JP2015159904A - Medical image management device and medical image management program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a human burden.SOLUTION: A medical image processing device according to the present embodiment includes a setting part and an identifying part. The setting part sets a specific area on an image for moving image data of a medical image. The identifying part identifies at least one frame that shows a characteristic change in a luminance value in the specific area set by the setting part out of a plurality of frames contained in the moving image data of the medical image, based on a temporal change in the luminance value in the specific area set by the setting part.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a medical image management apparatus and a medical image management program.

  In recent years, in medical institutions, diagnosis using moving image data of medical images has been performed. For example, in an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, a contrast echo method for observing blood flow as a moving image is known. In this method, a contrast agent containing bubbles is injected into a blood vessel of a subject to clarify the contrast of blood flow, and to capture moving image data showing a fine blood flow. Thereby, the state of the blood flow from the injection of the contrast agent to the discharge can be observed as a moving image or as a change with time of the contrast. This method is used, for example, for observation of blood flow in a tumor.

  When a doctor makes a diagnosis using moving image data, a series of moving image data from the time of injection of the contrast medium to the time of discharge is not necessarily observed. For example, when the injection of the contrast medium is started, after the injection Movie data of several seconds at each time point, such as a time point after a predetermined time has passed and a time point before injection, are extracted and used for observation. Thus, the timing at which moving image data for several seconds is extracted differs depending on the imaging region and the purpose of the examination. For this reason, the imaging technician who captures moving image data operates the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with the probe applied to the subject, and the human load of capturing moving image data at various timings used for observation one by one. May be forced.

JP 2009-1112722 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a medical image management apparatus and a medical image management program capable of reducing a human load for extracting moving image data.

  The medical image processing apparatus according to the embodiment includes a setting unit and a specifying unit. The setting unit sets a specific area on the image for the moving image data of the medical image. The specifying unit includes at least a frame in which the luminance value exhibits a characteristic change among a plurality of frames included in the moving image data based on a change over time of the luminance value in the specific region set by the setting unit. Specify one.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a medical information system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the medical image management apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of set information stored in the set information storage unit. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the setting unit. FIG. 5 is a diagram (1) for explaining the processing of the specifying unit. FIG. 6 is a diagram (2) for explaining the processing of the specifying unit. FIG. 7 is a diagram (3) for explaining the processing of the specifying unit. FIG. 8 is a diagram (4) for explaining the processing of the specifying unit. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining processing of the output control unit. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the medical image management apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the medical image management apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram (1) for explaining the process of the setting unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram (2) for explaining the process of the setting unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the medical image management apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the medical image management apparatus according to the third embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a medical image management apparatus and a medical image management program according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a medical information system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the medical information system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a medical image management device 10, an ultrasonic diagnostic device 20, a medical image storage device 30, and a terminal device 40. Each device is in a state where it can communicate with each other directly or indirectly via, for example, a hospital LAN (Local Area Network) 2 installed in the hospital. For example, when a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) is introduced in the medical information system 1, each apparatus mutually transmits medical image data and examination results in accordance with DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standards. Send and receive.

  The medical image management apparatus 10 is an apparatus that manages medical image data. For example, the medical image management apparatus 10 includes a database that stores medical image data. The medical image management apparatus 10 receives medical image data and examination results captured by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20 and stores them in the database. In addition, the medical image management apparatus 10 performs image processing on the received medical image data and examination results, and transmits them to the medical image storage apparatus 30. The medical image management apparatus 10 corresponds to an apparatus such as a workstation, for example.

  The medical image management apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment performs image processing on moving image data of a medical image as medical image data. The moving image data of the medical image referred to here is composed of, for example, a plurality of frames, and each frame corresponds to the medical image data of the still image that is the source of the moving image. In the following, a case where the medical image management apparatus 10 performs image processing on moving image data of a medical image will be described. However, the medical image management apparatus 10 may handle medical image data that is a still image. Similarly, each device of the medical information system 1 may handle not only moving image data of medical images but also medical image data that is still images.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20 is an apparatus that transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject and captures moving image data of a medical image using reflected waves reflected from the subject. For example, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 20 captures a subject in response to an operation from an imaging engineer who captures the subject, and generates moving image data and examination results. The moving image data photographed here is, for example, moving image data photographed by the contrast echo method during a certain time from the injection of the contrast agent. In addition, when information such as an inspection purpose, an imaging region, and a specific region is registered as examination related information at the time of imaging, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 20 generates moving image data with the examination related information. Then, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20 transmits the generated moving image data and examination results to the medical image management apparatus 10. In this embodiment, the case where the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20 is used as a medical image diagnostic apparatus for imaging a subject is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a medical image diagnostic apparatus capable of capturing moving image data of medical images, such as an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, an X-ray CT apparatus, and an MRI apparatus, may be applied to the present embodiment.

  The medical image storage device 30 is a device that stores moving image data of medical images. For example, the medical image storage device 30 includes a database that stores moving image data, receives moving image data and examination results transmitted from the medical image management device 10, and stores them in the database. Further, the medical image storage device 30 provides the moving image data and the inspection result to the terminal device 40 when the moving image data and the inspection result are browsed in the terminal device 40 described later.

  The terminal device 40 is a device for allowing doctors, nurses, imaging technicians, and the like working in a hospital to view moving image data of medical images and inspection results. For example, the terminal device 40 is a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet PC, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile phone, or the like operated by a doctor, a nurse, a radiographer, or the like working in a hospital.

  By the way, conventionally, when making a diagnosis using moving image data of medical images, the imaging engineer operates the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with the probe applied to the subject, and the moving image data at various timings used for observation There are cases in which the human burden of taking pictures one by one is forced.

  The medical image management apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment is a person who reduces such a human load. Specifically, the medical image management apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment sets a specific area on an image for moving image data of a medical image. Then, the medical image management apparatus 10 includes at least a frame in which the luminance value exhibits a characteristic change among a plurality of frames included in the moving image data, based on a change over time of the luminance value in the set specific region. Specify one. For this reason, since the medical image management apparatus 10 can extract the moving image data of the specified frame and allow the doctor to browse it, the human load can be reduced. Hereinafter, the medical image management apparatus 10 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the medical image management apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the medical image management apparatus 10 includes a storage unit 11 and a control unit 12. The medical image management apparatus 10 includes an input unit 13 and an output unit 14.

  The input unit 13 is an input device that receives input of various types of information. For example, the input unit 13 accepts designation of a specific area by an operator who operates the medical image management apparatus 10. The input unit 13 sends the specification of the received specific area to the receiving unit 121 described later. The input unit 13 is, for example, a keyboard or a mouse.

  The output unit 14 is an output device that outputs various types of information. For example, the output unit 14 receives moving image data and examination results of medical images from an output control unit 125 described later, and displays the received moving image data and examination results. The output unit 14 is, for example, a display or a monitor.

  The storage unit 11 stores a medical image storage unit 111 and a set information storage unit 112. For example, the storage unit 11 is a semiconductor memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk device or an optical disk device.

  The medical image storage unit 111 stores moving image data of medical images. For example, the medical image storage unit 111 stores moving image data and examination results of medical images taken by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 20 for each examination.

  The set information storage unit 112 stores set information representing a frame specified for each specific area for each examination. For example, the set information stored by the set information storage unit 112 is generated by the specifying unit 123 described later. The set information storage unit 112 is referred to by a transmission unit 124 and an output control unit 125 described later.

  As an example, the set information storage unit 112 stores information in which a specific area No (number) and a specific frame No are associated with each other. Among these, the specific area No. is information for identifying the set specific area, and is numbered every time the specific area is set. The specific frame number represents the frame number of the frame specified for the specific region. The frame number is information for identifying a frame included in the moving image data of the medical image, and is numbered in time series.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of set information stored in the set information storage unit. As shown in FIG. 3, for example, the set information storage unit 112 has information associated with a specific area No “1” and a specific frame No “... 101, 102, 103, 356, 357,. Remember. That is, the set information storage unit 112 performs the frame No “101”, the frame No “102”, the frame No “102”, the frame No “356”, the frame No “357” for the specific area of the specific area No “1”. "Indicating that the frame has been specified. Further, the set information storage unit 112 similarly stores information in which the specific area No and the specific frame No are associated with each other for the specific area No.

  The control unit 12 includes a reception unit 121, a setting unit 122, a specifying unit 123, a transmission unit 124, and an output control unit 125. For example, the function of the control unit 12 can be realized by an integrated circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The function of the control unit 12 can be realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a predetermined program.

  The receiving unit 121 receives various types of information. For example, the receiving unit 121 receives moving image data and examination results of medical images transmitted from the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 20. Then, the reception unit 121 stores the received moving image data and examination results in the medical image storage unit 111. The accepting unit 121 accepts designation of a specific area by the operator from the input unit 13. The accepting unit 121 sends the designation of the accepted specific area to the setting unit 122 described later.

  The setting unit 122 sets a specific area on the image for the moving image data of the medical image. For example, the setting unit 122 receives the specification of the specific area by the operator from the receiving unit 121. The setting unit 122 sets a specific area for the moving image data based on the received specification of the specific area. The specific region set by the setting unit 122 is a specific region to be diagnosed, such as a lesion site, a normal site, or a site where it is determined whether a lesion site is a normal site.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the setting unit. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the setting unit 122 accepts designation of specific areas for designating the specific areas 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, and 4 d for the moving image data 4 e displayed on the output unit 14. Then, the setting unit 122 sets the specific areas 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d at the specified positions, respectively. Note that the setting unit 122 may track the specific region by performing a tracking process when setting the specific region for the moving image data obtained by capturing the heart that beats due to the heartbeat or the chest that fluctuates due to the respiratory motion. . In addition, the specific area set by the setting unit 122 can have any size and shape of the operator. Further, when a specific area is set when moving image data is captured and information indicating the specific area is stored in the medical image storage unit 111, the setting unit 122 does not need to set the specific area. good.

  The specifying unit 123 selects a frame in which the luminance value shows a characteristic change among a plurality of frames included in the moving image data based on a change over time of the luminance value in the specific area set by the setting unit 122. Identify. For example, the specifying unit 123 specifies a frame in which a change in luminance value over time in the specific region is maximized and a frame in which the change over time is minimized based on the contrast distribution for each specific region. Subsequently, the specifying unit 123 generates set information by associating the specific region with the specified frame. The identifying unit 123 stores the generated set information in the set information storage unit 112.

  With reference to FIG. 5, an example of processing in a case where the specifying unit 123 specifies a frame in which a change in luminance value over time in the specific region is maximized and a frame in which the luminance value is minimized will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the specifying unit. FIG. 5 illustrates a contrast distribution diagram in which a frame is selected at intervals of 1 second from a plurality of frames included in moving image data, and an average value of luminance values in a specific area of the selected frame is plotted for each specific area. In FIG. 5, the vertical axis indicates the luminance value [dB], and the horizontal axis indicates time [s]. A curve 5a shows a change in luminance value in the specific area 4a in FIG. A curve 5b indicates a change in luminance value in the specific area 4b in FIG. A curve 5c indicates a change in luminance value in the specific area 4c in FIG. A curve 5d indicates a change in luminance value in the specific area 4d in FIG. In addition, although the case where the average value of the luminance value in a specific area is plotted here was illustrated, embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the median luminance value in the specific area may be plotted, or the maximum value or the minimum value may be plotted. Moreover, although the case where the brightness | luminance value was plotted at 1 second intervals was illustrated, embodiment is not limited to this. For example, an average value of luminance values of a plurality of frames included in one second may be plotted every second. Further, the plotting interval may be set to a time different from 1 second. Further, when setting a specific area for moving image data obtained by capturing a heart that beats with a heartbeat or a chest that fluctuates due to respiratory motion, the specifying unit 123 synchronizes a frame used for plotting with the pulse or respiratory motion. May be. Further, here, for convenience of explanation, it has been described that the specifying unit 123 plots the luminance value. However, the specifying unit 123 is not necessarily plotted, and the processing of the specifying unit 123 is executed as calculation processing of the control unit 12.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, for example, the specifying unit 123 obtains a differential value of the amount of change in luminance value over time for each curve, and specifies a maximum point and a minimum point at which the differential value becomes zero. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the specifying unit 123 specifies a plurality of points such as the maximum point 5e and the minimum point 5f on the curve 5a. Then, the specifying unit 123 specifies the frame corresponding to the point on the specified curve 5a as a frame in which the luminance value in the specific region 4a shows a characteristic change. In addition, the specifying unit 123 performs the same process for other curves, and specifies a frame in which the luminance value shows a characteristic change for each specific region. As described above, the specifying unit 123 specifies a frame in which a change in luminance value over time in the specific region is maximized and a frame in which the change is minimized.

  Here, the reason why the specifying unit 123 specifies the frame in which the luminance value has a characteristic change in the specific region is because the increase / decrease in the contrast medium or the movement of the living tissue is reflected in the moving image data including the frame. is there. In other words, the doctor observes all of the series of moving image data from the time of injection of the contrast agent to the time of discharge by observing the increase / decrease of the contrast agent and the movement of the living tissue for each specific region using this moving image data. Even without this, information for diagnosis can be easily obtained.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the case has been described in which the frame in which the change in luminance value is maximized and the frame in which the change in luminance value is maximized are specified as the frames in which the luminance value is characteristically changed. Is not limited to this. For example, the specifying unit 123 may specify a frame whose luminance value is equal to or greater than a threshold value. The specifying unit 123 may specify a frame every time the luminance value changes by a predetermined value.

  With reference to FIG. 6, an example of processing when the specifying unit 123 specifies a frame whose luminance value is equal to or greater than a threshold value will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the specifying unit. FIG. 6 illustrates a contrast distribution diagram similar to FIG. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, it is specified in advance that a frame in which the luminance value in the specific region 4a is equal to or greater than the threshold 6a is specified. In addition, it is specified in advance that a frame whose luminance value in the specific region 4b is equal to or greater than the threshold 6b is specified. In addition, it is specified in advance that a frame whose luminance value in the specific region 4c is equal to or greater than the threshold 6c is specified. In addition, it is specified in advance that a frame whose luminance value in the specific region 4d is equal to or greater than the threshold 6d is specified.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the specifying unit 123 specifies the time 6e and the time 6f when the curve 5a is equal to or greater than the threshold 6a. Further, the specifying unit 123 specifies the time 6g when the curve 5b is equal to or greater than the threshold 6b. Then, the specifying unit 123 specifies frames included in the specified times 6e, 6f, and 6g. The specifying unit 123 does not specify the time corresponding to the curve 5c and the curve 5d because there is no time for the curve 5c to be the threshold 6c or more and the time for the curve 5d to be the threshold 6d or more. In addition, here, the case where different threshold values are used for each curve has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this, and a common threshold value may be used for all curves.

  An example of processing when the specifying unit 123 specifies a frame every time the luminance value changes by a predetermined value will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the specifying unit. FIG. 7 illustrates a contrast distribution diagram similar to FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 7, it is specified in advance that a frame is specified every time the luminance value changes by a predetermined value 7a.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, the specifying unit 123 specifies a point 7 c where the luminance value is increased by a predetermined value 7 a from the luminance value of the point 7 b specified last time. Subsequently, the specifying unit 123 specifies a point 7d where the luminance value is increased by a predetermined value 7a from the luminance value of the point 7c for the curve 5a. Subsequently, the specifying unit 123 specifies a point 7e where the luminance value is reduced by a predetermined value 7a from the luminance value of the point 7d. Subsequently, the specifying unit 123 specifies a point 7f where the luminance value is reduced by a predetermined value 7a from the luminance value of the point 7e. Similarly, the specifying unit 123 specifies points for the curves 5b to 5d. Then, the specifying unit 123 specifies frames corresponding to the specified points 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, and 7f, respectively.

  Thus, the specifying unit 123 specifies a frame in which the luminance value shows a characteristic change. The specifying unit 123 may execute the processes described with reference to FIGS. For example, the specifying unit 123 may specify a frame in which the luminance value is equal to or greater than a threshold value and a change in luminance value over time is maximal and a frame in which the luminance value is minimal.

  Next, an example of processing in which the specifying unit 123 generates set information will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the specifying unit. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the specifying unit 123 specifies frames 8b, 8c, 8d, and 8e in which the luminance value in the specific region 4a shows a characteristic change from a plurality of frames 8a included in the moving image data. Subsequently, the specifying unit 123 generates set information 8f of the specific area 4a in association with the specified frames 8b, 8c, 8d, and 8e and the specific area 4a. Similarly, the specifying unit 123 specifies, from the plurality of frames 8a, the frames in which the luminance values in the specific areas 4b, 4c, and 4d exhibit characteristic changes. Subsequently, the specifying unit 123 generates set information 8g, 8h, and 8i for each specific area in association with the specified frame and each specific area. Then, the specifying unit 123 stores the generated set information 8f, 8g, 8h, and 8i in the set information storage unit 112.

  As described above, the specifying unit 123 specifies a frame in which the luminance value shows a characteristic change from the moving image data, based on the temporal change of the luminance value in the specific region.

  Returning to the description of FIG. The transmission unit 124 transmits the frame and set information specified by the specifying unit 123 to the medical image storage device 30. For example, the transmission unit 124 transmits the set information 8f, 8g, 8h, and 8i in FIG. 8 and the moving image data of the frame group 8j corresponding to the set information to the medical image storage device 30. Thereby, the medical image storage device 30 stores the frame and set information specified by the received specifying unit 123 in the medical image storage device 30 and stores them. The moving image data transmitted by the transmission unit 124 may be moving image data for a few seconds including the specified frame, or medical image data of only the specified frame.

  The output control unit 125 outputs image data for display that displays moving image data related to the set information generated by the specifying unit 123 over time for each specific region.

  For example, the output control unit 125 receives a display request for moving image data shot by inspection from the input unit 13. Subsequently, the output control unit 125 acquires the set information of the examination related to the received display request from the set information storage unit 112. Subsequently, the output control unit 125 acquires the moving image data of the frame associated with the acquired set information from the medical image storage unit 111. Subsequently, the output control unit 125 generates image data for display using the acquired set information and moving image data. Then, the output control unit 125 outputs the generated display image data to the output unit 14.

  An example of display image data generated by the output control unit 125 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining processing of the output control unit. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the output control unit 125 generates display image data including the display areas 9 a, 9 b, 9 c, and 9 d and displays the display image data on the display screen 9 e of the output unit 14. At this time, the output control unit 125 causes the display area 9a to display the moving image data corresponding to the set information 8f of the specific area 4a over time. Further, the output control unit 125 causes the display area 9b to display the moving image data corresponding to the set information 8g of the specific area 4b over time. In addition, the output control unit 125 causes the display area 9c to display the moving image data corresponding to the set information 8h of the specific area 4c over time. Further, the output control unit 125 causes the display area 9d to display the moving image data corresponding to the set information 8i of the specific area 4d over time. That is, the output control unit 125 displays moving image data in the same time series in the four display areas. In addition, embodiment is not limited to this, You may display the moving image data corresponding to several set information on the same display area. For example, the output control unit 125 converts the moving image data corresponding to the set information 8f, the moving image data corresponding to the set information 8g, the moving image data corresponding to the set information 8h, and the set information 8i for one display area. Corresponding video data may be displayed over time.

  Next, a processing procedure of the medical image management apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of the medical image management apparatus according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 10, a process in which the medical image management apparatus 10 identifies a frame in which the luminance value shows a characteristic change will be described. The process illustrated in FIG. 10 is executed, for example, when the reception unit 121 receives the specification of the specific area.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the receiving unit 121 receives the specification of the specific area (Yes at Step S101), the setting unit 122 sets the specified specific area for the moving image data (Step S102). The setting unit 122 is in a standby state until the receiving unit 121 receives the specification of the specific area (No at Step S101).

  Subsequently, the specifying unit 123 specifies a frame in which the luminance value shows a characteristic change based on the contrast distribution for each specific region (step S103). Then, the specifying unit 123 generates set information (step S104).

  Subsequently, the transmitting unit 124 transmits the frame and set information specified by the specifying unit 123 to the medical image storage device 30 (step S105). Thereby, the medical image storage device 30 stores the frame and set information specified by the received specifying unit 123 in the medical image storage device 30 and stores them.

  In FIG. 11, a process in which the medical image management apparatus 10 outputs image data for display will be described. The process illustrated in FIG. 11 is executed, for example, when the output control unit 125 receives a display request for moving image data captured by inspection.

  As illustrated in FIG. 11, when the output control unit 125 receives a display request (Yes in step S201), the output control unit 125 acquires set information of examinations related to the received display request from the set information storage unit 112 (step S202). The output control unit 125 is in a standby state until a display request is received (No at Step S201).

  Subsequently, the output control unit 125 acquires the moving image data of the frame associated with the acquired set information from the medical image storage unit 111 (step S203). Subsequently, the output control unit 125 generates image data for display using the acquired set information and moving image data (step S204). Then, the output control unit 125 outputs the generated display image data to the output unit 14 (step S205).

  As described above, the medical image management apparatus 10 sets a specific area on an image for moving image data of a medical image. Then, the medical image management apparatus 10 includes at least a frame in which the luminance value exhibits a characteristic change among a plurality of frames included in the moving image data, based on a change over time of the luminance value in the set specific region. Specify one. For this reason, the medical image management apparatus 10 can reduce the human load.

  For example, the medical image management apparatus 10 can use moving image data used for observation from a series of moving image data from the time of injection of the contrast medium to the time of discharge, even if moving image data used for observation is not photographed one by one by the imaging technician. Can be specified. Further, the medical image management apparatus 10 can easily specify moving image data used for observation even if a plurality of specific areas are set. Further, the medical image management apparatus 10 can compensate for the difference in imaging technique for each imaging engineer.

  In addition, for example, when a common frame is specified in different specific areas, the medical image management apparatus 10 associates the frame No with the set information of each specific area. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the medical image management apparatus 10 associates the frame 8b specified in the specific areas 4a and 4d with the set information 8f of the specific area 4a and the set information 8i of the specific area 4d. For this reason, the medical image management apparatus 10 can display the moving image data when it is used for observation without storing the moving image data of the same frame for each different specific region, and stores the moving image data in the medical image storage device 30. The capacity of the video data can be reduced.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the case where the specific area is set by the operator has been described. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the medical image management apparatus 10 may comprehensively set a plurality of candidate areas on the image. Therefore, in the second embodiment, a case where the medical image management apparatus 10 comprehensively sets a plurality of candidate areas on an image will be described. Thereby, the medical image management apparatus 10 can prevent the omission of the setting of the specific area by the doctor.

  The medical image management apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the medical image management apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, but the setting unit according to the second embodiment. 122 has a function different from that of the setting unit 122 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the function of the setting unit 122 according to the second embodiment will be described.

  The setting unit 122 according to the second embodiment sets a plurality of candidate areas for the moving image data, and selects a specific area from the plurality of candidate areas based on a change in luminance value over time for each set candidate area. Set.

  12 and 13 are diagrams for explaining processing of the setting unit according to the second embodiment. 12 is the moving image data similar to FIG. 4, and FIG. 13 is a contrast distribution diagram similar to FIG. 5. Therefore, detailed description of the diagram is omitted.

  As illustrated in FIG. 12, when the setting unit 122 receives the designation of the moving image data to be processed from the receiving unit 121, the setting unit 122 sets a plurality of matrix-like candidate areas 12a for the designated moving image data 4e. Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the setting unit 122 plots a change in luminance value at intervals of 1 second for every set candidate region 12 a to create a contrast distribution diagram. Subsequently, the setting unit 122 compares the peak value of the contrast distribution for every candidate region 12a with the threshold value 13a, and sets each candidate region 12a having a peak value equal to or greater than the threshold value 13a as a specific region. In the example illustrated in FIG. 13, the setting unit 122 sets candidate areas 12a corresponding to the curves 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, and 13b as specific areas. In addition, although the case where a contrast distribution map is created by plotting a change in luminance value every second is illustrated here, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, an average value of luminance values of frames included in one second may be plotted every second. Further, the plotting interval may be set to a time different from 1 second. In addition, the setting unit 122 synchronizes the frames used for plotting with pulsation and respiratory motion when setting a specific region for moving image data obtained by capturing a heart that beats due to a heartbeat and a chest that fluctuates due to respiratory motion. May be. Further, here, for convenience of explanation, it has been described that the specifying unit 123 plots the luminance value. However, the specifying unit 123 is not necessarily plotted, and the processing of the specifying unit 123 is executed as calculation processing of the control unit 12.

  As described above, the setting unit 122 sets a plurality of candidate areas for the moving image data, and sets a specific area from the plurality of candidate areas. According to this, for example, the setting unit 122 can set a candidate area corresponding to the curve 13b that was not set as the specific area in the example of FIG. 5 as the specific area. That is, the setting unit 122 can set an area where the luminance value may show a characteristic change as a specific area without omission.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the medical image management apparatus according to the second embodiment. The process illustrated in FIG. 14 is executed, for example, when the accepting unit 121 accepts designation of moving image data to be processed.

  As shown in FIG. 14, when the accepting unit 121 accepts designation of moving image data to be processed (Yes in step S301), the setting unit 122 sets a plurality of candidate areas for the designated moving image data ( Step S302). The setting unit 122 is in a standby state until the receiving unit 121 receives the designation of moving image data to be processed (No at Step S301).

  The setting unit 122 sets a specific area based on the set contrast distribution for each candidate area (step S303). Subsequently, the specifying unit 123 specifies a frame in which the luminance value shows a characteristic change based on the contrast distribution for each specific region (step S304). Then, the identifying unit 123 generates set information (step S305).

  Subsequently, the transmitting unit 124 transmits the frame and set information specified by the specifying unit 123 to the medical image storage device 30 (step S306). Thereby, the medical image storage device 30 stores the frame and set information specified by the received specifying unit 123 in the medical image storage device 30 and stores them.

  As described above, the medical image management apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment sets a plurality of candidate areas for moving image data, and based on the change over time of the luminance value for each set candidate area, A specific area is set from a plurality of candidate areas. For this reason, the medical image management apparatus 10 can set an area where the luminance value may show a characteristic change as a specific area without omission.

(Third embodiment)
Although the first and second embodiments have been described so far, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms other than the first and second embodiments described above.

  In the first embodiment described above, the specifying unit 123 executes the process of specifying a frame whose luminance value is characteristically changed with all the specific areas set by the setting unit 122 as processing targets. It is not limited to. For example, the specifying unit 123 may process only a specific area designated by the operator.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the medical image management apparatus according to the third embodiment. The process illustrated in FIG. 15 is executed, for example, when the reception unit 121 receives the specification of the specific area.

  As shown in FIG. 15, when the accepting unit 121 accepts designation of a specific area (Yes at Step S401), the setting unit 122 sets the designated specific area for the moving image data (Step S402). The setting unit 122 is in a standby state until the receiving unit 121 receives the specification of the specific area (No at Step S401).

  Subsequently, the specifying unit 123 causes the output control unit 125 to display the contrast distribution for each specific region (403). For example, the specifying unit 123 causes the output control unit 125 to display the curves 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d illustrated in FIG. 5 in association with the specific regions 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d of the moving image data 4e.

  Subsequently, the specifying unit 123 receives the specification of the specific area to be processed from the operator via the receiving unit 121 (404). For example, when the receiving unit 121 receives a specification for processing the specific regions 4a and 4b among the specific regions 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d displayed on the output unit 14, the specifying unit 123 receives the specification. 121.

  Subsequently, the specifying unit 123 specifies a frame in which the luminance value shows a characteristic change based on the contrast distribution of the specific region to be processed (step S405). Then, the specifying unit 123 generates set information (step S406).

  Subsequently, the transmitting unit 124 transmits the frame and set information specified by the specifying unit 123 to the medical image storage device 30 (step S407). Thereby, the medical image storage device 30 stores the frame and set information specified by the received specifying unit 123 in the medical image storage device 30 and stores them.

  As described above, the medical image management apparatus 10 according to the third embodiment specifies a frame having a characteristic change in luminance value, with only a specific area designated by the operator as a processing target. According to this, an operator such as a doctor or a radiographer can refer to the moving image data and the contrast distribution, and determine whether a lesion site, a normal site, or a site where a lesion site or a normal site is determined. Can be specified as a processing target.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the transmission unit 124 transmits the frame and set information specified by the specifying unit 123 to the medical image storage device 30, thereby specifying the specified frame and set information. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the medical image management apparatus 10 may store the specified frame and set information by deleting frames other than the specified frame.

  As an example, the medical image management apparatus 10 includes a deletion unit instead of the transmission unit 124. The deletion unit deletes frames other than the frame specified by the specifying unit from the moving image data of the medical image stored for each examination in the medical image storage unit 111. Thereby, the medical image management apparatus 10 stores the frame and set information specified by the specifying unit 123.

  In addition, the functions of the reception unit 121, the setting unit 122, the specifying unit 123, the transmission unit 124, and the output control unit 125 described in the first and second embodiments can be realized by software, for example. For example, the functions of the receiving unit 121, the setting unit 122, the specifying unit 123, the transmitting unit 124, and the output control unit 125 are the same as those of the receiving unit 121, the setting unit 122, the specifying unit 123, the transmitting unit 124, and the output control unit 125 in the above embodiment. This is realized by causing a computer to execute a medical image management program that defines the processing procedure described as being performed by the computer. This medical image management program is stored in, for example, a hard disk or a semiconductor memory device, and is read and executed by a processor such as a CPU or MPU. The medical image management program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), an MO (Magnetic Optical disk), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), and distributed. .

  Although some embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  According to at least one embodiment described above, the human load can be reduced.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Medical information system 10 Medical image management apparatus 12 Control part 122 Setting part 123 Identification part 124 Transmission part

Claims (7)

A setting unit for setting a specific area on the image for moving image data of a medical image;
Based on the change over time of the luminance value in the specific area set by the setting unit, at least one frame having a characteristic change in the luminance value is specified from among a plurality of frames included in the moving image data. A medical image processing apparatus comprising: a specific unit.   The setting unit sets a plurality of candidate areas for the moving image data, and sets the specific area from the plurality of candidate areas based on a temporal change in luminance value for each set candidate area. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   3. The medical image according to claim 1, wherein the specifying unit specifies a frame in which a change in luminance value over time in the specific region set by the setting unit is maximum and a frame in which the minimum value is minimum. Processing equipment.   The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specifying unit specifies a frame in which a luminance value in a specific region set by the setting unit is equal to or greater than a threshold value.   The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specifying unit specifies a frame every time a luminance value in a specific region set by the setting unit changes by a predetermined value.   6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: set information representing a frame specified for each of the specific areas by the specifying unit; and a storage unit that stores the frame in a predetermined storage unit. Medical image processing apparatus. On the computer,
Set the specific area on the image for the medical image video data,
Based on the change over time of the luminance value in the specific area set by the setting unit, at least one frame having a characteristic change in the luminance value is specified from among a plurality of frames included in the moving image data. A medical image management program characterized by causing each process to be specified to be executed.