JP2008006169A - Medical image display system for small-scale institution - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a medical image display system for small-scale institutions dispensing with a new system construction and capable of displaying medical images available for explaining curing conditions to patients in particular using the correspondence between image data and patient information computerized even in small-scale institutions. <P>SOLUTION: This medical image display system is provided with an image generator 2, an input section 34 inputting patient information, and a display section 35 capable of displaying captured images and/or additional information; and a CPU 31 generates the additional information to be added to the captured images, associates the image data of the captured image and the additional information corresponding to the captured images with the patient information, allows a storage section 33 to store the image data of the captured images, the additional information and the patient information associated with one another, selects intended additional information from the stored additional information based on the patient information, and controls the display section 35 to display with superimposed on the captured image. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a medical image display system for small-scale facilities.

  Conventionally, an image generation device such as a CR device is used to image a patient to be examined by an engineer, and the obtained medical image (medical image) can be provided for diagnosis. 2. Description of the Related Art A medical image display system is known in which a medical image is displayed on a display unit such as a computer installed in an examination room after image processing such as gradation processing is performed and used for interpretation and diagnosis by a doctor.

  In such a medical image display system, a technique is known in which additional information (annotation) such as an arrow indicating a lesion site, an explanation, and a comment is added to a medical image displayed on a display device. By adding annotations to medical images, doctors can easily understand the points when creating an interpretation report after the fact, and explain the medical images to the patient in an easy-to-understand manner. be able to.

  As a system for adding an annotation to a medical image, storage means that associates position information and size information of the annotation added to the medical image, and image report data created by drawing the annotation with the image data of the medical image The image report data of the past image obtained by photographing the same part of the same human body as the medical image is acquired from the storage means, and the comparison report is obtained by comparing the image report data of the medical image with the image report data of the past image. A medical image interpretation system for creating a document has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Further, the medical image and the comment described in the annotation function are stored in the memory in association with the medical image, the medical image is retrieved from the memory based on the comment, and the retrieved medical image is displayed on the display unit together with the comment. An image processing apparatus has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

As described above, when an interpreting doctor performs an interpretation, a medical image can be searched using additional information as a search key and a comparative case can be extracted, so that the accuracy of patient diagnosis can be improved.
JP 2005-148990 A

  However, as described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, in order to construct a system that can search for medical images based on additional information such as comments (using additional information as a search key), an image database and comments And a database for storing additional information such as HIS / RIS, and a relatively large-scale system that connects devices to each other in a network compatible with a backbone system such as HIS / RIS. There is.

  In order to introduce such a large-scale system, a large capital investment is required. Therefore, it is difficult to apply such a system to a small-scale facility such as a practitioner or a clinic.

  On the other hand, in small-scale facilities such as practitioners and clinics, unlike large-scale facilities that have introduced large-scale systems, one or a few doctors usually provide medical care and the number of patients is not so large. Therefore, even if the medical image is not searched using the additional information as a search key, a desired image can be appropriately searched as long as the patient is associated with the image.

  In addition, small-scale facilities such as medical practitioners and clinics are mostly operated with paper charts. In such small-scale facilities, image data such as medical images is converted into electronic data and stored. There are an increasing number of facilities that perform diagnosis by displaying medical images on display means without outputting them as films. If such electronic data can be utilized, it is possible to operate the system so that even small-scale facilities can effectively use image data such as medical images without changing the existing facilities.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and does not require a new system construction, and is associated with image data and patient information that is digitized even in a small-scale facility. It is an object of the present invention to provide a medical image display system for a small-scale facility that can display a medical image, which is particularly effective for explaining a healing trend to a patient.

In order to solve the above problems, the medical image display system for a small-scale facility according to claim 1, an image generation unit that images a patient to be examined and generates image data of the photographed image of the examination target;
Additional information generating means for generating additional information to be added to the captured image generated by the image generating means;
Display means capable of displaying the captured image and / or the additional information;
Patient information input means for inputting patient information for identifying a patient;
Image data of the captured image generated by the image generation means, and additional information generated by the additional information generation means corresponding to the captured image, patient information input by the patient information input means, and Association means for associating;
Storage means for storing the image data and additional information of the captured image associated with the association means, and patient information in an associated state;
Additional information selection means for selecting desired additional information based on the patient information from the additional information stored in the storage means;
Display control means for controlling the display means so that the additional information selected by the additional information selection means is displayed superimposed on a captured image;
It is characterized by providing.

The invention according to claim 2 is the medical image display system for a small-scale facility according to claim 1, wherein the display control means includes:
When there are a plurality of image data of captured images associated with the same patient information, the additional information selected by the additional information selecting unit is superimposed on the captured image associated with the additional information and the display unit The display means replaces the captured image with the latest captured image among the captured images associated with the same patient information as the captured image, and superimposes the additional information on the latest captured image. The display means is controlled to display on the screen.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the medical image display system for a small-scale facility according to the first or second aspect, output means for outputting an image in which the captured image and the additional information are superimposed to outside is provided. It is characterized by providing.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the image data of the captured image and the additional information are stored in association with the patient information. For this reason, an image database and a database for storing additional information such as comments are provided, and a large-scale system is introduced in which devices are connected to each other in a network compatible with a core system such as HIS / RIS. Even in the case of a small-scale facility such as a practitioner or a clinic that has not been operated, past additional information and the like can be searched and selected based on patient information during subsequent medical treatment. This makes it possible to superimpose and display additional information added at the time of past imaging on the current captured image of a patient who has visited in the past without special capital investment. Thus, it is easy to make a diagnosis after comparing them and to explain the progress of treatment to the patient.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, after the captured image captured in the past and the additional information associated therewith are superimposed and displayed on the display means, only the captured image is replaced with the latest captured image. Can be displayed. As a result, the patient's understanding can be deepened and the explanation of the healing situation can be transparent when explaining to the patient how the lesion has changed since the previous image was taken and the progress of treatment. It is effective in maintaining good trust between doctors and patients.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the output image or the like can be output to the outside by the output means, as necessary, by using the output means, the captured image, the additional information, or the image in which the additional information is superimposed on the captured image. The data can be used effectively, for example, as a material to be sandwiched between paper charts.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a medical image display system for a small-scale facility according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example.

  FIG. 1 shows a system configuration of a medical image display system 1 for a small-scale facility according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 shows a medical facility of each apparatus when the medical image display system 1 for a small-scale facility is applied. An arrangement example is shown.

  The medical image display system 1 for a small-scale facility is a system applied to a relatively small-scale medical facility such as a medical practitioner or a clinic. As illustrated in FIG. The endoscope device 2b, a CR (Computed Radiography) device 2c, a control device 3, a server 4, a receipt computer 5, and a printer 8 are configured. Each device is connected via, for example, a switching hub (not shown). Data are transmitted and received via a communication network (hereinafter simply referred to as “network”) 7 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Note that the number of devices in the medical image display system 1 for small-scale facilities is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of consolidating control of the entire system in one place and saving the operator's movement, the control device 3 is It is preferable that only one is provided in the medical image display system 1 for small-scale facilities.

  In general, DICOM (Digital Image and Communications in Medicine) standard is used as a communication method in a hospital, and DICOM MWM (Modality Worklist Management) or DICOM MPPS (DICOM MPPS) is used for communication between devices connected to a LAN. Modality Performed Procedure Step) is used. Note that the communication method applicable to this embodiment is not limited to this.

  For example, in a small-scale medical facility such as a medical practitioner or a clinic, each device is arranged as shown in FIG.

  That is, when the entrance 10 is entered, there are a reception 11 and a waiting room 12 for receiving a patient. The reception staff is assigned to the reception desk 11, and when the patient who has visited the hospital receives the reception desk 11, a reception number in the order of reception is given to the patient by the reception staff. At this time, for example, a receipt number tag (receipt slip or examination ticket) on which a receipt number is printed may be issued by a ticket issuing device (not shown).

  The reception 11 is provided with a receipt computer (hereinafter referred to as “Rececon”) 5 for calculating insurance points and accounting. For example, the contact person listens to the patient's name when receiving the patient, and inputs the correspondence between the reception number and the patient's name via the receptacle 5. The patient's gender, date of birth, age, etc. may be entered together based on the examination ticket or health insurance certificate presented by the patient at the time of reception. Further, the contact person also performs a task of inputting necessary information regarding information on insurance score calculation (hereinafter referred to as “receipt related information”) to the receptacle 5 based on the medical record information after completion of the patient's examination.

  Next to the waiting room 12, there is provided an examination room 13 where a doctor examines and diagnoses a patient across a door or the like. For example, on the examination desk (not shown) in the examination room 13, a doctor can input information on the patient (patient information) and the like, and the photographed image can be displayed on the viewer for confirmation. A device 3 and a server 4 as storage means for storing various information such as image data of a photographed image are arranged. A printer 8 that prints out a photographed image or the like is installed around the examination desk. In the examination room 13, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2a which is less necessary in a space isolated from the viewpoint of privacy and the like is also installed.

  Further, an X-ray imaging room 15 for performing X-ray imaging is provided on the opposite side of the examination room 13 across the corridor 14. In the X-ray imaging room 15, a CR device 2 c including an imaging device 22 and a reading device 23 is disposed. Further, an examination room 16 is provided next to the X-ray imaging room 15, and an endoscope apparatus 2 b is disposed in the examination room 16.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the waiting room 12, the examination room 13, the X-ray imaging room 15, and the examination room 16 with the reception 11 are located on the same floor, and patients who undergo examination, imaging, and examination are accepted. And move to the examination room 13, receive an inquiry from the doctor, move to the imaging room 15 and the examination room 16, perform imaging / inspection instructed by the doctor, and return to the examination room 13 again to be generated. On the basis of the captured images, a series of operations up to receiving a doctor's examination and diagnosis can be performed only by moving a relatively short distance between each room and the corridor 14. Note that the arrangement of each room and each device is not limited to that shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, the configuration of each device of the medical image display system 1 for small-scale facilities will be described.
For example, the image generation apparatus 2 performs imaging using a patient's diagnosis target site such as the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2a, the endoscope apparatus 2b, and the CR apparatus 2c, and digitally converts the captured image to generate an image of the captured image. An image generation means (modality) for generating data (photographed image information).

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2a is an ultrasonic probe that outputs ultrasonic waves, and an electronic device that is connected to the ultrasonic probe and converts sound waves (echo signals) received by the ultrasonic probe into image data of a captured image of the internal tissue. (Both not shown). The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2a sends an ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic probe into the body, receives the sound wave (echo signal) reflected by the body tissue again by the ultrasonic probe, and uses the electronic device to capture a captured image corresponding to the echo signal. It is designed to generate.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 a is connected to a conversion device 21 that is a conversion means (converter) that performs conversion from an analog signal to a digital signal. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 a is connected to the network 7 via the conversion device 21. It is connected to the. As described above, by using the conversion device 21, even when data in a format that does not conform to the standards (for example, communication protocol) of other external devices connected to the network 7 is output from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 a, the conversion is appropriately performed. Thus, data can be transmitted / received to / from an external device connected to the network 7.

  The conversion device 21 is provided with an input operation unit 21a including, for example, a numeric keypad, a keyboard, and a touch panel. The configuration of the input operation unit 21a is not limited to that shown here. For example, a card reader that reads information written on a card by inserting a card or a barcode reader that reads a barcode may be used. The input operation unit 21a is an information ancillary means for inputting a search ID set in association with a patient to be imaged and attaching it to image data of a captured image.

  Here, the search ID is an identification mark for identifying an inspection object when searching for a captured image after imaging, and is, for example, a reception number (patient ID) assigned when receiving. In the medical image display system 1 for a small-scale facility according to the present embodiment, imaging of a patient is performed in advance without generating and issuing order information (examination order information, imaging order information) for the patient in advance, and generating a captured image. Thereafter, the doctor associates the patient information with the captured image, and the search ID is used at the time of this association.

For example, when the input operation unit 21a inputs a reception number as a search ID, for example, when imaging a patient whose reception number given by the receptacle 5 is “00001,” the input operation unit 21a sends Enter “00001” as the corresponding search ID.
If the environment of a medical practitioner or the like to which the medical image display system for small-scale facilities of this embodiment is applied has about 10 to 40 visits per day, the serial number of the examination ticket (reception number tag) Therefore, it is sufficient that the input operation unit 21a can input the two-digit numerical value, and an inexpensive numeric keypad is preferable.
In the following, a case where a reception number is used as a search ID will be described as an example. However, as will be described later, the search ID is not limited to a reception number.

  The information input from the input operation unit 21a and attached to the captured image is not limited to the search ID. Various information for identifying the patient, such as the name of the patient, may be input from the input operation unit 21a. The identification number assigned to the image generation apparatus 2 that has performed the imaging, information that specifies the type of imaging, such as whether the imaging is a simple imaging that does not use a contrast agent or the like, or an imaging that uses a contrast agent, and the like are input. You may do it. The input search ID and other information are appended to the image data of the captured image as supplementary information such as header information, and when the image data is transmitted to an external device, the information is also transmitted in association with the image data. .

The endoscope apparatus 2b is provided with a small imaging device (none of them is shown) at the distal end portion of a flexible tube, and the imaging device is an objective optical system composed of, for example, an optical lens. And an imaging unit arranged at the imaging position of the objective optical system, and an illumination unit that is configured by an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like and performs illumination necessary for imaging (not shown) ). The imaging unit is, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide)
A solid-state imaging device such as a semiconductor) is provided, and when light is incident, photoelectric conversion is performed into an electrical signal having an amount corresponding to the amount of incident light. The objective optical system is configured to condense an area illuminated by the illuminating unit with an optical lens and form an image on a solid-state imaging device included in the imaging unit, and light incident on the solid-state imaging device is photoelectrically converted. As a result, the image data of the captured image is output as an electrical signal.

  The imaging device 22 constituting the CR device 2c has a radiation source (not shown), and shoots a still image by irradiating the examination target (not shown) with radiation. There is a radiation image conversion medium (not shown) in which a radiation image conversion plate including a stimulable phosphor sheet that accumulates radiation energy, for example, is incorporated in an irradiation region of radiation irradiated from the radiation source at the time of imaging. The photostimulable fluorescence of the photostimulable phosphor sheet is arranged in the radiation image conversion medium so that the radiation dose according to the radiation transmittance distribution of the inspection object with respect to the radiation dose from the radiation source is arranged. It accumulates in the body layer and records the radiation image information to be inspected in this stimulable phosphor layer.

The reading device 23 is a device that loads a radiographic image conversion medium in which radiographic image information to be inspected is recorded, reads radiographic image information to be inspected from the radiographic image conversion medium, and generates a captured image. The control device 3 Based on the control signal from, the stimulable phosphor sheet of the radiation image conversion medium loaded in the apparatus was irradiated with excitation light, and thereby the photostimulated light emitted from the sheet was photoelectrically converted and obtained. A captured image is generated by A / D converting the image signal.
The CR device 2c may be an integrated device in which the photographing device 22 and the reading device 23 are integrated.

  Although not shown, the retrieval device 23 of the endoscope device 2b and the CR device 2c also has a search ID in the image data at the time of photographing in the same manner as the input operation unit 21a of the conversion device 21 in the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2a. A built-in or externally-attached information-attaching means is provided, and the search data of the patient is attached to the generated image data of the captured image.

  Note that, for example, the reception number is used as the search ID input from the information-accompanying means, similarly to the input operation unit 21a described above. As described above, when the environment of a medical practitioner or the like to which the medical image display system for a small-scale facility according to the present embodiment is applied is about 10 to 40 visits per day, The serial number of 2) is sufficient if it is two digits, and the information supplement means only needs to be able to input this two-digit numerical value, and an inexpensive numeric keypad is preferable.

  The conversion device 21, the endoscope device 2b, and the reading device 23 of the CR device 2c have individual IDs (hereinafter referred to as the individual IDs) for specifying the image data in the medical image display system 1 for small-scale facilities in a format conforming to the DICOM standard. A function of automatically giving “UID” (Unique ID) to generated image data may be provided. When the conversion device 21, the endoscope device 2b, and the reading device 23 of the CR device 2c have such a function, the assigned UID is attached to the image data, and the image data is transmitted to an external device. Sometimes these pieces of information are also transmitted in association with image data.

  The control device 3 is a workstation (PC: Personal Computer) that is installed in, for example, the examination room 13 and allows a doctor to display an image or the like to perform interpretation diagnosis or the like. (Display part) may be provided. As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 3 includes a CPU 31, a RAM 32, a storage unit 33, an input unit 34, a display unit 35, a communication unit 36, and the like, and each unit is connected by a bus 37.

  The CPU 31 reads out various programs such as a system program and a processing program stored in the storage unit 33 and expands them in the RAM 32. In accordance with the expanded programs, the CPU 31 adds image data of captured images that have been subjected to image processing and image processing to be described later. Various processes including an association process between information and patient information are executed.

  The storage unit 33 includes an HDD (Hard Disc), a semiconductor nonvolatile memory, or the like. In the storage unit 33, various programs are stored as described above, and a part identification for identifying an imaging part as disclosed in the specifications of JP-A-H11-85950 and JP-A-2001-76141. Parameters (such as a look-up table for associating the contour, shape, etc. of the object to be imaged with the imaged region) and image processing parameters for performing image processing according to the identified imaged region (tone curve used for gradation processing) And the like, a look-up table defining the frequency, the enhancement degree of frequency processing, etc.) are stored.

  In addition, the storage unit 33 includes a temporary storage unit 331 that temporarily stores image data of captured images generated by the various image generation apparatuses 2. When the image data is accompanied by a search ID, patient information, information regarding the type of imaging, information for identifying the image generation apparatus 2 that has performed imaging, and the like, the image data of the captured image and these information are included. Store in association with each other. In addition, the storage unit 33 stores various types of information sent to the control device 3 such as a patient list created in the order of patient acceptance. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, the image data of the captured image associated with the CPU 31, additional information, and patient information of the patient corresponding to the captured image are sent to the storage unit 33. The storage unit 33 functions as a storage unit that stores these pieces of data in an associated state.

  The input unit 34 includes, for example, a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input keys, and various function keys (not shown), a pointing device such as a mouse, and the like, and is patient information for specifying a patient to be imaged. It functions as patient information input means for inputting a patient name and the like. The input means 34 can input additional information added to the captured image. The input unit 34 is configured to output an instruction signal input by a key operation or a mouse operation on the keyboard to the CPU 31.

  A pressure-sensitive (resistive film pressure type) touch panel (not shown) in which transparent electrodes are arranged in a grid pattern is formed on the screen of the display unit 35, and the display unit 35 and the input unit 34 are integrally configured. It may be a touch screen. The touch panel is configured to detect an XY coordinate of a power point pressed with a finger or a touch pen as a voltage value, and output the detected position signal to the CPU 31 as an operation signal. In this case, the display unit 35 functions as a patient information input unit together with the input unit 34.

  Here, examples of the patient information input from the input unit 34 include a patient's name, a medical examination ticket number, and the like, but the patient information is not limited to those exemplified here. The search ID is an identification number for identifying an inspection object when searching for a photographed image after photographing as described above, and is, for example, a reception number given when acceptance is performed. In the present embodiment, an example in which a patient name is input as patient information will be described.

  The additional information is, for example, an annotation such as an arrow or a comment, a schema that writes a lesion location or state in an image, and the like. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the additional information is input by marking a lesion site on the captured image or writing the position, size, disease state, and the like of the lesion site. For example, when the display unit 35 and the input unit 34 are integrated to form a touch screen as described above, a doctor or the like displays the additional information on the display unit 35 with fingers or a touch pen. This is done by writing additional information directly to the captured image. It should be noted that typical marks and description items are stored in the storage unit 33 and the like, and when the additional information is input, the stored items are displayed on the display unit 35 and can be selected by the input unit 34. You may comprise as follows.

  The display unit 35 includes, for example, a monitor such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). As described later, the display unit 35 includes a captured image, a confirmed captured image generated from the captured image, and various types. Display means for displaying patient information and the like. The display unit 35 displays various screens in accordance with display signal instructions input from the CPU 31. As described above, a touch panel may be formed on the screen of the display unit 35, and the display unit 35 and the input unit 34 may be integrated to form a touch screen.

  In the present embodiment, for example, an instruction signal for instructing a doctor or the like to display a captured image acquired from the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 2a, the endoscope apparatus 2b, or the CR apparatus 2c, which are image generation apparatuses, is input from the input unit 34. Upon input, an image confirmation screen 35b as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 5, on the image confirmation screen 35b, an image display field 351 for displaying captured images generated by the various image generating devices 2 and an image for inputting an instruction for adjusting image processing conditions. A processing condition adjustment field 352 is provided. The image display field 351 is provided corresponding to each display field of the image display field 351, confirms the captured image displayed in each display field, and sets the image data of the captured image as the image data after confirmation. An OK button 353 for storing, an NG button 354 for instructing to discard and re-output the image data of the captured image displayed in each display column, and which part of the patient is captured for each captured image. An imaging region display field 355 for displaying the imaging region determined as a result of the automatic region recognition is arranged. When image data of a captured image after confirmation is saved, a saved mark or the like may be displayed in each display field of the image display field 351.

  The image confirmation screen 35b is provided with a patient name column 356 for inputting and displaying a patient name as patient information. In the present embodiment, the case where the patient name field 356 is provided as an input / display field for patient information will be described below as an example. However, the input / display field for patient information is not limited to that illustrated here.

  In addition, the image confirmation screen 35b is provided with a diagnosis end button 357 for ending the diagnosis, a return button 358 for returning to the previous display screen, and the like. Note that the configuration of the image confirmation screen 35b is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. For example, display fields and buttons other than these may be provided, and a field for displaying a reception number corresponding to the patient list may be provided.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, when an instruction signal is input from the CPU 31 to display additional information corresponding to the captured image superimposed on the captured image, the display unit 35 adds additional information to the image data of the captured image. And the captured image is displayed in a state where the additional information is superimposed (see FIG. 4). Various screens and images can be displayed in accordance with an instruction signal from the CPU 31, and the displayed contents are not limited to those exemplified here. When an instruction signal is sent from the CPU 31 to display only the photographed image or only the additional information, only the photographed image as shown in FIG. 6 or only the additional information as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed according to the instruction signal.

  The communication unit 36 is configured by a network interface or the like, and transmits / receives data to / from an external device connected to the network 7 via a switching hub. In other words, the communication unit 36 receives the image data of the captured image generated by the image generation device 2 and, if necessary, the image data of the captured image after completion of the image processing to the external device such as the server 4. Is to send.

  Next, various processes performed by the CPU 31 will be described.

  In this embodiment, CPU31 extracts only the picked-up image image | photographed about the specific patient from the picked-up image memorize | stored in the temporary memory | storage part 331 of the memory | storage part 33 based on search ID. . That is, as described above, at the time of imaging, the search ID set in association with the patient information of the patient who is the subject of the imaging is input from the input operation unit 21a and the like. For example, it is attached as header information to the image data of the photographed image. When an operator such as a doctor inputs an instruction signal for instructing to extract a captured image corresponding to a certain search ID from the input unit 34 or the like, the CPU 31 captures an image stored in the temporary storage unit 331 of the storage unit 33. Of the images, a captured image attached with the search ID is searched and extracted and displayed on the image confirmation screen 35b of the display unit 35 or the like.

In addition, the CPU 31 performs image processing according to the imaging region on the image data of the captured image generated by the image generation device 2 and received by the communication unit 36, and generates an image for diagnosis suitable for diagnosis. Function as.
Specifically, the CPU 31 first reads the part identification parameter from the storage unit 33 and automatically identifies the part to be photographed from the contour, shape, etc. of the photographing object that appears in the photographed image generated by the image generation device 2. I do. When the part of the captured image is identified, the CPU 31 reads out the image processing parameter corresponding to the captured part from the storage unit 33, determines the image processing condition based on the read parameter, and the image data under the determined image processing condition. Then, image processing such as gradation processing for adjusting the contrast of the image, processing for adjusting the density, frequency processing for adjusting the sharpness is performed. Further, when an operator such as a doctor inputs from the image processing condition adjustment field 352 to adjust the density or contrast of the photographed image, the CPU 31 performs image processing of the photographed image accordingly. When the image processing is completed and the OK button 353 is pressed, the CPU 31 determines the image data of the captured image after the image processing as the image data of the diagnostic captured image.

  Further, when patient information specifying a photographed examination object is input, the CPU 31 replaces the patient information such as the patient name with a search ID, and the patient information is an image of a photographed image after predetermined image processing. Correlate data. Then, the CPU 31 writes and stores the image data of the captured image associated with the patient information in the storage unit 33 or the image DB 41 of the server 4.

  Further, when additional information such as annotations or schemas is input from the input unit 34, the CPU 31 functions as additional information generation means for generating this additional information as data different from the image data of the captured image. For example, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the image data (see FIG. 6) and additional information (see FIG. 7) of the captured image are generated as separate layers. When the CPU 31 generates the additional information, the CPU 31 functions as an association unit that associates the image data of the captured image to which the additional information is added with the patient information of the patient corresponding to the captured image. The additional information and patient information of the patient corresponding to the captured image are stored in the storage unit 33 in a state where each data is associated. In addition, the memory | storage means in which CPU31 memorize | stores these data is not limited to the memory | storage part 33, For example, you may make it memorize | store in image DB41 of the server 4 mentioned later.

  The CPU 31 functions as additional information selection means for selecting desired additional information from the additional information stored in the storage means such as the storage unit 33 based on the patient information (using the patient information as a search key). . The CPU 31 functions as a display control unit that outputs an instruction signal to the display unit 35 so as to display the selected additional information superimposed on the captured image. The display unit 35 is configured to display the selected additional information superimposed on the captured image based on the instruction signal from the CPU 31.

  Furthermore, when the same patient visits the patient multiple times and performs imaging, there are a plurality of image data of captured images associated with the same patient information. In such a case, the CPU 31 superimposes the selected additional information on the captured image associated with the additional information and displays it on the display unit, and then displays the captured image on the same patient as the captured image. The image data of the captured image associated with the information is replaced with the latest image data (without replacing the additional information, only the captured image as the background is replaced), and the additional information is superimposed on the latest captured image. An instruction signal is sent to the display unit 35 so as to be displayed.

  When there are a plurality of image data of captured images associated with the same patient information in this way, additional information may be added to each captured image. In this case, the additional information may be sequentially stored in the storage unit 33 or the like in the order in which the additional information is generated, such as layer 1, layer 2,. When the additional information is stored, it is preferable to store the patient information and the date when the data is generated in association with the additional information. Then, the CPU 31 searches for and selects desired additional information to be superimposed on the captured image from among the additional information based on the patient information and the date when the data is generated, and causes the display unit 35 to display the desired additional information.

  Next, the server 4 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an HDD, and the like, a storage unit for storing various programs, an input unit, a display unit, and each device connected to the network 7. A computer configured to include a communication unit (both not shown) and the like for transmitting and receiving information.

  The server 4 includes an image DB 41 as a database that stores image data of a captured image transmitted from the control device 3 via the communication unit. The server 4 performs processing in cooperation with the CPU and a program stored in the storage unit, whereby image data of a captured image instructed to be written from the control device 3 via the communication unit and information attached thereto. (Patient information and the like) are stored in the image DB 41 in association with each other. As described above, when the CPU 31 associates the incidental information such as the receipt related information and the patient information with the image data of the captured image and stores them in the image DB 41, the image DB 41 of the server 4 associates each data with each other. It functions as a storage means for storing in the state that has been set.

  Further, the server 4 searches the image DB 41 in response to a request from the control device 3, reads out image data in response to the request, and transmits the image data and information associated therewith to the control device 3.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the receptacle 5 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a RAM (Random Access Memory 52), an HDD, etc., and a storage unit 53 for storing various programs, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. The computer is configured to include an input unit 54, a display unit 55 configured by a CRT, an LCD, and the like, a communication unit 56 that transmits / receives information to / from each device connected to the network 7, and the like. They are connected by a bus 57.

  The CPU 51 of the receptacle 5 calculates the insurance score based on the information input from the input unit 54, and stores the receipt number and the patient name in association with the receipt related information related to the patient in the receipt DB 6.

  The receptacle 5 includes a receipt DB (database) 6 that stores a patient-related information related to a patient input by an operator such as the counter in accordance with a paper chart from a doctor after diagnosis. The receipt DB 6 is a database that functions as a receipt information storage unit that stores receipt-related information related to a patient who visits in association with patient information. In the receipt DB 6, the reception date of each patient, the reception number that is a search ID given to the patient on the reception date, the patient name as patient information, the number of images captured for the patient on the same reception date, The number of contrasts that is the number of imaging using a contrast agent, the modality type that is the type of the image generation apparatus 2 that has performed imaging, the imaging part that indicates which part was imaged, and the same reception date The medication information of the prescribed medicine is stored in association with it.

  The input unit 54 of the receptacle 5 can input an instruction to display a screen for receiving. When the instruction to display a screen for receiving is input, the CPU 51 is stored in the storage unit 53. The reception input screen (not shown) is displayed on the display unit 55 by performing the process in cooperation with the program. Items displayed on the reception input screen are not particularly limited, and examples include a reception date field, a reception number field, and a patient name field. In addition, the column which inputs a patient's sex, a date of birth, age, etc. may be provided. Of these, in the reception date column, when the reception number column, patient name column, etc. are input, the date on which the input operation was performed may be automatically input.

  Via the reception input screen displayed on the display unit 55, the input unit 54 corresponds to each patient about a new visit patient and receives a reception number (search ID) and patient information as identification information that can identify the patient. The patient name can be entered. In addition, as mentioned above, when a patient presents an examination ticket or a health insurance policy at the time of reception, the patient information (patient's gender, date of birth, age, etc.) described in these is also included. You may make it input. The receptacle input screen and the input unit 54 of the receptacle 5 constitute patient information input means. When the reception number and the patient name are input by the input unit 54, the reception number and the patient name are stored in the reception DB 6 together with the date when the input is performed (reception date).

  Next, the printer 8 forms an electrostatic latent image by laser scanning on the ink-jet system or the charged photosensitive drum based on the image data of the captured image transmitted from the control device 3, additional information, and the like. This is an output means for printing and outputting an image on a recording medium such as a paper medium by an electrostatic transfer system (hereinafter referred to as a laser system) employing a so-called Carlson process for developing the latent image with toner. The output unit may be any unit that can output a captured image, additional information, or an image in which additional information is superimposed on the captured image to the outside, and the configuration of the output unit is not limited to that illustrated here.

  Next, the operation of the medical image display system 1 for small-scale facilities in the present embodiment will be described.

  First, a reception number is given to a patient who visits at the reception 11, and a reception number tag is issued. The contact person listens to the patient's name and the like, and inputs patient information such as the patient ID and patient name from the input unit 54 via the reception input screen (not shown) of the receptacle 5. When the receipt number and patient name are entered, a new record is added to the receipt DB 6 and the receipt number and patient information are written. In addition, the control unit 3 is notified that the patient has been accepted. In addition, when receiving the patient, the receipt computer 5 may generate a patient list that lists the patients in the order of reception. When the patient list is generated, when the patient list is transmitted to the control unit 3 and a new patient is accepted, the patient information of the patient is added to the patient list and the patient list is updated. Further, when the patient's medical care is completed, the patient is deleted from the patient list.

  When the patient to whom the reception number (patient ID) is assigned moves to the examination room 13, the doctor makes an inquiry to the patient and decides the imaging and examination to be performed. When it is determined that the affected area needs to be photographed through an inquiry, a photographing person who performs photographing, such as a doctor or a photographing engineer, takes the patient to the image generating apparatus 2 used for photographing, and generates an image. The reception number (patient ID), which is a search ID assigned to the patient, is input from the input operation unit of the apparatus 2. For example, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2a is used as the image generation apparatus 2, the imaging operator inputs a patient reception number (patient ID) from the input operation unit. Thereafter, imaging is performed using the region to be diagnosed of the patient as a subject, and image data of the captured image is generated by the image generation device 2. For example, when the CR device 2c is used as the image generating device 2, the photographer inputs a patient reception number (patient ID) as a search ID from the numeric keypad or the like of the input unit provided in the reading device after photographing. To do. If an examination reservation is made in advance on that day, the patient may move directly from the reception to the imaging room 15 or the examination room 16 without receiving a medical inquiry.

  In addition, after selecting a certain patient, you may further select another patient. In this case, the selected patients are photographed sequentially or in parallel using the image generation devices 2. Even in this case, since the patient's receipt number (patient ID) is input as the search ID at the time of photographing with the image generation device, it is possible to match the receipt number (patient ID) attached to the image data after photographing. It is possible to associate a patient with image data.

  When shooting is completed, the image data of the generated shot image is sent to the control device 3 via the network 7 with accompanying information such as the input search ID. When photographing a patient who does not go through the reception, such as in an emergency, instead of the reception number (patient ID), a predetermined code indicating an emergency interrupt in advance, for example, “99” By setting a number that does not appear at the time of shooting as a search ID, it is possible to extract the image data after shooting separately from other image data, as in the normal flow.

  When image data of a photographed image is sent from the image generation device 2 to the control device 3, the CPU 31 automatically identifies the part that has been photographed. When the imaging region is identified, the CPU 31 determines an image processing condition according to the imaging region, and performs image processing according to the condition for the image data of the captured image. When the image processing is performed, the photographed image is temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit 331 of the storage unit 33 together with various information attached to the image data.

  When the doctor examines the patient after imaging or examination, the doctor operates the input unit 34 of the control device 3 to display an image search screen (not shown) on the display unit 35 and sets the patient's receipt number (patient ID). After confirming, the patient's receipt number is input from the input unit 34. When a reception number (patient ID) that is a search ID is input, the CPU 31 extracts an image corresponding to the patient from the temporary storage unit 331 of the storage unit 33 using the reception number as a search key. A list is displayed on the image confirmation screen 35b (see FIG. 5) of the display unit 35. The doctor listens to the patient's name and inputs the patient name as patient information from the patient information input field 356. When patient information related to the patient is input from the input unit 34 via the patient information input field 356, the input patient information is written as supplementary information of the image data of the displayed captured image.

  The doctor confirms the image data of the photographed image on the image confirmation screen 35b, and if there is no problem, the doctor confirms the photographed image as a photographed image for diagnosis with the OK button 353. On the other hand, when there is a problem with the image processing of the captured image, an operator such as a doctor adjusts the density and contrast of the captured image in the image processing condition adjustment field 352. If the image processing according to the imaging region is not properly performed, the correction of the parameter is performed by reflecting the adjustment of the density and contrast of the captured image performed in the image processing condition adjustment field 352 in the image processing parameter. You may make it perform. In addition, when adjustment is not possible only by adjustment of density, contrast, etc., such as a photographed image displayed in each display field is unclear, an NG button 354 for instructing to discard and re-output image data of the photographed image is provided. By operating, the image data of the photographed image is discarded, and the image data is re-output from the image generation apparatus 2.

  After confirming the image data of the photographed image, the doctor makes a diagnosis while viewing the photographed image, and writes and inputs additional information such as annotations and schemas at the lesion site. When the additional information is input, the CPU 31 generates the data of the additional information as a layer different from the image data of the captured image, and associates the image data of the captured image, the additional information, and the patient information of the patient corresponding thereto. To be stored in the storage unit 33 or the like. In addition, when there is a past captured image of the patient and additional information added thereto, the doctor can display the past image. Then, when the doctor inputs an instruction to replace only the photographed image with the latest photographed image, the CPU 31 controls the display unit 35 to replace only the photographed image with the latest photographed image, and replaces the latest photographed image with the past image. The additional information that has been added is superimposed and displayed. Thus, by superimposing and displaying the additional information added to the past image on the latest photographed image, the doctor explains to the patient the degree of change (healing state, etc.) of the part indicated by the additional information. It is possible to deepen a patient's understanding level and a trusting relationship with a doctor.

  In addition, the doctor may provide information regarding the patient (diagnosed wound name, etc.), medication information indicating the medicine prescribed for the patient, information regarding imaging or examination performed on the patient (type of the device that performed imaging, number of images taken, The presence / absence of use of a contrast medium, imaging region, imaging direction, examination type, examination ID, etc.) are recorded on a paper chart. The doctor writes the diagnostic findings on a paper chart and the like, and stores the inputted patient information, image data of the captured image, and additional information in a storage unit such as the image DB 41 of the server 4.

  The doctor selects a captured image, additional information, or an image obtained by superimposing the additional information on the captured image as necessary, causes the printer 8 to output the image, and stores the image by sandwiching it in a paper chart.

  After describing the findings on the paper chart, the doctor gives the paper chart to the reception desk at the reception desk 11. The person in charge of the window displays a receipt related information input screen (not shown) on the display unit 55 of the receptacle 5 and inputs necessary items. The CPU 51 of the receipt computer 5 performs accounting calculation processing based on the received receipt-related information.

  As described above, according to the medical image display system 1 for a small-scale facility according to the present embodiment, the image data of the captured image and the additional information are stored in association with the patient information. Therefore, it is possible to search and select past additional information and the like based on the patient information at the time of subsequent medical care without inputting and generating order information in advance before photographing or the like. This makes it possible to superimpose and display additional information added at the time of past imaging on the current image of a patient who has visited in the past. Or explaining the progress of treatment to the patient.

  In addition, since the image can be output from the printer 8 as necessary, the captured image, additional information, or an image obtained by superimposing additional information on the captured image can be used as a material for sandwiching the output image in a paper chart. Can do.

  Further, since a plurality of types of image generation apparatuses 2 such as the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2a, the endoscope apparatus 2b, and the CR apparatus 2c are provided, it is possible to perform minimum necessary imaging and inspection. Moreover, it is possible to perform imaging | photography with respect to a some patient simultaneously, and can raise the efficiency of a medical examination.

  Furthermore, since the converting means 21 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2a that is the image generating apparatus 2, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2a is provided in each facility to which the medical image display system 1 for small-scale facilities is applied. Even when outputting image data that does not conform to the standard of an existing apparatus or the like, the image data can be appropriately converted and applied. For this reason, the existing apparatus can be used as it is, and the burden of capital investment etc. is not required.

  In this embodiment, the patient information of the patient and the search ID corresponding to the patient are input from the input unit 34, and the search ID is attached to the image data of the captured image at the time of capturing, so that the patient and the captured image, etc. However, the configuration is not particularly limited as long as the patient can be associated with the captured image or the like.

  For example, when a patient list is generated and sent to the control device 3, a search ID assigned to each patient such as a reception number is selected by selecting a patient from the patient list before photographing. For example, the patient information such as the patient name may be input when the patient is diagnosed while viewing the captured image corresponding to the patient on the display unit 35 of the control device 3 after imaging.

  In addition, for example, before taking a picture, a picture is taken without first selecting a patient. At that time, an operator, such as a doctor, arbitrarily selects a search ID for identifying the patient to be photographed. May be input by the image generation apparatus 2. In this case, the image data obtained by photographing from the unconfirmed folder is opened by the control device 3 after photographing, and a search ID of a patient whose photographed image is to be extracted is input from the input unit 34. And after extracting the picked-up image image | photographed about the said patient based on this ID for search, and displaying on the display part 35 of the control apparatus 3, while diagnosing a patient while seeing the said picked-up image, the said patient Patient information may be entered.

  When a plurality of patients are not photographed in parallel, when the patient is selected from the patient list on the display unit 35 of the control device 3, the display screen of the display unit 35 is automatically displayed as an image. When the screen is switched to the confirmation screen 35b and photographing is performed, a photographed image obtained by photographing the patient may be displayed on the image confirmation screen 35b. In this case, since the patient selected from the patient list and the patient who has taken an image are associated with each other on a one-to-one basis, the patient and the photographed image are mistaken without inputting a search ID or the like before photographing. There is no risk of generating. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the burden on the doctor by minimizing the input operation.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the image generation apparatus 2 includes the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2a, the endoscope apparatus 2b, and the CR apparatus 2c has been described as an example. However, the image generation apparatus 2 determines a patient to be examined. Any device may be used as long as it is provided with an image generation unit that captures an image and generates a captured image based on image data obtained by the image capturing. Those that use other radiographic image conversion media, those that acquire image data without using radiographic image conversion media and generate captured images based on this, and those that directly extract radiographic images as digital signals using a radiation detector Any apparatus that generates a captured image can be applied. Specifically, in addition to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2a, the endoscope apparatus 2b, and the CR apparatus 2c shown in the present embodiment, for example, CT (Computed Tomografhy), MRT (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), FPD (Flat Panel Detector) Mammography apparatus (mammography) and the like, but is not limited thereto.

  A plurality of additional information may be generated for image data of one captured image. That is, for example, with respect to image data of a certain photographed image, additional information for explaining a patient, such as an arrow for explaining a lesion, as shown in FIG. 9A, and as shown in FIG. 9B. When additional information for explaining / reporting the patient's family, etc., consisting of comments regarding the disease name, medical condition, etc., is input, the CPU 31 serves as additional information generating means for the additional information for patient explanation and the patient's family, etc. The additional information for explanation / report is generated as separate additional information as separate layers, and each additional information is stored in association with the image data of the captured image and the patient information of the patient corresponding to the captured image. Store in the means.

  In this case, the CPU 31 appropriately selects additional information to be superimposed on the image data of the captured image in accordance with an instruction signal input from the input unit 34 or the like, and displays the selected additional information superimposed on the image data of the captured image. It is made to display on the part 35.

  In this way, by generating a plurality of additional information for the image data of one captured image and allowing the additional information to be superimposed on the image data of the captured image to be appropriately selected, for example, in the case of a patient with terminal cancer However, it is better not to inform the patient of the official name or condition, but when it is necessary to explain the condition etc. to the patient's family, When the additional information (for example, FIG. 9A) is superimposed and displayed on the display unit 35 and explained to the patient's family, additional information for explaining / reporting the patient's family or the like is added to the image data of the captured image (for example, FIG. 9). (B)) is superimposed and displayed on the display unit 35 for explanation, and image data of one captured image can be used for explanation according to the situation. Note that the method of superimposing the image data of the captured image and the additional information is not limited to the one exemplified here, and for example, a plurality of additional information may be superimposed and displayed on the image data of one captured image. .

  In addition, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment and can be appropriately changed.

It is a figure which shows the system configuration | structure of one Embodiment of the medical image display system for small-scale facilities which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning in the medical facility of each apparatus at the time of applying the medical image display system for small scale facilities shown in FIG. It is a principal part block diagram which shows schematic structure of the control apparatus applied to the medical image display system for small scale facilities shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example at the time of displaying the image on which additional information was superimposed on the picked-up image. It is a figure which shows an example of the image confirmation screen in the medical image display system for small scale facilities shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example at the time of displaying only a picked-up image. It is a figure which shows an example at the time of displaying only additional information. It is a principal part block diagram which shows schematic structure of the receptacle which is applied to the medical image display system for small scale facilities shown in FIG. FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating an example of additional information for explaining a patient. FIG. 9B is a diagram showing an example of additional information for explanation / report to a patient's family or the like.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Medical image display system for small-scale facilities 2 Image generation apparatus 2a Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 2b Endoscopic apparatus 2c CR apparatus 3 Control apparatus 4 Server 5 Recon 6 Receipt DB
7 Network 21 Conversion device 31 CPU
32 RAM
33 Storage Unit 34 Input Unit 35 Display Unit 35b Image Confirmation Screen 36 Communication Unit 41 Image DB

Claims (3)

Image generating means for imaging a patient to be inspected and generating image data of the image to be inspected;
Additional information generating means for generating additional information to be added to the captured image generated by the image generating means;
Display means capable of displaying the captured image and / or the additional information;
Patient information input means for inputting patient information for identifying a patient;
Image data of the captured image generated by the image generation means, and additional information generated by the additional information generation means corresponding to the captured image, patient information input by the patient information input means, and Association means for associating;
Storage means for storing the image data and additional information of the captured image associated with the association means, and patient information in an associated state;
Additional information selection means for selecting desired additional information based on the patient information from the additional information stored in the storage means;
Display control means for controlling the display means so that the additional information selected by the additional information selection means is displayed superimposed on a captured image;
A medical image display system for a small-scale facility. The display control means includes
When there are a plurality of image data of captured images associated with the same patient information, the additional information selected by the additional information selecting unit is superimposed on the captured image associated with the additional information and the display unit The display means replaces the captured image with the latest captured image among the captured images associated with the same patient information as the captured image, and superimposes the additional information on the latest captured image. The medical image display system for a small-scale facility according to claim 1, wherein the display means is controlled so as to display the image.   The medical image display system for a small-scale facility according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an output unit that outputs the captured image and the additional information superimposed and displayed on the display unit.

Images