JP2004356961A - Medical image processor, medical network system and program for medical image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a medical image processor by which image processing is applied to received medical image information; and efficiency of the image transmission and that of image reception are enhanced in transmitting the medical image information to an external device; and to provide a medical network system and a program for the medical image processor. <P>SOLUTION: The medical image processor comprises: receiving the medical image information from the external device: implementing the image processing; controlling the entire device, including each operation for reception and transmission in transmitting the medical image information to the external device by means of a central processing unit; ensuring the usage rate of the central processing unit: and changing timing for the transmission and reception based on the ensured usage rate of the central processing unit. Consequently, the efficiency of the image transmission and that of the image reception are enhanced based on the usage rate of the central processing unit. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a medical image processing device, a medical network system, and a program for a medical image processing device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Radiation images are widely used for diagnosing diseases and the like. In order to obtain such radiation images, radiation transmitted through a subject from an imaging modality radiation irradiating unit of a CR (computed radiography) is converted into a plate-like stimulable phosphor. After the absorption, the stimulable phosphor is excited while being scanned with, for example, a laser beam, so that the radiation energy (radiation image information) accumulated by the stimulable phosphor due to the absorption is emitted as fluorescence. There is known a medical image generating apparatus configured to read a radiation image by photoelectrically converting the fluorescence to obtain a radiation image signal. The fluorescence generated from the stimulable phosphor plate by the scanning of the laser light is collected, photoelectrically converted by a photomultiplier, the electric signal is amplified, and image processing is performed based on a digital signal converted from the analog signal. Thus, a radiation image is read to generate medical image information (for example, see Patent Document 1 below).
[0003]
Conventionally, as described above, an image processing apparatus receives medical image information read and generated by a medical image generating apparatus after imaging, performs predetermined image processing, and transmits the image processing to an external apparatus such as a viewer, a server, or a printer. Conventionally, with respect to reception and transmission in such an image processing apparatus, transmission timing is set at a set time, and output is performed at a fixed time after reception, as in Patent Document 2 below. Shooting is performed continuously, and the transmission timing is constant even if the number of received images increases.
[0004]
However, if the image processing apparatus has an image receiving interval shorter than the set time of the automatic transmission, the output becomes slower toward the last image when the number of images increases. In addition, the number of received images increases and the transmission timing is constant. When the number of images increases, the output becomes slower toward the last image. Further, when image display, image processing, information change, and the like are performed by a user operation, the operation becomes heavy, which hinders quick processing.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-11-3447873
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2002-281210 A
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the related art, and when performing image processing on received medical image information and transmitting it to another apparatus, a medical image processing apparatus capable of improving the efficiency of image transmission and image reception. It is an object to provide a program for a medical network system and a medical image processing apparatus.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a medical image processing apparatus according to the present invention is a medical image processing apparatus that receives medical image information from another apparatus, performs image processing, and transmits the image processing to another apparatus. A central processing unit for controlling the entire apparatus including each transmission operation; a unit for confirming the usage rate of the central processing unit; and the transmission and / or transmission based on the usage rate of the central processing unit. Or means for changing the timing at which the reception is performed.
[0009]
According to this medical image processing apparatus, the usage rate of the central processing unit (CPU) is checked, and the transmission / reception timing is changed based on the usage rate of the central processing unit. It is possible to improve the efficiency of image transmission and image reception. For example, when the usage rate of the CPU is low and the load is light, the transmission interval can be narrowed, and when the load is heavy, the transmission interval can be widened and transmission can be performed, and the efficiency of image transmission can be improved.
[0010]
Another medical image processing apparatus according to the present invention is a medical image processing apparatus that receives medical image information from another apparatus, performs image processing, and transmits the image processing to another apparatus. A central processing unit for controlling the entire apparatus including the unit, a unit for setting an automatic transmission time from the reception to the transmission, a unit for confirming a usage rate of the central processing unit, and the central processing unit. Means for changing the timing of performing the transmission and / or the reception based on the usage rate of a processing device, wherein when the load on the central processing unit is light, a transmission timing faster than the automatic transmission time is set. And / or arbitrarily set the reception timing, and when the load on the central processing unit is heavy, set a transmission timing later than the automatic transmission time, and / or perform the reception. And setting to cut.
[0011]
According to this medical image processing apparatus, based on the usage rate of the central processing unit (CPU), the transmission interval is narrowed when the usage rate of the CPU is low and the load is light, and the reception is arbitrarily performed. Since the transmission timing can be changed so that the transmission is performed with a longer transmission interval and the reception can be suspended, the efficiency of image transmission and image reception can be improved.
[0012]
A medical network system according to the present invention includes the above-described medical image processing device, a medical image generating device that generates medical image information and transmits the generated image information to the medical image processing device, and receives the image processed image information from the medical image processing device. And a device for performing a predetermined process.
[0013]
According to this medical network system, the usage rate of the central processing unit (CPU) is checked, and the timing of transmission from the receiving source to the receiving / output destination is changed based on the usage rate of the central processing unit. The efficiency of image transmission in the medical image processing apparatus can be improved based on the CPU usage rate. For example, when the CPU utilization is low and the load is light, the transmission interval to the output destination can be narrowed, and when the load is heavy, the transmission interval to the output destination can be widened to perform transmission, thereby improving the efficiency of image transmission. it can.
[0014]
A program according to the present invention is provided in a medical image processing apparatus that receives medical image information from another apparatus, performs image processing, and transmits the image processing to another apparatus, and controls the entire apparatus including the reception and transmission operations. A program for a central processing unit, the step of confirming a usage rate of the central processing unit, and changing a timing of performing the transmission and / or the reception based on the usage rate of the central processing unit. And causing the central processing unit to execute the steps.
[0015]
According to this program, the usage rate of the central processing unit (CPU) is confirmed, and the transmission / reception timing is changed based on the usage rate of the central processing unit. The efficiency of image reception can be improved. For example, when the usage rate of the CPU is low and the load is light, the transmission interval can be narrowed, and when the load is heavy, the transmission interval can be widened and transmission can be performed, and the efficiency of image transmission can be improved.
[0016]
Another program according to the present invention is provided with a medical image processing apparatus that receives medical image information from another apparatus, performs image processing, and transmits the image processing to another apparatus, and includes the entire apparatus including the receiving and transmitting operations. A program for controlling a central processing unit, wherein the program includes a step of setting an automatic transmission time from the reception to the transmission, a step of confirming a usage rate of the central processing unit, When changing the transmission and / or reception timing based on the usage rate of a processing device, if the load on the central processing unit is light, a transmission timing faster than the automatic transmission time is set; and / or Or, arbitrarily set the reception timing, or, if the load of the central processing unit is heavy, set the transmission timing later than the automatic transmission time, and Or, wherein the executing the steps of setting to hold the reception, to the central processing unit.
[0017]
According to this program, based on the usage rate of the central processing unit (CPU), the transmission interval is narrowed when the usage rate of the CPU is low and the load is light, the reception is arbitrarily performed, and the transmission interval is performed when the load is heavy. The transmission timing can be changed so that the transmission is made wider and the reception can be suspended, so that the efficiency of image transmission and image reception can be improved.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a medical network system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a medical network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019]
The medical network system of FIG. 1 scans a stimulable phosphor panel on which radiation image information of a subject (patient) is recorded with excitation light to emit light, and photoelectrically converts the light to obtain image information (CR). a medical image generating apparatus 1 for generating a medical image by an imaging modality of radiography, a medical image processing apparatus 2 for inputting an image file from the medical image generating apparatus 1, performing image processing and outputting image information, and a personal computer (Personal computer), a workstation, and the like, and includes an image display device (viewer) 3 for a radiologist to make a diagnosis by referring to the image.
[0020]
The medical network system shown in FIG. 1 includes a personal computer or a workstation for displaying an image, and refers to an image but does not perform a diagnosis. An image storage device (image server) 5 which comprises a workstation or the like and stores image files in an image database and can search and read images from the image display device 3 and the reference terminal 4; and the medical image generating device 1 or the medical image A plurality of printers 6 and 7 for outputting image data from the processing device 2 to a film made of a photosensitive material as a visible image. An RIS / HIS (order information management device) 8 for managing order information is connected to the medical network system in FIG.
[0021]
In the medical network system shown in FIG. 1, each of the devices 1 to 8 is connected online via a network 10, and can transmit and receive information to and from each other.
[0022]
Next, the following items A to H relating to the medical image processing apparatus 2 in FIG. 1 will be described in detail in order.
A. Device configuration B. Information C. File D. Input and display of main information Image confirmation procedure F. Output G. Formation of output image Utility function [0023]
A. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the medical image processing apparatus 2. As shown in FIG.
[0024]
a. The medical image processing apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 2 includes a main controller 21 including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) for controlling the operation of the entire radiation image capturing system, a CRT display, a liquid crystal panel, and the like. And an image display unit 22 for displaying digital image data obtained in step 1 or the like, which can be constituted by a personal computer, and includes an information input device such as an input keyboard and a mouse.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 2, the medical image processing apparatus 2 further includes a receiving unit 40 that receives an image file from the image generation apparatus 1 and the like, and information and image processing of the received image file and the like that is configured by a hard disk device or a RAM. A storage unit 41 for storing the subsequent image information; an image processing unit 42 for performing image processing on the image information in the image file; an output image forming unit 43 for forming an output image to be output to an external device; An image confirmation processing unit 45 for displaying a reduced image on the image display unit 22 for image confirmation of the image and the like. The main control unit 21 controls the parts 40 to 43 and 45, the display device 22, and the like.
[0026]
b. The functions of the medical image processing apparatus 2 are as follows, and each function is controlled by the main controller 21.
(1) The receiving unit 40 receives an image file from the medical image generating apparatus 1 or the like.
(2) The image file is temporarily stored in the storage unit 41.
(3) The image quality is confirmed with the reduced image created by the image confirmation processing unit 45.
(4) The image processing section 42 performs image processing.
(5) An output image is formed by the output image forming unit 43.
(6) The output image is transferred to external devices (output destinations) such as the image display device 3, the image server 5, and the printers 6 and 7 via the network 10.
[0027]
B. Information handled by the information medical image processing apparatus 2 can be classified into the following five types.
[0028]
a. Condition information This is condition information for receiving an image file and outputting it as a processed image file to an external device such as the image server 5, and includes the following.
(A) Image processing information Information on gradation processing and frequency processing in the image processing unit 42.
(B) Output device information Information about an external device such as the image server 5 that reproduces and outputs image data. The output region, the enlargement / reduction ratio, and the output format (multi-format, divided shooting format) are provided for each output device such as the image server 5. ), Overlay, gradation processing and frequency processing.
(C) Overlay information There is information on the presence / absence / position of overlay such as AP / PA / R / L / comment, cancellation mark (double line, x, etc.).
The position of the overlay on the image can be freely changed.
If the lead marker AP, PA, etc. is mistakenly photographed at the time of photographing, the erasure mark is overwritten on the lead marker portion on the image, and characters such as AP / PA are overlaid at any position. Errors can be clearly corrected.
(D) Information on special designation protection: After the image is output, the image file is stored until the protection is removed.
Hold (pending) information: Hold the transfer. Specify if you want to review the image later and then transfer it.
Priority (urgent) information: Designated when priority output is required, such as in emergency shooting. Registered at the head of the queue.
[0029]
b. Patient information Information about the patient.
(A) Patient ID information Patient ID number, name, gender, date of birth, etc. are included.
(B) Order information This is information for which a doctor requests imaging.
This includes information on the patient's condition, instructions on the date and time and method of the examination request, and the like.
[0030]
c. This is information on the result of execution information reception and image processing.
(A) Reception result The shooting date and time are included.
(B) Image processing result This is a calculation result of an image processing parameter, and image data is processed based on the result at the time of output.
(C) Part of system information, such as the system configuration at the time when the system information was captured, is included.
[0031]
d. System information (a) Information for managing and controlling the system of FIG.
(B) Configuration of the system in FIG. 1 (connected external device such as image server 5 and the like).
(C) Parameters and tables for controlling the equipment constituting the system of FIG.
(D) Setting information regarding the medical image generating apparatus 1 as an input apparatus. (E) Setting information regarding an output apparatus such as information on the printer 6 and HOST information.
[0032]
e. Image data (a) Image data received from the medical image generation device 1.
(B) Display reduced image data created from image data for image confirmation. (C) Image processing reduced image data for image processing of the display reduced image in the image confirmation processing unit 45.
(D) Output image data that has been subjected to gradation processing, frequency processing, and the like.
[0033]
C. Files handled by the file medical image processing apparatus 2 are stored in the storage unit 41 and can be classified into the following seven types.
[0034]
a. The condition file condition key is a key in which image processing conditions and output conditions for an image file are set in advance. There is a condition file corresponding to each condition key. The condition file includes the above condition information. Imaging site (lung field, abdomen, head, etc.), imaging position (standing, lying down, etc.), imaging direction (front, side, etc.), patient characteristics (gender, age, physique, etc.), disease name, technician to use And the like, and corresponding names and shooting information are set in advance. Then, main controller 21 sets a condition file group for each of the plurality of classifications, sets a plurality of condition files for each of the set condition file groups, and stores the same in storage unit 41. Select one of the most suitable conditions when receiving an image.
[0035]
b. After receiving the image header file, an image header file is created. The image header includes a reservation file (that is, imaging information and patient information) for the imaging, and imaging execution information. When the user refers to or changes the imaging information, patient information, and imaging execution information, the user refers to the image header file.
[0036]
c. The reduced image file is image data obtained by reducing image data to a certain fraction.
(A) Reduced image data for display This reduced image for display is used for the data displayed on the image display section 22 of FIG.
(B) Reduced image data for image processing This is reduced image data for calculating parameters for performing image processing. The reduction ratio is determined so that one pixel after reduction has the same length designated in advance. Thereby, the difference in the read pixel size can be corrected with the reduced image. The calculation of the image processing parameters is performed on the reduced image for image processing, and the image data is not used.
[0037]
d. Image File (a) The image file includes image accompanying information (image header) and image data.
(B) The image header is composed of condition information, patient information, and implementation information.
The user refers to the condition information, the patient information, and the implementation information, and refers to the image header when making changes.
[0038]
e. Output image file This is a file of output image data that has been subjected to specified processing among frequency processing, gradation processing, overlay, rotation, and scaling.
[0039]
f. System file A file of the above system information.
[0040]
D. Input and display of main information
a. Received image information display Displays the received image as a thumbnail.
[0042]
b. Output information display (1) Specify output size, orientation, trimming position, output position, enlargement / reduction method, etc. Register in the condition file in advance.
{Circle around (2)} When the condition key is selected, the output area and the output image area are determined based on the conditions specified in advance, and are displayed on the screen of the image display unit 22. The size of the output area display area on the screen of the image display unit 22 is defined as the maximum output area for output. The output area and the output image area are graphically displayed in the output area display area. This makes it possible to select and confirm an appropriate output area and output image area for each device.
[0043]
c. Overlay information (1) Specify whether or not to overlay “AP”, “PA”, “R”, “L”, comment, scale, etc., and specify where to overlay. Register in the condition file in advance.
(2) The output image is displayed in the output area display area of the screen of the image display unit 22, and the overlay information is graphically displayed there.
(3) An appropriate overlay can be selected and its position can be specified.
{Circle around (4)} It can be confirmed that there is no hidden portion hidden by the overlay. If the overlay causes inconvenience in diagnosis, it can be moved.
[0044]
d. Online information input / output from RIS (1) An order from a doctor is input. Convert the entered order to the format of this system and save it in the reservation file. The imaging part and the imaging method are converted by the corresponding imaging condition key.
(2) Convert the image header file to the RIS side format and output.
[0045]
e. Image list Image files can be displayed as a list.
[0046]
E. FIG. Image confirmation procedure a. Operation of System at the Time of Image Confirmation (1) An image file is received from the medical image generation device 1 and stored in the storage unit 41.
(2) The image file stored in the storage medium of the storage unit 41 is reduced by the image confirmation processing unit 45 at a reduction ratio specified in advance.
(3) The reduced images are sequentially displayed on the screen of the image display unit 22.
(4) After the reception and display are completed, the digital image information is subjected to image processing by a method designated in advance by the shooting condition key, and is displayed again on the image display unit 22. The reduced image is used to determine the parameters of the image processing.
(5) The image which is sequentially displayed on the image display unit 22 and after the display is completed, is subjected to the gradation processing again to be displayed.
(6) When the operator views the received image displayed on the image display unit 22 and determines that the received image is a normal image, the operator inputs a key for confirming the end of reception from the character information input device, and the image confirmation ends.
(7) When it is desired to change the patient information, the image processing method, the output method, etc., new information can be input from the character information input device.
(8) When the image confirmation key is pressed, the image confirmation of the image is completed and the next image is automatically displayed.
(9) If there is a problem with the image, the image processing can be changed. As a suspension, detailed image processing changes can be made later.
(10) When the image confirmation key is input, the image confirmation ends, and the following processing is performed.
(1) The image file is stored in the storage unit 41 as a confirmed image file.
{Circle around (2)} The image for which image confirmation has been completed is registered in a queue for output to an external device.
(3) The next received image file is displayed, and the image can be confirmed.
(11) When the hold key is input, the image confirmation ends.
[0047]
F. Output (1) Output is performed asynchronously with reception and image confirmation.
(2) Queues are created and managed for each external device, and the queues operate independently of each other and do not affect each other. Therefore, the output is performed asynchronously for each device.
{Circle around (3)} The queue of the external device in which the image is registered is stored as a queue registration table in the storage unit 41, and is updated and managed for each registration and deletion in the queue.
{Circle around (4)} The images registered in the queue are output to the external device in the order of registration, and the images whose output has been completed are deleted from the queue.
(5) When executing the output, the image file stored in the storage unit 41 is specified from the number registered in the queue.
(6) An output image is formed under the conditions stored in the image file. The image header is converted into a format determined for each output device and transferred together with the image data.
[0048]
G. FIG. Formation of output image
a. The output image is formed by the output image forming unit 43 mainly by the following processing.
(1) Image data is read from the storage unit 41 to the image memory.
(2) Perform frequency processing.
(3) Equalization processing (4) Perform gradation processing (5) Perform image rotation (6) Perform mirror inversion (7) Perform enlargement / reduction (8) Perform overlay
b. In (2) to (8), whether or not to execute can be designated by condition information for each output device.
[0051]
c. It is possible to specify that the image data that has been subjected to the processes specified in (2) to (8) be saved as a processed image data file. Eliminates reprocessing of the common processing portion of the output image to each output device.
[0052]
d. For example, if the scaling ratio of the output image to each output device is different, if the processed image is stored up to (6), if it is transferred to another device, the processed image is read up to (6), By performing processing and transferring only in (7) and (8), the time in (2) to (6) can be reduced.
[0053]
e. Execute (5) and (6) simultaneously with any of (2), (3) and (4). Memory access is reduced, and processing time can be reduced.
[0054]
H. Utility function [0055]
a. It has several functions as a utility for the user.
Utility functions are restricted by general user, manager, and manufacturer by password. In particular, changing information about an image requires a manager password for security.
[0056]
b. Image File Operation (1) An image file list is displayed, and information on stored images is displayed on the image display unit 22 in the order of reception.
{Circle around (2)} When a desired image is selected from the list, patient information, condition information, and an image are displayed in the same form as the image confirmation screen.
(3) Patient information, image processing method, output method, etc. can be changed.
{Circle over (4)} The image for which “hold” was designated at the time of shooting is released again by reconfirming the image here.
(5) The output order can be changed whether or not to output to each external device.
[0057]
c. 1. Photographing record and irradiation record (1) Statistical processing of photographing information and patient information is performed and provided to the user as photographing record and irradiation record.
{Circle over (2)} The number of radiographs for each radiographed part in the designated period, a list of radiographing conditions per day, etc. can be output.
[0058]
d. Customize screen and operability can be customized for each user.
[0059]
Next, the operation regarding the transmission timing control of the medical image processing apparatus 2 in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 3 and the timing chart in FIG.
[0060]
The medical image processing apparatus 2 in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be set to automatically transmit the received image information and can be set to control the transmission timing based on the usage rate of the CPU. The automatic transmission setting and the transmission timing control are both turned on.
[0061]
The medical image processing apparatus 2 of FIGS. 1 and 2 receives image information and image accompanying information including patient / examination information of the image from the image generation apparatus 1 (S01). Then, the time from the reception of the image information to the transmission to the printer 6 or the like is set as the automatic transmission time (S02). The setting of the automatic transmission time can be performed by the user from the input device. Also, it may be set after the next image processing step S03.
[0062]
Next, predetermined image processing is performed on the received image information as described above (S03), and then the main controller 21 in FIG. 2 checks the usage rate of its own CPU (central processing unit) (S04). ). The confirmation of the usage rate can be performed by a dedicated program built in the main controller 21 so as to check the usage rate of the CPU.
[0063]
When the confirmed usage rate of the CPU (Central Processing Unit) is light, the transmission timing is set to be earlier than the reference time based on the set automatic transmission time as shown in FIG. Is automatically changed to (S05).
[0064]
When the confirmed usage rate of the CPU (Central Processing Unit) is high, the transmission timing is set to be later than the reference time based on the set automatic transmission time as shown in FIG. The setting is automatically changed to (S06).
[0065]
In steps S04 to S06, the determination as to whether the usage rate (load) of the CPU (Central Processing Unit) is light or heavy is used, for example, to receive image information and supplementary information from the image generation device 1. This can be done at the reception rate.
[0066]
Next, the image information subjected to the image processing at the transmission timing changed in step S05 or S06 is output to, for example, the printer 6 (S07).
[0067]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the transmission timing within the set automatic transmission time is automatically changed based on the CPU usage rate of main controller 21 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4A, when the transmission interval is narrowed within the set automatic transmission time and the transmission timing cannot be set within the set automatic transmission time due to the heavy load of the CPU, FIG. As described above, the image transmission efficiency can be improved by delaying the automatic transmission time and widening the transmission interval to transmit the image.
[0068]
In the medical image processing apparatus 2, when image display, image processing, information change, and the like are performed by a user operation, the transmission is delayed to reduce the load, so that the operation is prioritized and the operation is performed comfortably. can do.
[0069]
Conventionally, the transmission timing in the medical image processing apparatus is performed at a set time, and output is performed at a fixed time after reception. If the image reception interval is shorter than the set time for automatic transmission, the output will be slowed down toward the last image if the number of images is large, whereas if the CPU load is light, Since the transmission is performed quickly by narrowing the transmission interval within the automatic transmission time, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of received but untransmitted images, and to suppress an output delay. Thereby, the efficiency of image transmission can be improved.
[0070]
When the load on the CPU is heavier than that of FIG. 4A and lighter than that of FIG. 4C, as shown in FIG. 4B, it is preferable to perform the transmission with the set automatic transmission time.
[0071]
In addition, the CPU usage rate in this specification includes a future usage rate in addition to the actual usage rate as in the above-described example. As an example of the future CPU usage rate, for example, when an image processing operation by a specific person is scheduled at a predetermined time (for example, a time when image processing is actually started from an operator ID and a past operation log) In this time period, the image processing is concentrated, and the usage rate when the CPU usage rate is predicted to increase, or when a predetermined image processing key is selected (for example, several image groups). Is superimposed when editing into a single long image), and the usage rate when the CPU usage rate is predicted to increase after a predetermined time period thereafter.
[0072]
Also, if the input image information is continuously received while the CPU usage rate is high, the memory area continues to decrease, and the responsiveness of the CPU becomes further slower. It is preferable to control the image generating device.
[0073]
As described above, the present invention has been described with the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these, and various modifications can be made within the technical idea of the present invention. For example, as a medical image generating device, in addition to a CR device configured to read a radiation image from a stimulable phosphor panel on which radiation image information of a patient is recorded, a radiation image capturing device using an X-ray flat panel detector, Medical image generation devices such as CT (Computed Tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), DR (Digital Radiography), and US (Ultrasound: Ultrasound Diagnostic Device). Needless to say, each of these medical image generating apparatuses may be connected to the medical network system according to the present invention.
[0074]
【The invention's effect】
According to the medical image processing apparatus, the medical network system, and the program for the medical image processing apparatus of the present invention, the usage rate of the central processing unit (CPU) in the medical image processing apparatus is confirmed, and the use of the central processing unit is checked. Since the transmission / reception timing is changed based on the rate, the efficiency of image transmission / image reception can be improved based on the CPU usage rate.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a medical network system according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the medical image processing apparatus 2 of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the medical image processing apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2;
4 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of FIG. 3; FIG. 4A is a timing chart in a case where a transmission interval is narrowed to perform fast transmission when the load on the CPU is light; 6B is a timing chart when transmission is performed at a transmission set time, and FIG. 5C is a timing chart when transmission is performed after the automatic transmission time when the load on the CPU is extremely heavy.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Medical image generation apparatus 2 ... Medical image processing apparatuses 6, 7 ... Printer 10 ... Network 21 ... Main control apparatus, CPU

Claims (5)

A medical image processing apparatus that receives medical image information from another apparatus, performs image processing, and transmits the image processing to another apparatus,
A central processing unit for controlling the entire apparatus including the operations of the reception and the transmission,
Means for checking the usage rate of the central processing unit,
Means for changing the timing of performing the transmission and / or the reception based on the usage rate of the central processing unit. A medical image processing apparatus that receives medical image information from another apparatus, performs image processing, and transmits the image processing to another apparatus,
A central processing unit for controlling the entire apparatus including the operations of the reception and the transmission,
Means for setting an automatic transmission time from the reception to the transmission,
Means for checking the usage rate of the central processing unit,
Means for changing the timing of performing the transmission and / or the reception based on the usage rate of the central processing unit,
When the load on the central processing unit is light, a transmission timing faster than the automatic transmission time is set, and / or a reception timing is arbitrarily set,
When the load on the central processing unit is heavy, a transmission timing later than the automatic transmission time is set, and / or the reception is set to be suspended. 3. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, a medical image generating apparatus that generates medical image information and transmits the generated image information to the medical image processing apparatus; A medical network system comprising: For a central processing unit that is provided with a medical image processing apparatus that receives medical image information from another apparatus, performs image processing, and transmits the information to another apparatus, and that controls the entire apparatus including each of the reception and transmission operations. Program
Confirming the usage rate of the central processing unit,
Changing the timing at which the transmission and / or the reception is performed based on the usage rate of the central processing unit, and causing the central processing unit to execute the program. For a central processing unit that is provided with a medical image processing apparatus that receives medical image information from another apparatus, performs image processing, and transmits the information to another apparatus, and that controls the entire apparatus including each of the reception and transmission operations. Program
Setting an automatic transmission time from the reception to the transmission;
Confirming the usage rate of the central processing unit,
When changing the transmission and / or reception timing based on the usage rate of the central processing unit, if the load on the central processing unit is light, set a transmission timing faster than the automatic transmission time. And / or arbitrarily set the reception timing, or set the transmission timing later than the automatic transmission time when the load on the central processing unit is heavy, and / or suspend the reception. And a step of causing the central processing unit to execute the setting step.

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