JPWO2009107649A1 - Medical image management system - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a medical image management system capable of efficiently performing medical care by connecting to a medical image management server even when there are a plurality of client terminals in a small medical facility such as a medical practitioner. A medical image management server; and a medical image management apparatus 3 including a plurality of client terminals connected to the medical image management server so as to be able to transmit and receive data. Each client terminal stores a patient unit information of a patient; and Connection means for connecting to the medical image management server so as to be able to send and receive data, connection release means for releasing the connection with the medical image management server made by the connection means, and release of the connection made by the connection means in another client terminal A release request transmission means for transmitting a requested connection release request, wherein the connection release means can release the connection by the connection means when the release request is transmitted from the release request transmission means of the other client terminal. It is configured.

Description

  The present invention relates to a medical image management system, and more particularly to a medical image management system used in a small medical facility.

  Conventionally, a patient who is a patient to be examined was imaged using an image generation device such as a CR (Computed Radiography) imaging device or an FPD (Flat Panel Detector) imaging device. 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a diagnostic system that performs image processing such as gradation processing so that an image can be provided for diagnosis, outputs an image processed image, and provides it for interpretation by a doctor.

  In such a diagnostic system, a person who received a patient and issued a radiographing order (acceptance), a person who actually photographed the patient in the radiographing room (engineer), and obtained gradation, etc. Responsible for determining the availability of image diagnosis, and in some cases, responsible for correcting contrast and density (such as an engineer appointed from a general engineer), and interpreting in charge of determining (diagnosing) the presence or absence of disease based on images ( A plurality of persons in charge, such as doctors, share roles and diagnoses are advanced.

  In a large-scale medical facility (hereinafter referred to as a large-scale facility) where the application of such a conventional diagnostic system is assumed, the place in charge of each of the above roles is 1F for reception, underground for radiology, etc. Often located in large hospitals at remote locations. In addition, there are a plurality of image generation apparatuses and engineers who operate the image generation apparatus, and a console for operating the image generation apparatus, a viewer for checking image data by a doctor, and the like are separately provided with respective roles. And in the radiology department, a scene where a plurality of technicians and a plurality of technicians use a plurality of imaging devices to perform imaging simultaneously is stationary, and a plurality of patients are constantly staying in each process. There is a situation.

For this reason, there is a possibility that an error may occur in the association between the image data generated by the image generation apparatus and the patient. Therefore, in order to prevent such mistakes between image data and individual patients, each device is linked via a network, and an ID is issued at each device for each operation in each process. There has been proposed a system for associating the results of each work process (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
The association of IDs assigned to each work in each process is performed, for example, via a network of HIS (Hospital Information System) or RIS (Radiology Information System). (For example, refer to Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3).

  However, according to the present inventors' investigation, in the case of a relatively small medical facility (hereinafter referred to as a small-scale facility) such as a medical practitioner or a clinic, in many cases, a doctor who examines a patient is alone. Yes, the number of installed image generation devices is also small. In many cases, the assistant positions the patient and the doctor controls the radiation exposure switch after receiving the notification of positioning completion, or the doctor himself performs all operations including the patient positioning.

  In addition, for example, in the case of a large-scale facility, it is often assumed that a plurality of patients are photographed in parallel and there are multiple information systems, but in the case of a small-scale facility, photographing is performed. The number of patients to be performed is not as large as that of large-scale facilities, and there is little risk of multiple information systems becoming complicated.

  Under such circumstances, it is difficult to confuse the captured image with that of another patient. Nevertheless, if a system similar to that of a large-scale facility is used, it is necessary to generate imaging order information starting with the input of the patient's name, and the procedure becomes complicated and the medical efficiency is poor.

In addition, in order to generate imaging order information such as patient information and imaging condition information of a patient in advance and associate the imaging order information with a captured image, each device is connected to a basic system such as RIS / HIS. However, it is costly to construct such a system, and means for ensuring data consistency with the backbone system is also required (for example, Patent Document 4). And Patent Document 5), there is a problem that it becomes a burden for a small-scale facility. Further, even if the number of devices is reduced while maintaining the above-described configuration concept in a large-scale facility, it is difficult to improve medical efficiency, and it is not optimal for a small-scale facility.
US Pat. No. 5,334,851 JP 2002-159476 A JP 2002-311524 A JP 2006-92261 A JP 2003-248723 A

  Therefore, it is conceivable to specify a patient to be associated with a captured image on the side of the medical image management apparatus that manages medical image data. With such a configuration, the patient information of the patient desired by the user and the image data of the captured image are associated with each other without generating the imaging order information in advance, and the medical image data is stored on the medical image management apparatus side. Can be stored and managed.

  However, in a small medical facility such as a medical practitioner, a plurality of medical devices functioning as clients in a medical image management device functioning as a server storing and managing the medical image data (hereinafter referred to as a medical image management server) When an image management apparatus (hereinafter simply referred to as a client terminal) is connected via a communication line at the same time, the processing load on the medical image management server side increases, which may hinder medical care.

  Therefore, it is considered to limit the number of client terminals that can be connected to the medical image management apparatus functioning as a medical image management server. However, simply limiting the number of connected terminals will release the connection to the medical image management server. Until then, other client terminals wait for connection, cannot connect to the medical image management server, cannot perform the medical treatment, and have a problem that the medical efficiency is poor.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and in a small-scale medical facility such as a medical practitioner, even when there are a plurality of client terminals, medical treatment performed by connecting to a medical image management server is efficiently performed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a medical image management system that can handle such a situation.

In order to solve the above problems, according to the first aspect of the present invention,
A medical image management system comprising: a medical image management server; and a plurality of client terminals connected to the medical image management server so that data can be transmitted and received,
The client terminal is
Connection means for connecting to the medical image management server;
A release request transmitting means for transmitting a connection release request for releasing the connection with the medical image management server made by a connection means in another client terminal;
A connection release means for releasing connection with the medical image management server made by the connection means when the connection release request is transmitted from the release request transmission means of the other client terminal;
It is characterized by having.

The client terminal includes an operation status determination unit that determines an operation status of the client terminal when the connection release request is transmitted from the release request transmission unit of another client terminal,
The connection release means preferably performs connection release according to a determination result by the operation status determination means.

The client terminal comprises availability input means for inputting the availability of connection release when the connection release request is transmitted from the release request transmission means of another client terminal,
The connection release means preferably performs connection release according to an input result of the availability input means.

  The client terminal includes a display unit that displays a connection cancellation request from which of the client terminals when the connection cancellation is performed in response to the connection cancellation request. Is preferred.

The client terminal is a recovery instruction transmitting means for transmitting a connection recovery instruction for recovering the original connection again after the connection cancellation is performed in the other client terminal that is the transmission destination of the connection cancellation request;
It is preferable that the apparatus further comprises connection recovery means for recovering the original connection state when the recovery instruction is transmitted from the recovery instruction transmission means of another client terminal.

According to a second aspect of the present invention,
A medical image management system comprising: a medical image management server; and a plurality of client terminals connected to the medical image management server so that data can be transmitted and received,
The client terminal is
Connection means for connecting to the medical image management server;
A release request transmitting means for transmitting a connection release request for releasing the connection with the medical image management server made by a connection means in another client terminal;
With
The medical image management server includes:
It is characterized by comprising connection release means for releasing connection with the client terminal when the connection release request is transmitted from the release request transmission means of the client terminal.

The medical image management server includes an operation state determination unit that determines an operation state of a client terminal connected to the medical image management server when the connection release request is transmitted from the release request transmission unit,
The connection release means preferably performs connection release according to a determination result by the operation status determination means.

The medical image management server includes availability input means for inputting availability of connection release when the connection release request is transmitted from the release request transmission means,
The connection release means preferably performs connection release according to an input result of the availability input means.

  The medical image management server includes display means for displaying, when a connection release is performed in response to the connection release request, from which client terminal the connection release is caused by the connection release request. Preferably it is.

  The medical image management server preferably includes connection recovery means for recovering the original connection state after the connection is released at the client terminal that is the transmission destination of the connection release request.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to transmit a connection release request for releasing the connection with the medical image management server from another client terminal and to release the connection with the medical image management server. If you forget to cancel the connection with the server, you can cancel the connection and connect to another client terminal, improving the medical efficiency. And has the effect.

  Further, the connection at the client terminal is released according to the operating status of the client terminal, such as when no operation is performed for a long time while the connection with the medical image management server is performed at a certain client terminal. For this reason, even when the user forgets to cancel the connection with the medical image management server, it is possible to specify the connection by using another client terminal, thereby improving the medical efficiency.

  When a connection release request is transmitted from the client terminal, the connection with the medical image management server is released according to the input result of the availability input means. For this reason, when it takes time to connect to the medical image management server or when image data is acquired in a series of series, the connection with the medical image management server is canceled halfway. When the user does not want to do so, the connection release request can be rejected, and an effect can be obtained that a response according to the circumstances can be performed.

  Further, when the connection is released, there is an effect that the user can recognize which client terminal is the connection release request.

  In addition, once the connection with the medical image management server is released, the original connection can be restored again, so that the user of the client terminal on the side that has been disconnected from the medical image management server There is an effect that it is possible to save the trouble of reconnecting to the medical image management server after the connection at the client terminal on the transmission side of the connection release request is completed.

It is a figure which shows the example of whole structure of the small-scale diagnosis system in this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the flow of the image data between the main apparatuses which comprise the small-scale diagnostic system shown in FIG. It is a principal part block diagram which shows the functional structure of the medical image management apparatus 3 applied to the small-scale diagnosis system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the login screen displayed on the display part of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the login refusal screen displayed on the display part of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the patient information list screen displayed on the display part of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the patient display screen displayed on the display part of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the patient display screen of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of installation of the server combined machine and reference machine in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the connection cancellation | release process performed by the control part of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the connection cancellation | release process performed by the control part of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the connection cancellation | release process in 2nd Embodiment. It is an example of the message screen displayed on a display part in 3rd Embodiment. It is an example of the message screen displayed on a display part in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the connection cancellation | release process in 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of installation of the server combined machine and reference machine in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the connection cancellation | release process in 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the connection cancellation | release process in 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the connection cancellation | release process in 5th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the connection cancellation | release process in 6th Embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a small-scale diagnosis system 1 to which a first embodiment of a medical image management apparatus (medical image management server and client terminal) according to the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. The present invention is not limited to the illustrated example.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the small-scale diagnosis system 1, and FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a flow of image data between main apparatuses in the present embodiment.

  The small-scale diagnosis system 1 is a system applied to a relatively small-scale medical facility such as a practitioner or a clinic. As shown in FIG. 1, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (US: ultrasonography) 2a that is an image generation apparatus 2 An endoscope (ES) 2b, an electrocardiogram recording device (ECG) 2c, a CR reading device 2d, a medical image management device 3, and a receiving device 4 are included. The image generation device 2, the medical image management device 3, and the reception device 4 are connected to a communication network (hereinafter simply referred to as “network”) 5 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) via a switching hub (not shown), for example. The medical image management apparatus 3 is preferably a WS (workstation) provided in an examination room where a doctor is resident. The WS that operates as the medical image management apparatus 3 may be configured to control activation of each image generation apparatus 2, processing conditions, and the like.

  In general, DICOM (Digital Image and Communications in Medicine) standard is used as a communication method in a hospital, and DICOM MWM (Modality Worklist Management) or DICOM MPPS (DICOM MPPS) is used for communication between devices connected to a LAN. Modality Performed Procedure Step) is used. Note that the communication method applicable to this embodiment is not limited to this. In addition, a device that does not comply with the DICOM standard may be included in devices connected to the LAN. In the present embodiment, the CR reading device 2d does not support the DICOM standard.

  Hereinafter, each apparatus which comprises the small-scale diagnosis system 1 is demonstrated.

The image generation apparatus 2 captures an image of a patient's diagnosis target region as a subject, digitally converts the captured image to generate image data of the captured image (captured image information), or records a predetermined examination result to record an image. This is image generation means (modality) for generating data.
As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, as an image generation device (modality) 2, an ultrasound diagnostic device (US) 2a, an endoscope (ES) 2b, an electrocardiogram recording device (ECG) 2c, and a CR reading device 2d are used. It has. The image generation device 2 is not limited to this, and for example, a CT imaging device (CT), a magnetic resonance imaging device (MRI), or the like may be provided as the image generation device 2. In addition, a digital camera or the like that captures the appearance of the body such as skin may be used as the image generation device 2.
Furthermore, it is good also as a structure provided with two or more image generation apparatuses 2 of the same kind, for example including two CR readers 2d. Further, the combination of the image generation devices 2 provided in the small-scale diagnosis system 1 is not limited to the one exemplified here.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2a is an ultrasonic probe that outputs ultrasonic waves, and an electronic device that is connected to the ultrasonic probe and converts sound waves (echo signals) received by the ultrasonic probe into image data of a captured image of the internal tissue. (Both not shown). The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2a sends an ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic probe into the body, receives the sound wave (echo signal) reflected by the body tissue again by the ultrasonic probe, and uses the electronic device to capture a captured image corresponding to the echo signal. It is designed to generate.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 a is connected to a conversion device 21 that is a conversion means (converter) that performs conversion from an analog signal to a digital signal. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 a is connected to the network 5 via the conversion device 21. It is connected to the. Thus, even when data in a format that does not conform to the standards (for example, communication protocol) of other external devices connected to the network 5 is output from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2a, the conversion apparatus 21 appropriately converts the data. Thus, data can be transmitted / received to / from an external device connected to the network 5.

  In the present embodiment, the conversion device 21 has a function of giving a UID (unique ID) for specifying image data in the small-scale diagnosis system 1 to the image data in a format conforming to the DICOM standard. The UID is composed of identification information (hereinafter referred to as “modality ID”) of the image generation device 2, numbers indicating the shooting date and time, and the like. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the modality ID includes information indicating the type of the image generation device 2.

The conversion device 21 includes an input unit (not shown) such as a keyboard having character input keys, numeric input keys, and the like, and also serves as input means for inputting patient information for specifying a patient to be imaged. ing.
Here, patient information includes the patient's patient ID, patient name (kanji / kana / ASCII), patient's gender, date of birth, age, etc., as well as the patient's medical date, imaging time, reception number, physician in charge, etc. The patient information widely included in the information specifying the patient is, for example, the patient ID, the patient name, the sex, and the date of birth. Note that it is not necessary to input all of these in the conversion device 21, and no patient information may be input. When the conversion device 21 is designed to input only the patient ID as patient information, the input unit of the conversion device 21 may be a numeric keypad, for example.

  The UID and patient information given by the conversion device 21 become supplementary information attached to the image data of the generated captured image.

  The endoscope 2b is a tube in which a small photographing device is provided at the distal end portion of a flexible tube (both not shown), and the photographing device includes an objective optical system including an optical lens, for example. And an imaging unit disposed at the imaging position of the objective optical system, and an illumination unit that is configured by an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like and performs illumination necessary for imaging (none of which is shown) . The imaging unit includes a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor), and photoelectrically converts it into an electrical signal having an amount corresponding to the amount of incident light. The objective optical system is configured to condense an area illuminated by the illuminating unit with an optical lens and form an image on a solid-state imaging device included in the imaging unit, and light incident on the solid-state imaging device is photoelectrically converted. As a result, the image data of the captured image is output as an electrical signal.

  The electrocardiogram recording device 2c acquires and records waveform data by detecting an electrocardiogram waveform, and transmits the generated image data (waveform data) to the medical image management device 3.

The CR reader 2d reads image data from a CR cassette (not shown), which is a radiographic image conversion medium in which radiographic image information obtained by imaging a diagnostic target region is recorded.
The CR cassette incorporates a radiation image conversion plate including a stimulable phosphor sheet that accumulates radiation energy, for example, and irradiation of radiation irradiated from a radiation source (not shown) of a radiation imaging apparatus (not shown) during imaging. Arranged in the area. The CR cassette accumulates an amount of radiation in the stimulable phosphor layer of the stimulable phosphor sheet in accordance with the radiation transmittance distribution of the site to be diagnosed when irradiated with radiation. Record the radiological image information of the site to be diagnosed.

The CR reader 2d irradiates the stimulable phosphor sheet in the CR cassette loaded in the apparatus with excitation light when the CR cassette in which the radiological image information of the diagnosis target region is recorded is loaded. The stimulated light emitted from the sheet is photoelectrically converted, and the obtained image signal is A / D converted to generate image data of a photographed image.
The CR reading device 2d may be an integrated device integrated with the radiation imaging apparatus.

Note that the endoscope 2b, the electrocardiogram recording device 2c, and the CR reading device 2d are provided with a function of assigning the above-described UID to the generated image data.
The endoscope 2b and the electrocardiogram recording apparatus 2c include an input unit (not shown) such as a keyboard having character input keys, numeric input keys, and the like, and patient information for specifying a patient to be imaged. Input is possible.
In addition, the patient information input in the input part of each apparatus is not specifically limited, It can also be set as not inputting patient information at all. In the case where the device has a specification for inputting only a patient ID as patient information, the input unit may be a numeric keypad, for example.
The UID and patient information are incidental information attached to the image data of the captured image generated by each image generation device 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image data transmitted from the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 2a via the conversion apparatus 21 and the image data transmitted from the endoscope 2b and the electrocardiogram recording apparatus 2c are all in accordance with the DICOM standard. DICOM image data. In DICOM image data, there is a case where patient information such as a patient ID for identifying a patient is attached and a case where patient information is not attached.
Further, the image data generated by the CR reading device 2d is CRRaw image data that does not conform to the DICOM standard, and this image data is transmitted to the medical image management device 3 without patient information such as a patient ID. .

  As shown in FIG. 2, the medical image management apparatus 3 is a server combined machine 3a that functions as a medical image management server including an image DB management unit 38 (see FIG. 3) that stores patient information and image data in association with each other. And reference machines 3b and 3c functioning as client terminals, which are connected to the server combined machine 3a and can refer to the image DB management unit 38 of the server combined machine 3a.

Each of the server combined machine 3a and the reference machines 3b and 3c is a computer including a control unit 31, a storage unit 32 (see FIG. 3), and the like.
In the present embodiment, in a facility to which the small-scale diagnosis system 1 is applied, a first examination room and a second examination room where a doctor examines a patient are provided (see FIG. 9), and the server combined machine 3a. The reference machine 3b, which is one of the client terminals, is installed in each examination room, and the reference machine 3c, which is another client terminal, is installed in the examination room (see FIG. 9). The installation locations of the server combined machine 3a and the reference machines 3b and 3c are not limited to those shown here.

  The reference machines 3b and 3c can share the data stored in the image DB management unit 38 in the server combined machine 3a, and newly write the image data and the patient information in association with each other in the image DB management unit 38. Or a doctor can display an image or the like for interpretation or diagnosis.

Further, the number of client terminals that can be connected to the server combined machine 3a is limited. For example, when 10 client terminals are connected to the server combined machine 3a so as to be able to transmit and receive data, there is a restriction that up to 5 client terminals can be connected to the server combined machine 3a at the same time. The number of client terminals that can be connected to the server combined machine 3a is managed by the server combined machine 3a.
The medical image management apparatus 3 may include a monitor with a higher definition than a monitor (display unit) used in a general PC (Personal Computer).

FIG. 3 is a principal block diagram showing a functional configuration of the medical image management apparatus 3 (server combined machine 3a).
As shown in FIG. 3, the medical image management apparatus 3 (server combined machine 3a) includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, an input unit 33, a display unit 34, and a communication unit 35 configured by a CPU (central processing unit) or the like. , I / F 36, image DB management unit 38, etc., and each unit is connected by a bus 40. The reference machines 3b and 3c have the same configuration as the server combined machine 3a shown in FIG. 3 except that the image DB management unit 38 is not provided.

The storage unit 32 includes a ROM (read only memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. (not shown).
The ROM includes, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a semiconductor non-volatile memory, and the like. Various programs are stored in the ROM, and image data of the captured image is adjusted to an image quality suitable for diagnosis. Image processing parameters (a look-up table defining a gradation curve used for gradation processing, frequency processing enhancement degree, etc.) and the like are stored.
The RAM forms a work area that temporarily stores various programs, input or output data, parameters, and the like that are read from the ROM and executed by the control unit 31 in various processes that are executed and controlled by the control unit 31. . In the present embodiment, the RAM temporarily stores image data, patient information, and the like received from the image generation device 2.

  The control unit 31 reads out various programs such as a system program and a processing program stored in the ROM, expands them in the RAM, and executes various processes including a connection release process described later according to the expanded programs. It is a control means of the apparatus 3.

  The input unit 33 includes a keyboard having character input keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like, and a pointing device such as a mouse, and a key pressing signal pressed by the keyboard and an operation signal by the mouse. To the control unit 31 as an input signal.

The display unit 34 functions as a display unit, and includes, for example, a monitor such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and in accordance with an instruction of a display signal input from the control unit 31. Display various screens.
A pressure sensitive (resistive film pressure type) touch panel (not shown) in which transparent electrodes are arranged in a grid is formed on the screen of the display unit 34, and the display unit 34 and the input unit 33 are configured integrally. It may be a touch screen. In this case, the touch panel is configured to detect the XY coordinates of the power point pressed with a finger, a touch pen, or the like as a voltage value, and to output the detected position signal to the control unit 31 as an operation signal.

  In the present embodiment, the display unit 34 can display a login screen 340a (see FIG. 4) and a login rejection screen 340b (see FIG. 5). The login screen 340a is provided with an ID column 51 for inputting an ID individually assigned to a user who uses the medical image management apparatus 3, and a password column 52 for inputting a password corresponding to the ID. Log in to use the medical image management apparatus 3 by inputting the ID and password in the columns and pressing the login button 54 (operating the search start button on the screen with the input unit 33 such as a mouse). can do. Specifically, the ID and password stored in the storage unit 32 in the server combined machine 3a are referred to authenticate whether the ID and password entered on the login screen 340a match. When the cancel button 53 is pressed, the login screen 340a is closed.

If the user is authenticated as a valid user, the screen changes to a login rejection screen 340b (see FIG. 5) or a patient information list screen 341 (see FIG. 6).
If a limited number of client terminals can be connected to the server combined machine 3a when attempting to log in from a certain client terminal, access to the client terminal attempting to connect to the server combined machine 3a from the login screen 340a is denied. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, a login rejection screen 340b is displayed. As shown in FIG. 5, the login refusal screen 340b has a radio button 55, and a client machine that makes a connection release request for requesting release of the connection with the server combined machine 3a can be selected.
The login rejection screen 340b is provided with a cancel button 56 and a connection release request button 57. When the cancel button 56 is pressed, the login rejection screen 340b is closed without connecting to the server combined machine 3a. When the radio button 55 is selected and the connection release request button 57 is pressed, the reference machine 3b selected by the radio button can be requested to release the connection. The unit 33 constitutes a cancellation request transmission unit.

  When it is possible to connect to the server combined machine 3a, a transition is made to the patient information list screen 341 (see FIG. 6). The patient information list screen 341 includes a search filter column 61 in which a search filter for searching patient information can be set, a patient ID column 62 for inputting a patient ID of a patient to be searched, and a patient name column for inputting a patient name. 63 is provided, and the user can search and extract desired patient information by pressing the search start button 64 after inputting arbitrary information in these fields. Further, when it is desired to perform a search by inputting more detailed conditions, a detailed search condition can be set by pressing a detailed search button 65.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, the patient information list screen 341 includes a medical date, reception time, reception number, medical fee, doctor in charge, patient ID, patient name, patient name (kanji / kana / ASCII) ), Patient information such as gender, date of birth, and age is displayed as a list. In addition, the content displayed on the patient information list screen 341 is not limited to what was illustrated here. Only a part of them may be displayed, or more items may be displayed.

When a patient is selected by selecting an arbitrary patient column from the patients displayed on the patient information list screen 341 (selecting an arbitrary patient column on the screen with the input unit 33 such as a mouse), The display screen of the display unit 34 transitions to a patient display screen 342 (see FIG. 7) corresponding to the selected patient.
As described above, in this embodiment, the patient to be examined can be selected from the patient information list screen 341 of the display unit 34.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the patient display screen 342 has a patient display field 71 for displaying the patient ID and patient name of the selected patient, and it can be visually confirmed which patient display screen 342 is currently displayed. It is like that. If the list screen button 72 is operated, the patient information list screen 341 can be returned.

The patient display screen 342 is provided with an image display field 73 for displaying an image and a thumbnail display field 74 for displaying a thumbnail of the image.
The patient display screen 342 is provided with an image data selection button 75 for selecting image data for the patient. By selecting desired image data with the image data selection button 75, the image can be displayed in the image display column 73 and the thumbnail display column 74. The image data selection button 75 can be switched by the display classification switching button 76 according to the classification according to the date or the type of the image generation apparatus (modality) 2.

  In addition, the patient display screen 342 is provided with an examination hold button 77 for inputting that the examination of the patient image is to be suspended, and an examination end button 78 for inputting the end of the examination.

The patient display screen 342 is provided with an image capture button 81 for capturing image data from an external device. The image capture button 81 includes an image capture button 81a for capturing image data from various image generation devices 2 connected to the network 5, and an image capture button 81b for capturing image data from various devices such as a digital camera. .
In the present embodiment, the image capture button 81a is the type of the image generation device 2 connected to the network 5 (ultrasound diagnosis device (US) 2a, endoscope (ES) 2b, electrocardiogram recording device (ECG) 2c, Corresponding to the CR reader 2d), four types of "CR", "US", "ES", and "ECG" are arranged on the patient display screen 342.
In addition, when other image generation apparatuses 2 are connected to the network 5, an image capture button 81 corresponding to the image generation apparatus 2 is provided.

The image capture button 81 is used to specify (specify) a patient associated with the image data generated by the image generation device 2. When one of the image capture buttons 81 is pressed (operated) on the patient display screen 342, the patient to be associated when the image data is captured is designated (specified) as the patient displayed on the patient display screen 342. ) When the patient is designated, the image data transmitted from the image generation device 2 to the medical image management device 3 is associated with the patient information of the designated patient. The image data associated with the patient information of the patient is stored in the confirmed image area 38a of the image DB management unit 38. An image based on the image data is displayed in the image display field 73 of the patient display screen 342 of the patient, and a thumbnail image of the image is displayed in the thumbnail display field 74 (see FIG. 8).
When the patient is not designated, the patient information is not associated with the image data transmitted from the image generation device 2 to the medical image management device 3, and the image data is stored in the undetermined image area 38b of the image DB management unit 38. Remembered.
Thus, in the present embodiment, the patient associated with the image data can be designated by pressing the image capture button 81 on the patient display screen 342 of the display unit 34.

  In addition, the patient display screen 342 is provided with an image output button 82 for outputting the captured image by printing, mail transmission, and the like, a display switching button 83 for switching the display of the image display column layout, and the like. .

The communication unit 35 functions as a connection unit, is configured by a network interface or the like, and transmits / receives data to / from external devices such as various image generation apparatuses 2 connected to the network 5 via a switching hub.
In the present embodiment, the communication unit 35 can acquire from the reception device 4 a patient information list created (updated) by the reception device 4 described later.

  The I / F 36 is used when there are a plurality of medical image management apparatuses 3 (for example, when there is one server combined machine 3a and two reference machines 3b and 3c as shown in FIG. 2). This is an interface that connects the image management apparatuses 3 and controls transmission / reception of data between the medical image management apparatuses 3.

The image DB management unit (Data Base) 38 is configured by an HDD or the like, and is a storage unit that stores image data of a captured image in association with patient information.
As shown in FIG. 4, the image DB management unit 38 does not associate the confirmed image region 38 a that stores the image data of the confirmed image associated with the patient information of the patient with the patient information of the patient. And an undetermined image area 38b for storing image data of the undetermined image.

  The reception device 4 is a computer device that is installed at a reception (not shown) and performs reception registration, accounting calculation, insurance score calculation, and the like of a patient who has visited the hospital, and includes a storage unit including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a keyboard, An input unit configured with a mouse or the like, a display unit configured with a CRT, an LCD, or the like, a communication unit (not shown) that controls communication with each device connected to the network 5, and the like are configured. Yes. When receiving a reception input screen is instructed from the input unit, the reception device 4 displays a reception input screen (not shown) on the display unit by software processing in cooperation with the CPU and a program stored in the storage unit. When reception information (reception number + patient name) is input by the input unit via the reception input screen, a patient information list of the received patient is created (updated), stored in the storage unit, and appropriately transmitted by the communication unit. It transmits to the medical image management apparatus 3.

  Next, the flow of diagnosis for one patient in a small-scale facility to which the small-scale diagnosis system 1 is applied will be described.

  When the patient comes to the hospital, a reception number tag is given to the patient at the reception, and various types of patient information constituting the patient information list such as the patient reception number and the patient name received by the operation of the input unit in the reception device 4 Is input (acceptance input). In the reception device 4, when a patient reception number, patient information, and the like are input, a list of patient information (patient information list) is generated (updated) and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM. The patient information list is generated, for example, when the first patient of the day is received and inputted, stored in a predetermined area of the RAM, and updated to a new patient information list every time the next patient is received and inputted.

  When a patient to whom a reception number is assigned moves to an examination room (for example, the first examination room), an inquiry is performed by a doctor, and imaging and examination to be performed are determined.

When it is determined that the affected area needs to be imaged by the interview, the imaging operator who performs imaging such as a radiographer or nurse takes an image generation apparatus 2 (ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 2a, The patient is taken in front of the endoscope 2b, the electrocardiogram recording device 2c, or the CR reading device 2d), and the patient's diagnosis target region is imaged and the image data of the captured image is generated. For example, when the image generation device 2 is the CR reading device 2d, the radiation imaging device 22 performs imaging, the CR cassette imaged in the radiation imaging device 22 is set in the CR reading device 2d, and the radiation image recorded in the CR cassette is recorded. Read. When the image generation apparatus 2 performs shooting and generation of image data in accordance with the operation of the camera operator, the above-described UID is assigned to the generated image data. Further, in the case of an apparatus conforming to the DICOM standard such as the endoscope 2b, when patient information is input, UID and patient information are added to the generated image data.
The image data generated by each image generation device 2 is transmitted to the medical image management device 3 together with accompanying information such as UID and patient information.

When the image data is transmitted from the image generation device 2 to the medical image management device 3, the control unit 31 of the medical image management device 3 associates the image data with the patient information of the patient stored in the storage unit 32. In the present embodiment, the medical image management apparatus 3 displays a captured image based on the image data on the patient display screen 342 (FIG. 8) of the patient by associating the image data with any patient, It becomes a state where diagnosis and the like can be performed.
When the image data is associated with the patient and the image data can be displayed on the patient display screen 342, the doctor displays the captured image received from the image generation device 2 on the display unit of the medical image management device 3. 34 is displayed and referred to for interpretation and patient examination.

Here, the connection release processing in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. The control unit 31 of the client machine functions as a connection release unit and a connection recovery unit by the connection release process, and the communication unit 35 functions as a recovery instruction transmission unit. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, when the reference machine 3b is connected to the server combined machine 3a, it is released in response to a connection release request from the reference machine 3c. Will be described as an example.
If another client terminal has already been connected to the server combined machine 3a and the number of servers that can be connected to the server combined machine 3a is limited, the client terminal to be connected (the reference apparatus 3c in this embodiment) As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 31 displays on the login rejection screen 340b which client terminal is connected to the server combined machine 3a and makes a connection release request (in this embodiment, the client terminal). The reference machine 3b) is selected (step s101). Next, a connection release request is transmitted to the client terminal (reference device 3b in the present embodiment) connected to the server combined machine 3a via the communication unit 35 (step S102).

  When the reference device 3b receives the connection release request (step S103), the control unit 31 of the reference device 3b releases the connection of the patient in response to the connection release request (step S104), and transmits the connection release request. Information indicating the original client terminal (reference machine 3c in the present embodiment) is displayed on the display unit 34 (step S105).

As illustrated in FIG. 11, when the control unit 31 of the reference machine 3b releases the connection with the server combined machine 3a, the control unit 31 transmits to the reference machine 3c that the connection is released (step S106). When receiving a notification that the connection has been released from the reference device 3b (step S107), the control unit 31 of the client terminal (the reference device 3c in the present embodiment) that has transmitted the connection release request establishes a connection with the server combined device 3a. This is performed (step S108). Then, it is determined whether or not the connection between the server combined machine 3a and the reference machine 3c has been released (step S109). When the connection between the server combined machine 3a and the reference machine 3c is released (step S109: YES), the control unit 31 of the reference machine 3c sends the client terminal (reference machine 3b) to which the connection release request is transmitted. In response to this, a connection recovery instruction for instructing to recover the connection state with the server combined machine 3a is transmitted via the communication unit 35 (step S110).
When the connection recovery instruction is received (step S111), the control unit 31 of the reference device 3b recovers the connection state with the server combined device 3a before the connection is released (step S112).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a connection release request for releasing the connection with the server combined machine 3a is transmitted from the client terminal to another client terminal, and the connection with the server combined machine 3a is released. Therefore, when it is forgotten to release the connection with the server combined machine 3a at another client terminal, the connection is released so that another client terminal can make a connection. Can improve medical efficiency.

  Further, when the connection with the server combined machine 3a is released, the display unit 34 is displayed to indicate which client terminal is the connection release request. It is possible to know the client terminal, and if there is any inconvenience, it is possible to take appropriate measures such as making an inquiry to the user operating the client terminal.

  In addition, once the connection with the server combined machine 3a is released, the original connection state can be recovered again, so that the user of the client terminal on the connection release side can make a connection release request. It is possible to save the trouble of reconnecting to the server combined machine 3a after the connection at the client terminal on the transmission side is completed. As a result, the user's request to immediately connect to the server combined machine 3a and the user's request to continue the connection to the server combined machine 3a are harmonized, and the connection to the server combined machine 3a is performed. It can be performed more efficiently.

  In the present embodiment, when the reference machine 3b is connected to the server combined machine 3a, the reference machine 3c transmits a connection release request for requesting a connection release to establish a connection in the reference machine 3b. Although the case of releasing is described as an example, the same applies to the case of requesting the release of the connection from another client terminal.

In the present embodiment, once the connection with the server combined machine 3a at a certain client terminal (reference machine 3b) is once released, the connection of the client terminal (reference machine 3c) that has issued the connection release request is completed. The connection state of the reference machine 3b is returned to the original state, but it is not an essential configuration to restore the connection state.
For example, when the reference machine 3b that has released the connection with the server combined machine 3a in accordance with the connection release request from the reference machine 3c transmits the designation release to the reference machine 3c, it is not necessary to recover the connection state. When the transmission is made, the original connection state in the reference machine 3b is not restored, and when the connection with the server combined machine 3a in the reference machine 3c is completed, The connection with the server combined machine 3a may be released.
When the connection at the client terminal (reference device 3c) that has issued the connection release request is completed, a message to that effect is transmitted from the reference device 3c to the client terminal (reference device 3b) that is the connection release request transmission destination. You may do it. In this case, the control unit 31 of the reference machine 3b determines whether or not it is necessary to restore the original connection state in the own machine, and only when it is determined that it is necessary to restore the original connection state. You may make it recover.

Further, in this embodiment, when the connection with the server combined machine 3a is released, the display unit 34 displays which client terminal is the connection release request. The content displayed on the unit 34 is not limited to this.
For example, from the side that sends the connection release request, information such as the number and contents of the image data scheduled to be displayed on its own machine, the scheduled time required, etc. is sent together with the connection release request, and when the connection is released, These pieces of information may also be displayed on the display unit 34.

In the present embodiment, the medical image management apparatus 3 has a configuration in which two reference machines 3b and 3c are connected to one server combined machine 3a. However, the medical image management apparatus 3 The configuration is not limited to this. For example, 10 client terminals may be connected to the server combined machine 3a, and the number of client terminals that can be simultaneously connected to the server combined machine 3a may be limited to five.
Further, the arrangement of the server combined machine 3a and the reference machines 3b and 3c is not limited to that shown in FIG. 9, and for example, one of the reference machines 3b and 3c may be installed at the reception. . In this case, the reference machines 3b and 3c may also serve as the receiving device 4. Further, one medical image management apparatus 3 may be installed corresponding to each image generation apparatus 2.

  Moreover, you may provide the priority for connecting with the server combined machine 3a to each client apparatus. For example, it is conceivable that a high priority is given to client terminals arranged in an examination room that is frequently used, and a low priority is given to client terminals arranged in an examination room that is not normally used. When a connection release request is received from a client terminal with a priority lower than the priority of the own device, the connection release request may be rejected.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the medical image management apparatus 3 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in the connection release process, and therefore, the points different from the first embodiment will be described below.

In the present embodiment, the medical image management apparatus 3 includes a server combined machine 3a and a client terminal connected thereto, as in the first embodiment.
In the present embodiment, the control unit 31 functions as an operation status determination unit that determines its own operation status when a connection release request is transmitted from another client terminal. The connection is released according to. Specifically, when a connection release request is transmitted, the control unit 31 determines whether the device itself has not been operated for a certain period of time. The designation of the patient is canceled in response to the cancellation request. If the operation is performed within a certain time, a message indicating that the connection cannot be released is transmitted to the client terminal that has transmitted the connection release request.
When receiving a message indicating that the connection cannot be canceled, the control unit 31 causes the display unit 34 to display a message screen 352 indicating that fact.

  Since other configurations are the same as those shown in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  In addition, since the flow of patient examination in the facility where the medical image management apparatus 3 is installed and the patient information association process are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

Next, the connection release processing in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when the reference machine 3b is connected to the server combined machine 3a, it is released in response to a connection release request from the reference machine 3c. A case will be described as an example.
If another client terminal has already been connected to the server combined machine 3a and the number of servers that can be connected to the server combined machine 3a is limited, the client terminal to be connected (the reference apparatus 3c in this embodiment) As shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 31 displays on the login refusal screen 340b which client terminal is connected to the server combined machine 3a and makes a connection release request (in this embodiment, the client terminal). The reference machine 3b) is selected (step s121). The control unit 31 of the reference device 3c transmits a connection release request via the communication unit 35 to the client terminal (reference device 3b in the present embodiment) that designates the patient (step S122).

  When the reference machine 3b receives the connection release request (step S123), the control unit 31 of the reference machine 3b determines whether the own machine has not been operated for a certain period of time (step S124). If no operation has been performed for a certain period of time (step S124: YES), the connection is released in response to the connection release request (step S125), and the client terminal that is the transmission source of the connection release request (this implementation) In the embodiment, information indicating the reference machine 3c) is displayed on the display unit 34 (step S126). When the connection with the server combined machine 3a is released in the reference machine 3c, the subsequent processing is the same as that described in the first embodiment. The description is omitted.

On the other hand, when the operation of the own device is performed within a certain time (step S124: NO), the control unit 31 of the reference device 3b sends the client terminal (in this embodiment, the connection release request). A message indicating that the connection cannot be canceled is transmitted to the server combined machine 3c) (step S127).
When a message indicating that the connection cannot be canceled is received from the reference device 3b (step S128), the control unit 31 of the client terminal (the reference device 3c in the present embodiment) that transmitted the connection cancellation request displays a message screen indicating that fact. 352 is displayed on the display unit 34 (step S129).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when there is a connection release request from another client terminal (in this embodiment, the reference device 3c), the connection with the server combined device 3a is maintained for a long time. The connection with the server combined machine 3a is released according to the operating status of the own machine (in this embodiment, the reference machine 3b). For this reason, the user of the client terminal (reference device 3b) connected to the server combined machine 3a forgot to release the connection even though the medical treatment performed by the connection to the server combined machine 3a was completed. In such a case, the connection can be canceled to enable connection by another client terminal (reference device 3c).

In the present embodiment, whether or not the operation of the own device has not been performed for a certain period of time is determined as the operation status to be determined when the control unit 31 determines whether to release the connection with the server combined machine 3a. However, the operating state determined by the control unit 31 is not limited to this.
For example, if the number of image data to be acquired from the server combined machine 3a at the time of medical care is determined in advance, it is determined whether or not the acquisition of the image data for the number of images has been completed. If so, the connection may be released.

  In addition, it is the same as that of 1st Embodiment that this invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the medical image management apparatus 3 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment and the second embodiment only in the connection release process, and therefore differs from the first embodiment and the second embodiment in the following. The point will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the medical image management apparatus 3 includes a server combined machine 3a and a client terminal connected thereto, as in the first and second embodiments.

In this embodiment, when a connection release request is transmitted from another client terminal, the control unit 31 causes the display unit 34 to display a message screen 351 indicating that the connection release request has been received, and the user releases the connection. Whether to answer or not.
For example, when the reference machine 3b is connected to the server combined machine 3a, a message screen 351 as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed.

The message screen 351 is provided with a YES button 91 and a NO button 92 for inputting whether or not connection can be released. When either button is pressed (when the button on the screen is operated with the input unit 33 such as a mouse). ), A signal corresponding to each button is output to the control unit 31.
Thus, in the present embodiment, whether or not to release the connection can be input by pressing the YES button 91 or the NO button 92 on the message screen 351 of the display unit 34, and the message screen 351. The input unit 33 constitutes availability input means.

  Then, the control unit 31 of the client terminal on the side that has received the connection release request determines whether or not to release the connection in response to an answer indicating which of the YES button 91 or the NO button 92 is pressed on the message screen 351. It comes to judge.

If it is determined that the connection is not released, the control unit 31 transmits a message indicating that the connection cannot be released to the client terminal that has transmitted the availability inquiry.
When a message indicating that the connection cannot be canceled is received from another client terminal, the control unit 31 of the receiving client terminal displays the message on the display unit 34 as shown in FIG. 14, for example. ing.

  Since other configurations are the same as those shown in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  Further, the flow of patient examination in the facility where the medical image management apparatus 1 is installed and the patient information associating process are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the connection release processing in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, when the reference machine 3b is connected to the server combined machine 3a, the server combined machine 3a issues a connection release request. The case where it cancels according to it is demonstrated as an example.

If another client terminal has already been connected to the server combined machine 3a and the number of servers that can be connected to the server combined machine 3a is limited, the client terminal to be connected (the reference apparatus 3c in this embodiment) As shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 31 displays on the login rejection screen 340b which client terminal is connected to the server combined machine 3a and makes a connection release request (in this embodiment, the client terminal). The reference machine 3b) is selected (step s131).
The control unit 31 of the reference machine 3c transmits a connection release request via the communication unit 35 to the client terminal (the reference machine 3b in the present embodiment) that is connected to the server combined machine 3a (step S3). S132).

  When the reference machine 3b receives the connection release request (step S133), the control unit 31 of the reference machine 3b causes the display unit 34 to display a message screen 351 indicating that the patient connection release request has been received (step S134). . Then, the control unit 31 determines whether or not there is an input by the user via the message screen 351 (step S135). When there is no input by the user (step S135: NO), the control unit 31 further determines whether or not the own device has not been operated for a certain period of time (step S136). If no operation has been performed for a certain period of time (step S136: YES), the connection is released according to the connection release request (step S137), and the client terminal that is the transmission source of the connection release request (this implementation) In the embodiment, information indicating the reference machine 3c) is displayed on the display unit 34 (step S138). When the connection with the server combined machine 3a is released in the reference machine 3b, the subsequent processing is the same as that described in the first embodiment. The description is omitted.

  On the other hand, when there is an input by the user via the message screen 351 (step S135: YES), or when there is no input from the message screen 351, some operation is performed on the own device within a certain time (step S136). : NO), the control unit 31 of the reference machine 3b further determines whether or not the YES button 91 has been pressed via the message screen 351 (step S139). When the YES button 91 is pressed (step S139: YES), the connection is released (step S137), and information indicating the client terminal (the reference device 3c in the present embodiment) that is the transmission source of the connection release request is displayed. It is displayed on the display unit 34 (step S138).

When the YES button 91 is pressed (step S139: NO), the control unit 31 of the reference device 3b is connected to the client terminal (reference device 3c in the present embodiment) that is the transmission source of the connection release request. A message indicating that cancellation cannot be performed is transmitted (step S140).
When the message indicating that the connection cannot be canceled is received from the reference device 3c (step S141), the control unit 31 of the client terminal (the reference device 3c in the present embodiment) that has transmitted the connection cancellation request displays the message to the effect of the display unit 34. (Step S142).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a connection release request is transmitted from another client terminal, only when the OK button 91 is pressed on the message screen 351 displayed on the display unit 34, the server combined machine Since the connection with the server 3a is disconnected, it takes a long time to connect to the server 3a, or when the image data is acquired in a series of series. When it is not desired to release the connection, the connection release request can be rejected, and a response according to the circumstances can be performed.

In this embodiment, when a connection release request is transmitted from another client terminal, the message screen 351 is displayed on the display unit 34, but the availability input means for inputting the availability of connection release is illustrated here. It is not limited to what you did.
For example, the designation release request from the client terminal is transmitted to the mobile terminal of the user of the client terminal that is connected to the server combined machine 3a, and the permission of the connection release is input from the mobile terminal or the like. Good. In this case, an input unit such as a mobile terminal functions as availability input means.

  The message screen 351 displayed on the display unit 34 is not limited to the example illustrated here. For example, the number and contents of image data to be acquired scheduled at the client terminal that is the transmission source of the connection release request, and the required requirements. You may display according to time etc., or you may display that the original connection state is recovered after acquisition of image data.

  Other than that, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the medical image management apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in the connection release processing, and therefore, the points that are different from the first embodiment will be described below.

In the present embodiment, the medical image management apparatus includes a server combined machine 3a and a reference machine 3b connected thereto, as in the first embodiment.
In the present embodiment, the control unit 31 of the server combined machine 3a functions as a connection release means and a connection recovery means for releasing the connection of the client terminal connected to itself when a connection release request is transmitted from the client terminal. This is different from the first embodiment.

  Since other configurations are the same as those shown in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  Further, since the flow of patient examination in the facility where the medical image management apparatus is installed is the same as that in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

Here, the connection release processing in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, when the reference machine 3b is connected to the server combined machine 3a, it is released in response to a connection release request from the reference machine 3c. Will be described as an example.
If another client terminal has already been connected to the server combined machine 3a and cannot be connected to the server combined machine 3a by itself, the client terminal to be connected (in this embodiment, for reference) As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 31 of the machine 3c) displays which client terminal is connected to the server combined machine 3a on the login refusal screen 340b, and selects the client terminal that makes a connection release request. Select (step s201). Next, a connection release request is transmitted to the server combined machine 3a via the communication unit 35 (step S202).

  When the server combined machine 3a receives the connection release request (step S203), the control unit 31 of the server combined machine 3a communicates with the client terminal specified in the connection release request (the reference apparatus 3b in the present embodiment). The connection is released (step S204), and information indicating the client terminal (reference device 3c in this embodiment) that is the transmission source of the connection release request is displayed on the display unit 34 (step S205).

As shown in FIG. 18, when the control unit 31 of the server combined machine 3a releases the connection with the reference machine 3b, the control unit 31 transmits information indicating that the connection is released to other client terminals (step S206). Upon receipt of the connection cancellation request from the server combined machine 3a (step S207), the control unit 31 of the client terminal (the reference apparatus 3c in this embodiment) that has transmitted the connection release request establishes the connection with the server combined machine 3a. This is performed (step S208). Then, it is determined whether the connection release with the server combined machine 3a has been input to the control unit 31 (step S209). When the connection release is input (step S209: YES), the control unit 31 of the reference device 3c communicates with the server combined device 3a via the communication unit 35 to the server combined device 3a that is the transmission destination of the connection release request. A connection recovery instruction for instructing to recover the connection state is transmitted (step S210).
When the connection recovery instruction is received (step S211), the control unit 31 of the server combined machine 3a recovers the connection state with the reference machine 3b before the connection is released (step S212).

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the client terminal transmits a connection release request for releasing the connection with the server combined machine 3a to the server combined machine 3a, and the client terminal is controlled by the server combined machine 3a. The connection with the server 3a is forgotten to be released at another client terminal, so that the connection is released and another client terminal connects. In addition to improving the medical efficiency, the server combined machine 3a can prioritize the client terminals and reject the disconnection from the lower-priority client terminals. .

  In addition, it is the same as that of 1st Embodiment that this invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the medical image management apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the fifth embodiment is different from the fourth embodiment only in the connection release processing, and therefore, the points that are different from the fourth embodiment will be described below.

In the present embodiment, the medical image management apparatus includes a server combined machine 3a and a reference machine 3b connected thereto, as in the fourth embodiment.
In the present embodiment, the control unit 31 of the server combined machine 3a functions as an operation status determination unit that determines the operation status of the client terminal connected to itself when a connection release request is transmitted from the client terminal. The control unit 31 releases the connection according to the determination result of the operation status. Specifically, when a connection release request is transmitted, the control unit 31 determines whether the client terminal connected to the own device has not been operated for a certain period of time, and has been operated for a certain period of time. If not, the client terminal is disconnected in response to the connection cancellation request. When there is no client terminal that has not been operated within a certain time, a message indicating that the connection cannot be canceled is transmitted to the client terminal that has transmitted the connection cancellation request.
When a message indicating that the connection cannot be canceled is received, the control unit 31 of the client terminal displays a message screen 351 indicating that on the display unit 34.

  Since other configurations are the same as those shown in the fourth embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  Further, since the flow of patient examination in the facility where the medical image management apparatus is installed is the same as that in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

Next, the connection release processing in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, as in the fourth embodiment, when the reference machine 3b is connected to the server combined machine 3a, it is released in response to a connection release request from the reference machine 3c. A case will be described as an example.
As shown in FIG. 19, the control unit 31 of the reference machine 3c displays which client terminal is connected to the server combined machine 3a on the login rejection screen 340b, and inputs from the login rejection screen 340b. Thus, the client terminal (reference machine 3b in the present embodiment) is selected (step S221). The control unit 31 of the reference device 3c transmits a connection release request to the server combined device 3a via the communication unit 35 (step S222).

  When the server combined machine 3a receives the connection release request (step S223), the control unit 31 of the server combined machine 3a has nothing for a certain period of time for the client terminal (reference machine 3b in the present embodiment) selected in step S221. It is determined whether it is not operated (step S224). If no operation is performed for a certain period of time (step S224: YES), the client terminal (reference device 3b in this embodiment) is disconnected in response to the connection cancellation request (step S225). Information indicating the client terminal (the reference machine 3c in this embodiment) that is the transmission source of the connection release request is displayed on the display unit 34 (step S226). Note that, when the connection release is performed in the server combined machine 3a, the subsequent processing is the same as that described in the fourth embodiment. The description is omitted.

On the other hand, when the operation on the client terminal (the reference device 3b in the present embodiment) is performed within a certain time (step S224: NO), the control unit 31 of the server combined device 3c makes a connection release request. A message indicating that the connection cannot be released is transmitted to the client terminal of the transmission source (reference device 3c in the present embodiment) (step S227).
When a message indicating that the connection cannot be released is received from the server combined machine 3c (step S228), the control unit 31 of the client terminal (the reference machine 3c in the present embodiment) that has transmitted the connection release request displays a message screen indicating that fact. 351 is displayed on the display unit 34 (step S229).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when there is a connection release request from another client terminal (in this embodiment, the reference device 3c), the connection with the server combined device 3a is maintained for a long time. The connection at the client terminal (reference device 3b) is released according to the operating status of the client terminal (in this embodiment, the reference device 3b). For this reason, the user of the medical image management apparatus (reference device 3b) is connected at the client terminal connected to the server combined machine 3a even though the medical treatment performed by the connection to the server combined machine 3a is completed. If the user forgets to cancel the connection, the connection can be canceled and the patient can be specified by another client terminal (reference machine 3c).

  Also, in the present embodiment, unlike the second embodiment, since the operating status of the client terminal is determined on the server combined machine 3a side, the server combined machine 3a is not connected to the client terminal that does not want to be disconnected. By setting on the side, it can be set so that the connection is not released according to the operating status. For this reason, it becomes possible to perform setting according to the situation, such as a clinic that takes a long time for the examination. Further, when another client terminal specified in the connection release request from the client terminal is operating, it is also possible to search for another inactive client terminal and cancel the connection with the client terminal.

  In addition, it is the same as that of 4th Embodiment that this invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Next, a sixth embodiment of the medical image management apparatus 3 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the sixth embodiment is different from the fourth embodiment and the fifth embodiment only in the connection release processing. Therefore, in the following, the sixth embodiment is particularly different from the fourth embodiment and the fifth embodiment. The point will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the medical image management apparatus 3 includes a server combined machine 3a and a reference machine 3b connected thereto, as in the fourth and fifth embodiments.

In this embodiment, when a connection release request is transmitted from another client terminal, the control unit 31 causes the display unit 34 to display a message screen 351 indicating that the connection release request has been received, and the user releases the connection. Whether to answer or not.
For example, when the client terminal is connected to the server combined machine 3a, a message screen 351 as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed.

  This embodiment is different from the third embodiment in that the availability input means is configured by the message screen 351 displayed on the server combined machine 3a and the input unit. Since the configuration of the message screen 351 is the same as that shown in the third embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted.

  Since other configurations are the same as those shown in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  In addition, since the flow of patient examination in the facility where the medical image management apparatus 3 is installed and the patient information association process are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

Next, the connection release processing in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, as in the fourth and fifth embodiments, when a patient is designated in the reference machine 3b, the reference machine 3c releases the connection in response to a connection release request. A case will be described as an example.
As shown in FIG. 20, the control unit 31 of the reference machine 3c displays which client terminal is connected to the server combined machine 3a on the login rejection screen 340b, and inputs from the login rejection screen 340b. Thus, the client terminal (reference machine 3b in the present embodiment) is selected (step S231). The control unit 31 of the reference device 3c transmits a connection release request to the server combined device 3a via the communication unit 35 (step S232).

  When the server combination machine 3a receives the connection release request (step S233), the control unit 31 of the server combination machine 3a displays a message screen 351 indicating that the patient connection release request has been received on the display unit 34 (step S234). . Then, the control unit 31 determines whether or not there is an input by the user via the message screen 351 (step S235). When there is no input by the user (step S235: NO), the control unit 31 further determines whether any client terminal connected to the own device has not been operated for a certain period of time (step S236). If no operation is performed for a certain period of time (step S236: YES), the connection is released in response to the connection release request (step S237), and the client terminal that is the transmission source of the connection release request (this implementation) In the embodiment, information indicating the reference machine 3c) is displayed on the display unit 34 (step S237). Note that, when the connection release is performed in the server combined machine 3a, the subsequent processing is the same as that described in the fourth embodiment. The description is omitted.

  On the other hand, when there is an input by the user via the message screen 351 (step S235: YES), or there is no input from the message screen 351, some operation is performed on the client terminal connected to the own device within a certain time. If it is determined (step S236: NO), the control unit 31 of the server combined machine 3a further determines whether the YES button 91 has been pressed via the message screen 351 (step S239). When the YES button 91 is pressed (step S239: YES), the connection is released (step S237), and information indicating the client terminal (the reference device 3c in this embodiment) that is the transmission source of the connection release request is displayed. It is displayed on the display unit 34 (step S238).

When the YES button 91 is pressed (step S239: NO), the control unit 31 of the server combined machine 3a connects to the client terminal (the reference machine 3c in the present embodiment) that is the transmission source of the connection release request. A message indicating that cancellation cannot be performed is transmitted (step S240).
When the message indicating that the connection cannot be released is received from the server combined machine 3a (step S241), the control unit 31 of the client terminal (the reference machine 3c in the present embodiment) that has transmitted the connection release request displays the message to the effect of the display 34. (Step S242).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, unlike the third embodiment, when a connection release request is transmitted from another client terminal, the message screen displayed on the display unit 34 of the server combined machine 3a. Since the connection with the server combined machine 3a is released only when the YES button 91 is pressed in 351, it takes a long time for the medical treatment to be performed by connecting the server combined machine 3a, or image data in a series of series. If it is not necessary to cancel the connection with the server combined machine 3a during the acquisition, etc., the system administrator who operates the server combined machine 3a determines whether or not a connection release request can be made at once. And can respond according to the circumstances.

  Other than that, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

  It should be noted that Japanese Patent Application No. 1993 filed on Feb. 28, 2008 including the specification, claims, drawings and abstract. The entire disclosure of 2008-050325 is incorporated in its entirety into this application.

  In the medical field, there is a possibility that it can be used as support for operations when acquiring medical images from a server.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Small-scale diagnostic system 2 Image generation apparatus 2a Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 2b Endoscope 2c Electrocardiogram recording apparatus 2d CR reader 3 Medical image management apparatus 4 Reception apparatus 5 Network 21 Conversion apparatus 22 Radiography apparatus 31 Control part 32 Storage part 33 Input unit 34 Display unit 340a Login screen 340b Login rejection screen 341 Patient information list screen 342 Patient display screen 35 Communication unit 36 I / F
38 Image DB management unit 38a Determined image area 38b Undefined image area 40 Bus

Claims (10)

A medical image management system comprising: a medical image management server; and a plurality of client terminals connected to the medical image management server so that data can be transmitted and received,
The client terminal is
Connection means for connecting to the medical image management server;
A release request transmitting means for transmitting a connection release request for releasing the connection with the medical image management server made by a connection means in another client terminal;
A connection release means for releasing connection with the medical image management server made by the connection means when the connection release request is transmitted from the release request transmission means of the other client terminal;
A medical image management system comprising: The client terminal includes an operation status determination unit that determines an operation status of the client terminal when the connection release request is transmitted from the release request transmission unit of another client terminal,
The medical image management system according to claim 1, wherein the connection release unit performs connection release according to a determination result by the operation status determination unit. The client terminal comprises availability input means for inputting the availability of connection release when the connection release request is transmitted from the release request transmission means of another client terminal,
The medical image management system according to claim 1, wherein the connection release unit performs connection release according to an input result of the availability input unit.   The client terminal includes a display unit that displays a connection cancellation request from which of the client terminals when the connection cancellation is performed in response to the connection cancellation request. The medical image management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The client terminal is a recovery instruction transmitting means for transmitting a connection recovery instruction for recovering the original connection again after the connection cancellation is performed in the other client terminal that is the transmission destination of the connection cancellation request;
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising connection recovery means for recovering the original connection state when the recovery instruction is transmitted from the recovery instruction transmission means of the other client terminal. The medical image management system according to any one of the above. A medical image management system comprising: a medical image management server; and a plurality of client terminals connected to the medical image management server so that data can be transmitted and received,
The client terminal is
Connection means for connecting to the medical image management server;
A release request transmitting means for transmitting a connection release request for releasing the connection with the medical image management server made by a connection means in another client terminal;
With
The medical image management server includes:
A medical image management system comprising connection release means for releasing connection with the client terminal when the connection release request is transmitted from the release request transmission means of the client terminal. The medical image management server includes an operation state determination unit that determines an operation state of a client terminal connected to the medical image management server when the connection release request is transmitted from the release request transmission unit,
The medical image management system according to claim 6, wherein the connection release unit performs connection release according to a determination result by the operation state determination unit. The medical image management server includes availability input means for inputting availability of connection release when the connection release request is transmitted from the release request transmission means,
The medical image management system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the connection release unit performs connection release according to an input result of the availability input unit.   The medical image management server includes display means for displaying, when a connection release is performed in response to the connection release request, from which client terminal the connection release is caused by the connection release request. The medical image management system according to claim 6, wherein the medical image management system is a medical image management system.   The medical image management server includes connection recovery means for recovering the original connection state after the connection is released at the client terminal that is the transmission destination of the connection release request. The medical image management system according to any one of claims 6 to 9.

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