JP5675038B2 - Medical image processing system and medical image storage device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a medical image processing system and a medical image storage device.

  Medical image diagnostic devices such as X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) devices, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) devices, and medical image storage devices that store medical images are mutually connected via a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) network. Connected, and transmits and receives information such as medical images in accordance with DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standards.

  The medical image diagnostic apparatus first collects projection data (Raw data) by imaging a subject, and then performs back projection processing using a predetermined reconstruction condition, thereby obtaining cross-sectional image data from the projection data. Reconfigure. Further, the medical image diagnostic apparatus generates DICOM image data conforming to the DICOM standard from the reconstructed cross-sectional image data. Thereafter, the medical image diagnostic apparatus transmits the generated DICOM image data to the medical image storage apparatus. Then, as shown in FIG. 17, the medical image storage apparatus stores the DICOM image data transmitted from the medical image diagnostic apparatus in the storage unit and stores it. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a conventional medical image storage apparatus.

  However, the method for storing DICOM image data requires a huge storage capacity in the medical image storage device. That is, the DICOM image data for one series alone is a huge number of images, and a plurality of series of DICOM image data may be generated in one examination. Therefore, the capacity of the DICOM image data becomes enormous, Storage capacity is required.

  For this reason, conventionally, as shown in FIG. 18, a method for storing the correspondence between Raw data and reconstruction conditions in a storage unit has been proposed. In this method, the server stores the Raw data and the reconstruction condition for each series in the storage unit, and when the client designates the series and transmits a DICOM image data transmission request to the server, the server Generates DICOM image data from the Raw data using the reconstruction condition corresponding to the designated series, and transmits it to the client. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a conventional technique.

JP 2006-110071 A

  By the way, in the above-described conventional technique, there is a problem that it is difficult to specify the reconstruction condition used for the reconstruction of the image data afterwards. For example, in the comparative interpretation of comparing the past image with the current image, the reconstruction conditions of the past DICOM image data to be compared are specified, and the imaging conditions of the current DICOM image data are planned using the identified reconstruction conditions. There are things to do. However, with the method of storing the correspondence between Raw data and reconstruction conditions in the storage unit, it is difficult to specify afterwards which reconstruction condition was the reconstruction condition of DICOM image data to be compared. .

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and a medical image processing system capable of specifying the reconstruction conditions used for the reconstruction of the image data after the fact. It is another object of the present invention to provide a medical image storage device.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a medical image including a medical image processing apparatus that processes a medical image and a medical image storage apparatus that stores a medical image processed by the medical image processing apparatus. In the processing system, the medical image processing apparatus includes: pre-reconstruction data before being reconstructed into a medical image, and reconstructed into a medical image from the pre-reconstruction data using a predetermined reconstruction condition. Data transmission means for transmitting DICOM image data to the medical image storage device, wherein the medical image storage device acquires pre-reconstruction data and DICOM image data transmitted by the data transmission means, and the DICOM image a reconstruction condition acquiring means for acquiring the reconstruction conditions from additional information of the data used for the reconstruction of the DICOM image data, and the previous data the reconstruction, Serial the examination identification information included in the supplementary information of the DICOM image data, series identification information, and a DICOM image identification information including at least one of the image identification information, and a reconstruction conditions acquired by the reconstruction conditions obtaining means Data storage means for storing the data in the storage unit in association with each other.

In addition, the present invention is a medical image storage device for storing medical images, and DICOM image data after being reconstructed from data before reconstruction before being reconstructed into medical images using a predetermined reconstruction condition A reconstruction condition acquisition means for acquiring the reconstruction condition from the incidental information of the DICOM image data, the pre-reconstruction data, examination identification information included in the incidental information of the DICOM image data, series identification information, And DICOM image identification information including at least one of the image identification information and a data storage unit that stores the reconstruction condition acquired by the reconstruction condition acquisition unit in a storage unit in association with each other. And

According to the present invention, the reconstruction condition used for the reconstruction of the image data can be specified afterwards.

  Exemplary embodiments of a medical image processing system and a medical image storage device according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following, first, an outline of the medical image storage apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described, and then the configuration of the medical image processing system according to the first embodiment, the processing procedure, and the effects of the first embodiment will be described in order. Next, another embodiment will be described.

[Outline of Medical Image Storage Apparatus in Embodiment 1]
The outline of the medical image storage apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the medical image storage apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  First, DICOM image data will be briefly described. DICOM image data is image data generated in accordance with the DICOM standard, which is a communication standard for medical image data. Here, unlike normal image data that is merely referred to, medical image data is used for medical practice such as interpretation, or is used in conjunction with medical information such as findings. For this reason, the DICOM standard defines that various types of information are set as supplementary information of medical image data. Specifically, the DICOM standard stipulates that, as incidental information, three levels of information of study, series, and image are set below patient information.

  In the following embodiments, patient information is a patient ID for identifying a patient, a study is a test ID for identifying a test, and a series is a device ID for identifying a modality and the modality. This is a combination with a series ID for identifying one imaging by the image, and an image is an image ID for identifying medical image data classified for each reconstruction condition.

  For example, it is assumed that imaging with a CT apparatus is performed on the head and abdomen for the patient with the patient ID “987654321”. At this time, the examination ID “100-234” and the device ID “CT10” are assigned to the two imagings, the series ID “S1” is assigned to the imaging of the head, and the series ID “S2” is acquired to imaging the abdomen. Is given.

  In the following embodiments, a combination of a study (inspection ID), a series (combination of apparatus ID and series ID), and an image (image ID) is referred to as DICOM-UID. That is, DICOM-UID is identification information for uniquely identifying DICOM image data classified for each reconstruction condition. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the series ID “series 1” includes DICOM image data identified by the DICOM-UID “100-234.CT10S1.1-a” or “100-234.CT10S1.1- DICOM image data identified by “b”, DICOM image data identified by “100-234.CT10S1.1-c”, and the like are included.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the medical image storage apparatus according to the first embodiment extracts a DICOM-UID from DICOM image data. Further, the medical image storage apparatus extracts the reconstruction condition used for the reconstruction of the DICOM image data from the DICOM image data. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the medical image storage apparatus stores the raw data, the DICOM-UID, and the reconstruction condition in the storage unit in association with each other.

  As described above, the medical image storage apparatus according to the first embodiment stores the identification information for uniquely identifying the DICOM image data classified for each reconstruction condition and the reconstruction condition in association with each other. It becomes possible to specify the reconstruction conditions after the fact.

[Configuration of Medical Image Processing System According to First Embodiment]
Next, the configuration of the medical image processing system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the medical image processing system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, in the medical image processing system according to the first embodiment, a medical image diagnostic apparatus 20, a medical image storage apparatus 10, and a medical image display apparatus 30 are connected to each other via a PACS network 1. Information such as medical images is transmitted and received in accordance with the DICOM standard. Hereinafter, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20, the medical image storage apparatus 10, and the medical image display apparatus 30 will be described in order.

[Medical image diagnostic equipment]
The configuration of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment, FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the Raw data storage unit, and FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the DICOM image data storage unit. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 includes a raw data storage unit 21 and a DICOM image data storage unit 22 as storage units, and a medical image photographing unit 23 and a DICOM image as control units. A data generation unit 24 and a data transmission unit 25 are provided.

  The raw data storage unit 21 stores raw data. Specifically, the raw data storage unit 21 is connected to the medical image photographing unit 23, the DICOM image data generation unit 24, and the data transmission unit 25, and stores raw data photographed by the medical image photographing unit 23. The Raw data stored in the Raw data storage unit 21 is used for processing by the DICOM image data generation unit 24 and the data transmission unit 25. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the raw data storage unit 21 stores raw data together with incidental information such as a patient ID, a patient name, an examination ID, and a device ID.

  The DICOM image data storage unit 22 stores DICOM image data. Specifically, the DICOM image data storage unit 22 is connected to the DICOM image data generation unit 24 and the data transmission unit 25 and stores the DICOM image data generated by the DICOM image data generation unit 24. The DICOM image data stored in the DICOM image data storage unit 22 is used for processing by the data transmission unit 25.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the DICOM image data storage unit 22 stores DICOM image data together with incidental information such as a patient ID, examination ID, device ID, series ID, image ID, and reconstruction conditions. Here, a combination of the inspection ID, the apparatus ID, the series ID, and the image ID is referred to as DICOM-UID. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the DICOM image data identified by the DICOM-UID is DICOM image data classified for each reconstruction condition.

  The medical image photographing unit 23 collects raw data by photographing a subject. Specifically, the medical image photographing unit 23 is connected to the raw data storage unit 21 and the DICOM image data generation unit 24 and stores the collected raw data in the raw data storage unit 21. Further, the medical image photographing unit 23 notifies the DICOM image data generation unit 24 that the raw data is stored in the raw data storage unit 21.

  The DICOM image data generation unit 24 generates DICOM image data from the raw data. Specifically, the DICOM image data generation unit 24 is connected to the raw data storage unit 21, the DICOM image data storage unit 22, the medical image photographing unit 23, and the data transmission unit 25. When the DICOM image data generation unit 24 is notified from the medical image capturing unit 23 that the raw data has been stored in the raw data storage unit 21, the DICOM image data generation unit 24 acquires the corresponding raw data from the raw data storage unit 21, and performs predetermined reconstruction. By performing back projection processing using conditions, cross-sectional image data is reconstructed from the obtained raw data. Further, the DICOM image data generation unit 24 generates DICOM image data in accordance with the DICOM standard from the reconstructed cross-sectional image data, and stores the generated DICOM image data in the DICOM image data storage unit 22. In addition, the DICOM image data generation unit 24 notifies the data transmission unit 25 that the DICOM image data has been stored in the DICOM image data storage unit 22.

  The data transmission unit 25 transmits the raw data and the DICOM image data to the medical image storage device 10. Specifically, the data transmission unit 25 is connected to the raw data storage unit 21, the DICOM image data storage unit 22, and the DICOM image data generation unit 24. When notified from the DICOM image data generation unit 24 that the DICOM image data has been stored in the DICOM image data storage unit 22, the data transmission unit 25 reads the raw data from the raw data storage unit 21, and the DICOM image data storage unit 22. DICOM image data is read out from. The data transmission unit 25 transmits the read raw data and DICOM image data to the medical image storage device 10.

[Medical image storage device]
The configuration of the medical image storage apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the medical image storage apparatus according to the first embodiment, FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the reconstruction condition storage unit, and FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the registration information storage unit. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the medical image storage apparatus 10 includes a raw data storage unit 11, a DICOM image data storage unit 12, a reconstruction condition storage unit 13, and a registration information storage unit 14 as storage units. The control unit includes a data reception unit 15, a related examination registration unit 16, a reconstruction condition extraction unit 17, and a DICOM image data deletion unit 18.

  The raw data storage unit 11 stores raw data. Specifically, the raw data storage unit 11 is connected to the related examination registration unit 16 and the DICOM image data deletion unit 18, and stores raw data by being stored by the related examination registration unit 16. The Raw data stored in the Raw data storage unit 11 is used for processing by the DICOM image data deletion unit 18. The raw data storage unit 11 stores raw data in the same manner as raw data stored in the raw data storage unit 21 of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 (see FIG. 4).

  The DICOM image data storage unit 12 stores DICOM image data. Specifically, the DICOM image data storage unit 12 is connected to the related examination registration unit 16, the reconstruction condition extraction unit 17, and the DICOM image data deletion unit 18, and is stored by the related examination registration unit 16 so that the DICOM image is stored. Store the data. The DICOM image data stored in the DICOM image data storage unit 12 is used for processing by the reconstruction condition extraction unit 17 and the DICOM image data deletion unit 18. The DICOM image data storage unit 12 stores DICOM image data in the same manner as the DICOM image data stored in the DICOM image data storage unit 22 of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 (see FIG. 5).

  The reconstruction condition storage unit 13 stores reconstruction conditions. Specifically, the reconstruction condition storage unit 13 is connected to the reconstruction condition extraction unit 17 and the DICOM image data deletion unit 18 and stores the reconstruction condition by being stored by the reconstruction condition extraction unit 17. The reconstruction conditions stored in the reconstruction condition storage unit 13 are used for processing by the DICOM image data deletion unit 18.

  For example, the reconstruction condition storage unit 13 stores a patient ID, an examination ID, a device ID, a series ID, an image ID, and a reconstruction condition as illustrated in FIG. Here, the reconstruction conditions are, for example, a reconstruction function and a slice thickness, as well as the number of slices and a reconstruction pitch, as shown in FIG.

  The registration information storage unit 14 stores position information indicating a position where Raw data, DICOM image data, and reconstruction conditions are stored in the storage unit. Specifically, the registration information storage unit 14 is connected to the related examination registration unit 16, the reconstruction condition extraction unit 17, and the DICOM image data deletion unit 18 and is stored by the related examination registration unit 16 and the reconstruction condition extraction unit 17. As a result, the position information is stored. The position information stored in the registration information storage unit 14 is used for processing by the DICOM image data deletion unit 18.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the registration information storage unit 14 includes raw data position information, DICOM image data position information, re-transmission information, along with incidental information such as a patient ID, patient name, examination ID, device ID, and series ID. The location information of the configuration conditions is stored. Here, the position information is path information such as “\\ raw-data \ 987654321 \ 100-234 \ CT10 \ S1-SN” as shown in FIG.

  The data receiving unit 15 receives Raw data and DICOM image data from the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20. Specifically, when the data receiving unit 15 is connected to the related examination registration unit 16 and receives Raw data and DICOM image data from the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20, the data receiving unit 15 notifies the related examination registration unit 16 that the data has been received.

  The related examination registration unit 16 associates the Raw data with the DICOM image data and stores them in the storage unit. Specifically, the related examination registration unit 16 is connected to the raw data storage unit 11, the DICOM image data storage unit 12, the registration information storage unit 14, the data reception unit 15, and the reconstruction condition extraction unit 17. .

  When the related examination registration unit 16 is notified from the data receiving unit 15 that the raw data and the DICOM image data have been received from the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20, the related examination registration unit 16 extracts incidental information from the raw data and the DICOM image data, The incidental information is integrated and stored in the registration information storage unit 14. Next, the related examination registration unit 16 stores the raw data received by the data receiving unit 15 in the raw data storage unit 11 together with the accompanying information, acquires the stored location information of the storage unit, and stores the registration information storage unit 14 To store. Further, the related examination registration unit 16 stores the DICOM image data received by the data receiving unit 15 in the DICOM data storage unit 12 together with the accompanying information, acquires the stored location information of the storage unit, and stores the registration information storage unit 14. To store. Then, the related examination registration unit 16 notifies the reconstruction condition extraction unit 17 that the raw data and the DICOM image data are associated and stored in the storage unit.

  The reconstruction condition extraction unit 17 stores the reconstruction condition in the storage unit in association with the Raw data and the DICOM image data. Specifically, the reconstruction condition extraction unit 17 is connected to the DICOM image data storage unit 12, the reconstruction condition storage unit 13, the registration information storage unit 14, the related examination registration unit 16, and the DICOM image data deletion unit 18.

  When the reconstruction condition extraction unit 17 is notified from the related examination registration unit 16 that the raw data and the DICOM image data are associated and stored in the storage unit, the reconstruction condition extraction unit 17 uses the DICOM image data stored in the DICOM image data storage unit 12. Accompanying information is extracted. That is, at this time, the reconstruction condition extraction unit 17 extracts the DICOM-UID by extracting the examination ID, device ID, series ID, and image ID, and also extracts the reconstruction condition. Next, the reconstruction condition extraction unit 17 stores the extracted DICOM-UID, the reconstruction condition, and the like in the reconstruction condition storage unit 13, acquires the position information of the stored storage unit, and stores it in the registration information storage unit 14. Store. Then, the reconstruction condition extraction unit 17 notifies the DICOM image data deletion unit 18 that the reconstruction conditions are stored in the storage unit in association with the Raw data and the DICOM image data.

  The DICOM image data deletion unit 18 deletes the DICOM image data from the storage unit. Specifically, the DICOM image data deletion unit 18 is connected to the raw data storage unit 11, the DICOM image data storage unit 12, the reconstruction condition storage unit 13, and the registration information storage unit 14. When notified from the reconstruction condition extraction unit 17 that the reconstruction condition is stored in the storage unit in association with the Raw data and the DICOM image data, the DICOM image data deletion unit 18 transmits the DICOM image data to the DICOM after a predetermined period. Delete from the image data storage unit 12.

  At this time, the DICOM image data deletion unit 18 refers to the position information stored in the registration information storage unit 14, and the raw data corresponding to the DICOM image data to be deleted is stored in the raw data storage unit 11. In addition, the reconstruction condition storage unit 13 confirms whether the DICOM-UID corresponding to the DICOM image data to be deleted and the reconstruction condition are stored. Then, the DICOM image data deletion unit 18 deletes the DICOM image data from the DICOM image data storage unit 12 when confirming that the Raw data, the DICOM-UID, and the reconstruction condition are stored in association with each other.

[Medical image display device]
The medical image display device 30 receives the medical image stored by the medical image storage device 10 via the PACS network, and outputs it to the output unit.

[Processing Procedure by Medical Image Processing System According to Embodiment 1]
Next, a processing procedure performed by the medical image processing system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the medical image storage apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  A processing procedure performed by the medical image diagnostic apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. First, the medical image photographing unit 23 collects raw data by photographing a subject, and stores the collected raw data in the raw data storage unit 21 (step S101).

  Next, the DICOM image data generation unit 24 reconstructs the cross-sectional image data from the raw data, generates DICOM image data from the reconstructed cross-sectional image data, and stores the generated DICOM image data in the DICOM image data storage unit 22. (Step S102).

  Subsequently, the data transmission unit 25 determines whether or not it is time to transmit data (step S103). If it is determined that it is time to transmit data (Yes in step S103), the Raw data and DICOM image data are obtained. It transmits to the medical image storage apparatus 10 (step S104).

  Then, after transmitting the raw data and DICOM image data to the medical image storage apparatus 10, the data transmission unit 25 determines whether or not a certain period has elapsed (step S105), and determines that the certain period has elapsed (step S105). Next, it is determined whether or not a Raw data transmission request has been received from the medical image storage apparatus 10 (step S106).

  When the raw data transmission request is received (Yes at step S106), it is assumed that the raw data is not transmitted in step S104 due to the initial setting or the like. Data is transmitted (step S107).

  When the raw data transmission request is not received (No in step S106) or after the raw data is transmitted in step S107, the data transmitting unit 25 deletes the corresponding raw data from the raw data storage unit 21, and the DICOM image data The corresponding DICOM image data is deleted from the storage unit 22 (step S108).

  Next, a processing procedure by the medical image storage apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. First, the data receiving unit 15 determines whether or not DICOM image data has been received (step S201).

  If it is determined that the DICOM image data has been received (Yes at Step S201), the data receiving unit 15 then determines whether or not the Raw data for the related examination has been received (Step S202). That is, the data receiving unit 15 acquires patient ID, examination ID, device ID, series ID, and the like from the incidental information of the previously received DICOM image data, and has received raw data with the same information as incidental information. Determine whether.

  When the raw data of the related examination is not received (No at Step S202), it is assumed that the raw data is not transmitted in the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 due to the initial setting or the like. 15 transmits a Raw data transmission request to the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 (step S203).

  On the other hand, when the raw data of the related examination is received (Yes at Step S202), the related examination registration unit 16 associates the Raw data with the DICOM image data and stores them in the storage unit (Step S204). Specifically, the related inspection unit 16 extracts the auxiliary information from the Raw data and the DICOM image data, and stores the auxiliary information in the registration information storage unit 14 by integrating the common auxiliary information. Next, the related examination registration unit 16 stores the raw data received by the data receiving unit 15 in the raw data storage unit 11 together with the accompanying information, acquires the stored location information of the storage unit, and stores the registration information storage unit 14 To store. In addition, the related examination registration unit 16 stores the DICOM image data received by the data receiving unit 15 in the DICOM image data storage unit 12 together with the auxiliary information, acquires the stored location information of the storage unit, and stores the registration information storage unit 14.

  Subsequently, the reconstruction condition extraction unit 17 determines whether or not the reconstruction condition is separately received (step S205). In the first embodiment, the reconstruction condition is in principle extracted from the DICOM image data. However, exceptionally, the reconstruction condition can be assumed to be transmitted as another DICOM data. The condition extraction unit 17 determines whether or not the reconstruction condition is exceptionally received.

  When the reconstruction condition is not received separately (No at Step S205), the reconstruction condition extraction unit 17 extracts the incidental information from the DICOM image data stored in the DICOM image data storage unit 12 (Step S205). S206). That is, at this time, the reconstruction condition extraction unit 17 extracts the DICOM-UID by extracting the examination ID, device ID, series ID, and image ID, and also extracts the reconstruction condition.

  Then, the reconstruction condition extraction unit 17 stores the reconstruction condition in the storage unit in association with the Raw data and the DICOM image data (Step S207). Specifically, the reconstruction condition extraction unit 17 stores the extracted DICOM-UID, the reconstruction condition, and the like in the reconstruction condition storage unit 13, acquires the position information of the stored storage unit, and the registration information storage unit 14.

  Thereafter, the DICOM image data deletion unit 18 determines whether or not a certain period has elapsed (step S208). If the certain period has elapsed (Yes in step S208), the DICOM image data is deleted from the DICOM image data storage unit 12. (Step S209).

[Effect of Example 1]
As described above, in the medical image processing system according to the first embodiment, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 transmits raw data and DICOM image data to the medical image storage apparatus 10, and the medical image storage apparatus 10 transmits raw data. And DICOM image data are received, DICOM-UID and reconstruction conditions are extracted from the received DICOM image data, and Raw data, DICOM-UID, and reconstruction conditions are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit. For this reason, according to the first embodiment, the DICOM-UID uniquely identifying the DICOM image data classified for each reconstruction condition and the reconstruction condition are stored in association with each other. It becomes possible to specify the reconstruction conditions after the fact.

  As described above, in the medical image processing system according to the first embodiment, the medical image storage apparatus 10 stores the DICOM image data after the raw data, the DICOM-UID, and the reconstruction condition are stored in the storage unit. Delete from storage. For this reason, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress the storage capacity required in the medical image storage apparatus. That is, according to the conventional method for storing DICOM image data, the medical image storage device needs a huge storage capacity for storing a huge amount of DICOM image data. However, according to the first embodiment, since the DICOM image data is deleted from the storage unit, the necessary storage capacity can be suppressed.

  By the way, as described in the effect of the first embodiment, according to the present invention, it is possible to specify the reconstruction condition of DICOM image data afterwards. Therefore, in the second embodiment, a method for diverting the reconstruction condition of DICOM image data specified afterwards will be described.

[Configuration of Medical Image Storage Device in Second Embodiment]
First, the configuration of the medical image storage apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the medical image storage apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  In the following description, it is assumed that the medical image storage apparatus receives a DICOM image data reconstruction request from the medical image display apparatus, and the medical image storage apparatus executes reconstruction of DICOM image data. Is not limited to this. For example, the medical image diagnostic apparatus may receive a DICOM image data reconstruction request, and the medical image diagnostic apparatus may receive necessary data from the medical image storage apparatus and execute reconstruction of DICOM image data. The transmission path for the reconfiguration request, the execution device for the reconfiguration, and the like can be arbitrarily changed.

  As illustrated in FIG. 11, the medical image storage apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment further includes a DICOM image data reconstruction unit 19. The DICOM image data reconstruction unit 19 accepts a reconstruction request for requesting reconstruction of DICOM image data from the medical image display device 30. Specifically, the DICOM image data reconstruction unit 19 is connected to the raw data storage unit 11, the DICOM image data storage unit 12, the reconstruction condition storage unit 13, and the registration information storage unit 14.

  When the DICOM image data reconstruction unit 19 receives a reconstruction request for requesting transmission of DICOM image data by specifying a DICOM-UID from the medical image display device 30, the DICOM image data reconstruction unit 19 specifies the DICOM- The reconstruction condition storage unit 13 is searched using the UID, and the reconstruction condition stored in association with the DICOM-UID is acquired. Then, the DICOM image data reconstruction unit 19 generates DICOM image data using the acquired reconstruction condition, and transmits the generated DICOM image data to the medical image display device 30.

  Here, the reconstruction of DICOM image data will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. 12 and 13 are diagrams for explaining the reconstruction of DICOM image data. For example, in the comparative interpretation of comparing the past image with the current image, the reconstruction conditions of the past DICOM image data to be compared are specified, and the imaging conditions of the current DICOM image data are planned using the identified reconstruction conditions. There are things to do. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, an example of specifying the reconstruction conditions of past DICOM image data (2008/5/1) and planning the imaging conditions of the current DICOM image data (2008/6/1) is shown. Suppose.

  In such a case, first, the medical image display apparatus 30 can specify the DICOM-UID as information for identifying the DICOM image data from the past DICOM image data (2008/5/1). The medical image storage apparatus 10 searches the reconstruction condition storage unit 13 using the designated DICOM-UID. Then, the medical image storage apparatus 10 can specify the reconstruction condition stored in association with the designated DICOM-UID. The specified reconstruction condition is exactly the reconstruction condition used for the reconstruction of the past DICOM image data (2008/5/1).

  Thus, since the reconstruction conditions of the past DICOM image data (2008/5/1) are specified, the medical image storage apparatus 10 again uses the specified reconstruction conditions from the newly captured raw data. Current DICOM image data (2008/6/1) is generated. Thus, comparative interpretation of past DICOM image data (2008/5/1) and current DICOM image data (2008/6/1) generated from newly captured raw data is realized.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, it is assumed that past DICOM image data stored in association with findings is deleted when a predetermined period has passed. Then, for example, assume that the DICOM image data needs to be restored after the DICOM image data is deleted because the same patient visited the clinic again.

  In such a case, first, the medical image display device 30 can designate a DICOM-UID as information for identifying DICOM image data stored in association with the findings. The medical image storage apparatus 10 searches the reconstruction condition storage unit 13 using the designated DICOM-UID. Then, the medical image storage apparatus 10 can acquire the raw data and the reconstruction conditions that are stored in association with the designated DICOM-UID. The acquired raw data is exactly raw data corresponding to the deleted DICOM image data, and the acquired reconstruction condition is exactly the reconstruction condition used for the reconstruction of the deleted DICOM image data.

  Thus, since Raw data and reconstruction conditions are acquired, the medical image storage apparatus 10 can again generate DICOM image data using the acquired reconstruction conditions from the acquired Raw data and deleted. It is possible to restore the DICOM image data.

[Effect of Example 2]
As described above, the medical image storage apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment issues a reconstruction request for requesting transmission of DICOM image data reconstructed under the same reconstruction conditions as past DICOM image data. If received from 30, the reconstruction condition storage unit 13 is searched using the designated DICOM-UID, and the reconstruction condition stored in association with the DICOM-UID is acquired. Then, the medical image storage device 10 generates DICOM image data using the acquired reconstruction condition, and transmits the generated DICOM image data to the medical image display device 30. For this reason, according to the second embodiment, appropriate comparative interpretation can be performed by diverting past reconstruction conditions.

  In addition, when the medical image storage apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment receives a reconstruction request for restoring and transmitting DICOM image data from the medical image display apparatus 30, the medical image storage apparatus 10 performs reconstruction using the designated DICOM-UID. The condition storage unit 13 is searched, and Raw data and reconstruction conditions stored in association with DICOM-UID are acquired. Then, the medical image storage device 10 generates DICOM image data using the acquired raw data and reconstruction conditions, and transmits the generated DICOM image data to the medical image display device 30. For this reason, according to the second embodiment, the deleted DICOM image data can be restored.

  In the second embodiment, the method of using the reconstruction condition of DICOM image data specified afterwards has been described so far. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, since the medical image storage apparatus according to the present invention stores Raw data, for example, even when there is no optimal reconstruction condition for the previous reconstruction condition in comparative interpretation, a new reconstruction condition is obtained. Can be used to generate DICOM image data from Raw data. Hereinafter, a method using a new reconstruction condition as a medical image processing system according to the third embodiment will be described.

[Processing Procedure by Medical Image Processing System According to Embodiment 3]
A processing procedure performed by the medical image processing system according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the medical image storage apparatus according to the third embodiment.

  In the following description, unlike the second embodiment, the medical image storage apparatus receives a DICOM image data transmission request from the medical image display apparatus, and the medical image diagnostic apparatus executes reconstruction of DICOM image data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the medical image diagnostic apparatus may receive a DICOM image data transmission request, or the medical image storage apparatus may perform reconstruction of DICOM image data. That is, as described in the second embodiment, the transmission path of the transmission request, the reconfiguration execution apparatus, and the like can be arbitrarily changed.

  A processing procedure performed by the medical image diagnostic apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. First, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 determines whether a DICOM image data reconstruction request has been received from the medical image storage apparatus 10 (step S301).

  If it is determined that a reconstruction request has been received (Yes at step S301), the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 subsequently determines whether raw data has been received (step S302). If it is determined that the raw data has been received (Yes at step S302), the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 then determines whether a reconstruction condition has been received (step S303).

  The case where the reconstruction condition is received is a case where a past reconstruction condition is diverted, as will be described later, and a case where the medical image storage apparatus 10 transmits a past reconstruction condition to be diverted. On the other hand, the case where the reconstruction condition is not received is a case where the past reconstruction condition cannot be diverted as will be described later, and is a case where the medical image storage apparatus 10 transmits only the content of the request for the reconstruction request.

  Therefore, when both are received (Yes at Step S302, Yes at Step S303), the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 generates DICOM image data using the Raw data and past reconstruction conditions (Step S305). The DICOM image data is transmitted to the medical image storage device 10 (step S306).

  On the other hand, when the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 has not received the reconstruction condition (Yes at Step S302, No at Step S303), the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 generates a new reconstruction condition according to the request content (Step S304). Then, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 generates DICOM image data using the raw data and the new reconstruction condition (step S305), and transmits the generated DICOM image data to the medical image storage apparatus 10 (step S306). .

  Next, a processing procedure by the medical image storage apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. First, the medical image storage apparatus 10 determines whether a DICOM image data transmission request has been received from the medical image display apparatus 30 (step S401). Here, it is assumed that the DICOM image data transmission request is, for example, a combination of a DICOM-UID that identifies past DICOM image data and a reconstruction condition.

  When the transmission request is received (Yes at step S401), the medical image storage apparatus 10 uses the registration information stored in the registration information storage unit 14 to use the DICOM image data storage unit 12 and the reconstruction condition storage unit 13. Is searched (step S402). When the DICOM image data identified by the DICOM-UID has not yet been deleted from the DICOM image data storage unit 12, the reconstruction conditions used for the reconstruction of the past DICOM image data and the reconstruction conditions for the transmission request If they match, the DICOM image data requested to be transmitted should be searched.

  When the requested DICOM image data is retrieved (Yes at Step S403), the DICOM image data reconstruction unit 19 acquires the corresponding DICOM image data from the DICOM image data storage unit 12 (Step S404), and medical The image is transmitted to the image display device 30 (step S409).

  On the other hand, when the DICOM image data requested to be transmitted is not retrieved, the DICOM image data identified by the DICOM-UID has already been deleted from the DICOM image data storage unit 12, and the past DICOM image data There may be a case where the reconfiguration condition used for the reconfiguration does not match the reconfiguration condition of the transmission request. Therefore, if the DICOM image data requested for transmission is not retrieved (No at step S403), the medical image storage apparatus 10 determines whether or not a reconstruction condition that matches the reconstruction condition of the transmission request is stored. The condition storage unit 13 is searched (step S405).

  If a reconstruction condition that matches the reconstruction condition of the transmission request is stored (Yes in step S405), it is simply a case where the DICOM image data has been deleted from the DICOM image data storage unit 12. The medical image storage apparatus 10 transmits the raw data and the reconstruction conditions stored in the raw data storage unit 11 to the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 (step S406).

  On the other hand, when the reconstruction condition that matches the reconstruction condition of the transmission request is not stored (No at Step S405), the past reconstruction condition cannot be used in the first place. For this reason, the medical image storage apparatus 10 transmits the Raw data and the request contents to the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 (step S407).

  Thereafter, the medical image storage device 10 determines whether or not DICOM image data has been received from the medical image diagnostic device 20 (step S408), and if received (Yes in step S408), the received DICOM image data is used for medical purposes. The image is transmitted to the image display device 30 (step S409).

[Effect of Example 3]
In the conventional method in which only DICOM image data is stored and Raw data is not stored, for example, in the case of comparative interpretation, if there is no reconstruction condition that is optimal for the past reconstruction conditions, the subject is imaged again and the Raw is captured. Data had to be collected again. However, as described above, according to the third embodiment, since the medical image storage device 10 stores the raw data, the raw data is collected by newly creating or correcting the reconstruction condition. Without correction, new DICOM image data can be generated from the raw data collected in the past.

[Other embodiments]
The first to third embodiments of the present invention have been described so far, but the present invention may be implemented in various different forms other than the above-described embodiments.

[DICOM data object]
First, as described in the above embodiment, DICOM image data is displayed by a medical image display device. Here, when displaying the DICOM image data, the medical image display device generates various DICOM data objects in accordance with the DICOM standard. For example, GSPS (Grayscale Softcopy Presentation State) indicating information related to image display such as gradation, Key Image Object indicating key image, SR (Structured Report) indicating report standard, and the like. It is effective that such a DICOM data object is transmitted from the medical image display apparatus to the medical image storage apparatus and stored in association with the DICOM image data in the medical image storage apparatus. However, as described in the above embodiment, the DICOM image data itself is deleted after a certain period. If so, the DICOM data object that has lost its association with the DICOM image data will be stored in the medical image storage device.

  Therefore, the medical image storage apparatus according to the present invention can store the DICOM data object while maintaining the association with the DICOM image data by storing the DICOM data object in association with the DICOM-UID. This point will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining storage of a DICOM data object.

  As shown in FIG. 16, when displaying the DICOM image data, the medical image display device extracts the DICOM-UID from the DICOM image data, associates the extracted DICOM-UID with the generated DICOM data object, Send to the medical image storage device. At this time, the medical image storage apparatus has already stored the Raw data, the DICOM-UID, and the reconstruction conditions in the storage unit in association with each other. Therefore, the medical image storage apparatus searches the storage unit using the received DICOM-UID, and stores the received DICOM data object in association with the searched DICOM-UID. In this way, the medical image storage device can store the DICOM data object while maintaining the association with the DICOM image data.

  The DICOM data object may be generated in the medical image storage device. In such a case, for example, when the medical image storage device generates a DICOM data object from the DICOM image data, the medical image storage device searches the storage unit using the DICOM-UDI that identifies the DICOM image data, and has already stored the storage unit The DICOM data object is stored in association with the raw data, the DICOM-UID, and the reconstruction condition. Thus, even if the DICOM image data itself is deleted after a certain period of time, the medical image storage apparatus can store the DICOM data object while maintaining the association with the DICOM image data.

[System configuration, etc.]
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the medical image storage device, the medical image diagnostic device, and the medical image display device are configured by physically different devices has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. . The physical configuration is arbitrary, such as the medical image storage device and the medical image diagnostic device are configured by physically the same device, or the medical image storage device and the medical image display device are configured by the same physical device. is there.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the storage unit of the medical image storage device is realized by a hard disk built in the medical image storage device has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The storage unit of the medical image storage apparatus may be configured by NAS (Network Attached Storage), for example.

  As described above, the medical image processing system and the medical image storage device according to the present invention are useful for storing medical images, and are particularly suitable for specifying the reconstruction conditions of DICOM image data afterwards.

1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a medical image storage device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a medical image processing system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a medical image diagnostic apparatus in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating a Raw data storage part. It is a figure for demonstrating a DICOM image data storage part. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a medical image storage device in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating a reconstruction condition memory | storage part. It is a figure for demonstrating a registration information storage part. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the medical image storage apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a medical image storage device according to a second embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the reconstruction of DICOM image data. It is a figure for demonstrating the reconstruction of DICOM image data. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the medical image storage apparatus according to the third embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating storage of a DICOM data object. It is a figure for demonstrating the conventional medical image storage apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the prior art.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Network 10 Medical image storage apparatus 11 Raw data storage part 12 DICOM image data storage part 13 Reconstruction condition storage part 14 Registration information storage part 15 Data receiving part 16 Related examination registration part 17 Reconstruction condition extraction part 18 DICOM image data deletion part DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 19 DICOM image data reconstruction part 20 Medical image diagnostic apparatus 21 Raw data storage part 22 DICOM image data storage part 23 Medical image imaging part 24 DICOM image data generation part 25 Data transmission part 30 Medical image display apparatus

Claims (7)

A medical image processing system including a medical image processing apparatus that processes medical images and a medical image storage apparatus that stores medical images processed by the medical image processing apparatus,
The medical image processing apparatus includes:
The pre-reconstruction data before being reconstructed into a medical image and the DICOM image data after being reconstructed into a medical image from the pre-reconstruction data using a predetermined reconstruction condition are transmitted to the medical image storage device. A data transmission means,
The medical image storage device includes:
Reconstruction condition acquisition for acquiring pre-reconstruction data and DICOM image data transmitted by the data transmission means, and acquiring reconstruction conditions used for reconstruction of the DICOM image data from incidental information of the DICOM image data Means,
The reconstruction and the data before the DICO examination identification information included in the supplementary information of the M image picture data series identification information, and the DICOM image identification information and the reconstruction condition acquisition means comprising at least one image identification information Data storage means for associating the reconstruction conditions acquired by the storage unit and storing them in the storage unit;
A medical image processing system comprising: The medical image storage device includes:
After reconstitution prior data and the DICOM image identification information and reconstruction conditions is stored in the storage unit by the data storage means, the DICOM image data reconstructed by using the reconstruction conditions of the pre-reconstruction data The medical image processing system according to claim 1, further comprising data deletion means for deleting from the storage unit. The medical image processing system includes a medical image display device that displays a medical image on a display unit,
When a transmission request for requesting transmission of DICOM image data reconstructed under the same reconstruction conditions as the DICOM image data uniquely identified by the DICOM image identification information is received from the medical image display device, the transmission request First reconstruction condition acquisition means for searching the storage unit of the medical image storage device using the specified DICOM image identification information and acquiring the reconstruction condition stored in association with the DICOM image identification information; ,
First reconstruction image generation means for generating DICOM image data using the reconstruction condition acquired by the first reconstruction condition acquisition means and the pre-reconstruction data newly transmitted from the medical image processing apparatus. When,
First reconstructed image transmitting means for transmitting DICOM image data generated by the first reconstructed image generating means to the medical image display device;
The medical image processing system according to claim 1, further comprising: The medical image processing system includes a medical image display device that displays a medical image on a display unit,
When a transmission request for requesting transmission of DICOM image data uniquely identified by the DICOM image identification information is received from the medical image display device, the medical image is used by using the DICOM image identification information specified in the transmission request. A second reconstruction condition acquisition unit that searches the storage unit of the storage device and acquires pre-reconstruction data and reconstruction conditions stored in association with the DICOM image identification information;
Second reconstructed image generating means for generating DICOM image data using pre-reconstruction data and reconstruction conditions acquired by the second reconstruction condition acquiring means;
Second reconstructed image transmitting means for transmitting the DICOM image data generated by the second reconstructed image generating means to the medical image display device;
The medical image processing system according to claim 1, further comprising: The medical image storage device includes:
First related information generating means for generating related information related to the DICOM image data;
In association with the reconstruction conditions and reconstituted prior to data and DICOM image identification information stored in the storage unit by the data storing means, the related information generated by the first related information generation means to the storage unit First related information storage means for storing;
The medical image processing system according to claim 1, further comprising: The medical image processing system includes a medical image display device that displays a medical image on a display unit,
The medical image display device includes:
Second related information generating means for generating related information related to the DICOM image data;
Related information transmitting means for transmitting the related information generated by the second related information generating means to the medical image storage device,
The medical image storage device includes:
Wherein when receiving the related information transmitted by the associated information transmission means, in correspondence with the reconstruction conditions and reconstituted prior to data and DICOM image identification information stored in the storage unit by the data storing means, the related information transmission a second related information storage means for storing the relevant information transmitted by the unit to the storage unit,
The medical image processing system according to claim 1, further comprising: A medical image storage device for storing medical images,
Reconfiguration for acquiring the reconstruction condition from the supplementary information of the DICOM image data for the DICOM image data after being reconstructed from the pre-reconstruction data before being reconstructed into a medical image using a predetermined reconstruction condition Condition acquisition means;
Wherein a pre-reconstruction data, at least a DICOM image identification information including one, the reconstruction conditions obtaining in the DICO the examination identification information included in the supplementary information of the M image picture data series identification information, and the image identification information Data storage means for associating the reconstruction conditions acquired by the means with each other and storing them in the storage unit;
A medical image storage device comprising:

Images