JP2022147320A - Medical image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a medical image processing device which can simplify an operation.SOLUTION: A medical image processing device comprises a monitor for image reading, a control unit, an operation input unit, and an auxiliary operation input unit. The control unit 2 comprises: a viewer program which displays a medical image on the monitor for image reading; a manager program which displays a list of patient information on the monitor for image reading; and a finding input program which inputs finding of image reading on the basis of the medical image. The operation input unit is means which executes operations of the viewer program, the manager program and the finding input program, and accumulates command information for the actuation contents selected and set in advance about the actuation contents by the viewer program, the manager program and the finding input program. The viewer program, the manager program and the finding input program executes the preset actuation content with the command operation from the auxiliary operation input unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Applied for application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act Website address: http://www. climb-ms. com/products/read/id/4 Website publication date: May 11, 2020

The present invention relates to a medical image processing apparatus.

Conventionally, in each medical institution, imaging equipment such as mammography, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), CR (Computed Radiography), and CT (Computed Tomografhy) is used to photograph patients. The obtained medical image is subjected to image diagnosis (interpretation) by a specialist called an image interpreter, and the results are summarized as a finding report (interpretation report). In image diagnosis of medical images, a manager program for displaying a list of patient information related to the medical images on the display means, a viewer program for displaying the medical images on the display means, and interpretation based on the medical images displayed on the display means. This is performed using a medical image processing apparatus provided with software such as a finding input program for inputting findings and creating a finding report.

Here, when an image interpreting doctor performs an image diagnosis of a medical image, the medical image processing apparatus is operated to activate the above various software, and a diagnosis is made from a list of patient information related to the medical image displayed on the screen of the display means. is selected, the medical image related to the patient is displayed on the screen of the display means via the viewer program, the medical image is interpreted, and if necessary the medical image is confirmed An operation of writing a lesion mark on the lesion portion is performed. Various types of lesion marks can be used, such as a solid line notation such as a circular shape surrounding a lesion portion, and a solid line notation framing the outline of a lesion portion. In addition, the interpreting doctor operates the finding input program screen displayed on the screen of the display means to determine the presence or absence of the lesion, the size of the lesion, the progress of the lesion, and whether or not reexamination is necessary. , a finding report is created by inputting finding information such as a treatment policy.

When a conventional medical image processing device is used to interpret medical images, an interpreting doctor operates a keyboard and mouse provided with the medical image processing device to operate software such as a manager program, a viewer program, and a finding input program. It is More specifically, first, each software icon displayed on the screen of the display means of the medical image processing apparatus is superimposed with the cursor mark of the mouse and double-clicked to activate each software, and the manager program is operated. A screen, a viewer program operation screen, a finding input program operation screen, etc. are displayed on the screen of the display means.

Here, as shown in FIG. 7, a menu bar is arranged at the upper part of each operation screen of the manager program, the viewer program, and the observation input program displayed on the screen of the display means. The function assigned to each operation button can be executed by placing the cursor mark of the mouse on each operation button and clicking the button. Examples of the functions assigned to the operation buttons include various functions such as a file reading function, a file saving function, a screen information printing function, and a help function. In addition, on the operation screen of the viewer program, there are operation buttons for the above-described lesion mark drawing function, operation buttons for changing the figure displayed by the drawing function, operation buttons for changing the line type of the figure, Various operation buttons are arranged on the menu bar, such as an operation button for enlarging or reducing the medical image displayed on the screen of the display means, an operation button for the black/white reversal function of the medical image, an operation button for rotating the medical image, and the like. . Further, in the observation input program, various operation buttons such as an operation button for displaying a list of observation reports created by the observation input program and an operation button for displaying a text screen for creating new observation information are provided. Arranged in the menu bar.

An interpreting doctor who operates software such as the manager program, viewer program, and observation input program configured as described above places the cursor mark of the mouse over each operation button arranged on the menu bar of each software operation screen, as described above. The desired operation is performed by clicking on the button. In this operation, after finding the position of the mouse cursor mark on the screen of the display means, the mouse is operated to move the cursor mark to the desired operation button. A series of operations of moving to the position is required, and there is a problem that it is inconvenient to always have to perform the work of superimposing the cursor mark of the mouse on the desired operation button and clicking it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to solve the above problems and to provide a medical image processing apparatus that can be operated more easily.

The object of the present invention is to provide a medical image processing apparatus for processing a medical image of a subject photographed by a medical image diagnostic apparatus, comprising an image reading monitor, a control section, an operation input section, and an auxiliary operation input section. and the control unit includes an image storage unit that accumulates image information of the medical image, a patient information storage unit that accumulates patient information associated with the medical image, and the medical information stored in the image storage unit. A viewer program for displaying an image on the monitor for interpretation; a manager program for displaying a list of the patient information stored in the patient information storage unit on the monitor for interpretation; and the medical image displayed on the monitor for interpretation. and a finding information storage unit storing finding information input via the finding input program, wherein the operation input unit includes the viewer program, means for executing the operation of the manager program and the observation input program, and the auxiliary operation input unit is preselected and set with respect to operation contents by the viewer program, the manager program, and the observation input program; Command information for the operation contents to be performed is accumulated, and the viewer program, the manager program, and the finding input program execute the preset operation contents according to the command operation from the auxiliary operation input unit. is achieved by a medical image processing apparatus configured as follows.

Further, in the medical image processing apparatus, the auxiliary operation input unit includes a plurality of switches, and command information for the preselected and set operation content is assigned to each switch. Preferably, the preset operation content is executed by.

Further, the auxiliary operation input unit may be configured to include execution content changing means capable of changing the operation content to be executed by operating each of the switches.

Further, the auxiliary operation input section may be configured to include execution content switching means capable of switching the operation content to be executed by operating the switches.

Further, each switch may be configured by a push button switch that can be pressed.

Further, the push button switch includes a transparent button body that can be pressed and a liquid crystal display that can be visually recognized through the button body. It may be configured such that character information or graphic information regarding is displayed.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a medical image processing apparatus that can be operated more easily.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a medical image processing apparatus according to the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a control section included in the medical image processing apparatus according to the present invention; FIG. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a main part of an auxiliary operation input unit included in the medical image processing apparatus according to the present invention; FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a main part of an auxiliary operation input unit included in the medical image processing apparatus according to the present invention; FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a main part of an auxiliary operation input unit included in the medical image processing apparatus according to the present invention; FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a main part of an auxiliary operation input unit included in the medical image processing apparatus according to the present invention; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a software operation screen displayed on a monitor of the medical image processing apparatus;

A medical image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. A medical image processing apparatus 1 according to the present invention is an apparatus for creating an interpretation finding report for image information of a patient's medical image taken at a medical institution. , a computer including a control unit 2 , an image reading monitor 3 , an operation input unit 4 and an auxiliary operation input unit 5 . In this medical image processing apparatus 1, image information of medical images acquired by an imaging apparatus owned by a medical institution or the like and patient information associated with the medical images are accumulated.

The image information of medical images obtained by imaging a patient is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include mammography equipment (mammography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) equipment, CR (Computed Radiography) equipment, CT (Computed Tomografhy), and X-ray imaging. Image information digitized by photographing a patient with a device, an ultrasonic diagnostic device, an endoscope device, or the like can be mentioned. In addition, patient information is information that can identify a patient, and includes various types of information about the patient, such as patient name, patient ID, age, sex, and information about the patient's medical history. The patient information may include examination information relating to the contents of examinations and imaging (for example, examination type, examination date, imaging date, imaging region, etc.) to be performed on the patient.

As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 2, the control unit 2 includes an image storage unit 21 storing image information of medical images, a patient information storage unit 22 storing patient information associated with the medical images, a patient information storage unit A manager program 23 for displaying a list of patient information related to medical images on the interpretation monitor 3 based on the patient information related to medical images stored in the image reading monitor 22 . a viewer program 24 for displaying; a finding input program 25 for inputting interpretation findings based on the medical image displayed on the interpretation monitor 3 and creating a finding report; It comprises an editing program 26 and the like for editing the patient information of the patient.

The image storage unit 21 is storage means for accumulating a plurality of pieces of image information of patient's medical images taken at a medical institution or the like. In addition, the image storage unit 21 may be configured to store image information of medical images of the patient that have been captured in the past. The control unit 2 also includes a finding information storage unit 27 in which finding information input via the finding input program 25 is accumulated.

The interpretation monitor 3 is, for example, a monitor (display means) such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and includes a list of patient information related to medical images generated by the operation of the manager program 23. A manager program operation screen, a viewer program operation screen including a predetermined patient's medical image generated by the operation of the viewer program 24, a finding input program operation screen including a finding input section generated by the operation of the finding input program 25, and the like. Is displayed. It should be noted that the image interpretation monitor 3 preferably has a higher definition than a monitor provided in a general computer in order to enable accurate image interpretation diagnosis. Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of interpretation monitors 3 are provided, and each interpretation monitor 3 has, for example, a manager program operation screen, a viewer program operation screen, and a finding input screen. It may be configured to display a program operation screen.

The operation input unit 4 is means for executing software operations such as the above-described viewer program 24, manager program 23, and finding input program 25. For example, character input keys, cursor keys, number input keys, and various functions It is composed of a keyboard 41 having keys and a pointing device 42 such as a mouse, and enables the operator of the medical image processing apparatus 1 to input characters and draw on medical images. have a function.

Here, when performing medical image interpretation using the medical image processing apparatus 1, an interpreting doctor operates the operation input unit 4 (keyboard 41 and mouse 42) provided in the medical image processing apparatus 1, and the manager program 23 and viewer Software such as the program 24 and the observation input program 25 are being operated. Specifically, first, each software icon displayed on the screen of the image interpretation monitor 3 of the medical image processing apparatus 1 is overlapped with the cursor mark of the mouse 42 and double-clicked to activate each software. , a manager program operation screen, a viewer program operation screen, a finding input program operation screen, etc. are displayed on the screen of the monitor 3 for interpretation. The interpreting doctor interprets the medical images on the viewer program operation screen displayed on the interpreting monitor 3, and inputs information representing findings of the interpretation to the findings via the operation input unit 4 (keyboard 41 and mouse 42). You can input on the input program operation screen. Finding information of interpretation input by the interpreting doctor is stored in the finding information storage unit 27 . Finding information, which is the result of interpretation, is stored in the finding information storage unit 27 in association with the image information of the medical image to be interpreted.

As shown in FIG. 7, a menu bar 101 is arranged at the top of each operation screen of the manager program 23, the viewer program 24, and the observation input program 25 displayed on the screen of the interpretation monitor 3. The function assigned to each operation button 102 can be executed by overlapping the cursor mark of the mouse 42 and clicking each operation button 102 arranged on the bar 101 . Examples of functions assigned to the operation buttons 102 include various functions such as a file reading function, a file saving function, a screen information printing function, and a help function. In addition, on the operation screen of the viewer program 24, there are operation buttons related to the function of drawing a lesion mark indicating a lesion portion confirmed in a medical image (for example, a "dot display addition operation button", a "freehand drawing operation button", etc.). , "additional operation button for rectangular display", "additional operation button for polygonal display", "additional operation button for circle display"), operation buttons for changing the figure displayed by the drawing function, lines of the figure An operation button for changing the type, an operation button for enlarging or reducing the medical image displayed on the screen of the display means, an operation button for the black/white reversal function of the medical image, an operation button for rotating the medical image (for example, "medical image left 90-degree rotation operation button, "right 90-degree rotation operation button for medical images"), operation buttons for changing the slice position of medical images, operation buttons for changing window division functions, operation buttons for changing layouts, changing gradation Various operation buttons 102 are arranged on the menu bar 101 , such as an operation button for a medical image, an operation button for deleting a medical image, and an operation button for grouping a plurality of medical images. In addition, in the finding input program 25, an operation button for displaying a list of finding reports created by the finding input program 25 and an operation button for displaying a text screen for creating new finding information (finding addition operation button) are provided. ), an operation button for saving text data in which findings have been entered, an operation button for changing the front of the patient to be entered into the findings, an operation button to change the rear of the patient to be entered into the findings, an operation button for determining that there is no abnormality, an operation button for editing findings, and an operation button for deleting findings. , a finding confirmation operation button, a finding confirmation canceling operation button, a finding preview operation button, and the like are arranged in the menu bar 101 .

An interpreting doctor who operates software such as the manager program 23, the viewer program 24, and the finding input program 25 overlaps the cursor mark of the mouse 42 on each operation button 102 arranged on the menu bar 101 on the operation screen of each software and clicks. desired operation can be performed.

Further, the medical image processing apparatus 1 according to the present invention includes an auxiliary operation input section 5 as shown in FIG. The auxiliary operation input unit 5 stores command information for operation contents selected and set in advance regarding operation contents by the viewer program 24, the manager program 23, and the finding input program 25. The viewer program 24, the manager program 23, and the observation input program 25 are configured to execute preset operation contents by command operations from. More specifically, as shown in the enlarged views of FIGS. 1 and 3, the auxiliary operation input unit 5 has a plurality of switches 51 on the operation panel. Command information for the set operation contents is distributed, and the preset operation contents can be executed by operating the switch 51 . In FIG. 3, for each switch 51, "data storage command (switch 51a)", "work end command (switch 51b)", and "various commands relating to lesion mark drawing function (switch 51b)" to be executed for medical images. Switches 51c to 51h)”, “text input command (switch 51i)”, etc. are distributed, and by operating a desired switch 51, a so-called shortcut operation can be executed. In FIG. 3, as "various commands relating to the lesion mark drawing function", a "graphic selection command (switch 51c)", a "point display addition command (switch 51d)", and a "circle display addition command" for medical images. command (switch 51e)”, “command to add rectangular display (switch 51f)”, “command to draw freehand (switch 51g)”, “command to add polygonal display (switch 51h)”, etc. is set to In addition, in the auxiliary operation input unit 5 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, each switch 51 is configured by a push button switch 51 that can be pressed. When each switch 51 is configured as a push button switch 51, the switch 51 (push button switch 51) may be configured to have a transparent button body that can be pressed and a liquid crystal display that can be viewed through the button body. good. It is preferable that the liquid crystal display unit is configured to display text information or graphic information regarding operation contents selected and set in advance.

Further, it is preferable that the auxiliary operation input unit 5 includes execution content switching means capable of switching the operation content to be executed by operating each switch 51 . In the auxiliary operation input unit 5 according to the present invention, as shown in the enlarged view of the essential part of FIG. It is configured with By operating this switch 51z, for example, as shown in the enlarged view of the essential part of FIG. be done. In FIG. 5, "command to rotate medical image 90 degrees left (switch 51a)", "command to rotate medical image 90 degrees right (switch 51b)", "command to delete medical image (switch 51c)", etc. It is set so that it can be executed by operating the switch 51 .

3 to 5 above mainly describe a configuration that enables shortcut operations related to various commands related to operations to be performed on medical images displayed on the viewer program operation screen. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, command information for operation contents selected and set in advance for each switch 51 is provided so as to execute a shortcut operation related to the finding input program operation. It may be configured to distribute. In FIG. 6, for each switch 51, "observation input target patient front change command (switch 51a)", "finding input target patient back change command (switch 51b)", and "no abnormality determination command (switch 51c)" , "finding addition command (switch 51d)", "finding editing command (switch 51e)", "finding deletion command (switch 51f)", "finding preview command (switch 51g)", and "finding fix cancellation command (switch 51h)". , and “finding confirmation command (switch 51i)” are assigned to each switch 51. Although not shown, a list of patient information related to medical images displayed on the manager program operation screen is displayed. operation (selection operation, deletion operation, etc. of patient information) to be performed on the operation screen related to the editing program for editing the patient information of the patient, so that shortcut operations can be performed In order to execute shortcut operations, it may be configured such that command information for operations selected and set in advance are distributed for each switch 51 .

In addition, the auxiliary operation input unit 5 is preferably configured to include an execution content changing means capable of changing the operation content to be executed by operating each switch 51 . With such a configuration, the medical image processing apparatus 1 can be provided with a predetermined switch 51 included in the auxiliary operation input unit 5 with a shortcut function that matches the preferences of the operator (radiologist). It is possible to improve the convenience of The method of changing the operation content by the execution content changing means is not particularly limited, but for example, among the plurality of switches 51 provided in the auxiliary operation input unit 5, the switch 51 at the desired position is changed for 10 seconds or more. By pressing the switch 51, the switch 51 is switched to the execution content change reception mode, the keyboard 41 and the mouse 42 are operated, and the shortcut contents related to the desired function executed by the viewer program 24, the manager program 23, and the observation input program 25 are entered. can be applied to the switch 51 .

As described above, by providing the auxiliary operation input unit 5, the radiologist who operates software such as the manager program 23, the viewer program 24, and the finding input program 25 can use the menu bar 101 on the operation screen of each software. In addition to performing a desired operation by overlapping the cursor mark of the mouse 42 and clicking on each operation button 102 arranged in the , a manager program 23, a viewer program 24, a finding It becomes possible to operate the software such as the input program 25, and it becomes possible to improve the convenience of operation. In particular, it is possible to further improve the convenience of operation by allocating command information related to frequently used operation contents for each software to each switch 51 of the auxiliary operation input unit 5 .

Further, by configuring each switch 51 with a push button switch 51, a desired operation can be executed by a simple operation of pressing the push button switch 51 acting as a desired shortcut key. After searching for the position of the cursor mark of the mouse 42 on the screen of the monitor 3, the mouse 42 is operated to move the cursor mark to the position of the desired operation button 102. The operation can be executed, and the operator's convenience is greatly increased.

Further, when each switch 51 is configured as a push button switch 51, it is configured to have a transparent button body that can be pressed and a liquid crystal display that can be visually recognized through the button body. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, by displaying character information or graphic information regarding the operation contents selected and set in advance, the operator can easily select the position of the switch 51 that he/she desires to perform. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent erroneous operation of the wrong switch 51 .

1 medical image processing apparatus 2 control unit 21 image storage unit 22 patient information storage unit 23 manager program 24 viewer program 25 finding input program 26 editing program 27 finding information storage unit 3 interpretation monitor 4 operation input unit 41 keyboard 42 mouse (pointing device )
5 Auxiliary Operation Input Unit 51 Switch

Claims (6)

A medical image processing apparatus for processing a medical image of a subject captured by a medical image diagnostic apparatus,
Equipped with an image reading monitor, a control unit, an operation input unit, and an auxiliary operation input unit,
The control unit
an image storage unit for accumulating image information of the medical image;
a patient information storage unit that accumulates patient information associated with the medical image;
a viewer program for displaying the medical image accumulated in the image storage unit on the interpretation monitor;
a manager program for displaying a list of the patient information stored in the patient information storage unit on the interpretation monitor;
a finding input program for inputting findings for interpretation based on the medical image displayed on the monitor for interpretation;
A finding information storage unit for storing finding information input via the finding input program,
The operation input unit is means for executing operations of the viewer program, the manager program, and the finding input program,
The auxiliary operation input unit stores command information for operation contents selected and set in advance regarding the operation contents by the viewer program, the manager program, and the finding input program. said viewer program, said manager program, and said finding input program to execute said preset operation contents according to the command operation of . The auxiliary operation input unit includes a plurality of switches, and command information for the pre-selected and set operation contents is assigned to each switch, and the preset operation contents are selected by operating the switches. 2. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the auxiliary operation input unit includes execution content changing means capable of changing the operation content to be executed by the operation of each switch. 4. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the auxiliary operation input unit includes execution content switching means capable of switching operation content to be executed by operating each switch. 5. The medical image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein each of said switches comprises a push button switch that can be pressed. The push button switch includes a transparent button body that can be pressed, and a liquid crystal display that can be viewed through the button body,
6. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the liquid crystal display unit displays character information or graphic information relating to the operation content selected and set in advance.

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