JP2008229251A - Medical image processing apparatus, method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a medical image processing apparatus, method and program capable of improving the convenience of a user's operation in a medical image processing apparatus when changing a sequence for displaying medical images. <P>SOLUTION: An image examination device 20 is provided with a plurality of receiving channels for receiving medical image data from respective modalities 40, and determines a selection method based on receiving channel information receiving the medical image data, filter information included in incidental information of the received medical image data, and a selection method table 262. The image examination device 20 selects a medical image, or an operation object, from one or a plurality of medical images displayed on a display part 23 based on the selection method and a specification signal by a user's operation such as a click. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a medical image processing apparatus, a medical image processing method, and a program.

  In recent years, in the medical field, a medical image obtained by photographing a patient has been digitized. Specifically, digital image data (hereinafter referred to as “modality”) such as a CR (Computed Radiography) device, a CT (Computed Tomography) device, or an MR (Magnetic Resonance) device is used. (Referred to as “medical image data”). The generated medical image data is stored and managed by a system called PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System for medical application).

  The medical image data is a data format conforming to the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine) standard, and includes incidental information including patient information, examination information, series information, and image information, and actual image data. DICOM is a standard for communication and storage format of medical images, and intercompatibility between different medical devices is ensured by complying with this standard.

  Medical image data is managed in a hierarchical and grouped manner based on information such as patient information, examination information, series information, and image information in a medical image management system such as PACS. Here, the “series” is a concept indicating a group of images collected in a series of imaging using an MR apparatus, a CT apparatus, or the like. For example, in the case of a CT image, usually several tens of images are generated by one imaging, and these images are collectively referred to as one series.

  Normally, medical image data is displayed in the order of image numbers (hereinafter referred to as image IDs) of images included in the supplementary information on a display screen such as an image viewer. However, since the order of image IDs assigned to each image in the series differs depending on the manufacturer, there is a problem that the order of displayed images differs depending on the modality used in the same examination.

  In the medical field, there are scenes where it is necessary to adjust the display order of medical image data due to various circumstances.

  For example, when displaying the medical image data generated by the CR device, the display order of the medical image data is desirable due to the state of the imaging device at the time of imaging, the change of the imaging order for reducing the load on the patient, etc. It is not always in order.

  In addition, when displaying medical image data generated by a CT apparatus, there is an image viewer that always assumes that image IDs are issued in the order from the head image to the foot image. In some cases, the medical image data generated by the above is in the reverse order of the image ID assumed by the image viewer from the middle.

  In addition, when displaying medical image data generated by an MR apparatus, two types of images are generated at the time of image generation when the image is captured by an imaging method called double echo of the MR apparatus. Since these two types of images are also managed as the same series image, different types of images are mixed in one series.

  As a conventional technique for solving these problems, there is disclosed a technique for automatically changing the order of images displayed on an image viewer or the like in an imaging device based on preset conditions (see Patent Document 1). .

In addition, a technique is disclosed in which image IDs are automatically reassigned based on conditions set on the imaging apparatus side, and medical image data is registered in a medical image management system such as PACS (see Patent Document 2).
JP 2004-337347 A JP 2004-283325 A

  However, in the techniques of Patent Documents 1 and 2, setting work for automatically adjusting the display order of images in a plurality of manufacturers and a multi-modality environment is complicated.

  Moreover, even if the medical image processing apparatus has an automatic adjustment function, manual adjustment of the display order of images by a radiographer or the like is performed at a medical site for the final confirmation of the display order and improvement of the quality of medical image data. Is an important means.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to improve the convenience of user operation in the medical image processing apparatus when changing the order in which medical images are displayed. A medical image processing apparatus, a medical image processing method, and a program are provided.

In order to solve the above problem, a medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1 is provided.
A plurality of receiving means for receiving medical image data from a plurality of medical image generating devices;
Display means for displaying one or more medical images based on the medical image data received by the receiving means;
Setting means for setting a method for selecting a medical image displayed on the display means corresponding to each of the plurality of receiving means;
An input means for inputting a designation signal for designating a medical image displayed on the display means;
A selection control means for selecting a medical image to be operated from one or more medical images displayed on the display means based on the selection method set by the setting means and the designation signal;
Is provided.

The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1,
The medical image data includes incidental information, and the incidental information includes filter information indicating image generation conditions in the medical image generation device,
The setting means further sets the selection method based on the filter information.

The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 3,
Receiving means for receiving medical image data including incidental information from the medical image generating device;
Display means for displaying one or more medical images based on the medical image data received by the receiving means;
Setting means for setting a method for selecting a medical image displayed on the display means based on the auxiliary information;
An input means for inputting a designation signal for designating a medical image displayed on the display means;
A selection control means for selecting a medical image to be operated from one or more medical images displayed on the display means based on the selection method set by the setting means and the designation signal;
Is provided.

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 3,
The incidental information includes filter information indicating an image generation condition in the medical image generation device,
The setting means further sets a selection method based on the filter information.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The input means further inputs an operation signal corresponding to a command for operating a medical image after a medical image to be operated is selected by the selection control means,
After the medical image to be operated is selected by the selection control unit, the display unit displays operation assistance information related to the operation of the medical image on the basis of the selection method set by the setting unit and the operation signal. Control means,
Is further provided.

The medical image processing method according to claim 6 comprises:
A receiving step of receiving the medical image data by any one of a plurality of receiving means for receiving medical image data from a plurality of medical image generation devices;
A display step of displaying one or more medical images based on the medical image data received in the receiving step;
A setting step for setting a method for selecting a medical image displayed in the display step, corresponding to each of the plurality of receiving units;
An input step of inputting a designation signal for designating the medical image displayed in the display step;
A selection control step of selecting a medical image to be operated from one or a plurality of medical images displayed in the display step based on the selection method set in the setting step and the designation signal;
Have

The medical image processing method according to claim 7,
A receiving step of receiving medical image data including incidental information from the medical image generating device;
A display step of displaying one or more medical images based on the medical image data received in the receiving step;
A setting step for setting a selection method of the medical image displayed in the display step based on the incidental information;
An input step of inputting a designation signal for designating the medical image displayed in the display step;
A selection control step of selecting a medical image to be operated from one or a plurality of medical images displayed in the display step based on the selection method set in the setting step and the designation signal;
Have

The program according to claim 8 is:
Computer
A plurality of receiving means for receiving medical image data from a plurality of medical image generating devices;
Display means for displaying one or more medical images based on the medical image data received by the receiving means;
Setting means for setting a method for selecting a medical image displayed on the display means corresponding to each of the plurality of receiving means;
Input means for inputting a designation signal for designating a medical image displayed on the display means;
Selection control means for selecting a medical image to be operated from one or a plurality of medical images displayed on the display means based on the selection method set by the setting means and the designation signal;
To function as.

The program according to claim 9 is:
Computer
Receiving means for receiving medical image data including incidental information from a medical image generating device;
Display means for displaying one or more medical images based on the medical image data received by the receiving means;
Setting means for setting a method for selecting a medical image displayed on the display means based on the auxiliary information;
Input means for inputting a designation signal for designating a medical image displayed on the display means;
Selection control means for selecting a medical image to be operated from one or a plurality of medical images displayed on the display means based on the selection method set by the setting means and the designation signal;
To function as.

  According to the first, sixth, and eighth aspects of the present invention, the selection method corresponding to each of the receiving means for medical image data from the medical image generating device is set, and the selection signal inputted by the selection means and the input means Based on the above, a medical image to be operated is selected from one or a plurality of medical images displayed on the display means.

  For this reason, the convenience of the user operation for selecting the medical image displayed on the display means is improved by the selection control of the selection method corresponding to the medical image generation apparatus.

  According to the third, seventh, and ninth aspects of the invention, the selection method is set based on the incidental information of the received medical image data, and the display is performed based on the selection method and the designation signal input by the input unit. A medical image to be operated is selected from one or a plurality of medical images displayed on the means.

  For this reason, the convenience of user operation for selecting the medical image displayed on the display means is improved by the selection control of the selection method corresponding to the medical image data.

  According to the second and fourth aspects of the present invention, since the selection method is further set based on the filter information indicating the image generation condition in the medical image generation apparatus, the predetermined type in the same type of receiving means or the same type of incidental information is used. Even in the case of information, another selection method based on image generation conditions in the medical image generation apparatus can be set. For this reason, it is possible to perform selection control flexibly.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, after the medical image is selected by the selection control unit, the operation assistance information is displayed on the display unit based on the selection method and the operation signal from the input unit. For this reason, an unauthorized user operation or the like can be prevented, and the convenience of the user operation is further improved.

  A preferred embodiment of a medical image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below.

[System configuration diagram of medical imaging system]
First, a system configuration of a medical image system 10 having an image inspection apparatus (medical image processing apparatus) 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of the medical image system 10. According to FIG. 1, the medical image system 10 includes an imaging device 20, a PACS 30, and modalities 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e, and 40f.

  The imaging device 20 and the modalities 40a to 40f are connected to each other via a communication network so that data communication is possible. The image inspection device 20 is connected to the PACS 30 so as to be able to perform data communication. Therefore, data communication between the modalities 40 a to 40 f and the PACS 30 is performed via the image inspection device 20.

  Here, for convenience of explanation, the modalities 40a to 40f are collectively referred to as a modality 40. The modality 40a is a CR device, the modality 40b is a CT device, and the modality 40c is an MR device.

  The modality 40 is a CR device, CT device, MR device, mammography device, ultrasonic diagnostic device, etc., and converts the data signal of the image obtained by photographing according to the operation of the photographing engineer to digital data in accordance with the DICOM standard. Thus, medical image data D1 is generated. The modality 40 transmits the generated medical image data D1 to the image inspection apparatus 20.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the data structure of one frame of medical image data D1. According to FIG. 3, one frame of medical image data D1 includes a data block of incidental information D2 and a data block of actual image data D3. The data block of incidental information D2 includes a data block of patient information D21, a data block of examination information D22, a data block of series information D23, a data block of image information D24, and a data block of filter information D25.

  Patient information D21, examination information D22, and series information D23 are set based on order information created by RIS (not shown). Here, RIS is a radiology information system that manages information in the radiology department. The order information is data indicating the contents of an order for imaging or medical examination.

  The patient information D21 is data set for each patient such as the reception number, name, ID, and sex of the patient who performs imaging. The examination information D22 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 body position. The series information D23 is data including a series ID indicating a unit of a series of medical image data for each modality 40 generated in one examination.

  The image information D24 includes the series ID of the series information D23 associated with the image information D24, the image ID of the medical image data D1 attached when the medical image is generated, and the image generation time at which the image was generated. And various kinds of information related to image management and image generation.

  The filter information D25 is information representing the generation conditions (image generation conditions) of the medical image data D1 including the filter information D25 in the modality 40, and is referred to in the selection method selection method described later. The filter information D25 is set in the modality 40 based on the order information. Further, in the image inspection device 20, it may be set by a user operation by a photographing engineer or the like before the image detection described later.

  For example, in the MR apparatus 40c, there is an imaging method called double (dual) echo. In the MR apparatus 40c, when the double echo is used for the image, the filter information D25 is “dual applicable”. In addition, when the image is not captured by the double echo, the filter information D25 is “not dual”. In the CR device 40a and the CT device 40b, since there is no imaging method corresponding to double echo, the filter information D25 is always “none”. Note that the value of the filter information D25 is not limited to “dual applicable”, “dual not applicable”, and “none”, and various values can be set.

  Here, a method of creating the actual image data D3 in the CR device 40a, the CT device 40b, and the MR device 40c will be briefly described.

  The CR device 40a irradiates a subject with radiation and causes the plate-like stimulable phosphor to absorb the radiation transmitted through the subject. Then, by exciting the stimulable phosphor while scanning with laser light, for example, the radiation energy accumulated in the stimulable phosphor is emitted, and the radiation image obtained by photoelectrically converting the emitted light The actual data of the subject is generated by digitally converting the data signal.

  In addition, the CT apparatus 40b emits X-rays from around the subject, and generates actual image data of a tomographic image of the subject based on the X-rays that have passed through the subject. In addition, the MR apparatus 40c generates actual image data of the subject based on the state of the hydrogen nuclei of the subject using a strong magnetic field and radio waves.

  The imaging device 20 receives the order information created by the RIS and the medical image data D1 transmitted from the modality 40, accumulates the data in the imaging database 261, which will be described later, and detects the imaging technician. Wait for the statue.

  The image inspection indicates whether the imaging according to the order information has been performed, whether the actual image data D3 has an image quality suitable for diagnosis, whether the order information and the incidental information D2 are consistent, or the like. It is an act of confirming and correcting before sending to. After the imaging engineer examines each medical image data D1, the medical image data D1 is transferred to the PACS 30 according to the operation of the imaging engineer.

  Such a series of processing for image detection performed by the image inspection device 20 is referred to as medical image data display processing.

  The PACS 30 is a medical image management system that stores and manages the medical image data D1 transmitted from the imaging apparatus 20, and searches for the medical image data D1 and performs data analysis.

[Configuration of image inspection device]
Next, the functional configuration of the image inspection device 20 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image inspection device 20. According to FIG. 2, the image inspection device 20 includes a CPU 21, an input unit 22, a display unit 23, a communication unit 24, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 25, and a storage unit 26.

  The CPU 21 is a control unit that comprehensively manages and controls the imaging device 20 by controlling the operation of each functional unit and controlling data input / output between the functional units. Specifically, a program stored in the storage unit 26 is read according to an operation signal input from the input unit 22, and processing according to the program is executed. Then, based on the processing result, the display screen of the display unit 23 is updated, data is stored in the storage unit 26, data communication with an external device, and the like is performed.

  The input unit 22 includes various key groups such as cursor keys and numeric keys, and a pointing device such as a mouse and a touch panel. The input unit 22 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the key pressed by the user and an operation signal corresponding to the coordinate position on the screen designated by the pointing device to the CPU 21.

  The display unit 23 is configured by a CRT (Cathode-ray Tube), an LCD, or the like, and displays a display screen based on the control of the CPU 21, reproduces and displays the medical image data D1, and the like. The communication unit 24 includes a LAN interface and the like, and is a functional unit that performs data communication with an external device such as the RIS, the modality 40, and the PACS 30 via the communication network N.

  The RAM 25 is composed of a rewritable semiconductor element or the like, and temporarily holds various programs executed by the CPU 21 and data related to the execution of these programs.

The storage unit 26 is a non-volatile memory that reads and writes data, and includes a flash memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and the like. The storage unit 26 stores an initial program for performing various initial settings, hardware inspections, loading of necessary programs, and the like.

  In addition, the storage unit 26 stores an imaging database 261, a selection method table 262, and a viewer program 263.

  The image examination database 261 is a database that stores and stores medical image data D1 received from the modality 40 via the communication unit 24 in association with reception channel information and reception time. FIG. 4 shows the data structure of the image detection database 261.

  The CPU 21 manages the reception channel in software and acquires the address of each modality 40 in advance when performing data communication with the plurality of modalities 40a, 40b, 40c,... Shown in FIG. Correlate with channels.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the modality (CR device) 40a and the first receiving channel CH1, the modality (CT device) 40b and the second receiving channel CH2, the modality (MR device) 40c and the third receiving channel CH3,. Are associated with each other, and the CPU 21 performs a process of individually receiving the medical image data D1 transmitted from each modality 40 through each reception channel. Each medical image data D1 is sent to the medical image data display process P1.

  As a method of providing a plurality of reception channels, the CPU 21 may provide software, and for example, a plurality of reception channels may be physically or logically provided in the communication unit 24 to perform data reception. It can be changed.

  The selection method table 262 is a reference table in which reception channel information and filter information D25 are associated with a selection method. FIG. 5 shows the data structure of the selection method table. The selection method table 262 is a table that is referred to in a selection assistance process described later.

  The viewer program 263 is a program for causing the display unit 23 to display the medical image data D1 registered in the imaging database 261, a selection assistance process described later, and the like. These processes are performed in cooperation with the CPU 21 and the viewer program 263.

[Medical image data display processing]
Next, medical image data display processing will be described. When the communication unit 24 receives the medical image data D1 from the modality 40, the CPU 21 detects in which reception channel the medical image data D1 is received, and detects the medical image data D1 together with the reception channel and the reception time. Registered in the database 261. Then, the CPU 21 reads the medical image data D1 registered in the imaging database 261 based on an operation signal from the input unit 22 by a user operation, and causes the display unit 23 to display the medical image data D1.

  Then, a user such as an imaging engineer performs image inspection by looking at the medical image data D1 displayed on the display unit 23. The CPU 21 changes or updates the medical image data D1 registered in the imaging database 261 based on an operation signal related to the imaging from the input unit 22 by a user operation. For example, the series ID of the series information included in the incidental information D2 of the medical image data D1 is changed from “1” to “2”.

  Then, the CPU 21 reads the medical image data D1 registered in the imaging database 261 based on the operation signal of the imaging completion command from the input unit 22 by the user operation, and transmits it to the PACS 30 via the communication unit 24. To do.

[Selection auxiliary processing]
Next, the selection assistance process will be described. The selection assisting process is a process for selecting a medical image to be operated from medical images displayed on the display unit 23 based on a selection method for each reception channel of the medical image data D1 and a designation signal from the input unit 22. The process to select.

  Specifically, the following processing is performed. Based on a designation signal from the input unit 22 by a user operation such as clicking, a certain medical image is designated among one or a plurality of medical images displayed on the display unit 23. At that time, the imaging device 20 determines a selection method based on the reception channel information regarding the designated medical image and the filter information D25. The imaging device 20 selects a medical image to be operated from one or more medical images displayed on the display unit 23 based on the determined selection method and the designation signal. The selection assisting process is performed at the time of image inspection by the user, for example.

  When one medical image data D1 is selected from among a plurality of medical image data D1 displayed on the display unit 23 based on a designation signal by a user operation, the CPU 21 corresponds to the selected medical image data D1. The received channel information and the filter information D25 are read from the image detection database 261.

  Next, the CPU 21 reads the selection method table 262 from the storage unit 26 and determines the selection method based on the selection method table 262 and the reception channel information corresponding to the selected medical image data D1 and the filter information D25. The values in the selection method table can be set and changed by a user operation or the like.

  In the example of FIG. 5, when the reception channel information “CH1” (corresponding to the CR device 40a) and the filter information “none”, the selection method is “CR method”. In addition, when the reception channel information “CH2” (corresponding to the CT apparatus 40b) and the filter information “none”, the selection method is “CT method”. When the reception channel information “CH3” (corresponding to the MR device 40c) is filter information “dual non-applicable”, the selection method is “CT method”, and when the filter information is “dual applicable”, the selection method is “MR dual method”. "

  As for other combinations of the reception channel information and the filter information D25, the selection method is not set unexpectedly, but may be set to “CR method” or the like. The “CR method”, “CT method”, and “MR dual method” will be described later.

  By using the filter information D25, it is possible to further divide the selection method in the same reception channel. For example, in the reception channel “CH3” (corresponding to the MR apparatus 40c), the selection method can be divided into “CT method” and “MR dual method”. The selection method table 262 may be a reference table that does not use the filter information D25 and associates only the reception channel information with the selection method.

  Hereinafter, a specific example of a part of the medical image data display process including the selection assist process will be described with reference to the screen examples of FIGS. 8, 10, and 12 and the data image diagrams of FIGS. There are “CR method”, “CT method”, “MR dual method” and the like as selection methods in the selection assist process.

  8, 10, and 12 are displayed on the display unit 23 in cooperation with the viewer program 263 and the CPU 21 as described above. The numbers in the lower right of each image (medical image data D1) displayed in the screen examples of FIGS. 8, 10, and 12 represent the current image ID, and the numbers in the upper left represent the original image ID.

  The image groups arranged in one line are the same series. That is, the series ID of each image in the same row has the same value. The image groups arranged in a line are arranged from left to right in ascending order of image IDs. When these images are rearranged by a user operation, the incidental information D2 of the medical image data D1 is changed to the series ID and image ID corresponding to the rearrangement order. This change is reflected in the medical image data D1 registered in the imaging database 261.

  First, the “CR system” will be described with reference to FIGS. The CR method is a method in which only the image clicked by the user is selected.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, there is an image group in which the chest front image ID is 1, the second oblique image ID is 2, the first oblique image ID is 3, and the chest side image ID is 4. is there. As shown in FIG. 7B, the image IDs of these images are the chest front image ID 1, the first oblique image ID 2, the second oblique image ID 3, and the chest side image. Consider a case where the ID is desired to be changed to 4.

  First, in the state shown in FIG. 7A, images are displayed on the display unit 23 in the order of the front of the chest, the second oblique position, the first oblique position, and the side of the chest as shown in FIG. 8A. Is done. At this time, when the user clicks on the first oblique image, only the clicked image is selected. Then, as shown in FIG. 8B, the user moves the image between the front image of the chest and the second oblique image by drag and drop or the like.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8C, these images are rearranged in the order of the chest front, the first oblique position, the second oblique position, and the chest side face. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7B, the chest front image ID is 1, the first oblique image ID is 2, the second oblique image ID is 3, and the chest side image ID is 4. Is done.

  Next, the “CT method” will be described with reference to FIGS. The CT method is a method of selecting from the image clicked by the user to the last image in the same series.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, there is an image group of the same series whose series ID is 1. These image groups are composed of a first image having an image ID of 1, a second image having an image ID of 2, a third image having an image ID of 3, a fourth image having an image ID of 4, and so on. Is done. As shown in FIG. 9B, among these same series of image groups, the third image, the fourth image, the fifth image,. Consider the case where you want to divide the series.

  First, in the state of FIG. 9A, the display unit 23 displays the first image, the second image, the third image, the fourth image,... From the left as shown in FIG. An image is displayed. At this time, when the user clicks the third image, the clicked image to the last image in the same series are selected. Then, as shown in FIG. 10B, the user moves the selected images to a lower row as another series by dragging and dropping. And as shown in FIG.10 (c), images other than a 1st image and a 2nd image become another series.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 9B, the series ID of the first image and the second image is changed to 1, and the series ID of the third image, the fourth image, the fifth image,. Divided. Further, with this change, the image ID of the third image is changed from 3 to 1, the image ID of the fourth image is changed from 4 to 2, the image ID of the fifth image is changed from 5 to 3, and so on.

  By this CT method, the user can move the images in the last part of the same series from the selected images to the lower row to make another series. Therefore, even when the order of the medical image data D1 in a certain series generated by the CT apparatus is reverse to the order of the image IDs assumed by the image viewer from the middle, the order is reversed. A plurality of selected medical image data D1 can be made into another series by clicking the leftmost image (smaller image ID) in the medical image data D1. Thus, it can be set as another series by a simple user operation.

  Next, the “MR dual system” will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. In the MR dual method, when the user clicks on an image with an even image ID, all images with an even image ID are selected from the same series of images, and when the user clicks on an image with an odd image ID. In this method, all images having an odd image ID are selected from the same series of images.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, there is an image group of the same series whose series ID is 1. These image groups are composed of a first image having an image ID of 1, a second image having an image ID of 2, a third image having an image ID of 3, a fourth image having an image ID of 4, and so on. Is done. As shown in FIG. 11B, among the image groups of the same series, the first image, the third image, the fifth image,. Consider the case where you want to divide the series.

  First, in the state of FIG. 11A, the display unit 23 displays the first image, the second image, the third image, the fourth image,... From the left as shown in FIG. An image is displayed. At this time, when the user clicks on the third image, since the image ID of the clicked image is an odd number, all images having an odd image ID are selected from the images in the same series. Then, as shown in FIG. 12B, the user moves the selected images to the lower row as another series by dragging and dropping. Then, as shown in FIG. 12C, the first image, the third image, the fifth image, the seventh image,...

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 11B, the series ID of the first image, the third image, the fifth image, the seventh image,... Is changed to 2, and the series is divided. With this change, the image ID of the second image is changed from 2 to 1, the image ID of the fourth image is changed from 4 to 2, the image ID of the sixth image is changed from 6 to 3, and so on. The image ID is changed from 3 to 2, the image ID of the fifth image is changed from 5 to 3, the image ID of the seventh image is changed from 7 to 4, and so on.

  With this MR dual system, the user can move one image from the selected image in the same series and move it to the lower row to make another series. Therefore, two types of medical image data D1 that are generated in the MR apparatus by an imaging method called double echo and are in the same series can be made into another series by a simple user operation.

[Pop-up menu]
In addition, in cooperation with the viewer program 263, the CPU 21 causes the display unit 23 to appropriately display a pop-up menu (operation assistance information) for assisting the user operation according to each selection method.

  Specifically, the CPU 21 selects the medical image data D1 to be operated by the selection assisting process, and then, based on an operation signal and selection method by drag and drop corresponding to a command for operating the medical image data D1. The pop-up menu is displayed on the display unit 23.

  In the case of the “CR method”, when one image selected after clicking is moved to the lower row as another series by drag and drop or the like, a pop-up menu indicating an illegal operation is displayed.

  By displaying this pop-up menu, it is possible to prevent unauthorized series ID changes in the medical image data D1 generated by the CR device.

  In the case of “CT method” and “MR dual method”, a pop-up menu indicating that it is an illegal operation when multiple images selected after clicking are moved to the same line in the same series by dragging and dropping, etc. Is displayed.

  By displaying this pop-up menu, it is possible to prevent an unauthorized change of the image ID in the medical image data D1 generated by the CT apparatus and the MR apparatus.

  In addition, after selecting multiple images by clicking, a pop-up menu to move the selected image to the lower row is displayed without dragging and dropping, and the selected image is automatically moved to the lower row. .

  By displaying this pop-up menu and automatically making the selected image a different series, it is possible to reduce the time and effort of the user operation in changing to the series ID of the medical image data D1 generated by the CT apparatus and MR apparatus.

[Specific operation]
Next, a specific operation of the selection assistance process performed by the image inspection device 20 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This selection assisting process is executed each time the medical image data D1 displayed on the display unit 23 is selected by a user operation such as a click (step S1).

  The CPU 21 accesses the image examination database 261 and acquires the reception channel information and filter information D25 of the selected medical image data D1 (steps S2 and S3).

  Next, the CPU 21 determines a selection method with reference to the selection method table 262 based on the acquired reception channel information and filter information D25 (step S4).

  When the selection method determined in step S4 is the CR method (step S5; CR method), only the image clicked by the user is selected (step S6). Then, after the user performs an operation related to the medical image data D1, a pop-up menu for the CR method is displayed on the display unit 23 (step S7). After displaying the pop-up menu in step S7, after the user performs a predetermined operation, this process ends.

  If the selection method determined in step S4 is the CT method (step S5; CT method), the image selected by the user is selected from the last image in the same series (step S8). Then, after the user performs an operation related to the medical image data D1, a pop-up menu for the CT method is displayed on the display unit 23 (step S9). After displaying the pop-up menu in step S9, after the user performs a predetermined operation, this process ends.

  When the selection method determined in step S4 is the MR dual method (step S5; MR dual method), the image selected by the user is skipped by one and selected from the foremost part and the last part (step S10). Then, after the user performs an operation related to the medical image data D1, a pop-up menu for the MR dual method is displayed on the display unit 23 (step S11). After displaying the pop-up menu in step S11, after the user performs a predetermined operation, this process ends.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the imaging apparatus 20 includes a plurality of reception channels that receive the medical image data D1 from each modality 40, the reception channel that has received the medical image data D1, and the received medical image. The selection method is determined based on the filter information included in the incidental information D2 of the data D1 and the selection method table 262. Based on this selection method and a designation signal generated by a user operation such as a click, the medical image data D1 to be operated is selected from one or a plurality of medical image data D1 displayed on the display unit 23.

  For this reason, the convenience of user operation for image selection of the medical image data D1 displayed on the display unit 23 is improved by selection control of the selection method corresponding to each modality 40.

  In this embodiment, the selection method is determined based on the reception channel and the filter information D25. However, the selection method may be determined based on the incidental information D2 and the filter information D25 of the medical image data D1.

  For example, the supplementary information D2 may include information for identifying the modality 40 that generated the medical image data D1, and the selection method may be determined based on the information and the filter information D25.

  As a result, the convenience of user operation for image selection of the medical image data D1 displayed on the display unit 23 is improved by the selection control of the selection method corresponding to the medical image data D1.

It is a system configuration figure in this embodiment. It is a block diagram of an image inspection apparatus. It is a data block diagram of medical image data. It is a data block diagram of the database for image inspection. It is a data block diagram of a selection system table. It is an image figure of a receiving channel. It is a data image figure of the image selection assistance of CR system. It is an example of a screen for CR image selection assistance. It is a data image figure of the image selection assistance of CT system. It is an example of a screen for CT image selection assistance. It is a data image figure of MR dual system image selection assistance. It is an example of a screen of MR dual type image selection assistance. It is a flowchart figure in this Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Medical imaging system 20 Imaging apparatus 30 PACS
40 Modality 40a Modality (CR device)
40b Modality (CT device)
40c Modality (MR device)
21 CPU
22 Input unit 23 Display unit 24 Communication unit 25 RAM
26 Storage Unit 261 Image Checking Database 262 Selection Method Table 263 Viewer Program CH1 First Reception Channel CH2 Second Reception Channel CH3 Third Reception Channel D1 Medical Image Data D2 Additional Information D3 Actual Image Data D21 Patient Information D22 Examination Information D23 Series Information D24 Image information D25 Filter information N Communication network P1 Medical image data display process

Claims (9)

A plurality of receiving means for receiving medical image data from a plurality of medical image generating devices;
Display means for displaying one or more medical images based on the medical image data received by the receiving means;
Setting means for setting a method for selecting a medical image displayed on the display means corresponding to each of the plurality of receiving means;
An input means for inputting a designation signal for designating a medical image displayed on the display means;
A selection control means for selecting a medical image to be operated from one or more medical images displayed on the display means based on the selection method set by the setting means and the designation signal;
A medical image processing apparatus comprising: The medical image data includes incidental information, and the incidental information includes filter information indicating image generation conditions in the medical image generation device,
The setting means further sets the selection method based on the filter information.
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1. Receiving means for receiving medical image data including incidental information from the medical image generating device;
Display means for displaying one or more medical images based on the medical image data received by the receiving means;
Setting means for setting a method for selecting a medical image displayed on the display means based on the auxiliary information;
An input means for inputting a designation signal for designating a medical image displayed on the display means;
A selection control means for selecting a medical image to be operated from one or more medical images displayed on the display means based on the selection method set by the setting means and the designation signal;
A medical image processing apparatus comprising: The incidental information includes filter information indicating an image generation condition in the medical image generation device,
The setting means further sets a selection method based on the filter information;
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 3. The input means further inputs an operation signal corresponding to a command for operating a medical image after a medical image to be operated is selected by the selection control means,
After the medical image to be operated is selected by the selection control unit, the display unit displays operation assistance information related to the operation of the medical image on the basis of the selection method set by the setting unit and the operation signal. Control means,
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A receiving step of receiving the medical image data by any one of a plurality of receiving means for receiving medical image data from a plurality of medical image generation devices;
A display step of displaying one or more medical images based on the medical image data received in the receiving step;
A setting step for setting a method for selecting a medical image displayed in the display step, corresponding to each of the plurality of receiving units;
An input step of inputting a designation signal for designating the medical image displayed in the display step;
A selection control step of selecting a medical image to be operated from one or a plurality of medical images displayed in the display step based on the selection method set in the setting step and the designation signal;
A medical image processing method. A receiving step of receiving medical image data including incidental information from the medical image generating device;
A display step of displaying one or more medical images based on the medical image data received in the receiving step;
A setting step for setting a selection method of the medical image displayed in the display step based on the incidental information;
An input step of inputting a designation signal for designating the medical image displayed in the display step;
A selection control step of selecting a medical image to be operated from one or a plurality of medical images displayed in the display step based on the selection method set in the setting step and the designation signal;
A medical image processing method. Computer
A plurality of receiving means for receiving medical image data from a plurality of medical image generating devices;
Display means for displaying one or more medical images based on the medical image data received by the receiving means;
Setting means for setting a method for selecting a medical image displayed on the display means corresponding to each of the plurality of receiving means;
Input means for inputting a designation signal for designating a medical image displayed on the display means;
Selection control means for selecting a medical image to be operated from one or more medical images displayed on the display means based on the selection method set by the setting means and the designation signal;
Program to function as. Computer
Receiving means for receiving medical image data including incidental information from a medical image generating device;
Display means for displaying one or more medical images based on the medical image data received by the receiving means;
Setting means for setting a method for selecting a medical image displayed on the display means based on the auxiliary information;
Input means for inputting a designation signal for designating a medical image displayed on the display means;
Selection control means for selecting a medical image to be operated from one or a plurality of medical images displayed on the display means based on the selection method set by the setting means and the designation signal;
Program to function as.