TWI813684B - Image management system and computer program product - Google Patents

Abstract

The image management system of the present invention includes: one or a plurality of image information providing terminals, one or a plurality of browsing terminals, and an image management server connected to the image information providing terminal and the browsing terminal via a network. device composition. The image management server includes: a record storage unit that receives and stores internal image data and image quality information data sent from the data transmission unit of each image information providing terminal as one record; and a selection condition reception unit that receives Selection condition data described below is transmitted from each browsing terminal; a record extraction unit extracts a record containing image quality information data that matches the selection condition data from a plurality of records stored in the record storage unit; and record transmission A unit that sends the records extracted by the record extraction unit, that is, the extraction records, to the browsing terminal. According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain information for generating high-quality internal images using appropriate conditions according to the type of the object or the state of the image generating device. Furthermore, the image quality of the internal image represented by the internal image data generated by the image generating device can be judged.

Description

Image management systems and computer program products

The present invention relates to a system for managing internal image data of an object by using an X-ray fluoroscopy device, a CT (Computed Tomography) scanning device, or a PET (Positron Emission) device. Photographic devices such as tomography (positron radiography) devices are obtained by photographing objects.

Previously, in the medical field, various imaging devices (hereinafter also referred to as "medical imaging devices") such as X-ray fluoroscopy devices, CT scanning devices, PET devices, and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) devices were used to obtain The presence or absence of the disease is diagnosed based on the location, shape, size, etc. of the lesions reflected in the images of the subject's body. For example, in a CT scanning device, a subject is placed between an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector arranged in opposite directions, and the X-ray generator and X-ray detector are rotated with the subject as the center. The subject is irradiated with X-rays, and the intensity of the X-rays transmitted through the subject's body is detected. The transmittance of X-rays varies depending on the organ. Therefore, based on the intensity of the X-rays passing through the body of the subject, the X-ray transmission surface, that is, the image of the slice plane made by circumferentially cutting the human body (in vivo image) can be obtained. ).

The greater the intensity of the X-rays irradiated to the subject, the clearer the internal images obtained by the CT scanning device. However, from the perspective of safety, it is usually necessary to obtain images of image quality that can diagnose diseases. It is a sufficient way to set the intensity of X-rays irradiated to the subject. In order to generate X-rays of required intensity, parameters such as the value of the power supplied to the X-ray generator or the size of the aperture must be appropriately set.

Patent Document 1 discloses a management system that is provided with storage means that combines image data of a subject's internal body captured by a medical imaging device such as a CT scan device, and the imaging conditions (X-ray generator and X-ray The settings of the parameters of the radiation detector, etc.) and the data of the X-ray dose during photography are stored together. You can use the website or external terminal to browse the images stored in the storage means, as well as the photography conditions and photography times corresponding to the images. X-ray dose data. In the management system of Patent Document 1, the highest quality image data obtained by a photographic device or image data obtained by photographing a photographic model is stored in advance together with data on photographic conditions and X-ray amounts. In the storage method, it can be used to make a relative evaluation of the image quality of a photographic image of a certain object, or become a reference for setting parameters when using a certain photographic device to photograph the object. [Prior art documents] [Patent Document]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-140255

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

The quality of internal images obtained using a CT scanning device depends on the intensity of the X-rays (X-ray dose) irradiated to the subject and the sensitivity of the X-ray detector. Therefore, X-rays are necessary to obtain images of predetermined quality. The intensity of the rays varies depending on the subject's weight or height, BMI (Body Mass Index), body fat percentage and other physical characteristics. Furthermore, even if the parameter settings of the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector are the same, there is a possibility that the X-rays generated by the X-ray generator will deteriorate as the components of the X-ray generator or X-ray detector deteriorate over time The intensity or the detection quantity (sensitivity) of the X-ray detector changes. However, the management system described in Patent Document 1 does not take into account factors such as the physical characteristics of the subject or the deterioration of components of the medical imaging device over time, making it difficult to find appropriate imaging conditions to obtain high-quality internal images. .

In addition, when imaging is performed using conditions that are not sufficient to obtain high-quality images, the following situation may arise: the lesions that should be reflected in the image cannot be confirmed, or even if they are identifiable, the size or shape may not be recognized. It is different from the original disease. However, it is difficult to determine whether the disease is reflected in a different state from its original state by merely observing the image reflecting the disease. Furthermore, if the image of the lesion is not reflected, there is no guarantee that the subject does not have the lesion. In addition, here, although the case of obtaining an internal image of the human body is taken as an example, the same problem also exists when the case of obtaining an internal image of an object other than a person for the purpose of diagnosing the internal defects or injuries of the object. .

The first problem to be solved by the present invention is to obtain information for generating high-quality internal images using appropriate conditions according to the type of the object or the state of the image generating device. Furthermore, the second problem to be solved by the present invention is to make it possible to determine the quality of the internal image represented by the internal image data generated by the image generating device. [Means to solve problems]

The present invention formed to solve the above problems is an image management system, which is composed of one or a plurality of image information providing terminals, one or a plurality of browsing terminals, and one or a plurality of the above-mentioned terminals via a network. An image information providing terminal and an image management server connected to one or more of the above browsing terminals are characterized by: Each of the above-mentioned one or more image information providing terminals has: The data acquisition unit acquires internal image data generated by an image generating device that can generate data of an internal image of an object, and image quality information data that includes information that determines the properties of the object. Data of at least one of object identification information and image quality information of the above-mentioned accuracy management information of the image generation device; and a data sending unit that sends the above-mentioned internal image data and the above-mentioned image quality information to the above-mentioned image management server; The above image management server has: The record storage unit receives and stores the above-mentioned internal image data and the above-mentioned image quality information data sent from the respective data transmission units of the above-mentioned one or plurality of image information providing terminals as one record; select the conditional reception unit , which receives the selection condition data described below transmitted from each of the above-mentioned one or plurality of browsing terminals; and the record extraction unit, which extracts the selection conditions from a plurality of records stored in the above-mentioned record storage unit. A record of image quality information data that matches the data; and a record sending unit that sends the record extracted by the record extracting unit, that is, the extracted record, to the browsing terminal; Each of the above-mentioned one or plurality of browsing terminals has: an operation unit; a selection condition setting unit that sets a condition corresponding to at least a part of the image quality information as a selection condition based on an operation of the operation unit by a user; and a selection condition data sending unit that transmits the selection condition The data is sent to the above-mentioned image management server; the display unit receives the above-mentioned extraction record sent from the above-mentioned image management server, and displays the internal image and image quality information represented by the internal image data contained in the extraction record. The image quality information represented by the data is displayed on the display screen after being associated.

The above-mentioned image management system batch manages the internal image data of a plurality of objects generated by one or a plurality of image generating devices. For example, a data processing device that processes internal image data obtained by an image generating device can also be used as an image information providing terminal. Alternatively, one external terminal may be configured to function as an image information providing terminal and a browsing terminal.

The relationship between the image information providing terminal and the image generating device is not limited to a one-to-one relationship, and one image information providing terminal may be provided for a plurality of image generating devices. Furthermore, the image information providing terminal can obtain both the internal image data and the image quality information data from the image generating device, or can acquire the internal image data from the image generating device and acquire the image quality information data from another device. Furthermore, an input unit may be provided in the image information providing terminal, and the image quality information data may be obtained based on the image quality information input by the user operating the input unit.

Typical examples of image generating devices include medical examination devices (medical devices) used for disease diagnosis or health diagnosis in medical facilities such as hospitals and clinics (such as ultrasonic bone density measuring devices and X-ray bone density measuring devices). , computerized X-ray imaging equipment, computed tomography equipment (CT), X-ray fluoroscopy equipment, mammography X-ray equipment, nuclear magnetic resonance equipment (NMR), nuclear medicine examination equipment, positron tomography equipment (PET), fluoroscopy equipment , single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), ultrasonic inspection equipment, X-ray angiography equipment, fundus imaging equipment, etc.), but in addition, it can also be used: in a non-destructive way A non-destructive inspection device (X-ray fluoroscopy device, ultrasonic flaw detection testing machine) that inspects the interior of an object for defects or damage. It analyzes the infrared rays emitted from the object to generate a representation of the interior of the object. Temperature recorders, etc., for images of heat distribution are used as image generating devices.

In the present invention, the image quality information includes at least one of: object identification information, which is information that determines the properties of the object, and accuracy management information of the image generating device. The object identification information includes information that affects the quality of the internal image, such as the object's shape or size, weight, material, color, and other properties of the object. When the target object is a human, weight, height, BMI, body fat percentage, gender, age, etc. are equivalent to the identification information of the target object.

The so-called accuracy management information of the image generation device refers to information obtained through accuracy management operations performed regularly in order to ensure the image quality of the internal image generated by the image generation device. Through precision management operations, it is possible to prevent the deterioration in image quality caused by the deterioration of the components of the image generation device over time. In medical examination equipment that generates in-vivo image data, such as CT scanning equipment, MRI, and ultrasonic diagnostic equipment, precision control prostheses (which exhibit the same effect as when medical examination equipment is used to examine the human body and are mainly composed of water) are usually used A precision management model (usually called a "water prosthesis") is used to perform precision management operations.

In the above-mentioned image management system, first, an image generating device is used to photograph an object, and after generating internal image data of the object, the image information providing terminal acquires the above-mentioned internal image data and images from the above-mentioned image generating device in the acquisition unit. Quality information data, the data sending department sends the above-mentioned internal image data and the above-mentioned image quality information data to the image management server.

In the image management server, the record storage unit receives and stores the internal image data and image quality information data sent from the data transmission units of the various image information providing terminals as one record. On the other hand, in the browsing terminal, after the user operates the operation unit to set predetermined selection conditions, the user uses the selection condition sending unit to send the data of the selection conditions to the image management server. In the image management server, after the selection condition receiving unit receives the selection condition data, the record extraction unit extracts the record (extraction record) containing the image quality information data that matches the above selection condition data from the record storage unit, and the record sending unit Sent to the above browsing terminal. After receiving the extraction record sent from the record transmission unit, the display unit of the browsing terminal associates the internal image represented by the internal image data contained in the extraction record with the image quality information represented by the image quality information data. displayed on the display screen.

In this way, in the above-mentioned image management system, the user of the browsing terminal sets appropriate selection conditions by operating the operation unit, and can include the selection conditions in the internal image data generated by various image generating devices. The internal images of the corresponding object identification information and/or precision management information are browsed in batches on the display unit to obtain information suitable for the nature of the object or the status (age of use, frequency of use) of the image generating device. Generate information for internal imaging data. In addition, when the internal image data of the object has been obtained, the quality of the image can be judged by comparing the internal image represented by the internal image data with the internal image displayed on the display screen of the browsing terminal. .

In the above configuration, preferably, the image quality information includes device identification information for identifying the type of the image generating device, and the selection condition setting unit is configured to set the device identification information as a selection condition. Furthermore, preferably, the image quality information includes parameters of the image generating device when generating the internal image data, and the selection condition setting unit is configured to set the parameters as selection conditions. According to the above structure, when the internal image data of the target object has been obtained, the type of the image generating device that generated the internal image data (device identification information) or the parameters set when generating the internal image data can be set as the selection condition . Thereby, the display screen of the display unit can display and browse the internal image generated in the same state as the internal image represented by the acquired internal image data. Here, the type of image generating device includes the manufacturer or model of the image generating device, the type or version of the software used for image generating processing in the image generating device, etc.

In addition, the data transmission unit of each of the one or plural image information providing terminals transmits the internal image data and the image quality information data together with the identification information of the object that generated the internal image data. The selection condition setting unit of the browsing terminal is configured to set the identification information as the selection condition. With this configuration, an internal image obtained about a specific object can be displayed on the display screen of the browsing terminal.

In the above configuration, preferably, each of the one or plurality of browsing terminals further includes: an image selection unit for allowing the user to select one or a plurality of internal images displayed on the display screen; and The condition setting control unit causes the selection condition setting unit to set the image quality information corresponding to the internal image as the selection condition when the internal image is selected by the image selection unit. According to the above structure, it is possible to simply extract from the internal image displayed on the display screen of the browsing terminal the conditions that are the same as the determined internal image (the nature of the object, the type of the image generating device, etc., the same or similar conditions) ) to generate internal image data.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned configuration, it is preferable that the respective data acquisition units of the one or plurality of image information providing terminals are configured to acquire the following data: a photograph of the accuracy management model generated by the image generation device. The obtained accuracy management data and the information used to determine the above-mentioned image generation device that generates the accuracy management data are the data of the device determination information, The above-mentioned data sending unit is configured to attach the above-mentioned device identification information data to the above-mentioned accuracy management data and send it to the above-mentioned image management server, and The image management server includes a data storage unit that stores the accuracy management data along with the device identification information. With the above structure, the accuracy management of a plurality of image generating devices can be performed in batches in the image management server. [Effects of the invention]

According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain information necessary for generating high-quality internal images under appropriate conditions corresponding to the properties of the object or the state of the image generating device. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily determine the quality of the internal image generated by the image generating device.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of applying the present invention to a medical image management system will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Composition of medical image management system] As shown in FIG. 1 , the medical image management system 1 includes an examination device 10 as an image generating device, a subject information management device 20 , an information providing terminal 30 , a browsing terminal 40 , and an image management device 50 . The examination device 10, the subject information management device 20, the information providing terminal 30, the browsing terminal 40, and the image management device 50 are equivalent to the image management server of the present invention, and can be connected via a wired LAN (Local Area Network, LAN) or wireless LAN and other network 60 communication methods to connect. In addition, the examination device 10 and the subject information management device 20 are installed in each medical facility such as a hospital or a clinic. Usually, in each medical facility, one to a plurality of subject information management devices 20 are installed. Inspection device 10. In addition, the information providing terminal 30 and the browsing terminal 40 are usually installed in a medical facility to correspond to one to a plurality of inspection devices 10, but they may be installed outside the medical facility. When the examination device 10 , the subject information management device 20 , the information providing terminal 30 and the browsing terminal 40 are installed in the same medical facility, the communication between them can also be through the respective terminals built in the medical facility. computer network (LAN). In this case, if the inspection device 10 is indirectly connected to the network 60 via the above-mentioned LAN, it does not need to be directly connected to the network 60 .

Next, the structure of each device will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6 . [Construction of inspection device] The inspection device 10 is a device used for disease diagnosis or health diagnosis in medical facilities such as hospitals and clinics. Specifically, it can include: ultrasonic bone density measuring device, X-ray bone density measuring device, computer X-ray photography device, computer Tomography equipment (CT), SPECT), ultrasonic examination equipment, X-ray angiography equipment, fundus imaging equipment, etc. In the following description, a case in which an X-ray CT scanning device is used as the inspection device 10 is taken as an example. Therefore, the inspection device is changed to an X-ray CT scanning device.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the X-ray CT scanner 10 includes an X-ray scanner 11 and a medical image generation unit 12 . The X-ray scanner 11 includes an X-ray tube 111, a collimator 112, an X-ray detector 113, a high-voltage power supply 114, a subject mounting table 115, a data acquisition unit 116, a controller 117, and the like. The controller 117 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory. The X-ray scanner 11 controls the high-voltage power supply 114 and the drive device 118 to perform scanning operations (irradiation of X-rays to the subject). ).

The medical image generation unit 12 is based on a computer and is composed of basic hardware such as a CPU 121, a memory 122, an HDD (Hard disc drive) 123, an input device 124, and a display device 125. The CPU 121 is connected to each hardware component through a signal transmission path. The CPU 121 executes the program stored in the memory 122 according to the operation via the input device 124 . Thereby, the medical image generation unit 12 functions as the scan control unit 126, the image data generation unit 127, the composite data generation unit 128, the through image generation unit 129, and the display control unit 130. The scan control unit 126 controls the controller 117 of the X-ray scanner 11 based on the imaging conditions set via the input device 124, supplies a predetermined tube current or tube voltage to the X-ray tube 111 from the high-voltage power supply 114, and executes the scanning operation. .

During the scanning operation, the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 111 and irradiated to the subject through the collimator 112 pass through the subject and then enter the X-ray detector 113 . The X-ray detector 113 outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of the incident X-ray. This signal is converted into a digital signal and then supplied to the medical image generating unit 12 via the controller 117 . As will be described later, the medical image generating unit 12 generates an image (internal image) of the subject's internal body based on the signal supplied from the X-ray scanner 11 . The data of the internal image generated by the medical image generating unit 12, the text data attached to the internal image data (setting conditions of the scanner 11 during the scanning operation, data such as X-ray intensity, the unique ID of the subject, CT The manufacturer name and model of the scanning device 10, the name of the software used in the CT scanning device 10, the version of the software, etc.) are sent from the X-ray CT scanning device 10 to Information providing terminal 30. In addition, although the information processed in this embodiment can be, for example, DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standard information, it is not limited thereto.

[Structure of subject information management device] As shown in FIG. 3 , the subject information management device 20 is installed in a medical facility such as a hospital or a clinic, and is used to register and manage the information of subjects undergoing examination in the medical facility. The subject information management device 20 includes a subject information registration unit 201, a subject information storage unit 202, and a communication I/F 203. The subject information registration unit 201 is provided with an input device (keyboard, mouse (pointing device), touch panel, etc.) 204 and a display device 205, and registers subject information (physical characteristics (physical characteristics) by operating the input device 204 Weight, height, BMI, body fat percentage, age, gender, etc.) or medical records, etc.). Furthermore, a unique ID for identifying the subject who is being examined for the first time in the medical facility is given. The registered subject information is attached with a unique ID and stored in the subject information storage unit 202 .

[Configuration of information providing terminal] As shown in FIG. 4 , the information providing terminal 30 includes a CPU 301, a main storage device 302, an auxiliary storage device 303, a communication I/F 304, an input device (keyboard, mouse (pointing device), touch panel, etc.) 305, and display device 306. The information providing terminal 30 receives the examination result information data sent from the CT scanning device 10 and the subject information data sent from the subject information management device 20, and combines the examination result information data and the subject information data. It is stored in the data storage unit 307 of the auxiliary storage device 303. The data acquisition unit 308 acquires internal image data and image quality information data from the inspection result information data stored in the data storage unit 307 . The data acquisition unit 308 has the function of acquiring a part of the image quality information data by extracting the text data attached to the internal image data. However, it is not limited to this and may also use OCR (Optical Character Recognition/Reader, optical character recognition). It is obtained by reading the display screen using the function of element identification). The image quality information includes the setting conditions of the X-ray scanner 11 during the scanning operation, data such as X-ray intensity, and the unique ID of the subject. Furthermore, the image quality information includes device identification information such as the manufacturer name and model of the CT scanning device 10, the name of the software used in the CT scanning device 10, and the version of the software. After acquiring the image quality information data, the data acquisition unit 308 acquires the subject information data corresponding to the unique ID of the subject contained therein from the data storage unit 307 .

In addition, the information providing terminal 30 uses the CPU 301 to load the information acquisition program and the information transmission program stored (installed) in the auxiliary storage device 303 into the main storage device 302 and execute them, thereby realizing the data acquisition unit 308 Get function. The internal image data, image quality information data, and subject information data acquired in the data acquisition unit 308 are sent to the image management device 50 through the communication I/F 304. Therefore, the communication I/F 304 corresponds to the data sending unit of the present invention.

[Configuration of browsing terminal] As shown in FIG. 5 , the browsing terminal 40 includes a CPU 401 , a main storage device 402 , an auxiliary storage device 403 , a communication I/F 404 , an input device (keyboard, mouse (pointing device), touch panel, etc.) 405 and a display. Device 406. In addition, the browsing terminal 40 includes an output device 407 such as a printer. The browsing terminal 40 uses the CPU 401 to load the program stored in the auxiliary storage device 403 into the main storage device 402 and execute it, thereby realizing the selection condition setting function and the selection condition data sending function. Therefore, in this embodiment, the CPU 401, the main storage device 402, and the auxiliary storage device 403 constitute a selection condition setting unit and a selection condition data sending unit.

The browsing terminal 40 has, for example, a web browser 408 serving as a viewer function (browsing function) and a data input function as a client application. The web browser 408 performs HTTP GET-based communication (for example, HTTP communication) with the image management device 50 and sends a request to the image management device 50 for providing information that the user of the browsing terminal 40 desires to browse. In addition, the web browser 408 receives the file containing the information generated by the image management device 50 according to the information provision request, and displays the image based on the file on the display. The file containing this information is provided as a JSON (JavaScript (registered trademark) Object Notation) file, for example.

The browsing terminal 40 uses the CPU 401 to load the program corresponding to the web browser 408 stored (installed) in the auxiliary storage device 403 into the main storage device 402 and execute it, thereby realizing the web browser 408 (client application) Website browsing functions and various data reference functions. Thereby, the browsing terminal 40 can access the website provided by the image management device 50 via the network 60, thereby displaying on the display screen of the display device 406 a website for performing the following operations. Browse internal images and the image quality information and subject information of the internal images, or set the selection conditions of internal images.

In addition, the subject information management device 20, the information providing terminal 30, and the browsing terminal 40 may be so-called desktop or notebook personal computers, or may be mobile terminals (tablet PC, etc.).

[Configuration of image management device] As shown in FIG. 6 , the image management device 50 includes: a CPU 501, a main storage device 502, an auxiliary storage device 503 including a storage unit 550, a communication I/F 504, an input device (keyboard, mouse (pointing device), and touch device). panel, etc.) 505, and the display device 506. The image management device 50 uses the CPU 501 to load the website building program stored (installed) in the auxiliary storage device 503 into the main storage device 502 and execute it, thereby realizing the website building function of the website building unit 510. In addition, the image management device 50 uses the CPU 501 to load various processing programs stored (installed) in the auxiliary storage device 503 into the main storage device 502 and execute them, thereby realizing the information processing function of the information processing unit 520 and the data receiving unit 530 The data reception function and the record extraction function of the record extraction unit 540.

The data receiving unit 530 receives the internal image data, image quality information data, and subject information data sent from the information providing terminal 30 , and the selection condition data sent from the browsing terminal 40 . The information processing unit 520 has the following function: after the data receiving unit 530 receives the internal image data, image quality information data and subject information data, it associates these settings and stores them in the storage unit 550 as a record. Furthermore, after the data receiving unit 530 receives the selection condition data, the record extraction unit 540 extracts the records that match the selection condition data from the records stored in the storage unit 550 and stores them in the storage unit 550 . Therefore, the data receiving unit 530 is equivalent to the selection condition receiving unit of the present invention, and the storage unit 550 is equivalent to the record storage unit of the present invention.

The website construction part 510 can exchange information with the storage part 550 via the information processing part 520, and build a website based on the data received from the information processing part 520. In addition, the website building unit 510 may be configured to directly transmit and receive information to and from the storage unit 550 .

The information processing in the information processing unit 520 includes the following processing: converting various information received and read from the storage unit 550 into data that can be used for website construction by the website construction unit 510. In addition, the image management device 50 uses the CPU to load the browsing program and the data browsing-add-on program stored (installed) in the auxiliary storage device 503 into the main storage device 502 and execute them, so that the browsing program of the designated user who is allowed to browse is Build the website in Terminal 40. The record extraction results performed by the record extraction unit 540 are displayed on the website, and the user can browse the record extraction results on the website displayed on the display device 406 of the browsing terminal 40 . Therefore, the main storage device 502, the auxiliary storage device 503 and the information processing unit 520 constitute a record sending unit.

[Processing actions of each part of the image management system] Next, the processing operations of each part of the image management system 1 will be described. Here, the data obtained from the X-ray CT scanning device 10 includes, in addition to the above-mentioned inspection result information, data of the precision management prosthesis image obtained by photographing the precision management prosthesis and the data of the prosthesis image. When the evaluation data (image noise, sensitivity, etc.) in the established analysis area (ROI, region of interest, attention area) are photographed under standard photography conditions, subjects of standard body shape (one male and one female) Internal image data (standard image data), data on the medical diagnostic prosthesis image obtained by photographing the medical diagnostic prosthesis, and evaluation data (images) in the predetermined analysis region (ROI) of the medical diagnostic prosthesis image noise, sensitivity, etc.). The prosthesis image data for precision management and its evaluation data are equivalent to the precision management information of the present invention.

The prosthesis for medical diagnosis is composed of a plurality of prostheses in which tumor parts of various sizes are preliminarily incorporated into the prosthesis for precision management. The imaging data of the prosthesis for medical diagnosis is obtained by combining the medical diagnosis with a plurality of imaging conditions. Obtained by photographing the tumor part of the prosthesis.

The data obtained by the X-ray CT scanning device 10 is as described above. However, the data obtained by the X-ray CT scanning device 10 can also be recorded by each user with authority in the information providing terminal 30 as necessary. . Furthermore, among the data obtained by the X-ray CT scanning device 10 and the subject information management device 20, data corresponding to personal information can be deleted in the information providing terminal 30 as necessary by a user with authority.

[Processing operations of information providing terminal] As shown in FIG. 7 , the information providing terminal 30 receives the internal image data of the subject acquired from the X-ray CT scanner 10 and the prosthesis image data for accuracy management and medical diagnosis from the X-ray CT scanner 10 . , standard image data, and other data, then store (store) the data in the data storage unit 307 (step S1). Furthermore, after receiving the subject information data from the subject information management device 20, the information providing terminal 30 stores (stores) the data in the data storage unit 307 (step S2).

Next, the data acquisition unit 308 acquires the image data, image quality information, subject information, and other data stored in the data storage unit 307 (step S3), and sends the data to the image management device 50 (step S4). ).

[Processing actions of image management device] As shown in FIG. 8 , after receiving data from the information providing terminal 30 , the data receiving unit 530 of the image management device 50 forms a record corresponding to the type of the data and stores it in the auxiliary storage device 503 (step S11 ). Specifically, when receiving the internal image data, the image quality information data, the subject information data and the device identification data are associated with the internal image data settings as a record. Furthermore, when receiving the prosthesis image data for precision management or the prosthesis image data for medical diagnosis, the evaluation data and the image quality information data are set to be associated with the prosthesis image data as one record.

Next, after the data receiving unit 530 receives the selection condition data sent from the browsing terminal 40 (step S12 ), the record extraction unit 540 extracts records that match the selection condition data from the records stored in the auxiliary storage device 503 out and stored in the storage unit 550 (step S13). The website building unit 510 obtains all records from the storage unit 550 and builds a website that can be browsed in the web browser of the browsing terminal 40 (step S14). The data of the constructed website is stored in the auxiliary storage device 503 .

[Processing actions of browsing terminal] The processing operation of the browsing terminal 40 is explained with reference to the display screen of the display device 406 . In the browsing terminal 40 , the user authenticated by the ID and password (for example, the administrator of the CT scanner 10 , the administrator of the information providing terminal 30 , etc.) operates using the input device 405 to obtain the image management information. The auxiliary storage device 503 in the device 50 obtains the data of the website and uses the web browser 408 to display the website on the display device 406 . On the initial page of the website, an input field for entering a login ID and password is displayed (see Figure 9). After that, the user inputs the login ID and password into the input field by operating the input device 405. After the user is authenticated, the screen switches and a page for setting selection conditions is displayed on the display device 406 (see FIG. 10). On the selection condition setting page, the user inputs information related to the selection condition by operating the input device 405, and after selecting the operation setting button, sets the selection condition.

Examples of information related to the selection conditions include: name of medical facility, type of inspection device (X-ray CT scanner, CT, NMR, PET, etc.), manufacturer name and model of the inspection device, and name of software used in the inspection device and the version of the software, the name of the imaging area (chest, breast, brain, etc.), and the subject's information (gender, age, unique ID), but it is not limited to these.

The data of the set selection conditions are sent to the image management device 50 via the communication I/F 404 and the network 60 . Thereby, the image management device 50 extracts the records matching the selection condition data to construct a website, and then the browsing terminal 40 extracts the internal image data and image quality information included in the records corresponding to the selection condition data. The internal image, image quality information and subject information represented by the data and subject information respectively can be browsed through the website. Displayed on the website: a page that displays a list of records that match the selection criteria; a page that displays the internal images, image quality information, and subject information contained in the record by selecting any record from the list, etc. .

For example, FIG. 11 shows a page (not shown) that displays a list of records that match the selection conditions when the name of the medical facility, the type of examination device (X-ray CT scanner), and the imaging area are set as the selection conditions. ), an example of the display screen of the display device 406 when two records are selected from the list. In this example, the internal image A captured by the CT scanning device 10 is displayed on the right side of the display screen, the subject information B is displayed above it, and the image quality information C is displayed on the upper left side of the screen. Also, list D of three records that meet the selection conditions is displayed on the lower left side of the screen. In this screen, two of the three records (represented by symbols R1 and R2) are selected.

In addition, FIG. 12 shows the results when the imaging date, the type of inspection device (ultrasonic inspection device), and the imaging area are set as selection conditions, a list of records matching the selection conditions is formed, and two records are selected from the list. An example of a display screen of the display device 406. In this example, the internal image A captured by the ultrasonic inspection device is displayed on the right side of the display screen, the subject information B is displayed above it, and the image quality information C is displayed on the upper left side of the screen. Also, list D of four records that meet the selection conditions is displayed on the lower left side of the screen. In this screen, two of the four records (represented by symbols R3 and R4) are selected.

FIG. 13 shows that when the image of the prosthesis for precision management is targeted and the name of the medical facility and the type of inspection device (X-ray CT scanning device) are set as selection conditions, the resultant image is formed including the prosthesis for precision management that matches the selection conditions. A list of records of image data, and an example of the display screen of the display device 406 when one record is selected from the list. In FIG. 13 , the prosthesis image E for precision management is displayed on the lower right side of the display screen, and a table showing the analysis results of the analysis region (ROI, the area enclosed by the box in FIG. 13 ) of the prosthesis image E for precision management is displayed. F is displayed on the upper right side of the screen, and graph G showing changes in the analysis results for one month is displayed on the right center of the screen. In addition, a list D including the prosthesis image data for precision management within 20 days of the photography date is displayed on the lower left side of the screen. By selecting the photography date from the list, the prosthesis image E for precision management displayed on the display device 406 can be Or switch to Table F of analysis results.

FIG. 14 shows the display device 406 when the type of inspection device (X-ray CT scanner) and the imaging area are set as selection conditions, a list of records matching the selection conditions is formed, and all records included in the list are selected. An example of the display screen. In this example, in fact, the screen displaying multiple internal images as shown in FIG. 14 spreads over multiple pages and is displayed sequentially. In this example, the user can browse multiple internal images that meet the predetermined conditions in a batch.

Furthermore, in this example, in the browsing terminal 40, the user performs a predetermined operation using the input device 405, thereby selecting an arbitrary internal image from a plurality of internal images displayed on the display screen of the display device 406. Afterwards, the image quality information of the internal image or the subject information can be browsed in the browsing terminal 40 . A predetermined operation can be exemplified: for example, the action of moving the cursor displayed on the display screen on a certain internal image to select (click). After the determined internal image is selected, its internal image data is set as selection condition data and sent to the image management device 50 . The image management device 50 extracts records that match the sent selection conditions, that is, records of determined internal image data, and constructs a website. As a result, the information represented by the image quality information data and the subject information data associated with the determined internal image data settings can be browsed through the website.

Furthermore, in a state where the determined internal image, its image quality information, and the subject's information can be browsed through the website (that is, the determined internal image, its image quality information, and the subject's information are displayed on the display screen of the display device 406 state), by performing predetermined operations using the input device 405 in the browsing terminal 40, one or a plurality of information can be obtained from the image quality information and subject information displayed on the display screen. Set as selection conditions. The data of the set selection conditions are sent to the image management device 50, whereby records matching the selection condition data are extracted from the image management device 50 to construct a website. Therefore, the user can capture a plurality of internal images under the same photography conditions as the photography conditions of the specific internal image displayed on the display screen of the display device 406, or have a subject who has captured the above-mentioned specific internal images. Internal images of multiple other subjects with the same physical characteristics can be extracted and browsed with simple operations.

In addition, through the above operation, a plurality of internal images taken under the same photography conditions as the determined internal image or internal images taken of a subject with the same physical characteristics are extracted. When the situation is displayed on the display screen, you can of course select any internal image from the internal images and browse the image quality information and subject information of the internal image through the website. According to this configuration, for example, the photography conditions of internal images of a plurality of other subjects having the same physical characteristics as the subject who captured the specific internal image can be used as a reference to determine the appropriateness and appropriateness of the photography conditions of the specific internal image. no.

Furthermore, when the selection conditions are set in the browsing terminal 40, the records extracted in the image management device 50 may be limited to records of standard image data or records of prosthetic image data for medical diagnosis. For example, as long as the tumor part (which should be reflected) is not reflected in the medical diagnostic prosthesis image taken under the same photographic conditions as the internal image that does not reflect the lesion, it can be judged that it is not reflected in the internal image. The reliability of reflecting lesions is low. If the tumor part is reflected in the above-mentioned medical diagnostic prosthesis image, it can be judged that the lesion is not reflected in the internal image (that is, the subject has no lesions), and the reliability is high.

In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned examples, and can be appropriately modified. For example, when one or a plurality of internal images are displayed on the display screen of the display device 406 of the browsing terminal 40, after selecting a predetermined internal image, the image quality information or subject information corresponding to the internal image can also be set. for selection conditions. In this case, the image management device 50 may be configured to extract internal image records including image quality information or subject information set as selection conditions, and construct a website. In addition, in this example, the CPU of the browsing terminal 40 functions as a condition setting control unit.

Furthermore, when one or a plurality of internal images are displayed on the display screen of the display device 406 of the browsing terminal 40, after selecting a predetermined internal image, the information of the inspection device used for photographing the internal image (device identification information) ) can also be set as a selection condition. In this case, the image management device 50 may be configured to extract the record of the internal image or the record of the prosthetic image for precision management included in the image quality information as the device identification information set as the selection condition, and construct a website. .

1:Medical image management system 10: X-ray CT scanning device (inspection device, image generation device) 11:X-ray scanner 12:Medical Image Generation Department 20: Subject information management device 30: Information provision terminal 301:CPU 302: Primary storage device 303: Auxiliary storage device 304: Communication I/F 306:Display device 307:Data Storage Department 308:Data Acquisition Department 40: Browsing terminal 401:CPU 402: Primary storage device 403: Auxiliary storage device 404: Communication I/F 405:Input device 406:Display device 407:Output device 408:Web browser 50:Image management device 501:CPU 502: Primary storage device 503: Auxiliary storage device 504: Communication I/F 506:Display device 510:Website construction department 520:Information Processing Department 530:Data Receiving Department 540:Record extraction department 550:Storage Department 60:Internet

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the image management system of the present invention, and is a schematic diagram showing the overall structure of the medical image management system. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of the inspection device. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the structure of the subject information management device. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the structure of an information providing terminal. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the structure of a browsing terminal. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the structure of the image management device. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the information providing terminal. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the image management device. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the initial (login) screen in the website. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the condition setting screen in the website. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a selection result page in a website. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of the selection result page in the website. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the selection result page in the website. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another example of the selection result page in the website.

10: X-ray CT scanning device (inspection device, image generation device)

20: Subject information management device

30: Information provision terminal

40: Browsing terminal

407:Output device

50:Image management device

60:Internet

Claims (8)

An image management system, which consists of one or a plurality of image information providing terminals, one or a plurality of browsing terminals, and the one or plurality of image information providing terminals and the above one or more browsing terminals via a network. An image management server composed of a plurality of browsing terminals connected to each other, characterized in that each of the one or plurality of image information providing terminals is equipped with a data acquisition unit that acquires data capable of generating an internal image of an object. The internal image data generated by the image generating device, and the image quality information data. The image quality information data includes information that determines the properties of the above-mentioned object, that is, the object identification information, and the accuracy management information of the above-mentioned image generating device. At least one of the image quality information data; and a data sending unit that sends the above-mentioned internal image data and the above-mentioned image quality information data to the above-mentioned image management server; the above-mentioned image management server is equipped with: a record storage unit, which sends the above-mentioned internal image data and the above-mentioned image quality information data to the above-mentioned image management server; The above-mentioned internal image data and the above-mentioned image quality information data sent from the respective data transmission parts of one or a plurality of image information providing terminals are received and stored as one record; the selective conditional reception part receives from the above-mentioned one or The selection condition data described below is sent from each of the plurality of browsing terminals; the record extraction unit extracts image quality information data that matches the selection condition data from the plurality of records stored in the record storage unit record; and a record transmitting unit that transmits the extracted record, that is, the record extracted by the record extracting unit, to the browsing terminal; and each of the above-mentioned one or plural browsing terminals is equipped with: an operation unit; and a selection condition setting unit that is configured according to Conditions corresponding to at least part of the above-mentioned image quality information are set as selection conditions by operations of the above-mentioned operation part performed by the user; and a selection condition data sending part sends the data of the selection conditions to the above-mentioned image management server. ; and a display unit that receives the above-mentioned extraction record sent from the above-mentioned image management server, and sets the internal image represented by the internal image data contained in the extraction record and the image quality information represented by the image quality information data. After association Displayed on the display screen, each of the above-mentioned one or plurality of browsing terminals further includes: an image selection unit for allowing the user to select one or a plurality of internal images displayed on the above-mentioned display screen; and condition setting control A unit that causes the selection condition setting unit to set the image quality information corresponding to the internal image as the selection condition when the internal image is selected by the image selection unit. The image management system according to claim 1, wherein the image quality information further includes device identification information for identifying the type of the image generating device, and the selection condition setting unit is configured to set the device identification information as a selection condition. . The image management system according to claim 1, wherein the image quality information further includes parameters of the image generating device when generating the internal image data, and the selection condition setting unit is configured to set the parameters as selection conditions. The image management system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the above-mentioned data sending unit of each of the above-mentioned one or plurality of image information providing terminals is located in the above-mentioned internal image data and the above-mentioned image quality information data. , is configured to generate and transmit identification information of an object of the internal image data, and the selection condition setting unit of the browsing terminal is configured to set the identification information as the selection condition. The image management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the accuracy management information includes information obtained by photographing a model for accuracy management using the image generation device. An image management system, which consists of one or a plurality of image information providing terminals, one or a plurality of browsing terminals, and the one or plurality of image information providing terminals and the above one or more browsing terminals via a network. It is composed of one image management server connected by multiple browsing terminals, and its characteristics are: Each of the above-mentioned one or plural image information providing terminals is equipped with: a data acquisition unit that acquires: internal image data generated by an image generating device capable of generating data of an internal image of the object, and image quality information data. The information data is data including image quality information that is at least one of the object identification information and the accuracy management information of the image generating device, which are information that determines the properties of the above-mentioned object; and a data transmitting unit that transmits the above-mentioned internal image The data and the above-mentioned image quality information data are sent to the above-mentioned image management server; the above-mentioned image management server is equipped with: a recording and storage unit, which is sent from the respective data transmission units of the above-mentioned one or plurality of image information providing terminals. The above-mentioned internal image data and the above-mentioned image quality information data are received and stored as one record; a selection condition receiving unit receives the selection condition data described below transmitted from each of the one or plurality of browsing terminals; and a record extraction unit, It extracts the record containing the image quality information data that matches the selection condition data from the plurality of records stored in the above-mentioned record storage unit; and the record sending unit extracts the record extracted by the record extraction unit as the extraction record is sent to the browsing terminal; and each of the above-mentioned one or plurality of browsing terminals is equipped with: an operation unit; and a selection condition setting unit, which sets the above-mentioned image quality information based on the operation of the above-mentioned operation unit by the user. At least some of the corresponding conditions are set as selection conditions; a selection condition data sending unit that sends the selection condition data to the above-mentioned image management server; and a display unit that receives the above-mentioned extraction record sent from the above-mentioned image management server , and the internal image represented by the internal image data contained in the extraction record is associated with the image quality information represented by the image quality information data, and then displayed on the display screen, one or more of the above image information providing terminals Each data acquisition unit is configured to acquire the following data: the accuracy management data obtained by photographing the accuracy management model generated by the above-mentioned image generation device, and to identify the above-mentioned image generation device that generated the accuracy management data. information as device The data of identifying information; the above-mentioned data sending unit is configured to attach the above-mentioned device identification information to the above-mentioned accuracy management data and send it to the above-mentioned image management server; and the above-mentioned image management server is equipped with the above-mentioned device identification information. The Data Storage Department stores the above-mentioned precision management data. A computer program product including a program read by a computer and executed by the computer, characterized in that the program causes the computer to function as an image information providing terminal according to claim 1 or 6. A computer program product that includes a program that is read by a computer and executed by the computer, and the program causes the computer to function as a browsing terminal according to claim 1 or 6.