JP2022148170A - Image processing system, imaging control device, medical imaging system and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To enable an engineer or the like to understand the processing status of a medical image without going back and forth between a plurality of devices.SOLUTION: An image processing workstation according to the present invention is an image processing device that is connected to, via a communication network constructed in a medical facility, an imaging control device for controlling a medical imaging device and a medical image management system including a medical image management device and a medical image reproduction device, and that can receive a medical image transmitted from the imaging control device, perform image processing on the received medical images, and output an image processing result to an output destination including the medical image management device. A control unit of the image processing workstation manages status information indicating a processing status of the medical image received from the imaging control device, and provides the status information to one or more external devices used in a process upstream of reception of the medical image of the image processing device at least in the workflow from an imaging reservation of the medical image to display of the image processing result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6A

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing device, an imaging control device, a medical imaging system, and a program.

Due to recent technological advances, the quality of medical images generated by medical imaging apparatuses is improving. Along with this, the volume of medical image data is increasing, but this increase in volume has increased the time required for image transfer and image processing between apparatuses compared to the past. In particular, in dynamic image diagnosis, the time required for a doctor to make a diagnosis after the completion of imaging differs depending on the purpose of the examination. Times vary greatly depending on the test. Therefore, it is more difficult for doctors to plan and carry out the day's work compared to conventional examinations, and it is a challenge to efficiently carry out work to be able to grasp the situation until the image processing results arrive. It's becoming

Furthermore, many devices are installed in a limited space in the radiology department, and radiographers are required to use multiple devices. Another problem is that technicians are forced to go back and forth between devices. For example, the radiology department information system (RIS) and the imaging control device are placed in front of the imaging room, but the operation terminals such as the imaging device and the image processing workstation (image processing device) are not directly related to the imaging action. It may be placed in a place away from the shooting room. However, performing work while going back and forth between a plurality of apparatuses hinders the efficient execution of the main business of photographing.

In addition, for busy technicians, reducing the work of the imaging work itself is also an issue, and in order to make each imaging work more efficient, it is necessary to reduce the workload and reduce unnecessary work and operations. For example, if re-imaging is necessary due to an image processing error, etc., it is necessary to quickly perform the imaging act before the patient returns home, and the efficiency of the imaging work itself needs to be improved. It's going to be

Here, for example, in Patent Document 1, for the purpose of making it possible to easily grasp the state of a medical image captured by a modality and to enable a doctor to perform interpretation work smoothly, the medical image has been examined. An inspection terminal is described that displays information as to whether or not there is, and whether or not it has been viewed.

JP 2007-252079 A

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-201001, it is possible to grasp the image inspection state and the viewing state of each medical image by displaying whether or not the image has been inspected and whether or not it has been viewed. However, in order to display the inspection state and browsing state for each medical image, it is necessary to operate the inspection terminal, and to eliminate the troublesomeness that a technician or the like must operate by going back and forth between a plurality of terminals. I can't

For example, in the actual operation of the current dynamic image processing workstation, it is often used for research purposes, so it is necessary to install the dynamic image processing workstation next to the imaging control device that the technician uses for normal work. However, for clinical use in the future, it is being considered to install the dynamic image processing workstation in a location away from the imaging control device (for example, a server room) for reasons of installation space. In such an operation, if the technology of Patent Document 1 is applied to the dynamic image processing workstation, the technician will have to check the processing status of the medical images in the dynamic image processing workstation each time. It becomes necessary to go to check the workstation, which causes problems such as a decrease in imaging efficiency such as temporary stoppage of dynamic radiography of the subject, and a decrease in work efficiency of the technician.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to enable a technician or the like to grasp the processing status of medical images without going back and forth between a plurality of apparatuses.

In order to solve the above problems, the image processing device of the invention according to claim 1 is:
is connected to an imaging control device for controlling a medical imaging device and a medical image management system including a medical image management device and a medical image playback device via a communication network built in a medical facility; An image processing device capable of receiving a transmitted medical image, performing image processing on the received medical image, and outputting the image processing result to an output destination including the medical image management device,
a management means for managing status information indicating the processing status of medical images received from the imaging control apparatus;
The status information is used at least in a process upstream of reception of medical images by the image processing apparatus in a workflow from reservation of imaging of medical images to display of image processing results, which are connected via the communication network. providing means for providing to one or more external devices that
Prepare.

The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1,
The external device includes at least one of the imaging control device, a radiology information system (RIS), a hospital information system (HIS), a wearable display, and a terminal device connected to the imaging control device.

The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2,
The status information is information in which at least one of the reception status of the medical image, the image processing status, or the output status of the image processing result is associated with the image incidental information of the medical image.

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The management means selects at least one timing from start of reception of the medical image, completion of reception, start of image processing, completion of image processing, start of output of the image processing result, completion of output, and occurrence of an error. to update the status information.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The management means manages the status information in units of at least one of inspection units, series units, and image units.

The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The providing means receives the status from the external device at the start of reception of the medical image, at the completion of reception, at the start of image processing, at the completion of image processing, at the start of output of the image processing result, at the completion of output, at the occurrence of an error, and at the time of occurrence of an error. The status information is provided at least at one of the following: when requesting information, when requesting provision of status information to the external device by manual operation, and at regular time intervals.

The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The providing means provides the status information in units of at least one of examination units, series units, and image units.

The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
When there is a request for status information from the external device, the providing means transmits the status information by file linkage, transmits the status information by a dedicated protocol, or transmits the status information stored in a predetermined storage area of the storage unit. Direct reference by the external device of the status information provides the status information.

The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
generating means for generating additional information to be provided to the external device together with the status information;
The providing means provides the additional information together with the status information.

The invention according to claim 10 is the invention according to claim 9,
The additional information includes at least one of information on image processing of the medical image, information on shooting failure, estimated image processing time, and estimated output time of image processing result.

The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The medical image is a dynamic image.

The invention according to claim 13,
A shooting control device connected to the image processing device according to claim 9 or 10 via a communication network,
A control means is provided for controlling the operation of the photographing control device based on the additional information provided from the image processing device.

The medical imaging system of the invention according to claim 14,
An image processing device according to claim 9 or 10,
A shooting control device connected to the image processing device via a communication network, the shooting control device comprising control means for controlling the operation of the shooting control device based on the additional information provided from the image processing device. a device;
including.

The program of the invention according to claim 15,
is connected to an imaging control device for controlling a medical imaging device and a medical image management system including a medical image management device and a medical image playback device via a communication network built in a medical facility; a computer of an image processing device capable of receiving a transmitted medical image, performing image processing on the received medical image, and outputting the image processing result to an output destination including the medical image management device;
Management means for managing status information indicating the processing status of medical images received from the imaging control device;
The status information is used at least in a process upstream of reception of medical images by the image processing apparatus in a workflow from reservation of imaging of medical images to display of image processing results, which are connected via the communication network. providing means for providing to one or more external devices that
function as

The program of the invention according to claim 16,
A computer of a shooting control device connected to the image processing device according to claim 9 or 10 via a communication network,
Based on the additional information provided from the image processing device, it functions as control means for controlling the operation of the photographing control device.

According to the present invention, it is possible for a technician or the like to grasp the processing status of medical images without going back and forth between a plurality of apparatuses.

1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a medical imaging system according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the imaging control device of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image processing workstation of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the medical imaging system according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the medical imaging system according to the first embodiment; It is a figure which shows an example of a status display screen. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the medical imaging system according to the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the medical imaging system according to the second embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a pop-up such as dialog display; FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the medical imaging system according to the third embodiment; FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the medical imaging system according to the third embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of operation control based on additional information in the imaging control device; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of operation control based on additional information in the imaging control device; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of status information on a wearable display;

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

<First Embodiment>
[Configuration of medical imaging system 100]
First, the configuration of the embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 shows a system configuration example of a medical imaging system 100 according to this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, a medical imaging system 100 includes a medical imaging apparatus 1, an imaging control apparatus 2, an image processing workstation (image processing apparatus) 3, a medical image management apparatus 4, a medical image reproducing apparatus 5, and the like. It is configured. These apparatuses 1 to 5 are connected so as to be able to transmit and receive data to each other via a communication network N such as a LAN (Local Area Network) constructed within the medical facility. Note that the number of each device is not particularly limited.
HIS (Hospital Information System) and RIS (Radiology Information System), which are not shown, are also connected to the communication network N. They are connected via a communication network N so as to be able to transmit and receive data to each other. The communication network N may be wired or wirelessly connected, or may include both.

The medical imaging apparatus 1 and the imaging control apparatus 2 constitute a medical imaging system.
The medical image capturing apparatus 1 is a modality that captures an image of a subject and generates digital data of a medical image. As the medical imaging apparatus 1, for example, a radiation imaging apparatus capable of generating a dynamic image by imaging a subject with radiation can be applied. Dynamic imaging involves irradiating the subject with pulsed radiation, such as X-rays, repeatedly at predetermined time intervals (pulse irradiation), or continuously irradiating the subject at a low dose rate without interruption (continuous irradiation). Acquisition of a plurality of images showing the dynamics of the subject. A series of images obtained by dynamic imaging are called dynamic images. Dynamic images include moving images, but do not include images obtained by capturing still images while displaying moving images. Also, each of the plurality of images forming the dynamic image is called a frame image.
Note that the medical imaging apparatus 1 is not limited to a radiographic apparatus capable of capturing dynamic images. It may be a device, an ultrasonic diagnostic device, or the like.

The imaging control device 2 is a device (console) operated by a technician, and controls imaging by the medical imaging device 1 based on imaging order information. The imaging order information may be input by a user's operation, or may be transmitted from the HIS or RIS (not shown). In addition, the imaging control device 2 attaches image incidental information to the medical image generated by the medical imaging device 1 (for example, writes it as a DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine) header), and transmits the image via the communication network N. Send to the image processing workstation 3 .

Here, the image supplementary information includes patient information, examination information, series information, and image information (image attribute information). The patient information is various information about the patient (examinee) of the medical image, and includes information on items such as patient ID, patient name, date of birth, age, sex, height, and weight, for example. The examination information is various types of information about examinations, and includes information such as examination ID, examination date, examination time, technician name, requesting doctor, interpretation doctor, examination description, number of series, number of images, and the like. The series information is various kinds of information related to the series included in the examination, and includes information on items such as imaging date/time, modality, site, series description, laterality, series number, number of images, and AE title. Image information is various kinds of information about medical images, and includes, for example, information on items such as date and time of creation, image number, image type, image size (number of pixels), frame number, and number of frames.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the imaging control device 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the imaging control device 2 includes a control section 21, a storage section 22, a communication section 23, an operation section 24, a display section 25, and the like.

The control unit 21 is configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The CPU of the control unit 21 reads the system program and various processing programs stored in the storage unit 22, expands them in the RAM, and centrally controls the operation of the imaging control device 2 according to the expanded programs.

The storage unit 22 is configured by a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, hard disk, or the like. The storage unit 22 stores various programs that can be executed by the control unit 21, parameters necessary for executing processing by the programs, or data such as processing results. These various programs are stored in the form of readable program codes, and the control unit 21 sequentially executes operations according to the program codes.

The communication unit 23 includes a LAN adapter or the like, and controls data transmission/reception with an external device connected to the communication network N. FIG.

The operation unit 24 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, etc., and a pointing device such as a mouse. Output to the control unit 21 . Further, the operation unit 24 may include a touch panel on the display screen of the display unit 25 , and in this case, outputs an instruction signal input through the touch panel to the control unit 21 .

The display unit 25 is configured by a monitor such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and performs various displays according to instructions of display signals input from the control unit 31 .

The image processing workstation 3 performs image processing (including analysis) on a large amount of medical images received from the imaging control device 2 at high speed, and at least outputs image processing results (processed images, etc.) to the medical image management device 4, etc. is an image processing device that outputs to an output destination of A plurality of image processing results may be generated from one medical image. As the image processing workstation 3, for example, there is a workstation that applies dynamic analysis processing to a dynamic image and generates an analysis result image as a processed image. and output to an output destination such as the medical image management apparatus 4 or the like. Further, the present invention is not limited to subjecting dynamic images to dynamic analysis processing, and image processing may be performed to other types of medical images. In this embodiment, the image processing workstation 3 performs image processing on a medical image and generates a processed image as a result of the image processing.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image processing workstation 3. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the image processing workstation 3 includes a control section 31, a storage section 32, a communication section 33, an operation section 34, a display section 35, etc., and these sections are connected by a bus 36. FIG.

The control unit 31 is configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The CPU of the control unit 31 reads the system program and various processing programs stored in the storage unit 32, expands them in the RAM, and centrally controls the operation of the image processing workstation 3 according to the expanded programs. The control unit 31 functions as management means of the present invention. Also, in cooperation with the communication unit 33, it functions as a providing means.

The storage unit 32 is configured by a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, hard disk, or the like. The storage unit 32 stores various programs that can be executed by the control unit 31, parameters necessary for executing processing by the programs, or data such as processing results. These various programs are stored in the form of readable program codes, and the control unit 31 sequentially executes operations according to the program codes.

The storage unit 32 also stores a status management table 321 that manages status information indicating the processing status of the medical image received from the imaging control device 2 in the image processing workstation 3 . The status management table 321 associates image incidental information of a medical image with a status indicating the processing status of the medical image (for example, at least one of image reception status, image processing status, and image processing result output status). It is a table that stores status information.

Here, the status management table 321 stores status information in units of at least one of examination units, series units, site units, and image units. It manages the status information (in units stored in the table 321). In which unit the status information is managed may be determined in advance, or may be set by the user by operating the operation unit 34 .
When the status information is managed for each examination, the status management table 321 includes, for example, information of predetermined items of patient information + examination information included in the image incidental information of the received medical image, and the examination information is attached. status information associated with the status indicating the processing status of the entire medical image (including the processed image obtained by performing image processing on the medical image attached with the examination information).
When managing status information on a series-by-series basis, the status management table 321 adds the series information to information of predetermined items of patient information + examination information + series information included in image incidental information of a received medical image, for example. is associated with the status indicating the processing status of all medical images attached with (including processed images obtained by performing image processing on the medical images attached with the series information).
When the status information is managed on a site-by-site basis, the status management table 321 stores, for example, information of predetermined items of patient information+examination information+site information included in the image supplementary information, and a medical information table attached to the site information. Stores status information associated with a status indicating the processing status of an entire image (including a processed image obtained by image processing a medical image attached with its region information).
When managing the status information for each image, the status management table 321 stores the image information attached to the information of predetermined items of patient information + examination information + series information + image information included in the image incidental information. status information associated with a status indicating the processing status of the received medical image is stored. After image processing is started, it is necessary to manage the status of the processed image obtained by image processing the received medical image as the processing status of the received medical image. status information is also stored.

The communication unit 33 includes a LAN adapter or the like, and controls data transmission/reception with an external device connected to the communication network N. FIG.

The operation unit 34 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, etc., and a pointing device such as a mouse. Output to the control unit 31 . Moreover, the operation unit 34 may include a touch panel on the display screen of the display unit 35 , and in this case, outputs an instruction signal input through the touch panel to the control unit 31 .

The display unit 35 is configured by a monitor such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and performs various displays according to instructions of display signals input from the control unit 31 .

The medical image management device 4 and the medical image reproduction device 5 are devices that constitute a medical image management system (PACS: Picture Archiving and Communication System).
The medical image management apparatus 4 is a server that has an image DB (Data Base) and stores and manages medical images (including processed images). The medical image management apparatus 4 includes a control section, a storage section, a communication section, an operation section, and a display section (all not shown).
The medical image reproduction device 5 is a terminal device (client terminal) for a doctor to browse medical images and processed images, and acquires medical images from the medical image management device 4 in response to requests for acquisition of medical images from doctors. to display (play). The medical image reproducing apparatus 5 includes a control section, a storage section, a communication section, an operation section, and a display section (all not shown).

[Operation of medical imaging system 100]
Next, the operation of the medical imaging system 100 according to this embodiment will be described.
4A and 4B are flow charts showing an example of the operation of the medical imaging system 100 according to this embodiment. 4A-4B show the operational flow of the medical imaging system 100 for medical images of one examination. The operation of the medical imaging system 100 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 4A-4B.
In FIGS. 4A and 4B, for the sake of simplicity, only one type of image processing is performed on received medical images, and only one output destination is shown. When the processing is performed, the timing at which the processing after step S7 is performed differs for each type of image processing. Further, when there are a plurality of output destinations for one processed image, the timing at which the processing after step S13 is performed differs for each output destination.

When a medical image for one examination is generated by the medical imaging apparatus 1 and an instruction to transmit the medical image is given by the operation unit 24 of the imaging control apparatus 2 (step S1), the control unit 21 transmits the generated medical image. It is transmitted to the image processing workstation 3 by the unit 23 (step S2).

In the image processing workstation 3, when the medical image transmitted from the imaging control device 2 is received by the communication unit 33 (step S3), the control unit 31 saves (stores) the received medical image in the storage unit 32. (step S4).

Next, the control unit 31 determines the type of image processing (including analysis) to be performed on the received medical image and the output destination of the image (step S5).
In this embodiment, the received medical image and its processed image can be output to the output destination, and in step S5, the output destination of the medical image and its processed image is determined. Only a certain processed image may be output to the output destination, and in step S5, only the output destination of the processed image, which is the image processing result, may be determined (the same applies to the second and third embodiments). .).
The type of image processing (algorithm) and the output destination of the image may be determined according to a user operation, or may be automatically determined by the control unit 31 based on the image incidental information of the medical image or by analyzing the medical image. may decide. A plurality of types of image processing may be performed on one medical image. Also, an output destination may be determined for each image, or a plurality of output destinations may be determined for one image. Examples of image output destinations include, but are not limited to, the medical image management apparatus 4 and an image distribution apparatus provided in the image processing workstation 3 via the Web (World Wide Web). The output destination may be determined between steps S12 and S13.
The determined information is temporarily stored in the RAM of the control unit 31 or the like.

Next, the control unit 31 registers status information for managing the status of the received medical image and its processed image in the status management table 321 (step S6).
For example, the control unit 31 associates, in the status management table 321, the information of items necessary according to the unit for managing the status information in the image incidental information of the received medical image with the status indicating the current processing status. register (update) the status information.
Here, after the start of image processing, it is also necessary to manage the status of the processed image generated by image processing the received medical image as the processing status of the received medical image. Therefore, when status information is managed for each image, status information for each processed image is also registered.
As the status at step S6, for example, "receiving completed" is registered for the received medical image, and "-" (not applicable) is registered for the processed image. The status is managed for each output destination, but the same status is registered for any output destination up to the status of "image processing completed".

Next, the control unit 31 starts performing the type of image processing determined in step S6 on the received medical image (step S7), and updates the status information (step S8).
For example, if status information is managed by examination, series, or site, the status in the status information of the examination, series, or site related to the medical image for which image processing has started is changed to "image processing start (or image processing start)." medium)”. When the status is managed for each image, the status in the status information of the processed image corresponding to the type of image processing started is updated to "image processing started (or image processing in progress)".

Next, the control unit 31 monitors errors in the started image processing, and if an error occurs (step S9; YES), updates the status information (step S10).
For example, if status information is managed by examination, series, or site, the status of the examination, series, or site related to the medical image in which an image processing error occurred is updated to "image processing error." do. When the status is managed for each image, the status in the status information of the processed image corresponding to the type of image processing in which the image processing error occurred is updated to "image processing error".
Until the image processing is completed (step S11; NO), the control section 31 repeats steps S9 to S11.

When the image processing is completed (step S11; YES), the control section 31 updates the status information (step S12).
For example, when the status information is managed for each image, the status in the status information of the processed image for which image processing has been completed is updated to "image processing completed". If the status information is managed by examination unit, series unit, or site unit, when all image processing for all applicable medical images is completed, the status in the status information is changed to "Image processing completed". Update.
The generated processed image is provided with image incidental information obtained by adding the image processing type (algorithm) to the image incidental information of the medical image before image processing, for example.

When the image processing is completed, the control unit 31 causes the communication unit 33 to start outputting (transmitting) the image to the output destination determined in step S5 (step S13), and updates the status information (step S14).
For example, when status information is managed by examination, series, or site, the output that started image output in the status information of the examination, series, or site related to the medical image or processed image for which image output was started Update the previous status to "output start (or output in progress)". When the status is managed on an image-by-image basis, the status of the output destination that started image output in the status information of the medical image or processed image that started image output is updated to "output started (or outputting)".

Next, the control unit 31 monitors errors in the image output that has started, and if an error occurs (step S15; YES), updates the status information (step S16).
For example, if status information is managed on a per-examination, per-series, or per-part basis, an error in image output in the status information of the examination, series, or part related to the medical image or processed image in which the output error occurred Update the status of the output destination that occurred to "output error". When the status is managed for each image, the status of the output destination where the output error occurred is updated to "output error" in the status information of the medical image or processed image in which the image output error occurred.
Until the image output is completed (step S17; NO), the control section 31 repeats steps S15 to S17.

When the image output is completed (step S17; YES), the control section 31 updates the status information (step S18).
For example, when the status information is managed for each image, the status of the output destination for which the image output has been completed in the status information of the medical image or the processed image for which the image output has been completed is updated to "output completed". If the status information is managed by examination unit, series unit, or site unit, the status information will be displayed when image output for all applicable medical images and all processed images is completed for each output destination. , update the status of the output destination for which the image output is completed to "output completed".

When the medical image management apparatus 4 receives the medical image and the processed image from the image processing workstation 3 (step S19), it acquires the image incidental information of the received medical image and the processed image, and processes the received image and its image incidental information. The information is stored in the image DB (step S20).

In the medical image reproducing apparatus 5, when a user such as a doctor operates the operation unit to instruct display of medical image status information (step S21), the control unit of the medical image reproducing apparatus 5 instructs the image processing workstation 3 to A transmission request for status information is made (step S22).
For example, each screen displayed on the medical image reproducing apparatus 5 displays a status display button for instructing the image processing workstation 3 to display status information. It is possible to easily instruct the display of status information.

In the image processing workstation 3, upon receiving the status information transmission request from the medical image reproducing apparatus 5, the control unit 31 reads out the status information stored in the status management table 321, and causes the communication unit 33 to reproduce the medical image. It is provided (transmitted) to the device 5 (step S23).
Methods for providing the status information to an external device such as the medical image reproducing device 5 include transmission by file cooperation and transmission by a dedicated protocol. Alternatively, in the image processing workstation 3, a dedicated storage area that can be accessed from an external device is provided in the storage unit 32 or the like, and the control unit 31 stores the status information in this dedicated storage area so that the medical image can be An external device such as the playback device 5 may be able to directly refer to it.
The status information is provided in units managed by the status management table 321 (at least one of inspection units, series units, site units, and image units).

When the status information is acquired in the medical image reproducing apparatus 5, the control unit of the medical image reproducing apparatus 5 saves (updates) the received status information in the storage unit and displays the status information on the display unit (step S24). ).
The status information may be displayed on a dedicated status display screen, may be displayed on an existing examination list screen, or may be displayed in a popup such as a dialog display. Also, the contents of the status information may be notified by voice.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the status display screen 351. As shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 shows an example in which status information is provided for each inspection, each series, and each image, and status information 351a for each inspection, status information 351b for each series, and status information 351c for each image are displayed. .
In the status information 351a for each examination, the status 3511 of the entire medical image included in the examination is displayed in association with the patient information and examination information for specifying the examination. When the status information of one examination is selected in this examination unit status information 351a, the detailed unit status information of the selected examination is displayed. FIG. 5 shows an example in which status information 351b for each series and status information 351c for each image are displayed. In the status information 351b for each series, the status 3512 of all medical images included in the series is displayed in association with the series information of the selected examination. In the status information 351b for each image, the status 3513 of each image is displayed in association with the image information of each image corresponding to the selected series.

Statuses 3511 to 3513 display the image processing status and the output status of image processing results (processed images) for each output destination using icons. Although the image reception status is omitted here, the image reception status may also be displayed. In FIG. 5, a check mark icon indicates that image processing and image output are completed. An icon with an X inside a circle indicates that an error has occurred. The hourglass icon indicates that processing is in progress. The arrow icon indicates that the reservation is in progress (processing has not yet started). A dotted line icon indicates that there is no reservation.

As described above, the status indicating the processing status of the medical image in the image processing workstation 3 is displayed on the medical image reproducing apparatus 5, so that the doctor who is operating the medical image reproducing apparatus 5 moves to the image processing workstation 3. It is possible to grasp the processing status of the image processing workstation 3 without doing so. As a result, the doctor can efficiently perform operations such as diagnosis.
In addition, since the status information is managed and provided by one or more of inspection units, series units, site units, and image units, it is possible for the user to check the status information in units that are easy to manage.

In the medical image reproducing apparatus 5, when the conditions of the medical image to be displayed are designated by the operation of the operation unit by the user such as a doctor, and the display of the medical image is instructed (step S25), the control unit of the medical image reproducing apparatus 5 , the medical image management apparatus 4 is requested to transmit the medical image under the specified conditions, and the medical image is obtained (step S26).
When the medical image management apparatus 4 receives a request for transmission of a medical image from the medical image reproduction apparatus 5 , the medical image of the specified conditions is read from the image DB and transmitted to the medical image reproduction apparatus 5 by the communication unit.

In the medical image reproducing apparatus 5, when the medical image is acquired, the control unit causes the display unit to display the acquired medical image (step S27).

4A and 4B, the case where the user issues a status information display request from the medical image reproducing apparatus 5 has been described. It is possible to display the status information by issuing an information display instruction.
For example, each screen displayed by the imaging control device 2 includes a status display button for instructing the image processing workstation 3 to display status information. A technician can easily instruct the display of status information. In response to the user's status display instruction, the control unit 21 of the imaging control device 2 requests the image processing workstation 3 to send status information, and acquires the status information provided (sent) from the image processing device 3. It may be displayed on the status display screen (see FIG. 5), may be displayed on the existing examination list screen, may be displayed in a pop-up such as a dialog display, or may be notified by voice. good too.

In this way, since the status information indicating the processing status of the medical image in the image processing workstation 3 is displayed on the imaging control device 2, the technician operating the imaging control device 2 moves to the image processing workstation 3. Therefore, it is possible to grasp the processing status of the image processing workstation 3 without having to do so. As a result, the technician can efficiently carry out the imaging work. For example, if there is a failure in image processing, the fact can be grasped without moving to the image processing workstation 3, so that re-imaging can be performed quickly before the corresponding patient goes home. It is possible to make the shooting work more efficient.

<Second embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the status information managed by the image processing workstation 3 is connected to the image processing workstation 3 via the communication network N such as the imaging control device 2 and the medical image reproducing device 5. Although the case where the data is provided in response to a request from the external device has been described as an example, in the second embodiment, the image processing workstation 3 transmits (provides) the data to the external device via the communication network N at a predetermined timing. A case of doing so will be explained.

The configuration of the medical imaging system 100 and each device in the second embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, so the description is incorporated, and the operation of the medical imaging system 100 in the second embodiment will be described below. will be explained. In addition, in the second embodiment, the control unit 31 functions as a management means of the present invention. Also, the control unit 31 functions as a providing means of the present invention in cooperation with the communication unit 33 .

6A and 6B are flow diagrams showing an example of the operation of the medical imaging system 100 according to the second embodiment. 6A-6B show the operational flow of the medical imaging system 100 for medical images of one examination. The operation of the medical imaging system 100 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 6A-6B.
In FIGS. 6A and 6B, for the sake of simplification, only one type of image processing is performed on received medical images, and only one output destination is shown. When the processing is performed, the timing at which the processing after step S44 is performed differs depending on the type of image processing. Further, when there are a plurality of output destinations for one processed image, the timing at which the processing after step S71 is performed differs for each output destination.

A medical image for one examination is generated by the medical imaging apparatus 1, and when transmission of the medical image is instructed by the operation unit 24 in the imaging control apparatus 2 (step S31), the control unit 21 transmits the generated medical image. It is transmitted to the image processing workstation 3 by the unit 23 (step S32).

In the image processing workstation 3, when the medical image transmitted from the imaging control device 2 is received by the communication unit 33 (step S33), the control unit 31 saves (stores) the received medical image in the storage unit 32. (step S34).

Next, the control unit 31 determines the type of image processing (including analysis) to be performed on the received medical image and the output destination of the image (step S35).
Since the process of step S35 is the same as that of step S5 of FIG. 4A, the description is used.

Next, the control unit 31 registers status information for managing the status of the received medical image and its processed image in the status management table 321 (step S36).
Since the process of step S36 is the same as that of step S6 in FIG. 4A, the description is used. As the status, "reception completed" is registered.

Then, the control unit 31 transmits the registered status information to the external devices (here, the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image playback device 5) connected via the communication network N by the communication unit 33. is transmitted (step S37).
The status information is transmitted (provided) in units managed by the status management table 321 (at least one of inspection units, series units, site units, and image units).

When the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image reproduction device 5 receive the status information from the image processing workstation 3 (steps S38 to S40), the control unit of each device stores the received status information in the storage unit. status information storage area, and manually or automatically displays the status information on the display unit (steps S41 to S43).
The status information may be displayed on a dedicated status display screen as shown in FIG. 5, may be displayed on an existing inspection list screen, or may be displayed on a pop-up 352 such as a dialog display as shown in FIG. , or may be notified by voice.

Next, the control unit 31 starts performing the type of image processing determined in step S35 on the received medical image (step S44), and updates the status information (step S45). Since the process of step S45 is the same as that of step S8 in FIG. 4A, the description is used. The status is updated to "image processing started (or image processing in progress)".
Then, the control unit 31 transmits the updated status information to the external devices (the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image reproduction device 5) connected via the communication network N by the communication unit 33. (Step S46).

When the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image reproduction device 5 receive the updated status information (S47 to S49), the control unit of each device stores the status information in the storage unit according to the received status information. The status information having the same image incidental information stored in the area is updated, and the updated status information is manually or automatically displayed on the display unit (steps S50 to S52).

Next, the control unit 31 monitors errors in the started image processing, and if an error occurs (step S53; YES), updates the status information (step S54). Since the process of step S54 is the same as that of step S10 in FIG. 4A, the description is used. The status is updated to "image processing error".
Then, the control unit 31 transmits the updated status information to the external devices (the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image reproduction device 5) connected via the communication network N by the communication unit 33. (step S55).
Until the image processing is completed (step S56; NO), the control section 31 repeats steps S53 to S56. Note that once the occurrence of an error is detected and the status information "image processing error" is transmitted, the status information is not repeatedly transmitted.

When the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image reproduction device 5 receive the updated status information (S57 to S59), the control unit of each device stores the status information in the storage unit according to the received status information. The status information having the same image accompanying information stored in the area is updated, and the updated status information is manually or automatically displayed on the display unit (steps S60 to S62).

When the image processing is completed (step S56; YES), the control section 31 updates the status information (step S63). Since the process of step S63 is the same as that of step S12 in FIG. 4A, the description is used. The status is updated to "image processing completed".
Then, the control unit 31 transmits the updated status information to the external devices (the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image reproduction device 5) connected via the communication network N by the communication unit 33. (Step S64).

When the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image reproduction device 5 receive the updated status information (S65 to S67), the control unit of each device stores the status information in the storage unit according to the received status information. The status information having the same image incidental information stored in the area is updated, and the updated status information is manually or automatically displayed on the display unit (steps S68 to S70).

Next, the control unit 31 causes the communication unit 33 to start outputting the medical image and the processed image to the output destination determined in step S35 (step S71), and updates the status information (step S72). Since the process of step S72 is the same as that of step S14 in FIG. 4A, the description is used. The status is updated to "output start (output in progress)".
Then, the control unit 31 transmits the updated status information to the external devices (the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image reproduction device 5) connected via the communication network N by the communication unit 33. (Step S73).

When the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image reproduction device 5 receive the updated status information (S74 to S76), the control unit of each device stores the status information in the storage unit according to the received status information. The status information having the same image incidental information stored in the area is updated, and the updated status information is manually or automatically displayed on the display unit (steps S77 to S79).

Next, the control unit 31 monitors an image output error, and if an error occurs (step S80; YES), updates the status information (step S81). Since the process of step S81 is the same as that of step S16 in FIG. 4A, the description is used. The status is updated to "output error".
Then, the control unit 31 transmits the updated status information to the external devices (the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image reproduction device 5) connected via the communication network N by the communication unit 33. (Step S82).
Until the image output is completed (step S83; NO), the control section 31 repeats steps S80 to S83. Note that once the occurrence of an error is detected and the status information of "output error" is transmitted, the status information is not repeatedly transmitted.

When the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image reproduction device 5 receive the updated status information (S84 to S86), the control unit of each device stores the status information in the storage unit according to the received status information. The status information having the same image incidental information stored in the area is updated, and the updated status information is manually or automatically displayed on the display unit (steps S87 to S89).

When the image output is completed (step S83; YES), the control section 31 updates the status information (step S90). Since the processing of step S90 is the same as that of step S18 in FIG. 4B, the description is used. The status is updated to "output complete".

When the medical image management apparatus 4 completes receiving the medical image and the processed image from the image processing workstation 3 (step S91), it acquires the image incidental information of the received medical image and the processed image, and processes the received image and its The image incidental information is stored in the image DB (step S92).

After updating the status information, the control unit 31 transmits the updated status information to the external devices (the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image playback device 5) connected via the communication network N by the communication unit 33. Information is transmitted (step S93).

When the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image reproduction device 5 receive the updated status information (S94 to S96), the control unit of each device stores the status information in the storage unit according to the received status information. The status information having the same image incidental information stored in the area is updated, and the updated status information is manually or automatically displayed on the display unit (steps S97 to S99).

As described above, status information indicating the processing status of medical images in the image processing workstation 3 is provided to external devices such as the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image reproducing device 5. 2 can grasp the processing status at the image processing workstation 3 without moving to the image processing workstation 3 . As a result, the technician can efficiently carry out the imaging work. For example, if there is an error in image processing, the fact can be immediately grasped without moving to the image processing workstation 3, so re-imaging can be performed quickly before the patient goes home. , it becomes possible to streamline the shooting work. Further, a doctor operating the medical image management apparatus 4 or the medical image reproduction apparatus 5 can grasp the processing status of the image processing workstation 3 without moving to the image processing workstation 3 . As a result, the doctor can efficiently perform operations such as diagnosis.

<Third Embodiment>
In the first and second embodiments, the case of transmitting status information managed by the image processing workstation 3 to an external device has been described. A case of doing so will be explained.

The configuration of the medical imaging system 100 and each device in the third embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, so the description is incorporated, and the operation of the medical imaging system 100 in the third embodiment will be described below. will be explained. In addition, in the third embodiment, the control unit 31 functions as management means and generation means of the present invention. Also, the control unit 31 functions as a providing unit in cooperation with the communication unit 33 .

8A and 8B are flow diagrams showing an example of the operation of the medical imaging system 100 according to the third embodiment. 8A-8B show the flow of operation of the medical imaging system 100 for medical images of one examination. The operation of the medical imaging system 100 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 8A-8B.
In FIGS. 8A and 8B, for the sake of simplification, only one type of image processing is performed on received medical images, and only one output destination is shown. When the processing is performed, the timing at which the processing after step S114 is performed differs depending on the type of image processing. Further, when there are a plurality of output destinations for one processed image, the timing at which the processing after step S141 is performed differs for each output destination.

A medical image for one examination is generated by the medical imaging apparatus 1, and when transmission of the medical image is instructed by the operation unit 24 in the imaging control apparatus 2 (step S101), the control unit 21 transmits the generated medical image. It is transmitted to the image processing workstation 3 by the unit 23 (step S102).

In the image processing workstation 3, when the communication unit 33 receives the medical image transmitted from the imaging control device 2 (step S103), the control unit 31 saves (stores) the received medical image in the storage unit 32. (step S104).

Next, the control unit 31 determines the type of image processing (including analysis) to be performed on the received medical image and the output destination of the image (step S105).
Since the process of step S105 is the same as that of step S5 in FIG. 4A, the description is used.

Next, the control unit 31 registers status information for managing the status of the received medical image and its processed image in the status management table 321 (step S106).
Since the process of step S106 is the same as that of step S6 of FIG. 4A, the description is used. As the status, "reception completed" is registered.

Then, the control unit 31 generates additional information and sends it to an external device (here, the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image reproduction device 5) connected via the communication network N by the communication unit 33. , transmits (provides) the registered status information and additional information (step S107).

Here, the additional information is information to be transmitted to the external device together with the status information. The additional information may be automatically generated by the control unit 31, or may be generated based on comment information input by the user. The comment information includes, for example, a request comment (for example, cautions at the time of imaging) from the user who has confirmed the received medical image to the photographer. If there is no additional information to be transmitted together with the status information, transmission of the additional information may be omitted.
For example, as additional information to be sent together with the status information of "receiving completed", if the operator checks the received medical image and determines that there is a shooting error (shooting failure), it indicates that the shooting error has occurred. and comment information that tells the photographer what and why. Reasons for failure include, for example, excessive dose of medical images, insufficient dose, positioning error (body movement, lack of diagnosis target region), grid moire, artifacts, and the like. Also, additional information may be cautionary notes at the time of imaging (for example, reduce the dose). Alternatively, the control unit 31 automatically analyzes the medical image to determine whether or not a shooting error has occurred. The presence and the reason thereof may be generated as additional information.
In this way, by transmitting the fact that the shooting error has occurred and the reason thereof to the photographing control device 2, the technician can transfer the fact that the shooting error has occurred and the reason thereof to the image processing workstation 3. Since it is possible to know immediately without any need, the next action (for example, re-shooting, etc.) becomes clear, and as a result, it is possible to contribute to the improvement of the overall work efficiency. In addition, by conveying precautions when shooting, it is possible to reduce mistakes during shooting, which can lead to more efficient work.

When the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image reproduction device 5 receive the updated status information and additional information (S108 to S110), the control unit of each device receives the received status information and additional information. The status information is saved in the status information storage area of the storage unit, and the status information and the additional information are manually or automatically displayed on the display unit (steps S111 to S113).
The status information and additional information may be displayed on a dedicated status display screen (see FIG. 5), may be displayed on an existing examination list screen, or may be displayed in a popup such as a dialog display. Alternatively (see FIG. 7), the notification may be made by voice.

Next, the control unit 31 starts performing the type of image processing determined in step S105 on the received medical image (step S114), and updates the status information (step S115). Since the processing of step S115 is the same as that of step S8 in FIG. 4A, the description is used. The status is updated to "image processing started (or image processing in progress)".
Then, the control unit 31 generates the additional information, and updates the information to the external devices (the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, the medical image reproduction device 5) connected via the communication network N by the communication unit 33. The received status information and additional information are transmitted (step S116).

For example, the additional information transmitted together with the status information of "image processing start" includes the image processing estimated time calculated by the control unit 31, and the like. The estimated image processing time can be calculated by, for example, the processing time per image corresponding to the image size of the medical image to be processed×the number of frames. The processing time per image for each image size is stored in the storage unit 32 in advance, for example, for each type of image processing. It is preferable that the processing time per image is measured each time the image processing workstation 3 executes image processing, and the latest time is stored in the storage unit 32 .

When the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image reproduction device 5 receive the updated status information (S117 to S119), the control unit of each device updates the status information of the storage unit based on the received status information. The status information having the same image supplementary information stored in the storage area is updated, and the received additional information is added to the stored additional information (may be overwritten; the same shall apply hereinafter). Then, the updated status information and the added additional information are manually or automatically displayed on the display unit (steps S120 to S122).

By transmitting the estimated image processing time to, for example, the medical image reproducing apparatus 5 in this way, for example, a doctor operating the medical image reproducing apparatus 5 can grasp how long the image processing will take. Therefore, it becomes easier to plan diagnosis work, and the work can be made more efficient.

Next, the control unit 31 monitors errors in the started image processing, and if an error occurs (step S123; YES), updates the status information (step S124). Since the processing of step S124 is the same as that of step S10 in FIG. 4A, the description is used. The status is updated to "image processing error".
Then, the control unit 31 generates the additional information, and updates the information to the external devices (the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, the medical image reproduction device 5) connected via the communication network N by the communication unit 33. The status information and additional information are transmitted (step S125).

For example, the additional information transmitted together with the status information of "image processing error" includes, for example, the reason for the image processing error.
Until the image processing is completed (step S126; NO), the control unit 31 repeats steps S123 to S126. Note that once the occurrence of an error is detected and the status information "image processing error" is transmitted, the status information is not repeatedly transmitted.

When the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image reproduction device 5 receive the updated status information and additional information (S127 to S129), the control unit of each device stores the received status information in the storage unit. update the status information having the same image incidental information stored in the status information storage area of , and add the received additional information to the stored additional information. Then, the updated status information and the added additional information are manually or automatically displayed on the display unit (steps S130 to S132).

By transmitting the reason for the image processing error to, for example, the imaging control device 2 in this way, for example, a technician operating the imaging control device 2 can know that an error has occurred and the reason for it. As a result, the next action (reshooting, etc.) becomes clear, and as a result, it is possible to contribute to the overall work efficiency improvement.

When the image processing is completed (step S126; YES), the control section 31 updates the status information (step S133). Since the process of step S133 is the same as that of step S12 in FIG. 4A, the description is used. The status is updated to "image processing completed".
Then, the control unit 31 generates the additional information, and updates the information to the external devices (the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, the medical image reproduction device 5) connected via the communication network N by the communication unit 33. The received status information and additional information are transmitted (step S134).

When the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image reproduction device 5 receive the updated status information and additional information (S135 to S137), the control unit of each device stores the received status information in the storage unit. update the status information having the same image incidental information stored in the status information storage area of , and add the received additional information to the stored additional information. Then, the updated status information and the added additional information are manually or automatically displayed on the display unit (steps S138 to S140).

Next, the control unit 31 causes the communication unit 33 to start outputting the medical image and the processed image (image processing result) to the output destination determined in step S105 (step S141), and updates the status information (step S142). Since the process of step S142 is the same as that of step S14 in FIG. 4A, the description is used. The status is updated to "output start (output in progress)".
Then, the control unit 31 generates the additional information, and updates the information to the external devices (the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, the medical image reproduction device 5) connected via the communication network N by the communication unit 33. The received status information and additional information are transmitted (step S143).

Additional information transmitted together with the status information “output start” includes, for example, the predicted output time of the image processing result calculated by the control unit 31 . The predicted output time of the image processing result can be calculated by, for example, (image size of image to be transmitted×number of frames)/transfer rate. The transfer rate is pre-stored in the storage unit 32 . This transfer rate is preferably measured each time an image is transmitted by the image processing workstation 3 and the latest one is stored in the storage section 32 .
If the image processing results are data other than images such as graphs and numerical values, the approximate data size of the image processing results is stored in advance in the storage unit 32, and the data size of the image processing results is divided by the transfer rate. can be calculated by

When the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image reproduction device 5 receive the updated status information and additional information (S144 to S146), the control unit of each device stores the received status information in the storage unit. update the status information having the same image incidental information stored in the status information storage area of , and add the received additional information to the stored additional information. Then, the updated status information and the added additional information are manually or automatically displayed on the display unit (steps S147 to S149).

By transmitting the predicted output time of the image processing result to, for example, the medical image reproducing apparatus 5 in this way, a doctor operating the medical image reproducing apparatus 5 can, for example, know how long it will take for the image processing result to arrive. Since it is possible to ascertain whether or not it is necessary, it becomes easier to plan diagnosis work, and the work can be made more efficient.

Next, the control unit 31 monitors output errors, and when an error occurs (step S150; YES), updates the status information (step S151). Since the process of step S151 is the same as that of step S16 in FIG. 4A, the description is used. The status is updated to "output error".
Then, the control unit 31 generates the additional information, and updates the information to the external devices (the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, the medical image reproduction device 5) connected via the communication network N by the communication unit 33. The status information and additional information are transmitted (step 152).
The additional information to be transmitted together with the "output error" status information includes, for example, the reason for the error.
Until the image output is completed (step S153; NO), the control unit 31 repeats steps S150 to S153. Note that once the occurrence of an error is detected and the status information of "output error" is transmitted, the status information is not repeatedly transmitted.

When the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image reproduction device 5 receive the updated status information and additional information (S154 to S156), the control unit of each device stores the received status information in the storage unit. update the status information having the same image incidental information stored in the status information storage area of , and add the received additional information to the stored additional information. Then, the updated status information and the added additional information are manually or automatically displayed on the display unit (steps S157 to S159).

In this way, by transmitting the fact that an output error has occurred and the reason thereof to, for example, the medical image reproducing apparatus 5, a doctor operating the medical image reproducing apparatus 5, for example, can Since it is possible to know the fact that there is an output error and the reason for it, it is possible to make a plan for diagnostic work taking into consideration the fact that an output error has occurred, and the work can be made more efficient.

When the image output is completed (step S153; YES), the control section 31 updates the status information (step S160). Since the process of step S160 is the same as that of step S18 in FIG. 4B, the description is used. The status is updated to "output complete".

When the medical image management apparatus 4 completes receiving the medical image and the processed image from the image processing workstation 3 (step S161), the control unit of each apparatus acquires image incidental information of the received medical image and processed image. Then, the received image and its accompanying information are stored in the image DB (step S162).

When the status information is updated, the control unit 31 generates additional information, and external devices (imaging control device 2, medical image management device 4, medical image playback device 5) connected via the communication network N by the communication unit 33 , the updated status information and additional information are transmitted (step S163).

When the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image reproduction device 5 receive the updated status information and additional information (S164 to S166), the control unit of each device stores the received status information in the storage unit. update the status information having the same image incidental information stored in the status information storage area of , and add the received additional information to the stored additional information. Then, the updated status information and the added additional information are manually or automatically displayed on the display unit (steps S167 to S169).

In this way, the status information indicating the processing status of the medical image in the image processing workstation 3 and its additional information are provided to external devices such as the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image reproduction device 5. For example, a technician operating the imaging control device 2 can grasp the processing status of the image processing workstation 3 without moving to the image processing workstation 3 . In addition, the additional information makes it possible to grasp failures in photographing and points to be noted. As a result, it is possible to efficiently carry out the photographing work. For example, if an image is lost, the fact and the reason for the image loss can be immediately grasped without moving to the image processing workstation 3, so re-imaging can be performed quickly before the patient goes home. As a result, it becomes possible to streamline the shooting work. In addition, a doctor operating the medical image management apparatus 4 or the medical image reproduction apparatus 5 can check the processing status of medical images at the image processing workstation 3 and the arrival time of the images without moving to the image processing workstation 3 . can be grasped. As a result, the doctor can efficiently perform operations such as diagnosis.

In the event that a medical image is lost or an image processing error occurs, it is necessary to notify the technician as soon as possible so that the operator can retake the image.
Therefore, the control unit 21 of the imaging control device 2 controls the operation of the imaging control device 2 based on the status information and additional information received from the image processing workstation 3 by the communication unit 23 as the control means of the present invention. may be

For example, when an inspection screen corresponding to status information received from the image processing workstation 3 is displayed on the display unit 25, the control unit 21 displays the status information and additional information of the received status information on the inspection screen. You can do it.
For example, if the received status information is "image processing error" and the additional information is the reason for the error such as "lung defect", the control unit 21 causes the display unit 25 to On the inspection screen displayed in , the imaging condition of the medical image that caused the image processing error (here, chest moving image PA), the fact that the image processing failed (image processing: NG), and the reason (reason: Lung field defects) are displayed.
Further, for example, when the received status information is "image processing in progress" and the additional information is the estimated image processing time, the control unit 21 calculates the remaining image processing time based on the estimated image processing time, As indicated by 354 , on the examination screen displayed on the display unit 251 , medical image capturing conditions (here, chest moving image LAT), image processing being processed (image processing: processing in progress), and The remaining estimated time (estimated time: remaining 1 minute) etc. are displayed.

Alternatively, if the additional information is the reason for a shooting failure or an image processing error, the control unit 21 sets the shooting conditions for the medical image for which shooting failure or image processing failed, as indicated by reference numeral 355 in FIG. and displays a message prompting re-imaging on the inspection screen, automatically creates radiographing order information for medical images for which image processing has failed, and instructs the medical imaging apparatus 1 to re-capture the generated radiographing order information. A shooting button 356 for shooting is displayed. As a result, the technician can know the need for re-imaging, and can smoothly transition to re-imaging without the complicated work of issuing imaging order information, contributing to operational efficiency. be able to.

As described above, the control unit 31 of the image processing workstation 3 manages the status information indicating the processing status of the medical images received from the imaging control device 2, and transmits the status information via the communication network N. , to an external device including at least the imaging control device 2 .
Therefore, the technician operating the imaging control device 2 can grasp the processing status at the image processing workstation 3 without moving to the image processing workstation 3 . As a result, the technician can efficiently carry out the imaging work. For example, if there is an error in image processing, the fact can be immediately grasped without moving to the image processing workstation 3, so re-imaging can be performed quickly before the patient goes home. , it becomes possible to streamline the shooting work. Further, a doctor operating the medical image management apparatus 4 or the medical image reproduction apparatus 5 can grasp the processing status of the image processing workstation 3 without moving to the image processing workstation 3 . As a result, the doctor can efficiently perform operations such as diagnosis.

It should be noted that the description in the above embodiment is a preferred example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, in the above embodiment, the status information is information indicating the reception status of medical images, the image processing status, and the output status of image processing results in the image processing workstation 3. At least one of the processing status and the output status of the image processing result should be included.

In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 31 operates at the completion of reception of medical images, the start of image processing, the completion of image processing, the start of output of image processing results, the completion of output of image processing results, the occurrence of errors, However, the present invention is not limited to this. If the configuration is such that image incidental information of an image can be acquired, status information for the medical image of the examination may be generated in advance based on the acquired image incidental information before receiving the medical image of the examination. . Then, the status information may be updated even when reception of medical images is started. Also, although it is preferable to update the status information at all the timings described above, it may be updated at least one timing.

In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 31 as a providing unit performs the following functions: when receiving medical images is completed, when image processing is started, when image processing is completed, when an error occurs, when output of image processing results is started, and when image processing results are output. The status information is transmitted (provided) to the external device connected via the communication network N by the communication unit 33 at the timing of completion of output and request of status information from the external device, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the configuration is such that image incidental information can be acquired before receiving a medical image generated by an examination, status information for the medical image is generated in advance before receiving the medical image. The status information may be updated and provided to the external device even when image reception is started. Also, although it is preferable to provide the status information to the external device at all the timings described above, it may be provided at least one timing.
Further, the status information may be provided to the external device at the timing when the provision of the status information to the external device is requested by manual operation in the image processing workstation 3 or at regular time intervals.

In the above embodiment, examples of the status indicating the reception status, the image processing status, and the output status of the medical image processing results include start of reception of medical images, completion of reception, start of image processing, completion of image processing, occurrence of an error, and image processing. The start of output of processing results and the completion of output of image processing results are mentioned, but not limited to these, for example, reception success, reception failure, image processing success, image processing failure, output success, output failure are provided as status It is also possible to

In the above embodiment, the control unit 31 as a providing unit provides status information to the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image playback device 5. The target external devices are not limited to those shown in the embodiments.
For example, the control unit 31 transmits the status information to
At least, it may be provided to one or more external devices that are used in processes upstream of reception of medical images by the image processing apparatus 3 in a workflow from reservation of medical image shooting to display of image processing results. "External devices used in processes upstream of the reception of medical images by the image processing apparatus 3 in the workflow from the reservation of imaging of medical images to the display of image processing results" include the imaging control device 2, RIS, HIS, At least one of a wearable display worn by a technician and a terminal device (for example, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) terminal or a tablet terminal) connected to the imaging control device 2, which is connected via a communication network N. include. Since the external device is mainly operated by the technician, by providing the status information from the image processing device 3, the technician can operate the image processing workstation 3 without moving to the image processing workstation 3. It is possible to grasp the processing status, which can contribute to the improvement of work efficiency.

Further, the image processing workstation 3 may be configured to be connected via a communication network N to a wearable display worn by a doctor and an electronic medical record device. Then, the status information may be transmitted (provided) to the wearable display or the electronic medical record device, or the status information may be provided in response to a request from these devices. FIG. 11 shows an example of status information provided by the image processing workstation 3 displayed on the wearable display.

Further, in the above embodiment, the medical imaging apparatus 1 and the imaging control apparatus 2 are described as separate units, but the imaging control apparatus 2 may be provided within the medical imaging apparatus 1 .

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the medical image management apparatus 4 and the Web-based image distribution apparatus provided in the image processing workstation 3 are used as output destinations of medical images. It may be provided outside the workstation 3 . Further, the output destination of medical images is not limited to the medical image management apparatus 4 and the image distribution apparatus. For example, status information may be displayed (output) on the display unit 35 of the image processing workstation 3 .

Further, in the above embodiment, the status information is transmitted directly from the image processing workstation 3 to the medical image reproducing apparatus 5 via the communication unit 33. It is also possible to transmit (provide) status information.

In addition, in the above description, an example using a hard disk, a semiconductor non-volatile memory, or the like is disclosed as a computer-readable medium for the program according to the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this example. As other computer-readable media, portable recording media such as CD-ROMs can be applied. A carrier wave is also applied as a medium for providing program data according to the present invention via a communication line.

In addition, the detailed configuration and detailed operation of each device that constitutes the medical imaging system can be changed as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention.

100 medical imaging system 1 medical imaging device 2 imaging control device 21 control unit 22 storage unit 23 communication unit 24 operation unit 25 display unit 26 bus 3 image processing workstation 31 control unit 32 storage unit 321 status management table 33 communication unit 34 operation Unit 35 Display unit 36 Bus 4 Medical image management device 5 Medical image reproduction device

Claims (15)

is connected to an imaging control device for controlling a medical imaging device and a medical image management system including a medical image management device and a medical image playback device via a communication network built in a medical facility; An image processing device capable of receiving a transmitted medical image, performing image processing on the received medical image, and outputting the image processing result to an output destination including the medical image management device,
a management means for managing status information indicating the processing status of medical images received from the imaging control apparatus;
The status information is used at least in a process upstream of reception of medical images by the image processing apparatus in a workflow from reservation of imaging of medical images to display of image processing results, which are connected via the communication network. providing means for providing to one or more external devices that
An image processing device comprising: 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the external device includes at least one of the imaging control device, a RIS (Radiology Information System), an HIS (Hospital Information System), a wearable display, and a terminal device connected to the imaging control device. Image processing device. 3. The status information is information in which at least one of a reception status of the medical image, an image processing status, or an output status of the image processing result is associated with image incidental information of the medical image. The image processing device according to . The management means selects at least one timing from start of reception of the medical image, completion of reception, start of image processing, completion of image processing, start of output of the image processing result, completion of output, and occurrence of an error. 4. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the status information is updated in. 5. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said management means manages said status information in units of at least one of examination units, series units, and image units. The providing means receives the status from the external device at the start of reception of the medical image, at the completion of reception, at the start of image processing, at the completion of image processing, at the start of output of the image processing result, at the completion of output, at the occurrence of an error, and at the time of occurrence of an error. 6. The image according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the status information is provided at least one timing of information request, status information provision request to the external device by manual operation, and fixed time intervals. processing equipment. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said providing means provides said status information in units of at least one of inspection units, series units, and image units. When there is a request for status information from the external device, the providing means transmits the status information by file linkage, transmits the status information by a dedicated protocol, or transmits the status information stored in a predetermined storage area of the storage unit. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the status information is provided by direct reference of the status information by the external device. generating means for generating additional information to be provided to the external device together with the status information;
9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said providing means provides said additional information together with said status information. 10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the additional information includes at least one of information on image processing of the medical image, information on shooting failure, predicted image processing time, and predicted output time of image processing result. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the medical image is a dynamic image. A shooting control device connected to the image processing device according to claim 9 or 10 via a communication network,
A photographing control device comprising control means for controlling the operation of the photographing control device based on the additional information provided from the image processing device. An image processing device according to claim 9 or 10,
A shooting control device connected to the image processing device via a communication network, the shooting control device comprising control means for controlling the operation of the shooting control device based on the additional information provided from the image processing device. a device;
medical imaging systems including; is connected to an imaging control device for controlling a medical imaging device and a medical image management system including a medical image management device and a medical image playback device via a communication network built in a medical facility; a computer of an image processing device capable of receiving a transmitted medical image, performing image processing on the received medical image, and outputting the image processing result to an output destination including the medical image management device;
Management means for managing status information indicating the processing status of medical images received from the imaging control device;
The status information is used at least in a process upstream of reception of medical images by the image processing apparatus in a workflow from reservation of imaging of medical images to display of image processing results, which are connected via the communication network. providing means for providing to one or more external devices that
A program to function as A computer of a shooting control device connected to the image processing device according to claim 9 or 10 via a communication network,
A program for functioning as control means for controlling the operation of the imaging control device based on the additional information provided from the image processing device.

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