JP4003034B2 - Imaging system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present inventionImaging systemIn particular, an image file in which an acquired image is associated with identification information related to a subject included in the image is automatically created and output.Imaging systemAbout.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In order to enable management such as organizing and editing of recorded image data, first sub information is set corresponding to camera captured image information, and second sub information relating to shooting order is associated with the captured image information. A camera configured to be attached and stored in the attribute information recording unit of the information recording medium is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-252474.
[0003]
In addition, in order to facilitate the retrieval of captured images, in the electronic camera configuration that displays the shooting state and date and time on the liquid crystal display device and stores the shooting information in the installed memory card MC, the shooting information is selected and related information is displayed. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 7-296001 discloses an information device that includes a management means to be added and can display related information on the liquid crystal display device.
[0004]
Also, in order to enable quick retrieval of electronic images without losing operability without increasing the size of the device, a frame number previously assigned to the electronic image is specified on the back of the electronic camera and in the vicinity of the LCD monitor. The first operation switch for selecting the electronic image and the second switch for selecting the electronic image by specifying the attribute information assigned in advance for collective management of the electronic image are set to be radial. An arranged image processing apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-306319.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the camera disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-252474, sub information is automatically recorded together with an image for organizing image data, and is described in an embodiment using time as sub information to be used. Has been. However, although it is possible to identify the recorded image by using the date and time information recorded together with the image, the date and time information is not information representing the content of the image or subject. Therefore, when managing and organizing images according to the subject, it is necessary to create and manage information that associates the photographing time with the content of the subject.
[0006]
Similarly, the information apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-296001 and the image processing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-306319 also use date information when managing image data. Therefore, when performing image management, the same problem as that of the camera disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-252474 has occurred.
[0007]
  In addition, when using a method in which information relating to an image is input directly from an electronic camera by a user at the time of shooting, and recorded and managed in association with the captured image, an interface for information input between the electronic camera and the user is used. (Input means) is required, and there is a problem that there is a high possibility that an error will occur in the input of information by the user.Furthermore, there has been a problem that a mistake in captured images at a medical site is likely to cause a fatal result in medical treatment for a patient.
[0008]
  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, acquires unique identification information from other electronic devices, and automatically creates and outputs an image file describing the acquired unique identification information and an image. It is an object of the present invention to provide an imaging system capable of easily managing the output image.Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging system capable of preventing a mistake in captured images at a medical site.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an imaging system including an ID card for a subject to carry, an electronic camera, and a server for managing images taken by the electronic camera. Includes a subject identification information recording unit for recording subject identification information unique to the subject, a camera list recording unit for recording a camera list for specifying an electronic camera used for imaging the subject, and a communication with the electronic camera. Card-side communication means, and the electronic camera includes electronic camera identification information recording means for recording electronic camera identification information unique to the electronic camera, imaging means for taking an image of the subject, and the card Card information for communicating with the side communication means to acquire the subject identification information and the camera list from the ID card When it is determined that the obtaining unit, the image recording unit that records the image captured by the imaging unit and the subject identification information in association with each other, and the camera list includes the electronic camera identification information of the electronic camera itself In addition, while permitting the imaging unit to shoot the subject, if it is determined that the camera list does not include the electronic camera identification information of the electronic camera itself, the imaging unit is not permitted to shoot the subject. Camera-side information processing means, and output means for associating the image and the subject identification information with each other and outputting them to the server or the ID card are provided.
[0010]
  According to the present invention,rearManagement of the output image file in the process can be facilitated.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Hereinafter, according to the accompanying drawings, according to the present invention.Imaging systemThe preferred embodiment will be described in detail.
[0012]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging system in a medical site such as an examination room.
[0013]
As shown in the figure, an imaging system in a medical field includes an electronic camera that is a form of an electronic device that records a patient 8, an affected area 9 of the patient 8 as a subject image, and an image obtained by capturing the subject. 10 and the patient's name, age, disease information, diagnosis information, imaging information, patient-specific identification information such as patient ID, etc. are recorded and the identification information is output to other electronic devices such as the electronic camera 10. And an ID card 60 (an electronic medical ticket or the like) which is one form of electronic equipment capable of being used.
[0014]
In addition, a network gateway 12 is provided that can transmit and receive images captured by the electronic camera 10 and the like, and information such as identification information of the patient 8 by wireless or wired communication means. In addition, if necessary, a personal computer that can receive an image captured by the electronic camera 10 and manage it in association with identification information of the patient 8 or perform processing such as reception processing of the patient 8 who has visited for examination. 80 may be provided.
[0015]
Further, the electronic camera 10, the personal computer 80, the gateway 12, and the ID card 60 can be used for images, identification information, examination information, etc. via wireless communication means such as the antenna 156 and antenna 856, or wired communication means (not shown). Various information can be transmitted and received between each other.
[0016]
The patient-specific identification information recorded on the ID card 60 unique to the patient 8 generally does not need to be rewritten and may be recorded as information that cannot be rewritten. In addition, the recording method of the ID card 60 for recording various information may be any recording method such as a recording method using a semiconductor, a recording method using magnetism, or a recording method using light. It is possible to achieve the object of the invention.
[0017]
The imaging means for imaging the affected part 9 of the patient 8 corresponds to an imaging means using an imaging device such as an electronic camera, an X-ray camera, an endoscope imaging device, or an MRI that images with normal visible light.
[0018]
When a person such as a doctor images the affected part 9, an electronic device such as the electronic camera 10 or the personal computer 80 acquires identification information unique to the patient 8 from the electronic device such as the ID card 60 and associates it with the captured image. It is described in the image file. The created image file may be recorded on the recording medium 177 attached to the electronic camera 10, may be recorded on the recording medium 877 attached to the personal computer 80, or may be recorded on the ID card 60. Alternatively, it may be transmitted to the server system in the hospital via the gateway 12 and the network and recorded.
[0019]
FIG. 2 shows a configuration of an imaging system in a medical site such as a hospital.
[0020]
As shown in the figure, in the medical field such as hospitals, there are receptions that patients first visit, examination rooms such as surgery, internal medicine, and brain surgery where patients are examined, and pharmacies that purchase medicines that patients take. Is provided. In the medical field, patient information such as patient name, patient name, age, disease information, medical examination information, medical examination result information, medical chart information, medical examination image, prescription information, imaging information, patient ID, etc. A server 90 capable of recording and managing in association with the server 90 is provided.
[0021]
The server 90 may be configured as a server system including a plurality of servers provided for each function as necessary, or may be an apparatus configured from a single server. The server 90 manages a communication network 14 such as a LAN in a hospital, and transmits / receives various information such as images and characters to / from each terminal device connected to the network 14 such as an electronic camera 10. It is possible to implement.
[0022]
In addition, when the subject photographing position of the electronic camera 10E is close to the electronic camera 10D as in a brain surgery examination room, a shield wall 16 that attenuates radio waves for wireless communication is provided. Therefore, the ID card and the electronic camera 10D existing at the subject shooting position of the electronic camera 10E are set so as not to start wireless communication.
[0023]
Further, “200-001” is provided for the electronic camera 10 installed in the surgical examination room, and “100-001” is provided for the electronic camera 10A provided in the medical examination room. In the recording means such as the nonvolatile memory 182 or the ROM 183 of each electronic camera, an ID that is identification information unique to the electronic camera is recorded.
[0024]
A personal computer 80B capable of inputting and outputting information and connected to the network 14 is installed at the reception. The personal computer 80B includes an input means that allows the reception person to input reception information, display means for displaying the input information, information acquired via the network 14, etc., a patient-specific ID card 60, Communication means capable of transmitting and receiving information using wireless or wired means is provided.
[0025]
Further, when transmitting / receiving information to / from the patient-specific ID card 60, the ID card 60 is mounted in the PC card slot of the personal computer 80B instead of the recording medium 877B, and transmission / reception means such as a PC card interface of the personal computer 80B is provided. It may be used to exchange information with the ID card 60.
[0026]
In each examination room, information can be input / output and personal computers 80, 80A,... Connected to the network 14 and images of subjects such as affected areas of the patient are captured and the acquired images are output. Electronic cameras 10, 10A, ... are provided. In addition, the personal computers 80, 80A,... Have input means for a doctor or the like to input medical examination information, imaging information, medical chart information, prescription information about medicine to be given to the patient, etc. Information can be transmitted / received using display means for displaying information acquired in the past, medical examination information, medical chart information, captured images of the affected area, etc., and a patient-specific ID card 60 and wireless or wired means. Communication means.
[0027]
Similarly to the receiving personal computer 80, when the information is transmitted / received to / from the patient-specific ID card 60, the ID card 60 is inserted in the PC card slot of the personal computer 80, 80A... Instead of the recording medium 877, 877A. The information may be sent and received to and from the ID card 60 using a sending / receiving means such as a PC card interface of the personal computer 80, 80A.
[0028]
The pharmacy is provided with a personal computer 80C capable of inputting / outputting information and connected to the network 14, and a printer 70C for printing the prescription information of the corresponding patient acquired via the network 14 on a sheet. Has been. The personal computer 80C includes an input unit that allows a pharmacy person to input reception information, a display unit that displays the input information, prescription information acquired through the network 14, and the patient-specific ID card 60. Communication means capable of transmitting and receiving information using wireless or wired means is provided.
[0029]
Further, when transmitting / receiving information to / from the patient-specific ID card 60, the ID card 60 may be mounted in the PC card slot of the personal computer 80C instead of the recording medium 877C to transmit / receive information.
[0030]
For example, the image server provided in the server 90 can record an image captured at the time of medical examination or the like. In addition, the imaging examination management server of the server 90 also records information such as which department is scheduled for examination for each patient and information such as which camera is scheduled to image the affected area. . In addition, information on which patient is issued and rented an ID card assigned with an ID code number is also recorded.
[0031]
FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a signal processing system of the electronic camera 10.
[0032]
The image processing unit of the electronic camera 10 includes an imaging unit 150 (including a function of an image acquisition unit) that forms an image of a subject on a light receiving surface, photoelectrically converts it, and outputs it as an image signal. An image processing unit 153 that performs processing such as correction, gamma correction, contrast correction, and white balance correction, and an A / D converter 154 that converts an analog image signal into digital image data are provided.
[0033]
Further, the communication means of the electronic camera 10 that transmits and receives information such as image data to and from other electronic devices by communication transmits or receives information such as image data and identification information unique to other electronic devices on a carrier wave such as radio waves. Transmission / reception means 157 (including functions of identification information acquisition means, image acquisition means, subject identification information acquisition means, electronic device identification information acquisition means and output means), an antenna 156 for transmitting / receiving carrier waves and data, and image data, etc. The communication connector 162 transmits information to another electronic device via a communication cable, and the cradle connector 163 transmits / receives information to / from another communication device via a cradle on which the electronic camera 10 is mounted.
[0034]
Note that the communication means such as the transmission / reception means 157 and the antenna 156 may be separately provided outside the electronic camera 10. Further, in order to perform wireless communication only with the ID card 60 carried by the patient 8, communication means such as the transmission / reception means 157 and the antenna 156 may be installed in the vicinity of the subject imaging position.
[0035]
In the case where the transmission / reception unit 157 is a unit for acquiring unique identification information from another electronic device by wireless communication, depending on the strength of the carrier wave when receiving the wireless communication carrier wave output by the other electronic device. You may provide the function of the variable receiving intensity setting means which makes it possible to acquire unique identification information.
[0036]
By providing the function of this variable reception strength setting means, only the ID card 60 present in the nearest neighborhood (the strongest radio wave strength is present because it is present in the nearest neighborhood) is selected to transmit and receive information. It is possible to acquire the unique identification information.
[0037]
When the transmission / reception unit 157 is a unit that acquires unique identification information from another electronic device by wireless communication, the direction for receiving the wireless communication carrier wave output by the other electronic device is selected and the unique identification is selected. You may provide the function of the variable receiving direction setting means which makes it possible to acquire information.
[0038]
By providing the function of this variable receiving direction setting means, only the ID card 60 existing in a specific direction (may be another electronic device in the vicinity) is selected automatically or manually. By transmitting and receiving information, it is possible to acquire unique identification information. In this case, the antenna 156 is provided with a shielding material in a range not receiving radio waves or the like so that a carrier wave can be received only within a predetermined angle range, and the antenna 156 itself is a uniaxial or biaxial direction like a radar antenna. You may comprise so that rotation is possible.
[0039]
Further, the electronic camera 10 displays information such as image data on a display unit 168 and a compression / expansion unit 167 for performing compression control on information such as JPEG or motion JPEG, or processing for expanding / decompressing compressed data. OSD 169 that displays various characters and message data together with images on screen, and performs white balance processing on image data obtained by imaging, gamma conversion, YC conversion processing, pixel number conversion processing, electronic Signal processing means 170 for performing zoom processing, trimming processing, etc., frame memory 171 for temporarily storing image data, and D / A for converting digital image data into YC signals or RGB signals for display, etc. A converter 172 is provided.
[0040]
When the affected part 9 is imaged by the electronic camera 10, it is possible to display information such as the acquired patient ID, patient name, patient's face photograph, various warning messages, and the like on the display unit 168. It has become.
[0041]
The display means 168 displays a notification that one unique identification information cannot be specified when the identification information acquisition means such as the transmission / reception means 157 acquires a plurality of unique identification information. A function of information display means may be provided.
[0042]
The display unit 168 displays a notification that the unique identification information cannot be acquired when the identification information acquisition unit such as the transmission / reception unit 157 cannot acquire the unique identification information from another electronic device. The function of the means may be provided.
[0043]
Further, the display unit 168 acquires unique identification information from other electronic devices before and after acquiring an image, and the identification information does not match when the identification information of both does not match. You may provide the function of the mismatch information display means which displays the notification to the effect.
[0044]
Further, the display unit 168 collates the identification information for identifying the subject acquired from the server 90 or the like with the identification information for identifying the subject acquired from another electronic device existing in the vicinity of the subject. If the identification information does not match, a function of subject mismatch information display means for displaying a notification that the identification information for identifying the acquired subject does not match may be provided.
[0045]
The display unit 168 also includes unique identification information that identifies an electronic device (such as the electronic camera 10) that performs the acquisition of an image acquired from the server, and an image acquired from another electronic device that is in the vicinity of the subject. When the identification information specifying the electronic device (such as the electronic camera 10) that performs the acquisition is collated and the identification information of both does not match as a result of the collation, the identification information that identifies the acquired electronic device is A function of electronic device mismatch information display means for displaying a notification that they do not match may be provided.
[0046]
In addition, the electronic camera 10 includes information for selecting one unique identification information from among a plurality of unique identification information, a release button, a communication button, a transmission button, a function switch, a cross key, a confirmation switch, a mode switch, and a plurality of unique identification information. An input unit 174 provided with operation buttons and the like input by the user, an I / O 175 that is an interface for inputting / outputting setting information of the input unit 174, and a recording medium mounting unit for detachably mounting the recording medium 177 178, and a recording medium interface 179 for recording and reading information such as an address, an image file, and identification information unique to the electronic device (recording information acquisition unit, image acquisition unit, subject identification information acquisition unit, Electronic device identification information acquisition means and output means functions). The recording medium 177 includes a semiconductor such as a memory card, a detachable recording medium typified by an MO or the like, or a recording means such as an ID card 60. Electronic equipment.
[0047]
The transmission / reception means 157 includes identification information unique to the electronic device, identification information unique to the user or patient, identification information identifying the subject to be imaged, image from other electronic devices such as the server 90 managing the imaging and the ID card 60 It is possible to receive identification information or an image for specifying an electronic device that acquires the image, or to transmit an image file to another electronic device.
[0048]
Also, other electronic devices can record images and image files on the recording medium 177, and identify identification information unique to the electronic device, identification information unique to the user or patient, and a subject to be imaged. It is possible to acquire identification information and identification information and an image for specifying an electronic device from which an image is acquired, and output an image file to another electronic device.
[0049]
The electronic camera 10 controls the entire electronic camera 10 and performs various controls such as image data sampling timing control, image data recording control, image file creation control, image data graphic recognition, communication control, and display control. Information processing means 180 (including the functions of an image file creation means, subject information matching means, and electronic device information matching means), various types of identification information that can be rewritten and obtained from other electronic devices, and manufacturing Non-volatile memory 182 (recording means) that can continue to store information such as the name of the seller and the name of the seller even after the power is turned off, and the model name, manufacturer name, serial number, etc. of the electronic camera 10 ROM 183 (recording means) in which identification information, operation program constants, etc. are recorded, and storage means R serving as a work area during program execution And M184 is provided.
[0050]
The image acquired by the image acquisition means such as the imaging means 150, the transmission / reception means 157 and the recording medium interface 179, and the identification information input via the input means 174 are recorded in the recording means such as the recording medium 177 or the nonvolatile memory 182. The
[0051]
Further, the electronic camera 10 is supplied with power from a calendar clock 190 that keeps time, a power source 191 that supplies various powers for driving the electronic camera 10 to each peripheral circuit and control circuit, and an external power source. A power connector 192; light emitting means 193 that irradiates the subject with light or other photosensitive energy during photographing to compensate for the lack of the amount of light; and light emission that adjusts the light emission timing of the light emitting means 193 and the energy such as the amount of light emitted. Control means 194 is provided.
[0052]
The information processing means 180 of the electronic camera 10 and its peripheral circuits are connected by a bus 199 so that information can be transmitted to each other at high speed.
[0053]
The information processing unit 180 of the electronic camera 10 includes identification information unique to the electronic device recorded in the recording unit such as the nonvolatile memory 182 and the ROM 183, identification information input by the user, the name of the manufacturer of the electronic device, It has a function of an image file creating means for creating an image file in which identification information such as the name of a device seller and the acquired image are described.
[0054]
The information processing unit 180 of the electronic camera 10 acquires the image data acquired when the image is captured by the electronic camera 10 or when an image is acquired via the image acquisition unit such as the transmission / reception unit 157 or the recording medium interface 179. At the same time, it is possible to record an image file associated with identification information acquired from another electronic device.
[0055]
The information processing unit 180 of the electronic camera 10 includes identification information that identifies the subject of the image acquired by the subject identification information acquisition unit from an electronic device such as the server 90 that manages the image, and an ID card 60 that exists in the vicinity of the subject. You may provide the function of the subject information collation means which collates with the identification information which identifies the subject which the identification information acquisition means acquired from the other electronic device.
[0056]
Further, the information processing means 180 of the electronic camera 10 creates an image file that describes the acquired image and identification information that identifies the subject of the image only when the identification information of both matches as a result of the collation. It may have a function.
[0057]
The information processing unit 180 of the electronic camera 10 identifies the electronic device (electronic camera 10... Personal computer 80...) That acquires the image acquired by the electronic device identification information acquisition unit from the electronic device such as the server 90 that manages the image. Identification information for identifying an electronic device (electronic camera 10..., Personal computer 80...) For acquiring an image acquired by the identification information acquisition unit from another electronic device such as an ID card 60 existing in the vicinity of the subject. You may provide the function of the subject information collating means which collates with information.
[0058]
Further, the information processing means 180 of the electronic camera 10 has a function of creating an image file in which the acquired image and the identification information for specifying the subject of the image are described only when the identification information of both matches as a result of the collation May be provided.
[0059]
The information processing unit 180 of the electronic camera 10 is configured so that the identification information acquisition unit such as the transmission / reception unit 157 acquires one unique identification information from another electronic device, or the identification information acquisition unit receives from another electronic device. A function of creating an image file describing the acquired identification information and the acquired image may be provided only when the user selects one unique identification information after acquiring a plurality of unique identification information. .
[0060]
If the identification information to be recorded is recorded in the same image file together with the image data in the header portion of the image file, subsequent processing becomes easy. The description of the identification information is not limited to binary data and ASCII data, but may be encrypted information. The description of the identification information is not limited to the method described in the header portion of the image file, and may be described by being embedded in the image data using a technique such as a digital watermark.
[0061]
Further, this identification information may be configured so that the identification information is recorded together with all images taken by the electronic camera 10 unless otherwise specified by the user. Then, by operating the input unit 174 provided in the electronic camera 10, the user may be able to set the release so that the identification information is not recorded in the image file together with the image data.
[0062]
By recording identification information such as identification information unique to the electronic device or the patient 8 together with the image in the image file, the person who acquired the image file (observer such as a doctor) can receive the patient name, patient ID, and affected part of the received image. It is possible to easily acquire information on the container, the equipment used, and the like.
[0063]
The image file created by the information processing unit 180 is a communication device such as a personal computer 80 that functions as a communication terminal of the network 14 via a transmission / reception unit 157 capable of wireless or wired communication, or an output unit such as a recording medium interface 179. Is output. Alternatively, the data may be output directly to the server 90 via the transmission / reception means 157.
[0064]
Processing up to photographing and recording by the electronic camera 10 configured as described above will be described below.
[0065]
The subject image to be imaged is formed on the light receiving surface of the imaging unit 150 by the lens of the electronic camera 10, and the formed subject image is photoelectrically converted and output to the image processing unit 153. The image processing means 153 performs amplification and noise reduction processing on this image signal, and after converting it into digital data by the A / D converter 154, stores it in the frame memory 171 for a time.
[0066]
The information processing means 180 gives an instruction to sequentially transmit the image data stored in the frame memory 171 to the D / A converter 172 and displays it on the display means 168 together with information generated from the OSD 169.
[0067]
When an imager such as a doctor presses a release button provided on the input unit 174 with the intention of taking an image, the information processing unit 180 enters a mode for photographing a subject. Then, the information processing unit 180 transfers the image data stored in the frame memory 171 to the compression / decompression unit 167, and outputs a command for executing the compression processing of the image data under a predetermined condition.
[0068]
Next, the information processing unit 180 reads out identification information unique to the patient 8 that is the subject, for example, acquired from the non-volatile memory 182 or the other electronic device recorded in the recording medium 177, for example, the header of the image file The recording processing is performed in the attached information recording portion provided in the section. The image data is recorded in a predetermined image recording area of the image file. In the subsequent shooting or image acquisition, the image file to be created may be configured so that the acquired image data and identification information are described unless otherwise instructed by the user. In this case, it is necessary for the patient to be the subject and the recorded identification information to coincide with each other, so the patient's face photo and name corresponding to the identification information recorded on the display means 168 and the like are displayed. Then, confirmation may be requested from the photographer.
[0069]
In addition, the identification information recorded together with the acquired image may be described together with patient information such as the patient's name and face photo, instead of recording only the identification information unique to the patient in the image file.
[0070]
In the above description, the electronic device is described as an electronic camera. However, the present invention is not limited to the electronic camera, and an electronic device that can exchange information via the recording medium 177 or the like ( The object of the present invention can be achieved even with an electronic device including an information processing apparatus typified by a personal computer) or a wired or wireless communication means.
[0071]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the signal processing system of the ID card.
[0072]
According to the figure, the information transmission / reception unit of the ID card 60 includes an antenna 656 used as a short-range wireless communication unit, and a transmission / reception unit 657 (identification information acquisition) that converts data into a predetermined format for wireless transmission / reception of information. Means, image acquisition means, subject identification information acquisition means, electronic device identification information acquisition means, and output means functions).
[0073]
The ID card 60 also has a display unit 668 (which may have the same function as the display unit 168 of the electronic camera 10) for displaying information such as images and characters, and a display based on a command from the information processing unit. Display control means 669 for outputting an image signal for display to the means 668 is provided.
[0074]
The ID card 60 includes an information processing means (CPU) 680 (which may have the same function as the information processing means 180 of the electronic camera 10) for controlling the entire ID card 60, and an ID card 60. Various constants related to processing, attribute information for communication connection to other communication devices, addresses, identification information unique to electronic devices such as the electronic camera 10 to be imaged, etc., and patients lending the ID card 60 8 readable / writable non-volatile memory 682 for recording information such as identification information unique to the user's own ID card (ID number), processing programs such as firmware for operating the information processing means 680, various constants, The read-only ROM 683 storing various information such as identification information (ID number) unique to the ID card and the information processing means 680 perform the processing. A RAM684 is a recording means as a work area when the is provided.
[0075]
Note that the battery used for the power source 691 may be provided inside the ID card 60 as shown in the figure, or may be supplied from another electronic device by means of transmitting electromagnetic waves or the like. However, in this case, it is necessary to receive power supply by bringing the ID card 60 close to another electronic device serving as a card reader such as the personal computer 80. However, since the ID card 60 itself does not require power management such as battery replacement or charging, there is an advantage that power management of the ID card 60 becomes unnecessary when managing a large number of ID cards 60. .
[0076]
Further, the power source of the ID card 60 may be only a primary battery, only a secondary battery, or a power source combining these.
[0077]
In addition, a power switch may be provided on the power source of the ID card 60 so that power is supplied to each peripheral circuit in a state where it can operate only in the hospital where it is used. This power switch may be a switch that can be operated by a user, or may control supply and stop of power based on information acquired by the information processing means 180 via the transmission / reception means 157 or the like. Good.
[0078]
The power supply may be performed only manually or automatically by communication, and the stop may be controlled by a timer so that the power is shut off after a predetermined time has elapsed.
[0079]
Further, the ID card 60 includes a calendar clock 690 for ticking time, a power source 691 for supplying various powers for driving the ID card 60 to each peripheral circuit and control circuit, and charging of a battery from an external power source. For this purpose, a power connector 692 for receiving power supply is provided.
[0080]
The information processing means 680 in the ID card 60 and the peripheral circuits including the display control means 669, the nonvolatile memory 682, the ROM 683, the RAM 684, the calendar clock 690, and the like are connected by a bus 699, and the information processing means 680 Peripheral circuits can be controlled.
[0081]
The short-distance wireless communication means is a communication means using a carrier wave such as radio waves, ultrasonic waves, and infrared rays. When radio waves are used, it may be based on wireless communication specifications such as a wireless LAN (local area network).
[0082]
The information processing means 680 of the ID card 60 stores information such as identification information unique to the patient 8 recorded in the recording means such as the nonvolatile memory 682 or the ROM 683 and identification information unique to the electronic camera 10 scheduled to perform imaging. It can be read out and transmitted to other communication devices such as the electronic camera 10 or the personal computers 80, 80A through the transmission / reception means 657.
[0083]
Not only the identification information unique to the patient 8, but also patient information such as the name of the patient 8 and a facial photograph specifying the patient 8, or a list of electronic cameras used for imaging today may be transmitted. The patient information such as identification information unique to the patient 8 may be transmitted voluntarily and periodically to other electronic devices when wireless communication is established and the electronic device of the communication partner is specified. The patient information may be transmitted only when there is a request for transmitting the patient information from another electronic device.
[0084]
When recording patient-specific identification information (information such as patient ID) in the non-volatile memory 682, the patient-specific identification information is received via the personal computer 80B when the patient accepts the first visit. , It may be recorded. The patient-specific identification information recorded in the non-volatile memory 682 is advantageous because it can be continuously recorded even when the battery of the ID card 60 is exhausted.
[0085]
The information of the camera list in which the identification information of the electronic camera used for the diagnosis is described is received via the personal computer 80B at the reception when the patient visits the hospital for the diagnosis, and is stored in the nonvolatile memory 682 or the RAM 684. Recorded in recording means.
[0086]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a signal processing system of a personal computer.
[0087]
According to the figure, an information transmission / reception unit of the personal computer 80 includes an antenna 856 used as a short-distance wireless communication unit, and a transmission / reception unit 857 (identification) for converting data into a predetermined format for transmitting / receiving information wirelessly or by wire. Information acquisition means, image acquisition means, subject identification information acquisition means, electronic device identification information acquisition means, and output means functions) and other communication devices (such as server 90) via a communication network such as communication network 860. A transmission / reception unit 865 (including functions of a transmission unit and a reception unit) for performing transmission / reception of information is provided. The communication network 860 may be connected to the network 14 shown in FIG.
[0088]
Further, the personal computer 80 has a display unit 868 (which may have the same function as the display unit 168 of the electronic camera 10) for displaying information such as images and characters, and a display unit based on a command from the information processing unit. Display control means 869 for outputting an image signal for display to 868, and various kinds of information input by a user such as a doctor via input means 874 and transmitted to information processing means described later, or information processing means And an I / O 875 that outputs a display command to a notification means such as an LED based on an instruction from the terminal.
[0089]
In addition, the personal computer 80 has a recording medium mounting portion 878 for detachably mounting the recording medium 877, and a recording medium interface 879 for recording and reading information such as image data on the recording medium 877 or the ID card 60. Is provided. The recording medium 877 may be a detachable recording medium similar to the recording medium 177.
[0090]
The information transmission / reception means between the recording medium mounting portion 878 and the recording medium 877 or the ID card 60 may be a contact type transmission / reception means such as a connector for a PC card, or uses radio waves or light. Wireless transmission / reception means may be used. When radio waves are used for the transmission / reception means, the strength of the radio waves to be used is set to be weak so as not to interfere with other recording media 877 or ID cards that are nearby, or around the recording medium mounting portion 878 It is also possible to configure such that a predetermined recording medium 877 or ID card 60 is specified and information is transmitted and received by providing a shield for blocking radio waves and magnetism. Even if the shield exists, the recording medium 877 or the ID card can be freely inserted and removed.
[0091]
Further, the personal computer 80 operates an information processing means (CPU) 880 (which may have the same function as the information processing means 180 of the electronic camera 10) and the information processing means 880 for controlling the entire personal computer 80. A memory 881 including a ROM in which a program to be executed and various constants are recorded, and a RAM which is a recording means serving as a work area when the information processing means 880 executes processing, and various constants and networks relating to processing of the personal computer 80 Records information such as attribute information, address, identification information unique to the ID card 60, identification information unique to an electronic device such as an electronic camera, connection information such as DNS (Domain Name System), etc. when connecting to the above communication device. A recording means 886 such as a hard disk and a calendar clock 890 for recording time are provided.
[0092]
The information processing means 880 in the personal computer 80 and each peripheral circuit including the display control means 869, the I / O 875, the memory 881, the recording means 886, the calendar clock 890, and the like are connected by a bus 899. It is possible to control the peripheral circuits.
[0093]
The short-distance wireless communication means is a communication means using a carrier wave such as radio waves, ultrasonic waves, and infrared rays. When radio waves are used, it may be based on wireless communication specifications such as a wireless LAN (local area network).
[0094]
When the information processing unit 880 of the personal computer 80 acquires the image via the image acquisition unit such as the transmission / reception unit 857 or the recording medium interface 879, the identification information acquired from the electronic device such as the ID card 60 together with the acquired image data. An image file in which information is associated and described may be created and transmitted to the server 90 or the like.
[0095]
In the above description, the communication device is described as an example of the personal computer 80, but a communication terminal such as an electronic notebook or ID card may be used as long as the communication device includes information processing means, communication means, and the like. Further, the personal computer 80B or the like installed at the reception may be an electronic device such as a card reader / writer. Further, the personal computer 80 may have a function relating to imaging like the electronic camera 10.
[0096]
FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of the signal processing system of the server.
[0097]
According to the figure, an information transmission / reception unit of the server 90 includes an antenna 956 used as a short-distance wireless network communication unit, and a transmission / reception unit 957 for converting data into a predetermined format for transmitting / receiving information wirelessly or by wire. (Including functions of an identification information acquisition unit, an image acquisition unit, a subject identification information acquisition unit, an electronic device identification information acquisition unit, and an output unit) and other communication devices (a personal computer 80, A network transmission / reception unit 965 (including the functions of a transmission unit and a reception unit) for transmitting and receiving information is provided. The communication network 960 may be connected to the network 14 shown in FIG.
[0098]
In addition, the server 90 includes display means 968 (which may have a function similar to the display means 168 of the electronic camera 10) for displaying information such as images and characters for confirmation as necessary, and information processing. The display control unit 969 outputs an image signal for display to the display unit 968 based on the command of the unit, and reads various information input by the administrator via the input unit 974 and transmits the information to the information processing unit described later. Or an I / O 975 that outputs a display command to a notification means such as an LED based on an instruction from the information processing means.
[0099]
The server 90 includes an information processing unit 980 (which may have the same function as the information processing unit 180 of the electronic camera 10) for controlling the entire server 90, a program for operating the information processing unit 980, Various constants relating to the processing of the server 90 and the self on the network, including a memory 981 composed of a ROM in which various constants are recorded and a RAM that is a recording means serving as a work area when the information processing means 980 executes processing Attribute information, URL (Uniform Resource Locators), address, DNS (Domain Name System), identification information unique to the patient 8, identification information of the ID card carried by the patient 8, electronic cameras 10 and 10A used in each department Electronic device identification information, etc., images of the imaged affected area 9 etc., various identification information described in the acquired image file, examination information of each patient, Recording means 986 (including identification information recording means and medical examination information recording means, imaging medical examination management server, and image server functions) such as a hard disk for recording various types of information such as patient chart information, and a calendar clock 990 for recording time Is provided.
[0100]
The information processing means 980 in the server 90 and the peripheral circuits including the display control means 969, I / O 975, memory 981, recording means 986, calendar clock 990, etc. are connected by a bus 999. It is possible to control the peripheral circuits.
[0101]
The server 90 receives image files from communication devices such as personal computers 80, 80A, etc. connected to the network 14, records the received images in the recording means 986, and stores the images in the communication network. It is possible to provide services such as disclosure to specific doctors or general doctors. In addition, the server 90 may have a configuration in which a printing unit is provided in order to perform a process of printing and receiving an image received on a sheet according to a request from a user such as a doctor.
[0102]
In addition, information such as patient-specific identification information and a patient's examination schedule transmission request is acquired from a communication device such as a personal computer 80, 80A, etc. via the network 960, and the day specified in the recording unit 986 is designated. The patient's examination schedule may be retrieved and read out, and transmitted to a communication device such as the personal computer 80, 80A, etc. that requested it.
[0103]
In addition, various usage information such as the examination fee and treatment fee, the usage fee such as the price of medicine, the number of usages, and the usage content generated when each patient uses the hospital is recorded in the recording means 986 in association with each other. May be. Further, the score or points may be counted according to the various information and recorded in the recording unit 986.
[0104]
Below, the procedure until the patient 8 visits and the affected part 9 is imaged will be described.
[0105]
First, when the patient 8 visits for examination, the patient 8 accepts using the ID card 60 unique to the patient 8. When the ID card 60 and the receiving personal computer 80B perform transmission / reception of information using wireless communication means or the like, the ID card 60 and the receiving personal computer 80B are brought close to each other and the electronic devices are connected to each other through short-range wireless communication. Enter into the implementation area. Then, the communication devices of each other automatically start wireless communication. When the ID card 60 and the receiving personal computer 80B start the communication connection and end the authentication processing between the electronic devices, the transmission / reception of necessary information is started and the processing related to the reception of the patient 8 is executed.
[0106]
When the personal computer 80B recognizes the ID card 60 of the patient 8, the personal computer 80 acquires identification information unique to the patient 8 recorded on the ID card 60 and transmits the identification information to the server 90 via the network 14, and the patient 80 The server 90 is inquired about the schedule for examining the 8.
[0107]
The information processing means 980 of the server 90 that has received the identification information and inquiry information unique to the patient 8 searches the imaging examination management server area provided in the recording means 986 of the server 90, for example, and the patient 8 of the day The process to extract the examination schedule of
[0108]
FIG. 7 shows a description example of patient information recorded in the recording unit 986 such as the imaging examination management server area of the server 90.
[0109]
As shown in the figure, the recorded patient information includes the patient's name, address, telephone number, contact information, chart number, issued ID card number, examination schedule, imaging schedule, medication schedule, and other various information. Are listed. These pieces of patient information are recorded in association with identification information such as patient ID, which is identification information unique to the patient.
[0110]
The information processing means of the server 90 that has searched for the diagnosis schedule of the patient 8 on that day transmits, to the personal computer 80B, the diagnosis information related to the diagnosis performed by the patient 8 today. The personal computer 80B that has received the information displays the received examination information on the display means and transmits it to the ID card 60 via a wireless communication means or the like. The ID card 60 that has received the examination information records the received examination information in a recording unit such as the nonvolatile memory 682. The received medical examination information may include information such as identification information for identifying an electronic camera to be used for imaging at today's medical examination and an imaging camera ID list.
[0111]
When the reception of the patient 8 is completed, the patient 8 goes to the examination room of the designated department and waits for the order of the examination. At this time, since the patient 8 already carries the ID card 60, when the patient 8 is in the vicinity of the electronic camera 10, 10 </ b> A, etc., wireless communication with the patient's ID card 60 and the electronic camera 10, 10 </ b> A provided in each department is performed. However, the waiting room is installed at a position that is far away from the electronic cameras 10, 10 </ b> A... So that wireless communication cannot be performed (position where the wireless communication I / F separated by the distances d1 to d5 or more shown in FIG. Or installed outside the shield for attenuating radio communication radio waves of the cameras 10, 10A. Therefore, when the patient 8 is in the waiting room, the ID card 60 carried by the patient 8 and the electronic camera 10, 10 </ b> A,.
[0112]
When the patient 8 is in the order of receiving a medical examination and the patient 8 enters the examination room, a medical examination by a doctor or the like is started. When imaging the affected area 9 of the patient 8, the patient 8 approaches the electronic camera 10 and enters a predetermined subject imaging position range, and prepares to image the affected area 9. Each subject photographing position provided in the vicinity of each electronic camera 10, 10A,... Is set so that wireless communication can be performed between the electronic camera 10, 10A,. For example, the distance between the electronic devices is set to a distance at which wireless communication is possible (corresponding to the reachable range of the wireless communication I / F of s1 to s4 shown in FIG. 2).
[0113]
Since a plurality of electronic cameras 10D and 10E are installed in the same room as the brain surgery examination room shown in FIG. 2, when the subject photographing position of the electronic camera 10E is close to the electronic camera 10D, wireless communication is performed. A shield wall 16 for attenuating communication radio waves is provided so that the wireless communication between the ID card and the electronic camera 10D existing at the subject photographing position of the electronic camera 10E is not automatically started.
[0114]
FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of processing for determining whether or not an image can be captured by the electronic camera.
[0115]
In the present invention, when the electronic camera 10 images the affected part 9 of the patient 8 and the like, patient-specific identification information is acquired from the ID card 60 together with the captured image and described in the image file. Therefore, when a plurality of ID cards exist in the vicinity of the electronic camera 10 when the affected part 9 of the patient 8 is imaged, it is impossible for the electronic camera 10 to determine which ID card is the patient 8 ID card. Alternatively, the identification information of another patient may be erroneously described instead of the identification information unique to the patient 8 to be described together with the captured image.
[0116]
If the image of the affected part 9 described in the image file and the identification information of the patient 8 do not match, the doctor will not be able to make a correct medical decision in the subsequent examination process. Information mismatch is not allowed.
[0117]
Also, if patient-specific identification information is not described in the image file in which the captured image is recorded, an operation for collating and recording the image and the patient in a later process is required. In this case as well, when there are a large number of images, there is a possibility that the image and the patient are registered by mistake, and there is a possibility that an operator may make an error in inputting information.
[0118]
Therefore, when patient-specific identification information is automatically acquired at the time of imaging and described in association with an image file together with the captured patient image, the electronic device itself that creates the image file such as the electronic camera 10 captures the image. It is an important requirement to recognize only one patient 8 at the time of acquisition.
[0119]
Moreover, when there is no plan to image with the electronic camera 10 in today's examination schedule and imaging schedule recorded on the ID card 60 carried by the patient 8, the patient may have mistaken the examination room. Therefore, it is necessary to stop the imaging.
[0120]
As described above, when the electronic camera 10 acquires patient-specific identification information from another electronic device such as the ID card 60 via wireless communication, the ID card existing in the wireless communication area of the electronic camera 10 is the only one. And the fact that the received identification information of the electronic camera 10 is included in the received camera ID list scheduled for imaging today is a condition for permitting imaging. In the following embodiments, only when this condition is satisfied, a shootable flag is set and transmitted to the image capturing execution process.
[0121]
Also, identification information such as the ID unique to the patient 8 acquired from the ID card 60 is displayed on the display means 168 of the electronic camera 10 so as to notify the operator, so that the doctor operating the electronic camera 10 or the like The operator can easily confirm whether or not the identification information of the patient 8 described in the image file together with the image to be captured is matched and correct information.
[0122]
It should be noted that the ID card 60 of the patient 8 cannot be detected because the patient 8 is not in the correct subject shooting position within the wireless communication range of the electronic camera 10 (when the ID card 60 cannot be detected by wireless communication), or If the electronic camera 10 detects the presence of a plurality of ID cards due to the reason that another patient that should not be present exists at the subject imaging position, or is included in the imaging schedule recorded on the patient's ID card Even if there is only one ID card in the wireless communication area of the electronic camera 10 due to reasons such as trying to carry out imaging with an electronic camera 10 that is not, the electronic camera 10 of its own in the received camera ID list In any case, the shootable flag is not allowed (set state) and is not allowed (reset state). , It is transmitted to the imaging execution process.
[0123]
When the power of the electronic camera 10 is turned on, the processing program of the information processing means 180 branches to the processing routine for determining whether or not the image can be taken in S100 “Power on” (hereinafter abbreviated as S100), and the next S102. Proceed to the process of “reset shootable flag”.
[0124]
In S <b> 102, the “shootable flag” that permits image capture by the electronic camera 10 is reset and set to a state incapable of image capture. Then, the process proceeds to the next determination of S104 “Can patient ID be received?”.
[0125]
In S <b> 104, the information processing unit 180 performs a process of trying to communicate with the ID card 60 via the transmission / reception unit 157 in order to check whether or not the patient 8 visiting the imaging is carrying the ID card 60. At this time, a signal for searching for the ID card 60 may be transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 157 to obtain a response from the ID card 60. In addition, the ID card 60 periodically transmits patient-specific identification information, patient information such as a patient's name and a facial photograph specifying a patient, or a list of electronic cameras used for imaging today, for example, every time T. In this case, the transmission / reception unit 157 may monitor the state of wireless communication for a time T or longer to determine the presence / absence of a signal issued by the ID card 60.
[0126]
If the information processing unit 180 cannot acquire the identification information unique to the patient 8 because the information cannot be transmitted to or received from the ID card 60 in S104, the processing program reads S106 “Patient ID from the memory”. And delete the camera ID list ”, and delete the identification information unique to the patient 8 recorded in the recording means such as the nonvolatile memory 182 or the RAM 184 or the identification information unique to the electronic camera used for imaging today. . Then, the process proceeds to the next S108 “display of“ cannot detect patient ”on the LCD of the camera”.
[0127]
In S108, in order to notify the imaging operator or the like that the ID card 60 cannot be detected, the information processing means 180 displays on the display means 168 that the patient-specific identification information or the ID card 60 or the like cannot be detected. Output instructions.
[0128]
In the next step S110 “Reset shootable flag”, in response to the fact that the electronic camera 10 has not detected the ID card 60, a process of resetting the shootable flag that permits imaging is performed. Then, the process returns to S104.
[0129]
If the information processing unit 180 obtains identification information unique to the patient 8 by transmitting / receiving information to / from the ID card 60 in S104, the processing program is S112 “received patient ID is 1 or Proceed to the determination of "multiple?" In S <b> 112 here, it is determined whether the communication partner ID card with which the electronic camera 10 has performed communication is the only ID card 60 or communication with a plurality of ID cards.
[0130]
If the electronic camera 10 communicates with a plurality of ID cards, since there are a plurality of patients in the vicinity of the electronic camera 10, it is determined that the patient to be imaged cannot be identified from now on. The LCD proceeds to “Display of multiple patients” on the LCD. In S <b> 114, the information processing unit 180 outputs an instruction to display on the display unit 168 a notification that the patient to be imaged cannot be specified because there are a plurality of patients in the vicinity of the electronic camera 10.
[0131]
In the next S116 “Reset imaging flag”, the process of resetting the imaging flag that permits imaging is performed in response to the fact that the electronic camera 10 has not detected the ID card 60 that is the only patient 8 to be imaged. Then, the process returns to S104.
[0132]
If it is determined in S112 that the electronic camera 10 has communicated with the only ID card 60, only one patient exists in the vicinity of the electronic camera 10, and the patient 8 to be imaged from now is specified. The process proceeds to S118 “Receive patient ID and store in memory and receive imaging camera list and store in memory”.
[0133]
In S118, the transmission / reception unit 157 of the electronic camera 10 communicates with the ID card 60 to acquire unique identification information for identifying the patient 8 such as a patient ID or a card ID, and stores it in a recording unit such as the nonvolatile memory 182 or the RAM 184. Process to record. In addition, a process is performed in which a camera list that specifies the electronic cameras 10, 10 </ b> A, etc. that the patient 8 intends to use for examination today is acquired and recorded in a recording unit such as the nonvolatile memory 18 or the RAM 184. Then, the process proceeds to the next S120 “display patient ID on camera LCD”.
[0134]
In S120, identification information for identifying the patient 8 such as a patient ID, a card ID, a patient's name, or a patient's face photo is displayed on the display unit 168 based on the acquired and recorded information such as a patient ID or a card ID. Output instructions to display. Since the display unit 168 displays unique identification information about the patient 8, a doctor or operator who performs imaging of the affected part 9 of the patient 8 can easily collate with the patient 8. Since the image of the affected area 9 captured later and the unique identification information for specifying the patient 8 are described in the same image file, it is possible to prevent a processing error such as mistaking the patient and the image in a later process. Become.
[0135]
In the next determination of S122 “Is my camera ID in the shooting camera ID list?”, The identification information unique to the electronic camera 10 is described in the camera ID list scheduled to be captured today from the ID card 60. Judgment is made whether or not there is. If the identification information unique to the electronic camera 10 is not described in the camera ID list, the processing program proceeds to S124 “Display“ No shooting is scheduled ”on the LCD of the camera”.
[0136]
In S <b> 124, the information processing unit 180 needs to perform imaging since the only patient is in the vicinity of the electronic camera 10, but the imaging schedule of the patient 8 with the electronic camera 10 is not included in today's imaging schedule. An instruction to display a notification to the effect that there is no data on the display means 168 is output.
[0137]
In the next S126 “Reset imaging flag”, in response to the fact that the imaging schedule of the patient 8 does not include the imaging schedule of the electronic camera 10, a process of resetting the imaging enable flag that permits imaging is performed. . Then, the process returns to S104.
[0138]
If, in S122, the identification information unique to the electronic camera 10 is described in the camera ID list received from the ID card 60, the processing program proceeds to S128 “Set shootable flag”. In the next S128, the only patient 8 can be detected, and the information processing means 180 uses the electronic camera 10 to detect the patient 8 in response to the fact that the electronic camera 10 is incorporated in the imaging plan of the patient 8. In order to set the affected part 9 in a state where it can be imaged, a photographing flag is set. Then, the process returns to S104.
[0139]
Thereafter, when the ID card carried by the patient 8 leaves the range of the wireless communication, or when another patient approaches the electronic camera 10 and the information processing means 180 detects a plurality of ID cards, the imaging enable flag And a notification to that effect is displayed on the display means 168 to alert the doctor or worker.
[0140]
Note that the processing for determining whether or not imaging is possible is configured so that the information processing unit 180 periodically performs processing such as timer interruption processing or polling.
[0141]
FIG. 9 shows a flowchart relating to imaging processing when imaging is instructed by the electronic camera 10.
[0142]
When the patient 8 completes preparation for imaging at the subject imaging position and an operator such as a doctor performs imaging of the affected area 9, the release button provided on the input means of the electronic camera 10 is directly or remotely When an imaging instruction is input through the control, the processing program of the information processing means 180 of the electronic camera 10 branches to S200 “press release button” and proceeds to the next determination of S202 “shootable flag?”.
[0143]
When the electronic camera 10 is an electronic camera that captures and records visible light, the release button is often provided directly on the electronic camera 10, but the affected area is imaged using a large imaging device such as an MRI. In general, the image pickup apparatus main body and the release button are generally present at positions apart from each other.
[0144]
In the determination in S202, it is determined whether the above-described photographing enable flag is set or reset. If the shootable flag has been reset and imaging is not permitted, the processing program proceeds to S220 “Next shooting ready”, ends the processing related to the imaging processing, and returns to the original processing routine.
[0145]
If it is determined in S202 that the imaging flag is set, the processing program proceeds to the next S204 “Acquire patient ID from memory (ID before imaging)”, and recording means such as the nonvolatile memory 182 or RAM 184 A process of reading identification information unique to the patient 8 recorded on the patient 8 is performed.
[0146]
In the next S206 “shooting execution”, imaging is performed and an image is acquired.
[0147]
In the next step S206 “Acquire patient ID from memory (post-imaging ID)”, the patient ID recorded in the recording means is acquired again. Here, the reason why the patient ID is acquired again is that the information that seems to be the identification information of the patient 8 acquired before imaging is the identification information of another patient instead of the identification information of the patient 8 for some reason. This is to eliminate a problem that the identification information of another patient is described in the image file together with the image of the affected part 9 of the patient 8.
[0148]
The above-mentioned reason is that the patient 8 does not have the ID card 60 at the time of imaging, or another patient who happened to pass by in the vicinity where the ID card 60 and the electronic camera 10 cannot perform wireless communication. The electronic camera 10 recognizes the ID card carried by the patient and the unique identification information of the other patient acquired from the ID card carried by the other patient has been recorded in the recording means. .
[0149]
In addition, when the time required for imaging is long, the patient 8 may move out of a predetermined subject shooting position. Since a mistake in captured images at a medical site is likely to cause a fatal result in medical treatment for a patient, processing for confirming identification information of a patient 8 to be imaged before and after imaging as shown below It is carried out.
[0150]
In the next determination of S210 “pre-shooting ID = post-shooting ID?”, The pre-shooting ID acquired in S204 and the post-shooting ID acquired in S208 this time are compared, and whether or not they are equal IDs. Judgment is made. If the pre-imaging ID is different from the post-imaging ID, the processing program branches to S212 “Display on the camera LCD that“ the patient should be changed and should be re-imaged ””.
[0151]
In S212, in response to the fact that the patient identification information acquired before imaging and the patient identification information acquired after imaging are different, the display means 168 of the electronic camera 10 displays the patient 8 to be imaged. An indication that there is a possibility that the identification information unique to the patient 8 acquired by the electronic camera 10 via the ID card 60 or the like is different from the identification information is given to the operator such as a doctor. Then, the processing program proceeds to S220, where the imaging processing routine is terminated and the original processing routine is returned.
[0152]
If it is determined in S210 that the pre-shooting ID and the post-shooting ID are equal, the processing program proceeds to the next S214 “Attach pre-shooting ID (= post-shooting ID) to image data”. In step S214, the information processing unit 180 performs image processing suitable for recording on the captured image, describes the image in the image file, and performs processing for attaching the acquired pre-shooting ID to the image file. It is also possible to easily know who the captured image of the affected part 9 is by capturing the image file and the patient identification information in separate files and associating the files with each other. Become. Further, as described above, the image file and the patient identification information may be described in the same image file and associated with each other.
[0153]
FIG. 10 shows an example of the structure of the image file described in association with the same file when the identification information of the patient 8 acquired via the ID card 60 and the image obtained by imaging the affected part 9 of the patient 8 are associated and recorded. Indicates.
[0154]
As shown in the figure, the image file 20 is provided with a header portion 22 in which various types of information attached to the image are described, and a main image portion 24 in which images of the affected part of the imaged patient 8 are recorded. It has been. The header 22 includes shooting date / time information 26 describing the date / time when an image of the affected area was captured, a patient ID 28 that is patient identification information acquired from the patient's ID card 60 etc., and the image. A camera ID 30 that is identification information unique to an electronic device such as the electronic camera 10 captured or acquired, and a thumbnail image 32 such as a reduced image used for displaying a list of image files are described.
[0155]
As described above, by describing the patient ID 28 together with the image data in the image file 20, the patient ID 28 and the image can be associated with each other and recorded on the recording medium 177 or the like. Moreover, it is possible to easily transmit the patient ID 28 and the image in association with each other only by transmitting the image file 20 to the server 90 via the network 14.
[0156]
Note that the image to be recorded may be an image captured and acquired by the imaging unit 150 as described above, an image acquired from another electronic device via the recording medium 177, or wirelessly or An image acquired by the transmission / reception unit 157 via a wired communication unit may be used.
[0157]
As shown in FIG. 10, by associating and recording an image and patient identification information, a search process is facilitated when the server 90 retrieves an image captured in the past by a request from a doctor or the like. It is possible to record or communicate with the patient at all times.
[0158]
In the next step S216 “Acquire date and time from calendar IC and attach to image data”, information processing means 180 transmits and receives information to and from calendar clock 190 to acquire date and time information at the time of imaging. Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, processing is performed in association with the image as shooting date / time information 26 in the header portion 22 of the image file 20.
[0159]
In the next S218 “image data card recording” subroutine, the information processing means 180 performs a process of outputting and recording the created image file 20 to a recording means such as the recording medium 177 or the ID card 60. Further, instead of recording the image file 20 on the recording medium 177 or the like, the image file 20 may be transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 157 to the communication device such as the server 90 via the network 14 and output.
[0160]
When the output of the image file 20 is completed, the process of the information processing means 180 proceeds to S220, the process routine of the imaging process is terminated, and the process returns to the original process routine.
[0161]
FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of processing for outputting the image file 20 created by the electronic camera 10.
[0162]
As shown in the figure, when the information processing means 180 of the electronic camera 10 finishes creating the image file 20 in, for example, the above-described S216, the processing program of the information processing means 180 enters the subroutine of S300 “Record image data card”. The process jumps to the next step S302 “Recording folder name =“ ID ”+ patient ID of image data”.
[0163]
In S302, in order to record the image file 20 in a state of being divided and arranged for each patient, for example, a process of creating a folder name (or directory name) for each patient on the recording medium 177 is performed. Then, the process proceeds to the next determination of S304 “record folder already exists?”.
[0164]
In S304, whether or not the folder having the folder name created from the information such as the patient ID by the information processing means 180 in S302 exists in the output destination of the created image file 20, for example, the recording medium 177 or the recording means 986 of the server 90. Judgment is made. If a folder having the created folder name is not yet provided in the recording means such as the recording medium 177, the process of S306 “Create recording folder (recording folder name =“ ID ”+ patient ID of image data”) Branch to
[0165]
In S306, for example, a process for creating a folder name (or directory name) for each patient is performed on the recording medium 177 that is the output destination of the image file 20, the recording unit 986 of the server 90, or the like. Then, the process proceeds to the next S308 “recorded image number = 0001”.
[0166]
Since a patient-specific folder for recording an image is newly created in S306, the file name “0001” indicating the first recorded image is automatically recorded in S308 in order to automatically determine the name of the image file 20. The process attached to the file 20 is performed. Then, the process proceeds to S314.
[0167]
In S304, if the folder having the created folder name is already provided in the recording means such as the recording medium 177, the process proceeds to S310 “Acquire maximum image number in recording folder (Nmax)”.
[0168]
In S310, for example, referring to the image file name already recorded in the recording medium 177 that is the output destination of the image file 20, the recording unit 986 of the server 90, or the like, a process of searching for and acquiring the maximum recording number is performed. Then, the process proceeds to the next S312 “recorded image number = Nmax + 1”.
[0169]
In S312, in order to automatically determine the name of the image file 20, a process of adding 1 to the maximum image number “Nmax” of the image file currently recorded in a predetermined folder is performed. Then, the process proceeds to S314 “recording file name =“ DSCF ”+ recording image number”.
[0170]
In S <b> 314, processing is performed to make the file name that can identify that the image file recorded in a predetermined folder such as the recording medium 177 is an image file captured by the electronic camera 10. For example, when the maximum image number of the created image file is “0001”, “DSCF” indicating that the image file is captured by the electronic camera 10 is added before the maximum image number “Nmax”. Further, a process of adding an extension “JPG” indicating that the image is recorded in a predetermined image recording format is performed.
[0171]
In the next S316 "Record image data with recorded image file name in \ IMAGE \ recorded image folder", the created image file 20 is recorded in a predetermined recording folder (such as \ IMAGE \ ID000001) with the created image file name. Process.
[0172]
FIG. 12 shows the relationship between the recorded image folder and the recorded image file group.
[0173]
In the tree diagram shown in the same figure, a “¥ IMAGE” folder indicating that an image file is recorded in the root directory of the recording medium 177 and the like, and a folder “ ID000001 "," ID000002 "... are provided. In the folder for each patient ID, the image files “DSCF0001.JPG”, “DSCF0002.JPG”,... Taken at the time of the examination are classified and recorded for each patient.
[0174]
Note that the recording format of the image file is not limited to the “JPEG” format, and may be an uncompressed image or a recorded image of multi-resolution (12 bits) or the like.
[0175]
When the recording of the image file is completed in S316, the processing program proceeds to the next S318 “Image data card recording complete” and returns to the original processing routine.
[0176]
In the above description, the example in which the electronic device according to the present invention is used for imaging an affected area in a medical field has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a photographer who takes an image of the progress of construction at the construction site carries an ID card 60 in which information corresponding to the imaging conditions is recorded, and the electronic camera 10 takes an image of the site. The image captured together with the progress status of the work recorded on the ID card 60 may be used for recording in the same image file.
[0177]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the present inventionImaging systemAccording to,rearManagement of the output image file in the process can be facilitated.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an imaging system in a medical field such as an examination room
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an imaging system in a medical site such as a hospital
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a signal processing system of an electronic camera.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an ID card signal processing system.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a personal computer signal processing system.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the signal processing system of the server.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a description example of patient information recorded in a recording unit of a server
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of processing for determining whether an image can be captured by an electronic camera.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart relating to imaging processing when imaging is instructed by an electronic camera.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of an image file in which patient identification information and an image are described
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of processing for outputting an image file by the electronic camera.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between a recording image folder and a group of image files to be recorded
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 8 ... Patient, 9 ... Affected part, 10 ... Electronic camera, 12 ... Gateway, 14 ... Network, 16 ... Shield wall, 20 ... Image file, 22 ... Header part, 24 ... Main image part, 26 ... Shooting date / time information, 28 ... Patient ID, 30 ... Camera ID, 32 ... Thumbnail image, 60 ... ID card, 70 ... Printer, 80 ... PC, 90 ... Server, 150 ... Imaging means, 153 ... Image processing means, 154 ... A / D converter, 156 ... Antenna, 157 ... Transmission / reception means, 162 ... Communication connector, 163 ... Cradle connector, 167 ... Compression / expansion means, 168 ... Display means, 169 ... OSD, 170 ... Signal processing means, 171 ... Frame memory, 172 ... D / A conversion 174 ... input means, 175 ... I / O, 177 ... recording medium, 178 ... recording medium mounting section, 179 ... recording medium interface 180, information processing means, 182 ... non-volatile memory, 183 ... ROM, 184 ... RAM, 190 ... calendar clock, 191 ... power supply, 192 ... power connector, 193 ... light emission means, 194 ... light emission control means, 199 ... bus , 657 ... Antenna, 657 ... Transmission / reception means, 659 ... Communication connector, 668 ... Display means, 669 ... Display control means, 680 ... Information processing means, 682 ... Non-volatile memory, 683 ... ROM, 684 ... RAM, 690 ... Calendar clock , 691 ... Power supply, 692 ... Power connector, 699 ... Bus, 856 ... Antenna, 857 ... Transmission / reception means, 859 ... Communication connector, 860 ... Public line, 865 ... Transmission / reception means, 868 ... Display means, 869 ... Display control means, 874 ... Input means, 875 ... I / O, 877 ... recording medium, 878 ... recording medium mounting section, 879 Recording medium interface, 880 ... information processing means, 881 ... memory, 886 ... recording means, 890 ... calendar clock, 899 ... bus, 956 ... antenna, 957 ... transmission / reception means, 960 ... public line, 965 ... transmission / reception means, 968 ... display Means, 969 ... display control means, 974 ... input means, 975 ... I / O, 980 ... information processing means, 981 ... memory, 986 ... recording means, 990 ... calendar clock, 999 ... bus

Claims (18)

In an imaging system including an ID card for carrying a subject, an electronic camera, and a server for managing an image captured by the electronic camera,
The ID card is
Subject identification information recording means for recording subject identification information unique to the subject;
Camera list recording means for recording a camera list for specifying an electronic camera used for imaging the subject;
Card side communication means for communicating with the electronic camera,
The electronic camera is
Electronic camera identification information recording means for recording electronic camera identification information unique to the electronic camera;
Imaging means for capturing an image of the subject;
Card information acquisition means for communicating with the card side communication means to acquire the subject identification information and the camera list from the ID card;
Image recording means for associating and recording the image captured by the imaging means and the subject identification information;
When it is determined that the camera list includes electronic camera identification information of the electronic camera itself, the imaging means is allowed to shoot the subject, while the camera list is electronic camera identification information of the electronic camera itself. Camera-side information processing means that does not allow the imaging means to shoot the subject,
An output means for associating the image with the subject identification information and outputting it to the server or the ID card;
An imaging system comprising: The server
Recording means for recording the camera list;
Server-side communication means for communicating with the card-side communication means;
Server-side information processing means for receiving subject identification information from the ID card via the server-side communication means, obtaining a camera list corresponding to the subject identification information from the recording means, and transmitting the camera list to the ID card; Prepared,
The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the camera list recording unit records a camera list received from the server.   When the electronic camera determines that the camera list does not include the electronic camera identification information of the electronic camera itself, the electronic camera notifies that the camera list does not include the electronic camera identification information unique to the electronic camera. The imaging system according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying. In an imaging system including an ID card for carrying a subject, an electronic camera, and a server for managing an image captured by the electronic camera,
The ID card is
Subject identification information recording means for recording subject identification information unique to the subject;
Card side communication means for communicating with the electronic camera,
The electronic camera is
Imaging means for capturing an image of the subject;
Performing communication with the card-side communication means, and card information acquisition means for acquiring the subject identification information from the ID card,
Server information acquisition means for acquiring subject identification information for identifying a subject to be imaged from the server;
Image recording means for associating and recording the image captured by the imaging means and the subject identification information;
First subject identification information collating means for collating the first subject identification information obtained from the ID card by the card information obtaining means and the second subject identification information obtained from the server by the server information obtaining means;
Camera-side information processing means for recording the image only when the first and second subject identification information match,
An output means for associating the image with the subject identification information and outputting it to the server or the ID card;
An imaging system comprising:   The electronic camera further includes first subject mismatch information display means for displaying a notification that the subject identification information does not match when the first and second subject identification information do not match. The imaging system according to claim 4, wherein:   The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the output unit associates the image with the subject identification information and outputs the image to the server by wireless or wired communication.   The said image recording means records the said image on the recording medium which can be attached or detached from the said electronic camera, and enables the said image to be output to the said server via the said recording medium. The imaging system according to claim 1.   The imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the image recording unit creates an image file in which the image captured by the imaging unit and the subject identification information are described.   The image recording unit creates an image file in which the subject identification information is described in a header portion, creates an image file in which the subject identification information is embedded in an image data portion, or sets the subject identification information as a folder name or 8. The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein an image file included in the file name is created.   10. The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the card information acquisition unit performs transmission / reception of information by performing wireless communication or wired communication with the card-side communication unit. 11. .   The card information acquisition means performs wireless communication with the card-side communication means, and selects the ID card having the strongest carrier strength when receiving a wireless communication carrier wave from the card-side communication means. 11. The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein information is transmitted and received.   The electronic camera further includes reception direction setting means for setting a reception direction for receiving the carrier wave for wireless communication when performing wireless communication with the card side communication means by the card information acquisition means, The imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein information is transmitted and received by selecting an ID card existing in the reception direction set by the reception direction setting means.   The electronic camera further includes unidentifiable information display means for displaying a notification that the subject identification information cannot be specified as one when the plurality of subject identification information is acquired by the card information acquisition means. The imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.   The electronic camera further includes an unacquirable information display unit that displays a notification that the subject identification information cannot be acquired when the subject identification information cannot be acquired by the card information acquisition unit. 14. The imaging system according to any one of 1 to 13.   The electronic camera further includes input means for inputting information for the user to select one of the plurality of subject identification information when the card information acquisition means acquires a plurality of subject identification information. The imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein:   The image recording means records the image only when the user selects one of the subject identification information by the input means after obtaining the plurality of subject identification information by the card information obtaining means. The imaging system according to claim 15, characterized in that: The electronic camera acquires the subject identification information before the imaging of the subject and after the imaging by the card information acquisition unit, the subject identification information acquired before the imaging, and the subject acquired after the imaging A second subject identification information matching unit for matching the identification information;
The imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the image recording unit does not record the image when subject identification information acquired before and after the imaging does not match.   The electronic camera further includes second subject mismatch information display means for displaying a notification that the subject identification information is mismatched when the subject identification information acquired before and after the imaging does not match. The imaging system according to claim 17.

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