JP2012100899A - Medical image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display a medical image in a suitable visible way on a plurality of monitors with different gamma characteristics.SOLUTION: The medical image forming apparatus includes an output means and a converting means. The output means outputs medical image data to a first monitor with a first gamma characteristic and to a second monitor with a second gamma characteristic on the client side respectively. The converting means performs conversion processing of a pixel value of the medical image based on information on the first gamma characteristic and information on the second gamma characteristic so that the medical image is displayed on the second monitor with luminance equivalent to that of the medical image displayed on the first monitor.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a medical image generation apparatus.

  In a server / client type medical system in which a thin client is connected to a medical image generation apparatus such as a medical image processing apparatus or an image diagnosis apparatus via a network, even if the same output pixel signal is output from the image generation apparatus, The appearance of the diagnostic image differs depending on the characteristics of the monitor. That is, on the client side, an output signal generated by γ conversion defined by the γ power of the pixel signal input from the image generation apparatus is displayed on the monitor. However, if the value of γ is different for each client, the output signal will be different even if the input pixel signal is the same. In other words, even if the same image is observed on monitors having different gamma characteristics, the appearance of the image changes.

  In addition, even when the monitor characteristics of the image generation apparatus and the client characteristics are different, the appearance of the diagnostic image changes between the image generation apparatus and the client. For this reason, even when observing the same diagnostic image, there is a possibility that the diagnostic result may change depending on whether the observation is performed on the image generation apparatus side or the client side. In addition, even if a client tries to view a diagnostic image observed with the image generation apparatus, a situation may occur in which the diagnostic image is not displayed with good contrast on the client.

  For example, the monitor γ value of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus is set to 1.8, the monitor γ value of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus is set to 2.2, and the γ value of the client monitor is set to 1.8. In this case, when an ultrasonic diagnostic image generated by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is displayed on the client monitor, the ultrasonic diagnostic image displayed on the client monitor is displayed on the monitor of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. It looks the same as the image. However, when the MR image generated by the MRI apparatus is displayed on the client monitor, the client γ value is smaller than the γ value of the MRI apparatus, so the MR image displayed on the client monitor is It looks brighter than the MR image displayed on the monitor.

  Therefore, when a diagnostic image generated by a plurality of medical image generation apparatuses is displayed on a common client, the appearance of the diagnostic image changes depending on a difference in γ value between the medical image generation apparatuses. As a result, the difference in the contrast of the diagnostic image may cause an oversight of the lesion, or the border of the lesion may become unclear.

  On the other hand, in a server / client type medical system, a technique has been devised in which a server changes a monitor setting on a client side to an optimum value in accordance with an image diagnosis application.

JP 2010-113455 A

  In particular, in a server-client type medical system in which a medical image generation apparatus and a thin client are connected, it is desired that diagnostic images be displayed with an equivalent contrast between the medical image generation apparatus and the thin client. The same applies to a system in which a plurality of monitors are connected to a medical image generation apparatus, as well as a server / client type medical system.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a medical image generation apparatus capable of displaying a medical image with an appropriate appearance on a plurality of monitors having different gamma characteristics.

  A medical image generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus that performs image processing of a medical image based on an instruction from a client connected via a network and transmits the processing result to the client. The medical image generation apparatus includes an output unit and a conversion unit. The output means outputs the medical image data to a first monitor having a first gamma characteristic and a second monitor having a second gamma characteristic on the client side. The converting means includes the first gamma characteristic information and the second gamma characteristic information so that the medical image is displayed on the second monitor at a luminance equivalent to the luminance of the medical image displayed on the first monitor. Based on the gamma characteristic information, the pixel value of the medical image is converted.

  The medical image generation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus that performs image processing of a medical image based on an instruction from a client connected via a network and transmits the processing result to the client. The medical image generation apparatus includes an output unit and a conversion unit. The output means outputs the medical image data to a first monitor having a first gamma characteristic and a second monitor having a second gamma characteristic on the client side. The conversion means obtains the pixel value output to the second monitor based on the information of the second gamma characteristic when the change information of at least one of the window width and window level of the second monitor is acquired. Are converted into pixel values corresponding to the window width and window level after the change.

  The medical image generation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus that performs image processing of a medical image based on an instruction from a client connected via a network and transmits the processing result to the client. The medical image generation apparatus includes an output unit and a conversion unit. The output means outputs the medical image data to a first monitor having a first gamma characteristic and a second monitor having a second gamma characteristic on the client side. The converting means includes the first gamma characteristic information and the second gamma characteristic information so that the medical image is displayed on the first monitor at a luminance equivalent to that of the medical image displayed on the second monitor. Based on the gamma characteristic information, the pixel value of the medical image is converted.

1 is a configuration diagram of a medical image generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows an example of the test pattern for (gamma) value measurement displayed on the monitor of the client shown in FIG. The figure explaining the production | generation method of the conversion image data by the image conversion part shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a method for performing simulation display on the image display unit of the medical image generation apparatus of how the medical image displayed on the client monitor is displayed by the image simulation unit illustrated in FIG. 1. The sequence chart which shows the flow at the time of displaying the medical image data produced | generated by the medical image production | generation apparatus shown in FIG. 1 on a monitor of a client.

  A medical image generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a medical image generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The medical image generation apparatus 1 is an apparatus that generates medical image data and outputs the generated medical image data. Examples of the medical image generation apparatus 1 include an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an X-ray CT (computed tomography) apparatus, an MRI apparatus, a positron emission computed tomography (PET) apparatus, and a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Photon emission computed tomography) In addition to nuclear medicine diagnostic equipment such as equipment, X-ray diagnostic equipment and other diagnostic imaging equipment, medical image processing equipment for processing medical image data generated in the diagnostic imaging equipment and medical equipment with image processing functions An image server is mentioned.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 1, a hospital system can be constructed by connecting a plurality of medical image generation apparatuses 1 and a plurality of clients 2 via a network 3.

  Each client 2 includes a monitor 2A and an input device 2B. The client 2 may be a dedicated thin client for displaying a medical image generated by the medical image generation apparatus 1, and image processing for generating a medical image may be performed on the medical image generation apparatus 1 side. . In other words, the medical image generation apparatus 1 has a function of performing image processing of a medical image based on an instruction from the client 2 connected via the network 3 and transmitting the result of the image processing to the client 2.

  The medical image generation apparatus 1 includes an image storage unit 4, an image transmission unit 5, a gamma characteristic acquisition unit 6, an image conversion unit 7, an image simulation unit 8, and an image display unit 9. Further, when the medical image generation apparatus 1 is an image diagnostic apparatus, a sensor 10 that collects data from a subject and a data processing unit 11 that generates medical image data by data processing on the collected data include a medical image generation apparatus. 1 is provided. The sensor 10 is configured by hardware such as an ultrasonic transducer, a high-frequency coil, and a radiation detector according to the type of diagnostic imaging apparatus.

  The medical image data generated in the data processing unit 11 is stored in the image storage unit 4. The image display unit 9 includes a monitor and has a function of displaying medical image data stored in the image storage unit 4. The components that process the digital signals of the medical image generation apparatus 1 can be easily constructed by having a computer read a medical image generation program.

  The image transmission unit 5 receives a medical image display request from the input device 2 </ b> B of the client 2 via the network 3, acquires corresponding medical image data from the image storage unit 4, and transmits the medical image data to the client 2. And a function for displaying the acquired medical image data on the monitor 2A of the client 2 by transmitting the acquired medical image data to the client 2 when acquisition of the medical image data is acquired from the image conversion unit 7.

  The gamma characteristic acquisition unit 6 has a function of acquiring the γ value of the monitor 2A of the client 2 as gamma characteristic information via the network and a function of giving the acquired γ value to the image conversion unit 7. The γ value can be acquired as a numerical value from the input device 2B of the client 2 by the gamma characteristic acquisition unit 6 via the network. Alternatively, the gamma characteristic acquisition unit 6 displays a test pattern for measuring the γ value on the monitor 2A of the client 2, and calculates the γ value based on the information input from the input device 2B of the client 2 through the test pattern. It can also be configured.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a test pattern for measuring γ value displayed on the monitor 2A of the client 2 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the test pattern may be composed of, for example, a gray scale gradation portion where the luminance changes from 20% to 80% and a binary striped portion where the luminance is 0% and 100%. it can. FIG. 2 shows an example in which the periphery of the gradation portion is surrounded by a striped portion.

  The portion with 0% luminance is displayed in black regardless of the γ value, and the portion with 100% luminance is displayed in white regardless of the γ value. Accordingly, the striped pattern portion appears to be an intermediate gray color corresponding to 50% luminance in which white and black are evenly mixed regardless of the γ value. On the other hand, the gradation portion appears to change from dark gray to light gray along the changing direction because the luminance changes depending on the position depending on the γ value. Accordingly, when a position where the gradation portion appears to be the same dark as the striped pattern portion is designated by the input device 2B such as a mouse, the luminance of the gradation portion at the designated position is equivalent to 50% luminance corresponding to the γ value of the monitor 2A. Then you can think.

Therefore, from the relationship that the output signal S _out generated by the gamma conversion for the known input pixel signal S _{in at} the specified position of the gradation portion corresponds to a luminance value of 50%, the γ value is obtained from the gamma conversion expression shown in the expression (1). Can be calculated.
S _out = S _in ^γ (1)

  Therefore, when the test pattern shown in FIG. 2 is displayed, the gamma characteristic acquisition unit 6 can obtain the γ value of the monitor 2A if the specified position information in the gradation portion is acquired from the input device 2B of the client 2.

  Based on the γ value of the monitor 2 </ b> A of the client 2 acquired by the gamma characteristic acquisition unit 6, the image conversion unit 7 has a luminance value equivalent to that of the medical image displayed on the image display unit 9 of the medical image generation device 1. A function for generating converted image data composed of pixel values such that a medical image is displayed on the monitor 2A of the client 2, and a window width (WW: Window Width) of the monitor 2A of the client 2 corresponding to the pixel values of the converted image data ) And a window level (WL: Window Level) calculation function, and by controlling the WW and WL of the monitor 2A of the client 2 through the image transmission unit 5, the converted image data corresponding to the WW and WL is converted to the monitor 2A of the client 2. It has a function to display.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a method of generating converted image data by the image conversion unit 7 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 3, the horizontal axis indicates the input pixel value S _in of the medical image data for the image display unit 9 and the monitor 2A of the client 2 in the medical image generation apparatus 1, and the vertical axis indicates the output luminance value S _out .

3 indicates a gamma curve when the γ value in the image display unit 9 of the medical image generation apparatus 1 is γ _s = 2.2, and the two-dot chain line indicates the γ value in the monitor 2A of the client 2. Shows a gamma curve when γ _c = 1.5.

As shown in FIG. 3, the medical image data S _s of the input pixel value S _in corresponding to the window width WW _s and the window level WL _s set in the image display unit 9 of the medical image generating apparatus 1 is γ _s = 2.2. It is displayed on the image display section 9 as a medical image I _s between the output luminance values S _out of the range of 0% to 100% by gamma conversion.

If the medical image data S _s of the input pixel value S _in corresponding to the same window width WW _s and window level WL _s as the image display unit 9 corresponding to the server side monitor is input to the monitor 2A of the client 2, γ _c = The output luminance value S _out in the range of 0% to 100% is displayed on the monitor 2A as the medical image I _c by the gamma conversion set to 1.5. Therefore, the medical image I _c to be displayed on the monitor 2A client 2 looks brighter than medical image I _s to be displayed by the medical image generating apparatus 1, and the contrast also changes.

Therefore, as a medical image I _c 'to monitor 2A of the client 2 in the same range of output luminance values S _out medical image I _s to be displayed by the medical image generating apparatus 1 is displayed, the monitor 2A client 2 The window width WW _c and the window level WL _c are calculated by the image conversion unit 7. As shown by the solid line arrows in FIG. 3, this calculation is performed with the maximum and minimum output luminances generated from the maximum and minimum input pixel values S _in by gamma conversion with γ _s = 2.2 on the medical image generation apparatus 1 side. This can be done by calculating the maximum and minimum input pixel values S _in to generate by gamma conversion with the value S _out as γ _c = 1.5.

When the input pixel value S _in within the calculated window width WW _c on the client 2 side is γ _c = 1.5 and gamma conversion is performed, the medical image I _c is output with an output luminance value S _out in the range of 0% to 100%. 'image data as displayed is created as a conversion image data S _c based on the medical image data S _s of the medical image generating apparatus 1 side. That is, each pixel value of the medical image data S _s corresponding to the range of the original window width WW _s generated on the medical image generation device 1 side is set so that the output luminance value S _out is 0% to 100%. is converted image data S _c are generated in the range of 2 side of the window width WW _c by an image processing respectively assigned.

That is, the input to the monitor 2A as output luminance values in the same range as the range of output luminance values S _out of the medical image I _s of the medical image generating apparatus 1 side is generated by the gamma conversion of the gamma _c = 1.5 client 2 side Even if the pixel value S _in is input, a part of the medical image cannot be seen unless the window width WW _c and the window level WL _{c of} the monitor 2A are set appropriately.

Therefore, the window width of the appropriate client 2 side converts the image data S _c outputted from the medical image generating apparatus 1 to monitor 2A WW _c and window level WL _c is determined by the image conversion unit 7. In other words, when the range of the output luminance value S _out is the same, the window width WW _c and window level WL _c on the client 2 side corresponding to the window width WW _s and window level WL _s on the medical image generation apparatus 1 side are It is obtained by the image conversion unit 7.

  However, when it is not desirable that the image converter 7 controls the WW and WL of the monitor 2A, the control of the WW and WL of the monitor 2A may be omitted. In this case, although a part of the medical image cannot be seen on the monitor 2A, the other part can be observed with the same contrast as the medical image displayed on the image display unit 9 of the medical image generating apparatus 1.

  Further, the image conversion unit 7 uses the changed WW and WL of the monitor 2A as changed information from the client 2 via the network 3 when one or both of the WW and WL of the monitor 2A are changed on the client 2 side. Generated conversion image data composed of pixel values of the medical image corresponding to the changed WW and WL so that the medical image is displayed with appropriate brightness on the monitor 2A after the change of the acquired function, WW and WL And a function for displaying the converted image data on the monitor 2A of the client 2 through the image transmission unit 5.

That is, as shown in FIG. 3, when the window width WW _c and the window level WL _c in the monitor 2A on the client 2 side are controlled by the image conversion unit 7, the output luminance value S _out is 0% to 100% on the monitor 2A. The converted image data S _c assigned to be% is displayed as a medical image I _c ′. However, when at least one of the WW and WL of the monitor 2A is changed by operating the input device 2B, the output luminance values S _out of the converted image data S _c does not correspond to 100% 0%.

Therefore, the image conversion unit 7 corresponds to the range of the original window width WW _s generated on the medical image generation device 1 side when the change information of at least one of the WW and WL of the monitor 2A is received from the input device 2B. to medical image data S _s or each pixel value of the converted image data S _c corresponding to the range of the window width WW _c of the monitor 2A before change, newly set monitored 2A of WW range output luminance values S _out of the The converted image data is generated by image processing that is assigned so that the value becomes 0% to 100%. That is, when at least one of WW and WL of the monitor 2A is changed, the image conversion unit 7 converts the pixel value of the medical image data output to the monitor 2A following the change into an appropriate pixel value. Configured.

  In addition, when adjusting the pixel value of the medical image data output to the monitor 2A according to the setting of the WW and WL of the monitor 2A on the client 2 side, it is displayed on the image display unit 9 of the medical image generation apparatus 1. The pixel value conversion processing for displaying the medical image on the monitor 2A with the same luminance value as the medical image being performed may be omitted.

  The image simulation unit 8 has a function of causing the image display unit 9 of the medical image generation apparatus 1 to display a medical image having a luminance value equivalent to that of the medical image displayed according to the WW and WL of the monitor 2A on the client 2 side. Have.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a method for causing the image display unit 9 of the medical image generation apparatus 1 to display the simulation of the appearance of the medical image displayed on the monitor 2A of the client 2 by the image simulating unit 8 shown in FIG. is there.

In FIG. 4, the horizontal axis indicates the input pixel value S _in of the medical image data for the image display unit 9 and the monitor 2A of the client 2 in the medical image generation apparatus 1, and the vertical axis indicates the output luminance value S _out .

4 indicates a gamma curve when the γ value in the image display unit 9 of the medical image generation apparatus 1 is γ _s = 2.2, and the two-dot chain line indicates the γ value in the monitor 2A of the client 2. Shows a gamma curve when γ _c = 1.5.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the input pixel value S _in of the medical image data S _c is input to the monitor 2A of the client 2 set to the window width WW _c and the window level WL _c , the output luminance in the range of 0% to 100% medical image I _c is displayed with the value S _out.

Therefore, if the process reverse to the process of the image conversion unit 7 shown in FIG. 3 is performed, the medical image displayed on the monitor 2A of the client 2 is set to be simulated by the image display unit 9 of the medical image generation apparatus 1. The window width WW _s and window level WL _{s of the} image display unit 9 to be obtained and the input pixel value S _in of the medical image data S _s to be input to the image display unit 9 can be obtained.

That is, as indicated by the solid line arrow in FIG. 4, the maximum and minimum output luminance values S _out generated from the maximum and minimum input pixel values S _in by gamma conversion with γ _c = 1.5 of the monitor 2A are used as medical images. The window width WW _s and the window level WL _s of the image display unit 9 for simulation are calculated by calculating the maximum and minimum input pixel values S _in to be generated by gamma conversion with γ _s = 2.2 on the generation device 1 side. Can be calculated. Further, the simulation display unit 9 sets each input pixel value S _in of the medical image data S _c corresponding to the range of the window width WW _c of the monitor 2A so that the output luminance value S _out is 0% to 100%. The input pixel value S _in of the medical image data S _s for simulation can be obtained by image processing assigned to each range of the window width WW _s .

  Such a simulation in the image simulating unit 8 can be performed at a desired timing independently of the processing in the image converting unit 7. Therefore, the user may be able to set whether or not to perform the process in the image conversion unit 7 according to the simulation result by the image simulation unit 8.

  Next, the operation and action of the medical image generation apparatus 1 will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a sequence chart showing a flow when displaying the medical image data generated by the medical image generating apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 on the monitor 2A of the client 2.

  First, in step S1, medical image data is generated by the medical image generation apparatus 1.

  If the medical image generation device 1 is an image diagnostic device, data is collected from the subject by the sensor 10 and the data processing unit 11 generates medical image data by data processing on the collected data. The generated medical image data is stored in the image storage unit 4.

  On the other hand, when the medical image generation apparatus 1 is an image processing apparatus or an image server having a simple image processing function, medical image data is acquired from the image diagnostic apparatus, and after necessary image processing is performed, the image is processed. It is stored in the storage unit 4.

  Then, a medical image is displayed on the image display unit 9 by an operation by a user of an input device provided in the medical image generation apparatus 1.

  Next, in step S <b> 2, the gamma characteristic acquisition unit 6 of the medical image generation apparatus 1 transmits a test pattern for acquiring the gamma characteristic of the monitor 2 </ b> A of the client 2 to the client 2 via the network 3. As a result, a test pattern as shown in FIG. 2 is displayed on the monitor 2A of the client 2.

  Next, in step S3, the user designates the position of the gradation portion that looks the same darkness as the striped portion of the test pattern with the input device 2B. Then, the specified position information of the gradation portion is transmitted from the client 2 to the gamma characteristic acquisition unit 6 of the medical image generation apparatus 1.

  Next, in step S4, the gamma characteristic acquisition unit 6 calculates the γ value of the monitor 2A assuming that the pixel value corresponding to the designated position of the gradation portion corresponds to a luminance of 50%.

  Next, in step S5, the image conversion unit 7 is equivalent to the medical image displayed on the image display unit 9 based on the γ value of the monitor 2A and the γ value of the image display unit 9, as shown in FIG. The WW and WL of the monitor 2A and the output pixel value for displaying the medical image on the monitor 2A with the luminance value are calculated. The calculated WW and WL of the monitor 2A and the output pixel value are output from the image conversion unit 7 to the monitor 2A of the client 2.

  As a result, the WW and WL of the monitor 2A are set to the WW and WL calculated by the image conversion unit 7, and a medical image having the same contrast as that of the medical image generating apparatus 1 is displayed on the monitor 2A. The user can also change the WW and WL of the monitor 2A.

  Then, in step S6, the change information of the WW and WL of the monitor 2A is transmitted from the client 2 to the image conversion unit 7.

  Next, in step S <b> 7, the image conversion unit 7 calculates a pixel value such that a medical image is displayed with a luminance value corresponding to the WW and WL of the monitor 2 </ b> A after the change, and uses the calculated pixel value of the client 2. Output to the monitor 2A. As a result, the medical image is displayed on the monitor 2A with the luminance values corresponding to the changed WW and WL.

  The operations and processes in steps S6 and S7 can be repeated any number of times. Further, as the γ value of the monitor 2A necessary for updating the pixel value in response to the change of WW and WL, the value acquired through the test pattern in step S4 can be used, but the test pattern is used again for improving accuracy. The γ value of the monitor 2A may be acquired.

  If necessary, in step S8, the image simulating unit 8 simulates and displays the medical image displayed on the monitor 2A of the client 2 on the image display unit 9 on the medical image generating apparatus 1 side. That is, the WW and WL of the image display unit 9 and the input pixel value corresponding to the luminance value of the medical image displayed on the monitor 2A are calculated by the method shown in FIG. 4, and the calculated image display unit of WW and WL is calculated. An input pixel value is input to 9. Thereby, the user can confirm the contrast of the medical image displayed on the monitor 2A of the client 2 from the medical image generating apparatus 1 side.

  In the example of the flow shown in FIG. 5, the medical image generation apparatus 1 side is the lead, but the client 2 side may be the lead.

  That is, the medical image generation apparatus 1 as described above is based on the gamma characteristics of the medical image generation apparatus 1 and the client 2 so that the medical image is displayed at an appropriate contrast on the medical image generation apparatus 1 and the client 2. The pixel value of the data itself can be corrected and output.

  Therefore, according to the medical image generation apparatus 1, even if the gamma characteristic of the monitor on the medical image generation apparatus 1 side is different from the gamma characteristic on the client 2 side, it is equivalent to the medical image displayed on the medical image generation apparatus 1 side. A contrast medical image can be displayed on the client 2. In particular, even when a common client 2 observes medical images output from a plurality of medical image generation apparatuses 1, a medical image having a contrast equivalent to the medical image displayed on each medical image generation apparatus 1 side. Can be displayed on the client 2.

  That is, the medical image generation apparatus 1 and the client 2 have different gamma characteristics of the monitor depending on various conditions such as mechanical characteristics, installation location, user preference, etc., but the effect on image contrast due to the difference in gamma characteristics. Can be corrected. As a result, it can be expected to prevent misdiagnosis and oversight of lesions.

  Further, according to the medical image generation apparatus 1, even if it is not desirable to change the γ value and WW and WL settings of the client 2, appropriate pixel values corresponding to the WW and WL on the client 2 side are set. Image data can be generated and displayed with an appropriate luminance value.

  Further, according to the medical image generation apparatus 1, the medical image displayed on the client 2 can be simulated on the medical image generation apparatus 1 side. For this reason, it is possible to save the trouble of the user on the medical image generation apparatus 1 side moving to the client 2 side and adjusting the monitor of the client 2.

  Furthermore, according to the medical image generation apparatus 1, even if medical image data is acquired at a different medical institution, if the gamma characteristic of the monitor is known, the medical image data can be corrected so as to be displayed with an appropriate contrast. Conversely, a medical image displayed on a monitor in another medical institution can be reproduced.

  Although specific embodiments have been described above, the described embodiments are merely examples, and do not limit the scope of the invention. The novel methods and apparatus described herein can be implemented in a variety of other ways. Various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made in the method and apparatus described herein without departing from the spirit of the invention. The appended claims and their equivalents include such various forms and modifications as are encompassed by the scope and spirit of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Medical image generation apparatus 2 Client 2A Monitor 2B Input device 3 Network 4 Image storage part 5 Image transmission part 6 Gamma characteristic acquisition part 7 Image conversion part 8 Image simulation part 9 Image display part 10 Sensor 11 Data processing part

Claims (5)

In a medical image generation apparatus that performs image processing of a medical image based on an instruction from a client connected via a network and transmits the processing result to the client.
Output means for outputting medical image data respectively to a first monitor having a first gamma characteristic and a second monitor having a second gamma characteristic on the client side;
Information on the first gamma characteristic and information on the second gamma characteristic so that the medical image is displayed on the second monitor with a luminance equivalent to the luminance of the medical image displayed on the first monitor. Conversion means for performing conversion processing of the pixel value of the medical image based on
A medical image generation apparatus comprising: The window width and window level of the second monitor are calculated based on the information of the first and second gamma characteristics and the pixel value, and the second monitor is controlled so as to be the calculated window width and window level. The medical image generation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit configured to perform the control. In a medical image generation apparatus that performs image processing of a medical image based on an instruction from a client connected via a network and transmits the processing result to the client.
Output means for outputting medical image data respectively to a first monitor having a first gamma characteristic and a second monitor having a second gamma characteristic on the client side;
When the change information of at least one of the window width and window level of the second monitor is acquired, the pixel value output to the second monitor is changed based on the information of the second gamma characteristic. Conversion means for converting into pixel values corresponding to window width and window level;
A medical image generation apparatus comprising: In a medical image generation apparatus that performs image processing of a medical image based on an instruction from a client connected via a network and transmits the processing result to the client.
Output means for outputting medical image data respectively to a first monitor having a first gamma characteristic and a second monitor having a second gamma characteristic on the client side;
Information on the first gamma characteristic and information on the second gamma characteristic so that the medical image is displayed on the first monitor with a luminance equivalent to the luminance of the medical image displayed on the second monitor. Conversion means for performing conversion processing of the pixel value of the medical image based on
A medical image generation apparatus comprising: Gamma characteristic acquisition means for displaying a test pattern on the second monitor, and obtaining a gamma value of the second monitor as information of the second gamma characteristic based on information input in the client through the test pattern The medical image generation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

Images