JP2012091024A - X-ray ct apparatus and medical image filing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a diagnostic reading person such as a doctor with an efficient diagnostic reading environment by displaying images one by one in order from the one suitable for diagnosis in an X-ray CT apparatus or a medical image filing device.SOLUTION: The X-ray CT apparatus 10 includes: a slice image generating part 41 for generating image data in the direction of slicing a subject; an image processing part 43 for performing image processing to required image data among the image data; an image order control part 45 for determining the order of display processing of the image data output from the slice image generating part 41 and the image data output from the image processing part 43 and rearranging the image data according to the order; and an image transmitting part 46 for transmitting the image data output from the image order control part 45 to an external device according to the output order. The image order control part 45 rearranges non-processed image data from the slice image generating part 41 and processed image data from the image processing part 43 in the order of the image data of a slice thickness exceeding a required value as the non-processed image data, the processed image data, and the image data of the slice thickness equal to or smaller than the required value as the non-processed image data.

Description

  The present invention is incorporated in an X-ray CT apparatus that generates image data in a slice direction of a subject and a medical image storage communication system (PACS) that manages image data, and stores, transmits, and transmits image data. The present invention relates to a medical image filing apparatus responsible for display and the like.

  An X-ray CT (Computerized Tomography) apparatus arranges an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector facing each other with an object in between, and rotates them around the object through 360 ° while An X-ray beam is irradiated from a tube to a predetermined part of a patient. Then, the X-ray dose transmitted through the predetermined part is measured as projection data by an X-ray detector, and reconstruction processing is performed using a computer based on this data, thereby obtaining image data in the slice direction of the predetermined part.

  In recent years, with the advent of multi-slice X-ray CT apparatuses, it has become possible to take a large amount of images with a very thin slice thickness in a short time compared to conventional X-ray CT apparatuses. For this reason, the multi-slice X-ray CT apparatus can generate more image data within the same imaging range as the conventional one.

  In a multi-slice X-ray CT apparatus, image data having a relatively thin slice thickness is generated for image processing purposes such as MPR (Multi-Planar Reconstruction) image processing or 3D (3 Dimensions) image processing. On the other hand, image data having a relatively thick slice thickness, image data after MPR image processing, and image data after 3D image processing are generated for reference (display) purposes.

  In general, image data such as image data having a relatively thin slice thickness, image data having a relatively thick slice thickness, and image data after image processing generated by a multi-slice X-ray CT apparatus are medical image storage communication via a network. Sent (distributed) to the system. The medical image archiving communication system includes a medical image filing device, and image data transmitted from the multi-slice X-ray CT device is received by the medical image filing device.

The medical image filing apparatus processes image data as follows.
・ Storage of image data to a high-speed drive such as HDD (Hard Disc Drive) ・ Display processing for image data ・ Transmission of image data after display processing to a medical image viewer (image display using Web technology, etc.)
Note that the display processing in the medical image filing apparatus is performed in the order of transmission from the multi-slice X-ray CT apparatus to the medical image filing apparatus.

  Furthermore, in the multi-slice X-ray CT apparatus, if the slice thickness is the same as the conventional one, the number of imaging is increased because one imaging is completed in a shorter time than the conventional X-ray CT apparatus. As a result, the number of images generated per unit time increases rapidly, and the amount of generated image data increases rapidly in proportion to the increase. In addition, imaging speeds and thin slices of multi-slice X-ray CT apparatuses are in the direction of progress, and the amount of data is predicted to continue to increase rapidly in the future.

JP 2000-207530 A

  It is not always necessary to refer to all image data in the medical image viewer of the medical image storage communication system. For example, image data with a relatively thick slice thickness generated for reference purposes and image data after image processing need only be displayed with priority, and image data with a relatively thin slice thickness generated for image processing purposes have priority. There is no need to display it.

  However, in the medical image viewer, since the display is performed in the order of transmission from the multi-slice X-ray CT apparatus to the medical image filing apparatus, the efficiency of interpretation by an interpreter such as a doctor is poor. Specifically, image data generated for reference purposes was transmitted from a multi-slice X-ray CT apparatus to a medical image filing apparatus after a large amount of image data having a relatively thin slice thickness generated for image processing purposes. In this case, the medical image viewer has a waiting time until the image data generated for the reference purpose is displayed.

  Further, since it is predicted that the amount of image data generated by the multi-slice X-ray CT apparatus will continue to increase rapidly in the future, the medical image viewer will display image data generated for reference purposes. The waiting time is expected to be longer.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray CT apparatus and a medical image filing apparatus that can provide an efficient interpretation environment to an interpreter such as a doctor.

  An X-ray CT apparatus according to the present invention includes a slice image generation unit that generates image data in a slice direction of a subject, and the image data, as described in claim 1 to solve the above-described problem, Determining the order of display processing of the image processing unit that performs image processing on the required image data, the image data output from the slice image generation unit, and the image data output from the image processing unit; An image order control unit that rearranges the image data according to an order; and an image transmission unit that transmits the image data output from the image order control unit to an external device according to the output order. The non-processed image data from the slice image generation unit and the processed image data from the image processing unit are scanned beyond the required value as the non-processed image data. Chair image data of the thickness, the image data after the processing rearranges the order of the image data of the slice thickness of less than the required value of the image data of the untreated.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the medical image filing device according to the present invention provides image data in a slice direction of a subject and required image data among the image data. The order of display processing with the image data after the image processing to be performed is determined, the image order control unit rearranging each image data according to the order, and the image data output from the image order control unit is output An image display processing unit that performs display processing according to an order; and a display control unit that causes the display device to display image data output from the image display processing unit according to the output order. The image order control unit includes: Non-processed image data of the process and image data after the process are processed as image data of a slice thickness exceeding a required value as the non-processed image data, the process Image data, rearranges the order of the image data of the slice thickness of less than the required value of the image data of the untreated.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the medical image filing device according to the present invention provides image data in a slice direction of a subject and required image data among the image data. The order of display processing with the image data after the image processing to be performed is determined, the image order control unit rearranging each image data according to the order, and the image data output from the image order control unit is output An image display processing unit that performs display processing in accordance with an order; and an image transmission unit that transmits image data output from the image display processing unit to an external device in accordance with the output order. The image order control unit includes: Non-processed image data and processed image data are processed into image data having a slice thickness exceeding a required value as the non-processed image data; Image data, rearranges the order of the image data of the slice thickness of less than the required value of the image data of the untreated.

  According to the X-ray CT apparatus and the medical image filing apparatus according to the present invention, an efficient interpretation environment can be provided to an interpreter such as a doctor.

1 is a schematic diagram of a hardware configuration of an X-ray CT apparatus according to the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an X-ray CT apparatus according to the present invention. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement in embodiment of the X-ray CT apparatus concerning this invention. The figure for demonstrating the order of the display process of DICOM data. 1 is a schematic diagram of a hardware configuration showing a first embodiment of a medical image filing apparatus according to the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a medical image filing device according to the present invention. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation in the first embodiment of the medical image filing device according to the present invention. The figure for demonstrating the order of the display process of DICOM data. The schematic diagram of the hardware constitutions showing the 2nd embodiment of the medical image filing device concerning the present invention. The block diagram which shows 2nd Embodiment of the medical image filing apparatus which concerns on this invention. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation in the second embodiment of the medical image filing apparatus according to the present invention. The figure for demonstrating the order of the display process of DICOM data.

  Embodiments of an X-ray CT apparatus and a medical image filing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a hardware configuration of an X-ray CT apparatus according to the present invention.

  FIG. 1 shows an X-ray CT apparatus 10 according to the present invention, and the X-ray CT apparatus 10 is communicably connected to a general-purpose medical image storage communication system (PACS) 11. An example of the X-ray CT apparatus 10 is a multi-slice X-ray CT apparatus.

  The X-ray CT apparatus 10 is provided with a gantry device 21 and an operation console 22.

  The gantry device 21 is provided with an X-ray source (not shown) for irradiating an X-ray beam and an X-ray detector (not shown) having multi-row detection elements in the body axis direction. The gantry device 21 collects projection data while rotating the X-ray source and the X-ray detector around the rotation axis under the control of the operation console 22.

  The operation console 22 is, for example, a computer, and includes basic hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, an input device 34, and a display device 35. The The CPU 31 is interconnected to each hardware component constituting the operation console 22 via a bus as a common signal transmission path.

  Further, the X-ray CT apparatus 10 includes a storage device 38 connected via an I / F (Interface) 37, and the storage device 38 is connected to the operation console 22 via an I / F 39. For example, the I / Fs 37 and 39 are connected to each other via Ethernet (registered trademark) so as to communicate with each other.

  The CPU 31 executes a program stored in the ROM 32 when a command is input by operating the input device 34 by an operator. Alternatively, the CPU 31 loads a program stored in the storage device 38, a program received from the outside and installed in the storage device 38, etc., into the RAM 33 and executes the program.

  The ROM 32 is a storage device that stores an IPL (Initial Program Loading), a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System), and data.

  The RAM 33 is a storage device that is used for temporary storage of the work memory and data of the CPU 31.

  Examples of the input device 34 include a keyboard and a mouse that can be operated by an operator, and an input signal according to the operation is sent to the CPU 31.

  Examples of the display device 35 include a monitor. The image data is displayed on the display device 35 by expanding the image data or the like in a memory such as a VRAM (Video Random Access Memory (not shown)) that expands the image data to be displayed.

  The I / Fs 37 and 39 perform communication control according to each standard. The operation console 22 is communicably connected to the gantry device 21 via the I / F 37, and is connected to the medical image storage communication system 11 so as to be communicable.

  The storage device 38 is a high-speed drive such as an HDD. The storage device 38 stores programs installed in the operation console 22 (including application programs as well as OS (Operating System) and the like) and data. In addition, the OS can be provided with a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that can frequently use graphics for displaying information to the user and perform basic operations using the input device 34.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an X-ray CT apparatus according to the present invention.

  The X-ray CT apparatus 10 includes a slice image generation unit 41, an image recording unit 42, an image processing unit 43, a processed image recording unit 44, an image order control unit 45, and an image transmission unit 46. 2 function when the CPU 31 shown in FIG. 1 executes a program. However, all or a part of each of the units 41 to 46 is included in the X-ray CT apparatus 10. It may be provided as hardware.

  The slice image generation unit 41 has a function of performing a back projection process in consideration of the cone angle of the X-ray beam based on the projection data collected by the gantry device 21 and reconstructing a CT image for each slice. In addition, the slice image generation unit 41 generates DICOM data including image data and incidental information conforming to the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standard for each image data in the slice direction. Here, the incidental information is attribute information of image data such as patient information, imaging condition information, image information, and display information, and is embedded as tag information in DICOM data.

  The image recording unit 42 has a function of recording the DICOM data output from the slice image generation unit 41 in the storage device 38 according to the output order. By recording by the image recording unit 42, the storage device 38 saves (stores) the DICOM data output from the image generation unit 41.

  The image processing unit 43 performs image processing, such as MPR image processing and three-dimensional image processing, on the image data included in the required DICOM data among the DICOM data generated by the slice image generation unit 41, thereby processing the processed image. It has a function of generating DICOM data including data (MPR processed image data and 3D processed image data). Specifically, the image processing unit 43 performs image processing on the image data included in DICOM data corresponding to a thin slice thickness of 2 mm or less as incidental information among the DICOM data generated by the slice image generation unit 41. Do.

  The processed image recording unit 44 has a function of recording the DICOM data generated by the image processing unit 43 in the storage device 38. By the recording by the processed image recording unit 44, the storage device 38 stores the DICOM data including the processed image data.

  The image order control unit 45 determines the order of display processing (transmission) for each DICOM data generated by the slice image generation unit 41 or generated by the image processing unit 43, and arranges each DICOM data according to the order. It has a function to change. Specifically, the image order control unit 45 determines the type of DICOM data from the incidental information included in each DICOM data for each DICOM data. Then, the image order control unit 45 determines the order of display processing for each type of DICOM data, and rearranges the DICOM data according to the order.

  For example, the image sequence control unit 45 converts the DICOM data into DICOM data including image data having a thick slice thickness exceeding 2 mm, DICOM data including MPR processed image data, DICOM data including 3D processed image data, or an image having a thin slice thickness. Classify into DICOM data types including data. Then, the image order control unit 45 divides the DICOM data into DICOM data including thick slice thickness image data, DICOM data including MPR processed image data, DICOM data including 3D processed image data, and DICOM including thin slice thickness image data. The data is rearranged in the order of data, and output to the image transmission unit 46 in that order.

  The image transmission unit 46 has a function of transmitting the DICOM data output from the image order control unit 45 to the medical image storage communication system 11 according to the output order.

  The medical image storage communication system 11 converts the DICOM data transmitted from the image transmission unit 46 into a format suitable for display according to the transmission order. The medical image archiving communication system 11 displays image data based on DICOM data according to the transmission order from the image transmission unit 46.

  Next, the operation of the embodiment of the X-ray CT apparatus 10 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  Image data in the slice direction in which the luminance value is expressed as a digital quantity is collected for each pixel by imaging by the gantry device 21 of the X-ray CT apparatus 10. Further, the image generation unit 41 of the operation console 22 generates DICOM data including incidental information conforming to the DICOM standard for each image data in the slice direction (step S1). Next, DICOM data is recorded in the storage device 38 by the image recording unit 42. Therefore, the DICOM data generated by the X-ray CT apparatus 10 is stored (stored) in the storage device 38.

  Further, the image processing unit 43 performs image processing such as MPR image processing and three-dimensional image processing on the image data included in the required DICOM data among the DICOM data generated in step S1, and the processed image data DICOM data including (MPR processed image data and 3D processed image data) is generated (step S2). The DICOM data generated in step S2 is recorded in the storage device 38 by the processed image recording unit 44.

  Next, the order of display processing (transmission) is determined for each DICOM data generated in step S1 or generated in step S2 by the image order control unit 45, and each DICOM data is rearranged according to the order ( Step S3). Specifically, the type of DICOM data is determined by the image order control unit 45 from the incidental information included in the DICOM data. Then, the order of display processing is determined for each type of DICOM data by the image order control unit 45, and the DICOM data is rearranged according to the order.

  For example, DICOM data is classified into DICOM data including thick slice thickness image data, DICOM data including MPR processed image data, DICOM data including 3D processed image data, or DICOM data including thin slice thickness image data. . Then, the DICOM data is rearranged in the order of DICOM data including thick slice image data, DICOM data including MPR processed image data, DICOM data including 3D processed image data, and DICOM data including thin slice thickness image data. The images are output to the image transmission unit 46 in that order.

  Next, the DICOM data output from the image order control unit 45 is transmitted to the medical image storage communication system 11 according to the output order by the image transmission unit 46 (step S4).

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the order of display processing of DICOM data.

  The DICOM data is output in the order of a plurality of thin slice thickness image data, a plurality of thick slice thickness image data, and one or a plurality of processed image data from the slice image generation unit 41 of the X-ray CT apparatus 10 shown in FIG. In such a case, the DICOM data is rearranged in the display processing order by the image order control unit 45. That is, the image sequence control unit 45 outputs DICOM data in the order of a plurality of thick slice thickness image data, a single or a plurality of processed image data, and a plurality of thin slice thickness image data. Is output from the image transmission unit 46 of the X-ray CT apparatus 10 to the medical image storage communication system 11. Note that the image order control unit 45 of the X-ray CT apparatus 10 may not output DICOM data including a plurality of thin slice thickness image data. In that case, DICOM data including a plurality of thin slice image data is not transmitted from the X-ray CT apparatus 10 to the medical image storage communication system 11.

  The medical image archiving communication system 11 shown in FIG. 1 converts the DICOM data transmitted from the X-ray CT apparatus 10 into a simple image display format or a hospital reference image display format using Web technology or the like according to the output order. Perform display processing or display.

  According to the X-ray CT apparatus 10 according to the present invention, image data (thick slice thickness image data, MPR processed image data, and 3D processed image data) generated for reference purposes is a large amount of images generated for image processing purposes. Since the data (thin slice thickness image data) is transmitted prior to the image capture by the X-ray CT apparatus 10, the medical image storage communication system 11 can sequentially display the image data for reference purposes. Therefore, it is possible to cause the medical image storage communication system 11 to perform display processing / display in order from an image suitable for interpretation, and to provide an efficient interpretation environment for an interpreter such as a doctor.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a hardware configuration showing the first embodiment of the medical image filing apparatus according to the present invention. The medical image filing apparatus according to the present invention is implemented by being incorporated in a medical image storage communication system (PACS).

  FIG. 5 shows a medical image filing apparatus 51 incorporated in a medical image archiving communication system according to the present invention, and the medical image filing apparatus 51 is connected to a general-purpose X-ray CT apparatus 52 so as to be communicable. The medical image filing device 51 is provided with a server 53.

  The server 53 is a computer, for example, and includes basic hardware such as a CPU 61, a ROM 62, a RAM 63, an input device 64, a display device 65, and the like. The CPU 61 is interconnected to each hardware component constituting the server 53 via a bus as a common signal transmission path.

  Further, the medical image filing device 51 includes a storage device 68 connected via an I / F 67, and the storage device 68 is connected to the server 53 via an I / F 69. For example, the I / Fs 67 and 69 are communicably connected to each other via Ethernet (registered trademark). In particular, the I / F 67 of the storage device 68 is connected to the X-ray CT apparatus 52 via a communication line, and receives DICOM data from the X-ray CT apparatus 52 via this communication line.

  The medical image filing device 51 may include a secondary storage device (not shown) that is also called a media, a library device, or an archive device. Examples of the secondary storage device include a recording medium such as a tape drive and a DVD (Digital Video (Versatile) Disk) autochanger.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of the medical image filing device according to the present invention.

  The medical image filing device 51 includes an image recording unit 71, an image order control unit 72, and an image display processing unit 73. 6 function when the CPU 61 shown in FIG. 5 executes a program, but all or a part of each of the units 71 to 73 is stored in the medical image filing device 51. It may be provided as hardware.

  The image recording unit 71 has a function of recording all DICOM data output from the X-ray CT apparatus 52 in the storage device 68 in accordance with the output order. The storage device 68 stores (stores) all DICOM data output from the X-ray CT apparatus 52 by the recording by the image recording unit 71.

  The image order control unit 72 has a function of determining the order of display processing (transmission) of each DICOM data based on the DICOM data output from the X-ray CT apparatus 52 and rearranging the DICOM data according to the order. Specifically, the image order control unit 72 determines the type of DICOM data from the incidental information included in each DICOM data for each DICOM data. Then, the image order control unit 72 determines the display processing order for each type of DICOM data, and rearranges the DICOM data according to the order.

  For example, the image order control unit 72 converts the DICOM data into DICOM data including thick slice image data, DICOM data including MPR processed image data, DICOM data including 3D processed image data, or DICOM data including thin slice image data. It is classified into the type. Then, the image order control unit 72 converts the DICOM data into DICOM data including thick slice image data, DICOM data including MPR processed image data, DICOM data including 3D processed image data, and DICOM data including thin slice image data. The images are rearranged in order, and output to the image display processing unit 73 in that order.

  The image display processing unit 73 has a function of converting the DICOM data output from the image order determining unit 72 into a simple image display format or a hospital reference image display format using Web technology or the like according to the output order.

  Next, the operation of the medical image filing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  By imaging with a general-purpose X-ray CT apparatus (multi-slice X-ray CT apparatus) 52, image data in the slice direction in which the luminance value is expressed as a digital quantity for each pixel is collected. Further, the X-ray CT apparatus 52 generates DICOM data including incidental information conforming to the DICOM standard for each image data in the slice direction.

  All DICOM data output from the X-ray CT apparatus 52 is received by the medical image filing apparatus 51 in accordance with the output order (step S11). Next, all the received DICOM data is recorded in the storage device 68 by the image recording unit 71. Therefore, all DICOM data output from the X-ray CT apparatus 52 is stored (stored) in the storage device 68.

  Next, the order of display processing (transmission) is determined for each DICOM data received in step S11 by the image order control unit 72, and each DICOM data is rearranged according to the order (step S12). Specifically, the image order control unit 72 determines the type of image data from the accompanying information included in the DICOM data. Then, the order of display processing is determined for each type of DICOM data by the image order control unit 72, and the DICOM data is rearranged according to the order.

  For example, the DICOM data is classified into DICOM data including thick slice image data, DICOM data including MPR processed image data, DICOM data including 3D processed image data, or DICOM data including thin slice image data. The DICOM data is rearranged in the order of DICOM data including thick slice image data, DICOM data including MPR processed image data, DICOM data including 3D processed image data, and DICOM data including thin slice image data. The image is output to the image display processing unit 73.

  Next, the DICOM data output from the image order determination unit 72 is converted into a format suitable for display according to the output order by the image display processing unit 73 (step S13) and displayed on the display device 65 (step S14). .

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the order of display processing of DICOM data.

  When DICOM data is output in the order of a plurality of thin slice thickness image data, a plurality of thick slice thickness image data, and one or a plurality of processed image data from the X-ray CT apparatus 52 shown in FIG. The DICOM data is rearranged in the display processing order by the image order control unit 72 of the filing device 51. That is, the image order control unit 72 outputs DICOM data in the order of a plurality of thick slice thickness image data, a single or a plurality of processed image data, and a plurality of thin slice thickness image data. Therefore, a plurality of thick slice thickness image data, one or a plurality of processed image data, and a plurality of thin slice thickness image data are displayed on the display device 65 in this order. Note that the image order control unit 72 of the medical image filing apparatus 51 may not output DICOM data including a plurality of thin slice image data.

  According to the medical image filing device 51 of the present invention, a large amount of image data generated for reference processing (image data with a thick slice thickness, MPR processed image data, and 3D processed image data) is generated. Since display processing is performed prior to the data (thin slice thickness image data), the reference-purpose image data can be displayed on the display device 65 immediately after imaging by the X-ray CT apparatus 52. Therefore, it is possible to cause the display device 65 to display images in order from images suitable for diagnosis, and to provide an efficient image interpretation environment for image interpreters such as doctors.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a hardware configuration showing a second embodiment of the medical image filing device according to the present invention. The medical image filing apparatus according to the present invention is implemented by being incorporated in a medical image storage communication system (PACS).

  FIG. 9 shows a medical image filing apparatus 51A incorporated in a medical image storage communication system according to the present invention, and the medical image filing apparatus 51A is communicably connected to a general-purpose X-ray CT apparatus 52. The medical image archiving communication system incorporates a general-purpose medical image viewer or workstation or the like (hereinafter collectively referred to as “medical image viewer”) 81. In the medical image filing apparatus 51A shown in FIG. 9, the same components as those in the medical image filing apparatus 51 shown in FIG.

  The medical image viewer 81 is a two-dimensional or three-dimensional viewer for comprehensively displaying image data, and is connected to the server 53 so as to be communicable based on the internal protocol of the server 53.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the medical image filing device according to the present invention.

  The medical image filing device 51A includes an image recording unit 71, an image order control unit 72, an image display processing unit 73, and an image transmission unit 84. The image transmission unit 84 illustrated in FIG. 10 functions when the CPU 61 illustrated in FIG. 9 executes a program, but the image transmission unit 84 is provided as hardware in the medical image filing device 51A. It may be a thing. Also, in the constituent elements of the medical image filing apparatus 51A shown in FIG. 10, the same constituent elements as those in the medical image filing apparatus 51 shown in FIG.

  The image transmission unit 84 has a function of transmitting the DICOM data output from the image display processing unit 73 to the medical image viewer 81 according to the output order.

  Next, the operation of the second embodiment of the medical image filing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  By imaging with a general-purpose X-ray CT apparatus (multi-slice X-ray CT apparatus) 52, image data in the slice direction in which the luminance value is expressed as a digital quantity for each pixel is collected. Further, the X-ray CT apparatus 52 generates DICOM data including incidental information conforming to the DICOM standard for each image data in the slice direction.

  The medical image filing device 51A receives all DICOM data output from the X-ray CT device 52 in accordance with the output order (step S11). Next, all the received DICOM data is recorded in the storage device 68 by the image recording unit 71. Therefore, all DICOM data output from the X-ray CT apparatus 52 is stored (stored) in the storage device 68.

  Next, the order of display processing (transmission) is determined for each DICOM data received in step S11 by the image order control unit 72, and each DICOM data is rearranged according to the order (step S12). Specifically, the image order control unit 72 determines the type of image data from the accompanying information included in the DICOM data. Then, the order of display processing is determined for each type of DICOM data by the image order control unit 72, and the DICOM data is rearranged according to the order.

  For example, the DICOM data is classified into DICOM data including thick slice image data, DICOM data including MPR processed image data, DICOM data including 3D processed image data, or DICOM data including thin slice image data. The DICOM data is rearranged in the order of DICOM data including thick slice image data, DICOM data including MPR processed image data, DICOM data including 3D processed image data, and DICOM data including thin slice image data. The image is output to the image display processing unit 73.

  Next, the DICOM data output from the image order determination unit 72 is converted into a format suitable for display according to the output order by the image display processing unit 73 (step S13).

  Next, the DICOM data output from the image display processing unit 73 is transmitted to the general-purpose medical image viewer 81 according to the output order by the image transmission unit 74 (step S15).

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the order of display processing of DICOM data.

  When DICOM data is output in the order of a plurality of thin slice thickness image data, a plurality of thick slice thickness image data, and one or a plurality of processed image data from the X-ray CT apparatus 52 shown in FIG. The DICOM data is rearranged in the display processing order by the image order control unit 72 of the filing device 51A. That is, DICOM data is output from the image order control unit 72 in the order of a plurality of thick slice thickness image data, a single or a plurality of processed image data, and a plurality of thin slice thickness image data. Note that the image order control unit 72 of the medical image filing apparatus 51A may not output DICOM data including a plurality of thin slice image data. In that case, DICOM data including a plurality of thin slice thickness image data is not transmitted from the medical image filing device 51A to the medical image viewer 81.

  The medical image viewer 81 displays the DICOM data transmitted from the medical image filing device 51A according to the output order.

  According to the medical image filing device 51A according to the present invention, a large amount of image data generated for the purpose of image processing (thick slice thickness image data, MPR processed image data, and 3D processed image data) is generated. Since display processing is performed prior to the data (thin slice thickness image data), the image data for reference purposes can be transmitted to the medical image viewer 81 immediately after imaging by the X-ray CT apparatus 52. Therefore, it is possible to cause the medical image viewer 81 to display images in order from images suitable for diagnosis, and to provide an efficient image interpretation environment for image interpreters such as doctors.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 X-ray CT apparatus 11 Medical image storage communication system 21 Base apparatus 22 Operation console 41 Slice image generation part 43 Image processing part 45, 72 Image order control part 46, 84 Image transmission part 51, 51A Medical image filing apparatus 65 Display apparatus 73 Image display processor

Claims (7)

A slice image generator that generates image data in the slice direction of the subject;
Among the image data, an image processing unit that performs image processing on required image data;
An image order control unit that determines the order of display processing of the image data output from the slice image generation unit and the image data output from the image processing unit, and rearranges the image data according to the order;
An image transmission unit that transmits the image data output from the image order control unit to an external device according to the output order; and
The image order control unit is configured to combine unprocessed image data from the slice image generation unit and processed image data from the image processing unit with a slice thickness exceeding a required value as the unprocessed image data. An X-ray CT apparatus that rearranges image data, image data after processing, and image data having a slice thickness equal to or less than the required value as the non-processed image data.   2. The image processing unit according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit performs the image processing on image data having a slice thickness equal to or less than a second required value among the image data output from the slice image generation unit. X-ray CT system.   The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit performs MPR image processing or 3D image processing on the required image data. The order of display processing of the image data in the slice direction of the subject and the image data after the image processing performed on the required image data among the image data is determined, and each image data is determined according to the order. An image order control unit for rearranging;
An image display processing unit for displaying the image data output from the image order control unit according to the output order;
A display control unit that causes the display device to display the image data output from the image display processing unit according to the output order;
The image order control unit converts the non-processed image data of the image processing and the processed image data into image data having a slice thickness exceeding a required value as the non-processed image data, the processed image A medical image filing apparatus that rearranges data and image data having a slice thickness equal to or less than the required value as the unprocessed image data. The order of display processing of the image data in the slice direction of the subject and the image data after the image processing performed on the required image data among the image data is determined, and each image data is determined according to the order. An image order control unit for rearranging;
An image display processing unit for displaying the image data output from the image order control unit according to the output order;
An image transmission unit that transmits the image data output from the image display processing unit to an external device according to the output order;
The image order control unit converts the non-processed image data of the image processing and the processed image data into image data having a slice thickness exceeding a required value as the non-processed image data, the processed image A medical image filing apparatus that rearranges data and image data having a slice thickness equal to or less than the required value as the unprocessed image data.   The image order control unit includes image data in the slice direction, and image data after image processing performed on image data having a slice thickness equal to or less than a second required value among the image data in the slice direction. The medical image filing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the display processing order is determined.   6. The medical image filing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the processed image data is composed of at least one of image data after MPR image processing and image data after 3D image processing.

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