JP5951280B2 - Image communication processing system, display terminal, and image server - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an image communication processing system, a display terminal, and an image server.

  In hospital facilities, for example, medical image diagnostic apparatuses (modalities) such as an MRI apparatus, an X-ray CT apparatus, and an X-ray diagnostic apparatus are provided. When image diagnosis of a patient is performed using these medical image diagnostic apparatuses, the generated image data is transmitted to a workstation for image processing, for example, as a DICOM type file.

  The MRI apparatus means a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, the X-ray CT apparatus means an X-ray computed tomography apparatus, and DICOM is a network standard. It means “Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine”.

  The workstation reconstructs original image data generated by the medical image diagnostic apparatus by performing image processing such as MPR (Multi Planar Reconstructions) and three-dimensional processing. By this reconstruction, the original image data is converted into image data including clinically useful information. The MPR is a cross-sectional reconstruction method for generating an arbitrary cross-sectional image from a plurality of image data. For example, based on image data in a three-dimensional range including only slice images of a number of axial cross sections of the chest, A sagittal cross-sectional image of the chest can be generated.

  In an image communication network of a hospital facility, a thin client technology is used to access a workstation from a low-performance terminal, perform image processing on the workstation, and obtain a processing result at the terminal. Thereby, the processing result of the workstation can be displayed at each terminal without operating an image processing application having a large processing load at various terminals deployed in various places in the hospital.

  The thin client technology is a communication system in which the terminal used by the user performs the minimum necessary processing and most of the processing is concentrated on the server side (in this example, the image processing workstation) ( For example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-77413 A

  In hospital facilities, a plurality of workstations corresponding to a plurality of different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses are provided, and only image data generated by the medical image diagnostic apparatus corresponding to the workstation is subjected to image processing. Often. In this case, the processing results of different workstations transmitted to one terminal being used by the radiogram interpreter by the thin client technique are separately transmitted to the terminal and displayed. That is, when comparing and interpreting a plurality of diagnostic images generated by a plurality of different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses, the processing results of the workstations that individually process the plurality of diagnostic images are not related.

  For this reason, in the image communication processing system using the thin client technology, a technique for facilitating comparative interpretation of a plurality of diagnostic images respectively generated by a plurality of different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses has been desired.

In one embodiment, the display terminal is connected to an image communication processing system having a plurality of types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses that respectively generate image data of a subject and an image server, receives image data from the image server, An image displayed by the received image data is displayed, and includes an acquisition unit and an image information transmission unit.
The acquisition unit obtains identification information indicating which subject image data the received image data is and position information indicating which portion of the subject image data is the content or image of the received image data. Obtain from the server.
The image information transmission unit is a generation source of a different type of medical image diagnosis apparatus from the generation source of the received image data, and as a transmission request for image data corresponding to the identification information and the position information, The identification information and the position information are transmitted to the image server.
The acquisition unit acquires the position information as information obtained by converting the distance between a part of the subject indicated by the received image data and the reference position of the subject with respect to the height of the subject.

In one embodiment, the image server is connected to an image communication processing system having a plurality of types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses each generating image data of a subject and a display terminal, and transmits the image data to the display terminal. An image information determination unit and an image providing unit are provided.
The image information discriminating unit is information for identifying which subject image data is used as information for defining the image data requested to be transmitted by the display terminal, and position information about which portion of the subject image data is. And the type of the medical image diagnostic apparatus from which the image data is generated are determined based on the image data already transmitted to the display terminal or the content of the transmission request.
The image providing unit obtains the image data of the subject corresponding to the identification information, the image data of the subject corresponding to the identification information, which is the generation source and the medical image diagnostic apparatus determined as the generation source by the image information determination unit. Select or generate and send to the display terminal.
The image providing unit is image data generated by the medical image diagnostic apparatus determined as the generation source by the image information determination unit, and from the image data of the subject matching the identification information to the subject portion indicated by the position information. The closest image data is selected, and the selected image data is transmitted to the display terminal.

In one embodiment, an image communication processing system includes a plurality of types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses that respectively generate image data of a subject, an image server that transmits image data to a display terminal, and image data received from the image server. And a display terminal that displays the displayed image, and is configured as follows.
First, each medical image diagnostic apparatus generates the identification information indicating which subject image data the generated image data is and the position information indicating which portion of the subject image data is generated. Then, the generated image data is transmitted to the image server.
Second, the display terminal extracts identification information and position information from the image data received from the image server, and transmits the extracted identification information and position information to the image server.
Thirdly, the image server is based on the generated image data transmitted from the medical image diagnostic apparatus, and the generation source is a medical image diagnostic apparatus of a type different from the generation source of the image data received by the display terminal. In addition, the image data of the subject that matches the identification information and corresponding to the position information is selected or generated and transmitted to the display terminal.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an image communication processing system according to an embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the determination method of the positional information of the said axial cross section on the basis of the reference | standard position of a to-be-examined object, when imaging an axial cross-section image with an X-ray CT apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the determination method of the positional information of the said sagittal cross section on the basis of the reference | standard position of a subject, when imaging a sagittal cross section image with an MRI apparatus. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example in which a plurality of different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses that display the same position of the same subject on the display terminal of FIG. The schematic diagram which shows an example which displayed the same sagittal cross-sectional image of the origin of the some medical image diagnostic apparatus which shows the same position of the same subject, and was produced in the display terminal of FIG. 1 so that comparison is possible. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of medical image data file generation processing in the image communication processing system according to the embodiment. The flowchart which shows an example of the flow of operation | movement of the image communication processing system of this embodiment which processes so that each medical image diagnostic apparatus from which a kind differs may show the same position of the same subject with respect to each medical image data of a production | generation source.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same element and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

(Configuration of this embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the image communication processing system of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, in the image communication processing system 10, a display terminal 20, a workstation 30x, a workstation 30m, an X-ray CT apparatus 50, and an MRI apparatus 60 are connected to each other via a network cable 90. Yes. In addition, since it becomes complicated in FIG. 1, it is set as the structure which has only one display terminal 20, However, Two or three or more display terminals 20 may be sufficient.

  The X-ray CT apparatus 50 includes, for example, an X-ray CT mechanism 51, a CPU (Central Processor Unit) 52, a communication unit 53, a storage unit 54, a monitor 55, and a system bus 56. The CPU 52 controls each unit of the X-ray CT apparatus 50 connected via the system bus 56.

  The X-ray CT mechanism 51 performs computer tomography by irradiating the subject with X-rays, and performs predetermined processing on the projection data collected by detecting the X-rays transmitted through the subject. Thereby, the X-ray CT mechanism 51 generates a medical image data file of the subject in, for example, the DICOM format. This file is generated, for example, as a three-dimensional medical image data composed of a large number of one slice of two-dimensional image data or a volume data file in a three-dimensional range.

  The CPU 52 includes the identification information (first name, last name, sex, date of birth, blood type, etc.) of the subject in the incidental information of the medical image data file of the subject. Specifically, for example, the information may be included in the header portion of the file. In addition, for example, according to the input screen displayed on the monitor 55, the CPU 52 obtains the subject identification information that is input to the X-ray CT apparatus 50 via an input device (not shown).

  Further, the CPU 52 includes position information indicating which part of the subject the medical image data is in the incidental information of the file of the medical image data. A method for obtaining the position information will be described later with reference to FIG. After being generated by the X-ray CT mechanism 51, the CPU 52 saves each file of medical image data accompanied by identification information and position information of the subject in the storage unit 54 via the system bus 56.

  Further, the CPU 52 transmits each file of medical image data accompanied by identification information and position information of the subject from the storage unit 54 to the workstation 30x via the system bus 56, the communication unit 53, and the network cable 90.

  The MRI apparatus 60 includes, for example, an MRI mechanism 61, a CPU 62, a communication unit 63, a storage unit 64, a monitor 65, and a system bus 66. The CPU 62 controls each unit of the MRI apparatus 60 connected via the system bus 66.

  The MRI mechanism 61 performs magnetic resonance imaging to generate a medical image data file of the subject in, for example, the DICOM format. This file is generated, for example, as a three-dimensional medical image data composed of a large number of one slice of two-dimensional image data or a volume data file in a three-dimensional range.

  Similar to the X-ray CT apparatus 50, the CPU 62 includes position information indicating which part of the subject is an image and identification information of the subject in the incidental information of the medical image data file of the subject. For example, according to the input screen displayed on the monitor 65, the CPU 62 obtains the subject identification information that is input to the MRI apparatus 60 via an input apparatus (not shown). After being generated by the MRI mechanism 61, the CPU 62 stores each file of medical image data accompanied by subject identification information and position information in the storage unit 64 via the system bus 66.

  Further, the CPU 62 transmits each file of medical image data accompanied by identification information and position information of the subject from the storage unit 64 to the workstation 30m via the system bus 66, the communication unit 63, and the network cable 90.

  The workstation 30x corresponds to the X-ray CT apparatus 50, and the workstation 30m corresponds to the MRI apparatus 60. That is, the workstation 30x stores medical image data files generated by the X-ray CT apparatus 50 and transmitted from the X-ray CT apparatus 50, and performs image processing, search (selection processing), and the like on these files. Do. The workstation 30m stores medical image data files generated by the MRI apparatus 60 and transmitted from the MRI apparatus 60, and performs image processing, search (selection processing), and the like on these files.

  The workstation 30x includes, for example, a communication unit 31, a CPU 32, an image information determination unit 33, an image processing unit 34, a search unit 35, a monitor 36, a storage unit 37, and a system bus 38.

  The CPU 32 controls each unit of the workstation 30 x connected via the system bus 38.

  The storage unit 37 stores each file of medical image data transmitted from the X-ray CT apparatus 50 via the network cable 90, the communication unit 31, and the system bus 38.

  The image information determination unit 33 receives a transmission request for image data from the display terminal 20 via the network cable 90, the communication unit 31, and the system bus 38. The image information discriminating unit 33 discriminates the following two as information defining the image data requested to be transmitted based on the content of the transmission request, for example. The first information is identification information indicating which subject image data is the object. The second information is position information indicating which part of the subject is the image data.

The search unit 35 searches the image data file of the subject that matches the two pieces of information determined by the image information determination unit 33 from the files stored in the storage unit 37.
When there is no image data file of the subject that matches the two pieces of information, the search unit 35 is a file that matches the first information (subject identification information) from the file stored in the storage unit 37. Then, a medical image data file including a portion that matches the position information is searched, and the searched file is input to the image processing unit 34.

  In this case, the image processing unit 34 performs image processing such as MPR on the file input from the search unit, thereby generating a file of image data that matches the position information.

  Since the workstation 30m has the same hardware configuration as that of the workstation 30x, a duplicate description is omitted. However, for easy explanation, “′” is added to the end of the reference numerals of the components of the workstation 30m.

  The display terminal 20 includes, for example, an acquisition unit 22, an image information transmission unit 24, a control unit 26, and a monitor 28.

  The acquisition unit 22 acquires the following information based on the contents of the medical image data file received from the workstations 30x and 30m. The first information is identification information of which subject image data. is there. The second information is position information indicating which part of the subject is the image data. The third information is information indicating what kind of medical image diagnostic apparatus the received image data is generated.

  The image information transmission unit 24 is a generation source of a different type of medical image diagnostic apparatus from the third information acquired by the acquisition unit 22, and the image data corresponding to the identification information and the position information acquired by the acquisition unit 22. Send a send request.

  For example, when the MRI apparatus 60 requests transmission of a medical image data file as a generation source, the image information transmission unit 24 transmits identification information and position information to the workstation 30m as a transmission request. This is because the medical image data generated by the MRI apparatus 60 is stored and image processed by the workstation 30m. When the X-ray CT apparatus 50 requests transmission of a medical image data file as a generation source, the image information transmission unit 24 transmits a similar transmission request to the workstation 30x.

  The control unit causes the monitor 28 to display the medical image data file transmitted to the acquisition unit 22 as an image.

  Here, the workstation means a computer constructed with higher performance than a general computer in order to perform specialized and high processing loads such as scientific calculation and image processing. The server means a system that provides some data or function in response to a request received from a user (client) terminal through a network such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). That is, the server and the workstation are defined differently but have overlapping portions. Therefore, in the above configuration, the workstations 30m and 30x that handle image data are used, but these may be regarded as the image servers 30m and 30x.

Next, a method for generating position information will be described.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a method for determining the position information of the axial section with reference to the reference position of the subject when an axial section image is taken by the X-ray CT apparatus. In FIG. 2, a plurality of tube balls 59 of the X-ray CT apparatus 50 are shown corresponding to each of the four slice positions, but there is actually only one tube 59.

  Here, in order to define “axial cross section” and “sagittal cross section” used in the following description, the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis of the patient coordinate system are defined as follows as an example. The left-right direction of the subject P is taken as the X-axis direction, and the front-rear direction of the subject P with the ventral side as the front and the back side as the back is taken as the Y-axis direction. Also, the body axis direction of the subject P (the vertical direction of the subject P with the head up and the foot down in the spine extending direction) is defined as the Z-axis direction. The XY plane of the patient coordinate system is an axial plane, the XZ plane of the patient coordinate system is a coronal plane, and the YZ plane of the patient coordinate system is a sagittal plane.

  Also, for simplification of explanation, as an example, the Z-axis direction of the patient coordinate system (the body axis direction of the subject P) matches the Z-axis direction of the apparatus coordinate system of the X-ray CT apparatus 50. It is assumed that the subject P is placed on a bed. That is, it is assumed that the X, Y, and Z axes of the patient coordinate system match the X, Y, and Z axes of the apparatus coordinate system.

  First, the height T of the subject P is determined using infrared rays for positioning of the X-ray CT apparatus 50 as follows, for example. Specifically, the bed of the X-ray CT apparatus 50 is configured to be movable along the Z-axis direction of the apparatus coordinate system. Further, it is assumed that the irradiation direction and irradiation position of positioning infrared rays are fixed.

  The operator operates the X-ray CT apparatus 50 to move the bed in the Z-axis direction so that the infrared ray for positioning hits the top of the subject as the reference position REF. The top of the head is one end on the head side in the body axis direction of the subject. The CPU 52 of the X-ray CT apparatus 50 stores, for example, the position of the reference position of the bed at this time as the first position by the apparatus coordinate system.

  Next, the operator operates the X-ray CT apparatus 50 to move the bed in the Z-axis direction so that the positioning infrared ray hits the toe or heel portion of the subject P. The CPU 52 of the X-ray CT apparatus 50 stores the position of the reference position of the bed at this time as the second position. Then, the CPU 52 of the X-ray CT apparatus 50 calculates and acquires the height T of the subject P based on the difference in the coordinate position in the Z-axis direction between the first position and the second position.

  For the height T of the subject P, a value manually input to the X-ray CT apparatus 50 by an operator via an input device (not shown) may be used.

  In the example of FIG. 2, a range between two vertical lines in the vertical direction is an imaging range, and the position of a slice to be scanned is defined by the apparatus coordinate system. Scanning refers to collecting projection data obtained by irradiating a subject P with X-rays, detecting transmitted X-rays, and converting the detected X-rays into electric signals for each detection element. It refers to the processing until recording. Further, imaging refers to both the above scan and the operation of generating image data of the subject by image reconstruction processing after the scan.

  The scan is performed while moving the bed in the Z-axis direction of the apparatus coordinate system and rotating a gantry (not shown) including the tube 59 substantially along the XY plane of the apparatus coordinate system. Therefore, the position of each axial cross-sectional image to be scanned is defined in the apparatus coordinate system based on the difference in the Z-axis direction between the position of the reference position of the bed being scanned and the first position. Thereby, the CPU 52 calculates the position in the Z-axis direction of each axial slice image, and calculates the difference Q in the Z-axis direction between the position of each axial slice image and the reference position REF.

  The CPU 52 calculates position information of each axial cross-sectional image by dividing the difference Q by the height T of the subject P. That is, the position information of each axial cross-sectional image is represented by the relative distance from the reference position REF (the position of the top of the head in this example) using the height T of the subject P.

  In the case of the MRI apparatus 60, for the height T, for example, a manually input value is used, or, for example, the light from the positioning projector is applied to the top of the subject, the bed is moved, and the light from the projector is applied to the subject P. It may also be applied to the toe or heel of the toe and calculated in the same manner as described above based on the moving distance of the bed. In the case of the MRI apparatus 60, the position information of each axial cross-sectional image is calculated by the CPU 62 as in the case of the X-ray CT apparatus 50.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a method for determining the position information of the sagittal section with respect to the reference position of the subject when the MRI apparatus 60 captures a sagittal section image. In this embodiment, as an example, slice position information of a sagittal cross-sectional image is represented using an axial cross-sectional image at the center of the imaging range.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, for example, a case where a sagittal section 120 is imaged is considered. Here, as an example, it is assumed that the axes of the patient coordinate system and the apparatus coordinate system coincide with each other. Therefore, the sagittal section 120 is also the YZ plane of the apparatus coordinate system. The CPU 62 of the MRI apparatus 60 calculates a straight line that bisects the sagittal section 120 by the length in the Z-axis direction as a bisector 122. The bisector 122 is a straight line along the Y-axis direction, and is indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3B, the CPU 62 calculates an axial cross section including the bisector 122 as a reference axial cross section 124 so that the extension region is equal to the left and right of the subject. Next, the CPU 62 calculates a bisector 130 that bisects the reference axial section 124 by the length in the X-axis direction.

  The bisector 130 is a straight line along the Y-axis direction, and is indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. Since the extension region of the reference axial section 124 is equal to the left and right of the subject, the bisector 130 passes through the body axis of the subject and is at a position that bisects the subject in the left-right direction.

Next, the CPU 62 calculates a portion where the reference axial section 124 and the sagittal section 120 overlap as an overlapping straight line 132. The overlapping straight line 132 is a straight line along the Y-axis direction, and is indicated by a broken line in FIG.
Next, the CPU 62 calculates how much the overlapping straight line 132 is displaced in the X-axis direction with respect to the bisector 130 (interval between both) as a deviation amount GAP. In the example of FIG. 3, since the overlapping straight line 132 is located in the negative X-axis direction with respect to the bisector 130, the shift amount GAP is a negative value, but the overlapping straight line 132 is the bisector 130. If it is located on the opposite side, the deviation amount GAP becomes a positive value.

  Further, the CPU 62 calculates the difference Q, which is an interval in the Z-axis direction between the reference axial section 124 and the reference position REF as described above. Then, the CPU 62 generates position information of the sagittal section 120 so that the following two pieces of information are included (see FIG. 3C). First, the distance between the reference axial section 124 and the reference position REF is included in the position information as Q / T (here, as an example, the distance value Q is a relative value divided by the height T). Secondly, the displacement in the X-axis direction between the bisector 130 in the plane of the reference axial section 124 and the sagittal section 120 is included in the position information as GAP.

  In the case of a coronal section, position information may be generated in the same manner as described above. Specifically, for example, a reference axial section that passes through a straight line that bisects the coronal section by the length in the Z-axis direction is calculated. The reference axial cross section is such that each extending region when the length is divided into two equal in length in the Y-axis direction is equal on both the front side and the rear side of the subject. The positional information is obtained by a straight line along the X-axis direction, a straight line that bisects the reference axial section 124 by the length in the Y-axis direction, and a deviation amount GAP ′ in the Y-axis direction from the coronal section. It only has to be generated.

  In the case of the X-ray CT apparatus 50, the CPU 52 may calculate the position information of the sagittal slice image and the coronal slice image after imaging, and attach the calculated position information to the files of the medical image data. Alternatively, the position information of the sagittal slice image and the coronal slice image generated by the X-ray CT apparatus 50 may be calculated by the workstation 30x, and the calculated position information may be attached to each file by the workstation 30x.

  Similarly, in the case of the MRI apparatus 60, the position information of the sagittal section and the coronal section may be calculated by the workstation 30m after imaging and attached to each file.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which the display terminal 20 shows the same position of the same subject and a plurality of different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses display the respective axial cross-sectional images of the generation source in a comparable manner. In this example, the screen is divided into two equal parts by a straight line in the vertical direction, the X-ray CT apparatus 50 shows the generation axial cross-section image 200 on the left side, and the MRI apparatus 60 shows the generation axial cross-section image 202 on the right side. Indicates.

  These two axial cross-sectional images 200 and 202 are obtained by displaying the axial cross-section of the same subject at the same position in the same size (see steps S38 to 43 described later). On the upper side of the screen, the type of cross section is an axial cross section (AXIAL in the figure), and the position information Q / T is indicated by a numerical value (0.48 in this example).

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which the same position of the same subject is displayed on the display terminal 20 and a plurality of different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses display the sagittal cross-sectional images of the generation source in a comparable manner. In this example, the screen is divided into two equal parts by a vertical straight line, the X-ray CT apparatus 50 shows the sagittal cross-sectional image 204 of the generation source on the left side, and the sagittal cross-section image 206 of the generation source by the MRI apparatus 60 on the right side. Indicates.

  These two sagittal cross-sectional images 204 and 206 are obtained by displaying the sagittal cross-section of the same subject at the same position in the same size (see steps S38 to 43 described later). Further, on the upper side of the screen, the type of the cross section is a sagittal cross section (SAGITTAL in the figure), and the position information Q / T is indicated by a numerical value. In this example, the distance Q / T between the reference axial section relative to the displayed sagittal section and the reference position REF is shown as a numerical value of 0.47. Further, a deviation amount GAP between the bisector of the reference axial section and the displayed sagittal section is shown as a numerical value of −10 cm.

  4 and 5 are merely examples of display modes, and the display mode of each cross-sectional image is not limited to these. For example, the screen is bisected vertically by a horizontal straight line, an MRI image is displayed on the upper or lower side, and an X-ray CT image of the same subject at the same position is displayed on the opposite side in the same size. May be.

(Description of operation of this embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for generating a medical image data file in the image communication processing system 10 of the present embodiment. Hereinafter, processing from generation to storage of medical image data files will be described according to the step numbers in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  [Step S1] After the X-ray CT apparatus 50 is activated and the initial settings are made, the CPU 52 determines the subject based on information input to the X-ray CT apparatus 50 via an input device (not shown). P identification information is acquired. The identification information of the subject P is information that identifies the subject P such as the name, date of birth, sex, blood type, etc. of the subject P, for example.

  [Step S2] The CPU 52 acquires the height of the subject P by, for example, the above-described method using infrared rays for positioning. As for the height of the subject P, a value input to the X-ray CT apparatus 50 via the input apparatus may be used.

  [Step S3] The CPU 52 calculates and stores the cross-sectional position (Q / T) of each imaging slice. For example, in the case of an axial section, position information (Q / T) is calculated (generated) by the method described above with reference to FIG. In the case of a sagittal section, position information (Q / T) is calculated (generated) by the method described above with reference to FIG.

  Note that the sagittal section and the coronal section are not generated here, but are calculated by the workstation 30x in step S33, which will be described later, based on the principle described with reference to FIG. It may be attached to the data file. Alternatively, for the sagittal section and the coronal section, the position information of the reference axial section may be calculated and attached, and in this case, the workstation 30x calculates the shift amount GAP in step S33 described later.

  [Step S <b> 4] The X-ray CT mechanism 51 performs a known scan according to the control of the CPU 52. That is, the X-ray CT mechanism 51 collects projection data by irradiating the subject P with X-rays and detecting the X-rays transmitted through the subject.

  [Step S5] The X-ray CT mechanism 51 performs a known reconstruction process on the projection data to generate medical image data in the imaging range, edits it into, for example, a DICOM format file, and inputs it to the CPU 52.

  [Step S6] The CPU 52 includes the identification information of the subject P and the position information in the medical image data file generated in step S5, and stores the medical image data in the storage unit 54. The CPU 52 transmits the medical image data file generated and stored in the storage unit 54 as described above to the workstation 30 x via the communication unit 53 and the network cable 90.

  [Step S7] The workstation 30x receives the medical image data file imaged and generated by the X-ray CT apparatus 50 and stores it in the storage unit 37.

  The processing contents of steps S1 'to S7' are the same as those of steps S1 to S7, and the medical image data file is generated and stored in the MRI apparatus 60 as in the case of the X-ray CT apparatus 50. The main difference is that while the X-ray CT apparatus 50 performs X-ray CT image reconstruction based on projection data acquired by scanning using X-rays (steps S4 and S5), the MRI apparatus 60 collects magnetic data collected. An MRI image reconstruction including a two-dimensional Fourier transform and the like is performed based on the resonance signal (steps S4 ′ and S5 ′). The above is the description of the processing from generation to storage of the medical image data file.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation flow of the image communication processing system 10 that processes different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses so as to indicate the same position of the same subject with respect to the generated medical image data. is there. The operation of the image communication processing system 10 will be described below according to the step numbers in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  [Step S31] Information of an image to be displayed is input to the display terminal 20 by the user via an input device (not shown) of the display terminal 20. Here, as an example, it is assumed that the information on the image to be displayed indicates an image that is generated by the X-ray CT apparatus 50. In response to the input information, the image information transmission unit 24 of the display terminal 20 transmits a transmission request for the image of the generation source to the workstation 30 x via the network cable 90.

  Here, as an example, it is assumed that the content of the transmission request includes identification information of the subject P, cross-sectional direction, (cross-sectional) position information, and the like. The cross-sectional direction is, for example, information on an axial cross-section, a sagittal cross-section, or a coronal cross-section in the patient coordinate system or the apparatus coordinate system. Since only the medical image data generated by the X-ray CT apparatus 50 is stored in the workstation 30x that is the transmission destination of the “image transmission request”, any type of medical image diagnosis is included in the content of the transmission request. Information regarding whether the image data of the generation source is requested by the apparatus may or may not be included.

[Step S32] The image information determination unit 33 of the workstation 30x receives an image transmission request from the display terminal 20 via the communication unit 31 and the system bus 38. The image information discriminating unit 33 discriminates (acquires) the identification information, the cross-sectional direction and the position information of the subject P from the contents of the received transmission request as “information defining the medical image data requested to be transmitted”, and stores it. To do.
For example, when medical image data is transmitted from the workstation 30x to the display terminal 20 and an image transmission request is received as a response thereto, the medical image data requested to be transmitted such as identification information of the subject P is defined. At least a part of “information” may be determined from the file contents of medical image data already transmitted to the display terminal 20 by the workstation 30x.

  Next, the image information determination unit 33 inputs “information specifying medical image data requested to be transmitted” to the search unit 35 and the image processing unit 34. The search unit 35 selects a medical image data file that matches the identification information, the cross-sectional direction, and the position information of the subject P of the image requested to be transmitted from the medical image data file stored in the storage unit 37. Search for.

  If there is a matching medical image data file, the search unit 35 selects the matching medical image data file from the saved files in the storage unit 37 and causes the storage unit 37 to input the file to the image processing unit 34.

When there is no matching medical image data file, the search unit 35 matches the identification information of the subject P of the image requested to be transmitted and includes the position indicated by the position information of the image requested to be transmitted. Search the range of medical image data files. The search unit 35 inputs the searched file from the storage unit 37 to the image processing unit 34.
[Step S33] The two cases of the search result in step S32 will be described separately.

  First, there is a case where a matching medical image data file exists, that is, a case where a medical image data file matching the requested transmission image is input in step S32. In this case, the image processing unit 34 stores and holds the input medical image data as data being processed.

  Secondly, if there is no matching medical image data file, the image processing unit 34 performs image processing such as MPR on the medical image data input in step S32, so that the image requested for transmission is processed. Medical image data having a matching cross-sectional direction and position information is generated. The image processing unit 34 stores and holds the generated medical image data as data being processed.

  [Step S34] In both the first case and the second case of step S33, the medical image data held as the data being processed is included in the identification information, the cross-sectional direction and the position information of the subject P of the image requested to be transmitted. Match. The image processing unit 34 performs predetermined image processing for screen display on the medical image data held as the data being processed in step S33. The image processing unit 34 stores the medical image data subjected to the predetermined image processing in the storage unit 37 as a file of processing result screen data.

  The image processing unit 34 includes the identification information of the subject P, the cross-sectional direction, the position information (of the cross section indicated by the image), and the image generated by the X-ray CT apparatus 50 as supplementary information of the file of the processing result screen data. Four pieces of information indicating that there is information (information on which medical image diagnostic apparatus is the generation source) are included.

  [Step S35] The CPU 32 transmits the processing result screen data stored in the storage unit 37 to the display terminal 20 via the communication unit 31 and the network cable 90.

  [Step S36] The acquisition unit 22 of the display terminal 20 receives and stores the processing result screen data, and inputs the processing result screen data to the control unit 26. The control unit 26 displays the processing result screen data on the monitor 28 as an image.

  [Step S37] The acquisition unit 22 acquires the identification information, the cross-sectional direction, and the position information of the subject P from the incidental information of the file of the processing result screen data. The information may be configured such that the acquisition unit 22 accesses the workstation 30x (which is the transmission source of the data received in step S36) and the acquisition unit 22 acquires the information from the workstation 30x.

  [Step S38] The acquisition unit 22 transmits the identification information, the cross-sectional direction, and the position information of the subject P acquired in step S37 to the workstation 30m as a transmission request for the medical image data generated by the MRI apparatus 60.

  That is, “the medical information in which the identification information, the cross-sectional direction, and the position information of the subject P match as compared with the processing result screen data of the medical image data generated by the X-ray CT apparatus 50 acquired by the display device 20 in step S36”. The image data, which is the generation source medical image data by the MRI apparatus 60, is requested to be transmitted, and is generated (or selected) by the following processing.

  [Step S39] The image information determination unit 33 'of the workstation 30m receives an image transmission request from the display terminal 20 via the communication unit 31' and the system bus 38 '. The image information discriminating unit 33 ′ discriminates (acquires) the identification information, the cross-sectional direction, and the position information of the subject P from the content of the transmission request as “information defining the medical image data requested to be transmitted”, and stores it.

  If the image transmission request from the display terminal 20 in step S38 does not include “information specifying medical image data requested for transmission”, the image information determination unit 33 ′ Information may be acquired. That is, the image information discriminating unit 33 ′ accesses the workstation 30x, acquires the file of the processing result screen data transmitted from the workstation 30x to the display terminal 20, and uses the incidental information to identify the identification information of the subject P, The cross-sectional direction and position information may be acquired.

  Next, the image information determination unit 33 ′ inputs “information defining medical image data requested to be transmitted” to the search unit 35 ′ and the image processing unit 34 ′. The search unit 35 ′ selects the medical image data that matches the identification information, the cross-sectional direction, and the position information of the subject P of the image requested to be transmitted from the medical image data file stored in the storage unit 37 ′. Search for a file.

  When there is a matching medical image data file, the search unit 35 ′ selects the matching medical image data file from the saved files in the storage unit 37, and transfers it from the storage unit 37 ′ to the image processing unit 34 ′. Let them enter.

When there is no matching medical image data file, the search unit 35 ′ matches the identification information of the subject P of the image requested for transmission and includes the position indicated by the position information of the image requested for transmission. Search the medical image data file in the range to be used. The search unit 35 ′ inputs the searched file from the storage unit 37 ′ to the image processing unit 34 ′.
[Step S40] The two cases of the search result in step S39 will be described separately.

  First, when a medical image data file that matches the image requested to be transmitted is input in step S39, the image processing unit 34 ′ stores and holds the input medical image data as data being processed. .

  Second, if there is no matching medical image data file, the image processing unit 34 ′ performs image processing such as MPR on the medical image data input in step S 39, thereby requesting the image requested for transmission. Medical image data whose cross-sectional direction and position information match is generated. The image processing unit 34 ′ stores and holds the generated medical image data as data being processed.

  [Step S41] In both the first case and the second case of Step S40, the medical image data stored and held as the data being processed is the identification information, the cross-sectional direction and the position of the subject P of the image requested to be transmitted. Match information. The image processing unit 34 ′ performs predetermined image processing for screen display on the medical image data held as data being processed in step S <b> 40. The image processing unit 34 ′ stores the medical image data subjected to the predetermined image processing in the storage unit 37 ′ as a file of processing result screen data. The image processing unit 34 ′ includes identification information of the subject P, cross-sectional direction, position information, and information indicating that the MRI apparatus 60 is the generation source image as supplementary information of the processing result screen data file.

  [Step S42] The CPU 32 'transmits the processing result screen data stored in the storage unit 37' to the display terminal 20 via the communication unit 31 'and the network cable 90'.

  [Step S43] As described above, the acquisition unit 22 of the display terminal 20 generates the MRI apparatus so that the identification information, the cross-sectional direction, and the position information of the subject P match the processing result screen data acquired in Step S36. 60 receives the processing result screen data of the generation source from the workstation 30m. The acquisition unit 22 inputs this processing result screen data to the control unit 26.

  The control unit 26 monitors the processing result screen data (the generation source is the MRI apparatus 60) acquired in step S43 and the processing result screen data (the generation source is the X-ray CT apparatus 50) acquired in step S36 as images. 28. These two screen data are an MRI image showing the same position of the same subject and an X-ray CT image, and the display mode here is, for example, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. Displayed for easy comparison.

  The above description of the flow of FIG. 7 corresponds to the case where the processing result of the workstation 30x for the X-ray CT apparatus 50 is the starting point and the processing result of the workstation 30m for the MRI apparatus 60 is linked to this. Since the processing is the same when the processing result of the workstation 30m for the MRI apparatus 60 is used as a starting point, a duplicate description is omitted. The above is the description of the operation of the image communication processing system 10 of the present embodiment.

  In the prior art, when X-ray CT imaging and magnetic resonance imaging are performed on the same subject and both images are interpreted, the processing result of the image processing workstation for the X-ray CT apparatus and the image processing workstation for the MRI apparatus It was not possible to synchronize the results of the process on the display terminal. For example, even if the X-ray CT image displayed in parallel and the MRI image are cross sections of the same kidney portion, if the cross sections at the same position in the body of the subject are not the same, the reader can compare the two. Not very helpful.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, it is possible to link images displayed on each workstation in a state where images of processing results of a plurality of workstations are displayed on one terminal by thin client technology. That is, a plurality of medical image data generated by a plurality of different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses and transmitted to the display terminal 20 can be unified to the same part of the same subject to facilitate comparative interpretation. it can.

  According to the embodiment described above, in the image communication processing system using the thin client technology, comparative interpretation of a plurality of diagnostic images of the same subject respectively generated by a plurality of different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses is facilitated. be able to.

(Supplementary items of the embodiment)
[1] In the above embodiment, an example in which the X-ray CT apparatus 50 and the MRI apparatus 60 are included in the image communication processing system 10 as a plurality of different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses has been described. The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to such an aspect. The technical concept of this embodiment can be applied to at least two of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, an X-ray CT apparatus, and an MRI apparatus as a plurality of different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus detects, for example, X-rays transmitted through the subject with a plurality of detection elements arranged in a matrix, and each pixel has a luminance corresponding to the X-ray detection amount for each detection element. Image data is generated.

  [2] An example of the image communication processing system 10 having two medical image diagnostic apparatuses (X-ray CT apparatus 50 and MRI apparatus 60) and two workstations 30x and 30m corresponding to these apparatuses has been described. This is only an example. When there are three or more types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses (three or more), the number of workstations may be three or more so as to correspond to each medical image diagnostic apparatus.

  Alternatively, it may be an image communication processing system including a plurality of different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses and having only one workstation. As a modification of the above-described embodiment, for example, the workstation 30m may be omitted, and the processing performed by the workstation 30m may be shared by the workstation 30x. In this case, in step S31, the display terminal 20 includes information on which type of medical image diagnostic apparatus is requesting the source medical image data in the content of the transmission request. Further, in step S32, the image information determination unit 33 requests the transmission of the information on the generation source of any type of medical image diagnostic apparatus for which the requested image data is transmitted as “information for specifying the requested medical image data”. Determine from the contents of Further, in step S38, the acquisition unit 22 transmits, as an image transmission request, information indicating which type of medical image diagnostic apparatus is the generation source image, in addition to identification information and position information.

  [3] In the search result of the search unit 35 ′ in step S39, if there is no medical image data file that matches the identification information, cross-sectional direction, and position information of the subject P of the image requested to be transmitted, the matching image An example of generating image by image processing has been described. The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to such an aspect. If there is no matching medical image data file, select a medical image data file that matches the identification information and has the same cross-sectional direction, and whose cross-sectional position is closest to the position information of the requested image. Then, the selected file may be transmitted to the display terminal 20. The same applies to the search result of the search unit 35 in step S32.

  [4] Although the medical image communication processing system has been described as a wired electrical connection form via the network cable 90, this is merely an example of a connection method. The connection method may be, for example, wireless connection using radio waves.

  [5] The example in which the vertex is used as the reference position REF of the subject P has been described. The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to such an aspect. As the reference position REF, the tip of the foot (toe or heel) may be used, or another part of the subject P may be used.

  [6] The example in which medical image data is processed and communicated in the image communication processing system 10 and the workstations 30x and 30m in the image communication processing system 10 has been described. The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to such an aspect. The technical idea of the present embodiment in which a plurality of types of imaging devices display each image of the same target object generated at the same position in the target object is an image server or workstation that handles non-medical images, The present invention can also be applied to an image communication processing system.

  [7] The overall functions of the CPU 32, the search unit 35, and the image processing unit 34 are an example of the image providing unit described in the claims. In addition, the said correspondence is one interpretation shown for reference, and does not limit this invention.

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image communication processing system 20 Display terminal 22 Acquisition part 24 Image information transmission part 26 Control part 28 Monitor 30m, 30x Workstation 31 Communication part 32 CPU
33 Image information determination unit 34 Image processing unit 35 Search unit 36 Monitor 37 Storage unit 38 System bus 50 X-ray CT apparatus 51 X-ray CT mechanism 52 CPU
53 Communication Unit 54 Storage Unit 55 Monitor 56 System Bus 59 Tube 60 MRI Device 61 MRI Mechanism 62 CPU
63 Communication unit 64 Storage unit 65 Monitor 66 System bus 90 Network cable P Subject REF Reference position

Claims (4)

Connected to an image communication processing system having a plurality of types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses that respectively generate image data of a subject and an image server, receives image data from the image server, and displays an image indicated by the received image data A display terminal for displaying,
Identification information indicating which subject image data the received image data is and position information indicating which portion of the subject image data is obtained from the contents of the received image data or the image server An acquisition unit to
The medical image diagnostic apparatus of a type different from the medical image diagnostic apparatus that is the generation source of the received image data is the generation source, and the identification information and the position information as the transmission request of the image data correspond to the identification An image information transmitting unit for transmitting information and the position information to the image server;
With
The acquisition unit acquires the position information as information obtained by converting a distance between a part of the subject indicated by the received image data and a reference position of the subject based on the height of the subject. Display terminal. An image server that is connected to an image communication processing system having a plurality of types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses that respectively generate image data of a subject and a display terminal, and that transmits image data to the display terminal,
As information defining the image data requested to be transmitted by the display terminal, identification information of which subject image data is obtained, position information of which portion of the subject image data is, and image data An image information discriminating unit that discriminates the type of the medical image diagnostic apparatus as the generation source based on the image data already transmitted to the display terminal or the content of the transmission request;
The medical image diagnostic apparatus determined as the generation source by the image information determination unit is a generation source and selects image data of a subject that matches the identification information and corresponding to the position information Or an image providing unit that generates and transmits to the display terminal;
With
The image providing unit is image data generated by the medical image diagnostic apparatus determined as the generation source by the image information determination unit, and the position information indicates from the image data of the subject that matches the identification information An image server, wherein image data of a portion closest to a subject portion is selected and the selected image data is transmitted to the display terminal. An image server that is connected to an image communication processing system having a plurality of types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses that respectively generate image data of a subject and a display terminal, and that transmits image data to the display terminal,
As information defining the image data requested to be transmitted by the display terminal, identification information of which subject image data is obtained, position information of which portion of the subject image data is, and image data An image information discriminating unit that discriminates the type of the medical image diagnostic apparatus as the generation source based on the image data already transmitted to the display terminal or the content of the transmission request;
The medical image diagnostic apparatus determined as the generation source by the image information determination unit is a generation source and selects image data of a subject that matches the identification information and corresponding to the position information Or an image providing unit that generates and transmits to the display terminal;
With
The image providing unit performs image processing on image data generated by the medical image diagnostic apparatus determined as a generation source by the image information determination unit and image data of a subject that matches the identification information. An image server that generates image data at a position corresponding to the position information and transmits the generated image data to the display terminal. A plurality of types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses that respectively generate image data of a subject, a plurality of image servers respectively corresponding to the plurality of types of image diagnostic apparatuses, and an image indicated by image data received from the image server An image communication processing system having a display terminal for displaying,
Each of the medical image diagnostic apparatuses includes identification information indicating which subject the generated image data is image data and positional information indicating which portion of the subject image data is generated. After attaching to the data, send the generated image data to the corresponding image server,
The display terminal extracts the identification information and the position information from the image data received from the image server, and extracts the identification information and the extracted information from the image server different from the transmission source of the received image data. Send location information,
The image server that has received the identification information and the position information is based on the generated image data transmitted from the corresponding medical image diagnostic apparatus, and the corresponding medical image diagnostic apparatus is the generation source and the An image communication processing system that selects or generates image data of a subject that matches identification information and that corresponds to the position information, and transmits the selected image data to the display terminal.

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