JP2008228898A - Medical image system and image processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To smoothly execute a process after an image examination process in an image examination device even if the image examination process cannot be executed. <P>SOLUTION: Usually, medical image data generated by modality 10 are transmitted to the image examination device 20 and examined by the image examination device 20, and the medical image data after the examination process are stored and managed by a PACS (a Picture Archiving and Communication System) 30 in the medical image system 100. If the image examination process can not be executed in the image examination device 20 because the image examination device 20 is in trouble, etc., the medical image data are directly transmitted to the PACS 30 from the modality 10, and the medical image data without execution of the image examination process are stored in the PACS 30. At the time, information indicating that the image examination process is not executed is supplemented to the medical image data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a medical image system and an image processing method, and more particularly to a medical image system and an image processing method that provide a medical image generated by an image generation apparatus as a diagnostic image.

  In the medical field, digitization of medical images taken of patients has been realized, and various image generation devices (modalities) such as CR (Computed Radiography) devices, CT (Computed Tomography) devices, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) devices, etc. The medical images taken and digitized by the above are stored and managed in a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) together with incidental information such as patient information and examination information.

  Specifically, order information including patient information and examination information is sent to the modality from HIS (Hospital Information System) and RIS (Radiological Information System), and the modality follows the operation of the radiographer. Shooting based on the order information is performed. Then, a medical image obtained by the imaging is generated in a data format based on the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standard, and then transferred to the PACS.

  Since medical images stored in the PACS are used for diagnosis by doctors, a large-scale hospital is provided with an imaging device, and the medical image and its accompanying information are displayed on the imaging device, and the medical image generated by the modality is ordered. The medical image is stored in the PACS after confirming whether the information is correct, the image quality is suitable for diagnosis, or the incidental information is correct.

  Thus, in a medical image system that transmits a medical image from a modality to an imaging device and stores the medical image after the imaging processing in the PACS, for example, when the imaging device is stopped due to a failure or the like, The image cannot be transmitted from the modality to the imaging device, and as a result, the image cannot be transmitted to the PACS, and the subsequent interpretation / diagnosis work cannot be performed. Further, since the act of image detection itself is an action that requires special expertise, even if the image inspection apparatus is functioning, the same problem may occur even if the image examiner cannot work during a holiday or the like.

Therefore, by installing multiple imaging devices, one of which is the master and the other is the slave, even if one imaging device is out of order, without stopping the imaging function, Has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).
JP 2005-218758 A

  However, in the prior art described in Patent Document 1, at least two image detection devices are required, and further, control such as data transmission / reception between the master and slave is necessary, so the control is complicated. Thus, there is a problem that the cost increases.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems in the prior art, and it is an object of the present invention to perform subsequent processing smoothly even when the image detection process cannot be performed in the image detection apparatus.

  In order to solve the above problems, an invention according to claim 1 is directed to an image generation device that generates a medical image, an image detection device that displays the medical image on a display unit and uses the medical image for an image processing, and the medical image. The image management apparatus for storing and managing is a medical image system connected via a network via each communication means, and the image generation apparatus transmits the medical image to the imaging apparatus, When image inspection processing cannot be performed in the image inspection apparatus, the image management apparatus includes a control unit that transmits the medical image to the image management apparatus, and the image management apparatus receives the medical image transmitted from the image generation apparatus. Storage means for storing the image is provided.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the medical image system according to the first aspect, when the control unit of the image generation device transmits the medical image to the image management device, the medical image is detected. Information indicating that image processing has not been performed is added.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the medical image system according to the second aspect, the image management apparatus causes the display unit to display a medical image or a list of medical images stored in the storage unit. When image inspection processing is not performed on an image, display control means for displaying that the image inspection processing is not performed on the medical image or the list of medical images is provided.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the medical image system according to the second or third aspect, the image management apparatus is configured to store the medical image that has not been subjected to an image inspection process in the storage unit. When image detection processing can be performed in the image inspection device, the image detection device includes control means for transmitting a medical image to which the image detection processing has not been performed to the image detection device, and the image inspection device includes the image management device. Control for causing the image management apparatus to transmit the medical image after the image processing to the image management apparatus after displaying the medical image that has not been subjected to the image processing transmitted from the image display device on the display unit of the image inspection apparatus and using the medical image Means.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image generation device that generates a medical image, an image detection device that displays the medical image on a display unit and uses the medical image for image detection processing, and an image management device that stores and manages the medical image. The medical image system is connected to each other via a communication unit, and the image generation device includes a control unit that causes the image detection device to transmit the medical image. Includes control means for transmitting the medical image to the image management apparatus when the medical image received from the image generation apparatus cannot be imaged. The image management apparatus includes: Storage means for storing a medical image transmitted from the image apparatus is provided.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the medical image system according to the fifth aspect, the control unit of the image inspection apparatus transmits the medical image that has not been subjected to the image detection process to the image management apparatus. The information indicating that the image inspection processing has not been performed is added to the medical image.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the medical image system according to the sixth aspect, the image management apparatus causes the display unit to display a medical image stored in the storage unit or a list of medical images. When image inspection processing is not performed on an image, display control means for displaying that the image inspection processing is not performed on the medical image or the list of medical images is provided.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the medical image system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the image management apparatus stores the medical image that has not been subjected to image inspection processing in the storage unit. When image inspection processing can be performed in the image inspection device, the image inspection device includes a control unit that transmits a medical image to which the image detection processing has not been performed. After the medical image transmitted from the image management apparatus that has not been subjected to the imaging process is displayed on the display means of the imaging apparatus and subjected to the imaging process, the medical image after the imaging process is displayed on the image management apparatus. Send it.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the medical image system according to the sixth or seventh aspect, the imaging apparatus includes a temporary storage unit that temporarily stores a medical image received from the image generation apparatus, When a medical image that has not been subjected to image detection processing is stored in the storage unit, the image management device can perform image detection processing on the image detection device when the image inspection device can be executed. A control unit that transmits an imaging request for a medical image that has not been subjected to an imaging process, and the control unit of the imaging apparatus receives a request from the temporary storage unit based on the imaging request transmitted from the image management apparatus. A medical image that has not been subjected to the image inspection process is read out, displayed on the display means of the image inspection apparatus, subjected to the image inspection process, and then the image management apparatus transmits the medical image after the image inspection process.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image generation device that generates a medical image, an image detection device that displays the medical image on a display unit and uses the medical image for image detection processing, and an image management device that stores and manages the medical image. , An image processing method in a medical image system connected by a network via a communication means included therein, wherein the medical image is transmitted from the image generation device to the image inspection device, and the image inspection device When the image inspection process cannot be performed, the medical image is transmitted from the image generation apparatus to the image management apparatus.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image generation device that generates a medical image, an image detection device that displays the medical image on a display unit and uses the medical image for an image processing, and an image management device that stores and manages the medical image. , An image processing method in a medical image system connected by a network via a communication means included therein, wherein the medical image is transmitted from the image generation device to the image inspection device, and the image inspection device If the medical image received from the image generation device cannot be imaged, the medical image is transmitted from the image sensing device to the image management device.

  According to the first and tenth aspects of the present invention, even if the image inspection process cannot be performed in the image inspection apparatus, the subsequent processing can be performed smoothly.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to recognize that the image inspection process has not been performed based on the information attached to the medical image.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, since a medical image that has not been subjected to the image inspection process is displayed as having not been subjected to the image inspection process, the reader can be alerted.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when image inspection processing can be performed in the image inspection device, a medical image that has not been subjected to image detection processing is transmitted from the image management device to the image inspection device, and image inspection is performed. Processing can be performed.

  According to the fifth and eleventh aspects of the present invention, even if the image inspection process cannot be performed in the image inspection apparatus, the subsequent processing can be performed smoothly.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it can be recognized that the image inspection process is not performed based on the information attached to the medical image.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, a medical image that has not been subjected to the image inspection process is displayed with the fact that the image inspection process has not been performed, so that the reader can be alerted.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when image detection processing can be performed in the image inspection device, a medical image that has not been subjected to image detection processing is transmitted from the image management device to the image inspection device. Processing can be performed.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when image detection processing can be performed in the image inspection device, the image management request is transmitted from the image management device to the image detection device, and the image detection processing is performed. it can.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a medical image system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a system configuration of the medical image system 100. As shown in FIG. 1, a medical image system 100 is configured such that a modality 10, an image inspection device 20, a PACS 30, and an RIS 40 are connected via a communication network N, and each can communicate data.

  The RIS 40 is configured by a computer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage unit, an operation unit, a display unit, a communication unit, and the like, such as medical appointments in the radiology department, diagnosis result reports, results management, material inventory management, etc. This is a system that performs information management and comprehensively manages information in the medical image system 100.

  The RIS 40 receives the order information transmitted from the HIS, transmits the order information to the modality 10, and transmits the same order information to the imaging device 20.

  The order information is data indicating the contents of the imaging or examination order, and includes patient information, examination information, and series information. The patient information is data set for each patient, such as the reception number, name, patient ID, and sex of the patient to be photographed. The examination information is data indicating examination conditions such as an examination ID for identifying an examination ordered by a doctor, an examination site, an imaging direction, and a posture. The series information is data including a series ID indicating the unit (series) of a series of medical images for each modality 10 generated in one examination and the type of the modality 10.

  The modality 10 is an image generation apparatus that images a patient and generates image data of a medical image (hereinafter referred to as “medical image data”). As the modality 10, modalities for capturing various types of medical images, such as a CR apparatus, a CT apparatus, an MRI apparatus, an endoscope apparatus, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, can be applied.

  FIG. 2 shows a functional configuration of the modality 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the modality 10 includes a CPU 11, an operation unit 12, a display unit 13, a communication unit 14, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 15, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 16, a storage unit 17, a photographing unit 18, and the like. Each part is connected by a bus 19.

  The CPU 11 reads out various processing programs stored in the ROM 15 and develops them in a work area formed in the RAM 16, and comprehensively controls each part of the modality 10 according to the program.

  The operation unit 12 includes various setting keys, operation instruction keys, and the like, and outputs an instruction signal input by key operation to the CPU 11.

  The display unit 13 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays input instructions, data, and the like from the operation unit 12 in accordance with display signal instructions input from the CPU 11.

  The communication unit 14 includes a LAN (Local Area Network) adapter, a router, a TA (Terminal Adapter), and the like, and data is exchanged with an external device such as an imaging device 20, PACS 30, and RIS 40 connected via the communication network N. Send and receive.

  The ROM 15 is constituted by a nonvolatile semiconductor memory or the like, and stores various processing programs executed by the CPU 11, various data, and the like. These various programs are stored in the form of readable program codes, and the CPU 11 sequentially executes operations according to the program codes.

  The RAM 16 forms a storage area for temporarily storing various programs and data read from the ROM 15 and parameters in various processes executed by the CPU 11.

  The storage unit 17 is a storage device such as a hard disk, and stores medical image data generated by the imaging unit 18.

  The imaging unit 18 captures a patient and generates medical image data in accordance with an instruction from the operation unit 12 of the imaging technician.

  The CPU 11 converts an image data signal obtained by imaging the patient by the imaging unit 18 into digital data conforming to the DICOM standard, and includes incidental information such as patient information and examination information corresponding to the medical image and an imaged flag. Accompany the information. The imaged flag indicates whether the corresponding medical image has not been imaged (hereinafter referred to as “unimaged”) or has been imaged (hereinafter referred to as “imaged”). "0" is set when the image is not detected, and "1" is set when the image is already detected. Here, since all the medical images are not imaged, the imaged flag is “0”.

  In addition, the CPU 11 transmits medical image data to the imaging device 20 via the communication unit 14. When the image inspection apparatus 20 is stopped and the image inspection process cannot be performed, the CPU 11 causes the PACS 30 to transmit medical image data via the communication unit 14.

  The image inspection device 20 displays the medical image generated by the modality 10 and its accompanying information, and the image examiner who is the user of the image inspection device 20 confirms and corrects (image detection processing) the medical image and the accompanying information. Is for.

  FIG. 3 shows a functional configuration of the image inspection device 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the image detection apparatus 20 includes a CPU 21, an operation unit 22, a display unit 23, a communication unit 24, a ROM 25, a RAM 26, a temporary memory 27, and the like, and each unit is connected by a bus 28. .

  The CPU 21 reads various processing programs stored in the ROM 25, develops them in a work area formed in the RAM 26, and comprehensively controls each unit of the image detection device 20 according to the programs.

  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 display unit 23 is configured by an LCD, and displays input instructions, data, and the like from the operation unit 22 in accordance with display signal instructions input from the CPU 21.

  The communication unit 24 includes a LAN adapter, a router, a TA, and the like, and transmits and receives data to and from external devices such as the modality 10, the PACS 30, and the RIS 40 connected via the communication network N.

  The ROM 25 is configured by a nonvolatile semiconductor memory or the like, and stores various processing programs executed by the CPU 21, various data, and the like. These various programs are stored in the form of readable program codes, and the CPU 21 sequentially executes operations according to the program codes.

  The RAM 26 forms a storage area for temporarily storing various programs and data read from the ROM 25 and parameters in various processes executed by the CPU 21. Further, the RAM 26 stores an imager flag indicating whether or not the imager 20 is ready to work in the imager 20. When the image inspection device 20 can detect the image (for example, when the image examiner logs in to the image inspection device 20), the image examiner flag is set to "1" and the image detection device 20 is turned on. When the examiner cannot work (for example, when the examiner is on vacation), the examiner flag is set to “0”.

  The temporary memory 27 is a memory for temporarily storing unexamined medical image data received from the modality 10 or the PACS 30.

  When the medical image data received from the modality 10 can be subjected to the image inspection process, specifically, when the imager flag is “1”, the CPU 21 determines whether the medical image and the supplementary image are based on the medical image data. Information is displayed on the display unit 23 and used for image inspection processing. The examiner confirms the medical image and the supplementary information displayed on the display unit 23 and corrects them as necessary. Then, the CPU 21 changes the image completion flag attached to the medical image data to “1”, and causes the PACS 30 to transmit the medical image data after the image detection processing via the communication unit 24.

  When the medical image data received from the modality 10 cannot be subjected to the image verification process, specifically, when the image examiner flag is “0”, the CPU 21 sends the PACS 30 via the communication unit 24. Unexamined medical image data is transmitted. At this time, the CPU 21 causes the PACS 30 to transmit in a state where the imaged flag attached to the medical image data is “0”.

  In addition, when the unexamined medical image data is transmitted from the PACS 30, the CPU 21 causes the display unit 23 to display the medical image and the accompanying information based on the unexamined medical image data received by the communication unit 24. After being subjected to the imaging process, the imaged flag attached to the medical image data is changed to “1”, and the medical image data after the imaging process is transmitted to the PACS 30 via the communication unit 24.

  In addition, when an imaging request is transmitted from the PACS 30, the CPU 21 reads unexamined medical image data from the temporary memory 27 based on the imaging request received by the communication unit 24, and displays the medical image on the display unit 23. And the supplementary information is displayed and used for the image examination process, then the imaged flag attached to the medical image data is changed to “1”, and the medical image after the image examination process is performed on the PACS 30 via the communication unit 24. Send data. The image inspection request includes information for specifying an image (hereinafter referred to as “image specifying information”) such as inspection information and series information of medical image data to be imaged.

  The PACS 30 is an image management apparatus that stores and manages medical image data.

  FIG. 4 shows a functional configuration of the PACS 30. As shown in FIG. 4, the PACS 30 includes a CPU 31, an operation unit 32, a display unit 33, a communication unit 34, a ROM 35, a RAM 36, a storage device 37, and the like, and each unit is connected by a bus 38.

  The CPU 31 reads various processing programs stored in the ROM 35, develops them in a work area formed in the RAM 36, and comprehensively controls each part of the PACS 30 according to the programs.

  The operation unit 32 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like, and a pointing device such as a mouse, and sends an instruction signal input to the CPU 31 by key operation or mouse operation on the keyboard. Output.

  The display unit 33 is configured by an LCD and displays an input instruction, data, and the like from the operation unit 32 in accordance with an instruction of a display signal input from the CPU 31.

  The communication unit 34 includes a LAN adapter, a router, a TA, and the like, and transmits and receives data to and from external devices such as the modality 10 and the image detection device 20 connected via the communication network N.

  The ROM 35 is constituted by a nonvolatile semiconductor memory or the like, and stores various processing programs executed by the CPU 31, various data, and the like. These various programs are stored in the form of readable program codes, and the CPU 31 sequentially executes operations according to the program codes.

  The RAM 36 forms a storage area for temporarily storing various programs, data, parameters, and the like read from the ROM 35 in various processes executed by the CPU 31.

  The storage device 37 is composed of a hard disk or the like, and stores unexamined medical image data generated by the modality 10, imaged medical image data that has undergone image detection processing in the image detection device 20, and each medical image data. Corresponding information such as corresponding patient information, examination information, imaged flag, image interpretation flag, etc. is stored. The interpretation flag indicates whether or not the corresponding medical image data has been interpreted, and is set to “0” when the interpretation is not performed and “1” when the interpretation is completed.

  The CPU 31 causes the display unit 33 to display a medical image and a list of medical images based on the medical image data stored in the storage device 37 and the accompanying information. At this time, based on the imaged flag corresponding to the medical image data, the CPU 31 determines that the medical image or the medical image is displayed when the imaged flag is “0”, that is, when the medical image to be displayed is not imaged. The fact that the image inspection process has not been performed is displayed in the medical image list.

  When the unexamined medical image data is stored in the storage device 37, that is, when the medical image data whose image completion flag is “0” is stored in the storage device 37, the CPU 31 performs the image detection in the image detection device 20. It is detected whether the process can be performed. Specifically, the CPU 31 detects the image in the image detecting device 20 based on whether the image detecting device 20 is out of order, is in a power-on state, or the image examiner flag is “1”. It is detected whether the process can be performed.

  When the CPU 31 detects that the image detection apparatus 20 can perform the image detection process, and when unexamined medical image data is stored in the temporary memory 27 of the image detection apparatus 20, the communication unit 34. When the request for image detection of unexamined medical image data is transmitted to the image inspection apparatus 20 via the communication apparatus 20 and the unexamined medical image data is not stored in the temporary memory 27 of the image detection apparatus 20, the communication unit The unexamined medical image data is transmitted to the image examination apparatus 20 via 34.

Next, an outline of processing performed in the medical image system 100 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a ladder chart showing normal processing in the medical image system 100. This process is an example when the image inspection device 20 is in operation and the image examiner flag in the RAM 26 is “1”.

  As shown in FIG. 5, first, a patient is imaged by the imaging unit 18 of the modality 10, and medical image data is generated (step S1). Here, the CPU 11 attaches patient information, examination information, an image completion flag, etc. as incidental information of the medical image data, and the image completion flag is set to “0” (step S2).

  Next, medical image data is transmitted to the imaging device 20 by the communication unit 14 under the control of the CPU 11 (step S3).

  In the image inspection apparatus 20, the medical image data transmitted from the modality 10 is received by the communication unit 24, and the received unimaged medical image data is temporarily stored in the temporary memory 27 by the CPU 21 (step S4). ). Next, based on the unexamined medical image data stored in the temporary memory 27 and the order information received from the RIS 40, the CPU 21 displays the medical image, the incidental information, and the order information on the display unit 23. Processing is performed (step S5). The examiner checks whether the medical image displayed on the display unit 23 is in accordance with the order information, whether the image quality is suitable for diagnosis, whether the incidental information is correct, and the like. Then, if necessary, image processing is performed on the medical image, and the order and arrangement of the images are changed.

  When the end of the imaging process is instructed by an operation from the operation unit 22 by the user, the CPU 21 changes the imaging completion flag of the medical image data to “1” (step S6). Then, under the control of the CPU 21, the medical image data that has been imaged is transmitted to the PACS 30 by the communication unit 24 (step S7).

In the PACS 30, the imaged medical image data transmitted from the imaging device 20 is received by the communication unit 34, and the received medical image data received by the CPU 31 is stored in the storage device 37 (step S8). ).
Thus, the normal process ends.

  FIG. 6 is a ladder chart showing processing when the imaging device is stopped in the medical image system 100. This process is started from a state where the imaging device 20 is stopped due to failure or the like (step S11).

  As shown in FIG. 6, a patient is imaged by the imaging unit 18 of the modality 10, and medical image data is generated (step S12). Here, the CPU 11 attaches patient information, examination information, an image completion flag, and the like as incidental information of the medical image data, and the image completion flag is set to “0” (step S13).

  Next, medical image data is transmitted to the image examination apparatus 20 by the communication unit 14 under the control of the CPU 11 (step S14). However, since the image inspection device 20 is stopped, when the CPU 11 recognizes that the medical image data cannot be received by the image detection device 20, the communication unit 14 directly controls the PACS 30 according to the control of the CPU 11. Medical image data is transmitted (step S15). Here, the image completion flag attached to the medical image data remains “0”.

  In the PACS 30, the unexamined medical image data transmitted from the modality 10 is received by the communication unit 34, and the received unexamined medical image data is stored in the storage device 37 (step S16).

  Thereafter, the CPU 31 of the PACS 30 detects whether or not the imaging device 20 has recovered from the stopped state. Specifically, the image detecting device 20 is stopped by the CPU 31 based on whether the image detecting device 20 is not in failure, is in a power-on state, or the image examiner flag is “1”. Whether or not the state has been recovered is detected.

  When the image inspection device 20 is restored (step S17), undetected medical image data stored in the storage device 37 is transmitted to the image detection device 20 by the communication unit 34 according to the control of the CPU 31 of the PACS 30 (step S17). Step S18).

  In the image inspection apparatus 20, the unexamined medical image data transmitted from the PACS 30 is received by the communication unit 24, and the received unexamined medical image data is temporarily stored in the temporary memory 27 by the CPU 21. (Step S19). Next, based on the unexamined medical image data stored in the temporary memory 27 and the order information received from the RIS 40, the CPU 21 displays the medical image, the incidental information, and the order information on the display unit 23. Processing is performed (step S20). The examiner checks whether the medical image displayed on the display unit 23 is in accordance with the order information, whether the image quality is suitable for diagnosis, whether the incidental information is correct, and the like. Then, if necessary, image processing is performed on the medical image, and the order and arrangement of the images are changed.

  When the end of the imaging process is instructed by an operation from the operation unit 22 by the user, the CPU 21 changes the imaging completion flag of the medical image data to “1” (step S21). Then, under the control of the CPU 21, medical image data that has been imaged is transmitted to the PACS 30 by the communication unit 24 (step S22).

In the PACS 30, the imaged medical image data transmitted from the imaging device 20 is received by the communication unit 34, and the received medical image data received by the CPU 31 is stored in the storage device 37 (step S23). ). The unexamined medical image data corresponding to the imaged medical image data may be overwritten with the imaged medical image data, or the unexamined medical image data may be stored together.
This is the end of the imaging apparatus stop process.

  It should be noted that if the unexamined medical image data is read while being stored in the storage device 37 of the PACS 30, it is not necessary to perform the image detection process. Even for an image, the processing after step S18 is omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a ladder chart showing processing when the examiner is absent in the medical image system 100. This processing is started from a state where the imager is absent in the image inspection device 20, such as on vacation, that is, a state where the imager flag is “0” (step S31).

  As shown in FIG. 7, the patient is imaged by the imaging unit 18 of the modality 10, and medical image data is generated (step S32). Here, the CPU 11 attaches patient information, examination information, an image completion flag, etc. as incidental information of the medical image data, and the image completion flag is set to “0” (step S33).

  Next, under the control of the CPU 11, medical image data is transmitted to the imaging device 20 by the communication unit 14 (step S34).

  In the image inspection apparatus 20, the medical image data transmitted from the modality 10 is received by the communication unit 24, and the received unimaged medical image data is temporarily stored in the temporary memory 27 by the CPU 21 (step S35). ). Here, the CPU 21 refers to the examiner flag in the RAM 26. Since the examiner flag is “0”, under the control of the CPU 21, unexamined medical image data is transmitted from the communication unit 24 to the PACS 30 with the imaged flag being “0” (step S 36). ).

  In the PACS 30, the unexamined medical image data transmitted from the imaging device 20 is received by the communication unit 34, and the received unexamined medical image data is stored in the storage device 37 (step S37). ).

  Thereafter, the CPU 31 of the PACS 30 detects whether or not the image examiner has started work in the image detection apparatus 20. Specifically, the CPU 31 detects that the imager has started work by changing the imager flag of the image detection device 20 from “0” to “1”.

  When the examiner starts working in the image examination apparatus 20 (step S38), under the control of the CPU 31 of the PACS 30, an unexamined medical image stored in the temporary memory 27 with respect to the image examination apparatus 20 by the communication unit 34. A data inspection request is transmitted (step S39).

  In the image inspection device 20, the communication unit 24 receives the image inspection request transmitted from the PACS 30, and the CPU 21 temporarily stores it in the temporary memory 27 based on the image specifying information included in the image inspection request. Medical image data to be imaged is specified from unexamined medical image data. Then, based on the specified unexamined medical image data and the order information received from the RIS 40, the CPU 21 displays the medical image, supplementary information, and order information on the display unit 23, and performs the imaging process. (Step S40). The examiner checks whether the medical image displayed on the display unit 23 is in accordance with the order information, whether the image quality is suitable for diagnosis, whether the incidental information is correct, and the like. Then, if necessary, image processing is performed on the medical image, and the order and arrangement of the images are changed.

  When the end of the image inspection process is instructed by an operation from the operation unit 22 by the user, the CPU 21 changes the image detection completion flag of the medical image data to “1” (step S41). Then, under the control of the CPU 21, medical image data that has been imaged is transmitted to the PACS 30 by the communication unit 24 (step S42).

In the PACS 30, the imaged medical image data transmitted from the imaging device 20 is received by the communication unit 34, and the received imaged medical image data is stored in the storage device 37 by the CPU 31 (step S43). ). The unexamined medical image data corresponding to the imaged medical image data may be overwritten with the imaged medical image data, or the unexamined medical image data may be stored together.
This is the end of the process when the examiner is absent.

  It should be noted that if the unexamined medical image data is read while being stored in the storage device 37 of the PACS 30, it is not necessary to perform the image detection process. Even for an image, the processing after step S39 is omitted.

  Further, when the temporary memory 27 of the image detecting device 20 is set to store medical image data only for a predetermined period, when the image examiner starts working in the image detecting device 20, the temporary memory 27 stores the medical image data. When there is no medical image data, unexamined medical image data may be transmitted from the PACS 30 to the image detection apparatus 20.

Next, the operation in each apparatus will be described.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing executed in the modality 10.
As shown in FIG. 8, a patient is imaged by the imaging unit 18, and medical image data is generated (step A1). Then, the CPU 11 adds patient information, examination information, an image completion flag, and the like as incidental information of the medical image data, and the image completion flag is set to “0” indicating unexamined (step A2).

  Next, medical image data is transmitted to the imaging device 20 by the communication unit 14 under the control of the CPU 11 (step A3).

  When the image inspection device 20 is stopped (step A4; Yes), the CPU 11 recognizes that the medical image data has not been received by the image detection device 20, and the communication unit 14 directly controls according to the control of the CPU 11. Unexamined medical image data is transmitted to the PACS 30 (step A5).

  On the other hand, in step A4, when the imaging device 20 is not stopped (step A4; No), the process ends as it is.

Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the process performed in the image inspection apparatus 20 is demonstrated.
As illustrated in FIG. 9, when unexamined medical image data is received from the modality 10 or the PACS 30 by the communication unit 24 (step B <b>1; Yes), the received unexamined medical image data is received by the CPU 21. Is temporarily stored in the temporary memory 27 (step B2).

  Here, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the image detection apparatus 20 can execute the image detection process (step B3). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the examiner flag is “1”.

  When the image inspection apparatus 20 can execute the image detection process (step B3; Yes), that is, when the image examiner flag is “1”, the CPU 21 uses the undetected medical image stored in the temporary memory 27 by the CPU 21. Based on the image data and the order information received from the RIS 40, the medical image, supplementary information, and order information are displayed on the display unit 23, and an image inspection process is performed (step B4). The examiner checks whether the medical image displayed on the display unit 23 is in accordance with the order information, whether the image quality is suitable for diagnosis, whether the incidental information is correct, and the like. Then, if necessary, image processing is performed on the medical image, and the order and arrangement of the images are changed.

  When the end of the image inspection process is instructed by the user's operation from the operation unit 22, the image detection completion flag of the medical image data is changed to “1” by the CPU 21 (step B5). Then, under the control of the CPU 21, medical image data that has been imaged is transmitted to the PACS 30 by the communication unit 24 (step B6).

  In step B3, when the image inspection device 20 cannot perform the image detection process (step B3; No), that is, when the image examiner flag is “0”, the communication unit 24 controls the PACS 30 according to the control of the CPU 21. The unexamined medical image data is transmitted to (step B7). At this time, the image completion flag remains in the “0” state.

  After that, the imager starts work (step B8; Yes), and when the imager flag is changed to “1”, the communication unit 34 of the PACS 30 stores the imager 20 in the temporary memory 27. An image inspection request for unexamined medical image data is transmitted.

  When the communication request is received by the communication unit 24 from the PACS 30 (step B9; Yes), the CPU 21 temporarily stores it in the temporary memory 27 based on the image specifying information included in the image request. Medical image data to be imaged is identified from the unexamined medical image data. Then, based on the specified unexamined medical image data and the order information received from the RIS 40, the CPU 21 displays the medical image, supplementary information, and order information on the display unit 23, and performs the imaging process. (Step B4). In the same manner, the processing of step B5 and step B6 is performed.

  In step B9, when the image inspection request is not received (step B9; No), the processing is ended as it is.

Next, processing executed in the PACS 30 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 10, first, the CPU 31 stores unexamined and uninterpreted medical image data in the storage device 37, that is, the detected flag attached to the medical image data is “0” and the interpreted flag is set. It is determined whether or not “0” medical image data is stored (step C1).

  If unexamined and uninterpreted medical image data is stored in the storage device 37 (step C1; Yes), the CPU 31 determines whether or not the image detection process can be performed in the image detection apparatus 20. (Step C2). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the imaging device 20 that has been stopped has been restored, and whether or not the examiner flag has been changed to “1”.

  In step C1, when no unexamined and uninterpreted medical image data is stored in the storage device 37 (step C1; No), or in step C2, the image inspection apparatus 20 cannot perform the image detection process. In the case (Step C2; No), the process returns to Step C1.

  In step C2, if image detection processing can be performed in the image inspection device 20 (step C2; Yes), whether unexamined medical image data is stored in the temporary memory 27 for the image detection device 20 or not. Is made (step C3). If unexamined medical image data is stored in the temporary memory 27 of the image inspection device 20 (step C3; Yes), the temporary memory 27 is sent to the image detection device 20 by the communication unit 34 under the control of the CPU 31. A request for image inspection of unexamined medical image data stored in is transmitted (step C4).

  When unexamined medical image data is not stored in the temporary memory 27 of the image inspection device 20 (step C3; No), the storage device 37 is stored in the image detection device 20 by the communication unit 34 according to the control of the CPU 31. The unexamined medical image data stored in is transmitted (step C5).

After step C4 or step C5, the image inspection apparatus 20 performs image detection processing. When the medical image data that has been imaged transmitted from the image sensing device 20 is received by the communication unit 34 (step C6; Yes), the received medical image data that has been imaged by the CPU 31 is stored in the storage device 37. (Step C7).
Thus, the process in PACS 30 ends.

  FIG. 11 shows a display screen example of a list of medical image data stored in the storage device 37 of the PACS 30. This screen is displayed on the display unit 33 of the PACS 30 or a display unit such as a PC (Personal Computer) connected via the communication network N. In the list of medical image data, the incidental information of the medical image data includes patient ID, patient name, series number, number of images, examination date, examination time, modality, gender, examination state (“untested” or “tested” Imaged ") and interpretation status (" uninterpreted "or" interpreted "). Also, when a medical image is displayed based on each medical image data, the medical image is displayed in accordance with the imaging state. For this reason, an interpreting doctor who interprets medical images can recognize whether each medical image is unexamined or has already been imaged. Therefore, in the case of unexamined images, the image quality is guaranteed. Interpretation can be performed with more care as no image.

  As described above, according to the medical image system 100, when the medical image data is transmitted from the modality 10 to the imaging device 20, and the imaging device 20 is stopped and the imaging processing cannot be performed, the modality Since the medical image data is directly transmitted from 10 to the PACS 30, the subsequent processing can be smoothly performed even when the image inspection device 20 cannot perform the image inspection processing. Although the image interpreter is an image whose unexamined image quality is not guaranteed, the image interpreter can immediately obtain and interpret the medical image. When the medical image data is transmitted from the modality 10 to the PACS 30, the imaged flag attached to the medical image data is “0”, so that the medical image data is not imaged based on this information. Can be recognized.

  Further, when the medical image data is transmitted from the modality 10 to the imaging device 20 and the imaging device 20 is operating but cannot perform the imaging process, the medical image data is transferred from the imaging device 20 to the PACS 30. Since the data is transmitted, the subsequent processing can be smoothly performed even when the image inspection device 20 cannot perform the image inspection processing. Although the image interpreter is an image whose unexamined image quality is not guaranteed, the image interpreter can immediately obtain and interpret the medical image. When the medical image data is transmitted from the image inspection apparatus 20 to the PACS 30, the image completion flag attached to the medical image data is “0”. Therefore, based on this information, the medical image data is not imaged. You can recognize that there is.

  Further, when displaying a medical image or a list of medical images based on medical image data stored in the PACS 30, it is displayed that an undetected medical image is undetected. You can call attention. Therefore, the radiogram interpreter can perform radiogram interpretation on the assumption that the image quality is not guaranteed.

  In addition, when the image inspection device 20 can perform the image detection process, the PACS 30 transmits the unimaged medical image data or the image detection request to the image detection device 20, so that the image is temporarily converted into an unimaged image. Even the image transmitted to the PACS 30 can be subjected to the image detection process in the image inspection device 20.

  The descriptions in the above embodiments are examples of the medical image system according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. The detailed configuration and detailed operation of each device constituting the system can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the imaging device 20 receives medical image data from the modality 10 and transmits medical image data from the imaging device 20 to the PACS 30 when the examiner cannot work due to vacation or the like. However, medical image data may be directly transmitted from the modality 10 to the PACS 30 as in the case where the imaging device 20 is stopped.

1 is a system configuration diagram of a medical image system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of modality. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of an image inspection apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of PACS. It is a ladder chart which shows a normal process. It is a ladder chart which shows a process at the time of an imaging device stop. It is a ladder chart which shows a process at the time of an image examiner absence. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed in modality. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed in an image inspection apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed in PACS. It is an example of a display screen of a list of medical image data stored in a PACS storage device.

Explanation of symbols

10 Modality 11 CPU
12 Operation unit 13 Display unit 14 Communication unit 15 ROM
16 RAM
17 Storage Unit 18 Imaging Unit 19 Bus 20 Imaging Device 21 CPU
22 Operation unit 23 Display unit 24 Communication unit 25 ROM
26 RAM
27 Temporary memory 28 Bus 30 PACS
31 CPU
32 Operation unit 33 Display unit 34 Communication unit 35 ROM
36 RAM
37 storage device 38 bus 40 RIS
100 Medical Image System N Communication Network

Claims (11)

An image generation device that generates a medical image, an image detection device that displays the medical image on a display unit and uses it for image detection processing, and an image management device that stores and manages the medical image via respective communication units A medical imaging system connected via a network,
The image generation device transmits the medical image to the image inspection device, and when the image detection device cannot perform image detection processing, causes the image management device to transmit the medical image. With control means,
The said image management apparatus is a medical image system provided with the memory | storage means to preserve | save the medical image transmitted from the said image generation apparatus.   The control unit of the image generation apparatus, when transmitting the medical image to the image management apparatus, attaches information indicating that an image inspection process has not been performed to the medical image. Medical imaging system.   The image management apparatus causes a display unit to display a medical image or a list of medical images stored in the storage unit, and when an image inspection process is not performed on the medical image, the medical image or medical image The medical image system according to claim 2, further comprising display control means for displaying that the image inspection processing has not been performed in the list. When the medical image that has not been subjected to the imaging process is stored in the storage unit and the image management apparatus can perform the imaging process, the image management apparatus Control means for transmitting a medical image that has not been subjected to the image inspection processing;
The image inspection apparatus displays a medical image, which has not been subjected to the image inspection process transmitted from the image management apparatus, on the display unit of the image inspection apparatus, and uses the image detection process, and then detects the medical image. The medical image system according to claim 2, further comprising a control unit that transmits a medical image after image processing. An image generation device that generates a medical image, an image detection device that displays the medical image on a display unit and uses it for image detection processing, and an image management device that stores and manages the medical image via respective communication units A medical imaging system connected via a network,
The image generation apparatus includes a control unit that transmits the medical image to the imaging apparatus,
The image inspection device includes a control unit that causes the image management device to transmit the medical image when the image detection processing of the medical image received from the image generation device cannot be performed.
The said image management apparatus is a medical image system provided with the memory | storage means to preserve | save the medical image transmitted from the said image examination apparatus.   The control unit of the image inspection apparatus attaches information indicating that the image detection process has not been performed to the medical image when the medical image that has not been subjected to the image detection process is transmitted to the image management apparatus. The medical image system according to claim 5.   The image management apparatus causes the display unit to display a medical image or a list of medical images stored in the storage unit, and when the medical image is not yet processed, the medical image or medical image is displayed. The medical image system according to claim 6, further comprising display control means for displaying that the image inspection processing has not been performed in the list. When the medical image that has not been subjected to the imaging process is stored in the storage unit and the image management apparatus can perform the imaging process, the image management apparatus Control means for transmitting a medical image that has not been subjected to the image inspection processing;
The control unit of the image inspection apparatus displays a medical image, which has not been subjected to the image detection process transmitted from the image management apparatus, on the display unit of the image detection apparatus, and uses the image detection process. The medical image system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a medical image after image inspection processing is transmitted. The imaging device includes a temporary storage unit that temporarily stores a medical image received from the image generation device,
When the medical image that has not been subjected to the imaging process is stored in the storage unit and the image management apparatus can perform the imaging process, the image management apparatus Control means for transmitting a request for image inspection of a medical image that has not been subjected to the image inspection processing;
The control unit of the imaging apparatus reads a medical image that has not been subjected to the imaging process from the temporary storage unit based on the imaging request transmitted from the image management apparatus, and displays the medical image on the display unit of the imaging apparatus The medical image system according to claim 6, wherein after the image processing is performed, the medical image after the image processing is transmitted to the image management apparatus. An image generation device that generates a medical image, an image detection device that displays the medical image on a display unit and uses it for image detection processing, and an image management device that stores and manages the medical image via respective communication units An image processing method in a medical image system connected via a network,
When the medical image is transmitted from the image generation device to the image inspection device and image inspection processing cannot be performed in the image detection device, the medical image is transmitted from the image generation device to the image management device. An image processing method for transmitting an image. An image generation device that generates a medical image, an image detection device that displays the medical image on a display unit and uses it for image detection processing, and an image management device that stores and manages the medical image via respective communication units An image processing method in a medical image system connected via a network,
When the medical image is transmitted from the image generation device to the image detection device, and the image detection device cannot execute the image processing of the medical image received from the image generation device, the image detection device An image processing method for transmitting the medical image from the image management apparatus to the image management apparatus.

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