JP2013081601A - Ophthalmic information processing system, ophthalmic information processing server, and ophthalmic information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology for implementing various ophthalmic image analysis in many medical institutions.SOLUTION: This ophthalmic information processing system includes user terminals and an ophthalmic information server connected to communicate with each other over a network. The user terminal has: a storage part storing image data of an examined eye acquired by an ophthalmic examination device; a designation part designating the type of image analysis processing; and a transmission part transmitting the image data and processing type information representing the designated type to the ophthalmic information processing server over the network. The ophthalmic information processing server has: a reception part receiving the image data and the processing type information transmitted from the user terminal; an analysis processing part applying the image analysis processing corresponding to the processing type information to the image data; and a transmission part transmitting analysis result data obtained by the image analysis processing to the user terminal over the network.

Description

  The present invention relates to an ophthalmologic information processing system, an ophthalmologic information processing server, and an ophthalmologic information processing method.

  With the development of information networks, services that perform information processing conventionally performed at each user terminal with a server on the network and provide the processing result to the terminal have become widespread. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that accepts editing of image information provided by a user via a network, creates edited image data according to the editing content desired by the user, and provides the edited image data to the user via the network. Yes.

  Such a flow is similar in the medical field. As an example, Patent Document 2 discloses that diagnostic / inspection data obtained with a minimal diagnostic tester at a terminal medical institution is transmitted to a precision medical institution with specialist staff via a network. A system for performing data analysis processing and transmitting the processing result to a terminal medical institution via a network is disclosed.

  By the way, in the field of ophthalmology, a wider variety of diagnostic imaging is used on a daily basis than other clinical departments. As an inspection apparatus therefor, there are a slit lamp, a fundus camera, an optical coherence tomometer, a specular microscope, a keratometer, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and the like. In addition, an ophthalmic surgical microscope is used at the time of surgery. In addition, each of these devices is provided with various image analysis functions. In ophthalmology, the type of examination (that is, the type of apparatus and the type of image analysis) is selected according to the state of the patient's eye, and diagnosis is performed by referring to the results of these examinations. In summary, in ophthalmology, it is said that various medical diagnoses are carried out in daily medical care using the above devices, not only for large-scale medical institutions but also for medium-scale and small-scale medical institutions. There is a present situation.

  On the other hand, devices used in ophthalmology continue to make rapid progress as seen in, for example, the widespread application of optical coherence tomography, and the image analysis technique is also appearing in a steadily changing manner. Naturally, it is desirable for patients and doctors to be able to implement not only such advanced analysis techniques but also a wide variety of diagnostic imaging techniques in many medical institutions.

JP 2002-109248 A JP 2005-165996 A

  However, it is difficult to install various image diagnosis functions in devices installed in medical institutions in consideration of device specifications and computer resources. Also, considering the current service structure of the device manufacturer, it is difficult to quickly install a new image analysis function in the devices of many medical institutions. Therefore, it is difficult to realize the above-mentioned desirable environment at present.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object thereof is an ophthalmologic information processing system and an ophthalmologic information processing server capable of performing various ophthalmic image analyzes in many medical institutions. And an ophthalmologic information processing method.

In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is an ophthalmologic information processing system including a user terminal and an ophthalmologic information processing server that are communicably connected to each other via a network. A storage unit that stores image data of the eye to be examined acquired by the ophthalmic examination apparatus, a specifying unit that specifies a type of image analysis processing for the image data, processing type information that indicates the specified type, and the image A transmission unit that transmits data to the ophthalmologic information processing server via the network, and the ophthalmic information processing server transmits the processing type information and the image data transmitted from the user terminal. A receiving unit for receiving, an analysis processing unit for performing image analysis processing corresponding to the processing type information on the image data, and The analysis result data obtained by the image analysis processing, and a transmission unit to be transmitted to the user terminal via the network.
The invention according to claim 2 is the ophthalmologic information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the analysis processing unit stores in advance a plurality of programs corresponding to a plurality of types of image analysis processing. A selection unit that selects a program corresponding to the received processing type information from the plurality of programs, and a process execution unit that executes an image analysis process on the image data based on the selected program. Including.
The invention according to claim 3 is the ophthalmologic information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage unit stores the image data and patient information of the patient attached thereto. Incidental information is stored, and the user terminal includes a patient information deletion unit that deletes the patient information from the incidental information, and the incidental information and the image data from which the patient information has been deleted It transmits to the said ophthalmologic information processing server by a transmission part, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
The invention according to claim 4 is the ophthalmologic information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage unit stores the image data and patient information of the patient in association with each other. The user terminal includes an identification information adding unit that adds identification information other than the patient information to the image data, and the transmission unit transmits the identification information and the image data that have been provided. It transmits to an information processing server, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
The invention according to claim 5 is the ophthalmologic information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the image data and patient information of the patient are stored in association with each other in the storage unit. The user terminal includes a first encryption processing unit that encrypts the patient information, and the encrypted patient information and the image data are sent to the ophthalmologic information processing server by the transmission unit. It transmits, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
The invention according to claim 6 is the ophthalmologic information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the user terminal encrypts the image data. The image processing apparatus includes a processing unit, and the encrypted image data is transmitted to the ophthalmologic information processing server by the transmission unit.
The invention according to claim 7 is the ophthalmologic information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the user terminal performs one or more types of image analysis processing on the image. It has an analysis processing unit to be applied to data, and the analysis processing unit of the ophthalmic information processing server can execute an image analysis process that cannot be executed by the analysis processing unit of the user terminal.
The invention according to claim 8 is the ophthalmologic information processing system according to claim 7, wherein the user terminal includes a display unit, an operation unit, and a user interface relating to the unexecutable image analysis processing. A display control unit to be displayed on the display unit, and corresponding to the instruction regarding the inexecutable image analysis processing being made using the user interface and the operation unit, The instruction content information is transmitted to the ophthalmic information processing server by the transmission unit, and the ophthalmic information processing server executes the image analysis processing based on the instruction content information by the analysis processing unit, and the image analysis processing The obtained analysis result data is transmitted to the user terminal by the transmission unit, and the display control unit is based on the analysis result data. And displays the broadcast on the display unit, characterized in that.
The invention according to claim 9 is the ophthalmologic information processing system according to claim 7, wherein the user terminal selects a display unit, an operation unit, and a type of the image analysis process that cannot be executed. A display control unit that displays a user interface to be presented on the display unit, and the selection of the type of image analysis processing that cannot be performed is made using the user interface and the operation unit Then, selection content information representing the content of the selection is transmitted to the ophthalmic information processing server by the transmission unit, and the ophthalmic information processing server stores in advance a program corresponding to the inexecutable image analysis processing A distribution program storage unit, and a read processing unit that reads a program corresponding to the selected content information from the distribution program storage unit. Wherein by the transmission unit of the program that is transmitted toward the user terminal, it is characterized.
The invention according to claim 10 is the ophthalmologic information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the user terminal is operated by the analysis processing unit of the ophthalmologic information processing server. An analysis processing unit that applies at least a part of the executable image analysis processing to the image data, and the analysis result data obtained by the analysis processing unit is transmitted to the ophthalmic information processing server by the transmission unit; The ophthalmologic information processing server includes a processing result comparison unit that compares the analysis result data obtained by the analysis processing unit with the analysis result data obtained by the user terminal. It is characterized by that.
The invention according to claim 11 is the ophthalmologic information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the analysis processing unit of the ophthalmologic information processing server is operated by an ophthalmic examination apparatus. A standard data storage unit that prestores standard data generated by statistically processing a plurality of analysis result data obtained by performing image analysis processing on a plurality of image data obtained for a plurality of eyes to be examined; And an update processing unit for updating the standard data based on analysis result data based on new image data obtained by the ophthalmic examination apparatus.
The invention according to claim 12 is the ophthalmologic information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein each of the plurality of user terminals communicates with each other via a network. The ophthalmic information processing server is connected to the ophthalmic information processing server, and the ophthalmic information processing server includes an account management unit that manages an account for each user based on user identification information given in advance for each user. To do.
The invention according to claim 13 is the ophthalmologic information processing system according to claim 12, wherein the account management unit stores in advance billing information in which a type of image analysis processing and a billing amount are associated with each other. In response to the image analysis processing performed by the analysis unit of the accounting information storage unit and the ophthalmic information processing server, the accounting amount corresponding to the image analysis processing is acquired based on the accounting information, and the section A charge management unit for associating an amount of money with the user identification information of the user.
The invention according to claim 14 is the ophthalmologic information processing system according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein one user uses the first user terminal and the second user terminal. When the image analysis processing based on the processing type information and the image data transmitted from the first user terminal is executed by the analysis processing unit of the ophthalmic information processing server, the account management unit The transmission unit is controlled so that the analysis result data obtained by the image analysis process can be transmitted to both the first user terminal and the second user terminal.
The invention according to claim 15 is the ophthalmologic information processing system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the account management unit is associated with the user identification information. The information storage unit stores the information instructed to be stored by classifying into information that can be disclosed and information that cannot be disclosed, and the transmission unit of the ophthalmologic information processing server stores only the information that can be disclosed It transmits to the said user terminal of a user, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
The invention according to claim 16 is the ophthalmologic information processing system according to claim 15, wherein the account management unit is transmitted from the user terminal of the other user toward the user's account. Data is stored in the information storage unit in association with the user identification information of the user.
The invention according to claim 17 is the ophthalmologic information processing system according to claim 16, in which the user terminal of the user issues a request instruction for requesting the comment of the other user to the transmitting unit. To the ophthalmologic information processing server, and the account management unit controls the transmission unit to transmit the image data and / or the analysis result data to the user terminal of the other user. It is characterized by that.
The invention according to claim 18 is the ophthalmologic information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the user terminal stores electronic medical record data for each patient. It has a data storage part and a record processing part which records analysis result data transmitted from the ophthalmic information processing server in the electronic medical record data of the patient concerned.
The invention according to claim 19 is an ophthalmologic information processing server connected to a user terminal so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network, and is obtained by an ophthalmologic examination apparatus transmitted from the user terminal. A receiving unit that receives image data of the optometry, and processing type information that indicates a type of image analysis processing for the image data; an analysis processing unit that applies image analysis processing corresponding to the processing type information to the image data; A transmission unit that transmits the analysis result data obtained by the image analysis processing on the image data to the user terminal via the network.
The invention according to claim 20 is an ophthalmologic information processing method executed by a user terminal and an ophthalmologic information processing server that are communicably connected to each other via a network, and the user terminal performs ophthalmic examination. A step of storing the image data of the eye to be examined acquired by the apparatus; a step in which the user terminal designates a type of image analysis processing for the image data; and a processing type in which the user terminal represents the designated type Transmitting information and the image data to the ophthalmic information processing server via the network; and the ophthalmic information processing server receives the processing type information and the image data transmitted from the user terminal. And the ophthalmologic information processing server performs image analysis processing corresponding to the processing type information. A step of subjecting the image data, the ophthalmologic information-processing server, and transmitting the analysis result data obtained by the image analysis processing for the image data, the towards the user terminal via the network.

  According to the present invention, the ophthalmologic information processing server executes image analysis processing based on image data and processing type information transmitted from the user terminal, and transmits analysis result data obtained thereby to the user terminal. Therefore, it is possible to perform a wide variety of ophthalmic image analysis in many medical institutions.

It is a schematic block diagram showing an example of composition of an ophthalmology information processing system concerning an embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram showing an example of composition of an ophthalmology information processing system concerning an embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram showing an example of composition of an ophthalmology information processing system concerning an embodiment. It is a flowchart showing an example of operation | movement of the ophthalmologic information processing system which concerns on embodiment.

  Exemplary embodiments of an ophthalmologic information processing system, an ophthalmologic information processing server, and an ophthalmologic information processing method will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[overall structure]
A configuration example of an ophthalmologic information processing system according to an embodiment is shown in FIG. The ophthalmologic information processing system 1 includes an ophthalmologic information processing server 200. Furthermore, the ophthalmologic information processing system 1 includes user terminals 100, 100A, and 140 that are communicably connected to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 via a network. The user terminals 100, 100A, and 140 process at least information in the ophthalmic field, particularly image data of the eye to be examined acquired by the ophthalmic examination apparatus.

  In general, there are a plurality of user terminals that can communicate with the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 via a network in addition to those shown in FIG. Further, the ophthalmic examination apparatus does not need to be included in the ophthalmologic information processing system, and may be any configuration as long as image data obtained thereby is stored in the user terminal. The ophthalmic examination apparatus may be installed in the medical institution H, may be installed in another medical institution, or may be portable.

  The network includes a wide area network (WAN, Wide Area Network) N such as the Internet. In this embodiment, the user terminal 100 installed in the medical institution H is connected to the wide area network N via the in-hospital server 150 so as to be able to communicate with each other via a LAN (Local Area Network). Part or all of the network may be a wired communication line or a wireless communication line. Also, part or all of the network may be a dedicated line or a public line. The network is not limited to such a form, and the specific configuration thereof is arbitrary as long as bidirectional communication between each user terminal and the ophthalmologic information processing server is possible.

  The user terminal 100 is, for example, a computer used by a doctor who is a user to browse various medical information or edit an electronic medical record. The user terminal 100A is a computer used by the user, for example, a mobile computer. The user can store data stored in the user terminal 100 in the user terminal 100A. This data movement can be performed in any form. For example, the data may be moved via a portable storage medium such as a USB memory, the data may be moved via a communication line established between the user terminals 100 and 100A, or the user terminal 100 And 100A may be physically connected to move data. The user can take the user terminal 100A out of the medical institution H and use it. The user terminal 140 is a computer used by a user different from the user of the user terminal 100.

  The in-hospital server 150 is a computer that manages various types of information processing in the medical institution H. The in-hospital server 150 functions as various systems such as a hospital information system (HIS), an electronic medical record system, a reception system (medical fee system), and a radiology information system (Radiology Information System, RIS). The in-hospital server 150 manages image data with a format and a communication protocol compliant with, for example, DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medium). In DICOM, incidental information (tag information) is attached to image data to manage information.

  The ophthalmologic information processing server 200 is installed in the data center D, and provides a service provided by the ophthalmologic information processing system 1 to each user terminal. The ophthalmologic information processing server may be installed in a single data center, or may be distributed in two or more data centers. In the latter case, a plurality of ophthalmologic information processing servers installed in two or more data centers may be configured to communicate with each other via a network. In that case, a server for managing a plurality of ophthalmic information processing servers in an integrated manner can be provided separately.

  Hereinafter, the structure of each apparatus which comprises the ophthalmologic information processing system 1 is demonstrated. In addition, since the in-hospital server 150 can use a general thing, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted. Further, since the basic configurations of the user terminals 100, 100A, and 140 may be the same, only the user terminal 100 will be described in detail.

[User terminal]
The user terminal 100 includes a control unit 101, a communication unit 102, a data storage unit 103, a display unit 104, a display control unit 105, an operation unit 106, a processing type designation unit 107, and an electronic medical record data storage unit 108. A recording processing unit 109, an analysis processing unit 110, a patient information deletion unit 111, an identification information adding unit 112, and an encryption processing unit 113. The patient information deleting unit 111, the identification information adding unit 112, and the encryption processing unit 113 operate selectively under the control of the control unit 101.

(Control part)
The control unit 101 controls each unit of the user terminal 100. The control unit 101 includes, for example, a microprocessor and a storage device. The microprocessor executes predetermined control processing and arithmetic processing based on a program stored in the storage device. Processing executed by the control unit 101 will be described later.

[Communication Department]
The communication unit 102 performs data communication with the hospital server 150. This data communication includes a process of transmitting data to the hospital server 150 and a process of receiving data transmitted from the hospital server 150. The communication unit 102 has a configuration compliant with a network constructed in the medical institution H, and includes a communication device such as a LAN adapter, for example. The communication unit 102 functions as a “user terminal transmission unit”.

[Data storage section]
The data storage unit 103 stores various data used for processing by the user terminal 100. This data includes at least image data of the eye to be examined acquired by the ophthalmic examination apparatus. The storage unit 103 is configured by a storage device that can write and read data, such as a hard disk drive. Data write processing and data read processing are executed by the control unit 101. The data storage unit 103 functions as a “storage unit”. The electronic medical record data is stored in the electronic medical record data storage unit 108.

  These storage units may be configured by different storage areas of a single storage device, or may be configured by individual storage devices. Further, a storage device in which at least a part of these storage units is connected to a computer functioning as the user terminal 100 may be used. Further, at least a part of these storage units may be provided in the hospital server 150. In any case, these storage units only need to be able to read stored information from the user terminal 100 at an arbitrary timing.

[Display section]
The display unit 104 includes a display device such as a flat panel display or a CRT display.

(Display control unit)
The display control unit 105 causes the display unit 104 to display various types of information based on instructions from the control unit 101. Information to be displayed includes images based on image data, electronic medical records, user interfaces such as various operation screens and input images, and the like. Data for displaying the user interface is stored, for example, in a storage device (described above) of the control unit 101.

(Operation section)
The operation unit 106 is used for instruction input and information input. The operation unit 106 includes an arbitrary operation device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a joystick, and an operation panel.

[Processing type specification section]
The processing type designation unit 107 designates the type of image analysis processing for the image data acquired by the ophthalmic examination apparatus. Image analysis processing means data processing that obtains a target processing result by analyzing image data. The target processing result includes various types of information used for ophthalmologic diagnosis, such as identification of the form (position, size, etc.) of living tissue, detection of a lesioned part, and determination of the presence or absence of a lesion. The process type designation unit 107 functions as a “designation unit”.

  The designation of the type of image analysis processing will be described. The process type designation can be performed by the process type designation unit 107 in response to the content designated by the user, or can be automatically performed by the process type designation unit 107.

  In the former case, for example, the user designates a desired one of the processing type options displayed on the display unit 104 using the operation unit 106. In addition, the user inputs a desired processing type into the predetermined input field displayed on the display unit 104 using the operation unit 106. The process type designation unit 107 designates a process type corresponding to the designated content or input content as an image analysis process for the image data.

  In the latter case, for example, the data storage unit 103 stores information for automatically specifying the processing type in advance. This information includes, for example, information (data type / processing type correspondence information) in which the type of image data (image capturing target, ie, fundus, cornea, etc.) and the processing type are associated, and the disease name and the processing type. There are associated information (disease name / processing type correspondence information), information (processing history information) representing image analysis processing performed in the past on the image data of the eye to be examined. When data type / process type correspondence information is used, the process type designation unit 107 specifies a process type corresponding to the type information of the image data recorded in the incidental information of the image data, for example. When the disease name / process type correspondence information is used, the process type designation unit 107 specifies the process type corresponding to the disease name of the eye to be examined recorded in the electronic medical record data or incidental information of the patient. When the process history information is used, the process type designation unit 107 specifies the process type corresponding to the past image analysis process (for example, the previous one) included in the process history information. If there are a plurality of processing histories, the processing type may be uniquely specified by considering the type of the image data and the disease name together. In addition, in any case where the correspondence information is used (including the case where two or more pieces of correspondence information are used in combination), when the processing type cannot be uniquely specified, the two or more specified processing types or all the processing types are identified. The type may be displayed on the display unit 104 so as to be selectable, and may be selected by the user.

[Electronic medical record data storage]
The electronic medical record data storage unit 108 stores electronic medical record data of each patient. The electronic medical record data of each patient is individually managed using the identification information (patient ID, name, etc.) of the patient. The electronic medical record data stored at a certain timing may be for all patients in the medical institution H (in the medical department, that is, ophthalmology) or only for the patient who is currently the subject of medical care. It may be only for a patient who is a subject of medical treatment for a predetermined period (for example, today) or only for a patient arbitrarily selected by a user. The electronic medical record system of the in-hospital server 150 manages all the patient's electronic medical record data, and the electronic medical record data corresponding to the request from the user terminal 100 can be viewed and edited sequentially on the user terminal 100. it can.

[Recording processing section]
The recording processing unit 109 performs processing for recording analysis result data (described later) transmitted from the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 in the electronic medical record data of the patient. Identification information is given to the analysis result data. This identification information is, for example, identification information of the patient or identification information of the image data. In the latter case, when the image data is transmitted to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200, information in which the identification information of the image data is associated with the identification information of the patient is generated and stored in, for example, the data storage unit 103. The patient identification information corresponding to the analysis result data may be specified by referring to the information. The recording processing unit 109 searches the patient's electronic medical record data based on the patient identification information corresponding to the analysis result data, and records the analysis result data in the electronic medical record data.

[Analysis processing section]
The analysis processing unit 110 executes various image analysis processes on the image data acquired by the ophthalmic examination apparatus. In particular, the analysis processing unit 110 can execute at least a part of the image analysis processing that can be executed by the ophthalmologic information processing server 200. The analysis processing unit 110 stores a program for executing each image analysis process.

  The image data acquired by the ophthalmologic examination apparatus includes image data of the anterior ocular segment image and fundus image acquired by the slit lamp, image data of the fundus image and fluorescence image acquired by the fundus camera, and image coherence tomography. Acquired tomographic image of the anterior segment and fundus, image data of a three-dimensional image, image data of a corneal endothelium image acquired by a specular microscope, image data of a corneal image acquired by a keratometer, acquired by an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus Image data of the anterior segment image and fundus image. Further, the image analysis processing executed by the analysis processing unit 110 includes all known image processing performed on these image data.

[Patient information deletion part]
The patient information deletion unit 111 deletes patient information from various information recorded in the incidental information of the image data. The patient information includes information related to the patient's personal information, such as name, gender, age, and address. For example, when DICOM is used, the data length, patient information, examination conditions, left and right eye information, etc. are recorded in the DICOM tag. The patient information deletion unit 111 searches for and deletes at least patient information among these pieces of information. The inspection conditions include various parameters applied in the inspection (imaging) by the ophthalmic inspection apparatus. The left and right eye information is information indicating whether the eye to be examined depicted in the image is the left eye or the right eye.

[Identification information giving unit]
The identification information giving unit 112 gives predetermined identification information (image data identification information) to the image data. Patient information is not included in the image data identification information. The image data identification information is set based on information unrelated to patient information. Examples of information unrelated to patient information include user terminal identification information (terminal ID), serial numbers set for each user terminal, user (doctor) identification information (user ID), date information, random number information, and the like.

[Encryption processing section]
The encryption processing unit 113 encrypts patient information associated with image data. This encryption process may be a known method for encrypting arbitrary information. The encryption processing unit 113 functions as a “first encryption processing unit”.

  The encryption processing unit 113 encrypts the image data. This encryption process may be a known method for encrypting image data. The encryption processing unit 113 functions as a “second encryption processing unit”.

[Ophthalmology information processing server]
The ophthalmologic information processing server 200 includes a control unit 201, a communication unit 202, an account management unit 210, an analysis processing unit 220, a processing result comparison unit 231, a distribution program storage unit 241, and a reading processing unit 242. .

(Control part)
The control unit 201 controls each unit of the ophthalmologic information processing server 200. The control unit 201 includes, for example, a microprocessor and a storage device. The microprocessor executes predetermined control processing and arithmetic processing based on a program stored in the storage device. Processing executed by the control unit 201 will be described later.

[Communication Department]
The communication unit 202 performs data communication with each of the user terminals 100, 100A, and 140 (including a plurality of user terminals) via the network N. This data communication includes a process of transmitting data to each user terminal and a process of receiving data transmitted from each user terminal. The communication unit 202 has a configuration conforming to the network N and includes a communication device such as a modem. The communication unit 102 functions as “a receiving unit of the ophthalmic information processing server” and “a transmitting unit of the ophthalmic information processing server”.

[Account Management Department]
The account management unit 210 manages an account for each user based on user identification information given in advance for each user. Here, “for each user” includes both the meanings of each doctor as a user and each user terminal.

  In addition, although this embodiment demonstrates the structure which manages information for every user using an account, it is not limited to this. For example, any configuration such as a configuration for managing information for each image data using identification information of the image data, a configuration for managing information for each medical institution, or a configuration for managing information for each user group consisting of multiple users It is possible to apply.

  The account management unit 210 includes an information storage unit 211, a billing information storage unit 212, and an information management unit 213.

(Information storage unit)
The information storage unit 211 stores information managed in each account. Information managed in each account is managed in association with identification information (account ID) assigned to each account. The account ID is, for example, the aforementioned user ID. Information managed in each account includes image data, various types of identification information, information on a charge amount, and the like.

  Information writing processing to the information storage unit 211 and information reading processing from the information storage unit 211 are executed by the information management unit 213. The information management unit 213 searches for the user's account based on identification information (for example, user ID) given to the image data, and stores the image data in a storage area of information managed in the account. Further, the information management unit 213 stores the analysis result data generated by analyzing the image data by the analysis processing unit 220 in the storage area of the user's account by the same processing. Further, the information management unit 213 searches for an account corresponding to the information based on the identification information attached to the information provision request from another device (such as a user terminal), and reads the information from the storage area of the account. .

(Billing information storage unit)
The billing information storage unit 212 stores in advance billing information in which the image analysis processing type and the billing amount are associated with each other. The analysis processing unit 220 executes various types of image analysis processing on image data of various images of the eye to be examined. The billing information is, for example, table information in which a billing amount is associated with each of these image analysis processing types (which may include image types).

  The billing amount is determined based on the medical fee amount for the processing type for which the medical fee is set, and is arbitrarily determined for the other processing types. Different billing amounts may be applied depending on the user. For example, the charge amount can be changed according to the frequency of use of the system or the type of user or medical institution. In addition, the charge amount can be changed according to the timing of using the system, such as the load on the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 and the service reduction period. Further, for image analysis processing having optional processing that can arbitrarily specify whether to apply or not, additional charging amounts may be associated with each optional processing. Such change or addition of the billing amount is executed by the information management unit 213.

(Information Management Department)
The information management unit 213 executes various types of information processing related to each user account. This information processing includes the various processes described above. Information processing other than these will be described later.

  In response to the image analysis process performed by the analysis processing unit 220, the information management unit 213 acquires a charge amount corresponding to the image analysis process based on the charge information. Further, the information management unit 213 associates this billing amount with the user ID of the user and stores it in the information storage unit 211. Thereby, the charge amount for each user can be managed by the account. The information management unit 213 functions as a “billing management unit”.

[Analysis processing section]
The analysis processing unit 220 performs various image analysis processes on the image data. The analysis processing unit 220 includes a program storage unit 221, a program selection unit 222, a standard data storage unit 223, a process execution unit 224, and an update processing unit 225.

(Program memory)
The program storage unit 221 stores programs for performing various image analysis processes in advance. Each program is associated with information (processing type information) indicating the type of image analysis processing corresponding to the program.

(Program selection part)
The program selection unit 222 selects a program corresponding to the type of image analysis processing requested by the user from among the programs stored in the program storage unit 221. This process is executed with reference to the process type information. The program selection unit 222 functions as a “selection unit”.

(Standard data storage)
The standard data storage unit 223 stores standard data that is referred to in predetermined image analysis processing in advance. Standard data is generated by performing image analysis processing on a plurality of image data obtained for a plurality of eyes to be examined by an ophthalmic examination apparatus, obtaining a plurality of analysis result data, and statistically processing the analysis result data. The The standard data includes representative values (average value, median value, etc.) of a plurality of analysis result data and variation information (standard deviation, variance, etc.). An example of standard data is the thickness of a predetermined layer of the fundus of a normal eye. Each standard data is associated with process type information.

(Processing execution unit)
The process execution unit 224 executes image analysis processing on the image data based on the program selected by the program selection unit 222. Further, the process execution unit 224 determines whether or not standard data associated with the processing type information of the image analysis process to be executed exists, and if it exists, acquires the standard data from the standard data storage unit 223. .

(Update processing part)
The update processing unit 225 updates the standard data stored in the standard data storage unit 223 based on analysis result data based on new image data obtained by the ophthalmic examination apparatus.

  Since the standard data is based on a plurality of analysis result data, generally, the reliability increases as the number of samples increases. In addition, improvement in the accuracy of the analysis result data is expected by improving the performance of the ophthalmic examination apparatus and improving the accuracy of the analysis processing. Therefore, it is considered meaningful to update the standard data using newly obtained analysis result data. In view of such a background, the update processing unit 225 updates standard data.

  New image data or analysis result data is input to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 via, for example, the communication unit 202 or by reading data recorded on a recording medium with a drive device (not shown). When new image data is input, the process execution unit 224 generates analysis result data from the new image data. On the other hand, when analysis result data is input, the analysis result data is executed by another device (such as a user terminal or a dedicated analysis device).

  The update process may reflect new analysis result data in the current standard data, or may replace the current standard data with new standard data.

[Process result comparison unit]
It is assumed that the analysis processing unit 110 of the user terminal 100 and the analysis processing unit 220 of the ophthalmic information processing server 200 execute at least one same type of image analysis processing. In this case, both analysis result data are not necessarily the same. For example, the versions of programs installed on both devices may be different. In addition, the resources (capacity of the microprocessor, memory, etc.) of both apparatuses may be greatly different. Considering the service provided to the user, the analysis result data by both apparatuses must be the same, or at least the analysis result data by the user terminal 100 must be acceptable. The processing result comparison unit 231 is for ensuring such a situation.

  That is, the processing result comparison unit 231 compares the analysis result data obtained by the user terminal 100 with the analysis result data obtained by the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 for image analysis processing that can be executed by both apparatuses. When the analysis result data is a numerical value, the processing result comparison unit 231 compares the magnitude relationship between the two numerical values. The magnitude relationship includes differences and ratios. On the other hand, when the analysis result data is not a numerical value, a predetermined comparison process is executed. For example, when the analysis result data is a result of specifying an image area corresponding to a lesioned part, the position, size, shape, and the like of both of the result of specifying (image area) are compared. This comparison result includes a numerical value (difference, ratio, etc.), a degree of similarity, and the like.

  The comparison result obtained by the processing result comparison unit 231 can be used for any purpose. Examples of the purpose of use include comparison of program versions, evaluation of resources of the user terminal 100, presence of bugs, and the like. This process is executed by the control unit 201 of the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 and the control unit 101 of the user terminal 100.

[Distribution program storage unit]
The distribution program storage unit 241 stores a program corresponding to an image analysis process that cannot be executed by the user terminal 100 in advance. This image analysis process includes not only an image analysis process of a type that cannot be executed by the user terminal 100 but also an image analysis process using a different version program and an image analysis process using different standard data. Further, the image processing that cannot be executed by the user terminal does not mean that the image processing cannot be executed by all user terminals, but may be anything that cannot be executed by at least one user terminal. Each program stored in the distribution program storage unit 241 is associated with program identification information.

[Read processing section]
The reading processing unit 242 receives information (selection content information) indicating a selection result (including a case where the version and standard data are different) of the inexecutable image analysis processing type selected by the user. The selection content information includes identification information of the user terminal 100 and program identification information. The read processing unit 242 searches for a program associated with the identification information included in the input selection content information from among the programs stored in the distribution program storage unit 242, and reads this. The read program is sent to the user terminal 100 by the communication unit 202 under the control of the control unit 201 based on the identification information of the user terminal 100.

[Operation]
The operation of the ophthalmologic information processing system 1 will be described. Hereinafter, various operations of the ophthalmologic information processing system 1 will be described. Note that the ophthalmologic information processing system according to the present invention need not be able to execute all of the following operations. In addition, although the case where the user terminal 100 performs processing is described below, other arbitrary user terminals can perform similar processing. It is assumed that image data and incidental information are already stored in the data storage unit 103 of the user terminal 100.

[First operation example]
First, the basic operation of the ophthalmologic information processing system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. The flowchart shown in FIG. 1 represents an example of this basic operation.

(S1: Selection of image data)
The user selects image data for which the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 is requested to perform image analysis processing. For this purpose, the display control unit 105 causes the display unit 104 to display a predetermined user interface. This user interface is provided with a key (or input space) for designating a patient. The user designates a patient by operating a key (or inputting a patient ID) using the operation unit 106. The control unit 101 searches the data storage unit 103 for image data associated with the patient ID of the designated patient. The display control unit 105 causes the display unit 104 to display a list or thumbnail of the searched image data. The user selects desired image data using the operation unit 106. At this time, one or more arbitrary numbers of image data can be selected.

(S2: Specification of processing type)
The processing type designation unit 107 designates the type of image analysis processing for the image data selected in step 1 based on designation by the user (or automatically with reference to the above-described correspondence information).

(S3: Transmission of image data, etc.)
The control unit 101 associates the image data selected in step 1 with the processing type information indicating the processing type specified in step 2. Further, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to transmit the image data and the processing type information to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 together with the terminal ID.

(S4: Reception of image data etc.)
The communication unit 202 of the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 receives image data, processing type information, and a terminal ID transmitted from the user terminal 100.

(S5: Execution of image analysis processing)
The control unit 201 sends the image data received in step 4 to the process execution unit 224 and the process type information to the program selection unit 222. The program selection unit 222 acquires a program corresponding to the process type information from the program storage unit 221 and sends the program to the process execution unit 224. The process execution unit 224 performs image analysis processing on the image data based on the program. The process execution unit 224 sends the processing result data obtained by the image analysis process to the control unit 201.

(S6: Transmission of analysis result data)
The control unit 201 acquires the address (IP address or the like) of the user terminal 100 based on the terminal ID received in step 4. Here, in the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 (for example, the information storage unit 211), information in which a terminal ID is associated with an address is stored in advance, and the control unit 201 identifies a target address with reference to this information. To do. Instead of referring to the terminal ID, the address of the user terminal 100 used in the transmission / reception processing in steps 3 and 4 may be used as a reply destination. The control unit 201 transmits analysis result data to the acquired address.

(S7: Reception of analysis result data)
The communication unit 102 of the user terminal 100 receives the analysis result data transmitted from the ophthalmologic information processing server 200.

(S8: Display of analysis result data)
The display control unit 105 causes the display unit 104 to display the analysis result data received in step 7.

[Second operation example]
In general, high security is required for medical images. An example of the operation will be described. As described above, the incidental information is associated with the image data stored in the data storage unit 103. The incidental information includes patient information. Examples of security measures described below are for preventing leakage of patient information, which is personal information, and image data itself.

  Note that the following examples can be applied in any combination. In addition, it is possible to select which example process is to be executed. This selection can be performed using, for example, the user interface displayed on the display unit 104 and the operation unit 106.

  A first example will be described. At an arbitrary timing from step 1 (selection of image data) to step 3 (transmission of image data or the like) in FIG. 1, the patient information deletion unit 111 obtains at least patient information from the incidental information of the selected image data. delete. At this time, dummy data may be recorded in the incidental information instead of the patient information. In step 3, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to transmit the incidental information from which the patient information is deleted and the image data to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200.

  A second example will be described. At any timing between step 1 and step 3 in FIG. 1, the identification information adding unit 112 adds identification information other than patient information to the selected image data. Here, the aspect which provides identification information is arbitrary. For example, the patient information recorded in the incidental information may be deleted, and the identification information may be recorded instead. Also, a new auxiliary information recording area (DICOM tag) may be generated, and the identification information may be recorded in this recording area. In step 3, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to transmit the given identification information and image data to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200. At this time, the patient information originally attached to the image data is not transmitted.

  A third example will be described. At an arbitrary timing between step 1 and step 3 in FIG. 1, the encryption processing unit 113 encrypts patient information recorded in the incidental information of the selected image data. In step 3, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to transmit incidental information including encrypted patient information and image data to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200. At this time, it is not necessary to transmit all the incidental information other than the encrypted patient information.

  A fourth example will be described. At an arbitrary timing between step 1 and step 3 in FIG. 1, the encryption processing unit 113 encrypts the selected image data. In step 3, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to transmit the encrypted image data and other information (such as incidental information) to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200.

  In the above, the security measures when image data or the like is transmitted from the user terminal 100 to the ophthalmic information processing server 200 have been described. However, the same processing is performed when image data or the like is output from the user terminal 100 in any form. It can be carried out. As this output form, when transmitting image data or the like from the user terminal 100 to another computer, when recording image data or the like on a recording medium using a drive device (not shown) of the user terminal 100, a printer is used. In some cases, an image based on the image data is printed.

[Third operation example]
An operation example when the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 can execute image analysis processing that cannot be executed by the user terminal 100 will be described. Such image analysis processing will be referred to as specific image analysis processing.

  A first example will be described. The display control unit 105 displays a predetermined user interface on the display unit 104. This user interface presents at least information indicating the type of the specific image analysis process as information regarding the specific image analysis process. The user uses the user interface and the operation unit to perform an instruction related to the specific image analysis processing, and an operation to specify at least the type. The control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to transmit information indicating the content of this instruction (instruction content information) to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 together with the terminal ID. At this time, the image data selected by the user can also be transmitted. In this case, the instruction regarding the specific image analysis processing is performed at an arbitrary timing before Step 3 (transmission of image data or the like) shown in FIG. Further, when specific image analysis processing is performed on image data transmitted to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 in the past, the identification information of the image data can be transmitted together with the instruction content information.

  The analysis processing unit 220 of the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 performs this specific image analysis processing on the image data in the same manner as in the first operation example. The analysis result data obtained thereby is transmitted toward the user terminal 100 based on the terminal ID. The user terminal 100 displays this analysis result data on the display unit 104.

  A second example will be described. The display control unit 105 displays a predetermined user interface on the display unit 104. This user interface is presented so that the type of specific image analysis processing can be selected. As the presentation mode, there are a process type list display, a pull-down menu display, an icon display, and the like. The user performs an operation of selecting a processing type using the user interface and the operation unit. This operation can be performed at an arbitrary timing. The control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to transmit information indicating the selection content (selection content information) to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 together with the terminal ID.

  The read control unit 242 of the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 reads a program corresponding to the selection content information transmitted from the user terminal 100 from the distribution program storage unit 241. The read program is transmitted toward the user terminal 100 based on the terminal ID.

  The control unit 101 of the user terminal 100 stores the program received by the communication unit 102 in the analysis processing unit 110. This program is installed in the user terminal 100 in response to, for example, a user instruction. Accordingly, the user terminal 100 can execute the specific image analysis process corresponding to this program.

  A third example will be described. In this example, it is assumed that the user terminal 100 can execute at least a part of image analysis processing that can be executed by the ophthalmologic information processing server 200. The analysis processing unit 110 of the user terminal 100 performs image analysis processing instructed by the user on the image data to generate analysis result data. The control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to transmit the analysis result data to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200. At this time, the image data can be sent together with the analysis result data. Note that this is not necessary when the image data has already been transmitted. Further, instead of using the image data obtained by photographing the eye to be examined, predetermined test image data can be used.

  The control unit 201 of the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 sends the analysis result data received by the communication unit 202 to the processing result comparison unit 231. In addition, the control unit 201 sends analysis result data based on the image data (or test image data) to the processing result comparison unit 231. The processing result comparison unit 231 compares the analysis result data obtained by the user terminal 100 with the analysis result data obtained by the ophthalmologic information processing server 200. The control unit 201 executes a predetermined process based on the comparison result. As this predetermined process, there is transmission of the comparison result to the user terminal 100. Further, a program stored in the distribution program storage unit 241 can be read out according to the comparison result and transmitted to the user terminal 100.

[Fourth operation example]
A process for updating the standard data will be described.

  The administrator of the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 inputs new image data or analysis result data based on the new image data to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 at a desired timing. When image data is input, the control unit 201 controls the analysis processing unit 220 to generate analysis result data based on the image data. The input analysis result data or the generated analysis result data is sent to the update processing unit 255. The update processing unit 255 updates the standard data stored in the standard data storage unit 223 based on the analysis result data.

[Fifth operation example]
An operation example related to an account for each user will be described. As a basic configuration for this, each user terminal is connected to the ophthalmic information processing server 200 so as to be able to communicate with each other via the network N, and the ophthalmic information processing server 200 (its account management unit 210) is connected to each user. An account for each user is managed on the basis of user identification information (user ID) given in advance. Hereinafter, an example of processing realized by this basic configuration will be described.

  The first example is processing related to charging. As described above, the billing information storage unit 212 of the account management unit 210 stores in advance billing information in which the image analysis processing type and the billing amount are associated with each other. When the image analysis process is executed by the analysis processing unit 220 of the ophthalmic information processing server 200 in response to a request from the user terminal 100, the control unit 201 displays process type information (and a process type of the executed image analysis process) (and The user ID of the user is sent to the information management unit 213. The information management unit 213 searches for an account associated with the user ID. Furthermore, the information management unit 213 specifies the charge amount corresponding to the process type indicated in the process type information with reference to the charge information. Then, the information management unit 213 records the specified billing amount in the user account. In this recording process, for example, information related to the image analysis process such as a process type, a process date and time, and applied parameters are recorded together with a charge amount. These pieces of information are called processing history.

  The user can call up the processing history from the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 by operating the user terminal 100. The user terminal 100 displays information based on the processing history. At this time, the total charge amount included in the processing history can be calculated and displayed. In addition, the billing amount can be withdrawn from a predetermined payment account. Examples of the payment account include a bank account, a credit card, and a prepaid card.

  In the second example, processing in the case where one user uses a plurality of user terminals will be described. Here, a case where user terminals 100 and 100A are used will be described. Note that the number of user terminals that can be used by one user is not limited to two, and may be any number of two or more. It is assumed that the terminal IDs of the user terminals 100 and 100A are registered in advance in the user account. That is, it is assumed that both terminal IDs are associated with the user ID of the user. The storage area allocated to the user in the information storage unit 211 may be a user terminal unit or a user unit.

  It is assumed that the user transmits the image data, the user ID and / or the terminal ID to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 using the user terminal 100A outside the medical institution H.

  The ophthalmologic information processing server 200 performs image analysis processing on the image data as described above. The obtained analysis result data is sent to the information management unit 213 together with the user ID (and / or terminal ID) by the control unit 201, and stored in a storage area corresponding to the user ID (or terminal ID) by the information management unit 213. Is done. Further, the control unit 201 controls the communication unit 202 to transmit this analysis result data to the user terminal 100A.

  When the user terminal 100A that is the request source of the image analysis processing is instructed to transmit arbitrary analysis result data (including data requested by the user terminal 100), the information management unit 213 transmits the transmission instruction. Analysis result data associated with the terminal ID (or user ID) included in the user ID is read from the user account and sent to the control unit 201. The control unit 201 controls the communication unit 202 to transmit this analysis result data to the user terminal 100A.

  Similarly, when an instruction to transmit arbitrary analysis result data (including data requested by the user terminal 100A) is issued from the user terminal 100, the information management unit 213 displays the terminal ID (or user) included in the transmission instruction. ID) is read from the user account and sent to the control unit 201. The control unit 201 controls the communication unit 202 to transmit this analysis result data to the user terminal 100.

  In the third example, the setting of data disclosure / non-disclosure for other users and processing related thereto will be described. Other users use the user terminal 140 shown in FIG.

  The information storage unit 211 stores information that is stored in association with the user ID, that is, information that is instructed to be stored in the account by the user, information that can be disclosed to other users (disclosure information), and information that is not disclosed. It is classified and stored as possible information (non-disclosure information) (including the case where disclosure is possible / non-disclosure is set for each account).

  Here, the other users to be disclosed may be all users or may be limited to specific users. In the former case, the user performs a setting operation for that purpose. In the latter case, the user performs an operation for designating another user to be disclosed. A group may be formed by a plurality of users, and public / private may be set for each group.

  Considering the possibility of information leakage, it is desirable that the default in the public / private setting is a non-public setting. In other words, it is considered desirable to configure the system so that a predetermined operation needs to be performed in order to make it public.

  Assume that a request for browsing information stored in the user's account is made from the user terminal 140 of a user other than the user (viewing request user). This browsing request includes the user ID of the browsing request user, the terminal ID (and address) of the user terminal 140, information indicating the type of information desired to be browsed, and the like.

  The information management unit 213 determines whether the information (analysis result data, image data, etc.) is information that can be disclosed based on the classification. If the information is not information that can be disclosed, that is, information that cannot be disclosed, the information management unit 213 sends information to that effect to the control unit 201. The control unit 201 receives this information and sends information indicating that browsing is impossible to the user terminal 140.

  The user terminal 140 displays information (such as a character string message) indicating that browsing is impossible. On the other hand, when the information is information that can be disclosed, the information management unit 213 determines whether or not the user ID of the browsing request user is a disclosure target. If it is a disclosure target, this information is sent to the user terminal 140. If it is not a disclosure target, the same processing as in the case of non-disclosure information is executed, and a character string message or the like is displayed on the user terminal 140.

  When information is disclosed to other users, the fact (disclosure history) can be recorded in the user's account. This disclosure history includes information relating to the disclosed user (user ID, name, etc.), disclosure date and time, type of disclosed information, and the like. The user can view the disclosure history. In addition, information leakage and the like may be dealt with by monitoring the frequency of browsing requests of each user.

  In this third example, the account management unit 210 causes the information storage unit 211 to store data transmitted from the user terminal 140 of another user toward the user's account in association with the user ID of the user. It may be.

  As a specific example, first, another user uses the user terminal 140 to designate the user and transmit desired data to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200. For example, the user ID of the user is associated with the transmission data.

  The control unit 201 of the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 sends the data and user ID received by the communication unit 202 to the information management unit 213. The information management unit 213 identifies the user's account based on this user ID, and stores this data in the storage area of the information storage unit 211 corresponding to this account. That is, this data is stored in the information storage unit 211 in association with the user ID of the user.

  In addition to this, the ophthalmologic information processing system 1 can be configured to execute the following processing. First, the user uses the user terminal 100 to transmit an instruction (request instruction) for requesting another user's comment to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200. This request instruction is associated with the user ID of another user and the user ID of the user. In addition, the content of a request to another user (for example, character string information indicating that the image data is to be interpreted) can be transmitted together with the request instruction. Furthermore, it is possible to transmit image data and / or analysis result data of an image that other users want to view together with a request instruction. Further, when it is desired that another user browse an image based on the image data transmitted to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 in the past, the identification information of the image data can be transmitted together with the request instruction.

  The control unit 201 of the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 sends the request instruction and user ID received by the communication unit 202 to the information management unit 213. The information management unit 213 (or control unit 201) specifies the address of the other user based on the user ID of the other user and the information of the other user stored in the information storage unit 211. Further, when receiving the identification information of the image data, the information management unit 213 identifies the user account based on the user ID of the user, and the image data and / or the image data based on the identification information of the image data. Analysis result data is read from the information storage unit 211. The information management unit 213 controls the communication unit 202 via the control unit 201 to transmit the image data and / or analysis result data to the user terminal 140 of another user. At this time, it is possible to transmit information related to the user (name, affiliated medical institution name, user ID, etc.) and the contents of the request.

  Other users who have received such a request browse images and analysis result data, and create comments using the user terminal 140. At this time, information indicating that another user has performed browsing or that browsing has not been performed for a predetermined period may be transmitted to the user terminal 100 via the ophthalmic information processing server 200. The created comment is transmitted from the user terminal 140 to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 in association with the user ID of another user or the user ID of the user.

  Based on the user ID of the user, the information management unit 213 of the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 stores the comment and the user ID of another user in the user account. At this time, the information management unit 213 may cause the user terminal 100 to transmit the comment or the fact that it has arrived. In the latter case, the user transmits a comment transmission instruction to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200, and the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 that receives the instruction transmits the comment to the user terminal 100.

[Sixth operation example]
A process of recording analysis result data obtained by the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 in an electronic medical chart that can be browsed on the user terminal 100 will be described. In addition, when the in-hospital server 150 manages the electronic medical record data, the in-hospital server 150 can be configured to execute the processing. In this case, it is assumed that the in-hospital server 150 is also included in the user terminal.

  For example, as described in the first operation example, the user terminal 100 receives the analysis result data obtained by the ophthalmologic information processing server 200. The identification information described in the section of the recording processing unit 109 is attached to the analysis result data. The recording processing unit 109 specifies patient identification information of the patient based on the identification information. Then, the recording processing unit 109 searches the electronic medical record data storage unit 108 for the electronic medical record data of the patient based on the patient identification information, and records the analysis result data in the electronic medical record data.

[Action / Effect]
The operation and effect of the ophthalmologic information processing system 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

  The ophthalmologic information processing system 1 is configured to include a user terminal 100 (and 100A and 140) and an ophthalmologic information processing server 200 that are communicably connected to each other via a network N.

  The user terminal 100 includes a data storage unit 103, a process type designation unit 107, and a communication unit 102. The data storage unit 103 stores image data of the eye to be examined acquired by the ophthalmic examination apparatus. The processing type designation unit 107 designates the type of image analysis processing for the image data. The communication unit 102 transmits processing type information representing the specified type and image data to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 via the network N.

  The ophthalmologic information processing server includes a communication unit 202 and an analysis processing unit 220. The communication unit 202 receives the processing type information and the image data transmitted from the user terminal 100. The analysis processing unit 220 performs image analysis processing corresponding to the processing type information on the image data to generate analysis result data. The communication unit 202 transmits the analysis result data to the user terminal 100 via the network N.

  According to such an ophthalmologic information processing system 1, the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 executes the image analysis process requested by the user terminal 100 on the medical institution H side, and provides the processing result to the user terminal 100. it can. Therefore, image analysis processing that cannot be executed by the user terminal 100, for example, image analysis processing that is not installed in the user terminal 100, or image analysis processing that is impossible or difficult to execute with the resources of the user terminal 100, The result can be provided to the user.

  It is also possible to cause the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 to execute image analysis processing while performing other work on the user terminal 100. Further, when the user terminal 100 is not used, the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 can be caused to execute image analysis processing.

  Thus, according to the ophthalmologic information processing system 1, it is possible to perform a wide variety of ophthalmologic image analysis in many medical institutions. In addition, there is an advantage that image analysis processing can be performed regardless of the usage state of the user terminal 100.

  The analysis processing unit 220 may include a program storage unit 221, a program selection unit 222, and a process execution unit 224. The program storage unit 221 stores a plurality of programs corresponding to a plurality of types of image analysis processing in advance. The program selection unit 222 selects a program corresponding to the processing type information transmitted from the user terminal 100 and received by the communication unit 202 from among a plurality of programs stored in the program storage unit 221. The process execution unit 224 executes image analysis processing on the image data associated with the process type information based on the selected program.

  The user terminal 100 may be configured as follows. The data storage unit 103 stores image data and incidental information including patient information of the patient attached thereto. The user terminal 100 includes a patient information deletion unit 111 that deletes patient information from the incidental information. Then, the user terminal 100 transmits the incidental information from which the patient information has been deleted by the patient information deletion unit 111 and the image data to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 through the communication unit 102.

  With this configuration, patient information is not transmitted to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200, and thus leakage of patient information can be prevented.

  Further, the user terminal 100 may be configured as follows. Similarly to the above, the data storage unit 103 stores image data and incidental information. The user terminal 100 includes an identification information adding unit 112 that adds identification information other than patient information to image data. Then, the user terminal 100 transmits the identification information and image data given by the identification information giving unit 112 to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 by the communication unit 102.

  With this configuration, patient information is not transmitted to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200, and thus leakage of patient information can be prevented.

  Further, the user terminal 100 may be configured as follows. The data storage unit 103 stores image data and patient information of the patient. The user terminal 100 includes an encryption processing unit 113 that encrypts patient information. Then, the user terminal 100 transmits the patient information and the image data encrypted by the encryption processing unit 113 to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 through the communication unit 102.

  Thus, by encrypting patient information and transmitting it to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200, the risk of leakage of patient information can be reduced.

  Further, the user terminal 100 may be configured to encrypt the image data by the encryption processing unit 113 and transmit the encrypted image data to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 by the communication unit 102. Thereby, the risk of leakage of image data can be reduced.

  It is possible to provide the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 with the same security improvement function as these. That is, when outputting patient information and image data stored in the information storage unit 211, patient information is deleted, identification information other than patient information is added, patient information is encrypted, and image data is The ophthalmologic information processing server 200 can be configured so as to be encrypted.

  The ophthalmologic information processing system 1 may be configured as follows. The analysis processing unit 110 of the user terminal 100 can execute one or more types of image analysis processing, and the analysis processing unit 200 of the ophthalmic information processing server 200 performs image analysis processing that cannot be executed by the user terminal 100. It is feasible.

  With this configuration, the user terminal 100 can acquire analysis result data by image analysis processing that cannot be performed by itself.

  The ophthalmologic information processing system 1 may be configured as follows. The user terminal 100 includes a display unit 104, a display control unit 105, and an operation unit 106. The display control unit 105 causes the display unit 104 to display a user interface related to image analysis processing that cannot be executed by the user terminal 100. In response to an instruction regarding image analysis processing that cannot be performed by the user terminal 100 being performed using the user interface and the operation unit 106, the user terminal 100 transmits the instruction content information representing the content of the instruction to the ophthalmic information by the communication unit 102. Transmit to the processing server 200.

  The ophthalmologic information processing server 200 executes image analysis processing based on the instruction content information by the analysis processing unit 220, and transmits analysis result data obtained thereby to the user terminal 100 by the communication unit 202. The display control unit 105 of the user terminal 100 causes the display unit 104 to display information based on the analysis result data.

  With this configuration, the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 can execute image analysis processing reflecting any instruction content desired by the user.

  The ophthalmologic information processing system 1 may be configured as follows. The user terminal 100 includes a display unit 104, a display control unit 105, and an operation unit 106. The display control unit 105 causes the display unit 104 to display a user interface that presents selectable image analysis processing types that cannot be executed by the user terminal 100. In response to the selection of the type of image analysis processing that cannot be performed by the user terminal 100 being performed using the user interface and the operation unit 106, the user terminal 100 transmits selection content information representing the content of this selection to the communication unit 102. Transmit to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200.

  The distribution program storage unit 241 of the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 stores a program corresponding to an image analysis process that cannot be executed by the user terminal 100 in advance. The read processing unit 242 reads a program corresponding to the selection content information transmitted from the user terminal 100 from the distribution program storage unit 241. The ophthalmologic information processing server 200 transmits the program read by the read processing unit 242 to the user terminal 100 by the communication unit 202.

  With this configuration, the user can acquire a program corresponding to a desired image analysis process from the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 and perform this image analysis process on the user terminal 100.

  The ophthalmologic information processing system 1 may be configured as follows. The user terminal 100 includes an analysis processing unit 110 that performs at least a part of image analysis processing among image analysis processing executable by the analysis processing unit 220 of the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 on image data. The user terminal 100 transmits the analysis result data obtained by the analysis processing unit 110 to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 through the communication unit 102.

  The ophthalmologic information processing server 200 includes a processing result comparison unit 231 that compares analysis result data obtained by its own analysis processing unit 220 with analysis result data obtained by the user terminal 100.

  With this configuration, the analysis result data obtained by the user terminal 100 and the analysis result data obtained by the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 are the same, and how or how much they differ. Can be determined. This determination result can be used for various purposes such as comparison of program versions, evaluation of resources of the user terminal 100, presence or absence of bugs, and the like.

  The ophthalmologic information processing server 200 may be configured as follows. The standard data storage unit 223 of the analysis processing unit 220 statistically processes a plurality of analysis result data obtained by performing image analysis processing on a plurality of image data obtained for a plurality of eyes to be examined by the ophthalmic examination apparatus. The standard data generated by this is stored in advance. The update processing unit 225 updates the standard data stored in the standard data storage unit 223 based on analysis result data based on new image data obtained by the ophthalmic examination apparatus.

  With this configuration, the standard data storage unit 223 can be appropriately updated, and the accuracy and accuracy of image analysis processing using standard data can be ensured.

  The ophthalmologic information processing system 1 may be configured as follows. The ophthalmologic information processing server 200 is connected to a plurality of user terminals 100, 100 </ b> A, 140 that can communicate with each other via a network N. The ophthalmologic information processing server 200 includes an account management unit 210 that manages an account for each user based on user identification information given in advance for each user.

  With this configuration, it is possible to suitably manage information related to each user.

  The account management unit 210 may be configured as follows. The account management unit 210 includes a charging information storage unit 212 and a charging management unit 213. The billing information storage unit 212 stores in advance billing information in which the image analysis processing type and the billing amount are associated with each other. In response to the image analysis process performed by the analysis processing unit 210 of the ophthalmologic information processing server 200, the charge management unit 213 acquires a charge amount corresponding to the image analysis process based on the charge information, and this charge amount Is associated with the user identification information of the user. The associated charge amount and user identification information are stored in the user's account in the information storage unit 211.

  By configuring in this way, it becomes possible to manage the billing amount corresponding to the usage status of the service for each user.

  When one user uses two or more user terminals (including the user terminals 100 and 100A), the account management unit 210 can be configured as follows. Assume that an image analysis process based on the process type information and image data transmitted from the first user terminal is executed by the analysis processing unit 220 of the ophthalmologic information processing server 200. At this time, the account management unit 210 controls the communication unit 202 so that the analysis result data obtained by the image analysis process can be transmitted to all of the two or more user terminals of the user.

  With this configuration, it is possible to share the result of the service used by each user terminal with all terminals. It is also possible to set so that information is shared by only some of the plurality of user terminals.

  The ophthalmologic information processing server 200 may be configured as follows. In the information storage unit 211 of the account management unit 210, information instructed to be stored by the user associated with the user identification information is classified and stored as disclosing information and disclosing information. The communication unit 202 of the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 can transmit only the information that can be disclosed among the information instructed to be stored by the user of the user terminal 100 to the user terminals 140 of other users.

  With this configuration, it is possible to prevent leakage of information that cannot be disclosed.

  The account management unit 210 may be configured as follows. The account management unit 210 stores the data transmitted from the user terminal 140 of another user to the user (account) of the user terminal 100 in the information storage unit 211 in association with the user identification information of the user of the user terminal 100. Let

  With this configuration, data sent from another user to the user can be suitably managed as information related to the user.

  The ophthalmologic information processing system 1 may be configured as follows. The user terminal 100 of the user transmits a request instruction for requesting another user's comment to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 through the communication unit 102. The account management unit 210 of the ophthalmic information processing server 200 controls the communication unit 202 via the control unit 201 to transmit the target image data and / or analysis result data to the user terminal 140 of another user. Let

  With this configuration, the user can request comments on images and analysis result data from other users.

  The user terminal 100 may be configured as follows. The user terminal 100 includes an electronic medical record data storage unit 108 and a recording processing unit 109. The electronic medical record data storage unit 108 stores electronic medical record data for each patient. The recording processing unit 109 records the analysis result data transmitted from the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 in the electronic medical record data of the patient.

  With this configuration, the analysis result data obtained by the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 can be automatically recorded in the corresponding patient's electronic medical record.

  The ophthalmologic information processing server 200 according to this embodiment has the following configuration. The ophthalmologic information processing server 200 is connected to the user terminal 100 and the like via the network N so as to be able to communicate with each other. The ophthalmologic information processing server 200 includes a communication unit 202 and an analysis processing unit 220. The communication unit 202 receives the image data of the eye to be examined, which is transmitted from the user terminal 100 or the like and acquired by the ophthalmic examination apparatus, and the processing type information indicating the type of image analysis processing for the image data. The analysis processing unit 220 performs image analysis processing corresponding to the processing type information on the image data to generate analysis result data. The communication unit 202 transmits the analysis result data to the user terminal 100 or the like (the user terminal that is the transmission source of the image data or the like) via the network N.

  According to such an ophthalmologic information processing server 200, it is possible to execute an image analysis process requested by the user terminal 100 or the like and provide the processing result to the user terminal 100 or the like. Therefore, it is possible to perform a wide variety of ophthalmic image analysis in many medical institutions. In addition, there is an advantage that image analysis processing can be performed regardless of the usage state of the user terminal 100 or the like.

The ophthalmologic information processing method according to this embodiment is executed by the user terminal 100 or the like and the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 connected to be communicable with each other via the network N. This ophthalmic information processing method includes the following steps:
(1) a step in which the user terminal 100 or the like stores image data of the eye to be examined acquired by the ophthalmic examination apparatus;
(2) the user terminal 100 or the like designating the type of image analysis processing for the image data;
(3) a step in which the user terminal 100 or the like transmits the processing type information indicating the specified type and the image data to the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 via the network N;
(4) a step in which the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 receives processing type information and image data transmitted from a user terminal or the like;
(5) a step in which the ophthalmologic information processing server 200 performs image analysis processing corresponding to the processing type information on the image data;
(6) The ophthalmologic information processing server 200 sends the analysis result data obtained by the image analysis processing on the image data to the user terminal 100 or the like (the user terminal that is the transmission source of the image data) via the network N. Sending step.

  According to such an ophthalmologic information processing method, an image analysis process requested by the user terminal 100 or the like can be executed, and the processing result can be provided to the user terminal 100 or the like. Therefore, it is possible to perform a wide variety of ophthalmic image analysis in many medical institutions. In addition, there is an advantage that image analysis processing can be performed regardless of the usage state of the user terminal 100 or the like.

  The embodiment described above is merely an example of the present invention. A person who intends to implement the present invention can make arbitrary modifications, additions, and omissions within the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ophthalmic information processing system 100,100A, 140 User terminal 101 Control part 102 Communication part 103 Data storage part 104 Display part 105 Display control part 106 Operation part 107 Process classification designation part 108 Electronic medical record data storage part 109 Recording process part 110 Analysis process Unit 111 Patient information deletion unit 112 Identification information addition unit 113 Encryption processing unit 150 Hospital server 200 Ophthalmic information processing server 201 Control unit 202 Communication unit 210 Account management unit 211 Information storage unit 212 Billing information storage unit 213 Information management unit 220 Analysis processing Unit 221 program storage unit 222 program selection unit 223 standard data storage unit 224 processing execution unit 225 update processing unit 231 processing result comparison unit H medical institution D data center

Claims (20)

An ophthalmologic information processing system including a user terminal and an ophthalmologic information processing server that are connected to each other via a network,
The user terminal is
A storage unit that stores image data of the eye to be examined acquired by the ophthalmic examination apparatus;
A designation unit for designating a type of image analysis processing for the image data;
A transmission unit that transmits the processing type information indicating the specified type and the image data to the ophthalmologic information processing server via the network;
Have
The ophthalmologic information processing server is
A receiving unit for receiving the processing type information and the image data transmitted from the user terminal;
An analysis processing unit that performs image analysis processing corresponding to the processing type information on the image data;
A transmission unit for transmitting the analysis result data obtained by the image analysis processing on the image data to the user terminal via the network;
Having
Ophthalmic information processing system. The analysis processing unit
A program storage unit that stores a plurality of programs corresponding to a plurality of types of image analysis processing in advance;
A selection unit that selects a program corresponding to the received processing type information from the plurality of programs;
A process execution unit that executes an image analysis process on the image data based on the selected program;
including,
The ophthalmologic information processing system according to claim 1. The storage unit stores the image data and incidental information including patient information of the patient incidental to the image data,
The user terminal is
A patient information deletion unit for deleting the patient information from the incidental information;
The auxiliary information from which the patient information has been deleted and the image data are transmitted to the ophthalmologic information processing server by the transmission unit.
The ophthalmologic information processing system according to claim 1 or 2. The storage unit stores the image data and patient information of the patient in association with each other,
The user terminal is
An identification information giving unit that gives identification information other than the patient information to the image data,
Transmitting the given identification information and the image data to the ophthalmologic information processing server by the transmission unit;
The ophthalmologic information processing system according to claim 1 or 2. The storage unit stores the image data and patient information of the patient in association with each other,
The user terminal is
A first encryption processing unit for encrypting the patient information;
The encrypted patient information and the image data are transmitted to the ophthalmologic information processing server by the transmission unit.
The ophthalmologic information processing system according to claim 1 or 2. The user terminal is
A second encryption processing unit for encrypting the image data;
The encrypted image data is transmitted to the ophthalmologic information processing server by the transmission unit.
The ophthalmologic information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The user terminal includes an analysis processing unit that performs one or more types of image analysis processing on the image data;
The analysis processing unit of the ophthalmic information processing server is capable of executing an image analysis process that cannot be executed by the analysis processing unit of the user terminal;
The ophthalmologic information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The user terminal is
A display unit;
An operation unit;
A display control unit that causes the display unit to display a user interface related to the infeasible image analysis processing;
Have
In response to the instruction regarding the inexecutable image analysis processing being made using the user interface and the operation unit, instruction content information representing the content of the instruction is directed to the ophthalmic information processing server by the transmission unit. Send
The ophthalmologic information processing server is
The analysis processing unit executes the image analysis processing based on the instruction content information,
The analysis result data obtained by the image analysis processing is transmitted to the user terminal by the transmission unit,
The display control unit displays information based on the analysis result data on the display unit;
The ophthalmologic information processing system according to claim 7. The user terminal is
A display unit;
An operation unit;
A display control unit that causes the display unit to display a user interface that presents a selectable type of image analysis processing that cannot be performed;
Have
Corresponding to the selection of the type of image analysis processing that cannot be performed using the user interface and the operation unit, the transmission unit sends selection content information representing the content of the selection to the ophthalmic information processing server. Send to
The ophthalmologic information processing server is
A distribution program storage unit that stores in advance a program corresponding to the inexecutable image analysis processing;
A read processing unit that reads a program corresponding to the selected content information from the distribution program storage unit;
Have
The read program is transmitted to the user terminal by the transmitter.
The ophthalmologic information processing system according to claim 7. The user terminal is
An analysis processing unit that performs at least a part of the image analysis processing that can be executed by the analysis processing unit of the ophthalmic information processing server on the image data;
The analysis result data obtained by the analysis processing unit is transmitted to the ophthalmologic information processing server by the transmission unit,
The ophthalmologic information processing server includes a processing result comparison unit that compares the analysis result data obtained by the analysis processing unit of itself and the analysis result data obtained by the user terminal.
The ophthalmologic information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The analysis processing unit of the ophthalmic information processing server is
Standard data that prestores standard data generated by statistically processing a plurality of analysis result data obtained by performing image analysis processing on a plurality of image data obtained for a plurality of eyes to be examined by an ophthalmic examination apparatus A storage unit;
An update processing unit for updating the standard data based on analysis result data based on new image data obtained by the ophthalmic examination apparatus;
including,
The ophthalmologic information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein Each of the plurality of user terminals is connected to the ophthalmologic information processing server so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network,
The ophthalmic information processing server has an account management unit that manages an account for each user based on user identification information given in advance for each user.
The ophthalmologic information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein The account management unit
A billing information storage unit that stores in advance billing information in which a type of image analysis processing and a billing amount are associated;
In response to the image analysis process performed by the analysis processing unit of the ophthalmologic information processing server, a charge amount corresponding to the image analysis process is acquired based on the charge information, and the charge amount and the user's A charge management unit for associating user identification information;
Having
The ophthalmologic information processing system according to claim 12. When one user uses the first user terminal and the second user terminal,
When image analysis processing based on the processing type information and the image data transmitted from the first user terminal is executed by the analysis processing unit of the ophthalmic information processing server, the account management unit Controlling the transmitter so that the analysis result data obtained by the analysis process can be transmitted to both the first user terminal and the second user terminal;
The ophthalmologic information processing system according to claim 12 or claim 13, The account management unit has an information storage unit that stores information that is instructed to be stored by the user associated with the user identification information, classified into disclosing information and non-disclosure information, and stores the information.
The transmitting unit of the ophthalmic information processing server transmits only the disclosing information to the user terminal of another user;
The ophthalmologic information processing system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that: The account management unit stores the data transmitted from the user terminal of the other user toward the user's account in the information storage unit in association with the user identification information of the user;
The ophthalmologic information processing system according to claim 15. The user terminal of the user transmits a request instruction for requesting the comment of the other user to the ophthalmologic information processing server by the transmission unit,
The account management unit controls the transmission unit to transmit the image data and / or the analysis result data to the user terminal of the other user;
The ophthalmologic information processing system according to claim 16. The user terminal is
An electronic medical record data storage unit for storing electronic medical record data for each patient;
A recording processing unit for recording the analysis result data transmitted from the ophthalmic information processing server in the electronic medical record data of the patient;
Having
The ophthalmologic information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that: An ophthalmologic information processing server connected to a user terminal so that they can communicate with each other via a network,
A receiving unit that receives the image data of the eye to be examined, which is transmitted from the user terminal and acquired by the ophthalmologic examination apparatus, and processing type information indicating the type of image analysis processing for the image data;
An analysis processing unit that performs image analysis processing corresponding to the processing type information on the image data;
A transmission unit for transmitting the analysis result data obtained by the image analysis processing on the image data to the user terminal via the network;
Ophthalmic information processing server. An ophthalmologic information processing method executed by a user terminal and an ophthalmologic information processing server that are communicably connected to each other via a network,
The user terminal storing image data of an eye to be examined acquired by an ophthalmic examination apparatus;
The user terminal designating a type of image analysis processing for the image data;
The user terminal transmitting the processing type information indicating the specified type and the image data to the ophthalmologic information processing server via the network;
The ophthalmologic information processing server receiving the processing type information and the image data transmitted from the user terminal;
The ophthalmologic information processing server performing image analysis processing corresponding to the processing type information on the image data;
The ophthalmologic information processing server transmits analysis result data obtained by the image analysis processing on the image data to the user terminal via the network;
Ophthalmic information processing method.

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