JP7066362B2 - Medical information processing equipment, systems and methods - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to medical information processing devices, systems and methods.

Conventionally, data such as medical record information, medical images, and records of findings or measurement results have been obliged to be stored for a predetermined storage period. However, since there is a limit to the amount of data that can be stored in PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems) servers and VNA (Vendor Neutral Archive) servers that store these data, data whose storage period has expired is stored for a period of time. It is deleted when it elapses, or it is lossy and compressed.

On the other hand, in the follow-up of diseases that require long-term follow-up such as Alzheimer's disease, it may be necessary to refer to the data created before the storage period. In such a case, it may not be possible to correctly grasp the progress because the necessary data cannot be referred to by the above-mentioned conventional technique.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-066716 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-271451

An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a medical information processing apparatus, system and method capable of more reliably performing follow-up of a disease requiring long-term follow-up.

The medical information processing apparatus according to the embodiment includes an acquisition unit and a storage unit. The acquisition unit acquires image data of a medical image. The storage unit stores the image data and analysis data showing the analysis result based on the image data. Here, the storage unit stores the analysis data in a text format, the image data is deleted or compressed when a predetermined storage period elapses after the storage, and the analysis data is the image data. It will continue to be saved even after it has been deleted or compressed.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a medical information processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of saving image data and analysis data saved by the saving function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a storage example of image data and analysis data saved by the storage function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing other storage examples of image data and analysis data stored by the storage function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of processing performed by the medical information processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a storage example of image data and analysis data saved by the storage function according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a storage example of image data and analysis data saved by the storage function according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the effect of the medical information processing system according to the first and second embodiments. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the effect of the medical information processing system according to the first and second embodiments. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the effects according to the first and second embodiments.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the medical information processing apparatus, system, and method will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a medical information processing system according to the first embodiment.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the medical information processing system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a medical diagnostic imaging apparatus 110, a medical information storage apparatus 120, and a medical information processing apparatus 130. Here, the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus 110, the medical information storage apparatus 120, and the medical information processing apparatus 130 are connected to each other so as to be communicable with each other via the network 200. For example, each device is installed in a hospital or the like and is connected to each other by an in-hospital LAN (Local Area Network) or the like.

The medical image diagnostic apparatus 110 generates image data of various medical images based on the data collected from the subject. For example, the medical image diagnostic device (also called modality) 110 includes an X-ray diagnostic device, an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) device, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) device, an ultrasonic diagnostic device, and a SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) device. , PET (Positron Emission computed Tomography) device, SPECT-CT device in which SPECT device and X-ray CT device are integrated, PET-CT device in which PET device and X-ray CT device are integrated, and the like.

The medical information storage device 120 stores various data related to medical images. Specifically, the medical information storage device 120 acquires various data from the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus 110 and the medical information processing apparatus 130 via the network 200, and stores the acquired data in a storage circuit. For example, the medical information storage device 120 is realized by a computer device such as a PACS server or a VNA server.

The medical information processing apparatus 130 performs various processes based on the image data of the medical image. Specifically, the medical information processing apparatus 130 acquires image data from the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus 110 or the medical information storage apparatus 120 via the network 200, and performs various processes based on the acquired image data. For example, the medical information processing apparatus 130 is realized by a computer device such as a workstation.

More specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the medical information processing apparatus 130 includes a network (NW) interface 131, a storage circuit 132, an input interface 133, a display 134, and a processing circuit 135. To prepare for.

The NW interface 131 controls the transmission and communication of various data transmitted and received between the medical information processing apparatus 130 and another apparatus connected via the network 200. Specifically, the NW interface 131 is connected to the processing circuit 135, and the image data output from the processing circuit 135 is transmitted to the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus 110 or the medical information storage apparatus 120. Further, the NW interface 131 outputs the image data received from the medical image diagnosis device 110 or the medical information storage device 120 to the processing circuit 135. For example, the NW interface 131 is realized by a network card, a network adapter, a NIC (Network Interface Controller), or the like.

The storage circuit 132 stores various data. Specifically, the storage circuit 132 is connected to the processing circuit 135, and stores the input image data in response to a command sent from the processing circuit 135, or stores the stored image data in the processing circuit 135. Output. For example, the storage circuit 132 is realized by a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like.

The input interface 133 receives various instructions and input operations of various information from the operator. Specifically, the input interface 133 is connected to the processing circuit 135, converts the input operation received from the operator into an electric signal, and outputs the input operation to the control circuit. For example, the input interface 133 includes a trackball for setting a region of interest (ROI), a switch button, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch pad for performing an input operation by touching an operation surface, a display screen and a touch. It is realized by a touch screen integrated with a pad, a non-contact input interface using an optical sensor, a voice input interface, and the like. In the present specification, the input interface 133 is not limited to the one provided with physical operation parts such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an example of the input interface 133 includes an electric signal processing circuit that receives an electric signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs the electric signal to a control circuit.

The display 134 displays various information and various images. Specifically, the display 134 is connected to the processing circuit 135 and displays an image in various formats based on the image data output from the processing circuit 135. For example, the display 134 is realized by a liquid crystal monitor, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor, a touch panel, or the like.

The processing circuit 135 controls each component included in the medical information processing apparatus 130 in response to an input operation received from the operator via the input interface 133. Specifically, the processing circuit 135 stores the image data output from the NW interface 131 in the storage circuit 132. Further, the processing circuit 135 performs various processes based on the image data generated by the medical image diagnostic apparatus 110. For example, the processing circuit 135 generates various image data for diagnosis by performing various image processes based on the image data. Further, for example, the processing circuit 135 performs various analysis processes based on the image data to generate analysis data showing the analysis results. Further, the processing circuit 135 displays image data and analysis data on the display 134 in response to an instruction from the operator. For example, the processing circuit 135 is realized by a processor.

The configuration example of the medical information processing system 100 according to the present embodiment has been described above. Under such a configuration, in the present embodiment, the medical information processing apparatus 130 stores image data and analysis data indicating an analysis result based on the image data in the medical information storage apparatus 120. Then, the image data stored in the medical information storage device 120 is deleted or compressed when a predetermined storage period has elapsed since the image data was stored.

Here, in general, data such as medical record information, medical images, and records of findings or measurement results are obliged to be stored for a predetermined storage period (for example, 5 years, etc.). However, since there is a limit to the amount of data that can be stored in the PACS server, VNA server, etc. where these data are stored, the data whose storage period has expired is deleted or irreversibly compressed when the storage period elapses. To.

On the other hand, in the follow-up of diseases that require long-term follow-up such as Alzheimer's disease, it is necessary to refer to the data created before the storage period (for example, 10 years ago). There is also. In such a case, the conventional technique described above may not be able to refer to the necessary data and may not be able to correctly grasp the progress.

Therefore, in the medical information processing system 100 according to the present embodiment, the medical information processing device 130 stores the analysis data in the medical information storage device 120 in a text format. Then, in the medical information processing system 100 according to the present embodiment, the analysis data stored in the medical information storage device 120 is continuously stored even after the image data is deleted or compressed.

That is, in the present embodiment, the image data is deleted or compressed when the storage period elapses, while the analysis data is continuously stored even after the image data is deleted or compressed. .. Here, since the analysis data is stored in the text format, the amount of data stored in the medical information storage device 120 can be suppressed.

With such a configuration, it becomes possible to more reliably follow up on diseases that require long-term follow-up.

Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the processing circuit 135 of the medical information processing apparatus 130 has an acquisition function 135a, an analysis function 135b, and a storage function 135c. The acquisition function 135a in this embodiment is an example of an acquisition unit. Further, the analysis function 135b in the present embodiment is an example of the analysis unit. Further, the storage function 135c in the present embodiment is an example of a storage unit. The acquisition unit, analysis unit, and storage unit in the present specification may be realized by mixing hardware such as a circuit and software.

The acquisition function 135a acquires image data of a medical image.

Specifically, the acquisition function 135a acquires image data from the medical image diagnosis device 110 or the medical information storage device 120 via the NW interface 131, and stores the acquired image data in the storage circuit 132.

The analysis function 135b performs various processes such as image processing and analysis processing based on the image data acquired by the acquisition function 135a.

Specifically, the analysis function 135b reads out the image data stored in the storage circuit 132 by the acquisition function 135a in response to an instruction from the operator, and based on the read image data, performs image processing, analysis processing, and the like. Perform various processes.

For example, the analysis function 135b generates various two-dimensional image data or three-dimensional image data (also referred to as volume data) for diagnosis by performing various image processings based on the image data. Further, for example, the analysis function 135b generates analysis data showing the analysis result by performing various analysis processes based on the image data.

Here, the analysis data is, for example, a measured value related to a target disease, a measured value used in a clinical application for analysis mounted on the medical information processing apparatus 130, and the like. As a specific example, for example, the analysis data includes the measured value of the hippocampal volume of the brain measured by the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, the measured value of the stenosis rate of the blood vessel, and the size of the plaque formed in the blood vessel. It is a measured value of.

The storage function 135c stores the image data acquired by the acquisition function 135a and the analysis data showing the analysis result based on the image data.

Specifically, the storage function 135c stores the image data acquired by the acquisition function 135a and the diagnostic image data and analysis data generated by the analysis function 135b via the NW interface 131 in the medical information storage device 120. Save to. At this time, for example, the storage function 135c stores image data in an image format conforming to a predetermined standard such as DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine). The storage function 135c deletes the image data and the analysis data stored in the medical information storage device 120 from the storage circuit 132 of the own device.

Here, the save function 135c saves the analysis data generated by the analysis function 135b in a text format. For example, the storage function 135c stores character information representing measured values and the like included in the analysis data generated by the analysis function 135b in a text format.

Then, the image data stored in the medical information storage device 120 is deleted or compressed by the medical information storage device 120 when a predetermined storage period has elapsed since the image data was stored. On the other hand, the analysis data stored in the medical information storage device 120 is not deleted or compressed even after the lapse of a predetermined storage period, and continues in the medical information storage device 120 even after the image data is deleted or compressed. Is saved.

Hereinafter, an example of saving image data and analysis data by the saving function 135c will be described.

For example, the storage function 135c generates storage data including both image data and analysis data, and stores it in the medical information storage device 120.

2 and 3 are diagrams showing a storage example of image data and analysis data stored by the storage function 135c according to the first embodiment.

For example, as shown in (A-1) of FIG. 2, the storage function 135c stores image data, report data, analysis data, and other related data (“...” shown in the same figure) as data items. Then, the saved data is saved in the format of a table in which each data item is associated with the key of the record. Alternatively, for example, as shown in (B-1) of FIG. 2, the save function 135c saves only image data and analysis data as data items in the form of a table in which each data item is associated with a record key. Save the data. At this time, the save function 135c sets the analysis data in the table in the text format.

In this case, for example, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2 and 2B, the medical information storage device 120 has elapsed a predetermined storage period after the image data and the analysis data were stored. At that time, the contents of data items other than the analysis data are deleted from the saved data record. For example, the medical information storage device 120 may irreversibly compress the contents of data items other than the analysis data instead of deleting the contents of the data items other than the analysis data.

Alternatively, for example, as shown in (A-2) and (B-2) of FIG. 3, when the storage function 135c has elapsed a predetermined storage period after the image data and the analysis data are stored, the data item You may create a new storage data containing only the analysis data and store it in the medical information storage device 120. In this case, the medical information storage device 120 deletes the previously stored storage data together with the record when a predetermined storage period has elapsed since the image data and the analysis data were stored.

In this way, when new storage data is created when the storage period has elapsed, the storage function 135c does not store the newly created storage data in the medical information storage device 120, but medical information. It may be stored in the storage circuit 132 of the processing device 130. Alternatively, the storage function 135c may store the stored data in both the medical information storage device 120 and the storage circuit 132 of the medical information processing device 130. That is, the storage function 135c stores the analysis data in the medical information storage device 120 and in at least one of the storage circuits 132 of the medical information processing device 130.

Alternatively, for example, the storage function 135c generates a first storage data including both image data and analysis data and a second storage data including only analysis data, and stores the data in the medical information storage device 120. You may.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing other storage examples of image data and analysis data stored by the storage function 135c according to the first embodiment.

For example, as shown in (A-1) of FIG. 4, the storage function 135c stores image data, report data, analysis data, and other related data (“...” shown in the same figure) as data items. Then, the first saved data is saved in the format of a table in which each data item is associated with the key of the record. Further, for example, as shown in (B-1) of FIG. 4, the save function 135c uses only the analysis data as a data item, and saves the second save in the form of a table in which the data item is associated with the record key. Save the data. At this time, the save function 135c sets the analysis data in each table in a text format.

In this case, for example, as shown in (A-2) of FIG. 4, the medical information storage device 120 has a first storage period when a predetermined storage period has elapsed since the image data and the analysis data were stored. Delete the contents of all data items from the saved data record. For example, the medical information storage device 120 may irreversibly compress the contents of each data item instead of deleting the contents of each data item. On the other hand, for example, as shown in (B-2) of FIG. 4, the medical information storage device 120 does not update anything about the second storage data even after the predetermined storage period has elapsed.

In this way, when the first storage data including both the image data and the analysis data and the second storage data including only the analysis data are generated, the storage function 135c is the first storage. The second storage data may be stored when the data is stored, or the second storage data may be stored when the storage period elapses after the first storage data is stored. Further, in this case, the storage function 135c may store the second stored data in the storage circuit 132 of the medical information processing device 130 instead of storing it in the medical information storage device 120. Alternatively, the storage function 135c may store the second storage data in both the medical information storage device 120 and the storage circuit 132 of the medical information processing device 130. That is, the storage function 135c stores the analysis data in the medical information storage device 120 and in at least one of the storage circuits 132 of the medical information processing device 130.

As described above, in any of the storage examples shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, as shown in (A-2) and (B-2) of each figure, the image data whose storage period has passed is set in the text format. Only the analyzed data will be saved as data items. As a result, the amount of data stored in the medical information storage device 120 can be suppressed. Then, by using the analysis data saved in this way, it becomes possible to perform follow-up of diseases that require long-term follow-up.

The functions of the processing circuit 135 have been described above. For example, in the present embodiment, each processing function performed by the acquisition function 135a, the analysis function 135b, and the storage function 135c is stored in the storage circuit 132 in the form of a program that can be executed by a computer. The processing circuit 135 is a processor that realizes a function corresponding to each program by reading each program from the storage circuit 132 and executing the program. In other words, the processing circuit 135 in the state where each program is read out has each function shown in the processing circuit 135 of FIG.

Note that FIG. 1 shows an example in which the processing function performed by the acquisition function 135a, the analysis function 135b, and the storage function 135c is realized by a single processing circuit 135, but the embodiment is not limited to this. .. For example, a plurality of independent processors may be combined to form a processing circuit 135, and each processor may execute a program to realize each function. Further, each processing function included in the processing circuit 135 may be appropriately distributed or integrated into a single processing circuit or a plurality of processing circuits. Further, here, an example in which a single storage circuit 132 stores a program corresponding to each processing function has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of storage circuits may be distributed and arranged, and the processing circuit 135 may be configured to read a corresponding program from each storage circuit and execute the program.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of processing performed by the medical information processing system 100 according to the first embodiment.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, in the medical information processing system 100 according to the present embodiment, the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus 110 generates image data of a medical image based on the data collected from a subject (step S101). ..

After that, the acquisition function 135a of the medical information processing apparatus 130 acquires the image data generated by the medical image diagnostic apparatus 110 (step S102). This step S102 is realized, for example, by the processing circuit 135 calling a predetermined program corresponding to the acquisition function 135a from the storage circuit 132 and executing the program.

After that, the analysis function 135b of the medical information processing apparatus 130 performs an analysis process based on the image data acquired by the acquisition function 135a (step S103). This step S103 is realized, for example, by the processing circuit 135 calling a predetermined program corresponding to the analysis function 135b from the storage circuit 132 and executing the program.

After that, the storage function 135c of the medical information processing apparatus 130 stores the image data acquired by the acquisition function 135a and the analysis data indicating the analysis result based on the image data (step S104). Here, the save function 135c saves the analysis data in a text format. This step S104 is realized, for example, by the processing circuit 135 calling a predetermined program corresponding to the storage function 135c from the storage circuit 132 and executing the program.

Then, when a predetermined storage period has elapsed since the image data and the analysis data were stored (step S105, Yes), the medical information storage device 120 deletes or compresses the image data (step S106). Here, the analysis data is not deleted or compressed even after the lapse of a predetermined storage period, and is continuously stored in the medical information storage device 120 even after the image data is deleted or compressed.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the image data is deleted or compressed when the storage period elapses, while the analysis data is continuously stored even after the image data is deleted or compressed. To. Here, since the analysis data is stored in the text format, the amount of data stored in the medical information storage device 120 can be suppressed.

Therefore, according to the first embodiment, it becomes possible to more reliably follow up on a disease that requires long-term follow-up.

(Second embodiment)
In the first embodiment described above, the save function 135c saves the analysis data in a text format. However, for example, the save function 135c encrypts the analysis data and saves it in a text format. You may do it. Hereinafter, an example of such a case will be described as a second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the points different from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of the contents overlapping with the above-mentioned embodiment will be omitted.

In the present embodiment, the storage function 135c encrypts the analysis data and stores it in a text format. For example, the save function 135c encrypts the analysis data in a binary format and saves the encrypted analysis data in a text format.

Here, for example, the storage function 135c encrypts the analysis data and stores it in a text format when a predetermined storage period has elapsed since the image data and the analysis data were stored.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a storage example of image data and analysis data stored by the storage function 135c according to the second embodiment. The preservation example shown in FIG. 6 is an example in which the analysis data is encrypted in the preservation example shown in FIG.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6 (A-1), the storage function 135c may include image data, report data, analysis data, and other associations, similar to the example shown in FIG. 3 (A-1). Data (“...” shown in the figure) is used as a data item, and the saved data is saved in the form of a table in which each data item is associated with a record key. Alternatively, for example, as shown in FIG. 6 (B-1), the storage function 135c has only image data and analysis data as data items, as in the example shown in FIG. 3 (B-1). Save saved data in the form of a table that maps data items to record keys. At this time, the storage function 135c sets the analysis data in the table in the text format as in the example shown in FIG.

Then, for example, as shown in (A-2) and (B-2) of FIG. 6, the storage function 135c has a data item when a predetermined storage period elapses after the image data and the analysis data are stored. A new storage data containing only the analysis data is created and stored in the medical information storage device 120. At this time, the save function 135c sets the analysis data in a text format after encrypting the analysis data in the newly created save data. In this case, the medical information storage device 120 has the same storage data as the example shown in FIG. 3, when the predetermined storage period has elapsed since the image data and the analysis data were stored. To delete the entire record.

Alternatively, for example, the storage function 135c may encrypt the analysis data and store it in a text format when storing the image data and the analysis data.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a storage example of image data and analysis data stored by the storage function 135c according to the second embodiment. The preservation example shown in FIG. 7 is also an example in which the analysis data is encrypted in the preservation example shown in FIG.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7 (A-1), the storage function 135c may include image data, report data, analysis data, and other associations, similar to the example shown in FIG. 3 (A-1). Data (“...” shown in the figure) is used as a data item, and the saved data is saved in the form of a table in which each data item is associated with a record key. Alternatively, for example, as shown in (B-1) of FIG. 7, the storage function 135c has only image data and analysis data as data items, as in the example shown in (B-1) of FIG. 3, and each of them. Save saved data in the form of a table that maps data items to record keys. At this time, the save function 135c encrypts the analysis data and sets it in the table in a text format.

Then, for example, as shown in (A-2) and (B-2) of FIG. 7, the storage function 135c has a data item when a predetermined storage period elapses after the image data and the analysis data are stored. A new storage data containing only the analysis data is created and stored in the medical information storage device 120. At this time, the save function 135c sets the analysis data in a text format even for the newly created save data after encrypting the analysis data. In this case, the medical information storage device 120 has the same storage data as the example shown in FIG. 3, when the predetermined storage period has elapsed since the image data and the analysis data were stored. To delete the entire record.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the storage function 135c does not store the newly created storage data in the medical information storage device 120 when the storage period has elapsed, but instead stores the storage circuit of the medical information processing device 130. It may be stored in 132. Alternatively, the storage function 135c may store the stored data in both the medical information storage device 120 and the storage circuit 132 of the medical information processing device 130. That is, the storage function 135c stores the analysis data in the medical information storage device 120 and in at least one of the storage circuits 132 of the medical information processing device 130.

According to the second embodiment described above, as in the first embodiment, it becomes possible to more reliably follow up on a disease that requires long-term follow-up.

Further, according to the second embodiment, different clinical trials are performed, for example, by encrypting the analysis data using a format that can be decrypted only by a specific clinical application implemented in the medical information processing apparatus 130. It will be possible to prevent misdiagnosis due to differences in the interpretation of analysis results that may occur when analysis data is used in the application.

(Modification example)
Although the first and second embodiments have been described above, each embodiment can be appropriately modified and implemented according to the purpose and use.

For example, the storage function 135c may further store the data related to the medical image diagnostic apparatus 110 that has captured the image data on which the analysis result is based in association with the analysis data in a text format. In this case, the data associated with the analysis data is to be continuously stored even after the image data is deleted or compressed.

For example, the storage function 135c stores the data related to the medical image diagnostic apparatus 110 that has captured the image data on which the analysis data is based in the table including the analysis data. At this time, the storage function 135c sets the data related to the medical image diagnostic apparatus 110 in a text format. Alternatively, the storage function 135c may encrypt the data related to the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus 110 and store it in a text format. Then, the medical information storage device 120 prevents the data related to the medical image diagnostic device 110 from being deleted or compressed when the storage period has elapsed.

Here, for example, the storage function 135c stores the data related to the usage environment of the medical image diagnostic device 110 when the image data is captured as the data related to the medical image diagnostic device 110. The data relating to the usage environment referred to here is, for example, identification information uniquely identifying the medical image diagnostic device 110, information indicating the specifications of the medical image diagnostic device 110, imaging conditions when the image data is imaged, and the like.

When it becomes possible to store the analysis data for a long period of time (for example, 10 years, etc.) as in each of the above-described embodiments, the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus 110 installed in a hospital or the like on the way. Is subject to change. In such a case, the accuracy of the analysis data may change due to the change in the image data to be captured.

Even in such a case, for example, by storing the data related to the usage environment in association with the analysis data, the change point of the analysis data can be specified, and the analysis data can be evaluated properly. For example, it becomes possible to search, acquire, and compare only analysis data related to image data captured in the same usage environment. For example, only analysis data related to image data captured by a 3T (Tesla) MRI apparatus can be searched, acquired, and compared.

Further, for example, the storage function 135c may further store the data used in the analysis for which the analysis result is obtained in a text format in association with the analysis data. In this case, the data associated with the analysis data is to be continuously stored even after the image data is deleted or compressed.

For example, the storage function 135c further includes and stores all the related data used in the analysis for which the analysis data was obtained in the table including the analysis data. At this time, the storage function 135c sets the data used in the analysis in a text format. Alternatively, the storage function 135c may encrypt the data used in the analysis and store it in a text format. Then, the medical information storage device 120 prevents the data used in the analysis from being deleted or compressed when the storage period has elapsed.

Here, for example, the storage function 135c stores the measured value of the hippocampal volume of the brain as analysis data when the Alzheimer's analysis is performed, and further, as the data used in the analysis, all of the brain. Save the measured value of the volume of the area. As a result, for example, even when it becomes necessary to grasp the past state of the region other than the hippocampus in the follow-up after 10 years, the past measured value of the volume of each region can be referred to.

(Effects of Embodiments and Modifications)
According to each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, follow-up of diseases requiring long-term follow-up can be performed more reliably.

8 to 10 are diagrams for explaining the effect of the medical information processing system 100 according to each embodiment and each modification.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8 (A), when it is suspected that the disease of the subject is Alzheimer's disease, it is an example of the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus 110 as shown in FIG. 8 (B). An image of the brain is performed using an MRI apparatus. Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 8C, the medical information processing apparatus 130 is used to generate diagnostic image data based on the image data captured by the MRI apparatus, and further, the medical information processing apparatus. Analysis using 130 clinical applications measures hippocampal volume based on image data. Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 8D, the medical information processing apparatus 130 stores the image data used for the analysis and the analysis data including the measured value of the hippocampal volume in the medical information storage apparatus 120. Will be done.

Here, if the medical information information system 100 is configured to delete the analysis data as well as the image data when the storage period elapses, for example, the storage period of the image data is 5 years. Then, as shown in FIG. 9D, after 10 years, only the analysis data up to the 5th to 9th years are stored in the medical information storage device 120. In this case, since the analysis data older than 5 years cannot be referred to, it may not be possible to properly follow up the disease.

On the other hand, in the medical information processing system 100 according to each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, for example, as shown in FIG. 10 (D), after 10 years, the image data is in the 1st to 9th years. All the analysis data up to is saved. As a result, for example, at 10 years later, it becomes possible to more reliably follow up the disease by using the analysis data from the 1st to 10th years. For example, it becomes possible to create a graph or the like showing the change in the atrophy rate of the hippocampal volume from the 1st to the 10th year, and it becomes possible to effectively follow up.

Here, for example, when the storage period has elapsed, it is generally considered possible to have a configuration in which data to be used is left and other data is deleted. However, when compared with such a configuration, in the medical information processing system 100 according to each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the data (analysis data, etc.) that remains continuously even after the storage period has elapsed is text. Since it is saved in a format, the amount of data to be saved can be further reduced.

The word "processor" used in the description of each of the above-described embodiments is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an integrated circuit for a specific application (Application Specific Integrated Circuit: ASIC). , Circuits such as programmable logic devices (eg, Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). Means. Here, instead of storing the program in the storage circuit, the program may be configured to be directly embedded in the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor realizes the function by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit. Further, each processor of the present embodiment is not limited to the case where each processor is configured as a single circuit, and a plurality of independent circuits may be combined to be configured as one processor to realize its function. good.

Here, the program executed by the processor is provided by being incorporated in a ROM (Read Only Memory), a storage circuit, or the like in advance. This program is a file in a format that can be installed or executed on these devices, such as CD (Compact Disk) -ROM, FD (Flexible Disk), CD-R (Recordable), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), etc. It may be recorded and provided on a computer-readable storage medium. Further, this program may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet, and may be provided or distributed by being downloaded via the network. For example, this program is composed of modules including each of the above-mentioned functional parts. As actual hardware, the CPU reads a program from a storage medium such as a ROM and executes the program, so that each module is loaded on the main storage device and generated on the main storage device.

According to at least one embodiment described above, follow-up of a disease requiring long-term follow-up can be performed more reliably.

Although some 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 embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and variations thereof are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof, as are included in the scope and gist of the invention.

100 Medical information processing system 110 Medical diagnostic imaging device 120 Medical information storage device 130 Medical information processing device 135 Processing circuit 135a Acquisition function 135c Storage function

Claims (10)

An acquisition unit that acquires image data of medical images,
It is provided with a storage unit for storing the image data and analysis data showing the analysis result based on the image data.
The storage unit encrypts the analysis data using a format that can be decrypted only by a specific clinical application mounted on the own device, and stores the analysis data in a text format.
The image data is deleted or compressed when a predetermined storage period has elapsed since it was stored.
The analysis data is continuously stored even after the image data is deleted or compressed.
Medical information processing device. When the storage period has elapsed, the storage unit encrypts the analysis data and stores it in the text format.
The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 1 . When the image data and the analysis data are stored, the storage unit encrypts the analysis data and stores the analysis data in the text format.
The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 1 . The storage unit stores a first storage data including both the image data and the analysis data, and a second storage data including only the analysis data.
The first storage data is deleted or compressed when the storage period has elapsed since it was stored.
The medical information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . When the first storage data is stored, the storage unit also stores the second storage data.
The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 4 . The storage unit stores the second storage data when the storage period elapses after storing the first storage data.
The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 4 . The storage unit further stores the data related to the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus that has captured the image data on which the analysis result is based in a text format in association with the analysis data.
The data associated with the analysis data is continuously stored even after the image data is deleted or compressed.
The medical information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . The storage unit further stores the data used in the analysis for which the analysis result is obtained in a text format in association with the analysis data.
The data associated with the analysis data is continuously stored even after the image data is deleted or compressed.
The medical information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . A medical information processing system including a medical diagnostic imaging device, a medical information storage device, and a medical information processing device.
The medical information processing device
An acquisition unit that acquires image data of medical images,
It is provided with a storage unit that stores the image data in the medical information storage device and stores analysis data indicating an analysis result based on the image data in at least one of the own device and the medical information storage device.
The storage unit encrypts the analysis data using a format that can be decrypted only by a specific clinical application mounted on the medical information processing device, and stores the analysis data in a text format.
The image data is deleted or compressed when a predetermined storage period has elapsed since it was stored.
The analysis data is continuously stored even after the image data is deleted or compressed.
Medical information processing system. Get the image data of the medical image and
Including storing the image data and analysis data showing the analysis result based on the image data.
The image data is deleted or compressed when a predetermined storage period has elapsed since it was stored.
The analysis data is encrypted using a format that can be decrypted only by a specific clinical application implemented in a medical information processing device and stored in a text format, and continues even after the image data is deleted or compressed. Saved,
Medical information processing method.

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