hereinafter referred to as HIS; Hospital Information System) and a system for managing information in a radiology department (hereinafter referred to as RIS). ; Called Radiology Information System) via a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), etc., and taken medical images are transmitted / received via the network and used in each device. For example, medical images generated by various medical image generation apparatuses are transmitted to a medical image recording apparatus, and medical images are recorded on a recording medium and output by the medical image recording apparatus, and are used for diagnosis.

  In these image recording apparatuses, when a medical image is recorded, a recording medium having a different density is used according to the imaged part. For example, in mammography, a recording medium having a higher density (for example, Dmax = 4.0) is used as compared with other general medical images. Mammography findings have the characteristic that if minute lime is gathered (clustered), there is a high possibility that it is an early stage cancer. Therefore, if a medical image is recorded on a low-density recording medium, it is recorded. The background color of the medium and the density of the minute lime image may become ambiguous, and the diagnostic accuracy may be reduced. Accordingly, when recording mammography, it is required to record a medical image on a recording medium having a high density in order to output the background image and the subject image of the recording medium with high contrast.

  In addition, since mammography for diagnosing such a fine lime image requires a particularly high-definition medical image for diagnosis, the medical image is recorded at a finer writing pitch than other general medical images. Is required. From the background described above, in a system in which a plurality of medical image generation apparatuses are connected and a general medical image and mammography are mixed, a medical image having a writing pitch corresponding to the characteristics of the medical image is manually operated by an operator. A recording device is selected, and in the selected medical image recording device, a recording medium having a density corresponding to the characteristics of the medical image is selected to record the medical image.

  Here, as an image recording apparatus that controls the laser scanning unit in accordance with the density of the recording medium, for example, a wedge pattern (test pattern) image having a plurality of densities is formed on the recording medium when the recording medium is loaded or at regular intervals. Based on the result of exposure and measurement of the density of the resulting image with a densitometer, the relationship between the input image signal and the amount of laser exposure is adjusted to automatically correct variations in the photosensitive characteristics of the film and variations in development characteristics. The technique to do is disclosed (for example, refer patent document 1).

JP-A-6-233134

  However, the above-described image recording apparatus (for example, Patent Document 1) discloses a calibration method mainly for variation of a film to be used, but when there are a plurality of films having different use density ranges, There was no disclosure of the relationship between image information and output film.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a medical image system that forms a high-quality medical image on a recording medium having a density according to the characteristics of the medical image.

In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 1
A medical image system comprising: image data input means for inputting a medical image with accompanying information including density information; and image recording means for recording the medical image on a recording medium,
A plurality of trays for loading recording media of different densities;
Density information acquisition means for acquiring density information of the recording medium loaded in the tray;
Conveying means for conveying a recording medium loaded in a tray selected from a plurality of trays to an image recording means;
Control means for determining the density of the recording medium based on the incidental information, and for selecting a tray for loading a recording medium having a density corresponding to the determined density of the recording medium, based on the density information acquired from the density information acquisition means. When,
It is characterized by providing.

The invention according to claim 2 is the medical image system according to claim 1,
The image recording means can switch at least two kinds of writing pitches,
The control means sets a writing pitch based on the incidental information, and switches the writing pitch of the image recording means to record a medical image.

The invention according to claim 3 is the medical image system according to claim 1 or 2,
A recording medium having a different size can be loaded for each of the plurality of trays.

The invention according to claim 4 is the medical image system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The image recording means records a medical image on a recording medium by a photothermal silver salt method.

The invention according to claim 5
A plurality of medical image recording devices, a plurality of medical image generation devices, and medical images attached with supplementary information including density information are acquired from the medical image generation devices, and the medical images are transmitted to a predetermined medical image recording device. A medical imaging system comprising a control device,
The control device includes:
Receiving means for receiving density information of a recording medium loaded in a tray of a medical image recording apparatus;
Transmission means for determining the density of the recording medium based on the accompanying information of the medical image and transmitting the medical image with the accompanying information to a medical image recording apparatus loaded with a recording medium corresponding to the determined density of the recording medium And comprising
The medical image recording apparatus comprises:
Image data input means for inputting a medical image accompanied by incidental information;
A tray for loading a recording medium;
Transmitting means for transmitting density information of the recording medium loaded in the tray;
Image recording means for recording a medical image on a recording medium;
Control means for selecting a tray in which a recording medium of a corresponding density is loaded, based on incidental information of a medical image and density information of the recording medium loaded in the tray;
It is characterized by providing.

The invention according to claim 6 is the medical image system according to claim 5,
The image recording means can switch at least two kinds of writing pitches,
The control means sets a writing pitch based on the incidental information, and switches the writing pitch of the image recording means to record a medical image.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the density of the recording medium for recording the medical image is determined based on the supplementary information attached to the medical image, and the tray for loading the recording medium having the density corresponding to the determined density is selected. Then, the recording medium can be conveyed from the tray, and the medical image can be recorded on the recording medium having a density corresponding to the characteristics of the medical image. Thereby, for example, when a medical image is mammography, a high-contrast medical image can be formed by recording on a high-density recording medium, and diagnostic performance can be improved.

  According to the invention described in claim 2, the writing pitch for recording the medical image is set based on the incidental information attached to the medical image, and the medical image is recorded on the recording medium at the set writing pitch. Therefore, for example, in mammography that requires high sharpness, a high-definition medical image can be provided, and in a general medical image, a medical image is formed giving priority to processing efficiency. be able to.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, not only recording media having different densities but also recording media having different sizes can be used, and medical images can be used by using suitable recording media according to the type of medical image. Can be output.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a medical image can be recorded on a recording medium without requiring wet processing.

  According to the fifth aspect of the invention, for example, when a recording medium having a different density is loaded for each of the plurality of image recording apparatuses, the control apparatus determines the density of the recording medium based on the incidental information. By transmitting a medical image to a medical image recording medium loaded with a recording medium corresponding to the density, it is possible to record a medical image on a recording medium with a desired density accurately and efficiently.

  According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the writing pitch for recording the medical image is set based on the incidental information attached to the medical image, and the medical image is recorded on the recording medium at the set writing pitch. Therefore, for example, in mammography that requires high sharpness, a high-definition medical image can be provided, and in a general medical image, a medical image is formed giving priority to processing efficiency. be able to.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

First, the configuration of the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a system configuration of a medical image system 100 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a medical image system 100 includes medical image generation apparatuses 1a to 1e, medical image recording apparatuses 2a to 2b, HIS / RIS 3, JOB manager 4, WS (Work Station) 6 and the like via a network N. Are connected so that data can be transmitted and received between them. The medical image generation apparatuses 1 d and 1 e, the JOB manager 4, and the SW 5 constitute a CR network 10.

  As the network N, various line forms such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), and the Internet can be applied. Note that wireless communication or infrared communication may be used as long as it is permitted within a medical institution such as a hospital. However, since important patient information is included, it is preferable to encrypt information to be transmitted and received. In general, DICOM (Digital Image and Communications in Medicine) standard is used as an in-hospital communication method. Then, DICOM MWM (Modality Worklist Management) or DICOM MPPS (Modality Performed Procedure Step) is used.

  The medical image generation apparatuses (hereinafter referred to as “image generation apparatuses”) 1a to 1e are composed of, for example, CR, FPD, CT, MRI, mammography apparatus, etc., and shoot a subject and digitally convert the captured image. And an apparatus for generating a medical image. In the present embodiment, the image generation apparatus 1a is a CT, the image generation apparatus 1b is an MRI, the image generation apparatus 1c is a mammography apparatus, the image generation apparatus 1d is a standing CR, and the image generation apparatus A case where 1e is a cassette CR will be described as an example.

  Note that the image generation apparatuses 1a to 1e are apparatuses conforming to the above-described DAICOM standard, and supplementary information according to the DICOM standard is attached. When the image generation apparatuses 1a to 1e are not compliant with the DAICOM standard, a DICOM conversion apparatus (not shown) is used to input incidental information of DICOM, or incidental information is generated by the JOB manager 4 or WS5 described later, and a medical image The structure attached to may be sufficient.

  The medical image recording devices (hereinafter referred to as “image recording devices”) 2a to 2b output hard copies obtained by reproducing the image data supplied from the image generating devices 1a to 1e as visible images. It is composed of various dry printers using an X-ray laser, a heat mode laser, a thermal head or the like.

  The image recording devices 2a to 2b will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Since the image recording apparatuses 2a to 2b have substantially the same configuration, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the image recording apparatus 2a will be described as a representative. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image recording apparatus 2a. As shown in FIG. 2, image data input means 21, image data storage means 22, image processing means 23, input means 24, display means 25, control means 26, film transport means 27, film mounting means 28, image recording means. 29 or the like.

  The image data input unit 21 acquires a digitally converted medical image from the image generation apparatuses 1 a to 1 c via the network N. The image input means 21 is configured to be able to read medical image data from various storage media such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory) and a floppy (registered trademark) in which captured medical image data is recorded. May be.

  Alternatively, the image data input means 21 is a laser digitizer or the like configured separately from the image recording device 2, and scans a film on which a medical image obtained by imaging a patient is recorded with a laser beam, and determines the amount of transmitted light. A configuration may be adopted in which a medical image is input to the image recording apparatus 2 as digital image data by measuring and analog-digital converting the measured value.

  The image data input means 11 is not limited to the above laser digitizer, and for example, a light detection element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) is applied to optically scan the film on which the medical image is recorded, and the reflected light is reflected on the film. Digital image data may be input by photoelectric conversion by a CCD.

  In addition, the imaging apparatus is configured to be connected to an imaging apparatus that generates medical image data by digitally converting a medical image captured using a storage phosphor instead of reading a medical image recorded on a film. The digital image data may be input to the diagnosis support apparatus 10. In this case, no film is required, and the cost can be reduced.

  Further, the image data input means 11 may be configured to connect an FPD that captures a radiographic image and outputs it as an electrical signal, and digital image data may be input from the FPD. As described in JP-A-6-342098, the FPD includes a radiation detection element that generates a charge according to the intensity of irradiated radiation, and a capacitor that stores the charge generated by the radiation detection element. Are two-dimensionally arranged.

  In addition, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-90048, the image data input means 11 includes a photodetection element such as a photodiode that detects fluorescence intensity, a CCD, or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor as a pixel. Each unit is equipped with a photodetector, and the radiation is absorbed by a phosphor layer such as an intensifying screen to emit fluorescence, the fluorescence intensity is detected by a photodetector, and photoelectric conversion is performed for digital medical use. Image data may be input. Moreover, the structure which combined the radiation scintillator which emits visible light by irradiation of a radiation, the area sensor corresponding to a lens eye and each lens may be sufficient.

  The medical image data input by the image data input means 21 is provided with a header area. In this header area, as information about the medical image, for example, the name of the patient imaged, patient ID (patient individually Imaging information such as examination ID (ID for individually identifying examination) indicating patient's information such as sex, patient information such as sex, imaging site, imaging date, and examination to which the image belongs, and medical image The incidental information such as the device type (device ID), the recording pixel size (reading pitch), the size of the recording medium, and the density information of the recording medium is recorded based on the DICOM standard.

  The image data storage means 22 is constituted by a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory, and stores medical image data input by the image data input means 11. At this time, data compression is performed as necessary. As a data compression method, lossless compression or irreversible compression can be performed by a known method such as JPEG, DPCM, wavelet compression, etc., but lossless compression without deterioration of image data due to data compression is preferable.

  The image processing unit 23 performs various types of image processing on the medical image data input from the image data storage unit 22 and outputs it to the image recording unit 27. Various image processing includes gradation processing that adjusts image contrast, contrast correction processing, frequency enhancement processing that adjusts image sharpness, and an image with a wide dynamic range in an easy-to-view density range without reducing the contrast of details of the subject. Dynamic range compression processing for storing, interpolation processing for outputting medical images having different reading pixel sizes and recording pixel sizes at the same magnification, and the like are included.

  The input unit 24 includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, generates an instruction signal corresponding to the input instruction, and outputs the instruction signal to the control unit 26. Specifically, in a setting mode set by the control unit 26, a recording medium size, a recording pixel size, an output destination tray, and the like, which will be described later, are input and output to the control unit 26.

  The display means 25 is a display means composed of a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), plasma display, or the like, and outputs the display information input from the control means 26.

  The control unit 26 obtains supplementary information of DICOM attached to the header of the medical image stored in the image data storage unit 22 and determines a suitable density of the recording medium on which the medical image is recorded. Here, the preferred density of the recording medium is, for example, when the type of medical image is mammography, the density of the recording medium is preferably about Dmax = 3.6 to 4.0, and the type of medical image is general medical In the case of an image, the density of the recording medium is preferably about Dmax = 3.0. In the present embodiment, a preferable density in the case of mammography is Dmax = 4.0, and a preferable density in the case of a general medical image is Dmax = 3.0.

  The incidental information for determining a suitable density of the recording medium for recording the medical image includes the maximum density (Dmax) information at the time of recording, the device type (identification information) of the image generating apparatus, the recording medium size, and the recording pixel. The size (reading pitch), imaging region, etc. are included. For example, when the incidental information includes Dmax information at the time of recording, the density of the recording medium is determined based on the Dmax information.

  If the device types of the image generation devices 1a to 1e are included in the incidental information, if the device type is CT, MRI, or standing CR, it is determined that the image is a general medical image, and the device type is a mammography device. For example, it is determined that it is mammography, and a density suitable for each is determined. Note that when the device type is a cassette CR, the type of medical image cannot be determined by the device type, and therefore the determination is based on other information.

  If the recording medium size is included in the supplementary information, if the recording medium size is half cut, it is determined as a general medical image, and if the recording medium size is six cuts, it is determined as mammography, Determine the appropriate concentration. Note that when the recording medium size is large four, it cannot be determined by the recording medium size, so it is determined based on other information. In addition, the type of medical image is determined based on various information included in the incidental information or a combination thereof.

  Further, the control means 26 acquires density information of the films loaded in the trays T1 and T2 of the film placing means 29. Further, the control means 26 compares the Dmax information included in the incidental information with the density information of the film loaded in each tray, and determines a tray that can be output. When the Dmax information is not included in the incidental information, it is determined based on the incidental information whether the type of the medical image is a mammography or a general medical image. When it is determined that the medical image type is mammography, a selection signal for selecting a tray loaded with a film having Dmax = 4.0 is output to the film transport unit 28. If it is determined that the type of medical image is a general medical image, a selection signal for selecting a tray loaded with a film having Dmax = 3.0 is output to the film transport unit 28.

  Further, when it is determined that the medical image is mammography, the control unit 26 outputs a control signal for setting the writing pitch to 25 μ for high definition to the image recording unit 29. When it is determined that the medical image is a general medical image, a control signal for setting the writing pitch to 50 μ is output to the image recording unit 29. Here, when a general medical image is recorded on a recording medium, a high-quality medical image can be formed if the writing pitch is about 50 μm. However, it is preferable to set the writing pitch as fine as about 25 μm in mammography where high definition is particularly required for diagnosis. Although it is possible to form an image by setting the writing pitch of a general medical image to 25 μm, it takes time for image processing and the processing capability is lowered, which is not preferable in practice.

  The film conveying means 28 is constituted by a film pickup for taking out the film from the film placing means 29, a conveying roller, and the like, and in accordance with a selection signal output from the control means 26, the tray designated from the trays T1 and T2 is selected. The recording medium selected and loaded in the selected tray is conveyed to the image recording means 29.

  The film placing means 28 includes two types of trays T1 and T2. The trays T1 and T2 are loaded with a plurality of types of film packages having different densities (here, two types of films for mammography with a maximum density Dmax = 4.0 and a film for general medical imaging with Dmax = 3.0). It is possible to hold the film in the loaded film package. As shown in FIG. 1, a recording medium having a density of Dmax = 4.0 and a size of 6 is stored in the tray T1, and a recording medium having a density of Dmax = 3.0 and a size of half is stored in the tray T2. Is stored. The number of trays provided in the film placing unit 28 and the density or size of the recording medium to be stored are not limited to this and are arbitrary.

  As the recording medium stored in the trays T1 to T4, for example, a heat-sensitive development recording material or a photosensitive heat-sensitive recording material is used. When this recording medium is exposed, a photocatalyst such as photosensitive silver halide forms a latent image, and when heated, the silver of the organic silver salt ionized by the action of the reducing agent moves, It combines with photosensitive silver halide to form crystalline silver and form an image.

  Further, the film mounting means 28 is provided with density information acquisition means 28a for acquiring density information of the loaded film. The density information acquisition unit 28a includes a barcode reader, reads the barcode attached to the film package loaded in the film mounting unit 28, and acquires film information including the density and type of the film obtained from the barcode. Then, the density information of the film is output to the control means 26. The density information acquisition unit 28a includes a densitometer, measures the density of the developed film at the time of calibration, and acquires density information of the loaded film by determining some of the maximum densities. May be.

  The image recording means 29 is composed of, for example, a thermal recording apparatus using an X-ray laser or a heat mode laser. The image recording means 29 exposes the recording medium with a laser beam modulated in accordance with medical image data input from the image processing means 23 and is latent. By forming an image and then overheating, the exposed portion is colored to make the latent image visible. The image recording means 29 switches the writing pitch to 50 μ (for general medical images) or 25 μ (for mammography) by adjusting the beam diameter of the laser beam to be output in accordance with the control of the control unit 26. Record medical images.

  Next, the image recording apparatus 2b will be described. Since the image recording apparatus 2b has substantially the same configuration as the above-described image recording apparatus 2a, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts, and illustration and detailed description thereof are omitted.

  The film placing unit 28 includes two types of trays T3 and T4. The trays T3 and T4 are loaded with recording media having the same size and different densities. That is, a recording medium having a density of Dmax = 4.0 and a size of 4 is stored in the tray T3, and a recording medium having a density of Dmax = 3.0 and a size of 4 is stored in the tray T4. It shall be. Here, the case where the mammography is output to a recording medium of four sizes is for example to output the left and right breast images to one recording medium and simultaneously diagnose the left and right.

  The image recording unit 29 adjusts the beam diameter of the laser beam to be output in accordance with the control of the control unit 26, thereby writing data when recording on the recording medium (Dmax = 4.0) conveyed from the tray T3. When the pitch is switched to 25μ (for mammography) and recording is performed on the recording medium (Dmax = 3.0) conveyed from the tray T4, the writing pitch is switched to 50μ (for general medical images) to record medical images. Do.

  The HIS / RIS 3 is an information system constructed in a hospital via a network, and includes a server, a terminal, a database, and the like that manage the entire system. Specifically, the HIS / RIS 3 manages order reception for medical image capturing, examination data, captured medical images, and the like.

  The JOB manager 4 is a device that manages medical images among the image generation devices 1a to 1e, the image recording device 2, a database (not shown), and the like based on incidental information of DICOM. For example, when a medical image generated by an image generation device that does not support the DICOM standard is input, the JOB manager 4 generates incidental information corresponding to the DICOM standard and manages the medical image. Further, when the JOB manager 4 records the medical images generated by the image generation apparatuses 1a to 1e on the recording medium, the JOB manager 4 selects the image recording apparatus 2a or 2b based on the supplementary information and applies the medical image to the corresponding image recording apparatus. Is output and medical images are recorded.

  The WS 5 is a network server for constructing a CR network, and manages the image generation apparatuses 1d and 1e, the JOB manager 4, and the like.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing medical image recording processing executed by the image recording apparatuses 2a to 2b. Hereinafter, the operations of the image recording apparatuses 2a to 2b will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when a medical image is input by the image data input unit 21 (step S1), the medical image is stored in the image data storage unit 22, and the medical image is output to the image processing unit 23 and the control unit 26. (Step S2). Subsequently, the control means 26 acquires additional information attached to the medical image (step S3), and determines the density of the recording medium based on the acquired additional information (step S4).

  Here, the control means 26 of the image recording apparatus 2a determines a suitable density of the recording medium for recording the medical image based on the Dmax information at the time of recording, the apparatus type, the recording medium size, the imaging part, etc. among the incidental information. To do. Further, the control means 26 of the image recording apparatus 2b uses a medical medium based on the Dmax information at the time of recording, the apparatus type, the imaging region, etc., among the incidental information, since the sizes of the loaded recording media are the same size. A suitable density of a recording medium for recording an image is determined.

  Next, based on the information input from the density information acquisition unit 28a, the density information of the films loaded in the trays T1 and T2 (or the trays T3 and T4) is acquired (step S5). Subsequently, the control means 26 selects the tray for supplying the recording medium based on the determined density of the recording medium and the density information of the film loaded in the tray T1 or T2 (tray T3 or T4). A tray selection signal is output to the film conveying means 28 (step S6).

  That is, when the medical image is mammography and a suitable density is determined as Dmax = 4.0, the control unit 26 records the recording medium with Dmax = 4.0 based on the density information input from the density information acquisition unit 28a. Is selected, that is, the tray T1 (or the tray T3) is output. When the medical image is a general medical image and a suitable density is determined as Dmax = 3.0, the control unit 26 sets Dmax = 3.0 based on the density information input from the density information acquisition unit 28a. A tray loaded with a recording medium, that is, tray T2 (or tray T4) is selected and a selection signal is output.

  Subsequently, based on the selection signal output from the control means 26, the recording medium loaded in the tray T1 or T2 (tray T3 or T4) is conveyed to the image recording means 29 by the film conveying means 27 (step S6). ).

  Further, the writing pitch of the image recording means 29 is switched according to the type of medical image, and the image recording means 29 exposes the recording medium with a laser beam modulated from the medical image data, and the medical image is recorded ( Step S8).

  The writing pitch is switched based on a control signal output from the control means 26. When the medical image is mammography, high definition is required, so the control unit 26 sets the writing pitch to 25 μm. On the other hand, when the medical image is a general medical image, the control unit 26 sets the writing pitch to 50 μ in order to prioritize the processing efficiency.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the image recording apparatus 2 determines the density of the recording medium for recording the medical image based on the supplementary information attached to the medical image, and the density according to the type of the medical image. The tray loaded with the recording medium is selected, and the recording medium is conveyed from the tray. Further, the writing pitch of the image recording means 29 is switched to a writing pitch corresponding to the characteristics of the medical image, and the medical image is recorded on a recording medium having a suitable density.

  Accordingly, in an image recording apparatus that is connected to a plurality of image generation apparatuses 1a to 1 and that is input with a mixture of general medical images and mammography, a recording medium that records a medical image based on incidental information attached to the medical image The recording medium having the density corresponding to the determined density is selected, the recording medium is transported from the tray, and the medical image is recorded on the recording medium according to the characteristics of the medical image. Therefore, a sharp medical image can be formed and diagnostic performance can be improved.

  Further, since the medical image is recorded by switching the writing pitch based on the accompanying information attached to the medical image, it is possible to provide a high-definition medical image in mammography that requires high sharpness. In general medical images, medical images can be formed with priority given to processing efficiency.

  In addition, since it is possible to determine the density of the recording medium and to determine a suitable writing pitch based on various information included in the incidental information, the standardization of the incidental information is not completely achieved. Even if it exists, it is realizable and can provide a highly versatile system.

  The image recording apparatuses 2a to 2b are provided with a plurality of trays, and a plurality of trays are loaded with recording media having different densities, and an optimum tray is selected according to the type of medical image. The recording medium is conveyed to the image recording means 29. Thereby, when outputting a medical image, it is possible to prevent an operator from selecting an incorrect tray and recording a medical image on a recording medium having a different density, thereby preventing waste of the recording medium.

  Further, the film mounting means 28 is provided with density information acquisition means 28a, acquires density information of the film loaded in the tray T1 or T2, and has a tray loaded with a recording medium having a density corresponding to the medical image. Since the recording medium is selected and transported from the tray, it is possible to prevent a medical image from being recorded on a recording medium having an incorrect density and to prevent wasteful consumption of the recording medium.

  For example, even when a recording medium having an incorrect density is loaded in the tray, the density information acquisition unit 28a outputs density information to the control unit 26, and control for conveying the recording medium based on the density information is performed. Since this is done, there is no need to replace the loaded film, which is convenient. In particular, in the case of a film package in which the film cannot be exchanged once the film is loaded in the tray, normally, if a recording medium of another density is loaded in the tray, all the film packages are wasted. However, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to control the conveyance of the film according to the density of the film actually loaded in the tray, so that expensive film can be wasted. Absent. Alternatively, since the density that can be loaded for each tray is not fixed and is arbitrary, a highly versatile image recording apparatus can be provided.

  Note that the description in the present embodiment described above is an example of a suitable image recording apparatus according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this.

  In the present embodiment, the image recording apparatus 2a includes two trays T1 and T2 for storing two types of recording media having different densities and sizes, and sets two types of writing pitches for each type of medical image. Although described as a configuration for switching and recording a medical image, the present invention is not limited to this, and the type of recording medium density, the size of the recording medium, the number of trays, and the type of switchable writing pitch can be arbitrarily changed. Of course. The image recording apparatus 2b includes two types of trays T3 and T4 that store recording media having the same size and different densities, and switches the two types of writing pitches for each type of medical image to obtain a medical image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the density and size of the recording medium, the number of trays, and the type of switchable writing pitch can of course be changed arbitrarily.

  For example, as another embodiment, in the medical image system 200 shown in FIG. 4, the image recording apparatuses 2a and 2b have the same density but different sizes, that is, the tray t1 has a six-size size. Is loaded with a recording medium having a size of 4 and a density of Dmax = 4.0, and the tray t3 has a half size and a density of Dmax = 3.0, and a tray t4. May have a configuration in which the size is large and the density is Dmax = 3.0.

In this case, the medical images output from the image generation apparatuses 1a to 1e are acquired by the JOB manager 4, and the JOB manager 4 is based on the information regarding the density of the recording medium or the type of the medical image included in the supplementary information of the medical image. Then, the density of the recording medium on which the medical image is recorded is determined, and based on the determined density, the medical image is distributed and transmitted to the image recording apparatus 2a or 2b loaded with the recording medium having the corresponding density.
The image recording apparatuses 2a to 2b transmit the density information of the recording medium loaded in the tray to the JOB manager in advance by a transmission unit (not shown), and the JOB manager 4 receives the density information and receives each image. It is assumed that density information of recording media loaded in the recording devices 2a to 2b is stored.
On the other hand, the image recording apparatuses 2a to 2b that have received the medical image acquire the size of the recording medium from the supplementary information of the medical image, select a tray according to the acquired size of the recording medium, and select the recording medium as the image recording means 29 The medical image is recorded by switching to a writing pitch corresponding to the type of medical image.

  According to this configuration, the JOB manager 4 determines the density of the recording medium based on the supplementary information of the medical image and distributes the medical image to the corresponding image recording apparatuses 2a to 2b. Thus, the density of the recording medium can be controlled in an integrated manner. Thereby, for example, even when there is a change in the specifications of the medical image system, it is possible to respond quickly and to construct a system efficiently.

  Further, the type of density of the recording medium is not limited to the above-described example. For example, if the recording medium is for mammography, Dmax = 3.6 to 4.0 may be used, and for general medical images, It is sufficient that Dmax = about 3.0. In addition to the above-described half-cut, six-cut, and large-four types, the size of the recording medium may be large-angle, four-cut, half-cut life, large-angle life, large-four life, and six-cut reduction. Further, the tray may be configured to have a number according to the density or size type of the recording medium, and the switchable writing pitch type may be set according to the density type of the recording medium. .

  Note that, as the number of types of writing pitches that can be switched is set, a more suitable medical image corresponding to the type of the image generation devices 1a to 1e can be reproduced. In the above description, there are two types. However, it is preferable that three or more writing pitches can be set. Alternatively, as the number of types of writing pitches that can be switched increases, the processing efficiency decreases. Therefore, the mode for recording medical images by switching the writing pitch according to the type of medical image and all the medical images A mode in which a medical image is recorded at the same writing pitch, and a mode in which the medical image is recorded by switching each mode according to a user's usage mode may be used.

  Furthermore, the medical image recording unit 29 may be configured to record a medical image and record a writing pitch based on an image signal output from the image processing unit 23. Thus, the engineer can quickly find a medical image recorded with an incorrect writing pitch. In addition, a doctor can be a reference when diagnosing a medical image.

  In addition, the detailed configuration and detailed operation of the components of the medical image systems 100 and 200 in the present embodiment can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

It is a figure which shows the system configuration | structure of the medical image system in embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the image recording apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing medical image recording processing executed by the image recording apparatus 2. It is a figure which shows the system configuration | structure of the medical image system 200 in other embodiment to which this invention is applied.

Explanation of symbols

1a to 1e Image generating devices 2a to 2b Image recording device 21 Image data input means 22 Image data storage means 23 Image processing means 24 Input means 25 Display means 26 Control means 27 Film transport means 28 Film placing means 28a Density information acquisition means 29 Image recording means 3 HIS / RIS
4 JOB manager 5 WS
N network T1-4 tray 100 medical image system 10 CR network

Claims (6)

A medical image system comprising: image data input means for inputting a medical image with accompanying information including density information; and image recording means for recording the medical image on a recording medium,
A plurality of trays for loading recording media of different densities;
Density information acquisition means for acquiring density information of the recording medium loaded in the tray;
Conveying means for conveying a recording medium loaded in a tray selected from a plurality of trays to an image recording means;
Control means for determining the density of the recording medium based on the incidental information, and for selecting a tray for loading a recording medium having a density corresponding to the determined density of the recording medium, based on the density information acquired from the density information acquisition means. When,
A medical image system comprising: The image recording means can switch at least two kinds of writing pitches,
2. The medical image system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit sets a writing pitch based on the incidental information and switches a writing pitch of the image recording unit to record a medical image.   The medical image system according to claim 1, wherein recording media having different sizes can be loaded for each of the plurality of trays.   The medical image system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image recording unit records a medical image on a recording medium by a photothermal silver salt method. A plurality of medical image recording devices, a plurality of medical image generation devices, and medical images attached with supplementary information including density information are acquired from the medical image generation devices, and the medical images are transmitted to a predetermined medical image recording device. A medical imaging system comprising a control device,
The control device includes:
Receiving means for receiving density information of a recording medium loaded in a tray of a medical image recording apparatus;
Transmission means for determining the density of the recording medium based on the supplementary information of the medical image and transmitting the medical image with the supplementary information to a medical image recording apparatus that can use the recording medium corresponding to the determined density of the recording medium And comprising
The medical image recording apparatus comprises:
Image data input means for inputting a medical image with accompanying information;
A tray for loading a recording medium;
Transmitting means for transmitting density information of the recording medium loaded in the tray;
Image recording means for recording a medical image on a recording medium;
Control means for selecting a tray in which a recording medium having a corresponding density is loaded based on incidental information of a medical image and density information of the recording medium loaded in the tray;
A medical image system comprising: The image recording means can switch at least two kinds of writing pitches,
6. The medical image system according to claim 5, wherein the control unit sets a writing pitch based on the supplementary information and switches a writing pitch of the image recording unit to record a medical image.

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