JP2006239148A - Medical image processor and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To quickly and safely record an image file newly received to a recording medium by appropriately deleting the image file already recorded in the recording medium in a medical image processor for performing image processing for an image data acquired by photography for diagnostic purpose and transmitting it to a printer and/or an image server. <P>SOLUTION: This medical image processor is equipped with an image processing means 42, a recording means 37 for recording the image data file in the recording medium 36, a search means 45 for searching the image data file, and a file management means 44 which controls the recording means so as to record a first kind image data file before being preserved in the image server and a second kind image data file searched by the image server by the file searching means, and deletes the first kind image data file and the second kind image data file from the recording means 37 using different deletion conditions. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention receives image data obtained by diagnostic imaging such as radiography, performs image processing on the image data, and sends the image data subjected to the image processing to a printer and / or an image server. The present invention relates to a medical image processing apparatus and method for transmission.

  Conventionally, imaging methods using radiation (X-rays, α-rays, β-rays, γ-rays, electron beams, ultraviolet rays, etc.) have been used in various fields, and especially in the medical field, it is the most important for diagnosis. It has become one of the means. Since the first X-ray photography was realized, the X-ray photography method has been improved many times, and at present, a method combining a fluorescent screen and an X-ray film has become mainstream. On the other hand, in recent years, various digitized apparatuses such as X-ray CT, ultrasound, and MRI have been put into practical use, and the construction of diagnostic information processing systems and the like in hospitals is being promoted. Much research has been done to digitize X-ray images, but a radiographic method using a stimulable phosphor has been established and is attracting attention as a replacement for conventional X-ray photography.

  A stimulable phosphor (accumulative phosphor) is a part of its radiation energy that accumulates when irradiated with radiation, and then when it is irradiated with excitation light such as visible light, it emits according to the stored energy. It has been known for a long time. A radiographic method using this is to record a radiographic image of a subject such as a human body on a recording sheet coated with a stimulable phosphor using a medical imaging apparatus, and use a medical image reading apparatus to record the recording sheet. When excited light such as laser light is scanned, stimulated emission light is generated. Image data is obtained by photoelectrically reading this light. Furthermore, after appropriately processing this image data using a medical image processing apparatus, it can be output to a display such as a CRT or printed on a film by a laser printer or the like to display a radiation image as a visible image. .

  Such a radiographic method has performance comparable to that of a conventional X-ray photography method in terms of imaging sensitivity and image quality. For example, compared with the conventional X-ray photography method, the exposure area is extremely wide, and the response of the photostimulated light to the exposure amount is almost proportional over the entire exposure area. For this reason, no matter what radiation dose the subject is photographed, it is possible to capture the emission region where the image exists and normalize it into a digital signal without excess or deficiency. Further, by combining the signal obtained in this way with an appropriate image processing method, it is possible to provide a steady and high-quality image even under various shooting conditions. Furthermore, since the digitized image information is obtained directly, not only can a large amount of data be stored for a long period of time without causing image deterioration, but also development into a medical diagnosis information system is possible. Become.

  In general, image data obtained by the radiographic method as described above is subjected to image processing in a medical image processing apparatus and printed out, and then transmitted to an image server for storage in an image database. Is called. However, even in the medical image processing apparatus, since the image data is once recorded on the recording medium, the amount of the image data to be recorded becomes enormous as it is, and the recording medium overflows.

  As a related technique, the following Patent Document 1 discloses an image filing apparatus having both good image quality and good filing suitability. This image filing device inputs a large number of image data representing a large number of images, performs reversible compression processing on each image data to obtain reversible compression data, and performs irreversible compression processing on each image data to perform lossy compression. A data compression means for obtaining data, a rewritable first storage means for accumulating and storing a large number of lossless compressed data, a second storage means for accumulating and storing a large number of lossy compressed data, The reversible compressed data is sequentially accumulated and stored in the first storage means, and after the storage area of the first storage means has run out, the reversible compressed data stored and stored in the past is erased and newly reversible compressed. A first writing unit for accumulating and storing data; a second writing unit for sequentially accumulating and storing a number of lossy compressed data in the second storage unit; and reversible compressed data corresponding to a desired image. Is stored and stored in the first storage means, the lossless compressed data is read from the first storage means, and the lossless compressed data corresponding to the desired image is stored and stored in the first storage means. Readout means for reading lossy compressed data corresponding to a desired image from the second storage means when there is no data.

  Further, in Patent Document 2 below, when storing new image data exceeding the upper limit of the storage capacity for image data stored in the image server, classification such as deletion and movement of the stored image data is classified. Appropriate image classification methods are disclosed. According to this image classification method, when new image data exceeding the storage capacity of the storage unit is input to the image server, an image within a predetermined time range based on the acquisition time assigned to the image data. A plurality of image groups are created by grouping data. Then, deletion is performed in order from the image data of the image group having the largest number of data. When the number of data of the image group is the same, the image group from which the image data is deleted is determined by a random number.

  The image filing device (image server) described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 is designed to erase already stored image data when there is no room in the storage area of the storage unit. If the storage area can be secured at the previous time point, it is possible to perform faster and safer processing.

  Patent Document 3 below discloses an endoscope image filing device that can improve operability when searching for information related to a patient registered in a database. When this image filing device is started and the login screen and schedule list screen are displayed and the system management screen is displayed, patient information deletion conditions are set on the patient information deletion setting screen for setting conditions for deleting unnecessary patient information registered in the database. When the setting is performed, the setting value is recorded, and when the next image filing apparatus is activated, the corresponding patient information is deleted from the database by reading the setting value. However, Patent Document 3 does not disclose a method for deleting image data, and there is only one trigger for deleting patient information.

  Patent Document 4 below discloses an information processing apparatus that can easily delete unnecessary files recorded in a recording apparatus and effectively utilize the capacity of the recording apparatus. When this information processing apparatus starts operation, the control unit scans and searches all the multimedia files stored in the recording apparatus, and reads the playable date data assigned to each multimedia file. If there is a multimedia file that has passed the reproducible date, a deletion routine is entered, and deletion processing is performed with reference to the deletion mode to which each content is assigned. However, whether or not to delete the multimedia file is determined without considering the capacity of the recording device, so that the capacity of the recording device may be insufficient.

Patent Document 5 below discloses a hospital terminal device that creates a medical image file that enables quick and accurate interpretation and transmits it to an interpretation center. The hospital terminal device includes at least an input / output unit having an input unit and a display unit, an image acquisition unit that acquires a medical image file created by the medical imaging apparatus, and adjustment data input from the input unit, The image adjustment unit that adjusts the contrast of the medical image and records the adjustment result in the medical image file, the communication unit that transmits the medical image file to the interpretation center, and the presence or absence of the adjustment process of the medical image by the image adjustment unit are monitored. And warning means for outputting a warning that the image has not been adjusted when the medical image file to be transmitted has not been adjusted. Regarding the deletion of the medical image file, for example, the image type is read from the tag information of the DICOM file, and whether or not the DICOM file is a deletion target is confirmed by a conversion table. The file is deleted. However, the medical image file is stored in the image interpretation device of the image interpretation center, and it is not disclosed to store and save the medical image file in the hospital terminal device.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-276263 (page 2, FIG. 1) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-30223 (first page, FIG. 1) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-190083 (first page, FIG. 11) JP 2004-118630 A (first page, FIG. 4) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2004-57592 (first and tenth pages, FIG. 1)

  In view of the above, the present invention receives image data obtained by imaging for diagnostic purposes such as radiography, performs image processing on the image data, and performs image processing on the image data subjected to image processing. In a medical image processing apparatus that transmits to a printer and / or an image server, an image file already recorded on a recording medium is appropriately deleted, and a newly received image file is quickly and safely recorded on the recording medium. With the goal.

  In order to solve the above problems, a medical image processing apparatus according to the present invention receives image data obtained by imaging for diagnostic purposes, performs image processing on the image data, and performs image processing. A medical image processing apparatus for transmitting data to a printer and / or an image server, an image processing unit for performing image processing on received image data, and a recording for recording an image data file including the image data on a recording medium A first class of image data files including image data files recorded by the recording means, image data files recorded by the recording means and image data files stored in the image server, and image data before being stored in the image server. The image data file is recorded on the recording medium as a first image data file, and the image data file retrieved from the image server by the file retrieval means The recording means is controlled so as to be recorded on the recording medium as a kind of image data file, and image data from the recording medium is used by using different deletion conditions between the kind 1 image data file and the kind 2 image data file. File management means for controlling the recording means to delete the file.

  In addition, the medical image processing method according to the present invention receives image data obtained by imaging for diagnostic purposes, performs image processing on the image data, and outputs the image data subjected to image processing to a printer and / or A medical image processing method used in a medical image processing apparatus for transmitting to an image server, the step (a) performing image processing on received image data, and an image recorded on a recording medium in the medical image processing apparatus A step (b) of searching the data file and the image data file stored in the image server, and the image data file including the image data before being stored in the image server is recorded on the recording medium as a first type of image data file. Then, the image data file retrieved from the image server in step (b) is recorded as a second type image data file. And (d) deleting the image data file from the recording medium using different deletion conditions between the first type image data file and the second type image data file. To do.

  According to the present invention, an image data file recorded on a recording medium in a medical image processing apparatus and an image data file stored in an image server can be searched, and an image recorded on a recording medium in a medical image processing apparatus. An image that has already been recorded on a recording medium by managing the data file using different deletion conditions between the image data file before being stored in the image server and the image data file retrieved from the image server By appropriately deleting the file, a newly received image file can be quickly and safely recorded on the recording medium.

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a medical image photographing system including a medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, this medical imaging system includes a hospital information management system (HIS) 100, a hospital reception terminal 200, and a radiology information management system (RIS) installed in the radiology department. information system) 300 via the network N1, and in the radiology department, in the radiology department, the RIS 300, the reception terminal 400, the medical image photographing device 10, the medical image reading device 20, the medical image processing device 30, The image server 50 is connected to the printer 60 via the network N2. In the radiology department, a plurality of medical image capturing apparatuses 10 to 60 may be provided.

  The HIS 100 is used for managing the operations of the entire hospital. The reception terminal 200 is used for inputting patient information such as the name and patient ID number of a patient who is a subject at the reception of a hospital, and when it is known that radiography is performed in advance, It is used for inputting examination information such as an imaging menu indicating an imaging region and the like, an inspection number, and an inspection date. The patient information and examination information may be input using the radiology reception terminal 400, the input unit of the medical image capturing apparatus 10, or the input unit of the medical image processing apparatus 30.

  In the radiology department, the RIS 300 is used to manage the performance of various tasks related to radiography. In the radiology department, a medical image photographing apparatus 10 that records a radiographic image on a recording sheet (stimulable phosphor sheet) 1 by irradiating a subject with radiation, and the recording sheet 1 is recorded. A medical image reading device 20 that photoelectrically reads information such as a radiation image and generates image data; receives image data and image supplementary information from the medical image reading device 20; A medical image processing device 30 that is also used as a console for controlling the image capturing device 10, an image server 50 that stores image data processed in the medical image processing device 30 and image supplementary information, and a medical image as a film And a printer 60 for printing on the printer.

  The medical image processing apparatus 30 displays the S value and the L value on the display unit based on data representing the S value (sensitivity) and the L value (latitude) included in the image supplementary information received from the medical image reading apparatus 20. indicate. In the medical image processing apparatus 30, appropriate ranges of the S value and the L value are set for each imaging technique and imaging region, and if the S value and the L value are out of the appropriate range, The image processing apparatus 30 notifies the operator.

  According to the present embodiment, the medical image processing apparatus 30 prints a medical image on a film or the like by outputting image data received from the medical image reading apparatus 20 and subjected to image processing to a printer. The image data stored in 50 is read again and output to a printer, whereby a medical image can be printed on a film or the like. The medical image processing apparatus 30 prevents the overflow of the recording medium by automatically deleting the image data received and stored from the medical image reading apparatus 20 and the image server 50 by a predetermined method.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the medical image photographing apparatus shown in FIG. The medical image photographing apparatus 10 includes a photographing position raising / lowering mechanism 11 that raises and lowers the photographing position of the subject by moving the position of the recording sheet 1 up and down, a photographing stand 12 that determines the position of the subject's legs, A radiation generator 13 for irradiating the examiner with radiation, a barcode reader 14 for reading a barcode attached as an identification mark on the recording sheet, and an input unit 15 used for inputting various commands and imaging conditions And an imaging control unit 16 for controlling the radiation generating unit 13 and the like according to given imaging conditions.

  The barcode reader 14 is installed on the photographing stand 12 so that the barcode of the recording sheet 1 can be automatically read through a window provided in the cassette when the cassette for storing the recording sheet 1 is set on the photographing stand 12. Although it is desirable, the bar code may be manually read without being particularly fixed. The imaging control unit 16 is connected to the medical image processing apparatus 30 and controls each unit based on a signal received from the medical image processing apparatus 30.

  A recording sheet 1 used for radiography is coated with a photostimulable phosphor material, and information on a subject is recorded by irradiation with radiation. The subject is radiographed under predetermined imaging conditions, and the radiographic image is recorded on the recording sheet 1. After imaging, the cassette for storing the recording sheet 1 is set in any medical image reading apparatus.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the medical image reading apparatus shown in FIG. In the medical image reading apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 3, the light beam emitted from the laser light source 21 scans the surface of the recording sheet 1 through the optical scanning unit 22. By this scanning, a light beam is irradiated onto the recording sheet 1, and an amount of stimulated emission light corresponding to the radiation image information accumulated and recorded is generated from the portion irradiated with the light beam. The stimulated emission light is photoelectrically detected by a photomultiplier (photomultiplier tube) 23, output as an analog signal, amplified by an amplifier 24, and digitized by an A / D converter 25. Further, the barcode attached to the recording sheet 1 is read by the barcode reader 26, and the barcode information is used as image supplementary information corresponding to patient information and examination information. The image data and the image supplementary information generated in this way are transmitted from the output unit 27 to the medical image processing apparatus 30 (FIG. 1) via the network N2.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the medical image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. The medical image processing apparatus 30 includes an input unit 31 such as a keyboard and a mouse used for inputting various commands and the like, a display unit 32 such as a CRT display that displays an image, and a printer 33 that prints an image on a film or the like. An interface 34 to which the input unit 31 to the printer 33 are connected, a memory 35 for temporarily storing image data and image supplementary information received from the medical image reading device, and image data and image supplementary information stored in an image data file A hard disk 36 as a recording medium recorded as a hard disk, a hard disk drive 37 as a recording means for recording image data files and the like on the hard disk, a network interface 38, and a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 40. . The memory 35, the hard disk drive 37, the network interface 38, and the CPU 40 are connected to each other via a bus line BL.

  In addition to the image data file, software (control program) for causing the CPU 40 to perform an operation is recorded on the hard disk 36. The reception control unit 41, the image processing unit 42, the output unit 43, the file management unit 44, and the file search unit 45 are configured as functional blocks by the CPU 40 and software (control program).

  The reception control unit 41 is controlled to receive the image supplementary information together with the image data obtained by reading the radiation image recorded on the recording sheet from the medical image reading apparatus 20 illustrated in FIG. 3 via the network N2. I do. Further, the image processing unit 42 performs image processing such as gradation processing and spatial frequency processing on the image data received under the control of the reception control unit 41.

  The output unit 43 outputs the image data subjected to the image processing in the image processing unit 42 to the display unit 32, the printer 33, or the external printer 60 (FIG. 1) via the interface 34. As a result, the radiation image is displayed on the screen of the display unit 32 or printed on a film or the like.

  The file management unit 44 uses the image data received from the medical image reading device 20 or the image data file including the image data subjected to the image processing by the image processing unit 42 as the first type image data file on the hard disk 36. The hard disk drive 37 is controlled so as to record. Further, the file management unit 44 transmits the image data file to the image server 50 (FIG. 1) via the network N2. As a result, the image data file is stored in the image server 50.

  The file search unit 45 searches for image data files created in the past in accordance with an operator request. In the present embodiment, the file search unit 45 can search not only the image data file recorded in the hard disk 36 but also the image data file stored in the image server 50. For example, when medical images taken in the past are required when examining a patient, when a printed film is damaged or lost, or when introducing a patient to another medical facility, etc. The created image data file is searched.

  Specifically, the host name or AE (Application Entity) name of one or a plurality of image servers from which the file search unit 45 has output the image data file in the past is displayed on the screen of the display unit 32. From among them, a search destination image server can be selected or the selected image server can be changed. The search key includes one of a patient ID number, a patient name, a patient name in Chinese characters, an examination date, an examination number, the type or model name of a medical imaging apparatus (imaging modality) used for imaging, Alternatively, a plurality of combinations are used.

  When the operator operates the input unit 31 to request an image data file created in the past, the file search unit 45 first searches the hard disk 36 for the image data file, so that the image data file is It is confirmed whether it is recorded on the hard disk 36 or not. When the requested image data file is recorded on the hard disk 36, the file search unit 45 reads the image data file from the hard disk 36.

  On the other hand, if the requested image data file is not recorded on the hard disk 36, the file search unit 45 searches the image server 50 for the image data file via the network N2, and the image server 50 retrieves the image data file. Read the image data file. At this time, the file management unit 44 controls the hard disk drive 37 so that the image data file retrieved from the image server 50 by the file retrieval unit 45 is recorded on the hard disk 36 as a second type of image data file. Here, the file management unit 44 gives a characteristic to the file name so that the first type image data file and the second type image data file can be distinguished, or a part of their profile. Or make a difference.

  As a result of the search, the file search unit 45 displays an image represented by the image data included in the read image data file on the screen of the display unit 32. The operator can confirm the displayed image and print it on a film or the like using the printer 33 or 60.

  If the image data file is recorded on the hard disk 36 in this way and accumulated, the hard disk 36 may overflow. Therefore, the file management unit 44 manages the recording area in the hard disk 36 by deleting unnecessary image data files.

  At that time, the file management unit 44 includes the first type of image data file including the image data before being stored in the image server 50, and the second type of image data searched from the image server 50 by the file search unit 45. The hard disk drive 37 is controlled to delete the image data file from the hard disk 36 using different deletion conditions with respect to the file.

  That is, when the first type of image data file includes image data immediately after being received from the medical image reading device 20, it is necessary to perform image processing on the image data and store the image data in the image server 50. Therefore, the image data cannot be deleted within a certain period. When the first type of image data file includes image data immediately after the image processing unit 42 performs image processing, the image is printed out or stored in the image server 50 as necessary. Therefore, as described above, the image data cannot be deleted in a certain period.

  Therefore, with respect to the first type of image data file, the file management unit 44 deletes the first type of image data file recorded on the hard disk 36 in accordance with a predetermined storage capacity restriction protocol. 37 is controlled. For example, the file management unit 44 creates a relatively old image data file of the first type recorded on the hard disk 36 when the free space remaining on the hard disk 36 becomes smaller than a predetermined value. The hard disk drive 37 is controlled so as to delete at least one image data file.

  Specifically, a case will be considered in which the hard disk 36 has a recording capacity for recording 100 image data files in addition to the currently recorded image data file. Assuming that the average amount of data contained in one image data file is approximately 20 Mbytes, 2 Gbytes of free space is required in the hard disk 36 in order to record 100 more image data files. . Therefore, the file management unit 44 stores the first type of image data recorded on the hard disk 36 so that the free area becomes 2 Gbytes when the free area remaining on the hard disk 36 becomes smaller than 2 Gbytes. The hard disk drive 37 is controlled so as to delete one or a plurality of image data files created relatively old in the file.

  On the other hand, since the second type of image data file is already stored in the image server 50, it is not necessary to record it on the hard disk 36 after the image is printed on the film or the like by the search. Therefore, the file management unit 44 adds a pointer as a mark or sets a flag to the image data file that has been transmitted to the printer. As a result, the file management unit 44 can control the hard disk drive 37 so as to delete the image data file that has been transmitted to the printer from the second type of image data file recorded on the hard disk 36. it can.

  As the timing (trigger) for deleting the second type of image data file, when the power switch of the medical image processing apparatus 30 is turned on and the operation is started, the second type of image data file is sent to the printer. The image data file for which transmission has been completed may be deleted, or when the medical image processing apparatus 30 is instructed to turn off the power and ends the operation, the second type of image data file is sent to the printer. It is also possible to delete the image data file that has been transmitted.

  Alternatively, when a new search of the image data file stored in the image server 50 is performed by the file search unit 45, the second type of image data file already recorded on the hard disk 36 is transmitted to the printer. The image data file that has been completed may be deleted. As another method, the startup or termination of the medical image processing apparatus 30 is counted, and when the count value reaches the set value, the image data file is deleted, and the operator selects the set value. The timing (trigger) for automatically deleting the image data file may be set freely.

  In the present embodiment, a medical image processing apparatus that receives and processes image data obtained by radiography has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus, MRI The present invention can be applied to a medical image processing apparatus that receives and processes image data obtained by various modalities such as a (Magnetic Resonance Image) apparatus and a US (ultrasonography) apparatus.

  In the present embodiment, the reception control unit 41 to the file search unit 45 are configured by a CPU and software, but may be configured by a digital circuit or an analog circuit. In addition to the built-in hard disk 36, an external hard disk, flexible disk, MO, MT, RAM, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or the like can be used as a recording medium on which image data files are recorded.

  The present invention receives image data obtained by diagnostic imaging such as radiography, performs image processing on the image data, and sends the image data subjected to the image processing to a printer and / or an image server. It can be used in a medical image processing apparatus for transmission.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a medical image photographing system including a medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the medical image imaging device shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the medical image reading apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the medical image processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Recording sheet (stimulable phosphor sheet)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Medical imaging device 11 Imaging position raising / lowering mechanism 12 Imaging stand 13 Radiation generation part 14 Barcode reader 15 Input part 16 Imaging control part 20 Medical image reading device 21 Laser light source 22 Optical scanning part 23 Photomultiplier (photomultiplier tube)
24 Amplifier 25 A / D Converter 26 Barcode Reader 27 Output Unit 30 Medical Image Processing Device 31 Input Unit 32 Display Unit 33 Printer 34 Interface 35 Memory 36 Hard Disk 37 Hard Disk Drive 38 Network Interface 40 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
41 reception control unit 42 image processing unit 43 output unit 44 file management unit 45 file search unit 50 image server 60 printer 100 HIS
200, 400 Reception terminal 300 RIS

Claims (10)

A medical image processing apparatus that receives image data obtained by imaging for diagnostic purposes, performs image processing on the image data, and transmits the image data subjected to image processing to a printer and / or an image server. ,
Image processing means for performing image processing on the received image data;
Recording means for recording an image data file including image data on a recording medium;
File search means for searching the image data file recorded by the recording means and the image data file stored in the image server;
An image data file including image data before being stored in the image server is recorded on the recording medium as a first type of image data file, and the image data file retrieved from the image server by the file retrieval unit is stored in the second image data file. The recording means is controlled to record on the recording medium as a kind of image data file, and the recording medium is used by using different deletion conditions between the first kind of image data file and the second kind of image data file. File management means for controlling the recording means to delete the image data file from
A medical image processing apparatus comprising:   When the free space remaining on the recording medium becomes smaller than a predetermined value, the file management means is created relatively old in the first type of image data file recorded on the recording medium. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit is controlled to delete at least one image data file.   The file management means controls the recording means so as to delete an image data file that has been transmitted to the printer from the second type of image data file recorded on the recording medium. 2. The medical image processing apparatus according to 2.   When the operation of the medical image processing apparatus is started by the file management unit or when the operation of the medical image processing apparatus is ended, the second type of image data recorded on the recording medium 4. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the recording unit is controlled so as to delete an image data file that has been transmitted to the printer.   When the file management means performs a new search of the image data file stored in the image server by the file search means, among the second type of image data files already recorded on the recording medium. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the recording unit is controlled to delete the image data file that has been transmitted to the printer. Used in a medical image processing apparatus that receives image data obtained by imaging for diagnostic purposes, performs image processing on the image data, and transmits the image data subjected to image processing to a printer and / or an image server. A medical image processing method comprising:
(A) performing image processing on the received image data;
(B) searching for an image data file recorded on a recording medium and an image data file stored in the image server in the medical image processing apparatus;
An image data file including image data before being stored in the image server is recorded on the recording medium as a first type of image data file, and the image data file retrieved from the image server in step (b) Recording on the recording medium as a kind of image data file;
(D) deleting the image data file from the recording medium using different deletion conditions between the first type image data file and the second type image data file;
A medical image processing method comprising:   Step (d) is created relatively old in the first type of image data file recorded on the recording medium when the free area remaining on the recording medium becomes smaller than a predetermined value. The medical image processing method according to claim 6, further comprising deleting at least one image data file.   The medical image according to claim 6 or 7, wherein step (d) includes deleting an image data file that has been transmitted to a printer from the second type of image data file recorded on the recording medium. Processing method.   Step (d) is a second type of image data recorded on the recording medium when the operation of the medical image processing apparatus is started or when the operation of the medical image processing apparatus is ended. 9. The medical image processing method according to claim 8, further comprising deleting an image data file that has been transmitted to the printer.   Step (d) is a second type of image data file already recorded on the recording medium when a new search of the image data file stored in the image server is performed by the file search means. 9. The medical image processing method according to claim 8, comprising: deleting the image data file that has been transmitted to the printer.

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