JP7311814B2 - Information processing system, information processing system control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing system , an information processing system control method, and a program.

Conventionally, medical imaging equipment such as CT (Computed Tomography) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is used to image a patient and to interpret the medical image obtained by the imaging. When interpreting medical images, the person in charge of sorting work (hereinafter referred to as "office staff") allocates interpretation requests in consideration of the field of responsibility and schedule of each interpreting doctor. In other words, the clerical staff manually allocates interpretation requests based on their own experience, which is time-consuming for the clerical staff. Also, if the clerical staff lacked experience, the allocation of interpretation requests would be biased, and the load for each interpretation doctor was not properly balanced.

In Patent Document 1, received schedule information of a plurality of doctors is managed, medical images are received from a remote location, doctors who interpret the medical images are automatically assigned based on the schedule information, and the images are distributed via a communication line. mechanism is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-329190

However, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-100001, interpretation requests are automatically assigned simply by considering the schedule of the interpretation doctor. In particular, there are cases where a plurality of interpretation doctors are in charge of one interpretation request, and each of them performs interpretation. In such a case, interpretation results may differ among a plurality of interpreting doctors, and there is a problem that the requester does not know which interpretation result to trust.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanism capable of determining an interpreting doctor to perform further interpretation when a plurality of interpretation results are different.

In order to achieve the above object, the information processing system of the present invention has the following configuration. i.e.
a first image interpretation result, which is the result of the first image interpretation by the first image interpreter related to the image interpretation request;
a second image interpretation result, which is the result of a second image interpretation by a second image interpreter related to the image interpretation request;
an obtaining means for obtaining a
When the relationship between the first image interpretation result and the second image interpretation result acquired by the acquisition means satisfies a predetermined condition, a third image interpreter who performs the third image interpretation related to the image interpretation request is displayed. a control means for performing specific controls including controlling to
characterized by having

According to the present invention, it is possible to determine an interpreting doctor to perform further interpretation when a plurality of interpretation results are different.

The figure which shows the example of the system configuration|structure which concerns on this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus according to the embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a remote image interpretation server according to the embodiment; Whole flow chart. A flowchart of request application processing. 10 is a flowchart of initial value setting processing for distribution characteristics; 4 is a flowchart of request acceptance processing; A flow chart of request distribution processing. Flowchart of automatic distribution processing. Flowchart of automatic distribution processing. The figure which shows an example of a request facility work list screen. The figure which shows an example of a request application screen. The figure which shows an example of an interpretation work list screen. The figure which shows an example of a request reception screen. The figure which shows an example of a specialization setting screen. The figure which shows an example of a request distribution screen. The figure which shows the example of a display of the automatic distribution result in a request distribution screen. The figure which shows the structural example of an inspection type table. The figure which shows the structural example of a site|part table. The figure which shows the structural example of a classification table. The figure which shows the structural example of a distribution characteristic master table. The figure which shows the structural example of the number-of-sheets point addition table. The figure which shows the structural example of a point setting table. The figure which shows the structural example of a distribution characteristic mapping table. The figure which shows the structural example of an expertise table. The figure which shows the structural example of an interpretation doctor exclusion table. The figure which shows the structural example of an interpretation doctor's schedule table. The figure which shows the structural example of a request information table. The figure which shows the state after sorting of a request information table. The figure which shows the state after sorting of a request information table. The figure which shows an automatic sorting determination result. The figure which shows the image after automatic allocation of a radiologist's schedule. The figure which shows an example of a distribution setting screen. 10 is a flowchart of request distribution processing according to the second embodiment; The figure which shows an example of the request distribution screen which concerns on 2nd embodiment. 9 is a flowchart of automatic sorting processing according to the second embodiment; 4 is a flowchart of image interpretation result confirmation processing. The figure which shows an example of a confirmation waiting work list screen. FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of an interpretation result confirmation screen; The figure which shows an example of the request allocation screen which concerns on the modification of 2nd embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of image interpretation result confirmation processing according to a modification of the second embodiment; The figure which shows an example of the distribution setting screen which concerns on 3rd embodiment. The figure which shows the structural example of a report management table. 14 is a flowchart of image interpretation result confirmation processing according to the third embodiment; The figure which shows an example of the distribution setting screen which concerns on the modification of 3rd embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of image interpretation result confirmation processing according to a modification of the third embodiment; FIG.

<First Embodiment>
An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In addition, the configuration shown below is an example, and the present invention is not limited to these.

[System configuration]
FIG. 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of a remote image interpretation system as an information processing system according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the remote interpretation system includes a data center, a requesting facility, an interpretation center, and an interpretation doctor's home as bases, and the bases are communicably connected via a network 115 .

Each user using the remote radiological interpretation system performs authentication using an authentication function provided by the authentication server 116 when starting access from PCs (109, 112, 113, 114), which are client terminals located at respective bases. After being successfully authenticated, the user is presented with a portal screen (not shown) provided by portal server 102 . Users can also exchange messages with each other using the SNS server 104 .

At the requesting facility, image data (medical image data) used for remote interpretation is captured by a modality 111 that is an imaging device (medical imaging equipment), and then transmitted to the image relay client 110 . The image data here includes, for example, DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine) format image data. The image relay client 110 archives the image data transmitted from the modality 111, and then transmits it to the image relay server 107 arranged in the data center. The image relay server 107 processes the image data transmitted from the request facility and transmits the processed image data to the storage management server 105 . A storage management server 105 issues a unique ID (identification information) for each image data and stores it in an external storage device 117 . A person in charge of requesting image interpretation at the requesting facility uses the request terminal 109 to input necessary information (request information) when requesting image interpretation, and the request information is sent to the data center together with the image data. Each request information is stored in the database 108 on the data center side. In this specification, request information and image data correspond to each other, and distribution of request information is treated as distribution of image data.

The interpreting doctor who interprets images uses the interpreting terminal 113 located at the interpreting center (or the interpreting terminal 114 located at home) to send the image data for interpretation corresponding to the assigned interpretation request to the distribution server 106. Download from the website, refer to it, and read it. After that, the interpretation doctor creates a report of the result of interpretation using an application (not shown) running on the interpretation terminal 113 . The created report is sent to the report server 103 and stored in the database 108 . Here, examples of the interpretation terminals are the interpretation center and the interpretation doctor's home, but they may be placed at any location, and a mobile terminal or the like may be used for reference.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus such as various servers and terminals. The CPU 201 comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 204 . The ROM 202 or external memory 211 stores a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System), an operating system (OS), and various programs necessary for realizing the functions of each terminal.

A RAM 203 functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like for the CPU 201 . The CPU 201 loads necessary programs and the like from the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 to the RAM 203 and executes them to implement various operations. An input controller 205 controls inputs from a keyboard (KB) 209 and a pointing device (not shown) such as a mouse. A video controller 206 controls display on a display 210 such as a liquid crystal display.

A memory controller 207 controls access to an external memory 211 that stores various data and the like. Examples of the external memory 211 include an external storage device (HD), a flexible disk (FD), a card-type memory connected to a PCMCIA card slot via an adapter, and the like. The communication I/F controller 208 performs connection and communication control with external devices via a network (for example, the network 115 shown in FIG. 1). The communication I/F controller 208 is capable of communication using TCP/IP, for example.

Various programs for realizing the present invention are recorded in the external memory 211 and are executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 203 as necessary. Further, definition files, various information tables, and the like used when executing the programs are also stored in the external memory 211, and detailed descriptions thereof will be given later.

[Function configuration]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a functional configuration example of the remote interpretation server 101 according to this embodiment.

Upon receiving a request for data necessary for displaying a request application screen or the like from the request terminal 109 located at the request facility, the remote image interpretation server 101 analyzes the request with the request search function 301 . Then, the remote interpretation server 101 searches the request information table 2700 included in the database 108 and returns display information (for example, a web page) to the request terminal 109 . That is, the request search function 301 is a functional unit that executes the processes such as S202 and S402 in the processing flow described later. Upon receiving a request for request application from the request terminal 109 , the remote interpretation server 101 analyzes the request with the request application function 302 and updates the request information table 2700 included in the database 108 . That is, the request application function 302 is a functional unit that executes the processing of S101 in the processing flow described later.

Upon receiving a request reception request from the request terminal 109 , the remote image interpretation server 101 analyzes the request with the request reception function 303 and updates the request information table 2700 included in the database 108 . In other words, the request reception function 303 is a functional unit that executes the processing of S102 in the processing flow described later. Upon receiving a request for automatic request allocation from the request terminal 109 , the remote image interpretation server 101 executes the automatic request allocation function 304 . That is, the data of the request information table 2700, specialty table 2400, radiologist schedule table 2600, etc. included in the database 108 are read, and automatic allocation is performed. After that, the remote interpretation server 101 returns the processing result to the request terminal 109 . That is, the automatic request distribution function 304 is a functional unit that executes the processing of S103 in the processing flow described later. Upon receiving a distribution storage request from the request terminal 109 , the remote interpretation server 101 analyzes the request with the request update function 305 and updates the request information table 2700 included in the database 108 .

[Processing flow]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the flow of the overall processing according to this embodiment. Although only the request terminal 109 and the business terminal 112 serving as the starting point of processing are shown here, it is assumed that each terminal performs processing in cooperation with the remote interpretation server 101 in each step. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the request terminal 109 and the business terminal 112 do not directly exchange data.

Further, in this embodiment, as described above, it is assumed that the image data captured in advance by the modality 111 of the requesting facility is timely transmitted to the data center and registered in the external storage device 117 . In response to this, information (request information) of an image interpretation request corresponding to the image data is registered in the database 108 in group units such as for each patient, each date, and each examination type. Note that the request information in this embodiment includes a request ID 2701, a status 2702, a request facility ID 2703, a request date 2704, a patient number 2705, a patient name 2706, a date of birth 2707, and a gender 2708 shown in the request information table 2700 of FIG. It is information that includes Further, the request information includes examination type ID 2709 , site ID 2710 , examination date 2711 , classification ID 2712 , number of images 2713 , and interpretation method 2717 . At the timing when the request information is registered from the modality 111, information other than the interpretation method 2717 is registered. It is assumed that one piece of request information is associated with one or a plurality of pieces of image data. It should be noted that in the registered state, no application for distribution has been made, and the status is managed in the database 108 as "waiting for application".

In S101, the request terminal 109 performs the request application process shown in FIG. 5 based on the user's instruction. Details of the request application process will be described later with reference to FIG.

At S102, the business terminal 112 performs the request acceptance process shown in FIG. 7 based on the user's instruction. Details of the request acceptance process will be described later with reference to FIG.

At S103, the business terminal 112 performs the request allocation process shown in FIG. 8 based on the user's instruction. Details of the request allocation process will be described later with reference to FIG.

(Request application processing)
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flow chart of request application processing performed by the request terminal 109 and the remote image interpretation server 101 in cooperation. The following processing is realized by the CPUs of the request terminal 109 and the remote image interpretation server 101 reading out and executing the programs stored in the respective storage units.

In S201, the requesting terminal 109 displays the requesting facility worklist screen 1000 shown in FIG. 10 according to the user's instruction. The display here may be performed using a web browser (not shown) provided in the request terminal 109, or may be displayed via a predetermined application. In order to acquire the request information to be displayed on the request facility work list screen 1000 , the request terminal 109 instructs the remote interpretation server 101 to acquire the request information whose status is “waiting for application”. Various statuses related to the request information will be described later together with the table.

In S202, the remote image interpretation server 101 returns to the request terminal 109, among the request information shown in FIG. Specifically, in the request information table 2700 shown in FIG. 27, the request information whose status 2702 has a value of "waiting for application" is returned. The request terminal 109 then displays the received request information on the requested facility work list screen 1000 .

In S<b>203 , the request terminal 109 receives selection of request information to be applied from the user via the request facility work list screen 1000 . Specifically, selection of request information to be requested is accepted by accepting designation of a display button 1001 on the request facility work list screen 1000 . Then, the request terminal 109 acquires the request ID 2701 of the request information of the selected application target.

In S204, the request terminal 109 displays the request application screen 1100 shown in FIG. 11 in order to display the request information corresponding to the request ID 2701 acquired in S203. On the request application screen 1100, patient information and request information (for example, patient's symptoms, etc.) required for interpretation are input. The request information to be input may be manually input by the requester, or may be automatically input according to the input of identification information such as the patient number 1103, or may be specified as an attached file.

On the request application screen 1100 shown in FIG. 11, selection of an interpretation method 1114 can also be accepted. The image interpretation method in this embodiment refers to whether or not a plurality of image interpretation doctors are in charge of one request, whether the plurality of image interpretation doctors perform image interpretation (diagnosis) in order from different viewpoints and purposes, or whether the same request is interpreted (diagnosed). It is possible to accept a designation as to whether or not to perform image interpretation (diagnosis) regardless of the order from the point of view/purpose. An interpretation method in which one interpretation doctor is in charge of one request is referred to as single interpretation in the present embodiment. On the other hand, multiple interpreting doctors are in charge of one request, and multiple interpreting doctors sequentially interpret (diagnose) images from different viewpoints and purposes. called. Furthermore, a single request is handled by multiple interpreting doctors, and multiple interpreting doctors interpret images (diagnoses) from the same viewpoint and purpose regardless of the order of interpretation (diagnosis). Blind double interpretation).

Multi-interpretation is characterized by the fact that it is necessary for multiple interpreting doctors to interpret images in turn (serial processing) and that the results of interpretation by other interpreting doctors can be viewed. This multi-interpretation is performed for the purpose of preventing overlooking of the disease state and progress, so the first interpretation must be performed considering all possibilities, and the difficulty is higher than the subsequent interpretation.

On the other hand, blind multi-interpretation is characterized in that multiple interpreting doctors interpret images in any order, and that interpretation results of other interpreting doctors cannot be viewed. Blind multi-interpretation is performed for the purpose of double-checking (reconfirmation), so unlike the above-mentioned multi-interpretation, the order of interpretation does not change the degree of difficulty. The requesting facility selects such an interpretation method in the interpretation method 1114 according to the purpose of the request.

In the following, multi-interpretation and blind multi-interpretation are explained as double interpretation and blind double interpretation in which two radiologists interpret images. It can also be applied when

In S205, the request terminal 109 determines whether or not the request application button 1113 on the request application screen 1100 has been pressed. If the request application button 1113 is pressed (YES in S205), the process proceeds to S206.

In S<b>206 , request terminal 109 acquires request information including examination type 1109 , site 1110 and the like input to request application screen 1100 .

In S<b>207 , the request terminal 109 transmits the request information acquired in S<b>206 to the remote interpretation server 101 .

In S<b>208 , the remote interpretation server 101 receives the request information transmitted from the request terminal 109 .

In S210, the remote interpretation server 101 updates the request information table 2700 with the request information received in S208, creates allocation frame information corresponding to the request information, and sets the initial value of the distribution characteristics set in S209. Add to quota information. At this time, as the status of the request information, the value of the state 2702 becomes "waiting for acceptance".

Allocation frame information (allocation frame) is information indicating a frame for allocating one or a plurality of interpretation doctors to one piece of request information. If there are two allocation frame information in one request information, it is necessary to allocate two radiologists to the request, and if there are three allocation frame information in one request information, it is necessary to allocate three radiologists. Must be assigned to the request. For example, the request information in which "double" is selected is a request for double image interpretation, so two pieces of allocation frame information are created for one piece of request information. A method of creating allocation frame information is as follows. Allocation frame information (allocation frame ID 2718, process No. 2719, allocation characteristics ID 2720, interpretation date 2715, schedule ID 2721, interpretation doctor ID 2716, interpretation status 2722) corresponding to request information registered (updated) in the request information table 2700 can be Create just a few. For example, since the request information with the request ID 2701 of "1" in FIG. 27 is a request for "double interpretation", it can be seen that two pieces of allocation frame information have been generated. Then, numbers are stored in ascending order according to the order of the allocation frame information in the allocation frame ID 2718 of the generated allocation frame information. In the case of multi-interpretation, numbers are stored in the process No. 2719 in ascending order according to the order of the allocation frame information, similarly to the allocation frame ID 2718 . In the case of blind multi-interpretation, "1" is stored in the process No. 2719 of all the generated allocation frame information. This step No. 2719 indicates the order of interpretation. This is repeated for each request information. A one-to-one set of the allocation frame information thus created and the request information corresponding to the allocation frame information is hereinafter referred to as requested allocation frame information.

In S209, the remote interpretation server 101 sets the initial value of allocation characteristics for each allocation frame information based on the request information received in S208. Details of the processing here will be described later with reference to FIG. Then, this processing flow ends.

(Initial value setting process for distribution characteristics)
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a processing flow for setting initial values of distribution characteristics for each allocation frame information of requested request information, which is performed by the remote image interpretation server 101 . This processing flow corresponds to the processing of S209 in FIG. In this embodiment, information called a distribution characteristic is used as information used when distributing image interpretation data to each person in charge. The sorting characteristics are parameters consisting of combinations of examination types (CT, MR, CR, etc.) and parts (head, chest, abdomen, etc.). A specific distribution characteristic configuration will be described together with processing.

In S301, the remote image interpretation server 101 determines that the request information received from the request terminal 109 and the allocation frame information corresponding to the request information include information necessary for mapping processing for determining initial values of distribution characteristics. Determine whether or not The necessary information here includes examination type, site, classification, patient age, patient sex, and process number. If it is determined that the necessary information is included (YES in S301), the remote image interpretation server 101 determines that initial value setting of distribution characteristics is possible, and proceeds to S302. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not included (NO in S301), the remote image interpretation server 101 determines that initial value setting of distribution characteristics is impossible, and proceeds to S305.

In S302, the remote image interpretation server 101 uses all the above-described examination type, region, classification, patient age, patient sex, and process No as condition values (keys) to generate the vibration shown in FIG. The distribution characteristic ID 2301 of the distribution characteristic mapping table 2300 is searched. The patient's age may be calculated from the examination date and the patient's date of birth included in the request information.

In S303, the remote image interpretation server 101 determines whether or not the number of distribution characteristic IDs 2301 detected in S302 is one. If the number of cases is 1 (YES in S303), the remote image interpretation server 101 determines that mapping of distribution characteristics has succeeded, and proceeds to S304. If the number of cases is 0 or 2 or more (NO in S303), the remote interpretation server 101 determines that mapping of distribution characteristics has failed, and proceeds to S306.

In S304, the remote image interpretation server 101 sets the single distribution characteristic ID 2301 retrieved in S303 to the distribution characteristic ID 2720 of the allocation frame information as an initial value. After that, this processing flow ends. On the other hand, if a plurality of distribution characteristics are hit in S306, the distribution characteristic ID 2301 of the distribution characteristic whose order 2310 in the distribution characteristic mapping table 2300 is the smallest among the plurality of hit distribution characteristics, It is set as an initial value in the distribution characteristic ID 2720 of the allocation frame information. If nothing is hit as a result of the search, the distribution characteristic ID 2301 is not set in the allocation frame information. After that, this processing flow ends.

In S305 as well, the remote interpretation server 101 ends this processing flow without setting the distribution characteristic ID 2301 in the allocation frame information.

(Request acceptance processing)
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a processing flow of request reception processing performed by the business terminal 112 and the remote image interpretation server 101 in cooperation. The following processing is realized by the CPUs of the business terminal 112 and the remote image interpretation server 101 reading and executing the programs stored in the respective storage units.

In S401, the business terminal 112 displays the interpretation work list screen 1200 shown in FIG. 12 according to the user's instruction. The display here may be performed using a web browser (not shown) provided in the business terminal 112, or may be displayed via a predetermined application. The business terminal 112 instructs the remote interpretation server 101 to acquire request allocation information whose status is "waiting for reception" in order to acquire the request information and allocation information displayed on the interpretation work list screen 1200 .

In S402, in response to an instruction from the business terminal 112, the remote image interpretation server 101 assigns the request allocation information whose status is "waiting for acceptance" out of the request allocation information shown in the request information table 2700 in FIG. Return to terminal 112 . The business terminal 112 then displays the request information included in the received request allocation frame information on the interpretation work list screen 1200 .

In S<b>403 , the business terminal 112 receives selection of request information to be received from the user via the interpretation work list screen 1200 . Specifically, selection of request information to be accepted is accepted by accepting designation of a display button 1201 on the interpretation work list screen 1200 . Then, the business terminal 112 acquires the selected request ID 2701 to be accepted.

In S404, the business terminal 112 displays the request acceptance screen 1300 shown in FIG. 13 in order to display the request allocation information including the request information corresponding to the request ID acquired in S403. The request acceptance screen 1300 displays various information that was input when the request was submitted. In the case of multi-interpretation or blind multi-interpretation, a plurality of pieces of request allocation frame information are hit, but request information common to these pieces of request allocation frame information is displayed on the request reception screen 1300 .

In S<b>405 , the business terminal 112 displays a distribution characteristic selection list on the request reception screen 1300 . At this time, if the interpretation method 2717 of the request information is multi-interpretation, a distribution characteristic selection list is displayed for each allocation frame. In the example of FIG. 13, since the interpretation method 1315 is "double", a primary image interpretation distribution characteristic selection list 1313 that is the distribution characteristic of the primary image interpretation and a secondary image interpretation distribution characteristic that is the distribution characteristic of the secondary image interpretation are displayed. A selection list 1316 is displayed. In the case of multiple interpretation (diagnosis) in which a plurality of interpretation doctors sequentially perform interpretation (diagnosis) from different viewpoints and purposes, as described above, the primary interpretation and the secondary interpretation may have different degrees of difficulty. Therefore, different distribution characteristics can be set for each stage of interpretation. On the other hand, in the case of blind multi-interpretation (for example, "blind double"), in which the interpretation (diagnosis) is performed in any order from the same perspective and purpose, the difficulty of interpretation basically changes depending on the order (stage) of interpretation. Therefore, only one distribution characteristic selection list is displayed.

In S406, the business terminal 112 sets the initial value of the distribution characteristics set in the process of FIG. 6 as the selection value in the distribution characteristics selection list of the request reception screen 1300. As a result, the user can use the distribution characteristics set as the initial values on the business terminal 112 as they are without any particular setting work. Note that if the initial value is not set in the process of FIG. 6, a display to the effect that it can be selected from a list may be displayed. Moreover, even when the initial value of the distribution characteristic is set, it can be changed by receiving a selection from the list.

In S407, the business terminal 112 determines whether or not the request acceptance button 1314 on the request acceptance screen 1300 has been pressed. If request acceptance button 1314 is pressed (YES in S407), the process proceeds to S408.

At S<b>408 , business terminal 112 acquires the distribution characteristics input to request acceptance screen 1300 .

In S<b>409 , the business terminal 112 transmits the distribution characteristics acquired in S<b>408 to the remote image interpretation server 101 .

At S<b>410 , the remote image interpretation server 101 receives the distribution characteristics transmitted from the business terminal 112 .

In S411, the remote interpretation server 101 stores the allocation characteristics received in S410 in the database 108 for each allocation frame. At this time, as the status of the request information, the value of the state 2702 becomes "waiting for distribution". Then, this processing flow ends.

(Request distribution processing)
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a processing flow of request allocation processing performed by the business terminal 112 and the remote image interpretation server 101 in cooperation. The following processing is realized by the CPUs of the business terminal 112 and the remote image interpretation server 101 reading and executing the programs stored in the respective storage units.

In S501, the business terminal 112 displays the request allocation screen 1500 shown in FIG. 15 according to the user's instruction. The display here may be performed using a web browser (not shown) provided in the business terminal 112, or may be displayed via a predetermined application. The request allocation screen 1500 includes a region for displaying a request information list 1501 indicating request allocation frame information for each allocation frame, and a region for displaying an interpretation doctor schedule 1503 . The business terminal 112 issues an instruction to the remote interpretation server 101 to obtain each piece of information in order to obtain the request allocation frame information and the interpretation doctor schedule information displayed on the request allocation screen 1500 .

In S502, the remote interpretation server 101 selects the request allocation frame information in the request information table 2700 shown in FIG. is returned to the business terminal 112 . Then, the business terminal 112 displays the received request allocation frame information and the interpretation doctor schedule table 2600 on the request distribution screen 1500 .

In S<b>503 , the business terminal 112 acquires requested allocation frame information indicating the allocation frame to be automatically allocated selected by the user via the requested allocation screen 1500 .

In S504, the business terminal 112 determines whether or not the automatic distribution button 1504 on the request distribution screen 1500 has been pressed. If the automatic sorting button has been pressed (YES at S504), the process proceeds to S505.

In S<b>505 , the business terminal 112 transmits to the remote interpretation server 101 the requested allocation frame information indicating the allocation frames to be automatically allocated acquired in S<b>503 .

In S<b>506 , the remote image interpretation server 101 receives the requested allocation frame information indicating the allocation frames to be automatically allocated, transmitted from the business terminal 112 .

In S507, the remote interpretation server 101 performs automatic allocation processing for each request allocation frame information indicating an allocation frame to be automatically allocated, and determines the interpreting doctor who will perform the interpretation work related to the request and the interpretation date. Details of the processing in this step will be described later with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B.

In S<b>508 , the remote interpretation server 101 transmits to the business terminal 112 the distribution result information regarding the interpretation doctor and interpretation date set in S<b>507 .

In S<b>509 , the business terminal 112 displays on the request allocation screen 1500 the allocation result information regarding the interpretation doctor and the interpretation date received from the remote interpretation server 101 . The business terminal 112 displays the assigned information on the interpretation doctor and the interpretation date in the request information list 1501 of the request assignment screen 1500 in association with the request allocation frame information indicating the allocation frame. Further, the business terminal 112 displays the number of cases scheduled to be distributed for each date of each interpreting doctor in the interpreting doctor's schedule 1503 . FIG. 16 shows an image of the screen displayed after sorting. The request allocation screen 1600 shown in FIG. 16 includes a save button 1604 for accepting confirmation of the result of automatic allocation, and a cancel button 1603 for accepting cancellation.

At S510, the business terminal 112 confirms whether or not the save button 1604 has been pressed on the request allocation screen 1600. FIG. If save button 1604 has been pressed (YES in S510), the process proceeds to S512. If the cancel button 1603 is pressed (NO in S510), the process proceeds to S511.

In S511, the business terminal 112 discards the distribution result information received in S509. All the information of the distribution results displayed on the requested distribution screen 1600 is returned to the state before display (that is, the state of FIG. 15). Then, this processing flow ends.

In S<b>512 , the business terminal 112 transmits to the remote image interpretation server 101 the information on the result of distribution for which the confirmation instruction has been received from the user.

In S<b>513 , the remote image interpretation server 101 receives the distribution result information from the business terminal 112 .

In S514, the remote interpretation server 101 updates the allocation frame information of the requested allocation frame information stored in the database 108 by adding the allocation result information received in S513. At this time, as the status of the request information included in the request allocation frame information for which the allocation result is updated, the value of the state 2702 becomes “waiting for interpretation”. Then, this processing flow ends.

(automatic distribution processing)
9A and 9B are diagrams showing the processing flow of automatic allocation performed by the remote interpretation server 101, and correspond to the processing of S507 in FIG.

First, description will be made from FIG. 9A. In S<b>601 , the remote interpretation server 101 acquires various tables stored in the database 108 . The tables used here are the distribution characteristic master table 2000, the number point addition table 2100, the point setting table 2200, and the distribution characteristic mapping table 2300. FIG. Furthermore, there is a specialty table 2400 , an interpreter exclusion table 2500 , and an interpreter schedule table 2600 . Configuration examples of each table are shown in FIGS. 20 to 26. FIG.

In S631, the remote interpretation server 101 selects the request allocation frame information (allocation frame) for which the interpretation doctor has already decided, among the other request allocation frame information (allocation frame) having the same request information as the request allocation frame information to be automatically allocated. is read from the request information table 2700 . For example, if you want to decide the interpreting doctor in charge of the secondary interpretation, and if the interpreting doctor of the primary interpretation before the secondary interpretation has been decided, then this request allocation frame information for the primary interpretation is read. . As with multi-interpretation, different interpretation doctors must be in charge of each interpretation task, so this information is loaded in advance.

In S602, the remote image interpretation server 101 excludes request allocation frame information for which allocation characteristics are not set among the request allocation frame information to be automatically allocated, from automatic allocation targets. It is assumed that the allocation characteristics included in the request allocation frame information have been set via the request reception screen 1300 shown in FIG. do. Therefore, since automatic allocation using allocation characteristics cannot be performed for such an allocation frame, it is excluded from automatic allocation targets in S602. It should be noted that such allocation frames may be allocated manually as in the conventional case. If there is such an allocation frame, a screen display or the like prompting the user (for example, the person in charge of clerical work) to manually allocate may be performed.

In S603, the remote image interpretation server 101 sorts the request information included in each request allocation frame information to be automatically distributed in ascending order of the request date of the request information. In other words, as a result of sorting, the request information positioned at the top has a higher priority and is preferentially sorted. The request date of the request information is the request date 2704 of the request information table 2700 in FIG. Along with the sorting of the request information, the allocation frame information corresponding to the request information is also sorted while maintaining the correspondence relationship with the request information. For example, as shown in FIG. 27, the request information and the quota information have a one-to-N correspondence relationship. Allocation frame information also moves to the first record.

In S604, the remote interpretation server 101, among the results sorted in S603, determines the number of interpretation doctors who can correspond to the distribution characteristics included in the allocation frame information corresponding to the request information for those with the same request date. Sort in ascending order. Also in the sorting in S604, the allocation frame information corresponding to the request information is sorted while maintaining the correspondence relationship with the request information. The number of radiologists here is determined based on the specialty table 2400 shown in FIG. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the request allocation frame information having the distribution characteristic with a small number of radiologists cannot be distributed.

In S632, the remote image interpretation server 101 refers to the allocation frame information corresponding to the request information among the results sorted in S604, and sorts the request information in ascending order of process length. Here, the process indicates a stage (step) of progress in performing interpretation work for a certain request. For example, in the case of double interpretation, the first interpreting doctor interprets the image in the first step, and the second interpreting doctor interprets the image in the second step. On the other hand, in the case of blind double interpretation, two radiologists perform interpretation in the first step. Each of these steps is managed as a process.

Since the process No. 2719 is included in each allocation frame information corresponding to the request information, the largest value of this process No. 2719 is taken as the process length. For example, the request information whose request ID 2701 in FIG. 27 is “1” corresponds to two pieces of allocation frame information. The process length of the request information is specified as "2". The requested information is sorted using the length of the process specified in this way. Also in the sorting in S632, the allocation frame information corresponding to the request information is sorted while maintaining the correspondence relationship with the request information.

By sorting in S632, requests for multiple interpretation are prioritized over single interpretation and blind multiple interpretation. Since the multi-interpretation has a plurality of steps, requests must be sorted so that the N+1st interpretation is performed on a schedule later than the schedule for the Nth interpretation. As a result, the timing at which all interpretations are completed is later than in single interpretation and blind multi-interpretation. In addition, when the schedule of the interpreting doctor is filled with single interpretation or blind multi-interpretation, the timing of completion of the interpretation is further delayed. In order to expedite the timing of returning the interpretation results of this multi-interpretation to the requester, requests for multi-interpretation are prioritized over single-interpretation and blind multi-interpretation.

In S633, the remote image interpretation server 101 refers to the allocation frame information corresponding to the request information among the results sorted in S632, and sorts the allocation frame information in descending order of process No. 2719 for each request information. In other words, requests for multi-interpretation are rearranged so that sorting processing is performed in order from the primary interpretation. If this is not done, for example, the reading date for the secondary reading will be set to the earliest date at the current time, and the reading date for the primary reading cannot be set earlier than the secondary reading. do. As described above, in multi-interpretation, it is necessary to observe the order of interpretation, so sorting the allocation frame information in this order solves this problem.

For example, when the request information in the request information table 2700 is sorted in S603, S604, S632, and S633, the order is as indicated by 2800 in FIG. In this way, those with early request dates, a small number of radiologists who can correspond to the distribution characteristics, multi-interpretation, and small process numbers are sorted in the order of highest priority.

In S605, the remote interpretation server 101 sets a loop counter N to 1 (N=1) in order to sequentially loop process the request allocation frame information sorted in S604.

In S606, the remote image interpretation server 101 extracts the N-th request allocation frame information from among the request allocation frame information sorted in S604, and sets it as a distribution target of interest.

In S607, the remote interpretation server 101 sets all interpretation doctors included in the interpretation doctor schedule table 2600 acquired in S601 as distribution candidate interpretation doctors.

In S608, the remote image interpretation server 101 refers to the specialization table 2400 acquired in S601, and the specialization set value (distribution characteristic value) for the distribution characteristic of the extracted request allocation frame information is set to "0". interpreting physicians who have been selected are excluded from the distribution candidate interpreting physicians set in S607. Here, when the specialization setting value of the distribution characteristic is "0", the interpretation doctor has specialized knowledge (expertise) for interpreting the medical image indicating the examination type and site of the distribution characteristic. indicates that it does not have If the value is other than "0", it indicates that the higher the value, the higher the proficiency in the field. Note that the expertise setting value not only indicates the degree of specialized knowledge possessed by an interpreting doctor, but can also be used as a degree of desire indicating how much the interpreting doctor wishes to interpret an image in a predetermined field. That is, when an interpreting doctor sets a higher specialty setting value for a certain distribution characteristic, request allocation frame information having that distribution characteristic is preferentially distributed to the interpreting doctor. In other words, if there is a sorting characteristic that the radiologist wants to interpret, the specialization setting value corresponding to this sorting characteristic should be set higher. In this way, it is also possible to use the specialty set value as the degree of desire (priority) of the radiologist.

In S634, the remote interpretation server 101 refers to the allocated allocation frame information read in S631, and selects an already allocated interpretation doctor with a different allocation frame for the same request as the request allocation frame information extracted in S606. , to exclude from the distribution candidate interpreters. Multi-interpretation and blind multi-interpretation must be performed once by a plurality of interpreting doctors in view of the purpose of these interpretations described above. In other words, the same interpreting doctor cannot interpret images multiple times. For example, there is no problem if interpreting doctor A is in charge of the primary interpretation and interpreting doctor B is in charge of the secondary interpretation. Unable to achieve reading goals. Therefore, in S634, other request allocation frame information corresponding to the same request as the processing target request allocation frame information is referred to, and the interpreting doctor set in the other request allocation frame information is assigned to the processing target request allocation frame information. It is set so that it cannot be set as an interpreting doctor of the frame information. By doing so, the problems described above are solved.

In S609, the remote interpretation server 101 refers to the interpretation doctor exclusion table 2500 acquired in S601, and identifies the interpretation doctor set as an exclusion target corresponding to the request facility included in the request allocation frame information extracted in S606. is excluded from the distribution candidate interpreting doctors set in S608. In other words, if the interpreting doctor that the requesting institution does not want to interpret is set in advance in the interpreting doctor exclusion table 2500, the interpreting doctor will not be in charge of the interpretation request from the requesting institution.

The description moves to FIG. 9B. In S610, the remote interpretation server 101 sets a loop counter D to "0" (D=0) in order to sequentially perform loop processing for each allocation target schedule in the interpretation doctor schedule table 2600 acquired in S601.

In S611, the remote image interpretation server 101 sets today's 1+D-th schedule as an allocation target schedule. The schedule in this embodiment is indicated by the date and the time zone such as morning and afternoon as shown in FIG. 26(c). Therefore, in this embodiment, today's first schedule is the morning of the day when the automatic sorting process is performed, and today's second schedule is the afternoon of the day when the automatic sorting process is performed. That's what it means. Also, today's third schedule means the morning of the next day when the automatic sorting process is performed. Note that the division of the time period is not limited to divisions such as morning and afternoon, and may be divisions such as every hour or every three hours. The remote interpretation server 101 sets the current distribution candidate interpreting doctor as a distribution candidate interpreting doctor on the distribution target date.

In S612, the remote image interpretation server 101 compares the allocation target schedule and the allocable schedule, and determines whether or not the allocation target schedule exceeds the allocable schedule. The allocable schedule here indicates, for example, a range from today to a predetermined number of days later. Note that the user may preset the allocable schedule. If the allocable schedule is not exceeded (YES at S612), the remote image interpretation server 101 determines that there is an allocating schedule, and proceeds to S635. On the other hand, if it exceeds (NO in S612), the remote image interpretation server 101 determines that the distribution target schedule does not exist, and shifts the processing to S619.

In S635, the remote interpretation server 101 selects the process No. 2719 that is one smaller than the process No. 2719 of the request allocation frame information extracted in S606, among the request allocation frame information of the same request as the request allocation frame information extracted in S606. Specify the requested quota information that the client has. Then, it is determined whether or not the allocation target schedule exceeds the image interpretation date 2715 of the specified request allocation frame information. If the allocation target schedule exceeds the image reading date 2715 of the specified request allocation frame information (YES in S635), the process proceeds to S613. If the allocation target schedule does not exceed the image interpretation date 2715 of the specified request allocation frame information (NO in S635), the process proceeds to S615. The process of S635 is a process for preventing the interpretation of the post-process (eg, secondary interpretation) from being assigned to an earlier schedule than the interpretation of the previous process (eg, primary interpretation) in the case of multiple interpretation. By this process, the order of the steps in the multi-interpretation and the order of the interpretation schedule can be matched, so it is possible to prevent the occurrence of the problem that the secondary interpretation is performed before the primary interpretation. Become.

In S613, the remote interpretation server 101 refers to the distribution target schedule of the radiologist's schedule, and the number of remaining interpretable images is 0, or the remaining interpretable points are less than the points of the request to be distributed. The interpreting doctor is excluded from the candidate interpreting doctors for the distribution target schedule. In the present embodiment, the remaining interpretable points are (number of possible allocations)×(1 case standard points 2201 in the point setting table 2200) as a reference value, Calculated by subtracting the total number of points. In other words, the point indicates the load for image interpretation, and when the load for image interpretation increases after allocating requests for image interpretation, control is performed so that no new allocation is performed. Here, for each interpreting doctor, a reference value of interpretable points is set as the upper limit of the load per schedule. The above-mentioned sortable number of cases indicates the number of cases that can be interpreted by an interpreting doctor in a certain schedule. The number of cases referred to in the present embodiment indicates the number of cases per request, but there are cases where interpretation of a plurality of patients is performed for one request such as medical examination work. Therefore, in such a case, the number of patients included in one request is regarded as the number of cases, not the number of requests per unit. Note that the method of calculating the remaining interpretable points is not limited to this, and may be calculated using, for example, weights and upper limits set for each interpreting doctor.

Also, the points of the request to be distributed are calculated using the request allocation frame information extracted in S606, the distribution characteristics master table 2000, the number of sheets point addition table 2100, and the point setting table 2200. FIG. In the present embodiment, the points of the request to be distributed are (one standard point 2201 of the point setting table 2200) + (additional points 2003 of the distribution characteristics indicated by the distribution allocation frame information) + (distribution allocation frame It is calculated by the addition point 2103) of the number of images indicated by the information. That is, consideration is given to the load of image interpretation due to the combination of examination type and site to be examined, and the load due to the large number of images to be interpreted. In other words, it means that the higher the point, the higher the load of the request. By considering not only the number of images to be interpreted, but also the load for each interpretation based on points, it is possible to distribute the images while considering the distribution of the load. Also, it is desirable that the points of the request to be distributed are calculated when the automatic distribution is executed. This is because there is a possibility that additional images to be interpreted may be sent after receiving the request for interpretation.

In S614, the remote interpretation server 101 determines whether or not the number of allocation candidate interpretation doctors for the allocation target schedule is zero. If the number of persons is not 0 (YES in S614), the remote interpretation server 101 determines that there is a distribution candidate interpretation doctor in the distribution target schedule, and shifts the processing to S616. If the number is 0 (NO in S614), the remote interpretation server 101 determines that there is no distribution candidate interpretation doctor for the distribution target schedule, and shifts the processing to S615.

In S615, the remote interpretation server 101 increments the loop counter D by 1 (D=D+1), and proceeds to S611. In other words, for the next schedule, a candidate interpreting doctor to be distributed is searched for.

In S616, the remote interpretation server 101 refers to the interpreting doctor schedule table 2600 for all allocation candidate interpreting doctors of the allocation target schedule, and calculates the remaining number of available allocations (number of possible interpretations 2604). Also, the remote interpretation server 101 refers to the expertise table 2400 and acquires the expertise setting value. Then, the remote interpretation server 101 multiplies the number of remaining assignable cases by the specialization set value to calculate the appropriateness of assignment. For example, when the number of remaining assignable cases for a certain assignment candidate interpreting doctor is 2 and the specialty set value is "10", the appropriateness of assignment is "20". Note that the formula for calculating the degree of distribution appropriateness is not limited to this, and other calculation formulas such as weighting for each distribution characteristic may be used.

In S636, the remote interpretation server 101 requests the same request as the request allocation frame information extracted in S606, and among the request allocation frame information for multiple interpretation, is not assigned to an interpreting doctor (interpreting doctor is not allocated). Determine whether or not the requested quota information exists. If it exists (YES in S636), the process proceeds to S637. If it does not exist (NO in S636), the process proceeds to S617. Also in the case of blind multi-interpretation and single-interpretation, the process proceeds to S617.

In S637, the remote interpretation server 101 requests the same request as the request allocation frame information extracted in S606, and among the request allocation frame information for multi-interpretation, is not assigned to an interpreting doctor (interpreting doctor is not allocated). Temporary allocation is performed for the requested quota information. Temporary distribution is performed by executing each process of S606 to S618 except S636 and S637. Then, the distribution appropriateness calculated in S616 is multiplied by a coefficient corresponding to the provisional distribution result. For example, when the primary interpretation of the double interpretation is assigned to the interpreting doctor, provisional assignment of the secondary interpretation is performed, and the assignment target schedule for the secondary interpretation is specified. Then, if the specified schedule to be distributed for the secondary interpretation is the schedule after the primary interpretation, the coefficient is set to "1", and if it is the schedule after the primary interpretation, the coefficient is set to "1/2". and if the schedule is three days later, the coefficient is set to "1/3". If there is no distribution target schedule for secondary interpretation, the coefficient is set to "1/10". By multiplying the distribution appropriateness calculated in S616 by this coefficient, the distribution appropriateness is corrected.

The processing of S636 and S637 prevents the interpretation schedule of the post-process from being delayed when there are a plurality of processes such as multi-interpretation, and the assignment of the pre-process does not allocate the required interpreting doctor in the post-process. can be controlled as follows.

In S617, the remote interpretation server 101 sets one interpreting doctor with the highest distribution appropriateness in the request allocation frame information based on the distribution appropriateness of each candidate interpretation doctor calculated in S616 or S637. . If there are a plurality of interpreting doctors with the highest number, for example, one interpreting doctor with the lowest ID is set in the request allocation frame information as an allocation target. In addition, the allocation target schedule is also set in the request allocation frame information. Specifically, the determined interpreting doctor and the allocation target schedule are stored in the interpretation date 2715, schedule ID 2721, and interpretation doctor ID 2716 of the request allocation frame information extracted in S606.

In S618, the remote interpretation server 101 subtracts one from the number of remaining interpretable images (the number of possible interpretations 2604) from the allocation schedule of the allocation target schedule for the interpreting doctor set in S617. Furthermore, the remote image interpretation server 101 subtracts the points of the distribution target request from the remaining image interpretation possible points. The points to be subtracted here are also (one standard point 2201 of the point setting table 2200) + (additional point 2003 of distribution characteristics indicated by allocation current frame information) + (additional point of the number of images indicated by allocation current frame information) 2103).

In S619, the remote interpretation server 101 determines that there is no allocation target interpretation doctor and image interpretation date for the allocation target request allocation frame information. Doctor ID 2716 is not set. After that, the process moves to S620.

In S620, the remote interpretation server 101 adds 1 to the loop counter N (N=N+1).

In S621, the remote image interpretation server 101 determines whether or not the value of N is less than the total number of requested allocation frame information to be automatically allocated. If it is determined that the number is less than the total number (YES in S621), the remote image interpretation server 101 determines that there are still requests to be automatically distributed, and proceeds to S606 in FIG. 9A. If it is determined that the number is not less than the total number (NO in S621), the remote image interpretation server 101 determines that automatic allocation processing has been completed for all requests to be automatically allocated, and ends this processing flow.

[Screen configuration example]
FIG. 10 shows a configuration example of a requesting facility worklist screen 1000 displayed on the display of the requesting terminal 109 when a user of the requesting facility side applies for a request. When the display button 1001 of the request list 1006 is pressed, a transition is made to a request application screen 1100 for applying for the request information of the pressed line. When the search button 1005 is pressed, the request information table 2700 shown in FIG. to update.

FIG. 11 shows a configuration example of a request application screen 1100 displayed on the display of the request terminal 109 when the requesting facility side user inputs the request application content for the request application. The requester 1101 is displayed according to the requesting facility to which the user on the requesting facility side belongs. The request date 1102 is information on the date and time when today's date is set at the time of request application. Patient number 1103, patient name 1104, sex 1105, date of birth 1106, modality 1107, and number of images 1108 are set and displayed based on examination information (DICOM information) included in the image data. When the request application button 1113 is pressed, the information input to the examination type 1109 , site 1110 , film specification 1111 , interpretation method 1114 , and request content 1112 are registered in the request information table 2700 .

FIG. 12 shows a configuration example of an interpretation work list screen 1200 displayed on the display of the business terminal 112 when the user at the interpretation center accepts a request. When the display button 1201 of the request list 1207 is pressed, the request reception screen 1300 for receiving the request information of the pressed line is displayed. When the search button 1206 is pressed, the request information table 2700 is searched based on the conditions such as the request facility 1202, patient number 1203, examination type 1204, site 1205, etc., and the display contents of the request list 1207 are updated.

FIG. 13 shows a configuration example of a request reception screen 1300 displayed on the display of the business terminal 112 when the user of the image interpretation center inputs request reception details for request reception. Based on the request information set in the request information table 2700, a request source 1301, request date 1302, patient number 1303, patient name 1304, sex 1305, date of birth 1306, modality 1307, and number of images 1308 are displayed. Furthermore, examination type 1309, site 1310, film 1311, request content 1312, and image interpretation method 1315 are displayed. The distribution characteristic selection lists 1313 and 1316 display a list of distribution characteristics registered in the distribution characteristic master table 2000 shown in FIG. When the request accept button 1314 is pressed, the distribution characteristics selected in the distribution characteristics selection list 1313 are registered in the request information table 2700 .

FIG. 14 shows a configuration example of an expertise setting screen 1400 displayed on the display of the business terminal 112 when the user of the interpretation center updates the contents of the expertise table 2400 shown in FIG. After the user inputs a value indicating the expertise for each distribution characteristic into the expertise setting value 1401 and then presses the save button 1402, the expertise table 2400 is updated. A higher value here indicates a higher level of specialization. Note that if no value is entered, it means that the subject is out of his/her specialty (or cannot be interpreted).

FIG. 15 shows a configuration example of a request distribution screen 1500 displayed on the display of the business terminal 112 when the user of the interpretation center distributes the request information to the interpretation doctor. When an automatic distribution button 1504 is pressed, automatic distribution is performed for the request information selected in the distribution target selection check box 1502 on the request information list 1501, and the distribution result (FIG. 16) is displayed. Is displayed. When the user selects a cell of the interpreting doctor schedule 1503, the interpreting doctor and the distribution target date indicated by the cell are added to the distribution information for the request information selected by the distribution target selection check box 1502 on the request information list 1501. , the request information table 2700 is updated. That is, by pressing the automatic allocation button 1504, the interpretation request can be manually allocated instead of being automatically allocated to the interpretation doctor.

FIG. 16 shows a screen displayed on the display of the business terminal 112 as an allocation result when the user at the interpretation center side instructs automatic allocation. When automatic allocation is executed, an interpretation date column 1601 and an interpretation doctor column 1602 are newly displayed, and the interpretation date and interpretation doctor of the sorted results are displayed here. Furthermore, the total number of cases after sorting and the number of newly sorted cases are displayed in the cells of the sorted interpretation date and interpreting doctor of the interpreting doctor schedule 1605 .

When a cancel button 1603 is pressed, the tentatively displayed contents of the interpretation date and interpretation doctor are discarded. As a result, the interpretation date column 1601 and the interpreting doctor column 1602 are hidden, and the number of assigned cases in the interpreting doctor schedule 1605 is deleted. When the save button 1604 is pressed, the displayed interpretation date and interpretation doctor are registered and confirmed in the request information table 2700 as indicated by 2900 in FIG.

[Table configuration example]
17, 18, and 19 show configuration examples of master tables stored in the database 108. FIG. The data registered in the examination type table 1700 in FIG. 17, the part table 1800 in FIG. 18, and the classification table 1900 in FIG. , for example, in a list display.

FIG. 20 shows a configuration example of a distribution characteristics master table 2000 stored in the database 108. As shown in FIG. The distribution characteristics according to the present embodiment are defined by combinations of each value of examination type shown in FIG. 17 and each value of part shown in FIG. Note that the distribution characteristics are not limited to this, and may be combined for each value of further detailed items. In that case, it is possible to define a more detailed specialization. In this embodiment, a distribution characteristic for primary interpretation and a distribution characteristic for secondary interpretation are prepared. For example, the distribution characteristic ID 2001 of the distribution characteristic master table 2000 of FIG. 20 is a record of "9" and "10". Distribution characteristic master table 2000 includes distribution characteristic ID 2001 , distribution characteristic name 2002 , and addition point 2003 . When calculating the points of the request information, the additional points 2003 are added to the standard points 2201 (FIG. 22) for each case according to the distribution characteristics set in the request information.

FIG. 21 shows a configuration example of a number point addition table 2100 stored in the database 108 . The number point addition table 2100 includes a lower number limit 2101 , an upper number limit 2102 , and an addition point 2103 . When calculating the points of the request information in S613 and S618 of FIG. 9B, the addition point 2103 of the record falling within the range of the lower limit number 2101 and the upper limit number 2102 is added to the standard point 2201 for each record according to the number of images of the request information. be done.

FIG. 22 shows a configuration example of a point setting table 2200 stored in the database 108. As shown in FIG. The point setting table 2200 includes standard points 2201 for one item. Used as a standard point value for a single request. In this embodiment, one case is the number of cases per request, but in the case of a medical examination, it may be the number of cases per patient.

FIG. 23 shows a configuration example of a distribution characteristic mapping table 2300 stored in the database 108. As shown in FIG. The distribution characteristic mapping table 2300 includes a distribution characteristic ID 2301, a distribution characteristic name 2302, an examination type ID 2303, a site ID 2304, a classification ID 2305, a patient age 2306, a patient gender lower limit value 2307, a patient gender 2308, a process No. 2309, and an order 2310. include. The same distribution characteristic ID 2301 can have different combinations of examination type ID 2303 , site ID 2304 , classification ID 2305 , patient age 2306 , patient gender lower limit value 2307 and patient gender 2308 .

FIG. 24A shows a configuration example of a specialization table 2400 stored in the database 108. FIG. The expertise table 2400 includes an interpretation doctor ID 2401 , a distribution characteristic ID 2402 , and an expertise setting value 2403 . The values input on the specialty setting screen 1400 of FIG. 14 are registered. This value indicates the expertise of each radiologist, and the higher the value, the higher the expertise. FIG. 24(B) expresses the relationship between the values shown in FIG. 24(A) in a two-dimensional tabular format centered on interpreting doctors and sorting characteristics. As shown in FIG. 24, a certain sorting characteristic (chest CR) can be divided into primary interpretation (chest CR 1 reading) and secondary interpretation (chest CR 2 reading), and expertise setting values can be registered for each. . Therefore, even if the difficulty level of image interpretation differs depending on the process, such as multi-image interpretation, it can be handled. For example, it is possible to meet the request of an interpreting doctor who cannot perform primary interpretation but can perform secondary interpretation.

FIG. 25 is a configuration example of an interpretation doctor exclusion table 2500 stored in the database 108 . The interpreting doctor exclusion table 2500 includes a requesting facility ID 2501 and an interpreting doctor ID 2502 . The interpreting doctor exclusion table 2500 is used to exclude, from the candidate interpreting doctors, interpreting doctors that are not desired by the requesting institution that requested the request information. In this case, the interpreting doctor to be excluded is specified for each requesting institution, but the present invention is not limited to this. good.

FIG. 26A shows a configuration example of an interpretation doctor schedule table 2600 stored in the database 108. FIG. The interpreting doctor schedule table 2600 includes an allocation target date 2601 , a schedule ID 2602 , an interpreting doctor ID 2603 , and the number of possible interpretations 2604 . FIG. 26(B) expresses the data values of FIG. 26(A) in a two-dimensional table format centered on the allocation target date and the interpreting doctor. FIG. 26C is a schedule table showing details of the schedule ID 2602. FIG. The schedule table has a schedule ID and a schedule name, and divides the distribution target days into more detailed divisions according to the time zone.

FIG. 27 shows a configuration example of a request information table 2700 stored in the database 108. As shown in FIG. Request information table 2700 includes request ID 2701 , status 2702 , request facility ID 2703 , request date 2704 , patient number 2705 , patient name 2706 , date of birth 2707 and gender 2708 . Furthermore, examination type ID 2709 , site ID 2710 , examination date 2711 , classification (film) ID 2712 , number of images 2713 , and interpretation method 2717 are provided. As described above, the information up to this point is collectively referred to as request information. The request information table 2700 further includes an allocation frame ID 2718, a process No. 2719, a distribution characteristic ID 2720, an interpretation date 2715, a schedule ID 2721, an interpretation doctor ID 2716, and an interpretation status 2722. These pieces of information are called allocation frame information, as described above. A set of this request information and allocation information is referred to as requested allocation information. The state 2702 indicates the status of the request information, and includes "waiting for application", "waiting for reception", "waiting for distribution", "waiting for interpretation", "reading", "waiting for confirmation", "published", and "reading". There is a status such as “completed”. Although these statuses are used in the present embodiment, they are not particularly limited to these. In particular, in this embodiment, a combination of an examination type indicated by the examination type ID 2709 and an imaging region indicated by the region ID 2710 is used to perform processing in association with the specialty of the radiologist. FIG. 28 shows the state after sorting the data of the request information table 2700 shown in FIG. 27 (the state after executing the processes of S601 to S633).

FIG. 29 shows a state resulting from completion of the flow chart of FIG. 9 for the data of the request information table 2700 shown in FIG. The interpretation date, schedule ID, and interpreting doctor ID are set with the distribution target date and distribution interpreting doctor as a result of the automatic distribution. This data is not stored in the database 108 of the data center at the time when the flow chart of FIG. 9 is completed, and the user instructed to save it via the request distribution screen 1600 in S514 of the flow chart of FIG. registered at the time.

FIG. 30 is a diagram (3000) showing a log of data in the request information table 2700 until the flowchart in FIG. 9 is completed. A calculated point 3001 indicates the calculated point of the request calculated in S613 of FIG. The calculated distribution appropriateness 3002 indicates the radiologist's distribution appropriateness for each distribution target day calculated in S616 of FIG. A distribution information interpretation date 3003, a distribution information schedule ID 3005, and a distribution information interpreting doctor 3004 indicate the results of the interpretation date and the interpreting doctor set as distribution targets in S617.

For example, the record on the first line in FIG. 30 is a log when the request allocation frame information with the request ID 2701 of "1" in the request information table 2700 is assigned to the interpreting doctor. First, since this request is for the primary interpretation of the chest CR, the specialty table 2400 is referred to, and "interpreter 2 (interpreter ID: 0002)" whose value is set for the distribution characteristic of "chest CR 1 reading" is selected. ” and “interpreting doctor 5 (interpreting doctor ID: 0005)” are extracted. Then, for each of them, the apportionment appropriateness for today (June 9) and morning (AM) is calculated. As described above in S616, the number of remaining apportionable cases is multiplied by the specialization set value of the apportionment characteristic. As a result, the appropriateness of allocation for radiologist 2 is "4", and the appropriateness of allocation for radiologist 5 is "10". In addition, provisional allocation is also performed for the secondary interpretation of the same request. The secondary image interpretation referred to here is the request allocation frame information of the record on the second line in FIG. The provisional distribution is simulated for the case where the primary interpretation is the interpreting doctor 2 and the case where the primary interpretation is the interpreting doctor 5 . Then, if the primary interpretation is interpreting doctor 5, even if it is on a different schedule, there will be no interpreting doctor who can perform the secondary interpretation. Since this request is for double interpretation, different interpreting doctors must be in charge of the primary and secondary interpretations. be. In other words, if the interpreting doctor 5 is assigned to the primary interpretation, there will be no interpreting doctor who can interpret the secondary image. On the other hand, if the primary interpretation is performed by the interpreting doctor 2, it is found that the interpreting doctor 5 will be able to perform the secondary interpretation on the next schedule (June 9 PM).

In view of the results of such provisional allocation, the previously calculated allocation appropriateness is multiplied by a coefficient for correction. Specifically, since interpreting doctor 2 can interpret the secondary image on the next schedule, interpreting doctor 5 can interpret the secondary image. By multiplying this coefficient "1", the final distribution appropriateness becomes "4". On the other hand, the interpretation doctor 5 cannot interpret the secondary interpretation, so the coefficient is set to "1/10 (0.1)". Therefore, the calculated distribution appropriateness "10" is multiplied by this coefficient "0.1", and the final distribution appropriateness becomes "1". The final distribution suitability is compared, and the interpreting doctor with the higher distribution suitability is in charge of interpretation. In other words, the interpretation of the first line is performed by the interpretation doctor 2 . Similarly, 3000 shows a log when allocating radiologists to each request allocation frame information.

FIG. 31 shows the data of the request information table 2700 at the time when the flowchart of FIG. 9 was completed, each allocation target date, the number of assigned cases, the number of interpretable cases, the assigned points, and the interpretable points for each interpreting doctor. Indicates status.
The above is the description of the first embodiment.

<Second embodiment>
In the second embodiment, in the case of multi-interpretation, a certain process (for example, primary interpretation) is performed prior to allocating the image interpretation work to the image interpretation doctor, and when the allotted image interpretation is completed, the next process is automatically or manually performed. (for example, secondary interpretation). In the first embodiment, for a request for multi-interpretation, the request allocation frame information regarding all processes is distributed collectively. Therefore, if the interpreting doctor in charge of the pre-process does not proceed as planned, the pre-process may not be completed even if the post-process interpreting doctor tries to start the interpretation work. In the second embodiment, in consideration of such problems, when the interpretation of the preceding process is completed, the distribution of the subsequent process is performed.

The above mechanism will be described below as a second embodiment. Note that descriptions of the processing, screen examples, and data configuration that are common to the first embodiment are omitted, and portions that differ from the first embodiment are described.

[Screen configuration example]
FIG. 32 shows a configuration example of an allocation setting screen 3200 displayed on the display of the business terminal 112, on which the user of the interpretation center side can make settings when allocating an interpreting doctor to the request allocation frame information. The distribution setting screen 3200 includes a check box 3201 for accepting whether or not to distribute the interpretation work of the post-process when the interpretation of the previous process is completed in the case of multi-interpretation, and a setting button 3202 . If the check box 3201 is not checked, the operation is the same as that of the first embodiment described above. When the setting button 3202 is pressed, the setting is saved in the external memory 211 . Hereinafter, the setting contents of this check box 3201 will be referred to as first distribution setting. In the case of multi-interpretation, when the interpretation of the previous process is completed, if the interpretation work of the post-process is to be distributed, the first distribution setting is ON. Description will be given assuming that the setting is OFF.

[Processing flow]
(Request distribution processing)
FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a processing flow of request allocation processing performed by the business terminal 112 and the remote image interpretation server 101 in cooperation. The following processing is realized by the CPUs of the business terminal 112 and the remote image interpretation server 101 reading and executing the programs stored in the respective storage units. Since FIG. 33 is a modification of the request allocation process shown in FIG. 8, the same step numbers as in FIG. 8 are assigned to the same processes as in FIG. Therefore, description of such similar processing is omitted.

In S<b>520 , the CPU 201 of the remote image interpretation server 101 acquires the first sorting setting saved in the external memory 211 when the business terminal 112 instructs acquisition of each information. Then, it is determined whether or not the first distribution setting is ON. If it is determined that the first distribution setting is ON (YES in S520), the process proceeds to S521. On the other hand, when it is determined that the first distribution setting is OFF (NO in S520), the process proceeds to S502. If NO in S520, it is the same as the first embodiment described above.

In S521, in the case of request allocation frame information for single interpretation or blind multi-interpretation, the remote interpretation server 101 sets the status 2702 of the request allocation frame information to "waiting for distribution" or later, and the interpretation state 2722 to " Acquire request allocation quota information that is “not yet”. In the case of multi-interpretation request allocation frame information, the status 2702 of the request allocation frame information is “waiting for distribution” or later, the interpretation state 2722 is “uncompleted”, and the process No. 2719 in the same request acquires the requested quota information with the smallest value. For example, in double interpretation, if neither the primary interpretation nor the secondary interpretation is assigned, only the request allocation frame information for the primary interpretation is acquired. Furthermore, the radiologist's schedule table 2600 shown in FIG. 26 is also obtained and returned to the business terminal 112 . Then, the business terminal 112 displays the received request allocation frame information and the interpretation doctor schedule table 2600 on the request distribution screen 1500 . Subsequent processing is the same as in FIG.

[Screen configuration example]
FIG. 34 shows the result of executing the request allocation process of FIG. 33 and displaying the request allocation screen 1500 on the business terminal 112 when the first allocation setting is ON. In FIG. 34, it can be seen that the request allocation frame information regarding the secondary interpretation with the request ID of "1", which was displayed in FIG. 15, is not displayed. This means that the display control is performed so that the secondary interpretation is not sorted because the primary interpretation is not completed. Distribution of secondary interpretation is performed separately in a process described later.

[Processing flow]
(Request distribution processing)
When the automatic allocation button 1504 is pressed on the request allocation screen in FIG. 34, interpretation doctors are automatically allocated with respect to the request allocation frame information displayed in FIG. In the second embodiment, of FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B showing the request allocation process, part of the process is added to FIG. 9B, so this point will be described.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing the processing flow of automatic allocation performed by the remote interpretation server 101, and corresponds to the processing of S507 in FIG. Moreover, FIG. 35 is a modification of FIG. 9B, and FIG. 9A is the same in the second embodiment as in the first embodiment.

After the distribution appropriateness is calculated in S616, in S641, the remote interpretation server refers to the first distribution setting from the external memory 211 and determines whether or not it is ON. If it is determined that the first distribution setting is ON (YES in S641), the process proceeds to S617. That is, since there is no need to execute S636 and S637 with the first sorting setting, these processes are skipped. On the other hand, if it is determined that the first distribution setting is OFF (NO in S641), the process proceeds to S636. Subsequent processing is the same as in FIG. 9B.

(Interpretation result confirmation processing)
After the interpretation requests are distributed, each interpretation doctor performs interpretation work and saves the interpretation results as data. Then, the person in charge of the interpretation center confirms the interpretation result, and if there is no problem, the interpretation result is disclosed to the requester. This confirmation work will be described below.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a flowchart of interpretation result confirmation processing performed by the business terminal 112 and the remote interpretation server 101 in cooperation. The following processing is realized by the CPUs of the business terminal 112 and the remote image interpretation server 101 reading and executing the programs stored in the respective storage units.

In S701, the business terminal 112 displays the confirmation waiting work list screen 3700 shown in FIG. 37 according to the user's instruction. The display here may be performed using a web browser (not shown) provided in the request terminal 109, or may be displayed via a predetermined application. The business terminal 112 instructs the remote interpretation server 101 to acquire the request allocation frame information in order to acquire the request allocation frame information to be displayed on the confirmation waiting work list screen 3700 .

In S702, the remote image interpretation server 101 reads the request allocation frame information from the request information table 2700 in FIG. Then, the business terminal 112 displays, among the received requested allocation quota information, the requested allocation quota information whose status 2702 is “waiting for confirmation” on the confirmation waiting work list screen 3700 . When the interpretation doctor completes the interpretation, the status 2702 of the request allocation frame information is updated to "waiting for confirmation". Therefore, the displayed request allocation frame information is the request allocation frame information for which interpretation by the interpretation doctor has been completed.

In S<b>703 , the business terminal 112 accepts selection of requested allocation quota information to be confirmed from the user via the confirmation waiting work list screen 3700 . Specifically, selection of the request allocation frame information to be confirmed is accepted by accepting designation of the display button 3701 of the confirmation waiting work list screen 3700 . Then, the business terminal 112 acquires the request ID 2701 of the selected request allocation quota information to be confirmed.

In S704, the business terminal 112 displays the interpretation result confirmation screen 3800 shown in FIG. 38 in order to display the request allocation frame information corresponding to the request ID 2701 acquired in S703. The interpretation result confirmation screen 3800 has a field for displaying the interpretation result by the interpretation doctor and a field for designating the next action. In the field for displaying the interpretation result by the interpretation doctor, in addition to the request allocation frame information whose selection has been received, the request allocation frame information (another allocation frame) of the same request as the request allocation frame information is also displayed. In addition, by accepting the pressing of the output button 3801, the report data of the interpretation result is displayed, and the person in charge of the interpretation center confirms this. Then, according to the confirmed result, the input of the next action is accepted. FIG. 38A shows a screen in a state in which primary interpretation has been completed and secondary interpretation has not been completed in double interpretation. In this state, two actions can be selected. One is an action (3802) for performing the following sorting. When the above-described first allocation setting is ON, the post-process of multi-interpretation is not allocated, so by selecting this action, allocation is performed for the next process. The other is an action (3803) to send back. If the interpretation result is incomplete, this action can be selected to request the interpreting doctor to rewrite the interpretation result. FIG. 38B shows a screen in a state in which both the primary and secondary interpretations of the double interpretation have been completed. In this state, the next sorting cannot be performed, so an action (3805) to disclose interpretation results and an action to send back are displayed.

In S<b>705 , the business terminal 112 determines whether or not the OK button 3804 has been pressed on the interpretation result confirmation screen 3800 . If the OK button 3804 is pressed (YES in S705), the process proceeds to S706. Otherwise (NO in S705), the process waits until the OK button 3804 is pressed.

In S<b>706 , the business terminal 112 transmits to the remote image interpretation server 101 the request allocation frame information for which the display button 3701 was pressed in S<b>703 and information indicating the selected action.

In S<b>707 , the remote image interpretation server 101 receives the request allocation frame information and the information indicating the selected action transmitted from the business terminal 112 .

In S708, the remote interpretation server 101 determines whether or not the selected action is remand based on the information received in step S707. If the selected action is remand (YES in S708), the process proceeds to S709 to remand the interpretation work. As a result, the status 2702 of the received request allocation frame information is updated to "waiting for interpretation". On the other hand, if the selected action is not remand (NO at S708), the process proceeds to S710.

In S710, the remote interpretation server 101 determines whether or not the first allocation setting is ON. If it is determined that the first distribution setting is ON (YES at S710), the process proceeds to S712. If it is determined that the first distribution setting is OFF (NO in S710), the process proceeds to S711.

In S711, if the interpretation status 2722 of the request allocation frame information received in step S707 and all of the request allocation frame information of the same request as the request allocation frame information is "completed", the remote interpretation server 101 The status 2702 of the request is updated to "published". Otherwise, do nothing. In addition, when the state 2702 is updated to "disclosed", the interpretation result is disclosed to the requester. The term "publication" as used herein refers to the state in which the result of image interpretation becomes available for viewing. If there is request allocation quota information for the same request as the request allocation quota information, this information is also disclosed.

In S712, the remote image interpretation server 101 determines whether the request allocation frame information of the same request as the request allocation frame information received in step S707 and the request allocation frame information of the next step of the received request allocation frame information is an uninterpreted image. determine whether or not In other words, the interpretation state 2722 of the request allocation frame information of the next step of the request allocation frame information received in step S707 may be referred to. The interpretation state 2722 is a status of interpretation in which "completed" is stored when interpretation is completed, and "uncompleted" is stored when interpretation is not completed. In other words, it is only necessary to determine whether or not the interpretation state 722 of the requested allocation frame information for the next step of the requested allocation frame information received in step S707 is "not yet". If it is determined that the requested allocation frame information for the next step of the requested allocation frame information received in step S707 is an unread image (YES in S712), the process proceeds to S713. If it is determined that the requested allocation frame information for the next step of the requested allocation frame information received in step S707 has been interpreted (YES in S713), the process proceeds to S711. Also, when the specified action is an action of disclosing the interpretation result, the process proceeds to S711.

In S713, the remote interpretation server 101 performs automatic allocation processing for the request allocation frame information for the next step of the request allocation frame information received in step S707, and assigns the interpreting doctor who performs the interpretation work related to the request and the interpretation date thereof. to decide. Details of the processing in this step are as described above with reference to FIGS. 9A and 35 . In this way, for multi-interpretation, when the interpretation of a certain process is completed and the person in charge confirms it, the distribution of the next process is automatically executed. It is possible to match the schedule order of interpretation to be performed. In the second embodiment, when the person in charge of the interpretation center confirms the interpretation result and presses the OK button, the interpreting doctor for the next step is assigned. Then, the distribution of the next process may be performed. That is, the interpretation of the next step may be performed without confirmation by the person in charge of the interpretation center.

In S<b>714 , the remote interpretation server 101 transmits to the business terminal 112 the distribution result information regarding the interpretation doctor and the interpretation date set in S<b>713 .

In S<b>715 , the business terminal 112 displays on the request allocation screen 1500 the distribution result information regarding the interpretation doctor and the interpretation date received from the remote interpretation server 101 . The business terminal 112 displays the assigned information on the interpretation doctor and the interpretation date in the request information list 1501 of the request assignment screen 1500 in association with the request allocation frame information indicating the allocation frame. Further, the business terminal 112 displays the number of cases scheduled to be distributed for each date of each interpreting doctor in the interpreting doctor's schedule 1503 .

In S716, the business terminal 112 confirms whether or not the save button 1604 has been pressed on the request allocation screen 1600. FIG. If the save button 1604 has been pressed (YES in S716), the process proceeds to S717. If the cancel button 1603 is pressed (NO in S716), the process proceeds to S720.

At S720, the business terminal 112 discards the distribution result information received at S715. All the information of the distribution result displayed on the requested distribution screen 1600 is returned to the state before display. Then, this processing flow ends.

In S<b>717 , the business terminal 112 transmits to the remote image interpretation server 101 the information on the result of distribution for which the confirmation instruction has been received from the user.

In S<b>718 , the remote image interpretation server 101 receives the distribution result information from the business terminal 112 .

In S719, the remote interpretation server 101 updates the allocation frame information of the requested allocation frame information stored in the database 108 by adding the allocation result information received in S718. At this time, as the status of the request information included in the request allocation frame information for which the allocation result is updated, the value of the state 2702 becomes “waiting for interpretation”. Then, this processing flow ends.

[Screen configuration example]
FIG. 37 shows a configuration example of a confirmation waiting work list screen 3700 displayed on the display of the business terminal 112 when the person in charge at the image interpretation center side designates the request allocation frame information waiting for confirmation. When the display button 3701 of the confirmation waiting list 3707 is pressed, the screen transitions to an interpretation result confirmation screen 3800 for confirming the request allocation frame information of the pressed line. When the search button 3706 is pressed, the request information table 2700 is searched based on the conditions such as the requested facility 3702, patient number 3703, examination type 3704, site 3705, etc., and the display contents of the confirmation waiting list 3707 are updated.

FIG. 38 shows a configuration example of an interpretation result confirmation screen 3800 displayed on the display of the business terminal 112 when the person in charge at the interpretation center side confirms the interpretation result. The interpretation result of the request allocation frame information specified by the display button 3701 and the interpretation result of other request allocation frame information of the same request as the request allocation frame information are displayed. Also, as the next action, it is possible to designate an action such as sorting of the next process, remanding, and disclosure of the interpretation result.
The above is the description of the second embodiment.

<Modification of Second Embodiment>
Next, a modification of the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, when interpretation of a certain step is completed in the case of multi-interpretation, an interpreting doctor is automatically assigned to the next step. In the modification of the second embodiment, in the case of multi-interpretation, when the interpretation of a certain process is completed, the request allocation frame information of the next process is displayed in the request information list 1501 of the request distribution screen 1500 as shown in FIG. This is how it is displayed.

The above mechanism will be described below as a modified example of the second embodiment. It should be noted that descriptions of the processing, screen examples, and data configurations that are common to the first and second embodiments will be omitted, and portions that differ from those of the first and second embodiments will be described. I do.

[Processing flow]
(Interpretation result confirmation processing)
FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a flowchart of interpretation result confirmation processing performed by the business terminal 112 and the remote interpretation server 101 in cooperation. The following processing is realized by the CPUs of the business terminal 112 and the remote image interpretation server 101 reading and executing the programs stored in the respective storage units. Since FIG. 40 is a modification of the interpretation result confirmation process shown in FIG. 36, the same step numbers as in FIG. 36 are assigned to the same processes as in FIG. Therefore, description of such similar processing is omitted.

The processes up to S707 in FIG. 40 are the same as those in FIG. Upon receiving the request quota information and the information indicating the selected action transmitted from the business terminal 112 in S707, in S730 the remote interpretation server 101 determines the selected action based on the information received in step S707. Determines whether or not is sent back. If the selected action is remand (YES at S730), the process proceeds to S709 to remand the interpretation work. As a result, the status 2702 of the received request allocation frame information is updated to "waiting for interpretation". On the other hand, if the selected action is not remand (NO at S730), the process proceeds to S731.

In S731, the remote interpretation server 101 updates the status 2702 of the request allocation frame information received in step S707 to "disclosed" and discloses the interpretation result to the requester. If there is request allocation quota information for the same request as the request allocation quota information, this information is also disclosed. Then, this processing flow ends.

In this way, the request allocation frame information for the next process is not automatically distributed, and the status 2702 is simply updated. After that, when the person in charge of the image interpretation center executes the request allocation process of FIG. It is displayed in list 1501 . Therefore, it is possible to select the displayed request allocation frame information and instruct allocation.

<Third Embodiment>
In the third embodiment, in the case of blind multi-interpretation, if the interpretation result of the first interpretation is different from the interpretation result of the second interpretation, the interpretation responsible for the third interpretation is assigned to perform the third interpretation. This is a system for assigning doctors. If the result of the first interpretation is different from the result of the second interpretation, there is a problem that even if the result is returned to the requesting facility, it is difficult for the requesting facility to determine the patient's condition. Therefore, it is possible to assist the decision of the requesting facility by performing the third interpretation and presenting the results.

The above mechanism will be described below as a third embodiment. It should be noted that descriptions of the processing, screen examples, and data configurations that are common to the first and second embodiments will be omitted, and portions that differ from those of the first and second embodiments will be described. I do.

[Screen configuration example]
FIG. 41 shows a configuration example of an allocation setting screen 3200 displayed on the display of the business terminal 112, which allows the user at the interpretation center side to make settings when allocating an interpreting doctor to the request allocation frame information. The sorting setting screen 3200 in the third embodiment is configured to perform the third interpretation when the result of the blind multi-interpretation is different from the result of the first interpretation and the result of the second interpretation. It further includes a check box 3203 for accepting whether or not to implement interpretation distribution. If the check box 3203 is not checked, the operation is the same as in the first and second embodiments described above. Hereinafter, the setting contents of this check box 3203 will be referred to as second distribution setting. The description will be made assuming that the second distribution setting is ON when the third distribution of interpretation is to be performed, and that the second distribution setting is OFF otherwise.

[Table configuration example]
FIG. 42 shows a configuration example of the report management table 4200. As shown in FIG. The report management table 4200 is a data table in which report data of interpretation results by an interpreting doctor is stored. In the report management table 4200, the findings of the interpreting doctor and the parts and judgments related to the findings are registered for each request ID and each allocation frame. Although a detailed description of the flow of registration is omitted, when these findings are registered in the report server 103 from the interpretation terminal 113 or 114 operated by the interpretation doctor, a report of interpretation results is stored in the report management table 4200 .

[Processing flow]
(Interpretation result confirmation processing)
FIG. 43 is a diagram showing a flowchart of interpretation result confirmation processing performed by the business terminal 112 and the remote interpretation server 101 in cooperation. The following processing is realized by the CPUs of the business terminal 112 and the remote image interpretation server 101 reading and executing the programs stored in the respective storage units. Since FIG. 43 is a modification of the interpretation result confirmation processing shown in FIGS. 36 and 40, the same step numbers as in FIGS. There is. Therefore, description of such similar processing is omitted.

The processes up to S707 in FIG. 43 are the same as those in FIG. Upon receiving the request quota information and the information indicating the selected action transmitted from the business terminal 112 in S707, in S750 the remote interpretation server 101 determines the selected action based on the information received in step S707. Determines whether or not is sent back. If the selected action is remand (YES in S750), the process proceeds to S709 to remand the interpretation work. As a result, the status 2702 of the received request allocation frame information is updated to "waiting for interpretation". On the other hand, if the selected action is not remand (NO at S750), the process proceeds to S751.

In S751, the remote image interpretation server 101 determines whether or not there is request allocation frame information for the same request as the request allocation frame information received in S707. In other words, it is determined whether or not the request allocation frame information received in S707 is for multi-interpretation or blind multi-interpretation. If it is determined that there is request allocation frame information for the same request as the request allocation frame information received in S707 (YES in S751), the process proceeds to S752. If it is determined that there is no request allocation frame information for the same request as the request allocation frame information received in S707 (NO in S751), the processing is shifted to S711 because of single interpretation, and the request allocation frame information received in S707 is performed. state 2702 to "published". Then, the interpretation result is disclosed to the requester.

In S752, the remote interpretation server 101 determines whether or not the request allocation frame information received in S707 is for interpretation involving a plurality of processes. Specifically, the process No. 2719 of the request allocation frame information received in S707 and the process No. 2719 of other request allocation frame information of the same request as the request allocation frame information are referred to, and the process No. is 2 or more. determine whether or not to In short, it is determined whether or not the request allocation frame information received in S707 is for multi-interpretation. If it is determined that the requested allocation frame information received in S707 is for interpretation involving a plurality of processes (YES in S752), the process proceeds to S710. If it is determined that the requested allocation frame information received in S707 is not an interpretation involving multiple processes (NO in S752), the process proceeds to S753.

In S753, the remote image interpretation server 101 determines whether or not the second allocation setting is ON. If it is determined that the second distribution setting is ON (YES in S753), the process proceeds to S754. If it is determined that the second distribution setting is OFF (NO in S753), the process proceeds to S711.

In S754, the remote interpretation server 101 determines whether or not the status 2702 of all the requested allocation frame information of the same request as the requested allocation frame information received in S707 is "waiting for confirmation". In other words, it is determined whether or not all interpretations have been completed in blind multi-interpretation and all are waiting for confirmation by the person in charge at the interpretation center. If it is determined that the status 2702 of all requested allocation quota information of the same request as the requested allocation quota information received in S707 is "waiting for confirmation" (YES in S754), the process proceeds to S755. Otherwise (NO in S754), the process proceeds to S711.

In S755, the remote interpretation server 101 combines the interpretation result (first interpretation result) regarding the request allocation frame information received in S707 with the interpretation result (first interpretation result) regarding other request allocation frame information of the same request as the request allocation frame information. It is determined whether or not the second interpretation result) is different. First, the interpretation result (first interpretation result) regarding the request allocation frame information received in S707 and the interpretation result (second interpretation result) regarding other request allocation frame information of the same request as the request allocation frame information are reported. Acquired from the management table 4200 . Then, the regions, findings, and determinations of the first interpretation result and the second interpretation result are compared, and if there are different items, it is determined that the interpretation results are different. In the present embodiment, it is determined that the first image interpretation result and the second image interpretation result are different if any of the site, finding, and determination are different, but the present invention is not limited to this. It may be determined whether there is a difference between the site and the finding, or the difference may be determined only by determination. Also, if the judgment of the first image interpretation result and the judgment of the second image interpretation result are separated by two or three steps, it is judged that the interpretation results are different, and if the difference is only one step, there is no problem. can be determined. If it is determined that the first interpretation result and the second interpretation result are different (YES in S755), the process proceeds to S756. Otherwise (NO in S755), the process proceeds to S711.

In S756, the remote interpretation server 101 generates new allocation frame information in the request information table 2700 in association with the request information related to the requested allocation frame information received in S707. In other words, a new allocation frame is generated for the third interpretation. Upon completion of S756, the process proceeds to S713, and automatic allocation processing for allocating radiologists to the newly generated allocation frame is executed. Subsequent processing is the same as in the second embodiment described above. In this way, allocation for performing the third interpretation is automatically executed, and the interpreting doctor performs the third interpretation. When the third interpretation is completed and the person in charge of the interpretation center confirms the result, the interpretation results from the first to the third interpretation are disclosed to the requester. Further, in the present embodiment, the interpretation ends with the third interpretation, but it may be continued with the fourth interpretation and the fifth interpretation. This completes the processing flow.

<Modified example of the third embodiment>
Next, a modification of the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, in the case of blind multi-interpretation, when the interpretation result of the first interpretation is different from the interpretation result of the second interpretation, the third interpretation is automatically performed to perform the third interpretation. It was a system to allocate a reading doctor in charge. In a modification of the third embodiment, in the case of blind multi-interpretation, when the interpretation result of the first interpretation is different from the interpretation result of the second interpretation, the third interpretation is performed as shown in FIG. In this configuration, the request allocation frame information for the third image interpretation is displayed in the request information list 1501. FIG.

The above mechanism will be described below as a modified example of the third embodiment. It should be noted that descriptions of the processing, screen examples, and data configurations common to the first, second, and third embodiments will be omitted, and , and parts different from the third embodiment.

[Processing flow]
(Interpretation result confirmation processing)
FIG. 45 is a diagram showing a flowchart of image interpretation result confirmation processing performed by the business terminal 112 and the remote image interpretation server 101 in cooperation. The following processing is realized by the CPUs of the business terminal 112 and the remote image interpretation server 101 reading and executing the programs stored in the respective storage units. FIG. 45 is a modification of the interpretation result confirmation processing shown in FIGS. The same step numbers are given in FIG. Therefore, description of such similar processing is omitted.

The processes up to S751 in FIG. 45 are the same as those in FIG. In S752, the remote interpretation server 101 determines whether or not the request allocation frame information received in S707 is for interpretation involving a plurality of processes. If it is determined that the requested allocation frame information received in S707 is for interpretation involving a plurality of processes (YES in S752), the process proceeds to S711. If it is determined that the requested allocation frame information received in S707 is not an interpretation involving multiple processes (NO in S752), the process proceeds to S753.

The processing from S753 to S755 is the same as in FIG. In S756, the remote interpretation server 101 generates new allocation frame information in the request information table 2700 in association with the request information related to the requested allocation frame information received in S707. Then, when S756 is completed, this processing flow ends.

In this way, only the allocation frame information for performing the third interpretation is generated. Then, later, when the person in charge of the interpretation center executes the request allocation process of FIG. It is displayed in the information list 1501 . Therefore, it is possible to select the requested allocation frame information related to the displayed third image interpretation and instruct allocation.

<Characteristics of the present invention>
The features of the present invention are as follows.
An interpretation request management system for managing requests for interpretation of medical image data, comprising: storage means for storing said interpretation requests to be interpreted in a plurality of stages; and taking charge of interpretation of the interpretation requests stored in said storage means determining means for determining an interpreting doctor for each stage; and receiving means for receiving an interpretation result by the interpreting doctor determined by the determining means, wherein the determining means receives the interpretation for each stage received by the receiving means. It is characterized in that, when the results are different, an interpreting doctor in charge of interpreting the next stage is determined.

Further, the determination means receives the interpretation results of all the stages regarding the interpretation request by the reception means, and if the interpretation results of the stages received by the reception means are different, the determination means takes charge of the interpretation of the next stage. It is characterized by determining an interpreting doctor to

Further, the storage means further stores operation settings related to the determination means, and the determination means causes different interpretation results for each stage received by the reception means in accordance with the operation settings stored in the storage means. In some cases, it is characterized by determining an interpreting doctor in charge of interpreting the next stage.

Further, when at least one of the site, finding, and determination is different among the interpretation results for each stage received by the receiving means, the determining means determines an interpreting doctor in charge of interpreting the next stage. characterized by

According to the present invention, it is possible to determine an interpreting doctor to perform further interpretation when a plurality of interpretation results are different.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is also realized by executing the following processing. That is, the software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads the program. This is the process to be executed.

101... remote interpretation server, 108... database, 109... request terminal, 112... business terminal, 113, 114... interpretation terminal

Claims (16)

a first image interpretation result, which is the result of the first image interpretation by the first image interpreter related to the image interpretation request;
a second image interpretation result, which is the result of a second image interpretation by a second image interpreter related to the image interpretation request;
an acquisition means for acquiring
When the relationship between the first image interpretation result and the second image interpretation result acquired by the acquisition means satisfies a predetermined condition, a third image interpreter who performs the third image interpretation related to the image interpretation request is displayed. a control means for performing specific controls including controlling to
An information processing system characterized by having: The control means does not perform the specific control related to the interpretation request when the relationship between the first interpretation result and the second interpretation result acquired by the acquisition means does not satisfy the predetermined condition. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized by: 3. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is that the first interpretation result and the second interpretation result obtained by the obtaining means are different. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined condition is a condition that there are different items in the first interpretation result and the second interpretation result obtained by the obtaining means in terms of site, finding, and judgment. The information processing system according to any one of the items. 4. A condition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined condition is a condition that both the site and findings of the first image interpretation result and the second image interpretation result obtained by the obtaining means are different. Information processing system according to the item. 4. A condition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined condition is that there is a difference of a predetermined amount or more between the first image interpretation result and the second image interpretation result obtained by the obtaining means. or the information processing system according to item 1. 7. The information processing according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said specific control includes control for generating an allocation frame for allocating a third interpreter who performs said third interpretation. system. After executing the specific control, the control means controls to determine a third interpreter who performs the third interpretation related to the interpretation request in accordance with an instruction from the user, The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. 7. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the specific control includes control for allocating a third interpretation to perform the third interpretation. 10. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the specific control includes displaying allocation frame information of a third interpreter who performs the third interpretation. 11. The information according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second image interpretation is image interpretation performed by the second image interpreter without viewing the first image interpretation result. processing system. a sending unit that uses the first interpretation result, the second interpretation result, and the third interpretation result input by the third interpretation operator to transmit results to the sender of the interpretation request. 12. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by: 13. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first interpretation result and the second interpretation result include at least items indicating parts, findings, and judgments. . 14. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the request for image interpretation is a request for image interpretation transmitted from a requesting facility to an image interpretation center. a first image interpretation result, which is the result of the first image interpretation by the first image interpreter related to the image interpretation request;
a second image interpretation result, which is the result of a second image interpretation by a second image interpreter related to the image interpretation request;
a obtaining step that obtains
When the relationship between the first image interpretation result and the second image interpretation result obtained in the obtaining step satisfies a predetermined condition, the third image interpreter who performs the third image interpretation related to the image interpretation request is displayed. a control step of performing a specific control including controlling to
A control method for an information processing system, comprising: A program that causes at least one computer to function as the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images