JP2006255093A - Medical image system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To pursue a new diagnostic system without causing degrading of diagnostic performance or diagnostic efficiency in diagnosis of a medical image. <P>SOLUTION: In this medical image system, an image processor analyzes an inputted medical image, and judges whether the medical image has to be processed on a plurality of different processing conditions and outputted by each processing based on the analyzed result. When it is judged that the medical image has to be processed on a plurality of the different processing conditions and outputted by each processing, the image processor image-processes the medical image on plurality of the different processing conditions and outputs it from an image display device and an image recorder. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a medical image system that generates and outputs a medical image for a doctor to make an interpretation diagnosis.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known an image processing apparatus that performs image processing on medical image data obtained by photographing a human body in order to improve the efficiency of a doctor's interpretation diagnosis.

For example, Patent Document 1 describes an image processing apparatus that has a plurality of image processing means and selects processing contents based on information obtained from a system or apparatus.
JP 2001-120524 A

  By the way, when the performance of a medical image generation apparatus such as an imaging apparatus that captures a human body is improved and the input characteristics are improved, the image quality of a medical image used for image interpretation also changes. For example, in recent years, radiation imaging apparatuses that perform phase contrast imaging have been used in comparison with conventional radiation imaging apparatuses that perform absorption contrast imaging. In this phase contrast imaging, the radiation density inside the boundary of the subject is refracted when the subject passes through the subject by taking an image at a distance between the subject and the radiation image detector that detects the radiation transmitted through the subject. And the outside of the subject overlaps with the radiation that does not pass through the subject, increasing the radiation density and emphasizing the edge that is the boundary of the subject, so it is sharper than with conventional absorption contrast photography It is possible to obtain a high-definition medical image with good characteristics.

  However, when diagnosing a new medical image whose characteristics are different from those of the medical image used in the conventional diagnosis, if the doctor is not used to diagnosis with the new medical image, the diagnostic performance and the diagnostic efficiency are reduced. There is danger.

  An object of the present invention is to make it possible to pursue a new diagnostic system without deteriorating diagnostic performance and diagnostic efficiency in diagnosis of medical images.

In order to solve the above-described problem, a medical image system according to claim 1 is provided.
A plurality of output necessity determination means for determining whether or not it is necessary to process the medical image under a plurality of different processing conditions and output each processing according to the characteristics of the input medical image;
Processing means for processing the medical image under a plurality of different processing conditions when the plurality of output necessity determination means determine that the medical image needs to be processed under a plurality of different processing conditions and output for each processing. When,
An output means for reproducing and outputting a plurality of processed medical images processed by the processing means as a visible image;
It is characterized by having.

The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1,
The plurality of output necessity determination means includes image analysis means for analyzing the input medical image, and makes the determination according to an analysis result of the image analysis means.

The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2,
The processing conditions are image processing conditions including frequency enhancement processing conditions,
The processing means is image processing means for performing image processing for correcting image quality on the medical image,
The plurality of output necessity determination means determines whether the medical image needs to be processed at least under a plurality of image processing conditions with different frequency enhancement processing conditions and output for each processing,
In the case where the image processing means determines that the plurality of output necessity determination means need to process the medical image under the plurality of different image processing conditions and output each processing, at least the frequency enhancement processing conditions are different. Image processing is performed on the medical image under a plurality of image processing conditions.

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The output means is a display means for displaying the plurality of processed medical images one by one on a display screen;
In accordance with an operation by the user, it has switching means for inputting a switching signal for instructing switching of a medical image to be displayed on the display screen to the display means,
The display means switches and displays the plurality of processed medical images on a display screen in response to a switching signal from the switching means.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2,
The processing condition is a writing pixel size when recording an image on a recording medium,
The processing means is a recording means provided in the output means,
The plurality of output necessity determination means determines whether or not the medical image needs to be recorded and output with a plurality of different writing pixel sizes,
When it is determined by the plurality of output necessity determining means that the medical image needs to be recorded and output with a plurality of different writing pixel sizes, the recording unit records the medical image with a plurality of different writing pixel sizes on a recording medium. It is characterized by recording.

  According to the first and second aspects of the present invention, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to process the medical image under a plurality of different processing conditions and output each processing according to the characteristics of the input medical image. When it is determined that it is necessary, the medical image is processed under a plurality of different processing conditions, and the plurality of processed medical images are reproduced and output as a visible image. Therefore, according to the characteristics of the input medical image, in addition to the image processed under the processing conditions for outputting the image in the same manner as the conventional diagnosis, if necessary, the diagnostic performance is different from that. Thus, it is possible to output an image processed under the processing conditions for this purpose, and to pursue a new diagnostic system without causing a decrease in diagnostic performance or diagnostic efficiency due to a change in the output mode.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, when it is determined that it is necessary according to the characteristics of the input medical image, image processing is performed on the medical image at least under a plurality of image processing conditions with different frequency enhancement processing conditions. And output for each process. Therefore, for example, when the input medical image is an image obtained by phase contrast imaging, the image is output in a manner equivalent to the conventional diagnosis, if necessary, according to the characteristics of the input medical image. In addition to images processed under processing conditions that suppress frequency enhancement, it is possible to output high-definition images that have been further subjected to frequency enhancement processing on images obtained by phase contrast imaging, and image quality changes Therefore, it is possible to pursue a new diagnostic system without degrading the diagnostic performance and diagnostic efficiency.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of processed medical images can be switched and displayed on the display screen of the display unit in response to a switching signal from the switching unit. Compared to the case where a plurality of images are used, the movement of the line of sight of the doctor who performs the interpretation diagnosis is suppressed, the concentration of the doctor on the interpretation is improved, and the diagnosis can be performed efficiently.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when necessary, the medical image is recorded on a recording medium with a plurality of different writing pixel sizes and output according to the characteristics of the input medical image. Therefore, according to the characteristics of the input medical image, it is possible to output an image with a different image size in addition to the same size image as before, and the diagnostic performance due to the change in the output size. In addition, it is possible to pursue a diagnostic system with a new image size without causing a decrease in diagnostic efficiency.

[First Embodiment]
First, the configuration of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an overall configuration of a medical image system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a medical image system 100 is connected so that an image generation device 1, an image processing device 2, an image display device 3, and an image recording device 4 can exchange data with each other via a communication network N. ing. In addition, the number and installation location of each device are not particularly limited.

  As the communication network N, various line forms such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), and the Internet can be applied. Moreover, as a communication system in a hospital, the DICOM (Digital Image and Communications in Medicine) standard is generally used. In the communication between each device on the communication network N described above, DICOM MWM (Modality Worklist Management) is used. ) Or DICOM MPPS (Modality Performed Procedure Step).

  The image generation apparatus 1 includes a mammography apparatus 1a, an image reading apparatus 1b, and the like, and performs mammography using radiation to generate image data of a medical image.

  The mammography apparatus 1a includes a radiation source, a subject table below the radiation source and provided in the radiation irradiation range, a detector holding unit that is provided below the subject table and holds the radiation image detector, and a detector holding unit. Holding unit moving mechanism (not shown) or the like for moving the detector up and down, and by moving the detector holding unit up and down by the holding unit moving mechanism, the distance between the object table and the radiation image detector is reduced. It is configured so that it can be changed freely. When performing phase contrast imaging, the detector holding unit is moved, and imaging is performed at a distance between the subject and the radiographic image detector, so that radiation is refracted when passing through the subject and is reflected at the boundary of the subject. A phase contrast image in which a certain edge is emphasized can be obtained. In phase contrast imaging, imaging is performed with a gap between the subject and the radiation detector, so that the size of the radiation image is enlarged with respect to the subject. The enlargement magnification is preferably 1.2 or more and 3.0 or less in consideration of the edge effect by the phase contrast image and the convenience in handling the mammography apparatus 1a. In the present embodiment, a radiographic image is magnified 1.75 times with respect to the subject.

  Radiation image detector includes a stimulable phosphor sheet, a scintillator that converts radiation energy into light, and a two-dimensional array of optical semiconductor elements that read the light. Radiation image detector converts radiation energy directly into an electrical signal. A combination of a radiation image detector in which two-dimensionally arranged photoconductors and semiconductor elements that read the electrical signals are arranged, a scintillator that converts radiation into light, and a lens that collects the light on a CCD, CMOS, etc. Can be used, or a scintillator that converts radiation into light and a radiation image detector that converts the light to a CCD or CMOS by an optical fiber and replaces it with an electrical signal. In the present embodiment, a stimulable phosphor sheet is used.

  When the imaged photostimulable phosphor sheet is inserted, the image reading device 1b scans the photostimulable phosphor sheet with a laser beam, thereby generating radiation energy recorded on the photostimulable phosphor sheet. Stimulated light is emitted, the intensity of the excited stimulated light is read, converted into an electrical signal, and further A / D converted to generate image data, which is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 2 via the communication network N. Send.

  The reading pixel size of the image reading device 1b is determined by the scanning unit of laser light (interval on the radiation image detector that reads the electric signal) or the size of the semiconductor element that reads the electric signal. The read pixel size is preferably 30 μm or more and 300 μm or less in order to obtain a highly accurate image, and particularly when a breast image is taken, it is preferably 30 μm or more and 100 μm or less. In this embodiment, it is assumed that an image is read at 43.75 μm.

  The image processing device 2 performs image processing including gradation processing, frequency enhancement processing, and dynamic range compression processing in order to improve the efficiency of doctor's interpretation diagnosis on the image data of the medical image supplied from the image generation device 1. And output to the image display device 3 or the image recording device 4. Details will be described later (see FIG. 2).

  The image display device 3 is a PC (Personal Computer) equipped with a monitor such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) for a doctor to display and observe a medical image.

  The image recording device 4 is, for example, a photothermal silver salt printer, and is a hard copy in which image data input from the image processing device 2 is recorded on a recording medium (here, a film) and reproduced as a visible image. Is output.

  Here, the image display device 3 and the image recording device 4 correspond to output means of the present invention that reproduces and outputs the image data processed by the image processing device 2 as a visible image.

Hereinafter, the internal configuration of the image processing apparatus 2 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image processing apparatus 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing apparatus 2 includes a CPU 21, an operation unit 22, a display unit 23, a RAM 24, a storage unit 25, a communication control unit 26, and the like, and each unit is connected by a bus 27.

  The CPU 21 reads a system program stored in the storage unit 25, develops it in a work area formed in the RAM 24, and controls each unit according to the system program. Further, the CPU 21 reads out an image data output processing A program, an image analysis program, various processing programs such as an image processing program, and various application programs stored in the storage unit 25 and develops them in a work area, and an image described later. Various processes including the data output process A (see FIG. 3) are executed.

  The operation unit 22 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like, and a pointing device such as a mouse. The operation signal is input to the CPU 21 through key operations on the keyboard and mouse operations. Output. The operation unit 22 may include a touch panel on the display screen of the display unit 23. In this case, the operation unit 22 outputs an instruction signal input via the touch panel to the CPU 21.

  The display unit 23 includes a monitor such as an LCD or a CRT, and displays a medical image on the display screen in accordance with an instruction of a display signal input from the CPU 21.

  The RAM 24 forms a work area for temporarily storing various programs, input or output data, parameters, and the like that can be executed by the CPU 21 read from the storage unit 25 in various processes that are executed and controlled by the CPU 21.

  The storage unit 25 is configured by an HDD (Hard Disc), a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, or the like, and is a system program executed by the CPU 21, an image data output processing A program corresponding to the system program, an image analysis program, and an image processing program And various processing programs, various application programs, various data, and the like are stored. These various programs are stored in the form of readable program codes, and the CPU 21 sequentially executes operations according to the program codes.

In addition, the storage unit 25 stores first image processing condition data and second image processing condition data.
The first image processing condition is an image processing condition for outputting a medical image with an image quality equivalent to that of a medical image that has been used for conventional diagnosis (for example, enhancement degree used in frequency enhancement processing, mask parameters, gradation processing) A look-up table defining a gradation curve used for the above. Since the image obtained by phase contrast imaging is a high-definition image with enhanced edges compared to the image obtained by absorption contrast imaging that has been conventionally used for interpretation diagnosis, in the first image processing condition, This is an image processing condition in which frequency enhancement processing is suppressed (or frequency enhancement is not performed). That is, by performing image processing under the first image processing condition, processing for canceling a change in image quality characteristics of a conventional input image due to a change in shooting method is performed.
The second image processing condition is an image processing condition for outputting a higher-definition image using a medical image taken with phase contrast imaging (for example, an enhancement degree used for frequency enhancement processing, a mask parameter, and gradation processing). A look-up table defining a gradation curve). In other words, by performing image processing under the second image processing condition, processing that takes advantage of the change in the image quality characteristics of the input image due to the change in the photographing method is performed.

  The communication control unit 26 includes a communication interface such as a network interface card (NIC) or a modem, and transmits / receives data to / from each device connected to the communication network N.

Next, the operation in this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the image data output process A executed by the CPU 21. This processing is realized by software processing in cooperation with the CPU 21 and the image data output processing A program, the image analysis program, and the image processing program stored in the storage unit 25. By executing this processing, a plurality of output necessity determination means, image analysis means, and processing means (image processing means) are realized.

  First, image data of a medical image obtained by phase contrast imaging is input from the image generation device 1 via the communication control unit 26 and stored in the work area of the RAM 24 (step S1). Next, an image analysis program is read from the storage unit 25, image data input according to the image analysis program is analyzed, and a mammary gland content rate and a mammary gland signal variance value are calculated (step S2).

The mammary gland content rate can be calculated by recognizing the breast region and the mammary gland region from the input image data and obtaining the ratio of the mammary gland region to the breast region (the following [Equation 1]).
Mammary gland content (%): X
Mammary gland area: N
Breast area: M

  The breast region can be recognized by, for example, obtaining a histogram of signal values of all pixels of the image data, determining a threshold value by a discriminant analysis method, and binarizing the entire image data using the determined threshold value. . The mammary gland region is recognized by, for example, setting a local region in an image, determining a threshold value based on a signal value of a pixel in the local region, and binarizing the breast region using the determined threshold value. (JP 2001-238868 A).

The mammary gland signal variance value can be obtained by the following [Equation 2].
Breast signal variance: Y
Signal value of target pixel: Ak
Average signal value of mammary gland region: B
Number of pixels in the mammary gland region: n

  Next, based on the image analysis result, it is determined whether it is necessary to process the input image data under a plurality of different image processing conditions and output a plurality of images for each process (step S3). Specifically, each value of the mammary gland content rate and the mammary gland signal variance value obtained by image analysis is compared with a preset reference value (a mammary gland content rate reference value, a mammary gland signal variance value reference value), When the calculated mammary gland content is larger than a preset reference value, or when the calculated mammary gland signal variance value is smaller than a preset reference value, a plurality of images are processed under a plurality of different image processing conditions. Is determined to be output.

In an image with a high mammary gland content and an image with a low mammary gland signal variance, lesions such as microcalcification clusters and tumors may be hidden in the normal mammary gland. Since it is difficult to recognize, it is desirable to perform diagnosis using a higher definition image utilizing phase contrast imaging. However, since the appearance differs greatly from the conventional diagnosis, if the diagnosis is performed only with the high-definition image, the interpretation performance and the interpretation efficiency may be deteriorated if the doctor is not accustomed to the diagnosis with the high-definition image. Accordingly, in step S3, the first image processing condition for suppressing the frequency enhancement processing and the phase contrast imaging for outputting the medical image taken by the phase contrast with the same image quality as the conventional diagnostic medical image are utilized. In addition, it is determined that a plurality of image outputs processed under a plurality of different image processing conditions of the second image processing condition for generating a higher definition image are necessary.
On the other hand, in images where the mammary gland content is smaller than the reference value and images where the mammary gland signal variance value is larger than the reference value, doctors can identify lesions such as microcalcification clusters and tumors even in the conventional diagnosis system, There is no need to process under a plurality of image processing conditions, and only the first image processing condition that suppresses frequency enhancement processing for outputting a medical image taken with phase contrast with the same image quality as a conventional diagnostic medical image. It is determined that the processed image data may be output alone.

  When it is determined that it is necessary to output a plurality of images processed under a plurality of different image processing conditions (step S3; YES), the first image processing conditions and the image processing program are read from the storage unit 25 and input. The processed image data is subjected to image processing under the first image processing condition, and incidental information indicating the first image processing condition is input to the header portion (step S4). Next, the second image processing condition is read from the storage unit 25, the input image data is subjected to image processing under the second image processing condition, and additional information indicating the second image processing condition is included. Input to the header part (step S5). Image processing includes gradation processing to adjust the contrast of the image, frequency enhancement processing to adjust the sharpness, and dynamic range compression to keep an image with a wide dynamic range within an easy-to-view density range without reducing the contrast of the details of the subject. Processing etc. are included. Then, via the communication control unit 26, the image data (image data C) processed with the first image processing condition and the image data (image data D processed) with the second image processing condition. ) Is output to the image display device 3 or the image recording device 4 (step S6), and this process ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S3 that it is not necessary to output a plurality of images (step S3; NO), the first image processing condition and the image processing program are read from the storage unit 25, and the input image data is converted into the input image data. Image processing is performed under the first image processing conditions (step S7), and the image data C subjected to image processing is output to the image display device 3 or the image recording device 4 via the communication control unit 26 (step S8). This process ends.

  When the image display device 3 receives the image data output from the image processing device 2, a medical image for interpretation diagnosis is displayed on the monitor based on the received image data. Here, the image display device 3 has a switching SW (switch) as switching means for inputting a display switching signal of a plurality of images in response to a user's pressing operation, and a plurality of image data, that is, image data C. When the image data D is received, a medical image C1 based on the image data C, that is, a medical image having the same image quality as that used in the conventional diagnosis is displayed on the monitor, and the user presses the switch SW. In accordance with the operation, the medical image C1 and the medical image D1 based on the image data D are switched and displayed on the monitor. That is, in response to pressing of the switch SW, a medical image having the same image quality as that used in the conventional diagnosis and a high-definition medical image for pursuing a new diagnosis are switched and displayed on the monitor. FIG. 4 shows a monitor display example of the image display device 3. As shown in FIG. 4, it is possible to switch between old and new medical images on the same monitor screen, so that the image data C and the images based on the image data D are respectively displayed on the two image display devices 3. Thus, the movement of the line of sight of the doctor who performs the interpretation diagnosis is suppressed, the concentration of the doctor on the interpretation is improved, and the diagnosis can be performed efficiently. In addition, since it becomes possible for the doctor to check changes in the old and new images without changing the line of sight, it is possible to support the acquisition of interpretation diagnosis using images with new image quality. Of course, two images may be displayed on two monitors.

  When the image recording device 4 receives the image data output from the image processing device 2, an image is formed on the film based on the received image data and output. When a plurality of image data, that is, image data C and image data D are received, an image based on each image data is formed on a film and is output as a hard copy. Doctors can investigate the possibility of a new diagnostic system without degrading diagnostic performance and diagnostic efficiency by arranging old and new images that are hard-copy output on film on the Schaukasten and performing interpretation diagnosis. Become.

  As described above, according to the image processing apparatus 2 in the present embodiment, the image data obtained by phase contrast imaging input from the image generation apparatus 1 is analyzed, and the conventional absorption contrast is based on the analysis result. A plurality of images processed under the first image processing condition that suppresses a change in image quality with the captured image and images processed under the second image processing condition that generates a high-definition image utilizing the characteristics of phase contrast imaging It is determined whether it is necessary to output an image. If it is determined that it is necessary to output a plurality of images, the input image data is subjected to image processing under the first image processing condition, and the input image data is subjected to image processing under the second image processing condition. Processing is performed, and both image processed image data are output to the image display device 3 or the image recording device 4 via the communication control unit 26.

  Therefore, doctors can perform diagnosis using both medical images with the same image quality as medical images used for conventional diagnosis and medical images with higher definition image quality. It is possible to pursue the possibility of a new diagnostic system without incurring a decrease in

  Further, the image display device 3 has a switching SW for the user to instruct switching of the image to be displayed on the monitor. When a plurality of image data is received from the image processing device 2, first, the image quality of the conventional image display device 3 is obtained. Since a medical image is displayed and then a higher-definition medical image, which is different from the conventional one, is displayed according to the switching SW, compared with the case of displaying using two image display devices 3, the diagnostic interpretation The movement of the line of sight of the doctor who performs the check is suppressed, the doctor's ability to concentrate on interpretation is improved, and the diagnosis can be performed efficiently. In addition, since it becomes possible for the doctor to check changes in the old and new images without changing the line of sight, it is possible to support the acquisition of interpretation diagnosis using new high-definition image quality.

The description content in the first embodiment is a preferred example of the medical image system 100 according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, in the above embodiment, input image data is analyzed, and based on the analysis result, an image processed under the first image processing condition having an image quality equivalent to that of a conventional absorption contrast image and phase contrast Although it is determined whether or not it is necessary to perform a plurality of outputs using an image processed under the second image processing condition for generating a high-definition image utilizing the characteristics of shooting, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in dense breasts (the breasts of young patients whose mammary glands are still developing), the mammary gland content is generally high, and it is often difficult to recognize lesions such as tumors using conventional images with only absorption contrast. . Therefore, the operation unit 22 is provided with a densky for inputting an operation signal indicating that it is a dense breast, and it is necessary to output a plurality of images processed under a plurality of image processing conditions based on whether or not the densky is operated by a doctor. You may make it judge NO.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
First, the configuration of the second embodiment will be described.
Since the entire configuration of the medical image system 100 is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 1, the description thereof will be omitted, and only the differences will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the image processing apparatus 2 in FIG. 1 stores in the storage unit 25 various processing programs including an image data output processing B program, an image processing program, and a microcalcification cluster detection processing program, and various application programs. Various data including image processing condition data are stored.

The image recording device 4A in FIG. 1 records the image data input from the image processing device 2 on a six-cut film with a writing pixel size of 25 μm and outputs a hard copy reproduced as a visible image.
The image recording device 4B records the image data input from the image processing device 2 on a film having a writing pixel size of 43.75 μm and a large size and outputs a hard copy reproduced as a visible image.

Next, the operation in this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the image data output process B executed by the CPU 21. This processing is realized by software processing in cooperation with the CPU 21 and the image data output processing B program, the microcalcification cluster detection processing program, and the image processing program stored in the storage unit 25. By executing the processing, a plurality of output necessity determination means and an image analysis means are realized.

  First, image data of a medical image obtained by phase contrast imaging is input from the image generation device 1 via the communication control unit 26 and stored in the work area of the RAM 24 (step S11). Next, the microcalcification cluster detection processing program is read from the storage unit 25, and the image data input according to the microcalcification cluster detection processing program is analyzed, and the input image data seems to be a microcalcification cluster shadow. A candidate area is detected (step S12).

As a detection method of the microcalcification cluster shadow, a known detection method described in the following paper can be applied.
・ Localize the area suspected of calcification from the breast area, and remove false positive candidates from the optical density difference of the shadow image and the standard deviation value of the boundary density difference (IEEE Trans Biomed Eng BME-26 (4): 213-219,1979)
・ Detection method using images subjected to Laplacian filter processing (The IEICE Transactions (D-II), Vol.J71-D-II, no.10, pp.1994-2001,1988)
・ Detection method using morphologically analyzed images to suppress the influence of background patterns such as mammary gland (Electronic Information and Communication Society (D-II), Vol.J71-D-II, no.7, pp.1170- 1176,1992)

  Next, based on the detection result of the microcalcification cluster shadow, it is determined whether or not the input image data needs to be processed and output under a plurality of different output conditions (step S13). Specifically, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to record and output the image data of the input medical image on the film with a plurality of different writing pixel sizes. Is detected, it is determined that it is necessary to output a plurality of images with a plurality of different writing pixel sizes.

The microcalcification cluster may be detected or benign, and the doctor must interpret the shape and distribution on the image and classify it into a category to diagnose its malignancy.
Conventionally, breast images are generally read at actual size, and images magnified by phase contrast imaging are reduced to actual size by recording images on film with a writing pixel size smaller than the reading pixel size. And hard copy output. However, in the interpretation of microcalcification clusters, doctors must be aware of very small lesion shapes. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when a microcalcification cluster is detected from input image data, an image recording output with a plurality of different writing pixel sizes, specifically, an actual size image and an enlarged image are displayed. It is determined that it is necessary to output a plurality of images.

  When it is determined that it is necessary to output a plurality of images under a plurality of output conditions (step S13; YES), the image processing conditions and the image processing program are read from the storage unit 25, and gradation is added to the input image data. Image processing such as processing, frequency enhancement processing, dynamic range compression processing, and the like are performed (step S14), and the image processed image data is output to each of the image recording device 4A and the image recording device 4B via the communication control unit 26. Then (step S15), this process ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S13 that it is not necessary to output a plurality of images (step S13; NO), the image processing conditions and the image processing program are read from the storage unit 25, and gradation processing is performed on the input image data. Then, image processing such as frequency enhancement processing and dynamic range compression processing is performed (step S16), and image data subjected to image processing is output to the image recording apparatus 4A via the communication control unit 26 (step S17). Ends.

  When the image recording device 4A receives the image data output from the image processing device 2, an image is recorded on the film with a writing pixel size of 25 μm based on the received image data, and is output in hard copy. A breast image magnified 1.75 times by phase contrast imaging in the image generation device 1 is read at a read pixel size of 43.75 pitch, and this is recorded at a write pixel size of 25 μm in the image recording device 4A, so that the actual size is obtained. Large breast images can be obtained.

  In the image recording device 4B, when the image data output from the image processing device 2 is received, an image is recorded on the film with a writing pixel size of 43.75 μm based on the received image data, and is output in hard copy. A breast image magnified 1.75 times by phase contrast imaging in the image generation device 1 is read at a reading pixel size of 43.75 pitch, and this is recorded at a writing pixel size of 43.75 μm in the image recording device 4B. An enlarged breast image magnified 1.75 times can be obtained.

  When a microcalcification cluster is detected, an actual size breast image is output from the image recording device 4A as shown in FIG. 7, and an enlarged breast image enlarged 1.75 times is output from the image recording device 4B. Therefore, the doctor can interpret the actual size breast image as usual, and can easily perform the category classification by interpreting the enlarged image as a new diagnosis system.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the image processing apparatus 2 performs the micro calcification cluster detection process on the input image data, and detects a micro lime cluster, thereby detecting a plurality of processing conditions. When it is determined that it is necessary to output a plurality of images, the image data is output to both the image recording device 4A having a writing pixel size of 25 μm and the image recording device 4B having a writing pixel size of 43.75 μm.

  In the image recording device 4A, when the image data output from the image processing device 2 is received, an image is recorded on the film with a writing pixel size of 25 μm based on the received image data, and a full-size breast image is hard-coded. A copy is output. In the image recording device 4B, when the image data output from the image processing device 2 is received, an image is recorded on the film with a writing pixel size of 43.75 μm based on the received image data, and is increased by 1.75 times. The enlarged breast image is output as a hard copy.

  Therefore, the doctor can interpret the actual size breast image as usual, and can easily perform the category classification by interpreting the enlarged image as a new diagnosis system. That is, the possibility of a new diagnostic system can be pursued without changing the conventional diagnostic system.

  The description content in the second embodiment is a preferred example of the medical image system 100 according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, in the second embodiment, when the medical image system 100 includes two image recording devices 4A and 4B having different writing pixel sizes, and hard copy output under a plurality of processing conditions is necessary, Although the image data is output to the image recording device 4, the image processing device 2 is configured to include an image recording device capable of recording with both a writing pixel size of 25 μm and a writing pixel size of 43.75 μm. The image data is attached with a flag indicating whether to output one image or a plurality of images and output to the image recording device, and the image recording device switches the writing pixel size to output two breast images having different enlargement ratios. Also good.

  In addition, the enlarged image may be output by changing the film size to a larger size, or only the region including the lesion is trimmed by the image processing apparatus 2, and the lesion is applied to the same size film as the conventional one. An enlarged image of the part may be recorded and output. The area to be trimmed may be designated by the user, or may be automatically determined by the image processing apparatus 2 based on the detection result of the microcalcification cluster.

  In addition, the detailed configuration and detailed operation of each apparatus constituting the medical image system 100 can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a medical image system 100 according to the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the image processing apparatus 2 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the image data output process A performed by CPU21 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of an output of the some image processed on the several different process condition in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of data storage of the memory | storage part 25 in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the image data output process B performed by CPU21 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of an output of the some image processed on several different process conditions in 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

100 Medical Image System 1 Image Generation Device 2 Image Processing Device 21 CPU
22 Operation unit 23 Display unit 24 RAM
25 Storage Unit 26 Communication Control Unit 27 Bus 3 Image Display Device 4 Image Recording Device N Communication Network

Claims (5)

A plurality of output necessity determination means for determining whether or not it is necessary to process the medical image under a plurality of different processing conditions and output each processing according to the characteristics of the input medical image;
Processing means for processing the medical image under a plurality of different processing conditions when the plurality of output necessity determination means determine that the medical image needs to be processed under a plurality of different processing conditions and output for each processing. When,
An output means for reproducing and outputting a plurality of processed medical images processed by the processing means as a visible image;
A medical image system comprising:   2. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein the multiple output necessity determination unit includes an image analysis unit that analyzes the input medical image, and performs the determination according to an analysis result of the image analysis unit. Imaging system. The processing conditions are image processing conditions including frequency enhancement processing conditions,
The processing means is image processing means for performing image processing for correcting image quality on the medical image,
The plurality of output necessity determination means determines whether the medical image needs to be processed at least under a plurality of image processing conditions with different frequency enhancement processing conditions and output for each processing,
In the case where the image processing means determines that the plurality of output necessity determination means need to process the medical image under the plurality of different image processing conditions and output each processing, at least the frequency enhancement processing conditions are different. The medical image system according to claim 1, wherein the medical image is subjected to image processing under a plurality of image processing conditions. The output means is a display means for displaying the plurality of processed medical images one by one on a display screen;
In accordance with an operation by the user, it has switching means for inputting a switching signal for instructing switching of a medical image to be displayed on the display screen to the display means,
The medical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display unit switches and displays the plurality of processed medical images on a display screen in response to a switching signal from the switching unit. Image system. The processing condition is a writing pixel size when recording an image on a recording medium,
The processing means is a recording means provided in the output means,
The plurality of output necessity determination means determines whether or not the medical image needs to be recorded and output with a plurality of different writing pixel sizes,
When it is determined by the plurality of output necessity determining means that the medical image needs to be recorded and output with a plurality of different writing pixel sizes, the recording unit records the medical image with a plurality of different writing pixel sizes on a recording medium. The medical image system according to claim 1, wherein the medical image system is recorded on the medical image system.

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